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Why Babies Smile while Sleeping and What Does It Mean?
It is common for babies to smile or laugh when they are awake. But they also smile while sleeping. If you have recently given birth to your baby and watched him sleeping for hours, you must have noticed a twitch or smile on his face, and it must have been a sight to behold! But why does a baby smile while sleeping? Find out!
Why Do Babies Smile or Laugh While Sleeping?
Many people think that babies see angels while sleeping, and this is why they smile. But that may not be true - as there is not much scientific evidence available. Babies are likely to smile or laugh in their sleep because of the following reasons:
1. Developing Emotions
While awake, little ones are exposed to new sounds and sights. During this time, their developing brains may tend to record all the daily experiences and information coming their way, which possibly gets processed while they are asleep. The happy emotions felt while dealing with the new knowledge and their understanding of it may get exhibited through smiles or laughter in their sleep. Hence, smiling or laughing while asleep can be a part of the process of evolving emotions in babies.
2. Passing Gas
It is believed that babies start displaying social smiles once they turn 3-4 months old. But if a baby smiles in the first few weeks of his birth, it may infer that he is probably passing gas. This notion is however not supported by any concrete scientific research. Nevertheless, it is a known fact that colic babies tend to remain irritable, and farting brings relief and helps them feel better. So one of the reasons for smiling during sleeping could be that the baby is passing gas.
3. REM Sleep Cycle
While in the REM sleep he can experience certain physiological changes that trigger some reflexes and one of them may be a smile. REM sleep phase may also result in rapid eye movements (REMs) and vivid dreams. In case you happen to notice your baby smiling or laughing in his sleep he may quite possibly be in the REM sleep cycle, recalling some funny episode that occurred earlier in the day.
4. Other Medical Causes
In rare cases, convulsions and fits may manifest as unceasing laughter. If you notice other symptoms such as weight loss, trouble while sleeping, frequent bouts of irritability in him, or laughing for no apparent reason, you must take him to a doctor immediately. The occurrence of convulsive laughter episodes can disrupt your baby’s rest times negatively impacting his health.
What Does It Mean When an Infant Smiles While Sleeping?
By now you know why a baby smiles during sleeping. It could be because of developing emotions, the REM sleep cycle, or perhaps some medical issues. But did you know there are different types of smiles too? Yes, babies have different types of smiles, which have different meanings. And all these smiles are important milestones of their lives. If a newborn baby smiles in his sleep, his smile can be of three different types and they mean the following:
1. Social Smile
Babies are likely to go through many emotional changes in the first few years of their life. As they slowly grow up, they may become more responsive, alert, and interact with other people. Babies between 3 and 4 months of age, often break into social smiles as a reaction to the attention and gestures of the mother.
If your baby has developed a social smile, it is an important developmental milestone and is indicative of intentional expression of warmth towards you. It means that your baby is bonding with you. When a baby shows a social smile, it may mean that his brain is developing just fine and that his communication skills are advancing. At this point, you may want to interact even more with your baby by way of cuddling, making comical faces or even simply talking to him to increase more instances of social smiles of your baby.
2. Reflexive Smile
Babies also demonstrate fleeting smiles while sleeping, especially within the first few days of their birth. Experts are of the opinion that these episodes of early smiles in babies are reflex actions similar to other reflexes shown by newborn babies like sucking and rooting. Reflexive smiles while sleeping are supposed to be innate gestures. They do not have an emotional trigger but are usually nature’s way for a baby to begin practicing different skills. In fact, reflex smiles may happen while the baby is in his mother’s womb from 25 to 27 weeks of gestation. After birth, reflexive smiles may typically occur during the REM sleep phase.
3. Responsive Smile
Responsive smiles may manifest around 6 to 8 weeks of baby’s birth. A responsive smile while sleeping may be a baby’s response to sensory experiences or things he finds enjoyable like a familiar soothing voice, cuddles, etc. Responsive smiles are not social reactions but simply a reciprocating action subject to what a baby senses. Responsive smiles can help you learn about your baby’s likes and dislikes, what amuses him or what can make him grin.
Watching an infant smiling while sleeping is not only heartwarming but an important sign that the baby is developing emotionally and physically. It is essential for parents to understand that different babies can have varied learning curves and developmental milestones. So they should not unnecessarily fret in case their baby doesn’t display certain milestones. Let your baby develop at his own pace and enjoy the little moments with him.
