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20 Best Places to Visit in Mumbai with Kids
Being one of India’s most famous cities and set on the coastline, Mumbai has everything to offer for children and adults alike. Your child can explore the city’s rich history, build sand castles on the beach, and take thrilling rides in amusements parks or anything else they can think of. Here’s a compilation of all the fun tourist places in Mumbai for kids.
20 Amazing Places in Mumbai for Kids
When you visit the city, be sure to check out these places:
1. Essel World
Essel World is one the most popular theme parks in India that offers a whole range of thrilling rides and entertainment that is favourite among kids of all ages. The park has thrilling rides for children, adults and families. Some of their most famous rides are the rollercoaster, Road Train, Crazy Cups, Zipper Dipper, Hedge Maze, Highway Cars and many more that are sure to keep the fun going all day.
Location
Borivali West, Gorai, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400091
Timing For Visit
Opens at 11:00 am
Closes at 7:00 pm
2. Nehru Planetarium
The Nehru planetarium is a must-visit place for everyone interested in astronomy or space in general. The kids are sure to be inspired by the breathtaking images of planets, stars, nebulas and more. The dome-shaped theatre hosts a show on stars and the universe projected on an overhead dome which gives an experience that is out of this world. Also, check out the children’s science park where kids can have fun and learn at the same time.
Location
Nehru Centre Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai – 400018, India.
Timing For Visit
Bookings from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
3. Adlabs Imagica
Adlabs Imagica is one of the new additions to many of the children's entertainment places in Mumbai.
It is India’s first international standard theme park that offers entertainment, shopping, dining, thrills and numerous other activities in one place. Opened in 2013, the 300-acre theme park can accommodate 20,000 visitors at any time. Along with thrilling rides such as roller coasters, carousels, high-speed rides and more, there are also events and live performances.
Location
30/31, Sangdewadi, Pali-Khopoli Road, Tal-Khalapur, Off Mumbai-Pune Express Way, Raigad, Khopoli, Maharashtra 410206
Timing For Visit
Park timings: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
Ride Timings: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
4. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
This beautiful national park in Mumbai has a total area of 104 sq. km. The park is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna and is visited by nearly 2 million people annually. It’s ideal to hire a cab to explore the vast area of the park, especially when you have children. Along with sheltering thousands of species of plants, animals and insects, the park is also home to the Kanheri caves which are 2,400 years old.
Location
Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400066
Timing For Visit
Opens at 7:30 am
Closes at 5:30 pm
5. Taraporewala Aquarium
This famous aquarium boasts 400 different species of fish from all over South East Asia. The kid will love the beautiful aquariums with the live and skeletal forms of coral and different coloured fish and marine animals. The place is educational while being a visual treat for all of the visitors. Since it is circular, you will end up right where you started, and the rest of the way see some incredible marine life.
Location
Tarapurwala Building, Near Charni Road Station, Charni Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400002
Timing For Visit
Weekdays- 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
Weekends- 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Mondays closed
6. Elephanta Caves
Although it is not located in Mumbai, a trip to the city is not complete without visiting the Elephanta Caves. This UNESCO heritage site is about an hour long ferry ride from the Gateway of India. This site is one of the finest examples of rock-cut architecture and offers a brief glimpse into the lifestyle of pre-medieval India. You can also dive to the site around Gharapuri if you don’t prefer the ferry option.
Location
Gharapuri, Maharashtra, 400094, India
Timing For Visit
Opens by 9:30 am
Closes by 5:30 pm
Closed on Mondays
7. Smaaash
Smaaash is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai for child gaming and entertainment. This huge arena for gaming and activities has something for everyone and is an absolute favourite among kids and adults alike. The arena features activities such as rock climbing, driving go-carts, bowling, arcade games, trampolines and a plethora of others. The place also allows you to grab a beer at the bar and unwind while your kids are away playing safely.
