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What Happens When You Don’t Brush Your Child’s Milk Teeth Every Day
Did you know that your child’s teeth begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy? The set of 20 pearly whites stays fully developed in the jaw, waiting to pop out at the right time. Read more
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Chest Congestion in Babies - Causes, Signs & Home Remedies
If your baby has a runny nose, it's a good thing, because it's a sign that his body is getting rid of the germs. But when the mucus accumulates in his nose, he may have nasal congestion, which may seem as congestion in the chest. Congestion is very common in babies and it isn’t life-threatening. But it can be extremely uncomfortable for your baby as it may make it very difficult for him to breathe. In this article, we provide you with an overview of congestion in babies; its causes, symptoms and home remedies.
What Is Chest Congestion?
The inner lining of the respiratory system consists of membranes that produce a thick and sticky fluid called mucus. When foreign objects such as dust particles or smoke enter the body, this lining begins to secrete mucus. Failure to expel the accumulated mucus leads to chest congestion. Thus, in simple terms chest congestion is accumulation of mucus in the nose and airways.
Causes of Infant Chest Congestion
Some of the potential causes of chest congestion in infants include -
1. Common Cold
The common cold is one of the major factors responsible for mucus formation. Since infants don't know how to cough it out, it leads to congestion.
2. Low Immunity
The immune system of babies is in developing stage hence they are more susceptible to cold and cough. And when a baby has a cold and cough, he is likely to have chest congestion.
3. Irritants
Irritants such as cigarette smoke, vehicle fumes and cooking smoke can affect the respiratory system of infants and cause chest congestion.
4. Asthma
If a baby suffers from asthma, he will be susceptible to chest congestion.
5. Premature Birth
Premature babies have a very weak immune system. This makes them prone to chest congestion.
Signs and Symptoms of Chest Congestion in Babies
Look out for the following signs and symptoms of chest congestion in babies.
1. Difficulty in Breathing
Your infant’s breathing pattern is likely to change if he has chest congestion. If you notice him breathing heavily and with difficulty, then it's probably a case of chest congestion.
2. Coughing
If your baby coughs often, it could be because of the fact that he has a lot of mucus in his chest. It is another symptom of chest congestion.
3. Mood Swings
Discomfort can make babies cranky and irritable. If you notice a sudden change in your baby’s mood, check if it’s chest congestion.
4. Insomnia
Sleeping with a blocked or stuffy nose is a challenge for infants. If your baby hasn't been sleeping well, it may be chest congestion.
5. Poor Appetite
A stuffy nose can affect the olfactory senses and make food less appealing to babies. So if your little one hasn’t been feeding well, he may be suffering from congestion in the chest.
6. Fever
Fever, though not a symptom of chest congestion, it can be a part of a spectrum of the common cold. But if the chest congestion worsens and develops into pneumonia, then fever is a part of the symptom.
Warning Signs
While chest congestion and a cold always happen together, a visit to the paediatrician isn’t a necessity always. However, if you spot these warning symptoms, you must take your baby to a doctor immediately.
1. Trouble Breathing
This results from severe chest congestion or a blocked air pipe. If his lips turn blue, he grunts, moans, and his nostrils flare, your baby requires medical attention.
2. Fatigue
If your baby appears fatigued and his urine output is less, you should take him to a doctor immediately.
Home Remedies for Chest Congestion in Infants
Home remedies are very effective for chest congestion. Here are some remedial measures that can be tried at home to ease your baby's chest congestion.
1. Try steam!
An effective method that will provide your baby with immediate relief is steaming. Steaming will help loosen the mucus inside the chest. Furthermore, it will moisturise the nasal cavity and prevent the drying up of mucus which can block the airway. A vapouriser or humidifier adds moisture to the air. Alternatively, you can take your baby into a bathroom filled with steam.
2. Use ajwain and garlic potli.
Heat some garlic and ajwain in a tawa until it is slightly warm and wrap it in a piece of cloth. Apply this on your infant’s chest to provide relief from chest congestion. Avoid making the mixture too hot as it could burn your baby’s skin.
