Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
21 Months Old Baby Growth and Development
Your baby is still a few months short of turning two and yet may have covered many milestones and developed several new skills. He may be walking with more assurance, possibly running, hopping all over the house. He may be pushing and pulling his toys with ease, climbing stairs without much effort. In fact, by now he may have mastered the art of climbing which means he can scramble his way onto table tops, counters, chairs to reach for the object of his desire.
A toddler at 21 months is full of energy which seems to be inexhaustible. But his constant motion may be benefitting your toddler in building and strengthening his muscles, developing his cognitive and motor skills, sharpening his mind and then allowing him to sleep peacefully at the end of the day! Some aggressive behaviour in the form of tantrums, biting, hitting may also get manifested during this time. But most toddlers outgrow such behaviours as they grow up.
21 Month Old Toddler Development
Every child is an individual and can have varying developmental milestones. Some children may cover certain milestones sooner while others take time. It is best to allow every child to chart his progress at his own time and pace. A parent should not unnecessarily worry or hurry up their toddler if they feel he has not reached some of the perceived 21 months old baby milestones.
Physical Development
Your toddler at this stage may like to attempt different physical challenges every day. He may keep you on your toes as he explores his physical capabilities and discovers new exploits and possibly treats your house as his adventure playground. Some of the physical development of a 21 months toddler can be:
Your toddler may be walking and running about everywhere confidently.
He may be able to push around pieces of furniture or navigate around them without much difficulty.
He may have become an expert climber mounting on different surfaces and then climbing down with ease.
He may be able to climb stairs and get down too without much help.
Your toddler may also be learning to balance himself as well things well like bending over and then standing back again without losing balance.
He may be able to walk backwards, fling a ball overarm, kick a ball and help you with easy tasks about the house.
Social and Emotional Development
Toddlers may create a world of their own and want things to happen their way. They tend to seek attention and can be ruthless, restless and uncontrolled simply as a mean to test new behaviours. Few social and emotional development of a 21 months old toddler can be:
Your toddler may gain more self-assurance. He may be now slightly more comfortable being without you if you leave him in someone’s company.
Most toddlers start referring to themselves as “I” or by their names.
Your toddler may be willing to share his toys or things with others. He may begin to become more mindful of others.
Your toddler may be capable of recognizing familiar faces if you happen to show him a picture album.
Your toddler’s active imagination may give rise to certain fears in him like fear of water or insects.
Toddlers may like to assert their independence in situations which often lead to temper tantrums.
Cognitive and Language Development
Your toddler’s seemingly improving language skills may provide him with more confidence to communicate with others on his own. Some other cognitive and language developmental milestones can be:
Your toddler may be able to name many of his body parts with his increasing attention to detail.
Along with vertical lines, he may also make a good attempt at drawing circles and other shapes.
His growing consciousness of his senses may make him curious about how diverse things smell, taste, look, and sound.
Your toddler may now be able to sit and patiently go through a picture book or fit in a few pieces of a jigsaw puzzle by himself as his thinking and reasoning skills continue to develop.
He can understand simple instructions and can say simple phrases and use them to make short sentences.
Behaviour
Toddlers usually imitate grown-ups. You can help your child develop good manners by displaying good behaviour yourself. For example, if you want your kid to say “thank you” and “please” do use those words while talking to him and other people. Use more of positive affirmations than negatives while instructing your toddler. For instance instead of saying “Don’t hit the dog” say “Touch the dog softly”.
You can establish a few reasonable rules around the house. Your toddler may not follow all the rules. Consistently remind him. Rewarding the good behaviour of your child is always a good idea. It may encourage him to repeat his positive behaviour.
Toddler's Temper Tantrums
Many toddlers at 21 months often display intense mood swings, temper tantrums, repeated aggressive behaviour particularly if their actions may prompt an exciting response from adults. They may try to assert their will to test if they have enough power to do things as they like. In such situations, it is important to remain calm and instead of scolding him for his unacceptable behaviour consider using the situation to help guide your toddler towards positive behaviour. For example, instead of raising your voice, speak respectfully. Your toddler is more expected to listen when spoken quietly. Allow your toddler some time for his feelings of anger and frustration to pass away. Sometimes a hug can do wonders. Others may require a distraction of sorts like an interesting toy or activity. In case your toddler throws a tantrum in front of other people, take him to a quiet place and allow him time to vent out his anger till he calms down.
