Parenting 101: Flying with an Infant

Travel is one of my favorite pastimes. I regularly traveled by train throughout my childhood; this afforded my parents the luxury of leisurely travel times, plenty of room for snacks and toys, and an overall laid back approach to vacationing. The slow-paced conveniences of family train travel are far superior to travel by plane, but nothing beats the time saved by flying.

Though I'm not a huge fan of flying, life sometimes requires quick journeys from Point A to Point B. Such was the case recently, when I had to make a quick trip to my hometown for business. My five-month old infant is still exclusively breastfeeding, so he was unable to enjoy the sleepover festivities with the rest of my tribe, who stayed behind with their grandmother. Our itinerary included a flight out on Sunday afternoon, with a quick-turnaround flight back on Tuesday morning.

Ready for Take-Off!

I am generally very organized when it comes to travel. I make lists of everything I need to pack, and my suitcase is filled to the brim with necessities two to three days prior to departure. I organize itineraries, travel documents, backup travel documents, and make sure that everything is in perfect order pre-travel.

The fact that I would be traveling with an infant didn't freak me out until one week before take-off. I had an idea of what the trip would entail, since I'd taken a cross-country flight with my daughter when she was four months old. However, that was ten years ago, and the trip lasted approximately one week so there was plenty of downtime. I was seriously out of practice and realized just how daunting the experience had the potential to be when I began to research tips for traveling with a baby. Most of the information available was directed at couples flying together with a child, which did me no good whatsoever.

All in all, the trip was a huge success!

Fortunately for me (and unfortunately for baby), I was able to maximize my time and schedule multiple meetings for the one full day I would be in town; I barely had time to slow down. For my son, who was just starting to get over his first cold, the excitement was overwhelming, and not in a good way. Each time he napped, he woke up in a new, unfamiliar place. While he tried to contain his crankiness, there were a few meltdowns that could easily have been avoided if we'd had more time to spare.

Nevertheless, our experience was so smooth that I've decided to share some travel tips and tricks that are sure to help you as you prepare to travel with your baby.

1. PLAN BEFORE YOU PACK

Seriously, plan your butt off! If you're anything like me, list-making is the best way to stay organized and avoid forgetting important items that you don't realize you need until it's too late. I made lists of everything under the sun, including which toys I would be taking and how many back-up outfits I thought I'd need. In an effort to conserve space, and since I would only be traveling for 3 days, I brought only the bare minimum. As you begin to pack, you can cross items off of your list and easily keep track of things you are missing. 
My list looked something like this:

FOR ME:
- Outfits (Layered outfits; 1 per day; 2 extra shirts in case of spit-up emergencies; 2 extra pairs of underwear as instructed by my grandmother years ago...just in case)
- 1 Multi-Purpose Pair of Shoes
- Nursing Bra + Extra Nursing Pads
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Lip Balm
- Phone Charger
- Small, Easily Accessible Wallet
- Business Documents

FOR BABY:
- Outfits (Layered outfits; 2 per day; 3 extra shirts/pants; 2 zippered pajamas; hat; coat; gloves)
- 3 Receiving Blankets + 1 Comfort Blanket
- Diapers
- Wipes (Pack what the travel case will hold; buy more when you arrive)
- Toys (minimal)
- Extra Pacifier
- Disposable Changing Pad
- Infant Tylenol

2. PLAN FOR THE WORST; EXPECT THE BEST

Since my little one was still suffering from the respiratory symptoms of his first cold, I planned ahead by bringing his nasal aspirator. He'd received a nebulizer treatment a few days prior to the trip because his tiny airways were a bit inflamed, so I brought a small packet of Albuterol and figured that if there were an emergency I'd act like the starring actress in a movie and shout, "Does anyone have a nebulizer?" on the plane. Honestly, I didn't think I would need it, but I wanted to have it on-hand just in case.

If your little one is teething, make sure to bring teething toys and whatever you use to ease their pain (clove oil is amazing for tooth pain, by the way).

3. PACK LIGHT

Nowadays, airlines charge outrageous fees for everything from checked bags to peanuts. I refused to pay an additional $30 for a carry-on bag, but I learned that Frontier Airlines (my airline of choice) allowed for a personal item at no cost. Since I would be traveling with a baby, I could also bring his diaper bag for free. Jackpot! My personal item was a very small duffel bag that I could carry on my shoulder or shove into the carrying compartment of the stroller I would be using. It may have stretched the limits a teeny tiny bit, but only because I shoved baby's thick comfort blanket inside. I was able to access my travel credentials easily, which was super important for the security checkpoint and at the gate.

