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Your 13 Week Old Baby - Development, Milestones & Care
Congratulations! Your baby is 13 weeks old and by now you must have got used to the idea of being a mother. Sleepless night, breastfeeding your baby at random hours of the day and night, and cleaning his poop must have made you realise that being a mother is no easy. Is it now? But we know how much you love your little one. In these three months, you must have bonded with your baby too. Your baby will start learning a lot from you as he grows and you might start seeing shades of you or your spouse, even more, evident than before. Find out how your baby is developing!
Your 13-week-old Baby's Development
Your 13-week-old baby will soon start getting comfortable with you as well as with other faces that he encounters. The sociability aspect of your baby will begin to develop as he realizes how much fun it is to interact with others. The smile on his face will be the most welcoming one you will ever see and resisting giving him a kiss would be almost impossible. Making sounds and carrying on lengthy conversations through his coos and gurgles will become second nature to him. He may also try to turn his head around if he hears a noise. Your baby may also start sleeping through the night as well, so you can catch some sleep at night. However, don't count on it. However, if your baby keeps you awake at night, wait for a few months, sooner or later he will get a restful sleep at night and so will you.
[Also Read: 3 Months Old Baby Development]
Your 13-week-old Baby's Milestones
By now your baby's most of the senses must have developed at par. It might take some more time, but as a result of the growth spurt that happens around the third month, your baby may have a better vision by this age. Your baby will be able to focus better, begin to understand the perception of depth and see how near or far something is. The hues of various colours will start getting more vivid than before and your baby might prefer certain colours over others. Play some music in a corner and your baby may start turning his head and try to see where the sound is coming from. Use that nice baby lotion with the smell of flowers, and you will see a haze of recognition on your baby’s face when he smells it.
Along with the senses, your baby’s limbs will also begin to improve as time passes. This is the time when your baby will realize that he has fingers which can be controlled individually. Though he might not be able to point at something or grip anything right way, his fingers and palms will keep moving around as he starts exploring them. His hand-eye coordination will be much better than before.
Discovering his own voice will also be an activity that will interest your baby quite a lot. Having long conversations with himself and experimenting with different tones and modulations will keep him engaged for a better part of the day. While playing games, he might make a loud cry when you hide and then laugh satisfactorily when you reveal yourself. Many babies wake up early in the morning and, if their stomach is full, will continue lying around and looking at their feet, while cooing.
[Also Read: 3 Months Old Baby Milestones]
Feeding
As pattern and routines begin to set in, your 13-week-old baby may feed easily. Yes, breastfeeding your little one will become a tad easier and comfortable for both of you. His feeding will be more efficient and you would be able to tell when he wants food and when he doesn’t in a much better manner. The cry of hunger and the cry for being held will be recognizable.
[Also Read: 3 Months Old Baby Food]
Sleeping
As your baby undergoes growth spurts, you might have to feed him at odd hours of the day and night. Breastfed babies tend to require milk at night a little more than babies who are bottle-fed. Nevertheless, most babies do not sleep through the night. The longest they might sleep without a break is for about 6-7 hours at the most.
[Also Read: 3 Months Old Baby Sleep]
Routine
Up until now, you must have tried to figure out how the entire process of parenting and feeding and sleeping works. But having spent about 13 weeks with your baby, this can be a good time to start enforcing a routine of sorts for both of you. Some babies inevitably fall into a predictable routine pretty early in life. If your baby hasn't, it is time to start building a routine with him.
As babies grow up, they choose when they want to feed or not. There might be a specific timing that you must feed your baby, but over time, your baby might refuse to feed at times if he is full. As long as his weight is fine, you have nothing to worry. When he enters another phase of rapid growth, his hunger will increase and he might start demanding food a lot more than usual.
