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Forbes
28-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Bassinet Vs. Crib: Which Is Best For A Baby?
Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. They provide a firm, flat surface for the essential sleep your baby needs, which is about 16 or 17 hours per day for the average newborn, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While bassinets are designed specifically for newborns and young infants, cribs can be used for newborns, older babies and even toddlers. As long as your baby is small enough to safely sleep in a bassinet, determining which is best is a matter of preference, budget and space. 'Bassinets are a smaller sleep space designed specifically for newborns,' says Dr. Barbara Taylor-Cox, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann. They're often designed to be in the parent's or caregivers' bedroom, and they can also be found on travel cribs, pack and plays and strollers. Most bassinets are only safe for babies until around 6 months. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, though you can purchase a smaller mini crib as well. Because they're bigger and the mattress can be lowered, cribs can be used for years, while most babies outgrow even the best bassinets within a few months. To help you determine which is best for you, here are some pros and cons of each. Pros Cons Pros Cons Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. However, bassinets can become an unsafe space more quickly than cribs. Many babies outgrow bassinets around four to six months, often when they reach 15 to 20 pounds or when they are able to roll over, at which point the surface becomes unsafe. When it comes to cribs, safety and use can be extended by simply lowering the mattress once your baby starts to roll or pull up. Many cribs have three mattress height settings. 'The thing to remember with both bassinets and cribs is always check the safety specifications that are on the product that you buy because there may be a little variability. Those specifications will give you the weight and length limits for mattresses,' says Taylor-Cox. It's important to make sure you use the right crib mattress size for your crib, too, since cribs and mattresses are usually sold separately. When choosing a bassinet, be sure to choose one that provides your baby with their own sleep space. 'The bassinet should be self-contained, not a co-sleeping item or bed extender,' says Culler. Although it can be tempting to sleep with your baby, it's not considered a safe practice. 'You can lay down with your baby, you can do all that wonderful stuff, but do not fall asleep with your baby in your bed or next to you. Unfortunantely, there's always the risk of a very tired parent rolling onto their baby,' says Taylor-Cox. Regardless of which you choose, use a tightly fitted sheet, and don't put anything else in their sleep space—no blankets, pillows, stuffies or bumpers. When you set your baby down, always put them on their back. These are all ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Ultimately, if you have the means to use a bassinet first for your newborn and then a crib when your baby outgrows it, that's often the best option. 'My recommendation is to use both—bassinet for the first several months and a crib thereafter,' says Culler. If you need to squeeze a safe sleep area into a tight space, a bassinet is probably your best bet. However, if space is not a concern, you can start with a crib and skip the bassinet altogether if you want. For newborns and very small babies, a bassinet is a good investment. 'We typically use a bassinet for newborns until about six months of age, or the rule of thumb that we use [as pediatricians] is when the baby starts to roll over, then you need to move on to a crib and get them out of the bassinet,' says Taylor-Cox. If your baby is already nearing 15 pounds or is starting to show signs of rolling, then it might be best to skip the bassinet altogether since they'll likely outgrow it soon. In the long run, choosing a crib will save you money since it reduces the amount of baby gear you need to buy. While bassinets are often more affordable than cribs, your baby will still eventually need a crib even if they start off in a bassinet. 'The main thing I want to add for parents is it's not time to bargain shop when it comes to cribs and/or bassinets,' says Taylor-Cox. She explained that a used crib may not be safe. It may have unseen damage and may not meet the most recent safety standards. If you need to save money, the best way to do that is to only buy one product and make it a good crib. 'A lot of cribs can be lowered and converted to toddler beds, which is really economically feasible,' says Taylor-Cox. If you want something small that allows you to keep your newborn in your bedroom, a bassinet is the best choice. If you're looking for a one-time purchase that your baby can sleep in well past their first birthday, opt for a crib. 'Parents should remember both bassinets and cribs are safe. If you're lucky enough to have a bassinet then we say start in the bassinet, but a bassinet isn't required like a crib is,' says Taylor-Cox. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted has combined decades of experience in both parenting our own kids and covering parenting topics. As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to make the right decisions for our babies when it comes to major purchases like bassinets, cribs and crib mattresses.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Jerky is a handy way to get protein on the go, whether it's beef, turkey or soy. But is it healthy for you?
