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11 Proven Ways to Develop Better Memory & Concentration in Babies
In collaboration with Nestlé Start Healthy Stay Healthy.
Early parenthood is a memorable time as it is filled with witnessing your baby’s many firsts. His first smile, his first grimace, and even the first time he babbles something. But this may also lead you to wonder – does your baby remember these events?
As parents, this is one of the many questions you may have on your mind– when will my baby start remembering things? Is it right after birth or much later than this? Also, since babies learn to speak only around the time they turn one, it’s difficult to tell what your baby is thinking about and how good his memories are since he can’t communicate verbally.
Well, turns out he has already started! Your baby's memory is developing in multiple stages. There's no particular age at which it happens, and it's a gradual process. But memory in babies begins very early, in fact, even before they are born!
What and When Does a Baby Remember?
According to a publication by Dr. Sinead Mullally and Dr. Eleanor Maguire, babies recognise their caregivers by their face, voice, and smell within the first few weeks of birth. Newborns can recognise their mother’s voice at birth, while breastfed babies can recognise their mother's smell after one week. At three months, babies can remember new toys or pictures shown to them one to six days prior. By the time the baby is nine months old, he will remember more specific details, like where his toys are in the house. He'll also be able to copy actions he has seen as long as a week before. While memory is fragile in the first months of life, it improves with age.
Is There a Link Between Memory and Concentration?
Concentration is the ability to sustain one’s attention and focus on an event or task at will. On the other hand, memory is the ability to recall, preserve and obtain information that has happened in the past. In terms of concentrating and remembering information, these abilities are important to the infant’s development. Yes, there is a strong link between memory and concentration. If you cannot concentrate long enough to focus on the details, it is impossible to remember this information at a later stage correctly.
Ways to Boost Your Baby’s Memory
Here are the things you can do during your baby’s first year to help strengthen his memory skills.
1. Add new skills.
Introduce your baby to a new skill over short periods of playtime. For example, if a new toy requires a skill your baby hasn't learned yet, you can spread out playtime with that particular toy over the entire week. Teach your baby how to play with it, and then reintroduce the toy for five minutes at a time over a couple of days. This will help your little one remember the skill longer than him playing with the toy for a longer period for only a day or two.
2. Encourage consistency.
Keep your baby’s surroundings consistent and create daily routines. Make his playtime predictable for him. If he plays with the same toys at the same time and in the same room every day, he will remember the arrangement much longer than if playtime changes every day. Right now, your baby is only developing his short-term memory.
3. Talk to him.
Talk your baby through your actions to help him remember cause and effect. For example, when you flip the light switch down, show that the light comes on. When you flip it up, the light goes off. Say the words "Light off" and "Light on." These actions will help your little one learn simple laws and anticipate them the next time you perform the action.
4. Say his name.
Call your baby by his name as much as possible. By four months, he'll begin to recognise the sound of his name and associate it with your attention to him. When talking to him, saying his name aloud as often as possible will help him remember that the name belongs explicitly to him. Ensure you call yourself "Mommy" as much as possible to help him build the connection.
5. Make sure he’s getting rest.
Your baby will retain information better if he feels relaxed and rested. Don't try to force him to learn something at every point in time. Let him explore freely during playtime or simply lie with him on the playmat and spend time with him. Make sure you take multiple breaks as this will help your baby consolidate his memories and retain them for a longer time.
Ways to Improve Your Baby’s Concentration
You can try these effective tips to improve his concentration skills.
1. Play games with him.
Playing games with your baby that require him to concentrate is a fun way to help him develop. Simple age-appropriate jigsaws, peg puzzles, and even assembling coloured blocks will help him focus on a task while playing.
2. Focus on foods that can boost his brain development.
The first three years of your child’s life are critical for his mental development. Hence, during this period, the right nutrition, along with proper stimulus can work wonders for his brain development. This, in turn, will help him concentrate better.
3. Turn off unnecessary distractions.
This includes the television. Although concentration is mostly about ignoring distractions, turning off the television will allow your baby to concentrate more fully on you or the activity he’s doing.
