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Blood in Baby's Stool - Causes & Treatment
If you are alarmed by the presence of blood in your baby’s poop, you are not alone. Most parents are startled when they find blood in their baby’s stool and it’s understandable. However, what seems like blood could be a change in stool color due to a slightly modified diet. But it is best not to ignore streaks of blood in baby stool and inform your pediatrician immediately.
What does Blood in an Infant's Stool look like?
Blood in your baby’s stool can be identified by several red streaks that seem separated. The baby’s stool may also have tiny stains. You can observe the white lining of the baby’s diaper where it can be easily seen. Remember that it will be distinctly different from the stool colour.
Blood from the rectum or colon is usually bright red and one can see a single streak outside the stool. Blood that is dark brown, black or maroon in colour and seems homogenously mixed with the stool could be oozing from the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes of Blood in Baby’s Poop and Diaper
There are two forms of blood that can be seen in a baby’s stool. It could be visible to the naked eye and look like red stains or fecal occult blood that can be detected through chemical analysis or microscopic examination. Bleeding inside the stomach gives the stool a darker appearance since the blood gets digested.
Some of the causes that could lead to blood in your baby’s stool are:
Food Allergies
One of the causes of stool in blood and bloody mucus in baby poop is an allergy to certain kinds of food. If your baby has recently begun consuming semi-solid food, he can develop an allergy to cow milk, milk powder, oats, barley or wheat. If your baby is being fed with supplements containing gluten as one of the ingredients, it could also lead to this condition. Barley malt is an essential ingredient of vitamin supplements which is known to contain gluten. Conditions like allergic colitis and enterocolitis syndrome can lead to food allergies. These conditions may also cause vomiting in your baby.
Crohn’s Disease
This condition in infants is known as pediatric Crohn’s disease and is an inflammatory ailment of the large intestine. It is thought to be caused due to genetic mutations and does not have any explanation for its cause. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease this could increase the possibility of your baby being similarly infected.
Colitis
The inflammation of the colon’s (large intestine) inner lining is known as colitis. In this condition, the colon may develop tiny sores which may or may not cause any pain to the baby. However, these sores are responsible for the blood in your baby’s stool. Colitis too is known to be caused due to genetic reasons.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
This disease affects a premature baby.The internal organs of a premature baby are prone to infection since their immune system is not fully developed. Bacteria can easily attack the walls of the intestines thus leading to bacterial deterioration and subsequently, inflammation. This can cause blood in the premature baby’s stools.
Infections
Blood in your baby’s poop can be caused by several types of gastrointestinal infections. When there is blood in the baby’s stool along with diarrhea, it may have been caused by bacteria like salmonella, campylobacter or shigella. This bacteria is responsible for intestinal inflammation and causes minute ruptures which leak blood into baby poop. A bacteria called Streptococcus affects the anal opening leading to inflammation and subsequent fissures.
Anal Fissures
When there is a slight tear in the inner mucous lining of the baby’s anus, is may cause bleeding. Babies who suffer from diarrhea are more likely to be affected by this condition as the sensitive mucous lining gets affected. Constipation makes the baby pass hard, pellet-shaped stools. The anal passage and surrounding muscles are stretched beyond capacity and this is why you could see blood in the stool. An existing anal fissure could also be aggravated when the baby passes hard stools.
Excess Intake Of Breast Milk
When the mother produces breast milk in excess, the baby’s intake may increase. This could lead to infection of the intestines and lactose intolerance in certain cases.
Which Foods may Cause Reddish Stool?
At times, you may get the impression that there is blood in your baby’s poop when there is a change in its color. This may be a false alarm as the red or dark brown colored stools could be due to some specific kinds of foods. This may not necessarily be occult blood.
Foods like tomatoes, cranberries, beetroot and red gelatin are commonly responsible for the change in the colour of the baby’s stools. If you or your baby are low on iron, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements. This will result in dark brown, reddish or black colour in the stool. Although this is normal, speak to your doctor to eliminate any doubts about the condition.
How is this Condition Diagnosed?
If you have noticed visible or occult blood in your baby’s poop, you should immediately consult with your doctor. The following tests will help in determining the cause and seriousness of the problem:
Stool Analysis
A pathological investigation of your baby’s stool is a primary step your doctor will take. It will check and confirm if virus, mucus or bacteria are present in your baby’s poop and determine the exact amount of blood in it too. It is also useful in checking for occult blood.
Blood Tests
To confirm if the baby is passing bloody stools due to any infection, a blood test is mandatory and should be carried out quickly.
