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Epsom Salt Bath for Babies and Kids
All parents worry about their child's well-being and take every possible step to ensure that she grows in a healthy manner - from providing the right kind of nutrition to inculcating good habits and building their hobbies and interests, every parent wants the best for their children.
Bathing your child is also an important step in keeping her healthy, and one way you can ensure her health is by giving her an Epsom salt bath.
What Is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a mineral that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries around the world. Epsom salt is rich in numerous detoxifying components including magnesium which are known to have medicinal benefits. Over 300 enzymes rely on manganese for their proper functioning, making Epsom salt beneficial for everyone.
Is It Safe to Bathe a Child in Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is an extremely healthy mineral when used in the correct manner. It is recommended that you use this mineral after consulting with your doctor. However, please note that low-grade Epsom salt is extremely dangerous. Make sure to buy only high-grade, pure Epsom salt meant for baths and is recognised by a reputed quality monitoring institution.
Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths for Babies and Children
Here are some key benefits of Epsom salt baths:
1. Reduces Inflammation
The magnesium in Epsom salt is well known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Improves Blood Circulation
Most enzymes that help in circulation rely on magnesium. Epsom salt contains magnesium in abundance, which makes it a great mineral for improving blood circulation.
3. Builds Healthy Joints
The sulfates in Epsom salt help build and strengthen joints.
4. Exfoliates Skin
The sulfate in Epsom salt removes dead skin, repairs damaged skin cells and ensures the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
5. Helps Oxygen Flow
Magnesium has potent oxygenation properties that are great for your baby’s respiratory tract.
6. Improves Sunscreen Effectiveness
When paired with a suitable sunscreen on your child's skin, Epsom salt adds a layer of protection against the dangerous UV rays.
7. Repairs Muscles
Epsom salt baths are commonly used to help athletes recover from muscle fatigue and damage. The same effect can do wonders for your growing baby.
8. Regulates Digestion
A warm Epsom salt bath is known to help one's body function in a calming manner. This may work well for your baby or your child as well.
Epsom salt baths are also beneficial for babies and kids with the following problems:
9. Constipation
Doctors commonly recommend that you draw an Epsom salt bath for baby constipation as Epsom salt is a natural external laxative.
10. Autism
Magnesium is great for nerve impulse regeneration and management. When you combine that with sulfates, it improves serotonin levels, corrects calcium deficiencies and helps form healthy cells and chromosomes. This is why doctors think an Epsom salt bath for autism can be a useful management tool.
11. Eczema
Medical professionals consider baths using Epsom salt for an eczema baby because magnesium helps reduce inflammation, repairs skin cells and also relieves itchiness.
12. Psoriasis
The hydrating and exfoliating properties of sulfate combined with the skin-repairing properties of magnesium make Epsom salt baths perfect for any child suffering from psoriasis.
How to Give Your Child an Epsom Salt Bath
Before giving your child an Epsom salt bath, it is crucial to know how to prepare the bath and the technique used to give the bath.
1. What You Need
High-grade Epsom salt, a bucket of warm water, and a towel for drying.
2. Procedure
It is important to understand how much Epsom salt in the bath for kids is ideal. The maximum you should use is a couple of cups per bath. Add the salt to slightly warm water and let it dissolve and then add some more water in the bath - approximately enough to reach the baby’s waist. Let your child soak in the bath for 20 minutes. Ensure you don’t wipe her dry; instead, pat her dry. Repeat this process three times a week.
Potential Risks of Using Epsom Salt in Your Child’s Bath
Overusing Epsom salt can cause risks like skin irritation, diarrhoea, and rashes. To know more, please consult your doctor.
Things to Consider While Using Epsom Salt During a Bath
Here are a few things to consider when giving an Epsom salt bath to your toddler:
Ensure the salt is fully dissolved before letting your child in the bath.
Don’t use more than 2 cups of Epsom salt per bath.
Give your child an Epsom salt bath only 2-3 times a week.
Consult with your doctor to ensure your child is not allergic to this type of bath.
Never leave your child in the bath unattended.
Ensure that you test the temperature of the bath before letting your child in.
Please consult your doctor if your child has any kind of reaction to her first Epsom salt bath. It is also recommended you seek their guidance before you start giving your child this type of bath and that you ease your child into a routine of Epsom salt baths slowly. Start with once a week and slowly build it to three times a week. It's best not to go beyond 3 times a week. Also, remember that Epsom salt should never be ingested and it can be extremely dangerous if the child consumes it.