Jerky is the ultimate road trip staple, but many people swear by snacking on it as part of their everyday diet too. On its face, there's a lot to love about dried and cured meat. It's portable. It's protein-rich. And it's probably going to fill you up more than, say, a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. But while jerky in its many forms may be popular, experts aren't quite so enamored with it. Here's what they say. Jerky is dried meat that's been seasoned and preserved to make it last longer. It's often sliced into thin strips and then dried slowly to remove moisture, which gives it a chewy texture. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Jerky comes in various flavors and types, but the most common types of jerky you'll find on shelves are made of beef, turkey or venison. It's a particularly popular snack for hikers and campers, since it's an easy way to get a dose of protein (there are 10 grams of protein in the original beef Chomps stick, for example) that doesn't require any refrigeration. The protein content also makes it a popular snack for people who are trying to get more of this macronutrient, such as weightlifters seeking to build muscle. First, let's look at the pros of jerky. For starters, it's got protein. We need to ensure we are getting enough protein (about 0.36 grams per pound of body weight, minimum) in order to function properly, and that amount goes up even higher when we are regularly exercising and breaking down our muscle. Chelsea Capella Johnson, a clinical dietitian at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center in Houston, tells Yahoo Life that jerky is a good source of protein, and that picking a healthier version of it can give you the most nutritional benefit. Better-for-you options include chicken, turkey, elk or salmon jerky, she says. Nicholas Rush, a dietitian at Fay, tells Yahoo Life that jerky gets points for being 'rich in minerals like zinc and iron.' It's also low in carbohydrates as well as fat, unless additional fats are added during the preserving process. The downside: Jerky is considered a processed meat. The World Health Organization classifies processed meats, including jerky, as a carcinogen, and says that eating 50 grams of processed meat per day increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by about 18%. It's also important to consider the amount of salt in your jerky, Rush says. 'The salting process can result in high sodium content,' he notes, 'which is a concern for individuals with hypertension or those monitoring their sodium intake.' A full-size Chomps stick has about 380 milligrams of sodium. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day for most adults. (For certain groups, such as individuals with hypertension or prehypertension, the recommendation is even lower, typically around 1,500 milligrams per day.) Eager to try jerky yourself? Consider the following brands. Chomps: These meat sticks are gluten-free and sugar-free. Country Archer: This brand's original beef jerky features grass-fed beef and 9 grams of protein. Epic Bites: This brand includes jerky chicken, venison, bison and salmon. Old Trapper: Choose from flavors including old fashioned, peppered, teriyaki and jalapeno. Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.: There's no actual meat in this jerky, which is made from soy, but it still packs a lot of protein. Jerky is shelf-stable, but it does expire eventually — and just like with any food, you need to be mindful of the risk of foodborne illness. 'The most likely foodborne illness or poisoning from jerky would come from expired jerky,' Johnson says. 'If you're making your own jerky, be sure to follow safe food handling practices and keep food temperatures at recommended levels to avoid foodborne illnesses that way.' Jerky can be a good protein source when you're in a pinch but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high sodium content — and the fact that processed meat comes with its own health risks. However, for the times when you're camping, hiking or just in a huge rush, packaged jerky may be an option, as it's shelf-stable and can last without refrigeration for a long time. 'I don't think jerky is necessary to hit protein goals — we can definitely incorporate other more natural protein foods,' Johnson notes. 'However, it can be a decent on-the-go, quick option used one to two times per week if other protein options are unavailable.'
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is jerky healthy?
Jerky is the ultimate road trip staple, but many people swear by snacking on it as part of their everyday diet too. On its face, there's a lot to love about dried and cured meat. It's portable. It's protein-rich. And it's probably going to fill you up more than, say, a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. But while jerky in its many forms may be popular, experts aren't quite so enamored with it. Here's what they say. Jerky is dried meat that's been seasoned and preserved to make it last longer. It's often sliced into thin strips and then dried slowly to remove moisture, which gives it a chewy texture. Jerky comes in various flavors and types, but the most common types of jerky you'll find on shelves is made of beef, turkey or venison. It's a particularly popular snack for hikers and campers, since it's an easy way to get a dose of protein (there are 10 grams of protein in the original beef Chomps stick, for example) that doesn't require any refrigeration. The protein content also makes it a popular snack for people who are trying to get more of this macronutrient, such as weightlifters seeking to build muscle. First, let's look at the pros of jerky. For starters, it's got protein. We need to ensure we are getting enough protein (about 0.36 grams per pound of body weight, minimum) in order to function properly, and that amount goes up even higher when we are regularly exercising and breaking down our muscle. Chelsea Capella Johnson, a clinical dietitian at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center in Houston, tells Yahoo Life that jerky is a good source of protein, and that picking a healthier version of it can give you the most nutritional benefit. Better-for-you options include chicken, turkey, elk or salmon jerky, she says. Nicholas Rush, a dietitian at Fay, tells Yahoo Life that jerky gets points for being 'rich in minerals like zinc and iron.' It's also low in carbohydrates as well as fat, unless additional fats are added during the preserving process. The downside: Jerky is considered a processed meat. The World Health Organization classifies processed meats, including jerky, as a carcinogen, and says that eating 50 grams of processed meat per day increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by about 18%. It's also important to consider the amount of salt in your jerky, Rush says. 'The salting process can result in high sodium content,' he notes, 'which is a concern for individuals with hypertension or those monitoring their sodium intake.' A full-size Chomps stick has about 380 milligrams of sodium. The United States Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day for most adults. (For certain groups, such as individuals with hypertension or prehypertension, the recommendation is even lower, typically around 1,500 milligrams per day.) Eager to try jerky yourself? Consider the below brands. Chomps: These meat sticks are gluten-free and sugar-free. Country Archer: This brand's original beef jerky features grass-fed beef and 9 grams of protein. Epic Bites: This brand includes jerky chicken, venison, bison and salmon. Old Trapper: Choose from flavors including old fashioned, peppered, teriyaki and jalapeno. Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.: There's no actual meat in this jerky, which is made from soy, but it still packs a lot of protein. Jerky is shelf stable, but it does expire eventually — and just like with any food, you need to be mindful of the risk of foodborne illness. 'The most likely foodborne illness or poisoning from jerky would come from expired jerky,' Johnson says. 'If you're making your own jerky, be sure to follow safe food handling practices and keep food temperatures at recommended levels to avoid foodborne illnesses that way.' Jerky can be a good protein source when you're in a pinch but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high sodium content — and the fact that processed meat comes with its own health risks. However, for the times when you're camping, hiking or just in a huge rush, packaged jerky may be an option, as it's shelf-stable and can last without refrigeration for a long time. 'I don't think jerky is necessary to hit protein goals — we can definitely incorporate other more natural protein foods,' Johnson notes. 'However, it can be a decent on-the-go, quick option used one to two times per week if other protein options are unavailable.'
