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Baby Sleeping on the Floor - Benefits and Tips
Putting the baby to sleep is the one most satisfying and relieving feelings for a mother. However, there are some questions about your baby that you need answered. One such question that must have crossed your mind might be whether your baby can sleep on the floor. As a lot of other parents too asked us this question, we explain whether your baby should be sleeping on the floor or not.
Can a Baby Sleep on the Floor?
It is perfectly normal to let your baby sleep on the floor. Given that the sleeping conditions are safe and baby-friendly, having your baby sleep on the floor has many benefits of its own.
What Are the Benefits a Baby Gets by Sleeping on the Floor?
There are many benefits your baby can get by sleeping on the floor mattress instead of a bed.
Making babies sleep on the floor fosters independence in your baby, and brings furniture to her level. This makes the room baby-friendly.
You save on a lot of space that you would need to allocate to bulky cribs.
One major advantage is if she wakes up at night, she can move around and explore the room on her own without crying out. This gives you a good night's sleep and leaves you refreshed for another tiring day.
It also makes nursing the baby more convenient, that is, you don't have to lift her in and out of the crib again and again. The mother can just lay down on the floor next to the baby when the baby wants to breastfeed.
Precautions You Should Take While Your Baby Is Sleeping on the Floor
Here are some of the most important precautions that you should take before you can have your baby sleep on the floor:
Do not have pillows, bean bags and carpets in the room where the baby is sleeping so that these things do not pose the risk of suffocating the baby.
Use a mattress or a rollout bedding for the baby to sleep on the floor. Make sure that the bedding used is neither too hard nor too soft so that the baby is comfortable sleeping on it.
Make sure that you do not have lampshades, stools, chairs or speakers in the room, which can be knocked down by the baby and cause injuries.
Keep the baby at a very safe distance from drapes and curtains in the room. Similarly, you should also keep your baby also away from electric plugs and wires to prevent her from getting tangled and hindering movement.
One thing that you should take utmost care about is that any bug repellant or insect repellant used in the room should be a natural, organic solution. To ensure your baby is healthy, make sure the room is chemical-free.
Ensure adequate ventilation and steady temperature are present in the room. A baby-friendly temperature, which is ideally between 27 and 28 degrees should be maintained in the room at all times. You can use an air conditioner for the same.
Make sure that the room is thoroughly cleaned at all times to ensure that there is no dust or mites, which can adversely affect the health of the baby. You can consider cleaning the room using a powerful vacuum cleaner daily.
Use a mosquito net to keep your baby safe from mosquitoes and other insects. But also make sure the baby has enough space to twist and turn as well as roll around. Always keep the doors and windows closed to make sure no insects, especially mosquitos get in.
Make sure your baby is not dressed too warmly or too snugly while sleeping on the floor. The last thing you want is to have your baby getting overheated while sleeping. This should be avoided at all costs by dressing the baby very comfortably.
Always make your baby sleep on her back. This minimises the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
Make a routine with your baby so that she knows when it is time for her to sleep, change clothes, get a massage, apply moisturisers, etc.
Make sure that the floor is dry and clean. A damp floor can cause the dampness to be transferred to the baby, resulting in unwanted diseases.
Are there Any Side Effects of a Baby Sleeping on the Floor?
There are no side effects as such if your baby sleeps on the floor, as long as you take the precautions mentioned above.
Apart from all the benefits mentioned above, making a baby sleeping on the floor also ensures that your baby does not fall down if she moves in her sleep. This may happen if she is sleeping on a high bed. It is the parents' decision about where their baby should sleep, but if you want to give it a try, go ahead without thinking twice.
Also Read:
Effective Tips to Deal with Baby Sleep Problems
Working Ways to Deal With a Baby Who Fights to Sleep
Sleeping Habits That Are Harmful for Your Baby Read more
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Top 12 Songs That Kids Will Love Dancing To
Be it an old Bollywood melody or the latest English pop song, seeing your child shake a leg can be a lot of fun! So, how do you go about picking songs for your children to dance to?
Dancing is not only physically invigorating for your child but it also helps him develop his listening, learning, language and motor skills. When done with parents or in groups, it advances his social and bonding skills as well. But with present-day lyrics becoming offensive and not very child-friendly, it can be difficult to choose the right songs.
So, here's a mix of 10 English and Hindi dance songs for toddlers which will surely set the mood for your child to groove to, hop around, or simply sing along. Kids can not only dance to these songs, but you can also play them to build an enjoyable ambience when children are enjoying games like musical chairs, statue, and passing the parcel.
