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Baby Blowing Raspberries - A Developmental Milestone
An infant goes through numerous developmental milestones that his parents anticipate and celebrate. Some of them are well known, like rolling over, crawling or even talking. A lesser-known one, perhaps, is blowing raspberries. Here, we discuss the meaning of this relatively underrated milestone, also known as ‘razzies’ or spit bubbles.
What Is Meant By Blowing Raspberries?
The giggle-inducing bubbling sound that infants make with their lips and tongue is known as blowing raspberries or ‘razzies’. It creates a funny noise akin to a motor humming. It happens when a baby blows bubbles from the mouth. This is hilarious to watch and produces an overload of oxytocin for mother and child as they bond, but it is also a significant development and antecedent to the language capabilities of the baby.
When Do Babies Start Blowing Raspberries?
Babies start blowing bubbles as early as two months of age. When a 2-month-old baby starts blowing bubbles, it is a sign that he is experimenting with his mouth and that it is a precursor to speech development. But not all infants blow bubbles or raspberries. Those who spit and blow bubbles, also display complex mouth movements like licking their lips often. Although babies begin blowing bubbles around two months of age, the true razzies begin at around five months. By the sixth month, your little one will blow bubbles, making raspberry sounds and drooling.
Why Do Babies Blow Bubbles?
Blowing spit bubbles helps prepare the baby for future developmental milestones like chewing, drinking, and talking, all of which are essential for his survival. An increase in the production of saliva from 3 to 6 months also helps the baby prepare for the arrival of his first tooth. The raspberries are concurrent to babbling sounds, imitation of other sounds, and cognitive smiling.
Does Blowing Raspberries Help Improve the Digestive System of the Baby?
Blowing raspberries also has an important connection to the digestive ability of the baby. The saliva released help in neutralising stomach acids while converting starch to sugar during the digestive process. When a baby blows bubbles, it helps in reflux control, softening of the food, and in the prevention of tooth decay.
How Does Blowing Raspberries Benefit a Baby?
When a baby blows raspberries, he may make funny noises and may strain facial muscles while concentrating. This is, in fact, helps him develop control on his tongue, lip, and cheeks simultaneously.
1. Facial Muscle Workout
Blowing bubbles and raspberries helps the baby exercise the muscles needed for independent lip movement, separate from the jaw and tongue. It also improves the lip tension required later to seal a cup while drinking water and other liquids.
2. Babbling
Blowing bubbles also help in the language development and speaking abilities of the baby. The babbling begins to sound like distinct letters of the alphabet like m, d, a.
3. Helps in Teething
When a baby blows bubbles, it also helps in teething. The excess saliva produced when a baby blows bubbles helps soften the gums for the arrival of the first tooth.
How Can Parents Encourage It?
Blowing raspberries is just a small yet crucial milestone. If your baby is blowing raspberries, encourage this behaviour as it will help develop speech and language acquisition skills in your baby. Here is what you can do encourage it:
Imitate every little sound that your child makes. Be conversational with your child. Try adding new sounds to the conversation and pause to see if the baby is mimicking you.
Sing to your infant and bring in variation to the pitch and tone of words. Sing fast and then go slow. Try a few words loudly and then go into a soft whisper.
Help your baby make a rolling sound by rubbing your finger on his tiny lips.
Gently blow raspberries on the baby’s arm or belly to help him understand how it is done.
Sing along to familiar songs and let your baby watch your lips as they move.
Pretend-play with the baby and make him use toy phones to help him babble or talk.
Engage the baby’s sound and sight skills for better understanding.Recite rhymes that involve hand movements while singing.
Most importantly, let your child hear your voice all the time. Talk to him as often as possible to help him develop his facial muscle strength.
When to Consult a Doctor
Babies most likely learn to laugh, coo, and turn towards sounds before they attempt to blow bubbles and babble. Most infants blow raspberries by the age of 5 months. If your baby doesn’t blow raspberries by this age, you don’t have to panic. Some babies skip the raspberry stage altogether, but they make sounds with their lips and mouths – and this is a good sign. However, if your baby doesn’t show any sign of blowing bubbles by eight months of age, consult a paediatrician. The doctor will be able to look for signs of speech delay or underlying neurological problems in your baby and may suggest a treatment for the same.
Blowing raspberries is an important developmental milestone. When your baby blows bubbles, you may not expect it and might discourage it – considering is as a bad habit, but don’t. Spit bubbles are actually a workout for your little one’s mouth. So encourage him to blow raspberries and enjoy the raspberry-blowing phase by blowing back at your child, giggling with him, smiling at his smile, and by having a wonderful time together.
