Guide

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Dubai Named As the Cleanest City in the World Once More

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

Flying Drones in the UAE: Updated Guidelines For Personal Use

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

MOTN Festival Returns For 2024: What's In Store & Where to Get Tickets

Top Tree Lighting Ceremonies to See for Christmas 2024 in Dubai

UAE National Day 2024 Fireworks in Dubai: Locations & Timings

Education

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

Build Your Child's Education Your Way, With King's InterHigh

How to Get Your University and College Degrees Attested in the UAE

Money

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Minimum AED 5,000 Fine for Smoking Near Children in the UAE

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Milupa Baby Food

Log in to post new content in the forum.

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 20:53

Starchy foods (like rice) often cause constipation, most likely he can't quite break the starch down yet anyway so simple carbs in things like peaches/plums/apricots are much better. Apples and pears in moderation. Carrots and corm are quite starchy too. I skipped baby rice altogether and went fruit, then meat and vegies with grains much later on. If you're breastfeeding at all then always breastfeed just before you give solids as breastmilk helps digest them (although formula doesn't unfortunately) Keeping the initial amounts small gives his body more chance to adjust to the change, so don't be tempted to rush to 3 solids a day, and its better to give a new food in the morning so you have a chance to observe any adverse reactions. Good luck!

299

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 16:26

Kiwispeirs: yeah I did notice he was a little gassy and constipated these passed few days :( Will give the veggies and fruits a shot thanks for the tip!

438

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 13:44

Go to Organic Cafe at Dubai Mall, LG level. Lots of choices and all clean and no sugar :D

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 13:32

sorry my mistake, I read it as "with his formula" and was concerned that you were putting it in his bottle, pleased to see you are not. :) If you are giving him cereal to be honest you might as well give the fruits now, they are easier for him to digest than the cereal is, less likely to give him constipation and gas. You can freeze little portions of bought food into cube trays just as you would if you made the puree yourself, saves wasting a jar if he doesn't want to eat it all..

299

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 13:25

If he is really showing the signs of readiness, then don't feel at all bad about starting him on solids! A small number of babies are indeed ready before six months. If he's showing the external signs of readiness (can sit up, pick up food and bring to mouth, has lost the tongue thrust reflex etc) then the internal systems will also be ready (gut function, immune system etc). If however he isn't displaying all the signs of readiness, then he could be experiencing a growth spurt (normal periods when a baby wants to feed more often temporarily) and/or the developmental "four-month sleep regression" (which may well occur around 5 months in my experience) which is not related to hunger. I agree that a lot of commercially produced baby food is not really the best thing for them. I made my own, although I think that there is some plain organic jarred food available. You don't say which city/country you live in (this board covers a few different places), but if you're in Dubai then I'd definitely check out the Organic Supermarket in Dubai Mall or the Greens. You might also like to look into baby-led weaning - which basically means offering your baby a range of (healthy) family foods and allowing him to self feed. Very messy, but some mums find it less stressful and easier to prepare. Good luck, and enjoy this new stage in your baby's development! xx He actually is showing all of the external signs as well- sitting up on his own- no tongue thrust reflex ect, as well as a growing appetite- crawling- rolling over ect... This all started at 4 months. So i've waited a full month watching and monitoring him to be sure about starting him on rice cereal. He's my first- so unless I'm wrong- I doubt his growth spurt can be ongoing for a full month? I have gone to the Organic Shop at Dubai Mall (I live in Dubai)- and really like the Hipp Organics baby food line. I'm going to start him on the fruits and veggies later on. Will also look into baby-led weaning! So much to learn with your first and appreciate all of your input. Also just to clarify- I wasn't mixing the cereal in his bottle- I was spoon feeding him in a bowl :)

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 20:39

I was surprised too, its 6 months in NZ where we are very influenced by WHO, but was given some info by European friends and it all said 5 months. :( I read quite a lot about amylase/starch/grains etc as my baby is a refluxer and the intro of solids seemed to set him back a bit. Really surprises me that baby rice is so often recommended as a first food esp for FF babies and esp at under 6 months when they have really limited ability to break it down. I like the Ella's too, one thing I've noticed though (with baby foods in general) is so often its 70% apple or something, and only a small percent of the really good stuff. I tend to avoid anything prepackaged with meat/fish/chicken as it always seems to taste awful, the Ella's peach and banana is a favourite esp with peaches being on the "dirty dozen" for pesticide laden foods. If you're going to buy anything prepackaged, the fruit combos seem to taste the best, not too different to fresh.

671

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 20:30

What about the Ella's Organic range - it's looks delicious and I have a few friends and family who've tried it and they all think it's great. You can find it in Waitrose and Spinney's. HTH Two thumbs up for Ella's! Popular in our house, too. xx

671

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 20:29

Wow, I'm surprised that any pediatricians are recommending 5 months! Both UK and Ireland recommendations are 6 months, as are the World Health Organisation's. I think you might find the Naylor and Morrow Linkages review that I mentioned below interesting. http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Technical%20Reports/devreadiness.pdf - you may well already have read the WHO one http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/optimal_duration_of_exc_bfeeding_review_eng.pdf and I think there was a Cochrane review too. The production of pancreatic amylase apparently coincides with the appearance of molars (although salivary amylase begins to appear around 6 mos, IIRC, increasing in amount throughout the first year); as you say, breastmilk contains amylase anyway. I haven't read much on it, though, so I don't know any more than that!

