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Guiding your Toddler Towards Independent Eating
Reaching the stage of independent eating is very important for a child. It is a sign that your child is reaching another level of independence where he understands his hunger, and that he needs to eat to quell his hunger. He probably also understands when to stop eating on being full. Parents can adopt a number of practical methods to make their kids learn to eat independently.
Teaching your child to eat independently can happen very early in their childhood – from the time the kids are actually 6-8 months old. There are several schools of thought where parents adopt the baby- led weaning method, which allows the child to feed himself while weaning off breastmilk or formula. Some parents might wait till the child reaches the pre-school stage to steer them towards feeding themselves.
In either case, it is a very exciting and messy stage for both the parent and child. It requires a lot of patience and persistence when you are trying to get your child to feed himself. Though it might be a little less tedious in the preschool years, it could be just as messy when you are trying to teach a toddler.
Holding up a fork and spoon and co-ordinating takes a little longer than using fingers. The sooner you encourage feeding babies to feed themselves, the sooner they will learn to develop healthy eating habits. So while parents are encouraged to start early, due to several reasons, they might choose to wait it out till their preschool years.
Start Early
The early adventures of feeding themselves should be all about fun- never mind the mess! By the time the baby is approaching a year, he might want to reach out for the spoon, and feed himself. Giving the baby finger food is a good way to start making him independent when eating. This also allows a child to develop motor skills which are useful when they grow into preschoolers. Having fixed meal times and meal locations in your home will help your child associate it with mealtime.
Encourage Independent Eating
Allow your preschooler to decide on what he wants to eat and how much time he wants to spend on eating. Allowing your child to make meal decisions will give him a sense of being independent.
Keep distractions away during meal times- As a family, it is advised not to sit around the television during meal times, so that the young preschooler is habituated to focus on the food and appreciates it while eating.
Offer your preschooler new food everytime. Some preschoolers are fussy about their food, and do not take to new foods very easily. But constantly offering them new and differently presented food will expose them to new tastes and textures. Eating and trying out different foods as a parent, encourages them to try out new foods and kids love to imitate their parents. Giving the child a variety can make meal times interesting.
Introduce table manners at this stage. Make mealtimes a time for the family to come together, so that the child associates mealtimes as an important time to catch up and spend time with each other. If there are older siblings, make your preschooler sit for meals with the older sibling. This will allow your child to imitate and learn table manners from them.In a nutshell, it can be said that when you are teaching your child to eat independently, it is important to exercise patience. You need to focus on the skills your child is acquiring rather than on the mess that comes with making your child eat independently.
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Weight Lifting While Being Pregnant
Can we lift weight during pregnancy? Well, your body goes through a lot of physical changes during pregnancy. Your uterus expands to make room for the baby and your side and hip joints loosen up to prepare for the delivery. At this point, introducing any new exercise regime that will change your body further or put it under stress, is not advisable. But if you have been following a workout regime for a long time before pregnancy, then it will not have any impact on your pregnancy. This article will tell you all about the benefits of weight-lifting and other exercises during normal pregnancy.
Lifting Weight While Pregnant: Is It Safe?
If exercising in the gym and weightlifting is a part of your daily routine, then there is no problem in continuing it during pregnancy too. But if you have never done any heavy exercise in the past, then pregnancy is definitely not the time to introduce any new form of exercise in your life.
Even if you are an athlete, you must consult your doctor about whether or not you can continue exercising the way you have been. If you have a normal pregnancy, your doctor may give you a green signal, but if there are any complications in your pregnancy, then your doctor may forbid you to exercise. Weight lifting for pregnant ladies may especially be forbidden for women who are at the risk of premature labour may be asked to stop lifting weights after the first trimester.
Weight Training Exercises For Pregnant Women
Athletes or sporting women can benefit from all kinds of pregnancy weights workout. Some of the good options are free weights, resistance training using resistance training machine and resistance bands, and simple weight training using your body weight. All these exercises strengthen your muscles and keep you fit throughout the pregnancy.