Food And Nutrition
In case your baby at 21 months is still on bottle feed you may consider taking steps to wean him off it. Make sure you make the transition slowly in stages. You may like to introduce your toddler to a kid sipper for his day feeds.
A 21-month-old baby food should ideally include all sorts of healthy veggies and fruits. But toddlers tend to be fussy eaters. Resist the temptation to force them to eat lest they develop an aversion to meal times. You can try and arouse their interest by involving them during the preparations of their meals. Being imaginative regarding the presentation of their meals may also help. Toddlers are likely to develop preferences for certain foods but try and constantly introduce them to different kinds of foods in small quantities. If your toddler seems reluctant to taste or dislike some food initially, keep offering him and he may eventually accept it.
Sleeping
Your toddler is likely to sleep less during the day. He may probably nap only once or twice throughout the day. Most of his sleep may happen at night now. Your toddler may display some resistance to falling asleep during bedtime. However, it is important to establish a bedtime routine for your toddler and more importantly stick to it. Your toddler may experience some separation anxiety during bedtimes which may disrupt his sleep. Moreover, some toddlers develop sleep regression around this age wherein a toddler who otherwise has been sleeping well may suddenly start experiencing recurrent night wakings. Yout toddler’s imaginative mind may trigger some bedtime fears in him like fear of the dark, monsters.
Play and Activities
It is essential that your toddler plays with age-appropriate toys that may not only be safe for him but also aid in his proper development. 21 months old baby activities may include toys that allow him to pretend like phones, trains, racing cars, toy food, toys that he can handle easily like playing blocks, plastic bricks and buildings, action toys like balls, tricycles, musical toys like xylophones, drums. You can get your toddler mini climbing frames or simply pile up a few cushions or create an obstacle course and let him have his fun. Your toddler may also find singing rhymes with actions, playing with crayons, finger play interesting enough.
Tips for Parents
Certain tips for parents about child’s health and development are listed below:
It is important to childproof your house and remove potential hazards to prevent any likely harm to your toddler.
Encourage him to brush his teeth regularly to reduce the likelihood of teeth decay.
Experts say that parents who speak clearly and frequently with their toddler without indulging in baby talk may help their toddler develop a large vocabulary and the chance to talk with clearness.
Set a routine for your toddler regarding his mealtimes, naptimes, bedtimes.
It is also a good time to introduce your child to swimming.
Consult a Doctor If?
It is always wise to follow your instinct when it comes to your child's health and safety. If you feel that something is not right, consult your doctor for guidance. In case your toddler is a fussy eater you can seek a dietician for advice. Some toddlers suffer from delayed speech. But 21 month old not talking is a worrisome situation which requires examination by a speech pathologist.
You toddler at 21 months old is like a little adventurer eager to explore various things while developing different skills in the process. Give your toddler ample love and support especially when you see him faltering or demonstrating aggressive behaviour. Enjoy this phase along with your baby wherein you get to relive your childhood once again!
Also Read: Growth and Development Stages of Toddlers Read more
Suggested for you
Threatened Abortion - Reasons, Signs & Treatment
Nearly every pregnant mother has had the thought of miscarriage cross her mind. Which is why most mothers take utmost precaution in ensuring no harm comes to the baby in any case. However, certain situations may arise when you may find your vagina to be bleeding with some pain. Such scenarios need to be addressed immediately since they could signify a threatened abortion.
What is Threatened Abortion or Threatened Miscarriage?
In the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, nearly 1/3rd of women experience bleeding from the vagina and most of them do complete the entire term of pregnancy. However, in some mothers, the vaginal bleeding could be accompanied by abdominal cramping and pain in the region. These could indicate the possibility of a miscarriage, needing a pre-emptive abortion to protect the mother. Since it is a possibility, it is termed as a threatened abortion or a threatened miscarriage.
Symptoms of Threatened Abortion
Nearly all threatened abortions are preceded by bleeding occurring from the vagina, which majorly occurs in the initial 20 weeks of pregnancy. Other symptoms include,
Cramping in the abdominal area that accompanies the bleeding is also observed.
Pain in the lower back or the abdominal region, that could be dull but constant or even sharp spikes at times might also occur.
Certain women observe some material resembling a clot or a tissue, that they pass from their vagina.
