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Chocolates for Toddlers & Kids - Benefits, Side Effects and Fun Facts
For many kids, the first chocolate bar that they received on their birthday might have been the very incentive they needed to socialise with new people. As infants and even as adults, chocolates have always been the favourite comfort food for everyone. But parents often wonder whether chocolate is good for kids? This is because it is linked with poor dental health. The answer is rather straightforward. Treating chocolate like a treat and not a mandatory food item is how you can begin to keep those chocolate-eating habits in check. Pairing that with a healthy chocolate choice would be the right way ahead.
History and Interesting Facts about Chocolate for Kids
Before your child dives into his first bar of chocolate, we’ve put together some information about chocolate for kids to get their interest level piqued as well.
Chocolate was used as a currency in the Mayan civilization
Chocolate was usually considered a food meant for the deities.
It was in 1819 when the first chocolate bar was manufactured. Until then, people would only drink chocolate.
Christopher Columbus was the first individual to get cocoa beans to Spain and give it to the kings.
In the Aztec civilization, the kings used to drink about ten cups of chocolate-based drinks in a single day.
Different Types of Chocolates
Though most kids are introduced to chocolates in its popular form as a chocolate bar, there are numerous forms of chocolate that can be used. These vary across form, flavour and composition, making them the preferred choices to be used in a variety of recipes.
1. Ground Chocolate
What do you get if you were to keep smashing a chocolate bar until it reduced down to a powder-like state? That is precisely what ground chocolate is, and is commercially available, too. Used in various preparation for garnishing or even as an important constituent, it is necessary to know that this is not the same as the cocoa powder that you might find in the supermarket as well.
2. Unsweetened Chocolate
The inclusion of sugar and other sweetening agents in the chocolate bar is what brings out its flavour and makes it deliciously edible. Pure chocolate, which is extracted from the liqueur of the same substance after hardening it, is not sweet at all. This is also termed as bitter chocolate or even baking chocolate since pure chocolate forms quite an integral component of various baked dishes and even cakes.
3. Chocolate Liqueur
The precursor to unsweetened chocolate, chocolate liqueur can be termed as the initial stage that leads to the formation of other chocolate types. It resembles a smooth liquid with chocolate flavour, although the word “liqueur” is not to be connected with alcohol. When cocoa beans are procured, they are ground together until they form a paste that has a smooth texture. This paste generally contains a substantial proportion of cocoa butter.
4. Cocoa Powder
Another popular ingredient used by many people in a variety of preparations, this is interpreted by many to be similar to ground chocolate. However, that isn’t the case. Cocoa powder is exactly what it states, a powdered form of the cocoa beans. The shells of the beans are removed and these are then ground together, which also ends up containing a small amount of cocoa butter in them. This powder is the first step to be used in making any kind of chocolate-flavoured beverage.
5. White Chocolate
If compared on technical terms, white chocolate would not be considered in the category of chocolates, since the essential ingredient of chocolate liqueur, is missing from its constitution. However, the reason why it is popular and included in the list of chocolate forms is due to the presence of around 25% chocolate in its form, paired with sugar and milk-based products.
6. Bittersweet Chocolate
This is one of those types a lot of health fanatics swear by and indulge in regularly to satisfy their cravings without feeling guilty. This is not the same as dark chocolate, which is actually a variant of it with a little more sweetness. Bittersweet chocolate primarily contains a specific proportion of sugar, cocoa butter and raw chocolate. These proportions have to be precise in order to deliver a combined flavour that’s bitter and sweet at the same time.
Health Benefits of Chocolates for Children
For children, chocolate is usually considered to be a treat or an occasional luxury to indulge in. And as proper as it might be, it is not just the taste, chocolate has vitamins for kids that provide numerous health benefits as well.
The constitution of chocolate is known to contain certain elements and substances that affect various mood-regulation hormones within our body such as serotonin and help in getting them back to a good level. Dark chocolates especially are extremely beneficial to elevate your mood.
When lacking in energy or a tiredness starts dawning upon you, taking a bite out of the chocolate can make you feel rejuvenated and give you a quick boost of energy to get back to your tasks.
