I've been receiving many PMs and emails asking me about the supplements I give my boy to help boost his immune system and the products I've been using for him, education, etc etc.
This thread will allow me to answer everyone so that my PM box will not explode
1. Where do you buy all the organic and natural stuff?
- Supplements/Toothpaste/Shampoo/Bodywash/Snacks: www.iherb.com (Use YAF688 for US$5 discount.)
This website is reliable. I've been purchasing from them since JAN 2007. Loyal customer due to their reliability and efficiency. They direct ship to SG through normal mail (for light items) or DHL. DHL has been very flexi with delivery timings, even had a special delivery to me at midnight before cause I requested for them to send it to me immediately.
EXPIRY DATES for products all clearly listed on the website. Great for those who like to stock up (like me).
- Organic food: NTUC, Brown Rice Paradise (Tanglin Mall)
- Occasionally: Vitakids (Paragon) -> They have the same things as iHerb. Sometimes too urgent and iHerb needs at least 3-5 workings days, so I will buy from Vitakids first. Price is 30-50% higher than buying from iHerb (include shipping charges).
2. Why is your boy so strong? I read that he seldom falls ill.
- I breastfed him for 18months. 12 month of direct latch on plus EBM, 6 months of frozen EBM. I recommend breastfeeding if you are able to produce However, if you are not able to produce, dont't get upset, there are alternatives Read on
- After I stopped BF, I started him on COLOSTRUM
Symbiotics, Colostrum Plus Powder, 1 lb 5 oz - iHerb.com
(I buy the large pack cos the whole family is on it, including my maid. They have pills for the adults who may not like the milky taste: Symbiotics, Colostrum Plus Capsules, 240 Capsules - iHerb.com
We also seldom fall sick. Even if we do, we recover very quickly)
- When he shows sign of runny nose, itchy throat, cough, etc. I immediately give him SAMBUCOL/SAMBUCUS. It is a herbal remedy that's good for viral infections. I do not give daily because it's rather strong. There are a few different brands. The one I give is NATURE'S WAY (Nature's Way, Sambucus for Kids, Berry Flavored, 8 fl oz (240 ml) - iHerb.com). It contains POLLEN, which is not recommended for young children as some might be allergic.
Another brand which is also sambucol but no pollen added: Sambucol, Black Elderberry Immune System Support Liquid, For Kids, Berry Flavored, 4 fl oz (120 ml) - iHerb.com
This was very effective when my boy had HFMD. His symptoms were super mild and he ate, played and misbehaved as usual. Usually kids will suffer alot during HFMD with ulcers in the mouth/throat, unable to eat, unable to rest well, etc. My boy was a perfect monkey, other than the red spots and 2 small ulcers in his mouth. Many of my friends who tried it on their kids when they had HFMD also reported good improvement and lesser 'suffering' on their kids.
NOTE: SAMBUCOL/SAMBUCUS is only suitable for kids above 2 years old (although I did give to my boy when he was around 22 months old).
- Probiotics
We've all heard about Vitagen & Yakult being great for kids cos the probiotics. I agree. Probiotics are fantastic, but not Vitagen & Yakult with the flavouring & sugar! Those who know me will know how 'anal' I am about seasonings, sugar and sweet foods for my boy
I used to give this: Childlife, Colostrum with Probiotics, Orange/Pineapple Flavor, 50 g Powder (1.7 oz) - iHerb.com
(FYI: GNC is selling this exact same product for $69.90, even with their massive member discounts, you can't match the price you get from iHerb!)
It has colostrum & probiotics together. Nice flavour, my boy likes it when it's added to his milk. However, it is rather tough on the pocket compared to buying probiotics & colostrum seperately.
So, I'm giving this: Source Naturals, Acidophilus Powder, Freeze-Stabilized, 2 oz (56.7 g) - iHerb.com
Why choose stabilized probiotics? They can survive heat and shipping better compared to unstabilized probiotics.
3. Why are you so strict about his food?
- Healthy habits start from young.
My boy was not exposed to any form of seasoning until he tasted adult food at 2.5yo. And adult food for him is a rare treat (when we dine out).
He does not like sweet or salty foods now. Mac fries, without salt pls. Give him a sweet, he'll give it back to me. Jelly, only unsweetened ones. Potato chips, he'll use a tissue to wipe off the seasoning.
We dont't have to delibrately control his 'junk food' intake now that he's old enough to express what he likes & wants.
- I was not given vege regularly when I was young, so end up growing up to dislike vege. I dont't want the same thing to happen to my boy. So we encourage him to take vege. He loves crunchy vege, so we give him long beans, french beans, cucumber, etc.
- Healthy diet = healthy child
Less oil, no sugar, no salt.