Causes of Threatened Abortion
Some of the causes of a threatened abortion are,
Certain anomalies present in the chromosomes of the embryo have been termed to be responsible in miscarriage at extremely initial pregnancy stages.
Most women face threatened abortion due to a cervix that can’t hold the baby, fibroids of the uterus, inflamed villi, or even the presence of other diseases and conditions.
Any swelling or inflammation in the interior parts of the uterus could trigger a miscarriage as well.
Feverish chills, extreme fatigue, physical, mental, emotional stress, are all factors that could cause a threatened abortion.
Repeat mothers face higher chances of a threatened miscarriage if they have had multiple children.
Statistically, about 10% of women lose their pregnancy in extremely early stages.
Diagnosis of Threatened Miscarriage
In case of vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, a nursing diagnosis for threatened abortion is the first step any pregnant mother should take to get clarity on the situation.
Doctors start from the source of the problem and begin with the vaginal bleeding. They try to pinpoint the origin of the bleeding as well as check to see if the amniotic sac is intact. This examination usually involves the vagina, uterus and the cervix where the entire region of the reproductive system is properly checked for any anomalies.
A threatened abortion ultrasound is the next step that is undertaken. This is to primarily understand the health of the baby and check if the heart is still beating properly and the growth is normal. In case the bleeding has been determined to emerge from the uterus, an ultrasound helps quantify it to take necessary actions. In the initial weeks of pregnancy, doctors prefer to undertake a transvaginal ultrasound using a probe inside the vagina, instead of the traditional abdomen-based ultrasound. This probe is inserted a few inches deep in the vagina and high-frequency sound waves are emitted. These are then sensed to create a vivid image of the internal foetal structure and look for anomalies.
Since hormones can also be another culprit responsible for the condition, a blood test that includes a full blood count will be undertaken. These tests measure the HCG, or the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, as well as progesterone. Both these hormones are produced to invoke and support pregnancy and are necessary to be present in the right amount.
Treatment & Medication
Bedrest is the primary requirement to recover from a threatened abortion. Any kind of physical activities, including sexual intercourse, should be strongly avoided.
In case of the presence of conditions such as diabetes or thyroid related complications, the doctor might prescribe appropriate medication to treat them and support the pregnancy.
In certain cases, the mother’s blood group might be Rh negative while the baby’s blood group might be Rh positive. This then causes the mother’s body to start creating antibodies and combat the format of the foetus’ blood. In such cases, doctors administer Rh immunoglobulins to keep this behaviour in check.
If the tests reveal reduced levels of hormones, treatment of threatened abortion with progesterone injections might also be undertaken to bring them to the required amount.
To stop the bleeding or any uterine contractions, haemostatic drugs or even tocolytic agent based medication might be given by your doctor to help mitigate the condition.
Complications of Threatened Miscarriage
With any health-related condition, and especially with pregnancy, there are strong chances of complications occurring even after taking the right actions in a threatened miscarriage.
Since there is blood loss that takes place from the vagina, and the amount can sometimes be quite substantial, mothers could end up suffering from anaemia, which further deteriorates her health. In extreme conditions, doctors may even advise undertaking a blood transfusion in order to quickly bring the iron levels in the blood to a normal state.
Due to illnesses, an infection might make its way to the foetus or even infect the region around it, leading to possible complications.
The final condition might be such where a miscarriage does occur and the mother loses her foetus, or the foetus is not in a state to be carried to full term, and hence, requires to be aborted. This can be quite taxing for the mother physically as well as emotionally. In such cases, doctors also take high precautions in ensuring a fatal complication such as ectopic pregnancy, doesn’t take place.
Will You be Able to Work After Threatened Abortion?
Listening to your body and understanding it is the best way to know if you’re ready for work or not. In case your work is physically intensive, then it is highly advised to take some more time off and get as much rest as possible and recover properly. If your work is mostly sedentary and you feel that you are well-rested and fine, you may gradually start going to work.
Can Threatened Abortion or Miscarriage Be Prevented?
Such conditions cannot be fully prevented. However, their chances of occurring can be reduced by taking certain precautions.
Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs, cigarette, completely
Reducing the intake of caffeine based drinks to the very minimal
Refraining from consuming any food items that are known to be harmful during pregnancy
Treating any infections as soon as they are diagnosed
Having a healthy and balanced diet, with supplementary vitamins and nutrients
Proper and safe exercise, along with non-exposure to harmful chemicals and environments
Long-Term Outlook
Most women deliver happy healthy babies even after experiencing the conditions of a threatened miscarriage. It primarily depends on the conditions of the cervix, uterus, and your hormone levels.