Also Read:
When Do Babies Smile & Laugh
30 Cute Baby Smiling Photos Read more
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Foods to Increase Stamina - Keep Yourself Energised All Day Long
Some people feel tired after exercising or running. Lack of energy could affect your daily life. This might also make you less productive. Read on to know more about which foods can help increase your stamina and keep your energy levels up through the day.
Which Nutrients Are Essential for Building Stamina?
Here are the nutrients that our bodies require to build strength and stamina:
1. Complex Carbohydrates
These are digested slowly and are rich in dietary fibre. Complex carbohydrates provide a lot of energy that is used by the body to fuel the brain and muscles.
2. Proteins
Our body breaks down the proteins we consume into amino acids. These acids are then used for making hormones, tissues, red blood cells, and for muscle building and repair.
3. Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are required by the body to increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins D, E, K, and A. These fats are needed for the development and growth of the body.
4. Iron and Calcium
Calcium helps to build strong bones, which makes it an essential mineral. Likewise, iron is also essential as it is needed by the red blood cells for the transportation of oxygen.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C regulates the chemical reactions taking place in the body and strengthens the immune system.
Power Foods to Boost Your Stamina
Try some of these stamina-enhancing foods.
1. Bananas
Bananas are good foods you can consume for energy. They are a fantastic source of potassium, carbohydrates, and vitamin B6. All of these will help in boosting the energy levels in the body. One study indicates that having a banana before a 75 kilometres cycling trial was as good as taking a carbohydrate drink for the athletes to improve their performance. Bananas are one of the foods to improve running stamina.
2. Fatty Fish
Fishes like salmon and tuna and good examples of fatty fishes as they are good sources of protein, vitamin B, and fatty acids. Consuming tuna or salmon provides you with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. Omega-3 fatty acids are good at reducing inflammation in the body. Some studies show that these supplements decrease fatigue especially in people that are recovering from cancer. Moreover, Vitamin B12 works well with folic acid and helps to produce red blood cells.
3. Brown Rice
Brown rice is less processed when compared to white making brown rice very nutritious as it retains more nutritional value in the form of vitamins, fibres, and minerals. One cup of cooked brown rice provides about 88 per cent of the RDI for manganese and contains 3.5 grams of fibre. Brown rice also has a low glycaemic index because of its fibre content. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and maintains steady energy levels.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a very nutritious source of energy and delicious. One medium sized potato contains 3.8 grams of fibre, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 438 per cent of the RDI for vitamin A, and 28 per cent of the RDI for manganese. When sweet potato is consumed, your body gets a steady supply of energy. This is because the body digests them at a really slow pace due to complex carbs and fibre contents. They are also a good source for manganese that helps to breakdown nutrients to produce energy.
5. Coffee
Many people consume coffee when they are looking for an energy boost. Coffee is rich in caffeine. This compound can pass to your brain from the bloodstream and inhibit the activity of adenosine. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that quiets the central nervous system. This increases the production of epinephrine, a hormone that helps to stimulate the brain and body. Even though a cup of coffee has only two calories, its stimulatory effects on the body can make you feel focused and alert.
6. Eggs
Eggs are packed with protein which gives you a sustained and steady energy to fuel your day. Eggs, when digested, does not spike in insulin or blood sugar. Moreover, leucine, which is known to stimulate energy production in many ways, is the most abundant amino acids in eggs. This compound helps cells by taking in more blood sugar and thus increases the breakdown of fat to produce energy and stimulates the production of energy in cells. Eggs are also rich in B vitamins. These vitamins help enzymes in the processes of gaining energy by breaking down foods. Eggs are one of the best foods for gym stamina.
7. Apples
Apples are a good source of fibre and carbs and are one of the most popular fruits in the world. A single medium-sized apple has about 25 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fibre, and 19 grams of sugar. Apples can release energy slower and sustain it because they are rich in natural sugars and fibre. Apples also have a high content of antioxidants. These are needed to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates making them release energy over an extended period. Apples are better when eaten whole since purees and juices from which the fibre has been removed are digested faster.
