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Rice Milk for Babies and Toddlers - Is It a Healthier Alternative?
Many mothers wonder if there is a good alternative to the formula that can be given to their babies. Some children find cow’s milk indigestible. Certain other children are allergic to cow’s milk. In such cases, mothers struggle with what to mix into their baby’s morning cereal or what to give them with their evening snack. Some parents make do with almond or soy milk, but there are still others who could be allergic to nuts and soy. In this article, we discuss rice milk as a vegan, lactose-free option for your children. Read on to understand the benefits and associated risks of rice milk.
What is Rice Milk?
Rice milk is made from grains of rice. It is obtained by running rice through a mill and then using diffusion to remove the granules after pressing. The other option is to use rice flour with protein from brown rice. Rice milk has a naturally sweet taste that comes from the conversion of carbohydrates into sugars. Rice milk mainly constitutes of carbohydrates as rice does too. Rice milk for a toddler with milk allergy has been found to be a safe and welcome alternative.
Nutritional Facts of Rice Milk
Rice milk has the highest amount of carbohydrates, sugars, and calories as compared to any other kind of milk (apart from cow's milk). Each cup of rice milk contains the following nutritional value:
Product
Calories
Sugars
Total Carbohydrates
Protein
Total Fat
Unsweetened Rice milk
120
10 g
22 g
0 g
2 g
Table source: https://www.healthline.com/health/milk-almond-cow-soy-rice
Is Rice Milk Safe for Infants and Toddlers?
While rice milk may be a safe option for children with allergies, it is not a healthy recommendation for infants who should be fed with breastmilk or formula. Rice milk is one of the few kinds of milk that is not likely to cause allergies. However, it is not a source of calcium or Vitamin B12 as it is plant-based milk. Parents who do not have any other milk options for their toddlers should definitely opt for rice milk while the recommendation by experts is to alternate it with better sources of fat and nutrition.
Benefits of Giving Rice Milk to Your Child
Here are some known benefits of rice milk:
Rice milk is the least allergenic alternative because it is lactose-free and doesn’t contain the risk of nuts. Rice milk for a toddler with a milk allergy is a safe option, and it lets you continue with some form of milk in your child’s diet.
It is sweeter than other milk alternatives because of its sugar content.
It can be fortified easily with vitamins and calcium.
It is a vegan source of milk.
It has absolutely no cholesterol and is one of the best options for non-fatty milk.
It is a wonderful remedy to treat diarrhoea because children with diarrhoea cannot be given dairy products. Rice milk for diarrhoea is a safe food that can be easily digested by your baby.
Possible Risks of Giving Rice Milk to Babies and Toddlers
Although rice milk is a non-allergenic type of milk, it has a few potential risks too.
Rice milk has no protein and is not the ideal replacement for cow’s milk. Kids usually get a healthy dose of protein with their daily glass of cow's milk, which they may miss out on with rice milk.
Rice as produce contains inorganic arsenic. While it is not a cause of concern in older children and adults, rice milk with arsenic content can cause damage to your baby’s brain development. Brown rice, especially, contains more arsenic compared to white rice.
Rice milk usually contains salt, water, oil, and rice. It has no nutrition like iron or trace minerals.
Children (mostly under the age of 2) require full fat in their milk, but rice milk has no fat content.
As it is high in carbohydrates and sugars, it cannot be used for children with juvenile diabetes.
No alternate source of milk is recommended for infants below 12 months of age, especially rice milk, as it is of very little nutritional value and can lead to potentially irreparable nutritional deficiencies.
How to Make Rice Milk?
Rice milk can be used for many purposes, like in smoothies, cereals, for cooking, baking, and for drinking. Here is an easy method to prepare rice milk for kids at home. This recipe yields 8 cups of rice milk. You can fortify this drink at home by mixing calcium powder, or other supplements as you like.
What You Will Need
Cooked brown rice- 1 cup
Water- 4 cups
Honey- 1 tablespoon
Flavouring; eg: vanilla- ½ tsp
Pinch of salt
How to Prepare
Cook the brown rice with a pinch of salt as per instructions on the package.
Mix the cooked brown rice and all the water with flavouring and sweetener.
Blend it on a high setting until the water looks white.
Strain well, using a muslin cloth or a fine sieve to separate the grains.
Store it in the refrigerator for future use.
Other Cow Milk Alternatives That Are Safe for Children
There are several alternatives to dairy milk which can be used safely for older children. Some of them are:
1. Almond Milk
Almond milk is made from ground almonds mixed with water. Almond milk is a good source of vitamin A, albeit a poor source of calcium and protein. It is lactose-free and low in calories.
2. Soy Milk
Soy milk is sourced from soya beans. Like other plant-based milk, it is not a good source of Vitamin B12. It does, however, contain proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is free of cholesterol and is very low in saturated fats.
3. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk, made from coconut cream and water, is a wonderful source of fats, carbohydrates and calories. It is a good option for children with nut allergies as well.
4. Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is derived from hemp seeds, which produce marijuana. It had a few good benefits like being a good source of protein and vitamins. It is also a wonderful source of Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids.
