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Decoding Baby's Body Language - What's Your Child Trying to Say
From the very first cry, your baby starts to communicate with you. For the first few days, she will only cry to let people know that she is hungry, sleepy, uncomfortable, anxious etc. As she grows, she starts communicating through body language. But, as a parent how do you understand what your baby is trying to tell?
Understanding Your Baby’s Different Body Language Cues
As a new parent, understanding a newborn’s body language is difficult. However, it is important for every parent to be able to read the baby's body language. When your baby is a few months old, understanding infant body language isn’t that difficult. Listed below is a quick guide to body language cues of a baby.
1. Kicking Legs In the Air
This is one of the first sign that your baby is trying to communicate with you.
What Does It Mean
If you see your baby doing so, then it means that she is very excited and happy. The excitement could be on seeing you or something that fascinates her like water, her favourite toy or even her food bowl (if she is hungry).
How to Respond
Kicking in the air will help your baby to develop the muscles that will help her in crawling. Therefore, encourage her to kick her legs in the air by getting the things that excite her.
2. Turning her Face Away
You may be feeding her or trying to talk to her, but she just wouldn’t look at you. Do you suppose your baby is ignoring you or is angry with you?
What Does It Mean
This could mean two things. First, she may just try to process as to what is happening or what is going on in her surrounding or she could be angry with you for intruding into her personal space.
How to Respond
Just let her be, for a while. Allow her to explore. Probably she has seen a lizard on the wall and is curious to know what it is or is simply amazed to see a reflection of herself in the mirror. Once she has satiated her curiosity, she will get back to you.
3. Arching Her Back
Some babies may arch their backs while being fed or while being held. There can be many reasons for a baby to do so.
What Does It Mean
If a baby does so in the middle of a feed, it may mean that she does not want to be fed any longer. It could also mean that the baby has colic or suffers from digestive disorders like GERD or acid reflux. Another very common reason for arching their backs by older infants is when they are frustrated, angry or tired.
At times, babies suffering from Autism, Rumination disorder or Kernicterus are also seen arching their backs.
How to Respond
Just try to calm her down. You can divert her attention by taking her outside and showing her things which she would be interested in. You can even pat her back slowly or rock her so that in case she is sleepy. If the crying persists, consult a Paediatrician immediately.
4. Stretching Out Arms
Babies with outstretched arms with open hands and fingers are a good sign.
What Does It Mean
It means that your little munchkin is happy and in a good mood. However, it can also be that the baby has newly acquired the skill of sitting and is trying to balance herself while trying to sit up straight.
How to Respond
Both of you should enjoy the moment. Take her to a park or for a walk. You can also go about your rare shopping sprees on these days when she is in a good mood. She will enjoy absorbing the new things that she comes across, and you will get some time for retail therapy.
In case, the outstretched arms are to balance herself while trying to sit, give her a hand. Otherwise, you can surround her with a lot of soft pillows and cushions so that even if she loses balance, she may not hurt herself.
5. Fist Clenching
The baby may be seen doing this with or without crying.
What Does It Mean
Clenching of the fist is a sign that the baby is extremely stressed out due to hunger.
How to Respond
In case you see your baby doing so (even if he is not crying), your obvious response should be to feed your baby immediately.
6. Baby Folding Her Knees
Babies sometimes can be seen folding both their knees and bringing it towards their stomach.
What Does It Mean
The sign of a baby folding her knees towards her stomach means that she has some kind of digestive problems like constipation, gas or stomach uneasiness.
How to Respond
Try to ease her up by helping her to burp by slowly and gently patting her back. In case you are nursing her, avoid oily and spicy food which may cause her gas, acid reflux, constipation or gas. If the sign persists, consult a Paediatrician.
7. Grabbing Ears
It is usually done by babies when they are trying to explore their body parts, but it could mean something else too.
What Does This Mean
Apart from exploring her ears, it can be a sign of pain and discomfort due to an ear infection. It is also seen that babies during teething do this.
How to Respond
If in case they are not teething, you can take your little one to a Paediatric ENT specialist for a thorough check-up.
