Thursday, December 13, 2012

Free Webinar Today! Developing a Healthy Feeding Relationship (for Adoptive Families)

Part I of Dr. Katja Rowell's wonderful adoption and feeding Q&A here on my blog got a wonderful response, so I know you'll be happy to hear about a free webinar she's conducting today, Thursday, December 13th from 1-2pm EST. The webinar is sponsored by Adoptive Families Magazine. Join in by registering here.

Some more information about the webinar:
Since bringing your child home, have you encountered behaviors like hoarding, food obsession, picky eating, overeating, or everyday power struggles around the dinner table? Join Katja Rowell, M.D., aka "The Feeding Doctor," to ask questions about the challenges you've faced at meal or snack times.

Please note that the information offered in the webinar is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment by medical, nutritional, or mental health professionals.
 
Check out my review of Dr. Rowell's book. The book can be purchased here (aff).

Part II of Dr. Rowell's adoption and feeding Q&A is coming soon to Fostering Thrifty Families!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Product Review: Xlear SparX Xylitol-Sweetened Candy & Tooth Gel

Xlear and Moms Meet recently sent me a generous package of Xlear SparX xylitol-sweetened candies and kids' toothpastes. I was especially excited to have my kids try the toothpaste, as research has linked xylitol to lower rates of tooth decay. Xlear is best known for their sinus sprays for treating and preventing allergies and congestion, but I learned they actually carry a variety of products from candy to toothpaste.

The toothpaste, Kid's Spry Toothgel with Xylitol, was perfect for our toddler who loved the flavor. It's fluoride-free, which some parents prefer, especially if their child is already getting fluoridated water, fluoride treatments, or supplements that may contain fluoride. Because it's fluoride-free it is safe for use with younger children who may still be swallowing more than they're spitting.

Xlear describes its SparX candies as part of "a growing line of healthy, xylitol-based candies. Xlear SparX is sweetened naturally with xylitol, a plant-based, dentist recommended sweetener that’s been proven to improve dental health and strengthen tooth enamel." The kids I shared the candy with described it as "yummy," "crunchy", "weird tasting," "very sweet" and "cool." The best thing about these tiny, crunchable little candies is the plastic canister they come in. The kids enjoyed shaking the candies in their container and dispensing just a few candies at a time. Grown-ups who tried the candies said some of the flavors tasted "off" (including some flavors that tasted downright off-putting) but others were very tasty. Some people found the shape and texture off-putting. One person complained the candies were too small and they preferred candies to be either chewy or to be hard sucking candies rather than something in-between like this. Another parent felt that the candies being so small was an advantage, as she could dispense just two or three as an incentive or reward to the child. The kids had no complaints over the crunch of the candies. The tasters almost unanimously preferred the Citrus flavored candy pack, with the Berry pack coming in second and the Fruit flavors coming in last.

SparX are a great option for parents seeking candies for their children that are free of natural colors and flavors and are sweetened with a sugar that won't promote tooth decay. Check out Xlear's website for a full range of products.