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Positive and Negative Effects of Cartoons on Child Behaviour and Development
Cartoons are an inevitable part of every child’s life. Since the emergence of cartoon films over a century ago, several generations of children have grown up watching animated films. A multitude of girls have fantasized about being princesses and boys have imagined themselves to be valiant knights after watching classic animated tales like Peter Pan, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, etc.
However, cartoons can have both positive and negative effects on the cognitive development and behaviour of a child. This article tells you all about the effects of cartoons on children and gives you tips on how to deal with its negative effects.
Positive Effects of Watching Cartoons on Children
The importance of cartoons for children can be seen from the various positive effects that cartoons have on child behaviour and development. Here are some positive effects that cartoons can have on children:
1. Helps Children Get an Early Start on Learning
Cartoons can help kids get an early start on learning. The positive influence of cartoons on children can be seen especially in the case of educational cartoons that teach shapes, numbers, and colours. Such cartoons can teach basic things to children in a fun and interactive way, thus making learning an enjoyable activity. The moving, talking pictures and colourful visuals make learning interesting for children.
2. Helps in the Cognitive Development
Watching cartoons can help develop your child’s cognitive skills. It can help develop logic and reasoning ability, visual and auditory processing, and sustained and selective attention of a child.
3. Helps in the Language Development
Cartoons can expose your children to different languages, thus helping children in developing their linguistic abilities. Allowing them to watch cartoons in your native tongue, for example, can help them learn the language better. By watching different cartoons kids can also improve their pronunciation and their manner of talking.
4. Enhances Creativity
Watching cartoons help increase children's imagination and creativity. Your child will be able to think of new ideas inspired by certain cartoons and come up with new stories or artwork based on the cartoons he watches.
5. Promotes Laughter and Relieves Stress
Children find cartoons amusing and often laugh out loud at the antics of the cartoon characters. Laughter is a good stress buster and a confidence builder. It also boosts immunity and causes the release of endorphins that cause us to have positive feelings.
6. Helps Kids Learn About Different Things
Watching cartoons is a great way to teach your kids about local customs, traditions, history, and mythology. For example, watching animated versions of the Ramayana or Mahabharata can teach kids about Indian mythology. Watching cartoons about Aesop’s Fables or Panchatantra can teach children about good morals, kindness, and compassion.
Negative Impact of Watching Cartoons on Kids
While cartoons have many positive effects on children, they can also have negative effects on child behaviour and development. Here are the various negative effects that cartoons can have on children.
1. Encourages Violence
Watching cartoons which depict violence can encourage children to become violent in real life. Also, children may believe that no one gets hurt or feels pain since cartoons escape unscathed after experiencing violence or an accident. For example, characters in Tom and Jerry, The Road Runner, and Oggy and the Cockroaches often hit each other or cause each other to fall from heights, often without any real consequences.
2. Promotes Unruly Behaviour and Lack of Empathy
There are several cartoons which show characters displaying rude or disobedient behaviour towards their teachers and elders. Children may mimic this behaviour and challenge their parents or teachers when they are disciplined for bad behaviour.
3. Promotes the Use of Foul Language
Cartoons often include language that is unfit for children. Children are impressionable, and they may start using bad language that they learn from cartoons in real life.
4. Encourages Unsocial Behaviour
There are several cartoons which encourage antisocial behaviour and give wrong messages to children. Then there are some cartoons that contain sexual innuendos, encourage aggression, and promote bratty behaviour. These can affect your child’s behaviour and make them think it is normal to be aggressive, spoiled, or violent.
5. May Lead to Health Problems Due to Sedentary Lifestyle
Too many hours of sitting in front of a screen watching cartoons can cause several health issues due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle. These include obesity, vision problems, and nutritional deficiencies due to bad food habits.
6. Promotes Bad Role Models
Children often idolize their favourite cartoon character and mimic them or aspire to be like them. Often, the object of their admiration could be a misleading role model who encourages the wrong habits or displays insensitive behaviour towards fellow beings. This kind of impact of cartoons on children’s psychology can often lead to devastating consequences and result in children being withdrawn, uncommunicative, antisocial, or unruly.
