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Gubbanandhini
Mom of a 2 m old girl
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#cutestbaby
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Weaning a Premature Baby
When it comes to weaning a premature baby, age tends to be relative. Determining the proper age for weaning can be perplexing. Mothers may wonder whether to consider the corrected age which reflects the prematurity of the baby or to consider the chronological (actual) age. Doctors propose that a baby’s corrected age should be of importance than his chronological one. However, every single baby is different. Therefore, much may be subject to how early a baby was born and what was his health condition at the time of birth.
When to Start Weaning Premature Baby?
Parents should avoid weaning premature babies early as their digestive system can find it tough to manage diets other than breast milk. Some points to bear in mind about weaning premature baby can be:
1. Look for Signs
Allow your baby to be your guide when contemplating weaning your premature baby. Take into account the signs your baby may give you to indicate that he is ready to start taking solids. It may be better to initiate weaning once you feel your baby looks prepared to do it. Introducing solids at an appropriate time can help promote the strengthening and coordination of your baby’s jaw and mouth muscles and ensure his overall healthy growth.
2. Chronological Date
According to the newest guidelines weaning of premature babies can start around 5 to 8 months from their actual date of birth and not the corrected age.
3. Weaning off Preemie Formulas
You may want to delay switching to regular formula from preemie formula until your baby turns 12 months of age as preemie formula is specially designed to cater to the bodily needs of premature babies.
4. Weaning to Whole Milk
You can introduce a premature baby to whole milk when he turns the corrected age of one year or more. In case your baby was delivered one month early, you may like to wait until he becomes at least 13 months of age. In case he was delivered three months early, he may have difficulty digesting whole milk if you were to introduce it before he reaches 15 months of age. In any case, it is prudent to wait a bit longer before offering whole milk as preemies tend to be vulnerable to intestinal issues like gastrointestinal reflux which can result in pain and vomiting.
5. Consult your Paediatrician
It may be best to discuss with your doctor who can suggest appropriately regarding weaning your baby after examining the health and the developmental milestones covered by him.
Signs that Your baby is Ready to Wean
Certain signs that may show that your baby is ready to wean can be:
He may display a keen interest in what other people are eating
He is putting objects or even his hand into his mouth
He appears less satisfied or hungry after a milk feed alone
He seems to be eager for more frequent nursing than usual
In case he starts to demonstrate a munching (chewing) up/down mouth movement when taking in non-food things
In case he begins supporting himself in an erect position with slight or no support
How to Start Weaning a Premature Baby?
Most premature babies advance through the usual stages of weaning the way term babies do. However, some premature babies can take longer to adapt to weaning. Most babies may naturally take to sweet tastes readily but starting with veggies can benefit them ultimately. Encouraging intake of vegetables during the early stages of weaning can help in forming healthy eating habits for later.
The initial stages of weaning are merely about making your baby familiar to new and varied tastes and textures. Be patient and repeat steps if required while teaching your baby to eat with a spoon, swallow, chew his food. You can either offer purees or finger food or even a combo of two while trying to wean off your baby.
Common Problems and Tips to Keep in Mind
Some likely problems and tips to keep in mind can be:
Offer solids in small quantities at first to account for any possible food allergies. Usually, food allergies are common in case there is a family history of it.
Introduce various single veggie flavours without mixing them with fruit to make them sweeter. Your baby may not take to it at first but will get used to it eventually.
Refrain from adding sugar or salt to your baby's It is not required and can prove harmful.
You may like to give cooled and boiled plain water to your baby a few times a day once he starts having solids. Avoid offering sugary drinks. It may be a great idea to have your baby drink from a cup or sipper rather than a feeding bottle.
Expose your baby to a variety of diverse flavours from the start as this may not only help in curbing any likely food fussiness in the future but can also guarantee a good supply of nutrients.
Irrespective of the age you begin weaning your baby try and introduce him to lumpy foods which entail munching latest by the age of 9 to 10 months.
In case your baby suffers from digestive issues like reflux because of being born before the scheduled time, he may have more intricate feeding and nutritional needs. In such a scenario refer to your paediatric dietician for consultation and guidance.
Weaning premature babies off oxygen in case they have been on breathing support from the time of birth can take months. In such a case, it is advisable to make any weaning decisions after consulting with a doctor.
Premature babies often need extra care and support. Breast milk is good for them as it provides the specific nutrients that their little bodies require in order to overcome the challenges of being born prematurely and grow into healthy toddlers. As a result, weaning premature babies can be a slow process but don’t worry you will sooner or later get there. Until then, enjoy exploring new foods with your baby!
Also Read: Bottle Feeding Tips for Premature Babies
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To my little one: Welcome to the World! See you soon!
Hello love,
I never thought it was possible to love someone you have yet to see but each time you kick, move and surprise me with your presence, my love for you grows even more. Your father is just as excited to meet you as I am. The other day, he had his ear pressed against my belly just so he could feel you. And I suppose you knew that because you gave us a very strong kick and his eyes held wonder, amazement and such love! Do you know he has marked the date? It was his first time experiencing your tiny presence!
As first time parent, we are plenty worried as well. The way our world is turning right now, makes me worried as to what you will experience when you grow up. I really wish I could shield you from all the bad things, but I know this isnt possible. All I can hope is to make you a strong, independent and caring person, who can handle any situation with grace and care.
Be the best version of yourself. Love and respect everyone. You will have to work hard for your dreams but never take a wrong route. Learn to understand that your hard work will bring you happiness and everlasting success. Stay true to your roots and remember everyone who has helped you, loved you and cared for you. The world is a huge place with so many wonderful things to see. Travel the world, see various cultures and realize that we are just one person in billions of people. Be happy and kind to everyone. Lord knows we need more kind people in our world. Chase your dreams and do what you love. You will always have our support and guidance at every step of the way.