Location
Gate 4, Kamla Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Timing For Visit
Opens by 12:00 pm
Closes by 01:00 am
8. RBI Monetary Museum
If your kids ever wonder how money is made, this museum offers all the answers they’ll ever need. The explanation of how the concept started and evolved is laid out clearly while explaining how people traded before money. The kids will get to see all kinds of currencies from coins to notes and how they are made. Other sections give a glimpse into the history of money in India and around the world.
Location
Sir Phirozshah Mehta Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Timing For Visit
Opens at 10:45 am
Closes at 5:15 pm
Closed on Monday
9. Pawfect Life - Dog Daycare Centre
Pawfect life is heaven for dog-lovers. At any time at the centre, you will find 15-20 dogs chilling around freely. The dogs are super-friendly and do not bite. You can play with them and pet them for as long as you like but you aren’t allowed to feed them or take them out for a walk. You need to call ahead to visit this place as the slots are always full.
Location
F-1, Ground Floor, Nand-Dham Industrial Estate, Marol-Maroshi Road, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai
Timing For Visit
Opens at 12:00 pm
Closes by 5:00 pm
10. Snow World
Snow World is the perfect place to beat the heat and humid weather of coastal Mumbai. The place offers a whole lot of snow that children can play with. They can also try out activities such as snowboarding, snow sledging, ice-skating and more. Keeping warm is easy as the place provides all the clothing you need to keep warm.
Location
Phoenix Market City, 58 - 61, Lower Ground Level, L.B.S. Marg, Kamani Junction, Kurla West, Mumbai.
Timing For Visit
Opens by 11:00 am
Closes at 10:00 pm
11. Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden
This unique garden spread across 2 acres of private land has over 200 types of flowering plants. The flora attracts over 130 species of butterflies and is a wonderful place for children to learn about them.
Location
Ovalekar Wadi, Owala Village, Takada Road, Ghodbunder Road, Thane, Maharashtra, India
Thane West
Timing For Visit
Open to Public on Sundays Only
Open between 8:00 am to 12:30 pm
12. Mumbai Zoo
Located at the busier part of town, the Zoo is one of the major attractions of Mumbai. The zoo has all the animal's children love, such as elephants, lions, monkeys, crocodiles and more. The newest attraction is the penguin enclosure that houses 8 adorable penguins.
Location
91A, Lalbaug Flyover, Near Railway Station, Byculla East, Mazgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027.
Timing For Visit
Opens at 9:00 am
Closes at 6:00 pm
13. H2O Water Sports
H2O is a very popular beachside water park that offers thrilling rides for children and adults. You can choose activities such as boating, sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking and more. The one-stop destination for all age groups also has a café and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
Location
Opposite Charni Road Railway Station West, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Chowpatty, Gurgaon, Mumbai, 400007, Maharashtra
Timing For Visit
Opens at 10:00 am
Closes at 10:00 pm
Open on all days
14. Gateway of India
No trip to Mumbai is ever complete without visiting the Gateway of India. This monument, inaugurated in 1924, is visited by millions of tourists annually. Early evening is an ideal time to visit this place, and while you’re there, allow the kids to feed the pigeons, they’d love it.
Location
Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400001, India.
Timing For Visit
Open on all days from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm
15. Sewri Jetty
Every season huge flocks of flamingos migrate from Gujarat to parts of Mumbai. Sewri gets the bulk of this flock and holds the record for the maximum number. The jetty and mudflats in this region, therefore, are a great place to visit between November to May to see these pink birds. It’s an incredible experience for children to see these marvellous birds in their large numbers feeding in the mudflats.
Location
MPT, Harbour Line Sewri
Timing For Visit
Open 24 hours
16. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
First called the Prince of Wales Museum, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is a major history and art museum in Mumbai. The museum was built with the purpose of spreading knowledge of the rich cultural heritage of India and is a must-visit place for children. It has a great collection of Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, terracotta figurines, Indian miniature paintings and weaponry. Its natural history section has a wonderful exhibition of the native birds and animals.
Location
159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400023
Timing For Visit
Opens at 10:15 am
Closes at 6:00 pm
17. Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach is one of the most loved beaches in Mumbai. It is popular among joggers and children who play cricket or volleyball on the side. It is also popular for its food stalls and loud music which adds to its unique charm. Weekends can get a bit crowded, therefore, plan your visit on the weekdays.
Location
Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400049, India
Timing For Visit
Open on all days from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm
18. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
First called Victoria and Albert Museum, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum is the city’s oldest museum and is home to many archaeological finds, historical photographs, maps, clay models, costumes, silver and copperware.
Location
91 A Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East
Timing For Visit
Opens at 10:00 am
Closes at 6:00 pm
Open on all days
19. Mani Bhavan
Mani Bhavan is placed with a deep history that can give your children a first-hand account of the freedom struggle. This place was Mahatma Gandhi’s Mumbai headquarters and was a focal point of several activities during the pre-independence era.
Location
19, Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400007, India
Timing For Visit
Open on all days from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
20. Boat Trip to Feed The Birds
During the winter months, head to the Gateway of India and buy a return ticket on the ferry boats to Elephanta caves or Mandwa jetty and enjoy the views of the Mumbai harbour and sea breeze. Soon you’ll be followed by some of the migratory seagulls that fly over these regions. These birds fly close to your boat in hopes you’ll toss them some food. While they eat anything thrown their ways such as biscuits and bread, try and buy some healthier options for them such as fish and bits of fruits.
Location
Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400001, India
Timing For Visit
6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Mumbai has so many places for fun and entertainment for your children that you would need plenty of vacation time to explore them all.
Also Read:
Best Places to Visit in India with Kids
Fun Places to Visit in Delhi with Children
Warm Places to Visit in India with Kids during Winter Read more
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Teaching Your Toddler To Twist Taps and Jars
Teaching a toddler how to open a bottle is what every parent should take up- the sooner, the better. With this development milestone, toddlers learn the importance of closing a bottle after drinking on their own. Along with the obvious skill development, it also improves muscle movement.
It's a good idea to teach your child the concept of ‘twisting’ through certain practical life exercises. The best thing is that you do not need any special equipment for this activity. Just a bottle, a water tap, or even a piece of paper is enough.
Ways of Teaching a Toddler How to Close a Bottle and Open it
1. Paper Twisting is Fun
Give your little one a few pieces of paper and let her crumple them. This is an absolute winner with all toddlers. As much as they enjoy the activity, they also grasp the fact that the paper is changing its shape and texture when being crumpled. After this warm up session, show your little one how to fold paper. Start with basic shapes and gradually move to origami.
2. What About Bottle Activity?
Teaching a toddler how to open a bottle is a hands-on approach to teaching the concept of twisting. More often than not, children find it difficult to open their bottles before drinking water. So, by showing them the right way to go about the task, you will make your little one more independent than before. Also, while teaching the art of close a bottle, moms must remember to teach them to put the bottle cap in place to avoid any spillage.
3. Twisting The Right Way
By helping your toddler open a water tap while washing her hands or mouth, you are in fact showing her the way to manage things on her own. However, at the same time, do keep a watch on your little one as she will be very tempted to run to the tap every time and twist it open to play with water. You must teach your child to close the water tap after use. This will teach her the importance of saving water.
4. Open and Close
Cleverly conceived twisting activities help tiny tots learn about the concept of opening and closing bottles, jars, and taps after use. As a result, they learn to prevent wastage or spillage. You will soon see your little one teaching you how you should close a bottle immediately in case you forget.
5. A World of Independence
With these practical activities, children learn to be independent. They no longer have to run to mommy to open the water bottle, or get water from the tap while brushing their teeth or washing hands. Also, when kids are independent, they feel accomplished that in turn heightens their self-esteem and makes them turn into more confident individuals.
So, if you haven’t started with ‘twisting’ activities for your child yet, it’s time you do so now. These activities will improve your tot’s fine and gross motor skills. Alongside, they will also make her more responsible and confident. Read more
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35 Best Chhath Puja Wishes, Messages & Quotes for Your Loved Ones
The auspicious Chhath Puja festival is here, bringing enthusiasm and devotion. Celebrated mainly in North India, including states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby areas, this festival has also found its way across other regions in the country such as Gujarat, Mumbai, and more. This four-day-long festival is held in honour of the Sun God (Surya Deva) and Chhathi Maiyya, his sister, during which devotees seek his blessings for well-being and prosperity.
