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4 to 6 Months Old Baby Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is very crucial for a baby as all their vital organs and bodily functions require a good amount of rest in order to develop. As a parent, it is important that you ensure your child gets a good amount of sleep by observing their sleep patterns and ensuring they do not stray from a regular routine.
There are ways in which a parent can establish good baby sleeping habits and it will require some effort on your part to identify these patterns in your child.
Video: 4 to 6 Month Old Baby’s Sleep Pattern
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRUniNQct6o
What is My Baby's Sleep Pattern?
Every baby is different and you need to be sensitive to your baby's needs and patterns so that both of you get the rest that you deserve. The good thing is, you can try and teach your baby how to achieve a proper sleep pattern, which will take care of your baby's complete sleep requirements for the day and also give you much-needed rest.
A 4 month old baby sleep pattern can differ from a baby who is slightly older, say, a 10-11-month-old baby, so watch out for this.
By around 4-6 months, your baby will begin getting used to a regular sleep pattern. There are instances where some infants might require breast-feeding at night, but the frequency of this happening tends to reduce.
How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need? (4-6 Months)
Babies at this stage and age, generally sleep around twelve to sixteen hours a day. This includes the longer night-time sleep, with two naps in the day.
During The Day:
On an average, daytime sleep is around three to four hours, spread throughout the day. The need for naps during the day may reduce as your baby grows older and her sleep regularises.
During The Night:
At night, babies typically log around 10 hours of sleep. By the time babies are 6 months old, most of them sleep through the night for 9 hours, or maybe even longer.
How To Establish Good Baby Sleeping Habits
You can start any bedtime routine which works in order to get your baby to sleep. A few soothing activities and actions that lead to drowsiness always work. You can also give your baby a nice warm bath after which some singing or stories can signal the end of the day. These activities could be utilised as a bedtime ritual for many years, even as your child grows up.
In time, you would prefer that your baby falls asleep on their own. That would require you to complete any night-time routine you have before placing the baby inside the crib when they’re drowsy. If they do cry, it is better to move away for a few minutes and allow them to settle and fall asleep on their own. Resist the urge to cuddle them, especially if you want them to learn to fall asleep on their own. If the crying continues, you may consider holding the baby a bit longer..
Are There Any Sleep Problems At This Age?:
There are a few 4 to 6 month old baby sleep problems that need to be addressed if they are recurring, but with practice and time, your baby will start getting used to sleeping on their own. Babies can suffer from separation anxiety also, so make sure you watch out for the signs.
Baby Sleep and Development:
Having adequate sleep is necessary to prevent a baby from being cranky all the time and also keep them healthy and free from illnesses. As their bodies are still developing, getting enough sleep puts babies in a position of adequate rest, ensuring all body functions are carried out at optimum levels. Development of the immune system is an especially energy-consuming developmental milestone, alon with brain development. Both require the baby to be well-fed and well as well-rested.
Sleep Tips for 4 To 6 Months Old Baby:
Indeed sleeping is an important aspect of baby development. It is also one that is relatively easy to manage, as compared to having to deal with an illness or nutrition problems, etc.
Following are a few simple tips that can be followed to ensure your baby gets good sleep. :
If your 4 month old naps on their back, change this habit. Ensure that they nap on either side or their stomachs.
Provide them a surface that is firm and cover the mattress with a sheet that is snug.
Do not put other stuff – like pillows, soft-toys, etc. – inside the bassinet or crib. If required, place a baby monitor. It can be used as an effective sleep solutions for babies as you can try and listen for cues of your baby waking up in the middle of the night when you're not in the same room.
Avoid overheating of the room and of your baby too. Ensure the baby always feels cool (but not cold), and is sleeping in ambient environment. Try to avoid over bundling.
Try giving them a pacifier to suck on while asleep. If the baby seems unwilling to accept it however, then don’t try to force it on them.
Watch out for any hazards like cords, wires or ties that can affect the baby. Ensure that their sleeping environment is safe and sound.
What if baby wakes at night? Do not worry. This might be because they are distracted or need some pacifying before sleeping. Ensure that they are completely asleep when you place them back in the crib.
Signs of a Sleeping Baby
A few months post your baby's arrival, you will notice sleep patterns and signs emerging. A 5 month old baby sleeping a lot is a good sign as they need a lot of rest. As a parent, you just need to ensure that they are not sleeping more than the normal number of hours they do.
Often new mothers may have trouble identifying signs of sleepiness. Here are a few signs of a sleeping baby:
Their facial expressions can go from being relaxed to grimacing.
They can start looking away from you and stare into space.
They rub their eyes and ears.
Heavy yawning.
Clenching their fists
Some babies have their own idiosyncrasies when it comes to sleeping, so the faster you can identify them, the better.
Always ensure your babies get good sleep and have a peaceful early childhood. This is because the amount of nutrition and rest they get in their first few years plays a major role in their development later on.
