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Bottle Feeding Advantages and Disadvantages
Bottle feeding is different from breastfeeding in that the baby is fed from a bottle. Either breast milk or formula milk can be bottle-fed.
What Are the Pros of Bottle Feeding?
The upsides of bottle feeding are:
1. Anyone can feed the baby.
One of the benefits of bottle feeding is that either parent can feed the baby. Feeding is an important bonding moment; breastfeeding doesn’t give the daddy an opportunity to bond with the baby. Bottle feeding allows the siblings, father and other family members to spend some time with the newborn baby.
2. It can be done in public.
For some moms, breastfeeding in public can be embarrassing. If you don’t want to expose your breasts or go to a private area for breastfeeding, bottle feeding is the way to go!
3. Keeping a track of your baby’s intake is easy.
It isn’t easy to know how much milk your baby is drinking when you breastfeed. Bottle feeding helps you find out your baby’s daily milk intake.
4. You don’t have to worry if your breast milk supply is low.
Many moms worry that their baby will remain underfed if their breast milk supply is insufficient. In such a case, parents can resort to bottle feeding. This ensures that your baby gets all the milk he needs to grow and develop.
5. You don’t have to worry about making changes to your diet.
A mother who feeds formula milk to her baby doesn’t have to worry about adding specific fruits and veggies to her diet. She can eat and drink anything she likes.
6. Bottle feeding helps babies who have lactose intolerance.
In rare cases, infants cannot process breast milk or animal milk. This situation is known as lactose intolerance. Then, suitable formula milk, such as soy protein, can be fed from a bottle.
7. The mother’s health condition doesn’t affect the baby
If the mother falls ill after childbirth or faces health issues that don’t let breastfeed,a bottle can be used to feed the baby.
What Are the Cons of Bottle Feeding?
The disadvantages of bottle feeding are:
1. Breast milk is more nutritious.
Breast milk has all the nutrients that your baby requires to grow and develop. It is also light on the stomach than formula milk. Bottle feeding may increase the risk of obesity in early childhood.
2. Prepare the milk for bottle feeding takes time and effort.
You can breastfeed your baby on demand. But if you’ve habituated your baby to bottle feeding, you need to wash and sterilise the bottle, pour milk into the bottle and warm it. It’s a lot of work! Improper sterilisation can also your infant’s health at risk.
3. Bottle feeding equipment are an added expense.
You’ll need to buy feeding bottles, a cleaning brush and also a steriliser. You’ll also have to invest in a good-quality breast pump or formula milk powder. This is an added expense to your monthly budget.
4. Bottle feeding may compromise your baby’s immune system.
Studies show that breast milk develops and improves your baby’s immune system. Formula milk, on the other hand, doesn’t contain vital and natural nutrients. Formula-fed babies also carry the risk of developing certain illnesses like chest infection, ear infection, urine infection or diarrhoea.
5. It affects the mother-baby bonding.
Feeding is a bonding moment for the mother and the child. When she latches on to your breasts, skin-to-skin contact is established. Bottle feeding may hamper this bonding.
6. Bottle feeding is inconvenient.
You’ll have to carry clean bottles, formula milk, baby nipples, and other necessities while travelling. It can be troublesome to manage the things as well as the baby at the same time. Bottle feeding is also inconvenient if your baby requires midnight feeding sessions as you have to get up and prepare the milk each time.
7. Breastfeeding keeps the mother healthy.
Some studies have proved that moms who choose to breastfeed rather than bottle feed reduce their chances of suffering from breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
8. Your baby may not take to formula milk.
For some babies, formula milk fed from a bottle may not be suitable. They may experience diarrhoea and a loss of fluids from the body.
9. Bottle feeding puts your baby at the risk of SIDS.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding can help to prevent babies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Bottle feeding has its own pros and cons. You should carefully consider both sides of the situation before settling on the method of feeding your baby. The aim is to ensure that your baby is neither underfed nor overfed and gets the essential vitamins and nutrients while she adapts to the world around her.
