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A Guide to Jaundice during Pregnancy
Jaundice is caused when the liver does not function properly. The most visible symptom of jaundice is the yellowish discolouration of the sclera of the eyes, skin and urine. Liver disease during pregnancy includes a spectrum of diseases, which may occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period that result in abnormal liver function tests, hepatic and biliary system dysfunction, or sometimes both. It is observed in 3 to 10% of all pregnancies.
Causes of Jaundice
Pregnancy-Specific Causes:
Hyperemesis Gravidarum- a condition where the mother-to-be experiences severe nausea accompanied with vomiting, electrolyte imbalance and weight loss.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis- a condition characterised by severe itching, as the normal flow of bile is interrupted.
Pre-Eclampsia- a condition where the mother has very high blood pressure and there is protein in the urine.
HELLP Syndrome- this is a liver disorder which is believed to be a severe form of pre-eclampsia and may be life-threatening.
Acute Fatty Liver- a liver disorder characterised by the accumulation of excessive fat in the liver.
Causes Unrelated to Pregnancy:
Primary Liver Disorders:
Acute Viral Hepatitis: HAV(Hepatitis A Virus) / HEV(Hepatitis E Virus)
Drug-induced hepatitis: PCM (paracetamol) overdose
Chronic hepatitis HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) / HCV(Hepatitis C Virus)
Autoimmune hepatitis
Wilson’s disease
Cirrhosis of Liver
Budd Chiari syndrome
Pre-Hepatic (Liver) Causes: Conditions causing hemolytic anaemia like Malaria and Sickle Cell Anaemia
Secondary Causes - Obesity, certain autoimmune diseases, congenital malformation or raised cholesterol levels
Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice When Pregnant
Following are the common signs & symptoms of the underlying liver disease:
Yellowing of the eyes
Yellowish tinge to the skin
Dark coloured urine
Itching
Light coloured stools
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Swelling around the liver region
Swelling of the legs, ankle, and feet
Diagnosing Jaundice During Pregnancy
Diagnosing liver disease during pregnancy can be challenging and depends on laboratory investigations. Signs and symptoms are mostly not very specific and can include vomiting, and pain in the stomach. The causative disease of jaundice can have a significant effect on the outcomes in both, the mother and the baby, and requires a battery of tests to be run. Here are the main ways in which jaundice is diagnosed:
Clinical Evaluation
his may show skin changes, such as redness of palms of hands and cherry-like skin lesions. These changes occur due to high levels of oestrogen in pregnant women and occur in about 60% of healthy pregnancies.
Abnormalities in Laboratory Test Results
Lab tests that show a low level of albumin (a plasma protein) in serum, elevated ALP or alkaline phosphatase, and elevated prothrombin time (PT) indicates a problem.
Diagnostic Imaging
Ultrasonography is the first choice, since it is free of radiation risk to the foetus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used. It is relatively safer than computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which are more specific diagnostic tools but involve a risk of radiation hazard for the baby.
Risks and Complications of Jaundice During Pregnancy
The effects on foetus because of jaundice in pregnancy are many. Risks include maternal and delivery-related problems as well as the direct impact on the foetus.
Maternal health risks include fulminant (severe impairment of liver function) or severe hepatitis (if not treated), hepatic encephalopathy (a neurological complication of severe liver damage), liver damage induced kidney problems like hepatorenal syndrome, liver Cirrhosis, abnormal bleedings like haemorrhagic varies, and a risk of liver malignancy in a few cases.
Delivery related complications include preterm deliveries, stillbirths, abruption placenta and postpartum haemorrhages, and risk of transmission of infections in the newborn during delivery.
Risks to the newborn include IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction), congenital hepatitis and neurological complications including kernicterus (brain damage in a newborn due to jaundice) and cerebral palsy in severe cases.
Treatments for Jaundice During Pregnancy
Treatment of jaundice during pregnancy is based on the causative factor and is majorly dependent on the time of recognition of the symptoms and the stage of pregnancy.