Before he was 2.5yo, all his 'junk food' like chips and fries are HOME MADE. Slice up the potatoes, pat them dry, bake in oven
Snacks = raisins, dried cranberries (also from iHerb: Eden Foods, Organic Dried Cranberries, 4 oz (113 g) - iHerb.com), dried apricots, etc. I have a food dehydrator at home to dry fruits on our own too When he was younger, we puree fruits to make fruit rolls which I cut into small squares to give him as 'sweets'. It's like rewards for him when he finishes his meals
- Healthy snacks?
My boy eats organic cereals or those adult cereals (low sugar/salt).
Or plain cornflakes with fruits. Yum Yum!
For parents who do not mind giving their kids sweets, here's something to make you feel better ORGANIC LOLLIPOPS! Made from natural fruit juices! Search - organic lollipop - iHerb.com
I buy these for my students & they love them. Some flavours have a natural sourness to them and my students keep wanting more!
Guardian/Watsons do sell them, but the price is much higher!
They also have candy drops (sweets with the stick).
4. I get compliments that my boy is a fast learner. (Thank you very much)
How did you teach your boy?
- Is it inherited? Or nurtured?
I really dont't know. All I know is that I do my best as a parent.
When I was pregnant/breastfeeding, I took alot of fish and fish oils. Research has shown that increased DHA does help to increase mental capabilities.
So, I'm a kiasu mother, loaded up on those.
My recommendation: New Chapter, Wholemega Prenatal, 500 mg, 90 Softgels - iHerb.com
It is from 100% WILD Alaskan Salmon.
WILD fishes have lower toxins like mercury or other heavy metals. So you need not worry about indirectly taking in toxins which might harm your baby.
This is good for preggie & BF mummies.
Well, I'm not breastfeeding anymore, but I still keep up this kiasu regime.
This is what I give my boy now: Nordic Naturals, Arctic Cod Liver Oil, Orange Flavor, 16 fl oz (473 ml) - iHerb.com
They have other flavours, but my boy loves the orange flavoured one.
Used to give: Childlife, Cod Liver Oil, Strawberry Flavor, 8 fl oz (237 ml) - iHerb.com
But he did not like strawberry flavour.
Again, being extremely kiasu, I did not leave it up to 'nature'. We sent him for numerous classes, taught him at home and carefully selected his kindy. Teaching him at home is really fun. Exposure to wide range of vocab, encouraging him to speak up, creating games to play with him, etc etc.
Even if you have a tight budget, the key is EXPOSURE. Bring them to the park to learn about insects, plants and small animals that live there. It's free (probably pay for transport if the park is not near your place). Bring them to the supermarket to learn about fruits, vegetables, objects, etc etc. Supermarkets are the best place to learn the names of different items. It's FREE plus the kids get to TOUCH the items
Plus, I bought alot of educational CDs (VCDs, CD Rom) for him. When my maid is busy and has to cook/do housework, she will turn on for him to watch. Now, he has learnt to turn on the TV & DVD player himself. He will choose his own disks and play them to watch.
5. Your boy also has sensitive skin (ezcema), what do you do about it?
- Organic skin care
His shampoo: Jason Natural, Kids Only!, Extra Gentle Shampoo, 17.5 fl oz (517 ml) - iHerb.com
This smells so great. My sweaty boy can still smell so sweet & yummy that I wanna eat him! wakakakak! Grape smell
His bodywash: Nature's Baby Organics, Shampoo & Body Wash, Lavender Chamomile, 16 fl oz (473 ml) - iHerb.com -> This is for the night bath cos the lavender and chamomile helps him to 'wind down' & relax to get ready for bed
Rainbow Research, Baby Oh Baby, Organic Herbal Body Wash, 8 fl oz - iHerb.com -> this is for his morning/afternoon shower.
Contains lemongrass (which my mum's friend says is good for the skin, esp skin probs).
- Moisturise 3 times a day
He's using a lotion recommended by the doctor at NSC. Physiogel lotion.
Usually stock up when they have the twin pack promo.
Previously tried
He's no longer on follow up with the NSC doctor because there has not been any flare ups for the past 1yr plus
- Diaper rash
Due to his ezcema, he had very bad diaper rash
We used Drapolene (no help at all), Desitin Creamy (hard to wash) and Pureen diaper cream (not too bad). But then we found CANUS GOAT'S MILK DIAPER RASH CREAM (bought from Amazon.com). It's superb!
Cleared up his diaper rash, then subsequently, no more diaper rash! And it's cheap. 1 tub is S$25 (include shipping). That 1st tub, is still in use today Last us for 3yr+. I have some extras from the recent BP I organised for my cousins & friends (I have to check again). Email me if you are interested (mrswong.tuition@gmail.com).
