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Lentils for Babies - Benefits and Recipes
When you plan to introduce solid food to your baby, you'd obviously give healthy and nutritious foods like fruit or vegetable purees. But have you considered giving dal to your baby? Many people suggest that moong dal is good for babies. It tends to be a popular choice among parents because of the ease of preparation and also because of the nutrition it provides. Should you give dal to your baby? Read on to find out!
When Can Infants Eat Lentils?
The best age to introduce your baby to the world of lentils is somewhere between 9 and 11 months. Some parents prefer starting it off as early as 6 months but that usually results in discomfort to the baby. Lentils tend to contain a lot of protein and fibres, which the baby’s stomach is not prepared to digest at such a young age. It is also better if you restrict the introduction of solids to one food item at a time so that your child does not get overwhelmed when so many different tastes are introduced, and you can keep a good eye on how his body responds to each one of them.
Nutritional Facts of Lentils
Giving masoor dal to babies along with other lentils can be very beneficial for your baby. A half a cup of lentils that have been boiled and cooked plainly consist of the nutrients given below.
Description
Quantity (per 100 g)
Protein
25.8 g
Sugar
2 g
Fibre
30.5 g
Carbohydrates
60 g
Sodium
6 mg
Energy
353 calories
Folate
479 mcg
Iron
7.5 mg
Source: https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-and-legume-products/4337/2
Health Benefits of Lentils for Babies
Feeding lentils to your baby has its own share of benefits that support his physical development as well as his general well-being.
1. Helps in the Development
Folate is one of the key nutrients that pregnant mothers are strongly advised to include in their diet as it supports the neurological development of the foetus. Lentils are a good source of folate. Even after delivery, folate is highly essential for a baby’s growth since it works with the bodily processes to create new cells and enhance the internal development of various regions.
2. Strengthens the Immune System
A strong immune system can protect the baby from harmful infections and ensure his healthy development.Your can include lentils in your baby's diet to strengthen his immune system. Lentils are also a good source of zinc, which improves the immunity of the baby.
3. Provides Energy
Half a cup of lentils can provide nearly 120 calories. Combined with that, the presence of iron within them is substantial, too. As a baby crosses the 6-month mark, a lot of iron reserves in his body are used up in the rapid pace of development, which gives rise to the need of external iron sources to replenish them. Lentils work wonders in this regard, bringing back revitalizing energy for the body and making sure the baby stays active.
Which Types of Lentils Are Best for Babies?
It can get difficult to decide which dal is good for babies since lentils come in a wide variety. Find out which lentils you should choose for your little one.
Red lentils are great for soups and purees since they have low fibre content in them. Red lentils are smooth and can be prepared quickly.
For older babies, green lentils are a good option. However, it is suggested that you don't opt for canned lentils since these can easily cause gas problems in babies.
How to Choose Lentils
Once you buy lentils, make sure you check them for any stones or dirt in them. Following that, wash them thoroughly under running water.
How to Cook Lentils for Infants
Preparing lentils for baby is a simple process and takes very less time.
It is not necessary to soak lentils overnight but it can make it easy to cook them.
Pressure cook the lentils for three whistles. Turn off the flame once done and let it cool. Mash the lentils well before giving it to your baby.
Can Lentils Cause Gas in Babies?
Lentils do have complex sugars that can be difficult to digest and may result in gases. However, some babies do manage to digest them well and have no such issues.
Lentil Recipes That You Can Try
There are some tasty food recipes that you can prepare using lentils that will be liked by your baby giving him all the healthiness he needs from them.
1. Lentil and Apricot Soup
Lentil and apricot soup is one of the best dal soups for babies. Here is how you can make it.
Ingredients
Chopped apricots - 1 cup
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Chopped onion - 1
Diced carrot - 1
Red lentils (cooked) - 1 cup
Olive oil - 1 tbsp
Water
How To Make
Heat some oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, chopped carrots, and onions to it, and sauté on a low flame for about 10 minutes.
Follow up with cooked lentils and considerable water. Later, simmer it and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Once done, let it cool. Transfer it to a blender and run it all the way until it forms a smooth soupy texture. Add in the apricots at this stage, blend once more, then pour it in a bowl to serve.
2. Lentil Curry
As your baby begins to enjoy the solid texture and taste of lentils, you can introduce him to a better version with this curry.
Ingredients
Lentils - 1 cup
Tofu cubes - 1 cup
Oil - 1 tbsp
Cloves - 4-5
Garlic paste - 1 tsp
Diced carrot - 1
Chopped onion - 1
Turmeric - 1 tsp
How To Make
Cook lentils in a pressure cooker for up to 3 whistles.