A parent knows instinctively what is best for their baby. However, if you are unable to give your baby cow’s milk due to allergies, discuss your options with your baby’s paediatrician before you start him off on a substitute like rice milk.
Also Read: How to Prepare Brown Rice for Newborns
How to Prepare Rice Water for Infants
Delicious Kheer Recipes for Babies Read more
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Losing Post-Pregnancy Weight at Home
The day T was born (our first child), I was 91 kgs. Yes, I was overweight. I was not sure how I will lose the excess pounds. My so-called well-wishers told me that I will never get my pre-pregnancy weight.
But I didn't believe their words. I didn't want my motherhood phase to fade away in my journey of weight loss. I didn't want T to take the blame of my weight gain. I was 55 kgs on the day T turned 2! I was bought a pair of jeans that was 2 size smaller than the ones that I wore even before my pregnancy. I couldn't contain my joy - imagine when you go for buying a size 10 but end up buying size 6 - how good it feels!
We all struggle with pregnancy weight. It is good to gain up to 12 kgs during normal pregnancy. And I gained too. Before pregnancy, I was 75 kgs but during pregnancy, I gained 16 kgs. And I was overweight. I wanted to lose some weight. And I knew it would take time and patience. I don't believe in crash diets. To me, the secret to losing weight has been the healthy way, i.e., following a balanced diet and exercising.
I started with a brisk walk. When T was almost a year old, we got her an umbrella stroller and I used to take her out for a walk every morning and afternoon. It worked like a miracle. Within a month I could feel the difference as the size of my clothes changes. At that time, I didn't have the time for any other form of exercise. As far my diet was concerned I was never into a crash diet. I never believed in fasting. To me, a satisfied stomach leads to a happy soul. If my soul is happy I can achieve just anything.
My diet included
Breakfast - Soy milk/lactose-free milk and cereals
Lunch - Rice, dal, sabji, fish/egg/chicken
Evening snack - Masala oats, murmure, tea
Dinner - Rice, daal, sabji, fish/egg/chicken
Night - Bed tea
On the days I used to drive T to her daycare centre, I ate salads instead of rice. Not for any diet purpose but only to stay awake while driving as rice makes me dizzy while driving. In salads, I usually included moong sprouts, chopped onions, cucumber slices, lettuce, and boiled eggs. I tossed a few drops of oil over it.
I found out that at that point of time my body needed at least 1800 kcal through foods and that I should burn at least 500 kcal a day. Now the common mistake that we usually do is subtracting the calories. It was not wise to believe that 1300 kcal (1800-500=1300 kcal) is enough to reach the goal. But it's a big "No". 1800 kcal is the nourishment that we require and 500 kcal should be burned through exercise. If we take only 1300 kcal we will always remain undernourished. And when we starve, we always end up eating more and gaining more weight. So the trick is to eat healthy food to meet our calorie requirements and exercise to burn 500 Kcal. As I settled with T and she started going to daycare, I started with aerobics at home. It helped me lose weight. When I was expecting my second child, I exercised all along my pregnancy and practised prenatal yoga.
Everyone around me was scared that it might harm the unborn baby, but it helped. I was much prepared this time. I was running errands even the day before my delivery. My blood pressure was normal every moment, even in the operation theatre. I ate my heart out and gained about 10 kgs. I still have 6 kgs of the pregnancy weight, and I am in no hurry to lose. I lost 36 kg in a span of 2 years and I am glad that I achieved my goal while taking care of my children. To all those out there who are trying to lose weight, eat healthy and stay healthy. And also exercise, because exercise is the key to lose weight!
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.
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How to Be a Mompreneur: Juggling Entrepreneurship & Parenting
Are you a mom with an entrepreneurial inclination? The thought of missing out on the growing up of your children while you are busy working can be heartbreaking. Fret not. There are some tips to be a supermom and live your dream of becoming a successful mompreneur at the same time.
Having kids, while a beautiful experience, is often perceived as a distraction or deterrent to a woman's professional career. Well, being a business woman with kids may force you to occasionally miss lucrative business opportunities. At other times, you may have to disappoint your kids by skipping their school's annual function. But mompreneur, it's okay for even the finest juggler to drop the ball occasionally! Following these tips will help you take it easy and not be too hard on yourself.
Fitting into The Shoes of a Mompreneur
Maintaining both a family and work at the same time can be challenging and overwhelming. After all, establishing a successful business and raising a healthy and happy child are both full-time jobs in themselves. We have listed some useful mompreneur ideas to help you in your juggling act between work and parenting.
1. Plan and Prioritise Your Goals
Be an efficient home manager by planning your weekly menus and activities in advance and making a priority list to handle your personal and professional lives. Use apps available on your smartphone to create 'to do lists' and reminders to supervise crucial activities of the day. Be realistic in your goal setting to avoid any disappointments.
2. Don't be Afraid to Delegate
You cannot do everything on your own and you need to be okay with it! Letting go of micromanagement is at the heart of delegation. By delegating operational responsibilities to your colleagues, you can focus on spearheading the strategic goals of your business. Similarly, letting your friends and family members take care of your kids can be a breather for you. You should also consider hiring an extra help at home or put your child into a daycare if needed.