3. Breastfeed your baby.
If your infant is below six months of age, just breastfeed him. Breast milk works better than over-the-counter pills. It will hydrate your infant, take care of his nutritional needs, and help him fight infections.
4. Raise his head.
Keep your baby's head elevated will help drain the mucus away through the nose and clear his chest.
5. Massage using mustard oil.
This is a variant of the second remedy. You can use warm mustard oil with garlic to massage your baby’s chest. Use caution while applying as hot oil can burn your baby’s skin.
6. Pat his back.
Lay your baby on your lap in such a way on his tummy. Cup the neck in one hand. Now, use your free hand to gently pat his back and loosen the mucus stuck in the chest area.
7. Give turmeric.
Turmeric contains curcumin which helps the body remove the mucus that is lodged inside. It can be mixed with warm water and given to the baby. However, avoid giving too much turmeric as it can induce nausea.
8. How about some chicken noodle soup?
Chicken noodle soup has been used to cure chest congestion since ancient times. It clears up the mucus in the lungs, provides all the required nutrients and needs lesser energy to digest.
9. Try lemon and honey.
Lemon and honey can help loosen the phlegm. Lemon is also rich in Vitamin C which helps to boost the immune system. However, this should not be given to a baby who is below one year of age.
10. Onion juice helps too!
Grate an onion and add the juice to lukewarm water. Onions contain sulphur and quercetin which help to reduce mucus formation. It also has anti-microbial properties which help in fighting off infections. It can be given to babies who are above one year of age. However, your infant may not like its taste. You can mix it with honey and warm water before giving it to your baby.
11. Try giving radish juice!
Radish juice contains compounds that ease chest congestion. It can either be consumed directly or its oil extract can be applied on to the baby’s chest.
12. Eucalyptus oil works too!
Eucalyptus oil has a pleasant fragrance and works wonders if your baby has a cold and cough. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief and place it where your baby sleeps so that he can inhale the scent.
13. Bathe your baby with warm water.
Give your baby a warm bath in addition to the above home remedies. It will distract him and also clear nasal congestion.
Preventive Measures
A few preventive measures that can reduce the chances of chest congestion are:
1. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Maintain proper hygiene in your home. This will prevent your baby from falling sick and keep him healthy and fit!
2. Use Tissues
Use tissues to wipe your infant’s nose and mouth as they are disposable and help maintain hygiene.
3. Cover Your Mouth
Germs spread while coughing. If somebody in the house has contracted the flu, tell them to cover their mouth while they cough.
4. Use a Hand Sanitiser
If your baby has started eating with his hand, make sure you make him use hand sanitiser before his mealtime. Since his immune system will be weak, exposure to new germs may make things worse. You can also ask your family members to use a hand sanitiser before and after touching the baby.
5. Ensure That Your Baby Has a Healthy Diet
Include turmeric, lemon and ginger in your little one’s diet to keep chest congestion at bay.
6. Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Keep your infant hydrated when he has flu so that the mucus does not dry up.
7. Make Sure Your Baby Gets Enough Sleep
If your baby is sick, chances are he won't get good sleep. You should try to make him sleep. Keep your baby's room temperature warm so that your baby can sleep peacefully.
8. Avoid Crowded Places
Avoid taking your infant to crowded areas to prevent him from getting exposed to people who may have a cold.
Chest congestion is common in babies and can be very unpleasant. But home remedies can cure your baby. However, if the home remedies don’t prove effective, take your baby to a paediatrician without further delay.
Also Read:
Nasal Congestion In Babies
Best Home Remedies for Blocked Nose in Infants
Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in Babies Read more
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10 Popular Indian Folk Dances That You Should Know About
India, owing to its rich and diverse culture is bedecked with different forms of classical and folk dances. Folk dances usually mark the celebrations during numerous seasonal or religious festivals. Common folk-dance styles like Garba, Bhangra, Lavani are indulged in with great zest and zeal across the country to express happiness and festivity. They are a vital part of our social merriment. Most folk dances have constantly evolved and grown over the years, bringing in uniqueness and novelty to the Indian culture.