Techniques For Weight-Lifting During Pregnancy
Healthy weight lifting practices during pregnancy are crucial during pregnancy because your skeletal and support system is changing, and you are more prone to problems.
Whenever you lift a weight from the ground, bend at your knees and not at your waist. Also, keep your back as straight as possible while pushing up with your legs to get on your feet. Avoid any jerking or sudden movements while lifting weight during pregnancy. Also, as you progress in the pregnancy, use lighter weights than you did before, cut down on the number of repetition, use proper breathing techniques (ask your trainer about it) and take breaks in between the exercises.
Tips For Weight Training In Pregnancy
Irrespective of what regime you pick, it is important to remember that you need to keep decreasing the intensity of your workout as the pregnancy progresses. Here are a few tips for weight training during the three trimesters.
First Trimester
The first trimester is all about exhaustion, unpredictable nausea, and mood swings. To keep your mind relaxed and diverted you can continue with mild workout and weight lifting regime.
It is advisable to carry on with your regular weight training in early pregnancy but review your techniques. Use slow and controlled movements while lifting weights. Don’t get carried away in the momentum as sudden movements and jerks and could the developing foetus. Also, it is important that you continue to breathe throughout the weightlifting exercise and keep the pelvic floor firm.
Second Trimester
The preferred position for weightlifting during the second trimester should be a seated position. Standing for too long without moving around can make blood pool in your legs. Lying on your back after the 16th week is not recommended as it may put pressure on one of your veins called the vena cava. Standing or lying on your back after the 16th week can make you dizzy and weak. There are also chances that you may develop varicose veins during this phase. If you notice the development of varicose veins, then be sure to wear support stockings under your workout pants.
If you have any weightlifting exercise in standing position, then arch or flatten your back so that you don’t lose your balance due to the growing bump. Also, you can move around and vary your positions while weight lifting to avoid aches and pains. Remember the thumb rule: tighten your pelvic floor muscles and breathe normally.
Third Trimester
As you progress in the pregnancy, you will have to cut down on repetitions and reduce the weights. You will also have to change your exercise routine as your bump will come in the way of many types of equipment. You can try free weights.
The use of resistant bands is advisable during the third trimester. Be careful while lifting and replacing weights as there is an elevated risk of you dropping it on your bump.
Lifting weights over the head, and with arms outstretched is a no during the last few months of gestation. It may strain your back and that can be super risky. Also, avoid lifting weights from the floor.
It’s is going to get harder during the last trimester to carry on with weightlifting exercises due to the growing bump and the risk of losing balance and falling over. So, take extra care and stick to light weights and very simple exercises. Ensure that you always have a prenatal trainer around you while you indulge in your exercise routine.
Dangers Of Lifting Heavy Weights
The most common question that is on every pregnant ladies mind is 'what happens if we lift weight during pregnancy?'
Lifting heavy weights during pregnancy can be dangerous. Here is why you should avoid lifting heavy weights during pregnancy. We will also tell you how much weight can a pregnant women lift.
Injuries and Pain: Your muscles, joints and ligaments are weaker during pregnancy. Hence, you may get hurt easily if you don’t take care. Your lower back has higher chances of getting injured when lifting heavy weights.
Falls: As your belly gets bigger, your center of gravity will shift making you more vulnerable to falls. When you bend forward to lift heavy weights, there are high chances of you losing balance and falling. Falling can be very dangerous especially during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Reduce the weights: Experts suggest that you must cut down on your weights by 25 percent. Dr Judith Reichman, in an article for NBC News online, suggests that if you were lifting 50 lbs before pregnancy, then during pregnancy you should bring it down to 37.5 lbs. That is how you will decide safe weight to lift during gestation.
Benefits Of Weight Training In Pregnancy
Weightlifting for pregnant ladies has some amazing benefits for them and can help through childbirth.
There are many benefits of weight training in early pregnancy. If you exercise by taking all necessary precautions you will have a shorter labor, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, lower risk of pre-term birth and less pain during labor.
