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Introducing Solid Food to Babies
A gradual introduction of solid food items to the baby’s diet will help her transition from milk or formula to daily foods. However, care should be taken to ensure that the change isn’t overwhelming for the baby.
Video: Introducing Solid Food to Babies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vSakl1A-zE
What are Solid Foods
Solid foods for babies are foods that transition the baby from milk to adult food. After a period of about 4- 6 months, nutrition from milk, either formula or breast milk, is not sufficient for the baby’s nutritional needs and solid foods need to be added to the baby’s diet.
Starting Solid Foods for Babies
Most babies become curious about food only when they become toddlers, but the introduction of solids must happen way before that stage.
1. When Should I Introduce Solid Food to My Baby?
The digestive systems of babies will become ready for solid food by 4 months or so. They will also be able to have the physical skills of swallowing solid foods by that time. Solid foods for infants should start when your baby shows signs of readiness.
2. How Should I Introduce Solid Food to My Baby?
Introducing solid foods to a baby can be done by pureeing, steaming or mashing each item at a time. Start with single grain cereals, and graduate to fruits and vegetables. Give one type of food for 2-3 days to see if the baby has an allergy to that food. Remember not to add any salt or sugar to the food. Start with a small teaspoon, and see how the baby reacts to the feel of the spoon and the texture of food, before giving it to her. If the baby refuses, do not force, but try again after a week or so.
3. How Often and How Much to Feed a Baby
Start with 1 tablespoon once a day at 4-6 months. A 6-month-old baby feeding schedule can be 2 meals of 2-4 tablespoons
Signs My Baby is Ready for Solids
You need to look out for the readiness of your baby to start solid foods. Look for the following signs:
Your baby can keep his head in an upright position and be steady in that position. Your baby should be to be able to sit upright in an infant feeding seat or highchair so that he can swallow properly.
Your baby has gained weight significantly and he has nearly doubled his birth weight.
Your baby is curious about what you are eating and looks at what you are eating or reaches out.
First Foods to Feed Baby
Each baby is unique so your doctor may give the best advice about solids. In fact, The American Academy Of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests giving meats to replace iron, which starts reducing at 6 months. Most parents start by giving single ingredient food without salt or sugar. You can also give pureed single grain cereal, sweet potatoes, peaches or bananas.
1. What Foods to Eat
Solid food for infants should start by 4-6 months. Introducing solid foods to a baby should be done gradually and carefully. Although it is good to eat a vast variety of foods, as a general rule, transition the baby to solid food with pureed food, then move on to mashed or strained food, and then to small pieces of finger food that the baby can chew. One of the first vegetables suggested is sweet potato.
When your baby is trying a food different from cereal, you can try baby food combinations. Mix some tablespoons of fruit or vegetables along with the cereal and see how the baby reacts. The food should be very soft so that baby can easily press it against the roof of their mouth with their tongue.
2. What Foods to Avoid
Honey
Honey is sweet and all natural but could contain spores of Clostridium botulinum bacterium. These spores can multiply in baby’s intestines and infant botulism could develop. Older babies have mature digestive systems which can fight off this type of botulism, but babies up to 1-year-old can have serious consequences. Therefore, honey is not recommended for babies below one year of age.
Milk
Cow or soya milk straight from cartons could contain proteins that the baby cannot digest. Some minerals may even have an effect on their kidneys. For the first year, stick to breast milk or formula milk. Some babies may also be intolerant to lactose in such products and which may cause allergic reactions like diarrhoea.
Peanut Butter
It is known to cause serious allergic reactions. Its thick consistency is also a choking hazard.
Some Vegetables
Vegetables like spinach, beets, and lettuce contain nitrates which cannot be processed by the baby’s digestive system, even when cooked and pureed should be avoided.
Some Fish
Mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tuna have high levels of mercury that are too high to be consumed by children under a year old. If your family has a history of allergies to shellfish do not introduce them to the baby. Some shellfish like oysters and lobster can cause severe allergic reactions, so wait till the child is three before trying them out.