Common lines of treatment, irrespective of the cause of jaundice, include,
Dietary Measures: Diets low in proteins and avoiding food and drugs harmful for the liver
General Supportive Measures: Adequate rest, hydration, continuous monitoring of vital parameters like BP and urine output, supplemental oxygen and blood components as and when required with intensive care facility
Specific management of jaundice depends upon the underlying conditions:
Antivirals, vaccinations and interferons in viral hepatitis
Antithrombotics in Budd Chiari syndrome or EHVT
Treatment of specific causes of any hemolytic anaemia
Surgical banding for variceal haemorrhages
Shunt surgeries in cirrhosis of the liver
Liver transplantation in end-stage liver disease
How To Prevent Jaundice
1. Healthy Diet
You must consume fatty products like dairy foods and meat only in the recommended quantities, as excessive consumption may further affect your liver.
2. Healthy Weight
Maintain a healthy weight and regulate cholesterol levels in the blood
3. Regular Immunisations
Hepatitis can be prevented with effective vaccination. Your gynaecologist will advise you about it
4. Limit the Consumption of Drugs
Avoid taking drugs or compounds that can be toxic to the liver. You should ask your doctor before popping any pills during pregnancy, as these can be harmful to your baby
5. Be Alert While Travelling
Avoid travelling to regions that have a breakout of diseases like malaria. The malarial parasite destroys red blood cells, and this may lead to jaundice.
6. Measuring and Reducing Risk Factors
Go for regular checkups. Seek medical help as soon as you notice symptoms of jaundice to avail early treatment and to ensure a speedy recovery. Jaundice during pregnancy can be managed when diagnosed in time.
Natural Home Remedies For Pregnancy Jaundice
You may also consider some home remedies for the treatment of jaundice during pregnancy:
Have a papaya two to three times a day. The pectin enzyme helps in recovering from jaundice. This is one of the most common home remedies used for the treatment of jaundice. Do remember that the papaya you choose should be well-ripened. Raw papaya contains a kind latex which triggers contractions in the uterus which may trigger a miscarriage.
Drinking fenugreek tea two to three times a day is very helpful in curing jaundice.
Drinking one glass of tomato juice with a pinch of salt and pepper taken on an empty stomach in the morning is quite effective for jaundice.
Liver disease during pregnancy could be a mild disease with very few symptoms even if you have an abnormal liver function report. The issue may be resolved on its own, or it may develop into a potentially serious condition affecting your liver. It may even lead to permanent liver damage. Viral hepatitis infection is the most common reason for pregnancy jaundice. It is usually mild to moderate disease. Active treatment may not be needed except in hepatitis E and HSV infections.
Early detection of liver diseases in pregnancy, and an integrated approach by the treating gynaecologist, gastro physician, hepatologist and transplant specialist can help you manage the condition safely.
Also Read: Sweating During Pregnancy Read more
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20 Fascinating Facts about Spiders for Kids
Spiders are all around us, which are why it is an amazing topic for children to learn. Many children are scared of spiders, but that will reduce when they learn these fun facts about spiders. Your children will love these incredible spider web facts.
20 Interesting Spider Facts & Information for Children
Here are some spider facts for preschoolers.
Spiders have two body segments, so they are called the arachnids. They cannot be categorized as insects. Other arachnids include ticks, mites, and scorpions.
Due to loss of habitat, many spiders are disappearing and becoming endangered. Just like large animals, spiders are valuable to the world. But most people do not realize this.
An average human adult is more than 250000 times heavier than a normal spider.
Not every web we see is spiral shaped. Certain types of spider create webs of shapes of tunnels or dense sheets. For instance, grass spiders form funnel-shaped webs, which are not sticky. These spiders build a web on top of the grass.
Spiders move their legs inwards and towards their body using their muscles. But the spiders cannot pull their legs outwards using muscles.
To move their legs out, body water is pumped to each of the legs. This is why spiders sometimes curl up because it has lost too much water for outward movement.
Spiders have eight eyes, but most of them cannot see properly. These spiders feel to know what their webs have caught.
Spiders lay and store the eggs in an egg sac in order to keep the eggs safe.
Spiders never try to go after people, but they defend themselves by biting. Some bites of spiders are poisonous, but most of them do not affect the human body. It might only have effects like getting stung by a bee or getting bitten by a mosquito. However, spiders can catch insects like wasps, which are harmful to us.
The hairs present on the first pair of legs of the spider are sensitive to taste. This is how the spider tastes its prey by simply touching them with this pair of legs.
