Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
11 Homemade Night Creams for Healthy Skin
There are numerous skin care brands out there with products claiming to be able to make your skin softer, younger and blemish free, but how many of them really work? What is more, with the price tags attached to many of them, many of us often wonder if it is even worth it. The truth is that our skin does need a bit of help when it comes to staying clear and youthful looking, something that becomes increasingly difficult with age. Luckily, most of the ingredients used in even the most expensive skin care products are really things you can find in your very own kitchen, so rather than burning a hole in your pocket, just step into your kitchen and whip up your own batch of DIY night creams.
Homemade Night Creams for Skin Care
No matter what type of skin you have, we have a recipe for you:
1. Almond Oil Night Cream
This is a great homemade night cream for dry skin, with Vitamin E in almond oil, cocoa butter and honey.
Ingredients:
Almond oil - 1 tablespoon
Cocoa butter -2 tablespoons
Honey - 1 tablespoon
Rosewater - 2 teaspoons
How To Prepare:
Melt the cocoa butter with the almond oil.
Remove the mix from heat and then add the honey and rosewater to it.
Mix well and leave to cool.
Store it in the fridge and use at bedtime.
2. Avocado and Yoghurt Night Cream
Rich in vitamins and minerals, avocado is an amazing ingredient to use for skin care. This recipe is a great homemade night cream for anti-ageing.
Ingredients:
Avocado - 1
Yoghurt - 1/2 cup
How To Prepare:
Mash the avocado well in a bowl until it reaches a paste-like consistency.
Blend the yoghurt and avocado well and store in an airtight container at a cool and dry place.
Use twice a week.
3. Apple Night Cream
With apple as an active ingredient, this recipe makes an amazing night cream for glowing skin.
Ingredients:
Rosewater - 5 tablespoons
Apples - 2
Olive oil - 1 teaspoon
How To Prepare:
Peel the apples and cut them after removing the seeds.
Put the pieces in a blender and blend with olive oil.
Once the mix is smooth, pour it into a boiler.
Heat on a low flame until hot.
Remove from heat. Once it is cool, mix with rosewater.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use within six days.
4. Aloe Vera Night Cream
This is an amazing night cream for acne-prone skin as it contains aloe vera, known for its magical healing properties.
Ingredients:
Aloe vera extracts - 2 tablespoons
Lavender oil - 1 teaspoon
Primrose oil - 1 teaspoon
How To Prepare:
Mix the lavender oil and primrose oil with the aloe vera extracts until it becomes a smooth paste..
Store in an airtight container and use every night before bed.
5. Green Tea and Aloe Night Cream
Get rid of the damage that environmental pollution does to your skin with this detoxing night cream for face.
Ingredients:
Green tea extract - 1 teaspoon
Almond oil - 1 tablespoon
Rosewater - 1 tablespoon
Essential oil - 1 teaspoon
Aloe vera juice - 1 tablespoon
Beeswax - 1 tablespoon
How To Prepare:
Use a double boiler or a makeshift one.
Pour the almond oil with the beeswax into it and melt them together.
Remove from heat and then mix the aloe vera.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Store in an airtight container. Use before going to sleep.
6. Cocoa Butter Night Cream
If wrinkles are a bother in your life, this is the night cream for you.
Ingredients:
Cocoa butter - 2 tablespoons
Virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Coconut oil - 1 tablespoon
How To Prepare:
Heat all the ingredients in a boiler until they are mixed well.
Store in an airtight container after it's cool.
7. Coconut and Glycerine Night Cream
With the moisturising properties of coconut oil and glycerine, this is the perfect homemade night cream for winter.
Ingredients:
Almond oil - 1 tablespoon
Coconut oil - 1 tablespoon
Glycerine - 1 tablespoon
Rosewater - 2 tablespoons
How To Prepare:
Melt the coconut oil and almond oil using a double boiler until they are blended together.
Remove from heat and add the rosewater and glycerine.
Store in an airtight container.
8. Orange Peel Night Cream
If you are looking for a good night cream for oily skin, homemade options are the best, and this recipe is at the top of the list.
Ingredients:
Orange peel - of 2 oranges
Orange oil - 4 drops
Petroleum jelly - 2 tablespoons
Glycerine - 2 teaspoons
How To Prepare:
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until the consistency is smooth and creamy.
Store in an airtight container and use at bedtime.
9. Olive Oil and Beeswax Night Cream
Those with combination skin will benefit greatly from this night cream for combination skin.
Ingredients:
Extra Virgin olive oil - 1/2 cup
Coconut oil - 2 tablespoons
Beeswax - 1 tablespoon
Vitamin E - 2 capsules
How To Prepare:
Melt the olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax until everything is blended well together.