Berries and Citrus
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries contain a protein that infants find hard to digest. Oranges or grapefruit are acidic in nature and can cause stomach upsets. It's best to cut such citrus or berry fruit into small pieces, dilute with water and before giving it to the baby. Observe any reaction before introducing them into your baby’s diet.
Salt
Babies need less than 1 gram a day. The baby’s kidneys are not yet well developed to process large amounts of salt. Processed food that contains sodium is best avoided.
Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts are normally highly allergic. The baby’s airway is small and hence it could also be a choking hazard.
Grapes and Raisins
They are firm and large and could cause choking. The skin is also difficult to digest for babies.
Egg Whites
Babies can have allergic reactions to eggs, especially egg whites. These are unfortunately extremely common.
Chocolate
The caffeine in the chocolate could cause allergies. The dairy component of the chocolate could be difficult to digest. There is also a choking risk. Tea and coffee also contain caffeine, hence they are best avoided.
Foods with Choking Risks
Raw carrots or any raw vegetables that are firm and hard, popcorn, hard candy and gum are foods associated with choking risks and hence best avoided.
Wheat
If there is a known history in your family to gluten intolerance, it’s better to wait until the baby is a year old before introducing foods containing a significant part of wheat to the baby.
Carbonated Drinks
Colas and sodas contain a high concentration of sugar, sodium and artificial flavourings. These ingredients are not good for babies. The gas used to carbonate such type of drinks can also cause upset tummies in babies.
Baby Feeding Schedule
There is no perfect feeding time or schedule. If you are breastfeeding the baby, and you know the time when your milk supply is low, try and give solids at that time. Some babies might like to have solid food for breakfast. The baby will show you if she’s ready for solid food, by either opening the mouth wide or turning away.
You can begin with one meal a day, and then try one in the morning and one in the evening. Gradually increase the frequency try and give three solid meals per day as your baby grows. Experiment till you find a schedule that suits you and your baby.
When the baby is 6-9 months try and start her on a regular feeding schedule of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It will give her time to get used to a schedule of eating.
Here is a chart you may use as a reference to schedule your baby’s meals:
Age
Food
Number of meals per day
Serving Size
Feeding Tips
0-4 months
Breast Milk
On Demand
5 – 10 minutes from each breast
6-8 wet diapers indicate that the baby is well-fed
Hold both the baby and the bottle
Don’t Microwave Bottles
Avoid overfeeding
Formula - 1 Month
6-8 times
60-100 ml
Formula - 1-2 months
5-7 times
90-150 ml
Formula - 2-3 months
4-6 times
120 – 200 ml
Formula - 3-4 months
4-6 times
150 – 250 ml
4-6 months
Breast Milk or Formula
4-6 times
150-250 ml
Don’t prop the bottle
Use a pacifier between feeds
If baby is eating more than 950 ml, it may be time to give solids
Introduce Rice Cereal
Don’t use a bottle to feed cereal
Baby Cereal
1-2 times
1-2 tbsp
6-8 months
Breastmilk
3-5 times
150-250 ml
Give breast milk or formula before solids
Don’t heat food in a microwave
Keep Solid food refrigerated
Introduce one fruit/vegetable at a time
Formula
3-5 times
2-4 tbsp
Baby Cereal
1-2 times
2-3 tbsp
Strained Fruits and vegetables
2-4 times
8-12 months
Breast Milk
3-4 times
150ml – 250 ml
Introduce a cup
Start finger foods
Investing a high chair
Feed soft foods
Do not give chunks of food
Formula
3-4 times
2-4 tbsp
Yoghurt
3-4 times
150ml – 250 ml
Cottage Cheese
Introduce/ offer
¼ to ½ cups
Baby cereal
Introduce/ offer
1-2 tbs
Bread or crackers
1– 2 times
2-4 tbsp
Dry cereal
1– 2 times
A small amt
Vegetables and Fruits (Strained and mashed)
3-4 times
3-4 tbs
Fruit Juice (Not orange)
Once
120 ml
Meat and beans (Pureed and strained)
1-2 times
3-4 tbsp
What If Your Child Refuses to Eat Food
It’s very common for babies to avoid solid food. They may not like the texture or haven’t developed the skills to push the food into their throat. It is very important not to force the baby to eat. Make sure you feed her plenty of milk.