‘Arachnophobia’ is the term used for the fear of spiders.
Some spiders hunt their prey and pounce. Most spiders spin webs so they can catch other prey to eat, but not every spider does this.
Spiders have a small mouth, which is why they do not eat their prey. Instead, the spiders put chemicals on and into the body of their prey to change the body into a liquid. The spider then sucks this liquid up.
Some smaller or younger spiders use their silk to travel around in the air. This floating in the air is called ballooning. The wind catches their shooting silk helping these spiders drift to a possible home.
Many types of spiders live on land. But some spiders like raft spiders live on and in water. Such spiders can move across the surface of the water.
Spiders can build a web in an hour, and they normally build a new one each day.
From the spinneret glands present in the abdomen, spiders create silk. This is to create webs and catch prey.
Some spiders like the tarantulas are kept as pets in many families.
The smallest spider is the Patu marplesi found in Samoa (in the South Pacific Ocean).
The largest spiders are the tarantulas. Goliath tarantula is the largest tarantula.
Spiders are mostly blamed for all kinds of rashes, bumps, and growth. However, these creatures do not feed on human blood, so they have no reason to bite us unless they feel threatened. This spider information for kids is a great way of educating children.
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When Do Babies Stop Drinking Formula - The Right Age for Transition
The consumption of formula milk by children under the age of one has been phased out, and they may now drink whole milk. Toddlers are not always willing to drink milk; if this is the case with your child, do not force her to drink it. Although toddlers require the minerals found in milk, namely calcium and protein, you can obtain these nutrients from various other sources. It is common for babies between the ages of 9 and 12 months to lose interest in bottle feeding, making this an excellent time to begin weaning your baby from the bottle. Pediatricians and pediatric dentists recommend newborns to be weaned off the bottle by 12 months, but no later than 15 months. Like all others in child-rearing, the following rule is not set in stone and may change depending on the situation.
Numerous signs point to a fast resolution concerning the queries related to how long do babies need formula. Let's check them out!
Should Babies Transition to Cow Milk?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests giving a combination of solid foods and breastmilk or formula (or both) to infants under 12 months of age. The experts advocate introducing whole cow's milk into the diet after one year. Following are the health-related issues that a toddler might face owing to transitioning a baby older than 12 months to whole milk:
Cow's milk deficits in iron, vitamin C, and other minerals essential for babies' growth and development.
It contains an excessive amount of proteins and minerals for your baby's kidneys to process, as well as an insufficient amount of nutrients for growth and development.
Cow's milk may increase the risk of intestinal bleeding in your child if they are under the age of 12 months at the time of first solid food introduction.
In addition to being difficult for babies to digest, cow's milk's high protein and mineral content place a significant strain on a newborn's developing renal system.
When Can Your Baby Start Switching From Formula to Milk?
As a general rule, experts recommend weaning your child off of formula and switch to full-fat dairy milk when they are approximately 12 months old. Only specific considerations should be considered when transitioning a baby more aged than 12 months to whole milk. One-year-olds require 16 ounces of milk every day to grow and develop properly. Most infants fed formula are ready to transition from formula to whole cow's milk on average one year after birth. If your child was born prematurely or breastfed with soy formula, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Which Is More Nutritious - Formula or Whole Milk?
Experts have not identified convincing evidence that toddler formula is a healthier option than whole milk when it comes down to it. Parents often express at what age do babies stop drinking formula. The vast majority of people are concerned about the transition away from the nutritionally dense benefits of breast milk or infant formula, which they believe to be detrimental.
Consequently, toddler formula contains significantly higher vitamins, minerals, and nutrients than breast milk and infant formula, making it an excellent substitute for picky eaters who may be nutritionally deprived. The fact that cow's milk contains a high concentration of protein and minerals that can be difficult for your baby's developing kidneys to process is something you should keep in mind.
As a result of its low concentration of iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients, cow's milk is unsuitable for consumption by nursing mothers and their infants. Finally, cow's milk is deficient in the essential fats required for the growth of newborn babies. Increasing solid food intake one ounce at a time while decreasing milk or formula intake is essential.