Dark chocolate is recommended by many people since it plays a vital role in triggering the presence of flavonoids in the brain’s hippocampus. These elements, when stimulated, result in your children developing good concentration and an effective memory.
Certain flavonoids are present within the cocoa powder used for the chocolate production itself. Apart from improving the properties of preventing inflammation, increasing antioxidants and improving the clotting properties within the blood, insulin sensitivity gets a boost as well, reducing the chances of being diabetic in the future.
Milk chocolates and dark chocolates, when combined effectively, provide the appropriate balance of flavonoids from the latter and a reduced caffeine consumption from the former.
The flavonoids present in the cocoa powder used in chocolates are similar to those found in red wines and certain fruits. As doctors suggest that a glass of red wine is good for your heart, a similar proposition can be presented for your kids in regards to chocolate.
If your child suffers from skin related issues or does not have a healthy skin, eating chocolate could help restore the healthy skin back, without inducing any acne.
The antioxidants present in the chocolate play a key role in taking care of any free radicals within the child’s body, and preventing them from damaging the body internally.
Dark chocolate is considered a healthy choice by many, simply because of the presence of various minerals such as selenium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron and many others, making a part of its constitution.
Most parents avoid giving their children chocolate due to the belief that eating chocolate causes teeth to decay. The truth is actually the opposite since chocolate actually works towards reducing the presence of plaque.
One of the key effects that eating chocolate has is the immediate boost to blood circulation within the body. This helps support the developing brain function in children as well.
Most dark chocolates contain tryptophan. This is essential in revitalizing your mood and reducing the stress in your body.
Side Effects of Chocolate when Taken in Excessive Quantities
Even though chocolates might provide a lot of happiness and some health benefits, the effects of chocolates on toddlers and kids, when consumed in improper circumstances or quantities, can be harmful temporarily or even in the long term.
1. Insomnia
Yes, this isn’t just an issue plaguing the adults of today. Though this might not be due to stress in children, the presence of caffeine in most chocolates today can be a stimulant for kids, keeping them awake at night, and robbing them of the necessary amount of sleep.
2. Avoiding Healthy Food
What starts as an occasional tantrum, could very well manifest into a habit. The affinity that children develop towards the sweetness and taste of chocolate, could cause them to push away any other healthy foods, resulting in their development taking a hit.
3. Increased Risk of Allergies
Various chocolates contain a lot of other constituents such as milk, nuts, or added flavours. If your child tends to have an allergy for either of these, choosing a chocolate blindly and eating it, could trigger them right away and cause a medical emergency.
4. Peeing a Lot
The bladder capacity in children develops over time, which is why they need to go to the toilet more often. The presence of caffeine in chocolate aggravates this further since it is diuretic. This could cause your little one to visit the loo numerous time or even end up wetting his pants.
5. A Propensity for Addiction
Chocolate addiction is real. Very real. Be toddlers or young kids, the taste of chocolate can get too hard to resist at times, leading children to start crying when they are refused chocolate, or resorting to eating chocolates by hiding it from the parents.
6. Increased Hyperactivity
Children are already bundles of pulsating energy, staying engaged in one thing or the other. The presence of sugar in chocolates gives that yet another boost, by increasing the levels of sugar and adrenalin in the blood. This could make it difficult for your kid to stay in one place and concentrate.
7. Risk of Diabetes
It is not chocolate that causes diabetes, but its effect on insulin sensitivity that is the culprit. Even in children, consuming chocolates in exorbitant quantities could cause a huge load on the body’s insulin production, and could create the foundations to trigger type 2 diabetes quite early in life.
8. Risk of Obesity
Not just sugar and caffeine, but chocolates have a lot of fat in them as well, thanks to the presence of cocoa butter and other ingredients. By exposing the body to a large quantity of these, and leading a lifestyle void of exercise, your child is pretty much opening the door to obesity by himself.
Tips to Choose the Right Chocolates for Kids
There’s nothing wrong with giving chocolates to your kids. However, choosing a healthy chocolate for kids and giving them at the right time is just as important.
Do use chocolates as a way to encourage good behaviour in your child but don’t use it to get them to behave properly or as a bribe to get a task done.