Indicative Diagnosis
A doctor will explore various other symptoms that the baby displays to confirm his diagnosis in addition to the passing of blood in stools. In extremely rare cases, if the doctor feels the condition is serious, he or she may also opt for a biopsy using a surgically-removed tissue sample.
Complications
Ignoring blood in the baby’s stool, may aggravate the condition further and lead to many complications. Some of the complications this may cause are as follows:
Obstruction Of Bowel Movement
As the intestinal linings become inflamed due to Crohn’s disease and colitis, food is unable to find a smooth passage. The digestion process is slowed down which affects the baby’s nursing routine.
Scarring Of The Anus
There can be scarring around the anal area due to repeated anal fissures. The friction caused by the passing of stools leads to further scraping.
Malnutrition
This is a direct result of improper digestion since the inflammation of the intestines doesn’t allow food absorption. Also since there is some blood loss through the stool, it could lead to anaemia.
Topical Infections
Skin bacteria act on the fissures and the baby will experience extreme discomfort while passing motions and may cause inflammation as well. If this infection spreads to nearby areas like the genitals, it could make matters worse.
Ulcers
Crohn’s disease can be a carrier for lesion-like ulcers in the mouth and the digestive system. Such ulcers are likely to be infected and cause multiple complications.
Treating Blood in Baby's Poop
Blood in baby poop can be treated in the following ways:
Through Medication
The doctor will first control the bleeding after carrying out a detailed diagnosis. He will then prescribe medication to ensure there is no recurrence. Medicines will help to keep the stools soft which will reduce straining.
Endoscopy
If your child has been diagnosed with juvenile polyps, its removal will stop bleeding. An endoscopy is usually conducted since it is a non-invasive procedure. Here the medication is injected directly into the area to control bleeding.
Laser Therapy
This procedure is carried out using an endoscope and is a quick and effective way of treating this condition. A heater probe that is attached to the endoscope is also used to treat the affected site.
Surgery
When endoscopy fails to control the bleeding, doctors may opt for surgery.
How to Prevent Blood in your Child's Stool?
You should take the following steps to prevent the scope of blood in your baby’s stool:
Breastfeeding Is Crucial
Make sure you nurse your baby for the first six months and it will enhance the working of his immune system. The baby’s gastrointestinal tract benefits from breast milk due to the antibodies present in it. This keeps infections away and the baby healthy.
Check Regularly
A weekly inspection of the baby’s anal area and the opening is mandatory. Look for signs of infections or tears if any. Call your doctor if you find any such signs and seek medical attention.
Pay Attention To Allergies
If your doctor is able to identify any allergy, ensure that your baby is protected from it at all times. If you consume any such foods that cause the allergy, do not feed the baby for a while. Seek medical advice to manage the food allergy and follow-up on a regular basis.
When should you Consult a Doctor?
You should always consult your doctor if you have noticed blood in your baby’s poop. However, your baby’s behavior will determine if an emergency visit to the clinic is necessary. If the baby is normal and does not show signs of external discomfort, schedule an appointment and discuss the appearance of blood with your doctor. Severe abdominal pain (the baby will cry to indicate this), diarrhea, vomiting, and significant blood in stool demand immediate medical help.
If your baby is consistently passing blood in stools, it needs to be evaluated carefully. If it has been an isolated incident, keep a watch and ensure your baby receives the necessary amount of fiber in his diet. Keep your doctor in the loop for any changes in the stool like dark color or hard stools. Read more
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10 Best Baby Sunscreens
Just like adults, babies, too, get exposed to harmful sun rays, and in order to mitigate the adverse effects of the exposure, it is important that you choose a good sunscreen for your munchkin. If you wish to be thorough on the topic, reading this article may help you get a better understanding of the topic. Read this article and learn about some of the best sunscreen lotions of 2019, and also get acquainted with various other aspects of application.
List of Top 10 Best Sunscreens For Children in India
Here are some top rated baby sunscreen lotions that you can pick from:
1. mamaearth Mineral Based Sunscreen for Babies
Infused with natural fragrance, this sunscreen offers deep moisturising properties for your little one.
Product Description:
Loaded with the goodness of calendula, this lotion takes extra care of your baby’s delicate skin. Zinc oxide helps in providing optimal protection against harsh UVA and UVB rays, while cocoa and Shea butter moisturise the little one's skin. This mineral sunscreen for toddler and kids will offer all-day protection, even while splashing in the water.
