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Fabric Conditioners for Babies – All You Need to Know
Your bundle of joy is small, delicate, and absolutely adorable - and the same adjectives can be used to describe her little onesies and dresses! Hence, throwing them in the washing machine with harsh detergents just won’t do, when it comes to laundry time. Infant clothes are just as dainty as their owners, which mean that you have to take special care while washing them.
How to Wash a Baby’s Clothes
The fabrics used in baby clothing are usually cotton, cotton-polyester blends, fleece - and even cashmere, if you’re looking for high-end options; and it’s absolutely vital to follow certain basic dos-and-don’ts while washing them.
Do’s
Follow the instructions that are mentioned on the clothes’ tag.
Ensure you disinfect cloth nappies after they are washed.
Choose a detergent paired with a mild and gentle fabric softener in every wash. Ensure that you run the clothes through the rinse circle twice.
Don’ts
Don’t delay cleaning stains. However busy your baby keeps you, ensure that you soak the stained clothes straight away, so that the stains become easier to remove.
Don’t use bleach to clean your baby’s white clothes.
Don’t mix your baby’s clothes in with the rest of your family’s laundry in the washing machine, unless you’ve switched to a mild detergent.
Don’t dress her up in new clothes, unless they’ve been washed first. The clothes would have been stored in boxes for days together, and dust and dirt could easily have settled on it.
Similarly, clothes are sometimes sprayed with chemicals to preserve their freshness, and you don’t want your baby’s skin exposed to such chemicals! Pre-washing clothes becomes essential to avoid this situation.
What Happens if the Baby’s Clothes Are Not Washed Right?
As tiny as your little one is, her clothes may be the ones that pile up fastest in your laundry basket. If your little one’s laundry is not done right, her clothes and her skin will definitely make it visible. Therefore, it’s imperative you make the right choices, whether it’s the way her clothes are washed or what they are washed with.
Using detergents with bleach and chemicals can reflect on your baby’s skin as rashes, which can be severe in some cases. Similarly, washing cloth diapers with the rest of her clothes is not a hygienic or safe option. Itchy and rough textures that arise because of careless washing are a complete no-no, because it can irritate your baby’s delicate skin.
Fabric Conditioners for Baby Clothes
A comfortable baby is definitely a happy baby! Soft and gentle textures guarantee your baby the comfort she deserves, which is why using a fabric conditioner for her clothes is important.
How Are Fabric Conditioners Different from Detergents?
Consider shampoo and hair conditioners - shampoo rids the hair of dirt and other impurities, but the softness and shine of your hair can only be maintained by using a conditioner. The same logic applies to these laundry essentials. Detergents clean clothes by removing all the grime and stains that have been accumulated on them (which, in your baby’s case, will be a lot!) and can be bio or non-bio in nature. Non-bio detergents do not contain the presence of enzymes, which is why it is suitable to use on baby clothes, as enzymes can trigger allergies on sensitive skin.
A conditioner, on the other hand, smooths out the fibres of the clothes, making them soft and comfortable - like a cuddly hug!
Why Use Fabric Conditioners?
Using a fabric conditioner for baby clothes keeps the cloth fibres smooth, so that clothes feel gentle to the touch. Apart from keeping clothes soft and fuzzy, it presents the following advantages too:
Saves drying time for your wash load: This is because the conditioner’s formulation basically prevents the clothes from holding too much water while washing them.
Reduces wear and tear of clothes: Fabric conditioners can help to tame the movement of fibres in clothes. This means that it reduces the friction within the fabric that happen when the fibres rub against each other, which result in those stray threads and bobbles on your baby’s outfits.
Enhances breathability of clothes: Fabric conditioners prevent the damaging and matting of fibres, which are the causes for moisture getting locked in. Instead, it opens up the fabric structure and lets your baby’s skin breathe freely!
Helps in caring for the colour of clothes: It isn’t just the loss of dye that can make your baby’s bright outfits look dull after a few washes. Damage to fibres or fuzzing of clothes also diminish the colour and quality of the clothes, which can be prevented by using a conditioner.
How to Use Fabric Conditioners
To get the best use out of your fabric conditioner, follow these simple tips while washing the baby’s clothes:
Wipe off any stains that are clumpy, because these can soak into the fibre and stain clothes permanently.
Rinsing stains immediately in cold water will prevent them from ‘setting’.
If you’re washing clothes in the machine, pour in the detergent and conditioner in their designated compartments. Depending on your washing machine, you can probably add the conditioner right in the beginning (and the machine will release it during the final rinse cycle), or you’ll have to manually add it towards the end of the washing cycle.
Ensure that the conditioner is diluted and use small amounts. If you’re hand-washing the clothes, mix in a small amount of conditioner in a bucket full of water, ensure that it has dissolved well, and rinse the clothes in this solution.
Things to Consider While Choosing a Fabric Conditioner for Baby Clothes
While choosing a product, it’s important to note that it is baby-skin-friendly. Pick a fabric conditioner which is:
Mild and gentle, and can be combined with a non-bio detergent.
Dermatologically tested and approved.
Suited for the baby’s sensitive skin.
Very lightly fragrant.
A non-dye formula.
Your little one deserves nothing but love and happiness, especially in her early stages. Ensure that she remains comfortable wherever she goes and whatever she does!
Also Read:
Best Baby Laundry Tips for Parents
Washing Your Baby’s Clothes Correctly Read more
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Is it Safe to Practise Yoga Inversions during Pregnancy?
The definition of yoga inversions differs with each practitioner. For some inversions mean when the heart is above the head, while for others it when the feet are above the head. It is very important to know what poses we are referring to as yoga inversions during pregnancy. The key to successfully performing any yoga pose is knowing your body and its limits. While yoga has been proved to be beneficial particularly during pregnancy, you should always exercise restraint while doing certain poses. Yoga inversions are a good form of exercise if you already have a practice of doing them before you conceived. However, there are certain yoga inversions that should be avoided when you are pregnant, as they may be a potential threat to your pregnancy.
What is Inversion Yoga?
The pose in yoga in which the performer's heart is at a level higher than her head is known as inversion in yoga parlance. Doing these poses stimulate the body’s nervous system. They also improve blood circulation in the body and has been proven to alleviate backaches and depression during pregnancy. Some of the simple yoga inversion poses during pregnancy include forward bend while standing, child’s posture, dog-pose facing downward, dolphin pose, and shoulder stand.
Can Pregnant Women Do Yoga Inversions?
Practising yoga inversions requires discipline and experience. During pregnancy, a woman's body becomes sensitive with the flow of so many hormones and relaxation of muscles and ligaments to accommodate the growing needs of the baby. Women who'd perform yoga inversions without the prior knowledge tend to become off balance while performing the yoga inversion poses. It is because pregnancy changes the gravitational equilibrium, which increases your chances of losing balance. Prior practice in yoga inversions help pregnant women in transiting from the various yoga poses with ease minimising the risk of injuries. It is entirely up to you to decide whether to do yoga inversions when you are pregnant. Yoga inversion is a unique form of exercise which depends totally on you and your understanding of the body. You will be astonished to find that most of the women who have prior experience in doing yoga inversions have continued to do so even during their pregnancy without causing any harm to themselves or their pregnancy.
1. Is Yoga Inversion Recommended in the First Trimester?
Certain poses of yoga inversions can be performed in the first trimester of pregnancy as they do not pose any harm to the baby in your womb. The simple yoga inversion in which you've to raise your legs up on the wall (Viparita Karani) without any props to keep your hips elevated is a very safe pose to perform during the first trimester. As mentioned earlier, you will know if a yoga pose is right for you or not. A lot of this will depend on intuition and feel good factor. Since the chances of miscarriage are considerably higher during the first trimester, it is advisable to not start yoga inversions if you have not done it before.
2. Is Yoga Inversion Recommended in the Second and Third Trimester?
It is safe to practice the east poses of yoga inversions during the second and third trimesters as the risk of a miscarriage reduces considerably. Most of the pregnant women also have decreased symptoms of morning sickness by now. However, if you are new to it, your body's increased blood volume might cause a slight sensation of dizziness while transiting in the yoga inversion poses. Talk to your yoga teacher and let him be aware of your condition so that if you feel uneasy, he can guide you and keep you safe. It is advisable to be mindful of such dizziness and slowly move back towards the upright position. It is okay not to practice yoga inversions on the days you don’t feel right.
Benefits of Yoga Inversions while Pregnant
The benefits of yoga inversions outnumber the risks they bring to your pregnancy. Below is a list of benefits that you can derive while practising yoga inversions:
When you hold yourself upside down the blood flow reverses and it pumps in the blood which is more oxygen-rich.
It helps in curing your chronic back pain which is a common problem during pregnancy.
It energizes you and helps improve your concentration.
It soothes your nervous system and brings a calmness to your mind.
It helps you maintain equilibrium.
Some of the poses of yoga inversions provide relief from indigestion during pregnancy.
Yoga inversion poses may also help in improving your sleep pattern.
How to turn a Breech Baby With Yoga Inversion Poses
There are a few yoga inversions which can help resolve the breech baby problem. The pose 'downward facing dog' has been proven to help immensely in cases of a breech baby. The duration to practice this pose after 30 weeks is for 30 seconds and with a count of 5 to hold. This can help in maintaining the optimal position of the child. In addition to these yoga postures, it is advisable that you do not lie down on your back during the last leg of pregnancy to help the baby to maintain a good position.
Cautionary Tips
Though yoga inversions have been proven to be beneficial during pregnancy, you should be careful while practising the poses of yoga inversions. You will have to be vigilant and careful. Here is a list of tips that you should follow while doing yoga inversions:
Pregnancy is not the right time to start new yoga poses which require a lot of experience and confidence. So, if you have never tried yoga inversion before, do not start it in your pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the hormones are usually elevated and the muscles, ligaments, tissues are all relaxed to accommodate the changes in the body due to pregnancy. The chances of hurting yourself while performing the yoga inversions are more. So, be careful.
Do not continue with the yoga inversion poses if you feel uneasy. Your body will usually give you signs if it is under distress. So, listen to it well.
Alternatives for Inversions while Pregnant
There are several variations of the yoga inversions, and you can choose the best that suits your body. Listed below is a comprehensive list of inversions that you can consider during your yoga sessions:
1. Rest Position
Also known as the child’s posture, this resembles the body lying in the fetal format. The shins are rested on the floor with the knees and hips bent.
2. Anahatasana
This yoga pose is good for the heart. It also helps calm the mind and is good for the respiratory system.
3. Uttasana
This yoga is a perfect exercise form to give your aching back a nice stretch right from the head to your heels.
4. Prasarita Padotsana
This yoga exercise can help stretch your back and legs all the way down to the calves.
5. Gomukasana
Choose this simple yoga asana for the times you feel uneasy during the other yoga inversions. This asana benefits in providing a good stretch for your back, arms and legs.
Yoga has been long associated as an alternative to mainstream exercising forms. The many benefits that it brings have made it the most popular choice of exercising. Yoga inversions are a great way to relieve your stress and backaches which are typical during the pregnancy. You can perform the simpler yoga inversions or choose from its many variations that suit and keeps your body happy. But remember not to start anything that is new to your body because while you are pregnant, the body has to make its adjustments to host the child in the womb. If you feel uneasy or need any help, do not forget to reach out to your caregiver or doctor immediately. Enjoy your yoga inversions and have a healthy pregnancy.
Also Read: Yoga during First Trimester of Pregnancy Read more
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How to Deal with Congenital Nystagmus in Babies
There are many eye diseases that can impact a baby’s vision. While few can be related to alignment and focus issues, some can lead to critical conditions. Ensure your baby receives immediate medical attention so that its eye health can be maintained.
What is Congenital Nystagmus?
Congenital Nystagmus or dancing eye causes involuntary and periodic movements of the eye. This oscillation is a result of an inherent visual or neurological syndrome. Congenital Nystagmus will be noticeable in the baby’s first few months itself. It generally impacts both eyes in a horizontal path. However, cases of circular and up/down movements have also been reported. The baby is unable to control this movement. This condition does not take place while the child is at sleep. If you think your baby is affected by infantile nystagmus, speak to your paediatrician at the earliest.
Causes of Nystagmus (Dancing Eyes) in Infants
Genetics can be one of the causes of nystagmus in infants as it can be transferred genetically. Visual deprivation is another cause of this condition in babies. Visual deprivation can happen due to glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, abnormalities in the optic nerve and achromatopsia. Vitamin deficiencies, extended drug use or side effects (recreational or prescribed drugs), strokes of the central nervous system are other causes. It is also caused due to coloboma, where the eye isn’t formed fully. If your infant is born with any of these conditions, it is likely to suffer from congenital nystagmus or early onset nystagmus.
Symptoms of Nystagmus in Babies
A child with nystagmus will have diminished vision and bad depth perception. An obvious symptom is that their eyes are unable to remain steady and keep oscillating. However, babies born with this condition do not realize the vision defect. Double vision, oscillopsia and perceived movement of objects are common symptoms of this disease. Symptoms include dizziness, numbness, poor coordination, and hearing loss. Babies are also unable to follow rapid movements.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Congenital Nystagmus is carried out in the following ways:
A complete paediatric examination is carried out to eliminate systemic reasons
An ophthalmic exam is done to exclude the presence of ocular abnormality which could lead to sensory nystagmus.
An electroretinogram is performed to eliminate optic or retinal nerve dysfunction
For uncharacteristic nystagmus, imaging methods like MRI and neurological examinations are used.
Possible Treatment for Infantile Nystagmus
As such, there is no definitive cure for Infantile Nystagmus. Correction of refractive errors, treatment of any squint or strabismus, if present, and achieving optimal development of the visual system is of primary importance. Squints need to be treated at the earliest in order to reduce ocular movement using the effect of convergence. Another method used in the treatment is the correction of abnormal head position. Surgery can be performed on babies who have an abnormal head posture through adjustment of extraocular muscles. Since short or long sightedness is a common by-product of Nystagmus, such problems can be addressed with prescribed glasses.
It is necessary to conduct a full ocular and clinical examination which includes family history since nystagmus could be associated with other medical issues. Children with congenital nystagmus do not understand that their visual power is deficient. As they grow, they may have limitations for the kind of profession they choose and parents should be aware of it.
Also Read: Watery Eyes (Epiphora) In Babies Read more
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Toddlers Using New Sounds in Speech
Children learn things gradually. When it comes to speech and sound, it can seem like a complex and challenging task for parents to get their kids to speak words correctly. Instead of despairing, learn how to further your toddler’s speech development.
Learning how to speak is a major milestone for toddlers. Sometimes, they don't utter sounds and pronounce words correctly even after hearing them repeated many times. This can make parents worried, is there something wrong developmentally? However, the problem may not be with the child. It could be that parents aren't approaching the matter in the right way, or are teaching their kids sounds and words that are too complex.
Understanding the Development of Speech Sounds in Children
1. Start with Easy Sounds
The first step is teaching children sounds that don't require effort or movement of the tongue or the lips against the teeth. Some easy sounds are a, e, g, h, k, and y. Sounds that involve the use of the tongue and lips like b, p, m, w, n, t, and d require a lot more effort to learn, so leave them for later. Have your child practice with easy sounds first and then go on to the difficult ones. You'll steadily see him progressing with his speech sound development milestone.
2. Correct Their Mistakes
Since children are unaware about articulation, they don't know how to frame words correctly. When they start learning to assemble alphabets into words, they make mistakes and try to simplify harder sounds with easy ones. You may hear words like "tat" in place of cat, "tweet" for street, "pish" for fish and many more. Instead of ignoring this, correct their mistakes then and there. They'll realise they've pronounced the words wrong and must try to pronounce them correctly.
3. Respond to Babbles
Babbling is a pre-linguistic skill that paves the way for learning speech. When your toddler's learning new sounds, he'll babble with small words like "ba-ba". Later, it turns into "jargon" where it seems like he's talking in his own language. Whenever he does, try to respond in the same way. Then, slowly introduce him to new "jargon" and include simple words. He'll learn better this way than if you insist that he only speaks using proper words.