Instead of opting for large bars of chocolate, go for smaller ones and in limited quantities.
Opt for chocolates that have low-fat, sugar and milk content in them.
Alternate usual chocolates with chocolate-flavoured biscuits or ice cream, once in a while.
There are caffeine-free chocolate bars available as well. Choose those over the usual ones.
Falling in love with chocolate doesn’t take a long time, and neither does the addiction. By keeping an appropriate grip on the consumption of chocolates right from the start, you can make sure your child gets the benefits of it and stays away from any potential side effects, keeping himself healthy throughout.
Also Read: Simple Chocolate Recipes for Children Read more
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Astha Mishra
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
16 hours ago
Q. Can I check baby heartbeat in 9th week of pregancy?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
15 hours ago
A. See that can only be monitored with a proper ultrasound or a machine which can check the heartbeat of the child otherwise there is no third way to figure it out further if you need to know more you can get a sonography done with your gynaecologist to have better clarity
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Managing Work and Baby's Playtime Together - Here's How I Do It
Engaging your baby in play and keeping her busy is a task in itself, that too when you have to manage your daily chores simultaneously. As much as you love engaging and playing with her, it is also important that babies and toddlers engage in self-play. They should be able to self-entertain without the help of TV and mobile phones; that's how they learn to explore things, think and act accordingly on their own. Also, babies will know and remember the consequences of many actions in self-play. I always provide my 17-month-old baby time to play by herself, I do not interfere in between and just make sure that she is playing and exploring safely.
Here are some most favourite toys and activities of my daughter Swara, which keep her engaged and active for quite a long time.
1. Stacking Cubes
These are multi-shaped colourful plastic toys which are good quality and unbreakable. Building a big tower and making it fall is what she does with the stacking cubes multiple times. It improves her grasping skills, sense of size and shape and helps her understand cause and effect relationship.
2. Eggs and the chicken
This simple game unexpectedly became her favourite one! I just keep a chicken in one of the eggs and let her find out where it is. It improves her concentration, develops her thinking and motor skills in opening and closing the colourful eggs. Also, there are many small toys like cars, bangles, paper pieces which can easily fit in the eggs and I use them as a surprise for her while playing.
3. Board Books
Being a book lover myself, I was amazed to see the vast variety in baby books! Too cute I must say! Pointing at colorful pictures, trying to pronounce words and listening to the stories helps in ímproving her talking skills and imagination. All in one board book, magnet book, sound book and small palm sized storybooks are currently in her little library.
4. Dolls and Teddy Bears
This will improve eventually I guess but she has started her pretend-play with all these toys using her memory and communication skills. It usually reflects our talks and interactions with her.
5. Cleaning the house
This came as a surprise for us, but she loves cleaning, dusting and wiping things! So, without discouraging her, I just gave her a wet towel, (sometimes small water bucket to play) and she will keep herself busy in cleaning her things, tables, chairs and what not! It's a good exercise for both of us!
6. Kitchen Utensils
These are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and she loves arranging them, imitating kitchen activities like cooking and pouring some water in glasses. She keeps playing with them for hours! Good for her and me too! it's great for learning coordination.
7. Pen and Paper
Scribbling is loved by most of the kids and needless to say it extends to her hands, legs, walls and tiles of our home after some time. But she enjoys it immensely. It helps in developing the future writing and drawing skills.
So these are some of the extremely simple toys and activities (or you can say daily chores) which are easily learnt by our kids when they see us doing it. It helps in developing many skills and thought processes in them. Of course, this all should also be accompanied by outdoor playtime. As a parent, be open, do interact, avoid unnecessary restrictions and instructions, let your kids enjoy their childhood and make sure you provide something new for their curious little minds every day!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Contribution – Growing eating habits in toddlers – a mother’s account of experience.
Every child is different and no two kids are same and thus everyone requires different techniques to teach and learn. However, there are some basic things which are more or less same for all. Do try them at the early stage and there’s possibility that our job as a mother becomes a little less troublesome. One such habit is of eating. As a mother of 4 years old I learnt them hands on and still learning.
