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5 Amazing Benefits of Sunlight for Newborn Babies
A newborn baby’s sensitive skin needs to be protected from the harmful effects of the sun, including heat and moisture. Keeping your baby away from direct sunlight is a good idea, but exposing your little one to mild sunlight – especially in the morning – is beneficial in many ways. UV rays come with great health benefits when properly made use of for the baby.
Health Benefits of Sunlight for a Newborn
1. More Vitamin D:
This is one of the biggest benefits your baby will get on exposure to sunlight. Our body needs vitamin D; and to create it, the body requires a minimum of 15 minutes of UV rays every day, depending on the baby's skin tone - darker-skinned babies require more time in the sun, but it should not exceed 30 minutes. Vitamin D aids in absorbing calcium, which in turn strengthens bones and teeth. The immune system works efficiently, and the body is protected from diseases.
2. Better Serotonin Levels:
Sunlight is known to augment the production of serotonin when babies receive it in the necessary quantity. Serotonin, which is often called the ‘happy hormone’, boosts the feeling of happiness and security. Serotonin regulates sleep and digestion in babies.
3. Enhanced Insulin Levels:
Receiving sunlight from an early age can help prevent conditions like diabetes to a certain extent. Though it is not the only facilitator of good insulin levels, it is definitely an added advantage as the vitamin D in the body helps manage insulin levels. A healthy diet and exercise during the child’s growing years can be extremely beneficial in keeping diabetes in check.
4. Manages Jaundice or Yellowing of the Skin:
Sunlight helps break down bilirubin - a yellowish compound that occurs in the natural catabolic pathway - so that a baby's liver can process it more easily. The unchecked growth of bilirubin can cause the yellowing of a newborn baby's skin. Exposing your baby to morning sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes, undressed, every day, can help with mild jaundice. A severe case, however, will need more attention.
5. Higher Energy Levels:
When a newborn baby is exposed to natural sunlight, it helps regulate the production of melatonin. Melatonin levels in the baby can impact his sleep patterns, which are of utmost importance in the newborn's early years. Sunlight causes a dip in melatonin levels and increases serotonin, thus increasing energy levels.
Tips to Gain Maximum Benefits From Sunlight for your Baby
A 2017 study conducted by University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi showed that exposing babies regularly to sunlight has the ability to give them sufficient vitamin D levels to keep them healthy. The study found that exposing a baby as young as 6 weeks for around 30 minutes a week can give him adequate vitamin D levels to aid in his optimal growth and development. Research also suggests that exposing even 40% of the baby’s body to sunlight can do the trick. However, interestingly, the study showed that the ideal time for a sunbath for the baby is between 10 am and 3 pm! Ours is a tropical country, so sunlight is aplenty – if you live in a fairly cooler climate, the above-mentioned time can be considered. However, if you live in a place that is generally warm, consider the more popularly accepted timings of 7 am to 10 am to expose your little one to sunlight. Just remember this simple rule of thumb: The larger the surface area of the body exposed, the better it is for your baby.
Now that you know newborns and sunlight share a therapeutic relationship, here are a few tips to maximize its benefits:
1. Pick the Right Time:
Make sure your baby is exposed to sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes between 7 and 10 am to draw maximum benefits. An hour after sunrise and an hour prior to sunset is considered the best time to expose your baby to sunlight. Since the baby’s skin is sensitive, exposure to sunlight should not exceed 30 minutes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage your baby’s skin membrane, causing redness, burning, and irritation.
2. Use Minimum Clothing:
It is important that the baby’s entire body, including the chest and back, receives equal attention. So, ensure that your child isn’t fully clothed. Shield your little one’s eyes if possible to avoid any chances of damage.
3. Choose the Right Location:
It is not necessary that your baby’s sunbathing is carried out in a completely open space. Open a window that can stream sunlight in, or place the baby in the room with natural sunlight. If it is windy, it is best to keep the baby indoors to avoid dust or other foreign bodies from affecting his eyes. Your baby can bask in the sunlight through a clear glass window just as well.