4. Never Force Him to Pronounce a Difficult Word
There are many words that your toddler will find tough to pronounce. Its not that he'll never be able to pronounce them, but he's still too young to take up the challenge. Forcing him to is a big what-not-to-do in speech development. It might stop him from using the words, and he may become frustrated with the many corrections being done.
The points listed here can prove useful to your baby's learning of speech sounds. Keep in mind that the process will take time no matter how well you teach him. Be supportive and encouraging and remember not to push the envelope too hard. You don't want to scare him off. Read more
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A New Journey Called Motherhood - Breastfeeding and Other Initial Problems
I am a mother to a 3-year-old baby girl. It was relatively easier for me to bring her up because of the support from my in-laws and husband. So, for the first-time mommies out there, I suggest that you take all the help you can get since it will be easier for you and less stressful. As you will have to breastfeed your baby, match your sleeping patterns with that of your child's sleeping pattern. Cook, clean, and take care of the baby accordingly.
Initially, owing to the lack of breast milk production, I had to give cow's milk mixed with water to my baby. This was a major cause of stress for me as I felt that I was not a good or complete mother. I was not able to satisfy the basic need of my child. The paediatrician suggested that I should get adequate sleep, eat healthy and nutritious food, and drink at least 4 litres of water every day to start producing milk efficiently. And it did work. I started eating lots of greens, methi seeds laddoos, etc. All thanks to my mother. And slowly, I could see the difference in the quantity of milk I was producing.
Stress and less water intake are major reasons for lack or little milk production. However, it is the time when one should try to relax, enjoy time with the baby, and follow a proper nourishing diet to make sure that the baby is fed well. Post this problem, I dealt with another problem of returning to work after 4 months and leaving my baby in the care of my mother in law. After staying with the baby for so long and suddenly leaving the baby, resuming work was not easy. Initially, I started with 3 hours of work or half a day work, and gradually increased the working hours. As I was working with a consulting firm, it helped me. Again since the baby needs to be breastfed at least for initial 6 months, the problem I faced was resolved by buying a breast pump. I went for the manual one. I used to pump milk before leaving and this ensured that the baby was taken care of till the time I returned from work. My best advice to the new moms out there would be to learn, alter, or incorporate things in your life as you go along in your journey with your child. Every child is unique and so are their needs. What worked for me might work for some and might not work for some. So, create a routine that is comfortable for you and your baby.
Happy Motherhood!!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 3 months
3 hours ago
Q. My wife taking tablets for UTI it caused fever last week she took paracetamol and Pan D in IV and now for the past 5 days taking Nitrofurantoin tablet IP I have two questio
1) Will this tablets and IV affect my baby in any way and it's growth inside
2) She says still feeling some pain groin and abdomen area comparatively lesser than previous days
3) Any diets to avoid this UTI in future
Read moreAnu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
2 hours ago
A. UTI infection is common in pregnecy. Better to consult gyne
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. ma lmp 28.9.2023 edd date 5.7.2024 ma age 25.7.1999 ma beby boy or girl plsss tell me mam
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. be not possible to tell. 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. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
2 hours ago
Q. Hii...., Is it safe to eat jackfruit in 4th month of pregnancy, daily 2 ...
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
2 hours ago
A. dear mam, you can eat jackfruit during the 4th month of pregnancy. there is no problem in having it. you can eat all types of seasonal vegetables and fruits even green leafy vegetables.
shahin has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. is that positive result??? my Due date is tommoro I am having vomitting and nausea and back pain etc please reply asap
shahin
Mom of a 6 m old boy
20 mins ago
A. yes
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
37 mins ago
Q. Hi I'm in 23weeks pregnancy
my afi is 26 I have no diabetes or any other issues
is that risky ? what to do for making normal delivery possible
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
34 mins ago
A. yes AFI level is very high and yes you need to be very careful to have regular follow up with your doctor take the precautions advised by your doctor and regularly keep a watch on baby movements
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
22 mins ago
Q. nasal congestion during 9th week pregnancy is normal or something serious?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
12 mins ago
A. it's ok . take steam twice daily or you can use nasal drops
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.
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