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How to Plan for a Second Baby
Are you longing to go back to the days of taking care of an infant? Planning for your second child can seem deceptively easy as you’ve already been through raising a child before. However, new complications such as your biological clock, finances, and your firstborn come into the picture. Here, we touch upon the things to consider while planning for your second baby.
What Is the Best Time to Have a Second Baby?
The question of when to have a second baby can cause a dilemma among many couples. There is no right answer to this, as many factors such as health, finances, and personal preferences come into play. There are many women who have had pregnancies at the age of 40, and there have been many families with few resources who have been able to successfully raise two kids. Listed below are factors that will help you decide when to get pregnant again. Once these factors are met, it will be ideal for you to have your second baby.
Things to Consider While Planning for a Second Pregnancy
Here are a few points to consider:
1. Your Physical Health
Getting pregnant means big changes taking place in your body, and those can only happen if your health is at an optimal level. Even if your first pregnancy was not too long ago, if you’ve recovered and are in good health, you can have a second baby.
2. Your Age
As women grow older, their menstrual cycle begins to change in terms of egg production. This is because women are born with a limited supply of eggs, and will eventually run out. With increasing age, the quality of the eggs also reduces, thus increasing the chances of miscarriage or genetic defects.
3. Father's Age
While planning a second child, the age of your partner is also under the scanner. Studies have shown that men show a marked decrease in their sperm quality once they turn 35.
4. Finances
Finances play a crucial role in second child planning, as the costs immediately double. Are you and your partner both working? Do you plan on sending both your children abroad for higher education? Such questions need to be thought about well in advance when planning your finances.
5. Goals As a Family
Raising a second child means that you and your partner must be on the same page. There may be instances where you both may differ in opinion. One may want to wait for a while or not have kids at all. It is important that you both communicate with each other about what your goals are and how you can both reach a middle ground.
6. Career
Your career will take a backseat for a while as you devote time to your newborn.
7. Age Gap
While planning for a second child, your first child also comes into the equation. Would you like your children to be playmates? In that case, it's better to have a smaller gap as they would be of the same age group and get along well.
8. Helping Hands
When you get pregnant for the second time, extra help becomes important because your first child needs to be looked after. Do you have a person that you trust to babysit your child? Do your parents live close by so that they can lend a hand with your baby?
9. Accommodation
Having a new child in the family would mean reassessing your living space. You may need to move into a bigger home once the baby grows or the kids would need to bunk in the same room.
10. Delivery
If you’ve had a caesarean section for your firstborn, you would have to repeat the process if the gap is of less than two years.
How to Prepare Yourself for the Second Child
Below are some tips for second pregnancy planning:
1. Go for a Check-Up
When you and your partner decide that it's time for a second baby, make sure you get a blood test done. For starters, a blood test can help confirm pregnancy if you’ve already started trying. Apart from that, it also can also help check the iron content in your body. Most women become anaemic during pregnancy due to the amount of blood that is needed to sustain you and the baby. With a blood test, you can figure out a good plan to improve your iron content and avoid complications like infant anaemia.
2. Keep a Close Eye on Your Menstrual Cycle
Even if you don’t use birth control, a missed period doesn't always mean that pregnancy is around the corner. After the first baby, your menstrual cycle could be out of sync. You’ll need to chart out your ovulation days to figure out the optimal time for conception. It may take a couple of weeks to get it right, so be patient and keep trying!
3. Hit the Gym
Getting back into shape after your first pregnancy is challenging but achievable. Most moms get back on their feet after a strict exercise regime but if you’re not one of them, you need to start now. Weight gain can inhibit fertility and can sometimes cause hormonal imbalances, making it difficult to track your ovulation.
4. Read Up on Male Infertility
Pregnancy isn’t a woman’s job alone. Make sure that you and your partner are familiar with the nuances of male fertility. Habits like smoking marijuana and alcohol severely curtail the sperm count in men. Obesity has been linked to male infertility, so both you and your partner can hit the gym together.
