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Baby Not Eating - Reasons and Feeding Tips
When your baby is between 4 and 6 months of age, you may want to give him something other than just liquids. If your baby eats, you will be proud, but most babies do not accept transition swiftly. It’s a messy process that involves a lot of tantrums and confusion. They enjoy the fact that they are doing something new like eating. It's like exploring a new side of their mouth. But, most babies tend to slow down with the eating as their growth is less rapid, and hence they need less energy. Sometimes, you will find that your baby will be refusing food! This little person is making his opinions heard. Do not worry. There are many reasons why your baby is not eating, and you do not need to rush them off to the doctor just yet.
Reasons Your Baby Is Not Eating Well
It can be troubling when you see that your baby isn’t eating properly. He would not be able to tell you what is bothering him which makes it difficult to deduce the cause. However, you can check the below list to see what are the possible reasons for refusing food:
1. Too Many Fluids
Perhaps a baby had too much fluids during the day, whether juice or milk-based drinks. Giving these fluids can lower his appetite, so limit everything outside meals to a bare minimum.
2. Too Small
Your baby is not eating food because they may be too young to eat solids. A lot of mothers make the mistake of moving from liquids to solids too quickly. A good point to start with solid foods is 6 months.
3. Tune It Out
A baby could be distracted by innumerable things such as TV, outside noise and what not. Babies process their environment differently, and something as simple as noise will draw them away from their food.
4. The Growth Change
As a baby grows, he requires less to eat; so you need not worry if your child's appetite is shrinking with age. Baby growth is only natural and you should be proud that your baby is growing as per the development milestones.
5. Full Tank
He may be little, but he knows his belly. If he’s refusing every morsel, clamping his mouth shut and pushing the spoon away, your little bundle of joy is telling you that he has had enough. Trust him; he knows his body pretty well!
6. Doesn’t Want Something New
If your baby has decided that he doesn’t like this new food that you are giving him, he is likely to refuse it. Most kids grow out of this phase with time.
7. Allergies
If your little one could be allergic to certain foods and he will try to tell you that this particular item is not good for him. Monitor his behaviour, check for an allergic reaction and see if he is in physical distress.
Tips for Getting Your Baby to Eat
Here are some simple tips you can incorporate into your busy parenting schedule to convince your little one to eat what you serve:
1. Give Him Independence
Allow your child to feed himself. Do not force feed him. Keep options and let him choose what he wants to have. Do not give him certain food item because you like it or is healthy. Let him select and over the period of time he will be ready to try new things. You can also introduce finger foods to your baby.
2. Choice Matters
If you want to see your baby guzzling food, then offer a variety of healthy food choices. And do try to be creative with whatever you cook for him. Experiment with various colours of vegetables and fruits; children are attracted to colours, they will surely eat.
3. Threats Won't Work
Don't threaten them by saying things like “No playing with your toys if your plate is not clean”. This only creates a power struggle. You are not teaching him in a positive way but it is a kind of
4. Don’t Bribe
A lot of parents turn to the “One more bite and you will get a cookie,” approach, but this way you’re encouraging unhealthy eating habits. So abstain from doing these things.
5. A Family Affair
Try to have meals as a family. If your little one sees his siblings eating things they don’t like, they’re more likely to do the same.
6. Don’t Give In
If they firmly state they don’t like something, don't take it off the menu. These little people adjust to new tastes slowly, and you need to introduce it into their diet repeatedly till they realise that they have no choice and give it a try.
7. Play With Texture
Once you switch to solids, you might realise they’re not ready to chomp on big pieces, so you either switch to purees or opt for soups.
8. Get Messy
It’s a discovery of something entirely new. Let them explore the way they choose! They will smash, sniff, and throw it across the room to really get a feel of what this strange entity is that you expect them to put in their mouth. So, be ready for that.
9. Fool Them
If they don’t like a particular thing, change its appearance or get them excited about it. For instance, if they don’t like the idea of eating lamb but prefer chicken, just tell them it’s chicken.
10. Ask a Pro
It’s always a good idea to consult an expert, especially if a 2-year-old baby is not eating food. He would be able to tell you the appropriate solution for your little one and his eating needs. What’s more, he will also offer some sage advice to put your question, ‘My baby is not eating anything, what should I do?’ and your mind to rest.
When Should You Consult a Doctor
Keep a watch on your baby’s eating habits for a few days when he is refusing food. If he is still not eating a healthy amount, then consider taking him to a specialist. Do not panic if it has only been a few days as your baby could be adjusting to a new growth cycle. Although, if he seems to be having allergic reactions to certain foods, take him to a doctor immediately.
In rare cases, if you see these symptoms in your child, it is time to consult a paediatrician:
Vomiting
Blood in stool
Forceful vomiting
Dehydration
Weight loss
Gagging
Persistent diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Remember, you are going through what every new parent out there has gone through. There is no reason to worry. Your little one is simply communicating his opinions to you and letting you know he would like certain foods, a certain way. Your role as a parent has expanded to include a fresh responsibility that can be quite enjoyable! You do not need to give in nor freak out about your baby's health or why your baby is refusing food. This is another step on the parenting path. Find your space within the realm of parenting and have fun with it.
Also Read: First Foods For Baby – What Foods You Should Introduce? Read more
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5 Big Stressors in Baby's First Birthday Planning
Every new mom wants her baby’s first birthday party to be a perfect affair. The pressure that comes from trying to make everything perfect can also become a stressful affair. This is why we bring some stress-free first birthday planning tips to ease your anxiety.
Stressing one’s self out with first birthday party preparations is not going to help mother or baby. What good are ponies and clowns and live music and fun rides when your child will neither understand the meaning of it nor enjoy any of the pomp? Here are 5 tips to help make your baby’s special day simple yet fun, minus the stress.
5 Ways To Cut Down On The Stress In Planning Your Child's First Birthday Party
1. Settle on a Simple Theme
Fancy themes involve more money and elaborate preparations, all of which add to your first birthday party planning stress. Instead of cracking your head over an exotic theme, you’d be wise to custom make it to suit your child’s favourite things. Be it a favourite colour, character or an activity that he loves, it’s your child we’re talking about and the focus should be more on him rather than the other kids so that it’s a happy time for him.
2. Limit your Guest List
Before inviting your friends and acquaintances, stop and consider whether the people you want to invite are really that important in your child’s life. You don’t need a large gathering to turn your baby’s party into a success. Being surrounded by people who love you is more important than any top-notch invite list.
3. Consider the Age of Children in Attendance
In a party like this there’s always an age group to consider. More often than not you will have children of different ages so your goal should be to keep them entertained throughout the party. You can always count on classic games like Musical Chairs, Simon Says or Treasure Hunts to keep the party going.
4. Plan According to your Budget
Not having a budget is one of the most cited reasons why planning your child’s first birthday party is stressful. Do not spend too much to satisfy your competitive nature and make your little one's birthday a lavish affair. Work within your means and plan your budget accordingly to save yourself unnecessary stress.
5. Consider your One-Year-Old's Response
Of everything else you would want to consider your child’s response and behaviour on that day. That would mean having the party at a time, which does not interfere with your baby’s sleep timing or feeding schedule. It’s his birthday after all and a cranky baby will only stress you. Also, remember to limit the party to two to three hours at the most so that the other kids don’t get bored.
Taking on more than you can handle is never a good idea when planning your child’s birthday party. Your ultimate aim should be to have a party that isn’t riddled with stress but has loads of enjoyment. So whether it’s on a small or large scale, these stress-free first birthday party planning tips are meant to help you relax and enjoy the day when it finally arrives. Read more
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Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi Share First Glimpse of Their Baby Girl ‘Mehr’
Actor-duo Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi welcomed their first child, Mehr, a baby girl on November 18, 2018. The new mom took to social media today to share the name and the first glimpse of her daughter ‘Mehr’ in a unique way. She shared her first picture on Instagram, showing her tiny feet with a caption, “Mehr Dhupia Bedi says hello to the world.” Mehr’s tiny pair of socks read ‘hello world’.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqZLvYgHJD1/
Angad Bedi, the new daddy in town, also took to Instagram to share the same picture with his fans, while the caption read, “Waheguru Mehr Kare”. ‘Mehr’ is a Persian name, meaning ‘blessing’. A beautiful name with a beautiful meaning, indeed!
Congratulatory wishes have been flooding in from fans and the tinsel town of Bollywood since the time the new mommy shared the first glimpse of her daughter. The new parents were also congratulated by ace Indian tennis star, Sania Mirza, who gave birth to a baby boy, Izhaan on October 30th. She took to her Twitter handle to wish and advise the new parents!
https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1064091139970543616
Earlier in the day, Angad Bedi also tweeted his thanks to his fans for their wishes. Here’s what he tweeted!
https://twitter.com/Imangadbedi/status/1064750090311614466
Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi tied the knot on May 10 this year in a traditional ‘Anand Karaj’ ceremony in New Delhi. The couple took everyone by surprise with their hush-hush wedding, and in no less than 3 months they announced their pregnancy on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm3LHxolDAA/
Neha has set some serious fashion goals for expecting moms. The actress also walked the Lakme Fashion Week with her husband during her pregnancy. On the work front, Neha has been active throughout her pregnancy, acting in movies and hosting shows.
Like Neha captioned on her Instagram handle, “Here’s to new beginnings... #3 of us”. We hope the happy couple have a great time with their daughter. Mehr truly is a blessing in their lives and we wish that the three of them have a wonderful time!
Also Read: Neha Dhupia Joins the New Moms Club, Blessed With a Baby Girl Read more
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Refractive Eye Problems in Young Children
Refractive errors in toddlers can cause blurred vision. Since the children are too small to understand what perfect vision is like, it's the responsibility of the parents to look for signs and symptoms of refractive errors in toddlers and correct it immediately to prevent further complications.
As a parent, the well-being of your child is on you. More so, when it comes to your child's eyes as there isn't any way your tot can express his discomfort in seeing. Did you know that a slight error in refraction could actually cause eyesight problems in your little one?
What is Refraction of the Eye and Refractive Error
When light enters the eye through the cornea it bends at a certain angle before entering the pupil and the other parts of the eye. This sends signals to the brain to form an image on the retina called refraction of the eye. In certain cases, the light entering the cornea doesn't bend properly, and thus the brain is unable to form a clear image. This is refractive error of the eye.
Different Types of Refractive Errors
1. Astigmatism
This is an error that occurs when the there is an apparent abnormality in the curvature of the cornea. This leads to the focal points falling in two different places and thereby result in objects that are too close or too far to appear hazy.
2. Hyperopia
Also known as long farsightedness, this occurs when the eye has a very weak refractive power or when the axis of the eyeball is short. In this case, the image of an object placed at a distance is formed behind the retina.
3. Myopia
Commonly known as shortsightedness, this error is caused when the refractive power of the eye is very strong or when the axis of the eyeball is long. In such a scenario, the image of a close object is formed in front of the retina.
Causes of Refractive Eye Problems
Experts believe that refractive errors are generally genetic. A toddler is prone to it if one or both the parents have it. In case the child has myopia, there are chances that the problem would aggravate as he grows. However, hypermyopia doesn't aggravate with age. In fact, there have been cases in which it has reduced with the lengthening of the eye ball.
Ways to Prevent Refractive Errors
There is no way in which you can prevent a refractive error in a toddler. However, doctors believe that early detection is the best way to treat it and prevent the problem from aggravating further.
Signs to Watch Out For
Movements are clumsy
Holds an object too close while looking at it
Is unable to see things that are far off
How Are Refractive Errors Corrected
Refractive errors can be corrected with the help of power correcting glasses or contact lens. In extreme cases, the doctor may also recommend a surgery to correct the refraction. However, the course of treatment depends upon the age of the child and the type of refractive error.
Read more
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Sweet journey of motherhood with support of husband and post pregnancy stress..
Hi.. This is Rubal Chauhan.. Writing my first ever blog on firstcry and it's a nice feeling as it is about my motherhood journey.. I think and I feel it is the best part of your life.. I remember when i got to know that I am pregnant.. I was almost numb.. I felt its a great responsibility and if I was absolutely ready for it.. Time passed and I became mother to a beautiful daughter.. I can still feel the warmth of her first touch and whenever I remember that feeling I can feel tear in my eyes.. She is so adorable.. Yes she is mine.. Thank you God..All I can say every time I feel overwhelmed... But things got messed up as this is not easy and effects of post pregnancy stress showed up.. I became more and more irritated.. I had to skip meals, my work, my hobbies and much more.. There was no me time... For almost 2 years I felt like I haven't slept well.. Slowly I realized my mother also went through this all and yet she never said to us about any problems we created for her.. She only talks of good memories.. I now feel that stress is all you make in your mind.. You feel like you have no time for yourself.. But its not true.. You have the same number of hours.. You should feel the every smile and cry of your baby.. This time would never come back.. My daughter is now almost 4 years old and she is very playful.. She is very busy playing all the time.. I have to go and hug her in intervals and I remember the time when she used to stuck to me... All I can say is motherhood is fantastic and my husband has supported me in this journey as a true soul mate.. I can't thank him enough... Thank you him(Ranbir Singh ♥).. Thank you God and everyone... Read more
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Popular Food Trends to Follow in 2019 for a Healthy New Year!
The new year is meant for new changes, and rightly so – it’s the perfect time to get started with all the things you’ve been setting aside for ‘later’. If you’ve been meaning to get healthy but have been feeling too lazy to get on it, 2019 is the year to work towards it!
Popular Food Trends of 2019 for Health and Fitness
Diets need not be crazy or extreme – making some smart and small changes in your food habits can make a tremendous difference in your health. The food trends of 2019 are the perfect way to get on the health bandwagon – because ‘health’ is the buzzword for the coming year!
Here are the popular food trends of 2019 that you can follow for a healthier new year:
1. Plant-based Foods
The year 2018 saw a dramatic increase in plant-based dishes and foods, and this trend isn’t fading away anytime soon. A plant-based diet contains legumes, leafy vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts, and involves avoiding meat and dairy. A plant-based diet is perfect for strict vegetarians because it will give them all the protein they need to sustain themselves. This year, opt for whole wheat, rice, lentils, sabzis and dry fruits to get healthy.
2. Food in a Bowl
It is as simple as it sounds! One of the major food trends predicted in 2019 is the increase of meals in a bowl – poke bowls, smoothie bowls, Buddha bowls and salads. As people everywhere are getting more and more health conscious, their food choices are getting more precise – without compromising on the yumminess, of course! This year, promise yourself to make more meals in a bowl because they provide diverse nutrients through its various components, and you get to decide what you put in it. Smoothie bowls are delicious, colourful, and super nutritious. Salads can also be a great alternative for a heavy dinner, especially because you can play around with the dressing as much as you like. Poke bowls are for the adventurous ones, especially for those who enjoy Asian food.
Here is a simple and delicious smoothie bowl recipe you can try out to get started with this healthy and nutritious food trend:
Banana and Oats Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:
1/2 cup banana
1/3 cup oats
1 cup milk (you can use skimmed, almond, coconut or soya milk if you wish)
1 tbsp chia seeds
A pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla essence (optional)
Directions:
Put all the above ingredients in a blender and blend.
Transfer the smoothie into a bowl.
Top the bowl with some pieces of banana, chia seeds, and some dark chocolate for added flavour.
