Online and in the shops: Colic alleviation

A new probiotic for babies reduces the symptoms of colic and reflux. 

Quest InfaBiotix, €10.20, is a liquid probiotic that contains lactobacillus reuteri, and is suitable for babies from the age of one month up to three years.

One clinical trial found that probiotic supplementation with L.reuteri, for 28 days, reduced crying times in colicky infants by 65%, with improvements after seven days of supplementation; www.questexcellence.com

Talking alarm:

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas. Exposure to it can cause illness: in Ireland, there are two fatalities each year from unintentional carbon-monoxide poisoning in the home, caused by an appliance that burns fossil fuels, such as coal or gas.

In addition to ensuring that appliances like boilers are serviced annually, chimneys swept and rooms ventilated, a carbon-monoxide alarm can be provide a warning.

The Nest Protect Smoke+ Carbon Monoxide alarm does more than sound shrill when there’s danger in your home. Nest Protect speaks to you, telling you what, and where, the problem is and will alert your phone via the Nest app.

Reception has been positive since its launch in Ireland last year (there’s also a Nest Thermostat to lower heating bills, currently available for free to new customers of Electric Ireland).

Nest Protect is €109 from Harvey Norman, or www.nest.com/ie

On the shelf:

Made from lightweight plywood and finished with a laminated design, this shelf is strong enough to hold children’s favourite books, small toys and trinkets.

Useful as extra storage, the shelf is easy to put up, as it can be slotted together and no screws or nails are needed, apart from one nail to hang it from the wall.

Available in a variety of designs, it can be easily coordinated with wall decals, or other ornaments, to create a themed bedroom, €39.95; www.littleones.ie

Pregnancy diet:

It isn’t always easy to get essential nutrients from diet. Folic acid, for example, is an important nutrient during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Women should take a 400µg daily supplement if they are planning a baby.

Higher Nature Mum-2-Be includes folic acid, and other essential vitamins and minerals, for mum and baby, €8.30 for 30 tablets; www.highernature.co.uk