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7 Things You Should Do At Home To Make Your Baby's Muscles Strong and Healthy!
Your baby looks so gentle and delicate as he takes a nap, a little smile on his face. Soon, he will be up and about, demanding food, playing with you, and stretching his arms and legs. Babies are very fond of moving about as soon as they learn they can control their limbs. But very often, babies develop stiffness in their muscles after sleeping or being physically active. Their muscles are still developing and are not very strong. But what can you do about this? Surely, such a small baby cannot exercise, so is there any other way to make his muscles stronger?
The motor muscles of your baby start developing at an early age. This is the development that builds the physical strength of your baby. As parents, we strive to do everything in our power to make our babies stronger. This is why we give them a massage to enhance their blood circulation, make sure they are well-fed, and help them get relaxed by sleeping enough. But apart from this, there are some other things we need to do to promote their muscular growth and ensure that their muscles are well stretched and growing.
Here are the seven things you should start doing at home every day to help raise a strong little human being, with power in the muscles!
1. Give Your Baby Some 'Tummy Time'
This is one of the most common recommendations given to new moms, and yet also the most effective. What is tummy time and how can you give your baby this? Well, you simply have to lay your infant on his or her stomach, while being supervised, of course. This will help the muscles of your baby’s head, neck and shoulder get enough exercise. If your baby is always on his back, or sleeps in a bed that is not suitable for infants, he might develop a flat spot on his head. Try and use a baby crib or cot that has a firm base to provide adequate support to his back muscles. And yes, make sure your child gets tummy time both with you and Daddy every day! Here are some excellent ideas you can use to give your baby tummy time and also have fun doing it.
2. Elevate The Head of Your Baby
For your baby's head muscles tp grow properly, he needs some elevation of the head region every day. You can do this by positioning your baby in a vertical position close to your shoulder. In this pose, the baby is able to elevate his head for a small period of time. Goes without saying, it is of extreme importance to provide support to the baby while doing so. You should hold up the baby along his back to avoid a backward thrust.
3. Practise Finger Towing
This activity focuses on the muscles of the hand and the palm. Here's what you need to do: Make your baby lie down on the bed with his back on the bed. Then put two fingers in front of him. When he holds your fingers, try to move them away gently. The more you try to move away your fingers the more he will try to hold it tightly! This a good exercise for increasing eye and hand muscle co-ordination as well.
4. Feed Your Baby These Foods for Stronger Muscles
If you have introduced solids or semi-solids to your baby, you should start incorporating in his diet some foods that help resolve low muscle tone. Some children naturally have a low muscle tone and this can hinder their motor development. You can fix this by introducing foods rich in protein, Vitamin C and D, and calcium. Some good options are: milk, broccoli, leafy veggies and eggs.
5. Do the 'Bicycle Exercise'
This one is not just benficial for muscular strength, it is also known to keep baby's tummy happy! You can do this exercise by laying baby on his back and holding his ankles gently. Slowly move his legs in a circular motion, like he is pedalling his bicycle. After a couple of rounds, stop, clap and praise your baby. Make sure you guys go riding this bicycle every day; it can be a whole lot of fun!
6. Tug Your Baby Up in a Sitting Position
When your baby starts learning to roll over, you know he will soon be sitting, standing and walking too! But for this, the muscles of his arms and back need to become strong. You can do this by just holding the forearms of your baby and tugging him up gradually to a sitting position. Make sure you maintain his back upright. You can use a comfortable and baby-safe pillow at this time. Then, gradually put your baby back on the ground. You can do this three to four times at one stretch. It is great for making his muscles for flexible as he slowly learns to sit up and then stand.
7. Help Your Baby With the Toe to Ear Movement
Unless your baby learns to coordinate his motor movements, his muscular growth may be slow. You can teach him to get tip to toe balance by doing this: Place the baby on his back and keep his leg in an erect position. Gently lift the right big toe towards the left ear of the baby and then bring it back to its original position. Then bring the left toe to the right ear. Repeat this exercise about four times in one go and then give your baby a break. You'll start noticing the results soon.
Just as proper nutrition and exercise help an adult body, similarly, nutrition and exercise helps build strong muscles and enhance motor development in infants as well. These activities also give you some great quality time with your baby, helping you bond even more.
So, if your little one's limbs are getting stiff after a long snooze, or seem a little weak, you now know just what to do to help your baby stretch and relax! Read more
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Father of My Baby, Now I Need You More Than Ever..