8. Rubbing of Eyes
Rubbing of eyes may often be followed by a big yawn and sometimes even crying.
What Does It Mean
It simply means that she is tired and wants to sleep.
How to Respond
Just rock her for some time or pat her slowly, and she will quickly doze off. If she is crying, you can start by singing to her to calm her down first. In case she is not sleepy, you can check if she has acquired an eye infection and also consult a Paediatrician.
9. Banging Her Head
Headbanging is common among babies and nothing to worry about. It is more common among male babies than female ones.
What Does It Mean
It may look scary, and parents may get disturbed seeing their baby banging his head, but it is nothing more than a technique that babies use to comfort or self-stimulate themselves. At times, it could mean that the baby is in pain.
How to Respond
If your baby has a habit of banging his head, make sure that he is not near a wall. If he bangs his head against the railings of his crib, get the railings padded or cushioned. You can also divert his attention by reading a story to him, singing something to him or playing with him. You can consult a Paediatrician to ascertain that he is not in pain.
10. Startling
A baby getting startled while being fast asleep is a common thing. It is nothing to be worried about. It is a reflex which is quite common among babies before they are 5-6 months old.
What Does It Mean
This can mean that she got startled by some loud noise or something which disturbed her sleep.
How to Respond
Try to block all the outside noise. Making your baby sleep with some noise in the room like keeping the television or radio’s volume normal or talking over the phone may get her used to it.
11. Kicking and Breathing Quickly
Just as we adults want to do something when excited, babies kick and breath fast when they are too excited.
What Does It Mean
It simply means that she is happy and excited about something. It can be due to something or someone that she has seen or a result of being able to do something that she wants to do.
How to Respond
On seeing your baby excited, “baby talk” with her. Play with her and respond her back with equal enthusiasm.
12. Sucking Fingers
Finger or fist sucking by a baby may often be interpreted as the baby being hungry, but it may not always be so.
What Does It Mean
If your baby’s not hungry, it could also mean that your baby is trying to soothe herself in order before dozing off.
How to Respond
Firstly check if it is time for her feed. In case, it isn’t then you can just sing to her and give her a gentle pat to put her to sleep.
Understanding your baby’s body language is the first thing that you should learn as a parent. It will not only help you to nurture her better but will also help to create a strong bond between you and your little one.
Also Read: Stages of Emotional Development in Infants Read more
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15 Mouth-watering Rain-Snacks For Your Kids!
Pitter-patter! The world seems to be dancing - the raindrops on your rooftop and your children in the balcony! The arrival of monsoon fills our hearts with joy, revamps our appetite and instills in our kids the new-found desire for crispy, hot, mouth-watering snacks!
Monsoon is said to be the most beautiful season of the year; the food is wonderful too! Indeed, you can make these foods all through the year, but they assume special importance at this time. Nothing quite like sitting by your window with a cup of tea and a plateful of pakodas, the aroma of rainy day comfort food drifting to you from the kitchen, and the children happily occupied with the interesting things Mamma made for them!
Delicious Rain Snacks for Kids
1. Banana Fritters
Fritters or pakodas are indispensable rainy day meals! They can be made with a variety of ingredients but here's a good way of adding your kid's favourite fruit to them! Enjoy this delicious recipe in the comfort of your home so you can fry them in less oil.
2. Cheesy Corn and Vegetable Cutlets
Cheese, corn and interesting veggies combine to make these awesome cutlets that can easily please any fussy eater. Trust us, these will be off the plate before you can even get ketchup!
3. Spinach and Cheese Pie
Perfect for cold nights or rainy days, vegetable and cheese pies make the best comfort foods and snacks for rainy days too. Psst, what better way of sneaking in greens into your kid's plate?
4. Fried Fish Fingers
Hot, spicy fish fingers can make your kids lick their fingers too! After getting wet in a rain shower, these snacks will warm you up in a jiffy. Perfect for fish-lovers as a rainy day food!
5. Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
These appetising biscuits accompanied with a cup of hot tea or coffee can make a rainy day complete. A simple, yet satisfying treat indeed.