2. Azafran D’fend SPF 50+ Creme- 100 gm
This light-weight and non-greasy formula is ideal for your munchkin’s skin, especially during the summer months.
Product Description:
This waterproof sunscreen for babies carries protection from UVA and UVB rays, and gets easily absorbed into the skin, with the soy butter extracts offering deep nourishing benefits to the skin. This sunscreen is ideally suited for kids aged 2 to 14 years. It also provides extra protection against seasonal damage, pollution, sun tan, sun burn, and other such conditions.
3. Chicco Sun Cream SPF 50- 75 ml
This sunscreen contains SPF 50 and offers optimum sun protection, along with skin nourishing properties.
Product Description:
This sunscreen offers protection against UVA and UVB rays,and spreads easily and evenly on the skin, thereby, offering good coverage. The formula contains Vitamin E and Physalis extract, which moisturise and nourish the skin, making the product ideal for kids with dry, flaky, and sensitive skin.
4. Cocomo Natural Sulphate and Paraben Free Moisturiser and Sunscreen Lotion for Kids (SPF 15)- Moon Sparkle 300 ml
Extremely safe for your baby, this toxin-free sunscreen formula comes from the ‘House Of Nature’.
Product Description:
The sunscreen is formulated using high-quality natural ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, Shea butter, kokum, and aloe Vera, amongst others. These nourishing and gentle ingredients are ideal for a child’s delicate skin. This dermatologically tested formula contains SPF 15 and is silicone, paraben, and sulphate free.
5. Biotique Bio Aloe Vera Sun Block Sunscreen SPF 20- 50 gm
This gentle sunscreen formula contains sunflower oil and aloe vera as active ingredients and is 100% natural, being perfect for babies.
Product Description:
This broad spectrum ayurvedic lotion contains SPF 20 and offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. The formula is 100% natural and nutrient rich, packed with aloe vera to keep the skin nourished, supple, and moisturised.
6. Bottega Di Lungavita Sol Leon Sunscreen Spray Special Baby SPF 50- 150 ml
This waterproof sunscreen spray for babies and kids is a dermatologically tested formula designed to protect babies' sensitive skin from sun damage
Product Description:
This spray sunscreen offers anti-redness, refreshing, moisturising and nourishing properties. Loaded with the goodness of green tea, carrot oil, aloe Vera and Shea butter, this spray offers SPF 50 protection. Presence of Green Teal phyphenols and Bisabolol help in increasing your baby’s immunity against the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
7. Azafran D’fend SPF 30+ Creme- 100 gm
Power-packed with the goodness of minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium, this sweat and water-resistant formula contains Shea butter extracts that help in soothing the skin, while offering sun protection.
Product Description:
This light-weight formuls gets quickly absorbed into the skin, offering broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The water based cream is non-greasy and offers maximum protection against sun tan, sunburn, pigmentation, seasonal damage, etc.
8. Chicco Sun Spray SPF 30- 150 ml
This lotion offers medium protection and is easy to apply because it comes in a spray bottle.
Product Description:
This convinient spray lotion comes with SPF 30 and is easy to apply, along with offering great protection from all kinds of sun rays. Vitamin E and Physalis Extract nourish the skin and keep it moisturised.
9. Sebamed Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Plus- 200 ml
The sunscreen contains an extremely effective UVA and UVB filter system that reduces sun damage and nourishes the skin.
Product Description:
The product is oil-free and alcohol-free, with the formula lending optimum skin protection because it is rich in vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5. This non-greasy lotion does not leave a white residue on the skin, as is paraben and paraffin free.
10. Novalou Baby Sun Care Cream 30 Spf- 100 ml
Containing natural products that provide sun protection and hydration to the skin, this sunscreen is a great options for infants and toddlers.
Product Description:
Specially formulated for the gentle and delicate skin of babies, this sunscreen lotion contains natural elements such as beeswax, sunflower oil and shea butter, which are emollients that retain natural moisture of the skin, while adding a protective barrier against the harsh sun rays. The sunscreen offers SPF 30, as well as protection against UVA and UVB rays.
These are some of our recommendations of sunscreens that you can pick up for your baby.
FAQs
Are there too many questions boggling you down? Worry no more, as we've answered some of frequently asked questions, for you:
1. When Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?
Babies have very delicate skin, and thus, need extra care and protection. Therefore, once your baby crosses six months of age, you can use sunscreen for your baby.
2. Should I Apply Sunscreen on My Baby's Head as Well?
Yes, you can apply sunscreen on your baby’s head, too, because babies usually have scantier hair growth, and applying sunscreen on the head will protect their exposed scalp, as well.