10 Famous Traditional Folk Dance Forms of India
Some of the prominent folk dances of India, state wise, may include the following:
1. Bhangra - Punjab
Bhangra is a lively and energetic folk dance of Punjab. Its origin remains abstract. However, some say it is a martial form of dance while the popular version is that it was initiated by farmers to rejoice the Baisakhi festival or the harvest season. With time it gained importance in all major celebrations like weddings and festivals. No festivity in Punjab is considered complete without Bhangra. It involves vivacious dance steps along with the beats of a dhol or drum. The dresses worn are bright and colourful- a reflection of blissful and jubilant revelry.
2. Jhumar - Haryana
It is a dance form prevalent in the state of Haryana. In certain portions of the state, people also refer to it as the “Hariyanvi Gigga”. It gets the name Jhumar from an ornament worn by females to embellish their forehead. Young married females clad in striking get-ups and sparkling jewellery sing and dance to the bangs of thali or dholak. In general, they dance in a circle while singing. At times, a dancer may also balance herself on a thali to move around gracefully.
3. Garba - Gujarat
It is one of the chief folk dances of west India. Women engage in this graceful dance on festive occasions like Navaratri, Vasant Panchami, Sharad Purnima, and Holi. Women do the Garba on all nine nights of Navaratri. It encompasses going around in a circle, singing and clapping musically to the rhythm of a drummer or Dholi. Garba songs are largely a tribute to Mother Goddess Amba. The costumes entail a short coat or Kedia which has tight embroidered sleeves, churidars or tight trousers, bright waistband and coloured turbans or embroidered caps.
4. Bihu - Assam
This elegant northeast Indian dance holds an important place in the revels of Assam state. People generally participate in this dance form during the Rongali Bihu festival which denotes the start of the spring season. The precise details of its origin are not known. But according to the earliest records, King Rudra Singa of Ahom invited artists to partake in Bihu on the happy event of Rongali Bihu at Ranghar fields in 1694. Both women and men take part in this beautiful dance which includes quick hand movements and spirited dance steps. The vibrancy of this dance style is exhibited in the outfits as well. Men are dressed in colourful, embroidered gamocha and dhotis, whereas women adorn the traditional attire of Mekhela and Chador.
5. Hikat - Jammu and Kashmir
It is a playful and frisky dance generally performed by young girls and boys in Kashmir when spring majestically engulfs the valley in all its grandeur. The boys and girls become dancing partners, linking their arms, holding each other’s hands, bending their bodies backwards moving with perfect precision in a circle. They sing songs and the music is often provided by Rabab and Tumnaknadi (drum).
6. Lavani - Maharashtra
It is a melodious blend of tune, song, dance and tradition. The captivating Dholak beats coupled with dynamic dance movements makes this dance style particularly jazzy. It has a fast tempo and a powerful rhythm. It revolves around a variety of subjects like religion, politics, and society. Sometimes it is presented in romantic flavour wherein a woman is eagerly waiting for her love to accept her.
7. Kathakali - Kerala
Kathakali is one of the most familiar classical dances of India. This vibrant dance-drama features fascinating colours, graceful body movements, beautiful expressions synchronised to the tune of music and song. It originated during the 17th century and is extensively performed all over the state of Kerala. The dance depicts drama through mudras and expressions, which is usually inspired by The Ramayana, The Mahabharata or The Puranas.
8. Chhau Dance - Odisha
It is an ancient East Indian folk dance which initiated during the pretend fights of Odiya warriors who fought to the strokes of native musical instruments. Today’s extremely stylised Chhau dance follows the basic values of Nandikeswara’s Abhinaya Darpana and Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra. The Chhau performers worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. This virile dance practice contains intricate footwork, jumps, and whirls, and legs and feet are used to illustrate bhavas.
9. Raas Leela - Uttar Pradesh
Raas leela is an interesting enactment of the mythological stories of Bhagwat Gita. It essentially describes the life stories of Lord Krishna beginning from his childhood and extending to his adolescence. It also explores the romance of Radha and Krishna apart from the divine love of Gopikas for Krishna. The art form comprises of charming dance actions and delightful facial expressions.
10. Pung Cholom Dance - Manipur
This dance form is a combination of movements and sounds which sometimes entail acrobatic skills and stamina. The dancers play the musical instrument called Mridanga while displaying their performance.