5. Figure out the Best Time to Get Pregnant
If you’re in your early 30s and are worried that your fertility may be affected, it would make sense to have your second baby as soon as possible. However, it's also important that you think about your firstborn. Many couples wait for about three years before conceiving their second child as the first child is independent enough by then, and the pregnancy can be given first priority.
6. Look for Alternatives
If you have hit a wall despite trying to conceive for over half a year, looking at an IVF specialist makes sense. Infertility after conceiving the first time can take place due to increased age, health problems, lifestyle changes, etc.
Things to Do Before Your Second Baby Is Born - Quick Checklist
Your second baby is sure to be welcome when you have planned in advance. Here are some things you must do before the event:
Arrange for a babysitter so that your firstborn is not ignored during labour and delivery. This will be a point where you both will be separated, and someone else you trust would have to take your role. This can even be your partner, parents, or a close relative that you trust.
Raising a baby can be expensive, so it wouldn’t hurt to salvage supplies from the last time that you were pregnant. Your old pregnancy gown, unisex infant clothes, and booties can be reused. Old sheets with stains can be washed and reused.
As you’re going to be in the hospital and not within immediate reach of your firstborn, pack a bag for her. This can contain items like her favourite toy and activity book that she can carry with her when she comes to visit you in the hospital.
Have a schedule set that is to be followed by your toddler every day. Have a practice session with whoever is going to care for your child in your absence. That way, any doubts that arise can be clarified in person rather than on an inconvenient phone call at the hospital.
Keep a journal for your babysitter. In it, you can leave little details about your firstborn that the babysitter absolutely must know. It could be a list of cartoons your child likes, activities that can keep her occupied, snacks that she would enjoy, etc. You can even write reminders of any medication your child might need.
If your firstborn is still young, you can invest in a double stroller for convenient travel.
Stock up on baby essentials such as diapers, nursing bras, breast pumps, a baby monitor, etc.
Have a baby shower with all your close friends and relatives. This is also a great time for you to request for volunteers who can help you out.
Make food arrangements before you leave. This can be done either by cooking in advance, recruiting your folks, friends or buying readymade meals from outside. Make sure that you stock up on your firstborn’s favourite snacks to keep him/her happy.
Scout for locations in the house where you can keep your baby, and divide your house into two zones - the first zone can be places where your firstborn can't reach the baby and 'over love' them, and the second zone can be areas where your firstborn can reach the baby, but only under your watchful eye.
Prepare for natural birth by watching your weight and doing regular exercise. Perform kegel and pelvic exercises regularly as they can help smoothen the labour process.
Decide where you want your second-born to stay once you’ve brought him/her home. This means bunking with their older sibling, temporarily being set up in your room, or getting a new room.
Decluttering the house comes naturally to pregnant women, and it is called ‘nesting’. Take advantage of this by babyproofing areas and making sure that everything is in its place before your second baby is home. Once you’re back from the hospital, you’ll have to manage time for both your kids and for miscellaneous errands.
Set up a diaper station with all the requirements, such as wipes, diapers, creams, etc.
If you feel that breastfeeding is lengthy, you could employ a wet nurse so you can spend time with your firstborn.
Tips for Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling
There is no need to inform your toddler about your pregnancy immediately. Concepts like pregnancy and childbirth are complicated topics to handle and can be tackled towards the later stages.
Since toddlers have a poor concept of time, even a few months can be an eternity and they may bother you with their inquisitiveness regarding the baby's arrival every day. Wait for a while before telling them about their soon-to-arrive sibling.
While breastfeeding, find a spot where your firstborn can also come and sit next to you.
Sharing is something that your firstborn may not be used to - a gift-giving ceremony will help prepare her for that.
Work on making your toddler independent by letting her do small activities by themselves. This will not only make her feel that she is a grown-up but will also let you focus on your newborn baby.
Even before your second child is born, try not to be too indulgent with your firstborn. This is because a shift in your attention immediately after the baby is born may make your firstborn jealous.