1. Make them understand – We label children as innocent with no sense but in reality it’s quite the opposite. Just making them understand the importance of food can make our task quite easy. I can give an example which I normally follow with my child, it’s about “a mouse eating our tummy off if we don’t feed it food at the right time . With the help of food we can drive itaway and keep us healthy and get energy to do work”. I also add sometimes that “God will become sad if we waste food (vegetables) prepared by him”. This made him think a bit as he was not ready to make anyone sad.
2. Avoid binge eating – Avoid binge eating on a regular basis. This will help them to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner on time and will subsequently help them to regularise eating habits. Also avoid giving them sauces/ colas or sweet drinks – they just kill appetite.
3. Dinner time – a family get together – All the members should sit at the sametime while having breakfast/lunch/dinner. It enhances bonding as well as learning of table manners, helping with dishes, spoons, table mats etc. They are not aliens or guests that they require separate timing for lunch/dinner unless and until lunch/dinner is served at exceptionally odd hours .
4. No screen time while eating – Showing mobiles / TV during eating has become a common thing today. Grandparents / parents who are given responsibility often make the mistake of showing videos / animations / TV? Why not tell them a story/ rhyme ? We tend to think them as kids with “no ear” for songs /rhymes / stories but it is the very foundation of learning & speaking. Some will respond immediately and some will have slow response but giving them the option of “Idiot Box” will eventually ruin their future. My son started talking a little later around 2 years not becuase he was given screen time it was owing to the fact that except for myself no one cared to talk to him. They were waiting for him to speak ( irrational expectation). Then again we can’t argue with everyone.
5. Usage of cutlery – Although we are in the habit of eating with hands usage of cutlery like spoons should be encouraged with kids to teach hygiene and table manners. Some use both the hands ( fish / chicken / eggs ) while eating which shouldn’t be allowed. Use of major hand and spoon helps to place themselves equal with older kids / elders of the family. However, usage of fork requires guidance as they can hurt themselves.
6. Encouraging to eat on their own – Stop helping once they cross the 2 years mark. Be it roti / chapati / papad just ask them to eat on their own . They’ll just love their newly obtained responsibility. Fruits such as papaya, mango, apple if given with spoon can easily be savoured by the kids. Also ask them to chew and not swallow. Chewing helps in relishing the taste & flavour of the food and also helps in digestion.
7. Learning while eating – We can also teach them while they eat by pointing out the fruits & vegetables with their names , colours, size. Those who have learnt alphabets and phonics can easily recognise the letters if we point out the names. Thus it becomes fun for them and mommies can easily make up for the quality time with the added advantage of learning.
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Bed Rest During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a difficult journey. You will need to alter your diet, lifestyle, and activities in many ways. Your doctor visits will multiply. You might suffer from morning sickness, weight gain, and so on. However, sometimes the best thing to do during your pregnancy is nothing at all. Read on to find out what bed rest during pregnancy means, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.
Bed rest during pregnancy can mean several things, from staying in bed a few hours every day to checking yourself into a hospital. Known as activity restriction, bed rest is meant to keep your energy reserves high to avoid any risks or complications associated with your pregnancy, such as premature birth or stillbirth. Bed rest can last anywhere from a couple of days to several months. Until a few years ago, strict 24/7 bed rest was recommended by most doctors but now is only suggested in worst case scenarios. This is because prescribing bed rest has not been proven to improve a complicated pregnancy in many cases. However, there are still several reasons for your doctor to prescribe bed rest during your pregnancy.
Why is it Essential during Pregnancy?
The need and the importance of bed rest will always vary depending on the type of pregnancy you have and your existing medical condition. 70% of pregnant women are advised at one point or the other during their pregnancy. A 9-month bed rest is usually never recommended, however, depending on your condition your doctor may suggest if you need complete or partial bed rest. Some of the reasons for bed rest are:
1. Placenta Previa
In this condition, the placenta is located lower than usual. It blocks the cervix, which is the exit for the foetus. So take bed rest to avoid putting excess pressure on the cervix and placenta.
2. Cervical Insufficiency
Cervical insufficiency means that the cervical muscles are not strong enough to keep the growing foetus in place within the uterus, increasing the risks of a third-trimester miscarriage. Bed rest is very strongly recommended to avoid any undue pressure on the cervix.