Best Milk Alternatives for Toddlers
Your child's bones require specific vitamins and minerals to develop correctly, such as vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D can be found in pasteurized cow's milk (plain whole milk) and enriched soy beverages that have the appropriate warning label attached to them. In the United States, most cow's milk sold in grocery stores has been fortified with vitamin D to increase its nutritional value. Vitamin D and calcium are abundant in dairy products such as cow's milk and fortified soy beverages.
Whole milk is one of the most recommended drinks for toddlers aged one and older, whereas non-fat (skim) or low-fat (1% fat) milk is recommended for children two years and older. Choose ones that are unflavored or have a mild flavor. You may add sugars to many products, including flavored cow's milk and fortified soy beverages.
Soy, coconut, rice, and nut (cashew, almond) milk are among the most popular milk substitutes today. Hemp milk, oat milk, and milk made from pea protein are examples of dairy alternatives to cow's milk that are available. The majority of these can be found in cartons next to the cow's milk in your refrigerator, but some can also be found in boxes in the beverage section of your local grocery store, depending on your location.
If possible, opt for ones that are flavorless or have a mild flavor. There are many products to which sugar can be added, including flavored cow's milk and fortified soy beverages. Your child does not require any additional sugary treats.
Why Cow Milk Is Avoided Before Baby's 12 Months?
The mother can breastfeed her child even if she is not using formula milk, as babies need this for the protein in their diet. Here is a list of issues faced by babies concerning the consumption of cow milk:
When infants are exposed to cow's milk before their first birthday, they are at an increased risk of being born anemic, getting diarrhea or vomiting, and developing an allergic reaction to the milk. The proteins in milk are more numerous than those in other milk products, such as yogurt.
Cow's milk is incredibly taxing on a newborn's immature renal system due to its high protein and mineral content. It may result in severe sickness in situations of heat stress, fever, or diarrhea.
Additionally, cow's milk is deficient in iron, vitamin C, and other minerals necessary for babies' growth and development.
You should not give cow's milk to a newborn until they reach the age of 12 months since it does not provide enough nutrition for your kid. When your infant is exclusively breastfed, they will need vitamin D supplements as well (or mostly breastfed).
When it comes to their child's health, new parents should take extra precautions by learning everything they can about their baby's formula's peculiarities to keep track of them and ensure that they do not pass the problems on to their children. By the time you've finished reading this article, you'll most likely have a better understanding of what should be included in your infant's formula and what should be avoided.
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Is It Safe to Eat Turkey While Pregnant
Pregnancy is one of the happiest times in a woman’s life when you’re supposed to eat more. Yet, a host of restrictions crop up, and every food you’ve loved seems to be suddenly off-limits. This popular poultry dish is a part of the standard cuisine of North America and is prepared mainly during culturally significant traditional events such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re wondering, “why can’t you eat turkey when pregnant?” it is better to stay safe at this time as those sumptuous turkey dishes could endanger your pregnancy and affect the developing fetus if not cooked in the right way.
Can You Have Turkey When Pregnant?
As a member of the poultry family, turkey poses the risk of food poisoning caused by Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella bacteria, and Clostridium perfringens. Depending on the way it is cooked, the nutrition of Turkey also varies. So, it’s important to prepare Turkey as per a few simple rules to keep yourself and your baby safe. Pregnant women are advised to avoid eating processed meats as they contain bacteria listeria, leading to listeriosis.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, expecting mothers are ten times more susceptible to get listeriosis than the common population as their immune system is low at this time. According to the USDA, eating undercooked or raw turkey poses the risk of foodborne illnesses. Thus, Turkey needs to be cooked up to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F to kill the bacteria.
However, some doctors recommend turkey be cooked up to 180 degrees for pregnant women to maintain optimum health. You can use the leftovers of a turkey for making a turkey sandwich the following day, after heating it. You should avoid cold meat due to its listeria concerns.
Health Benefits of Eating Turkey During Pregnancy
Turkey is a large bird native to North America. It’s hunted in the wild and raised on farms for food. It offers a diverse and impressive nutrition profile that is especially needed during pregnancy.
Here are some health benefits of eating turkey while pregnant:
Turkey is a good source of protein, selenium, and phosphorus that support healthy growth for the baby.
The skin of Turkey is high in fat. So, cuts on the skin have more calories and fat than skinless cuts.