Encourage your baby to touch and play with the food. It will get them used to the texture and shape of the food. Allow them to interact with the food. The more they do, the more comfortable they get with the food and the closer they are to eating it. Give them time to get acclimatized to the feel of a spoon. Babies will fling food everywhere, it doesn’t mean they dislike the food, It just means they are messy.
When the baby is at least tolerating the food on their hands show them how to take it into their mouth and taste it. Repeat several times. Once they eat from their hands, offer a spoon. Give them time, as eating, chewing, and swallowing is skills they need to learn. It does not come naturally to babies.
The physical coordination required to get the food into the mouth is a challenge for babies. The natural reaction is to push the food out with his tongue. So give your baby time to adjust.
Solid Food Chart for Babies
When do babies start eating baby food, is a question mothers are often confused about.The following chart will clear some of the doubts about baby foods by age.
Time
Solid food amount
0 to 4 months
No solids
4 to 6 months
1 to 4 tablespoons of single cereal or mashed fruit and vegetable
6 to 7 months
4 to 9 tablespoons of fruit, cereal and vegetables, spread over 2 to 3 meals a day
1 to 6 tablespoons of protein a day, possibly with meat, cottage cheese, yogurt, or scrambled egg
7 to 9 months
Most babies have teeth and are ready for mashes and combination food. Add any one new food at a time to combination foods.
Breast milk and formula form bulk of food.
9 to 12 months
At 9 months, you can experiment with complex foods like egg yolks and fish and soft parathas.
At 10 months, you can experiment with small snacks and non-vegetarian food. You can also try grains, but ensure that they are tested for allergies. You can experiment with pasta and noodles.
By 12 months, the baby can eat the same food as the rest of the family. One just needs to ensure that the food is cut into bite-sized pieces.
Food should be well mashed and cooked or cut into small bite-size pieces.
Ensure the baby gets her requirement of breast or formula milk. You can reduce the baby’s milk intake gradually to three to four feeds per day along with a gradual increase in solid foods.
Different Food Allergies of Babies
Signs of an allergic reaction to a new food could vary from almost immediate to a few hours. Normally reaction is mild. If severe, like hives, diarrhoea or vomiting contact your doctor immediately.
Extreme reactions could be wheezing, difficulty in breathing or facial swelling. This requires immediate hospitalisation.
What If My Baby is Choking
If you find the baby is unable to breathe, there may be an obstruction in the airway. Assess the situation quickly and you will need to help her remove it. Use back blows and chest thrusts to try and remove the obstruction. Give some blows on the baby’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. The blow will most likely dislodge the obstruction.
If any obstruction is visible you can try to remove it. However, it is not advised to probe the child’s mouth blindly in with your finger as this could push the obstruction further into his throat.
Gently tap the child on the shoulder and shout. Begin CPR if the baby does not respond or if you find the baby is not breathing. Compress the chest gently at a rate of 100-120 per min, after laying the baby on the back.
Your baby will take time to get used to each new food’s taste, texture, and sensation. So you need to start the transition keeping all this in mind. Read more
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How to Deal with Baby Blues
Having a newborn can be exciting and nerve-wrecking at the same time. A baby brings a lot of happiness in your life while also making it seem like all the norms have broken loose. Your daily routine goes for a toss, while day and night merge together to transform you into a sleepwalking zombie. Your body has just produced a living being and has not returned to its normal state. Therefore, it is perfectly normal to go through baby blues amidst all this.
What are Postpartum Blues?
Approximately 70-80% of new mothers experience baby blues syndrome after delivery. This is a short period of unhappiness, anxiety and irritability. A mother might experience the blues 4-5 days after the delivery or earlier depending on the experience of delivery. Baby blues after pregnancy is quite a different story as opposed to the common perception of a glowing, happy new mom.