Remove from heat. Cool it and add the Vitamin E capsules.
Store in an airtight container and allow to cool.
10. Shea Butter and Primrose Night Cream
If you are suffering from dark spots, hyperpigmentation and blemishes, this night cream is for you.
Ingredients:
Shea butter - 2 tablespoons
Evening Primrose oil - 2 tablespoons
How To Prepare:
Melt shea butter in a pan.
Once fully melted, remove from heat. Mix with the evening primrose oil.
Store in an airtight container and allow to cool.
11. Tea Tree Oil Night Cream
This cream helps the new skin cells grow back, leaving you with healthy and youthful skin.
Ingredients:
Tea-tree oil - 1 tablespoon
Petroleum jelly - 2 tablespoons
How To Prepare:
Heat the petroleum jelly in a double boiler and slowly add the tea tree oil to it.
Once combined, store in an airtight container and use before going to bed.
Cautionary Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind before you make or use any of the products:
Try a patch test on a tiny portion of your skin to ensure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
If any irritation occurs after using the cream, wash it off at once.
Make sure to check what your skin type is and the ingredients needed to make it. For example, if your skin is oily and you use ingredients to help dry skin, you may experience even more oiliness in your skin as the recipe is meant to bring more moisture to the face and not to help control oil.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Can I Use Night Cream During the Day?
There is no problem with using a night cream during the day, though most of them are formulated to make the skin heavier. This is because our skin does most of the repair work at night, meaning it will require ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin.
When using night creams sold in the market, you should be more careful since you do not have control over the ingredients used. While aloe vera is great for repairing the skin and even protecting it from the sun, if mixed with an ingredient like retinol, it will not be fit for use during the day as retinol causes the skin to become sensitive to sunlight.
2. Should I Apply Night Cream After Serum?
The usual way to layer on skin products is to start with the thinner, more concentrated products first, which means that serum should be applied before a night cream. There are times when the skin might be too sensitive, and the concentrated ingredients in the serum may be too harsh for the skin. In cases like this, you can apply your moisturiser first and then layer on the serum so that the potency of the product is reduced, but you still get some of the benefits.
Remember that looking after your skin is important if you want to slow down the ageing process, so pick a recipe that suits you and get started with making your homemade night creams!
Also Read:
Homemade Face Masks to Lighten & Bleach Your Skin Naturally
Easy Steps to Get Salon-Like Glow at Home
Simple Home Remedies to Remove Blackheads Permanently Read more
Suggested for you
Navratri and Dussehra Facts for Kids
Normally, the second half of the year in India is full of celebration and festivals, with so many being celebrated within weeks of one another. It is a great time for families because, in many parts, they come together from all over the country in unison to celebrate the festive season.
Almost all the following festivals - Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali - celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and it is a great time to teach kids about India’s history. If you have a kid in the family, now is a great time to teach them about these festivals, and impart some Navratri information for kids to appreciate the importance of the festival better.
Video: Fun Facts about Navratri and Dussehra For Kids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAQkYT9sNYk
What is Navratri?
Navratri is a festival celebrated by Hindus. It is also known by other names in different parts of the country, including Chandra Darshan, Sindoor Tritiya, Chandi Path, Kumari Puja, Sandhi Puja, Mahagauri Puja, and Ayudha Puja, among other names. There are certain rituals which are observed in different parts of the country during this time. Each region or state has their own ways of celebration and the duration also differs from place to place.
Why and When is Navratri Celebrated?
A festival that is celebrated by those who follow Hinduism, Navratri is celebrated for different reasons in different parts of the country. It is also known as Durga Puja, whereby devotees pay respects to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. 'Nav' means nine and 'ratri' means night; hence, the name. There is also the aspect of the nine colours of Navratri, each colour assigned to a specific day, depicting each incarnation of the Goddess.
In the North, the celebration is in honour of Lord Ram and his triumph over Lankan King Raavan, who kidnapped Ram’s wife; in the North East, they pray to Goddess Durga and her triumph over evil in the form of the demon Mahishasura.
This year, Navratri began on 10th October and will end on 18th October. In theory, Navratri actually falls from 2 to 4 times in a year, although the most celebrated one is Sharada Navratri which is celebrated after the monsoon season. The exact dates for the festival change slightly every year and depend upon the Hindu luni-solar calendar.
How Do People Celebrate Navratri Across India?
