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Home Remedies for Constipation in Infants
If you notice that your baby is not able to poop properly or has difficulty in pooping, then your baby may be suffering from constipation. Constipation may result because of many reasons such as a change in food habits, formula milk or a passing illness. You may effectively deal with your baby’s constipation with some tried and tested home remedies.
Signs of Constipation in Babies
Uncomfortable while passing the stools
Hard and dry stools
Being fussy and spitting up more often
Pain during bowel movement
Belly Pain and Bloating
Blood in the stool
12 Best Natural Remedies for Constipation in Babies
Seeing your baby in pain and discomfort can be very daunting. Following are some natural remedies for constipation in babies that may prove to be fruitful:
1. Apple Juice
Just like adults, the absence of fibre may cause constipation in babies too. The presence of pectin- a water-soluble fibre in apples is very beneficial in treating constipation. You may juice an apple along with its skin and give it your baby to drink in a feeding bottle or sipper. A bottle of juice a day may help your baby to pass stool with ease.
2. Prune Juice
Prune juice is quite effective is battling with constipation in babies. Prunes are natural laxatives. Thus prune juice works wonders to ease bowel movements in babies. It may take four to five hours for the prune juice to induce a bowel movement.
3. Brown Sugar
If your baby is above one year of age, then brown sugar solution can do wonders in treating constipation. You may mix half teaspoon sugar and half an ounce of water and give this solution to your baby twice a day. It is recommended that you use palm sugar or brown sugar and not the white one.
4. Organic Coconut Oil
Organic coconut oil works really well in case your baby is suffering from infrequent bowel movements or has difficulty in passing the stool. You may add two to three millilitres of coconut oil in your baby’s food if your baby is more than six months of age. If your baby is less than six months, then you may apply coconut oil around your baby’s anus to ease the stools.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are extremely beneficial in combating constipation in babies who are above 6 months of age. You may give tomato juice to your baby for smooth bowels. Boil one small tomato with one cup of water. Cool and strain the mixture. Give three to four spoons of this juice to your baby on a daily basis to avoid constipation.
6. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are known for their many health benefits, and these seeds are very effective in treating digestive issues. You may boil a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water. Cool and strain the decoction and give this to your baby three to four times a day. If your baby is less than 6 months, the mother may include fennel seeds twice a day.
7. Papaya
Papaya is a rich source of fibre and thus very effective in treating constipation. For babies who are over six months, papaya is a great remedy to battle constipation. Papaya pulp, chunks or smoothies can be given to the baby to regulate the bowel movements.
8. Pears
Pears are rich in pectin and dietary fibre. Pears can be grated to extract its juice. It is best to give pear juice in a diluted form to your baby. Therefore, mix two ounces of juice with equal amounts of water and give your baby for aiding smooth bowel movements. Pears may be given to a baby after four months of age.
9. Fluids
Constipation may occur because of the dearth of adequate liquids or fluids in your baby’s diet. Therefore, if your baby is over 6 months, it is advised that you include ample fluids in your baby’s diet. Soups, fruit juices, milk and water, are some options to pep the fluid intake. Adequate amounts of liquids in your baby’s body may aid smooth bowel movements.
10. Warm Water Bath
A warm water bath is an ideal way to soothe and relax the tensed muscles. A warm bath also works well in case of constipation. Fill your baby’s bathtub with warm water and put a few spoons of baking soda. It will help the rectal muscles to open up and aid in the bowel movement.
11. Massage
Tummy massages are a great way of inducing bowel movements in babies. It is recommended that you use gentle hand movements in a clockwise direction to stimulate the bowels to move to the rectal region. You may use any good baby oil for massaging.
12. Exercising
Just like adults, it is very important for babies to move around or exercise to have smooth bowel movements. If your baby is in a crawling stage, you may encourage your baby to move around in the house. If your baby is younger, then you may help your baby to exercise by moving the legs in forward-backwards motion, circular motion or pumping motion. This is one of the most effective newborn baby constipation remedies.
It is recommended to consult a doctor before adopting any home remedies to your baby. If your baby is not feeding properly, losing weight or passes blood in the stool, seek immediate medical help.
Also Read: Foods That Cause and Relieve Constipation in Babies Read more
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Toys for 3 Months Old Baby
Give them a toy and you’ll realize just how playful and curious your baby can be even at only 3 months of age! Toys are great in stimulating a baby's motor and sensory skills along with aiding in cognitive development. So, what kinds of toys are good for your 3-month-old? Continue reading to find out.
Teething Toys
Teething toys are designed to be chewed on by the baby. They aid in the eruption of the front, middle and back teeth.
1. Skills development
Along with stimulating their gums, teethers help build motor skills. They are also good for:
Keeping the baby busy for hours playing with the brightly coloured toy that have different textured features
Relieve soreness in the gums
Build jaw strength and hand coordination
2. Recommended toys
Teething toys with rattlers
BPA-free Hard/soft teething keys
Silicone water filled teethers
Developmental Toys
Developmental toys have interactive features that respond to inputs.
1. Skills development
These toys help in cognitive skills and sensory development. Their features include:
Motion sensors that activate sound effects and melodies
Flashing lights along with buzzers that stimulate both vision and touch sensory inputs
By flipping the movable parts or pushing the buttons, babies develop motor skills
Auditory stimulation helps develop hearing and differentiation of different sounds
2. Recommended toys
Talk and Go Farm Rattle
Take Along Musical Toy
Animal activity Rattle
Musical Toys
Musical toys produce sounds when struck or play tunes at the push of a button.
1. Skills development
These toys build their sensory skills and recognition. They are also useful in:
Putting babies to sleep with relaxing music such as lullabies and sounds of nature
Toys that also feature lights can serve as a bed light
A projector that can project images of stars and the sky in the night can help learn patterns
2. Recommended toys
Twinkle and learn Tambourine
Soft musical nightlight
Star projector with relaxing music
Light Up Toys
Light up toys come with flashing lights and synchronized sound. They could be in the form of a soft toy or a rattler.
1. Skills development
Visual stimulation is the primary function of these toys with auditory stimulation as an added benefit. They are also useful in:
Building motor skills as babies learn to touch and handle toys
Cognitive skills are built with the inputs giving out visual and audio response
Putting babies to sleep as a bed light
2. Recommended toys
Animal soft toy with motion activated light
Toys that double as bed lights
Baby lullaby projector
Activity Toys
Activity toys feature a host of things to play with making them great toys for 3-month-old baby boy or girl.
1. Skills development
Stimulation of the senses and self-expression are the important skills developed by these toys. They also help in:
Hand to eye coordination
Keep babies buy with their attention focused on the toys
Educational toys build a logical perception
2. Recommended toys
Soft cloth book
Play gym
Crib danglers
Sensory Toys
Sensory toys are engaging and offer a range of textures to feel and explore.
1. Skills development
It builds motor and sensory skills while helping baby gain a feel for what each object can do. You will also find that:
They build the idea of textures and sounds together for each toy so babies can learn to recognize individual toys and their unique sounds.
The different textures stimulate tactile perception
2. Recommended toys
Roll and sing caterpillar
Spin to discover toys
Turn and learn driver
Crib Toys
Crib toys are fun and stimulating in every way. They can keep babies engaged most of the time with an assortment of interesting objects to play with.
1. Skills development
Crib toys develop visual ability, built grasping and auditory skills. They are designed over-all to serve these functions:
2. Recommended toys
Multifunctional hanging animal toy
Baby stroller with music
Wrap around crib- Giraffe
Baby Einstein Toys
These toys combine all the functions into one set of toys which each toy displaying a function.
1. Skills development
It builds sensory and motor skills in babies. They also have functions such as:
Activity balls that are easy to grasp for little baby hands
Each ball comes with one feature such as a mirror, chime, light and rattle.
2. Recommended toys
Roller pillar activity toys
Shake and spin activity toys
Bumpy ball
Hand-Held Toys
Handheld toys are the most basic toys that can be carried around and offered to your baby to soothe them.
1. Skills development
They develop motor and sensory skills along with vision. Handheld toys are useful because:
They are easy to carry around and offer to the baby when they need a distraction
The features and textures are stimulating
It promotes tactile and visual perception
2. Recommended toys
Wrist and foot finder rattler
Maracas musical toy
Birdie activity toy
What Do Age Recommendation Labels on Toys Mean
Age recommendations are guidelines offered to parents or gift-givers to help them choose a toy that is suitable for a baby of a certain age. The guidelines are based on the following factors:
Safety first. Some of the toys that are safer for older children are not suitable for toddlers, for instance, toys that have small parts that can be easily swallowed. Children younger than 3 years old tend to put things in their mouth often, therefore all toys are designed to prevent this.
A thorough knowledge of the various stages of development of children goes into designing toys. Toys for babies mostly involve grabbing, shaking and squeezing to build motor skills. A 6-month-old would just bang a bunch of building blocks together while a 2-year-old might want to stack them, older ones might want to build things and so on.
Observations of how children use the toys are done by the developers by testing them with real children to see how they appeal o different age groups. They also observe for how they play with the toys and pick out design flaws in them.
Inputs from parents and children go into making toys for different age groups. They need to be designed with the entire household in mind and other parameters that affect the rest in the house.
The history of similar is taken into account when building a new one or upgrading an existing toy.
