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உங்கள் குழந்தைக்கான உணவை முன் கூட்டியே திட்டமிட ஆறு காரணங்கள் - சில டிப்ஸ்களுடன்
நீங்கள் சாப்பிடப்போகும் உணவை முன்கூட்டியே திட்டமிடுவது என்பது உங்களில் பல தாய்மார்கள் ஏற்கனவே செய்து வரும் ஒன்றே. அதற்கு பல காரணங்கள் இருக்கும். அதே போல உங்கள் குழந்தைகளுக்கான உணவையும் முன்கூட்டியே திட்டமிடுவது சிறந்தது. இன்னும் சொல்லப்போனால், உங்களுடைய உணவைத் திட்டமிடுவதைவிட, குழந்தைகளுக்கான உணவைத் திட்டமிடுவது மிக முக்கியமானது. குழந்தையின் உணவைத் திட்டமிடும்போது, அவர்களின் வளர்ச்சி, நோய் எதிர்ப்பு சக்தி, செரிமானம், மூளை வளர்ச்சி ஆகியவற்றைக் கருத்தில் கொண்டு தயாரிக்க வேண்டும்.
நீங்கள் உங்கள் குழந்தைக்கான உணவை முன்கூட்டியே திட்டமிடுவதை தள்ளிபோட்டுகொண்டிக்கும் தாயானால், இப்போது நான் கூறப்போகும் காரணங்களைப் படியுங்கள். ஒரு மாதத்துக்கோ அல்லது ஒரு வாரத்துக்கோ தேவையான உணவை முன்கூட்டியே திட்டமிடுதல் நல்லது. ஒரு மாதம் என்பது சிலருக்கு மிக அதிகமாகப் படலாம், எனவே குறைந்தபட்சம் ஒரு வாரத்துக்குத் தேவையான உணவை, வாரம் ஒரு முறை திட்டமிடுதல் நலம். நீங்கள் உணவைத் திட்டமிட சில உபயோகமான டிப்ஸ்களையும் இங்கே பார்க்கலாம்.
உங்கள் பொன்னான நேரத்தை மிச்சப்படுத்தலாம்.
இன்றைய தாய்மார்கள் பலர் அலுவலகம் - வீடு என்ற இரட்டை குதிரையில் சவாரி செய்கிறார்கள். அவர்கள் வார இறுதி நாட்களில் சிறிது நேரம் ஒதுக்கி, குழந்தைகளுக்கான அந்த வார உணவைப் பட்டியலிட்டு வைத்தால், தினமும் காலையில் என்ன சமைப்பது என்ற குழப்பம் இல்லாமல் இருக்கலாம். உங்கள் குழந்தையின் வயதைப் பொறுத்து, எத்தனை வேளை உணவு, எத்தனை வேளை ஸ்னாக்ஸ் தர வேண்டுமோ, அதனை முன்கூட்டியே எழுதி வைத்தால், அதற்கேற்றாற் போல் தேவையான பொருட்களையும் வாங்கி வைத்துக்கொள்ளலாம். காலை வேளையில், திடீரென ஏதேனும் தீர்ந்துவிட்டால், அவசரமாக கணவரை கடைக்கு அனுப்ப வேண்டிய அவசியமும் இருக்காது. மேலும், முந்தைய இரவே அட்டவணையைப் பார்த்து, அடுத்த நாள் உணவுக்கான ஆயத்த வேலைகளை செய்துவிட்டால், காலை வேளையில் உங்கள் பொன்னான நேரம் மிச்சமாகும்.
உங்கள் பணத்தை சேமிக்கலாம்.
குழந்தையின் வயதைப் பொறுத்து, அவர்கள் சாப்பிடும் உணவுகளை முன்கூட்டியே பட்டியலிட்டு, அதற்கு தேவையான மூலப்பொருட்களை மட்டும் வாங்கினால், உங்களுக்கு செலவு மிச்சமாகும். எந்த ஒரு திட்டமிடுதலும் இல்லாமல், கடைக்குச் சென்று கண்ணில்பட்டதை எல்லாம் வாங்கி வைத்தால், அதனை எப்போது எவ்வளவு சமைக்க வேண்டுமென்ற யோசனையே இல்லாமல் மறந்துவிடுவீர்கள். பல பொருட்கள் காலாவதியாகும் நிலையும் ஏற்படும். எனவே, அந்த வாரத்துக்குத் தேவையான பொருட்களை மட்டும் வாங்கினால், பொருளும் வீணாகாது, குறைவான அளவே வாங்குவதால், காய்கறிகளும், பழங்களும் ஃப்ரெஷாக இருக்கும்.
உதாரணத்துக்கு, குழந்தைக்கு வாரம் இரு முறை ஆப்பிள், இரு முறை ஆரஞ்சு, ஒரு முறை மாதுளை, மற்றும் தினமும் ஒரு வாழை தருகிறீர்கள் என்றால், அதற்கு தேவையான அளவு மட்டும் பழங்களை வாங்கினால் தேவையில்லாமல் நிறைய வாங்குவதையும், அப்படி வாங்கிய பழங்கள் கெடாமல் இருப்பதையும் தவிர்க்கலாம்.
உங்கள் குழந்தைக்குக் கிடைக்கும் ஊட்டச்சத்தை உறுதி செய்யலாம்.