Here’s how people celebrate the festival in different parts of the country:
1. In East India
In Eastern India, Navratri is known as Durga Puja. Here, for days together, states like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar etc. overflow with people. They venerate Durga Ma and celebrate her triumphant slaying of the evil demon Mahishasura. There are massive pandals, or stages, that are constructed across the state. For eight days, idols are decorated before they are immersed in the sea, to signify Her return to Kailasa.
2. In North India
In the North, Navratri is observed in the month of April in some places where people fast for nine days. It shouldn’t be implied that they do not eat at all during these nine days; they just abstain from wheat and rice. This practice is said to improve the digestive system.
The festival is again live in October, and celebrates Lord Ram and his triumph over the Lankan King Raavan, who kidnapped his wife, Sita.
The Navratri story for kids is best explained to them through the Ram Leela. For nine nights, people stay up and chant prayers praising Lord Ram and enjoy plays that celebrate his story. On the tenth day, a massive effigy of Raavan is burnt with much pomp and show, with crackers.
3. In West India
In Western India and parts of Gujarat, the festival is celebrated with dandiya or garba. It is a traditional dance between women and men, and it is called the “sword dance” because it represents a mock battle between Goddess Durga and the demon.
4. In South India
In Southern India, the festival is known as Ayudha Puja where people celebrate and pay respect to their instruments. Here, vehicles, books, and musical instruments are kept in front of the deity and smeared with holy ash or sandalwood paste. In several parts of different states in the South, people also have a unique exhibition of decorated dolls within their homes that last for all nine days.
What is Dussehra?
Dussehra is a festival celebrated largely across the North, in honour of Lord Ram’s triumphant victory against Raavan. It's the final day of the Navratri festival and ends with many effigies of the ten-headed Raavan being burnt down to the ground.
Why and When is Dussehra Celebrated?
Dussehra is generally celebrated around mid-October (almost towards the end of the month) and marks the tenth day of Navaratri. It is celebrated to commemorate Lord Ram’s victory over Raavan after he kidnapped his wife, Sita. The two armies fought fiercely for days before Lord Ram victoriously slew Raavan and saved his wife from the clutches of evil. It’s a great piece of Dussehra information for kids to learn and remember.
In some parts of Himachal Pradesh, the festival culminates on the tenth day of the rising moon, i.e. Vijayadashami. The history of this festival dates back to the 17th Century when the local King, Jagat Singh installed an idol of Raghunath in his kingdom, Kullu. This deity was declared as the ruling Lord of the entire valley.
How Do People Celebrate Dussehra Across India?
Here are a few Dussehra facts for kids that you could teach them by showing them how the festival is celebrated in different parts of the country:
1. In East India
As mentioned before, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja in the East. The number of days and certain traditions differ from state to state. Women apply sindoor on their foreheads and on the forehead of the Goddess they pray to. The festival or the puja is conducted on the days of Sashti, Saptami, Ashtami and Navami with the puja culminating on the final day of Dusshera.
2. In North India
Apart from burning of effigies, in the northern states, especially in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, there is an internationally renowned Dusshera celebration called Kullu Dusshera. Here, the festivities start on the tenth day and continue for another seven days. This commemorates the day on which the idol of Lord Raghunath was installed on the throne by the local king Jagat Singh.
3. In West India
In Gujarat, Garba is a folk dance that is played during all the nine days of the festival. People dance to folk tunes after offering their prayers to the deity of Durga.
4. In South India
In Mysore, the festival sees a lot of prominence in the wonderfully lit Mysore Palace. The city also burns down effigies of Kumbhkaran, Raavan and Meghnath. Here too, idols of Goddess Durga are carried atop elephants from the palace to the Mantapa, or pavilion, as devotees pay their respects during the journey.
Thus, Navratri and Dussehra are celebrated wholeheartedly across the country. While they have different forms, the ultimate celebration is that of good over evil and the triumph of balance in the world.
Also Read: Diwali Facts for Kids Read more
Check out this new Memory
Sheela maria
Mom of a 1 yr 2 m old girl
1 min ago
My princess 1 birthday with her loveable Ammachi and Mama...in France
1 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Prathyusha
Mom of a 6 m old girl
1 min ago
#stylishbaby
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
IV Fluids During Labor - Important Things to Know
Giving birth and its experience differ from person to person - firstly, because your bodies are different, and secondly, because of the place and hospital you give birth in. In some hospitals, it’s a standard practice to put you on routine IV during labor, while some inject it only when the need arises.
IVs should not be administered without need. It is because an IV might turn out to be an intervention during labor. So, if the expecting mother doesn’t need an IV, it can lead to unnecessary complications.
To put everything in simple words, let us discuss everything around it. It will help you understand the pros and cons behind it. Also, you will be able to say NO in case you feel there is no need to put an IV in your scenario. Let’s get started!