We are eagerly waiting for your arrival. Welcome to the world little one! Your mom and dad already love you a lot! Read more
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Fun Facts About Sheep for Kids
One of the prized domesticated animals in the world, sheep, are an interesting species. Apart from providing milk, wool, and food, they are also considered a sacred species by many cultures. Egyptians mummify sheep, Chinese have a year represented by the sheep, and ancient Sumerians believed sheep to be one of their God forms. There are several cool facts about sheep that one could share with kids if they happen to love every farm visit and enjoy the rendezvous with the timid creatures. Read on to learn some amazing facts about sheep.
How Do Sheep Look?
Sheep generally have an oval or egg-shaped head with antennae on either side of the head. The body is covered entirely in fleece and has a short tail. They have rectangular pupils with a 360-degree vision, allowing them to see almost everything around them and behind them without turning their heads. This helps them to detect predators. They have a cleft in their upper lip called the philtrum. Sheep are grazers and picky too and like to eat the best vegetation. The philtrum lets them select the best food for themselves. Sheep have no upper teeth, and the lower teeth press upwards against the stiff upper palate to break the food.
Where Do Sheep Live?
Sheep tend to reside in mountainous regions, plains with lots of grass, and areas with large stretches of land. They are herbivores and like to live in areas where they can graze.
How Long Do Sheep Live?
Domesticated sheep tend to live for about 10-12 years, similar to large breeds of dogs. An adult sheep is called a “ram,” and some rams live longer than 20 years. The oldest sheep died at the age of 23, as per the Guinness Book of World Records.
What Do Sheep Eat?
Sheep are herbivores and mainly eat plants, grass, and vegetables. They are picky eaters, and their digestive system comprises four chambers that help break down the food to eat.
Do Sheep Communicate With Each Other?
There are some weird facts about sheep that will be of great interest to children. Interestingly, sheep do communicate with each other. They are social animals and love being part of a group. Right from birth, they are independent, playful, and also mischievous at times. Sheep tend to stay close to each other in a herd so that it helps them move together to fresh and new pastures while staying in safe company. Highly intelligent and social animals, sheep form strong bonds with one another. The attachment of a lamb and mother is strong, and they also have strong friendships with each other. Research has shown that sheep can recognize and differentiate between emotional expressions like angry, frowning, and smiling. It is an essential skill for sheep as this forms the basis of developing relationships. They can even recognize human faces.
Other Facts and Information About Sheep for Children
Besides habitat, appearance, and longevity, random facts about sheep can greatly interest children. Read on to find out more:
Sheep have an excellent sense of smell, with scent glands located in their eyes and feet.
Studies have revealed that sheep have excellent memories of memorizing the faces of up to 50 sheep and keeping them in their memory for two years. Sheep can distinguish between 25 pairs by associating a food reward to one sheep in a pair. Sheep can also navigate through complex mazes, learn and remember them well.
Sheep can self-medicate in case they fall ill. Interestingly, sheep use plants and other ingredients which have no nutritional value to prevent or treat disease. Sheep teach this trait to their young ones.
Sheep are emotionally complex and experience a range of emotions, just like human beings. Studies and research have shown that sheep can feel bored, angry, sad, happy, and anxious; they can also exhibit emotions typical to pessimists and optimists. It is not restricted to simply feeling basic emotions but experiencing a relationship between their feelings and interaction and cognition.
A sheep named Dolly, in 1996, was the first sheep to be cloned from a somatic cell.
China is a country that is known to have the largest number of sheep in the world. There are over 1 billion sheep in the world. There are over 1 billion sheep in the world.
A female sheep is called a “ewe” and shares a strong bond with her baby. Their bond is so strong that a mother sheep can recognize her young one with her cell or bleat.
There are 1000 distinct breeds of sheep in the world. Species like Hebridean and Navajo-Churro can grow up to 2, 4, and 6 horns, while Racka sheep possess long spiral-shaped horns. The Najdi sheep has long silky hair, unlike curly hair that is typical in other sheep breeds.
Sheep belong to the Bovidae family, and their scientific name is Ovis Aries.
Sheep can grow wool forever, and, depending on the breed, a sheep can grow between 2 and 30 pounds of wool in a year.
Sheep cannot right themselves if they are on their back. Sheep that are pregnant, overweight, or have heavy fleece on their back can find it difficult to right themselves if they have fallen on their back for any reason. This is called a “cast” sheep. So if you ever find a sheep in this position, help or reach out to a farmer.
A lot of presidents of the United States of America have a deep connection with sheep. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison used to raise sheep. Madison wore a coat from sheep’s wool for his swearing-in ceremony.
The term “sheepish” may seem like associating someone with a sheep with very reclusive qualities. But contrary to the term coined, sheep are an intelligent species that rely heavily on their innate ability to survive, connect, and thrive in nature.
Also Read:
Amazing Cat Facts for Children
Interesting Dog Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts About Goats for Children Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
5 hours 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
4 hours 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
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
3 hours 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
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. For the query asked needdhs 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 and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. nipcare ointments ok. 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
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
3 hours ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. 5-6 months ok. 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
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. hello dr..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. the levels are on the lower side. 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
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Hi.. Priyanka kalra doctor..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is quite difficult to say anything about it without personally examination and proper reports evaluation. So better to consult with your treating gynaecologist in person as she knew the exact health condition of your pregnancy and can guide you better.
Take care
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