Do all Mothers Experience Baby Blues?
Not all new mothers experience baby blues, but 70-80% do. A family history of depression or domestic conflicts can increase your chances of having the blues. The time after delivery can be stressful due to the many changes that come about. The system of support available during the period immediately after pregnancy can greatly help a mother in dealing with the blues.
What Causes Baby Blues?
The blues can be due to a variety of reasons such as physical changes, hormonal changes and emotional factors. The level of hormones, oestrogen and progesterone is the highest in a woman's body during pregnancy. The huge plummet in hormones after delivery can also trigger baby blues. Emotional factors such as wanting to be a perfect mother or thoughts of not doing it right can also affect you. Other factors such as trauma during delivery, difficulty in breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, family history of depression can all cause baby blues.
Signs and Symptoms of Baby Blues
These are some of the baby blues after birth symptoms:
Feeling emotional, weepy and vulnerable for no apparent reason: You might cry at the drop of a hat, so it's a good idea to keep the tissues nearby. Talk to your partner or someone else about your thoughts. Discussing with others will help you realise that most things are not as earth-shattering as they seem to you.
Impatience, irritability, restlessness, anxiety: These symptoms just complement each other! So if you find yourself being unreasonably snappy or irritated at your partner and other children, you know you got the blues. The best way to deal with this is to relax and stop thinking about the gazillion things that need to be done. Concentrate on yourself and the baby. All the other things can wait.
Fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration: Well, blame the sleep fewer nights for these symptoms. Try going to sleep when the baby does; this will give you some hours of sleep.
How Long does Baby Blues Last?
Baby blues strike almost immediately after the delivery and tend to last for a couple of weeks. Baby blues are the least extreme form of postpartum depression, which lasts longer and require medical attention.
Baby Blues and Postnatal Depression
After the rollercoaster ride of pregnancy and delivery, it is quite natural for moms to have the baby blues. If the blues get worse or do not go away after a few weeks, it could be postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression symptoms are similar to that of baby blues but worse. It includes withdrawal from a partner, difficulty in bonding with the baby, anxiety that prevents sleep, feelings of guilt and suicidal thoughts. Several factors such as hormonal changes, physical changes, change in bodily metabolism and stress can lead to depression. Seek counselling help to deal with depression.
Postpartum psychosis is a serious disorder characterised by loss of touch with reality. Suicide and infanticide are the risks associated with the disorder, and hence hospitalisation is essential to keep the mother and baby safe. The symptoms include hallucinations, delusion, extreme anxiety, suicidal thoughts or actions, extreme confusion or disorientation, rapid mood swings, bizarre behaviour and thoughts of harming the baby.
How to Treat Baby Blues?
Here are some tips on how to deal with baby blues:
Have some me time: The hectic routine after a baby can be unsettling. Therefore make sure to pay attention to yourself, other chores around the house can wait or try to get someone else to help with those. Sleep when the baby naps and try to relax in general.
Talk: Sharing what your feelings with someone close to you is important, that help in coping with baby blues. If you feel low, don't feel guilty about it. When people know that you are feeling low, they will be more supportive and helpful.
Eat well: Include healthy foods in your diet and don't forget to eat during all the hustle and bustle that ensues after childbirth. You might also want to get back in shape after the pregnancy, which is fine, but do not try to control your hunger pangs in the initial months. Eat nutritious food that satisfies the bodily needs.
Go for a walk: Going outdoors can do you a lot of good. After pregnancy, the thought of dressing up and going for a walk with the baby might seem daunting. But the fresh air and change of scene can provide a new perspective and some positive vibes.
Get help: Get others to help you around the house and with the baby. Don't shy from asking for help; you deserve all the help you can get. This will help you relax and get some sleep.
Don't beat yourself up: You might have imagined yourself being a happy and lively mother to your baby. But your body might not be ready for it, so relax and tell yourself that you are doing the best you can.
When should you Worry?
It is quite natural to have baby blues post-delivery, and there is nothing to worry about it. But if your symptoms last for more than a couple of weeks, you might be suffering from postpartum depression. Also, if you develop suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming the baby, seek medical help immediately.
Also Read: Depression after Pregnancy Read more
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Common Skin Changes during Pregnancy
The human body goes through numerous changes on a regular basis. This is especially true for women during pregnancy. The body composition changes immensely at this time, and the body starts to change to adapt. One of the most common types of changes a woman’s body can go through during pregnancy is skin changes.
How Skin Changes During Pregnancy
A woman’s body is susceptible to many changes during pregnancy. Due to immense changes internally and externally, the skin can have visible differences from before you were pregnant. There are numerous types of changes that happen to the skin during pregnancy, such as:
Stretch marks
Rashes
Change in skin pigmentation (skin color)
Spots
The changes to your skin are not limited to these points; depending on the person’s constitutional makeup, their body can be affected in many ways. Talking to your primary care physician about changes you notice on your skin during different stages of pregnancy can help alleviate your fears. They can also provide more in-depth information about what skin conditions during pregnancy are expected and what is normal and abnormal. Most skin conditions that are caused by pregnancy are normal and will disappear once the baby is delivered.
Causes of Skin Changes
The body changes constantly during pregnancy due to changes in hormones and immunity. This causes a mix of chemicals in the body which results in a multitude of changes, from pimples to shiny hair. When pregnant, a woman’s body begins to prepare to play host to another organism, one that will soon develop its own organs, hormones, and immune system.
When a foetus begins to take shape, the human body evolves to make the womb a hospitable atmosphere for it to grow into a healthy baby. This requires the body hormones to be redistributed, causing an imbalance to the woman’s regular bodily functions. When an imbalance in hormones occurs, changes take place throughout the body and the most visible changes are to the skin. Some changes to the skin can be due to genetics. If there is a history of skin problems during pregnancy in your family then you are more susceptible to those problems as well. Talk to your primary care physician to better understand what skin problems during pregnancy can look like.
Are Pregnancy Skin Changes a Problem?
Skin changes that are of a common nature, such as stretch marks, pose no problems when pregnant. But if the changes seem unnatural, then it is best to visit a specialist and get a thorough diagnosis. If there is a burning or itching sensation that does not go away or if the skin has a lot of blisters or is inflamed, then you should visit your primary care physician. These signs are not commonly a side effect of pregnancy.
Pregnancy can also severely aggravate pre-existing skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. If you have pre-existing conditions, it is best to inform your doctors. They can help guide you through how to manage the condition. It is also recommended that you inform the caregivers around you so they understand what kind of support is required to help prevent or relieve the condition.
It is also important to note that not all skin changes during pregnancy are caused due to the pregnancy itself. Skin infections and allergic reactions can still occur regardless of pregnancy. Your skin can also change colour for reasons completely unrelated to the baby or the hormonal imbalance. Keeping an eye on any change of colour or moles is essential; if the pigmentation changes are accompanied by pain, redness or burning it can be a sign of an infection. If moles on your body begin to change size, then it could be a sign of a tumour.
Common Skin Changes and their Solutions
Not all skin changes during pregnancy are bad. The term ‘pregnancy glow’ is a term commonly used to describe a positive change in the skin during pregnancy. This ‘glow’ is due to the excess moisture the skin absorbs during pregnancy. This is also a way skin color changes during pregnancy. Due to the absorption of excess moisture, the complexion changes as well; when there is excess moisture, the skin looks and feels healthier. Moisture also pushes out excess toxins from the body and opens more pores around the face. The pregnancy glow is a great example of facial skin changes when pregnant. Also, changes to the skin on the face are the most visible and recognizable.
Positive changes aside, it is important to know there can be negative changes to the skin too. You have to understand the changes in your skin, where they come from, and how to treat them effectively. Here are some of the most common skin changes you may face when you’re pregnant.
Stretch Marks
As the foetus grows, it begins to morph into a baby’s image. The growing foetus will push to expand the womb to make room for itself, creating what we know as the baby bump. This begins to stretch the skin located near the abdomen and breast regions, causing stretch marks in those regions.