What Is an IV?
The acronym IV stands for ‘intravenous. So, the IV or the intravenous line is a plastic catheter inserted in your vein (either in hand or lower arm) to pass a medication or fluid as and when required.
A woman in labor can be given an IV before, after, or during delivery. It is optional and depends on the doctor and the patient’s condition. So, let us now discuss how crucial or irrelevant the IV during childbirth is.
When Is an IV Needed?
Labor pain involves putting extreme pressure. Women also experience severe menstrual cramps during labor. So, it is a tough job to push out a baby.
And to perform this hard work, it is crucial to keep yourself hydrated. Some hospitals do not allow the expecting mother to eat or drink during pregnancy. In such cases, IV comes into the picture.
Other reasons where an IV is required, irrelevant of the type of delivery (vaginal or C-section) are:
You are required to be given antibiotics or IV pain meds during labor.
You require an epidural.
You will have a C-section delivery.
You have high-risk complications already.
In case you develop complications before or during labor, and you need medication for it.
You require Pitocin.
When Is IV Not Needed?
An IV is not required when it is given on the name of the routine protocol in labor. Some hospitals do not allow the expecting mother to eat or drink anything through the mouth. In such a scenario, the doctor says, ‘we are giving it to keep you hydrated during labor.’ Labor pains can go on for several hours. Ideally, if you have no complicated medical history and have a normal labor, and are allowed to eat and drink (as labor can be long) as needed, you will not need an IV.
Conclusively, if the reason for putting an IV is not listed in the previous paragraph, then IV is put only as a routine procedure that can be avoided.
What Are the Risks of Taking an IV?
Unnecessary hydration can pose certain risks to your body. Here are some side effects:
1. Edema
It is the swelling of the various body parts due to excessive fluid retention. The prescribed limit for IV fluids during labor is 100 to 200 ml/hour. So supposedly, if a woman goes into 15 hours of labor, it amounts to 1.5-3 liters of fluid. It can cause painful swelling in various parts of the body, including the breasts. The body already has to lose excessive fluid that got accumulated during the pregnancy term. So, hydrating beyond the limit can cause complications that last for days.
2. Challenges in Breastfeeding
Due to swelling in the breasts, the newborn will find it difficult to latch for a feed. It might also make breastfeeding a painful procedure for the mother. Due to latching difficulty, there is no proper stimulation for milk production, as is the case with a proper latch. It might force you to start using formula milk, and in turn, as the demand goes down, the body starts reducing the milk formation. In such a case, the edema makes pumping difficult even when the newbie mother tries to pump.
3. Restricted Movement
Your hand inserted with a plastic catheter might change your birthing story. It can restrict your movement in the labor room. Also, successful delivery is a result of correct hormone production in your body. If you don’t feel comfortable and safe during the birthing process, it affects your hormones too. Active labor is always beneficial, in which case, an IV can make your movements restricted. Your hand might become difficult and sore due to elongated hours of IV. This will, in turn, affect the labor.
4. Significant Weight Loss of the Newborn
It is quite evident that whatever a mother consumes during pregnancy is absorbed by the child as well. So, when the mother is injected with IV fluid, the child absorbs that too. This retained fluid poses for a dramatic weight loss in the child after delivery.
Alternatives to IV
If the reason for inserting an IV line is hydration, you can ask the doctor to eat and drink instead, on-demand. This will keep you hydrated. If the reason is administering painkillers through IV, then there are some non-medicinal ways to do the same. These days some classes train you to cope with the pain.
Keep in mind that it’s your body, and you can speak to your doctor or caregiver the way you want to give birth. Communication is the key, and the doctor will do the best for you and your child.
It will help if you trust your doctor by all means. Discuss your birth plans beforehand. Some hospitals have IV administration as a non-negotiable medication. Check with your hospital for policies related to birthing well in advance. And if putting an IV is necessary in your case, ask the caregiver to put it in your forearm. Forearm IVs are easy to move and cause lesser irritation. Have a happy birthing story!
Also Read:
Foetal Station in Labor
Entonox during Labor
Usage of Oxytocin in Labor Read more
Suggested for you
6 Biggest Regrets Indian Moms Have Had In The Delivery Room
Being able to give birth is a superpower granted to women and perhaps no other experience can come close to how magical it is to bring a new life into this world. As mothers, we all experience anxiety, fear and nervousness while going through labour and delivery. While all these emotions are completely normal to have, many Indian mothers will also swear by experiences that they regret being subjected to or having faced in the delivery room. We may not be able to undo these regrets, but, in hindsight, learning about them will keep us better prepared for the future.
