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Effective Ways to Remove Splinters from Your Child's Skin
Children are always unaware of little hazards that can hurt them during their play and a splinter wound is the most common result of those. There are many materials such as wood, glass, plastic and metal that can break into fine splinters and make it into your toddler’s skin as they play around. Here is what to do when you find yourself in such scenario.
Are Splinters Harmful?
Splinters aren’t harmful by themselves but they can make way for certain harmful bacteria to enter your child’s body and cause infections. If your child’s vaccinations are not up to date, there is always a risk of tetanus. It’s a potentially fatal infection to babies caused by a bacterium that enters the blood through a wound. The DTaP vaccine protects against tetanus is normally given around 2, 4, and 6 months. It is also given again between 15 to 18 months and again between 4 and 6 years and again between ages 11 to 13. Booster shots are recommended after that every 10 years for the rest of the life.
Things You Need to do Before Removing The Splinter at Home
Removing splinters from children's feet might not be as simple as you would assume. The child most likely won’t co-operate fully and there’s a chance you could end up pushing the splinter deeper. Therefore, to begin with, get some help and ask someone to hold the child as they will inevitably squirm when you try to pull out the splinter. Clean your hands and the wound before you begin and sterilize your instruments such as tweezers, needles, and clippers and so on. Stay calm and do not lose patience, it might add to your child’s fear. While seeing you calm, on the other hand, makes them feel secure and cooperate. Once the splinter is out, apply an antibacterial cream to the wound.
Simple Ways of Getting Splinters Out from A Child's Skin
Here are some useful methods on how to get a splinter out of a toddler:
1. Using Needle and Tweezers
Most splinters can be pulled out by tweezers with some help from a needle. Here is how to do it:
Sterilize both by dropping them in boiling water and later cleaning with some alcohol.
Dab a little alcohol around the wound before you being extracting the splinter.
Using the needle clear out a little skin by making a slit so as much as the splinter is exposed and within the grasp of the tweezers.
Grab the splinter firmly with the tweezers and gently pull it out in the same direction that it went in to avoid breaking it.
2. Drawing Salve Method
You will need the Drawing salve or Ichthammol ointment for this procedure and a band-aid.
Apply the ointment over the wound and cover it with a band-aid so it doesn’t stain pillows or sheets while you let it work in the night.
Remove the band-aid after a day and check if the splinter has come out.
3. Baking Soda Paste
Prepare a paste using ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and water. Apply it over the wound and cover with a band aid overnight. Open the band-aid after a day and you may find the splinter sticking to the band-aid.
4. Using Cello Tape
If you can’t find a pair of tweezers in time, use a cello tape and stick it to the wound over the splinter. Pull out the tape and you will find that the tape pulls out the splinter as it peels.
5. Using Glue
Although it seems like a bad idea to glue a lodged splinter to the skin, it works well with white wood or craft glue. Apply some white glue over the wound and splinter and allow it to dry. Peel off the glue and it pulls out the splinter along with it.
6. Nail Clippers and Tweezers
This is effective when large splinters are stuck in your child’s foot in places with some callus such as the heel or the ball of the foot.
Clean the wound with some alcohol dabbed to a cotton bud.
Use the nail clippers to clear way some callus that’s covering the splinter until it is within the grasp of the tweezers.
Firmly grip the splinter with the tweezers and pull out gently in the direction it went in.
How to Stop Splinters from Hurting?
The easiest way to stop a splinter from hurting is to numb the area with ice immediately. Along with numbing the pain, it also distracts your child from the pain as you work to remove the splinter from the skin. Once removed, wash the area clean, apply an antibacterial cream and cover it with a bandage.
What to do If You are Unable to Remove The Splinter or Your Child Refuses to Remove it?
If it’s a small splinter that isn’t causing too much pain, you can try leaving it there for a few days. Soaking their hands or feet in warm water for a while will help the splinter work itself out as the warm water loosens the skin around it. However, if the splinter is big and is embedded firmly in the flesh or if the object is curved and can’t be pulled out, it’s best to leave it for the doctor to take care of.
How to Prevent Your Child from Getting Splinters?