Also Read:
7 to 9 months Old Baby Sleep
Tips to Make Your Baby Sleep Read more
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Chikoo (Sapota) for Babies - Health Benefits and Recipes
Sapota is also known by the name sapodilla. It is called as “Chikoo” in the Indian subcontinent and is a widely popular fruit enjoyed by everyone. It is mostly brown in colour and is soft and pulpy. It consists of sugars such as fructose and sucrose.
Chikoo has been popular since time immemorial, but the question that bothers many parents is if it can be given to their babies. But no need to worry, as the following guide will help you know everything about this super fruit.
Is Chikoo Good for Infants?
Chikoo has many health benefits associated with it. It strengthens the immune system and eases the bowel movements. And, yes it is even safe for infants, as it does not lead to any allergic reactions. You can introduce chikoo to your infant once he is 6-months-old and rest assured your little one will relish its taste.
When Can You Introduce Sapota in Babies' Diet?
You can introduce sapota in your babies’ diet once he turns 6 or 8 months old. This is the safest period to include sapota in your infant’s diet plan. It is usually recommended for its rich taste and nutritional values it holds.
Nutritional Value of Chikoo
Chikoo is a highly nutritional fruit. Know its nutritional value:
NUTRITION CONSTITUENT
Nutritional Value
Percentage of RDA
Energy
83 Kcal
4%
Fat
1.10 g
3.5%
Carbohydrates
19.96 g
15%
Dietary Fibre
5.3 g
14%
Protein
0.44 g
<1%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
VITAMINS
Niacin
0.200 mg
1%
Riboflavin
0.020 mg
1.5%
Thiamin
0.058 mg
5%
Vitamin A
60 IU
2%
Vitamin C
14.7 mg
24.5%
Vitamin B6
0.037
3%
Folate
14 µg
3.5%
ELECTROLYTES
Sodium
12 mg
1%
Potassium
193 mg
4%
MINERALS
Calcium
21 mg
2%
Magnesium
12 mg
3%
Copper
0.086 mg
9%
Zinc
0.10 mg
1%
Selenium
0.6 µg
1%
Phosphorous
12 mg
2%
Iron
0.80 mg
10%
Source: The following chart gives an insight into the nutritional value of sapota. These values are based on a study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Amazing Health Benefits of Chikoo Fruit for Babies
Babies love anything that tastes sweet. Sapota or chikoo is one of them, but along with its rich taste, there are some amazing health benefits that make it a good choice for babies. Read on, to find out how chikoo is beneficial for babies:
1. Improved Digestion
Sapodilla for babies is highly recommended as it is rich in fibre content. Eating sapota improves digestion in kids and treats constipation. You can give sapodilla to your little one. Sprinkle it with a pinch of salt if your baby is suffering from constipation.
2. Improved Physical and Mental Growth
Chikoo is found to be a rich source of vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and B6. Vitamin C, in particular, boosts immunity and vitamin A improves eyesight. Vitamin B6 helps in brain development, controls haemoglobin levels. It even helps with the production of RBCs. So, a small fruit can be very healthy for your baby.
3. Cures Cold and Cough
Sapota contains expectorant properties which makes it good from the medicinal point of view. Sapota, when served to babies, can provide relief from congestion and clogging in the chest.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Sapota is obviously good for the health but the leaves of sapota tree also offer amazing health benefits. The leaves of sapota have anti-inflammatory properties; all you need to do is boil a bunch of sapota leaves for about 10 minutes and serve the boiled liquid to your little one once it cools.
5. Provides Energy
Sapota is a good source of minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, and copper. Not only minerals but sopata is also a good source of vitamins like folate and niacin. The combination of all these minerals and vitamins helps in providing the required energy and strength to your kids.
6. Acts as an Antioxidant
Sapota or chikoo is found to be a good source of antioxidants. These antioxidants are necessary for infants as these help in preventing cell damage. The free radicals that are produced during metabolism are counteracted effectively with the help of antioxidants.
Precautions to Be Taken while Introducing Chikoo to Infants
Though sapota is found to be beneficial for kids, certain precautions should be kept in mind while serving this sweet and nutritious food.
Serve peeled sapota to your kids which does not contain any seeds.
If your baby's teeth are not developed, it is better to crush sapota’s inner soft portion and then serve the formed liquid puree for better digestion
Prefer only serving ripened sapota to your little ones as it will be easy to swallow and digest it.
Do not serve rotten chikoo to your kids, i.e. if it is pressed or has a foul odour. Only fresh sapota should be preferred that has a solid outer surface.
Do not serve raw sapota to your baby as it may lead to irritation in the throat or even problems in breathing.
It is recommended to store sapota fruit in a cold and dry place.
Serve sapota to your kids in limited quantity as an excess of it can lead to difficulty in digestion.