The Best Kids Songs to Dance To
Watching kids dance can instantly lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. Pretty much any song that has a good beat can make them get on the floor and dance their hearts out. Easy melodies can also be included in the list of songs for kids for them to sing along as they try their unique moves. Here's our hand-picked list of dance songs for children that we bet your child will love to dance to!
1. Lakdi Ki Kathi (Masoom)
This evergreen number with an animal theme can be enacted by kids in a group. It never fails to pep the children up and is one of the most popular kids' dance songs ever.
Lakadi ki kaathi kaathi pe ghoda
Ghode ki dum pe jo maara hathauda
Dauda dauda dauda ghoda dum utha ke dauda!
2. Nanha Munna Rahi Hun (Son of India)
This song will send your tot marching to its tune. An appropriate costume can turn it into a truly patriotic routine too. You can also teach your child some basics about our country before or after you play the song and march along with your little one.
Nanha munna rahi hu, desh ka sipahi hu
Bolo mere sang, jai hind, jai hind
Jai hind, jai hind, jai hind!
3. Nani Teri Morni
This endearing song teaching children against stealing tells a catchy story. Your little one can easily sing and dance along to the chorus.
Naani teri morani ko mor le gaye
Baaki jo bacha tha kaale chor le gaye
4. Jadoo Jadoo (Koi Mil Gaya)
This foot-tapping song talks about friendship among children even if it means befriending an alien. Plus, there's a beautiful description of Mother Nature as well!
Aaj dharti se gagan kaa, phoolon se chaman kaa,
Ghataaon se pavan kaa, ho rahaa milan
Jaadoo, jaadoo, jaadoo, jaadoo!
5. Bum Bum Bole (Taare Zameen Par)
A very hummable song with great beats, this song makes learning fun. Don't forget the signature step “Bum bum bole”.
Dekho dekho kya woh ped hai, chaadar odhe ya khada koi
Baarish hai ya aasmaan ne chhod diye hai nal khule kahin
Ho hum dekhe yeh jahaan waise hi jaise nazar apani
Khulke socho aao, pankh jara failaao
Rang naye bikhraao, chalo chalo chalo chalo naye khaab bunle
Bum bum bole, masti mein dole
Bum bum bole, masti mein tu dol re!
6. Mickey – Toni Basil
This 80's pop video will surely set your child’s feet tapping. Dressing up in bright costumes can add even more fun and colour to the performance.
Oh, Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey, Mickey
Hey, Mickey!
7. Groove Is in the Heart – Deee-Lite
Groove is in the Heart is an all-time hit dance song for kids. Then, how could it not be a part of our children's dance songs list? The song is an amalgamation of disco, funk and hip-hop that will make you and the kids get out of your seats and hit the dance floor.
Groove is in the hea-a-a-art
Groove is in the hea-a-a-art
Groove is in the hea-a-a-art (astronomical)
Groove is in the hea-a-a-art (hit me!)
8. I'm a Believer – Smash Mouth and Eddie Murphy
This lovable song comes from an equally favourite children’s movie, Shrek! Your kid can dance like an angel to this fairy tale number.
I thought love was
Only true in fairy tales
Meant for someone else
But not for me
Love was out to get to me
That's the way it seems
Disappointment haunted all my dreams.
9. Break Free– Ariana Grande
All your child would want is to dance to this fantastic number! This song can be action-packed with you and your child flailing your hands wildly as in the video.
If you want it, take it
I should've said it before
Tried to hide it, fake it I can't pretend anymore.
10. Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
This blast from the recent past will have your kid prancing around to its Jay Z song chorus.
I hopped off the plane at L.A.X. with a dream and my cardigan
Welcome to the land of fame, excess, whoa! am I gonna fit in?
Jumped in the cab, here I am for the first time
Look to my right, and I see the Hollywood sign.
11. Baby Shark
This song is a recent addition to the list of peppy songs for toddlers and never fails to get the kids to stand up and mimic the shark actions. Have fun along with the kids and watch them mimic the baby, mamma, daddy, grandma, and grandpa sharks!
Baby shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark!
12. Happy by Pharrell Williams
This is another peppy song that is sure to make kids happy and get them on the floor to bounce with the beat.