Resources and References: Gentle Nursery
Also Read: Sponge Bath for Newborn Baby Read more
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How to Care for Your Child's Curly Hair
So, you have a child who has curly hair! You may like to rejoice about the fact that it is so easy to spot a curly head among a crowd of straight-haired girls. And you may get to hear comments like “Are they naturally curly?”, “How do you control them?” often. There is no denying the fact that curly ringlets look adorable, but at the same time, it can be tough to manage them. They tend to get frizzy and tangle a lot. Mothers with curly haired kids may have to consider specific products, styles, techniques to tame the curls.
Curly Hair Care Tips for Kids
Here are some easy care tips for curly hair in a toddler:
1. Wash Less Frequently
Shampooing curly hair less may seem contrary to common sense. But too much washing can make the hair dry and dull, for curly hair needs more moisture. You can probably wash it twice a week as this kind of hair is quite fragile and is prone to harm when wet. You can also consider co-washing which refers to washing the hair only with conditioner. Typical shampoos contain sulphates (detergents) which clean hair properly but may strip the hair of moisture and natural oils, leaving them dry and vulnerable to damage. Thus, curly hair may benefit from the co-washing regime as it will gently clean and maintain the natural moisture levels, thus making hair healthier and resilient.
2. The Skill of De-tangling
Curls can tangle up very easily. But you can take certain steps to lessen the knots. Refrain from de-tangling the curls dry. Also, cleanse hair with a product specially designed for curly hair to make your wash day routine easier. It may not only aid in getting the knots out quickly but can also add a soft texture to the hair as well which in turn makes untangling even more convenient. You can put a generous quantity of conditioner after using the cleanser. Allow the conditioner to sit for a couple of minutes and then start de-tangling. The conditioner may smoothen the hair and make it more manageable. Remember not to wash the conditioner off before you de-tangle.
Next comes the brushing. People have varying views on brushing. Many people believe that one should avoid brushing curls. Instead, you should use a wide-toothed comb or simply the fingers. Some say that a wet brush works wonders with curls. You can mix up both the options: comb through the hair on wash days and on other days use fingers along with a spray water bottle and conditioner to de-tangle.
3. Go for Protective Styling
You can try protective styling in between washes. Protective styling can make a notable difference in the number of tangles. You can braid the hair. In case you find braiding hard, opt for banding. It is handy and easier. Hair banding also unfolds the curls naturally minus heat. So, it can resolve the problem of curl shrinkage. You daughter can enjoy long hair especially if she so desires. You can let the bands in for a day or so. If you are still worried about the unruly tresses, you can deliberate trimming them. Besides, neatly trimmed hair may look better than a curly mess! Regular trimming may also help in discarding the dried ends which are inclined to tangling easily.
4. Restrict Negative Comments
Dealing with tight curls is no cakewalk. If you have a different texture of hair than your children, you may have to learn and educate yourself about how to handle curls. There may be times when you run out of patience. But try and not pass any negative comments while taking care and managing your kid’s curly hair. Your child possibly doesn’t understand the efforts involved or that her hair is diverse. By saying something undesirable or being judgemental, you may trigger negative feelings in your kid for her curls or develop adverse body image issues. In place of complaining, often convey to her how gorgeous her curls are!
5. Use Suitable Products
It is essential to determine your child’s hair texture and then choose hair products exclusively made for the hair type to get the best results. You may like to select products which are safe and silicone, sulfate, paragon free. You may feel confused trying to ascertain the hair type and selecting products accordingly. You can always enlist the assistance of a hair professional or a salon. You can take an online quiz too to help you with the task.
6. Consider Refreshing Curls
Curly hair may look its best immediately after a wash, as the curls are more defined and in shape which may not be the case upon drying. You can reflect on refreshing them with a spray water bottle. Just spray the coils and add a little conditioner to define them again. Also, you can softly de-tangle them as you apply the conditioner through the extent of the curls. In case you are short on time and don’t have enough time at hand to rebuild all the locks, merely spray the hair and allow it to air dry.