In case you do suffer from a miscarriage, you can still have a successful pregnancy after that. If you have had multiple miscarriages sequentially, then a doctor’s examination is highly advised.
Management of threatened abortion or miscarriage is not simply a medical activity. The entire process can affect a mother emotionally and cause undue anxiety and stress during the pregnancy or even for subsequent ones. Talk to people who provide you with emotional support and don’t hesitate from undertaking therapy if required.
Also Read:
Medical Abortion
Period after Abortion Read more
Check out this new Memory
Neha Charak
Mom of a 2 m old girl
New Memory
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Epidural Anaesthesia During Labour- Risks and Benefits
As D- day approaches, every mom finds herself wondering 'how painfulis labour?'. Labour is surely painful , however thanks to modern medical science, we now have several medication and techniques that can reduce (if not stop) pain during labour and delivery.
Epidural anaesthesia is a popular and safe method of pain relief during labour. Opting for an epidural indicates having a small amount of medicine injected in the body to produce desirable pain relief. However, like all medicines, it is important that you understand the benefits and risks involved in epidural, so that you can make an informed choice well before getting into labour.
What is an Epidural?
An epidural is a local anaesthetic that aims to provide pain relief or an analgesic effect, rather than a total lack of feeling (anaesthesia). It blocks the nerve signals from both motor and sensory nerves to reach your brain. It shields you from pain while immobilising your lower body while allowing you to stay conscious during labour. Epidural can be used for both vaginal (normal) and a caesarean delivery.
Epidural anaesthesia during labour is administered on your lower back into a small space (also called epidural space) outside the spinal cord through a hollow needle or a catheter. A catheter allows for repeat or continuous delivery of the anaesthetic medication, when needed. An epidural injection for pregnancy is designed to provide partial pain relief for women, however, the decision to opt for it is entirely up to you.
Types of Epidurals
While hospitals and anaesthesiologists differ on the dosage and combinations of medication, there are broadly three type of epidurals that are used during labour.
Traditional/ Standard Epidurals
Apart from the regular use of a cathedar, traditional epidural uses regular anaesthesia medications such as bupivacaine or lidocaine that eliminates pain to a great extent. It is injected around the spine creates a heavy feeling and numbs the lower body. Therefore, mothers find it difficult to move during labour. However, you will still be able to move with some help in walking or moving.
Spinal Epidurals/ Spinal Block
Unlike a traditional epidural, spinal epidural involves the anaesthesia being injected into the spinal cord fluid directly. This gives faster relief from the labour pain but the effect of the drug wears off after a few hours. Spinal blocks are generally used late in labour. Spinal epidural once administered also makes body movements limited.
Walking Epidural or Combined Spinal Epidural (CSE)
This is a combination of drugs, local anaesthetic medication and epinephrine. Unlike other epidurals, CSE allows you to have slight sensation in your lower body. Hence, mobility is not much of an issue in this case. The advantage of maintaining some mobility in spite of the motor block, potentially helps in getting the baby into a better position for faster delivery.
How is an Epidural Injection Administered?
An epidural injection is usually given during the 'active' stage of labour by an anaesthesiologist or gynaecologist. You will be asked to sit at the edge of the bed, bend your back and remain steady. This position is important for preventing any complications and thereby increasing the effectiveness of your epidural medications. Another favourable position to do so is to lie on one side, bend and curl your knees to as high as you can possibly bring them. Both of these allow a good spinal curve to assess the exact location where the injection must be administered.
An antiseptic solution is applied on your skin to eradicate any chances of infection. A small area on your back is made numb by local anaesthesia administered through an injection. A needle is then directed into the area surrounding the spinal cord in your back followed by a catheter through the needle into the epidural space. The anaesthesiologist then carefully removes the needle, leaving the catheter in its place, in order to give medication as per requirement. The catheter is then safely taped on to the back to maintain its position.
Once you are through with the above procedure, there are a few ways to administer an epidural that can be adopted. All these methods are crucial to determine the amount of medicine that needs to be administered for an effective pain relief depending on your threshold and condition:
1. Epidural using a catheter: A catheter (a bendable thin and hollow tube) is put in carefully into the epidural space created by using a hollow needle. This allows the continuous or intermittent administration of medication just outside the membrane surrounding your spinal cord and spinal fluid. Your anaesthetist will first give you a "test dose" to check the placement of the catheter tube and check for any adverse drug reactions. If you do not develop any reactions, the test dose is followed by a full dose.