3. Preeclampsia
One of the most common pregnancy-linked conditions, it appears in more than ten percent of pregnant women. Symptoms include increased blood pressure, urine protein, facial and feet swelling. Extreme cases of preeclampsia could risk both your and your baby’s life, and requires you to stay at a hospital so you can be constantly monitored.
4. Overly Active Lifestyle
If you lead a very active life and don’t pay much heed to your nutritional requirements, you might be asked to take a bed rest. Staying relaxed and consuming balanced meals will promote the healthy development of the foetus.
5. Pregnancy Bleeding
Occasionally, there might be some small amount of blood that appears during pregnancy. This might be for several reasons such as placental abruption, uterine tears or an injured cervix, any of which might lead to a miscarriage. In any case, bed rest during pregnancy's first trimester is recommended to avoid worsening the bleeding.
6. Fluctuations in Blood Pressure
Random fluctuations in blood pressure are symptomatic of eclampsia. Eclampsia can lead to severe seizures and multiple organ failures if not monitored, so a hospital stay is mandatory.
7. Oligohydramnios
Oligohydramnios is the condition in which amniotic fluid volume is lower than required to sustain your unborn child. As there are too many risk factors involved with low fluid levels and therefore clinically-regulated bed rest is suggested so the doctor can keep an eye on you.
8. Multiple Pregnancies
If you are going to give birth to multiple babies, bed rest becomes absolutely essential. This is because multiple pregnancies are more prone to risks and complications, and the safest bet is to just stay on a bed until your baby is born.
Will You Have to Stay in Bed All the Time?
The answer to this question depends entirely on your doctor. In some situations, your doctor might ask you to avoid certain activities such as intense exercises, moving large objects or performing difficult chores. In others, you might be confined to your bed and forbidden from lifting even a finger except to go to the bathroom or to the doctor.
Levels and Types of Pregnancy Bed Rest
Earlier, doctors would categorise bed rest in four major categories namely scheduled resting, modified bed rest, strict bed rest and hospital bed rest. However, with changing times, the categorisation has been further simplified. There are two main types of bed rest during pregnancy nowadays. These are:
1. Minimised Activity at Home/work
Many doctors will ask you to spend less time at work when you are in your last few weeks of pregnancy. It is important to rest often and avoid any activity that requires unnecessary exertion such as cardio, walking, or standing. However, you might still be allowed to take short walks on some occasions, and perform simple chores.
2. Minimised Activity at the Hospital
In cases where the pregnancy has a lot of complications, the doctor will recommend an extended stay at the hospital so the patient can remain under constant observation. Luckily, given the inactive nature of hospital bed rest during pregnancy, your doctor will make sure you stay fit by suggesting some simple exercises or a physical therapy course.
Here is a chart of the different levels of bed rest. How Much Sleep Per Day
Level
Daily sleep requirement
Daily bed rest requirement
Permission to leave the house
Level of activity allowed
Need for assistance
Permission to self-prepare meals
1
Min. 6 hrs
As you like
Yes
Light exercises
If you want
Yes
2
8-10 hrs
At least 2 hrs
Yes, but only for short distances
Simple chores
For tough chores
Yes
3
8-10 hrs
Most of the day
No, except to visit doctor
No housework
For all chores
Small meals only
4
8-10+ hrs
All day long
No, except to visit doctor
Can only move to and from bathroom
Yes, for everything
No, let someone else cook
5
8-10+ hrs
Hospital bed rest
No
No movement allowed
Yes, for everything
No, let someone else cook
What are the Benefits of Bed Rest for You & Your Baby
Aside from practising bed rest during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage, it has several benefits that safeguard your unborn baby. These include:
Bed rest keeps your circulatory system working efficiently, ensuring your baby gets all the nutrients it needs.
Studies have shown that bed rest reduces the concentration of stress hormones called catecholamines, which could induce early labour when produced in excess.
Your cervix, placenta and uterus remain free from excess pressure during bed rest.
Bed rest is known to improve blood flow throughout the body, preventing fluids from accumulating and leading to oedemas.
