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Is Alkaline Water Suitable for Your Baby?
Water supports life and babies need it in pretty much all forms. As parents, we are always eager to provide the best for our babies. A baby's ability to process the food he eats is high, which means that you should be able to provide him with more nutrition and mineral-dense, clean water. Alkaline water suits this requirement the best.
What is Alkaline Water?
When we talk of alkaline water, we talk about the pH balance in the water - the higher the balance, the higher its alkalinity component. Thus, any water that has a pH balance of 8 or more is considered to be alkaline water.
How is Alkaline Water Better than Tap Water for Your Baby?
The pH balance of our body depends on our diet. The benefits of alkaline water for babies are yet to be proven, but they have usually been found to help toddlers consume more minerals, thus satisfying their growing needs. Compared to tap water, alkaline water stands out as the first choice for babies. Unlike tap water, alkaline water is cleaner, rich in minerals and is a satiating thirst quencher. Unfiltered tap water can be a hazard - is seen to contain harmful bacteria, fluoride, micro-plastics, heavy metals and a other particulates that gives it a bad taste and odour, and no parent would risk giving this to their child. Alkaline water, on the other hand, fulfils your child’s need for water that is clean and full of minerals. Various isolated research projects prove that alkaline water consists of properties that help in reducing the occurrence of acid reflux in toddlers. Regular consumption of alkaline water in moderation has been seen to reduce free radicals in the body, provide better hydration, strengthen the immune system, and most importantly, balance the pH levels of the body. Several minerals get filtered out from tap water as it undergoes cleaning and filtering processes. Alkaline water retains all those minerals, providing clean water that is full of health benefits.
Is Alkaline Water Safe for Infants?
Although alkaline water has a lot of benefits for toddlers, it has not been substantially proven. It is better to stick to the age-old tradition of feeding breast milk to your baby than any other water. If the baby is on formula, you can use simple boiled water to make the milk. Babies do not have an acidic pH balance in their bodies as they are only on milk for the first 6 months, and breast milk is best for them to consume.
Can You Boil Alkaline Water?
Yes. Like any other water, alkaline water can also be boiled. This will not reduce its benefits because the water molecules in them will still be micro-clustered. Boiling alkaline water will not have any effect on its alkalinity. The only downside - the reduction of the positive ions due to the process of oxidation.
How Much Alkaline Water You Should Give to Your Baby?
Specific guidelines need to be followed when giving alkaline water to your child. You should avoid giving your child alkaline water 30-45 minutes before meals. Aside from this, you should not mix alkaline water in your baby's food, and avoid giving it to him when he is on medication of any kind. Keeping these things in mind, alkaline water is a safe substitute to regular tap water.The quantity of alkaline water your baby should drink depends on his age. A child between the ages of 1 and 5 years can consume 2 litres of alkaline water daily, and a child between the ages of 5 and 12 years can consume up to 5 litres. Alkaline water can also help energize your child during sports and activities. Pre-teens and teens ranging between 12 and 18 years can safely drink at least 6 litres of alkaline water. This will keep their immune system steady, and help them handle stress effectively.
Where your baby is concerned, it is important to exercise caution and not go overboard with anything. Everything in moderation, including alkaline water, is beneficial to your baby, both in the short and long run. It is essential to remember a few things though, like avoiding the use of alkaline water to make formula milk for your baby or giving him the water when they are on medication. It is wise to consult your doctor before starting anything new with your baby. It is important to develop healthy habits in your baby, and it begins at home. Encourage your baby to stay hydrated at all times, as a pH balance of 9 is optimal for a healthy body. Alkaline water is beneficial; it will help him stay focused at school and perform better, both in academics and on the playground.
Also Read: How Safe is Gripe Water for Babies? Read more
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Eating Cheese during Pregnancy
Food aversions and cravings are a part of every woman’s pregnancy story. A craving is defined as ‘an uncontrollable urge to eat a food item’. You might crave one food for a few days and then develop an aversion to it a couple of weeks later. This is normal during pregnancy and nothing to worry about. However, some foods are considered unsafe for pregnant women and others that must be consumed with a great deal of moderation and caution. One such food is cheese. Read on to find out more about pregnancy cravings for cheese and how to deal with them.
What Causes Pregnancy Craving?
One explanation is that the hormonal changes the body goes through leads to pregnancy cravings. Another thought is that pregnancy cravings are a signal that the body needs nutrients. For instance, if your body lacks Vitamin C, you might develop a sudden fondness for citrus fruits like oranges and grapes. When this happens, pregnancy cravings can also cause you to eat too many unhealthy foods. An example is when you crave something sweet; you are more likely to reach out for chocolates than apples or berries which are far healthier while at the same time satisfying your craving. Here are some common pregnancy cravings and their causes:
Spicy food or pickles: This might be your body asking for more salt to balance out the high sugar in your bloodstream.
Apples: Cravings for apple are commonly found in women with a high-fat diet as the pectin in apples helps to balance cholesterol levels.
Ice cubes: A craving for ice cubes is believed to be caused by a deficiency of iron.
Peanut butter: Your body might lack vitamin B, and this could be why you are craving peanut butter.
Craving for Cheese
Quite a few pregnant women crave cheese when pregnant. This is an indication that your body needs some extra protein and calcium to nurture your baby. It is best to satisfy these cravings with hard cheeses as well as dairy products like skimmed milk and even Greek yoghurt. While cheese is a rich source of calcium that is necessary for the development of your unborn baby, it can also have an adverse impact on your digestion leading to constipation if consumed in excess.
Is it Safe to Eat Cheese During Pregnancy?
Being a rich source of calcium along with protein and Vitamin B, cheese can help fulfil your daily nutritional requirements and aid in the development of your baby. But there are different types of cheeses available, and of these, some are not recommended for pregnant women. Some varieties, especially the softer variety can be unhealthy as they can contain microscopic organisms called listeria which lead to a condition called listeriosis. By choosing the right kind of cheeses, you can satisfy your cravings and avoid health issues.
Varieties of Cheese to Eat
The unsafe cheeses are usually made from raw and unpasteurised milk which tend to have a higher concentration of listeria bacterium. If you do not know which milk the cheese has been made from, then it is best to refrain from consuming it. Here are some of the different varieties of cheese to eat and to avoid when pregnant.
Safe
All kinds of hard cheeses are deemed safe during pregnancy along with some of the other cheeses. You can satisfy your pregnancy cravings by consuming one of these:
Hard Cheeses: These have a long maturation period and are firm in texture. They are normally made from pasteurised milk or cooked at extremely high temperatures which eliminate the danger of any bacteria being present. Cheddar, parmesan, paneer, and provolone are some varieties you can reach out for.
Processed Soft Cheeses: Such cheeses have a soft and flexible texture but can also be watery or runny. Soft cheeses made from pasteurised milk can be safely eaten by pregnant women. Cheese spreads, cottage cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta, come under this category.
Processed Cheeses: Made from modified natural cheeses, these might contain stabilizers, emulsifiers, and other additives. Since these cheeses are made with a method that involves heating, they are safe for pregnant women. But they rate low on the healthy eating scale due to the higher sodium content than natural cheeses.
Unsafe
There are some cheeses that you must avoid during your pregnancy. These are primarily soft cheeses and include:
Unpasteurized Cheeses: Pasteurization is a process that kills listeria. So, milk that has not been pasteurized might contain these bacteria. Feta, queso fresco, and Chabichou are some such cheeses. Blue-veined cheese like Roquefort, gorgonzola, and dolcelatte are also best avoided.
Mould-Ripened Soft Cheeses: The moulds with which these cheeses are made might harbour listeria, and so it is best that you do not eat these. Brie, blue brie, and cambozola are some examples.
Can You Eat Goat's Cheese?
Goat milk is a nutritious addition to any diet given the number of vitamins and minerals in it. It has fewer calories than cow’s milk and is a good alternative for those allergic to cow’s milk. However, goat cheese is a different story altogether. Known as chevre, this is a soft cheese made from moulds. It is commonly used in restaurants and is an ingredient in many types of cheese salads. This type of goat cheese should be avoided as it can cause Listeria. However, some recipes use cooked goat’s cheese, and this is safe for you when pregnant. Hard cheeses made from goat’s milk can also be eaten safely during pregnancy.
Does Eating Cheese Cause Listeria?
Listeria is a type of bacteria that is found in soft cheese and unpasteurised dairy products. Even if one variety of cheese has listeria in it, there is no way for you to know this. This is because the cheese will not smell or taste any different from cheese that is not contaminated. That said, there are quite a few other situations in which listeria thrive, and there is no way you can avoid all of these. Besides unpasteurized milk, listeria is present in vegetables and fruits that have not been washed well, raw meat, raw fruits and veggies, deli meats, and hot dogs. Listeria is also found in water and soil with many animals carrying this bacterium.
Complication of Listeria
Symptoms of listeria may show up anytime from two days to two months after exposure. In healthy adults, there may be no symptoms at all while in pregnant women the symptoms might be mistaken for that of flu or cold. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and confusion.
Listeria can have an adverse impact on a pregnant woman as well as her unborn child. It might not always make you seriously ill, but the infection needs to be treated immediately.
The bacteria can affect the placenta or the amniotic fluid resulting in a miscarriage or stillbirth.
In some pregnant women, listeria can lead to complications like bacterial meningitis and septicemia.
Some infected babies might be born prematurely. Other babies infected in the womb might develop blood infections, fever, skin sores, and lesions on various organs or infections like meningitis that impact the central nervous system.
At late-onset listeriosis, the baby appears fine at the time of birth but may start showing signs of infection after days or weeks of delivery. This happens when the infant has become infected during labour due to the presence of the bacteria in the cervix or vagina of the mother.
The prognosis of babies infected with listeria is not very bright as many succumb to the infection or suffer long-term health issues. According to a study, listeria infection has a fatality rate of 20 to 30 percent. If detected early, it can be treated with antibiotics that can result in full recovery. Not all babies with mothers infected with listeria will develop problems.
Tips to Prevent Listeria
It is true that cooking tends to kill listeria. However, this is a very resilient strain of bacterium that can also breed in your freezer or the refrigerator. So, taking precautions to avoid ingesting this bacterium is how you can stay safe when pregnant. Here’s how you can do this.
Be sure to wash your hands well after you’ve been out. Scrub with soap and if soap is not available use a hand sanitizer.
Get only pasteurised dairy products
If you must eat soft cheese, cook it till it boils and consume it immediately. Do not refrigerate it after cooking.
Cook all meats such as poultry, lamb and fish well before eating
Reheat leftovers thoroughly before consuming.
Don’t keep food beyond its expiration date and this applies to cheeses also.
Clean kitchen sponges and dishcloths regularly as they can be a breeding ground for listeria.
There is no way you can prevent cravings during your pregnancy or even control the type of food you crave. While cheese cravings might not be the best or safest, being cautious about what cheese you eat can stand you in good stead. Read the label and make an informed choice if you must satiate your cheese craving. Try to distract yourself from your cheese craving by keeping your mind and body occupied when the desire hits you. Go for a leisurely walk or listen to some music till the craving passes.
Listeria bacterium is so common that it might not be possible to avoid exposure fully. So, be sure to contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms when pregnant.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
Also Read: 10 Fruits That You Should Not Eat During Pregnancy Read more
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How to Draw a Christmas Tree for Kids
It’s the merriest time of the year, and what better way to get your little ones into the Christmas spirit than an easy Christmas tree drawing for children. Drawing helps bring out creativity and also keeps the kids occupied for hours. Who knows, you may even uncover a hidden talent in your child. So, bring out the colours and sit down with your kids, and we’ll tell you how to draw a Christmas tree, step by step.
What You Will Need
An A4 size plain paper/ plain white sheet
A pencil
An eraser
Colours
Christmas Tree Drawing for Kids in 10 Simple Steps
Are you ready for the easiest Christmas tree drawing for kids? We’ll show you how in 10 simple steps.
Step 1: Draw an inverted ‘V’.
Start by drawing an unfinished ‘A’ or inverted ‘V’ shape. This will be the topmost section of the tree!
Step 2: Begin connecting the ends from the left-hand side.
It’s time to connect both the ends. Draw an uneven, frill-like design, as shown in the illustration, from the left end towards the centre.
Step 3: Do the same from the right-hand side.
Draw the same uneven, frill-like design from the right side towards the centre, connecting the open ends of the inverted ‘V’ shape.
Step 4: Draw a similar, mid-section of the tree.
Draw a similar, but larger shape, right under the first one. This forms the mid-section of the tree.
Step 5: Draw another similar, yet larger shape.
Draw the last similar, yet larger shape under the previous section, to finish the basic outline. You’re almost done! Can you see your tree coming together?
Step 6: Draw the trunk of the tree.
For the base of the tree, draw two lines curving away from each other and connect them, as seen in the image.
Step 7: Draw some lights on the tree.
Draw two lines across each section, as shown in the illustration. These will become the lights!
Step 8: Decoration Time!
What tree is complete without a star? Draw a star at the top of the tree! Add circles at the ends of each section for the decorations.
Step 9: Add some finishing touches.
Draw circles in the empty spaces of each section, as seen in the illustration. Your tree is now drawn and ready to be coloured in!
Step 10: Bring out the colours!
Its time for the most fun step. Let your kids use their creativity and colour each part of the tree. They can use the illustration as a reference as well!
10 simple steps later, there you have it! A colourful Christmas tree, drawn from scratch by your kids! With some practice, they’ll learn how to draw their own variations and use their creativity. This is also a fun activity at any Christmas party for kids! The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit, isn’t it?
Also Read: How to Draw a Lion for Kids Read more
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Astha Mishra
Mom of a 1 m old boy
13 mins ago
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. Can I check baby heartbeat in 9th week of pregancy?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
14 hours ago
A. See that can only be monitored with a proper ultrasound or a machine which can check the heartbeat of the child otherwise there is no third way to figure it out further if you need to know more you can get a sonography done with your gynaecologist to have better clarity
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5 Toys My baby played with the most till 1 year
It is very difficult to choose appropriate toys for babies below one year. Many times we ended up stocking lot many toys but very few of those attract baby to play for longer time.
I feel this write up will help readers to choose right toy for their babies. Giving here a glimpse of toys my baby played with till one year. Also, listing some precautions to be taken care of while giving any toy to baby.
RATTLES were my baby's best friend from birth till 5 months. I brought bpa free and kid safe rattles as sometimes baby take its toy to mouth and try to bite. I always avoided toys with small parts as those small parts may cause choking.
PLAYMAT was the most benefitting thing as my baby learned crawling on that. I brought that for giving my baby good tummy time when she was of 3/4 months. It was of around 500 rupees and very color with different characters on it. She is still love play on it.
STACKS are still in the list of her favorites. First time when my baby started sitting Independently at 6 months, we introduced ring stack (very common and of around 150 rupees). Rings of different colors attracted my baby a lot.
ACTIVITY TABLE was gifted to my baby by some relative when she was of 9 months. I feel my baby loves it and I found her very much playful with it. The activity table we have, has a small book of 3 pages. My baby learned turning pages on it and also alphabets A & B at 10 month itself. I feel this can be introduced bit early as baby approaches 6 months and starts sitting.
TODDLE CONVERTER TRICYCLE was also gifted by a friend. The moment I introduced this to my baby of 7 months, she crawled to hold the butterfly the toddler has on its front panel. My baby learned standing with this and later on walking. After that when she started walking we converted it into tricycle.
There were other toys too which my baby had till one year. However, these toys helped her in brain development and motor skills.
There are some points we need to take care as we should always keep baby in supervision while given any toy. Secondly, toys should not have very small parts as broken parts may cause choking hazard. Also, we should immediately take out toys if it has sharp edges or is broken as it may hurt baby.
Please write in comment box if you need links or further details about the toys. Read more
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7 Tips To Help Preschoolers Build Positive Peer Relationships
Not all children are outgoing in nature and don't feel too comfortable initiating conversations and making new friends. Parents and teachers need to step in and help bring them out of their shells. Only then can they build peer relationships in childhood.
Making friends and building positive relationships with people happens over time, just like learning to hold a pencil, and reading or writing. However, the ability to build relationships differs from one individual to the next too. It can take time for introverts, but may be easier if a kid is outgoing. Nevertheless, it’s possible for quiet and introverted children to forge relationships.
7 Tips on Helping Kids Build Relationships with Peers
1. Encourage Your Preschooler’s Efforts
Every time you see your child with peers of the same age group, encourage him to play with them. However, you should also show support if his first few attempts of making a new friend are unsuccessful. You don’t want him to feel discouraged to try again.
2. Make Him Feel Good About Himself
Speak to your child about his positive qualities. If he’s generous, tell him so. You could suggest that he shares his toy by letting a potential friend play with it. It’ll teach him how to break the ice and will prevent him from becoming demotivated in case his offers of friendship are rebuffed.
3. Let Him Know Making Friends Takes Time
Initiating a friendship is a matter of seconds; however, building a solid relationship takes time. You need to help your child understand the difference. It’ll keep him motivated.
4. Educate about the Qualities of a Good Friend
Kids should be taught the meaning of being a good individual and a good-natured human being. It’ll help them to make better choices as they interact and grow. Here are some of the traits you can list:
Being compassionate and kind
Being honest
Willingness to share happiness and empathise with sadness
Loyalty
A good sense of humour
Sharing similar interests
Positive attitude towards life and people
Joyful in nature and should be fun to be with
Cooperative
Not possessive
Not needy or greedy
5. Character above All!
Teaching kids that it’s the character that matters when choosing friends is very important. Teach them that physical appearance and wealth do not make any difference to a person’s character and shouldn’t affect children’s peer relationships.
6. Initiate Conversations
There are many children who struggle to make new friends because of their shy nature. Parents and teachers need to help them initiate conversations. Organise simple games and activities where every child has to introduce himself to the people in the room.
7. Give Compliments
Kids love to be complimented. Who doesn’t? Compliments make people feel good about themselves and remind him of their positive qualities. Take your kids to a play area and encourage them to approach other children. Compliment them when they do. They can then progress to playing with them.
Peer relationships in child development is a very important concept, one that every parent and teacher needs to focus on. It not only helps kids move well in social circles but also builds confidence and self-esteem. Read more
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Babyhug swaddler wrapper 100% cotton printed set of 2 review
Being a new mom has its one of its happiness, from carrying the baby for the first time to give a bath to the baby. I have many things to express, but it is so difficult to always to it in words because for me every day is a new experience. I am the mother of a two-month-old infant, and I still remember the first time that I was wrapping my baby in a swaddle. In the same manner, I was looking out for some swaddle wrappers, and I got hooked up my all-time favourite site Firstcry.com. The Babyhug swaddle wrapper is soft and comfy and keeps warm. The design is simple and printed with decent and elegant baby colours.It is easy to sue for first-time parents and one of the best products for winters. The other fabric is cotton, but the thick inner material keeps the baby warm. It is easy to wash and can be washed in a washing machine.But the baby will outgrow it fast. My baby enjoys a sound sleep after wearing this cotton swaddle, and like we all know, babies like to sleep in a comfortable manner post bathing. I feel that only the price is at a higher range so I would give it a 4/5 but overall I really like to use this product on a daily routine. .I would recommend all the new mommies to use this product as it really makes your life easy and keeps baby warm in winters. My suggestion to mommies is that if your baby is below 4 kg, then do not use this product as it is light in weight. The best about this product is that it can be used from newborn to 6 moms so mommies you are tension free with this swaddle wrapper for 6 months. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Father of a 6 yr 4 m old child
17 hours ago
Q. my son is now 7 yrs and and last 3 three days ,he is complaining that he had bad and negative thoughts and this is too hilarious that.
we r too worried ,pls suggest 🙏
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
17 hours ago
A. it is quite natural small babies will be having different moods different types of behaviour please continue to interact the baby engage activities like drawing painting even clay sculpture o k
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
15 hours ago
Q. Hi this is pooja I am 6 weeks 3 days pregnant n m 31 yrs old my doctor prescribed me this interjection called choriotec 5000 once a week for a month .. I have already took two times but now my lil scared so can u pls tell me anyone here is it safe to take more ??? It’s not harmful nah ??? Pls ans dr
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
15 hours ago
A. Your doctor must have given it to you for a particular reason so I’m just going to advise you to follow what she says yet if you have a doubt or you’re scared about anything then why don’t you just prospect with your Dr as to what what purpose are you taking this and what is meant to be done in case you do not take the injection or you do not want to take
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
12 hours ago
Q. Mam last perioda mujhe 10 april ko aye the aur aj mene pregnancy test kiya hai to 1 line light ayi h to mujhe kya krna chahiye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. beta HCG test kare ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
11 hours ago
Q. can I eat egg daily?
now I am in 1st trimester
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. yes you can eat egg daily even in first trimester. 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 Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Which are the safe sites to hire japas in New Delhi (EDD July)
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. you can always ask questions related to the health of child and mother in this section and it can bez either related to diet or food or vaccination or any type of medicine goingz on and given by your doctor.
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Darshana S. Macwan
Mom of a 2 yr 10 m old girl
20 mins ago
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SHIVARAM
Guardian of a 2 m old girl
1 hour ago
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Swati Fuke
Mom of a 4 m old girl
1 hour ago
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Dr Ajay Patel
Father of a 6 m old boy
1 hour ago
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