4. Observe your baby.
Observing the way your baby chooses to spend his time will make you realise that he is not just lying there but actually doing something. He could be gazing towards a window, staring at the ceiling fan, or simply grasping at dust particles in the sunlight. Every time you interrupt your baby’s musings, you’re discouraging his concentration.
5. Don’t encourage distraction.
It is quite common and sometimes even advised to distract your baby with a toy on the diaper changing table to “get the work done.” But what this does instead is it trains your baby not to pay attention. Baths, diaper changes, and feedings are not unpleasant chores for babies. Your baby will want to be invited to participate in an activity as much as he can.
6. Let your baby choose.
Over time you’ll observe that your baby will be more interested in the things he chooses than the things you choose for him. Therefore, allowing your baby to choose what he can do in his play environment instead of directing him to your choice of activity will better engage his focus, interest, and heightened concentration.
Most of the memories during infancy are short-term memories. Hence a child can recall a memory or remember things from three years onwards. It takes time for a baby’s brain to form a long-term memory structure. As a parent, your role is crucial in your child’s memory development. You can thus enhance his memory development through various memory-boosting games and exercises like the ones given above.
In case of any questions or clarifications regarding your baby’s nutrition or development, do get in touch with your paediatrician.
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Postpartum Exercises: Workouts to do After Delivery
Getting your body back into shape after childbirth is important as it not only improves your health but also prevents postpartum depression. Thankfully, it is not very difficult to bounce back after delivery with the help of a well-planned exercise schedule. However, depending on the kind of delivery you have had, it is best to consult with your doctor before embarking on a workout.
It is important to regain your fitness after pregnancy and a smart combination of diet and exercises can help you reach your goal in a short time. In case you experience any discomfort during exercise like bleeding or headaches, stop the routine and speak to your gynaecologist immediately.
Video: Postpartum Exercises - Workouts to do After Delivery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUjknVa0qhQ
When Can You Start Exercising After Childbirth?
Exercising is the best way to lose weight after birth and with a good control over the diet, you can bounce back into shape without much ado. It is the timing of starting an exercise schedule that is important and is a decision that should be carefully taken. Your doctor or gynaecologist will generally ask you to gradually begin exercising after the mandatory six-week post-delivery check-up is done.
If you have been conscientiously exercising during your pregnancy and had a normal delivery, then light exercises like walking and stretching are permissible. However, you should be careful not to over-exercise, especially if your body isn’t familiar with exercise routines and you have given it a miss during pregnancy. In such cases, it is best to check with the doctor and get his approval before starting any postpartum workout.
Guidelines to Follow Before Starting to Exercise
To recover from the stress of delivery and labour, it is necessary to conserve your energy before committing yourself to any exercise schedule or tummy tightening exercises. Whatever form of exercise you may choose for yourself, remember to start out slowly. Usually six weeks after delivery is safe to begin exercising (after your first post-partum check-up). This is recommended for vaginal delivery. For a Caesaream delivery, wait until eight weeks.
Beginning with a low-impact activity like walking is the perfect way to prune your body for a more strenuous regime. Walking is ideal to bring back your strength in a gradual way and you can increase the length of walks and duration progressively. Walking can help prevent blood clots and is a great way to heal your body. Attend sessions where you can learn how to exercise after pregnancy and implement them at home.
Simple postpartum exercises that strengthen the abdominal and back muscles should be your focus when you begin any exercise workout. Gradually add layers to it and increase their intensity. Even 10 minutes of exercise will bring in a lot of benefits.
How Much Should You Exercise After Having a Baby?
New moms often wonder, “Am I doing too much exercise too soon?” Generally, it is safe to start with walking immediately after delivery (Provided you had a normal delivery). Begin slowly and gradually build up your stamina. Start with a 15 or 30-minute walk so that you can improve your blood circulation and receive some general outdoor exercise too. Continue only if you feel comfortable doing it and reduce the duration if you cannot handle the exertion. Gradually, increase your time and reach your peak at your own pace.
