Parents always find it tricky to determine the correct and safe time to include certain foods in their baby’s diet. Of course, eggs are no exception. If you’re worried about any possible food allergies, keep reading and find out what experts have to say about this topic.
When Can Babies Start Eating Eggs?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says babies can start eating solid food as soon as they start holding up their heads, have doubled their birth weight, or can swallow food. It usually happens between 4 and 6 months. A study reveals that if eggs are your baby’s first solid food, they can prevent the risk of egg allergy development. The trick is to start with small portions. It is also recommended to get babies tested for peanut and egg allergies if you see any signs of eczema.
What Are the Benefits of Eggs?
Recently, it was revealed by the United States Department of Agriculture that eggs can have many health benefits. They might even be used to compensate for pediatric malnutrition. Bidisha Sarkar, MD, a pediatrician with ClinicSpots, says that an egg contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B12, riboflavin, folate, and iron. Furthermore, they are a source of choline, which helps with brain development. Needless to say, they also provide healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids that help build muscles.
All About Egg Allergies
Egg allergies can occur in up to 2% of children between the ages of 1 and 2.6. Some of the symptoms you need to look out for are:
- Hives or red, itchy skin
- Stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing or itchy, teary eyes
- Vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea
- Angioedema or swelling
In some cases, throat and tongue swelling may also occur. If you notice any of these signs, you should consult a pediatrician for professional advice.
Preparing Eggs for Babies and Kids
The best way to cook eggs for kids and babies is to wait until the whites and yolks are completely solid. Scrambled eggs are the safest option for including them in your baby’s diet for the first time. Well-boiled ones are also fine, but only if mashed with a fork first. Experts say you can add grated cheese or herbs to make the meal tastier. You can also start introducing other types of egg dishes, such as omelets.
4 Things Every Homeowner Should Know Before Upgrading a Thermostat
When air conditioners were new, and not every household had one, many properties were heated by an electric heater or a single furnace, regulated by a mechanical thermostat that was mounted on the wall. These devices are still selling well and serve their function; however, modern, computerized ones have rendered these older units obsolete. Here is what you need to know before upgrading such a thermostat.
#1. Two Wires May Not Be Enough
A 24-volt mechanical thermostat usually needs just two wires. The first one is the input hot wire from the transformer, and the second one is an outbound load wire. Many smart and programmable thermostats need a third wire. It’s called a common, or C wire. It’s used to supply power for their various functions. If you don’t have a third wire coming from the wall when you remove the old device, you need to purchase and install a battery-powered thermostat.
#2. Moving the Thermostat
The thermostat itself is not the issue; however, its position may be. Possibly it was installed in your kitchen for convenience purposes. If so, the thermostat can turn down the heat, leaving the rest of the house uncomfortably cold. On the other hand, if the device is located near a drafty window or entrance, increasing the temperature in the entire home can be annoying. Moving it to a hallway or a living room requires running new wiring, which can be handled by a professional HVAC technician.
#3. Choosing the Temperature Day
Anything that can go wrong will go wrong at the most inappropriate time, according to Murphy’s Law. When the temperature outside is way too high or low, you don’t want something like this to happen. You can lessen the impact of unfortunate events by swapping during the milder months. This is the time when the temporary malfunction of the HVAC system will not affect the level of comfort that is needed.
#4. DIY the New One
Before adjusting the thermostat, the power supply to the HVAC unit must be turned off. If the device is made for a low-voltage central air system, you will not get an electrical shock even if you fail to turn it off. The thermostat’s wiring is easy to understand and color-coded, which is a job that may be done by a DIY enthusiast. Although line-voltage thermostat work at a higher voltage and are capable of shocking people, you won’t get an electrical shock as long as you follow the standard safety procedures for any home electrical wiring. For instance, you shouldn’t touch the wires until you have checked their voltage with a voltage tester first.