Since I was traveling with important documents, I purchased a large plastic manila envelope with a bubble wrapped inner lining to store my paperwork. Nothing was wrinkled or ripped, and I didn't have to worry about spills or moisture because it was water-proof. 

For baby, it really paid off to have a diaper backpack! It had a ton of zippered compartments and despite being stuffed to the gills, I was able to wear it comfortably on my back as I walked through the airport. I recommend packing a few plastic bags in case of soiled clothing. 

When you're packing, it's easy to run out of space. Check out this cool video for a packing style called "Bundle Wrapping," that is now my go-to. There are no words to describe how perfect this is:

Keys for successful packing: 

KEEP IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS HANDY

BUNDLE WRAP

MAKE SURE MOST-USED BABY ITEMS ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE

4. BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT 

When you travel with an infant (under age 2), you have two options: 
a. Pay for an extra seat and bring your carseat
b. Book your baby as a "Lap Baby," for free

Carrying your baby on your lap for the entire flight may get uncomfortable if the flight is long. It is not the safest option, since turbulence can occur at any time and your baby's only protection will be your arms. Additionally, your baby may decide to projectile vomit on your neighbor, and who needs more enemies when flying with an infant? 

I chose to bring my son as a lap baby; because: free. Also because I felt confident that I would be able to hold him comfortably for the two and a half hour flight. 

You may want to book flights that coincide with your baby's nap time, if at all possible. Although the excitement of travel may disrupt their schedule a bit.

5. BRING YOUR TRAVEL SYSTEM

My travel system was my most handy accessory while flying with my baby. A travel system is a stroller/carseat combo that allows the carseat to snap safely onto the stroller until your baby is big enough to ride in the stroller alone. 

Even if you are not going to book a seat, bring your carseat/stroller travel system! Trust me on this. 

While you're in the airport, your travel system will allow you to store your personal items below, and will make navigation so much easier. Some people bring a backpack/carrier that allows them to wear their baby on their chest or back; still bring the travel system! 

I'll provide a step-by-step guide for going through security with the contraption a little later. You can push the travel system right up to the gate, and have it gate checked by the customer service agent. They will give you a little tag that tells the crew whether to send it along to your connecting flight or take it off at the next stop. Push that lifesaver down the jet bridge and just before you step onto the plane you'll see a door where a wheelchair will likely be sitting. Unhook the carseat from the stroller, fold the stroller down, leave both by the door (if not taking the carseat onboard), and your travel system will be awaiting you at your destination. 

6. ARRIVE EARLY

Arriving two hours early is always recommended for a flight, but be careful not to become victim to unexpected delays by allowing for more time to commute to the airport and considering security wait times. 

My trip to the airport was two hours away by highway, so I added 30 minutes to the commute time just to be safe. When I got to the airport, I found that the security line was not long at all, so I used the extra time to grab a cup of coffee and a muffin. 

You can check security wait times on the TSA website, here. Just enter your airport information, and you'll be able to review recent wait times in advance. 

Getting to the airport early has it's advantages, which I'll discuss next. 

7. MAKE NICE WITH THE GATEKEEPERS

This place filled up quickly! 

Prior to boarding my first flight, I walked up to the desk at the gate. Nobody was around since I was so early, and the customer service agent was in a great mood. I asked if anybody had booked the seat right next to me. She took a look at her computer, then said, "I'm going to move you to another row where there are three seats available, and then I'll block out those seats so nobody will sit there." 

Can you imagine my excitement?! I hadn't planned on taking the baby's carseat since he was flying for free as a lap baby, but because of her kindness I was able to bring it aboard. I can't imagine not having brought it, since baby slept for the entire flight. 

On the way back, I figured that I would try my luck and ask the same question of the agent before departure. Unfortunately, that flight was full. There was only 1 empty seat on the plane, and the wonderful young lady blocked it for me, so I was able to bring the carseat again. The flight attendants seemed to be shocked that I had the only free seat in the house; score one for the savvy mom! 

The gatekeepers were awesome, and in turn, my flights were awesome. 

8. MASTER THE SECURITY SHUFFLE 

Backtracking a bit, let's discuss security, which was my number one source of travel anxiety. The security lines are a hassle, and have been for years. Follow these tips to make your trip through the security line with baby a success: 

- Read up on security requirements here. You'll need to know about liquid rules and prohibited items before you travel. 

- Make your liquids easily accessible. When you visit the link above, you'll learn how to properly store liquids like infant Tylenol, breastmilk, etc. Make sure that you can get to these items without any trouble. 

- Wear slip-on shoes that you can easily remove. 

- Keep baby in the travel system/carseat until it's your turn to do the security shuffle. Then, place your bags on the conveyor belt, place your shoes in the storage bin with your liquids (as required), and prepare to remove baby from the carseat. 

- Place the baby's carseat (with baby inside) on the flat surface before the conveyor belt. With one hand on the carseat, you should be able to use your other hand to easily collapse your stroller and place it on the conveyor belt. 

- Finally, remove baby from the carseat, and push the carseat onto the conveyor belt. 

You will be able to go through the metal detector with your baby instead of walking into the full-body scanner. At no time will you ever be asked to separate from your baby. 

After walking though the metal detector, I was asked to step to the side for a hand test. I was allowed to hold my baby while a security guard ran a piece of paper over my hands to test for prohibited materials. 

That was it! I was able to remove the stroller from the conveyor belt, then lock the carseat into it; return my baby to the seat and fasten his safety belts; and rearrange my bags. The process was  a lot easier than I expected. You will likely encounter some kind travelers who offer to help, and usually the TSA representatives have children of their own and exhibit compassion toward you. 

9. EASING EAR-PAIN AT TAKE-OFF/DESCENT

Prior to take-off, the airplane is being pressurized. This lessens the ear popping sensation and may help you and your little one avoid the displeasure of ear pain. However, during descent, the pressure changes are often quite painful. If your little one has an ear infection or is congested, they may experience even more discomfort. I gave my son a small dose of infant Tylenol about 30 minutes prior to take-off just to be safe. 

To alleviate as much pain as possible, your baby should be eating at take-off and most importantly, when you begin to descend. 

At take-off, you want to make sure not to feed baby while you're waiting. Ideally, they will begin to eat as soon as your plane begins to speed down the runway. 

If you breastfeed, make sure to check your airline's breastfeeding policy. Frontier Airlines is very accommodating and has a generous breastfeeding policy, but other airlines may advise passengers to cover up with a nursing cover or blanket. In any case, do what is comfortable for you. My baby does not like being covered up, so I don't cover him. At take-off, the flight attendants are buckled into their seats, so if a passenger had a problem with your boob, they couldn't immediately summon them. 

In my opinion, a mother should be able to feed her baby anytime, any place, without issue. To think that we still live in a world where people are offended by seeing a bare breast nourishing a child, is absurd. 

You will likely begin to descend before an announcement is made, so when you begin to feel the pressure change, rest assured that your little one feels it too. Start to nurse or bottle feed your baby immediately, and rub gently on your baby's ear.

All babies will experience ear pain differently. I breastfed my son at take-off on our departure, and he slept right through descent until we had landed, at which time he let our a piercing scream and I was able to nurse him before de-boarding the plane. On the return flight, my son slept through take-off and then I nursed him right when descent began, and he slept until we were outside of the airport. 

Respond to your baby's needs calmly. Do not panic or feel embarrassed if your little one cries. Just do what you do best and provide comfort. 

10. IN-FLIGHT DIAPERING

The airport that I flew out of had an amazing perk for traveling babies, called the "Mother's Room." It was a clean, quiet space where mothers could nurse their babies or prepare them for take-off. I used the changing table to make sure that my baby was nice and clean prior to boarding the plane. 

Try to change baby before boarding, but if there is a diaper emergency mid-flight, make use of the changing table in the lavatory. Be warned, it is very small and not fun to navigate. It might help to have a diapering clutch that contains a diaper, a small baggy with wipes, and a disposable changing pad. This will allow you to avoid bringing more into the bathroom than is absolutely necessary. Keep one hand on baby at all times in case of sudden turbulence. 

11. HAVE FUN!

When you arrive at your destination, make sure to keep your baby hydrated. Changes in altitude can dehydrate your baby if you're not careful. 

Travel can be stressful to infants; if your little one seems fussy or over-stimulated, try to make arrangements for down-time or relaxing naps where it is quiet and peaceful. Your baby may cling closely to you since they are in a new environment and have been overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of air travel. 

...And there you have it. Those are my tips and tricks for making travel with baby easy breezy! 

Attitude is Everything

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT:

Let me know if you have traveled with your infant! 

Do you have any more suggestions for air travel with a baby? 

Did these tips and tricks work for you? 

