Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Diarrhoea in Babies
Diarrhoea is a condition where a baby frequently passes very runny, mucus-filled stools. This is usually due to a bacterial or viral infection or sensitivity to certain foods. Diarrhoea in newborns can be very serious if the baby gets dehydrated. If dehydration sets in, you might need to hospitalise the child. Having said that, you can avoid diarrhoea and dehydration by taking certain precautions.
Video: Diarrhoea (Loose Motions) in Babies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_60h7I2o4fM
Causes
There are many reasons that can cause diarrhoea in babies, and most of them involve microorganism infections. The major factors that cause loose motions in babies are:
1. Bacterial Infection
Certain infectious bacteria like Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Shigella, Campylobacter, and E. coli can cause diarrhoea. If the infection is bacterial, the symptoms will include severe diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps, fever, and blood in the stool.
2. Viral Infection
Viruses can cause diarrhoea in babies, with symptoms such as vomiting, fever, chills, abdominal pain, and achiness. Some of the viruses include rotavirus, calicivirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, and influenza.
3. Parasites
Parasitic organisms can also cause diarrhoea. For example, Giardiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite. The symptoms generally are gas, diarrhoea, bloating, and greasy stools. Parasitic infections are easily spread in situations involving group care.
4. Food Allergies
A food allergy is when the baby’s immune system adversely responds to a generally harmless food protein, giving rise to symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and blood in the stool. One of the most common food allergens is milk protein that is found in dairy products and baby formula containing a dairy product.
5. Food Intolerance
Different from allergies, food intolerances are reactions that do not involve the immune system. The most well-known is lactose intolerance. Although unusual in babies, lactose intolerance is caused by the diminished production of the enzyme, lactase. Lactase is necessary to digest the sugar lactose that is present in cow’s milk and dairy products. The symptoms are diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal cramping, and gas.
6. Antibiotics
When babies have diarrhoea after a course of antibiotics, it is because the medicine kills the good bacteria in the gut along with the harmful ones.
7. Excessive Artificial Juice
Giving the baby a lot of sweetened drinks containing fructose and artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol can upset the stomach and cause diarrhoea.
Signs And Symptoms Of Baby Diarrhoea
Newborn babies poop frequently and the stool is typically soft if they are breastfed. If the baby is formula-fed, the stool tends to be firmer. However, diarrhoea can look different. Here are the symptoms of diarrhoea in babies:
The baby is passing stools more frequently than usual
The stools tend to be runny, smelly, and mucus-streaked
The baby has a fever and appears to be losing weight
The baby is cranky and loses appetite
You can see signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, a dry mouth, dark yellow urine, and no tears when they cry
The baby has a fever and starts vomiting
Treatment
It takes a few days to end the bout of diarrhoea and for the baby’s stomach to re-stabilise. Proper hydration and nutrition can speed up this process. Here are a few home remedies for diarrhoea in babies:
1. Give Plenty of Fluids
Dehydration is the most dangerous aspect of diarrhoea and can even send a baby to the hospital if not treated on time. Replenishing the body’s lost fluids is the first step in treating diarrhoea. If the baby is drinking milk or formula without vomiting, continue feeding it often. Older babies can be given small sips of water, electrolyte solution, or an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Tender coconut water is also a rich source of electrolytes. Make your baby sip tender coconut water periodically.
2. Avoid Sugary Drinks
Refrain from giving the baby any sweetened drinks or undiluted fruit juices. The sugar in them draws more water into the intestine and worsens diarrhoea.
3. Give Toddlers Well-Balanced Meals
Babies who have already transitioned to finger or table food can be given solids even during diarrhoea. A good, healthy diet can shorten the baby’s bout of diarrhoea by restoring essential nutrients and fighting off infection. Foods such as bread, cereals, rice, yoghurt, fruits and vegetables can be given in small quantities frequently throughout the day.
4. Feed Yogurt
Yoghurt is rich in lactobacillus, which is an essential bacterium for the intestine. Yoghurt restores this bacterial flora which is lost during diarrhoea, thus stabilising the intestine. Feed the baby unflavoured, unsweetened, whole milk yoghurt only.
5. Avoid Self-Medication
Do not give the baby any herbal or untested medicines without consulting a paediatrician. Also, do not give anti-diarrheal medication to babies less than 12 months of age without consulting your doctor.
Give your child starchy foods and avoid fibrous food, dairy products like cheese and milk, and foods that are greasy and oily. These foods may aggravate the condition in your child.
How To Rehydrate Your Child With ORS Solution?
An oral rehydration solution is the simplest way to restore the baby’s lost electrolytes and is easily available at all pharmacies. It can also be prepared at home by dissolving 8 teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of salt in boiling water. Ensure that the solution is cooled completely before you feed it to your child.
To rehydrate the baby, feed small amounts of ORS frequently over a period of four hours.
If the baby is breastfed, give him ORS between feeds. Do not give him any other fluid unless suggested by the doctor.
Do not feed the child any other food while he is being given ORS.
Prevention
Hygiene is of the utmost importance when it comes to preventing any kind of infection in babies. The risk of diarrhoea in babies can be reduced to a great extent by maintaining hygiene when handling the baby.
The microbes that cause infections are easily passed from hand to mouth. Therefore, wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap thoroughly before handling your baby.
Kitchen equipment needs to be kept clean, and food must be prepared hygienically.
Do not take your child to a playground or nursery during an episode of diarrhoea and up until 48 hours after it ends.
Wipe your baby’s hands clean with non-alcoholic wipes frequently, especially when he is crawling around.
Meat should be well-cooked and fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before feeding.
Bathroom surfaces must be kept clean to prevent bacterial growth.
Are Breastfed Babies Less Susceptible To Get Loose Motions?
Yes, breastfed babies are less susceptible to infections that arise out of drinking water and feeding bottles. Also, bouts of breastfed baby diarrhoea are shorter as breast milk has certain elements that inhibit the growth and action of microorganisms and boost the baby’s immunity.
Is It Safe To Give Your Baby An Adult Anti-Diarrheal Medication?
It is not safe to give anti-diarrheal medicines to babies under 12 months of age, especially if the medicines are meant for adults. They can have serious side-effects.
Is it Okay to Give Baby Solid Food?
Yes. If your baby is old enough to eat solid food, it is okay to continue unless the baby is vomiting frequently. If not, solids such as bananas, apple puree, rice, and dry toast can be given to babies older than 6 months. For toddlers, small amounts of starchy foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, pasta, boiled rice, and moong dal can be given. It is okay even if the baby’s appetite is low during a diarrhoea bout as long as the baby is getting adequate fluids to avoid dehydration.
When Does Your Baby Require Medical Help?
You should call your doctor if your baby is less than 3 months old and has diarrhoea. If the baby is over 3 months old and the condition does not seem to improve after 24 hours, a doctor should be called. Medical help is needed if the diarrhoea is coupled with the following symptoms:
Vomiting frequently
Watery stools 3-4 times within a few hours
Symptoms of dehydration such as a dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken eyes, not having a wet nappy for 6 hours straight, sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head)
Discoloured hands and feet
Fever that lasts longer than 24 hours
Refuses to drink milk, water, or any other fluids
Has bloody stools
Has a swollen abdomen
Diarrhoea is common in babies. If your baby gets diarrhoea, you need to make sure that the baby does not get dehydrated. Some simple home remedies can help prevent and treat diarrhoea.
Resources and References: WebMD
Also Read:
Diarrhoea in Kids
Home Remedies for Diarrhoea in Infants Read more
Suggested for you
Check out this new Memory
Sneha Pansotra
Guardian of a 4 m old boy
3 mins ago
My ist pic
1 Likes
1 Comment
Sneha Pansotra my baby boy
Suggested for you
11 Best Dal (Indian Lentils) Recipes You Must Try
Indian cuisine is much like its culture - varied. Different recipes can be prepared using one common ingredient. Dal is one of the most famous ingredients used in our cuisine, and there is a huge variety of recipes to choose from. From the bright yellow chana dal to tasty moong dal, here is a selection of the best dal recipes from every state of the country.
Easy and Healthy Dal Recipes You Can Make at Home
We all have eaten dal, but may not know how to exactly make it. Here are some easy dal-based recipes for you to try:
1. Moong Dal Dosa
Healthy and easy, this moong dal recipe is bound to be a hit with your family.
Ingredients:
Moong dal - 2 cups
Urad dal - 1 cup
Green chillies - 5
Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
Salt - two teaspoons
Total Cook Time:
6 hours
Servings:
Serves Four
Method:
Soak moong dal and urad dal in water and keep in a cool place to ferment for at least three hours. If you have the time, leave it to soak overnight.
Blend the ingredients together until they reach a batter-like consistency.
Leave aside to rise for a couple of hours.
In a pan, fry the dosas with oil or ghee until crisp.
Serve with chutney or sambar.
2. Dal Tadka
Here is a dal recipe made in restaurant style.
Ingredients:
Arhar dal - 1 cup
Green chillies - 2, split lengthwise
Onion - 1, chopped
Tomato - 2, chopped
Ginger - ½ inch, grated
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Garam masala powder - 1 teaspoon
Asafoetida - ½ teaspoon
Water - 2 ½ cups
Kasuri methi - 1 teaspoon, crushed
Coriander leaves - 1 tablespoon, chopped
Ghee - 1 ½ tablespoon
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Garlic cloves - 6, finely chopped
Dry red chillies - 3
Red chilli powder - ½ teaspoon
Total Cook Time:
30 minutes
Servings:
Serves four
Method:
Rinse and then add the dal to a pressure cooker with the chopped tomatoes, onions, green chillies, ginger, turmeric and asafoetida and 2 ½ cups water.
Mix everything well and then pressure cook for 8 whistles.
Mash the dal well until you have a creamy but not too thick consistency.
Let the dal simmer for about five minutes.
Add the kasuri methi, garam masala powder, coriander and salt.
Mix well and remove from heat.
In a small pan, heat some ghee. Add some cumin seeds until they begin to crackle.
Add the red chillies, chopped garlic and asafoetida.
Once the garlic turns brown, add the chilli powder and mix well.
Pour the tempering onto dal and cover.
3. Dal Fry
Here is a simple Dal Fry recipe.
Ingredients:
Yellow moong dal - ¼ cup, soaked for two hours then drained
Masoor dal - 1 cup, soaked for two hours then drained
Turmeric powder - ¼ teaspoon
Green chillies - 2
Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
Garlic - 1 teaspoon, grated
Salt
Ghee - 2 tablespoons
Mustard seeds - ½ teaspoon
Kalonji (Nigella seeds) - ½ teaspoon
Kashmiri red chilli - 1 whole
Onions - ½ cup, finely chopped
Tomatoes - ½ cup finely chopped
Coriander - 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
Total Cook Time:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Servings:
Serves four
Method:
Put the dal, green chillies, turmeric powder, garlic, ginger, salt and 2 ½ cups of water in a pressure cooker.
Mix and cook for two whistles.
Heat ghee and add dry red chilly, mustard seeds and nigella seeds and sauté until they turn fragrant.
Add onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
Add the tomatoes along with a quarter cup of water and cook for a few minutes on medium heat.
Add the cooked dal mixture with ¼ cup of water and mix.
Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. Stir it now and then.
Garnish with coriander and serve.
4. Dal Makhani
Here is a Punjabi Dal Makhani recipe for you.
Ingredients:
Whole urad dal - ¾ cup, soaked overnight
Rajma - ¼ cup, soaked overnight
Water - 3 cups
Onion - 1, finely chopped
Green chillies - 2, finely chopped
Ginger-garlic paste - 2 teaspoons
Tomato puree - 1 cup
Cumin seeds - ½ teaspoon
Cloves - 3
Green cardamom - 3
Black cardamom - 1
Cinnamon - 1 inch
Indian bay leaf - 1
Red chilli powder - ½ teaspoon
Nutmeg - 3 pinches, grated or powder
Cream - ¼ cup
Kasturi methi - ¼ teaspoon
Butter - 3 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Total Cook Time:
1 hour
Servings:
Serves 4
Method:
Add the soaked and rinsed dal to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water.
Stir everything together well.
Pressure cook for about 18 whistles. If not yet cooked, cook for five more whistles after adding ½ cup water.
Heat butter in a pan and add the whole spices. Sauté till they become fragrant.
Add the onions and sauté till they're translucent.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till the raw smell is gone.
Add green chillies and sauté.
Add tomato puree and stir.