3. Avocados
Avocados are a trend everywhere, and the reasons are many - they are soft, creamy, and full of good fats that can help nourish your system and make you healthy. Avocados are quite versatile – you can use them as they are, blend them and spread it on your toast, turn them into creamy dips, or even use them in smoothie bowls as a source of fat. Avocados are a healthy alternative to fatty foods such as butter. This year, try to change how you consume fats – after all, they’re as important as proteins to sustain the body. If you’re trying to move away from unhealthy foods but are struggling, start making small changes: instead of eating deep fried potato chips, opt for baked sweet potato chips or pita chips that you can even make at home. For dips, ditch the mayo – make a beautiful avocado dip instead.
Here’s how you can make an easy avocado dip:
Ingredients:
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and roughly cut
1/2 cup dahi
1 tsp cumin powder
2 cloves garlic
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Blend all the ingredients together to make a smooth, thick paste. Adjust the ingredients according to your taste. Serve with pita chips, sweet potato chips, or carrots and cucumber sticks.
4. Going Back to the Roots – Super foods
Our ancestors most definitely knew what they were putting in their bodies as food, because centuries later, that food (wildly popular for its innumerable health benefits) is making a comeback. Ayurveda has done us Indians good, and we should pay attention to how our local herbs, seeds, and grains can benefit our system. One of the biggest trends of 2019 will be going local, i.e., eating bajra, jowar, ragi, singhara, haldi, dal, jawas, sabja, and amla to name a few. In the coming year, say goodbye to processed foods and embrace loosely available, chemical-free foods. Locally found grains and lentils are replete with nutrients that will help kick-start your fitness journey, so make it a point to include these foods in your daily diet. A great way to do just that is by swapping your ingredients – for example, make your roti with jawar or bajra four times a week, and make wholewheat rotis on the other days. Make it a point to have different dals every alternate day for your protein intake. Try to use turmeric, ragi, jawas, etc as additives to your everyday food. It’s easy to get on the health bandwagon when locally sourced food is right at your doorstep.
5. Going Vegan
Another trend that is being embraced is veganism – the concept of getting all your daily nutrition only from plant-based foods, and completely avoiding anything sourced from animals. Going vegan means you will have to give up meat and dairy of any kind – butter, ghee, and curd included. It might sound like a lot on paper, but it’s not that difficult for Indians to follow because most of our food falls under the category of veganism. However, in case you really need your milk, there are a lot of vegan options available in the market and in restaurants – swapping your regular milk for almond or soy milk, using coconut milk for food instead of curd, etc. Going vegan is not only a healthy alternative, but is also great for the environment, because vegetable processing requires less water than meat processing.
6. Tea
It might seem a bit odd on the list, but it doesn’t make it any less significant – tea has made a grand entry recently, and it’s here to stay in 2019. This is because tea offers innumerable benefits – it has anti-inflammatory properties and calms one’s nerves by helping them get rid of anxious thoughts. Tea is rich in antioxidants that make it a great health food. The best way to make use of tea in your fitness journey is by drinking a hot cup of tea (minus milk, of course) every night before going to bed. Some of the best teas that you can consider are green tea, chamomile tea, and hibiscus tea as they have a ton of great properties. If you’re looking for a twist, do not hesitate to upgrade your tea with a mix of spices such as cardamom and cinnamon, as they have anti-inflammatory properties themselves.
Food trends in the past few years have shown us how we can take care of ourselves and still enjoy the food we like, and 2019 shows some exciting trends that you can follow in order to meet your health and fitness goals. Always remember to enjoy yourself no matter what you’re eating – that’s when achieving your fitness goals will be a breeze.
Also Read:
Lucky Foods to Eat on New Year for Good Health and Prosperity
Foods to Eat for Healthy Heart and Long Life
Why Balanced Diet is Important for Your Health Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
also passing stool after taking food is normal. r
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
3 hours ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
54 mins ago
A. For the query asked needdhs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. nipcare ointments ok. 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 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
54 mins ago
A. 5-6 months ok. 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 this month
57 mins ago
Q. hello dr..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
54 mins ago
A. the levels are on the lower side. 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
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