Heat some oil in a pan, add the cloves, garlic paste, and other vegetables, and sauté them well. Once done, add the tofu cubes and give it a nice stir.
Next, add lentils and a pinch of turmeric.
Stir this mixture together till it gets a good curry-like consistency.
3. Lentil Soup With Sweet Potatoes
The taste of sweet potatoes can make it easier for your little one to accept lentils and start wanting more of it right away.
Ingredients
Lentils (toor dal) - 1 cup
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Diced sweet potato - 1
Water as required
How to Make
Heat some oil in a pressure cooker, add cumin seeds and once they change colour, add lentils and sweet potatoes and sauté well. Add water and close the lid and let it cook.
Once cooked, mash the ingredients or blend to form a soupy mixture.
Strain using a sieve and feed soup to your baby.
4. Lentils and Vegetable Puree
Babies can swallow lentils and vegetable puree easily and it will also be light on their stomach.
Ingredients
Vegetable broth - 1 cup
Lentils (cooked) - 1 cup
Chopped onion - 1
Diced sweet potato - 1
Chopped tomato - 1
Green peas (boiled) - 1 cup
Oil - 1 tbsp
How To Make
Heat some oil in a pan and add the onions, and sauté well. Follow up with tomatoes and cook them for a few minutes. Add the broth to this mix and cover it with a lid.
Let it cook on a low flame for about 10 minutes. Add the peas, sweet potatoes, and lentils and mix well.
Turn off the flame and let it cool.
Next, transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth to form a puree.
Making lentils for baby is just as easy as it is for them to digest. Being introduced to solids for the first time is not easy on a baby’s stomach but you can introduce lentils when your little one turns 9 months or above. Within no time, your baby will be open to trying out other food items too.
Also Read: Broccoli for Infants – Benefits and Recipes Read more
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Choosing the Perfect First Friends - Your Child’s Toys
Toys are your child’s first friends. Your child will play with them, take them along to the bed, put her mouth to them and even chew on them. And in the process, she will learn many skills. It is of paramount importance therefore that you choose these companions for your child wisely. Read on for a few things you need to keep in mind when going shopping for toys.
Take your child to the toys’ section of the mall and watch his eyes glitter with joy. Toys make a child’s world colorful and fun and your little one is no different. Like all important things in his life, you would like to make the right choice here also. You wouldn’t want to choose toys that are unsafe or that can put wrong ideas into her impressionable mind.
While choosing toys for your child, the general rule of the thumb is they should be non-toxic and safe. Your child should have fun playing with them, and learn and imbibe something in the entire process.
Choosing Age-appropriate Toys
Although age is an important factor while choosing toys for your child, it should not be the sole criterion. You know your little one better in terms of milestones reached, and development achieved; however, going carefully through the age-related information on the label helps and tells you a number of things like:
How safe is the toy for your little one?
Does the toy contain any tiny parts?
These age - related facts will also help you come to a rational toy decision. He is attracted to colorful rattles, brightly-colored chimes or anything that has sound, colors, movement and music. Constantly talking with your little one and giving him musical winding toys would provide him great entertainment and joy. As your child grows older and learns to take tiny steps, he would need something more to play with. Construction toys, dress up dolls are great fun at this age. Jigsaw puzzles would suit your older child who has grown beyond blocks and musical toys.
Toys that are Imaginative
Your little one is slowly learning to use his imagination. He is more creative than you think. Toys that do not conform to any rules such as building blocks, crafty bits and pieces, balls and card boxes fire your child’s imagination, and he can spend hours on building towers, bouncing the balls and making tiny ornaments out of the crafty bits and pieces. Imaginative toys are best for the child at this stage.
While choosing toys for your little one, be wary of advertisements that encourage only one particular type of play among children. Succumbing to marketing gimmicks would amount to thwarting your little one’s imagination in many ways.
Dealing with Uncomfortable Toys
You wouldn’t want your little one to play with toys that promote violence and aggression. You also wouldn’t want him to play with toys that are improper and promote a thinking that is stereotyped and sexist. The toys that fall into this category are:
Weapon toys
Sexy looking dolls with fishnet stockings and miniskirts that are more adult-like in appearance
You can however overlook these factors if your child is using the toy gun as a prop while playing an imaginary game of cops and thieves.