Are There Any Side Effects of Chikoo in Babies?
Chikoo or sapota holds rich nutritional values. But looking at its negative side, it also can lead to certain side effects, such as:
Overeating sapota can lead to weight gain.
Overeating can also lead to indigestion and abdominal pain.
Eating raw sapota can lead to throat irritation, breathing problems, or even ulcers.
Easy to Make Chikoo Recipes for Babies
Chikoo should always be served as a puree or in other liquid forms to babies. And, keeping that in consideration, some amazing sapota recipes are suggested. These will not only taste good but also provide the intended health benefits:
1. Chikoo Milkshake for Babies
This protein drink is recommended for babies. It will not only taste good but will also boost immunity and aid in brain development.
Ingredients
1 ½ cup milk
2 fresh and ripe chikoo
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup finely chopped cashew nuts
2 ice cubes
How to Prepare
Mix all the ingredients together except ice and blend them till it forms a smooth paste.
Pour in a glass and add the ice cubes.
Serve it chilled to your kid.
2. Chikoo Puree for Babies
Chikoo puree can be made easily and does not require much efforts. Serving sapota puree to your baby is often recommended if your baby's teeth are not developed yet.
Ingredients
1 Chikoo or sapota
How to Prepare
Cut the chikoo from the middle into two equal parts.
Take out the seeds from it.
Mash the chikoo with the help of a spoon, or you could also blend it.
Add breast milk or normal milk so that it easily melts in the mouth of your baby.
Sapota or chikoo is one of the best fruits that can be served to your baby for its good taste and nutritional value. Now that you know everything about this miracle fruit, never hesitate to serve it to your kids and don't forget to follow the mentioned precautions.
Also Read: Banana Puree for Baby Read more
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Mom Who Went From 104 to 44 Kgs Reveals 8 Ways She Made It Possible!
Losing weight is never easy – but as moms we know, losing weight after pregnancy is perhaps the hardest! During the course of pregnancy and in the postpartum phase, women tend to put on a lot of weight. Losing this weight, especially around the belly region, can seem almost impossible. But Chan Vekaria, mom to a five-year old daughter, and her unbelievable weight loss from 104 Kgs to 44 Kgs prove that everything is possible if a mother so wishes!
Chan had always been on the overweight side. Before her wedding, she had an incentive to lose weight so she could look good for the big day. However, whatever weight she managed to lose came right back after the wedding. And then she became a mother to a baby girl. It only got harder and more and more impossible.
"Every time I went out to try and buy new clothes, it was a complete nightmare. I'd return home with nothing, as nothing in the popular high street stores fit me. I ended up ordering clothes online from stores, which specialised in plus sized clothing. I'd cut the labels out as soon as the clothes arrived so I didn't have to face looking at the size 24 tags.”
How Chan Got Motivated to Lose Weight
Like many of us, Chan too had probably resigned herself to her post-baby body. And then, one day, something happened that changed Chan’s life. It was the summer of 2009 and her daughter was five years old. She had taken her to the local park with her sister. And even though she was hot, she kept her jacket on.
“It was such a hot day, but I refused to take off my jacket. I waited by a bench sweating while the two of them had a great time. I remember my daughter kept looking over at me and calling me over, but I refused to go. The look of disappointment on her face will stay with me forever.
I felt like a failure as a mother. I was missing out on doing the fun things she wanted me to do with her because I was too lazy to do something about my weight…”
Chan’s Weight Loss Secrets Revealed
That day in the park, she decided enough was enough. She couldn’t bear to not be part of her daughter’s activities and enjoyment, just because she had a weight problem. Starting that day, she decided to get serious about losing weight. From then till now, she has gone from her highest weight of 104.7 kg to 43.9 kg, and looks amazingly fit!
Here Are The Weight Loss Secrets That Have Helped Her Achieve This Stupendous Goal
1. Make A Healthy Roti
Yes, even the regular roti we eat for lunch or dinner can become a weight loss companion. You just need to make it healthier. Chan shares a tip to make a healthy roti that’s packed with fibre and goodness and makes your metabolism speed up.
“At the weekends I make healthy roti by adding oats, flax seeds, and spinach into the dough. I have that with eggs or curry made from vegetables, soya or quorn. My family enjoy soya and quorn products so I try to add this in with any vegetable I am using that day to make a curry.”
2. Have Oats for Breakfast
Yes, oats really do live up to all that hype about weight loss! They are fibre-rich and contain no saturated fats which make you feel full but in a healthy way. This mom used to have oats for breakfast most of the time, with either fruit or nuts. She also had overnight oats made with almond milk, chia seeds, honey and berries.