Tips for Parents to Deal With the Side Effects of Cartoons on a Child
Now that we have talked about the various advantages and disadvantages of cartoons and the impact of cartoons on children’s behaviour, here are some tips for parents to deal with the negative side effects of cartoons:
1. Watch With Your Kids
Watching a cartoon with your kids will allow you to monitor what they see and also observe their reaction to various events in the storyline. It also helps you bond better with your child. Knowing what their favourite cartoon character is and laughing with them will help you understand your child’s way of thinking and improve your relationship with the child.
2. Limit the Number of Hours
Set a rule that limits the time for watching TV or cartoons for 1 hour a day, especially for young children. Encourage them to go out and play rather than sit and watch cartoons.
3. Select Appropriate or Educational Cartoons
Allow your child to watch only age-appropriate or educational cartoons that do not depict or encourage negative behaviour.
4. Explain the Difference Between Cartoons and Reality
Explain the difference between cartoons and reality to your child. Teach your child about what is harmful, what is acceptable and what is not realistic. For example, you could explain to your child that although a character appears to have escaped unscathed after experiencing violence, it is not the case in real life.
5. Use Filtering and Monitoring Applications
Use parental control applications which have monitoring and filtering software to filter out inappropriate content and lock content which you do not want your child to access. Make sure you do not leave the child alone in front of the TV or iPad for hours without monitoring what they are watching.
6. Explore Informative Channels
Explore channels like Discovery, National Geographic, and Animal Planet for informative and educational content that will aid in the overall development of your child. You can also take them out to experience what they have seen on TV. For example, if they watch a program about the galaxy or solar system, you could take them on a visit to the planetarium and even point out constellations and planets to them in the night sky.
7. Watch Programs With Language Aids
Encourage your child to watch programs with language aids that help them learn letters of the alphabet, words, and rhymes.
8. Use Audio CDs
For storytime and rhymes, you can use audio CDs rather than cartoons, as this will encourage your child to be a better listener.
9. Do Not Let Them Eat Sitting In Front of the TV
Eating while watching the television or iPad sets the stage for a lifetime of bad eating habits such as binge-eating and getting addicted to junk food. Children often tend to overeat when they are in front of a screen. They also tend to make unhealthy food choices. Eat together at the dining table as a family and avoid watching TV during mealtimes. This will help the kids focus on the meal and encourage them to eat nutritious food and stop when they are full.
Cartoons can have both positive and negative effects on children depending on what kind of cartoon they watch. By limiting children’s screen time and encouraging them to go outside and play, you can ensure that your children are healthier and happier. Following the tips listed will certainly help in avoiding the negative effects of cartoons on child development and behaviour.
Also Read: Impact of Watching Television (TV) on Children Read more
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How to Use Cloth Diapers for Babies
Cloth diapers can be a great alternative to the regular packaged diapers. They are more environment friendly and cost only a fraction of the use-and-throw variety. Traditionally, cloth diapers were the standard ones but in modern times, diapers have taken over because of the convenience they offer. These use-and-throw diapers are non-biodegradable and will take hundreds of years before they finally break down. They are also made from harmful chemicals that you might not be comfortable exposing your baby to. A final nail in the coffin for these type of diapers is that they end up in landfills just like the rest of your waste and rag pickers scour the landfill to find anything of value. The diapers expose them to disease and sickness.
Cloth diapers have come a long way and offer real solutions to parents who are environmentally conscious. If you are looking to make a more responsible choice and want to make the shift to cloth diapers for your baby, read on about how to use reusable cloth diapers.
Types Of Cloth Diapers
With more and more parents looking for ecologically friendly options, companies have started to make a wide variety of cloth diapers. Each type has its own benefits and learning what you will find most convenient is the first step towards choosing the right cloth diaper for your baby. Keep in mind that no one diaper will fit all your baby’s needs and you will have to try out a few in order to figure out which one suits your baby best and under which circumstances.
1. All-In-One Cloth Diapers
All-in-one diapers are a fuss-free option that comes with an absorbent pad already attached to the cloth. When the time comes to wash the diaper, the entire thing can be put into the washer. This option is a bit bulkier than other cloth diapers in the market and is more expensive. However, this option is ideal for when you want to take your baby out or when your baby is being looked after by a caretaker.
2. All-In-Two Cloth Diapers
All-in-two cloth diapers come with a removable absorbent pad that can be washed separately. The entire cloth diaper does not have to be washed and you can just reinsert a fresh absorbent pad into the diaper for the next use. These pads have a high absorption level making it ideal for the night time or for heavy wetters. This diaper gives you more flexibility for your laundry cycle because of its separate moving parts.
