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5 Amazing Benefits of Sunlight for Newborn Babies
A newborn baby’s sensitive skin needs to be protected from the harmful effects of the sun, including heat and moisture. Keeping your baby away from direct sunlight is a good idea, but exposing your little one to mild sunlight – especially in the morning – is beneficial in many ways. UV rays come with great health benefits when properly made use of for the baby.
Health Benefits of Sunlight for a Newborn
1. More Vitamin D:
This is one of the biggest benefits your baby will get on exposure to sunlight. Our body needs vitamin D; and to create it, the body requires a minimum of 15 minutes of UV rays every day, depending on the baby's skin tone - darker-skinned babies require more time in the sun, but it should not exceed 30 minutes. Vitamin D aids in absorbing calcium, which in turn strengthens bones and teeth. The immune system works efficiently, and the body is protected from diseases.
2. Better Serotonin Levels:
Sunlight is known to augment the production of serotonin when babies receive it in the necessary quantity. Serotonin, which is often called the ‘happy hormone’, boosts the feeling of happiness and security. Serotonin regulates sleep and digestion in babies.
3. Enhanced Insulin Levels:
Receiving sunlight from an early age can help prevent conditions like diabetes to a certain extent. Though it is not the only facilitator of good insulin levels, it is definitely an added advantage as the vitamin D in the body helps manage insulin levels. A healthy diet and exercise during the child’s growing years can be extremely beneficial in keeping diabetes in check.
4. Manages Jaundice or Yellowing of the Skin:
Sunlight helps break down bilirubin - a yellowish compound that occurs in the natural catabolic pathway - so that a baby's liver can process it more easily. The unchecked growth of bilirubin can cause the yellowing of a newborn baby's skin. Exposing your baby to morning sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes, undressed, every day, can help with mild jaundice. A severe case, however, will need more attention.
5. Higher Energy Levels:
When a newborn baby is exposed to natural sunlight, it helps regulate the production of melatonin. Melatonin levels in the baby can impact his sleep patterns, which are of utmost importance in the newborn's early years. Sunlight causes a dip in melatonin levels and increases serotonin, thus increasing energy levels.
Tips to Gain Maximum Benefits From Sunlight for your Baby
A 2017 study conducted by University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi showed that exposing babies regularly to sunlight has the ability to give them sufficient vitamin D levels to keep them healthy. The study found that exposing a baby as young as 6 weeks for around 30 minutes a week can give him adequate vitamin D levels to aid in his optimal growth and development. Research also suggests that exposing even 40% of the baby’s body to sunlight can do the trick. However, interestingly, the study showed that the ideal time for a sunbath for the baby is between 10 am and 3 pm! Ours is a tropical country, so sunlight is aplenty – if you live in a fairly cooler climate, the above-mentioned time can be considered. However, if you live in a place that is generally warm, consider the more popularly accepted timings of 7 am to 10 am to expose your little one to sunlight. Just remember this simple rule of thumb: The larger the surface area of the body exposed, the better it is for your baby.
Now that you know newborns and sunlight share a therapeutic relationship, here are a few tips to maximize its benefits:
1. Pick the Right Time:
Make sure your baby is exposed to sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes between 7 and 10 am to draw maximum benefits. An hour after sunrise and an hour prior to sunset is considered the best time to expose your baby to sunlight. Since the baby’s skin is sensitive, exposure to sunlight should not exceed 30 minutes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage your baby’s skin membrane, causing redness, burning, and irritation.
2. Use Minimum Clothing:
It is important that the baby’s entire body, including the chest and back, receives equal attention. So, ensure that your child isn’t fully clothed. Shield your little one’s eyes if possible to avoid any chances of damage.
3. Choose the Right Location:
It is not necessary that your baby’s sunbathing is carried out in a completely open space. Open a window that can stream sunlight in, or place the baby in the room with natural sunlight. If it is windy, it is best to keep the baby indoors to avoid dust or other foreign bodies from affecting his eyes. Your baby can bask in the sunlight through a clear glass window just as well.
4. Premature Babies Need Attention:
In case your baby is premature, do not expose him to sunlight during the initial few weeks. The baby may not be able to adjust to the warm temperature, and this could prove unsafe for him. Preterm babies need a stable body temperature, and thus should be kept away from direct sunlight in the initial period. Babies within a healthy weight range can be placed near a clear window.
5. Sensitive Skin Needs Care:
If your baby has sensitive skin, check with your doctor if it is ok to expose him to direct sunlight. Otherwise, you may damage the baby’s skin as it could dry the skin, leading to rashes, peeling or general irritation.