உணவைத் திட்டமிட்டு அட்டவணைப்படுத்தி கொடுக்கும்போது, உங்கள் குழந்தைக்கு கிடைக்கும் சரிவிகித ஊட்டச்சத்தை நீங்கள் உறுதி செய்யலாம். உலக சுகாதார அமைப்பின் பரிந்துரைப்படி ஒரு நாளைக்கு கிடைக்கவேண்டிய கார்போஹைட்ரெட், ப்ரோடீன், அமினோ ஆசிட்ஸ், விட்டமின்ஸ் போன்ற
அணைத்து ஊட்டச்சத்துக்களையும் உள்ளடக்கிய ஒரு உணவை, தினசரி திட்டமிட நிறைய நேரம் பிடிக்கும்.
உதாரணத்துக்கு, உணவைத் திட்டமிடும்போது தினமும் இரு வேளை வி-நரிஷ் ஊட்டச்சத்து பானத்தையும் சேருங்கள். இது உங்கள் குழந்தையை ஆரோக்கியமாகவம் சுறுசுறுப்பாகவும் வைத்திருக்க உதவும். எப்போதும் சுவையையே விரும்பும் குழந்தைகள் மற்றும் ஆரோக்கியத்தையே விரும்பும் பெற்றோர் ஆகியோரை மனதில் வைத்து, ஒரு அப்பாவால் மூன்று வருடங்கள் ஆராய்ச்சி செய்யப்பட்டு, குழந்தைகள் விரும்பும் சுவையும், பெற்றோர் விரும்பும் ஆரோக்கியமும் ஒருசேர கண்டுபிடிக்கப்பட்டதுதான் வி-நரிஷ்.
இது ஸ்ட்ராபெர்ரி, சாகோ குக்கீ, கேசர்- பிஸ்தா, பாதாம் போன்ற குழந்தைகள் விரும்பும் சுவைகளில் கிடைக்கிறது. மேலும் செயற்கை சுவையூட்டிகள், நிறமூட்டிகள், பாதுகாப்பூட்டிகள் எதுவும் இல்லாததால் பெற்றோரும் வி-நரிஷை விரும்புகிறார்கள். இதில் குழந்தைகளுக்கான 40 ஊட்டச்சத்துக்கள் அடங்கியுள்ளன.
உங்கள் குழந்தையின் விருப்பப்படி சமைக்கலாம்.
உங்கள் குழந்தைக்கான உணவுப் பட்டியலைத் தயார் செய்யும் பொழுது, அவர்களையும் அந்த வேலையில் ஈடுபடுத்தலாம். அப்போது அவர்களின் விருப்பங்களை அறிந்து, அதன்படி உணவுத் திட்டத்தை கொண்டு வரலாம். குழந்தையையும் இதில் ஈடுபடுத்தினால், மேலும் இரண்டு வகைகளில் அவர்களுக்கு நன்மை பயக்கும்.
ஒன்று, குடும்பத்தில் உள்ள அனைவரும் ஒன்று சேர்ந்து எடுக்கும் முடிவுகளில் அவர்களின் அபிப்பிராயத்தையும் கேட்டு முடிவெடுத்தல், அவர்களின் தன்னம்பிக்கையை வளர்க்கும்.
இரண்டு, பல்வேறு உணவு வகைகளைப் பற்றியும், அதன் மூலம் கிடைக்கும் ஊட்டச்சத்துக்களைப் பற்றியும் குழந்தைகள் அறிந்து கொள்ள இது ஒரு நல்ல வாய்ப்பாக அமையும்.
உங்கள் குழந்தை விரும்பும் வண்ணங்களிலும் சத்துக்குள்ள உணவைத் திட்டமிடலாம்.
கீரை, கேரட் மாற்றும் பீட்ரூட் ஆகியவற்றை மாவுடன் கலந்து வண்ண வண்ண இட்லியாகவோ தோசையாகவோ செய்து குடுக்கலாம்.
வி நரிஷில் வரும் ஸ்ட்ராபெர்ரி சுவையில், நிஜ ஸ்ட்ராபெர்ரி துண்டுகள் இருப்பதனால், அழகான பிங்க் நிறமும், அட்டகாசமான ஸ்ட்ராபெர்ரி சுவையும் இருக்கிறது. குழந்தைகள் இதனை விரும்பிக் குடிக்க ஆவலாக இருப்பார்கள். இதனைத் தயாரிக்கும் நேரமும் மிகக் குறைவு.
பூரி சப்பாத்தி ஆகியவற்றை குக்கி கட்டர் கொண்டு, நட்சத்திரம், இதயம், நிலா, கார்ட்டூன் போன்ற விதவிதமான வடிவங்களில் கட் செய்து கொடுக்கலாம்.
சாக்லேட் செய்ய பயன்படுத்தப்படும் சிலிக்கான் மோல்டுகளில் இட்லி ஊற்றிக் கொடுக்கலாம். இது குழந்தைகள் சுலபமாக ஒரே வாயில் எடுத்துச் சாப்பிட வசதியாக இருக்கும்.
புதிய உணவு வகைகளைச் செய்து அசத்தலாம்.
தினசரி இட்லி, தோசை, உப்புமா என ஒரே மாதிரியாக உணவு வகைகளை சமைப்பவரா நீங்கள்? ஒரு வாரம் உணவை முன்கூட்டியே திட்டமிட்டால் கண்டிப்பாக ரிபீட் சமையல் வராது. வார இறுதியில் உணவைத் திட்டமிட்டால் இன்டெர்நெட்டிலும், டிவியிலும் பார்க்கும் புதிய வகை உணவுகளை ஒருமுறை செய்து பார்த்து, அந்த வார பட்டியலில் இணைக்கலாம். புதிய உணவு வகைகளை குழந்தைகளுடன் சேர்ந்து செய்தால், அவர்களும் உற்சாகத்துடன் சிறு சிறு வேலைகளில் ஈடுபடுவார்கள். தினசரி புதுப்புது உணவு வகைகளைச் சாப்பிட குழந்தைகள் ஆவலுடன் காத்திருப்பார்கள்.