3. How to Select the Best Sunscreen For Babies?
When it comes to selecting products for your little one, you want nothing but the best. Therefore, when you plan to buy a lotion for your baby, make sure you take a few things into consideration:
Buy a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection or is a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Do not buy lotions or creams that have strong fragrances/ This especially applies to babies with sensitive skin or eczema.
Choose any sunscreen that has SPF ranging from 15 to 50.
4. Which Ingredients Should Be Avoided in a Child's Sunscreen?
Do not buy any sunscreen that mentions parabens, para-aminobenzoic acid, oxybenzone and avobenzone, propylene glycol, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, phthalates, or other such chemicals mentioned on its label.
5. Should I Clean My Baby’s Skin Before Application?
It is best to apply sunscreen on clean and dry skin. Applying sunscreen after a bath, when the skin is clean and damp, is the ideal way of using sunscreen for babies.
6. Should a Child Wear Sunscreen Every Day?
You should try and avoid harsh sun exposure between 10 am to 4 pm. However, if you have to step out in the sun during this time, you must make sure that you and your child are wearing a sunscreen lotion. Even if you plan to apply sunscreen on a daily basis, there is no harm or side-effects in doing so.
7. How Much Time Before Exposing My Baby to the Sun, Should I Apply Sunscreen?
Ideally, sunscreen for infants or babies should be applied approximately 15 to 30 minutes before you take your baby out in the sun. It helps the lotion to get absorbed into the skin and be ready to protect the skin against sun damage. Again the time lapse after applying the sunscreen may be different for different brands of sunscreen. Therefore, read the label for better information as per the particular product.
8. Is SPF 30 Enough For a Baby?
The best baby sunscreen lotion can contain anywhere from SPF 15 or to SPF 50, and is a good choice for your baby, as it offers good protection against the harmful effects of the sun. However, do not buy SPF higher than 50.
If you have not been using a sunscreen for your baby, it is recommended to do so because it will help in providing protection against the harmful rays of the sun. However, if your baby or kid has very sensitive skin or any other kind of skin condition, it is advised to seek your doctor’s advice on the same.
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17 Months Old Baby Growth and Development
17 months for your little baby is that time in life when toddlers are beginning to try out a lot of new things. You will see significant development in their physical, behavioural and social skills as well. It is important to keep track of your baby’s growth, and this guide will help you.
17 Month Old Toddler Development
There are so many things that your child will start doing at this stage. You will be happy to see the sudden enhancement of all skills in your little baby. At times, you will be surprised at how she is doing things on her own, and at times you will also get upset because your child is not really listening to you and following your instructions. Well, don’t force your instructions on your child. Rather allow her to make little decisions and intrude only when you think her decisions are not safe.
Physical Development
This is the stage when your little one’s physical development has suddenly improved. Some things that you notice are
She is actually able to walk by herself and will also insist on independently walking.
At times, you will notice your baby trying to sneak out of bed all by herself.
Your child will also experiment with climbing on things. And this could be your furniture, your bed or anything that is high.
By now, you will notice how your child uses her hands to hold things and to eat. You can even notice which hand she prefers at this point.
It is important to allow her to practice these things, but at the same time ,watch out for the risks. To be on the safer side, mark out places that are unsafe and communicate them with your child. Although your child might not reciprocate your instructions, over time, she will be able to identify the danger zone.
Social and Emotional Development
During this phase, your little one will be exploring relationships and will start to recognize familiar faces as well.
Your child may use physical measures such as hitting and biting when she is frustrated. Her anger, her happiness, her sorrow, all of it is crystal clear. She has learned the art of communicating how she is feeling.
Another social behaviour that you can spot in your baby is that she will be able to recognize other people quite easily now. She knows your neighbour, your friends and the people you meet quite often. Sometimes she can seem antisocial, but allow her to take her time and interact. Avoid forcing children to talk and be social. They will find their way to make friends and interact in their own time and pace.
You will also notice how your toddler is quite possessive about you. This can happen because of separation anxiety which many children go through as they grow up. They have the feeling that they will soon be separated from their parents. You can help them fight this by encouraging them and being very kind and supportive. Assure them that you are next to them when they feel that way.
Although you are happy about these huge 17-month-old baby milestones, you might get frustrated at times by the way she is growing out of your control. It might get really difficult to get her to listen to you. These are things most parents go through. What you could do to overcome it is patient and do not lose your cool. By getting angry or shouting, you might be making things worse.
Cognitive and Language Development
This is the stage when babies start exploring language and start saying new words. Well, some words might not even sound right.
It will take you a while to get used to how and what she is saying. Sometimes, they will even learn multiple words during this stage in life.
Little things will also fascinate her quite fast. Even if you are chopping your vegetables or if you are pouring her some water, she might be a keen observer.
Behaviour
You will even notice that children of this age start making small decisions. It is important to allow them to do so, and also help them if they are struggling with it. As the child grows up, you will start seeing her ignoring your orders and making her own decisions. This is absolutely fine. By now you must allow her to explore and figure out her way through little things instead of you giving her orders every other minute. However, watch out for things that are not safe and make sure to correct your little one kindly if required.
Always remember that this is the stage when the baby is experimenting with things, and so it is better to keep her away from what is dangerous and unhealthy, like a hot cup of tea or other poisonous things that are in the house.
Food and Nutrition
When it comes to eating habits and food, you got to be a wise as this is the age when your little one is growing, and she really needs enough nutrients to keep her going and growing.
However, when it comes to food, you might struggle to feed your little baby. Again, you will notice how your little child used to eat a lot better when she was younger. But suddenly things have changed. You have to run around the house just to feed your little kid. At times, this might be extremely frustrating as well.
One thing you can do at this stage is to give your little child smaller portions throughout the day. Some great food options for your 17-month-old baby are fruits, whole milk, cheese, vegetables, yoghurt, porridge, meat etc.
By now you don’t have to restrict too many food options as your little one would have learned to eat, and the body would have started digesting them well too. However, make sure you are able to give your baby healthy food as she needs a lot of energy during this phase of life.
Sleeping
When it comes to sleeping, your tiny toddler needs as much sleeping as she used to get when she was younger. Which means she should be getting around 14 hours of sleep. Sleep is extremely important in your little one's development so make sure not to deny your little one sleep.
When your baby is around this age, you might also find it difficult to put her to sleep. You might be surprised because all this while your baby was sleeping so peacefully, but suddenly she is cribbing about sleep.
This is something that most parents undergo and it is called the 18-month sleep regression. You will realize that she is waking up in the night, crying, and sometimes putting her to sleep also will seem like a huge task at hand. You might find it really difficult to control her sleeping patterns. If this is something, you are going through. It is called the sleep regression that babies of around 17 to 18 months go through.
There are quite a few reasons that explain this regression from a peaceful sleep to this disrupted patterns of sleep. Well, some of the reasons are
Your little one is now making important decisions in life. This means she is also practising her independence by not choosing to sleep when she has to.
Separation anxiety is a real problem for little babies who are around this age. So your little child might be staying awake so that she does not have to stay away from you. You can shower her with love and assure her that you are right there by her side.
Play and Activities
By the time your little angel is 17 months old, you will notice how they are quite seriously engaged in playful activities. In fact, this is the one thing that increases your little one's creativity. So make sure to encourage her to play.
You will notice your little baby dancing and enjoy physical movements in general. This is the period when quite a few motor skills are developing. She will be able to play with blocks and even separate blocks based on colours and shapes.
The other things that you will notice your toddler doing are running, kicking and sometimes jumping even.
Tips for Parents
This is a stage in life when parents witness a lot of changes. At times, you might feel extremely overwhelmed, and you have no idea what to do with your child. Take joy in these little things as your child is learning to be more independent. Some of the things that you must keep in mind are
Visit a doctor if you see anything unusual in her health.
Some children might not be as fast as other children. This is absolutely fine, just give your little one some time. If it is stressing you out the meet with a doctor.
Taking this time to teach your child little things like new words, habits and patterns can also go a long way.
Consult a Doctor If
When children grow, their bodies are still adjusting to a lot of new things. This can lead to them falling sick. Some of the signs are:
Allergic reactions like rashes
Indigestion
High fever
Skin problems
Falling sick quite often
This is the time to celebrate and be happy for your little one who is growing really fast. Don’t try too much even if the child is going out of control. This stage will pass by quite fast. Your little one will soon be more mature, and you will be able to communicate a lot better with her. Learn to be patient and enjoy the stage by spending quality time with your tiny tot.
Always remember that this is the age of development and growth and it is extremely important to be there and help your little one go through this phase.
Also Read: 30 Outdoor & Indoor Physical Activities For Kids Read more
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Mom of a 4 m old boy
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Check out this new Memory
Rutu Bhatt
Mom of a 4 m old boy
5 mins ago
#walloffame
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5 Healthy Meal Ideas for Picky Kids
Whenever you try feeding broccoli or spinach to your kid, he wrinkles his nose and pleads you with his innocent eyes that you give him noodles or pizza instead. Does that sound like your kid? Well, you are not alone! Feeding healthy food to their child is a constant battle of all the mothers...which you fight every single day but hardly taste the bite of success. Kids are picky eaters and to get them to eat vegetables and lentils is a challenge for moms of this generation. But have you ever looked for a solution for the same...a trick or a secret perhaps that will make your picky eater to gobble all the vegetables that he usually despises? If you have found no solution yet then read this article. We have some amazing healthy meal ideas for picky kids and worry not because they won't say 'No' to these.
Video: 5 Healthy Meal Ideas for Fussy Kids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWGHN_yjEy8
How To Make Meals Healthy for Fussy Eaters
Here are some ways that you follow to help you picky eater eat healthy meals:
1. Practise What You Preach
If you want your kid to eat a certain vegetable, it is important that you eat it too. Do not expect your kid to relish something that you don't eat or not like.
2. Offer a Snack of His Choice Later
It is very normal for a child to not eat something that he does not like. If your child does this daily, then no doubt you will be angry but calm down and try to think of a way to get him to finish his meal. If your child likes something, in particular, tell him that he will have to finish his meal if he wants what he likes. If your kid likes chocolate shake, you can give him in snacks but for that tell him that he will have to finish his meal first.
3. Cook His Favourite Food
Whenever you plan to make your kid some dish that he does not like, you can also make his favourite food as a side dish or include his favourite food item as one of the ingredients in the dish. For example, if your kid is fond of eating cheese and you want him to eat broccoli soup, you may either add some shredded cheese in the soup or give him cheese fingers as a side dish.
4. Do Not Be Rigid
If you have tried enough and your efforts are going in vain then stop force-feeding those items to your child instead look for alternatives to that food item. It is not all about eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts etc. It is all about getting nutrition. If one way fails in providing a certain kind of nutrient, you should look for other foods that supplement that nutrient.
5. Experiment
Do not go by the set rules, make your own rules..or better don't follow any. Kids like creativity so give it to them. If your kid likes to have a certain food that is supposed to be served as breakfast but he wants in lunch, then give him. Also, hide vegetables in their favourite dish. If your kid likes to eat a roll, you can offer him a chapati roll, add cheese and sneak in vegetables. Garnish with ketchup and grated cheese and he will eat it in no time.
Healthy Meal Recipes for Picky Eaters
Here are some easy to make healthy meal recipes for your picky eaters:
1. Mix Vegetable Parantha
Most kids love to eat stuffed parantha, and mixed vegetable parantha adds a yummy twist to the usually made stuffed paranthas. This may be a very healthy meal choice for your kiddo. You can serve it with curd, butter, or even with daal.
Ingredients
1 ½ cup whole wheat flour
1 cup mixed boiled vegetables like bottle guard, spinach, pumpkin, cauliflower etc. (you may pick vegetables of your choice).
Salt
Any seasoning of your choice.
Some oil or ghee for pan frying.
Method
Knead the soft dough and keep aside.
Mash the boiled vegetables nicely.
Add salt and seasonings to the mashed vegetables.
Take a small ball of the dough, flatten it a bit and add filling to it.
Roll the small ball of the dough slowly.
Heat the pan and cook parantha from both the sides or till it turns golden brown. Apply ghee for making the paranthas crispier.
Serve with butter or curd.
2. Red Fried Rice
Red rice has many benefits for your child as it contains more fibre than the usual white rice and it is one of a great option for kid-friendly meals for picky eaters.
Ingredients
1 cup red rice
1 cup finely chopped vegetables such as capsicum, beans, carrots etc.
1 medium-sized tomato, finely chopped
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
¼ tablespoon mustard seeds
3 -4 tablespoons raw peanuts
Few curry leaves
Oil/ ghee
½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon Red chilli powder
Salt to taste
½ cup freshly chopped coriander leaves
Method
Cook the rice and keep aside.
Heat oil in the pan and fry peanuts till they turn golden brown. Take the peanuts out once done.
Add mustard seeds and curry leaves in the hot oil.
Add chopped onions and cook till they turn golden brown.
Add tomatoes and chopped vegetables.
Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, and salt.
Cook till all the vegetables are done.
Mix the rice in the vegetable mixture and garnish with coriander.
3. Yummy Vegetable Pasta
Kids love to eat pasta, and you may add some finely chopped vegetables to their favourite dish and increase its nutritional value.
Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat pasta of any shape that your kid likes.
1 cup finely chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, beans, baby corn etc.
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
½ cup homemade salsa sauce
3 to 4 tablespoon tomato sauce
Few garlic pods crushed
Pasta seasoning to taste
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon butter
Method
Boil and keep the pasta aside.
Heat butter in a pan.
Add crushed garlic and sauté for a minute.
Add chopped onion and cook till they turn golden brown.
Add vegetables and cook until they are done.
Add salsa sauce, tomato ketchup, salt, and pasta seasoning and cook for a minute.
Add the cooked pasta to the vegetables.
Later serve with whole wheat garlic bread.
4. Delicious Vegetable Pizza
Kids love to eat pizza, and you may sneak in some vegetables in their favourite dish and turn it into a healthy snacking option.
Ingredients
1 pizza base
1 cup thinly sliced vegetables such as capsicum, mushrooms, onions etc.
2 to 3 tablespoons homemade salsa
½ cup Mozzarella cheese
Pizza seasoning
Butter for greasing
Method
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
Grease the baking dish and keep aside.
Take the pizza base and slather salsa sauce on it.
Add sliced vegetables on top.
Cover the vegetables with shredded cheese.
Cook in an oven for 15 minutes or till done.
Garnish with some pizza seasoning.
5. Jaggery or Gur Parantha
If your kid has a sweet tooth, he will enjoy this sweet treat and it is also one of the great toddler lunch box ideas for picky eaters.
Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup jaggery
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
Ghee or oil for frying paranthas
Method
Make soft dough and keep aside.
Grate the jaggery and add fennel seeds to it.
Roll a ball of dough and fill jaggery in it and roll it gently.
Heat the pan and cook parantha.
Add ghee to make it crisp.
Serve it with homemade white butter.
The above-mentioned foods are some easy-to-make healthy recipes that you can make for your kid. You may make a few changes as per the preferences of your child. Food has an indelible role in your child's overall growth and development, therefore, make sure he eats a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
Also Read: Healthy and Delicious Smoothies Recipes for kids Read more
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Interesting Facts About South America for Kids
Did you know that South America’s ethnic and cultural outlook developed because of the interaction that the natives of South America had with immigrants and European conquerors? Due to the long history of colonialism, most South Americans speak either Portuguese or Spanish, and the states and societies reflect Western traditions. We have put together some interesting South America facts for preschoolers to intrigue you and get you interested in the continent.
Top Facts About South America for Children
Have you ever wondered who discovered South America? The answer is Christopher Columbus. The fourth-largest continent in the world is South America. This continent stretches from right above the equator and to the Antarctic. South America is connected to North America by land. The great Amazon River, which you must have heard of, runs through this continent and is surrounded by the world’s largest rainforest. South America is considered beautiful and unique because of its features, such as vast deserts and mountains. Deserts such as the Atacama Desert, which is also the world’s driest desert, and mountains such as the Andes, the longest mountain range globally, are located in this continent. Also, there are many glaciers in the south of South America.
South America is divided into twelve countries, and the largest amongst these twelve countries is Brazil. Another very interesting fact about South America is that the potato originated in South America along with pineapple, chocolates, and peanuts. The world's largest rodent and the Andean condor bird with the largest wingspan are in South America. We have collated a lot more such interesting facts about this beautiful continent. Keep reading.
Following are some of the general facts about South America that are very interesting for children:
1. History of South America
There is evidence that human life existed in South America almost by 10,000 BC. Peru is where the earliest South American civilizations have been recorded. The colonization of South America started in the late 15th century. The continent was colonized by foreign conquistadores, mainly from Portugal and Spain, along with the British, Dutch, and French.
2. Countries in South America
One of the interesting facts about South America for kindergarten is that this continent has twelve countries in South America and three dependencies. The population of the entire continent is close to 433 million people.
3. Largest country in South America
Brazil is South America's largest country. The most interesting part about Brazil is that this country covers more than half of the continent’s total landmass. Do you know that the USA is just a little bigger than Brazil?
4. Largest city in South America
Sao Paolo in Brazil is the largest city in South America. The city has close to 22 million individuals based on a recent survey. It is considered one of the largest cities on Earth.
5. Largest island in South America
The largest island in this continent is Tierra del Fuego, which means land of fire in Spanish. The island is located on the southern tip of Chile and Argentina. The most popular sport in this continent is football, which is no wonder considering how Argentina, along with Brazil, is one of the biggest national football teams in the world.
6. Longest river in South America
The Amazon River that flows for 400 miles is the longest in South America. It is the second-longest river on Earth after the River Nile. The Amazon River has more water when compared to all the other 10 largest rivers on Earth!
7. Highest mountain in South America
Aconcagua is South America's highest mountain and is located in Argentina. This mountain is 22,837 feet long and 6,961 meters high and is present in the Andes Mountains. The Aconcagua Mountain is the second-highest of the 7 summits after Mountain Everest, located in Asia.
8. Driest place in South America
The rain forests of South America are considered among the wettest places globally. However, the Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is the driest place on Earth.
9. The two landlocked countries in South America
South America comprises two landlocked countries, Bolivia and Paraguay, present in the inner part of South America. These two landlocked countries have no access to the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Natives in South America
The biggest tribe of indigenous people known as the Incas were in South America when Europeans came. The Empire of the Incas prevailed from around 1438 up until 1533. These indigenous cultures still exist in South America, though they are threatened with extinction. Do note that the Caribs and Arawaks are still present in Venezuela and also in the city of Guarani, which is in Brazil.
11. Languages spoken in South America
The main language spoken in South America is Spanish. However, in the city of Brazil, most people speak in Surinam, previously a Dutch colony and also in Portuguese. The official language in South America, however, is still Dutch. Most people also speak English, which is considered the second language. Quechua is a language spoken by the Inca tribe and is considered one of the most common indigenous languages.
12. Famous places in South America
The most famous places in South America are:
Iguazu Falls in Brazil / Argentina
Macchu Picchu in Peru
Rio de Janeiro and its Carnival in Brazil
Angel Falls in Venezuela
Patagonia in Chile / Argentina
Pantanal in Brazil / Paraguay
Amazon in Ecuador
Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
13. Biggest Cities in South America
Sao Paulo is the most populous city in South America. Close to half of the individuals in South America live in Brazil. The other big cities in South America are:
Bogota in Colombia
Rio de Janeiro in Brazil
Lima in Peru
Buenos Aires in Argentina
Santiago in Chile
14. Highest waterfall
Angel Falls is the highest waterfalls on Earth, located in Venezuela in South America.
15. Largest river basin
The Amazon River Basin is the largest river basin on Earth, occupying the whole eastern and central area of South America. They lie to the east of the Andes Mountain and extend from the Brazilian Plateau in the south to the Guyana Plateau in the north.
16. Longest mountain range
The Andes Mountains are the Earth’s longest mountain range located in the Western part of South America. These mountain ranges spread across the north up to the south of South America and run through seven South American countries, namely Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.
17. Driest place in South America
The Atacama Desert is, in fact, the driest place in South America that covers a 1,600 km land strip on the Pacific coast that is located in the west of the Andes Mountains.
18. Main natural resources in South America
The main natural resources available in South America are minerals such as iron ore (steel), copper, and agricultural products such as coffee, corn, cocoa, soybean, and wheat.
19. The world’s second-largest swimming pool
In Chile, San Alfonso del Mar swimming pool is the size of twenty Olympic swimming pools, and it measures 80,000 square meters or 860,000 square feet. This swimming pool is the second-largest swimming pool on Earth and the biggest in South America. This swimming pool is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and contains 250 million liters, 66 million US gallons of seawater. The maximum depth of this pool is 3.5 meters or 11.5 feet.
20. The Galápagos Islands in South America
When Charles Darwin came to the Galápagos Islands in 1835 as a twenty-six-year-old, he observed resemblances between local plant and animal species and those found on the mainland. He also noticed differences between the island in this region. He later defined the theory of evolution and wrote the book “The Origin of Species."
21. Animals in South America
South America is home to various animals, such as piranhas, tapirs, anaconda, and various other animals. South America also comprises endangered animals, such as the giant otter, jaguar, and the Amazonian manatee.
22. The landscape of South America
Highlands and mountains mainly dominate South America’s landscape. Examples are the Andes, river basins such as the Orinoco and Amazon, and coastal plains where the Atacama Desert is present.
23. Countries in South America that are located in the Northern Hemisphere
The following countries are located in the western hemisphere of South America:
Guyana
Venezuela
French Guiana
Suriname
and (the northern regions of) Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil
South America is one of the best places to be and live, and this country has been an important player through all the crucial stages of humankind’s history. This article will help you learn more about South America as a continent.
Also Read:
Florida Facts for Kids
Mexico Facts for Children
Facts About North America for Children Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
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