During this time of joy and devotion, spread the joy among your loved ones by sending them some heartwarming Chhath Puja greetings. Here is a compilation of the best Chhath Puja messages to greet your friends and relatives this year!
Happy Chhath Puja Wishes, Messages, and Quotes
This list of 35 happy Chhath Puja wishes in English and Hindi will light up your loved ones’ lives as they show their devotion to the Sun God on this occasion. You can use these Chhath Puja quotes for messages, social media, and more.
To the hope of Happy Times and Dreams for a year full of smiles! Wish you a Happy Chhath Pooja!
Pray to nature, the sun and the river as your fast begin on Chhath puja. May all evils get washed away!
Chhath is a festival dedicated to the Sun God. Let us thank the sun for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and fulfilling our wishes. Happy Chhath Puja, 2021!
Chhath Puja ka paavan din hai aaya. Surya devta aur Chhath Mata ki puj karne ka diwas hai aaya. Dher saari shubh kamnayein is khaas din ki!
May this Chhath Puja bring blessings and happiness your way. May all your dreams come true and all evil shed away! Happy Chhath Puja 2021!!
All that exists was born from the sun. There is nothing apart from it of what is, has been and is to be, and what moves and remains still. The sun alone is the source and end. Happy Chhath Pooja to you and your dear ones!
May the positivity of Chhath Puja be spread in your life and fill it with success and glory. Happy Chhath Puja!
On this Chhath puja, may Chhathi Maiya give you the courage of a lion and the strength of an elephant. Happy Chhath Puja!
C= Chant
H= Heaven
H = Holy
A = Almighty
T = Together
H = Hallowed
P = Pious
U = Upbeat
J = Jubilation
A = Awesome
Happy Chhath Puja, 2021!
Ek- Khubsurti!
Ek- Tajgi!
Ek- Sapna!
Ek- Sachai!
Ek- Kalpana!
Ek- Ahsas!
Ek- Astha!
Ek- Vishvas!
Yahi Hai Chhath ki shuruat
Happy Chhath Puja!
Wish you a very happy Chhath Puja with plenty of peace and prosperity!
On this auspicious occasion, I wish that the colour, bliss and beauty of this festival be with you throughout. Happy Chhath Puja, 2021!
May this Chhath Puja mark the beginning of life, fortune and success for you.
May the wishes to make this day be blessed by the Sun God come true. Happy Chhath Puja!
Thank the Sun God for prosperity, peace, and kindness to everyone. Happy Chhath Puja, 2021!
Long live the tradition of Chhath Puja! May nature bless you with love and care. Sending special wishes your way. Happy Chhath 2021!
May the occasion of Chhath Puja light up new hopes and opportunities in your life and fulfil all your dreams. Happy Chhath Puja to you!
Chhath ka hai aaj pavan din. Raho na tum apne pariwar k bin. Milkar manao pyara tyohar. Khusiya barse apran par. Aaj Karo Surya Dev ki Puja. Yahi hai unki sachhi seva. Happy Chhath Puja, 2021!
May this auspicious occasion bring you a lot of luck and prosperity! Happy Chhath Puja!
Mandir Ki Ghanti, Aarti Ki Thaali, Nadi Ke Kinaare, Sooraj Ki Laali, Zindagi Mein Aaye Khushiyaan Nirali. Happy Chhath Puja!
“Jo bhi karta hai tan-man-dhan se Chhath ko yaad, ho jata hai uska Jeevan khushiyon se aabad.” Happy Chhath Puja, 2021!
Is Chhath Puja mein jo teri manokamna ho, wo sab ho purn. Chhath Mata ka ashirvad mile aur Jeevan mein barse khushiyan har din.
The Sun’s chariot has come to your doorstep. May He light up your life with good health and happiness, all year through. Have a divine Chhath Puja 2021!