உணவு வீணாவதைத் தவிர்க்கலாம்.
கடைசி மற்றும் முக்கியக் காரணமாக நான் கூறுவது, உணவை மேற்கண்ட வகையில் முன்கூட்டியேத் திட்டமிட்டால், உணவு வீணாவதை முற்றிலுமாகத் தவிர்க்கலாம். பல நாட்கள் பள்ளிக்கு எடுத்துச் செல்லும் உணவை அப்படியே கொண்டு வருவார்கள் குழந்தைகள். அது போன்ற சமயங்களில் குழந்தைகளையும் கலந்து பேசி, அடுத்த வாரத்துக்கான உணவைத் திட்டமிட்டால், அவர்கள் விருப்பமும் நிறைவேறுவதால் மிகுந்த மகிழ்ச்சியுடன் பள்ளியில் மதிய உணவை மிச்சம் வைக்காமல் சாப்பிடுவார்கள். அதே போல சமையலுக்குத் தேவையான காய்கறிகளைத் திட்டமிட்டபடி வாங்குவதால், தேவையில்லாமல் கெட்டுப் போய் குப்பையில் வீசுவதையும் தவிர்க்கலாம். மளிகைப் பொருட்களையும் அதே போல வாங்கினால், வீணாவதைக் குறைக்கலாம். குழந்தைக்கும் உணவின் அருமையைப் பற்றி எடுத்துக் கூறவும், விவசாயத்தை அறிமுகப்படுத்தவும், உணவைத் திட்டமிடும் நேரத்தை ஒரு நல்ல வாய்ப்பாக எடுத்துக்கொள்ளலாம்.
உங்கள் குழந்தைக்கான உணவை முன்கூட்டியே திட்டமிடுவது குறித்த பல முக்கிய காரணங்களையும், அதனால் ஏற்படும் நன்மைகள் பற்றியும் பார்த்தோம். ஒரு முறை இதைச் செய்து பாருங்கள், உங்களுக்கே இதன் அருமை புரியும். அதற்கு அடுத்தடுத்த வாரங்களும் தொடர்ந்து
உணவைத் திட்டமிடுவீர்கள். நீங்கள் ஏற்கனவே உணவைத் திட்டமிடும் தாயானால் உங்களுடைய கருத்துக்களையும் இங்கே பகிருங்கள்.
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How to Keep Baby Warm in Winter - Tips and Tricks
Winters have already crept in, and no one wants to stay all cooped up inside the house. Everyone, even newborns and toddlers, needs fresh air. However, it is tricky to maintain a balance between keeping the baby warm in winters and not to layer him so much that he/she starts feeling hot. So, let’s find out some wonderful ways to make sure that your newborn isn’t uncomfortable during winters and stays warm and healthy.
Video: How to Keep Your Baby Warm During Winter – Tips and Tricks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB4YCIjCLRM
Keeping Baby Warm in Winter at Night
Unlike adults, babies (especially under 2 years of age) are not capable of regulating their body temperature. At the onset of winters, you’d notice how the baby’s hands and legs go cold and would want to do something immediately to keep them warm. It is quite important to cover them comfortably while sleeping at night to maintain a body temperature that is just right for them. But, some studies have shown that extra layers of clothing increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Although keeping the baby warm in winter while sleeping is vital, there are certain key factors to be kept in mind so as to minimise the risk of SIDS. Let’s take a look at what you could do to keep your baby warm.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Baby Warm at Night
As mentioned earlier, babies cannot regulate their body temperature. Parents need to maintain it by dressing the baby up in warm clothing and adjusting the room temperature. Here’s how you can keep your baby warm at night so that he/she can sleep comfortably.
The ideal range for your baby’s room temperature should be between 20-20 degrees Celcius.
The best way to keep your baby warm while sleeping in winter is to dress him in a footed sleepsuit to keep his legs and toes warm too. If your baby’s room is at the colder end of the scale, put a vest underneath the sleepsuit.
Use a good moisturiser that is rich in butter and milk cream to avoid dryness and itching that could occur due to the extra clothing and cold weather.
Keep your windows shut if it is extremely cold outside, but make sure that your baby’s room stays ventilated too. You can use a room heater or humidifier as and when needed to keep the space, and your baby, warm and comfortable at night.
If you think that one-piece suits are not enough for your infant, swaddle him in a soft blanket for a comfortable and restful sleep at nights. In case he kicks off the blanket, you can put him in a sleeping bag.
In addition, carriers are a great way to use your body heat to add extra cosiness to the baby in the cold winters.
A fitted cotton sheet and a soft, comfy blanket can keep the baby warm in bed. In addition, some extra layers of the blanket can be added or removed depending upon the room temperature. Alternatively, a baby sleeping bag or sleep-sack are the best options to keep a squirmy baby warm and cosy at night.
Placing a hot water bag or heating pad in the bed for some time before letting the baby sleep will add some warmth to the cold sheets. It also keeps the baby’s crib warm and comfortable to sleep in.
If your baby is not a big fan of blankets, keep his hands and legs warm with mittens and socks.
Safety Tip
Don’t cover your baby’s head while sleeping in bed or anywhere indoors. This may cause overheating because an excessive amount of heat is produced through the baby’s head. Once your baby falls asleep, check if he is sweaty, flushed or breathing rapidly. Lower down the temperature of his room or just remove his swaddle or cap.