It might seem crazy what I'm about to say
Sunshine she's here, you can take a break
I'm a hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air, like I don't care baby by the way
Huh, because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do
Does your baby have favourite songs too? We would love to hear about more cool songs for kids to dance to. Share your playlist to set the perfect mood for his happy feet! Read more
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How to Speed Up Your Labour
Going into labour is never an easy thing and takes a lot of careful planning and understanding to get through the process. For this to happen, an expectant mother must know her facts right and ensure that she’s well equipped to deal with the situation when it eventually arises.
So, let’s answer some questions about going into labour:
When Does Labour Usually Start?
Some people mistake experiencing their first contraction or the breaking of their water as signals of the beginning of labour. However, scientifically the labour period begins only when your cervix has dilated 3 cm to 4 cm. This is called the “active” phase or the beginning phase of your labour.
It is important to note that you might experience painful contractions a day or night before this phase, which is completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about.
How Long Does Normal Labour Last?
There is no amount of time for labour that is set in stone, but the usual duration lasts up to eight hours or shorter, depending on numerous factors. The maximum that a first-time active labour can last for is roughly 18 hours. First-time moms usually have it harder, since it is an entirely new process for their bodies. On the other hand, mothers who have given birth previously might experience labour pains for 4-5 hours, lasting up to a maximum of 12 hours only.
The length of active labour doesn’t necessarily determine how smooth or rough the delivery is going to be. A very short active labour duration might be too taxing for the mother’s body while a slow and delayed labour period could only exhaust and tire the mother.
What is Slow Labour?
Over a 4-hour period, a normal labour would indicate dilation at the rate of 0.5 cm per hour. If it dilates at a lesser rate than this, it is considered as slow labour. Doctors usually give you a 4-hour window before determining whether your labour is slow. Anything more would require inducing labour or even a C-section delivery. This is because the process can be slightly slow for everyone in the first hour or two and then usually picks up the pace in the next 2 hours.
In some cases, dilation at the rate of 1 cm per hour is considered healthy and normal. However, one must consider that each woman’s labour process is unique to their body and therefore, the mother’s permission must be taken before any decision is made.
What Causes Slow Labour?
Labour becoming slow doesn’t necessarily need to have an underlying cause. Sometimes, labour slows down naturally and sometimes labour can be quick and painless. It all depends entirely on the mother and her body’s responses.
On the other hand, there are times when there are actual reasons for slow labour:
The contractions are normalized and are not getting stronger with each occurrence
Being too exhausted or not being hydrated enough (drinking enough water is very essential)
Your baby might be settled into a back-to-back position. Why does this happen? The main cause is that your pelvis might be taller and narrower than usual, making the process a little more difficult.
Sometimes your baby can move around in the sack, causing the position to change. An unfavourable position can also cause slow labour.
Any type of anxiety or fear can cause the body’s muscles to tighten up, which in turn cause the labour process to slow down.
Any restriction of movement or an epidural can also cause a slow-down.
How to Speed Up Labour?
Speeding up the process of labour is not a harmful or unnecessary option and can actually aide with having a smooth delivery. These are simple but effective ways that you can adopt to make your labour process faster and more effective.
What can help speed up labour
Breaking Water
When your labour process is just beginning, sometimes you’re not sure if it’s going to be a normal or a slow labour. Breaking your water isn’t recommended and might just count as an unnecessary and hasty step. Once the active stage of labour has settled in and you know that your labour is going to be a slow one, breaking waters is a suitable option. This can help with speeding up active labour.
This process is done professionally by the doctor or nurses and should not be done without supervision. Although quite uncomfortable, the process isn’t painful and will surely contribute to a smoother delivery. The doctors will make sure to check that your baby hasn’t been disturbed by this process and it should be noted that after the waters breaks, the contractions become noticeably painful. You will need some form of medicinal relief at this point.
Hormone Drip
Sometimes breaking water, or active movement are not enough to tackle slow labour. The doctor would suggest a hormone drip containing syntocinon. This is nothing but an artificial but effective form of oxytocin.
A hormone drip actively elevates the hormone levels in your body. This leads to considerably painful contractions that need to be monitored and relieved as much as possible. Not just this, even your baby’s heartbeat and health need to be monitored to avoid any complications. For these reasons, doctors usually suggest taking an epidural before starting a hormone drip.
What is an epidural?
It is a system through which painkillers are induced into the body through a thin tube, that is attached to the spine. This painkiller preps the body and your lower abdomen to deal with any painful contractions.
8 Ways to Speed Up Labour
If you're thinking "How can I speed up labour myself?", or "Are there any natural ways to speed up labour?", here's how:
Stay active and move around instead of lying in bed and staying still. This is one of the best ways to speed up dilation and lubricate the muscles. There are also exercises to speed up labour such as lunges and stair climbing.