3. Learn to be Content
Do not over-pressurise yourself to be the best parent or the best in business. Avoid comparing yourself with single entrepreneurs or homemakers. They have the liberty to devote all their energy and resources to only one thing, which you do not.
4. Do Not Hesitate to Compromise
You might have to postpone a meeting or risk losing a valuable contract at work because of your commitment as a parent. Similarly, you might have to sometimes miss out on a parent-teacher meeting. We recommend taking help from your partner on such occasions . You can always return the favour when he needs your help at a crucial time.
5. Time Management is the Key to Success
You need to create systems to make your work easier and less time-consuming. Be tech-friendly to keep a tab on important emails and texts from work while on the go. However, do not forget to dedicate tech-free quality time to your family. Take fixed offs from work every week when your kids know that you will be at home for them. This way, they won't mind too much even if you miss out on some of your commitments to them on working days.
Take cues from these mompreneurs life and work tips to smartly manage your time between kids and your profession. The secret is not to give up on either of them. It won't be long before your persuasion for work and passion for your kids becomes an inspiration to many others. Read more
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The best food in the world breast milk - A boon for babies
My breast milk journey started with my 7-month-old baby boy's birth. As delivery was C Section, could not feed him my milk for the first 24 hours. Then I took my little one close to me and started feeding. Nothing can give you that happiness and satisfaction which you have when you breastfeed your little one. As my nipple was out and bigger in shape, latching was not an issue with my baby.
My baby used to take feeding continuously for 20 to 30 minutes and not at all allowing me to leave him when he was around 1 month old. I also never made any hurry or disrupted or disturbed him while he was taking feeding. It resulted wonderfully, in just 2.5 months he doubled his birth weight. I never gave him formula or water, just breastfeeding nothing else. We all and whoever visiting us were happily surprised by his weight and development.
My suggestions for breastfeeding moms are just keep eating healthy food in more quantity and proper intervals. Eat everything except more spicy food. No need to keep worrying about if I eat this baby will have a bad impact, it does not happen so our food does not go to the baby directly. There are many myths about these, just ignore them. I also came to know many facts after I wasted my precious few early months. My body was so weak after delivery, I wanted to eat more, my body needed it, but elderly people forced me to eat only selected tasteless items. That initial phase after delivery is indeed a mixer of happiness and anxiety, as there are so many things we need to take care of for the little one and ourselves. We don't get a correct idea when we pass through this phase. Please be well prepared before delivery.
I wish all the very best to all lovely moms and dads..happy parenting! Read more
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Take a Beauty Break this Mother's Day
Gift yourself a beauty break with a luxurious massage or a full spa day on Mothers Day. Don't shy away from spoiling yourself a little. Get set to unwind in style as you get pampered and preened before you get back to the grind.
As a mother, there is no better time than Mother’s Day when you can browse through your favorite salon brochure and look up for a list of spas to pamper yourself. After all that hard work, you deserve a gift that unwinds you and makes you feel like a million bucks. You can choose anything from traditional countryside breaks to contemporary retreats. Read on and know a bit more on what all you can do to indulge yourself.
Types of Beauty Treatments on Mother's Day
Fruit Herbal Spa
This eco-spa is a great combination of fruits and herbs. It is a full-body spa treatment and helps in de-stressing the body. It begins with a gentle exfoliation on a heated plinth. The exfoliation is followed by a luxurious aromatherapy oil massage, which helps in getting rid of body toxins.
Manicure
This beauty treatment relaxes your nails and hands, and makes them shine. It begins by removing your nail polish, trimming your nails, and then dipping your hands in lukewarm and soapy water. After this the cuticles are clipped, followed by a gentle hand massage that will leave your talons buffed up and pretty; and your hands silky smooth.
Pedicure
Being a mother, it is certain that your feet are ignored, if not totally forgotten. That's why you need a little foot indulgence. A pedicure involves trimming, cleaning, and exfoliating the nails by soaking them in lukewarm and soapy water. Once done, the feet are moisturized and your toenails painted. The treatment also removes dead skin and makes your feet smooth and beautiful.
Forehead Spa
Scared your hectic schedule as mom will give you a lined forehead or crows feet? Relax and indulge in this forehead spa day on Mother's Day. In this spa a gentle stream of herbal oil falls on to the forehead for an hour. It soothes the central nervous system and provides complete relaxation to the eyes as well. We vouch you'll make this your monthly ritual! ||
Organic Facial
The stress of handling a home and family often reflects in the skin. Precisely why you must go for an organic facial. This type of facial includes natural ingredients like, honey, almonds, strawberries, bananas; the list is endless. Go for a banana facial to ease your furrowed brows and wrinkles, or pick a strawberry facial to give your skin a baby glow.
These are different types of spas and beauty treatments for all you mommies. This Mother’s Day pamper yourself and spend some time alone rejuvenating your senses. After all, it's only when you're happy can you spread happiness, right? Read more
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Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
also passing stool after taking food is normal. r
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
2 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
2 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
1 hour 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
25 mins 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
55 mins 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
53 mins 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
53 mins ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
26 mins 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
29 mins 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
25 mins 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
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