You can slowly start building a nurturing habit in your firstborn by asking her to take care of a stuffed doll.
Make a secret code that only you and your toddler can understand. This way, if your firstborn feels left out, you can always cheer her up by talking in a code that only you both understand. Later, you could teach your second child as well.
Make a scrapbook of memories to help your toddler know that they too received special treatment when they were small. This will reduce any feelings of jealousy or resentment your child may feel.
Books such as ‘Once Upon a Baby Brother’ by Sarah Sullivan and ‘I’m a Big Sister’ by Joanna Cole can help introduce them to the concept of siblings. Reading these books can help teach them about how siblings must care for each other. Additionally, they may love the stories so much that they would soon want their own sibling.
The process of 2nd baby planning helps answer the challenges of taking care of your firstborn while pregnant with your second baby. It also helps you take the future into account, as raising two kids is twice the effort. However, the rewards are twice as good, and many families are happy that they have two children instead of one.
Also Read: Calculate Your Pregnancy - By Months, Weeks and Trimester Read more
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Is Your Baby Sleeping Enough for His Age? 5 Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Peacefully!
Learn everything about baby sleep. How many hours of sleep does a newborn need? What can hinder a peaceful sleep? How can you help your baby make the transition to peaceful night sleep? Here are the answers of all your questions.
You must have heard horror stories of sleepless nights and insomniac babies. Some of it are definitely true. However, with a night-time routine in place and some luck, within a few months of bringing your baby home, you can look forward to happier nights.
How Much Sleep is Enough?
The good news is that a newborn sleeps for about 16 hours a day. The bad news is it’s never at a stretch. In the first few months, he will probably nap for two or three hours only. His stomach is small and needs frequent refills. Don't look forward to more than 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep even at night, the first 6 months. Generally, babies between 2 and 12 months sleep for 9-12 hours, most of which will be at night. Don’t try a sleep routine too soon. Let the baby decide when he wants to wake up – whether due to hunger, wet diapers or simply because he’s had his fill of sleep.
Deconstructing Baby Sleep
Like adults, babies also experience sleep cycles from drowsiness to light sleep, deep sleep and dream sleep (REM – a state when his eyes are active under his closed eyelids, but the rest of his body is still) and then all the way back from dream sleep to wakefulness. When he returns to being awake, if there are no distractions (like an empty stomach) he slips back into sleep. Some babies are self-soothers and do it on their own, while others may need to be patted or fed before they fall asleep again. During quiet sleep, it is normal for the baby to have some sudden starts called hypnagogic startles. Hynagonic startles means the sudden movements of the baby’s body in quiet sleep.
Baby Sleep and New Skills
Some of the baby’s newfound skills might interfere with his sleep patterns.
1. Crawling
As the baby learns to crawl, his brain stimulation increases and even though he might be tired, he may find it tough to sleep.
2. Object Permanence
As he turns six months old, he realizes that things do not cease to exist when he cannot see them. He might refuse to sleep when you’re not around.
3. Separation Anxiety
He will start missing you, and might insist on you being around each time he opens his eyes.
Co-sleeping
Traditionally in India, co-sleeping has been propagated and it does lead to stronger emotional - parental bonds. However, if you find it uncomfortable, especially in the case of multiple babies, you can move them from the crib to the bed.
A Few Tips to Make the Night Time Easier
Create a soothing environment. Remove bright colours and noisy toys.
Soft toys, heavy blankets or pillows aren’t a good idea for small babies, as they act as hindrances and offer risk of suffocation.
The mattress should be firm, and the baby should be put to sleep on his back to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Swaddling the baby with his arms inside the blanket gives him a sense of familiarity, mimicking the pressure he feels in the womb, and helps him sleep longer.
Establishing a night time routine between two and three months is a good idea.Parents need not panic about sleepless nights, with some patience and efforts, you can solve your baby’s sleeping problems.
Parents need not panic about sleepless nights, with some patience and efforts, you can solve your baby’s sleeping problems. Read more
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Riya Samajder Thakur
Mom of a 2 yr 9 m old girl
10 mins ago
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Chair Climbing in a 21 Months Old
21 months is an important age for your kid. Her increasing mobility tempts her to explore newer avenues in the household and to climb surfaces higher than her. If you see your toddler climbing chairs or trying to, it's time to secure the area and help channel her energy.
It's amazing when you see how your toddler discovers new stepping stones to reach higher surfaces like chairs. It's all part of a kid's motor skills development, and while you may love your new hiker's talents, her climbing will call for your supervision repeatedly. Knowing some behavioral traits about toddlers and climbing can help you.
Managing Toddlers Climbing Chairs: Understanding the Basics
Your toddler’s urge to climb a chair or other nearby objects clearly demonstrates that she's exploring her energy and her boundaries. After spending 18 months or so crawling and then learning to slowly walk, she's now ready to push the limits and employ her newfound power! Curiosity to see or touch things placed high up is another reason for a child's desire to climb.
1. What to Do When Your Toddler Keeps Climbing on Chairs
It's natural to be concerned for your child's safety, but chair climbing is an activity that makes her strong, increases flexibility and improves balance. It also raises her confidence and acquaints her with newer environments. Being a natural part of her development, you can't entirely stop your 21-month-old toddler from climbing chair. However, you can employ a few measures instead of trying to discontinue the activity.
Make the area safer by buying a kiddie gym and placing large cushions on the floor. Set aside an area free of chairs, tables and furniture with sharp edges. Whenever you see that she wants to climb, place her in the space.
If there are space constraints at home, add a step stool near chairs and places she's most likely to climb on at home. Always supervise the activity.
Take her to toddler gym classes where she can enjoy using safe climbing equipment. The company of children her age will also keep her entertained and build social skills.
2. Help Channel Her Energy
Some kids are more adventurous. They want to enjoy the thrill of climbing and won’t stop unless they get a scolding! For parents, coming up with interesting physical activities on the ground is one way to help kids channel their energy more safely. These ideas can help:
Kids are most likely to climb when they have limited space to move around. Make sure you provide her with enough space at home or take her outdoors.
Introduce her to new environments such as a yard, garden or playground to involve her in ground activities.
Apart from physical activities, involve your child in learning games such as building blocks. They help enhance hand-eye coordination, develop spatial skills and even language skills.
A little thought and execution can help you successfully manage your toddler's energy and her need to climb without any hazards. Read more
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9 Iced Tea Recipes for This Summer to Beat the Heat
Dehydrated during the summers? Bored of drinking water and fruit juices?
Maybe some iced tea is exactly what you need!
Read on below to get your hands on some of our top recipes and learn about the benefits of this wonderful beverage, as well.
What Nutrients are Found in a Basic Iced Tea?
Depending on the iced tea you go for, you can get a ton of nutrients. Most iced teas are loaded with antioxidants and their nutrient profile depends on the type of herbs, fruits, and veggies infused in them. In general, a basic black iced tea will give you certain amounts of potassium, manganese, flavonoids, and zero added sugar.
Iced Tea Benefits That Assist Good Health
Drinking iced tea brings you a ton of benefits. Here's a list of them.
1. Hydrates You
Dehydration affects both. physical and mental health, and a good way to make sure you're taking in enough water is to drink plenty of iced tea. They're healthy and yummy, which is good news.
2. Has a Lot of Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your organs from oxidative stress, free radical damage, cancer, and help to lower your risk of attracting various chronic and lifestyle illnesses. The best part is that iced tea contains eight to ten times more of polyphenol antioxidants when compared to fruits and vegetables. Drink up!
3. Has Zero Added Sugar
Sugar is bad for you, since it plays a role in contributing to obesity, poor cholesterol levels, and towards the development of Type 2 Diabetes. Iced tea has zero added sugar, even when you drink up to 12 ounces! And if that isn't enough to convince you, it has just 2 calories in it. Which means, you don't harm your body. The zero sugar and low calories literally prevent you from packing on any pounds. Win-win, if you ask us.
4. Boosts Metabolism
Iced green tea benefits weight loss and boosts your metabolism. This means you have higher energy levels, lose calories more easily, and don't gain weight. In fact, a healthy metabolism also means it gets easier to maintain your current weight. Add to that the cognitive benefits, emotionally feeling healthier due to the nutrient profile, and you have your very own superfood in the kitchen!
5. Improves Oral Health
Iced tea is good for your teeth, since it balances the pH and helps prevent cavities, according to some researchers.
6. Good Source of Manganese
Manganese is a nutrient you need to boost your bone density, heal wounds faster, and keep your metabolism running. Iced tea provides this and helps you meet your RDA easily.
7. Good for Your Heart
There's a lot of research and medical studies out there that state iced tea benefits cardiovascular health and helps regulate your cholesterol levels. This helps lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes in the future.
8. Relaxes You
Drinking iced tea helps you calm your nerves, kick back, and unwind at the end of the day. This means lower levels of cortisol and improved physical/mental well-being. And who wouldn't want that?
Healthy & Refreshing Iced Tea Recipes
Check out our delicious and refreshing iced tea recipes below.
1. Pomegranate and Lime Iced Tea
This one's our signature house blend iced tea recipe.
Ingredients:
8 cups of boiling water
8 tea bags
2 cups of pomegranate juice
3 limes (finely sliced)
1/4 cup of sugar
Total Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
12 cups
Method:
Steep the tea bags for ten minutes in boiling water. Remove and discard them
Once the tea cools down to room temperature, mix in pomegranate juice, limes, and sugar
Add ice cubes and serve chilled
2. Mint Iced Tea
Who doesn't love mint iced tea?
Ingredients:
Boiling water
1 tablespoon of Chinese green tea (loose)
5 cups of boiling water
2 bunches of fresh spearmint (small, rinsed, and drained)
1/2 cups of sugar
Total Preparation Time:
15 to 20 minutes
Servings:
5 cups
Method:
Rinse a teapot with boiling water and set aside
Pour the 5 cups of boiling water in that and let the tea bags steep for 2 to 3 minutes
Add in the spearmint and sugar. Stir the sugar until it dissolves
Steep for another 3 to 4 minutes and strain
Serve chilled with ice cubes after it cools down to room temperature
3. Peach Iced Tea
Peach and lemon iced tea recipe? Sign us up!
Ingredients:
3 cans of peach nectar
2 quarts of brewed tea
A cup of sugar
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Total Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Servings:
12 cups
Method:
Get a pitcher and combine all the ingredients in it
Stir well, chill, and serve with ice cubes
4. Mixed Iced Tea
This recipe combines the goodness of chamomile, strawberry, and orange, giving you a delicious iced tea recipe no sugar brew!
Ingredients:
8 chamomile tea bags
12 cups of filtered water (room temperature)
2 small oranges (peeled, thinly sliced, and de-seeded)
24 large strawberries
4 teaspoons of honey
4 teaspoons of hot water
Total Preparation Time:
12 hours 10 minutes
Servings:
12 cups
Method:
Pour one and a half cups of water into a pint-sized canning jar and add a tea bag. Add in 2 orange slices and six halves of strawberries.
Cover with a lid and refrigerate for 12 hours
Remove the tea bags from the jars and add honey with four teaspoons of hot water
Mix, chill, and serve immediately
5. Special Iced Tea
This is one of our signature iced tea recipes. Just try it.
Ingredients:
4 tea bags (regular)
5 cups of water (divided)
14 packs of zero-calorie sweetener
A few slices of lemon and mint sprigs (for the garnish)
Total Preparation Time:
1 hour
Servings:
5 cups
Method:
Put the tea bags in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil in a saucepan.