7. Opt for Leave-in Conditioners
Using a leave-in conditioner, cream or oil after hair washing may help you achieve the greatest curl definition. Apply the conditioner right after a shower. You can further supplement it by putting some coconut oil and finish off with a defining gel/serum. It may aid you in maximising moisture in the curls thus making them more disciplined and silkier smooth. Just as rubbing lotion on the skin instantly after a bath traps moisture and hydrates it, the same may be true for curls.
Celebrate the unique and beautiful natural curls of your child. Go in for hair products that enhance protection, moisture and curl definition. Treat your kid to a real salon that is skilled in handling curls. Attending to the curls may become trouble-free with time and as your kid grows. Till then, indulge in the delights of curls!
Also Read:
Natural Remedies for Head Lice in ChildrenHair Fall in ChildrenDandruff in KidsPremature White and Grey Hair in Kids Read more
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When and How do Babies Recognize their Name
Out of the many first things that expectant parents may do is to pick a name for their baby. After the baby’s arrival, they may be calling the baby by his name constantly hoping for some response. It is natural for excited parents to eagerly await the moment when their baby starts to know his name and respond to it.
However, it may be a few months before a baby can begin recognising his name. Name recognition normally happens when babies turn 6 to 7 months old. But regularly repeating your baby's name may not just be delightful for you but can also help him get familiar to its sound.
At What Age Do Babies Recognize Their Name
New moms may be keen to learn when do babies know their name. You may notice your baby turning towards you when you say his name as early as a couple of weeks old. But this response of your baby may not be due to name recognition but because of familiarity to the sound of your voice.
Research indicates that babies tend to start knowing their name between 6 to 7 months of age. A 6 months old baby may develop the ability to correlate familiar sounds with people or objects they denote. For example, if you indicate to a ball while saying the word ‘ball’ your baby may realise the connection though he won't be able to say the word until he is 10 to 12 months old or beyond.
However, parents need to understand here that development in babies occurs in a continuum. Every baby can have varying time frames to cover the various developmental milestones. It is perfectly normal if some babies exhibit name recognition a little earlier than others or if some display it a little later.
Parents may like to focus more on frequently using the baby’s name while talking to him so that he may eventually make the association between himself and his name when being called. The important point to bear in mind is that the overall social development of the baby is progressing the pace notwithstanding.
How Do Babies Start Recognizing Their Name
Studies show that words often repeated and said with emphasis can help in initiating language comprehension babies. Words usually articulated to a baby in affectionate tones like mommy or baby’s name constantly can foster recognition and response in babies.
Babies are accustomed to listening to their mothers since the time they were in the womb. Therefore, your baby may not only be familiar with your voice but can also comprehend the tone of your voice and thereby realise the different emotions like love, happiness, anger, anxiety, sadness. The emotional connection which gets established between a mother and her baby when he is still in the womb as part of his neurological growth assists the baby to evolve his verbal language communication skills later on.
How to Teach Baby to Respond to His Name
Some easy tips to help you teach your baby to respond to his name can be:
It is better to start using your baby’s name to call him right from his early months.
Avoid referring to your baby by pet-names and
Talk as much as you can with your baby daily and use his name repeatedly which may facilitate familiarisation and relationship between the sound and his name.
Ask other family members and people also to use the baby’s name while talking to him.
For better name recognition keep the calling session short and crisp and take small breaks between different occurrences of name-calls.
Initially practise calling out your baby’s name to him in a setting with minimalistic distractions.
In due course introduce a setting with distractions and other people and consistently keep calling his name till he turns to look your way.
You may like to share a reward with your baby after a successful response as part of positive reinforcement.
Parents need not pointlessly worry and hurry their child unnecessarily in case they feel their baby is delaying responding to his name. Just enjoy the frequent cute chat sessions with your baby during this thrilling phase letting him indulge you with his own adorable babbles and eventually he may reward you with suitable responses. Nevertheless, in case your baby doesn’t seem to respond to his name even by the time he is of 9 months it is advisable to refer to a doctor.
Also Read: When Do Infants Recognize Their Parents & Other Familiar People? Read more
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5 Bird Species That Make the Smartest Pets
Birds make adorable pets, and if you are thinking of getting one, we know you'd like a bird that is friendly, gentle, and smart. If you have never had a bird as a pet, it will be difficult for you to settle on one. But worry not, we are here to help. Read this article to know about some of the best bird species that are smart and affectionate.