Add nutmeg and chilli powder. Cook this mixture till you see the fat begin to separate.
Add the rajma beans and urad dal.
Cook everything on low flame for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cream and mix well.
Garnish with coriander leaves and cream.
5. Chana Dal Chutney
This delicious Chana Dal Chutney goes well with dosa, idli and even as a side dish for your main course.
Ingredients:
Split Bengal gram - 2 tablespoons
Red chillies - 3
Salt - 1 ½ teaspoon
Asafoetida - ½ teaspoon
Cumin - ½ teaspoon
Oil - 2 teaspoon
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Green chilli - 1
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
Curd - ½ cup
Pepper - ½ teaspoon
Total Cook Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
Serves four
Method:
In a frying pan, heat some oil and fry the red chillies, cumin and split Bengal gram till you get a fragrance. Set aside to cool.
Put the ingredients in a blender along with pepper, asafoetida and salt, and blend well.
Add curd to the mix.
For the tempering, heat oil in a pan and fry mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies together and then pour into the chutney.
Mix everything together well and serve with dosa, idli or even with piping hot rice and a teaspoon of ghee for a yummy rice dish!
6. Dal Dhokli
This Indian dal recipe originated in Gujarat and is known for its incredible flavour.
[caption id="attachment_246841" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Ingredients:
Green moong dal - ½ cup
Red chilli powder - ½ teaspoon
Salt to taste
Curry leaves - 2 teaspoons
Cumin seeds - ¼ teaspoon
Ghee - 1 tablespoon
Garam masala powder - ¼ teaspoon
Coriander leaves - ½ tablespoon, chopped
Turmeric - 1/8 teaspoon
Cumin powder - ¼ teaspoon
Bay leaf - ½
Asafoetida - 1 pinch
Refined oil - 1 tablespoon
Coriander powder - 1 tablespoon
Wheat flour - ¼ cup
Total Cook Time:
1 hour
Servings:
Serves two
Method:
In a large bowl, mix cumin powder, turmeric, chopped coriander, salt, oil and wheat flour.
Add just enough water to knead the mix into a dough.
Make small balls and roll them out in the same way you would a chapati.
Cut out each piece into a square.
Take a wide dish and fill it with water.
Bring the water to boil and then add the dhokli pieces one by one.
Once the dhoklis begin to soften, take them out and keep them separately.
Pressure cook the dal with 1 cup of water.
Add oil and ghee to a pan and add bay leaf, cumin seeds, curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida to it.
Sauté for a few seconds and then add red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and turmeric powder to the spices.
Mix well.
Quickly add this tempering to the dal along with some salt and let it cook for a few minutes
Add the dhokli towards the end of cooking, giving them only about a minute or two on the heat.
7. Pancharatna Dal
Of all the dal recipes, only this one includes the goodness of five types of lentils.
[caption id="attachment_246842" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Ingredients:
Whole urad dal - ¼ cup
Chana dal - ¼ cup
Moong dal - ¼ cup
Masoor dal - ¼ cup
Tuvar dal - ¼ cup
Onions - 2, fine chopped
Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon
Green chillies - 3
Tomatoes - 2, chopped
Turmeric powder - ½ teaspoon
Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
Oil - 1 ½ tablespoon
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Asafoetida - a pinch
Coriander - 2 sprigs, fine chopped
Salt to taste
Total Cook Time:
1 hour, 15 minutes
Servings:
Serves four
Method:
Leave the lentils to soak for at least two hours before you start making the dish.
Once they have thoroughly soaked, add them to a pressure cooker and cook for four whistles.
Add oil to a pan and let it heat.
Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida.
As the cumin begins to turn brown, add ginger-garlic paste and sauté once again.
Add the green chillies, tomatoes and coriander powder.
Once the oil begins to separate, add the dal, whisking a bit before pouring.
Mix well and allow it to cook on low flame for 15 minutes.
Garnish with coriander leaves.
8. Methi Palak Dal
This recipe uses moong dal and spinach.
[caption id="attachment_246858" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Ingredients:
Moong dal - ¼ cup
Oil - 1 tablespoon
Cumin seeds - ½ teaspoon
Mustard seeds - ¼ teaspoon
Curry leaves - 4
Onion - ½ , chopped
Green chillies - 3, chopped
Garlic - 2 pods
Salt to taste
Turmeric - ¼ teaspoon
Chilli powder - ½ teaspoon
Fenugreek leaves - 1 cup, chopped
Spinach - 1 cup, chopped
Lime juice - 1 tablespoon
Water - 1 cup
Total Cook Time:
1/2 hour
Servings:
Serves two
Method:
Cook dal in a pressure cooker with half a cup of water. Three whistles should be enough.
In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
When the seeds start to pop, add green chillies and cook till the onions turn translucent.
Add garlic and fenugreek leaves and cook until leaves wilt.
Add chilli powder, turmeric and salt, and stir well.
Next, add spinach and cook till the leaves wilt.
Mash dal and add it to the mixture.
After mixing well, add a cup of water and let it cook for about ten minutes.
Add lime juice and stir well.
Cover and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
9. Hyderabadi Khatti Dal
This spicy lentils recipe is the Hyderabadi version of Khatti Dal.
Ingredients:
Dhuli masoor dal - 1 cup
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Tomatoes - 1 cup, chopped
Ginger-garlic paste - 1 teaspoon
Red chilli powder - 1 teaspoon
Green chillies - 3, split into halves
Tamarind pulp - 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons
Garlic - 6 cloves, crushed
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
Dry red chillies - 3
Curry leaves - 12
Coriander - 1 tablespoon, chopped
Total Cook Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
Serves four
Method:
Add dal to a pressure cooker with salt, tomato, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies and red chilli powder.
Cook for three whistles on low heat.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Once all the steam has been released, open the lid. Add tamarind pulp and mix.
Heat oil in a small pan to make the tempering.
Add garlic and let it fry till golden brown.
Add mustard and cumin seeds and wait for them to pop.
Add this to the dal and sprinkle coriander as garnish. Serve with rice and sabji.
10. Dal Mughlai
This recipe tells you how to make tasty dal in a style that originated in the royal kitchens.
[caption id="attachment_247010" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Ingredients:
Tuvar dal - ¾ cup
Chana dal - ¼ cup
Tomatoes - 1 cup, chopped
Bottle gourd - 2 cups, cubed
Turmeric powder - ¼ teaspoon
Salt to taste
Oil - 2 tablespoons
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Garlic - ½ teaspoon, finely chopped
Green chillies - 1 teaspoon, finely chopped
Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
Onions - ¾ cup, sliced
Coriander - 2 tablespoons, fine chopped
Total Cook Time:
Forty minutes
Servings:
Serves six
Method:
After washing, allow the dal to soak for at least half an hour and then drain.
Add bottle gourd, tomatoes, turmeric powder, salt, 3 cups of water and dal to a pressure cooker.
Cook for three whistles.
Once the steam has escaped, remove the lid and whisk the dal.
Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them pop.
Now add green chillies, garlic, onions and ginger and sauté until onions are golden brown.
Add the dal, salt and 1/4 cup of water.
Mix well. Garnish with coriander and serve.
11. Dal Bharta
Rich with spices, this dish is bound to impress.
[caption id="attachment_246877" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Ingredients:
Tuvar dal - 2 cups
Onion - ¼
Garlic - 2 cloves
Bay leaf - 1
Cinnamon - 1-inch stick,
Black peppercorn - 6
Salt to taste
Water
Onion - 1, chopped
Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon
Tomatoes - 2, chopped
Cashew nut paste - 3 tablespoons
Yoghurt - 3 tablespoons, whisked
Fresh cream - 2 tablespoons
Red chilli powder - 1 tablespoon
Garam masala powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - ½ teaspoon
Cumin powder - ½ teaspoon
Coriander powder - ½ teaspoon
Butter - 1 tablespoon
Coriander - 2 sprigs, finely chopped
Total Cook Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
Serves eight
Method:
Boil the dal with onion, garlic cloves, cinnamon sticks, black pepper, bay leaf and salt.
Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and salt.
Sauté till the onions turn golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till the raw smell goes away.
Add tomatoes and sauté for a few minutes.
Cover and cook until tomatoes turn soft.
In a bowl, add powdered spices and make a paste of it using water.
Once the tomatoes have softened, pour in the masala paste and cook till the mix is dry.
Add the dal and sauté well till it has completely blended with the spices.
Add cashew paste and yoghurt and mix well with one cup of water.
Add cream and butter, and allow everything to cook till it is creamy in texture.
Turn off the heat. Garnish with eggs and coriander.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions:
1. How Much Time Does It Take for Dal to Boil?
Dal can take a long time to boil if not soaked for a minimum of one to two hours. Dals like tuvar dal, moong dal and split Bengal gram will boil in 30 minutes while dals like chana dal and rajma need to be boiled for 40 minutes. If you're using a pressure cooker, the time taken will be about 15 minutes.
2. How Long Does Dal Last in the Fridge?
Cooked dal can be kept in the fridge for about four to five days without it going bad.
3. How Can I Make Dal Thicker?
You can thicken dal by using cream, coconut milk, tomato paste or stock. You can also allow the dal to cook for longer until enough water evaporates, bringing the dal to the consistency you desire. Mashing the dal also thickens it and gives it a creamier texture.
4. What Happens If I Don’t Soak Dal?
While not all lentils need to be soaked, lentils like beans are better after a good soaking. This is because soaking helps to speed up the cooking time as well as eliminate gas. If you do not soak lentils, you will need to waste a lot more gas or electricity to cook it, or may end up with uncooked dal.
Adding dal to your diet is beneficial as they are rich in protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins. So, get into your kitchen and give something a shot. You will be healthier and happier for it. Your taste buds will thank you too.
Also Read:
Yummy Raita Recipes You Can Try at Home
Delicious Rice Flour Recipes to Try at Home
Nutritious Steam Food Recipes You Should Consider Read more
Suggested for you
Benefits of Being Self-Employed
You may not get a fixed salary or enjoy paid leaves but there certainly are many benefits of being self-employed compared to being an employee. Here's a look at some of them that may just tempt you to start your own venture.
If you’re determined and hardworking and are ready to push yourself to the limit when it comes to work, why let someone else benefit from it? Start your own business and attain new heights and job satisfaction. There are many advantages of self-employment and if you’ve been wondering whether you should take the plunge, maybe knowing what you stand to gain will sway you.
What does Self-employment mean?
Being self-employed means you work for yourself. No organisation, firm, or otherwise. You make your own money by selling a service. It could be anything – homemade soaps, food, art, etc. That’s the best part of being self-employed; you get to do your own thing.
Attractive Benefits of Being Self-employed
1. You are your Own Boss
There can be nothing more demotivating than a difficult boss. One of the reasons many choose to be self-employed is so they don’t have to deal with a fussy boss. If you are self-employed, you can plan work according to your convenience without anyone interfering. You get to create an environment that you love working in.
2. You Get What you Deserve
Here’s another reason for being self-employed: Slogging day in and day out for someone who plays the favouritism card when it comes to giving perks and promotions. Sounds familiar? It’s a common complaint among many who work for others. Why waste your time and energy on people who don’t reward you for your efforts? Work for yourself and get the remuneration and promotion you deserve.
3. You Choose your Timings
You don’t have to stick to a set timetable when you’re self-employed. You can work when you like. For instance, if you’re a morning person you can begin work early and finish early, in time to enjoy the evening with your family. On the other hand, if you’re a night owl, you can work late and manage more time for your children during the day.
4. You Choose your Work Place
There’s a big difference between being self-employed vs. being an employee. When you work for yourself, not only do you get to choose the timings but you can also choose where to work. This is a big boon for moms who can’t be away from their children. You can work from home and look after them and even manage the house.
5. You Plan your Future
A salaried employee lives on the mercy of her employer. Even if you’re hardworking, you may not get a salary hike or a promotion for years especially if the company’s performance is poor or if your boss isn’t fond of you. But if you’re self-employed, you can prepare both short-term and long-term goals and plan where you want to be in the next five or 10 years.
You know the benefits of being self-employed are great! So, make a name for yourself and start doing things on your own terms. Let others reap the benefits of your product or service. Being self-employed can be liberating and empowering. Read more
Suggested for you
Pregnancy Travel Insurance - What It Covers and How It Helps You
Is your baby due in 3 or 4 months from now? Then it’s time to plan a vacation! Post-delivery, probably the only holiday you can take is when your baby is a toddler, which means months and years to wait! Many pregnant women usually plan one last vacation before their baby is born. It could be a getaway with the husband to Switzerland, a beach vacation to Goa or a relaxing visit to some hill station like Coorg. Whatever you decide, you have to plan before your 28th week of pregnancy passes as, beyond that, airlines may require a doctor’s authorisation and travel insurers will be reluctant to provide you insurance coverage.
What is Pregnancy Travel Insurance?
If you are pregnant and have travel plans, then getting travel insurance should be on the top of your list of to-do things. Travel insurance for pregnant ladies ensures that you and your unborn baby are protected against any eventualities during travel. As with any insurance, the level of cover and exclusions will differ from insurer to insurer. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions including the fine print carefully before you buy a policy. Different airlines have different guidelines for pregnant women
Air India lets pregnant women travel till 32 to 35 weeks based on a doctor’s ‘fit to fly’ certificate. Travel beyond that is only allowed under urgent circumstances permitted by the airline’s Chief Medical Officer and also requires a doctor to accompany the flyer.
Jet Airways allows healthy pregnant women to travel till 32 weeks. Beyond that, they require a certificate of fitness from a doctor. After 36 weeks, along with the above, they will also need clearance from the airline itself and an accompanying doctor with you on your flight.
Spice Jet lets pregnant mothers fly after 35 weeks, but they need to have medical clearance if they are between 28-35 weeks of pregnancy.
Indigo allows healthy pregnant women to travel till 32 weeks as long as they have no complication. But you will need a fit to fly certificate from your doctor along with documentation confirming how many weeks of pregnancy you are along.
Other international airlines have similar rules. Many airlines will also ask you to fill out an indemnity bond before your flight. But always check with your travel company and airline website before you travel.
How Does It Protect Pregnant Women?
Does travel insurance cover pregnancy complications? The answer is yes. Below are a few features and benefits of a pregnancy travel insurance
Travel insurance usually can cover losses resulting from unforeseen pregnancy complications. This means that you may get reimbursed for any nonrefundable trip costs you end up losing if you cancel your trip last minute due to any pregnancy complications.
The amount of travel insurance you can avail again depends on the insurer, and the illness, complication or medical condition you experience must be severe enough for any reasonable person to cancel their trip. A doctor also needs to urge you to cancel it.
If your policy also includes emergency medical benefits, your travel insurer may reimburse you for the cost of the emergency medical care you receive for your complication while on travel.
A significant item you need to include while submitting a claim for a trip cancellation/change related to your pregnancy complication is a doctor’s certificate.
Travel insurance does not cover the possibility that a complication can occur. For example, if you cancel your trip based on your doctor’s advice, with the only reason being that you had two previous premature deliveries, your travel insurance will not cover the cancellation as your pregnancy will still be a normal pregnancy.
Pregnancy travel insurance also covers standard things like lost luggage, flight cancellations and delays.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of pregnancy travel insurance varies with each insurance company you choose. But for many in India, you can expect to pay from 4 to 8 per cent of your total trip cost. This will depend on the country/countries you visit, the amount of travel insurance required and the duration of the trip.
What Documents Are Required for a Pregnancy Travel Insurance?
The following documents are required for you to avail a pregnancy travel insurance
Your travel dates and holiday destination
Your proof of identification, i.e. Passport, Driver’s License, or PAN Card
Proof of identification of anyone else travelling with you
A doctor’s certificate or documentation from your physician (if you are travelling post week 28 of your pregnancy).
A disclosure letter stating any pre-existing medical complication
Any optional extras you’d like to add to avail
FAQ's
Source: www.fastcover.com.au
Below are a few FAQs which are commonly asked regarding pregnancy travel insurance and their answers:
1. Do I Really Need a Travel Insurance during Pregnancy?
Many women may ask, do I need special travel insurance when pregnant? Yes, it is always the better precautionary measure to take. Pregnancy is a delicate stage and complications are always possible. International travel insurance for pregnancy will save you from incurring the cost of a sudden trip cancellation or large bills in a foreign hospital. You can choose from a variety of travel insurers, and some travel companies may even offer travel insurance as part of your holiday package. You can make sure that the policy you choose covers eventualities like early birth, labour induced medical care and expenses incurred if you go into labour abroad. Also, 40% of people believe that travel insurance is more expensive if it is a pregnant woman getting it. This is a myth and untrue.