Also Read: Baby Sign Language: How to Communicating With Your Infant Read more
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Is Milk With Bovine Growth Hormone Safe For My Toddler To Drink?
All mums know that milk is a must-have food for their child. At least that's what their mum repeated to them since childhood! Hence, even though a child is fussy about drinking milk, mums constantly look out for ways by which they can feed milk to their toddlers. But after reading the eye-opener book on “What's in your milk?” by Dr Samuel Epstein, back in 2006, all doting mums surely have become extra careful with what kind and how much milk they are feeding their kids.
Bovine growth hormone, or bovine somatotropin (also called bGH, rbGH, bST, or bST), is a natural peptide hormone produced by cow's pituitary glands. The genetically modified variant is administered in cows to make them mature faster and produce more milk. Here’s the deal- many health organizations now do not propagate the use of milk with bGH in it.
Here are the main reasons for the red flag:
Since bovine growth hormone received FDA approval in 1993, some studies raise a red flag for the use of this milk:
1. Disturbing health trends
We now see rising cases of obesity, cancer and early onset puberty. Some studies link these to bovine growth hormone. They claim that it can't be absorbed by our intestines which only have receptors for human growth hormone.
2. Increased health problems in cows
Cows that are given bGH injections are more prone to health problems like lameness, reproductive trouble, and udder infections like mastitis.
3. Milk contamination, mastitis, and antibiotics
Cows given rBGH are more likely to develop mastitis, an inflammation and infection of mammary tissue. Some studies show that this leads to bacteria and potential pus in milk. Further, treating infected cows with large doses of antibiotics can cause the antibiotics to show up in the milk. These antibiotic residues can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a serious health problem.
4. Increased IGF
Injected cows may produce a hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). A number of studies show that this increases the risk for several cancers especially colorectal, prostrate and breast cancers as it survives digestion and passes into the intestines to get absorbed by the blood.
There's another side to this discussion. There are some studies which contradict others about the harmful effects of rBST on cows. They say that the presence of a little extra IGF-1 in milk doesn't put people at any extra risk because IGF-1 does get broken down by the human digestive system. Ultimately, therefore, the decision about buying milk from such cows has to be taken from you.
Honestly, whatever you think about growth hormones in milk, it is now fairly easy to avoid them if you want. Buy milk or other dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream that are labelled as being rBST-free, or buy organic milk. One can also buy a milk alternative that is fortified with vitamin D and calcium, such as soy milk, almond milk, hemp milk, or rice milk, etc. Read more
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8 Ayurvedic Health & Beauty Tips - Exclusively For Moms!
Motherhood is that life-altering, overwhelming experience which changes the meaning of everything you’ve formerly known. Your lifestyle, relationships, physical endurance and patience are all tested to the hilt. This means you need to be more careful about your health than ever before! Yes, every mother becomes extremely cautious about her baby from the moment her pregnancy is first detected. She eats healthy, gets exercise, and steers clear of consuming or applying anything that may harm the baby. But along with all this, there are a few things you need to do only for yourself. After all, a healthy and happy mom raises a healthy and happy baby! So, what are we talking about?
Modern research in the field of maternity and postpartum care has come with up a number of findings for mums and mums-to-be. The intriguing part is that a fair number of these actually have their foundation in something very old and indigenous to India – Ayurveda! This ancient medical science has a whole branch called Kaumarabhritya which prescribes principles of caring for baby as well as the mother. Some of these teachings have excellent and very practical advice to keep mothers healthy and glowing – even when the times get tough.
Keeping our powerful Indian traditions in mind, we have compiled for you a list of tips that are guaranteed to keep you healthy in your motherhood journey. The best part is – absolutely no side effects!
1. Get As Much Rest As You Can
As a new mother, getting rest can seem like an impossible task. But unless you are willing to risk both your and your baby’s long-term health, rest is an absolute must! Ayurveda advises moms to recognise that postpartum needs are different from prenatal ones. This means you need more rest than usual to recover completely. Adequate sleep and some alone-time will help restore your strength, vitality and also the youthfulness of your skin. Try and get as much support as you can from your spouse, family and neighbours.
2. Treat Yourself to Ayurvedic Massage Therapy
Massage therapy, also called abhyanga, is an intrinsic component of Ayurveda. This is a warm oil massage intended to avoid any imbalance or “vata dosha”. For postpartum women, it helps relieve strained muscles and body aches while speeding up tissue rebuilding. You can use a toning massage oil by Himalaya FOR MOMS primarily because of its all-natural composition and foundation in the principles of Kaumarabhritya. And guess what! This massage also lets you feel secure, loved and cared for – exactly the kind of emotions you want your baby to experience through you!