4. Premature Babies Need Attention:
In case your baby is premature, do not expose him to sunlight during the initial few weeks. The baby may not be able to adjust to the warm temperature, and this could prove unsafe for him. Preterm babies need a stable body temperature, and thus should be kept away from direct sunlight in the initial period. Babies within a healthy weight range can be placed near a clear window.
5. Sensitive Skin Needs Care:
If your baby has sensitive skin, check with your doctor if it is ok to expose him to direct sunlight. Otherwise, you may damage the baby’s skin as it could dry the skin, leading to rashes, peeling or general irritation.
6. There Are No Age Barriers to Sunbathing:
Did you know the process of bone formation happens until one’s teenage years? Since vitamin D is vital for bone formation, exposure to sunlight is mandatory at all ages. For newborn babies, it helps in managing bilirubin levels if it is done in the first few weeks. Remember that you also need vitamin D as much as your baby does, so don't hesitate to expose yourself to sunlight when doing so with your baby!
7. Pre-Bath Cleaning Can Be Detailed:
Your baby can receive his daily dose of sunlight before he has his bath. This will help you to clean areas that are overlooked, like the folds of the stomach, thighs, feet, and areas behind the ears.
8. Watch Body Temperature:
Any abnormal increase in the baby’s body temperature due to prolonged exposure to sunlight should be a cause for concern. The baby’s body and brain function can be affected by high temperatures, so the duration and temperature have to be monitored carefully.
9. Use Time Wisely:
While your baby is enjoying his time in the soft sunlight, you can use this opportunity to connect with the baby. You can massage the baby lightly with baby oil to give him additional protection against skin problems. Caressing the baby creates a feeling of security and warmth, and promotes good health. Make sure you speak to the baby the entire time and build a foundation for future communication between you and him. This well-utilised time has many physical and emotional benefits for both, the baby and the mother.
Now that you understand the powerful physical and emotional benefits of sunlight exposure for your little one, it is time to take action! You will have to consider your baby’s skin condition and general health before you do so. Make sure you join your baby for this glorious exercise whenever possible. Sunlight is available in abundance for most of us, and we should utilise it to the maximum for health-related benefits. Read more
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Baby Massage – Benefits and Techniques
Baby massage is one of the best ways to calm and soothe your baby. Massage has tremendous health benefits for your baby. It is very effective in improving blood circulation, weight gain, digestion and also eases teething woes for your baby. Massaging your tiny tot is an excellent way of expressing your love and care, and it also helps you to bond with your baby.
Video: How to Massage a Baby
What is Baby Massage?
Baby massage involves stroking your baby’s body in gentle and rhythmic strokes with your hands. You may use oils, creams or moisturisers for massaging as it is helpful in making the massaging strokes smoother. You may massage the chest, tummy, back, arms, legs and head of your baby. Singing or humming to your baby during a massage helps the baby to feel relaxed and calm. Massaging your baby aids in the release of the feel-good hormone, also known as oxytocin, in your baby and you. The release of oxytocin helps in generating the feeling of love and warmth.
Benefits of Massage for Your Baby
Babies love the touch of their parents, and it is one of the ways of communicating with your little one. You may even notice that a crying or irritable baby can be put at ease by cuddling, hugging or stroking the back. Massaging is an extension of touch and thus has many benefits for your baby, such as:
1. It is Good for Your Baby’s Health
Massaging helps in improving blood circulation and gastrointestinal functions. It also has physiological benefits for your baby which include improved breathing.
2. It Is Calming and Relaxing for Your Baby
By calming the nervous system, massaging helps your baby’s colic and sleep. Massaging also relaxes your baby’s muscles and provides nourishment to the skin.
3. It Helps You to Bond With Your Baby
Massaging is one of the most effective ways of bonding with your little one by spending intimate time together. It also helps you to understand the needs of your baby.
4. It Helps You Become More Confident in Handling Your Baby
Massaging is an excellent way of getting to know your newborn baby, and you also get confident in handling your baby. Spending time with your baby helps you in getting cues about your baby’s needs and requirements.