Folk dances are generally a part of every possible festivity- to welcome the seasons or a baby into the family, weddings, festivals and so on. They typically involve easy steps and are full of vitality and energy. They may be a hallmark of our country’s different states. Nonetheless, they represent oneness as all of them exemplify joy and vivacity.
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Why Kids Lie And What To Do About It?
When you catch your kid lying for the first time, it is normal to feel betrayed and disappointed. While lying is considered as bad behaviour, it is a normal part of growing up in children. Moreover, white lies, which are said in order to be polite, can be an important social skill in kids.
However, if you find your child lying to you often, it is important that you do not feel frustrated. Instead, you can use positive reinforcement methods to encourage them to tell the truth.
Why do Kids Lie?
Kids aren’t born with a moral code that distinguishes between right and wrong. This is learned behaviour. Through interaction and examination of their environment, they gradually learn these codes of conduct. Since their cognition and understanding of the world is also in the process of development, they may lie for various reasons at different ages.
1. To Avoid Getting into Trouble
One of the most common reasons why kids lie is to avoid getting punished. If they understand that there are consequences for breaking a rule or not doing what they were supposed to, it is likely that they will lie instead to avoid being punished.
2. A Response to Peer Pressure
Children may also lie in order to feel like they fit in better with their friends. This is often done in order to impress friends.
3. To Get What they Want
If you tell them that they would be given something after completing a certain task, they may lie in order to get the reward. They may even lie to avoid doing the chore.
4. Too Many Restrictions
If there are a lot of restrictions imposed on the kids and they are asked to give details of everything that they do, they may feel trapped. Such kids are likely to lie to in order to have the independence of enjoying normal things.
5. To Avoid Hurting Other’s Feelings
Some kids gradually learn to say white lies in order to seem polite and not hurt others. Telling their aunt that they love the gift even if they aren’t very fond of it is one such white lie. Most kids learn this either after being told to do so or out of consideration for others feelings. This may lay the edifice of certain social skills in kids.
6. To Get Attention
Kids who tell tall tales may be trying to get their parents’ attention. Kids with a vivid imagination may also lie to make their stories more creative.
When does a Child start Lying?
Children may begin to lie as early as around 2 years old. Since their language skills are still developing and they aren’t able to recognize the difference between reality and fantasy, they may not understand moral importance of telling the truth. Although, lying may start very early in children, the reason for lying changes as their cognitive skills and understanding of the world develops.
Children under the age of three lie in order to avoid punishment or to avoid doing something that they don’t enjoy. If they are asked about a mistake, they may bend the truth or outright lie in order to avoid being reprimanded or punished. They may even be reacting to your tone when you ask them if they did something wrong. If you sound angry, it is likely that they will lie in order to avoid that anger. Punishing these toddlers for lying may have no effect as they are usually not able to wrap their heads around why they are being punished.
Between the ages of three to seven, kids are often unclear about the distinction between reality and fantasy. This is when you may notice them telling you about imaginary friends and getting creative with their lies. They may even insist that this fantasy world is real.
Kids between the age of eight to twelve understand what it means to lie. They may often test what they can and cannot get away with as they lie. This is when you can expect lies regarding homework or work that they do not want to do. At this age, lying tugs their conscience and they begin to feel guilty for having lied.
Once children enter their pre-teens and teens, they tend to lie for various reasons which may include not wanting to be reprimanded, peer pressure (desire to fit in), etc. At this age, they are completely aware of the repercussions of their lies and understand that they have a choice.
Helping your Child to Stop Lying
If you catch your child lying, it is important to react appropriately in order to not scare them further into lying. Here’s what to do if your child lies to you.
1. Stay Calm
If you react aggressively when you catch your children lying, it is likely that he will repeat it again in order to avoid your anger. Instead, talk to him in a calm and composed manner. This encourages him to avoid lying or come clean the next time.
2. Understand the Reason:
Find out why your child is lying. You can ask him directly once he’s admitted to lying. You may find out that there’s a reason behind his lies. He might’ve been scared of the repercussions. You can even initiate this by asking him if he was scared of telling the truth. If you find that your kid has bragged about things that he hasn’t done, he may be suffering from low self-esteem.