Your baby too will benefit from your weight lifting. Your baby will have stronger blood vessels, will be at minimal risk of suffering from cardiovascular problems, their brain matures faster and they can handle the stress from labour better.
If you lift weights or exercise under the guidance of a prenatal trainer, you will benefit more from the workouts. The pelvic tilts can help reduce the back pain, seated leg curls will prevent any knee pain in future, and plank exercise will curb back pain during pregnancy.
Childbirth is a period of great stress for both you and the baby. Weight lifting and other forms of exercise under the supervision of a trainer conditions both of you for the final event. These exercises will season your body, build your confidence and prepare your body to handle stress better.
Labour is the most strenuous process of pregnancy. It is important that you are prepared for it mentally and physically. Weightlifting, as a part of prenatal exercise, has numerous benefits during labour. It will allow you to focus on your natural movement to make labour easy, it will also help you to align your body for childbirth, and the overall mobility of your muscles will increase.
Types Of Weight Lifting You Can Choose
There are quite a few weight-lifting exercises to choose from during pregnancy. Just ensure that you choose weights that are lighter and will comfortably allow you to perform repetitions. And after the first trimester avoid any exercise while lying on your stomach or on your back.
Here is a list of few weight-lifting exercises you can do at home or at the gym, and their benefits.
Seated Cable Row and Lat Pull Down For upper and middle back: As your breasts become bigger, your shoulders will tend to slouch forward. This exercise will help you to strengthen the muscles between your shoulder blades that will counter the slump.
Seated Chest-Press For Chest: This exercise will create muscle balance in the upper body.
Biceps and triceps for arms and shoulders: This will help in strengthening your arms and keep them toned.
Leg Extension and Seated Leg Curl For Lower Body: As your belly grows your quadriceps and hamstrings bear the weight of your pregnancy. This exercise will strengthen both.
Plank For Core Exercise: This exercise will keep your abs strong and prevent pregnancy-induced back pain.
Strength Training At Home: For weightlifting exercises and strength training at home, two dumbbells weighing between 3 to 8 pounds are safe weights to lift, a sturdy chair and a resistance band. You can do 1 or 2 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions of each of the exercises mentioned below.
Triceps overhead extensions
Biceps curls
Lateral raises
Squats
Please consult your doctor before starting any pregnancy weight workouts at home to ensure that it is safe for you. Remember, all women are different, and all pregnancies are different too!
With an extensive list of benefits, safe weight training during pregnant is more of a boon than a curse. But this is only applicable to women who are already into weight training way before pregnancy. Starting weight training or any other new form of exercise during pregnancy is not recommended. All you need to do is take it easy, consult your doctor, workout under the supervision of a prenatal trainer, vary your exercise routine, focus on different muscle groups, use lighter weights, keep your breathing steady and listen to your body. As long as you take care, weight training will help you to tone up, improve your posture, strengthen your muscles and make labour easier.
Also read: Exercises You Should Avoid When Pregnant
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How to do Grocery Shopping on a Budget
While eating out can be super tempting, cooking at home is healthier for your body and wallet. For a novice beating the system isn’t easy. But armed with these smart tips for grocery shopping, you’ll find that you can buy more than you thought in less than you budgeted!
How many times have you walked out of a grocery store and wondered whether cooking at home was actually more expensive than going out? Well! The truth is you’re not the only one. Let's face it most of us do not plan ahead or well for our grocery shopping. So sticking to the budget becomes like a "Mission Impossible". However, if you want to minimise on your monthly grocery cost while maximising the amount of food you purchase, you'll be better off sticking to these tips.
Smart Grocery Shopping on a Budget
1. Make a Game Plan
The number one difficulty for shopping within a budget is that most people do not make a shopping list. How to make a grocery budget then? The first step would be to list out all the items that you consume on a monthly basis. This will help you get an idea on the “extra fats” that you can trim to save up!
2. Putting Economics to Use
Everyone knows that buying food in bulk can help you cut down on your monthly grocery expenses. Now that you’re organised and know exactly what you need to buy, you can use it to your advantage. Some food items such as grains have a longer shelf life. Purchase this in bulk and enjoy the price difference!
3. The Real Deal
If you are looking for smart tips for grocery shopping then you need to understand how the food retailers work. Knowing what to buy when (and from where) can make a big difference in the item price. Often local markets announce discounts and great bargains that you should never miss out on. It’s not a bad idea to spend some time researching and comparing food prices across stores to find one that works out way cheaper and even convenient for you.
4. That Time of The Month
Most of us tend to cook according to the whims and fancies of our tongue. This means that we pick up fruits or vegetables that are not in season, meaning it becomes a costly affair. Then we try to make up for this extra pocket pinch by foregoing something else that could be a necessity. It would be so much better to just “watch the tongue” and cook according to the season!
5. The Leftover Story
Some of the more resourceful moms know that the best way to save money on grocery shopping is by following the “waste not, want not” theory. Still, if you've cooked up a big meal and there’s plenty leftover, don’t throw it out. You can easily turn it into a fantastic new dish that will have everyone raving about your culinary skills. Now is the time to experiment, so don't hesitate!
Planning a grocery list on a budget is not as difficult as it sounds. In fact, if you’re really into planning and strategising, you might just end up enjoying the game to “beat the register”. Don’t forget to treat yourself with something sinfully expensive with all that extra money you save up! Besides all these perks you'll be proud of your endeavour. Read more
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How to Communicate Effectively With Your Child Before They Turn Two?
Nowadays, most kids have working parents. They don’t have time to communicate with their children. Later, when the child is about the age of 2, parents slowly realize, “Oh! My child is not communicating their own needs.”
Even though you are a working parent, ensure to spend time with your child and strengthen your communication with them. You can communicate with your child while you feed, bathe, or dress them up. Another best time to communicate is before your kid goes to sleep. You can narrate simple stories to them with a lot of intonation, stress, and expressions. This will help them identify new words while they learn to understand emotions and express them well.
How early can you start communicating with your child?
You can start from day 1; however, initially, the newborn will be sleeping for longer times, and you won’t find them much active. As they grow up, they become active and start playing for a few additional hours. Also, you might notice your little one trying to strike a communication through eye contact or by simply staring at your face. As parents, you should effectively use this time for communication. This will encourage the little ones to communicate back with you. You can start with a simple cooing. Also, some people use the expression ‘ng’ for milk whenever the child needs milk or after they drink milk. This expression can be repeatedly conveyed to the infant until they start associating the representing expression with milk.
Another way of building rapport and communication with your little one is by imitating their actions and vocal responses. This can become a fun game for the kid and help in strengthening your bond with them. When your baby turns around five months, you can repeat words and sounds like papa, baba, mama, etc., at their playtime. This will help them learn new words and take them to the next level of expression rather than only cooing and vocalizing. Ensure to have good eye contact with them so that they can enjoy your enthusiastic communication as they start imitating the sounds you make. Gradually, you can introduce them to the name of different objects to help them start identifying objects around with their respective names. Later, you can make this more interesting for them as you ask them to look at an object such as a car or a ‘baubau.’ They will turn their eyes toward the respective object rather than pointing with fingers. This indicates that the baby can recognize and comprehend the objects gradually. The training can be started when your baby is around seven months.
When the little one turns around one year, you have to help them utter distinct words. This is how my kid and most kids start communicating, and by the time they reach around 1.9 months, they build a range of vocabulary and can narrate simple kids’ stories. Communication builds your child’s comprehension and expression skills. It also indirectly helps in strengthening your child’s emotional, cognitive, and social skills. Hence, every parent should start communicating from day one since the child is born.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert water leak from baby eye....what is that
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. blocked naso lacrimal duct kk. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. loop of cord is seen round the neck in growth scan is it a problem at the time of delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. single Loop okay no problem wait. 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
Puja Kumari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Puja Kumari
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
A. vomiting ka kya karan ho sakta
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. 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
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
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