Discomforts of Bed Rest and How to Deal with Them
Lounging around on your bed all day sounds amazing! However, the lack of movement is soon going to cause joint pains, muscle loss, reduced flexibility and worsened blood circulation. In addition to changing from side to side and eating balanced meals, here are some exercises you can do to help soothe these discomforts:
Rotating your arms and legs in slow circular motions helps maintain your mobility and ease any muscular or joint aches.
Squeezing stress balls help prevent joint pains in the wrist and fingers.
Placing your hands and feet on the mattress and exerting a gentle pressure improves flexibility.
Tightening and relaxing the muscles in your limbs improves blood circulation.
Best Position for Resting on a Bed
This will entirely be based on the extent of pregnancy, disease history and any complications you might be facing. Women who have to be on bed rest for long stretches of time are asked to sleep on their side to prevent the uterus from putting pressure on the large veins of the body.
In this position, keep your knees bent like a foetus. You might also be told to lie flat on your back with your hips raised above the chest.
Risks
Lying down for days or weeks will definitely have its own risks. Some of the complications of bed rest include:
1. Blood Clots
Lack of movement can cause blood clots in pregnant women, especially in the legs. This is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis.
2. Depression and Anxiety
Staying in bed all day might make you feel like you are being a burden, which might initiate symptoms of depression or anxiety.
3. Family Stress
There could be stress in your family as your roles, such as working, home care or child care, are taken care of by other members.
4. Financial Worries (When You Have Stopped Your Job)
Many companies do not offer extended pregnancy leave, and even then you are allowed to avail it after birth. This might mean a loss of salary or even your job.
5. Low Birth-Weight of Your Baby
Bed rest implies a reduction in your cardiovascular health, which is associated with low birth weight and foetal growth problems.
6. Slower Recovery After Delivery
As there is minimal movement during bed rest, it will take you longer to get back on your feet after you give birth.
7. Weakened Bones and Muscles
Lack of exercise can cause bones to demineralise and muscles to atrophy, which can result in serious complications.
Do's and Don'ts to Discuss with the Healthcare Provider
While exhausting activities are out of the question, here are a few things you might be able to do. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about what you are and are not allowed to do during bed rest.
Mild exercise
Walking
Cooking
Having sex
Driving or riding
Washing yourself
How to Stay Healthy During Bed Rest?
Prolonged inactivity is not only boring but also unhealthy. Here are some things to do while on bed rest to stay healthy both physically and emotionally:
1. Physical Health
Stretch your arms, legs, neck, back, and basically anything you are able to, so they retain their strength.
Maintain a strict pregnancy diet, eat smaller meals more frequently and avoid foods that could cause indigestion.
Lie down as comfortably as you can, and changing position to ameliorate any developing muscle numbness or skin irritation.
2. Emotional Health
Entertain yourself with television, books or surf the internet. Don’t let yourself get bored.
Visit friends if possible, or have them drop by. You may not be able to catch up with them as often as you'd want once the baby is born.
Don’t stress about your situation. Many women have gone through the same thing and have had happy and successful pregnancies.
How Does Bed Rest Affect Your Family?
If you are spending most of your time in bed, your family will have to learn how to adjust to their new roles. Your partner might now be in charge of all the daily household activities such as washing, cleaning, shopping for groceries, and taking care of your children if you have any. While your partner takes care of your previous roles around the house, you should also ensure that they don’t get bogged down by taking care of you. If you have children, especially small ones, you might have to hold off on playing rough; instead, keep them entertained by reading to them or watching television with them. If possible, get a family member or close friend to entertain them.
How to Make Best Use of Bed Rest
Seeing as you might be spending a while on the bed, here are some things you can do to make the most of your time:
Make sure you have all the necessary supplies like a crib, diapers, milk bottles, maternity clothes, breast pumps, and so on.
Do some online research about your stage of pregnancy and any potential complications.
Inform yourself about vaccinations, breastfeeding, baby development, and other parenting techniques.
Eat enough nutritious food like fruits, veggies and whole grain cereals.
Read about important prenatal and postnatal supplements.