Also Read: Bottle Feeding Problems & Solutions Read more
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10 Fun Animal Games and Activities for Kids
Many young children are fascinated with animals, so if you have kids who are fond of animals, it may make things fun for them if you were to incorporate some animal games and activities into their daily lives. Not only will this be something that makes these more fun, but there can also be many learning opportunities that can arise from them.
10 Animal-themed Games and Activities for Children
Here are some ideas that can help you keep your animal-loving kids busy and happy.
1. Animal Charades
It’s like playing regular charades, and the rules are the same, except that everything should be animal themed.
What You Need
At least 4 players
How to Play
Split the players into two teams.
Each team will take turns in sending one person to act out the name of a movie, book or animal name. The books and movies should also be animal-themed.
The rest of the team will have to guess what is being acted out within a certain time limit. Based on the ages of the kids you are playing with, you can adjust the difficulty level.
2. Run, Rabbit, Run!
This outdoor game is best played with a group of children.
What You Need
Enough room to run
At least 10 kids
How to Play
Divide the group into two and name one half 'rabbits' and the other, 'foxes'. The rabbits will have to stand on one side, while the foxes spread themselves out around the play area.
The leader of the rabbits will have to take his brood out for a walk during which time the foxes will shout “run, rabbit, run!” and then give chase.
Whichever rabbit gets caught becomes a fox.
3. Who Am I?
This game is fun and helps kids get to know more about different animals.
What You Need
Animal pictures
Safety pins
How to Play
Stick an animal picture onto each child’s back without them finding out what animal they are.
To find out what animal they are, they will need to ask “yes” or “no” questions. e.g., "do I live in the ocean?"
4. Noah’s Arc
This is a fun animal sound game for children.
What You Need
Chits of paper with animal names written on each. Only two of each animal
Bowl
How to Play
The kids have to pick a chit to see what animal they are.
They must then try to find their partner by making the sounds of their particular animal.
5. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
One of the more popular party animal games for 6 year olds.
What You Need
A large picture of a donkey without a tail, stuck to a wall
A donkey 'tail' to be stuck onto the donkey
Blindfold
How to Play
Blindfold a child and have them try to pin the tail in the right place for the donkey.
All the children should get a turn.
Whoever pins the tail closest to the correct spot is the winner.
6. McDonald’s Farm
This is one of the simple and fun animal farm games for kids.
What You Need
Toy farm animals
A box or basket as the barn
How to Play
Before the kids come into the room, you should hide the animals around the room.
When they come in, ask them to find all the animals you hid.
Once all have been gathered, put them into the barn and sing 'old McDonald' while holding up the animal being sung about.
7. Animal Sounds
A great animal guessing game for toddlers.
What You Need
Sound clips of animal sounds
How to Play
You can play the sound clip of an animal making sounds and ask your toddler to guess what animal it is.
Alternatively, you can simply make the sounds yourself and have your little one join in.
8. Animal Scrap Book
One of the interesting wild animal activities for preschool kids is collecting information about the children’s favourite wildlife.
What You Will Need
A notebook or drawing book
Pictures of animals
Glue
Pens and pencils
How to Play
Have the kids pick out their favourite wild animals and gather some basic information on them, such as what type they are (feline, canine etc.), where they live and what they eat.
Any other additional information your child finds interesting can also be put in.
Your kids can swap books at the end and learn about the animals that everyone else likes too.
9. Animal Boogie
This game is fun and will have you and the kids laugh out loud.
What You Need
Animal flashcards
How To Play
Shuffle the animal cards and have the kids pick one.
Everyone will have to act like the animal that comes up. For example, scratch your head and hop around for 'monkey'.
10. Animal Jumble
This is one of the funnier animal puzzle games for kids.
What You Need
Sheets of paper
Pencils and erasers
Tape or glue
How to Play
Assign each child a different body part to draw of a any animal.
They can choose whichever animal they want, but they must not tell anyone else what they have chosen.
Once everyone is done with their drawings, stick them together and behold a strange animal created from their imaginations.
It should be a lot of fun coming up with a name for it.
Other than just teaching them about animals through different fun activities, you can also take them to volunteer at animal shelters, or you can always get them to help in putting together 'wish lists' for the animals. Shelters often have lists of things they need, like blankets, canned food, towels and other things. This also teaches your child compassion towards all living creatures.