3. Prefold Cloth Diapers
Prefold diapers are essentially a big cotton rectangle that can be moulded by you to fit your baby’s unique shape. This is then secured by a cover. The cover and the diaper are two separate pieces and can be washed independently from each other. You can also only change the diaper cloth and use the same cover to hold the diaper in place. This type of diaper is one of the cheapest types of cloth diapers available on the market and the pack will contain information on how to use prefold cloth diapers.
4. Fitted Cloth Diapers
Unlike the prefold cloth diapers, fitted cloth diapers fit the baby’s curves better. The legs have gussets making the diapers leak proof. However, it is recommended that you use a cover on top of the fitted cloth diaper. This diaper is made from fleece and this material traditionally holds smells for longer.
5. Hybrid Cloth Diapers
This type of diapers is very similar to the all-in-two diapers. They have a slot for the reusable or disposable insert. However, with hybrid cloth diapers, these inserts are biodegradable and are chemical free ensuring the safety of your child. Hybrid cloth diapers are extremely good for the environment and if you choose to you the reusable insert, are pocket-friendly in the long run too.
Choose the Right Diaper
With each type of diaper comes its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a cloth diaper a simple factor that you must consider is the reason why you want to use a cloth diaper in the first place. If you want to use cloth diapers because you want to save money, then you should look into prefold cloth diapers. If the environment is your concern, then almost all of the cloth diapers help the environment in some way or form and using reusable inserts instead of the disposable type can go a long way in your cause.
Be sure to check if the diapers you are choosing to buy are labelled one size. This means that the diaper can be adjusted as your baby grows and you will not have to buy new diapers. In fact, these diapers can then be used for future siblings as well. In case the diaper type is not one size, then you will have to buy diapers to suit the size and age of your baby.
The ultimate factor is, of course, your baby and what suits her. You should try out a few types of cloth diapers and see what suits your baby’s needs and preferences. A heavy wetter will need a more robust absorption pad.
Easy Tips for Changing a Cloth Diaper
There are many things that you can follow in order to keep your cloth diaper experience positive especially if you are a newbie at the whole thing.
Change the cloth diaper often: Babies are prone to getting diaper rash and this can be avoided if you change the diaper often. Typically, a baby will go through 10-12 diaper changes a day.
If you suspect that your baby has got a yeast diaper rash, then you must seek help from the paediatrician to prevent any further complications.
Use anything to make the diaper change easier for you and the baby. Keep her attention engaged on other things like toys, mirrors, or pictures.
Make sure that you have enough cloth diapers on hand. This number will depend on how often you will be doing the laundry. If your laundry cycle is every day, then you should have 18 diapers on hand. For a laundry cycle that is every other day or once in three days, then you will need 2 to three dozen cloth diapers.
Use a liner to keep your diaper bin fresh and free from leaking smells.
Washing Cloth Diapers/Nappies
Most parents are worried about how to store the cloth diaper before their wash cycle. The best way is to rinse the used nappy and then store them in a dry bin until you pop them into the washing machine. For the actual washing process, you can follow the steps below:
Remove the insert from the diaper before putting it for a wash.
Use the washing machine on the highest water setting.
Do not add any detergent and give the diapers a cold rinse.
After the rinse, you can wash the diapers on a regular hot wash setting with ¼ cup detergent. However, if you are using a detergent made specifically for cloth diapers, then follow the instructions given by the detergent.
As the last step, give the diapers a cold rinse.
How Many Cloth Diapers would you Need for your Baby?
A newborn baby will run through 14 to 16 diaper changes per day. This number will reduce as your baby gets older. The number of diapers you will need will depend entirely on your washing cycle. If you are going to wash the diapers every day, then you will need 18 cloth diapers. If your wash cycle is once every two days, then you will need two dozen diapers and if you are doing your laundry once in three days, then you should have 36 diapers on hand.
You should try out all the different types of diapers available to find one that will suit your baby's needs. Do not order the diapers in bulk as you don't want to be stuck with 20 boxes of diapers that aren't working for your baby. Some companies will even send you sample diapers for you to test out before you decide. You might even find that a couple of different types of cloth diapers will suit your various needs. You might pick one type for going out and another for the night time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ones. You can also talk to other parents who use cloth diapers for their babies. Ultimately, you will need to settle on the one that is most comfortable for your little one. If you baby acts cranky and is easily irritated with one kind of diaper, it may be time to look for the next option.