Most stretch marks are red or pink in color. According to a recent study, nearly 90% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy. Stretch marks do not cause harm to your general health and are not considered dangerous in any manner; they are merely cosmetic changes.
Stretch marks can become an eyesore for some mothers. There are ways to get rid of them, such as cosmetic surgery. However, the least medicated way to treat stretch marks would be constant exercise. It is also assumed that lotions rich in vitamin E have properties that can get rid of stretch marks. But there is no medical evidence of this till date. Stretch marks, if left alone, will fade into streaks of faint silver lines after the baby is delivered. They become barely noticeable. Stretch marks have absolutely no adverse effect on your body.
Melasma and Chlosma
Melasma and chlosma are commonly referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. This condition manifests as dark splotchy spots on the face, and is a sign of negative facial skin changes during pregnancy. These spots are almost always located on the cheeks and forehead. They are a sign of an increase in pigmentation. When you are pregnant, the body increases the number of hormones produced. These hormones can impact skin pigmentation and cause the mask of pregnancy to appear. According to a study on skin changes during pregnancy, it is estimated that close to half the women who are pregnant are affected by melasma and chlosma.
Melasma and chlosma will fade away after the baby is delivered. The best way to treat this would be to prevent it. When you’re pregnant, the skin is extremely sensitive. To prevent conditions like these, you should use a good sunscreen when you go outside. Ensure it is at least an SPF 15 sunscreen. Wear caps to cover sun rays from directly hitting the face. Remember, exposure to the sun increases the likelihood of manifestation of dark spots like the mask of pregnancy.
Acne and Pimples
Women who already had problems with acne can experience an aggravated condition when pregnant due to the increase in hormones. This increase in hormones will cause glands in your body that secrete oil to increase the quantity of oil they secrete into the body. This can cause massive breakouts of acne and pimples.
The way to help contain the acne would be to develop a face cleansing routine. The first step would be using a face wash that has a neutral fragrance first thing every morning and every night. Don’t wash your face more than this as it will cause your skin to become extremely dry. The second step should be to use an astringent to remove the excess oil left on the face. Be sure to avoid acne-medicated astringents as these may contain chemicals that can cause harm during pregnancy. Finally, use a moisturizer, preferably an oil-free one. If the breakout of acne is severe, seek medical advice immediately.
Varicose Veins
These inflamed blue veins manifest when the body tries to compensate for the circulation of extra blood that goes to the baby during pregnancy. They mostly appear on the legs. Varicose veins can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. You can be prone to varicose veins during the pregnancy period if there is a family history of the condition.
Although there isn’t a cure for varicose veins during pregnancy, there are steps you can take to help manage, prevent, and decrease the severity. These steps include:
Stay physically active. Move around as much as possible to help the circulation improve.
Try not to stand still for prolonged periods of time. Standing still can slow blood circulation in and around the varicose veins due to the inflammation.
Avoid being sedentary.
Elevate your feet as much as possible when sitting.
Keep your veins healthy by consuming the correct amount of vitamin C.
Spider Veins
These reddish blood vessels that branch outward are known as spider veins. They are caused due to problems with circulation in the body during pregnancy and appear usually on the neck, upper chest, arms, and face. These spider veins are more common in Caucasian women although all races of women can be afflicted by them. They can be hereditary.
To treat spider veins, ensure you consume a good amount of vitamin C every day. These veins are not painful and usually disappear by themselves after the baby is delivered. There are procedures like laser surgery available to treat spider veins.
Linea Nigra
The linea nigra is a line that runs along the navel down to the pubic regions. While this line is always present, it becomes very visible during pregnancy due to an increase in hormones. It usually begins to manifest during the fourth month of pregnancy.
There is no way to treat the change in pigmentation that causes the visibility of the linea nigra but it does disappear soon after the baby is delivered.
Skin Tags
These are very loose and small growths of skin that manifest under the breasts or arms. They are extremely common and harmless.
Skin tags usually disappear soon after the child has been delivered. If they do not, you can have them removed by visiting a dermatologist.
Darker Freckles and Moles
They are caused by an extreme increase in hormones. The complexion can become much darker due to the increase in pigmentation. This imbalance in hormones makes areas of the skin that have moles and freckles much darker too. Other areas where the pigmentation will make the skin noticeably darker are:
The nipples
The labia
The areolas
The change in pigmentation can be noticeable but is not considered extremely drastic. There is virtually nothing you can do to prevent this condition. There are chances that the pigmentation will return to normal soon after the baby is born. But the change may also remain for a while after pregnancy.
Conclusion: The conditions mentioned above are only a few of the skin changes that can occur during pregnancy. Take precautions during this vital time in your life by using the right kind of moisturizers, soaps, and oils. Consult your physician for the right kind of changes to make in your lifestyle to help prevent and manage skin conditions during your pregnancy. Read more
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Online Education for Preschoolers: A Guide for Parents
With digital gadgets and internet entering in the sphere of education, online education is emerging as a powerful learning tool. Find out how virtual learning can benefit your preschooler in various ways.
Technology has brought a paradigm shift in the field of education too. The traditional classroom education has got a new face in the form of computers, internet, CDs and DVDs. There is no denying the fact that digital education can aid in creating interactive, experiential and independent learning environment for children. But before you hop on to the virtual education bandwagon for your preschooler, you must evaluate different types of online educational tools and how they can benefit your little ones in terms of developing their learning skills.
Types of Online Educational Tools
Teachers and parents can impart online education to preschoolers using the following tools:
1. Interaction-based
The main idea of having things online is to share the knowledge with students, teachers and community all over the world in diverse locations and time zones. With the help of their class teachers, preschoolers can use ‘interactive whiteboard’ or video conferencing to communicate or participate in online discussion with their counterparts in a different location. They can brainstorm on projects and get feedback from teachers over real time chat from the comfort of home.
2. Research-based
By this mode, students can access a huge universe of knowledge online and gain information on different subjects. They are able to learn complex things like scientific terms using online tools or in interesting ways using sound and videos. They are able to understand few things better using multimedia and express their opinion over blogs, etc.
3. Self-expression-based
Preschoolers can be introduced to the concept of blogs, wikis and websites and allowed to learn at their own pace.
Benefits
Virtual education helps to build appropriate learning skills in children right from a tender age. Some of the important benefits of online education can be stated as follows:
Develops better analytical and problem-solving skills.
Inculcates critical thinking enhances their questioning and thinking ability.
Increases creativity and better presentation skills.
Helps to grow a habit of active participation and to exchange thoughts; this also enhances their collaboration skill to work in teams.
Improves communication skills.
Gives them access to different learning methodology and gives them the flexibility to choose the best way of learning.
Gives them opportunity to interact on a global perspective and opens up a huge knowledge base.
While schools are the best mediums to cultivate virtual learning skills in children, parents too can encourage them at home. Parents and children can create a family social media account or a blog, make online photo albums or engage in various other fun activities using different apps and tools.
Online Educational Resource Websites in India
Following websites offer an extensive library comprising of learning games, apps, videos, songs, e-books, dictionaries, puzzles, articles and host of other useful information to education that entertain them as well as develop their literary, numeracy and social skills.
www.kidswebindia.com
www.indiaeducation.net
www.chandamama.com
www.pitara.com
www.dindima.com
www.eSiksha.com
www.eKidzee.com
www.vidyaonline.com
www.indiaedu.com
www.babloo.com
www.worldoo.com
A good online education system also needs well trained teachers and experts who can encourage and work with preschoolers to reap the best benefits out of this form of learning, for them. Read more
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Grilled Veggie Quesadillas
These grilled quesadillas comes with the goodness of mix vegetables and protein-rich cheese. If you have some tortilla wraps handy, it can be made in a matter of minutes. If you can’t get hold of tortilla wraps, use the regular chapati instead. Serve it with some salad for a complete meal, we bet that your kids won’t be able to keep your hands of it.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10-15 Minutes
10-15 Minutes
Ingredients
4 whole-wheat tortilla wraps
1/4 cup carrots, chopped
1/4 cup beans, chopped
1/4 cup baby corn, chopped
1/4 cup capsicum, chopped
2-3 tbsp sweetcorn, boiled
1/4 onion, cut into chunks
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup grated cheese
Method
Step 1
In a bowl, add veggies, oil, salt and pepper. Toss around.