Entering labour, and subsequently the delivery room, can be nerve-wracking experience for any mom-to-be. You are in so much pain and so much trepidation at this time. You are worrying incessantly about your baby and whether all will be well during the childbirth procedure. But sometimes, not everything goes as per plan. Some of us end up having experiences that we regret for a long time later. Whether they are because of family pressure, our own set of beliefs, or medical negligence, these regrets haunt us for years and we wish we could have changed them.
1. "I was Forced Into a C-Section Procedure."
Many Indian mothers confess regretting their decision of opting for a C-section, irrespective of the fact whether it was an emergency or they were advised by their own doctor or a loved one. In some cases, having a C-section once could mean a lesser viability of a vaginal childbirth/normal delivery in the future. It also means a long and painful post surgery recovery during which you may not be able to look after your baby as well as you want to. There is always new medical research on C-section, and some of the findings further distress moms who have had a C-section. Babies born via this procedure, it seems, could be more prone to asthma, Type 1 diabetes and obesity. This, combined with how our society often treats C-section deliveries as 'easy' and 'less natural' is enough to make many mothers wish they could undo the decision altogether.
Well, moms, the important thing is that both you and your baby are safe and growing up happily together. If you have undergone a C-section, make sure you do these 10 important things after childbirth to make your recovery faster. Medical science is making new leaps every day, so don't worry yourself excessively about the aftermath of the surgery on your baby. He will be just fine.
2. "I Wish I Didn't Need to Take an Epidural to Ease the Pain."
‘I wish I could endure the pain and not need a drug to help with it’ is a thought many mothers have had post childbirth. In India, especially, women are often symbolized as someone carrying immense strength and endurance, who have to 'bear pain' to bring their baby into the world. This thought process makes many mothers feel they should have put on a brave face and got through the pain - without medical help.
The simple fact is that an epidural is administered when the doctor feels the need for it. Whether or not you need one depends on your health, the complications of your pregnancy, and what is perceived to be the best course of action for a safe delivery. We need to stop feeling guilty or regretful about this. It doesn't reflect on our maternal strength at all.
3. "A Crowd Gathered in My Room Soon After the Delivery. It was Overwhelming!"
Your family is super excited to meet you and your baby after the delivery. But having a large group of family members or dear ones so soon after childbirth can be overwhelming! Yes, this means more love and more people who care, but having too many people in the delivery room is not such a great idea in hindsight simply because of the pressure it puts on the new mother. Giving birth to a child is an excruciatingly painful and tiring process and therefore the mother requires as much sleep and rest as she could possibly get post the delivery. However, the incoming visitors somewhere may be a reason why they aren’t able to do so. There is also an increased chance of infection!
Doctors advise having one or maybe just two extremely important people by your side when you are in the delivery room. Let's start making this clear to near and dear ones that they should wait a while before crowding the room to see you. ||
4. "I was not Allowed to See my Baby Immediately. He was Taken Away from me for a Long Time..."
According to some customs in our country, the mother isn’t allowed to see or hold her child immediately after giving birth. The evil eye, warding off 'nazar', or just family customs are cited as reasons. But beliefs and superstitions like these take away the joy a mother wants to experience by holding her baby in her arms. She has carried him inside her for so many months, and this separation now is really cruel on her emotional state. Sometimes, a medical situation may also mean getting separated from your baby after giving birth. If the baby was born premature, he will be taken away to the NICU, for instance. This early separation from our bundle of joy is one of the biggest regrets many of us have as a post-delivery memory.
5. "I was not Really Prepared for the Labour and Delivery."
This is one regret that we can actively eliminate, just by changing the way we approach pregnancy. Many mothers admit that had they been a wee bit better prepared, they would have been able to handle the process in the delivery room better. Reading up more, taking pre-natal classes, and performing pre-natal yoga regularly before the day of delivery would have helped them and made the delivery process smoother.
So, if you are pregnant, and the doctor is recommending yoga, please go ahead and start doing it, even if you face resistance at home. Here are some simple prenatal yoga asanas to get you started. Also invest time in reading up about childbirth as much as possible. While no amount of preparation can really prepare you completely, it does count in making things a bit easier to handle.
6. "I Couldn't Breastfeed my Child After Her Birth. I was not Allowed To!"
One of the most common regrets that many mothers have is not being able to feed their child after his/her birth. This stems from an Indian custom where the new mother is made to hold the baby for a few minutes but not feed them. It is believed that mother's milk is 'not ready' for some days postpartum, and the colostrum, which is actually wonderful for the child, is often discarded! There could also be a medical reason for not being able to nurse your baby, such as low milk supply, painful breasts, or a difficult surgery.