It is recommended to exercise three to five time a week for a duration of at least 30 minutes. After your doctor approves, you can notch your exercise level up to 60 minutes of focussed walking for 4 to 5 days a week. Increase your speed progressively to reach the optimum level, but do not stretch yourself in any way and refer to your doctor in case of any uncomfortable feeling.
How Should You Prepare for the Workouts
If you are keen on starting to exercise to reduce belly fat and regain your pre-delivery fitness, you should set a regular routine for yourself. Before starting with the workout, make sure you follow the below-mentioned steps:
Choose loose-fitting and comfortable clothing for the workout. This will help you to remain cool.
Feed your baby prior to getting onto the workout or express milk to avoid any discomfort.
Select the right bra that fits perfectly and supports your breasts well during the workout.
Keep yourself hydrated while doing these post-natal exercises by keeping a bottle of water handy.
How to Warm up Before Workout
A dedicated time has to be set aside for warm up and you should spend at least 10 minutes warming up. This is needed to get your blood flowing so that your muscles are ready for exercise. Stretch the lower back, pelvic region, and thigh muscles and hold these stretches for a few seconds before you return to the starting position. As a part of the warm-up, you can also try to walk in place.
Six Best Post- Pregnancy Exercises to Start With
1. Walking: Begin with a casual stroll around the block or in the park. Especially in the beginning, focus on the movement and you can progressively move to a power walk. Bring your baby along for the walk and put it in a front pouch to add weight, while getting some fresh air too.
Benefits: It does not need any equipment and a simple pair of running/walking shoes are enough. It is one of the simplest yet highly effective exercises for a new mother and is perfect to ease you into a more rigorous regime.
2. Deep Belly breathing with abdominal contraction: While sitting in a straight, upright position, start breathing deeply, by drawing air from the diaphragm. Hold your abs tight while contracting them and inhaling at the same time and relax them while exhaling.
Benefits: This exercise is helpful to relax muscles and is a great way to tone and strengthen your abdominal and belly area.
3. Kneeling Pelvic Tilt: Sit on all fours, with your toes and palms touching the floor. Pull your buttocks forward while inhaling, tilt your pelvis and push the pubic bone upward. Hold until three, release and repeat.
Benefits: This is one of the best exercises to strengthen your stomach and abs. It is also helpful in toning them.
4. Kegels: In the beginning, practice this routine in the bathroom while urinating. Manipulate the muscles in that area to stop the urine from flowing and then release it. Later on, contract, hold and release these muscles while you are not urinating. Do this at least 10 times, 3 sessions per day.
Benefits: It helps to tone the bladder muscles and is also helpful in reducing incontinence risks that generally follow childbirth.
5. Upper back Exercises: Cross your arms over your chest while sitting up straight. Then twist to the right and then to the left. This exercise can be repeated 10 times on each side.
Benefits: This exercise will improve your posture and relieve any pain in the upper back area. It will also give your entire back and neck area a good stretch.
6. Neck Exercises: Sit up straight and slowly move your head to the right, hold and then move to the left. Try touching your left ear to the left shoulder and the right ear to the right shoulder. Drop your chin to bend forwards and then look up to the ceiling. Do this exercise very slowly as any kind of sudden movement will result in a dizzy feeling. Stop immediately if this happens and consult with your doctor if the feeling persists for a long time.
Benefits: This will help improve your body posture which can be bent due to slumping while carrying the baby or breastfeeding it.
How Should You Relax After the Workouts?
A 5-minute cool down is necessary at the end of the workout so that your heart rate settles down to normal. You can stretch your muscles to avoid soreness and walk in place to help your body to relax. Lie down with your eyes closed for a few minutes and you are good to go.
How to Stay Motivated Once You Begin to Exercise
Stick to smaller goals and limited achievements. Setting high targets will not help as your body may not permit continuous action. Reward yourself if you manage to exercise thrice a week or if you can extend your workout every day by 10 minutes. Track your progress by using one of the many apps on your smartphone while you do these after delivery exercises to reduce stomach bulk and weight gained during pregnancy.
How to be Careful with Abdominal Muscles while Exercising
Can I exercise my lower and upper tummy? This is a common dilemma that mothers face after delivery and are keen to exercise. Many women develop a condition called diastasis recti post-delivery when a gap is created between the abdominal muscles and the same does not close after childbirth. Speak to a therapist about ab separation exercise that trainers recommend before doing it on your own.
While exercising, sit-ups and crunches are a complete no-no, as those muscles can be put under severe stress. Rectus abdominis exercises are also suggested by therapists to rectify the alignment of the abdominal muscles.
Watch out for These Warning Signs to Slow Down
You may feel exhausted instead of feeling fresh.
Your muscles may feel sore for a long time after the workout and sometimes feel shaky too.
There is an increase in your morning resting heartbeat which is a clear indication that you have a vigorous physical activity going on.
Joint, muscle pains or birth-related pains may re-emerge while exercising.
Bleeding restarts and the vaginal discharge becomes darker in colour.
Will Postpartum Exercises Affect Breast-feeding?
No. Postpartum exercises do not affect breastfeeding in any way. In fact, these exercises contribute towards overall wellness and health and is good to bounce back after the stresses of pregnancy and delivery. Muscles post pregnancy need to be loosened and exercised to help you to manage the baby and the additional responsibility and exercises do not affect breastfeeding or any other function of a mother.
FAQ's
1. Which post pregnancy exercises you should not be doing?
Swimming should be completely avoided until you have stopped having vaginal bleeding or discharge for six days. Exercises involving a hands and knee position should be avoided during the first six months since a clot can be formed in the place where the placenta was located.
2. How should I strengthen my pelvis and back?
Pelvic floor exercises are recommended to strengthen the pelvis and back. Remember these exercises will take at least 8 to 12 weeks to gain strength so keep going and do not give up in between.
3. I had a caesarean. Can I exercise in the first few weeks?
Yes, you can. In fact, you will find it easier than someone who has had a vaginal delivery, since your muscles will be stronger. Of course, avoid picking up heavy weights and resort to simple exercises like walking before moving on to a rigorous schedule.
Exercising is a vital part of the post-delivery period. It is necessary to follow the instructions provided by the doctor to ensure there are no side effects of the workouts. It helps the mother in gaining confidence about her body shape, weight, and plays a major role in reducing postpartum depression. Read more
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ভিড় ও ছোট পরিসরে বসে খাওয়ার জায়গায় অযথা চেয়ার আটকে রাখবেন না | সচেতন হোন এবং অন্যকেও সচেতন করুন |
যাঁরা ( আমার ধারণা অনেকেই ) সাউথসিটি স্পেন্সর গিয়েছেন , তাঁরা অবশ্যই সেখান থেকে বেরোবার পথে একটি ছোট ফুড কোর্ট দেখেছেন | হয়তো অনেকেই সেখানে বসে খেয়েছেন -ও |
আমরা সাধারণত সেখানে গেলে প্রয়োজনীয় জিনিসপত্র কিনেই বেরিয়ে আসি | খাওয়ার ইচ্ছে থাকলে অন্য কোনো খাবার জায়গায় অথবা সাউথসিটি মেইন ফুড কোর্ট -এ চলে যাই |
আজও আমরা কয়েকটি জিনিস কিনতে গিয়েছিলাম সেখানে | আর কেনাকাটার সময় কয়েকটি জিনিস আমার ছেলের জন্যে পছন্দ হয় | সামনেই আমার ছেলের জন্মদিন | তাই ওইদিন সেইসব জিনিস আমরা ছেলেকে উপহার দিয়ে ওকে চমক দেব ভেবে অন্য সবকিছু কেনার পরে আমি ছেলেকে নিয়ে ফুডকোর্ট এর দিকে চলে আসি আর ওর বাবা সেইসব জিনিস কিনতে চলে যায় |