Dear father of my baby, it all started with us and we will be the one who will show our child what relationships are. It will be us holding hands in front of her to make her understand the bonding that we carry. But please make me feel this that before a father you were and are a husband, a partner, a companion. Our baby will see a strong mother but you are the one who has seen when her mother was down and was broken in life. I may be her ideal figure, the superwoman of her life but it’s you who has seen this superwoman crying and asking for the superman’s soul.
She may learn how to carry herself but it’s you who has seen the untold story behind those mascaraed eyes...I always want you to be by my side so that she can f-my-baby-now-i-need-you-more-then-ever/understand that she is the daughter of a loved pair. I wanted your support in every aspect of life but now I want it more. My journey from before a mom to after a mom has crossed several ups and downs but it was you who pulled and pushed me as and when needed. I want to say now as a new mom I want you
more. I want more attention towards me ..more kisses more hugs and more I-love-u moments .
Your strong lady may sometimes lose herself because she is not the same as she was, she may wobble and look for you to hold. She may be nasty but want you to make her mind correct.
I want you more, more focus, more care, more love, more praises.
I know I am not the old me, I am not that pretty, arresting, wonderful, unassailable but now I am a mother and a more beautiful soul. When I cry don’t ask me the reason just pamper me.. if you see me quiet please talk to me. If you find me awake please ask me the reason. Sometimes I may be fragile but I will be up if you will be there. Motherhood being the most amazing feel I am loving
it but sometimes it gives me a feeling of being locked up ..that’s natural, please bear with me .
Physically, mentally, spiritually, socially, financially, I need you more than before.. be with your lady and help her be what she was.
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
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7 Winter Family Outings to Plan in Your City
A winter-break is too short to plan an elaborate vacation. Yet, it gives you enough number of days to want to do something special. There are a positive vibe and a festive cheer in the air during winter, that tempts you to make the most of the most romantic time of the year. So if you are looking for fun things you can do in your city during your winter break, your search ends here!
7 Things to Do in Your City This Winter
Many people like to simply stay indoors and max out their time with their partner when winter comes. We don’t blame you – indeed, winter is the best season to get busy! However, if you are the kind of family that loves to spend time together, here are 7 activities you can undertake, to make the most of winter breaks.
1. Visit a Church
Winter is one of the most colourful times of the year, on account of two major festivals – Diwali and Christmas! Most churches start gearing up for Christmas almost a month in advance – planning activities, festivities, and sometimes even carnivals! If you want to experience this vibe, it would be a great idea to visit a church in your city.
2. Take a Day-trip
Winters are great for taking picnics because picnics give you the perfect excuse to spend time outdoors and soak up the sun. In fact, one of the best ways to stave off common winter ailments is by spending time in the sun! (Make sure you wear sunscreen, though.) Sun helps to decongest the nose, increase body temperature, and lift sagging spirits that may be brought on by cold, gloomy weather.
3. Go on a Shopping Spree
As the year comes to an end, most clothing, jewellery, cosmetics and other consumer item brands put their goods up on a sale. Winter can hence be a great time to upgrade your wardrobe and house. Make sure you check the validity of the sale before you plan your shopping spree, though. You’d rather come back with your arms full than your purse full, after all, won’t you?
4. Visit a Second-hand Bookstore
Winter makes for perfect reading weather. You can settle down in a cosy corner of your house and get lost in the pages of a book. However, a new book may not be able to give you the same cosy and nostalgic feel that a used-book or a second-hand book can invoke. So visit a second-hand bookstore. You might even end up finding a first-edition, or a book with a note in it. How exciting the possibilities are!
5. Go to a Pet Cafe
Pets make life fun. However, not all of us can have pets in the house, for various reasons. So this winter, you can spend time at a pet-cafe. Enjoy the warmth of a cat purring on your lap, or a fluffy dog warming your feet.
You can split and go two-ways for this activity: pet-lovers in the family can go to the pet-cafe, others can go shopping or to a bookstore!
6. Spend a Day at a Horse-farm or Racecourse
Horses are such magnificent and royal creatures, aren’t they? They are not commonplace though, especially for city-dwellers. If you have access to a horse-farm or a racecourse, it can be a great way to spend a winter day. If you're headed to a horse-farm, think 'cowboy' for the dress code. Put on your fanciest outfits and dress your dapper-best if you are headed to the racecourse instead! You can even make a day trip out of it, by going to a quaint cafe afterwards for lunch or high-tea.
