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Pregnant & New Moms - Avoid These 4 Ingredients In Your Shampoo!
Yes, you heard it right – a little self-care with shampoos can cause serious harm to your child if you’re not careful. Fortunately, we just need to check for four things before buying a shampoo to keep our children – and ourselves – from harm's way!
Harmful Shampoos & Hair-Washing Habits Mothers MUST Avoid
Read on about the four major ingredients in shampoos and hair-washing habits that might cause harm to you/your baby. Strictly avoid shampoos that contain these ingredients both for yourself and for your baby.
1. Quats or Chemicals Likes ADBAC & DDAC Can Cause Birth Defects
As per a recent study, certain types of chemicals called quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) that are commonly found in shampoos, detergents and disinfectants can result in developmental defects in unborn babies when used by pregnant women. Two commonly-used quats are:
alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC)
didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC)
Both have been linked to birth defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord! As per the study, the effect of these chemicals was seen in both males and females. However, the more astonishing part was that the chemicals affected the newborn even when used only by the father.
What You Can Do: A mother-to-be needs to not only skip the shampoo containing these ingredients but also switch to baby-safe disinfectants and detergents. Watch out for these chemicals, listed as Quats or ADBAC/DDAC, on the ingredients list.
2. Sulfates Strip Your Child's Hair of Its Natural Oils
As moms, we love to lather up our kids’ hair when shampooing. Lather generally equates to cleanliness, right? This is NOT the case. These types of sulphates are commonly used in shampoos to create lather but can actually destroy your child's healthy hair development:
ammonium lauryl sulfate
sodium laureth sulfate
In the long run, these ingredients can strip hair of its natural oils and halt hair growth.
What You Can Do: Sulfate-free shampoos are your best option for clean hair – despite the lack of foaming lather! There are a variety of Sulfate-free shampoos that you can choose from, but you'll be surprised just how many popular shampoos contain sulfates.
Watch: How To Check Shampoo For Sulfates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUwQxMuYpv0
3. Parabens Cause Hair Loss
Parabens are chemicals used to increase the shelf life of products, but they are toxic in nature. Not only do they harm your skin - in this case, your scalp - but they also affect your hormones and can cause a hormonal imbalance that results in hair loss.
What You Can Do: Use Paraben free shampoos for your little one and make sure his hair stays healthy! These chemicals are also found in soaps, lotions and scrubs. So make sure that baby care products you use for your little one are paraben-free!
4. Alcohol Can Dry Out Your Hair
Alcohol is a commonly found ingredient in hair-care products. However, high quantity of alcohol as an ingredient can cause dry hair and make it brittle. This can be particularly damaging for new mothers who are already undergoing hair problems such as dryness and hair loss.
What You Can Do: Make sure to check the ingredients label of the shampoo and buy it only if alcohol is not listed in the first four ingredients.
While ensuring that you choose the right shampoo to protect your kids’ health, you can help nourish his hair and counter the harmful effects of the environment by using home-made hair masks on a regular basis!
3 More Personal Care Items You Need to be Careful About
In addition to shampoos, there are some other products that can affect your little one's health:
1. Conditioners
Some conditioners are known to be harmful as they can cause excess deposits of chemicals in the pores of your scalp and affect the health and quality of your hair! Avoid using for sensitive baby scalp and hair, and discuss with your doctor if you do feel the need to use one.
2. Detergents
In addition to chemicals like quats, certain detergents are harsh not only on your clothes - but on your baby's skin as well. Detergents often leave behind a residue and when your child wears the clothes containing this residue – his sensitive skin can be affected by the harsh chemicals! Wash your baby's clothes in a baby-friendly detergent to keep his skin rash - free!
3. Disinfectants
Certain household products like disinfectants contain ammonia – an irritant that has been linked to liver and kidney damage! Use non-toxic and natural cleaners to avoid any harm to your child's health.
