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Low Breast Milk Supply
Motherhood is one of the most beautiful stages in every woman's life. Giving birth to a child after going through so much pain always feels special. Due to the same reason, there are lots of fears attached as well to pregnancy and childbirth. The fear of not being able to properly breastfeed the child is one of them. The fragile nature of a baby and the responsibility of the mother to feed her baby makes the issue of low breast milk supply a delicate issue. Here we discuss some of the issues that lactating mothers face along with the solutions.
What is Low Milk Supply?
During the beginning of motherhood, a mother may suffer from breastfeeding problems due to low milk supply. A mother is said to have low milk supply when she is not able to produce enough milk to meet the needs of her newborn baby. Most women decide that they have low milk supply in the following situations:
No leakage of milk from the nipples.
The breasts feel less full than before.
The baby needs more milk.
The regular feeds of the baby are getting shorter.
All these facts must be ruled out straight away as these are not at all related to the low supply of milk in any way.
Signs of Low Milk Supply
There are symptoms of low milk supply that are exhibited by a baby when they have not had enough milk. Unfortunately, many parents often confuse them as a part of the growing process. Some of these changes include:
The baby is not pooping regularly which is approximately 5-6 times a day. Small and liquid poops are the signs that show the baby is not getting enough milk.
The baby is not peeing at regular intervals. A newborn baby wets his/her diapers 8-10 times a day. If the number is lower than that, the baby is not getting enough milk.
The colour of the baby’s urine is dark yellowish. Yellowish urine shows that the child is not hydrated sufficiently and requires more water which can be only supplied through the mother's milk at least for 6 months from birth.
The baby is not gaining weight and is getting weaker. A baby getting sufficient milk supply will gain weight regularly at a rate of 4-6 pounds a week on an average.
What Are the Causes of Low Milk Supply?
There are a lot of factors that can influence the supply of milk. They can be related to the baby's health, the mother's health or a common issue. These factors or issues need to be addressed seriously so that the child doesn't develop any problems in the future.
Causes of Low Milk Supply Associated with the Mother's Health
The mother has undergone breast surgery
Anaemia
An imbalance in the thyroid levels
Suffering from diabetes that is insulin dependent
Hypopituitarism
The pituitary doesn't produce enough lactation hormones because of the lack of blood supply caused due to haemorrhaging during the birth
These issues can be treated with patience and proper guidance from a certified doctor. A change in the lifestyle and diet can also influence the production of milk. Regular pumping sessions should be practiced in between nursing sessions so that the body gets used to increased demand for the milk.
Causes of Low Milk Supply Associate with the Baby's Health
Food sensitivity or allergy
The baby may have slow breathing reflexes or some problems in swallowing/sucking due to some neurological conditions
The baby is suffering from Down’s syndrome
The babies born prematurely may haven't yet developed the reflexes for sucking, swallowing and breathing and requires guidance
The medical conditions in the mouth may cause difficulties during the nursing.
Since the baby is newly born and isn't getting proper milk supply, they may require some special attention from a certified doctor or consultant.
Other causes
Obesity can slow down the milk production process in the body.
Smoking can cause difficulty in building a regular supply of milk.
Stress during the birth of the baby.
The blood contains iron in it and the loss of blood results in the loss of iron from the body. The iron levels are known to be directly related to the milk production rate.
The hormonal medication used for birth control can cause a reduction in the supply.
Usage of certain medicines.
Should You Need to Worry if You Can't Produce Enough Breast Milk
No. Sometimes a food item may cause hindrance to the milk making process. Another reason is that there could be hormonal imbalances in the body. Most of the causes can be treated in consultation with a certified doctor and some medicines. The baby, in the meantime, can be fed with the help of the supplements. This will fulfil the nutritional requirements of the baby.
How to Diagnose Chronic Low Milk Supply
If the milk supply rate doesn't improve on its own, one should go to a doctor or a consultant. They usually ask for a blood test so that they can consider it to determine the blood count and check if the person is suffering from anaemia. The body heals on its own and most of these issues get resolved without any medical intervention. However, some of them may require some treatment.