Here are some ways you can minimize your child’s injuries:
Ensure they are wearing shoes when playing outside.
Sand down toys that have jagged edges or wooden railings or floor that has edges that can splinter.
If you break a glass item in the house, ensure to vacuum the whole area and mop up afterwards.
Keep them away from plants and bushes that have thorns or try bark that can splinter.
Inspect playground equipment regularly for frayed materials that might splinter and get them repaired.
When to Consult The Doctor?
Most splinters can be extracted at home with simple methods mentioned above but sometimes baby splinter removal needs professional help. You should consult a doctor under these conditions:
The splinter is large and is lodged firmly in the skin causing much pain when disturbed.
The splinter is in too deep and you can’t get it out.
It breaks off while you’re trying to pull it out.
If you notice swelling, warmth, redness or pus in the area.
It is lodged in the child’s eye, in which case it should always be looked at by a doctor.
Unless it is a serious wound, most splinters can be safely removed and treated at home.
Also Read:
Greenstick Fracture in Children
Burns in Kids
Playground Safety for Children Read more
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Lentils for Babies - Benefits and Recipes
When you plan to introduce solid food to your baby, you'd obviously give healthy and nutritious foods like fruit or vegetable purees. But have you considered giving dal to your baby? Many people suggest that moong dal is good for babies. It tends to be a popular choice among parents because of the ease of preparation and also because of the nutrition it provides. Should you give dal to your baby? Read on to find out!
When Can Infants Eat Lentils?
The best age to introduce your baby to the world of lentils is somewhere between 9 and 11 months. Some parents prefer starting it off as early as 6 months but that usually results in discomfort to the baby. Lentils tend to contain a lot of protein and fibres, which the baby’s stomach is not prepared to digest at such a young age. It is also better if you restrict the introduction of solids to one food item at a time so that your child does not get overwhelmed when so many different tastes are introduced, and you can keep a good eye on how his body responds to each one of them.
Nutritional Facts of Lentils
Giving masoor dal to babies along with other lentils can be very beneficial for your baby. A half a cup of lentils that have been boiled and cooked plainly consist of the nutrients given below.
Description
Quantity (per 100 g)
Protein
25.8 g
Sugar
2 g
Fibre
30.5 g
Carbohydrates
60 g
Sodium
6 mg
Energy
353 calories
Folate
479 mcg
Iron
7.5 mg
Source: https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-and-legume-products/4337/2
Health Benefits of Lentils for Babies
Feeding lentils to your baby has its own share of benefits that support his physical development as well as his general well-being.
1. Helps in the Development
Folate is one of the key nutrients that pregnant mothers are strongly advised to include in their diet as it supports the neurological development of the foetus. Lentils are a good source of folate. Even after delivery, folate is highly essential for a baby’s growth since it works with the bodily processes to create new cells and enhance the internal development of various regions.
2. Strengthens the Immune System
A strong immune system can protect the baby from harmful infections and ensure his healthy development.Your can include lentils in your baby's diet to strengthen his immune system. Lentils are also a good source of zinc, which improves the immunity of the baby.
3. Provides Energy
Half a cup of lentils can provide nearly 120 calories. Combined with that, the presence of iron within them is substantial, too. As a baby crosses the 6-month mark, a lot of iron reserves in his body are used up in the rapid pace of development, which gives rise to the need of external iron sources to replenish them. Lentils work wonders in this regard, bringing back revitalizing energy for the body and making sure the baby stays active.
Which Types of Lentils Are Best for Babies?
It can get difficult to decide which dal is good for babies since lentils come in a wide variety. Find out which lentils you should choose for your little one.
Red lentils are great for soups and purees since they have low fibre content in them. Red lentils are smooth and can be prepared quickly.
For older babies, green lentils are a good option. However, it is suggested that you don't opt for canned lentils since these can easily cause gas problems in babies.
How to Choose Lentils
Once you buy lentils, make sure you check them for any stones or dirt in them. Following that, wash them thoroughly under running water.
How to Cook Lentils for Infants
Preparing lentils for baby is a simple process and takes very less time.
It is not necessary to soak lentils overnight but it can make it easy to cook them.