If your baby feeds for lengthy intervals between each feed, you can enforce a schedule of say 3-hours to 4-hours between each feed. This allows you to shape your own routine, get some rest, and keep your baby well-fed and rested, too. A lot of change can disturb the baby, hence you should try to enforce a routine for him. When he knows that after 1 feed, the next feed will be after a few hours, he can sleep without being disturbed. Even at night, your baby might not sleep as long as you do, or you need to. In these cases, it is important to ensure that your baby does not sleep off at other times. Most mothers observe that their babies tend to sleep while they are bathing him or while he is feeding in the afternoon or so. Wake up your baby if that happens and complete the activity. He might get cranky and not sleep, which might continue for a couple of days. After that, he will understand the timings and begin to fall asleep accordingly.
Tips to Take Care of Your 13-week-old Baby
Here are some tips that you should follow to take care of your 14-week-old baby.
Take care of your baby’s skin by making sure it doesn’t get too dry. Make use of moisturizers and humidifiers if dry skin persists.
Take your baby out in the park or garden, or let him interact with other babies when you go for a morning or evening walk.
Let your baby sleep for fixed hours and try creating a fixed schedule for all activities so that your baby can start looking forward to them, too.
[Also Read: 3 Months Old Baby Care]
Tests and Vaccinations
Having completed 3 months fully and getting him vaccinated on time, it is time to prepare him for another round of vaccinations. These could be done either via injections or by giving oral medications.
One of the first injections that will be given around this time is the DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine, which takes care of polio and many other diseases, like diphtheria. Another vaccine that is administered via injection is the MenC vaccine. This takes care of meningococcal viruses and prevents them from attacking the child. Finally, the next round of the rotavirus vaccine is given, but this is mostly given orally instead of via injection.
Games and Activities
The auditory sense of your baby will grow quite a lot. Understanding sounds, music, and tonality, they begin to notice how the same sound can be emitted in different notes as well. But instead of simply using music, you can take your baby to the kitchen for a change of environment and give him a drumming 101 session. Make use of utensils around the house, plastic boxes, cardboard boxes, or anything that is in a different material than others. Putting them all together in one place, grab a small stick or a ladle and slowly hit each object to make a sound. The different sounds will get your baby intrigued and excited. Start playing something musical and your baby may start clapping away, too. Then, turn your baby around to look at his face and use your mouth to create those same drumbeat sounds. This entire activity will keep your little one engaged for many days to come.
Babies love water and playing with it. If you have a bathtub or even a smaller tub, fill it with warm water and gently put your baby in it. Make sure his head is always above the water, and use your hand to support him with that. Then splash some water using your hands and then grab his feet to create the splashes as well. Let your baby take some time in figuring out how his feet can make the water splash. Once that is done, your bathroom will turn into a water park within no time.
[Also Read: 3 Months Old Baby Games and Activities]
When to Consult a Doctor
Around this age, babies tend to suffer from thrush, which is mostly a yeast-related infection. This manifests in the form of white spots or patches on the inner areas of the mouth, including the cheeks and lips. This can be passed on to the mother as well during breastfeeding and make your nipples hurt. Talk to your doctor if such a condition exists.
Heading speedily towards month 4, your baby will start picking up so many activities and learn so many new things that his growth will astound you. Keep all those memories intact and make sure to spend as much time with the baby as possible.
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Mom of a 2 yr 7 m old girl
2 mins ago
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Top 13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
When adoring your home with some greenery or foliage, looking for indoor mosquito repellent plants or even shrubs can present you with multiple choices. Putting together a small vegetable farm and pairing them with certain plants can help keep them protected from bugs and insects, too. There are a bunch of plants that can not only keep mosquitoes away, but also lift up the look and feel of your home in a wonderful manner.
List of Mosquitoes Repellent Plants That You Can Grow at Home
Generally, many flowering plants and herbs with great flavours and smells are a popular choice to be planted in your garden, since they also have insect repelling capabilities. We’ve put together a list of some great ones that can grow easily in your home.
1. Rosemary Plant
Rosemary is usually well-known for its usage in seasonings and meal preparations. But the fact that rosemary repels mosquitoes may not be as widely known to many. It has a particularly strong smell which works wonders on mosquitoes as well as other insects.
What It Needs
Depending on the variety of rosemary that you choose to plant, some prefer a constrained space like a container, which allows them to grow steadily. Other variants could be more superfluous, requiring a larger flower bed to sustain themselves.
How It Helps
Any kind of moths or flies tend to keep away from areas which have rosemary due to its smell. Boiling some dried rosemary in water and using it as a spray to repel bugs is possible, too.
2. Allium Plant
Planting rosemary might help keep the mosquitoes at bay. But, a lot of us prefer having wonderful flowers to shape up the aesthetic, and alliums can help you achieve that while controlling the mosquitoes.
What It Needs
Most allium plants tend to grow quite large and tall, some reaching as high as six feet. Therefore, it is necessary to plant them in an area that has as much open space as possible.
How It Helps
The allium flower is known to be a wonderful natural repellent for a large variety of insects as well as worms. Planting them along with other garden shrubs can help keep your vegetables protected as well, by being closer to them.
3. Lemon Balm Plant
The wonderful citric smell and the lovely white flowers that adorn its glory are found on none other than the lemon balm plant. What many do not know is that this mint variety of plant does a fantastic job of keeping away insects as well.
What It Needs
Just like many other plants that fall under the same family, the lemon balm plant also tends to invade the spaces occupied by other plants. So, strategic planning when planting it in your garden bed is a necessity.
How It Helps
On the first look, having this plant may look like it is taking up a good amount of space for nothing. However, it has a great capability to keep insects that bite (such as mosquitoes and wasps) far away from your home, helping you keep safe and trouble-free.
4. Wormwood Plant
Wormwood, or afsantin as it is known in many parts of our country has its place in our garden for sure. When looking for anti-mosquito plants for shade, this one’s your best bet with the wonderful foliage it provides, for a cool space under it on a sunny day.
What It Needs
Since wormwood has large foliage, it is best to plant it in an open area that receives good sunlight and allows it to grow fully. However, care should be taken to not rub against the bark of wormwood with your bare skin.
How It Helps
The scent of wormwood is extremely strong for many flies, mosquitoes, wasps, fleas, and numerous other insects, making them change their paths and keep away from your home at all times.
5. Lemon Thyme Plant
With the previous mention of the lemon balm plant, seeing the lemon thyme plant being a part of this collection won’t be surprising. Most plants that tend to have a strong identifiable aroma to them, are potentially good solutions to wade away any insects and mosquitoes in general. And also, thyme is a wonderful ingredient for your meals as well.
What It Needs
Again, since this plant belongs to the citrus family, it does need its space to grow properly and allow its leaves to flourish, so that the smell can reach out to multiple areas.
How It Helps
Its usual smell is not strong enough to keep insects at bay. Therefore, crushing a few leaves around evening time can help accentuate it and act as a natural mosquito repellent.
6. Geranium Plant
Back to basics, we all want our balconies or porches to look welcoming and beautiful from an aesthetic perspective. In that regard, to have a plant that keeps insects away and manages to enhance the beauty of your home, geraniums are one of the most popular choices for it.
What It Needs
The geranium flowers tend to bloom wonderfully in large numbers and the plant itself prefers warm and sunny temperatures, so planting it in an outside area is your best bet.
How It Helps
Just like many other citrus plants, the geranium flowers tend to have a slight citrusy smell to them. This is quite pungent to the insects which keeps them away while making it a wonderful fragrance for us.
7. Basil Plant
When it comes to outdoor plants that repel mosquitoes, basil is one of the primary choices that any household will adhere to. Not only does it have traditional roots in our country and is considered a holy plant in many cultures, but its inclusion in meals can help enhance the flavours of multiple dishes in unexpected ways.
What It Needs
In most homes throughout India, basil is usually planted near the outside verandah or the porch. It is best if the plant receives a lot of sunlight and enough water to keep the soil damp at all times.
How It Helps
Basil leaves tend to have a pretty strong smell irrespective of their variety that keeps bugs away. There are natural ways of making your very own bug repellent using basil leaves as well.
8. Catnip Plant
As the name of the plant itself suggests, this mint variety is usually popular for being a preferred scent by the feline family. However, planting this in your yard is beneficial since it is one of the most potent plants to keep bugs and insects away.