Perks of Owning a Pet Bird
A pet bird can bring immense happiness in your life. You will never feel bored because that little, feathered-friend of yours will be there to entertain you. But there are many more advantages to owning a pet bird.
A pet bird can help you deal with stress. The sweet chirping of the of the birds can help calm your mind and help you relax.
Birds make great companions. If you live alone or know someone who lives alone, you can gift them a pet bird. They will always have someone to talk to.
Owning a pet bird, or any other pet can keep you active and alert because taking care of a bird requires some effort. You'll have to take care of its needs, which in turn will make you responsible and will also help you stay focused.
Owning a pet bird can also help you build up your social circle. When you own a pet, you'll find yourself interacting with other bird owners. Soon, it may become a habit, and you will realise that you have a big social circle.
5 Low-maintenance Pet Birds
If you have made up your mind on getting a bird but are not sure which bird would make the best companion, here are some recommendations from us. These are some of the best birds that make as perfect pets.
1.Cockatiels
If you want a bird that is affectionate and friendly, then a cockatiel would be perfect for you. Cockatiels are native to Australia, but now they are available in most parts of the world. It is best to get these birds when they are young and raise them in a loving environment. These birds are exceptionally intelligent and make great pet birds. These birds may not talk but they are very sharp and intelligent and may learn to mimic common sounds, such as of a doorbell, phone, alarm clock, etc. These tiny birds do not occupy much space and would make for perfect pets for apartment living.
2. Parrotlets
Parrotlets make adorable and loving pets. These tiny birds need attention and time. You will be surprised to see how these tiny beings have a personality of their own. These birds would be perfect for people who are getting a bird for the first time because they are very easy to take care of. These tiny feather beauties are among one of the most popular pets in the world.
3. Budgies
Budgies are one of the most loved bird species in the world. Also known as parakeets, budgies are extremely friendly and loving. They are so adorable and cute that their innocent charm attracts people of all age groups. These small birds make great pets and are low in maintenance. Budgies are smart and if trained properly, they can learn some fun and exciting tricks.
4. Hyacinth Macaws
Hyacinth macaws, also known as 'gentle giants', are the largest parrots on our planet. They are social and friendly. These big birds like to be in the company of their owner and like to spend time playing and doing other activities. As they are large, they may not be an ideal option for people living in small apartments, but if space is not a constraint, these birds can be ideal pets.
5. Cockatoos
Cockatoos are loving and friendly birds. They love to spend time with their caretakers. If you want this bird as a pet, make sure that you have ample time for it. In the dearth of proper attention and love, cockatoos may become aloof and depressed, and sometimes, they may even exhibit violent or aggressive behaviour.
Birds make as incredible pets. They are friendly and affectionate, and we are sure that you will love owning one. If you are planning to get one as a pet, consider your options, then settle on one. And make sure you give enough time to it.
Also Read:
Amazing Cat Breeds in India to Consider As Pets
What Causes Anxiety in Dogs
Effective Tips for Potty Training Your Dog Read more
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10 Tips for Choosing a Good School for Your Child
Schooling is the most important phase of a person’s life. Everything they are as adults has its roots in their schools. Finding the right school for your child that matches with their intelligence, creativity and temperament can make all the difference to their academics and the overall success in life. Continue reading to get a good idea of how and which school to choose for your child.
How to Choose a School for Your Child in India - 10 Things to Keep in Mind
Here are some tips to narrow down your choices:
1. Do Your Research
Before filtering out the schools you may be interested, have a precise idea of what works best for your family and your child. What kind of an environment does your child enjoy working in- a structured or an unstructured one? Does your child need extra attention? Armed with precise answers to questions like these, you can make a list of schools that meet your needs. School websites and prospectus will give you plenty of info to help add the schools to your list. Also, talk to like-minded parents and ask them for suggestions.
2. Affordability
It goes without saying that great schools come at a higher price. Therefore are you able to afford the fees without overly stretching your budget and straining your family? You may even want to look around for schools that have a reasonable fee structure and offer good academic training even if they are low on sports and extracurricular activities. The latter can be supplemented at home or coaching outside of school.
3. Core Values of The School
Try and figure out what their philosophy towards education is. Have a talk with the founders of the school principal to get to know what their approach toward schooling is. Do they believe only in academic excellence or educate children by giving them ample opportunities in other areas such as arts and sports?