Stroking and caressing the nipples is also effective, and is one of the effective ways to speed up contractions due to increased hormones.
A warm bath helps with relaxing the senses and reduces the pain of contractions. You might not even require an epidural in such a case.
Regularly clear your bladder and do not hold back. Even if you use the bathroom frequently, it’s okay, because a full bladder could cause the labour process to slow down.
If a scan shows that your baby may be lying in an unfavourable position, you could lie on your side to shift your baby back to an optimal position.
Another effective method is making love to your husband/partner in order to release more oxytocin in the body and therefore, speed up the labour process.
Squatting helps with speeding up labour, but this must be done with some help by your side. This is one of the effective labour positions to speed up the process.
Acupressure on 3 main pressure points is another great way to help your contractions get stronger and make the process quicker. It is surely on the list of things to speed up labour.
How to Cope with Long Labour
Long labour can be unnerving and quite exhausting. So, here are a few tips to help you deal with it better:
Get someone you trust to massage your back, feet, and neck to help relieve any nervous tension.
Keep yourself amply hydrated with fruit juices and isotonic drinks.
Make sure to change your position and get into a comfortable one that would also not put too much pressure on your body.
Keep your mind distracted and think happy and positive thoughts. Any type of anxiety could cause your muscles to contract, so keep your mind at peace.
There are different relaxation and breathing techniques that can help with keeping you calm and composed.
Listen to your favourite soothing music to relax your senses as it helps with ignoring the pain.
Move your hips backwards and move your body forward to help with slowly pushing your baby towards the cervix and increase dilation.
Whatever the situation may be, just make sure that you are well informed, fully prepared and have done your research. Either way, never hesitate to stay in touch with your doctor and take all the necessary precautions to welcome your little one the right way!
Also Read: Signs & Stages of Labour Read more
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Developing The Knack of Understanding Feelings through your Child’s Eyes
Children usually think, see and feel the things around them from a different perspective. Looking at the world from their eyes, and learning to take cues can help you tune into their feelings and emotions.
Feelings and emotions are as natural to children, as they are to adults. The only difference probably is that as adults, we learn to comprehend what we are feeling, whereas for children, it is difficult to communicate the same. Learning to think like a child will help you to understand your little one's feelings. Children whose emotions are handled supportively grow up to be confident human beings, and get to learn how to express themselves.
At his age, a preschooler would not see a situation from the same perspective as yours. For example, if you rebuke your older child for doing something inappropriate, your preschooler may think that he may too face the same level of consequences in future. For understanding a child, you first need to become a child yourself or remember the days when you were a child. This will give you cues and signals as to what your child is feeling and how to respond to situations.
Here are a few questions you must ask yourself before you step into a child’s shoes, and measure the intensity of their emotions:
Which instances have influenced you the most as a child? Think about both negative and positive situations.
How did your parents tackle your actions, feelings and emotions during your childhood?
Were they supportive of your feelings? In what way?
Were you were able to express yourself clearly and freely as a child?
Which things you would have wanted your parents to change about their behavior towards you while you were growing up?
Are you happy with your upbringing?
Which of your childhood memories or experiences would you want to pass over to your child?
Ways to Learn to Understand your Child’s Feelings
Remember that your preschooler is still in the growing up phase of life. To always expect logical actions or appropriate behaviour from him may not be the right thing to do.
Children are also thoughtful individuals, who go through a myriad of emotions. Respect your child, his individuality and his feelings.
Always pay careful attention to what your child is trying to communicate. Keep your eyes and ears open; let your parental instinct be the right judge to a situation.
Understanding a child requires patience. It may not be always possible to know why he is upset or what is troubling him, but keep trying. You will get there!
Like adults, children too need someone to lend a listening ear or talk their heart out. Being present with them can build their trust in opening up to you.
Empathize with your child- Using magic words such as “I know how you feel right now” or “I can understand” can make your child feel much better.
Make collaborative decisions regarding any situation pertaining to your child. Seeking his opinion will help you to view that situation from his perspective.
Let your child know that he is safe, and can always rely on you for support and right guidance.
Understanding a child’s feeling through his eyes can make him feel good about himself and also help you in responding to his needs effectively. Read more
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Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
14 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
7 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
13 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
8 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
7 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
5 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
4 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
4 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
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
4 hours 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.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
35 mins ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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