6. Pizza Smileys
Kids can't resist pizzas and we're sure these smiley pizzas will bring a cute smile on your kid's face too! What more can a mom ask for? To you, your kid's smile is a super gift – thanks to this Italian gourmet food.
7. Coffee Walnut Muffins
Hot muffins, straight out of oven, are a delightful way to treat yourself after a long day. Coffee and walnuts make a healthy yet irresistible combo when packed together in a muffin. Yeah, this one is for your tired nerves Mamma, for we know just how tireseome monsoons can be when clothes refuse to dry and germs abound!
8. Samose With Masala Chana
Hot samosas are a must-have during monsoons. Make them at home to avoid the road-side junk which has a greater probability of being unhealthy in this weather. Serve it with protein-rich chana, trust us - kids are bound to come for a second helping. We say, this is the best of all Indian rainy season snack recipes ever!
9. Corn Chilli Cheese Balls
Older kids who can tolerate chilles well are going to find this recipe irresistible. Make it less spicy and younger kids may get pleased too – thanks to the cheesy delight.
10. Potato Bread Pattice
These bread patties are sure to turn your picky eater's interest toward food! One of the easiest and quickest rainy season snacks that tastes delicious with both ketchup and mint chutney!
11. Chicken Momos
Steamed momos can magically comfort you when it's raining outside. They are one of the most-sought-after hot snacks for rainy season. Momos aren't a very difficult recipe to make so you can involve your kids in the process and they'll love them even more!
12. Pineapple Salsa Sev Puri
The secret ingredient of this recipe is the fruit. The salsa makes a world of difference to the taste! If your child has just returned from playing in the rain, treat him with these crunchy Sev Puris. Make sure he dries himself first!
13. Golden Egg Bread Roll
Chatpata egg mix packed in bread slices can make really fulfilling bread rolls that can make your day during rains. Kids will want more of these, if you make them the way our mommy-chef's suggested.
14. Cauliflower Pakoras
Make yummy cauliflower pakoras with this easy mommy-chef recipe. Have them with a cup of hot coffee and we are sure you won't be able to resist having some more. These crunchy, tasty pakodas are one of the all-time-favourite rainy season snacks recipes, among adults too!
15. Crunchy Potato Wedges
No monsoon is complete without tasty french fries or crunchy potato wedges! This mommy-chef recipe makes it easy for you to win the Best Mum award from your kid!
The list of such mouth-watering, sinful recipes is actually endless. We're sure these will take you off your health goals for a while. Don't worry too much about the fact that most of these are fried - go all out and make them. Everyone deserves a little treat once in a while! Just make sure you shallow fry whenever possible, use a healthy oil, dab the excess oil with absorbent paper and make exercise a regular part of everyone's routine.
Which is your favourite monsoon recipe? Do share it with us in the Recipe Section! Read more
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Vegetable Dalia Khichdi
Here is a healthy one-pot meal made of broken wheat, namely Dalia. It is not only low in fat & cholesterol, and high in iron & fiber, but also simple and nutritious. It is one dish that is often recommended for growing up kids, and for people recovering from illness – like a cold or flu.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
15-20 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Ingredients
2 cups Dalia
2 cups chopped veggies(tomato, carrot, onion, beans, spinach, bottle gourd, cabbage)
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
1/2 tsp jeera
1/2 tsp haldi powder
Red chilli powder(according to your taste)
2-3 tbsp chopped coriander
1/2 tsp garam masala
3 tbsp ghee
Salt to taste
Method
Step 1
Pressure cook dalia with a little salt and haldi powder.
Step 2
In a pan, heat ghee and add jeera. Next, sauté ginger garlic paste and onion.
Step 3
Now, add curry leaves, mixed veggies and sauté well till all veggies turn soft.
Step 4
Next, add haldi, red chilli powder and garam masala.
Step 5
Now add the pressure cooked dalia, water and salt.
Step 6
Cover the pan and let the Khichdi cook for 5-10 mins.
Step 7
Remove in a bowl, garnish with chopped coriander and ghee.