If there is a latching problem, it can usually be fixed with the assistance of a nurse. Speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant as soon as you can to learn how you can start feeding your baby. Breastmilk is definitely the best food for an infant. But ultimately, if you are unable to nurse for whatever reason, don't think it belittles you as a mother. There are several other ways to bond with your child and provide him ample immunity and nutrition. Read more
Suggested for you
Ideas for a Simple Yet Delicious Breakfast for Your Notorious Toddler
Breakfast, the first meal of the day is to be planned appropriately as it helps in having a pleasant start and enjoying strength-giving food. Almost all parents tell their kids to finish their breakfast without a fuss. But it is not easy with notorious toddlers who love to run here and there, leaving everything behind. Here are a few delicious breakfast suggestions that are perfect for toddlers.Serving interesting food in a kid-friendly manner helps him enjoy his breakfast. A toddler needs to have a healthy start to be active throughout the day.
Upma
It is the easiest breakfast recipe. Upma when added to some finely chopped veggies like carrot, potatoes, onion, peas turns colourful and tasty. Add chillis according to your taste. With a spoonful of ghee, this turns into a wonderful option. Try simple vermicelli Upma.
Idli
Idli is one of the perfect breakfast options in Indian households. Toddlers after a few days get bored with the same white coloured idli. So you can add palak puree which turns it green. Grate some carrot and serve a different type of idli. Changing colour attracts kids and it is also loaded with many nutrients.
Dosa
A tasty recipe which is a good start for breakfast. Cheese dosa is a good option to serve for toddlers. For a change, make sprouts dosa which is rich in protein. To attract kids, make small sized dosas as it is easy to eat. Ragi dosa is also a good option for a healthy start. Wheat dosa fills the tummy of a toddler.
Paratha
The most delicious North Indian recipe loaded with goodness. Potatoes, paneer, palak or spinach, fenugreek or methi, green peas, beetroot, bottle gourd and others are perfect options to make a lip-smacking paratha. Roast it with ghee and add the veggies you want your toddler to have as this is a whole meal.
Puri
Along with parathas, puri is another option for breakfast. To attract your toddler, make the puri in smaller sizes. Palak puri, beetroot puri are colourful and healthy along with regular ones. Also try aloo puri whicu is a good choice.
Egg
Eggs are an easy and healthy breakfast option for toddlers. Offer it by boiling or make a tasty omelette, it is totally nutritious. Use different shapes to make it attractive to your toddler.
Along with these simple yet delicious breakfast options try offering your toddler sweets and milkshakes that energise him and support his growth.
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
Suggested for you
How to Grow Spinach in Your Garden - Planting and Growing Tips
Spinach is one of the most rewarding cool-weather crops to cultivate, yielding abundant amounts of vitamin-rich, dark green leaves that are wonderful for salads and cooking. Since both hot weather and long days cause spinach to bolt (send up a seed stalk), the key to success with this crop is to begin sowing seeds as quickly as possible in spring. Make quick, frequent plantings throughout late spring and summer and focus on fall as the primary crop season.
Spinach is a leafy green that best grows in cooler climates. Spinach, which is strong in iron, is also high in vitamins A and C, potassium, thiamin, and folic acid, among other nutrients. Spinach has carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are abundant in most dark green leafy vegetables. Spinach is delicious whether eaten raw or cooked.
When to Plant Spinach?
Spinach grows similarly to lettuce in terms of circumstances and requirements, but it is more beneficial in nutrition and can be eaten raw or cooked. It has more iron, calcium, and vitamins than most cultivated greens and is a good source of vitamins A, B, and C.
Spring plantings can begin as soon as the soil is workable. It is critical to seed spinach as soon as possible to ensure that it receives the needed six weeks of chilly weather between sowing and harvesting.
Soil temperatures should not exceed 70ºF (21°C) for optimum germination.
Throughout early spring, successive plantings should be conducted every two weeks.
Gardeners in northern areas can harvest spinach in early spring if they plant it right before the fall frost. Through the winter, shelter the young plants with a cold frame or thick mulch, then remove the protection when the area's soil temperature reaches 40ºF (5°C).
Common spinach cannot grow in mid-summer. Consider New Zealand Spinach or Malabar Spinach, two comparable leafy greens with a higher heat tolerance for a summer harvest.
If you live in a mild climate, Spinach can be also be planted in the fall.
Planting should be halted until the temperature of the soil cools sufficiently.
Where to Plant Spinach?
When it comes to cultivating spinach, there are a variety of possibilities. You might grow spinach indoors or outdoors, in pots on a terrace or courtyard, in a vegetable patch alongside other crops, or raised beds. We'll walk you through all the conditions required below:
Spinach should be grown in full sun. In warm climates, grow spinach in partial shade.
