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How to Prepare Homemade Cerelac (Sathu Maavu) for Babies
Many baby health mix powders are available in the market. And they're also easy to prepare - mix the ready-made powder with water and you’re done! But with packaged products, you may be compromising on your infant's health. Home-cooked food is any day better than processed foods. So, in this article, we'll tell you the benefits of sathu maavu, and how you can prepare and store it.
Video: How to Make Sathu Maavu for Babies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LPl7u5eEBE
What Is Sathu Maavu/Health Mix Powder?
Sathu maavu (a name that has originated from south India) is a powder that babies can consume after 6 months of age. Grains, cereals and pulses are powdered and mixed with water to make healthy porridge for babies. Some ingredients can also be left to sprout overnight to increase their nutritional content.
Nutritional Value of Cerelac
INGREDIENT
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Wheat Dalia
It is rich in carbohydrate, protein, and magnesium
Almond
It is high in fat and proteins, calcium, and magnesium
Rice
Good source of dietary fibre, and carbohydrate
Corn
It has high carbohydrate content and protein, vitamin B6, and is an antioxidant
Black Urad Dal
Rich in protein and Vitamin B complex
Cashew
It is rich in good fat and magnesium, vitamin B6, and protein
Elaichi
It is rich in dietary fibre and Iron
Sago
It is rich in carbohydrate and has high calorific value
Horse Gram
1/4th of it contains protein, a good source of iron, calcium, molybdenum
Masoor Dal
Packed with protein, fibre, iron, and folate
Green Gram
It is rich in protein, dietary fibre, Iron, and magnesium
Why You Shouldn't Go for Packaged Baby Powder?
Of course, packaged products can be bought in bulk and are easy to use. But they have some disadvantages such as:
1. Preservatives and Chemicals
Tinned foods may not mention the addition of preservatives, but almost every product has them. These chemicals can have harmful effects of preservatives on your baby’s developing digestive system.
2. Unknown Storage Conditions
The packaged powder may not have been stored properly. Even if the manufacturer had adhered to the storage requirements, stores may not necessarily do it.
3. Allergic Ingredients
Your baby may be allergic to some of the ingredients used in the powder like milk, nuts, gluten and eggs.
Benefits of Home-Made Sathu Maavu
Here are some sathu maavu benefits:
You can customise the food keeping in mind your baby's allergies and requirements.
The porridge mixture not only serves as baby food but it can also be served as idlis, cakes, and dosas.
Brown rice is high in fibre content and help digestion.
Homemade sathu maavu is free from chemicals and preservatives, and can be consumed fresh.
Ragi, one of the prime ingredients in sathu maavu, is rich in calcium which helps in the proper development of bones.
Horse gram provides your baby with high levels of protein which help in rapid growth and development.
The powder can be stored for one month at room temperature and for around three to six months in a refrigerator.
Sathu Maavu/Health Mix Powder Recipe
Here's our sathu maavu recipe:
Ingredients:
Brown rice - 1 cup
Ragi - 1 cup
Horsegram - ½ cup
Masoor dal - ½ cup
Moong dal - ½ cup
Almonds - ½ cup
Elaichi - 8-10 pods
Method:
Ragi/ Nachni, horse gram, masoor dal, and moong dal can be soaked overnight separately in different containers.
Then tie the grains in a soft cotton cloth separately and keep them aside at a dry place.
Dry each sprouted grain in the Sun for a day.
Roast brown rice, ragi/ nachni, horse gram, masoor dal, moong dal, almonds and elaichi in a clean and dry non-stick vessel separately. Make sure each ingredient is roasted on a medium-low flame to ensure that its cooked well from the inside and not just outside. Once roasted, the colour becomes darker. Keep aside to cool.
Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a blender (grinder). Make sure that the mixture turns into a fine powder.
Allow it to cool.
Transfer the powdered mixture into an airtight container.
Precautions
While making sathu maavu, keep these things in mind:
Before roasting any ingredient, make sure the vessel is completely dry.
Taste each of the ingredients to ensure they've been roasted well.
Wash the grains/pulses/cereals before roasting.