I think there are a few more emails which I have not had a chance to read yet. I will try to reply them ASAP either through email or here.
This thread will allow me to answer everyone so that my PM box will not explode
1. Where do you buy all the organic and natural stuff?
- Supplements/Toothpaste/Shampoo/Bodywash/Snacks: www.iherb.com (Use YAF688 for US$5 discount.)
This website is reliable. I've been purchasing from them since JAN 2007. Loyal customer due to their reliability and efficiency. They direct ship to SG through normal mail (for light items) or DHL. DHL has been very flexi with delivery timings, even had a special delivery to me at midnight before cause I requested for them to send it to me immediately.
EXPIRY DATES for products all clearly listed on the website. Great for those who like to stock up (like me).
- Organic food: NTUC, Brown Rice Paradise (Tanglin Mall)
- Occasionally: Vitakids (Paragon) -> They have the same things as iHerb. Sometimes too urgent and iHerb needs at least 3-5 workings days, so I will buy from Vitakids first. Price is 30-50% higher than buying from iHerb (include shipping charges).
2. Why is your boy so strong? I read that he seldom falls ill.
- I breastfed him for 18months. 12 month of direct latch on plus EBM, 6 months of frozen EBM. I recommend breastfeeding if you are able to produce
However, if you are not able to produce, dont't get upset, there are alternatives Read on - After I stopped BF, I started him on COLOSTRUM
Symbiotics, Colostrum Plus Powder, 1 lb 5 oz - iHerb.com
(I buy the large pack cos the whole family is on it, including my maid. They have pills for the adults who may not like the milky taste: Symbiotics, Colostrum Plus Capsules, 240 Capsules - iHerb.com
We also seldom fall sick. Even if we do, we recover very quickly
)- When he shows sign of runny nose, itchy throat, cough, etc. I immediately give him SAMBUCOL/SAMBUCUS. It is a herbal remedy that's good for viral infections. I do not give daily because it's rather strong. There are a few different brands. The one I give is NATURE'S WAY (Nature's Way, Sambucus for Kids, Berry Flavored, 8 fl oz (240 ml) - iHerb.com). It contains POLLEN, which is not recommended for young children as some might be allergic.
Another brand which is also sambucol but no pollen added: Sambucol, Black Elderberry Immune System Support Liquid, For Kids, Berry Flavored, 4 fl oz (120 ml) - iHerb.com
This was very effective when my boy had HFMD. His symptoms were super mild and he ate, played and misbehaved as usual. Usually kids will suffer alot during HFMD with ulcers in the mouth/throat, unable to eat, unable to rest well, etc. My boy was a perfect monkey, other than the red spots and 2 small ulcers in his mouth. Many of my friends who tried it on their kids when they had HFMD also reported good improvement and lesser 'suffering' on their kids.
NOTE: SAMBUCOL/SAMBUCUS is only suitable for kids above 2 years old (although I did give to my boy when he was around 22 months old).
- Probiotics
We've all heard about Vitagen & Yakult being great for kids cos the probiotics. I agree. Probiotics are fantastic, but not Vitagen & Yakult with the flavouring & sugar! Those who know me will know how 'anal' I am about seasonings, sugar and sweet foods for my boy
I used to give this: Childlife, Colostrum with Probiotics, Orange/Pineapple Flavor, 50 g Powder (1.7 oz) - iHerb.com
(FYI: GNC is selling this exact same product for $69.90, even with their massive member discounts, you can't match the price you get from iHerb!)
It has colostrum & probiotics together. Nice flavour, my boy likes it when it's added to his milk. However, it is rather tough on the pocket compared to buying probiotics & colostrum seperately.
So, I'm giving this: Source Naturals, Acidophilus Powder, Freeze-Stabilized, 2 oz (56.7 g) - iHerb.com
Why choose stabilized probiotics? They can survive heat and shipping better compared to unstabilized probiotics.
3. Why are you so strict about his food?
- Healthy habits start from young.
My boy was not exposed to any form of seasoning until he tasted adult food at 2.5yo. And adult food for him is a rare treat (when we dine out).
He does not like sweet or salty foods now. Mac fries, without salt pls. Give him a sweet, he'll give it back to me. Jelly, only unsweetened ones. Potato chips, he'll use a tissue to wipe off the seasoning.
We dont't have to delibrately control his 'junk food' intake now that he's old enough to express what he likes & wants.
- I was not given vege regularly when I was young, so end up growing up to dislike vege. I dont't want the same thing to happen to my boy. So we encourage him to take vege. He loves crunchy vege, so we give him long beans, french beans, cucumber, etc.
- Healthy diet = healthy child
Less oil, no sugar, no salt.
