Brain development and Omega-3 fatty acids
Your baby's brain and nervous system is rapidly developing in pregnancy through the first 12 months of life. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you should carefully select high quality foods and/or formula to support this rapid phase of development. For example, this includes choosing quality oils which contain fatty acids essential for building these delicate structures. For formula-fed infants, make sure you choose a product that includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA or AA). You may instead choose a high quality DHA and ARA supplement to add directly to your baby's formula, Rockwell recommends Dricelle Vega Pregnessence by Pharmax, which is specifically made for infants. If you are breastfeeding, you can provide these healthy fatty acids indirectly to your baby by consuming high quality fish and fish oils, meats nuts and vegetables. You may also supplement these essential oils by using Rockwell's pick for breastfeeding mothers, High DHA Finest Pure Fish Oil by Pharmax.
By choosing a high quality fish oil made by manufacturers such as Pharmax, you will be getting a product rigorously tested for contaminants. This can sometimes be difficult to verify with many store brands, and even fresh seafood, so always choose a high quality fsh oil from a company that tests each batch before distribution.
Probiotics
Within the first 2 years of a baby's life, the immune system begins developing to become more specialized. Coughs, colds, runny noses and ear infections are all par for the course, at some point. If your baby must be treated with antibiotics because of a diagnosed bacterial infection, it is VERY important to replace the "good" bacteria back to the gut. While antibiotics will often kill or limit their intended target, they will also kill the beneficial organisms in the baby's body, leaving your baby vulnerable to opportunistic infections. It is recommended to supplement your baby with a quality probiotic made specifically with strains appropriate for an infant's intestines, such as Rockwell's choice, HLC Neonate Powder by Pharmax. Probiotic supplementation should begin while your baby is still taking antibiotics, to begin the process of re-establishing a healthy flora and preventing organisms such as fungi and yeasts from growing unopposed in the gut and causing diarrhea. It is important to continue supplementation for at least one month after ceasing antibiotic treatment.
Regular maintenance with supplemental probiotics may also help to reduce the incidence of allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders as your child gets older.
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Brain development and Omega-3 fatty acids
Probiotics for infant intestinal health