3. Eat Steamed Vegetables
As Indians, we love to saute, shallow fry and deep fry our veggies. However, one little change can be a great change to boost weight loss: steaming! When you steam veggies, you are reducing the amount of fat intake because there will be minimal use of oil. However, all the nutrients of the vegetable will be intact. Chan ate a lot of steamed vegetables, especially broccoli and spinach. Here’s how she did this:
“I prepare a big batch of steamed vegetables and have that with either quinoa, couscous, eggs or a baked sweet potato. I also have some form of protein so either cottage cheese, or a yogurt.”
[caption id="attachment_167016" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/weight-loss/fat-buster-i-felt-like-a-failure-when-i-saw-my-daughter-disappointed/articleshow/56732643.cms[/caption]
4. Cut Back On Carbs At Night
We are often told that dinners should be light. However, in hectic lives where dinner is the one meal that the family has together, this can be difficult. But there’s one thing that you can do: reduce the amount of carbs you have at night (e.g. rice, roti, bread) and instead eat the curries or salads. To try to eliminate carbs in the evening, this mom has a curry with cauliflower rice or salad. Cauliflower, she says, is her favourite vegetable right now and she has used it to make pizza bases, hash browns, Frittata and patties.
5. Make Everyday Foods Healthier
The one big problem many of us have with eating healthy is the challenge of routine. With so much to do every day and so many meals to be made for the family, where is the time to create something especially healthy? Well, this mom has found a unique solution. All you have to do is to adapt your favourite foods so you can still enjoy them but with lower fat ingredients. Her favourite and easiest recipe for this is baked oats with berries, nuts and honey. But you can also do this with good old Indian food. For instance, if you’re a non-vegetarian, opt for fish rather than chicken or mutton as they have higher fats and are also tougher to digest. Check out more of these easy Indian food swaps to lose weight here.
6. Do a Mix of Exercise
Well, there’s no escaping this one – some exercise is essential to losing weight and keeping it from returning! However, it doesn’t have to be daunting. As moms, we already get a lot of exercise – think of all the walking, running, going up and down the stairs, mopping, washing…Apart from all this, try and see if you can get on a basic exercise schedule. Leave some days when you will not do any exercise, so as to remain motivated. Chan says, “I enjoy all forms of exercise so I incorporate a mixture. My training schedule is broken down so I get at least two days break before working for the same muscle group again. I have 1 rest day a week where I do not exercise at all.”
[caption id="attachment_167020" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/weight-loss/fat-buster-i-felt-like-a-failure-when-i-saw-my-daughter-disappointed/articleshow/56732643.cms[/caption]
7. Make Snacks and Desserts Healthy too
With all that focus on healthy eating, it is important to not deprive your body of all its cravings. So, if you have a sweet tooth, it is okay to indulge once in a while. However, this mommy suggests that we stick to healthy snacks that are delicious but also low on far. Chan’s favourite snack is homemade banana ice cream or energy bars. She makes the bars herself using dates and dry fruits to sweeten them up. You can also make your own fruit and nut bars using this simple recipe.
8. Pick Exercises That Don’t Feel Like Punishment
One reason many of us get scared of exercise is that they seem so daunting and strenuous. However, Chan says that there are many exercises we can choose from and they do not have to feel like punishment. She says, “Exercise for me is a reward for my body, not a punishment for what I ate. It's important to find exercises that you enjoy so that you are likely to keep doing them.”
So, how do you find an exercise that seems doable? To start out, we recommend these 17 exercises that need only 5 minutes. Trust us, they are really simple and even fun to do.
After finding out about this mommy’s journey, we can only say one thing – wow! She proves that if we only set our heart to something, and determine to reach a goal, we women can do anything we want. The best part is that her mantras are fairly easy to implement and can be done on a daily basis.
One Inspiration that Chan leaves us with - “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in, day out”
She says, "This is a quote I continue to live by today and will continue to promote to women all over the world. Success can be achieved by each and every one us. Be the woman that never gave up and decided to go for it."
Time to get started on our own health and fitness journey, moms, not just to lose weight but to feel happier, more confident, and teach our kids the importance of good health as well. Read more
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Charul Verma has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old he swallowed a earpod bur he is normal he eat as well as drink please suggest???
Charul Verma
Nutritionist
6 hours ago
A. hi mom
mostly it will be out once he passes stool
but better to show to doctor
it can be checked in x ray if required
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. i am 5 months pregnant n i haven't gone for check up even once still now is it okay or should I go
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. should go. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok. 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
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. my baby is 2 months old and she has developed a white patch on her face. What should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. White spots on the body and face could be there sometimes, which maybe because of fungal infection or some conditions like pityriasis alba or some other factors some conditions are aggravated by dry skiniu, show a proper mousturisation is required. Also, maintain a proper hygiene and a proper assessment should be done to rule out any other causative factor
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. my baby passes stool after every feed. Is it normal?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. it's ok normal hai jj. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. how you can
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
22 mins ago
A. question is incomplete please repeat ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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