As we worship the Sun today, I pray the Sun in your life never sets. Have a sparkling Chhath Puja, 2021!
Is Shubh Diwas par hum dharm ki adaharm pare vijay ki, khushiye manaye! Wishing you a happy Chhath Puja!!
May the hopes of happy times and dreams for a year full of smiles be fulfilled! Wish you a Happy Chhath Pooja!
May the Sun God shower you with his choicest blessings and make you beam with joy. Happy Chhath Puja to you and your family.
May all your agonies perish and may you be showered with the choicest blessings. A very Happy Chhath Puja to you and your family!
Chhath Puja is about sincere devotion, perseverance, faith and belief. May you be showered with happiness and prosperity. May the gracious rays of the Sun God light up your life.
May the warm rays of the Sun God fill your life with light and happiness. Happy Chhath Puja, 2021!
Sun is the power source of all beings on this Earth. May this year your life shine with warm rays of the sun and you stay blessed by Almighty.
May God bless you with wisdom, guidance, and compassion at this Chhath puja. Happy Chhath Puja to you and your family!
This Chhath puja, let go of greed, materialism, and jealousy and breathe in positivity. Happy Chhath Puja, 2021!
Just like a mother puts away all sorrows of her child, may Maa Chhath also eliminate all of your sorrows and shower you with wisdom. Happy Chhath Puja!
Let's pray to the sun god and Maa Chhath this year with full devotion and pure hearts and all your wishes will come true. Happy Chhath Puja to you and your family!
Chhath Puja is a time of devotion and celebration, where the Sun God is honoured and worshipped. Send your loved ones some heartwarming Chhath Puja messages during this auspicious time and spread the joy!
Also Read:
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Sacral Dimple - Causes, Complications and Treatment
Sacral dimple in infants is commonly observed. While many think it is as normal as a birthmark, there are chances of it indicating the presence of an abnormality. It is important to know if a sacral dimple can pose the risk of complications and how to treat it the right way.
What Are Sacral Dimples in Babies?
At times, certain babies tend to have a minor regression or indentation of sorts in the region of the lower back, resembling a dimple. This is also termed as a pilonidal dimple. In most cases, it doesn’t indicate any problem but might be a result of structural defects in the spinal region as a rarity.
How Common are Sacral Dimples in Infants?
While sacral dimple with a tuft of hair might indicate the presence of a complication, a majority of the risk-free sacral dimples are quite common in infants, especially in newborn babies. At times, these are congenital while others might appear later in life.
Symptoms of Sacral Dimples
A sacral dimple can be easily observed as a depression or a tiny pit in the lower side of the back, usually right above the buttocks. Some other signs that can indicate its presence are:
Tenderness or sensitivity in the area combined with swelling
Slight discolouration of the region
A dimple that is quite evident, being deeper than 5mm
Skin tags or a lump of fat in the area
The presence of a birthmark or even a tuft of hair near the dimple
What Causes Sacral Dimples in Infants?
Even today, there doesn’t seem to exist any kind of conclusive evidence or factual information regarding the presence of sacral dimples in babies. Doctors are only sure of the fact that, in majority of the cases, the sacral dimple was present since birth, making it a congenital condition. The reasons behind its formation in the foetus, even when posing no risk, are yet to be known.
Diagnosis of Sacral Dimples
Any presence of sacral dimples can be easily observed right from the time the baby is born. Some doctors may decide to conduct further diagnosis to rule out the presence of any abnormalities. This is usually done if the dimple is evidently large, or contains discolouration or presence of hair.
A sacral dimple ultrasound is usually the first step in the diagnosis. The ultrasound is non-invasive, making use of sound waves as a means to construct the physical dimensions of the inner body. This can help determine any abnormalities in the formation of the spine. If that doesn’t provide enough clarity, an MRI might be conducted as a follow-up.
Complications of Sacral Dimples
Most of the time, the presence of a sacral dimple does not indicate anything serious. However, there have been rare occurrences where a major abnormality in the baby has been indicated by a sacral dimple.