Safety Tips for Babies
Toys for infants 3 months of age while being fun should also be safe. Since they can also be hazardous here are a few tips:
Choose toys that are well designed, whether you’re buying new ones or using a toy passed down from older siblings; ensure they haven’t worn out in ways that can be dangerous. Pay attention to stitches and seams on stuff toys and that they are not damaged. Parts on other toys should be securely attached and has no sharp edges.
Avoid picking toys that have a chord or a string that’s longer than 12 inches. Long chords can wrap around the neck and strangle babies in sleep or during play.
Watch out for cheap plastics that can be toxic. Certain manufacturers could add chemicals such as plasticizers to make toys more flexible, these chemicals can be harmful.
Balloons and other rubbery sheets that can break into tiny bits are a choking hazard and should be avoided.
How to Choose Best Toys for Your 3 Month Old Baby
At three months your baby can grasp things and reach for what interests them. Here are some tips on how to choose good toys for them.
Lightweight rattlers are ideal toys for kids of this age. They are colourful and make plenty of noise. Look for rattlers made out of good quality materials and without small parts that can be swallowed.
Soft stuffed animals and dolls make good toys for 3 months baby girl. Babies start developing an attachment to a plush animal or toy and it’s important you buy them a good one which can last for years.
Teething rings with rattlers are a good choice for this age. Soon they’ll have sore gums and gnawing on a soft but firm rubber ring is soothing.
Squeaky rubber toys that squeak while being easy to grip is a popular toy among babies of this age group. They can be taken anywhere and are perfect during their tub time.
Activity bars that have plush or plastic toys on them can be fit on their crib, stroller or car seat. They can keep your baby occupied all the time.
In general toys that stimulate the most visually, by sound and touch become favourites among babies. Therefore choose any that blends all these features. Read more
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Simple Activities for your Baby Using Household Items
During those early years of raising your baby, there are multiple things that you are juggling. Providing correct nourishment to your baby, focusing on her intellectual development, and managing household chores and office work – all this leaves you struggling for work-life balance. In the midst of all these things, it is also important that you keep your baby engaged.
Here are some simple, cost-effective measures through which you can use household items to plan activities for your baby:
1. Shopping Game
Take your baby’s stroller and cover it with a napkin so that it becomes your baby’s shopping cart. Now, you can teach your baby how to buy stuff from a supermarket by displaying various fruits, vegetables, cereal boxes, etc. on a table and asking your baby to choose her favourite item to add to the cart.
2. Piggy Bank Game
Take any empty box and make a hole in the lid in such a way that coins can be dropped in through the lid. Give your baby a few coins and ask her to put the coins in the box through the hole made in the lid. While doing this fun activity, your baby will learn eye-hand co-ordination. When your baby sees through her eyes, signals are passed on to the brain. The brain then signals the hand to lift a coin and put it in the box. On the surface this looks very simple, however, this is an effective way of building eye hand co-ordination and also a thinking activity for your baby’s brain.
3. Shake the Box
The same box which is now filled with coins can be used to strengthen your baby’s arm muscles. Teach your baby to move the box up and down and from side to side. By doing this the box will make some noise which will entertain her. At the same time, the movement of the baby’s hand will strengthen her hand muscles.
4. Play with Flour
When you knead dough for making chapatis, keep a small portion aside. Use this dough to teach your baby to make different objects like a ball, bat, dog, cat and many more things depending on your baby’s age. The more creative you get, the better and faster your baby will learn. This game will not only stimulate your darling's thought process, it will also build finger muscles and palm muscles.
5. Push it Through
Use the same dough that you have prepared for the above exercise to create a slate. Keep three different coloured pulses in three separate plates. Then, teach your baby colours and ask her to place the pulses as per their colour in a different line. This activity will help your baby differentiate between different colours, shapes and sizes - at the same time.
Well, we have listed only a few activities here; the sky is the limit! Get more creative and you can teach your baby a number of different things using the simplest household items. Read more
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Six Ways to Deal With a Fussy Eater
Most kids I come across are fussy eaters. And their parents are frustrated because of their eating habits. Only one out of ten children have all the meals of the day or finish every meal. Such kids deserve a treat (maybe chocolate). To parents of such children, I'd like to say, "Guys, you are really lucky!" To all other parents out there (including me), I would say that don't worry. Follow this small guide to make sure that your child gets his daily dose of required nutrition. I tried several ways and settled on a few which kind of worked for my toddler and a seven-year-old. I want to share these ways with you all with a hope that it will help you as well.
1. Stop Naming Meals
Kids do not understand breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They eat when they are hungry or when they are bored. Except for the first meal of the day which you should give within the first two hours after he wakes up. Other meals can be flexible. You need not fix his meal times. For instance, if your child wants a snack minutes before lunch, do not deny him because then even lunch will be compromised. Give the snack and postpone lunch for some time.