We want the best for our children and do everything in our power to maintain their health. A little bit of care when buying personal care products can go a long way to ensure our little ones' health and happiness! Read more
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How to Keep Your Bathroom Safe for Your Child
For children, bathrooms are meant to be fun places to enjoy a bath. Unfortunately, it has been estimated that 90 children die every year due to bathroom hazards like drowning in the bathtub- just 3 inches extra of water is enough to submerge a child. Parents sometimes are busy doing other chores or just fail to notice before it's too late. Therefore, let's talk about the bathroom safety of your child.
Bathroom Safety Tips for Your Child's Protection
The following safety tips and precautions can keep your child protected in the bathroom:
1. Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Bathtub
The running water can make the tub overflow, thus seriously harming your child. Instead of letting your attention drift away, make sure you never leave your child alone in the bathroom, especially if he knows how to work the faucets.
2. Install Scald-Guards In Faucets
Death by scalding is another possibility besides drowning. To make sure the water temperature isn't too high, don't crank the geyser beyond 120 degree F. Additionally, install scald-guards in faucets since these monitor the temperature of the water and let you know if it's too hot for your child.
3. Say Yes to Showers
If you're unsure that your child is ready for the bathtub yet, try showering instead. There's no drowning, everybody gets cleaned up, and it's a win-win for both.
4. Drain Out Excess Water
You might have mastered the art of bathing your kids in the bathtub, but the floor isn't as friendly once you're done bathing your child, especially if he enjoys splashing around. Puddles of water on the floor lead to slips, falls and unexpected accidents. Make sure to mop out any remaining water and dry the floor before he gets out of the tub.
5. Use A Baby Gate
Children like to do things when adults aren't watching, like going to the bathroom to do some splashing. Installing baby gates near toilet doors as bathroom safety are thus good for your child. That way, he can't enter, which means less worrying for you.
6. Use Cushioned Covers on Faucets
Steel water faucets are dangerous as they have sharp edges. There's also a risk of your baby bumping and hitting his head on hard surfaces. Cushioned covers absorb the shock and minimise injury in the bathtub.
7. Seal the Toilet Lids Shut
Babies and toddlers may slip and fall through the toilet lid while prancing around. Use a toilet lid lock or device to seal it during times you leave your child unattended.
8. Invest in High-Rise Shelves and Cabinets
Your shampoos and razor blades are like treasure hunting moments for your child. Looking at the beautiful pictures and sleek designs, he may be tempted to give those a try, or drink your cleaning products out of curiosity. You don't want that, and the best way to prevent it is by keeping them tucked away from his reach on high wall shelves and cabinets.
9. Unplug the Electronics
Most of us have curling irons and blow dryers in our bathrooms. When you leave them plugged in and turn away for a moment, your child falls at risk of being severely injured by them. The solution is to unplug and turn off these devices whenever you're with your child in the bathroom.
10. Pay Attention at All Times
Prevention is better than cure, and the best way to pay heed to this is by constantly keeping a watch. Make sure there are no choking hazards in the bathtub, and teach your child against gulping soapy water when bathing.
Additional Bath Time Safety Tips for Infants and Kids
For your child's benefit, here are some additional bath time safety tips:
Keep cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, and medicines out of reach. Install safety locks in cabinets as extra measures.
Ask an electrician to set up ground-fault circuit interrupters for shutting down electrical appliances in an instant when they fall into the bathtub, in order to prevent injuries.
Don't keep the water level beyond 2 to 3 inches for babies and young toddlers in the tub.
Use a kitchen sink to bathe your infant instead of a bathtub for additional safety.
Hold your baby and provide physical support while bathing to prevent slips/falls.
Baby proof the floor and cabinets, always.
Do not ever leave your baby alone in the bathroom.
Set up the bathroom doors in a way they can be unlocked from outside in case your child locks himself in.
How to Prevent Your Child from Drowning in the Bathtub?
Never leave your child beyond your arm's reach before, during, and after bathing as a rule of thumb. Also, never leave them alone while bathing.
Following these suggestion will help keep your child safe. As a parent, remember to watch him like a hawk during bath times since anything could go wrong in an instant.