Four OZ of turkey contains around 32gm of protein that scores high on the satiety index scale, helping you to feel full and satisfied at this time. Adequate dietary protein forms are an essential component of a pregnant woman’s healthy diet, supporting rapid growth and development.
Turkey contains vital amino acids that you should take during the gestational stage to meet the adequate energy needs of the body. Amino acids during pregnancy could also help mitigate reproductive disorders.
Turkey is a good source of B vitamins needed for a healthy pregnancy. B3 is important for efficient energy production and cell communication. B6 supports amino acid formation and helps produce neurotransmitters, whereas B12 is vital for DNA production and the formation of red blood cells.
Tips to Prepare Turkey Properly
Turkey needs to be appropriately cleaned and washed well before starting to cook. Cooking Turkey meat at the right temperature and eating it in moderation ward away the major concerns of falling ill during pregnancy. Here are some simple tips that can ensure the turkey you cook tastes best and is perfectly safe to eat.
Steady cooking at a lower temperature means cooking for a longer duration.
Roast the meat at 300°F to make sure the turkey is cooked well.
Once the oven temperature reaches 140 degrees, you can turn the heat to 400°F to make the meat golden brown.
Use an instant-reading culinary thermometer to make sure the meat is cooked well.
The best temperature to remove the turkey is between 155-160 degrees.
Ensure the thermometer does not touch the bone while testing temperatures result incorrectly.
Keep the turkey in standby mode for 20 minutes to make sure it is perfectly cooked.
Turkey raised under organic conditions ensures the best nutrients in your dish. Grass-fed turkeys are rich in superior quality nutrients than those injected with antibiotics and those that don’t feed around on natural pastures. To be on the safe side, do consult your doctor about the daily recommended allowance of turkey during your pregnancy so that you can satisfy your craving and stay healthy at the same time.
FAQ's
1. Is It Safe to Eat Turkey Hot Dogs During Pregnancy?
Many Turkey hot dog packages instruct you to cook until the turkey frankfurter is warmed through. However, just “warmed” isn’t enough during pregnancy. Turkey dogs need to be cooked to the temperature of 165°F/75°C and served when “steaming hot” for them to be termed safe for pregnant women.
2. Is Turkey Sausages Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Turkey sausages are made from ground meat, and pregnant women can safely eat them once they have been cooked fully to 165°F/75°C, which may kill the bacteria present.
3. Can I Eat Cold Cuts or Cold, Cooked Turkey While Pregnant?
Cold cuts or pre-cooked/cured Turkey meat such as Turkey ham. At the same time, pregnant and especially those purchased from deli counters and then sliced on a deli counter can become contaminated or are potentially contaminated with Listeria bacteria. Therefore, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that pregnant women avoid eating them in cold cut, fermented or dry sausages form unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or steamed just before serving to steer away from any Listeria infection. These meats can harbor bacteria that can continue to grow even when refrigerated.
4. Can Pregnant Women Eat Smoked Turkey?
Eating smoked or grilled Turkey during pregnancy and eating the right quantity is a matter of individual choice. If the lunch meat you love is smoked turkey or smoked brisket or ham on the menu for dinner, make sure it is not cold or at room temperature either. Smoked Turkey meats cooked or reheated at the right temperature of 165°F/75°C can help destroy the potentially harmful chemical compound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), which is likely to be carcinogenic. Grilling even releases the bacteria in them. Thus, when the turkey is grilled, using hot coals or a flame for cooking quickly at a high temperature, it is best to eat it only in small amounts, especially for mothers in their third trimester. Finally, steaming hot or smoked turkey should be eaten right after it is served.
5. Is It Safe to Consume Turkey Burgers or Ground Turkey?
Turkey burgers and other ground turkey products are often marketed as a “healthier swap” to traditional beef-based products. Turkey is 50% lower in fat than the standard 80/20 ground beef. However, regardless of fat content the principles of traditional ground meats, it is essential to cook Turkey until the inside of the product is at least 165°F to prevent foodborne illness. Whether pre-cooked or not, you should still heat any packaged or frozen or not, ground turkey items to about 165°F/75°C to destroy the presence of any bacteria and help prevent sickness for you and your baby.