Step 8
Serve hot
Nutritional Information
Calories
337 K cal
Proteins
6.8 g
Fat
28.2g
Carbohydrates
5.1g
Cholesterol
98mg
Sodium
159mg
Potassium
12 mg
Read more
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No More Bad Hair Days - Find the Perfect Dryer for Your Hair With These 5 Tips!
Tangled locks or a listless mane should be the last thing on your mind while planning an evening out, going to work, or waiting for your date. These proven tips for buying a hair dryer will help you become the right stylist, all within the comforts of your home.
Baffled by the inscriptions on hair dryer boxes and clueless about what to pick from the variety? Fret not, we know how much you care for your mane. So, instead of confusing the terms ceramic, watts, or tourmaline and going nowhere, take a step back and read these tips that'll help you choose the perfect hair dryer.
How to Choose a Hair Dryer for Your Locks
1. What’s in The Watts?
If you boast of thick and luxuriant hair, you need more heat and power in your hair dryer. That's where wattage comes into play—the higher your dryer’s watt figures, the faster and louder it'll be. And yes, fixated on drying your hair much too often? Go in for a dryer with lower wattage; it avoids damaging the lustre and smoothness of your strands.
2. Various Types of Hair Dryers
As per experts' opinion on what to look for in a hair dryer, the difference lies between dryers that are ionic, ceramic and tourmaline. For healthier and better-looking hair, you opt for a smart combination of these. An ionic dryer protects your crowning glory from frizz and damage while retaining the shine. It gives rise to negative ions, locks in moisture and decreases drying time. A tourmaline dryer is suited for all hair kinds and magnifies the advantages of ionic technology to deliver greater shine and faster drying. Which one will you pick?
3. Nozzles and Diffusers
Still wondering what makes a good hair dryer? Those attachments and accessories act as good definers. For instance, concentrated nozzles that direct hot air to focus areas help you control your desired style, especially if used at high temperatures and low speed. Women with curly/frizzy hair require a diffuser if they are arresting their wisps when in a rush. Pssst....We wonder how Rapunzel dried her hair!
4. Is Expensive Better
Is hair dryer good for hair? The answer is yes and no. Yes, if you happen to go in for a good quality product. But then, excessive usage may leave your hair dry, rough and listless. It's advised you go in for a higher end dryer as it gives a better warranty and good results. You can work faster and not care about damage. The dryer is the key to that perfect blowout, so you mustn't compromise on price or quality while making this investment.
5. Why Lug Around a Heavy Dryer?
Styling your hair is an art that requires consistent turns, flips and twisted movements of your wrists; a la those of your stylist at the salon. Opt for a lightweight dryer that doesn't sap out your energy or make your arms numb midway. Any dryer about two pounds in weight or less is good enough.
Which is the best hair dryer for you? That depends on the frequency of use, your hair thickness, your purpose for styling, and so forth. These tips for buying a hair dryer will surely help your cause; go for the best, you deserve it. Read more
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Tips To Keep Your Marriage Strong And Healthy After Childbirth
There is no denying the fact that the birth of a child fills everyone's life with happiness and positivity. The mother, in particular, makes the child her topmost priority. She leaves no stone unturned to ensure the child stays cheerful and in the best of health. However, for many couples, embracing parenthood often takes a toll on their relationship. They find themselves getting detached from each other. Love and care get replaced by fights and arguments. However, the problem may not be as serious as apprehended. Mentioned below are a few simple tips to keep your relationship rocking even after childbirth.
Discuss: Family planning is a big responsibility. Hence, you should have a proper discussion with your partner before you try to conceive. Discussing your finances is a critical aspect that you should not give a miss. Plan your pregnancy only when both the partners are ready for the responsibility. Only one partner wanting a baby may complicate your relationship, creating problems in your marriage post-childbirth.
Share the responsibilities: Just one partner taking care of the baby all the time can be quite exhausting leaving them tired and irritated. Carrying on with this routine for a long time ends up straining the relationship. Both the partners should take turns to look after the baby. With less exhaustion, the relationship will bloom beautifully.