1. Presence of a Tethered Cord Syndrome in the Baby
Tethered cord syndrome is a condition in which a part of the spinal cord attaches to the outer tissue. This restricts the movement that is possible and also results in the manifestation of various conditions, such as incontinence of bowels, bladder problems, weakness of the legs, numbness in the lower regions, and so on.
2. Presence of Spinal Structural Problems Like Spina Bifida
While spina bifida is usually a major abnormality, a milder form of it is termed as spina bifida occulta. A sacral dimple could be the result of such a condition, where the spine doesn’t fully close around the spinal cord. Its symptoms cannot be determined without any diagnosis.
Sacral Dimples Treatment
Simple and risk-free sacral dimples do not require any treatment. If the diagnosis reveals the presence of structural abnormalities, then a neurologist might have to take a look at it and decide how to proceed ahead.
FAQ
Many of us tend to consider a sacral dimple to be the presence of cancerous tissue. However, there is a major difference between them.
What is the Difference Between Sacral Dimples and Pilonidal Cysts?
A sacral dimple is congenital while a pilonidal cyst develops later in life. Dimples are usually harmless whereas a cyst can get infected and filled with pus, requiring it to be removed surgically.
A presence of the sacral dimple tethered cord can be quite disturbing for parents, but in most cases, sacral dimple does not pose any problems. Taking corrective action early in life can help prevent any complications later on.
Also Read:
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Carbohydrates During Pregnancy - Benefits, Intake and Dietary Sources
During pregnancy eating foods of high nutritional value are essential for the well-being of the mom and her growing foetus. It is important for pregnant women to include carbohydrates in their diet as it is a good source of energy and fibre. A pregnant woman who consumes a carb-rich diet tends to derive about half of her calories from only carbohydrates. Therefore doctors usually advise expectant moms to refrain from opting for a low-carb diet when pregnant. However, it is equally critical to choose the correct sources of these vital nutrients to avoid any likely pregnancy complications.
What Are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates or carbs are macronutrients which consist of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen atoms. They are either available in simple forms like sugars or in complex forms like fibres and starches. Foods like vegetables, fruits and milk products have carbohydrates. They constitute the key source of energy for most organisms. Carbohydrates are typically broken down by the body into simple sugars such as glucose to release energy which fuel muscle functioning and other vital organs of the body.
Types of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates can be of two types:
1. Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates like white rice, white bread, refined cereals, pasta, cake, pastries, biscuits, added sugars and junk food offer a lot of energy and calories but are poor in nutritional value. They can be quickly broken down by the body causing a rapid surge in insulin levels and blood glucose. Preferably pregnant women should avoid consuming such foods.
However, not all simple carbohydrates are unhealthy. Simple carbs which are present in fresh fruits and dairy products like milk, cottage cheese and yoghurt make for healthy choices.
2. Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, whole grain bread, brown rice, dried peas and beans are full of protein, minerals, B vitamins and fibre which are necessary for the development of the unborn baby. Complex carbohydrates make for a better food source as they take considerable time to break down and deliver energy over time.
Importance of Carbohydrates During Pregnancy
Some of the benefits of carbohydrates during pregnancy can be:
Complex carbohydrates have fibre which may help in maintaining the health of the digestive system during pregnancy by regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Intake of healthy carbohydrates may assist a pregnant woman to manage her blood sugar levels and keeping it stable by thwarting any sudden spikes thereby decreasing the chances of gestational diabetes.
Eating healthy carbs may counter the changes which can occur in carbohydrate metabolism during pregnancy to meet the growing energy needs of the developing foetus. Metabolic adaptations can lead to insulin resistance or increased maternal glucose
A pregnant woman consuming nutritious complex carbohydrates can sustain a healthy weight throughout her pregnancy and avert the risk of obesity.
Pregnancy may trigger fatigue and carbohydrates can provide the much-required energy boost. They get readily broken down into simple sugars to supply energy to body cells and support the developing foetus.
Carbs contain phytonutrients which function as Antioxidants help in destroying free radicals produced during metabolism which can expose a pregnant woman to ailments.