Dressing the Baby for Outdoors During Winter
While heading out in the crisp, cold weather with your little one, just adopt the rule of thumb that babies need an extra layer of clothing than you do. From cosy clothes and coats to heaters and humidifiers, there are a lot of things to consider before leaving the house with your baby. Here are some tips and tricks you need to know to keep your baby warm outdoors.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Baby Warm Outdoors
Always dress your baby with thin bottom layers of clothing to trap the heat in between. Start with a soft cotton onesie, add a long-sleeved t-shirt and leggings. And, if it is extremely cold outside, you can layer him up with a snowsuit.
Dress your baby in soft and breathable layers of fabric.
A hat is one important accessory for your little one that can help protect his ear from the bitter winter winds.
A baby’s hand is a good indication to know his body temperature. So, keep your baby’s hands warm by putting mittens (for a newborn) or tucking them inside the blanket (for toddlers).
Newborns, especially preemies, can be given Kangaroo care while travelling outside. It is a therapy where the baby is placed directly on his parents’ skin, which is enough to keep him warm and cosy when
Safety Tips
Always make sure that your baby is dry from the inside because a little moisture due to damp clothing can cause hypothermia, even if it is over 40 degrees F outside.
To keep your baby warm during winters, a car seat is a big matter of concern because bulky fabrics like coats cause hindrance in providing a snug fit on the straps.
Keeping Babies Warm and Safe While Staying Out in Cold for Long
Staying out with your baby in the cold for long hours may be a bit scary for new mommies, but a few safety precautions can limit its vulnerable effects. So, to keep your baby safe and comfortable when it’s breezy cold outside, follow these simple tips.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Baby Warm For Long Hours When Outdoor
Dress your tiny one in such a way that you can adjust the layers of clothes according to his needs. The bottom layers should be snug like cotton t-shirts and pants, followed by a jacket, hat and mittens. For additional warmth, you can carry blankets or muslin cloths.
Wear your baby in a carrier to add some extra cosiness in the cold weather.
You have to be very careful while carrying the baby in a stroller because the abundance of a blanket covering can compromise the airflow to your baby inside the stroller. Otherwise, you can put a jacket, cap, mittens and booties to keep your baby warm and try to walk in the direction of the wind so that the baby is not hit by the chilly wind directly.
Safety Tip
There is no need to put an extra sweater on your baby when a baby carrier is used.
Keeping Baby's Skin from Getting Too Dry
The cold weather, lack of humidity and recirculated air can all lead to dry and itchy skin. A few precautions can help you to keep your baby’s skin clean and moisturised.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Baby’s Skin from Getting Too Dry During Winter
Did you know that water can also dry out your baby’s skin? Yes, they don’t need to be washed daily, especially in the winters. Use lukewarm water (not too hot) and don’t let him soak in the bathtub for long.
Studies have shown that soaps can be allergenic to some babies. So, try to use mild, hypoallergenic cleansers that are free of dyes and fragrances.
Moisturise your baby’s skin after every bath with gentle, hypoallergenic baby lotion.
Before stepping out of the house, apply some unscented emollient on your baby’s face and lips to protect him from harsh winds.
Safety Tip
Always pat him dry after the bath with a soft cotton towel. Too much rubbing with the towel can chap your baby’s delicate skin.
What Should Parents Avoid Doing When Keeping Their Babies Warm in Cold Weather
Babies, especially newborns, are more susceptible to cold, and they can't even tell you when they are feeling cold or hot. It is actually your job to make sure that the baby stays warm and comfortable. Below are some precautionary things to be kept in mind when keeping your babies warm during winter:
Don’t overcompensate the baby’s surroundings by keeping the room temperature too high or putting him in too many layers, because overheating increases the risk of SIDS.
Excessive wrapping up of your baby may hinder the breathing process. Avoid using long scarves around the baby’s neck or face; instead, shield him from the breezy winds with the help of a stroller or car seat canopy.
Avoid layering up your baby with heavy blankets because he will not be able to shift the blanket on his own, which may lead to suffocation.
Don’t cover the baby’s face, or shield him from getting exposed to direct sunlight, especially if he is less than a year because it can obstruct his breathing.
Avoid keeping your baby covered in layers for too long when not required! If the temperature drops down beyond freezing and you get back inside some cosy place, make sure that you start removing extra layers from him as required.
Don’t let your baby wear fluffy winter jackets while being in the car seat, because that can compress and leave too much space in between the baby and harness for an easy movement in case of an accident.
If signs of frostbite are triggered in any case, don’t rub the frozen areas instead apply a warm washcloth to his nose, lips or ears. Remove the wet clothing after a few minutes and cover your baby with a warm blanket.
Ensure that your baby’s room meets all safety standards. Be very careful while using space heaters as they can cause fire burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Avoid using mattresses made of soft and lightweight materials, as it not only puts your baby at risk of smothering hazard but can also increase the chance of getting sick due to the cold air trapped in the mattress.
Use of hot water bottle or electric blanket is a big no for babies under 2 years of age, because unlike adults, they cannot regulate their body temperature.
While keeping a baby warm in chilly winters is one of the most challenging tasks, a little knowledge can help you and your baby to maintain consistent body temperature in wintertime, especially during nights. Don’t stress yourself over the cold, just make sure that you have dressed the baby enough to keep him warm and that he is not exposed to cold for more than half a minute at a time. However, believe your guts and follow above-mentioned tips and tricks to tackle up the crackling winters and keep our baby warm during the season.
Also Read:
How to Take Care of Baby during Winter
Tips for Dressing Your Baby in Cold Weather
How to Make Your Baby Sleep in Winter Read more
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Spinach for Babies - Benefits and Recipes
Spinach is one of those food options that literally has the best nutrients, and it is so good because it has a little of everything. This balances the nutrients in the body.