3. Include These Items In Your Diet
What you eat has a direct bearing on your skin and overall health. Plus, if you’re nursing, it will also impact your breastmilk, and in turn, your baby. Ayurveda recommends a “vata pacifying” diet at this time. This comprises items such as rice, vegetable soup, garlic, milk and ghee. Such a diet will keep you healthy and your skin glowing. A warning note - it’s not enough to eat these food groups; you also need to ensure that the preparation is fresh and healthy. As per Ayurveda, moms should consume only freshly made food as it has the most nutrition and ease of digestion. Time to get the husband and extended family to the kitchen! ||
4. Find Happiness In and Around Yourself
If you thought this was a modern lifestyle approach, prepare to be surprised! Ayurveda, since times immemorial, has focused on the importance of staying happy, calm and quiet to keep yourself healthy. The ancient science explains that when the mother is not happy or calm, it is likelier that she will suffer problems such as skin breakouts and hormonal imbalance. Worse, her child may also experience frequent colic, sleep problems and hyperactivity. This makes it important for you to be in harmony with your surroundings and keep the environment quiet and fulfilling.
5. Indulge in Some Aromatherapy
Ayurveda recognises the importance of uplifting aromas to rejuvenate your senses, especially during the difficult times of pregnancy and early postpartum. Aromatherapy can relax and heal your body while also providing a calming, therapeutic effect. Try out Himalaya FOR MOMS’ soothing body butter. It comes in the rich and indulgent flavours of rose, lavender and jasmine which have been specially formulated for the specific needs of a mother. The fragrances are sure to liven up the nerve endings in your skin and make you feel better instantly.
6. Try This Remedy For Sore Nipples
If you’re in the nursing stage, arrange to have 15-minutes every day just to focus on breast care! Nursing is an amazing way to bond with your baby and ensure he gets the best nourishment. But it can also mean that you experience sore or cracked nipples from time to time. To keep your breast skin healthy, Ayurveda recommends a concoction of basil leaves, aloe vera and other herbs to be massaged every day. Some modern nipple-care products that use this formulation can also come to your aid.
7. Fall In Love With These Herbs
Herbs have always been an integral part of Ayurveda. For pregnant moms and new moms too, there are several herbs proven to speed up healing in your body and skin. Some of the best ones include saffron, shatavari, bala, ashwagandha, vidari and jatamamsi. These herbs are so potent that some modern skincare researchers have also started working with them. The team at Himalaya, for instance, has extensively studied the quality and efficacy of over 10,000 herbs and included the most effective ones in their products. This is indeed the perfect way to balance the modern and the traditional when it comes to maternity care!
8. Enjoy a Hot Water Bath
We totally love this one! Ayurvedic principles emphasise the importance of a hot water bath for postpartum care. Hot water when poured on the lower abdomen and pelvic area is especially beneficial for speedy recovery. Warm water infused with neem leaves can be especially relaxing. Not just that, this is great to maintain a clean complexion too!
Who thought that an ancient science could have advice that is still very much relevant and useful? The next time you’re feeling down and out and experiencing a “bad skin” day, let yourself indulge in some of these tips. We promise you will soon start feeling revitalised and ready to tackle all things mommy. Read more
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The Third Wave of COVID-19 And Your Baby's Utmost Safety
Nowadays, parents, paediatricians, Governments, and even the World Health Organisation (WHO) are worried about a possible infection of children below 18 years of age as there are no vaccinations for this age group of budding Indians.
But we all can try our level best by following these precautions -
Keep your kids indoors
Observe good hygiene
Follow all norms of safety
Give your kids enough and nutritious food items / breast milk
Give them the doses of Influenza vaccinations as per your paediatrician’s opinion
Don’t sneeze or cough in front of the child
Use masks and sanitiser if you are having any viral symptoms
Be strong physically and mentally
Stay home, stay safe
This is a national medical emergency and every Indian must help/cooperate with the Government to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic
Don’t believe in any rumours about the Covid-19, and don’t follow unscientific things like social taboos and myths related to the pandemic
Support your kids psychologically as well
Help and respect our frontline COVID warriors like doctors, police and sanitary team. Don’t demoralise them.
Have a high physical and mental health status and defeat this deadly COVID pandemic.