Some pregnant women find eating carbs useful in combating pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, nausea during the first trimester of pregnancy.
What is the Recommended Daily Intake of Carbohydrates During Pregnancy?
There is as such no RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for the daily intake of carbohydrates during pregnancy. Most nutritionists suggest that around 60 per cent of a pregnant women’s everyday calorie intake should be made available from carbohydrates sources out of which about half of it may stem from whole grains. Ideally, 10 to 11 servings of healthy carbs per day may be sufficient in pregnancy.
Is Low Carb Diet Safe for Pregnant Ladies?
Pregnant ladies hoping for low carb pregnancy weight loss may be putting the welfare of their pregnancy at great risk. They should not follow a restrictive or low carb diet during pregnancy as it is not safe. Adopting a low carb diet while pregnant can adversely affect the unborn baby’s weight and development as he may remain deprived of essential nutrients like calcium and folic acid. It may limit the consumption of vegetables, fruits and fibre which can result in certain nutrient deficiencies that is likely to negatively impact the mother’s health. Diets which have low carbs are usually high in fat which can lead to unnecessary weight gain during pregnancy resulting in possible pregnancy issues.
Food Sources of Carbohydrates That Are Good for Pregnant Women
Food sources for healthy carbs for pregnancy may include:
Wholegrain pasta
Brown rice
Wholegrain bread
Oatmeal
Sweet potatoes/potatoes (with skin)
Wholegrain cereals
Fruits like bananas
Vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, broccoli
Sweet corn
Dairy products like milk, yoghurt
Legumes
Beans like kidney, red, lima, chickpeas
Lentils
Which Carbs Should Be Avoided When Pregnant?
Pregnancy can trigger certain cravings in pregnant women. Craving carbs during pregnancy can be one of them. But not all kinds of carbs are good for pregnant women. They may like to avoid some carbs like:
White bread
White rice
Sugary foods like cake, pastries, biscuits, candy, lollies
Junk food like chips, ice cream
Added Sugars like in sweetened beverages, corn syrup, preservatives
It is advisable to consider the quality and quantity of carbohydrates consumed during pregnancy. Carbohydrates occurring naturally in foods favourably contribute to overall health. Pregnant women should stay away from low-quality carbs as found in refined and sugary foods. Opting for healthy carbohydrates when pregnant is desirable.
Also Read: Protein Intake during Pregnancy Read more
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Flying With Your Little One on a Delayed Flight - Handy Checklist
As mothers, we want the best for our babies. And if you’re a first time mother like me, everything should be just ‘perfect’! This was the case when I had to fly with my baby who was two month old then for the first time. To ensure I had everythingin place, I read related articles, talked to friends, and consulted the paediatrician. But what I was not prepared for was a five hour delay wherein the passengers were stuck not at the airport lobby but inside the flight! Yes, the onboarding was completed on time but the flight was stuck to get a place at the runway for five hours! Terrible situation to be in!
But as every experience brings some learning with it, I had mine with this one. So here is my checklist that comes from this learning.
1. Always pre-book your seat preferably on the window or aisle with leg space. This is important because when the baby gets hungry or cranky in the congested and closed environment, you can easily feed or console him.
2. Be ready with 8-10 diapers, wipes, diaper changing sheet, a drop bag to dispose off the soiled diapers, and one or more extra set of clothes because you never know how many times the baby will pee or poop.
3. Keep the diaper bag under the front seat instead of the cabinet so that it is within easy reach and you don’t need to get up again and again.
4. Take the baby for a stroll if he gets cranky which the baby would due to the crowd and closed setup. Though there isn’t much space but it will soothe the baby for sometime.
5. Carry a rattle or whichever toy soothes the baby.
6. Try to breastfeed the baby while take off and landing so that he doesn’t feel the pressure. You can use a pacifier or bottle whatever works for your baby.
7. Put cotton balls in baby’s ears to avoid high altitude pressure.
Hope this helps and will save you from a situation I landed in.
Safe travels!
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
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