Mother's Milk: Pump or Dump?

When my two oldest children were babies, I breastfed exclusively. I didn't even consider the use of formula, and as a result I nursed both children until they reached 13 months of age. 

In the beginning, I failed to introduce them to a bottle. By the time they reached 3 months, they refused to drink my expressed milk from a bottle, and would scream bloody murder until they could snuggle up in my arms and drink from the breast. Luckily, I was able to stay home with them and didn't have to endure the trauma of transitioning to a daycare and having no choice other than being fed from a bottle. 

Both times, breastfeeding felt very restrictive; I couldn't go to the movies, the hair salon, or have me-time if it involved being gone for more than an hour. I did not trust the "pump n dump," method, so I abstained from all alcoholic beverages as well. 

Somewhere around the 9th month of nursing, I developed thrush on my nipples. To date, I can't recall a more painful experience. The searing pain was worse than labor! I now know that re-balancing the bacteria in my body by changing my diet and eliminating things like sugar, processed foods and bread would have been necessary for proper healing. Yet, at the time I was young and inexperienced, and did not consider natural remedies as a practical solution. I waited too long to go to the doctor's office, and when I did finally address the issue, my physician prescribed Nystatin, which did very little to heal my nipples. The thrush was recurring, and by month 13, I was desperate to stop nursing! 

By the time my third child was born, I had sworn off breastfeeding forever, still emotionally scarred and terrified of enduring the toe-curling pain again. I chose to feed my daughter with formula. She did not tolerate the regular dairy formula, so she drank a soy-based blend. I enjoyed having more freedom to run errands and spend time away from home. She attended daycare while I was at work, so I was confident that she was getting all of the nutrition her body needed to grow. 

When my youngest child was born, I decided to formula feed again. I wanted to breastfeed, but I was just too afraid of the pain. In the hospital when he was born, I assured the nurses that he would be bottle-fed, and began the routine of making little bottles and tracking how much he ate every hour. He was feeding just fine, and when I got home from the hospital I had a small supply of pre-made bottles that I planned to use before switching to the powdered form. 

On the second day that we were at home, I began to feel my breasts swell as my milk came in. Something in the back of my mind said, "Just try it." I shrugged it off, but the thought wouldn't go away. I decided to try to breastfeed him, just once. I was curious to know whether he would latch onto my breast, since there is exhaustive information about getting baby to latch at birth. I figured that we'd missed the window, which was fine by me, but I wanted to try anyhow. 

My Little Guy, Week 2

First attempt: Flawless. 

Baby latched on perfectly, suckled his way into a milk coma, and left me feeling the effects of the healthiest addiction known to man. I was hooked. The old familiar feeling of slow suckling was better than I had remembered, and from that day forward, baby and I have been joined at the boob. 

I would never shame a mother who chooses to formula feed. Trying to decide whether to breastfeed or formula feed can be very difficult. As mothers, we want to do the right thing and make the healthiest choices for our babies, but we all have different circumstances and what works for one of us may not work for the other. 

My personal opinion regarding breastfeeding is that if a mother is physically capable of nursing, she should! As I continue to learn more about dairy and soy products, I am confident that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies; our bodies make milk for the sole purpose of giving them every nutrient they need. Breastfeeding is incredible! A mother's milk is specially formulated according to the sex of her baby, and when a baby is sick, the milk instantly includes antibodies to fight bacteria and illness. Unlike expensive formula, breast milk is free! And then of course there is the added benefit of bonding with your little one; nothing beats the skin to skin contact with a precious baby who stares into your eyes while your body provides everything it needs to live. 

This time I have decided to slow down and enjoy the experience of breastfeeding. I don't worry about me-time, because I'm so in love with we-time. My only suggestion is that mothers should try to introduce their babies to a bottle early-on, even if there's no apparent need. It can be torturous to try to get a 5 month old baby to drink expressed milk from a bottle for the very first time. 

While breastfeeding, there will likely be times when you question whether your baby is getting enough milk. As your body changes, your milk supply may drop, which is something that happened to me around month 2. After going through a growth spurt, baby stopped nursing as often, which caused my body to reduce the amount of milk it produced. No matter how much I nursed, my baby was fussy, and acting as though he wanted more. I had also been pumping milk and storing it just in case I returned to work; it was hard to get the timing right and it seemed that baby was always hungry. 

Right after coming home from the hospital, I'd sifted through a big box of goodies that were gifted to me as a going-away or welcome to mommy-hood gift. One of the things I'd received was a coupon for an organic  "Mother's Milk" tea.

I remembered that I had the coupon, and after digging around a bit, I realized that there was a sample teabag attached. I looked up the ingredients of the tea to find out exactly how it was supposed to increase my breast milk production, as it claimed. The tea had a lot of ingredients that I had never associated with breast milk before, and they were all organic:

*Bitter Fennel 

*Anise

*Coriander

*Fenugreek Seed

*Blessed Thistle 

*Spearmint

*West Indian Lemongras

*Lemon Verbena 

*Marshmallow Root

Reluctantly, I boiled some water and drank a cup. 

The tea tasted unfamiliar with the exception of a hint of mint from the spearmint leaf. It had a delicate flavor, none of the herbs were too overpowering, so I was able to enjoy it without any honey or sweeteners. 

After sipping for awhile, I wondered whether it was the tea or the gliding rocker that was making me feel so at ease. My body felt warm, light, and relaxed. The feeling of euphoria washed over me as I climbed into my bed and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. 

The next morning, I definitely noticed that my breasts were more full than they had been the day before. However, it is not uncommon to have a bit of engorgement in the morning, since baby has eaten less throughout the night. As the day went on, I didn't have any problems with milk supply; each time he ate, my son seemed happy and satiated. 

Coincidence? 

At 4 months old, my son is experiencing his first cold. His little nose is stuffy and he is pretty miserable when he isn't asleep. I have been nursing him as often as possible to get some of those magical antibodies into him, but I hate to see him suffer. I started to brainstorm and research safe ways to help him feel better, faster. The general rule of thumb is to nurse as much as possible, so I decided to load my body up with healthy fruits and vegetables so that my milk would be super-charged with vitamins. 

While in the grocery store I noticed the "Mother's Milk" logo among other herbal teas in the tea and coffee aisle. I was surprised to see it since I thought that it would only be sold in specialty stores or online. I reasoned that I had never seen it before because I just hadn't been looking. The package of 16 tea bags was reasonably priced at under $6 and the packaging proudly confirmed that none of the products used were genetically modified. I purchased the box, and decided to have a cup upon returning to my home. 

After taking my nightly prenatal vitamin, I poured a cup of the "Mother's Milk," and began to sip. It had the same delicate flavor as the sample I'd tried, but since it was more fresh, the flavor was a bit stronger. 

I started writing this review when I took the first sip of tea. My muscles were tense from pushing around a grocery cart and hauling baby's car seat to and fro. My mind was fried from refereeing 3 rambunctious children while trying to care for my sick little one. My thoughts raced as I thought about the following day's schedule. 

I am currently calm, relaxed, pain-free, tension-free, and loving this tea! 

The calming affect is the most noticeable result of drinking "Mother's Milk." Upon further research, I've learned that the tea is considered a galactagogue, which is a substance that can increase milk supply. My breasts are beginning to feel more full, indicating that fenugreek, the main milk-boosting ingredient in the tea, is highly effective. 

I enjoy the taste of tea, even when it is slightly bitter, The spearmint disguises this bitter taste, but if you're particularly sensitive to it drinking it with apple juice might help. It can be ingested as a hot or cold tea, and since it is so relaxing, I suggest drinking it at night. 

"Mother's Milk" boosts milk production, but does not maintain it. You can drink a little every day as needed, but you won't know the dosage of the herbs within the tea. If you need something more controlled, you can always take fenugreek in capsules or powder form. 

I am so glad that I discovered how wonderful this tea is. I would recommend it to any nursing mother, whether you need to boost your milk supply or you just want to unwind with a hot cup of organic, healthy goodness at the end of the evening. I hope to continue breastfeeding well past the first year, and I encourage you to stick with it for as long as you can! 

My verdict: PUMP this product! (Pun intended)

The Trouble with Brown Rice

Brown rice has been suggested as a healthy replacement for white rice for years. Since white rice is stripped of its nutrients during the refinement process, brown rice, with it's hull and bran still attached, is naturally the healthier choice. However, despite its many health benefits, the environmental factors involved in brown rice production pose a major health risk to those of us who consume it. 

Brown rice is inherently healthier than it's white counterpart. The refining process that white rice undergoes involves removal of the side hull and bran. It is stripped of iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, along with the proteins, thamine, calcium, fiber, and potassium that the hull and bran contain. Most white rice is labeled "enriched," which means that manufacturers try to make up for the lost nutrients by adding synthetic vitamins. When it comes to health foods, who wants those? 