6. There Are No Age Barriers to Sunbathing:
Did you know the process of bone formation happens until one’s teenage years? Since vitamin D is vital for bone formation, exposure to sunlight is mandatory at all ages. For newborn babies, it helps in managing bilirubin levels if it is done in the first few weeks. Remember that you also need vitamin D as much as your baby does, so don't hesitate to expose yourself to sunlight when doing so with your baby!
7. Pre-Bath Cleaning Can Be Detailed:
Your baby can receive his daily dose of sunlight before he has his bath. This will help you to clean areas that are overlooked, like the folds of the stomach, thighs, feet, and areas behind the ears.
8. Watch Body Temperature:
Any abnormal increase in the baby’s body temperature due to prolonged exposure to sunlight should be a cause for concern. The baby’s body and brain function can be affected by high temperatures, so the duration and temperature have to be monitored carefully.
9. Use Time Wisely:
While your baby is enjoying his time in the soft sunlight, you can use this opportunity to connect with the baby. You can massage the baby lightly with baby oil to give him additional protection against skin problems. Caressing the baby creates a feeling of security and warmth, and promotes good health. Make sure you speak to the baby the entire time and build a foundation for future communication between you and him. This well-utilised time has many physical and emotional benefits for both, the baby and the mother.
Now that you understand the powerful physical and emotional benefits of sunlight exposure for your little one, it is time to take action! You will have to consider your baby’s skin condition and general health before you do so. Make sure you join your baby for this glorious exercise whenever possible. Sunlight is available in abundance for most of us, and we should utilise it to the maximum for health-related benefits. Read more
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Flat Feet in Children - Reasons, Symptoms & Treatment
When you become parents, there are a million things that you may worry about your kid. What your kid eats, his growth, reaching various milestones etc. may be on top priority but has it ever occurred to you that kids may sometimes have problems with their feet too. If you think what may probably go wrong with the feet, well, flat feet is one such condition that you should certainly not ignore. If you are not much aware of this condition, reading this post may prove to be informative.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet or pes planus is a condition in which your kid does not have an arch in all of his foot, or most part of his foot may touch the ground. As the name is suggestive enough, this problem is associated with the foot, but actually, it is the heel where the problem initiates. When your child has flat feet, his heel bone rotates inwards, causing your child’s feet to collapse inwards. This may hamper the proper distribution of body weight, and your child may walk using the inner part of his foot.
What are the Types of Flat Foot?
Following are some common types of flat foot in children:
1. Flexible Flatfoot
This is the most common type of flatfoot. This hypermobile flatfoot may not cause any disability in your child. Also, this condition may affect both the feet of the child and in most cases no treatment may be required.
2. Flexible Flatfoot With Short Achilles Tendon
This condition usually affects both the feet of a child and the child may experience extreme pain and discomfort. However, it is a very rare occurrence in children.
3. Rigid Flatfoot
This condition may affect single foot or both the feet. It is seen that 1 out of 4 children suffering from this condition may experience severe pain and discomfort. It is more prevalent in children who suffer from issues related to their bones or feet.
What are the Causes of Flat Feet in Kids?
Here are some common reasons that may lead to this condition in children:
If your kid has low muscle tone, it can make his muscles too stretchy. When the muscles become too stretchy, they may allow movement beyond its normal range of motion. This may make your child’s heel to rotate inwards and remove the arch.
In case, your child has high muscle tone this may result in shortening of Achilles' tendons. All this may put pressure on child’s feet, and his feet may get pulled inwards.
Symptoms of Flatfoot
Symptoms that may help you establish this condition in your child:
Your child may face difficulty with shoes.
Your child may experience outward tilting of his heel.
Your child may face difficulty in walking.
Your child may exhibit no enthusiasm for participating in physical activities.
Your child may experience cramping, pain or tenderness in his foot, knee or leg.
Problems Faced by Kids Due to Flat Feet
As trivial as it may appear but flatfoot may lead to complications and following are some of the problems that your child may face:
Abnormal or improper walking style
Muscle weakness
Improper body alignment
Improper foot development
Joint pain
Diagnosis of Flat Feet
Your kid’s doctor will physically examine your kid’s foot and look for the type of flatfoot your child may be affected with. Establishing the type of flat foot may help in diagnosing the correct line of treatment. Your doctor may also want to know if anyone in your family suffers from flatfoot, in order to establish if it is because of genetic glitches. Also, you may be asked whether or not your child suffers from any muscular or neurological disease. The doctor may like to examine the kind of your shoes your child wears. Your child may be asked to do some movements, to check his Achilles' tendons. X-rays, other kinds of imaging or tests may be conducted to see the severity of the condition.
How to Treat Flat Feet in a Child?
The course of treatment may be established after ascertaining the severity of your child’s condition. If your kid experiences no discomfort or pain, he may not be suggested any treatment option, however, he may be reviewed on a regular basis. If your kid shows symptoms, your doctor may recommend some of the following options:
1. Non-Surgical Treatment
Here are some non-surgical treatment options:
Medicines
Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed to reduce pain and discomfort.
Shoe Modifications Or Children’s Insoles
You may be told about the kind of shoes that your child should wear or may be told to use insoles for reducing the discomfort.
Physical Therapy
Some stretching exercises for flat feet in children may help in providing relief to your child.
Orthotic Devices
Sometimes certain orthotic devices may be suggested to improve the foot function and support the foot structure or provide arch support for flat feet for kids.
2. Surgical Treatment
If the non-surgical methods do not work or your child’s condition is severe, surgery may be one of the resorts. The surgical procedure may depend on the type and degree of the deformity that your child may be suffering from.
Most doctors may recommend the wait and watch approach because by the time your child is 10 years of age his flatfoot issues may become okay. However, if it doesn’t become okay or you see your child’s condition becoming worse, get professional help.
Also Read: How to Deal with In-toeing and Out-toeing in Children Read more
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Mommy Shilpa Shetty Reveals The Four Secrets To Her Toned Tummy
How can there be side-effects to motherhood? It is the most beautiful feeling you have known and the joy reaches your heart whenever you see your little one smiling. But truth be told, becoming a mother does come with a set of challenges and repercussions, probably the biggest of which is weight gain. The skin on your tummy, especially, starts to sag, and getting back to a healthy weight and a slim figure seems to be a dream. Yet there are some moms like Shilpa Shetty who are doing it beautifully. And no, the secret to her toned body isn’t anything complicated. Recently, on World Heart Day, Shilpa opened up about the four main secrets to her weight management…
One look at this Bollywood diva and a thousand thoughts cross your mind. It is easy for celebrities to bounce back after delivery.They have expensive workout and diet options. They have a lifestyle that cannot be supported by the regular woman.Not true! The reality, at least in Shilpa’s case, is actually very simple. She believes in four very strict rules to maintain her and her family’s health.She is very rigid about these rules and following them religiously is what has given her the enviable figure she has.
Here’s what Shilpa recommends you must do to manage your weight:
Secret #1: “Whatever you eat, chew well.”
How often do you overlook this basic fact we learnt in school? There’s the washing to be dealt with, diapers to be changed, the living room to be cleaned.Meal time for you is a quick affair and you gulp it down as fast as possible. With time, this shows up as unwanted fat in your abdominal area! Chewing is the process that helps your body release digestive enzymes in the stomach.These enzymes break down the food into energy and also communicate to your brain when you are full. This stops you from overeating. Shilpa reveals from experience – chewing and eating can help you lose 12 more kilograms than you would otherwise!
“People simply gulp down the food which is wrong. You have a set of 32 teeth so ideally one should chew 32 times but trust me people don’t even chew 15 times. It's said that if you chew your food and eat you nearly lose 12 kgs as food mixes with your saliva and digests faster that way!”
Secret #2: “Stay away from aerated drinks!”
Whether we feel thirsty after doing our chores, have an upset stomach, or need something to serve to our kids with their fast food, aerated drinks are our go-to option.They have become such an intrinsic part of our lifestyle that we don’t realize how the calories in such drinks translate into layers of flab on the tummy!A part of Shilpa Shetty’s fitness secret lies in emphatically avoiding cold drinks and not letting her family consume them either.Not just that, she is also worried about the many cases of cancer in her own family – something that research is underway for its linkage to aerated drinks.
“People think acidity hogayi toh gulp down a glass of aerated drink to release gas and you feel batter. But believe me that aerated drinks simply screw your system, so better them.”
Secret #3: “Just do 20 minutes of workout”
Here comes the dreaded bit – exercise! Does Shilpa recommend vigorous workout in the gym and is that her real secret?No! The mommy has revealed that working out for 20 minutes four times a day is enough to maintain a healthy weight.And this workout can simply be walking or taking the stairs! She also believes in yoga, especially the pose Vajrasana after every meal.This asana helps boost the digestive process and is quite easy to do. All you have to do stand on your knees with your legs together and then lower yourself to sit on your heels.