2. Will I Get Tax Benefits?
Yes, as with other insurance policies, pregnancy travel insurance does help you get some tax benefits which you can check with the particular insurance company you have chosen.
3. What If I have a Complaint About a Travel Insurance Claim?
If you have any complaint about claiming your travel insurance, first consult your insurance provider. If they cannot seem to solve the problem, reach out to the insurance ombudsman (an official appointed by the government who investigates complaints (lodged by private citizens) of your area. They are selected by the IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority). Take note that airline rules and insurance policies continuously change. So make sure always to be updated with the above whenever you file a complaint so that you can be fully aware.
To get a pregnancy travel insurance quote only takes a few minutes. Most insurance companies have websites where you can enter all the details online, answer a few questions and list your requirements. This will help the online tool to filter results and provide a range of travel insurance deals you can choose from which are best suited to your budget and requirements at a competitive price. You may have to shop around for a bit for pregnancy travel insurance to select one that meets precisely your needs. You can also go for a pregnancy travel insurance cancellation if you choose one and later decide it is not the one for you. So make sure you always read the fine print!
Also Read:
Things About Maternity Insurance Policy You Must Know
Tips for Travelling While Pregnant
Important Reasons to Have a Maternity Insurance Read more
Suggested for you
Helping a Child Work on His Strengths
Many parents are worried that their children do not indulge in socializing or reading, but they need to understand that their children’s strengths might lie somewhere else. Every child cannot be a scholar; there will be children who will be good at performing arts, fine arts or even sports. The sooner the parents understand and accept this, the easier it will be for them to accept their child. Studies have proved that using your strengths in daily life will make your life more peaceful and happy.
Each one of us is born with special talents and strengths. Your own set of strengths could be different from that of your partner’s or siblings’. Similarly, your child has his own strengths. We always work on our child’s weaknesses rather than his strengths. If we start nurturing his talents and strengths during his formative years we will bring up a contented child. Here’s how.
Traditionally, parents tend to focus more on the weaknesses of their children. Some go a step further and taunt them for their ‘ineptness’ and embarrass them in front of their friends and other people. Not scoring well at school does not guarantee failure in life and vice- versa. Even when we look at our own family, we see that our brothers and sisters are probably good at different things and that has not made them any less successful in life. As parents, we need to recognise our child’s strengths as early as possible and try to make the best out of those strengths.
How To Discover your Child’s Strengths
1. Use play methods
Try and play different games with your child, so that you see where his interest lies and in some cases if your child is not interested in playing, do not force him into it.
2. Find out cues
Let your child reach for all the stuff he wants to play, find out his interests with the cues you get.
3. Make notes
Make notes of what your child likes and what he doesn’t like, it will help your family when you are not around.
4. Listen to your child
Make it a regular habit to listen to your child, chances are he will talk to you about his interests on his own.
5. Do not compare siblings
Comparing siblings leads to lower self-esteem in the child, so never compare. Instead, help both your children find out their own strengths and work together as a team.
6. Discover hobbies and strengths
Create a distinction between hobbies and strengths and help them with both. Let them spend time on both.
How To Find out Strengths in a Group
Collect up to 10 children and ask them about their strengths. This will not only help the children understand like-minded children, but will also help them see that different people have different strengths. This lets every child value everyone else’s strengths, so they can now work together as a team and succeed.
Working on our child’s strengths does not mean that we ignore his weaknesses and let him have his way throughout the day. Education is an important part of his life and we cannot neglect that. We need to balance academics and extra-curricular activities so that he excels in his life as a whole. Read more
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours 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
4 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours 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
4 hours 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
3 hours 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.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour 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 moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Start having chilled milk directly from the refrigerator that usually helps a lot in reducing down acidity and anyways when you take so much of medicine in the body gets addicted to it to check with your doctor if you need to do anything or any other medication would be friendly in cases of emergency
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
1 hour 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
51 mins 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
1 hour ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
52 mins 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
Check out this new Memory
Dhanya Krishna
Mom of a 2 yr 5 m old girl
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Bhavana
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
3 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Priya Ranjan Jena
Father of a 1 m old girl
8 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Horikanta Singha
Guardian of a 1 m old boy
9 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