Just remember, toys should not only entertain, but also teach and instill the right values in your little one. So, before you fill those shelves with bright, colorful toys ask yourself if you have picked up the correct toy that will not only ensure fun for your little one, but will also help shape his thoughts and fuel his creativity in the years to come. Read more
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Trotting Physical Movement in Young Children
Trotting in a 21-month-old child is not just a milestone but an activity that is physically as well as emotionally satisfying for her and you, the parent. Make the most of this developmental milestone by encouraging your toddler and learning how to make your home childproof.
Each day brings with it a new accomplishment for a growing child. If you have a toddler, you know how it feels to see her reach and master the next stage of development. Almost all babies start walking by the time they are 15-16 months old. And while they may not seem to be too steady on their feet, they soon experiment with different ways of moving like trotting, which is nothing but a fast walk.
Trotting out the Toddler: What You Should Do
While your toddler is trying to explore the new world before her, you may be worried about her safety. Your comfortable home could pose dangers while she's up and about exploring it. Understanding what trotting in toddlers is and, more importantly, helping your child trot and explore her environment safely goes a long way in helping her feel secure and confident.
1. Childproof your Home
A child has no sense of danger at this age. It's your responsibility to make sure that you provide a safe area for moving around. Re-adjust furniture to make more space, take valuable artifacts off the table, put away all glassware, frames and showpieces on a higher shelf, cover up electrical sockets, and remove auto locks on doors.
2. Take her Outdoors
No matter how much space you create at home, your child will still feel it's not enough. It's important for her to experience the outside world. She'll come to know of new things and have a better understanding of her surroundings. Make sure she's always accompanied by you, your husband or a trusted elder even it's just for a couple of minutes.
3. Encourage her Efforts
Being able to stand on her own brings a sense of accomplishment to your child, and the same happens when she learns to start walking on his own. The toddler trotting milestone is a big achievement and you must encourage her with gestures and words. A hug, a kiss and encouraging words will go a long way in instilling confidence and positivity in your child.
4. Watch out for Red Flags
Children trot at different paces. Sometimes a child may be a bit lazy and relaxed about starting to run so she may not feel the need to. Yet, while a slow trot is normal, too slow a pace could be a warning sign for a developmental abnormality. But before sounding the alarm, you may want to check on a few things like:
Is she active enough to feel confident about walking and running?
Is she safe or are some hindrances making her nervous?
Sometimes, problems like being flat-footed or having inward-pointing feet may be a hindrance in which case you should consult a paediatrician.
5. Symptoms to Keep an Eye Open For
One side of the body moves in a different way from the other
She walks on her toes frequently
Repetitive back and forth walking
Read more
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Panagam / Panakam
Panagam is nothing but a sweet healthy drink made from powdered or whole jaggery. It is a south Indian recipe that is made especially on the occasion of Shri Ram Navami as ‘naivedyam’ or ‘prasadam’ for offering to the deities. Speaking of the health benefits, this tangy drink is a natural body cooler and therefore is perfect for beating the sweltering summer heat.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
3 People
15 - 20 Minutes
0 Minutes
Ingredients
½ cup jaggery
3 cups water
1/2 tsp nutmeg powder
1/2 tsp lemon juice
4 Nos. cardamom powder
A few Tulsi (basil) leaves
½ tsp dry ginger powder
Method
Step 1
Take a steel vessel and add jaggery to it. Next, add water to the jaggery and keep it for 15 – 20 min.
Step 2
Once the jaggery dissolves, mix it with a spoon and strain it using a strainer.
Step 3
Add cardamom, nutmeg and dry ginger powder.
Step 4
Next, squeeze in juice of half a lemon and give it a nice stir.
Step 5
Tear basil leaves and drop it in the mix.
Step 6
Keep the mix in the fridge for 2-3 hours before serving.
Step 7
Taste and check the panagam for sweetness. If you feel its too sweet, add more water and adjust the sweetness. Keep in fridge for an hour or so before serving.
Step 8
Pour in glasses, decorate with a wedge of lemon and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information
Calories
268 K cal
Proteins
0.2 g
Fats
0.1 g
Carbohydrates
66.7 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
3258 mg
Potassium
2741 mg
Tip: Incorporate a dash of pungency by adding black pepper powder to your panagam. Even salt can be added. Read more
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गर्भधारण एक खूबसूरत एहसास
नये जीवन की तैयारी. . .
नया अनुभव. .