Pressure cook the lentils for three whistles. Turn off the flame once done and let it cool. Mash the lentils well before giving it to your baby.
Can Lentils Cause Gas in Babies?
Lentils do have complex sugars that can be difficult to digest and may result in gases. However, some babies do manage to digest them well and have no such issues.
Lentil Recipes That You Can Try
There are some tasty food recipes that you can prepare using lentils that will be liked by your baby giving him all the healthiness he needs from them.
1. Lentil and Apricot Soup
Lentil and apricot soup is one of the best dal soups for babies. Here is how you can make it.
Ingredients
Chopped apricots - 1 cup
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Chopped onion - 1
Diced carrot - 1
Red lentils (cooked) - 1 cup
Olive oil - 1 tbsp
Water
How To Make
Heat some oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, chopped carrots, and onions to it, and sauté on a low flame for about 10 minutes.
Follow up with cooked lentils and considerable water. Later, simmer it and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Once done, let it cool. Transfer it to a blender and run it all the way until it forms a smooth soupy texture. Add in the apricots at this stage, blend once more, then pour it in a bowl to serve.
2. Lentil Curry
As your baby begins to enjoy the solid texture and taste of lentils, you can introduce him to a better version with this curry.
Ingredients
Lentils - 1 cup
Tofu cubes - 1 cup
Oil - 1 tbsp
Cloves - 4-5
Garlic paste - 1 tsp
Diced carrot - 1
Chopped onion - 1
Turmeric - 1 tsp
How To Make
Cook lentils in a pressure cooker for up to 3 whistles.
Heat some oil in a pan, add the cloves, garlic paste, and other vegetables, and sauté them well. Once done, add the tofu cubes and give it a nice stir.
Next, add lentils and a pinch of turmeric.
Stir this mixture together till it gets a good curry-like consistency.
3. Lentil Soup With Sweet Potatoes
The taste of sweet potatoes can make it easier for your little one to accept lentils and start wanting more of it right away.
Ingredients
Lentils (toor dal) - 1 cup
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Diced sweet potato - 1
Water as required
How to Make
Heat some oil in a pressure cooker, add cumin seeds and once they change colour, add lentils and sweet potatoes and sauté well. Add water and close the lid and let it cook.
Once cooked, mash the ingredients or blend to form a soupy mixture.
Strain using a sieve and feed soup to your baby.
4. Lentils and Vegetable Puree
Babies can swallow lentils and vegetable puree easily and it will also be light on their stomach.
Ingredients
Vegetable broth - 1 cup
Lentils (cooked) - 1 cup
Chopped onion - 1
Diced sweet potato - 1
Chopped tomato - 1
Green peas (boiled) - 1 cup
Oil - 1 tbsp
How To Make
Heat some oil in a pan and add the onions, and sauté well. Follow up with tomatoes and cook them for a few minutes. Add the broth to this mix and cover it with a lid.
Let it cook on a low flame for about 10 minutes. Add the peas, sweet potatoes, and lentils and mix well.
Turn off the flame and let it cool.
Next, transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth to form a puree.
Making lentils for baby is just as easy as it is for them to digest. Being introduced to solids for the first time is not easy on a baby’s stomach but you can introduce lentils when your little one turns 9 months or above. Within no time, your baby will be open to trying out other food items too.
Also Read: Broccoli for Infants – Benefits and Recipes Read more
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Language development and all about reading aloud to your child.
Language is highly absorbed upto 6 years of age.
❓❓How to support Language development❓❓
1) Speaking in clear language
❤ Remember- They speak WHAT you speak & they speak HOW you speak It's all absorbed and later expressed❤
2) Allow the child to express and support when he tries to speak. Do not anticipate too much that there's no need for the child to speak.
3) Introduce multiple languages- Talk to your child & introduce different regional languages since beginning. Communication builds vocabulary.
4)Reading aloud
✅When to start
▪︎Earlier the better.
▪︎Many parents start reading through their pregnancy
✅Why to start
Helps in the development of
▪︎Language
▪︎Vocabulary
▪︎Communication skills
✅How to start
▪︎ Join a library OR Invest in books
▪︎Reading a newspaper is fine too
I'm a library person so I enrolled for a library & I prefer selecting & reading different books every week.