Spend time together: Childbirth doesn't mean you should stop spending time with your partner. There are times when your partner needs your time and support the most. Give them the time they deserve. Have at least one meal together every day. You can watch a movie together at home when the baby is sleeping. You can also plan a mini-vacation or weekend getaways. Make sure you both spend at least two-three hours together daily.
Express yourself: Many women go through postpartum depression. You may experience a plethora of emotions. There may be emotional outbursts as well. However, you need to discuss the situation with your partner. Share your feelings, your state of mind with your partner. Keeping your emotions bottled up may spell doom for you as well as for your relationship. A relationship is like a flower. The more you nurture it, the better it blooms. You may have your share of fights and disagreements, but don't let that linger for long. If you want to strengthen your relationship, keep your ego aside. Childbirth is a celebration in itself. Don't let some small problems affect this celebration and your relationship with your partner. Read more
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Theories for Development of Children
A set of theories have been tested over time to contribute to a child's development. Today, we are discussing a few such approaches that schools and parents alike apply.
The Maturational Theory:
The work of Arnold Gessell advanced the maturational theory. Maturationists believe that development is a biological process that occurs automatically in predictable, sequential stages over time. This perspective leads many educators and families to assume that young children will acquire knowledge naturally and automatically as they grow physically and become older, provided that they are healthy.
School readiness, according to maturations, is a state at which all healthy young children arrive when they can perform tasks such as reciting the alphabet and counting: these tasks are required for learning more complex tasks such as reading and arithmetic. Because development and school readiness occur naturally and automatically, maturations believe the best practices are for parents to teach young children is to recite the alphabet and count while being patient and waiting for children to become ready for kindergarten.
If a child is developmentally unready for school, maturations might suggest referrals
to transitional kindergartens, retention, or holding children out of school for an additional year. These practices are sometimes used by schools, educators, and parents when a young child developmentally lags behind their peers. The young child's underperformance is interpreted as the child needing more time to acquire the knowledge and skills required to perform at the level of their peers.
Environmentalist Theory:
Theorists such as John Watson, B.F. Skinner and Albert Bandura contributed significantly to the environmentalist perspective of development. Environmentalists believe the child's environment shapes learning and behavior. Human behavior, development, and understanding are thought of as reactions to the environment. This perspective leads many families, schools, and educators to assume that young children develop and acquire new knowledge by reacting to their surroundings. Kindergarten readiness, according to the environmentalists, is the age or stage when young children can respond appropriately to the environment of the school and the classroom (e.g., rules and regulations,
curriculum activities, positive behavior in group settings, and directions and instructions from teachers and other adults in the school). The ability to respond appropriately to this environment is necessary for young children to participate in teacher-initiated learning activities. Success is dependent on the child following instructions from the teacher or the adult in the classroom. Many environmentalists influenced educators and parents to believe that young children learn best by rote activities, such as reciting the alphabet repeatedly, copying letters, and tracking numbers. This viewpoint is evident in kindergarten classrooms where expected young children sit at desks arranged in rows and listen
attentively to their teachers. At home, parents may provide their young children with workbooks containing such activities as coloring or tracing letters and numbers activities that require little interaction between parent and child. When young children cannot respond appropriately to the classroom and school environment, they are often labeled as having some form of learning disability. They are tracked in classrooms with a curriculum designed to control their behaviors and responses.
Constructivist Theory:
Jean Piaget, Maria Montessori, and Lev Vygotsky advanced the constructivist perspective of readiness and development. Although their work varies greatly, each articulates a similar context of learning and development. They are consistent in their belief that learning and development occur when young children interact with the environment and people around them. Constructivists view young children as active participants in the learning process. In addition, constructivists believe young
children initiate most of the activities required for learning and development. Because dynamic interaction with the environment and people is necessary for learning and development, constructivists believe that children are ready for school when they can initiate many of their interactions with the environment and people around them.
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
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
14 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
2 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
13 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. 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 Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
7 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours 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.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
51 mins ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
48 mins ago
A. Of course you can have butter milk and any of these things that you have specially now have it on room temperature never create a problem to you don’t have to have it directly from the refrigerator so best you can have whatever you would want like these things but have it on room temperature
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3 months old
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First holi
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