When Can You Give Spinach to Infants?
This is a common question that most mothers have when they introduce their little ones to a new diet. In the case of spinach, you can actually give it to your little one after she completes 12 months of age.
Nutritional Value of Spinach
Some of the vital nutrients that can be found in spinach are seen below. This is the list of nutrients that can be found in 100g of spinach.
Nutrients
Amount (Per 100 grams)
Fibre
2.2 grams
Proteins
2.9 grams
Carbohydrates
3.6 grams
Fats
.4 grams
Omega 6
.03 grams
Calories
23
Calcium
10%
Potassium
558 mg
Vitamin C
47%
Vitamin A
188%
Iron
15%
Source: Healthline
So, if you were wondering “Is spinach good for babies?”, now you know the answer!
Health Benefits of Spinach for Baby
Some of the health benefits include:
1. Keeps the Body Hydrated
Spinach has a high amount of water in it which keeps the baby hydrated.
2. Protects the Liver
Spinach is a smart option to help the liver from different infections.
3. Can Kill Worms
Spinach is a real superfood as it helps the body fight parasitic worms that actually attack the baby and makes her weak.
4. Helps with Gastric Problems
Babies struggle with gastric problems because their bodies don’t have a fully matured system. This can even cause uneasiness in the child. Eating spinach is a great way to help with gastric issues in your little one.
5. Good for Bones
The calcium and vitamins that are present in spinach is a great source of strength for the bones.
6. Good for Muscles
Spinach has a good amount of proteins in it which helps in building the muscles in the body.
7. Keeps Immunity High
Spinach has Vitamin K and all other nutrients that really builds the body with a high tolerance to many sicknesses and parasites. It is a great source of immunity and keeps children safe from many health issues.
8. Natural laxative
Spinach has a high amount of dietary fibre which helps the baby's digestive system in many ways. The different elements that are found in spinach even help the baby to get a smooth bowel movement and also fights constipation. Spinach is a great way to help your child if she is struggling with uneasiness that comes with indigestion.
Tips for Selecting and Storing Spinach
The one drawback that comes with spinach is that most spinach that is bought in the market is infected with chemicals like pesticides.
This is quite disappointing especially when you are considering buying it for your baby. Here are some tips to buy and storing of spinach:
Make sure to buy spinach that has tender and crisp leaves. These are the fresh ones.
Always check the stem when you buy spinach. When the stem is thin and flexible, you know it is fresh.
When picking spinach, try to avoid the yellow and brown leaves.
While storing spinach, you can choose to keep it in the vegetable crisper on your refrigerator.
Try not to freeze the spinach when you store but make sure it is kept in the refrigerator.
Make sure that there is no space for water to seep into spinach that is stored for
Don’t wash the spinach before you store it or refrigerate it. Rather wash it before you cook it.
Storing it in a ziplock or plastic cover is the safest.
Buy organic spinach or locally grown spinach. This might just be the safest option
How to Cook Spinach for Babies?
Spinach can be cooked the way your baby likes it. Just make sure that she is able to chew it well, and the leaves don’t cause choking.
Healthy and Delicious Spinach Recipes for Babies
Below are some lip-smacking recipes you can make for your baby:
1. Spinach Puree
Spinach puree baby is a great recipe and can be customized the way you like it.
Ingredients:
Spinach
How to Cook:
Cut spinach and wash it under running water.
Wash spinach.
Steam spinach for about five minutes.
Drain the water.
Allow the spinach to cool for 3 minutes to stop the cooking process.
Take the spinach and puree it in a blender.
Add a little water based on the consistency you want.
You can even mix the puree with carrots, Sweet potatoes or chicken.
2. Sweet Potato, Spinach and Tomato Curry
Get a tasty tang along with spinach and eat with rice.
Ingredients:
Onion 1 small
A pinch of ground coriander
A pinch of ground cumin
A pinch of ground turmeric
Garlic clove 1 crushed
Ginger, 1 tsp fresh peeled and finely grated
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 cup
Ripe tomatoes, quartered. 2
Spinach leaves, chopped (around 1 1/2 cups)
Water (1/2 cup)
How to Cook:
Start by sautéing the onion in some oil. Wait till its tender.
Next, add the spices, ginger.
Let it cook for 5 minutes.
Keep stirring it.
Cook gently for 5 mins.
Stirring often.
Add the sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
Pour the water.
Bring the mix to boil and then put the flame on simmer.
Wait for a mushy consistency.
Add the chopped spinach, and stir it.
Take it out of the flame and allow the heat to come down.
3. Spinach Apple Puree
This combination tastes great and is great for digestion.
Ingredients:
Apples 6 peeled, cored and chopped
Fresh spinach 2 cups
Water 1/2 cup
Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Ginger powder 1/8 teaspoon
Cloves 1/8 teaspoon
How to Cook:
Add the apples, water, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a saucepan over medium.
Allow it to cook for 15 mins. During this time, keep it covered.
Stir occasionally.
Now add spinach to the apples.
Cook for 2 more minutes. Let cool slightly.
Add all the ingredients into a mixie and puree for a minute.
Serve the puree.
4. Baby’s Souffle of Spinach
This soft Italian dish will have your baby yearning for more!
Ingredients
Fresh or frozen spinach 10 -16 oz
Ricotta or cottage cheese 1/3 cup
2 eggs or 4 yolks
A pinch of garlic
A pinch of basil
How to Cook
Mix all ingredients and spoon them into an oiled baking dish.