Also Read :
Cloth vs Disposable Diapers
Home Remedies For Diaper Rash Read more
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10 Tips to Take Care of Premature Baby at Home
If your bundle of joy arrives before 37 weeks, then he’s a preterm or premature baby. Your baby will be spending a few days in neonatal intensive care unit, but soon you will be getting him home. You may wonder how you will be able to manage such a tiny baby. Worry no more, in the following article we shall discuss various tips that may help you in taking care of your premature baby at home.
What are the Characteristics of Preterm Babies?
Your preterm baby will require special care and monitoring based on how early he has arrived. Also, your baby will have different characteristics in comparison to a full-term baby, however as the times passes these characteristics may become less and less noticeable.
Your baby may have low body fat. Fat is very important to generate body heat in newborn babies. This fat under the skin, which is called brown fat, is found near the back, shoulders, neck, armpits and kidneys.
Part of your baby’s nervous system may not have developed properly.
Your baby’s lungs may not have developed fully. Thus, he may have breathing difficulties.
Your premature baby lacks lanugo, very fine hair that covers your baby’s body. However, if your baby is born premature, closer to the date of delivery, then he may have this fine fuzz or hair.
If your baby is born before the 26th week, he may have sealed eyes.
Your baby may not move much because there is not much body fat. A baby born around 29th to 32nd week may have abrupt or jerky movements. However, babies who are born before 29 weeks may show no substantial movements.
Preterm babies have very low immunity, which makes them more susceptible to infections.
Your premature baby may have a problem with feeding and thus, may not feed properly.
Why do Premature Babies Need Special Care?
Premature babies are not like full-term babies, and thus they need special care and monitoring. Their bodies are not fully developed or equipped to sustain without intensive care. There has been a tremendous advancement in medical technology, and such babies can be given extra care outside their mother’s wombs for days or months, or till they bodies are strong enough to sustain without extra support.
Tips for Preterm Baby Care at Home
Here are some tips for the parents that may help them in taking care of their preterm baby at home:
1. Feeding Your Baby
You should ideally breastfeed your baby but sometimes your baby may have a problem in latching or may not be able to latch at all. You can pump breast milk and feed on the bottle. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to feed formula milk to your baby; this may be special formula milk for preterm babies.
2. Stick To Your Baby’s Feeding Schedule
A premature baby requires 8-10 feeds a day. Therefore, make sure you feed your baby at regular intervals. Do not give a gap of more than 4 hours at any given point in time as the chances of dehydration may increase, which can be dangerous for your baby.
3. Keep Record Of Your Baby’s Growth
Preterm babies grow differently than full-term babies. However, they eventually catch up. Your doctor may give you a different growth chart to monitor your baby’s growth.
4. Keep In Touch With Your Doctor
Even after leaving the hospital, you should keep in touch with your baby’s doctor on a regular basis and keep taking tips on how to take care of your baby. If the need arises, you may pay a visit to your doctor too.
5. Take Care Of Your Baby’s Sleep Requirements
Your preterm baby needs a lot of sleep, and he may be spending most of his time sleeping only. Make sure he is lying on a firm mattress and with no pillows. Also, never put your baby on his stomach; always make him sleep on his back.
6.Giving Solid Food
You may have to wait a little longer to give solid food to your baby as preterm babies may find it difficult to swallow food. Your doctor may advise you to introduce at around 4 to 6 months after your baby’s actual delivery date and not his real birth date.
7. Limit Your Baby’s Outdoor Visits
Apart from visiting the doctor, you may have to refrain from taking your baby out for several weeks. This is because your baby is more prone to catching infections, which can be fatal for him.
8. Practicing Kangaroo Care At Home
You may have been told about kangaroo care in the hospital, and it will be a good idea to practise it for a few weeks at home too. Skin to skin contact is good for your baby.
9. Get Your Baby Immunized
Keep track of your baby’s immunization schedule and get your baby immunized as per the schedule.
10. Restrict Visitors
Your baby’s immunity is very low. Thus, it will be a good idea to restrict the visitors at home, especially if someone is unwell or someone who smokes. Make sure whoever meets or touches your baby should wash their hands before doing so.