Let the mixture cool down before you blend it.
Sathu Maavu Porridge Recipe for Babies
Follow these simple steps to prepare sathu maavu porridge for babies:
Add 2 tablespoons of the sathu maavu powder to 1 cup of water.
Keep stirring to prevent the formation of lumps.
Cook on a low flame for about 10 minutes. Make sure that the rice and dals are well cooked.
You can add jaggery (gur) or salt to the porridge.
Feeding Tips
Follow these tips while feeding sathu maavu to your baby:
While introducing new foods, make sure you follow the 3-day rule. This makes it easy to detect an allergic reaction. Gradually increase the quantity every day and note your baby's reaction after 3 days.
You can also mix one tablespoon of this powder with 100 ml of breast or formula milk.
milk as a sweetener if your baby is less than a year old. Honey has spores that can lead to botulism.
A tablespoon of cow’s milk can be introduced to babies that are older than 1 year. This is because studies have shown that giving cow’s milk to infants have lead to iron deficiency and severe dehydration.
The consistency of the porridge can be thick or runny.
How To Store Sathu Maavu
Sathu Maavu can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, and dry place.
Don't store a porridge preparation beyond 2 hours.
Sathu maavu is a great way to introduce home-cooked food to your baby. It's not only economical but also health-friendly.
Also Read: Porridge Recipes for Baby Read more
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Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Virus) in Children
Cold sores are small blisters around the lips and mouth. Cold sores, also known as herpes simplex virus, are common viral infections in children. If you want to learn more about this condition and how it affects a child, read the following post.
What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores or fever blisters are small blisters that appear around the lips or mouth of a child. Sometimes, these blisters may even appear on the nose, chin and cheeks too. These small liquid-filled blisters ooze out when the blisters break, and a crust forms over the sore and they heal within a couple of weeks.
What Are the Causes of Cold Sores in Children?
Cold sores are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-1. There are two kinds of HSV viruses - HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both these viruses can cause sores on the different parts of the body. Cold sores occurring because of HSV-2 virus are a very rare phenomenon.
What Are the Symptoms of Cold Sores in a Child?
Following are the symptoms of cold sores in children:
The child may have a low-grade fever (100 degrees or lower).
The child may experience repeated itching around the mouth or the lips.
The blisters may appear in clusters around the child’s lips, mouth, chin or cheeks.
The child’s mouth may feel sore.
The child may appear tired or lethargic.
These are some evident symptoms that may help you know that your child is suffering from cold sores.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The following ways can help in diagnosing the condition:
The simplest way of diagnosing the condition is by visual inspection. The doctor will check your child’s blisters.
The doctor may like to test the fluid or the scraping of the sore to establish the presence of the virus.
In case, the above two methods do not provide conclusive results; your child's doctor may like to conduct a blood test to detect the presence of the virus.
What Are the Possible Risks of Cold Sores in Children?
Here are some complications that may arise due to this condition in children:
1. HSV Keratitis
This is a condition that may occur if the child touches his eye after touching the blisters. The virus can reach the cornea. Though in most cases the damage is not that severe, however, in some cases it may lead to partial or total blindness.
2. Eczema Herpeticum
Children who develop cold sores along with eczema are at a greater risk of developing a more severe level of eczema called eczema herpeticum. This condition is not only very painful, but it can also take longer to heal.
3. Encephalitis
This fatal condition may occur if the virus reaches the brain, which could manifest a latent infection. This condition may cause inflammation of the brain that can lead to seizures and other fatal complications. The chances of developing Encephalitis because of HSV type 1 virus is rare but can result in brain damage.
How Are Cold Sores Treated in a Child?
If you are looking for treatment options for cold sores, you must understand that the remedies for cold sores in a child can only help in reducing the intensity and prevent it from further spreading. There is no specific treatment for the sores per se. These are a few options your doctor may suggest:
Antiviral cream to fasten the healing process and help in slowing the virus from spreading.
Oral medications can be given to reduce the symptoms. The doctor will determine the duration of the dosage according to the severity of the symptoms.