Bake the mix at 375 F for 15 minutes till you see it golden.
Check whether the insides are done before taking it out and serving.
5. Oats, Avocado, Spinach
This combination capitalises on the buttery texture of avocados which are loaded with healthy fats.
Ingredients
Dried Old-Fashioned Oats 1/4 cup
Avocado 1/4
Spinach 1/4 cup
Water, breast milk or stock 1/2 cup
How to Cook
First, take oats and water in a saucepan and heat it on low flame for 10 minutes.
Keep stirring it.
Add spinach to the mix and continue to cook for a couple of minutes.
Mix all the ingredients in a blender till puree.
Different Spinach Baby Food Combinations
Here are some yummy combinations that your baby is sure to love.
1. Lasagna + Spinach
Chopped spinach along with vegetable lasagna is a healthy and tasty combination.
2. Parmesan + Spinach
You can mix spinach with little olive oil, garlic after which you can serve it with grated parmesan.
3. Spinach + Soup
You can add a little bit of spinach that is chopped to vegetable soup. Spinach soup for baby is extremely healthy.
4. Spinach + Cream Cheese
Chopped spinach can be cooked and serves with cream cheese as a dip.
Precautions to be Taken while Giving Spinach to Babies
1. Able to chew
The first thing you must be sure of is that your little one must be able to chew the dish well.
2. Pick fresh leaves
It is important to pick fresh ones for your baby as it has all the nutrients.
3. Wash it well
It is good to wash spinach really well before cooking as spinach is prone to a lot of chemicals.
4. Right quantity
There is no hard and fast number. You will need to experiment and see how much they can eat. Start with one teaspoon but avoid going more than one cup.
Can Infants Be Allergic to Spinach?
Some babies have an allergic reaction to spinach. It is extremely important to watch out for these signs and make sure to avoid giving spinach baby food to your little one at any cost.
Symptoms of Spinach Allergies
Small rashes in cluster form can appear. They are quite itchy as well.
The baby will experience pain in the abdomen, and also experience diarrhoea.
Swelling is seen around nose, eyelids, and eyes.
Baby struggles with breathing and has shortness of breath.
Well, you might find it a little challenging to feed your child spinach, because a lot of children do not enjoy the taste of spinach. One trick to that is to make them watch the cartoon “Popeye The Sailor Man”, and you know they might just pop it in their mouth for the love of Popeye.
Also Read: Vegetable Purees for Babies Read more
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Top 25 Sensory Activities for Kids
Understanding the senses can be an interesting journey for kids. By feeling different sensations, your kids can experience life in its fullest form. It is best they do this in a safe, fun-filled environment. This is because some of the sensory experiences may be overwhelming and they may find themselves shocked or alarmed by sensations they aren’t aware of. With multiple sensory activities for pre-schoolers, young children can grow up and explore their bodies in an exciting way.
25 Sensory Activities for Children
Here are sensory activities for kindergarteners and those in preschool that have been segregated based on each type of sense.
Touch
1. Cornmeal Explorers
What You Need
A tub filled with cornmeal
Some old cups, forks, and spoons
How To Do
Fill the tub with cornmeal.
Teach him to pour the cornmeal into the cups with his hands.
Let him scoop it out with a spoon and play around.
Later, let him simply run his hands through it and create roads or shapes from it.
2. Spaghetti Rock Search
What You Need
A bunch of colourful spaghetti worms
Small blocks with numbers written on it
How To Do
Take a bucket and add the number blocks inside it.
Fill the bucket with spaghetti worms and hand it to your child.
Let him squeeze and pull on the worms as he digs his hands deep into the bucket to look for the number shapes.
Try and ask him to take a worm and make it resemble the number he just pulled out.
3. Sandpaper Paintings
What You Need
Sheets of sandpaper
Child-friendly scissors
Crayons
How To Do
Hand a sandpaper to your child and let him feel the texture. Observe his reactions and ask him to describe what he feels.
Let him come up with the first object that enters his mind when he touches the sandpaper.
Draw the object on the sandpaper and then cut it out. Colour it with crayons.
Create multiple shapes using sandpaper.
4. Shaving Cream Painters
What You Need
A lot of shaving cream
A clean cardboard box
Rough cloth
How To Do
Open the cardboard box and place it on the table.
Pour a lot of shaving cream on it creating mounds all around.
Let your child immerse his hand in it and revel in the texture.
He will spread it all around. Advise him not to eat it though.
Use the rough cloth to clean any cream that might fall off.
5. Alphabet Touch and Guess
What You Need
Sparkle strips or Velcro strips
Scissors
Chart paper and glue
How To Do
Cut out strips of the sparkle or velcro and keep them aside.
Sketch a letter on the chart paper and glue the strips on the sketched part.
Ask your child to close his eyes and run his hands over the strips.
Let him guess the letter by using his hands.
Smell
1. Masterchef Nose
What You Need
A kitchen full of food items
How To Do
Ask your child to stand with you while you are cooking food.
Ask him to find certain food items you need, strictly by smelling them.
Let him smell raw vegetables and cooked vegetables and point out which one is which.
Once aware of all the ingredients, you can blindfold him and then play a guessing game.
2. Match the Smell
What You Need
Various Scents
Glass bottles with black and white lids
Tiny labels
How To Do
Fill the black bottles with scents. These could be cinnamon oil, lemon, vanilla, peppermint, cumin, and so on.
Fill an equal number of white bottles with the same scents.
Label each bottle under them with the names of the fragrances.
Hand the bottles to your kid. Let him smell each bottle and match the correct white and black bottles.
He can check them after he’s done matching to see if he’s correct.