6. Can I Eat Turkey Deli Meat Or Turkey Lunch Meat When Pregnant?
Deli turkey while pregnant is safe only if they have been dried and salted, such as pepperoni and salami. You should avoid processed and readymade products, such as bologna, hot dog, roast beef, and sliced turkey breast, as they have not been dried between processing factories and being displayed in a deli counter, prepackaged or sliced to order, deli meats are highly likely to be contaminated with Listeria. While the overall risk of Listeria infections can be minimum, there is a possibility of the mother getting sick with fever, diarrhea, and blood-stream infections. It may also lead to serious complications like miscarriage, poor fetal growth, pre-term delivery, and stillbirth. Thus, steaming the meat or warming Deli Turkey to 165°F/75°C or warming Deli meat in the microwave for even heat distribution can destroy any bacteria that are especially dangerous when the immune system is low during pregnancy.
7. Is Turkey Bacon Safe to Eat When Pregnant?
Due to its lower fat content, Turkey bacon is considered a healthier alternative to pork bacon. All the varieties of turkey bacon, including the ones with and without nitrites, cured, and ready-to-heat, can be safe to eat during pregnancy provided they’ve been cooked thoroughly and served hot. So, the bottom line is that you should avoid cold Turkey bacon at any cost.
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Home Alone – Safety Tips for Kids
Probably sometime, when your child gets into his pre teens you start wondering if you can leave him alone at home. If he is comfortable with the idea, you might like to try it out. Read on to find out how to prepare your child to stay safe not just from strangers, but also from accidents in your absence.
Once you feel that your child is ready to stay alone at home and he is excited about the idea too, you are all set to give it a shot. However, there are a few tips that you must ingrain in your child before you can be assured of his safety in your absence. Read on about the precautions you need to take to make sure he is safe from strangers who come knocking as also from accidents at home. You will need to equip him with emergency plans and contact numbers. You might also need to enlist the help of a neighbour whom he can go to in case of any help.
When is it Safe to Leave a Child Home Alone
Before we look at home alone safety tips, it is important to consider whether it is right to leave your children alone at home in a given situation. Here is what you need to assess before leaving your child home alone.
1. Daytime is better than nighttime.
Yes, it is true – crimes can happen at any time of the day. However, in the unfortunate case that your child’s safety is compromised, getting help in the daytime is easier than at night. Children also can feel scared if they are left alone at night. So it is best avoided.
2. Consider the age of your child.
Is your child old enough to be left alone? Can your child talk, make a phone call, lock doors, shout for help? Will your child be able to help himself if he gets hurt? These basic things need to be assessed before leaving the child alone in the house.
3. Is help readily available?
This is especially important when leaving children alone for more than a couple of hours. If you are not able to get to your child on time, would any other person be available, if such a situation arises?
WATCH: This 16-Question Safety Test is for Every Child and Parent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-q3__UEKtw
13 Safety Tips for Kids at Home Alone
Here are some important home safety tips for kids that every parent must follow.
1. Ensure judicious phone usage.
If your child is arriving from school in your absence, ask him to call you as soon as he gets home. Other than that, phone usage should be kept to a minimum. Install caller ID and tell your child to take calls only from known numbers. Other calls should be allowed to go to the answering machine.
2. Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
Stick a list of phone numbers on the refrigerator or by the phone or wherever it is easily accessible. The list should have all emergency contact numbers including your and your spouse’s office contacts, numbers of relatives, neighbours or any other person who you think your child may need.
3. Prepare him for emergencies.
Tell him what to do if he gets hurt or needs help. You could try practising what he needs to do in case of an emergency. He could reach out to a neighbour or make a call. Keep the neighbour informed too. He or she can be your go-to number in case you cannot reach your child on call.
4. Keep cooking to a minimum.
Keep dry, non-messy snacks at easy reach for your child. Allow cooking to a minimum. At the most, you could settle for allowing him to warm his food. Specify the utensils he can use to do so and make sure he knows how to safely operate a microwave oven or a hot plate.
5. Keep him busy.
Make out a timetable along with him. Give him a routine to follow when you are not there. That will keep him away from mischief. Teach him first aid: Make sure your child knows basic first aid. Keep a first aid box handy with supplies like Band-Aid, cotton, antiseptic cream, etc.