Stress Relief Methods for Preemie Parents
You may touch, soothe and hold your baby as soon as your doctor gives you a heads up.
You may ask your paediatrician to participate in your baby’s care, and well-being. If not, you may inform your paediatrician about your baby’s health and progress.
Even if you hold your baby, you may spend more time with your baby in the neonatal unit, ask your doctor about the same.
If your doctor suggests, you may start feeding your baby.
Though you may want to take your baby home, it is suggested that you abide by what your doctor says. Your baby is in a protective environment and is taken care of.
Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor
Here are some premature infant care questions that you should ask your doctor:
1. If my first baby is premature then, is there any risk of second premature baby?
If your baby was born from 37 to 42 week, then you are more likely to deliver a full-term baby the next time too. However, if you have delivered your baby from 20 to 31 weeks, then there are more chances that you deliver a premature again.
2. What Should I do, for My Premature Baby to Catch Up On His/Her Developmental Milestones?
Most, premature babies may develop at the same pace as full-term babies if they are not born too early or have some medical complication. Taking proper care, ensuring ample sleep and kangaroo care works wonders in helping your baby develop in a better way.
3. When Should I Expose My Premature Baby to Other Members of the Family?
Your premature baby is more prone to infections and thus any member of the family with any infections such as cold or flu, should away from the baby. Whenever anyone wishes to touch the baby, ask them to wash their hands thoroughly.
4. Whether Being Preemie Increases the Risk of Chronic Health Conditions?
Your premature baby may have many health complications because he has not had enough time to develop. It is seen that earlier a baby is born there are more chances of him having various health complications such as breathing difficulties, weak muscles, hearing loss, heart problems etc.
Though premature babies require extra care, with time they may achieve all developmental milestones like full-term babies. Keep seeking your doctor advice from time to time to help your baby grow better.
Also Read:
Premature Baby Born at 34th Week of Pregnancy
Premature Baby Born at 35th Week of Pregnancy
Premature Baby Born at 36th Week of Pregnancy
How To Help Your Premature Baby To Gain Weight Read more
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Neonatal Hypoglycaemia – All You Need to Know
Neonatal Hypoglycaemia means abnormally low plasma glucose levels in the new-born. Low blood sugar in babies is normal as the sugar levels tend to crash for infants shortly after birth. However, one must only start with their feed to ensure it goes up. Failure to do so may result in long-term issues including seizures and permanent neurological damage.
Video: Neonatal Hypoglycemia – Causes, Treatment & Prevention
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6G_fyKXz-0
What is Hypoglycaemia?
Neonates are newborns until the age of 4 weeks. Hypo means ‘low’ and glycemia is the term used for ‘blood sugar levels’. Neonatal Hypoglycaemia is defined as a plasma glucose level of less than 30mg/dl in the first 24 hours of life and less than 45mg/dl thereafter. The body’s sugar levels are regulated by one’s hormones, the key hormone being insulin. Insulin regulates the body sugar (blood glucose) and looks after its utilization and metabolism (breakdown). When the organs and hormones are in homeostasis (balanced), your baby's hormones keep their blood sugar levels under control but when the balance is out, hypoglycaemia in infants can happen.
Causes of Hypoglycaemia in Newborn Babies
Various conditions that might be the causes of low blood sugar in new-born babies include:
Malnutrition in the Pregnant Mother: Malnutrition may be a direct cause of low blood glucose in the baby.
Increased Insulin Output By The Baby Born To A Mother With Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes in the mother results in excessive insulin production which crosses the placental barrier and lowers the blood sugars in the baby.
Premature births: Babies who are born before term are prone to hypoglycaemia.
Advanced Haemolytic Diseases (incompatibility of the baby’s blood group with the mother): Unmatched blood groups and types between mother and child may lead to hypoglycaemia.
Congenital Defects and Metabolic Diseases Since Birth: Genetic and metabolic disorders since birth may cause lower blood sugars in the new-born.
Birth Asphyxia: Babies that have suffered low oxygen levels during birth and in the first few hours after birth are prone to hypoglycaemia.
Cold stress (conditions that are too cold): Hypothermia or abnormally low body temperatures may be a cause of hypoglycaemia
Liver diseases
Infections: New-borns with maternal or congenital infections may suffer low blood sugars.
Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar) in New-borns
Neonatal Hypoglycaemia symptoms may not always be present. Careful and repeated clinical examinations may pick up symptoms suggestive of low blood sugars, they may include:
Bluish discolouration or pale skin: It may be associated with poor vascular and oxygen supply to the body leading to cyanosis or pallor.
Breathing problems, including pause(apnea), rapid shallow breathing, or a grunting sound
Irritability or listlessness
Loose or floppy muscles
Poor feeding or vomiting
Problems keeping the body warm or hypothermia
Tremors, shakiness or seizures: Hypoglycaemia may cause temporary or permanent neurological damage including fits or delayed milestones and significant developmental delay.
Which Newborns are at Risk for Neonatal Hypoglycaemia?
Following conditions pose a higher risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia:
Diabetes in the Mother: Excess glucose from the mother may stimulate high insulin production in the baby which acts against and lowers the glucose levels of the baby significantly, causing symptoms.
Prematurity: Babies who are smaller than expected for their gestational time or babies with retarded growths may have few glycogen stores.
Babies Born Under Stressful Conditions: Difficult labour or prolonged obstructed delivery may lead to hypoglycaemia in the baby.
Unstable Temperatures: Babies exposed to unstable temperatures or when certain drugs (like terbutaline) cause hypothermia in the mother.
Large Babies: Babies larger for their age of gestation (months of pregnancy) tend to show symptoms of hypoglycaemia This might be associated usually with gestational diabetes, but are also reported with congenital hyperinsulinism.
What Are the Complications of Neonatal Hypoglycaemia?
Prompt detection of signs of hypoglycaemia in newborns and early initiation of treatment may prevent harmful effects of hypoglycaemia. However, the following complications may occur:
Seizure disorder
Cardiac conditions, including heart failure
Developmental delays and permanent brain damage, including cerebral palsy
Diagnosis of Hypoglycaemia in Newborn Babies
If a baby exhibits symptoms or associated risk factors for hypoglycaemia, a clinician may conduct a quick clinical assessment and order blood sugar levels of the new-born instantly and at fixed intervals for constant monitoring.
Plasma glucose levels: Finger prick, heel prick or umbilical vein sample.
Serum insulin: In cases of recurrent or permanent hypoglycaemia. Insulinoma, a rare pancreatic tumour may cause hypoglycaemia.
Checking Urine Sugars: Urine sugars may be checked from time to time to detect the presence of glucose or ketones.
Screening for Metabolic Errors: This may be required for a detailed workup of new-borns with hypoglycaemia.
Treatment for Neonatal Hypoglycaemia?
Management of Hypoglycaemia in newborns is diverse and can range from the simple task of feeding to surgical intervention. Some of the treatments include:
Adequate and timely feeding, assessing the consciousness levels and seeking early medical help is one approach to take before admitting the baby to a hospital.
Initial stabilization and supportive care include supplemental oxygen, intravenous access and monitoring of the baby's vitals.
Oral liquids high in sugar, like orange juice, may be administered in conscious and babies with a maintained airway.
Intravenous 5 or 10 percent dextrose solution may be administered to severely ill babies or in recurrent cases
Anti-Epileptic drugs may be necessary for recurring or refractory seizures.
Surgical removal of the pancreas may be suggested for congenital hyperinsulinism.
Can Hypoglycaemia in the Newborn Babies Be Prevented?
Early and adequate breastfeeding helps prevent recurrence of hypoglycaemia in new-born babies. Mothers with diabetes can prevent neonatal hypoglycaemia by tightly controlling their blood glucose levels to maintain them in a normal range. However, neonatal hypoglycaemia may not be totally preventable. One can only watch for symptoms and treat the problem at the earliest.
Can I Breastfeed if My Baby is Suffering From Hypoglycaemia?
Breastfeeding a hypoglycaemic neonate depends on the clinical condition of the new-born and their ability to suck and latch-on. If the new-born appears conscious and not drowsy or jittery, one may breastfeed safely with proper medical supervision and advice.
Breastfeeding is advised to prevent recurrence of hypoglycaemia, with due emphasis on early initiation and close body contact under kangaroo care.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
A doctor’s opinion will be needed if you notice your baby appearing sluggish or excessively sleepy, jittery, shaky, not feeding well or bluish discolouration especially of the nose or fingertips.