8. Water
Water is important for life. Water represents almost 60 per cent of the body weight and is involved in so many functions in the cells including energy production. When you do not drink enough water, it might cause dehydration which results in slower body functions leaving you tired and sluggish. This is why drinking water will provide you energy and help you fight off the fatigue. Even when you are not thirsty, you can still drink water regularly throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
9. Dark chocolate
When compared to regular or milk chocolate, dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content. The antioxidants present have many health benefits which include an increase in the flow of blood in the body. This will help to deliver oxygen to the muscles and brain and thus improves general function. This can be more helpful when you are exercising. An increase of blood flow will help to decrease mental fatigue and improve your mood in general. Dark chocolates also contain stimulatory compounds such as caffeine and theobromine which are shown to improve mental energy.
10. Yerba Mate
This is a drink made from dried leaves of a plant that is native to South America. Yerba mate contains caffeine and antioxidants. An 8-ounce cup of this contains 85 mg of caffeine which is similar to the amount in a small cup of coffee. The caffeine promotes the production of epinephrine, a hormone which helps in increasing energy. This drink does not seem to affect heart rate or blood pressure. It is also seen that yerba mate improves mental focus, mood, memory, and enhances physical activity.
11. Goji Berries
Due to their medicinal benefits, these berries have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. This fruit is a good source of fibre and is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. They assist mental alertness and performance and help to decrease fatigue. Two grams of fibre is seen in a one-ounce serving. This helps in slow and steady digestion and slow release in energy. Goji berries can be eaten by mixing it in yoghurt, baked goods, smoothies, and sauces. You could also eat them raw.
12. Quinoa
This seed is very popular for its rich protein content. One cup of quinoa gives 5 grams of dietary fibre, 39 grams of carbs, 8 grams of proteins, and a good amount of minerals and vitamins. The seeds have a low glycemic index though they have high carbohydrates. This indicates that the carbs are absorbed slowly thus providing the body with sustained energy. Moreover, the seeds also provide 20 per cent of the RDI for magnesium, manganese, and folate. Enzymes use all of these nutrients to process energy.
13. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a whole-grain cereal that contains beta-glucan. This is a soluble fibre that, when combined with water, forms a thick gel. In the digestive system, this gel delays the absorption of glucose into the blood and stomach emptying. Oats are high in minerals and vitamin including iron, manganese, vitamins. All of these nutrients make this the perfect food for sustained energy release.
14. Yoghurt
The carbs found in yoghurt are mainly in the form of simple sugars such as galactose and lactose. When these are broken down, they can provide ready-to-use energy. Yoghurt is also packed in protein which helps by slowing down the digestion on carbohydrates which slows down the release of sugars. Yoghurt also contains a good amount of vitamins B12 and B2. These are involved in cellular function and help in the formation of ATP, which are the fuel for cells.
15. Hummus
Hummus is made with sesame seed paste, chickpeas, lemon, and oil. This combination makes it an excellent source of energy. Chickpeas have a good source of fibre and complex carbs that the body uses for obtaining steady energy. The sesame seed paste and the oil also contain healthy fats which are helpful in slowing down the absorption of carbs. This helps the body by preventing blood sugar spikes.
16. Avocados
Avocados are rich in fibres and healthy fats. About 84 per cent of this fat comes from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. They help by improving the absorption of nutrients and promote optimal blood levels. They are also used as energy sources. Avocados are also a great source for vitamin B. This is required for the function in mitochondria where energy is produced.
17. Oranges
Oranges are popular for its high content of vitamin C. a single orange can give as much as 106 per cent of the RDI for vitamin C. Oranges also protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress as it contains antioxidant compounds. Studies indicate that oxidative stress increases the chances of fatigue. Therefore, consuming oranges can decrease fatigue.
18. Strawberries
Strawberries are good stamina-boosting food. They contain fibre, carbs, and sugars that improve energy levels. A single cup of strawberries contains 3 grams of fibre, 12 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of sugar. Moreover, strawberries help by fighting inflammation and the antioxidants present help to fight fatigue and give you energy.
19. Beans
Beans are rich in natural energy. There are many types of beans, but all of them have similar nutrient profiles. They contain a good amount of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates. They help to maintain a stable blood sugar level as they are digested slowly and provide steady energy. Beans also help to fight inflammation as they contain antioxidants. Black-eyed peas and black beans are very popular as they are excellent sources of iron, folic acids, magnesium, and manganese. These are involved in the production of energy.
20. Maca
Maca is a superfood that has so many medicinal properties. It helps by increasing libido and male fertility. The maca root is usually taken in a powdered form and is the best food for increasing stamina in bed or sexual stamina.
There are so many foods for stamina strength, and they will help to boost your energy. Whether they contain protein and fibre for a slower release of energy or are packed with carbs for readily available energy, these foods will help to increase your stamina and power.
Also Read:
Foods to Eat for Getting Good Sleep
Food to Consume for Healthy Heart and Long Life
How Balanced Diet Can Help You Enhance Your Health Read more
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Effective Tips to Handle Your Highly Sensitive Child
Have you wondered why your child cries more often than other kids her age on minor issues? Well, you have a sensitive little one. Handling a highly sensitive child requires a lot of patience and understanding. So how do you do it? You still haven’t been able to figure it out? Well, here is an article to help you do just that.
What is a Highly Sensitive Child?
A highly sensitive child is born with a sensitive nervous system which reacts quickly to even the smallest of situations which may hardly hold any importance to others. Such a child is quick to react to everything and thinks anything and everything with a lot of depth. They also get easily overwhelmed by seeing others in emotional distress. Such children are either very calm, introvert and fairly easy to raise or are very active, stubborn and very demanding by nature. It is usually seen that all highly sensitive children are hypersensitive to their emotional and physical environment.
Signs of Highly Sensitive Kid
Many parents seeing their child get overwhelmed or distressed easily may often wonder “is my child highly sensitive?” It is usually seen that over sensitive child symptoms are usually visible in an individual from a very young age. Listed below are 12 signs of a highly sensitive child.
1. Full of empathy
HSC are very empathetic towards others and they always place other’s emotional needs before their own. As a result, they usually take in other’s emotional pain which affects their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
2. Overstimulated
HSC are easily stimulated to noise, smell, touch visuals, movement, and taste. So much so that it can affect their lives. For such highly sensitive children, a certain noise or visual may get them distressed or overwhelmed.
3. Always trying to please others
Since they do not want to hurt people, they always go out of their way to help people to please them. This at times turns out to be damaging and harmful to them.
4. Loners
An HSC may seem to be an extrovert, talkative, in love with people but they easily get overstimulated and therefore require some “me-time”. They need some time to be alone to disconnect themselves from the outside world.
5. Heart rules their head
They are so emotional by nature that they are always ruled by their heart rather than their head. They are too empathetic by nature.
6. They dislike all things negative
Such children have an intense dislike for violence or something like a horror movie. They will quite naturally stay away from fights and arguments.
7. A complaint box
A child who is highly sensitive will quite often complain and whine at the slightest of problems like an itchy clothing, seams in her socks or even labels brushing against her skin.
8. Uncomfortable with change
She abhors change. The slightest change in her room, house or surrounding may make her feel uncomfortable.
9. Despises noise
You may often see her getting startled when there is a loud noise. Noisy surroundings are a complete no-no for an HSC.
10. Deep thinker
She may often ask you deep, provoking questions which may amaze adults. They also think a lot and observe a lot around them. This makes them ask a volley of questions which more often than not leaves the adults irritated.
11. Loves animals
She may have a special affinity towards animals. Death of a pet at home may make her depressed for days. Love towards animals may be so intense that seeing anyone being cruel towards an animal may make her angry.
12. Shy by nature
Highly sensitive kids are very shy near complete strangers. This makes them underperform near unknown people. However, after they get to know someone, they start getting friendly with them and may easily open up, although this may take quite a bit of time.
How to Deal with Hypersensitive Child?
Having a highly sensitive kid at home may be difficult at times and frustrating at other times. It may be a challenge for parents to raise HSC. However, it is important that you understand them and accept them as they are. They are highly intelligent beings with a great sense of humour. They are very intuitive and are great observers. They are gifted with empathy for others which make them priceless.
Listed below are some parenting strategies for a highly sensitive child which may help you to deal with your sensitive little one.
1. Allowing her some “alone” time
The most important thing for a parent to do with a highly sensitive kid is to understand her and accept her as she is. An HSC needs some space and time of her own to recharge herself up. For her, it is as important as breathing.
2. Show some empathy
A common question many parents ask is how to help a highly sensitive child? Well, all you need to do is understand and empathize with them. It is important to understand that having an HSC at home means more startles, more emotional flare-ups, more hurts, and more wailings. It is human for parents of such a kid to feel frustrated at times and lose their patience but you need to keep it in check.
3. Acceptance
Never be apologetic to people for her idiosyncrasies. She is born with it and apologizing to people every now and then near her will make her feel that her emotions, empathy, sensitivity or the way she feels or behaves is something which is not right. This may result in bringing her self-esteem down.
4. Making her overcome fears slowly
Making her do something that she detests or fears very slowly can help her to overcome the dislike or fear of the thing or situation. However, this should be done at a gradual pace and not in a hurried manner.
For example, she may detest wearing a cardigan since she feels itchy in it but asking her to wear it for some time and complimenting her in it may make her want to wear it again for a longer time. It must be done in such a subtle manner that it does not feel like a punishment to her.
5. Keeping a pet
HSC love animals. So put their affinity into use and get home a pet for them. Having a pet at home will calm them down and they will also have a companion to play with. However be sure that your child is not allergic to pets.
6. Do not use the usual methods of discipline for an HSC
Using the usual severe methods of punishment like spanking, yelling, etc may only make matters worse for a highly sensitive kid. She may respond the other way round by screaming, crying, and throwing temper tantrums. Therefore, disciplining highly sensitive kids should be done differently.
For example, you can ask your HSC the repercussion of having an ice cream when she has just got out from a bout of cold and cough instead of telling her that she will get spanked if she takes an ice cream.
7. Talking to your child when upset
When you see your child crying, ask her about what has upset her? Coax her a bit by asking questions to help her to answer. After she tells you the reason, you may ask her what you can do to make her feel good again. This too may require you to help her out and you can do so by giving her solutions. However, some children may take some time crying it out before they tell you what is bothering them.
8. Help them to stand up against bullies
Highly sensitive children may cry often or act differently even in normal situations. Therefore they are always at a risk of getting bullied by other children at school. In such a situation, firstly teach your child not to be afraid. If any such situation arises, tell her that she should put up a brave and confident face in front of the bullies and tell the teacher about it. Also, teach her to walk in a crowd instead of walking alone. As a parent, you may also go and have a word with her class teacher and the concerned school authorities about the situation.
9. Do not try to change them
Highly sensitive children cannot help but feel the way they feel. They are born that way. Thus as a parent should accept the way she is, not try and change her. Trying to change an HSC will only prove to be detrimental to her overall growth.
10. Accept and appreciate your HSC for who she is
A highly sensitive kid is endowed with many good qualities that you can be proud of. You will realize that she is more caring, compassionate and empathetic towards people and animals than many kids her age. They are highly intuitive and can read a person well. They are usually very creative and turn out to be great writers/ storytellers, actors, and artists. Therefore, accept her and appreciate her for the person she is.
11. Help your HSC to relax
You can introduce a half an hour of pranayama and yoga session in your child’s everyday routine. In order to encourage her, you too can join her. Even enrolling her in some art class or anything of her interest can help or even go for an evening stroll or a jog together can do wonders in calming and relaxing her.
12. Touch
Giving her a pat to appreciate her or a hug to let her know that you are there for her goes a long way to make her feel loved and secure.
Before you follow any of the above tips, it is important that you know what works best for your child. Things which may work well for your HSC may not have the same impact on some other HSC. Therefore, understanding your child is imperative to help her to grow into a healthy, sensitive individual.
Also Read:
How to Handle Aggression in Children
How to Deal with a Highly Emotional Child
Social And Emotional Development In Children
Ways to Deal With and Calm Child’s Anger Read more
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My Breastfeeding Experience - Some challenges and a lot to embrace!
Like all others, as a first-time mother, there were myriad of questions
and inhibitions in my mind about yet-to-arrive baby, feeding patterns,
late-night sittings, diaper woes, sleepless nights, health and what not! But,
once the baby was handed over to me, something miraculous happened and an
unknown motherly feeling engulfed me which I never knew existed inside of me
and I could instantly relate to the saying - “The moment a child is born the
mother is also born.” My heart was already attached to hers and her touch already melted
me to the core. As my daughter was born earlier than expected via C-section, I had to
face a lot of challenges in latching her because of low breastmilk supply. That
broke my heart! I could not see her crying of hunger therefore shifted her to
formula milk, but alongside kept latching her and used a breast pump. In the
beginning, it used to take hours to pump out a few millimetres of milk and when
I got tired, my partner used to help. I took nutrient rich diet as per the
requirement and suggested by the doctors, tried different positions to feed
her, took her to a separate room to feed, held her in my lap frequently and did
everything else which I could. And because of all these efforts and continuous
support from my partner, I was able to feed her for up to 6 months. Then we
shifted her to formula feed and continued giving her the same till the age of 2
years as still we were not sure about any other kind of milk (cow or buffalo).
We did not miss any recommended vaccinations and visited the paediatrician
regularly to check her overall growth and development. Today, she is 6 years
old healthy, grown-up child with all the quick and witty replies. After going through the whole new challenge of
breastfeeding the baby without compromising either of our health, following are
the takes I want to share with all new breastfeeding mothers who may or may not
face similar circumstances –
Include foods that will boost breastmilk
production like fenugreek, cumin, carom seeds, almonds, garlic, fennel
seeds, cinnamon, milk, etc.
Avoid alcohol, too many caffeinated drinks,
chocolate, spicy and gas-causing foods.
Wear comfortable clothing and use the right
kind of nursing bra.
Use less of breast pump and latch baby frequently
as supply depends on the demand.
Do not stress and remain happy with good
thoughts.
Breastfeed from both the sides.
Take help from your partner and do not feel
pressured.
Find a comfortable place to feed and keep
everything needed handy while breastfeeding.
Eat well with plenty of fluids.
Do not hesitate to share your thoughts with
your partner and family to get emotional support.
Though there is no
substitute for mother’s milk, at the same time, if it is not produced
sufficiently, due to medical or any other reason, do not feel dejected and lose
hope. After delivery, the mother already has to go through a lot, emotionally
and physically, and contemplating on uncontrolled situation/s will affect not
just both of you, but everyone around. Motherhood is an exquisite feeling, so
admire and savor every little moment with your child. Read more
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How to Decorate Room Shared by Siblings
Decorating a room that is shared by siblings can be quite a task. The trick is to accommodate the interests of your children. There are few siblings’ room decorating ideas that will help mom's maximise their kids’ room space and give it a personal touch along the way.
Let's admit it, decorating a room shared by siblings is a bigger challenge than making the crème brulee Le Cordon Bleu your mom-in-law loves. You have to rack your brain and decide whether the room deserves a cohesive look or it needs to be decorated on a share-share basis that gives each kid their own little space? While the room’s size will influence your final call, here are some tips to set you in the right direction.
Shared Room Decorating Ideas
1. Free hand
Most kids know what they want, and are not afraid to ask. In such a scenario it would be best to let them decide the decor for their room. Letting them decide on a wall colour or allowing them to choose the bed wouldn't suffice. When you give your children free reign to choose the decor for their shared room, they will be able to express their creativity and connect better as roommates too. It's their living space after all, why shouldn’t they have a say in what they want? So, if you ever want to learn how to decorate siblings’ room, just simply let your kids take charge and watch them do up the room in whatever they both think fit.
2. Shelf to the rescue
If your kids are among those who are fierce about their privacy, although staying in the same room, you can give it to them. You can use a drywall partition with shelves on either side to divide the room into two halves. This will ensure privacy for each child. Each side of the shelf can be occupied by your kids to stack their books, toys, and stationery. This will also help in saving up space in the room. You can paint the shelves in their favourite colours. However, do remember this is one of those siblings' room decorating ideas that go well with large rooms!
3. Shared theme
If your kids are in favour of sharing the same theme for their bedroom or don't mind having the same bedding, then you can decorate their rooms by first taking care of the walls. You could use wallpaper that both kids agree on or paint the wall in a colour that both think cool. You can add accessories like fans, table lamps, bedsheets with vivid cartoon characters painted on them. Alternatively, you can paint all the walls with a solid colour barring one and encourage your children to draw or paint on that plain wall for a unique personal touch they'll be proud to flaunt.
4. Twin theme
Kids these days have a mind of their own. They do not want two different themes but want their individual space. If you have twins, a girl and a boy, you can divide the room into a ‘pink’ and ‘blue’ section. For the girl's section add white and pink frills and lace to a pink four post bed, set up a doll house, and add pop pink curtains for a saccharine sweet look. For the boy's section, you can incorporate a maritime theme. You could do this by installing a rowboat shaped bed with a wood finish, striped curtains, and lighthouse themed wallpaper to let your boy enjoy a full blown nautical feel. This will ensure that both kids remain happy with their section of the room. This is one of the best sibling room ideas to employ for a not too large room.
5. Accessorise right
In order to decorate a shared bedroom, one must think smart. Choose furniture that both kids can share and which doesn't cram the room too. Think of collapsible table and chair sets, foldable beds, and easy to move settees. Ensure that the furniture matches the overall room decor and is gender neutral. Opt for an ivory coloured bunk bed and go for yellow and white striped panelled walls. Place an oversized durrie in navy for an energetic contrast in the room. Get a foldable study table with two small bean bags thrown in. This wouldn't just keep both the children happy, but will give them ample space to move around too.
These bedroom ideas for siblings sharing rooms will ensure that your kids stay happy and in harmony with each other. Whether you give your child's room a sea chart wallpaper or add a superhero cupboard, a little personalisation will go a long way in keeping them happy and squabble free. Read more
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Shilpa Shetty Reveals Her Favourite Ghar Ka Khaana That Keeps Her Weight In Check!
Hard physical exercise, hours spent at the gym, a diet that screams impossible – maintaining the perfect figure especially after becoming a mom is not easy, right? And surely this is how Bollywood moms do it. Well, while there’s no denying that exercise plays a major part in shedding those post-pregnancy kilos, there’s something else that you can do – eat! Shilpa Shetty, a big advocate of healthy eating and yoga, has a simple diet plan that helps maintain her envious figure. So, what does she eat on a day to day basis and is it something we can emulate?
We bring you an up, close and personal look at some of Shilpa’s favourite foods that are delicious but healthy and contribute toward maintaining her weight and figure. The best part is that these are regular foods made using everyday ingredients which means you can start incorporating them in your weekly menu!
1. Homemade Vegetable Khichdi With Garlic Pickle and Roasted Papad
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/officialshilpashetty/?hl=en[/caption]
Imagine this – it’s raining cats and dogs outside. You’re hungry. You’re longing for some steaming hot food with a delicious smell…What comes to mind? Khichdi! This wholesome meal prepared using rice, lentils, ghee and vegetables is packed with several essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, calcium and Vitamin C. Shilpa calls this her “simple comfort food” and we couldn’t agree more! The roasted papad – a far healthier option that fried papad – and the garlic pickle elevate the taste quotient of the recipe.
2. Dosa and Chutney
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/officialshilpashetty/?hl=en[/caption]
What? Your favourite breakfast item actually features in Shilpa’s list too, what with the actress renowned for healthy eating? Well, surprising as it may seem, dosas are actually very good sources of nutrition, especially carbs, dietary fibre and moderate amounts of protein. This is what you need to kickstart your day which makes dosas a great, low-calorie breakfast option. Shilpa loves combining dosas with eggs and chutney, thus constituting what she calls a “bread free breakfast”.
3. Chia Seeds, Nuts and Fruits
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You may have heard about the goodness of these foods but it’s now time to incorporate them into your diet. Here’s Shilpa’s winning combination – granola (unsweetened), grated apple, soaked almonds, pomegranate, yogurt, cherries, almond milk and chia seeds. The combination means complete fibre power for your stomach and “no hunger for three hours - full stomach work mode”! Basically, this recipe for breakfast/snack means that you will not only eat healthy but also keep your stomach satisfied for a long time, thus avoiding unhealthy binging.
4. Fish Curry
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If you’re a non-vegetarian, the pleasures of fish are not news to you. But what’s really heartening here is that fish curry, when cooked correctly, can be a terrific health food. Fish is choc-a-bloc with protein which you need for healthy bones, muscles and skin. Just make sure you avoid deep-frying and use low-absorb oil for cooking. Shilpa’s mom makes a lovely, spicy mackerel curry which daughter dearest calls “the BESTEST in the world”. In fact, she says that it is this fish curry that made her fall in love with food!
5. Salad With Veggies
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Salads may seem intimidating and unappetising at first but when layered with the right ingredients and slowly developed into a habit, they can be quite addictive! Also, they are great for keepimg your weight in check as they have a lot of dietary fibre that keeps your metabolism high. Recently, Shilpa and her son got together to treat Daddy to the dinner of a lifetime. For this family date night, they put together an elaborate but healthy spread of quinoa and rocket salad – this one had cranberries, walnuts, goat’s cheese, beetroot, steamed asparagus and sesame sauce. Sounds delicious, right? The two also made gluten free basil pizza with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushroom and eggs. We bet Daddy was overjoyed!
6. Avocado and Flaxseeds
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This combination is absolutely stellar when you are looking to lose weight (without giving up on food!). Avocados contain very few calories and when combined with flaxseeds can actually be quite delicious. The best news, however, is this – avocados are rich in monounsaturated and oleic fatty acids that shrink tummy fat! Shilpa’s Saturday breakfast starter often comprises half an avocado with flaxseeds and hemp seed oil, topped with chia seeds and pepper. She recommends eating this raw first thing in the morning for best results.
7. Bread Pudding With Stevia
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/officialshilpashetty/?hl=en[/caption]
If you’re wondering what this is doing here, let us tell you that some baked goodies are actually recommended by weight loss experts. The secret here is simple – you should let your body indulge every once in a while so you don’t give in to temptation in a massive, irreparable way. Plus, trust Shilpa to find health everywhere – she makes these piping hot from the oven, uses stevia (sugar substitute) and 5 seeded bread.
8. Fresh Fruit Juice
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Fruits are a superb way of giving your body its mineral and vitamin fix while also filling up your stomach. Fresh juice is always a better option than packaged drinks. However, excessive consumption of fruit juices may mean too much sugar running inside your body. This is why Shilpa reserves these drinks for a hot afternoon. She also adds to their health quotient by putting in a dash of ginger, lemon and mint. The colours are beautiful too!
9. Roast Chicken/Turkey
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/officialshilpashetty/?hl=en[/caption]
Yet another healthy delight for non-vegetarians is a roasted chicken/turkey dish that supplies your body with proteins while being very low in calories. To make chicken a strong weight loss companion, try eating chicken breast without the skin and add veggies for added benefit. For Christmas, Shilpa made this roast turkey with gravy and added lots of veggies to it. Since she’s now a vegetarian, this was necessary! So in went brussel sprouts, spiced parsnips, purple cabbage, roasted potatoes and carrots…all everyday vegetables whose nutritional value we often ignore.
10. Carrot Halwa in Almond Milk
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Finally, it’s time for true-blue ghar ka dessert. No weight loss plan can work if your body feels deprived of all the good things in the world. Shilpa’s trick is to allow herself a Sunday binge food – from panipuri to rasgullas to halwa. To make her dessert totally guilt free, Shilpa uses almond milk, stevia sugar and raisins. Not only does this add more protein and fibre to the dish but also works with her husband who is lactose intolerant. Nothing should stop you from enjoying dessert, right?
Shilpa Shetty’s gastronomic journey is indeed a good mix of healthy, delicious and guilt-free. She doesn’t deny herself simple joys like binging on panipuris at a street vendor’s but also compensates for it by consuming healthy foods through the week. Of course, along with a balanced diet, her daily yoga, positive thinking and good times spent with her son and husband play a major role in keeping her fit as a fiddle! Read more
AJAY has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert During my 6th month, I underwent a glucose tolerance test, resulting in 171. The following day, I took a blood test without drinking glucose, revealing 141. The next day, after fasting and then 2 hours post-food, my blood sugar levels were 77 and 103 respectively. Two days later, I experienced dizziness and continuous vomiting. On that day, my blood sugar levels tested at 69. I am confused about my current sugar levels. Do I have GDM?. Now, I am controlling my sugar intake, and I believe I have lost weight. However, the baby's movements are all good.
Read moreAJAY
Expecting Father due in 6 months
30 mins ago
A. kindly consult a doctor immediately.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
I have a question ... my bump is not showing...I have a already 5 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. okay no problem wait it will now onwards. 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 Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
52 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert my belly still not growing completely and I can feel my baby in abdomen not upper tummy
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
51 mins ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the docdggtor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
46 mins ago
Q. my baby girl is 1 month old she is crying while passing urine nd she is passing urine while feeding pls answer wat to do
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
33 mins ago
A. Both the situations are very normal for a child as a doctor said that the kid can cry extensively sometimes due to stomach pain as well as while passing urine and pooping also also but that is completely normal so nothing to be worried as of now
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
29 mins ago
Q. need second trimester proper diet
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
25 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please take healthy food items including fresh fruits and dry fruits. Please take eggs and chicken. Also drink chicken soup. You can also take banana shake. Please take lots of green vegetables and dairy products and soaked almonds.
Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert my new born baby boy weight @ birth time 2.475kg, after 7 weeks weight 2.90kg. weight gain very slow. Can u pls advise why weight gain is slow till my baby using breastfeeding milk right now.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 min ago
A. failure to thrive please. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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