Also Read: Safety Rules at School for Young Kids Read more
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Planks - Your Key To A Flat Tummy
Planking is key to a toned stomach and a fitter you. Though many women dread doing even a basic plank exercise, it's not as hard as it seems. Here's a step-by-step look to stay fit with this ultimate toning workout.
Planks are a comprehensive exercise for the entire body, focusing mainly on the abdomen, but also toning the arms, back, hips and glutes muscles. In fact, the plank can be regarded as one of the best ‘look-good’ exercises because it has an impact on all the muscles in the core, including the abs, oblique, back and hips.
What Is the Plank Position and How Do you Go About It
Step 1
Start your planking workout in a push-up position. The only difference here is that the elbows are bent and your weight is rested on your forearms. Your body should be in a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Brace up your core and hold the position for 60 seconds coupled with deep breathing.
Step 2
Continuing the basic plank exercise, lie on your left side keeping your knees straight. Prop up on your left elbow and forearm and raise your hips till you come to a straight line from ankles to hips. Contract your abs and breathe deeply, holding the position for 30 seconds.
Step 3
Take a side plank position with your left elbow below the shoulder. Contract your core and raise your right leg as high as possible, maintaining the correct plank position. Flex your foot with your toes pointing down. Lower your leg and repeat. Switch sides and repeat the workout with your left leg. ||
Step 4
Start with a push-up position, placing hands on the floor beneath the shoulders and keeping your arms straight. Bring your feet together, straighten up your legs and put your weight on your toes. Align your body in a straight line from ankles to head. Brace your abs and squeeze your glutes, maintaining the position for 30 seconds.
Step 5
Start with the same position as in step 4. Drop down your back and shoulder blades to form a straight line from your head to ankles. Lift your right hand and tap your left shoulder, making an effort to keep your hips straight while you do it. Repeat the planking fitness exercise with the left hand and right shoulder. Keep alternating for 30 seconds.
Step 6
In this step, again begin with a push-up position with your hands on the floor beneath your shoulders and arms stretched straight. Set your feet a bit wider than your shoulders, keeping your legs straight and your weight on your toes. Raise your right arm and point the thumb up. Hold for 10 seconds before switching over and performing with the left arm. Remember to keep still while doing the exercise.
This step-by-step plank position exercise for abs requires determination and perseverance on your part. Planks for women tone up the body, help you burn calories, improve posture and may even alleviate back pain. You can experiment with plank positions and stick to one that suits you best for the daily challenge. Get going ladies; you know you can!
*This article has been certified by Gold's Gym experts. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. Hello I had missed my period for April month and today I have done home test with prega news and result is negative. Am experiencing light brown spotting today and back pain and stomach pain. Is it ok to have missed period for over a month and what does that mean am i pregnant or my period is about to come. Iam bit worried about this please do help me.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. wait for sometime you can do beta hCG or 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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. i'm feeling pain in lower abdomen on daily basis
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. there is need for examination investigations even urine test. 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
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. I am 5 month pregnant and have thyroid and gastational diabetes can i eat dates plzz suggest me
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. okay in small quantities bh. 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
Mom of a 7 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert ...Mera refund KB TK ho ayega ,Maine ek baby wrapper order kita tha
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. This place is associated with parenting section if you have anything to ask associated with that can help you and guide you on that but if your queries associated with the shopping section then kindly get in touch with the concerned department by calling them on the helpline number
Niharika has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert can we use gripe water for children (4months) ?
Niharika
Mom of a 4 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. not really
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
54 mins ago
Q. hello, on my first visit doctor suggested me duphaston twice a day..so m taking it morning n bedtime.now on my second visit doctor added susten sr 200 one tablet daily at night ,as m already taking duphaston at night , kindly guide me when should I take the susten tablet,also m having dizziness after taking susten .
Read moreDr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
46 mins ago
A. Regarding the mentioned concern your local doctor will guide you in a proper way and the doubts can be cleared accorjodingly .so you can discuss and get the solution for query.
Also online consultation can be taken on the platform and it will also be helpful in getting the proper guidance as there could be a detailed discussion which would be benifecial helpful in the correct manner .
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