6. Have grilles on large open windows.
When we are around, children tend to behave better as they want to avoid being reprimanded. However, they might get up to mischief when you leave the house. They are going to climb on forbidden platforms and want to peek faaaar out from the window. To avoid accidents, instal grilles on large open windows.
7. Keep balconies and terraces locked.
Balconies and terraces comprise another danger zone when kids are left without supervision. Not only is there the danger of kids climbing and falling, birds and other animals can enter the house too. The best way to keep them safe is to restrict access to the balcony and terrace. Lock it and keep the keys with you.
8. Keep poisonous substances away.
Pesticides, toilet cleaner, insecticides, mosquito repellents, paints, etc. all pose poisoning hazard (in the event that they inhale or ingest it). Keep these and other similar substances locked away and out of your children’s reach.
9. Keep shotguns and knives locked away.
Sharp objects, especially weapons, knives, scissors, repairing tools can be hazardous to children. Out of curiosity, they may want to play with such objects, although they are not playthings! Keep such objects out of your child’s reach.
10. Lock your child from outside.
While that may sound extreme, one of the best ways to keep your child from opening the door to strangers is to simply lock the child inside the house! When you do that, however, make sure all their basic necessities are taken care of – ensure there is enough food, snacks, water, medicines, etc. in the house so that your child won’t be locked away from his needs!
11. Password-protect your child.
If you cannot or do not wish to lock your child in, develop a password system with your child. A password system is a method of identifying ‘friends’ from ‘foes’ or strangers. You basically memorise a word that acts as a password for your child. Only an adult who knows the password should be considered a friend. Other ways to make the password system work is: you and your child could memorise a sentence. The first half will be recited by your child, and the adult wishing to enter the house should be able to recite the second half of the system.You can also develop a question-answer kind of password system.
12. Have some strict ground rules.
You could include like
Do not leave the house.
Do not allow anyone in, not even friends.
Always look through the peephole before opening the door.
Never open the door to strangers, delivery boys, cable man or repairmen of any kind.
Do not take or make phone calls.
Do not use a lighter or matchsticks.
No Internet usage Or No telling anyone on social media that you are alone at home.
13. Promise a reward!
Nothing incentivises good behaviour better than a reward! On your way out of the house, after you have given your child all the instructions you need to, you can tell them that you will get them a gift if they obey all the rules and do not get into trouble!
Leaving a child alone at home is a big step for any parent. However, with the precautions in place and support from friendly neighbours children can be taught to take care of their safety. Read more
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It is Important to Know That to Love is to Let Go
We all love our children. We want to protect them more than we would protect our own eye. The constant checking and caring have become an obsession for us and it won't be new for you if you are a mom. You would know what I am talking about. But to love is to let go. There are certain situations where we should let go of our fears for the betterment of our children.
1. Immunity
Your baby derives his immunity from you during the first six months of his life. Meanwhile, he would slowly pick up immunity by fighting off harmful microbes and this immunity is called acquired immunity. Sterilising the baby's items and keeping the nursery clean is a must but you have to make sure that you don't go overboard. If you do, you are standing in the way of healthy bacteria becoming friends with your baby. Nursing plays a crucial role in building up your baby's immunity. Keep that in mind before you decide how your baby is fed.
2. Emotional endurance
When you see your baby smile, it is the best feeling in the world. But when you see him sad, it's a whole another story. You do skip a heartbeat when he misses a step but it's best if you don't show it as is. You will have the reflex to pick him up but control it. Give your baby your support and remind him how strong he is. Encourage him to get up on his feet on his own. You should pamper your baby but also suit him up to face the world and its challenges on his own. Making him mentally strong is more important than temporary falls.
3. Independence
Now, this one is hard. Some of you don't ever want to leave your baby out of your sight at all. You may want to bathe him and feed him all by yourself, even after he is old enough. You may think that he isn't ready yet. Or you simply don't want to let go of him. This could come and bite you again in the back if not dealt with early on. He can carry himself wherever he goes and just be fine without you, which you will be grateful for later.
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Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
17 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
17 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
17 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
16 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
15 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
5 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
14 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
14 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
3 hours ago
Q. my baby have gastric problem..
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 2 yr 11 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. use colimex df drops
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts red scretch marks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 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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