August 2017 ⋆ Defending Joy

Smartick Math App for Kids: Inclusive Game

August 26, 2017April 22, 2018 by defendingjoy

We were recently introduced to a wonderful iPad app, called Smartick (also available for Android). It uses the latest research to help your child learn math in only 15 minutes a day. It says on their website “Our proprietary artificial intelligence adapts to your child’s learning style”. This means no matter what level your child … Read more

Total Elimination Diet Round 2 – For FPIES

August 23, 2017August 18, 2018 by defendingjoy

This post contains affiliate links. Do you suspect your nursling is reacting to something you are eating by breastmilk? Dr. Sears has an elimination diet that is great when IgE allergies are suspected. But what do you do if that doesn’t work, or you suspect FPIES? Many of the foods on the Dr. Sears list … Read more

Hypoallergenic Juice Box

August 22, 2017August 22, 2017 by defendingjoy

Due to her many allergies, our daughter has never had a juice box before. Thanks to Drink Maple she finally does. She is so excited to have a drink like the other kids. As a mom I love that this box only has 5g of sugar. It also has natural electrolytes which help keep her … Read more

Hypoallergenic Dishwasher Powder

August 20, 2017June 13, 2019 by defendingjoy

This post contains affiliate links. See the Disclaimer for details.

This is a hypoallergenic dish washer powder recipe. It is soy, coconut, and surfactant free, with no mixing required. Most dishwasher detergents have many ingredients, making it hard to find something that is both environmentally friendly and allergy friendly.

Washing Soda and Ascorbic Acid
Despite having only two ingredients and has worked very well for us. The results are comparable to a leading brand of dishwasher premium pods.
First we fill the detergent cup to the line with Vitamin C powder: Bulk Supplements Ascorbic Acid (multiple sizes available)

Step 1
Then we fill the remainder of the cup and half the pre-wash compartment with washing soda: Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

Step 2

For the rinse aid compartment we use organic distilled vinegar. But for a more powerful rinse you could use 6% cleaning vinegar: Heinz Cleaning Vinegar

FPIES Angels

August 20, 2017August 21, 2017 by defendingjoy

It’s easy to focus on the negatives when dealing FPIES, so today is a chance to focus on the positives, and thank those who have helped us out. With FPIES help is always appreciated. I’m borrowing the idea for today’s post from a fellow FPIES mom. She describes the joy FPIES Angels bring “These encounters … Read more