In case a secondary infection is observed, your doctor may recommend antibiotic medicines. He may also prescribe antipyretic medicines to reduce fever.
Prevention Tips
Here are some ways of preventing cold sores in kids:
Do not let the child come in direct contact with the infected person.
Refrain from taking your child to the crowded areas as the virus tends to spread faster in such places.
Wash your child’s clothes separately and refrain from sharing any clothing item with him.
In case, if you suffer from cold sores, wash your hands before touching your child and also wear a mouth and nose mask to prevent the infection from spreading.
If you suffer from this infection during pregnancy make sure you take proper medication to prevent your baby from getting exposed to the herpes virus at birth.
What Can Parents Do to Manage Cold Sores in Children?
Here are some home remedies for cold sores in children:
Wash your child’s hands frequently to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
Cold sores on child’s lips, chin, cheeks or nose should be washed regularly as this may help in preventing the infection from spreading.
Cold sores can be painful. Applying an ice pack on the affected areas may help ease the itching and pain.
If the sores are painful and your child feels uncomfortable, you can ask your doctor to prescribe some painkiller medicines.
Cold sores on a baby’s mouth should be cleaned with saline water because babies tend to drool and it can increase the chances of infection spreading to other body parts.
When to See a Doctor
You can easily manage cold sores at home; however, under the following circumstances you should take your child to a doctor:
If your child develops a high-grade fever that is more than 100°Celsius.
If your child experiences seizure.
If your child feels unconscious.
If your child’s lymph nodes (around the neck) swell.
If your child does not eat or drink properly.
All the signs mentioned above indicated a medical emergency, and you must take your child to the doctor at the earliest.
FAQs
If you have some more queries regarding cold sores, in this section, we shall be answering them:
1. Are Cold Sores Contagious?
Yes, just like any viral infection cold sores are contagious too, which means they can easily spread from one person to another through contact. A baby exposed to cold sores may catch the infection. Cold sores are viral infections and viral infections are highly contagious.
2. Can Cold Sores Come Back?
The herpes virus can stay dormant in the nerve cells of the spinal cord and resurface when the external factors trigger the virus. This means cold sores may occur again because of the following factors:
If your child lacks proper nutrition.
Lack of sleep, stress or fatigue
If your child has a cold and flu or is dehydrated.
If your child is exposed to intense heat or sunlight.
If the weather conditions are very cold or dry.
If the child suffers from skin injuries that include breaks and cracks on the skin.
3. Can Babies Get Cold Sores?
Yes, babies can get cold sores just like anyone else. Also, babies are more susceptible because of their immature digestive system. Therefore, if you or anyone in the house has cold sores make sure proper preventive measures are followed to prevent the baby from catching the infection.
Cold sores cause excessive itching and discomfort and thus may cause a lot of trouble to the child. However, avoiding the triggers and maintaining proper hygiene are some of the effective ways of keeping this infection at bay in children.
Also Read:
Herpetic Gingivostomatitis in Children
Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcer in Babies and Children
Canker Sores in Infants & Kids Read more
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How to Stop Fighting With Hubby Over Naming your Baby
How do you choose a baby name without fighting? It takes compromise. The process is challenging and can test your patience. The key is to communicate and avoid fighting. Create a pool of names that both of you like before short-listing the best ones.
Naming your newborn baby can be tough. While your hubby might have his preferences, you'll have yours. Coming to a middle-ground solution will help. Here are some strategies to employ to end the baby-naming war!
How to End the Baby-Naming War with Your Husband
1. Communicate
One way to resolve fighting over baby names is by discussing the kind of names you both agree on – traditional or more radical. Communicating with your partner on baby names is essential if you want to avoid a showdown. Explain why you don't like a certain name he chose. Also, learn to listen to your partner when he states his reasons against a particular name. This will help the both of you to search for names that best suit the criteria laid down. Sometimes, you need to discuss names because they sound better than when put on paper. If it helps, make a ‘yes’ and ‘no’ list of baby names. An “absolutely not” list will also help put those names you both don’t like to rest once and for all. Go through each list before making the final shortlist.