It would help if you planted spinach in well-drained, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. Before planting, add two inches of old compost or a commercial organic planting mix to the planting beds and till the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30cm).
Spinach grows best in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Spinach is a resilient plant that thrives in cool weather - the ideal temperature range is 50-70°F (10-21°C).
Warm temperatures and long days allow spinach to bolt, that is, to blossom and set seed.
How to Plant Spinach?
Spinach is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that may be eaten straight from the garden or used in various recipes. Growing spinach in cool temperatures and with enough water is a successful endeavor. Spinach is knowns as a "superfood," rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins like A and C. Learn how to grow spinach and include this nutritious cool-season crop in your garden by following these simple instructions:
1. Sow seeds 12" (1cm) apart and 12" (1cm) deep
If planting in rows, ensure that the rows are at least eight inches (20cm) apart. This enables the seeds to mature without competing for space. Ensure that you get new seeds for planting each year as they do not remain viable for an extended period.
2. Cover the seeds with soil and lightly pat them down
You should not compress the soil over the seeds; rather, it should be light and fluffy. Ensure the seeds are completely covered in soil and are not exposed to the air.
3. Distribute mulch evenly over the planting area
Cover the soil in the planting area with a few inches of hay, straw, leaf, or grass mulch to prevent weeds from sprouting. Pulling undesired weeds may cause damage to the spinach roots, making mulching a useful weed management method.
4. Thoroughly water the planting area
Water the area using a hose or can with a mild shower setting. A powerful environment can disrupt or even wash away newly sown seeds.
5. Adapt to the heat
Consider utilizing cold frames or thick row covers to keep the soil cool during hot summers in a hot environment. If growing in hot weather, sow additional seeds and water them twice daily.
Tips to Avoid Pests and Diseases
If you're looking for a pest or disease-resistant crop, spinach is a gardener's dream because it rarely succumbs to any significant issues. These few tips will help avoid pests & diseases:
Aphids, flea beetles, leaf miners, slugs, and spider mites, among other pests, are attracted to spinach leaves, making them vulnerable to assault. You can remove aphids from plants by spraying them with a strong stream of water. Pinch out any foliage that has been heavily affected by the pest.
Remove the leaf miners that have been tunneled through the leaves. You may find their eggs on the undersides of the leaves if looked closely. Using floating row coverings makes it possible to keep leaf miner flies out of the planting bed.
It is possible to use Spinosad to kill flea beetles and spider mites.
Using diatomaceous earth to create a barrier around the plants will stop slugs and snails from consuming spinach.
Spinach is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including mildew, rust, and the mosaic virus. Planting cultivars that are resistant to rust and disease should be prioritized.
Yeasts such as mildew and rust, which can cause disease, are the plant’s fungus. You should sprinkle compost tea on leaves after they have been harvested to help prevent fungal diseases.
You should also remove plants infected with the mosaic virus from the garden. Leaf mottling or streaking in white or yellow is caused by the mosaic virus, which several different strains can cause.
It would help if you kept garbage and debris out of the garden. Plants that are infected with disease should be removed and destroyed.
Varieties of Spinach
There are numerous varieties of spinach. When it comes to growing them, each one has its own set of intricacies and nuances. Also, spinach leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways. Let's learn about the spinach varieties!
1. Red Carnival
The ‘Red Cardinal’ leaves have red veins, while the stems are a deep red color. However, this variety must be harvested when the leaves are still young and tender as it bolts faster than any other type of green-leaved spinach.
2. New Zealand Spinach
The leaves of this plant are crisp and succulent, and it is native to New Zealand. The leaves practically melt in your mouth and can be consumed raw as well as cooked.
3. Malabar Spinach
This spinach variety requires a lot of summer heat, as well as a trellis to climb on to attain its maximum growth potential. These plants may reach up to ten-foot-tall vines. Plant this variety if you wish to add some height to your garden.
4. Catalina
This plant has thick, succulent leaves that are spear-shaped and have a succulent texture. The foliage structure makes it most suitable for cooking in the kitchen.
5. Indian Summer
This is an excellent and productive three-season spinach that can be harvested in the spring, summer, and fall. The leaves of the plant are smooth and flattened.
Watering and Feeding Spinach
Every plant requires care while growing. You must keep the following points in mind about watering and feeding spinach crops:
Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season if you want to see rapid growth in your spinach.
It is best not to pour dirty water over leaves; instead, mulch surrounding plants with straw or chopped leaves to prevent soil from getting on the leaves.