আমি ছেলেকে নিয়ে সেই সময় কাটাবার জন্যে ওর প্রিয় চিকেন মোমো অর্ডার দিয়ে ওর জন্যে একটা চেয়ার খুঁজতে থাকি, কিন্তু তখন কোনো চেয়ার-ই ফাঁকা নেই | হয়তো কোথাও একজন বাচ্চা খাচ্ছে আর তাকে ঘিরে তার পরিবারের আরো তিন চার জন বসে আছেন | কোথাও কোনো দলের খাওয়া শেষ হয়ে গেছে কিন্তু তাদের গল্প শেষ হয়নি | আর বেশিরভাগ চেয়ারে ব্যাগ রেখে কেউ আগলে রেখেছেন তার সাথির জন্যে | বাধ্য হয়ে ছেলেকে একটি টেবিল এর কাছে দাঁড় করিয়ে খাওয়াতে শুরু করলাম | ছোট মানুষ অনেক্ষন দাড়িয়ে খেতে ওর অসুবিধা হচ্ছিলো বুঝতে পারছিলাম | মা তো তাই খুব খারাপ লাগছিলো আমার | ওখানকার ফুড কাউন্টার-এ গিয়ে আমার সমস্যার কথা বলায় তাঁরাও তাদের সমস্যার কথা জানালেন যে, সব বুঝেও তাঁরা অপারক | কারণ তাঁরা যদি কাউকে কিছু বলতে যান তবে হয়তো উল্টে তাদের নামেই রিপোর্ট হবে | সেখানে দাঁড়িয়ে থাকা এক বাবা বললেন তিনিও এইরকম সমস্যায় পরে তার সন্তানকেও এইভাবে দাঁড় করিয়ে খাওয়াতে বাধ্য হয়েছেন | আরো কয়েকজন সেখানে এসে জড়ো হলেন | তাঁরাও একই সমস্যার কথা বলছিলেন | আমাদের কথা - বার্তা চলা কালিন বেশ কয়েকটি চেয়ার ফাঁকা হয়ে আমার ছেলের বসার জন্যে এগিয়ে এলো | অন্তত যাদের চক্ষু-লজ্জা ছিল না তাদের কর্ণ-লজ্জার বোধহয় উদয় হয়েছিল |
আমার সকল বন্ধুদের কাছে অনুরোধ - বসে গল্প করার অনেক জায়গা আছে দয়া করে এইরকম ভিড় ও ছোট পরিসরে বসে খাওয়ার জায়গায় অযথা চেয়ার আটকে রাখবেন না | মনে রাখবেন চেয়ার বসার জন্যে আপনার ব্যাগ রাখবার জন্যে নয় | আপনার কারণে কোনো বৃদ্ধ অথবা বাচ্চাকে দাঁড়িয়ে থাকতে বাধ্য করবেন না | একটু মানবিক এবং সচেতন হোন এবং অন্যকেও সচেতন করুন | Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why are my vomitings not stopping even in 5th month of my pregnancy. and constant headaches.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. this is seen in some people which my continue in second trimester also. 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
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. is it normal to have 2 dominant follicles in Right ovary? Today is my D8 and the size of both the follicles are 20x18mm and 19x18 mm Is it normal.
and left ovary follicles 12x18mm.and ET size 7.89
pls advice
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. if it is induced one then there can be chances. 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
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. what should I eat for a healthy baby in my 3rd month of pregnancy.kindly suggest a healthy diet routine
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread. Proteins — like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu. Low-fat or fat-free dairy — like milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, and fortified soy beverages (soy milk) or soy yogurt.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. in which month of pregnancy we should start excercising for normal delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. no exercises vigorously only moderate walking ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
I am 28 weeks pregnant and feeling breathlessness and Always tired ... is this normal ?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. this cannot be normal always better to see the doctor once. 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 Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
17 mins ago
Q. My 4 year baby have always complaint of abdomen pain.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
15 mins ago
A. if the child is having abdominal pain give syrup colicaid or syrup cyclopam 5 ml to the child for now
then you have to meet the doctor to find the cause of abdominal pain because it can be either due to gas or due to worms or some other abdominal pathology or gastroenteritis, constipation, digestive issues.
in the meantime it is advisable to give only easily digestible food to the child and water andx buttermilk curd rice and dal.
can give poha upma daliya and fruits.
avoid milk products , packet foods and fried items and heavy diet.
you can continue anti-colicx medicines and your doctor may add antacids for the child for few days it will help in decreasing the gas as well as bloating.
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