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Pacifier For Babies- Benefits, Risks And Tips To Use Them
Your little baby may seem to be annoyed for many reasons apart from just basic hunger. These unexplained wants of a baby can be soothed with the use of a pacifier. Baby pacifiers impart a sweet taste that makes the sucking experience pleasant and calms a fussing baby down. However, parents are often confused about when to introduce pacifier for infants, when to stop them, and also have other queries concerning the child's health. These are understandable concerns that will be discussed in the coming sections. Despite the fact that pacifiers make both a baby and the mother's life easier, there are many things that new parents must be careful about and consider when introducing a binky to the baby.
Video: Pacifier For Babies - Benefits, Risks And Tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ_4eJXP3ts
What is a Pacifier?
A pacifier, also known as a soother, teether or binky is an artificial nipple made of rubber, plastic or silicon. It is supported by a handle that often works like a rattle. In the olden days, such pacifiers carried a spoonful of sugar or any sweet item within the tip of the nipple. As the name suggests, a pacifier pacifies an irritable baby.
What are the Benefits of Pacifier?
Pacifiers can come in extremely handy for new parents. Babies can get really fussy and annoyed on various occasions. The benefits of pacifiers in newborns are immense as it can help calm a baby down. However, one must be careful with the timing of introduction and the use of pacifiers.
Some of the benefits are as follows:
Prevents Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Sudden Infant Death Syndrome can scare the wits out of any parent. Use of pacifiers has shown a reduced risk of this issue. As the baby sucks onto a teether at night, it keeps the baby's brain active and prevents it from stopping to breathe.
Comforts during troublesome flights: You must have often heard babies on airplanes crying their hearts out. These unexplained screeches could be due to the ear pain caused by a change in pressure. A pacifier induces sucking that stabilizes the ear pressure, enabling you and your baby to go through a pleasant flight and no trouble to co-passengers.
Satisfies urge to suckle: Some babies have excessive urges for sucking that may not be satisfied by breastfeeding. It may also not be possible for you to offer your breast at all times of the day. The baby pacifier can be quite useful in such moments.
What are the Cons of Pacifier?
Below are some of the side effects of pacifier use:
Increased risk of ear infections: Sucking onto a pacifier leads to fluid collection in the ears which may increase the risk of ear infections in babies. However, this risk is lower in babies who are under 6 months of age.
Nipple confusion: This is a major issue that most new mothers are concerned about. When a baby gets habituated to sucking on a pacifier, there is a chance that they may struggle to adjust to sucking from the breast. To avoid this, it is best to establish a regular routine of breastfeeding or nursing your baby. This can then be followed up with an introduction to the binky. It is important to note that once the baby is well adapted to feeding, which happens within 1 month of birth, nipple confusion is a rare possibility.
Dependence: Some children are so dependent on pacifiers that they are not comfortable without it. The use of a baby pacifier should thus be limited.
Possible dental troubles: Abnormal shifts in the teeth structure are triggered with high-pressure sucking. This disrupts regular growth and disallows a beautiful dental form from appearing.
Tips for Using a Pacifier
Research has shown that bacteria of the nature of E. Coli can breed on a used baby pacifier. This makes it overly essential to maintain regular cleanliness. There are a few tips you should keep in mind:
DO’s
Offer a binky only at nap time. There may have been a couple of times when you've offered your little baby her pacifier, just to calm her down in the day. However, it is best to accustom the baby to pacifier use only during sleep times.
Sterilise your binky. It is best to regularly rinse and clean the pacifier. Also, avoid repeated use of the same pacifier. Try replacing it once every few days. Sterilising the pacifier after use and after it was dropped can be the best way to maintain hygiene. Storing in zip locks, when not in use, is also advised.
DON’Ts
Do not offer a binky when the baby is hungry. You must understand the child's hunger and feed her accordingly. Offering a pacifier may lead to dependence and decline in the baby's health. Thereafter, the nursing routine may be affected.
Do not offer binky to a baby who has not gained sufficient weight. If a baby has not gained the requisite weight, then it indicates a lack of sufficient milk and nutrition. Immediately, the feeding cycle must be looked into and tracked properly.
What to Look for While Buying a Pacifier?
Pacifiers come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. With different nipple sizes and shapes, you can experiment to see what suits best. Pacifiers come in two kinds of material - Latex and Silicon. Latex is softer and more flexible. It easily adjusts to the baby's mouth. However, it wears off sooner. Silicon, on the other hand, is harder yet sturdier and lasts longer. Some pacifiers have a flap on covers that flap shut when use is discontinued. Some need to be flapped on. One must avoid buying binkies with extra pieces or hard substances attached that may be accidentally swallowed by the baby.
Are Pacifiers Safe for a Baby’s Teeth?
Yes, but one must keep two things in mind.
Do not put any sweetened substances in the binky. This may trigger cavities or make the baby prone to cavities.
Prolonged use may cause dental troubles while growing up. If your baby is still addicted to the binky at the age of 3, it is high time you stopped. If pacifiers are used beyond 3 years of age, children may start developing orthodontic issues such as crossbite and crooked teeth.
Does Pacifier Affect Breast Feeding?
There is no single answer to whether a pacifier affects breastfeeding. It entirely depends on how you handle the nursing cycle. It is advisable to not introduce any binky when the milk and feeding cycle has not been established. There are no reports of interference and issues after a month or two of age once the baby is used to a routine. If you delay feedings or use a pacifier when the baby is hungry, the cycle is bound to be affected.
When to Pull the Plug?
Some of the questions about pacifier use that parents normally ask are:
When to stop pacifier use?
How to stop pacifier use?
Here are a few quick solutions to your troubles. Most children are known to decline usage beyond 1 year of age, but some children are persistent and may need it longer. Once your baby turns into a toddler, it is essential to pull away this childhood dependence. If the child becomes dependent, weaning baby from a pacifier can become quite a task.
Conclusion: With newborn babies, parents are quick to get anxious and nervous. This is understandable. However, with proper knowledge, it is easier to stay calm and handle any situation wisely. Keep the above guidelines about pacifier use in mind to ensure your baby’s health and comfort. Read more
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Guidelines For Choosing Toys For Toddlers
Parents love to pamper children with toys. Every new toy is accompanied by it's just a toy! mentality. But you also need to realize that before you buy any toy for kids, you should check the safety aspects of it. It is also important to see the ‘recommended age’ sticker while choosing a toy.
Parents are always enthusiastic to buy toys and help their child learn something new. Every single toy in a toy-store would look colourful and attractive, but choosing the right one for your toddler is very important. Here are some easy guidelines to follow when you are picking up some toys for your tot.
Tips for Choosing Right Toys For Toddlers
Carefully read what the pack says. The age-appropriate recommendations are given for two vital reasons. First, to help your child’s developmental needs and secondly, to keep him safe. If you are getting him small blocks for making a tower, make sure that the pieces are not too tiny. They should be big enough to not fit completely in his mouth. Additionally, ensure your child has developed the manual dexterity to play with it.
Don’t follow the hype. Maybe you just heard about the newly launched toy, but it doesn’t have to be right for your child. He maybe too young for it. At this age, toddler’s decisions shape their brains. Listen to what he wants for himself and then take the final decision.
Don’t avoid the joy which common household items have been providing for ages. Some things at home can act like safe toys such as plastic measuring cups, wooden spoons, paper bags and cardboard boxes. They offer a lot of fun, than those expensive toys at the market. And when you turn these into bath-time play toys or musical instruments, you will notice that your baby is equally happy with this utilization. Be extra sure that you are around when you give him something like paper bags or other items on which he could choke.
Make sure you do not pick heavy toys for the little one. For example, do not get anything with a heavy lid. They may be able to open it but may not have the dexterity to stop it from falling shut on itself. Such toys can can become a source of injury and thus, should be avoided.
Don’t buy excessive toys to entertain your child. Be careful on choosing what you buy. Update the toys when your child reaches varied milestones. This keeps him motivated and happy. Remember, that few special toys are much more precious than having a whole lot of junk.
Indulge in something creative and use it as a toy. You can also indulge him in the process of making the craft item, or just let him watch if he is too young. This craft session can help you two bond well and he can use it to play with later on.
Creative Toys & Games to Give Your Kids
Toys are very important for your child’s development. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to have excess of it. Open-ended toys which encourage your child to use their creativity and problem-solving skills are the best toys to give your toddlers. Open-ended toys are inclusive of:
Balls - They can be bounced, rolled, held, thrown or simply observed. They provide an excellent opportunity for development of fine motor skills.
Musical Toys - Toddlers love music - and all things that make a noise! You can pick a musical toy to keep him engaged for a long time.
Blocks - Blocks have manifold uses. On one hand, your child can build towers, while on the other, he can use its pieces to pretend like he is talking over the phone.
Bits and Pieces of Craft - Colourful papers, crayons, stickers and washable markers can be given to your child, just to see what he can do out of a little imagination.
Cardboard Boxes - These can be used for a variety of things. At one time it becomes a shop, then again an oven, then a car or a boat, or even a doll house.
So the next time you are out shopping toys for your little one, keep these things in mind, and choose the toys wisely. Read more
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Top 13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
When adoring your home with some greenery or foliage, looking for indoor mosquito repellent plants or even shrubs can present you with multiple choices. Putting together a small vegetable farm and pairing them with certain plants can help keep them protected from bugs and insects, too. There are a bunch of plants that can not only keep mosquitoes away, but also lift up the look and feel of your home in a wonderful manner.
List of Mosquitoes Repellent Plants That You Can Grow at Home
Generally, many flowering plants and herbs with great flavours and smells are a popular choice to be planted in your garden, since they also have insect repelling capabilities. We’ve put together a list of some great ones that can grow easily in your home.
1. Rosemary Plant
Rosemary is usually well-known for its usage in seasonings and meal preparations. But the fact that rosemary repels mosquitoes may not be as widely known to many. It has a particularly strong smell which works wonders on mosquitoes as well as other insects.
What It Needs
Depending on the variety of rosemary that you choose to plant, some prefer a constrained space like a container, which allows them to grow steadily. Other variants could be more superfluous, requiring a larger flower bed to sustain themselves.
How It Helps
Any kind of moths or flies tend to keep away from areas which have rosemary due to its smell. Boiling some dried rosemary in water and using it as a spray to repel bugs is possible, too.
2. Allium Plant
Planting rosemary might help keep the mosquitoes at bay. But, a lot of us prefer having wonderful flowers to shape up the aesthetic, and alliums can help you achieve that while controlling the mosquitoes.
What It Needs
Most allium plants tend to grow quite large and tall, some reaching as high as six feet. Therefore, it is necessary to plant them in an area that has as much open space as possible.
How It Helps
The allium flower is known to be a wonderful natural repellent for a large variety of insects as well as worms. Planting them along with other garden shrubs can help keep your vegetables protected as well, by being closer to them.
3. Lemon Balm Plant
The wonderful citric smell and the lovely white flowers that adorn its glory are found on none other than the lemon balm plant. What many do not know is that this mint variety of plant does a fantastic job of keeping away insects as well.
What It Needs
Just like many other plants that fall under the same family, the lemon balm plant also tends to invade the spaces occupied by other plants. So, strategic planning when planting it in your garden bed is a necessity.
How It Helps
On the first look, having this plant may look like it is taking up a good amount of space for nothing. However, it has a great capability to keep insects that bite (such as mosquitoes and wasps) far away from your home, helping you keep safe and trouble-free.
4. Wormwood Plant
Wormwood, or afsantin as it is known in many parts of our country has its place in our garden for sure. When looking for anti-mosquito plants for shade, this one’s your best bet with the wonderful foliage it provides, for a cool space under it on a sunny day.
What It Needs
Since wormwood has large foliage, it is best to plant it in an open area that receives good sunlight and allows it to grow fully. However, care should be taken to not rub against the bark of wormwood with your bare skin.
How It Helps
The scent of wormwood is extremely strong for many flies, mosquitoes, wasps, fleas, and numerous other insects, making them change their paths and keep away from your home at all times.
5. Lemon Thyme Plant
With the previous mention of the lemon balm plant, seeing the lemon thyme plant being a part of this collection won’t be surprising. Most plants that tend to have a strong identifiable aroma to them, are potentially good solutions to wade away any insects and mosquitoes in general. And also, thyme is a wonderful ingredient for your meals as well.
What It Needs
Again, since this plant belongs to the citrus family, it does need its space to grow properly and allow its leaves to flourish, so that the smell can reach out to multiple areas.
How It Helps
Its usual smell is not strong enough to keep insects at bay. Therefore, crushing a few leaves around evening time can help accentuate it and act as a natural mosquito repellent.
6. Geranium Plant
Back to basics, we all want our balconies or porches to look welcoming and beautiful from an aesthetic perspective. In that regard, to have a plant that keeps insects away and manages to enhance the beauty of your home, geraniums are one of the most popular choices for it.
What It Needs
The geranium flowers tend to bloom wonderfully in large numbers and the plant itself prefers warm and sunny temperatures, so planting it in an outside area is your best bet.
How It Helps
Just like many other citrus plants, the geranium flowers tend to have a slight citrusy smell to them. This is quite pungent to the insects which keeps them away while making it a wonderful fragrance for us.
7. Basil Plant
When it comes to outdoor plants that repel mosquitoes, basil is one of the primary choices that any household will adhere to. Not only does it have traditional roots in our country and is considered a holy plant in many cultures, but its inclusion in meals can help enhance the flavours of multiple dishes in unexpected ways.
What It Needs
In most homes throughout India, basil is usually planted near the outside verandah or the porch. It is best if the plant receives a lot of sunlight and enough water to keep the soil damp at all times.
How It Helps
Basil leaves tend to have a pretty strong smell irrespective of their variety that keeps bugs away. There are natural ways of making your very own bug repellent using basil leaves as well.
8. Catnip Plant
As the name of the plant itself suggests, this mint variety is usually popular for being a preferred scent by the feline family. However, planting this in your yard is beneficial since it is one of the most potent plants to keep bugs and insects away.
What It Needs
The catnip plant doesn’t require any special conditions and can be planted in a container or a bed just like any other plant. Make sure to keep it away from your vegetables, since it might attract cats that can ruin your other plants and make a mess.
How It Helps
The chemical that attracts cats and keeps bugs away is the same, nepetalactone. This has a similar fragrance to that of citrus plants, but has been observed to be around ten times powerful in keeping away insects.
9. Peppermint Plant
There’s a good reason why peppermint is a major ingredient in multiple mouth fresheners. That aroma is also a powerful reason why many bugs and even rats tend to keep away from it. To have this plant in your yard allows you easy access to mint leaves, too.
What It Needs
The thumb rule for planting any kind of plant from the mint family is to understand that they have the potential to grow rapidly and take over the entire space. Therefore, plant them in a separate flower bed, or specific containers which can be kept closer to other plants to keep bugs away.
How It Helps
The aroma of peppermint is the primary element that shoos away any kind of insects. Homemade repellents that are made from concentrated peppermint leaves are extremely powerful and can even kill the larvae of certain bugs.
10. Lavender Plant
For many of us, the citrus smell of the plants mentioned above can get tough to handle at times. Wouldn’t we rather prefer a plant that might smell horrible to insects but is absolutely pleasant for humans? Your answer would appear in the form of the lavender plant, which does both of it in a great way.
What It Needs
Lavender plants usually need substantial sunlight and a good draining soil, with very less water. It generally bodes well in warmer areas, and you can plant it around your house in multiple places without worry.
How It Helps
Lavender has a heady aroma that brings a soothing sense of calm to your home. That same fragrance manages to keep away insects and especially mosquitoes, since it interferes with their ability to detect the carbon dioxide being exhaled by us.
11. Marigold Plant
When talking about plants and shrubs that repel mosquitoes, it is a surprise that marigold is usually looked at for its aesthetic purposes. Not only do they brighten up your home, but they are also quite the bug repellents.
What It Needs
All that a marigold plant requires is a nice flower bed with occasional water. Lining them around the entry points of your home can double up as decoration as well as keep insects away.
How It Helps
Pyrethrum is the chemical in marigolds that works on repelling mosquitoes and bugs away. Many recommend pairing your homegrown vegetables with marigolds since that keeps them protected from havoc-wrecking insects.
12. Garlic Plant
The old adage might mention that consuming garlic can help keep mosquitoes away. While that might work only if a mosquito comes very close to your mouth, having a garlic plant around your home is a much better way to protect yourself.
What It Needs
A garlic plant can be paired with nearly every other shrub in your garden bed since it doesn’t require much to keep going.
How It Helps
Garlic does have a strong aroma that impacts insects and bugs equally. Furthermore, you will have easy access to fresh garlic when preparing your food.
13. Lemongrass Plant
Citrus plants are not going anywhere and having lemongrass in your garden has multiple benefits apart from keeping mosquitoes away. It is also a great ingredient for making tea and soups that are healthy for you.
What It Needs
An open space that has enough height for it to grow tall and lush sunlight for it to flourish.
How It Helps
The citrus smell not only keeps flies and mosquitoes away, but also kills any larvae of the same.
Figuring out the best natural mosquito repellent plants for your yard or balcony can take a while. The choice usually swings between aesthetic sense and the actual repellent power of a plant. Combining a few of them together can help give your home a sense of beauty and prevent the entry of insects as well.
Also Read:
Proven Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
Homemade Pest Control Remedies That Really Work
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Lizards Read more
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Beware! Is your Make-up Making you Look Older?
Makeup can be essential when you are looking to enhance your beautiful features and hide blemishes. But are you sure that the makeup you're applying is apt for you? There's actually some makeup that makes you look older!
Applying the right makeup in the right way can really set off the glow on your face and improve your complexion. On the other hand, a mistake in choosing or applying makeup can do the dreaded - make you look older. Get your makeup to work wonders by strictly avoiding these makeup mistakes that age you.
Makeup Mistakes you Can't Afford to Make
1. Foundation Blunders
Do you use a foundation that is lighter or darker than your skin tone? Oops. The foundation should be the exact tone as your skin unless you want your skin to appear lifeless or dull and definitely older. Applying too much or too little (or zero!) foundation can also add a sense of age to your skin. Your best bet is to find the foundation that suits your skin tone and dab it on giving special emphasis to areas you feel are discoloured.
2. Lipstick Blues
Nothing is worse than an overly dark lipstick. It gives your lips a small and thin appearance and makes you look older. For a youthful look, you need fuller lips which bright shades of pink, red, and peach can give you. Avoid deep shades like brown, burgundy, maroon and wine; these colours do nothing but add years to your lips.
3. Eyeliner Worries
Eyeliners are a great way to accentuate your eyes and light them up. But did you know that a pitch black eyeliner actually makes your eyes look smaller and hence your overall appearance older? Go for a brown eyeliner instead and blend it with your skin rather than applying it as a line. Also, when using an eyeliner, make sure you apply it to the upper as well as lower eyelids to enhance your lashes.
4. Blushing Horrors
Are you sure that the blush you use accentuates the features on your face? Well, the blush that suits you the most is the exact colour you get when you pinch your skin. A darker blush would make your skin look dull and your face too made up. On the other hand, a blush that is too light will make your skin lifeless and aged.
These are some of the common makeup mistakes that age you. So the next time you set out to buy makeup for yourself, make sure you choose wisely for the perfect look. Surprise your hubby with your glorious glow that doesn't seem to have diminished one bit over the years! Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. 29.9.24. 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
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
2 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy 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
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