3. Explain that it is Wrong to Lie:
If your child broke something or made a mistake calmly tell him that mistakes are common and they happen. However, lying about it isn’t acceptable and that he needs to take responsibility for his mistakes. This will help them understand that the next time they wouldn’t need to lie to cover up a mistake.
4. Avoid Asking Questions that will lead to a Lie
Instead of asking your child if he’s done his homework, you can ask him when he plans on doing it. This will give him the chance to tell you his plan rather than cooking up a lie.
5. Appreciate Honesty
If your child comes clean about a lie, it is important that you appreciate him for it. If you react negatively even when he has opened up to you, there is a chance that he will not do it again to avoid your anger.
6. Avoid Punishment
Don’t punish your child if you find that he’s lied. This is especially true for younger kids as it may impact his emotional health. Instead, use positive reinforcement and praise him for accepting that he’s lied.
7. Limit your White Lies
Kids need good role models to look up to. They learn a lot of behaviours from their parents as you are a yardstick to how they perceive the world. Hence, it is important that you do not lie in front of your kids. This also means, not lying on the phone about where you are or other little lies that are considered acceptable to adults. Also, limit telling too many white lies. Although it is important for your child to learn them as he grows older, it can give him mixed signals about what kind of lie is acceptable. Rather than assuming that your child will find out eventually, try limiting your white lies until your child has a clear understanding of why these white lies are being told.
8. Bond with your Child
If your child has been lying to get your attention, make sure that you spend quality time with him. The first few years of development are crucial in helping set his moral compass right. It also tells him that you are available if he needs to speak to you about anything.
In kids, lying starts as something that is innocent; but if not checked at the right time, it can grow into something more serious that can affect them in the future. If you find that your child lies to you often, stage an intervention and talk to them calmly. Explain to them that lying is wrong and has its consequences. It is also important that you build a comfortable relationship with your kid which allows him to reach out to you without any fear. In case your child lies pathologically, seek professional help. Read more
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Babyhug Colourful Heat Sensitive Spoons Set of 2 for Kids Review
Babyhug Heat Sensitive Spoons came across this product accidentally while shopping on a FirstCry application. My go to application for shopping anything and everything for kids.
Heat sensitive is an innovative feature which these spoons have to offer. How many times have you burnt your tongue while eating food? When it can happen with adults than children are too young and more accident prone to such daily things. So basically this feature is useful for older kids too.
Though older kids know and understand what hot means, incidents can happen at any age and these spoons do the job right, telling the child that you need to wait before you gulp down your tasty meal. Only flaw which I came across was that it does not come in a bigger size. Since a bigger size will help for different age groups as well. Otherwise it's a great product which is value of money, must buy for all moms who are just gonna start weaning their babies as it makes their job also easy. Again and
again they don't have to keep checking the temperature of the food.
If we talk about the grip of this spoon, it is also good and perfect size to hold a 4 month plus baby. As well as the touch is really soft so no chance of the child getting hurt.
Softness is a feature which is most used when the child is teething so while eating they have a habit to chew the spoon too, and steel spoons can actually hurt, but these spoons are simply the best soft and bendable.
Cleaning of these spoons is also very easy, just a mild baby detergent and wash it after every use with water and then you can always sterilize them. These spoons are made of silicone so no plastic is used, which is again a great feature offering plastic especially while eating. I am a bit against it.
Only and only thing they need to work upon is the size of the spoon, so that this amazing feature can be explored by all age groups.
I would really recommend you to buy it for the babies who are just started weaning
food and give them the spoons in their hands to explore the world of food, our basis
of life. children learn better and eat better if you let them explore. Happy shopping
mommies…!! Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
17 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
17 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
13 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
13 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreSwati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Do consult your doctor as soon as you can. It's important to find the real reason because without that, proper medication is not possible.
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. it's my 5 month n I still didn't went for check up yet not even once is it okay if I go now or?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. You should have started going from the very beginning itself once you get to know you’re pregnant but since you haven’t reached that now if you’re pregnancy has been healthy last five months please get it checked with your doctor also if you need to start with any supplements or diet the doctor would advise you after a ultrasound so please visit your gynaecologist
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