5. It Provides Relief to Your Baby
Massaging the tummy of your baby helps to ease various stomach related problems, such as gas, constipation and even colic.
Best Time to Give a Massage to Your Baby
The best time to give massage to your baby would be when your baby is not hungry, sleepy or tired. You may choose any time of the day for the massage, morning or evening. Baby massage is an efficient way of getting your baby into the routine of bathing, feeding and sleeping.
It is recommended to follow a massage routine by doing the things in the similar order every day. This is because your baby loves predictability, and developing a routine helps your baby to know, what is going to happen next. The predictability also gives your baby a sense of security and happiness.
It is also a good idea to massage your baby, just before the bedtime. Massaging before bedtimes helps your baby sleep better and longer during the night. Though you may initially find it difficult to set a pattern or routine for your newborn baby, but as your baby grows, you will be able to make a set routine for your baby.
Many new mothers often wonder when to start baby massage? Well, it is recommended to wait for 10 to 14 days before you start off any oil or lotion massage for your newborn baby. Though for preterm or premature babies, it is advised to seek your doctor’s approval before starting any massage.
What Should You Do Before Massaging Your Baby?
The very first thing that you need to do before massaging your baby is to find the best place for the massage. The area should be comfortable for both, you and your baby. You may place your baby on the towel or blanket. Make sure the room is cosy and warm for the baby (neither too hot nor cold).
It is recommended to keep away any distractions such as pets or mobile phones away. You may play some music or sing to your baby while massaging. You may take any good baby oil or lotion for the massage, as it helps your hands to glide smoothly on your baby’s skin. If your baby has some skin condition such as eczema, it is recommended to consult your doctor before starting any massage.
However, there are certain oils and lotions such as, mustard oil, aqueous cream, unrefined peanut oil and others, which should not be used for baby massages, as these oils may harm the soft and delicate skin of your baby.
Massaging Your Baby – Step By Step
After preparing your baby for the massage, you may use the following newborn baby massage techniques for the head, face, back, chest, tummy, legs and feet of your baby.
Baby Massage Moves to Get Started
1. Head
You may take some oil and pat it on your baby’s head. You may apply gentle strokes for spreading the oil over your baby’s head. Take care of the fontanel (the soft spot on your baby’s head) and do not apply pressure to it.
2. Face
Apply some oil on your baby’s face and tap with your fingers. Work your fingers from the forehead towards the chin. By putting gentle pressure on the eyebrows, stroke your fingers in an outward direction. Apply gentle strokes on the cheeks, chin and nose of your baby.
3. Colic-Relief
After doing the belly massage, fold your baby’s knees up to the tummy and apply gentle pressure. Hold this position for approximately 30 seconds, and you may repeat it a few times. Massage your baby’s tummy, from below the naval area, in a downward motion. This helps in releasing any gas.
4. Back
Make your baby lie on the tummy. Massage with both your hands, from the base of your baby’s neck to the buttocks, by back and forth movements of your hand. Apply gentle pressure in a circular motion with your fingers, on your baby’s spine.
5. Chest
You may place both your hands on the centre of your baby’s chest and make outward strokes towards the shoulders. You may repeat this motion for a few times. You may place your hand horizontally and make downward movements too.
6. Tummy
Starting at the base of your baby’s rib cage, use your fingers to massage your baby’s tummy in circular motions. Take your fingers around the naval area and massage in a clockwise direction. You may place your hand horizontally on your baby’s tummy and move your hands side to side. You should avoid infant abdominal massage if the cord has not completely dried and healed properly.
7. Legs and Feet
Take your baby’s legs and apply downward stroke from the thighs to the ankle. Hold your baby’s thigh and slide down both your hands by rotating in opposite directions (the way you wring the clothes after washing).
Take your baby’s foot and apply gentle pressure using your thumb in an upward motion, from the heel to toe. Make use of your hand to stroke the whole foot of your baby. You may gently pull each toe while massaging and by using small circular motions massage around the ankles of your baby.
You may follow the baby massage steps as mentioned above, however, make sure you do not apply more pressure on any of part of your baby’s body.