How Can Low Milk Supply Affect Your Baby?
Since everyone knows that the very first diet of the child is mother's milk, the lack of it can cause growth problems. It has been generally observed that the lack of milk in the early stage can cause disruption in mental development and restrict the physical growth of the body, causing abnormalities.
Signs Your Baby is Having Enough Milk
The following traits in a baby indicate that she is getting enough milk.
The child is pooping 4-5 times a day and the poop is large and mustard coloured.
The baby is peeing at least 8-10 times a day
The baby looks content after the feeding and usually after a feed, though this differs from one child to other.
The breasts feel softer and less full after feeding.
How to Increase Milk Supply for Breastfeeding
There are various ways to increase the milk supply so that the baby gets enough milk to have the nutrition for proper growth. Some of them are:
A proper position of feeding should be identified so that the most suitable latching is possible.
One should compress their breasts when they feel there is a decrease in the sucking and swallowing of the milk by the baby. This will completely drain the breasts of the milk. One can then switch the baby to the other breast and repeat the process.
One should have pumping sessions in between nursing so that the body can stimulate itself to the increasing demand. The pumped milk can be stored in a clean vessel so that it can be fed to the baby in case he/she needs supplements.
Eat the food items that increase milk production in the body, like papaya, fenugreek, oats.
A sleeping baby may need to be made more active so that they can feed on the milk more vigorously, thus increasing the demand which will result in a better stimulation.
What Are the Best Breast Milk Increasing Foods
Fenugreek: A very common herb, it is used in breastfeeding supplements as well. These are known to stimulate the production of sweat in a body. Since the breasts are modified form of sweat gland, they also help in increasing the milk production. Those who have consumed fenugreek have reported an increase in the production of milk within 1-2 days.
Oats: There are some cookies available in the market called lactation cookies. These cookies generally contain oats which have long been believed to help in milk production.
Fennel: This is a galactagogue and that's why it can be found in various teas and supplements that are used for increasing the milk production.
Brewer’s yeast: There is no scientific proof about why this helps in milk production but consuming it is believed to help the lactation.
Spinach: They are iron rich and can help in increasing the iron level in the body which may have decreased due to the loss of blood during the birth of the child. Low iron levels have generally been linked with a low milk production rate.
As you have noticed, some of these food items have no scientific evidence which states that they can help in boosting the production of milk in a mother. However, many people claim that these foods work and one can perhaps go along with this by saying none of them can be disproved in any way.
When Supplements Are Needed
A new mother should start taking supplements from the day the baby is born so that she can ready her body for lactation as soon as possible. This can help the mother in producing a sizable amount of milk for her baby. Medical experts say that one should establish a good milk supply within the first six weeks so that the baby doesn’t develop any problems in the future.
Is It Ok to Breastfeed Even if Having a Low Breast Milk
It is completely fine to breastfeed even if there is low breast milk in a mother. This will stimulate the breasts to produce more milk to match up to the demand. While the breasts adjust, the baby’s diet may be supplemented by formula milk so that there is no reduction in the supply of nutrition to the baby and he/she can grow properly and become healthy and strong.
Conclusion
After going through various reports and surveys, one may easily be lead to believe that most of the cases of low milk supply in new mothers are more a psychological problem than a real one. The problem of low milk supply may pose health problems for the baby in terms of poor growth. However, this isn’t a long-term problem as the problem can be rectified through numerous remedies. Even in the worst-case scenario, there is always the option of getting a wet nurse who can temporarily help feed the baby. Read more
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Tooth Pain during Pregnancy - Causes and Remedies
Pregnancy is a wonderful phase and almost all women want to embrace motherhood at some point. But this journey of pregnancy may not be easy for all women. Pregnancy brings certain challenges with it, and one such challenge may be the pain in the teeth. If you want to know why you may have a toothache in pregnancy then browse through the following article. Know the various causes of tooth pain during pregnancy and the measures you may adapt to take care of your teeth.
Can Pregnancy Cause Toothache?
If you are wondering if your pregnancy may cause any kind of dental problems, the answer to this question is yes, pregnancy may lead to teeth and gum problems. Dental problems during pregnancy may arise due to hormonal imbalance, calcium requirements of your baby, and other such factors. However, if you are consuming calcium in adequate amounts, maintaining dental hygiene and paying your dentist a regular visit, you may stay away from any kind of dental issues during pregnancy.
Does Toothache Affect Your Unborn Baby?
In a study, it was established that there was a direct link between severe gum ailments that a woman may experience during pregnancy and low birth or preterm babies being born to these women. In a study conducted on 100 pregnant women, who suffered from chronic periodontal diseases, 18 women were reported to have delivered preterm or premature babies. However, proper care and prompt dental treatment reduce the risk of preterm or premature babies to a great extent.
What Are the Causes of Tooth Pain in Pregnancy?
Following are some of the causes that may cause tooth pain during pregnancy:
Morning sickness may be one of the reasons for your dental troubles during pregnancy. When the stomach acid comes into your mouth, it may lead to dental cavities and toothaches during pregnancy.
The hormonal disturbances in the body during pregnancy may make you more prone to gingivitis, which in turn may lead to various tooth and gum troubles.
Your diet undergoes various changes during pregnancy. If you consume more dairy products or sugary products, then it may increase your chances of having dental problems.
When you become pregnant, your body’s calcium requirement increases as it needs to facilitate the calcium requirements of a growing foetus. However, if you do not consume adequate amounts of calcium during pregnancy, it may lead to demineralisation on your tooth enamel, causing toothaches and pains.
Pregnancy may make your gums and teeth sensitive, and this may lead to improper brushing or brushless frequently, which in turn may lead to dental problems.
Treatment for a Toothache in Pregnancy
Where some women may like to postpone their dental treatment until their delivery, others may have to get the treatment to avoid further complications. Here are some treatment recommendations that your doctor may make:
1. X-ray
Sometimes your doctor may have to make use of an x-ray to establish the extent of damage to the tooth. Many women fear that undergoing an x-ray can have adverse effects on their unborn baby. Your dentist may not recommend an x-ray until or unless it is absolutely necessary for your treatment, but if he does then you may be told to wear a lead apron that may save your baby from the ill-effects of an x-ray.
2. Medication
Whenever you visit a dentist for solving your dental problems bring it to his notice that you are pregnant, as there are some medicines for a toothache that may lead to birth defects and other complications in your baby if taken during pregnancy. You will require a course of antibiotics in case you have any kind of gum or tooth infection.
Natural Remedies
Pregnancy may make you extra cautious regarding your health, and when it comes to dealing with dental troubles, you will first want to try some natural remedies. Well, the good news is we have some natural remedies that you may effectively use to treat tooth pain during pregnancy:
Cloves are one of the best options for treating tooth pain. You may either chew a clove or apply clove oil on the affected tooth.
Chewing on some spinach leaves is also an effective remedy for tooth pain during pregnancy.
Applying hot compressions may help in reducing the pain. You may soak a washcloth in some warm water and apply on the face, where your tooth may be hurting.
Gargling with the decoction made by boiling some guava leaves or chewing some guava leaves directly also helps in curing the toothache.
Allicin present in garlic is effective in killing the tooth-decaying bacteria and thus chewing on a garlic pod can also relieve the tooth pain.
Can Vomiting Damage Your Teeth?
Frequent vomiting bouts or acid refluxes during pregnancy may coat your teeth with stomach acid. This acid damages the tooth enamel and thus may cause various dental problems. Hence, vomiting during pregnancy may damage your teeth.
How to Increase Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium not only protects your bone mass during pregnancy but also helps in the formation of foetal bones and teeth too. So, here are some foods rich in calcium that you should include in your diet:
Cheese
Curd
Calcium-fortified soy milk
Calcium is important for your body, but in the dearth of vitamin D in the body, it does not get properly absorbed by your body. So along with calcium, your body should also get enough vitamin D. You can include these foods in your diet:
Salmon and other fatty fishes
Eggs
Cheese
Fortified margarine
Things to Remember While Brushing Your Teeth
There are a few things that you should remember while brushing your teeth to reduce the chances of having any tooth problems during pregnancy, such as:
Take some time to brush your teeth and go for slow brushing strokes.