Only use fertilizers if crucial due to delayed growth or as supplements if your soil pH is inadequate.
When the seedlings have sprung to around two inches in height, uproot and repot them at least 3-4 inches apart from each other.
Aside from thinning, there is little need for cultivation. It is easy to injure shallow roots since they are so little.
During the growing season, side-dress plants with compost tea or a dilute solution of fish emulsion every two weeks to keep them look their best.
Midseason is a good time to side-dress spinach with old compost.
Other Tips to Take Care of Growing Spinach
Growing spinach takes a bit of perseverance and care from your end. Keep these tips in mind when you wish to grow spinach plants:
Plant spinach at the appropriate time of the year: Spinach may be cultivated in virtually any climate if the proper conditions are met. Spinach thrives in temperatures ranging from 25°F to 75°F. Plant spinach as soon as the soil reaches temperatures fit for cultivation in chilly winter locations. Spinach requires around six weeks of cool weather from seed to harvest and may endure a light frost.
Choose an ideal place for spinach planting: Spinach thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to light shade. Spinach prefers fertile, moist soil that is neutral to alkaline in ph. (pH 7.0 or above). Before planting, enrich the soil with 2-4 inches of compost.
Plant spinach correctly: Plant seeds 12 inches deep and 2-4 inches apart. 4-6 inches tall, thin to 1 plant every 4-6 inches. Continue to plant seeds every few weeks. Plant 4-9 per square depending on the cultivar.
Grow spinach with care: Plant spinach at the appropriate period for your climate. Spinach prefers moist soil and regular seaweed or compost tea feedings. So, mulch plants with compost to keep them moist and thriving. Use row covers to avoid leaf miners and other pests. With time, remove damaged leaves.
For best flavor, pick young spinach: Harvest leaves when they reach your desired size. Larger leaves can become bitter; hence, harvest quickly. Harvest exterior leaves, leaving interior leaves for later harvest, or cut the plant off at the root.
When to Harvest Spinach?
How long does spinach take to grow? You can harvest spinach at any time. Cutting fosters fresh growth and new leaves, which makes all of us happy gardeners!
Spinach leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a size that is suitable for consumption.
Plants with 6 to 8 leaves should have leaves 4 to 7 inches (10-17cm) length cut from them. Cut the oldest outer leaves first, as they are the most vulnerable. Allow the remaining young leaves to continue growing until they reach maturity.
To harvest the entire plant, cut the leaves 3 inches (7cm) above the soil level; fresh leaves will sprout on the plant, allowing for a second harvest.
Large and older leaves might be bitter; thus, pick leaves as soon as possible rather than waiting until later.
Bolting, flowering, and seed production in spinach are triggered by long days (days lasting more than 14 hours) and warm weather (temperatures greater than 75°F/24°C). The harvest will come to an end when the bolting begins.
How to Store and Preserve Spinach?
After harvesting the leaves successfully, you need to store them properly to prevent them from wilting and spoiling. For storing spinach, follow these steps:
Wash spinach well to remove any grit that may have adhered to the crinkled leaves in some cases.
You can store spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also preserve spinach in a variety of ways, including freezing, canning, or drying.
Sprouting spinach seeds is a method of preparing the vegetable.
Spinach is one of the most straightforward plants to cultivate in your garden. It has a long growing season, is resilient, and requires little maintenance. Simply choosing a suitable location in your garden with adequate drainage is all that is required to get started. Getting started with spinach is straightforward after a little soil preparation and picking the kind you want to grow. You'll have plenty of leafy greens for salads and a variety of prepared dishes. When growing spinach, you may practice your green thumb while also enjoying the benefits of your effort.
Also Read:
How to Grow Basil in Your Garden
How to Grow Peanuts in Your Garden
How to Grow Potatoes in Your Garden
Read more
Humara has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. I am 7 weeks pregnant. Before pregnancy I used to take medicine named Cyra 20 mg for acidity. Now since the day when I got to know that I am pregnant I am not taking any medicine for acidity but daily I am suffering from it. After having breakfast it starts. I am not eating any spicy food , oily food etc. Please help on this
Read moreHumara
Mom of a 2 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. dear mom u can take digene syrup or ulgel they as safe my doctor recommended me during pregnancy u can also take biorab dsr in the morning and syrup before meal at least 30 min i was faciny the same issue
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk 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
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. it's a natural process 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 Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
22 mins ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
58 mins ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
23 mins ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Check out this new Memory
Mousumi Kalita
Mom of a 10 m old boy
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Anjali Sawhney
Guardian of a 3 m old boy
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Roops bhargava
Guardian of a 2 yr 1 m old girl
5 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive