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Why Do Babies Clench Their Fists?
When you hold your newborn in your arms for the first time, the first thought that you have is, "how can someone be this tiny and utterly pretty?" It is simply impossible to take eyes off that cute wonder whom you nurtured and protected in your womb for the longest time. As the time passes your baby will amaze you with various unusual activities. Yes, all that you notice is he sleeps, breastfeeds, poops, and sleeps some more...only to repeat rest of the activities over and over. But did you notice how your baby's hands fists are clenched tightly? You certainly did not give it a thought, did you now? No worries...you can find out why a baby clenches his fist, almost all the time.
Causes of Clenched Fists in Babies
When a baby clenches his fists, it is more of a primal instinct. It has no clinical significance. However, some of the possible causes of clenched fists in babies can be.
1. Palmer Grasp Reflex
Babies have a very strong grasping reflex called the "Palmar grasp which prevents them from opening their hands. In case you tickle your baby’s palm or offer him your finger to hold he is likely to close his fingers around it and clutch it tightly.
2. Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy could also be a cause of why a baby clenches his fists all the time. In case a baby's fists are clenched all the time and his body is stiff, it could be a sign of a neurological disorder, wherein the baby’s brain has difficulty directing the various muscles to perform different functions. Rigid or spastic movements, poor motor control, and muscle weakness are other symptoms of the condition.
3. Vestigial Primitive Reflex
Newborn babies during their initial days of life tend to remember and keep the position they held while curbed inside the uterus. They often hold their arms near their body and have their hands clenched into fists. It may take them several weeks before they clench and unclench their fists.
4. Evolutionary History of Humans
Scientists studying human evolution offer a logical explanation for why do babies clench their fists when feeding. A popular view is that they do it because the monkeys did it. Modern humans who seem to share a common ancestry with some species of upright-walking apes learnt the vice-like grip from baby apes who hold on to their mom’s thick hair for survival as they hang in precarious positions while their mom swings from treetops.
What Would Happen If They Did Not Clench Their Fists?
If babies don't clench their fists when they are in the womb, they would perhaps try to pinch or grab. Furthermore, babies have fingernails which could hurt a mother. The most fragile part of the womb is the thin amniotic sac which surrounds the baby. It is a nurturing membrane made up of complex biochemicals. Any pricking or scratching of this flimsy sac can lead to the release of hormones and chemicals that may induce premature labour. Thus, a baby’s clenched fist can be a way of preventing baby’s fingernails from harming the amniotic sac.
Researchers cite a congenital issue called amniotic band syndrome as a plausible explanation for a baby not clenching his fists. Sometimes thin strands from amniotic sac may get peeled away to float with the amniotic fluid which is around the baby. The strands may wrap around the toes, fingers or even arms of the baby causing serious injury to the limbs including amputation. The reason why some tiny bands get stripped away from the amniotic sac is not known yet. But some doctors propose that a baby’s lack of appropriate palmar grasp reflex can be a reason of amniotic band syndrome. And hence, a baby may not be able to clench his fists.
When Do Babies Unclench Their Fists and Start Using Their Hands
Most moms would like to know for how long babies clench their fists. The answer is that newborn babies usually clench their fists for the initial few months after their birth due to palmer grasp reflex. By the age of 3-4 months, they gradually begin unclenching their fists. You may see them relaxing their tight fists and opening their hands as their nervous system slowly matures. They may also try and reach for toys with open hands that you tie them in their crib. And by the age of 6-7 months, they learn to grasp, hold, and release objects.
It is normal for babies to clench their fists and slowly they will learn to unclench their fists and grasp and hold other objects. All babies will learn this in their own time so don't you worry if your baby is a little late. However, if your baby keeps his fists clenched even after 6-7 months, you can talk to your baby's paediatrician for the same.
Also Read: Why Baby is Putting Fingers in Mouth Constantly Read more
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Using Clove Oil to Relieve Teething Pain in Babies - Is It Safe?