If you do not like the taste of your toothpaste, try using different toothpaste.
Be deliberate with your brushing action, however, do not brush vigorously.
Use a brush with a smaller head, which is usually used by younger children.
If brushing makes you feel like vomiting, we recommend distracting yourself by listening to some music or closing your eyes and focusing on something else.
Pre-pregnancy Dental Health Care Tips
If you are trying to get pregnant, apart from taking other precautions, you should also pay heed to your dental health so that you do not have any dental problems during pregnancy. Here are some pre-pregnancy dental care tips that may help you in taking care of your oral hygiene:
Go for regular dental visits so that any dental problem can be taken care of.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
You may not like it but flossing helps. So, floss your teeth daily.
Prevention is better than cure; therefore, your efforts should be integrated towards not having any kind of tooth problems during pregnancy. However, if you develop any kind of dental problems, visit your dentist at earliest.
Also Read: Home Remedies for Tooth Pain and Bleeding Gums when Pregnant Read more
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15 Tips To Deal With Baby's Witching Hour
Infants get cranky, and it is unpredictable most of the time. New mothers have to learn the art of taking all that crying with a pinch of salt. They must understand the innumerable moods of the little one and work with what little information is available to help decode baby’s dispositions. One of the many trying things about the first few months with your infant is something known as witching hour in babies. Here we discuss what witching hour is, what are the probable causes, and how you can deal with it.
What is A Witching Hour?
Witching hour also known as an arsenic hour is the time from late afternoon to late evening when infants tend to display fussy and cranky behaviour. It earns its name from European legends that describe witching hour as the hours when monsters, ghouls and other eerie creatures are at their powerful best. Witching hour in infants can be a deceptive term because the duration of crying and restlessness can last for up to 4-5 hours. During this time, infants can be very difficult to console or soothe. The infant may or may not want to feed, may find it difficult to fall asleep, and will seem tired and restless.
When is the Arsenic Hour?
Witching hours or Arsenic Hours are usually considered to be between 5 pm to 12 am when the infant cries for durations lasting 30 minutes to a few hours.
When Do Infants Grow out of The Witching Hour?
Witching hour begins for baby at around 2-3 weeks after birth and crests by the eighth week. The positive thing to remember that this is not a phase that lasts forever and eventually the baby grows out of it. You will find that witching hour for baby ends at around 4 months for most babies while some grow out of it at the end of five months.
What Causes Baby Witching Hour?
Several reasons have speculated to cause the crying and fuss during witching hours. It often leaves new mothers confused themselves. Here is a list of probable causes:
1. Colic
If your infant has been crying inconsolably for hours, it could be possible that baby is suffering from colic. Infants anguished by colic make intense noises while clenching their fists. They also arch their backs and have a sensitive, reddish face when they cry.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the principal reasons for your infant’s evening fussiness. A bad sleep routine could prompt fatigue. If the little one skips sleep frequently, the amassed fatigue can kindle cranky behaviour, leading to wailing during the witching.
3. Lack of Attention
The absence of attention could be an important reason for baby’s nighttime wailing. Ultimately, even though you may think they are too small to feel it, infant sense separation in a heightened way! Late afternoons are busy for the entire household. Your spouse my return from work, the elders get together, and you have to complete daily chore too. All these chores can take attention away from your baby.
4. Overstimulation
Excessive noise, light and activity during the day can cause excess stimulation for baby. This makes them fussy by evening, and they could end up being exhausted by the hyper-stimulation during the day or miss it and be annoyed at the stillness of the night.
5. Hunger
Babies tend to ‘cluster feed’ after dusk. Cluster feeding indicates that babies feed recurrently and far more frequently than compared to the rest of the day. Occasionally, infants feed even once each hour. This enables them to sleep for larger durations at night. Babies that cluster feed tends to sleep their longest stretch after their feeds. Sometimes, witching-hour cries could be to initiating feeding.