✅What to read
▪︎Beginners love picture books.
▪︎So, select books with less/no text
▪︎Start with books which have easy to spot individual pictures
▪︎Make sure book isn't crowded with pictures/text, atleast for the beginners
▪︎Gradually shift from picture books ➡️touch & feel books➡️lift the flap books➡️books with more pictures & text.
❤▪︎Introduce books of different languages❤
Out of 5 books that I pick from the library every week, I always make sure to get two regional languages books (Hindi & Marathi).
❓❓Child doesn't love books❓❓
▪︎Relax
▪︎Don't invite & Don't force
▪︎Let them observe & learn. Show them your love & focus towards reading books
▪︎Take them to the library
▪︎Allow them to choose
▪︎Set up a reading routine
▪︎Set up a tiny reading space (it can be as simple as my DIY bookshelf & a mat.
▪︎Remember, LOVE DEVELOPS GRADUALLY.
▪︎Do not reward. For what you bargain isn't love.
Comment ❤ if you AGREE. Do SAVE this post Read more
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Raspberry Orange Smoothie
The name very much describes the smoothie! It’s made of raspberries, fresh orange juice, home-made yoghurt and a hint of sweetener like honey or sugar. This beverage can be had for breakfast or as a quick mid-meal-pick-me-up snack to boost the energy levels. We recommend using frozen raspberries, as it will give a slushier consistency to the smoothie.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
10-15 Minutes
0 Minutes
Ingredients
200 ml orange juice
100 gm raspberries, frozen
2 tbsp low fat, no-fat yoghurt
4 tbsp sugar / honey
½ cup ice cubes
Method
Step 1
Wash raspberries and cut into pieces.
Step 2
In a blender, whirl raspberries, orange juice and yoghurt. Addition of yoghurt is optional.
Step 3
Addition of sugar or honey is also optional. However, we would suggest you add them since orange and raspberry, both, have a citrusy / sour taste to them.
Step 4
Lastly, add ice cubes and blend again on low speed.
Step 5
Garnish with a slice of raspberry. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Calories
105 Kcal
Proteins
2.1 gm
Total Fat
1.1 gm
Total Carbohydrates
25.7 gm
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
12 mg
Potassium
189 mg
Tip -Replace half of the orange juice with apple juice for a subtle variation in taste. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
3 hours ago
Q. Hlo
I have tailbone pain in the 5th month of pregnancy.. What is the reason for it? What should I do?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. N simple pressure no problem. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. Hi, my AFI is 6.5...doctor suggested for induction...is it ok or shall I ask to wait for 2 weeks
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. definitely the levels are very less there is need to take proper decision vif there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. how long should I give d3 syrup for babies
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you can give up to 6 months to one year also ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I got skin tags during pregnancy, what should I do for that..any cream recommendation...
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. wait a year. see a lot of brands are available to allure you. you should get prescription n adhere to products manuals. avoid too expensive and see to good brands with guarantee ok. for skin lesions avoid rough handling. try to put only medicated ointment. keep up with the doctor who can see and advise. don't miss on any medicine for best results.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. what is the purpose of giving d3 syrup for babies
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you have to continue vitamin d3 supplement till you are not able to take the child in sunlight for at least 10 minutes daily.
before 1 year of age : if you are giving 400 units you have to give 1ml everyday and if you're giving 800 units you have to give 0.5 ml everyday.
the thing is that you have to keep the child in sunlight for at least 10 to 15 minutes daily between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for proper vitamin d exposure.
so if you are able to take the child in sunlight you can stop vitamin d supplement.
after 1 year of age vit d drops dosage is 0.7ml once a day from 800units vitamin d drops.
vitamin D is required for many metabolic processes in the child as well as for the growth and development of the bones and development of the tooth
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
43 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts first cry
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
42 mins ago
A. you can always ask questions related to the health of child and mother in this section and it cand be either related to diet or food or vaccination or any type of medicine goingd on and given by your doctor.
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