Steep this for 30 minutes and cover with a lid
Remove the teabags and pour the liquid into a pitcher
Add in 3 cups of water with the sweetener and stir well
Throw in a few ice cubes and use the lemon slices and mint sprigs for the garnish
6. Lemon and Basil Iced Tea
Lemon and basil iced tea make for a fantastic combination. Just try it out!
Ingredients:
4 black tea bags
6 fresh basil leaves
1 lemon (thinly sliced)
6 cups of water
1 teaspoon of sugar
Total Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Servings:
6 cups
Method:
Get a large pot and pour six cups of water in it
Bring to a boil and steep tea, basil, lemon, and any sweetener of your choice
Remove the tea bags and refrigerate your iced tea
Serve chilled
7. Lemon and Blueberry Iced Tea
This one is for all you blueberry lovers out there! Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 pack of fresh frozen blueberries
1/2 a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tea bags (family-sized)
3/4 cups of sugar
A couple of fresh blueberries, mint sprigs, and a few strips of lemon rind (for the garnish)
Total Preparation Time:
1 hour 30 minutes
Servings:
5 cups
Method:
Get a saucepan and bring the blueberries and lemon juice to a boil on a medium flame. Stir well for 5 minutes and remove from the heat. Strain this mixture into a bowl and discard the solids
Rinse the saucepan and add four cups of water, bringing that to a boil afterwards. Steep 3 teabags in that for 5 minutes and discard them. Add sugar and the blueberry blend you just made to that.
Pour in this resulting mixture to a pitcher, cover with a lid, and refrigerate for one hour. Add ice cubes, lemon rind strips, mint sprigs, and a few blueberries for the garnish
8. Raspberry Iced Tea
Do you like raspberries? Then try this recipe!
Ingredients:
Eight 1/4 cups of water (divided)
2/3 cups of sugar
5 tea bags
3 to 4 cups of unsweetened raspberries
Mint sprigs
Total Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
8 cups
Method:
Take four cups of water and pour into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and add in sugar, stirring it continuously until it dissolves. Remove from the flame and add in the teabags. Steep for 5 to 8 minutes and discard them.
Add four cups of water to another saucepan and mix in the raspberries and remaining water
Bring that to a boil, lower the flame, and let it simmer, uncovered, for three minutes
Strain and remove the pulp. Mix the raspberry blend with the tea mix you just made, refrigerate, garnish with mint sprigs and serve chilled with ice cubes
9. Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea
You can't live through the summer without this apricot lemonade iced tea. It's so amazing.
Ingredients:
4 cups of water
7 individual tea bags
1 cup of sugar
1 can of frozen lemonade concentrate (12 ounces)
1 cup of chilled apricot nectar
4 cups of cold water
Ice cubes
Mint sprigs
Total Preparation Time:
15 minutes plus some more time for cooling
Servings:
9 cups
Method:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and remove from flame
Steep the tea bags in the water for five minutes and discard them
Add in sugar, dissolve it, cool the liquid and transfer to a pitcher
Add lemon concentrate and nectar, stir well in cold water and serve chilled with mint and ice cubes
Are There Any Side Effects of Drinking Iced Tea?
Yes, drinking too much of iced tea can lead to kidney failure due to the oxalic acid content in them. Make sure to limit your iced tea intake per day.
FAQs
Have questions? Here are our answers below.
1. Does Ice Tea Have the Same Health Benefits as Hot Tea?
No. Hot tea is actually more beneficial than iced tea because when you steep the herbs/leaves in hot water, the antioxidants and nutrients get drawn out and used efficiently.
2. How to Clear Up Cloudy Iced Tea?
Adding a cup of boiled filter water to the ice tea will help clear out the cloudiness.
3. How Long is Homemade Iced Tea Good For?
You should consume homemade iced tea in 24 hours. If you're refrigerating, then you can store it up to 3 -4 days. 2 days tops, if you've added sugar, as the sweetener since it may ferment.
We hope you enjoyed this article on iced tea, their health benefits, and our recipes. Make sure to consult your nutritionist on how much iced tea you can drink, especially if you have any medical conditions. If you're having a hard time staying hydrated, try out our recipes and watch your mood and health getting better instantly.