6. Stomach Problems
Flatulence, gas, or constipation may be a cause for excessive crying during the evenings. A breastfed infant could be troubled by something the mother ingested during her meal. Caffeine, carbonated drinks, chillies, and potatoes can cause the baby to become flatulent and gassy. It is best to watch your diet while breastfeeding.
7. Hypersensitivity
Infants take some time to adjust to the world as they have been so comfortable inside the uterus. Therefore, infants can be overwhelmed by sensations of sight and sound as they try adjusting to the bright and noisy world outside.
Tips to Cope with The Witching Hour
Here are some baby witching hour remedies that you could try out:
1. Accept the Inevitable
Accept that the arsenic hour is inevitable in the infants first few weeks. Remember, though, that it too shall pass.
2. Make Yourself Comfortable
Take time to relax, finish daily chores on time, and snuggle with your baby. When you are comfortable, your baby will be comfortable.
3. Plan
Massage your baby, swaddle them well, sing a lullaby, or do whatever makes them coo with happiness.
4. Stay Calm
When the mother feels anxiety, inevitably it passes on to the baby. Stay calm through your infant’s storm.
5. Engage Your Baby
Keep your little one occupied. Talk to them, play some music, or even play peek-a-boo.
6. Make Quiet Time
Disengage from the world, find a quiet, dark room and feed your baby and cuddle with them.
7. Give them a Bath
A warm tub of water and mommy’s reassuring hands can relax your little one and help them fall asleep better.
8. Comfort Feed Your Baby
Even if your baby is not hungry, the breast can sometimes provide the warmth and comfort that your baby needs to get through witching hour.
9. Burp Them
Trapped gases could cause discomfort. So, burp your baby after every meal.
10. Use White Noise
Download white noise applications or use the sound of the fan to soothe your infant.
11. Play Music
Music can soothe baby and help them fall asleep. Try different kinds of music at low volume until you find one that you both enjoy.
12. Offer Something to Eat
If the baby has begun solids, offer bits of snack to make them feel better.
13. Observe for Early Hunger and Sleep Cues
Watch for a finger licking, rubbing of eyes etc. that indicate sleep or hunger and remedy them before they get out of hand to help in the soothing baby during the witching hour.
14. Prevent Over-Tiredness
Make sure that the baby gets to sleep sufficiently during the day to prevent tiredness at night.
15. Work with Your Partner
Make sure that you work with your partner and take shifts on chores so that you don’t wear yourself thin and are available for baby as often as possible.
Could It Be Colic?
Colic is one of the several reasons that make an infant cry for extended periods. A confusion on baby witching hour vs colic can be clarified by knowing that colic is accompanied by lengthy periods of forceful crying in usually healthy babies. The cause is relatively unknown but associated with gas and flatulence in babies. Witching hours, on the other hand, can be a result of tiredness, fatigue or any of the other causes mentioned above.
Whatever the reason for your baby’s restlessness, remember that once this phase is over, you probably won’t even remember how terrible it was. All you want to remember is that innocent smile and those tiny fingers and toes. So, keep calm and be an awesome mom.
Also Read: Baby Whining – Causes and Tips Read more
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Dimpal
Mom of a 10 m old girl
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15 Fun Ways to Get Children to Wash Their Hands
Washing hands is the easiest and most effective way to stop the spread of germs, and is all the more essential in the times of the COVID-19 coronavirus. It’s easy to explain the importance of washing your hands frequently to adults, but doing the same to kids is a whole new ballgame. But, make anything fun, and you’re sure to grab your kid’s attention. Here are 15 ways to make hand-washing fun for kids!
Video: Coronavirus Pandemic: Fun Ways to Get Your Kids to Wash Their Hands
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS-E0l2ajMY
The Proper Hand Washing Routine You Should Follow
Yes, there’s a ‘right’ way to wash your hands! Before you begin to teach your kids, it is important that you have it right!
Step 1: Wet your hands under clean, running water, and turn off the tap.
Step 2: Apply soap and lather it thoroughly, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget the nooks between your fingers, under your nails, and the back of your hands.
Step 3: Rinse your hands under running water until all the soap is washed away.