2. Do Not Stock Unhealthy Snacks at Home
Talking of snacks, when kids know there is a packet of their favourite chips in the cupboard or chocolate in the fridge, they will have their mind set on it until you give it to them. And this might make them lose interest in the dish prepared by you. Also, don't make promises like - "first, eat this, then you will get that." Giving meals first then offering ice cream later usually works for a child, but don't let this become a habit. So even if you liking stocking food in the fridge stick to healthier options like fruits and juices.
3. Offer New Foods
Even if your child likes a particular dish a lot, do not give him the same dish twice in a day as it restricts the nutritional value and your child might get bored easily with the same dish. He might not even want to eat it when you make it on some other day.
4. Feed Less, Feed Frequently
Every two hours give your child a different food item but don't feed him too much. This way your child won't be too full and he will get a lot of nutrients daily.
5. Glorify Their Food
Whenever you give your child something to eat, make sure the food looks delicious. We all taste food with our eyes first, so make the food presentable and pleasing to the eyes. Also, eat with your child and make him believe that it is the tastiest thing on earth and you really enjoyed it. Kids are very smart nowadays, but then they will copy you out of curiosity.
6. Know The Calorie Count
Lastly, you should know the nutritive value of the food you serve. Read about it or ask a nutritionist. You should also have adequate knowledge about the foods available in the market. This is the most important thing that you can do for your kids. Check the number of calories present in food before giving it to your child.
Some kids have a smaller appetite and no matter how much you try they eat only a few morsels each time. But if you have done your homework and know the nutritive value of what you buy or cook, even a morsel is enough, literally, to keep them healthy and happy.
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. Read more
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10 Lifesaving Child Car Seat Guidelines You May Not Be Aware Of
You can choose from various categories of car seats like baby, convertible or booster seats depending upon whether your baby is an infant, toddler or 4 yrs and above. Using a child car seat consistently and installing it correctly is as important as putting on your seat belt every time you turn the engines on!
Buying and installing the correct model doesn’t ensure protection. You should make sure that you are using the car seat properly. Though this isn’t mandatory under child safety seat laws in India, it’s a regulation in many advanced countries of the world.
The following pointers can give you a much needed heads up on life saving child car seat rules that you may not be aware of.
10 Important Child Car Seat -Rules
1. Avoid Front-Facing Seats
Children have heads that are larger in proportion compared to their neck, shoulder and spine. In the event of a head on collision, a front facing seat/baby can suffer deadly injuries. So it’s advisable to use only rear facing seat till your child is at least 2 years old.
2. Strap it Right
When a baby is rear-facing, the shoulder straps should be at or below the baby’s shoulders, at a right angle from the recline of the back of the seat. Check that the fabric of the seat is properly stretched out so you can locate the strap easily.
3. Remember the “Pinch Test”
You should ensure that the straps are not too loose that your baby flies off or too tight that he suffocates. A pinch test should be carried out by first pulling tight any slack from the lap portion and then pinching the straps near the collar bone. You need to tighten up more if you are able to pinch the strap.
4. Check the chest clip
Chest clips should be placed in the mid to upper chest area ideally at armpit level. The truth is that even if it’s a little lower than armpit level, it will still do its job as a pre-crash position of the harness straps. Just make sure the belts are strapped tightly and correctly.
5. Outgrowing a Seat
You need to change your child’s seat type if he has out grown it. It's time to change when he has reached the maximum weight that can be supported by the seat. This is not negotiable and a replacement should be immediate.
6. Chuck the Fancy Coat
Dressing up your kids in coats is a strict no while strapping him up in his car seat. The coat creates a lot of room under pressure from the harness which might result in dangerous loosening of the harness. Replace the coat with a blanket in case it’s cold or put it back once you've reached your destination. It's best to keep cloth layering thin.
7. No Gapping
An important check in case of newborns should be complete elimination of gaps between the baby’s groin area and harness. In case you notice some gap, you can roll up a soft piece of cloth and put it an upside down U position with the middle sealing the gap.
8. Manual Smart
All car seats come with an instruction manual. Do remember to go through all the features and dos and don'ts for a safe journey.
9. Used seats
Never go for a second hand car seat. Your child’s car seat safety comes first and these second hand seats might not meet all the quality standards of a fresh product. Also keep your eyes open for seat designs or brands which have been recalled. Get in touch with the manufacturer of your current seat under such a scenario.
10. Airbags
Rear facing seats should not be used in cars with airbags in front passenger seats. The bags can inflate during an accident and cause serious head /spinal injuries in your child. Hence it’s best to prop your child in the back seat till he’s old enough to forward face in the front seat.
Hope these child car safety rules will be helpful next time you go baby outing in your car. Read more
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. Mera 8 month start hu white distance hora mere ko
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. hello since u are a expecting mom this would require a proper medical attention and it is better to check with your doctor and your doctor will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
5 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
43 mins ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
3 mins ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
37 mins ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
46 mins ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
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