Also Read:
Ultimate Lassi Recipes for This Summer to Try
Healthy Drinks to Consume This Summer for Refreshment
Yummy Kulfi Recipes to Consider in This Summer Read more
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8 Magical Ways to Spend Time With Nature
Of the many options for outdoor activities for kids, nature offers the best answers. The same goes for moms! While swimming, running and skipping are highly physical activities, there are some simple things you can do that need no toil but leave you feeling fitter. And when you are fit and at peace, happiness comes to visit you on its own!
If there's one therapeutic thing that needs very little but rewards you in bulk, its is spending more time in nature with kids. Nature connects you to inner happiness, energizes you, lifts your spirits, keeps you healthy, and also helps you form a stronger bond with your children.
This year, indulge in outdoor activities for kids and spend lots of time with the beautiful world outside. We give you 8 splendid ways to spend time in and with the natural world.
Nature Activity Ideas for You
1. Sprout green fingers this year and make your garden your personal slice of heaven.
2. Get home a houseplant or two to purify the air and add a dash of green to your living area.
3. Go to the park with your kids more often and get your knees dirty playing in the sand and on the swings.
4. Build a bird-house in your yard, garden, balcony or alley-way and watch the little birdies snuggle up for warmth.
5. Eat lots of fruits and veggies that are farm-fresh and loaded with nutrition – even better if they are consumed out of a picnic basket!
6. Start practicing yoga every morning or early evening and feel the freshness seep into your soul.
7. Drink up! Make fresh fruit juices, smoothies and mock-tails and let the healthy, natural fruit sugars revitalize you.
8. Go out on a family vacation to the beach and let the sun and sand help you create glorious memories for a lifetime.
How do you plan to spend time with nature this year? Read more
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#ItalianLove Spaghetti with Mushrooms
This is what I turn to when I'm looking for 'Comfort Food'. It's got all my favourite ingredients and is a big hit with both my 17 year old nephew and my 6 year old niece. It's a single dish meal, so while it's a little time consuming to make, it's a handy recipe to have!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10 Minutes
45 Minutes
Ingredients
Spaghetti - 1 and a half packets
Olive oil - 4 tablespoons
Butter - 60 grams
Flour - 60 grams
Milk - 600 ml
Garlic - 3 cloves, finely chopped
Mushrooms - 250 grams, sliced
Cheese - 6 cubes, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step 1
In a small pan, heat the olive oil, add the garlic, and saute till translucent. Raise the heat and add the sliced mushrooms, saute on high heat tossing frequently. Season with salt and fresh pepper. Switch off and set aside to cool.
Step 2
Bring about 10 cups of water to boil in a large pan, add a teaspoon of olive oil and salt. Add the spaghetti, pressing down with a slotted spoon until all of it is submerged. Boil rapidly for another 10 minutes, checking frequently. Once done, drain into a large colander, add a splash of olive oil, and toss.
Step 3
While the spaghetti is cooking, place the butter in a heavy based pan, and melt over low heat. Whisk in the flour spoon by spoon, until the mixture comes together and starts to leave the sides of the pan - about 2 minutes
Step 4
Pour in the milk at once, and whisk vigorously, to ensure no lumps form - the mixture will begin to thicken. Stir in 4 cubes of the grated cheese, then add the cooled mushroom and garlic mixture.
Step 5
Serve immediately with the hot spaghetti and a bowlful of grated cheese - Yum!
Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
3 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I cannot assist you on that because other things are also associated with the particular particular report so I think it’s better that once a gynaecologist is available she’s going to take up your query and she will be able to give you a better clarity as per the situation
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please do not take any medicine without consulting with your gynaecologist. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Actually on the ovulation time only you can conceive so yes if things are right with you you can go ahead with the conception but with what the details you have mentioned it would be better to have a discussion with your gynaecologist prior to you proceed to your ovulation and conception
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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