Conclusion: Neonatal Hypoglycaemia is a serious yet treatable common metabolic condition in newborns. It may have a significant impact on the neurological health of the baby. Adequate preventive measures and early diagnosis with prompt treatment may help counter this potential problem in newborns. Read more
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Child Care by Extended Family: Advantages & Disadvantages
Many parents consider asking a relative to take care of their toddler a safer option than putting him in daycare. But relative care comes with it’s own set of pros and cons and you need to be sure that your relationship and your child’s well-being are both maintained at par.
Busy parents, who are not able to take care of their growing toddlers at home, often need an extra hand. And more often than not, they bank on family members as reliable caretakers for their little ones. While there is always the satisfaction of taking help from close ones, one must also weigh certain advantages and disadvantages that are involved.
Reasons to Opt Relative Care For Your Toddler
The first reason to ask a relative to help you bring up your child is because you can rely on them. No other childcare option will leave you with that much satisfaction and peace of mind. When a family member takes cares of your child, you can assume that they would genuinely be concerned about your child’s well-being.
Being from the same family, your relative is likely to agree with you on decisions regarding your child’s discipline, meals and activities. This will assure you of consistent care as your child is being attended to by someone who shares your values.
If your child is already used to seeing the relative on a regular basis, or she has been babysat by the same person before, it would be easier for the two of them to adjust. This is much better than bringing in a brand new person for childcare.
Your relative can take care of your child at home. It is much better than letting him go to a crèche or nursery. Staying at a familiar environment is always better for the toddler.
Your child gets a one-to-one care, when he has your relative around. If you have more than one child to be taken care of, the percentage of satisfaction a childcare nanny would give you is less than what your relative would have to offer.
A lot of children get ear infections and contagious diseases from childcare. These are not likely to happen in your own healthy environment.
Childcare costs would of course be more than what you would compensate your relative with for her labour of love.
Reasons Not to Choose Relative Care for Your Toddler
If your relative is someone who has had previous experience of raising a child, especially in a previous generation, they might have their own set of rules which differ from yours. Their ideas on feeding, sleeping and discipline could clash with yours. Having two sets of guardians could confuse your child and the difference of opinion could have adverse effects on your relationship.
Payments are really awkward in these situations. You might want to overpay your relative to avoid the feeling that you are taking advantage of the relationship. Your relative could refuse to take money from you, but if you don’t reward her or pay her, you will always feel indebted because you can’t put a price on some things.
Taking care of a running, jumping and ever exploring toddler can be strenuous for elderly relatives. They might lack the stamina to take care of your growing child and make a regular fuss about the child’s behavior.
If your relative cannot stimulate your child sufficiently, you might find crèches and nurseries to be a better option. When your child enters the pre-school years, he needs to play and socialize with kids of his age. Relative care will not be able to replace that kind of vigorous stimulation.
Basically, relative care is a situation that might work for some families but not for others. If you do decide to go for it, you must jot down some ground rules right from the start. This reduces chances of future conflict. Yet, there could still be a difference of opinions, but the only way out of it is to talk! Together, you’ll be able to make your child’s world a delightful, engaging place! Read more
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Valentine Heart Hair-Clip
Does your little princess fancy snap-clips? If Yes, do not miss to design these lovely heart-shaped clips for her this Valentine’s Day. Follow a few simple steps and make numerous clips for all her favourite outfits.
Things Required
2-3 small (3/4-inch long) girls snap-clips. (Ensure that they are plane and have nothing glued on them)
A Fuchsia Felt Bundle
Cotton Embroidery Thread
Method
Cut out one large heart from any colour Felt.
Cut another heart of smaller size from a different colour Felt.
Trace the outline of the smaller heart on the larger heart cut-out.
Now cut around the outside of this traced marking with the help of pinking shears. Ensure the zig-zags appear neat. This makes the back felt.
Now snip a tiny hole on one side of the back felt piece, as shown in the image.
Slide the smaller arm of the clip through this little opening such that the bigger arm appears on the front side of the back piece
Snap the hair clip shut.
Now place the smaller heart over the outline drawn on the bigger heart such that the pinked edges frame the smaller heart neatly.
Stitch the two hearts together using the embroidery thread, as shown in the image.
Your beautiful handmade snap-clip is ready! Make many such heart shaped snap-clips, using different colour felt and see your daughter flaunt them this Valentine’s Day. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. 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
3 hours ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
26 mins ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
1 hour ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
54 mins ago
A. Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. The second trimester starts in the fourth month.
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