Teething is a painful phase for a baby. Teething process can be hard for babies as they drool, become cranky and everything becomes a chew toy for them. As a parent, it can be really painful for you to see your baby in pain. But there is something that can help relieve his pain - it is clove oil. Clove oil is often used to relieve teething pain in babies. Read to know how it helps and what are its side effects.
Benefits of Using Clove Oil for Teething in Infants
Read the following benefits of using clove oil for infants before you use it for your little one:
1. Helps Numb the Pain
Clove oil has numbing properties and thus when it is diluted and applied on the baby’s gums, it can help ease the pain and discomfort.
2. Aids in Relieving Sore Gums
When a baby is teething, his gums become sore. Applying clove oil can help; the germicidal properties of clove oil help in treating sore gums effectively.
3. Helps Ease Teeth Soreness
A new tooth may take a few days to come out properly, and it may cause soreness. Clove oil is effective in dealing with tooth soreness in babies.
4. Helps Relieve Headaches
Yes, babies have headaches too, especially during the teething phase. To provide him relief from a headache, add a few drops of clove oil on a washcloth and place it on your baby’s head.
5. Helps Ease the Symptoms of a Sore Throat
Along with headaches, babies may have sore throats during their teething phase. You may apply diluted clove oil on the gums and around your baby’s mouth to soothe his sore throat.
6. Helps Fight Bad Breath
Babies also have bad breath sometimes. This may usually happen from milk deposits on the tongue or certain foods that baby may have consumed. However, this problem can be treated with clove oil. Dip a washcloth in some water mixed with a few drops of clove oil and clean your baby’s tongue and mouth with it.
7. Helps Fight Dental Cavities
Young babies or kids are not able to brush properly and thus may sometimes become prone to dental cavities. Using clove oil in your baby’s daily mouth cleaning regime may help in warding off the dental issues.
8. Calms the Baby
As you know that teething phase is a tough time for your little baby, so use clove oil as it will calm your baby.
9. Helps in Cleansing
For babies and younger children who begin brushing, the toothpaste may sometimes not provide good cleansing properties. Using olive oil may take care of your baby’s oral hygiene.
How to Use Clove Oil to Soothe Teething Pain in Babies
Many kinds of toothpaste available in the market today contains olive oil in them. You can buy any good toothpaste that is safe for babies. Alternatively, you can get clove oil from the market too. However, make sure you get a mild one or the one that is safe for babies. However, before applying it directly on to your baby's gums, dilute the clove oil by adding some almond oil or other mild essential oil in it because clove oil is very strong and if used without diluting, it may harm the baby.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Clove Oil for Teething?
If used with proper care and discretion, clove oil for a teething baby is one of the best home remedies for relieving teething pain and discomfort. This is because clove oil has anaesthetic properties and thus helps ease teething woes. However, clove oil should be used with utmost care when using for babies. This is because if it is used in more than required amounts, it can upset your baby’s tummy and may also cause blisters or bleeding in the gums.
What If You Have Already Used Clove Oil for Your Baby Who is Under 2 Years for his Teething Pain?
Clove oil is good for health and general well-being. But this oil is one of the essential oils that should not be used for babies under two years of age because of its strong properties. However, if you have already used this oil on your baby’s gums who is younger than two years of age, now is the time to stop and wait until he is over two years of age because using clove oil can cause irritation, blistering, redness and other such problem in babies who are less than two years of age.
Alternate Remedies for Teething Pain
Instead of clove oil, you can give frozen banana slices, a blunt frozen spoon, or a frozen (inverted) water in your baby’s feeding bottle and let him chew them. You may also keep a soft washcloth inside the freezer and let your baby chew it or you can massage your baby's gums with it. All these tricks will provide him relief from teething pain.
Clove oil is very beneficial in curing teething pain. Make sure you seek your doctor’s approval if you wish to use clove oil or any other essential oil for your baby.