4. Does it Meet Your Child’s Needs?
Take into consideration the school’s particular approach to teaching and learning. Your child may be a slow learner in certain subjects, does the school offer enough support for such students? It’s also possible that your child may be a bit of a prodigy, can the school offer challenging programs or creative outlets in such instances to help them reach their full potential? Keep your evaluation for the long haul and not just the current year and shortlist schools that would match with your child’s personalityt.
5. The Infrastructure
Do they have adequate sized playgrounds that cater to games and sports events? Are the classrooms inspiring, tidy and well maintained and display any work done by the students? Is the over-all school premises maintained well and do they have clean bathrooms? These are some of the questions you need to examine regarding the infrastructure.
6. School Curriculum
There are curriculums from boards such as CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE,IB, state board etc. which one does the school teach? Of importance are subject combinations and electives offered in higher classes such as 11 and 12th. Does the school board differ from primary to high school and does the school offer more than one curriculum? Also till what grade is the school? If the school has only the primary grades, you may have to change in the future.
7. Academic Performance
Although extracurricular activities and divergent learning are much needed for the child’s growth, their academic performance is just as important. Compare the school’s average exam scores in the district and state level. Look into how many ranks they have secured and their trend; have the ranks raised or fallen and what may be the reason for that. A good record of ranks is an indicator of the quality of coaching in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) area subjects. Also, ask the school about how their best students have fared in their higher education.
8. Pay a Visit to The Schools
The websites and brochures give you a good understanding of how the school is, but nothing beats the actual visit to see for yourself. Make an appointment for a visit during the regular school hours. If you can, visit a few classes, the library and the playground to get a sense of how the schools run. If they allow it, attend a parent-teacher meeting, an open house or a school function which can provide you with valuable information about the attitudes of the parents, staff and students.
9. Teachers and The Staff
On your visit, probe into the quality of the teachers in the school and ask about their qualification, experience, teacher training and teacher turn over. Look into whether the schools have a full-time specialized staff such as a psychologist or a speech therapist. Pay close attention to what the teachers and other staff say about the school. Since they are the closest adults to the children, it’d be helpful to know their attitude and dedication toward teaching and their work. Make it a point to look into the background of the principal; a great principal can make all the difference to the school.
10. Talk to The Parents and Students
While the staff may paint the best picture possible about the school, the students and their parents will tell you about the school as it is. If you can find students who study there and talk to their parents, you can extract information about the true quality of the school. Ask if the staff is responsive enough towards all the needs of the students and how good their communication is with the parents. This information can help you make up your mind about opting for the school or not.
With good research based on the tips, you can confidently decide on the best school for your child.
Also Read:
School Admission Interview Questions for Parents
Indian Homeschooling
Advantages of Early Childhood Education
Boarding Schools-Good or Bad? Read more
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Health is the only Wealth one would realise one day in this world.
I was not taking proper care of my health & always eat junk foods.But it was harming me & I was unable to realise it.As taste was the most important thing for me.Got married but things remains same.Got pregnant & got C-Section delivery.
That day was the day I realise that my Wealth is my Health.Pain was Sevier not able to do my work.Was at complete bed rest.Was thinking that I have no hands as my stitch was not allowing me to perform.
Even was too much disappointed lost all hope to get recovered.Not able to feed my little one.Take her in my arms & smile.All these were a very tough thing to do for me because of my overweight.
That was the day I realise and decided to take care of my health.I follow diet plan,tart doing exercises,focus on only homely hygienic foods.Added more green veggies,dals & fruits in my food chart.Avoid everything that was harming my health & adopt all those changes which can recover my health & losses my weight.And now I changed my life fully & it's all because of my after delivery pain.
That day I too realise my real assets is not only money, jewellery & properties but it lies on my health if that becomes weak I would be nothing.So the most important is to take proper care of my Health.
I from that day took proper care of my baby and added every nutritional food in her diet chart from the day one.Use to make my child do exercises & realise it's importance.Let her wake up early in morning & goes early to bed.
My child knows the importance of being healthy and is trying hard to maintain it.Which makes me look sometimes & smile on my child that the thing which I realise very late she is practising from the day one . Read more
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
13 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. 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
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
13 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
8 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
6 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
54 mins ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
11 mins ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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