Some Tips
Here are some of the tips that you may follow for massaging your baby:
1. Apply Gentle Pressure
Your baby is very delicate and soft, therefore refrain from applying excessive pressure or stronger strokes during massages. It is also recommended to refrain from massaging the genitals and around the groin area of your baby.
2. Make Sure the Baby is in a Good Mood
Never massage a cranky or irritable baby. If you find that your baby is uncomfortable during massaging a particular body part, it is advised to skip that part and move to the other part. However, if the baby appears unhappy or uncomfortable, stop the massage session.
3. Talk to Your Baby
You may smile, giggle or talk to your baby during the massage sessions. You may even sing or hum to your baby. Engaging your baby in talks keeps your baby interested and happy.
4. Try to Make A Routine
It is advisable to adhere to the massage timings and not bring in many changes. Sticking to the schedules helps the baby to get into a routine and thus more comfortable and ready for the massage sessions.
5. Wipe Off Excess Oil
After you finish the massage, you should wipe off your baby’s palm and fingers nicely, as the babies usually put their fingers inside their mouths. It is also recommended to choose an oil that is safe for your baby.
Baby massage is one of the best ways to bond with your baby. You may continue massaging as long as you want. However, if you have concerns or queries regarding baby massage, it is advised to talk to your doctor.
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Pallavi Bharati
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. Can I check baby heartbeat in 9th week of pregancy?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
10 hours ago
A. See that can only be monitored with a proper ultrasound or a machine which can check the heartbeat of the child otherwise there is no third way to figure it out further if you need to know more you can get a sonography done with your gynaecologist to have better clarity
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Fascinating Birthday Celebration Ideas While Pregnant
If you are planning a birthday party for your pregnant wife, friend or any pregnant woman, you should know that some aspects of it are different from any regular party you may have been a part of. The priority should be to gauge how she feels throughout, and a lot of factors depend upon the time at which the birthday is.
If the birthday is early into her pregnancy, you should try to make it as energy-packed and peppy as possible – she would be in a great mental state, and happy to be the life of the party. However, the same kind of party is not suitable later on in the pregnancy. Let us take a look at some ideas for the birthday party of a pregnant woman.
How to Celebrate Birthday When Pregnant
These are divided into ideas for each trimester since the well-being of the person greatly varies according to how far into the pregnancy she is. Here are the birthday ideas for pregnant wife.
1. First Trimester
You can have a small dinner party at home, with only the near and dear invited. The woman probably has smell aversions, to a restaurant may be slightly overpowering.
A movie or a concert in the evening is always a fantastic idea for any woman.
Mini golf is another such fun activity, which women usually love. At this time, your wife should have the energy levels required to beat you in mini golf, so it is best to bring your A-game!
A picnic in the park is a good idea at this time only if the weather is suitable for that. This is because nausea that your wife may be undergoing can be reduced considerably with the fresh air in the park.
2. Second Trimester
By this time, the smell aversions will have gone away so that she can spend your birthday with a meal at her favorite restaurant, and you can even order her favorite drink – in the virgin format, though.
A shopping spree to prep for the arrival of the baby can never come too early, especially if you have a plan in mind.
A nice spa day is one of the most relaxing experiences one can have, particularly at this time.
You can always visit a museum with your wife, for a quiet, intimate experience for both of you.
3. Third Trimester
Your wife may be craving a lot of sweets right now, so going out for dessert will be appreciated a lot more than you think.
Even at this time, a spa day will do your wife a lot of good. With the swollen feet and sore back, your wife will be able to relax a lot in those days.
If you want an intimate experience, you can go for a 3D/4D ultrasound to look at the baby together!
Just go for a quick getaway to her favorite place. This may be the last chance the two of you get to spend with each other because the baby is going to arrive soon!
Birthday parties for pregnant women may be different, but they are not difficult. If you put your effort into planning it and making it unique, it is sure to be one of the best experiences of her life.
Also Read:
Romantic and Lovely Birthday Wishes for Your Wife
Fascinating Birthday Surprise Ideas for Your Wife Read more
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Travelling With Kids in the Monsoons? Travel Tips That You'll Need
A journey with your kids is fun and exciting. They, however, need to be protected from diseases that are rampant during the rainy season. How do allow them to have fun while taking care of their health? You can follow a few monsoon travel tips for children.
You need to be ready to deal with your kids when traveling during the monsoon season. Keeping them in check while allowing them to have fun is a tough balance to achieve. Also, ensuring that they don't fall sick is an important priority too. Here’s how you can save your children from doctor trips and a ton of other problems while you're holidaying.
Tips for Travelling with Kids in the Monsoon Season
1. Guard against diseases
Diseases are common and rampant during the monsoons. Therefore, when travelling with your kids during the season, take precautions to safeguard them from diseases. This includes protecting them from diarrhoea and influenza. Try and fit in a small first-aid kit with you on your trip. This important packing tip for kids in the monsoon season will be a life saver. Keep the necessary antibiotics handy for an emergency situation. Don't neglect your kids if they manifest early symptoms of a sickness. If you're going on a week-long vacation, consult your kids’ doctor before heading out.
2. Mosquito alert
The dreaded mosquitoes always find a way to poke at your little one’s sensitive skin. During the monsoon, they also spread diseases like the dreaded dengue. A mosquito repellent is among the most important things to carry while travelling with kids in the rainy season. Check your kids for symptoms of malaria, which include fever, headache, muscle ache or a mild chill. Stay indoors if it's raining outside. Do not take a chance with your kids' health.
3. Food watch
Although the kids might want to try the local food of the place you are vacationing at, try and avoid it. This is one of the best monsoon travel tips for children you ought to follow strictly. Make sure that they eat at a clean restaurant. Food can be carrier of germs and monsoon-related diseases. Contaminated food and water are a real rainy season hazard. It would be advisable if you and your kids stick to bottled water for the duration of your trip.
4. Clothing matters
When travelling with your kids, make sure they wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts as well. If you have a little girl, make her wear pants, too. This will prevent them from being attacked by mosquitoes and other insects. It will also keep them warm from the slight chill that the monsoons bring with them. Also, closed shoes are a better option as compared to open-toe sandals. Despite their attempts to persuade you into allowing them to wear shorts, resist! If they insist, explain and make them understand why you expect them to wear long shirts and pants.
Making the kids feel comfortable while protecting them from monsoon-related diseases is important. These safety measures when travelling with kids will prevent them from falling ill. When you prepare yourself accordingly, things will fall in place. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Father of a 6 yr 4 m old child
13 hours ago
Q. my son is now 7 yrs and and last 3 three days ,he is complaining that he had bad and negative thoughts and this is too hilarious that.
we r too worried ,pls suggest 🙏
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. it is quite natural small babies will be having different moods different types of behaviour please continue to interact the baby engage activities like drawing painting even clay sculpture o k
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. Hi this is pooja I am 6 weeks 3 days pregnant n m 31 yrs old my doctor prescribed me this interjection called choriotec 5000 once a week for a month .. I have already took two times but now my lil scared so can u pls tell me anyone here is it safe to take more ??? It’s not harmful nah ??? Pls ans dr
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
11 hours ago
A. Your doctor must have given it to you for a particular reason so I’m just going to advise you to follow what she says yet if you have a doubt or you’re scared about anything then why don’t you just prospect with your Dr as to what what purpose are you taking this and what is meant to be done in case you do not take the injection or you do not want to take
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
8 hours ago
Q. Mam last perioda mujhe 10 april ko aye the aur aj mene pregnancy test kiya hai to 1 line light ayi h to mujhe kya krna chahiye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. beta HCG test kare 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
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
6 hours ago
Q. can I eat egg daily?
now I am in 1st trimester
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. yes you can eat egg daily even in first trimester. 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 Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Which are the safe sites to hire japas in New Delhi (EDD July)
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. you can always ask questions related to the health of child and mother in this section and it can bez either related to diet or food or vaccination or any type of medicine goingz on and given by your doctor.
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The cutest baby in the whole world ..!!❤
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