7. Take a Heritage Walk
One always knows the least about one’s own city. How many tourist spots have you visited in your own city? Tourist spots in the city usually tell the tale of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Find out about the different tourist spots in your city, or places of interest to travellers, and those with cultural significance or heritage. Include museums, art galleries, significant structures, etc. and spend a day as a traveller in your own city!
There is a lot you can do to spend time with your family, while not spending big bucks trying to get out of town. All you need is a little out-of-the-box thinking, and the will to have fun!
Also Read:
Warm Places in India to See With Your Kids This Winter!
Child-Friendly Places to Travel in India
Visit South for the Winter! Topmost Family Destinations in Andaman Read more
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Coconut Rice
Savour the delectable taste of coconut in this awesome dish, coconut rice. The nutty flavour combined with flavourful aromatic taste of basmati rice is just divine. Add a dash of butter to the dish just before serving, and take the dish up a notch on the taste parameters.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
15-20 Minutes
10-15 Minutes
Ingrediants
1/2 cup freshly grated coconut
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp ghee
3 tbsp broken cashewnuts
2 tsp oil
1 tsp urad dal
1 tsp chana dal
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 whole dry kashmiri red chilli, broken into pieces
7 to 8 curry leaves
1/2 tsp asafoetida
2 tsp green chillies, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups cooked rice
Salt to taste
Method
Step 1
Take a heavy-bottom pan and keep it on medium heat. Add sesame seeds and dry roast it for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring continuously.
Step 2
Allow the roasted sesame seeds to cool completely.
Step 3
Once it gets cooled, blend the seeds in a mixer to a coarse powder and keep it aside.
Step 4
Next, take ghee in the same pan you used previously for roasting sesame. Add cashewnuts and let it sauté on medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the cashewnuts and keep aside.
Step 5
Next, take oil in the same non-stick kadhai, add urad dal and chana dal and fry for 30 seconds.
Step 6
Add mustard seeds and let it splutter. Then add red chillies, curry leaves and asafoetida and sauté on a medium flame for 1 minute.
Step 7
Add the previously prepared sesame powder, green chillies, coconut and rice. Add salt and mix well. Leave to cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Step 8
Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Calories
334 Kcal
Proteins
6.7 g
Fats
13.2 g
Carbohydrate
46.9 g
Cholesterol
3 mg
Sodium
74 mg
Potassium
141 mg
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Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
16 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts hi I am at 35 th week 2 days and my baby weight is 1.880 I saw few video in that video they said baby weight would be above 2 kg is that any problem ? my baby weight is okay or not
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
15 hours ago
A. Hello mom every baby is different as every pregenancy as well too , so please avoid stress as it wouldnt be good to take that tension please have a healthy diet , and keep your self hydrated
Dr Bandana Joshi has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 m old child
15 hours ago
Q. can I bring 3 month old baby with me to the office.is there any physical harm with the baby
Dr Bandana Joshi
Ayurvedic Physician
15 hours ago
A. Better to avoid as they are so many people in office and you can’t ask everyone to sanitise the hands but if for particular occasion you are planning to taue the baby to office then you can plan
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. my mother died 9 years ago. Now I am 8 month pregnant(32 week).my due date is June 25.I am planning my delivery in hospital near to my home since this is my first pregnancy.I have only father and unmarried brother in my home.If there is emergency I don't have any female to support. Does hospitals allow male bystander during delivery. what should I do if I don't have any female support. My aunt live far from our home.
Read moreDr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. yes. males can come. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert hi this is Sarika here . my question is how to encourage my baby to latch because he get irritated whenever I try to latch him
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
12 hours ago
A. It’s very important that when you ask a question please provide us the age of the child currently I would say that if your child is unable to latch properly so whenever you’re feeding Press your breast with your hands for the feeding of the milk is better because the milk flow is going to be better and hopefully that you do the trick
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. my baby have gastric problem..
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 2 yr 11 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. use colimex df drops
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts red scretch marks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. You can mix coconut oil and Kapoor together and that is what you can apply regularly want to your stretch marks is one of the best options that you can use currently other than that also I would recommend you that if you feel any kind of a burning sensation or irritation then you can have a word with your gynaecologist
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