Before he was 2.5yo, all his 'junk food' like chips and fries are HOME MADE. Slice up the potatoes, pat them dry, bake in oven
Snacks = raisins, dried cranberries (also from iHerb: Eden Foods, Organic Dried Cranberries, 4 oz (113 g) - iHerb.com), dried apricots, etc. I have a food dehydrator at home to dry fruits on our own too
When he was younger, we puree fruits to make fruit rolls which I cut into small squares to give him as 'sweets'. It's like rewards for him when he finishes his meals - Healthy snacks?
My boy eats organic cereals or those adult cereals (low sugar/salt).
Or plain cornflakes with fruits. Yum Yum!
For parents who do not mind giving their kids sweets, here's something to make you feel better
ORGANIC LOLLIPOPS! Made from natural fruit juices! Search - organic lollipop - iHerb.comI buy these for my students & they love them. Some flavours have a natural sourness to them and my students keep wanting more!
Guardian/Watsons do sell them, but the price is much higher!
They also have candy drops (sweets with the stick).
4. I get compliments that my boy is a fast learner. (Thank you very much)
How did you teach your boy?
- Is it inherited? Or nurtured?
I really dont't know. All I know is that I do my best as a parent.
When I was pregnant/breastfeeding, I took alot of fish and fish oils. Research has shown that increased DHA does help to increase mental capabilities.
So, I'm a kiasu mother, loaded up on those.
My recommendation: New Chapter, Wholemega Prenatal, 500 mg, 90 Softgels - iHerb.com
It is from 100% WILD Alaskan Salmon.
WILD fishes have lower toxins like mercury or other heavy metals. So you need not worry about indirectly taking in toxins which might harm your baby.
This is good for preggie & BF mummies.
Well, I'm not breastfeeding anymore, but I still keep up this kiasu regime.
This is what I give my boy now: Nordic Naturals, Arctic Cod Liver Oil, Orange Flavor, 16 fl oz (473 ml) - iHerb.com
They have other flavours, but my boy loves the orange flavoured one.
Used to give: Childlife, Cod Liver Oil, Strawberry Flavor, 8 fl oz (237 ml) - iHerb.com
But he did not like strawberry flavour.
Again, being extremely kiasu, I did not leave it up to 'nature'. We sent him for numerous classes, taught him at home and carefully selected his kindy. Teaching him at home is really fun. Exposure to wide range of vocab, encouraging him to speak up, creating games to play with him, etc etc.
Even if you have a tight budget, the key is EXPOSURE. Bring them to the park to learn about insects, plants and small animals that live there. It's free (probably pay for transport if the park is not near your place). Bring them to the supermarket to learn about fruits, vegetables, objects, etc etc. Supermarkets are the best place to learn the names of different items. It's FREE plus the kids get to TOUCH the items
Plus, I bought alot of educational CDs (VCDs, CD Rom) for him. When my maid is busy and has to cook/do housework, she will turn on for him to watch. Now, he has learnt to turn on the TV & DVD player himself. He will choose his own disks and play them to watch.
5. Your boy also has sensitive skin (ezcema), what do you do about it?
- Organic skin care
His shampoo: Jason Natural, Kids Only!, Extra Gentle Shampoo, 17.5 fl oz (517 ml) - iHerb.com
This smells so great. My sweaty boy can still smell so sweet & yummy that I wanna eat him! wakakakak! Grape smell
His bodywash: Nature's Baby Organics, Shampoo & Body Wash, Lavender Chamomile, 16 fl oz (473 ml) - iHerb.com -> This is for the night bath cos the lavender and chamomile helps him to 'wind down' & relax to get ready for bed
Rainbow Research, Baby Oh Baby, Organic Herbal Body Wash, 8 fl oz - iHerb.com -> this is for his morning/afternoon shower.
Contains lemongrass (which my mum's friend says is good for the skin, esp skin probs).
- Moisturise 3 times a day
He's using a lotion recommended by the doctor at NSC. Physiogel lotion.
Usually stock up when they have the twin pack promo.
Previously tried
He's no longer on follow up with the NSC doctor because there has not been any flare ups for the past 1yr plus
- Diaper rash
Due to his ezcema, he had very bad diaper rash
We used Drapolene (no help at all), Desitin Creamy (hard to wash) and Pureen diaper cream (not too bad). But then we found CANUS GOAT'S MILK DIAPER RASH CREAM (bought from Amazon.com). It's superb!
Cleared up his diaper rash, then subsequently, no more diaper rash! And it's cheap. 1 tub is S$25 (include shipping). That 1st tub, is still in use today
Last us for 3yr+. I have some extras from the recent BP I organised for my cousins & friends (I have to check again). Email me if you are interested (mrswong.tuition@gmail.com).I think there are a few more emails which I have not had a chance to read yet. I will try to reply them ASAP either through email or here.