During this situation, you should give your baby the Influenza vaccinations - two doses at the intervals of 4-6 weeks if your child is less than eight years old. Give your child only one dose of the Influenza vaccination if they are more than 8 years old.
COVID is a type of flu, so if you give your baby the Influenza vaccinations, then he may get some protection from COVID infection. So give it as per your child's age.
If your baby is less than 1-year-old, then you should eat enough nutritious food items so that they may get good immunity.
If your child is more than 12 months old, then give him enough nutritious food and the recommended doses of the Influenza vaccine.
Influenza vaccination is not available at Government hospitals, but you can get it administered by your paediatrician.
Observe all the norms of safety and give your baby a bigger umbrella.
All the best to you and your baby!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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“Well Meaning” Parenting Advice you Have Tired Of!
As soon as people discover you're pregnant or are a new mom, you have them advising you on everything from what to eat to how to bring up your baby. After a point, it's irritating and unwelcome! Check out these pieces of oft-repeated parenting advice you're sick of and could do without.
How often has it happened that you’ve gone out walking with your little one and someone stops to coo over your baby? They then proceed to tell you what you’re doing wrong and give you a whole load of advice that you never asked for. It happens way too often! Every baby is different, and so is yours, and if you had a penny for all the unsolicited advice you’ve received, you’d have been a millionaire!
Unwanted Parenting Advice You Must Ignore!
Advice #1 - Let your baby cry herself to sleep
The understanding behind this one is that your baby will tire herself out and go to sleep, eventually understanding that no one will respond to her wails. Yet when a baby cries, it’s for a genuine reason. Either she’s uncomfortable or needs to be changed, or is hungry, tired, or just needs a hug. You have to have a very different heart to ignore the cries of a wailing baby!
Advice #2 - Let them eat what they want to:
This is one of the worst pieces of advice! Of course, the people who give it may mean well, but you can’t very well provide free reign to your baby. She’ll grow up becoming dependent on junk food and won’t stay healthy either.
Advice #3 - Sleep when the baby sleeps:
That’s easier said than done! You can’t sleep at the drop of a hat especially when there are so many other things to do. If only you could ask the people who give you this advice to babysit your child and do your household chores while you catch up on your precious sleep!
Advice #4 - You don’t dress your baby warmly enough:
Most moms are in the habit of dressing their babies warmer than they need to be. However, many doctors will tell you that children need not be bundled under layer after layer of clothing. Of course, clothe your baby in layers but don’t overdo it. If he seems to be squirming too much, or if you know for a fact that the weather is a tad too warm, you might want to peel off a layer or two.
You must have heard these ‘gems’ innumerable times, especially if you’re the mother of a newborn. Well-meaning but annoying parenting advice you are sick of! Go by instinct when bringing up your baby. Take advice you deem important and from people you trust. After all, what works for another mother may not work for you and your baby. So, hang on to the pieces of wisdom that make sense to you and ignore the rest! Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
45 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Ma'am I am two months pregnant now....can I continue breastfeeding my 17 month old baby ?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
44 mins ago
A. No I’m afraid you’ll have to quit breastfeeding your child because it is not advisable to feed your child when you’re pregnant with the second child is not healthy for you neither for your coming child so you’ll have to skip and quit onto your breastfeeding
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
33 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert is continuous urinary irritation is normal in summer during pregnency
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
32 mins ago
A. in this case it is important to rule out urinary tract infection for which urine report as well as urine culture needs to be done.
in the report if it is found that there is positive urine culture then dr gives antibiotics for around 14 days after which culture report is repeated to see if the infecdtion is gone.
kindly take plenty of fluids to drink to and maintain hygiene of the urinary area and contact your doctor for relevant examination and investigation
at the earliest d
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
28 mins ago
Q. why my vaginal area and back pains during pregnancy
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
23 mins ago
A. because of the pressure of gravid uterus. 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
Guardian of 0 children
26 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert water leak from baby eye....what is that
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
23 mins ago
A. blocked naso lacrimal duct kk. 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
Guardian of 0 children
19 mins ago
Q. loop of cord is seen round the neck in growth scan is it a problem at the time of delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
16 mins ago
A. single Loop okay no problem wait. 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 Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
17 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
16 mins ago
A. Post vaccination swelling may be a common thing specially after DPT vaccine which may be painful for two or three days and the swelling may remain fheven up to month so if it is not causing any pain or other symptoms nothing to worry.
Swelling can be reduced by giving ice fomentation locally and paracetamol can be given for fever or pain.
Thrombophobe ointment can be applied in acute pain and swelling .
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