2. Intermittent Epidural: In this case, the medicine is given on a need basis. Based on your tolerance level for the labour pain and desired level of movement your anaesthesiologist will decide the dose .
3. Mix and Match: The anaesthesiologist mixes medicines (anaesthetics and analgesics) to match the degree of sensation and movement you want.
4. Patient-Controlled Epidural Anaesthesia: With the help of this epidural, you can regulate the amount of medication injected into the epidural tubing.
5. New Epidural Births: Also called as “walking epidurals,” this particular analgesia gives the mother freedom to stand, kneel, squat, or even walk with some help.
6. Spinal Analgesia: The newest pain reliever is known as spinal analgesia or a “walking spinal.” Only a tiny dosage of medicine is injected into the spinal fluid to reduce the agony of labour but still allows movement.
7. Low-Dose Epidurals: This is a type of combination (narco-anaesthetic) epidurals. They are designed to relieve some of the pain of labour so that an exhausted mother can relax a little and get some energy back for pushing.
How Does an Epidural Anaesthesia Work?
An epidural temporarily blocks the nerves in your cervix and uterus that carry pain signals to your brain and thereby decrease the sensation.
Epidural medications include drugs called local anaesthetics, such as bupivacaine, chloroprocaine or lidocaine. They are usually given with opioids or narcotics so that local anaesthetics can be used less.
This produces pain relief with less side effects. Such medicines may also be used to prolong the epidural’s effect or to stabilize the mother’s blood pressure.
What is the Right Time to Have an Epidural?
There is no right or wrong time to have an epidural analgesia during labour. However, it is usually given during the active stage of labour, when you feel more frequent contractions and your cervix has dilated.
You may also be offered an epidural if your labour has to be sped up. This is done with a hormone called Syntocinon, administered in a drip which make your contractions more intense and painful.
The epidural has to remain in its place until after your baby is born . It can also provide pain relief after delivery if you need stitches from an episiotomy.
Advantages of Having an Epidural
Epidurals are a great choice to relieve labour pain better than any other medication. Women who have been administered epidural feel very less or no pain durimng labour. Other advantages are:
It does not significantly increase duration of labour.
You can stay awake and alert but you will still feel the pressure and some stretching during delivery.
Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) gives better results than does a standard epidural. It has lower doses of anaesthetic medications that give you more muscle strength.
It‘s strength can be enhanced with a local anaesthetic if needed. Though having an epidural does not increase your chances of needing a caesarean.
Possible Disadvantages of Taking an Epidural
An epidural can be used to deliver different types of local anaesthetics, which also differ in the side effects that they cause. Common epidural side effects include
Itching : If that happens, changing the drug may help in solving the problem.
Drop in blood pressure and fever : Even a small dose of epidural may cause a drop in blood pressure or induce fever. However, this is normal.
Numbness or tingling sensation in the legs : This can create difficulties in urinating. A urinary catheter is normally used in such cases to help you urinate.
Risk of spinal fluid leak: If the injection goes too deep, it can make a hole in the protective layers (dura) around the spinal cord, and spinal fluid might leak out. This may result in headaches that can last up to days. This can happen due to fluid loss.
Longer duration of childbirth: Delivery may take a bit longer on an average amongst women who have epidurals.
Assited delivery: Some women may feel the desire to push in spite of having an epidural. Due to the epidural they cannot feel when it is time to push, they may need assisted delivery (vacuum suction/forceps)
Does Epidural Have Any Side Effects on Baby?
In general, epidurals are safe for the baby as it is injected into the spine and not through veins. Any medication that is given to a woman during her labour surely reaches the baby’s bloodstream through the umbilical cord. This includes pain-relieving anaesthetics delivered through epidurals. But anaesthetics use drugs that are as safe as any other painkillers that are given to expectant mothers and hence do not affect the baby strongly. There aren’t any long term side effects of using epidurals.
However, since the babies’ immune system is weak, it takes more time for them to remove epidural drugs. Similarly a drop in the blood pressure of the mother due to epidural, may cause discomfort to the baby as it may affect his oxygen supply.
Is Epidural Birth Painless?
Parents have fear and anxieties involving labour pain and childbirth. Having an epidural does reduce pain, however doesn't eliminate it completely.
On an average epidural takes about 40 minutes to work after it is injected. The process of administrating it is painful and can be quite uncomfortable. If the same medicine is used in lower concentration, it will cause analgesia which means it will only relieve the pain without causing any muscle weakness. However, if the epidural does not work, your doctor may have to administer it again.
Taking an epidural will provide some pain relief however, a 'painless delivery' is not entirely possible.
Can the Use of an Epidural Injection Cause Back Pain in the future?
Even after going thorugh childbirth with the help of an epidural, some women may experience mild soreness at the catheter site where the medication was injected. Using an epidural pain relief during delivery does not cause long-term back pain. While many women believe that epidural analgesia causes severe or long-term back pain, they are not related. Back pain post-delivery happens due to the pre-existing prenatal backaches or are a result of normal physiological changes during pregnancy.
Epidural and Multiple (twin) Pregnancy
It is not necessary to have a caesarean delivery with twins. Just like a single child delivery, many twins are born vaginally too. Epidurals are often recommended by doctors for pain relief in labour and also in preparation to get the second child in position for delivery.
If there are any problems, it's practically easier for your antenatal team to deliver your babies quickly if you've already had an epidural.
What Happens After Delivery?
It's important to focus on your baby's birth during pregnancy. But it's a good idea to also know what to expect after labour.
The umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and your baby is dried and covered up to prevent catching cold.
Mucus is cleared out of your baby’s face. Some babies need assistance to get their breathing normal.
Bonding starts with skin-to-skin contact. Hold your baby close to you.
Your baby will be examined by a paediatrician, weighed and measured, and given a band with your name on.
Once your precious bundle of joy is born, the toughest journey of your pregnancy may be over, but the process of care bringing him up will always continue. Your body starts to recover and you learn to adjust to the new role of motherhood. Read more
Suggested for you
Baby or Toddler Waking Up Too Early - What You Can Do
FEATURED IMAGE SS ID: 387025039 (ALT:<Baby or Toddler Waking Up Too Early - What You Can Do>)
No doubt, you love your baby with all your heart but sometimes it may get difficult to understand what your little one is trying to convey, doesn't it? If your baby is waking up too early, you will not know why she wakes up too early. This can put your entire day’s schedule off track and ruin what may otherwise have been a great day. But why do babies wake up early in the morning and what can be done to rectify the problem?
What Does Waking Up Early Mean?
Most babies and toddlers wake up between six and eight in the morning. If you find that your baby’s time of waking up is slowly getting earlier, you may have a problem on your hands that could be caused due to many different factors.
Reasons Why Your Child Is Waking Up Too Early
Here are a few reasons for early morning waking in babies, and a few suggestions about what to do about it.
1. Teething
Waking up early is one of the first sleep-related symptoms of teething.
What To Do
When your little one is awake, try to get her teething objects so to alleviate the pain. A washcloth that has been frozen can work wonders as well. During sleep time, try Ibuprofen or Tylenol so that your baby will be able to sleep for long hours.
2. Environmental Factors
For both babies and adults alike, the early morning hours of sleep are much lighter and so environmental factors such as noise from outside, songs of the birds, traffic or sunlight coming in through the window, may result in your toddler getting up too early.
What To Do
If your baby is disturbed by noise, then your best bet is to try and buffer any sound that comes in by using a fan, a radio, or a machine to play monotonous music all through the night. If sunlight is the problem, invest in some thick curtains that will keep the sunlight out until opened, or you can always opt for covering the window screen with newspapers or blackout blinds.
3. Insufficient Naps
Children under the age of three need to take naps during the day in addition to their nightly sleep to get the full amount of sleep required. If they miss out on any naps or take too many, it could lead to them waking up early.
What To Do
Try to get your little one to take longer naps during the day, but if that is not possible, you should try to put her to bed an hour early every night so that she can make up for the lost sleep.
4. Hunger
If your baby is under nine months of age and is still being breastfed, then your baby will need to be fed at night. Generally, after four months of age, a baby will need to eat once or twice during the night but not more than that. If your baby is hungry, she may wake up and cry.
What To Do
If your baby wakes up hungry, it could be that she has developed an association with breastfeeding and sleep. You can break the habit by introducing a bottle to her.
SS ID: 663372208 (ALT:<Baby drinking milk through a bottle>)
5. Overtiredness
A consistent bedtime routine works well for children, but often parents wait to put them to bed until they see the child yawning or rubbing their eyes. This can lead to their little one being overtired. The child may sleep as soon as you put her to bed but she may wake up in between or early in the morning.
What To Do
Most infants and toddlers sleep between 6 pm and 7 pm. But if you make your little one sleep before that she will get enough sleep. If she wakes up earlier, you can always treat it as a night awakening and tell her it is still night and that it is still sleep-time.
6. Stress
Stress makes a child work harder to function, which causes the body to release stress hormones like Cortisol. Cortisol makes babies cranky and over-alert, causing them to wake frequently or earlier than usual.
What To Do
Try to find out what is causing the stress to your baby. Sometimes, a change in the routine such as a mother going back to work may child to stress. Pay attention to your child when you are around her, particularly, when she is awake and make her sleep an hour earlier.
7. Nap Transitions
Waking up early is normal during the time of nap transitions as your baby will be getting less sleep during the day.
What To Do
Try to make small changes to your baby’s nap time every day over a period of a week or ten days. Push the morning nap to later, such as 11 or 11:30 and then eventually to twelve at noon. If she wakes up after only an hour but does not seem well rested, soothe her back to sleep and if this doesn’t work, you can always make her sleep early in the evening, i.e. around 7 pm.
8. New Milestones
Sometimes your baby may wake up early and practice her physical or cognitive skills, such as sitting up on her own or playing with one of the toys in her crib.
What To Do
Do not interrupt or respond to your baby as long as she is not fussing. This should pass naturally in one or two weeks.
SS ID: 84639496 (ALT:<A happy baby in her crib>)
What If Your Baby is Waking Up Too Early Yet Happy and Contented - Should You Worry?
Generally, if your baby wakes up by or after 6 am in the morning and is happy and full of energy, your baby does not have a sleeping problem. This is age appropriate when it comes to the development of your baby if she is getting undisturbed sleep at night and the proper amount of nap time during the day.
What If Your Child is Waking Up Within 30 Minutes of Desired Wake Up Time - Should You Worry?
Some babies tend to wake up half an hour before their desired wake up time and if you have a two-year-old waking up too early you may be dealing with a case where it is time to either shorten the nap time or drop one of the naps from your baby’s schedule as she may be getting too much sleep. However, no two children are the same and some children may prefer to have long naps. If you have a 3-year-old waking up too early and is still in the habit of napping for long periods of time during the day, it may be time for some change.
Once you have established what is causing your baby to wake up early, you can try to fix the problem. Remember that sometimes children develop the habit of early rising that lasts for only a few weeks because they are going through some changes such as reaching a new milestone. However, if this habit has been continuing for weeks or months, you may have to think about rescheduling their nap time and bedtime to help solve the problem.
Also Read: How to Make Baby Sleep Daytime? Read more
Suggested for you
Rough and Tumble Play for Pre-schoolers
This article talks about rough and tumble play. Read on to find out how it benefits your child and what you can do to ensure he doesn’t get hurt.
Haven’t we all at some point enjoyed wrestling with our kids? However, when it comes to a bunch of children indulging in such physical play, parents and teachers can get wary. Contrary to the popular perception, rough and tumble play comes with many social and physical benefits apart from it being a lot of fun for young ones. A few precautions will help you keep it safe for your child and his friends.
What is Roughhousing?
Kids enjoy playing rough and tumble, roughhousing or horseplay since their toddler-hood. As pre-schoolers they love to chase, catch, hug, wrestle, tag and fall on each other in piles. It often starts out at home with parents or siblings wrestling each other, and then moves on to involve other children.
Why is 'Rough and Tumble' Good for a Preschooler?
It is believed that rough and tumble play helps forge strong friendships in kids. It is a way of communication between children that says, ‘I want to play with you’.
It is a great way to let off steam. Preschoolers are bundles of energy. Such physical play helps them let off some steam to ensure a quieter and more relaxed time afterwards. It also teaches physical skills to growing children. Kids learn to manoeuvre their bodies and to control their actions. It helps children understand their own strength vis-a-vis other children, and sets up a strong to weak hierarchy.
It also helps develop empathy and emotional intelligence. Children learn to read non-verbal signals from friends. They learn to understand which of their actions are unpleasant to others.
How to Keep Rough and Tumble Play Safe?
Roughhousing works well when the kids are of the same age, build and energy levels. For instance a well-built three-year-old might be better suited to play with a five- year-old kid.
Keeping the group size small will ensure safety. Five or six kids together can often have safe fun. If the group gets too large, there is a danger of things getting out of hand.
Make sure an adult is around when the kids are playing. The kids may get over excited and cause injury without meaning to do so. Keep an eye out for one child getting targeted. Suggest a snack or water break to help them cool down. Ensure the kids are playing on a soft mattress, or on grassy surfaces that are free of stones, sticks and other objects which can hurt them.
Distinguishing Fight from Play
Rough and tumble play may sometimes deteriorate into a fight. You need to look out for signs of anger or injury among the kids. Children laugh and shout when they play but their facial muscles are relaxed. Angry children, on the other hand, clench their jaws and their facial muscles are taut.
Rough and tumble play is an essential part of the growing up years of children. With a few precautions it can be a lot of fun for kids. Read more
Suggested for you
How Toddlers Learn Through Music
Music can have a good influence on your toddler. Not only will it give him a tune to sway to, it'll kick-start a learning process. Experts say music contributes to a rich sensory environment for learning. Music education for toddlers exposes them to different smells, tastes, textures, sounds and colors.
A catchy tune can help in your toddler’s development. Just listening to music can help your little one make connections. So allow him to take part in musical activities. Singing a song to him might get his little hips swaying and feet moving too. Want more? A night lullaby can lull him to sleep as well. Are you convinced now about the power of music?
Benefits of Teaching Music to Toddlers
1. Tune to groove to
When choosing music for your toddler, avoid rock or grunge tunes. If you're feeling adventurous, Brazilian or African beats could help your little one break into a jig. Choose a tune with a good hook or melody. Your little one might even mouth the lyrics to the song. Grooving to the music could stabilise your little one’s feet. Toddler music activities will keep him occupied while you sit back and relax.
2. Energy-inducing
A rich, groovy tune will open your toddler’s ears and boost energy in the nervous system. Music will also help your toddler memorise and process the message of the song. Try not to play music with expletives or explicit content. When a good beat catches his attention, he'll learn more. A good beat will fill the emotional and cognitive brain. Of course! Sticking to a music lesson plan for a 20-month-old toddler will not ensure spontaneous responses.
3. Speech help
Music and speech possess a number of shared processing systems. A musical experience for your toddler that enhance processing. This will have a significant impact on language perception. Don’t know where this is leading? It'll give your toddler a boost in reading. Wouldn’t it be nice to have your little one read before time? Introducing toddlers to music comes with a host of educational benefits, so go play that song.
4. Making music fun
If you were thinking about allowing your toddler to play instruments, give it a shot. From a tambourine to a kiddie drum and even a (tightly) closed water bottle—everything has an effect. Toddlers approach music differently. They taste instruments before they play them. It's important for parents to make joyful facial expressions and body language to help their little ones pick it up. Music in toddler development is a slow, but effective process.
5. Gestures
Sing songs to your little one that involves hand gestures like “The Wheels on the Bus”. This will help him learn hand control. Also, songs that teach your little one about body parts are useful for overall development. Not only does it improve toddler-parent bonding, it will help him learn new things over the course of time.
Toddlers and music is a fine recipe for a fun day. Music will not only help your little one groove. It will give her a developmental boost. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. 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
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
12 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
7 hours ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
Santu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
1) till how many days after delivery baby needs to keep on uterus temperatures/warm temperature?
2) Can baby & mother both take bath after 24 hours of delivery?
Santu
Mom of 2 children
5 hours ago
A. It depends on moms and babys health I feel and suggest It's better to check with your doctor and follow their advise. That would be one of the best and safest option for your baby as of now. Take care.
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. dual marker test is for what purpose??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
4 hours ago
A. The double marker test helps determine whether the unborn baby has any risk of developing neurological abnormalities or mental disorders
Check out this new Memory
Khushboo Jain
Mom of a 10 m old girl
New Memory
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Priyanka
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old boy
1 min ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
AINDRILA ADAK NANDI
Mom of a 10 m old boy
1 min ago
#MamyPokoMilestoneMemories
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Brahmleen Kaur
Mom of a 9 m old boy
2 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive