formula

The tough financial times have left many pinching pennies to get by. One item that you should never skimp on, however, is your baby's formula. A young mom in Florida recently learned this the hard way. She had been watering down her five-month-old's formula in order to make it last longer and save a few bucks, but her infant ended up being rushed to the hospital, put on a ventilator, and diagnosed with water intoxication.

Luckily the little boy is recovering, but it's important to know that in general a baby's developing body is not ready to take on water. In fact, babies can’t usually handle extra water in their diet until they are at least 10-months-old. Adding too much water to concentrated formula (or adding water to ready-to-use formulas) can cause low blood sodium levels, irritability, coma, and even permanent brain damage.

Avoid potential water intoxication in your infant by carefully following the instructions on the formula's label. If you have any questions, contact your pediatrician.

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Every time I'm at the grocery store, I debate forking over four extra dollars for the organic blueberries instead of the regular ones. Just when I'm ready to forgo the expensive ones, I look at my babe and swap them out for the pricier morsels of fruit. After reading this article in the New York Times, I might rethink my organic purchases next time. To find out why, read more

For moms in a pinch, getting a bottle of breast milk or scooping out formula isn't easy.

For months, I packed formula in zip-lock bags or in the bottles, but they weren't great options. Zip-locks are good for toting Cheerios, but getting powder out of them isn't easy. And if you pre-load a bottle with formula, it clumps to the bottom of the bottle, which will leave you shaking it for minutes.

That's when I found the Enfamil and Similac formula packs on the go and was beyond excited. Each packet makes 4 oz. of milk. All you have to do is tear off the top and pour the powder into a bottle of water. Since discovering these, I always keep a few packets and bottles in my bag. When it's time to eat, I just pour water in the bottle, add the packet and shake it up. They make traveling (and life) so much easier.

Mineral Bronzers are fantastic for sensitive or acne prone skin. They are non-caking, talc-free and are made from natural products with little amounts of color dyes or abrasives that can irritate your skin. They absorb oil and are believed to minimize the look of fine lines on your face. Here are some of the latest and greatest mineral bronzers on the market:

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Bronzer is a super lightweight dual colored, mineral based pressed powder. Created with Vitamins A and E and infused with anti-oxidants, this bronzer actually helps protect your skin. The formula also contains Mica and Silica to help achieve a smooth, sexy, second skin feel. It's packaged in a sleek silver case with 2 compartments; 1 for the bronzer and 1 that flips up to store a mirror and a brush. Buy it here for $12.95. Available in 6 shades.

Pür Minerals Universal Marble Powder-Bronze is an amazing bronzer and skin brightener that helps to even out blotchy skin. It's full of vitamins, minerals and super soft shea butter to create light but thorough coverage. It's also oil, alcohol, talc, fragrance and chemical dye free. Pür-fect! Buy it here for $21.50

Two more, so read more