Also Read: Reasons for Late Teething in Babies Read more
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How To Get Rid of Smelly Feet - 8 Effective Home Remedies
Smelly feet is a medical condition which is called bromodosis. We know it can be very embarrassing, but fortunately, the treatment options are quick, easy and affordable. There are many easy home remedies which can definitely help in reducing foot odour. You only need to follow the tips regularly and carefully.
What Causes Foot Odour?
If you feel troubled because of smelly feet, you must first try to understand the cause of it. You will then be able to decide what exactly you need to do to treat or prevent it. The causes of bromodosis are as given below:
The feet smell because of lack of ventilation which may happen if you wear tight shoes.
Bacteria that live on the skin thrive in the sweat of the feet and give out an acid which causes the stink.
Sometimes feet smell because of athlete’s foot which is a kind of skin infection caused by fungus.
Wearing poor quality shoes and overwearing shoes can cause smelly feet.
Some diseases and certain medications make the feet sweat a lot, causing stinky feet.
Poor hygiene is also responsible for smelly feet. The foot odour worsens when dirty and damp socks are worn again and again.
8 Natural Remedies for Stinky Feet
There are some tried and tested effective solutions which can eliminate the smell from feet. Foot care and proper hygiene is the best solution to it. Here are some home remedies:
1. Ginger Root
Ginger root is known to be effective against foot odour.
What You Need To Do:
Soak ginger puree in a cup of hot water.
Apply the solution every night after straining.
Positive results can be seen within two weeks. It inhibits bacterial growth and toxins are removed.
2. Talcum Powder/Baby Powder
It is a popular way of reducing the problem of sweaty and stinky feet.
What You Need To Do:
Sprinkle talcum powder on your feet generously.
The process should be repeated two or three times a day for combating the problem.
The powder can even be sprinkled in the shoes.
3. Sugar Scrub
Sugar scrub aids in removing calluses and dead skin which helps to reduce the foul odour.
What You Need To Do:
Create a thick mixture with water, sugar and isopropyl alcohol.
The feet should be soaked in warm water and then scrubbed with the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes to remove bacteria and dead skin cells.
The process should be repeated at least thrice a week.
4. Boric Acid
Boric acid helps in eliminating foot odour by killing odour-causing bacteria.
What You Need To Do:
A little boric acid should be dusted on the feet regularly.
Take 2 cups of water and mix half cup each of white vinegar and boric acid.
Spray the inside of your shoes with it.
5. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is an essential oil used in aromatherapy. It can combat foot odour because of its antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
What You Need To Do:
Take 1 spoonful of virgin coconut oil and mix it with 5 drops of cedarwood oil.
Massage the mixture on the feet and let it get absorbed.
The process should be done for a week (once daily).
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate neutralises the sweat pH and reduces bacteria. This is why people commonly use baking soda for smelly feet.
What You Need To Do:
For one week, soak your feet in warm water mixed with baking soda for 10 to 15 minutes every day.
Sprinkling baking soda in the socks and shoes before wearing them is another remedy.
7. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has a good fragrance and is effective in treating foul odour because of its antifungal and antioxidant properties.
What You Need To Do:
Take warm water and add a few drops of lavender oil to it.
You need to soak your feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
It should be done twice daily for a few days.
8. Black Tea
For treating smelly feet at home, black tea can be used as an effective remedy. It kills bacteria and closes the pores, thus reducing the sweat.
What You Need To Do:
In three cups of water, boil 2 black tea bags. Lower the temperature and add some water.
Keep your feet soaked in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
You need to do this daily for almost a week.
Easy Tips To Prevent Sweaty and Smelly Feet
Some easy tips to prevent stinky feet are:
You must exercise proper foot care and hygiene.
The feet should be washed with mild soap daily.
Toenails should be trimmed regularly.
Remove hard skin with a foot file.
Change your socks regularly.
Alternate your footwear so that shoes get time to dry.
Try wearing sandals and shoes which are breathable, and are either made of canvas or leather.
Use medicated insoles for deodorising the inside of shoes.
FAQs
1. How To Prevent Shoes From Becoming Smelly?
Smelly feet make the shoes also stink. The causes may be the overuse of shoes, bacterial or fungal infection, lack of aeration, etc. If you wish to get rid of the smell, you need to be careful about certain things.
Do not wear shoes that are incredibly uncomfortable.
Wear breathable shoes to cut down on the foot odour and sweat.
Keep an alternate pair of shoes to wear.
Shoes should be aired outside from time to time.
Keep odour control insoles in the shoes.
Apart from this, the feet must be kept clean always.
Spray deodorant on the feet.
Sprinkle baby powder in your shoes or on your feet.
Deodorise your feet with baking soda.
Keep your feet covered with clean socks always.
2. How To Prevent Sweaty and Smelly Feet While Wearing Flats and Heels?
There are some easy ways to prevent smell when you are wearing flats and heels.
The no-show pedi socks are a good option to prevent the sweating of feet.
Getting rid of foot odour is possible by dusting some powder on the feet or in the shoes before wearing them.
You must wash your feet properly every day.
Sometimes cheap quality footwear makes it stinky.
If high heels are not of breathable material, they start stinking. Rubber, plastic, synthetic and leather cause the feet to sweat and bacteria builds up easily.
Personal hygiene is of great importance as it helps in preventing odour.
Use antiperspirant on the feet to minimise sweating.
Foot spray also helps a lot.
Corn starch can also absorb sweat and keep the feet dry.
Smelly feet isn't appealing to anyone and these home remedies ensure you don't have to suffer that anymore. You can now confidently step out of your shoes anywhere.
Also Read:
Effective Home Remedies for Shoe Bites
How to Treat Skin Infection Naturally
Natural ways to Treat Dry and Chapped Lips Read more
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Tips to Plan a Vacation with your Husband
Vacations can give your romantic life a boost. So, what are you waiting for? Plan, pack and get going to the destination of your dreams and revel in each other's company. These tips for planning a vacation with your husband will help make your trip a memorable one.
Is work pressure and stress driving a wedge between you and your husband? Don't worry! It's normal and the solution is simple - plan a vacation with your husband. It will put the spark back in your relationship. All you need is some time off from work and proper planning. Here we go!
Tips to Plan a Vacation with your Husband
1. Choosing the Destination:
The first thing you need to do is choose a destination that is special to both of you. It can be the place you went for on your first vacation together, or a place that you've always wanted to explore but never had the chance to. If your tastes vary - he likes hills and you prefer the sand and sea, sit down together and narrow down the list of locales you both will enjoy visiting.
2. Making Arrangements:
Once you've settled on where you'll be heading to, it's time to make the arrangements. Decide how you’ll get there. Driving, flying or taking a train are the three options open to you. Look for a hotel that offers what you want. Do you need to stay connected to family and colleagues? Go for hotels with WiFi facility. Do you like working out even when on vacation? Choose a hotel with a gym. Make the most of travel websites, forums and blogs to read real reviews from real people. Keep your budget in mind before picking a hotel. Finally, look at car rental services that would take you around for sight-seeing without burning a hole in your pocket. Note that holiday destinations known for adventure sports and other exciting activities usually need to be booked in advance. Do that to avoid any kind of disappointment at the last moment.
3. Packing it all:
If it's a short break you're taking, keep your luggage to bare minimum. Pack clothes that you’ll feel comfortable in. Don't forget to take along a gorgeous one-piece dress for when you plan to hit the club. If you forget to pack essentials like toothpaste and shampoo, don't worry, you can buy them anywhere.
4. Keeping it a Secret:
If you're planning a surprise vacation for your husband, take care and don't give away your scheme beforehand. Pack a bag for him containing toilet essentials, clothes, shoes and accessories. Plan, make calls, and pack while he's at work. You can also reveal your vacation plans without telling him where you're going. That way, he can have time to deal with work and keep himself free.
A vacation with your husband can work wonders for your relationship, and the positive effect it will have on your lives is priceless. Now that you know how to plan a vacation with your husband, just grab the opportunity to reconnect and remind yourself of how much you care about each other. Read more
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Dirty Dishes and 5 Other Non-Fights With Hubby
Fighting over the TV remote once again, are you? Not so serious fights between husband and wife (read non-fights) regarding anything from washing dishes, dropping kids at school, to cleaning the washroom after a shower are no big deal and a total no-brainer! Just smile and let such fights pass.
As a couple, you're liable to fight over the most inane things once in awhile. While serious fights do leave you worried and make you question your relationship, there are other tiffs that rate as ‘non-fights’. Does your fight with hubby need damage control or just a funny nose twitch?
The 5 Non-Fights with your Partner you should Totally Ignore
1. When you end up arguing on the same lines
Misinterpretations often lead to baseless arguments that seem to carry on forever. If you happen to get involved in one, then look for signs that this fight is not a real fight with your husband. For instance, you're discussing why it’s essential to wait for the apt time to have a baby. This has somehow been misinterpreted as saying that you wouldn’t like to get pregnant ever. Somewhere, both you and your husband divert from the topic in hand, end up screaming yourself hoarse, and find yourself retiring in different corners. Take a step back, rewind the conversation and make amends by clarifying the intent.
2. Ego or mere stubbornness?
Marriage is all about two people living together with their egos safely kept on the back burner. However, confrontations may arise for simple things. The only reason why your man would hate doing as told is because you instructed him to do so. Then there'll be episodes of yelling and glasses breaking. Fights such as these lose out on their steam very soon so chill!
3. Understand how silly you may have sounded
The triggers for certain fights could be really small. From who changes the baby’s diapers to the electricity bill not being paid in time, a minor thing can create a big fight. You realize how dumb you may have sounded when you happen to see other couples having similar non-fights. Just try listening to yourself for once and make amends right away.
4. Either or one is high
This is, undoubtedly, one of the most common reasons behind not-so-serious fights. Either both or one of you have had a drink too many and have little or no clue about you’re talking about. Just never take these alcohol-induced fights seriously. All will be good once clarity reigns.
5. Prove yourself right
There are times when you're in the wrong but still want to stick to your point to keep your ego from getting hurt. Why should he have the last word, you know? But then, do you actually care about what you're mad about? Admit defeat and take a step back. It really is okay!
Most non-fights between a couple end as soon as they start and leave plenty of chuckles behind. The results can be wonderful (and often see you cosying in bed). Everyone agrees that makeup sex can be fabulous! Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. is it normal for toddlers get cold and gone in one day in these summers
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. yes that's fine
you can go for home remedies like tulsi ginger honey (add honey if child is more than 1 year of age) combination which can be diluted with water and given frequently to the child.
also u can give turmeric with warm milk one or two times everyday.
give warm water to drink as well as nasal saline drops frequently. d
try to prevent temperature variations around the child that is from hot to cold and cold to hot environment.
keep the child well covered.
if the palms and soles of the child are cold then the child is feeling cold and you have to take preventive measures to make the child warm
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. from which month weight will gain
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. hello in the first one baby weight will reduce and then it will start increasing and baby gaining a minimum of 600 g to 800 gram per month then it is a good weight gain and absolutely nothing to worry or not a problem and if the BM is S not sufficient you can give infant formula milk stage 1 using a bpa free bottle like babyhug
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
3 hours ago
Q. mam i am 21 week continuing in my pregnancy but my baby not moving as much
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. pl do ultrasound. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is muconium staining?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. due to feetal distance that will be mcconium passing in the uterine cavity itself. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
1 hour ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
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