Also Read:
Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activities for Children
Top Role Play Ideas for Kids
Fun Indoor Games for Children Read more
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Building a Late Night Workout Routine
You want to work out during the day but mommying barely leaves you with any time to. If that's your story, start exercising late at night and you'll be surprised to see how simple it is to keep in shape. Forget the gym; just do a few simple exercises.
Juggling workout with a busy schedule all day can be difficult. The good news is that it isn’t bad to work out at night; instead, night exercising may even be more effective! If you don’t have the time to exercise when the day begins, workout at night.
Planning a Late Night Workout Routine
1. Pen your plan
Determine what areas you’d like to work on in your exercise regimen. If possible, try to do a full body workout and a few sets of area-specific exercises. Decide how much time you can dedicate to working out at night and write everything down in your calendar.
2. Time your meals right
Always keep a gap between eating and exercising otherwise you may feel discomfort. You want to start exercising late at night two to three hours after dinner, which means you should eat early. You can always indulge in a little snack an hour or so before your workout to fuel your body.
3. Plan smart
On those nights when the kids demand your time and you and hubby want to cosy up, skip the full body exercise. Instead choose exercises you can perform in bed. Leg lifts, planks and sit ups are good picks and let you enjoy the benefits of working out late night.
4. Stay hydrated
Drink lots of water to increase the effectiveness of workouts at night. Water helps you keep fit and energetic. Start with two glasses upon waking and follow up with four to six more. You don’t need to drink everything in one go; space it out through the day.
5.Create a workout playlist
Put together a playlist that suits the pace of your workout. If listening to music is the last thing you do before sleeping, don’t change that. Music can put you in a fresh state of mind and boost your energy enough to tackle exercise.
6. Get flexible
Include stretching in your late night workout routine. It helps you become more flexible so you can exercise better. It also helps relieve you of the body ache that follows intense workouts.
7. De-stress with yoga
If your workout is keeping you up longer, ease your way into dreaming every night with a few yoga asanas. One exercise before bed is to lie down and stretch your legs up against a wall with your bottom also touching the wall. Relax your arms by your side and hold for a few minutes.
8.Get yourself a reward
The best way to stay true to your late night exercise routine is to treat yourself every now and then. Indulge in your favourite chocolate pudding or grab a pizza with your favourite toppings. You’ll keep cravings at bay this way.
A late night workout is all about maintaining a balance between eating, exercising and sleeping. Try to fit in a few night exercises at least three times a week. Start burning extra calories at night and wake up fitter! Read more
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Breastfeeding - a Good Latch or a Good Bond
This is my first baby and like any other female, I was also mentally preparing myself for a lot of lifestyle changes during my pregnancy. I used to check with my elder ladies, colleagues, friends and relatives about their experiences on feeding their baby and trust me, each had their own view points. You only get to have your own story when you pass through the tunnel.
So here I am - self nurturing my baby or in other wirds if I may put up- breastfeeding my baby.
Right from the very first day of giving birth to my baby, the hospital ensured that they give me all the gyaan of the world on how to do it, n for how long. There was always this frequently used term "latching".
Your baby needs to latch on properly to make sure - firstly, your baby is getting enough milk and secondly, your supply doesn't reduce.
No one will speak about that special bond that a mother and baby shares the most while being just in the company of each other.
I was given gur-jeera, jeera wayer, ajwain water, elaichi water and what not to make sure I have enough supply and all this while, me and my baby used to look into each other and talking all the stuff a new mother (me) could speak to her baby even after knowing that the baby will not react!!!
We try to provide our child with the best nutrition by eating all the right food.
In every visit made to a paediatrician or gynecologist, the first question asked is "how do you feed your baby?". It's been quite a few days and me and my baby talk to each other (obviously he only expresses with his eye expressions). The kind of bond we share or for that matter any other breastfeeding mother shares with her child is beyond words. My baby smells me even if I am just around and wants to be huuged for the satisfaction of his security.
No latch is imperfect, the only omperfection is in our efforts.
Do not lose hope if you are not able to breastfeed your baby initially. If you think you have time now, go and bond well with your baby.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
13 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
11 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
5 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
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