2. Compromise
When naming babies, both of you need to come to a compromise. Don't be a ‘wifezilla’ and demand that your husband follow your lead. If he objects, you need to take his ‘no’ into consideration. When you're prepared to compromise, you'll both settle on a universal name. If it lands up being a stalemate, choose a traditional name that works best. Sticking to traditional names is also safe in a way. Nobody will judge you for being experimental.
3. The Backup Plan
There are a number of moms and dads who believe in having a variety of options when baby names are concerned. This can provide a little more insight in the kind of name that you'll eventually choose. Also, ask close friends and family members to pitch in their suggestions. Both of you can draw up lists and then have a discussion and choose a baby name without fighting. The extra help will always come in handy when choosing baby names. Besides, it will also give you so many more options of names to choose from.
4. Take Turns
If both of you happen to end up in a deadlock over names, it's best you take turns. One of you can choose the first name while the other chooses the second. Since it’s the husband’s surname that sticks, you can choose the first name while he chooses the nickname. However, you may want to run the names past each other before finalizing on them. This is one of the best tips for couples to stop fighting over the baby name selection.
These tips should help you decide on a name without much hassle. However, if the stalemate ceases to end, try getting outside help. Sometimes, a different perspective is all you need to end the ongoing battle. Here’s hoping your little one is blessed with a beautiful name! Read more
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Your Awesome Journey With Your Bundle of Joy and Wonder
It is usually said that a mother is also born with a child. I too believe in this fact. Like a baby unaware of the new surroundings it is welcomed into, the same happens to a mother; she's always confused about choosing the best for her baby, learning to understand the tiny bundle of joy. The confusion just becomes worse when you yourself are young and everyone around you thinks that you would just mess up everything.
I stand here inexperienced, new to everything, and with the thought that whether we too will establish the never-ending bond of mom and child - the selfless love, the love without any conditions, the purest bonds ever witnessed by a human soul, a pure relation. These doubts often strike my mind when I sit idle. Like others say, "It's not everyone's cup of tea to raise a child without complications. It is too difficult." Will I too face complicated situations and will I be able to tackle it?
When I imagine the future, I wonder whether I will still remain confused and inexperienced like I stand today. But then I always think that as my baby grows and understands, I too will grow and understand along with my baby in every phase of our beautiful journey which we had started together - him as a newborn bundle of joy, innocence and wonder, and I, as a mother.
I am sure there will be young mothers like me who doubt themselves now and then and question themselves, but just calm yourself and remember that you have completed a long and awesome journey of nine months and experienced the most beautiful moment of childbirth, which is the greatest gift. You stand here more mature, more beautiful, more responsible, and have evolved as a better version of yourself. You are a new you on your new journey as a mother, a role model and a best friend to your little cutie-pie baby!
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.
Read more
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Give Your Vacuum Cleaner The Attention It Deserves
Among the various gadgets used in a house, a vacuum cleaner is of prime importance. But when it comes to maintenance, most people tend to overlook it. Cleaning a vacuum cleaner hose, brush and filter can increase its efficiency and longevity. Let's find out how.
When you go on a cleaning spree, it’s the vacuum cleaner that acts as your cleaning companion. It helps you get access to hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. What do you do for it in return? The most you can do is to ensure it remains in good working condition. It’s not hard to take care of and it takes very little time.
How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner in a Few Easy Steps
1. Unplug it
Once you’ve set aside some time to tend to your cleaning companion, the first thing you need to do is switch it off and unplug it from the power socket. This is extremely important for your safety since you’ll be fiddling with the components.
2. Empty The Dust Bag
When you vacuum, all the dust and dirt are sucked and stored in a dust bag. Check it periodically to see if it’s full. Most vacuum cleaners have a dust bag full indicator though it’s always good practice to examine the bag for damage in any case. Remove it as part of your vacuum cleaner maintenance and change it (if it’s disposable) or wash it (if it isn’t).
3. Clean The Brushes
Vacuum cleaner nozzles contain brushes that are hidden within a latch. This latch is easy to remove. Once done, you can easily clean the brushes. Remove all the dirt stuck to them. In case you come across tangled hair or string or fibre, cut them off carefully using a pair of scissors. Make sure the brushes are thoroughly cleaned before reinstalling them and reattaching the latch. You can also check the belts attached to the brush for damage.
4. Clean The Vacuum Cleaner Hose
The dirt that a vacuum cleaner sucks in has to travel through a hose to reach the dust bag. After a time, all that muck gets stuck to the hose walls and needs to be cleaned. You can easily do this using a handle of a broom. Just push it through the opening of the hose to dislodge any trapped debris. Avoid using sharp objects, however, as they could damage the hose.
5. Clean The Filter
Most vacuum cleaners have inbuilt filters. When cleaning your machine, it’s important that you pay special attention to them. Remove the cover of the filter and take it out. Shake off all the excess dirt and dust. Once done, clean the filter properly. If it’s the washable kind, just pop it into water and some detergent. Air-dry it thoroughly before fixing it back into the machine. If you see any kind of damage, it’s a sign that it needs to be replaced.
If you’ve been stalling catering to your cleaner, these tips to clean vacuum cleaners will help you get things done in a jiffy. Go ahead and make your machine happy by giving it a good cleaning! Read more
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6 Hilarious Reasons Pregnancy Is Like Toddler-Hood!
Many habits of pregnant women overlap with those of toddlers. Blame it on hormones, but they can behave in ways that are completely uncharacteristic yet so hilarious. If you're expecting or know someone who is, discover the reasons why pregnant women are lot like toddlers!
Pregnant women and mood swings go hand-in-hand. In fact, sometimes they seem to share qualities with toddlers! Hormonal changes can make them act uncharacteristically and keep their hubbies on their toes. If you’ve ever been pregnant, you can probably relate to some of these funny incidents.
Surprising Similarities between Pregnancy and Toddlerhood
1. Feed Me NOW!
Pregnant women often seem to adopt the eating habits of toddlers. They become irritable if they don’t eat when they’re hungry. They want what they want and they want it now! What makes things even more hilarious is that what appears tasty to them one day may make them feel queasy the next.It’s hard to win!
2. Crave, Crave, Crave
During pregnancy, certain foods become ‘wow’ foods. Just like toddlers, pregnant women will do anything to get their hands on their favorite food. They may cry like a baby if they don’t get it and sulk and moan too. The solution? Stock up on items so that you have them at hand. Ask hubby to bring home your favourite treats as he gets home from work.
3. They’re Always Right
Pregnant women develop a sense of reasoning that sometimes resembles that of toddlers. They feel they’re always right, and if someone disagrees, they’ll pay the price! Just like how toddlers stick to their guns and are tough to reason with, pregnant women can be the same too.
4. Concentration Issues
Toddlers can find it tedious to concentrate on a single thing, which makes them easily distracted. The same applies to pregnant women. They can find it hard to focus on one thing at a time and may keep switching between tasks. The result? Work that’s sometimes left unfinished! The solution? Getting things done as quickly as you can before you lose interest.
5. Crankiness is Never Far
Toddlers can get cranky and start crying, at times for no good reason. Pregnant women also exhibit the same emotions. They become upset over petty issues and whine over things they normally wouldn’t. Probe them and they probably won’t know the real reason for their emotional outbursts. Crying when watching movies and getting teary remembering old memories is common, to the consternation of their husbands!
6. Fit-Misfit
Everyone wants to look good and this goes for pregnant women too. Unfortunately, in their quest to look stylish, this wish sometimes leads to trouble. They could try to fit into their old clothes and end up feeling miserable when they can’t. This gets them feeling self-conscious. And, while it’s easy to convince a toddler in matters of clothing, expecting women are more difficult!
When it comes to toddlers and pregnant women, there are triggers that can lead to exasperating yet funny behaviours. The ‘my way or the highway’ attitude can leave family members walking on eggshells! Knowing the reasons why pregnant women are a lot like toddlers and learning how to keep calm when your hormones start raging can make you more peaceful and reasonable. Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
6 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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