गर्भधारण जीवन की एक बहुत ही खूबसूरत अवस्था है एक बहुत ही खूबसूरत एहसास है जिसे सिर्फ महसूस किया जा सकता है इस एहसास को मैनें इस वर्ष महसूस किया और मैं कह सकती हूँ इससे बेहतरीन मेरे लिये कुछ और नहीं हो सकता है मै एक बेहद खूबसूरत बच्ची की मां बनी हूँ जो की छः महीने की हो चुकीं है इनका नाम है ईशानवी, जिसका अर्थ होता है ज्ञान की देवी
मैं अपनी मां के बहुत करीब हूँ मेरी मां मेरे लिये क्या महसूस करती है वह अब मैं अच्छे से समझ सकती हूँ जब से मेरी बेटी मेरी जिदंगी में आईं है ये सम्बन्ध और भी मजबूत हो गया है ये बहुत शानदार है
इस भावुक अवस्था में प्रवेश करने और इस से बाहर आने तक का अनुभव आपको पूरी तरह से बदल देता है इन पूरे नौ महीने में होने वाले मानसिक और शारीरिक बदलाव को महसूस करना और देेेखना अपने आप में अद्भभुत है
मुझे एक बात समझ नहीं आती है की पहली बार मांं बनने के लिये भी लोग योजना बनाते है की मुझे बच्चे कब चाहिए, ठीक है बहुत सी बातें होती है आज के समाज को देखते हुऐ लोग चल रहे है पर इसका दुष्प्रभाव भी पड़ रहा है फिर ऐसे लोग जीवनभर संतान सुख से वंचित रह जाते है और बहुत सी शारीरिक परेशानियों को न्योता देेेते है ।
ईश्वर के इस खूबसूरत उपहार को बहुत ही खुुुशी और आदर से स्वीकार करना चाहिए मेरा उन सभी गर्भवती महिलाओ से कहना है जो पहली बार मां बनेेेगी और जो गर्भवती है की इस सफर का आनंद ले ना की ये ध्यान दे की अब शरीर बेेेकार हो जायेगा अपने अदंर होने वाले परिवर्तन को खुुुशी से महसूस करें ।
धन्यवाद
यह मेरा पहला लेेेख है जोकि मेेरे निजी अनुभव पर आधारित है उम्मीद है आप सब को पसंद आयेगा । Read more
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DIY Minion Hand Puppet
There's something so fun about minions, whether it's their cute language or the fact that they are so little, we love them! Here's a cute puppet you can make with your child, it's perfect for long journeys or lazy afternoons.
Who doesn't love puppets? And when they are minion puppets, your child is bound to hop around the house in glee! As a young child ready to start going to kindergarten, your child must now know her colours well, as well as her shapes. Kids around this age also develop another important quality – pretend play. Knowing the difference between reality and imagination is a huge developmental milestone, and one of the hallmarks of this milstone is a child who can successfully engage in pretend play.
So if you think your child needs a creative and colourful outlet for her imagination, this is the DIY project for you!
You Will Need
Coloured paper – black, white, and grey, yellow, and blue.
Black marker or sketch pen
Scissors-Glue
Pencil, ruler and eraser
One mommy-child pair willing to speak in Minionese for hours!
Procedure:
Take a rectangular piece of yellow paper. Draw a 1cm-border on three sides of the paper. Place the paper on the table with the blank side (without border) towards you.
2. Cut out strips of the paper as shown below.
3. Fold the paper in half, paste the extra flaps. You will get a yellow paper pocket.
4. Cut two bigger grey circles, and two slightly smaller white circles to make the minion 'eyes'.
5. Paste the white circle on the grey circle. Using a marker, draw a small dot in the middle of the white circle. Your minion 'goggle-eyes' are ready. Paste them on the plain side of the yellow pocket.
6. Cut a long strip of the blue paper and stick it along the bottom of the yellow pocket (make sure you don't close off the opening!).
7. Draw eyebrows and a smile using a black marker or sketch pen. Your Minion Hand Puppet is ready!
Messiness Score
2
Parental Involvement
Medium
Level Of Difficulty
Medium
Skills Enhanced
Playing with puppets encourages imagination and creativity in kids.
This Will Be Fun Because...
Everybody loves minions!
Fun Tip: You can play around with the white, black, and grey coloured paper to create different 'expressions'. You can even add 'hair' or 'teeth' to your minion puppet. If you want to give your puppet a more 'soft-toy' feel, you can use yellow felt paper instead of regular coloured paper. Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
7 hours ago
Q. mam i am 21 week continuing in my pregnancy but my baby not moving as much
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. pl do ultrasound. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is muconium staining?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. due to feetal distance that will be mcconium passing in the uterine cavity itself. 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 2 months
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
5 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
55 mins ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
43 mins ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
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