Step 2
In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, add the veggies and grill it in an oven at 200 degree celsius for 8-10 minutes, till the veggies are slightly charred.
Step 3
Take a tortilla wrap and arrange the grilled veggies in one half and top it up with grated cheese. Fold with the other half. Apply some butter on each side and grill it in a sandwich grill. Repeat the same with the rest of the tortilla wraps.
Step 4
Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Calories
334 Kcal
Proteins
10.5 g
Total Fat
18.6 g
Total Carbohydrates
36.2 g
Cholesterol
30 mg
Sodium
766 mg
Potassium
135 mg
Tip -You can use zucchini and mushrooms in the filling for a change. Read more
Suggested for you
Awesome board books for toddlers which can help in development of child towards books.
“Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything” – Plato
Someone has rightly said a learned child can have a bright future and an impact on society as they grow. Reading books has its own benefit to an individual and introducing books at a very early age is one of the best gifts you can give to your child. There are lots of benefits when it comes to early reading for your child. Parents should encourage early reading habits. Here are a few benefits of reading to your kids.
• Development of communication skills: when a child starts to read it is exposed to different words and every word has different meaning in different context this helps a child develops a good communication skill.
• Development of vocabulary: Reading helps develop vocabulary as the child is introduced to new words. This will help them understand the use of right word at right context from very early age.
• Brain development: Reading is like exercise to the mind. Reading at early age helps a child to gain more knowledge. Reading makes a child smarter.
These are few benefits of reading, but the question arises what kind of books a child should read. There are amazing board books that you can buy for your child. They are as follows:
• The very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle: This book is one of the best board books to introduce to your child. This book is illustrated and written by Eric Carle. The concept of transformation and representation in it is fun and colourful way.
• Dear zoo by Rod Campbell , Another book which is a very popular board book among parents and toddlers. The classic lift the flap book makes it perfect for small hands.
• Peek a who by Nina Laden : This is small sized colourful book with simple rhyming text is perfect for your curious toddler. Its amazing book for bed time story.
• Good night moon by Margret Wise Brown: This bed time story book gives a smooth transition from wakefulness to sleep. In this book the rhyming of words and beautiful illustration makes it perfect bedtime stories.
• Ten little fingers and ten little toes by Mex Fox: The beautiful illustration and rhyming text make this book one of a kind. After you finish reading the book you want to read that for your child again.
• Where is Amma? by Nandini Nayyar: The is best bed time story book it’s illustration and the projection of messy house is beautiful. This is relatable to kids as the book story is about a child looking for his mother everywhere.
• The very lonely firefly by Eric Carle: This book is every child’s favourite book as it is not just because of the story but the board version has the flash light at the end. This book is another board book which a child can connect too.
You can buy these books online available at different sites. Please any further queries please feel free to ask in comment section. Read more
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
6 hours ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
4 hours ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. hi iam 13th week pregnant my mind is completely in pressure stress and I cried alott does this affect my baby or baby growth
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
4 hours ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. If you have any question concerning the parenting platform then please feel free to post your question once I know what are you willing to ask with all the necessary details associated it will be easier for me to give you appropriate help and response onto your question
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
6 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Its been 7 days my 8 month old hasn’t pooped. He looks good not at all cranky. Eating normally. What to do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
12 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Sometimes baby does not poop for 7-10 days. Please massage baby stomach clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can also apply hing water on baby stomach. Also do some cycling leg exercises of the baby to relieve from constipation and gas. Please make the baby burp after every feed. Mother should chew saunf and ajwain after every meal.
Thanks and take care
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