“It is important to exercise. Workout four days a week and see the change. You can simply do brisk walking and take the stairs and you will be much fitter.”
Secret #4: “Go Indian!”
Finally, Shilpa strongly recommends Indian food and Indian cooking to stay healthy. Surprised? Here’s more.She consumes ghee whenever she eats rice and often uses coconut oil for cooking. Even for her son, she cooks Indian meals and stays away from packaged meals or frozen foods.Her only consideration is this: “Eat right food at right time and in the right way!” Eating seasonal produce and sticking to traditional desi cooking, she believes, is a great way to maintain good health.
“Respect our local produce. Madonna eats ghee, Victoria Beckham uses coconut oil.Now ghee and coconut oil are an Indian produce and we should respect those instead we are busy cooking food in olive oil! I personally eat food cooked in ghee.Ghee has unnecessarily become an evil. I consume at least 1 to 1.5 tablespoon of ghee every day. As a matter of fact, I never eat my rice without ghee”
Thank you for those amazing tips, Shilpa! They are little things that we mothers know in the back of our heads but fail to follow in our chaotic lifestyles.But now that you know just how effective they can be in keeping you fit and energetic, make it a point to follow them starting now.The secret to a happy, fit and confident you lies in some simple eating and lifestyle fixes! Read more
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Is Comparison a Boon, or a Curse?
Kirti, how old is your baby a women asked me yesterday when I was having a walk in my society? I told she is 16 months the response was a shock she doesn't look like a 16 month and why she is not running? That women commented along with sarcasm concluding that her daughter started everything in 11 months.
Is your baby sitting, walking, running and talking? If yes then it's late. Our's did it very early and if no what kind of mother you are? Every child is different and have their own schedule of their activities. They should not be compared with anyone not in the family, surroundings or any where else.Not even this when babies grows to kids they are being compared on studies, games and everything.
This is so common in our society and it is growing day by day. This comparison has led our lives to be a race in which no one has time for themselves. Since birth every child is compared with siblings at home or relatives or neighbours then schoolmates then college mates and then with their colleagues.
Do you think comparison is good for healthy competition? Each baby or child has a schedule to reach a milestone which they will achieve sooner or later. It's better to give them time to achieve.
Why there is a need of comparison at every levels? Firstly babies are compared then this get extended to school then college then job then marriage then their kids are compared it's like a cycle going on.
It would be great if everyone start polishing their child with his or her wish and not what the others are doing.
No one is same every person has his own identity and talent.
Comparison in mind makes our future generations not human beings.
Spread this word and share your views.
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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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
1 hour ago
Q. why can't I add child details in my profile
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please add in your profile aftwr login and still is you find any difficulty then you should contact first cry customers service department.
Take care
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. right now I am 39 week pregnant but never feel any type of pain is it ok my due date is 5/5/24
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
44 mins ago
A. Hello mam, It's normal mam. don't worry a lot.Since your due date is near, eat healthy and sip your drinks. Keep yourself hydrated. Happy parenting and welcome new mom!!!
Indhumathy Ravikumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert my newborn baby girl breast is hard n feel like lump
Indhumathy Ravikumar
Mom of 2 children
43 mins ago
A. please give gentle massage on breast before bathing.. and then squeeze the curdled milk in it.. after that keep pumping the breast from time to time.. it will cure with in two weeks..
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. after c section when we start physical relation?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
58 mins ago
A. after 8 weeks or after proper healing of the wounds. 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
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
good morning Ma'am..
My son is 4 months old. He gets stomach pain/ gas everyday at any time.. He cries for long when he gets pain.. I am giving him Colic aid everyday from last one month.. Only after giving colic aid he stops crying... what should I do to avoid his pain and medicine??
Read moreRayan
Mom of 2 children
40 mins ago
A. Hello mam! If it is due to colic pain /gas, it is common in newborns. Make sure that you burp your baby after every feed. Don't feed just before your baby is to sleep. Make a routine like feed, play and sleep. Burp inbetween feedings. Colic pain will stop automatically at 5 or 6 months. So don't worry. Happy parenting!
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 mins ago
A. nasal blockage can be relieved by using nasal saline drops like nasoclear saline drops in thecg nose followed by nasal aspirator to take out the secretions very ghently
steam inhalation can also be helpful in this condition
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