Don’t forget to do gentle exercises to keep your limbs active and healthy.
Keep a strict routine to re-establish a sense of control.
Organise your photographs, do your taxes, and other small projects pending at home.
Have a positive attitude to those helping you around the house with chores and jobs.
Drinking enough water keeps you free from constipation and inflammation.
Checklist of Any Item You May Need
Keep a checklist of items you might require within arms’ reach:
Water and snacks like fruits, veggies and nuts.
Mobile phone and laptop to keep in touch with people.
Stationery like pens and paper.
Grooming items like combs, brushes, nail cutters, and mirrors.
Books, magazines and newspapers to keep yourself entertained.
The best advice you can get during your pregnancy is to keep calm, however hard it might seem. Never forget that you are taking all these extra precautions and steps for your and your baby’s safety, even though it might not be enjoyable to you. The more you relax and take it slow, the higher your chance of having a healthy baby.
Also Read:
How to Deal with Restless Leg Syndrome during Pregnancy
Lower Back Pain during Pregnancy
Climbing Stairs during Pregnancy Read more
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9 Hacks to Save Money While Planning for Your Christmas & New Year Parties
The last month of the year is all about giving and sharing; and in this spirit of giving, it is only natural that you go overboard and spend more than what you intended. A few more days to Christmas and New Year and the party planner in you is already awake. If you have decided to throw a party for your friends and relatives this holiday season, then without a doubt, a major chunk of your savings will go on decorations, gifts, food, and cards. However, with some clever tricks, you can save your money AND still make your Christmas and New Year parties merry and bright!
9 Hacks to Save Money for Christmas and New Year Parties
Here are some clever and useful tips that will help you save money on holiday parties. You don’t have to be Uncle Scrooge to save money - cut your expenses a little here and there and you are good to go!
1. Set a Budget
If you want to throw a fancy party without spending a lot of money, set a budget beforehand (and save the regret!). As the holiday season comes around and you see shops all decked up and online sales put out deals, you are bound to get tempted and buy the things you won't actually use. And just like that, you will have spent more money than you intended. This is why writing out your budget is imperative. So make a shopping list and a separate budget for food, festive decor, gifts, and more. This way, when you go holiday shopping, you will go with a clear mind and won't lose sight of your spending.
2. Revise Your Guest List
In your head, you probably want to throw a big party and invite lots of people, but the mere thought of your budget would be enough to burst that bubble. But there's one thing you need to remember: you don't need dozens of people to have fun. Invite those who are close to you and make up your world. They love you and will appreciate your little efforts. So keep the count limited and have fun!
3. Make Your Own HOLIDAY Food
Rediscover your culinary skills and surprise your guests. Opt for simple and easy-to-make recipes, and you can save a lot of money. Bake cookies, make appetizers, and healthy drinks. Prepare dishes that don’t get spoiled in a few days time; you can bake cookies in advance, and make time for the appetizers and main course on the day of the party. However, keep the food choices limited to avoid wastage. Also, ask your partner and other family members to help you. It’s all about organising, and you can throw a wonderful party on a budget.
4. How About a Potluck Party?
If the thought of cooking so much food (all by yourself) for your guests is keeping you awake at night, throw a potluck party. Your friends will surely understand (if they knew how expensive it would be to throw a party, be it small or big!). This New Year’s Eve, host a potluck party; decide the menu, and let each guest contribute to the party. This way, not only will you save money, but also your time and energy. You also get to taste different delicacies you probably wouldn’t have thought of to make yourself!
5. Plan a Movie Night
No, you don’t have to book 15 seats in a movie theatre to please your friends; rent a movie and arrange for a movie night at home. You can buy, rent, or download a movie you think your friends will like, and keep the bowls of popcorn ready. One good thing about watching a movie at home is that you can play and pause as many times as you’d like because, well, you know there is going to be a lot of noise while you watch the movie with your friends; not to mention the comments and reactions! So be prepared, and most of all, enjoy (and cleverly save your money too.)!