Step 4: Dry your hands with a clean towel.
15 Fun Ways to Get Your Kids to Wash Their Hands
Getting your kids to wash their hands regularly can be a challenge, especially when it starts seeming like a chore. Follow these 15 fun and unique ways to get your little one to wash his hands, and it’ll never be just another boring task again!
1. Use a Foaming Soap
Source: Pinterest
Let’s face it; adults LOVE playing with foam too, so you can imagine how excited your little one will be. Use a soap that gets super-foamy when you lather it, and you’ll find your child constantly making excuses to wash his hands more! Tried and tested!
2. Sing a Song
The best way to get your child to wash his hands until the 20-second mark is to sing a song. Whether your little one’s favourite song is ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ or a song from their favourite animated movie, sing along with him every time he washes his hands. You can also make it a rule to sing a new song or rhyme during every hand-wash.
3. Get Creative and Make Up a Song
Make up a fun song on hand-washing that takes you through the process, like scrubbing the back of your hands, applying soap, etc. so your child can sing and do the same action, simultaneously. Coming up with the song takes a little work, but it’s worth it! Here’s one to try out - Soap and water, wash and scrub, Get those germs off rub-a-dub, Twinkle, twinkle little star, Look how clean my two hands are!
4. Splash Some Glitter
Buy some child-safe glitter and spray it on your kid’s hands before he washes it. The task for him is to wash his hands until the glitter is completely removed. Fun, sparkly hand-washes, right?
5. Blow Soap Bubbles
Need we say more? Soapy, bubbly hand-washes will give you a reason to maintain perfect hygiene as well, so win-win!
6. Create a Routine
Create a routine throughout the day so your child washes his hands before and after eating, after playing with his toys, before bed, etc., and it will soon happen like clockwork.
7. Buy Fun Soaps
Buy soaps in different shapes and colours, so your child likes using them to wash his hands. They’re way more fun than regular, boring soaps! If you can’t find any such soaps around, you can even carve regular soaps into different shapes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaqM7a15NDU
Source: YouTube
8. Make It Animated
Make fun noises for every step of the hand-washing process or do a little dance when you’re done washing hands. There’s nothing better than watching their parents be goofy and fun, to make kids look forward to washing their hands!
9. Draw on the Palms
This is another version of spraying glitter on your child’s hands. Draw Xs or Os on your child’s palms with a child-safe, washable marker and ask him to wash his hands thoroughly, until the ink comes off. You can get creative with what you draw. We personally recommend drawing little bugs/germs!
10. Explain About Germs (But in a Fun Way!)
We often underestimate how much children understand. The truth is, you can actually get through to your child by explaining something to them in a fun way that holds his interest. Show them fun videos or pictures or explain to them how handwashing keeps germs away in a fun, storytelling manner. This video should help you get started.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7ryO6E7ZUw
Source: YouTube
11. Create a Chart
Create a chart at home with regular times of the day that your little one should watch his hands, and hang it in near the entrance to the bathroom or near the wash-basin. Ask your child to tick the box or place a sticker on the box, every time he washes his hands. You’ll see just how enthusiastically he washes his hands!
12. Make It a Game
Create a fun game that includes washing the hands or create a hand-washing game to make it fun for your child. Your child is sure to look forward to hand-washing time!
13. Assign a Toy
Give your child a toy to wash, every time he washes his hands. Choose a toy that can be washed and dried fast instead of a soft toy. You’ll be surprised at how much fun your child has, washing his toys. Plus, you won’t have to worry about dirt and dust accumulating on your child’s toys.
14. Lead By Example
Children tend to ape their parents. Wash your hands without making it seem like a chore, and your child is sure to follow!
15. Switch It Up
Young kids love how sanitiser ‘disappears’ on their hands, just like magic. So, once or twice in a day, ask them to sanitise their hands instead of washing! The switch in routine keeps things interesting! But, be sure to moisturise their hands as a sanitiser can dry out their delicate skin.
Washing your hands will keep you and your family safe from any viruses floating around. Make it a fun task for your little one, and you won’t have to chase him around the house all day for this simple task!