522

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 18:03

What about the Ella's Organic range - it's looks delicious and I have a few friends and family who've tried it and they all think it's great. You can find it in Waitrose and Spinney's. HTH

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 17:55

Do let me know, I know in Europe Pediatricians say from 5 months rather than 6 but my own mum waited until 9 months with me and longer with my brothers so even 6 months seemed early for me, but my wee guy was fast on his motor skills and crawling by 5 months. I did read somewhere about digestive enzyme amylase being correlated with number of teeth but can't remember how reliable it was, he was late to teeth with first tooth at 7 months but I always breastfeed with a meal so he gets the breastmilk amylase.

671

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 17:30

Kiwispiers, the Naylor and Morrow review comes close, but going from memory I can't remember if it links them all with six months or with each other: Developmental Readiness of Normal Full Term Infants to Progress from Exclusive Breastfeeding to the Introduction of Complementary Foods (Reviews of the Relevant Literature Concerning Infant Immunologic, Gastrointestinal, Oral Motor and Maternal Reproductive and Lactational Development) - I know a review is not research, but it looks at primary research. It's available online somewhere - should be easy to find - I found it quite an interesting read. Can't think of anything else off the top of my head (I don't think it's in the WHO optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding systematic review) - I've read it and been told it from a lot of reliable sources, but I don't know what research it was based on, sorry. I'll have a root around when I've got more time and let you know if I find anything :). xx

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 07:30

Being hungry is not one of the signs by the way, it just means he needs more milk and adding rice cereal to a bottle is regarded as a choking hazard, give it by spoon. BFC do you know of any research that actually links the developmental signs with the internal readiness (just out of curiosity not that I'm disagreeing). I think I could have started my LO at 5 months too but I waited until after 6 just to be safer. And it made no difference to his sleep when I did start giving them.

671

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 00:08

If he is really showing the signs of readiness, then don't feel at all bad about starting him on solids! A small number of babies are indeed ready before six months. If he's showing the external signs of readiness (can sit up, pick up food and bring to mouth, has lost the tongue thrust reflex etc) then the internal systems will also be ready (gut function, immune system etc). If however he isn't displaying all the signs of readiness, then he could be experiencing a growth spurt (normal periods when a baby wants to feed more often temporarily) and/or the developmental "four-month sleep regression" (which may well occur around 5 months in my experience) which is not related to hunger. I agree that a lot of commercially produced baby food is not really the best thing for them. I made my own, although I think that there is some plain organic jarred food available. You don't say which city/country you live in (this board covers a few different places), but if you're in Dubai then I'd definitely check out the Organic Supermarket in Dubai Mall or the Greens. You might also like to look into baby-led weaning - which basically means offering your baby a range of (healthy) family foods and allowing him to self feed. Very messy, but some mums find it less stressful and easier to prepare. Good luck, and enjoy this new stage in your baby's development! xx

299

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 23:39

Thank you all for your advice! I wanted to wait until 6 months to start him on solids but I don't think I realistically can :( I do intend on making my own a little later on, but I had to start him on rice cereal. I didn't want to introduce all the fruits and veggies just yet and wanted to wait until he was 6 months. But the poor guy is just famished all the time. So i started giving him 1 TBSP of rice cereal at night mixed with his formula just to get him through the night and it seems to work. He's a little chubster and I don't feel he gets a good nights sleep as he's waking almost every hour and a half. I'm loving the cereals from HIPP Organics and plan to do the fruits and veggies when he's a little older :)

330

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 15:15

Yup second kiwispiers - make your own - they eat so little right now that even if you just cook once a week and freeze that's more than enough. As for the cereals, Organic Foods has Earth's Best organic cereals (rice, oats and multi-grain) as well as the organic baby food jars (I give those once in a while even when I have fresh food in the freezer just to be sure she'll take them when we're out or traveling). I will also respectfully suggest that you try and wait until 6 months to introduce solids if possible as that is what is recommended (unless baby shows all the signs of being ready - if you do a search on here you'll find several threads with all the details). Totally your choice of course, but I know I was having several people tell me I should start DD on solids earlier as she was hungry, or it would help her sleep through the night better, or as she was a big baby, but I do believe it's best to wait until 6 months and so I did and she's still sleeping the same and still a big baby ;) All the best!

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 15:02

just make your own, it is not difficult and freeze in flexible ice cube trays so you don't waste any. http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/whymakehomemadebabyfood.htm

299

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 14:49

thats wonderful!! i must have been totally blind for not having seen it! Thanks soo much!

315

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 14:28

Milupa is everywhere, available at carrefour "yesterday I got my girl her teething biscuits" from there. I remember I used to find it everywhere for my baby-boy 2 years ago.

299

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 14:26

My LO is ready for solids... I think :) he'll be 5 months next week and I feel that baby food here has so much sugar :( Has anyone seen MILUPA baby food sold anywhere here? Or can anyone suggest some good healthy organic baby food to start my LO on? Thanks so much!

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

Dubai public parking fees to change from April 2025

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge 2025 news

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Region's first ever baseball park to open in the UAE

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

UAE food delivery scam news

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

How to get a car loan in Dubai and UAE

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

Dubai pilot launches 4-day work week for government employees

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

Health insurance will be included in UAE tourist visa

Visitors Will Soon Get Health Insurance With Their UAE Tourist Visas