6. Keep the Dress Code Simple
You don’t have to make your party a black-tie event and spend your money on expensive suits or ball gowns (which you’ll probably outgrow after wearing them twice or thrice!). Keep it simple and keep it in your budget. Ask your guests to dress casually - jeans, tees, sweatshirts, and jackets will work just fine. Let them wear what they are comfortable in; in fact, your guests and you will probably have more fun not being all dressed up! Don’t let your outfits make you feel less photo-worthy though, because you know you look best when you are comfortable and happy. Furthermore, to have a good time, you don’t need expensive clothes; you need good people! And guess what? You already have them!
7. Get Creative with Gifts
It’s so convenient to go to a store and buy gifts; you just have to pick and pay, and they’ll wrap it up for you too! However, think about buying 10 different things for your friends who have different choices. Not an appealing idea, is it now? And let’s just not discuss the amount of money you’d be spending on those gifts.
So, how about making gifts? It’s a good way to save money, after all! Surprise your guests with your creative side by gifting them handmade items. You can gift cookies, personalised soaps and candles, cards, photo holders, etc. The options are endless - it all depends on how much time you want to invest in creating these wonderful gifts. But be assured, whatever handmade item you gift your friends, they’ll love it - because it’s the thought and effort that counts!
8. Cut Down Expenses on Decorations
You are probably thinking, ‘What’s Christmas without decorations?’ - and we could not agree more. But we are not asking you to be the Grinch - all we are suggesting is that you be mindful while you spend on holiday decorations. If you are looking for ideas for Christmas party decorations on a budget, we have some suggestions that you might like! Instead of buying expensive decorative items this Christmas, buy inexpensive supplies from craft stores and deck up your house with those items. You can use candles, string lights, paper lanterns, paper streamers, and balloons to decorate your house. Find out places where you can get these things for a reasonable price and spruce up your house to make it party-ready.
9. Leave Your Card at Home While Going Shopping
Seems like a ridiculous idea, does it? It won’t sound like one, once you know the reason why we are suggesting it! Looking at the stores all decked up during the holiday season is likely to tempt you, and impulsively, you may end up buying the things that you’d never use, especially if you have a credit or debit card in your hand - your source of unlimited cash! So, leave the plastic behind and take cash with you. When you’ll have only cash to pay with, you will think twice before spending, and save yourself from regret later.
These were some tips that should help you save money during the holiday season. You can have a wonderful Christmas or New Year party on a budget too. All you have to do is be mindful of your expenses. Spend money where it is absolutely necessary, and go for handmade and homemade wherever possible. Happy holidays!
Also Read:
Creative Christmas Tree Themes With Pictures
Simple and Creative Christmas Cake Decoration Ideas
Most Popular Christmas Gift Ideas for 2018 Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Father of a 6 yr 4 m old child
18 hours ago
Q. my son is now 7 yrs and and last 3 three days ,he is complaining that he had bad and negative thoughts and this is too hilarious that.
we r too worried ,pls suggest 🙏
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
18 hours ago
A. it is quite natural small babies will be having different moods different types of behaviour please continue to interact the baby engage activities like drawing painting even clay sculpture o k
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
16 hours ago
Q. Hi this is pooja I am 6 weeks 3 days pregnant n m 31 yrs old my doctor prescribed me this interjection called choriotec 5000 once a week for a month .. I have already took two times but now my lil scared so can u pls tell me anyone here is it safe to take more ??? It’s not harmful nah ??? Pls ans dr
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
16 hours ago
A. Your doctor must have given it to you for a particular reason so I’m just going to advise you to follow what she says yet if you have a doubt or you’re scared about anything then why don’t you just prospect with your Dr as to what what purpose are you taking this and what is meant to be done in case you do not take the injection or you do not want to take
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
13 hours ago
Q. Mam last perioda mujhe 10 april ko aye the aur aj mene pregnancy test kiya hai to 1 line light ayi h to mujhe kya krna chahiye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. beta HCG test kare 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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
12 hours ago
Q. can I eat egg daily?
now I am in 1st trimester
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. yes you can eat egg daily even in first trimester. 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 Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Which are the safe sites to hire japas in New Delhi (EDD July)
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. you can always ask questions related to the health of child and mother in this section and it can bez either related to diet or food or vaccination or any type of medicine goingz on and given by your doctor.
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