Brown rice, with hull and bran intact, offers the following health benefits: 

• It is rich in selenium, which reduces the risk for heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. 
• It is high in manganese, which benefits the nervous and reproductive systems. 
• It contains naturally occurring oils that help regulate cholesterol. 
• It is a natural source of antioxidants. 
• It is high in fiber, which can help reduce the risk of colon cancer and regulate the digestive system. 
• It helps to stabilize blood sugar, making it a great choice for diabetics. 
• It can prevent the overgrowth of candida organisms, combating candida yeast infections and boosting the functionality of the digestive system. 
• It promotes weight loss by aiding in bowel regularity. 
• It is a whole grain, which can reduce the buildup of arterial plaque and minimize the risk of heart disease. 

With all of those benefits, what could possibly go wrong? 

Brown rice is one of the leading sources of inorganic arsenic, making long-term frequent consumption a huge health risk. 

Arsenic is one of the world's most toxic trace elements. While it is naturally present in nature, levels have increased due to a rise in pollution. 

There are two kinds of arsenic: organic and inorganic. Organic arsenic is mainly found in plant and animal tissues, while inorganic arsenic is found in rocks, soil, and water. Inorganic arsenic is more toxic, and is being accumulated at alarming rates as a result of environmental changes. High levels of arsenic have been found in contaminated drinking water (often in South America and Asia), seafood (the organic kind), and rice (the inorganic kind).

The main source of arsenic pollution include use of pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives, fertilizers, mining, coal burning, and smelting. These chemicals produce arsenic which drains into water, which is often used for crop irrigation. 

Paddy rice is especially susceptible to arsenic contamination. It is grown in fields in Asia that contain large quantities of irrigation water; the arsenic accumulates in the soil of the paddy fields, and the rice absorbs the toxin from both the water and the soil. This double dose of toxicity differs from many other food crops, which are not exposed to arsenic from multiple sources. 

It's easy to see how rice can absorb the arsenic, and since the outer protective hull, which holds the beneficial nutrients, is not removed from brown rice, that arsenic is easily transferred to your body. 

Long-term consumption of high levels of arsenic can cause serious health problems, and even death. Risks include: 

• Cancer
• Vascular Disease
• Hypertension 
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Brain Function Defects
• Impaired Concentration, Learning & Memory
• Reduced Intelligence
• Social Incompetence

Consumption of brown rice during pregnancy can lead to impaired concentration and intellectual deficiencies in children.   

Keep in mind that babies are often fed rice cereals from about 4 to 6 months old at the urging of pediatricians and nutritionists. However, traditional cultures did not feed their infants these dried grain cereals; if they were given grains they were first soaked. Infants do not have the ability to create amylase, an enzyme responsible for splitting starches. They are literally unable to digest grains until they are approximately 13 to 19 months old. The undigested grains can severely damage your baby's intestinal lining, negatively affect their digestive bacteria, and lead to increased food allergies.  Limit grains and discuss alternatives with your baby's pediatrician. At 6 months of age or later, introducing babies to bananas, yogurt, and other solid foods is far more beneficial than feeding them Cheerios, whole grain oatmeal, and other starchy foods. 

So why isn't anyone talking about the brown rice debacle? 

American diets aren't largely rice-based. Additionally, it's nearly impossible to determine whether the brown rice that ends up on your plate has particularly high rates of arsenic. Ultimately, information regarding whether your rice has been exposed to high levels of arsenic isn't readily available. Manufacturers are not required to label their food products as having been exposed to high levels of arsenic, primarily because it is not easily detectable. 

Now that you are aware of the inorganic arsenic affecting the rice you eat, you can take steps to reduce the arsenic content of your rice: 

• Wash and cook the rice you eat with clean water. This removes 10-28% of arsenic. 
• If you eat a substantial amount of rice, stick to white rice instead of brown rice. 
• While it's not likely that you're going to see the packaging details of the rice you eat in restaurants or even from the supermarket, rice that is grown during the dry season likely has higher arsenic levels due to the use of contaminated water. Look for rice that was not grown during the dry season (October through May).
• Choose rice from the Himalayan region: North India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Also, choose aromatic rice instead of plain brown rice. Basmati and jasmine rice are wonderful, safer alternatives. 
• Avoid diets that require your reliance on one type of food. Diversify your food intake.

Share this information with your friends and family to ensure that they are aware of the hidden risk of eating brown rice, and keep investigating the foods you eat to stay healthy and informed!