What It Needs
The catnip plant doesn’t require any special conditions and can be planted in a container or a bed just like any other plant. Make sure to keep it away from your vegetables, since it might attract cats that can ruin your other plants and make a mess.
How It Helps
The chemical that attracts cats and keeps bugs away is the same, nepetalactone. This has a similar fragrance to that of citrus plants, but has been observed to be around ten times powerful in keeping away insects.
9. Peppermint Plant
There’s a good reason why peppermint is a major ingredient in multiple mouth fresheners. That aroma is also a powerful reason why many bugs and even rats tend to keep away from it. To have this plant in your yard allows you easy access to mint leaves, too.
What It Needs
The thumb rule for planting any kind of plant from the mint family is to understand that they have the potential to grow rapidly and take over the entire space. Therefore, plant them in a separate flower bed, or specific containers which can be kept closer to other plants to keep bugs away.
How It Helps
The aroma of peppermint is the primary element that shoos away any kind of insects. Homemade repellents that are made from concentrated peppermint leaves are extremely powerful and can even kill the larvae of certain bugs.
10. Lavender Plant
For many of us, the citrus smell of the plants mentioned above can get tough to handle at times. Wouldn’t we rather prefer a plant that might smell horrible to insects but is absolutely pleasant for humans? Your answer would appear in the form of the lavender plant, which does both of it in a great way.
What It Needs
Lavender plants usually need substantial sunlight and a good draining soil, with very less water. It generally bodes well in warmer areas, and you can plant it around your house in multiple places without worry.
How It Helps
Lavender has a heady aroma that brings a soothing sense of calm to your home. That same fragrance manages to keep away insects and especially mosquitoes, since it interferes with their ability to detect the carbon dioxide being exhaled by us.
11. Marigold Plant
When talking about plants and shrubs that repel mosquitoes, it is a surprise that marigold is usually looked at for its aesthetic purposes. Not only do they brighten up your home, but they are also quite the bug repellents.
What It Needs
All that a marigold plant requires is a nice flower bed with occasional water. Lining them around the entry points of your home can double up as decoration as well as keep insects away.
How It Helps
Pyrethrum is the chemical in marigolds that works on repelling mosquitoes and bugs away. Many recommend pairing your homegrown vegetables with marigolds since that keeps them protected from havoc-wrecking insects.
12. Garlic Plant
The old adage might mention that consuming garlic can help keep mosquitoes away. While that might work only if a mosquito comes very close to your mouth, having a garlic plant around your home is a much better way to protect yourself.
What It Needs
A garlic plant can be paired with nearly every other shrub in your garden bed since it doesn’t require much to keep going.
How It Helps
Garlic does have a strong aroma that impacts insects and bugs equally. Furthermore, you will have easy access to fresh garlic when preparing your food.
13. Lemongrass Plant
Citrus plants are not going anywhere and having lemongrass in your garden has multiple benefits apart from keeping mosquitoes away. It is also a great ingredient for making tea and soups that are healthy for you.
What It Needs
An open space that has enough height for it to grow tall and lush sunlight for it to flourish.
How It Helps
The citrus smell not only keeps flies and mosquitoes away, but also kills any larvae of the same.
Figuring out the best natural mosquito repellent plants for your yard or balcony can take a while. The choice usually swings between aesthetic sense and the actual repellent power of a plant. Combining a few of them together can help give your home a sense of beauty and prevent the entry of insects as well.
Also Read:
Proven Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
Homemade Pest Control Remedies That Really Work
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Lizards Read more
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Early Hand Preference in Toddlers
A study suggests those infants who use their right hand consistently to pick up toys would develop better language skills at age two. Those who develop hand preference when they’re toddlers are less likely to have better language skills. Early development of hand preference may not always stick.
Your toddler may not necessarily be right or left handed early on.There are a number of factors involved in trying to ascertain whether your toddler is right or left handed. How do you read the signs?
Is My Child Left Handed or Right Handed?
1. The Early Signs
Studies suggest that most people are right-handed.Most children show signs of hand preference when they turn four. Therefore, children will have a tendency to use one hand over the other hand depending on the task they are confronted with. It might not always have to do with age. Handedness development in toddlers may switch at a later age.
2. Tendencies
The preference to use the right hand or left hand is largely dependent on genetics. Studies suggest that your little one might have a preference to use his left hand more at an early age. When your toddler was in the fetus, he probably sucked on his right thumb more often than his left. In fact, newborns, when on their back, turn to their right more frequently. Scientist's believe that most children grow up to be right-handed, in part because of these innate and early leanings. Hand preference in children depends on a number of factors, with age having a big role to play.
3. Assumptions
You might be of the opinion that the hand your toddler uses to throw or catch a ball is the dominant one. However, that might not be the case always. You need to observe what hand your toddler uses when he reaches out for items or when he eats something. If he stirs his drink counter-clockwise, he is most likely a left-hander. However, it would be better if your toddler develops dexterity and strength in one hand. It's always better to have a hand that does a job well than have both hands doing the same thing in a mediocre way. If your toddler uses only hand all the time, consult a paediatrician for guidance. A baby showing hand preference should be monitored closely.
4. Dressing
One of the other ways to ascertain if your toddler is right or left handed is to notice him while he dresses up. The way he dresses could determine his future inclination. A potential left-handed toddler may automatically want to stand on his left leg first when putting his right leg through the pants. A right-handed toddler would do just the opposite. You might never know when children choose a dominant hand till a situation actually happens that displays the dominance.
There is no need to hanker over the issue. The best choice would be to allow him to use both hands during activities like eating, holding a cup or drawing. Let him choose the hand he wants to use more. Rather, a toddlers mixed hand preference could be a boon for him.
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Cookie Sandwich
Here’s how you can fabricate an imitation of the very famous Italian dessert, coffee-flavored tiramisu, for that party on the roof this Christmas. It won’t take long for the guests to inquire about how such an exotic dish can be made at home. Take a bow, revel in the appreciation, and tell them how it was piece of cake for you.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
6 People
10-15 Minutes
20-25 Minutes (setting time)
Ingredients
12 cookies (preferably butter cookies)
For the Soaking Syrup
15 g powdered sugar
15 g coffee powder
75 ml warm water
For the Filling
3/4th cup beaten whipped cream
40 g powdered sugar
5 g coffee powder
2-3 drops of vanilla essence
Method
For the Filling
Step 1
Take a bowl and combine all four ingredients while mixing gently.
Step 2
Fill this mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle.
Step 3
Keep this bag in the refrigerator.
For the Sandwich
Step 1
Start with the first cookie. Dip it in the soaking syrup and place it on a plate.
Step 2
Pipe out a small amount of filling mixture onto that cookie.
Step 3
Dip the second cookie in the syrup, and place it over the filling in a way that it resembles a sandwich.
Step 4
Repeat this process with all the cookies.
Step 5
Garnish with grated chocolate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 6
Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information
Calories
379 Kcal
Proteins
2.7 g
Fat
15.0 g
Carbohydrates
59.1 g
Cholesterol
6 mg
Sodium
297 mg
Potassium
139 mg
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Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
3 hours ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
3 hours ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
Ranjitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Is it okay is the baby does not pass stool for one day?
Ranjitha
Guardian of 2 children
1 min ago
A. yes absolutely okay.no issues
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
also passing stool after taking food is normal. r
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
1 hour ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
29 mins ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
27 mins ago
A. Doesn’t seem like it I think it’s going fine and pleasant -1 or two weeks is completely fine during the time of pregnancy further more whatever doubts you have you can take it up with your gynaecologist is they would be able to give you proper clarity and whatever doubt doubts you have explain it to you in a better
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Ravrani mital
Mom of a 4 yr 4 m old girl
1 min ago
#cutestbaby
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Santhiya
Guardian of a 3 m old boy
2 mins ago
#cutestbaby 3rd month photoshoot done for my munchkin😍 ma cutest baby ever...❤️💕
#baby
#photoshoot
#cutebabyboy
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abhinav Khandelwal
Guardian of a 10 m old girl
4 mins ago
#cutestbaby
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Mom of a 3 m old girl
4 mins ago
#cutestbaby
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