3. Shampoo Time
What You Need
Shampoos of various fragrances
Small buckets or tubs
Water
How To Do
Mix a shampoo in each tub with some water and mix it well.
Ask your kid to smell each tub and name the fragrance he smells.
For further experimentation, he can play around by mixing two fragrances and looking for a combination that smells better.
4. Scented Shapes
What You Need
Scented dough or fragrant clay dough
A clean table
How To Do
Put together various scented doughs on the table.
Let your kid smell each one and describe what he feels on smelling it.
Let him mould the dough into a shape that resembles the smell or makes him feel like it.
5. Scratch and Sniff Paintings
What You Need
Kool-aid packets of different flavours
Water
Paint holding tray
How To Do
Mix a packet of kool-aid with some water until it resembles a watercolour paint-like consistency.
Pour multiple paints on the paint tray.
Let your kid smell the paint and use his brush to paint whatever he feels like.
Later, ask him to scratch the paint and smell it and recall its flavour.
Sight
1. Reading Treasure Hunt
What You Need
A paper and pen
Various objects in your house
How To Do
Make a note of various harmless and interesting objects in your house, including your child’s toys.
Place them in different sections around the house, hiding some just out of sight.
Write their names on a sheet of paper and hand them to your child.
Ask him to find all the objects within a stipulated amount of time.
2. What’s in the Bag
What You Need
A zip-lock bag
Small plastic objects
Body wash and colour
How To Do
Place small objects inside the zip-lock bag.
Add some body wash and colour so that the plastic is obscured slightly.
Let your kid have the bag and ask him to look for a particular item in it without opening.
He will squish and push the items around until he spots the one he’s looking for.
3. Lightbox
What You Need
Fairy lights of changing colours
A plastic box
How To Do
Put the fairy lights inside the box and keep it near an electric outlet.
Turn on the lights and ask your child to name the colour.
He can also play with other objects on the lightbox and make it night or day for himself.
4. Customized Eye-Spy
What You Need
A large variety of objects
A tiny box
How To Do
Take all the objects and put them together inside a small box.
These should preferably be objects that closely resemble each other, such as an entire collection of small cars.
Tell your child to look for a specific car and observe how he does it.
You may choose to take some photos in advance and show it to him so that he has a visual reference of what to look for.
5. Scavenger Hunt
What You Need
Photos
How To Do
Take a walk around your house and look for interesting items.
Click pictures of the things you like and print them out on a paper.
Hand a photo to your kid and ask him to find it around the house.
Let him carry that photograph for reference as he looks around for something that matches it.
Hearing
1. Sound Picnic
What You Need
Your neighbourhood
A pen and a paper
How To Do
Recall most of the sounds you hear around your house. These could be of birds, dogs, buses, doorbells, or anything that can be easily heard.
Note them down on a paper, drawing any sketches next to them if needed.
Take your child outdoors and ask him to listen for sounds.
When he listens to any, let him check on the paper if that sound is a part of the list. If so, tick it.
2. Photo Word Match
What You Need
A storybook with pictures
A pen and a paper
How To Do
Take your child’s favourite book and go through it to understand the various characters shown in the pictures.
Write the names of them on a piece of paper.
Let your kid read the book and ask him to keep that piece of paper next to him. Whenever he spots an object or animal in the book, let him check the paper to see if it is present on it.
If it is there, ask him to circle it. Once all objects are circled, ask him which ones were not present.
3. Box Guessing
What You Need
Objects, small and large
Many boxes
How To Do
Use boxes right from large ones to small ones. You can take a jewellery box or a large box full of toys.
Show the objects to your kid and then hide them inside the boxes randomly.
Your kid needs to guess what object is inside the box. He will shake it, roll it, and listen to the sounds as well. You can also try listening activities for kids.
Ask him to also observe the box properly and guess what object might fit in it.
4. Drum Master
What You Need
A bunch of pans and bowls
Spoons and ladles
How To Do
Place the pans and bowls upside down on the floor.
Place the spoons and ladles before them.
Let your kid grab any ladle and bang it on the pan and bowl to create sounds.
You could create a series of sounds yourself and ask him to repeat the same sounds after you using another spoon.
5. Army March
What You Need
Shoes and slippers
Whistle (optional)
How To Do
Let your kid wear shoes and you be the captain.
When you whistle, he needs to march as if he were in a parade.
Alternatively, you could wear slippers in one foot and shoes on the other.
By stamping each foot, he needs to guess which footwear it is and match your stamping accordingly.
Taste
1. Blind Yoghurt Painting
What You Need
A large dish
Different flavours of yoghurt
How To Do
Keep the flavours of yoghurt before your kid.
Ask him to paint a circle using strawberry yoghurt.
Let him dip his finger in the yoghurt and taste it to confirm the flavour.
Once he has it, he can then draw various shapes as instructed.
2. Make Your Recipe
What You Need
Chocolates of different flavours
Various candies
Sweet and salty biscuits
A bowl
How To Do
Hand over all these ingredients to your child.
Ask him to choose the right flavours and create a recipe for you.
Let him put the ones he likes in the bowl and mash it together.
Make them taste it first and ask whether they like it or not.
3. Multi-Flavoured Waffles
What You Need
Cooked waffles
Solutions of various essences or fragrances
Food colour
Brush
How To Do
Place the waffles before your kid and ask him to choose what essence he’d like it with.
Let him pick a colour of his choice and mix it with the essence.
Dip the brush in the solution and paint the waffle with it.
Watch him enjoy a coloured waffle of a different flavour and ask him to try something else.