Also Read:
Essential & Must Have Healthy Habits for Children
Hand Washing for Kids Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
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Important Beach Safety Tips for Kids
Summertime generally means hitting the beach for most families. Beaches are a great place to unwind. However, they can also be dangerous, especially if you have young kids who you have taken along. Ensuring the safety of your little ones is of utmost importance at a beach.
A lot of families wonder, “Is it safe to go to the beach with little kids?” It is safe to head out to a beach and unwind with your little ones as long as you follow the safety precautions. Here, we give you all the water safety rules at the beach to keep your family safe this summer.
Beach Safety Rules to Keep in Mind for Children
To keep yourself as well as your children out of danger while ensuring that they still have plenty of fun, follow these rules:
1. Brush-up on swimming skills
Do you wonder, “is swimming at the beach safe?” Remember that swimming in an ocean or a sea is much different from swimming in a pool. It is a fact that swimming in an ocean or sea requires much more physical effort and skill than swimming in a pool. Also, you must remember that the water in a sea is dark and includes living creatures with absolutely no concrete sides or ladders to hold on to. For this reason, children may struggle to swim in an ocean and may also be intimidated by the waves pushing them around while they cannot see the bottom. If you are taking your child to the beach for the first time, we recommend that you prepare your child for these differences beforehand, and it might be helpful for your child to get some survival swimming practice.
2. Purchase life jackets
We recommend purchasing life jackets if you plan to take toddlers to the beach. Remember that it just takes a second to get distracted, and your child may wander into the water. Also, having a life jacket on your little one provides you with that extra protection and peace of mind that your child won’t drown in the water easily. However, we recommend that you try the life jacket on your child and test it in a pool before using it on a beach.
3. Check the water conditions beforehand
Almost all swimming beaches have beach flags and lifeguards, which indicate the weather conditions. If these indicate a rough sea and you witness high currents, it is best to avoid the beach that day. Also, keep the children out of the water if the current brings jellyfish inland. If there is a beach safety rope available, inform your children about it before going into the water.
4. Ensure there is a lifeguard around
A lifeguard must be close to where your children are playing in the water. Always swim near a lifeguard on duty.
5. Ensure the children do not touch the marine life
It is highly recommended that your children understand that they should not approach or touch the marine life around even if they feel it needs help. Instead, you can request help from a local lifeguard or the beach patrol. An injured whale, a beached seal, or a jellyfish washed up on shore can be dangerous.
6. Educate your children on the ocean currents
There are two kinds of currents one may experience at a beach. These are the rip currents and the longshore currents. Children need to stay safe from the longshore currents as these are the currents that push one towards the beach with each wave.
7. Set-up boundaries
As longshore currents can slowly push the kids down the beach, we suggest that you set some limits or boundaries for the kids while at the beach. For example, you can ask your kids to be between two points while playing at the beach. You can probably select a specific distance between you and the lifeguard chair. This makes it easier for children to play without the danger of losing sight of the family as they know exactly where to look for you.
8. Always use the buddy system
It is never a good idea to let your kids swim alone. Children must be encouraged to swim with a buddy. For younger children, you are their buddy. You can decide and take turns with your partner or group of friends to swim with your child or children. This makes stimming at the beach a lot safer.
9. Always be alert
It may be extremely tempting to take a nap as you unwind on the beach. However, if you have taken children with you, you must always be alert and keep an eye on them even if you feel that they are old enough (tweens/teens). Little ones should always be within your reach. If you have gone to the beach as a family, then take turns to watch the kids. You can never completely rely on the lifeguards to keep an eye on your kids.
10. Sunscreen and hydration
Always ensure that you and your children put on an ample amount of sunscreen to protect the skin. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers the skin entirely. You also need to make sure that you and your family stay hydrated throughout the day. Make sure to carry a cooler filled with water and keep drinking water throughout the day.
The beach can be a great place to unwind and relax as a family. Just make sure to follow these precautionary steps to keep danger away.
Also Read:
Fire Safety for Children
Electrical Safety Tips for Kids
Amusement Park Safety for Children Read more
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