4. Ice-Cream Contest
What You Need
Various flavours of ice cream
A spoon
How To Do
Blindfold your kid and keep all the flavours of ice cream before him.
Give him one flavour and ask him to name it.
Alternatively, give all the flavours in a particular order and ask him to name them in the right sequence.
The cold ice cream numbs the tongue and makes it difficult to taste it properly, adding to the fun.
5. Dark Dinner
What You Need
Your usual dinner
How To Do
Set up the dinner for everyone and turn off the lights before the kids come.
Sit him on the table and ask him to eat in the dark.
Let him name the vegetable he’s eating, the salads, and so on.
This will be a fun way for the entire family to participate.
Sensory activities for toddlers are extremely beneficial as they help in the overall development. Kids start understanding their own preferences because of it and notice things that they wouldn’t usually notice. Combining fun and learning always makes things twice as entertaining as they usually are.
Also Read: 15 Fun Learning Activities for Kids Read more
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Going Out with Your Kids - Ideas for a Family Outing
Planning to take your kids to some family outing where they can enjoy to the fullest? Here are some ideas to help you can plan for an outing.
1. A Zoo Trip
Almost all kids will like to see animals. Taking them to the zoo will help them know how the animals they watch on TV and read in books, look in reality.
2. Garden
A garden full of variety of plants and trees. You can show your kids different types of plants. They will get to know from where the flowers and fruits come.
3. Park
Go to a park where your kids can play and run with other kids. And where they can do many other playing activities like sliding, swinging, etc.
4. Mall
You can go to a mall for shopping for you and your kids or to any other store where you can shop for your clothes, footwear, bags and other necessary items.
5. Grocery Shopping
Take your kids with you for grocery shopping, they will get new experiences and learn to shop for themselves. They will also get to know how things work around them.
6. Go out for a Family Dinner
Go for dinner to some family restaurant with good ambience and food.
7. Go for a Walk
If your kids are getting bored at home, go for a walk with them.Enjoy some mornings or evenings with your kids by simply going for a long walk.
8. An Ice-cream Treat
Go to the nearest place where you can give your kids an ice-cream treat. Or if the place is far away go by your vehicle. You can make your kid happy just by taking them out for a treat.
9. Visit a Relative
Cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts will always be happy to see you and your kids at their place and your kids will also enjoy playing with cousins of their age group for a change.
10. Kids' Play Zones
Nowadays, there are a lot of playing zones or playing areas in malls and even separately just for the kids to have fun. There will be a lot of rides. Games to play, painting, drawing, fun etc.
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.
Read more
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Retire Into Bliss, Not Anxiety With These 6 Tips to Help You Plan
When you'll be old, besides having your children and grandchildren by your side, your savings are what'll make you feel secure. Make sure that no matter what you earn, you find ways to save for retirement.
Moms are management experts. From home to kids, nothing can run smoothly in the absence of moms. But, lost in this hustle bustle, mothers should not forget that one day they will also get old and retire from work. Thus, it's imperative to start thinking about retirement finances while receiving steady pay cheques.
Strategies Your Financial Future
1. The stay at home benefit
Retirement savings plan for stay at home moms is built by contributions from the working better half. This can go up to 50% of what the partner is earning. In cases where moms are left alone as a result of divorce, separation, or death of the spouse, they are still eligible to make claims as a payback for staying at home.
2. Get yourself an IRA
Individual Retirement Account or IRA is the right of every individual. Whether working or stay at home, moms are also entitled to have a financial security post retirement. In case of women who aren't earning, the annual instalments for the account can be paid by the working spouse provided his salary is sufficient to maintain the balance required.
3. Shape your dreams
With retirement planning, for women it's essential to know what you intend to do after retirement. Then accordingly, save to meet those needs. Remember, there is nothing that you can take away with you after life is over and your kids to support financially while you are still alive. Thus choose savings plans wisely to meet the needs in future.
4. Now is the right moment
Hoping for a raise or a bonus to start saving for retirement? Then you probably aren't doing anything but wasting today. It doesn't matter how much you earn, as long as you keep a specified amount aside whenever you can. And there is no better time than now and today. Like you plan for an emergency, think of ways to save for retirement, for you'll never realise how quickly it dawns.
5. Strike a balance
It's natural for all parents to keep the needs of their child above their own. At every phase of a child’s life, we tend to give more than we got as children. But amidst all this, never sacrifice or overlook your retirement savings. Remember, loans are better as they can be paid back, but retirement funds can't be built on their own.
6. Save from the start
Working or non-working, ladies should know the various ways of saving from whatever is coming in. Though it is a difficult task to meet all the needs and save from one person’s salary, it should always be a part of your monthly budget. A few pennies saved now will add up to a huge amount in the future.
Besides making saving your habit, keep looking for retirement planning tips for moms.Consult a financial planner so that you can shape the future of you and your family in the best, financially viable way. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
7 hours ago
Q. hello everyone, please suggest me, am getting pain in lower abdomen right side, anybody plz tell me why am getting pain pls
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. this needs proper examination to find out problems like appendicitis. 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
6 hours ago
Q. hi mam for 2days I am seeing my baby bumb decreasing is it cause of worry?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. I don’t know how the bumps of your child decreasing that’s not fair to me second you have not mentioned the current age of your child to do it and there is no clarity in the query it would be difficult for me to help us so if you don’t mind can you please repost with all the necessary details associated with your question
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. Hello I had my period missed for April month and today I got my period. Is it normal to have period after 1 month or is there anything I should be worried about? Iam worried please let me know if that's ok or should I consult my doctor
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. consult your doctor for any evaluation required. 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
5 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. 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
5 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
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