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20 Health Tips for Pregnant Women
Congratulations, you are pregnant! While you are excited about the news, so many thoughts are racing through your mind! You have this sudden urge to know everything about pregnancy. Remember, as you step into this incredible journey, there’s more to unfurl every single day.
Here are some questions, their answers, and pregnancy care tips that can come in handy as you prepare for your baby to be born.
Video: 8 Essential Pregnancy Care Tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7qO_9-NJmA
What is a Healthy Pregnancy?
Today, everyone aims towards a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This focus on good health is even more pronounced when it comes to lifestyle choices for your baby and you. A healthy mother-to-be and healthy pregnancy go hand-in-hand. In addition to the proper growth and development of the foetus, a healthy pregnancy also includes various factors such as a healthy weight, balanced diet, nutritious food, regular exercises, adequate rest, and emotional well-being. It also involves maintaining a normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar level and a big no to drugs, alcohol and smoking.
How Should You Take Care of Your Health During Pregnancy?
You can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy if you take good care of your health. Not only does a healthy lifestyle ensure a smooth pregnancy, but it also adds to your overall well-being. The first trimester is crucial for you as you are taking baby steps into the journey of pregnancy.
1. Early Pregnancy Care
Proper care for a healthy pregnancy should start as soon as you realise you are pregnant. Here are some important points you must keep in mind during the early stages of pregnancy:
Consult your doctor and get early prenatal care which includes the required prenatal tests.
Take care of your diet, and avoid undercooked food, cold meat and unpasteurized dairy products to avoid ingesting bacteria that might harm the baby. Eat healthy and fresh food
Take prenatal vitamins and other required supplements like iron and folic acid. Folic acid is necessary to reduce the risk of tube birth defects in babies
Get adequate rest, and exercise as required after consulting your doctor
Pay attention to your emotional health, ensure that you are stress-free, and keep yourself positive and happy because you are likely to be on a rollercoaster ride during pregnancy
2. Things to Take Care of During Pregnancy
As the pregnancy progresses, your needs change too. Here are some important things that you must be cautious about throughout pregnancy:
Wear comfortable footwear and watch your step to avoid a fall
Wear seat belts while driving and ensure that you sit far away from the air bag
Avoid taking medicines without consulting your obstetrician
Avoid alcohol and smoking. Passive smoking is also harmful
Avoid caffeine and products with artificial colours
Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water
Rest your feet to prevent fatigue. Your legs and ankles are prone to swelling. During the day, ensure that you put up your feet at a raised level frequently
Get adequate sleep and take naps, if required. A minimum of eight hours of sleep is required to keep you healthy
What Can I Do During Pregnancy for a Healthy Baby?
Being pregnant is exciting and also includes a lot of changes in you and your lifestyle. Although staying healthy while pregnant is important to you, your thoughts are always around what you must do to ensure that your baby is healthy. Following are some pointers that can help you deliver a healthy baby:
Maintain a healthy and nutritious diet because food provides you energy and what you eat is also one of the building blocks of your baby’s body. Eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, grains, eggs and dairy products.
Take prenatal multivitamin supplements to ensure that you and the baby are receiving all the required nutrients. The neural cord of the baby, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, requires vital nutrients like folic acid, calcium, and iron from the early days of pregnancy.
Maintain stress-free days. Effective stress management plays an important role in keeping you healthy emotionally.
20 Tips for a Healthy & Safe Pregnancy
As some of your questions about healthy pregnancy have been answered, let us now look at twenty quick tips that can come in handy for a healthy and safe pregnancy.
1. Organising Early Prenatal Care
Your first step would be to find a good doctor and a birthing centre during the early stages of your pregnancy so that you get the required prenatal care. Ensure that you choose a qualified, easily approachable doctor who can provide you with adequate guidance. It is advisable to plan the required ultrasound scans and tests in advance, so that you are aware of them and are well-prepared.
There are various pregnancy tests and scans, which are used for screening certain conditions and determine the health of the foetus and catch irregularities, well in advance.
2. Eat Wholesome and Nutritious Food
Your body requires energy. Eating healthy and nutritious food is vital for the baby and to ensure optimal mother care during pregnancy. Eating whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs, organic meats and dairy products ensure that you are getting the adequate nutrients. These foods contain minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, amino acids and other nutrients. Although you need food to keep you moving, you also need to watch what you eat. Avoid junk food.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Keeping yourself hydrated helps in maintaining the amniotic fluid levels. Ensure that you drink at least 10 full glasses of water every day. Less water can cause morning sickness, tiredness, cramps and also contractions during the second and third trimesters. Carry a water bottle and drink from a glass, stainless steel or BPA-free container so that oestrogen mimicking toxins are not transferred to your baby.
4. Take Prenatal Supplements
To ensure that you and the baby are getting all the required nutrients in a sustainable way, you can take prenatal supplements. Prenatal multivitamins must be taken as supplements and not substituted for natural food. Consult your doctor before taking these multivitamins. Prenatal supplements contain folic acid and iron. Folic acid is a vital component that reduces the risk of the baby developing birth defects. Therefore, it is very important to take these supplements on time.
5. Exercise Regularly
Your body is experiencing many changes. One of the most prominent changes is your shape and weight. Maintaining an active lifestyle with regular exercise will help you stay healthy and flexible. Exercise helps in stress management and goes a long way in helping you curb the demands of labour and motherhood. You can take up any form of physical activity after consulting your doctor. Some activities include walking, swimming and yoga. During pregnancy, the volume of the blood increases, thereby increasing the strain on your heart. A 45-minute workout schedule will boost circulation and strengthen your heart, and your baby will receive oxygen-rich blood for healthy development.
6. Get Some Rest
Adequate sleep and relaxation are required during pregnancy. Ensure that you sleep well and rest your feet as much as possible. Yoga and deep breathing can help you relax and calm down.
7. Avoid Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking
Avoid alcohol as it reaches your baby through the blood. It also increases the chances of giving birth to a baby with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which affects the baby’s mental growth. Drugs and smoking are also equally dangerous as they affect the baby’s growth and health.
8. Reduce Caffeine and Recharge With Fruits
Recharging yourself with fruits is more beneficial than caffeine. Research proves that caffeine increases the chances of miscarriage. Pregnant women are low on iron, and caffeine makes it difficult for your body to absorb iron. So, it is advisable to avoid caffeine.
9. Eliminate Environmental Dangers
If you are exposed to chemicals, pesticides, hazardous elements, radioactive elements, lead and mercury at your work place or home regularly, you must contact your doctor and seek advice as these are dangerous to you and your baby.
10. See Your Dentist
Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to weaker gums. It is advisable to visit your dentist and take precautions to avoid gum diseases. An increase in oestrogen and progesterone levels can cause bleeding and tender gums. So, oral care is very important during pregnancy.
11. Watch Your Emotional Health
Due to hormonal shifts during pregnancy, you might experience mood swings and emotional ups and downs. If you think you are depressed and it is affecting you, ensure that you get help and bounce back to normalcy.
12. Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles helps in easy delivery. It supports your uterus, bowels and bladder. Prenatal workouts under guidance help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
13. Track Your Weight Gain
A steady rise in your weight indicates the growth of the baby. So, tracking your weight is important to ensure that you are on the right track.
14. Wear Appropriate Clothing
Ensure that you get yourself comfortable clothing. As your weight and shape will be changing rapidly, fitting yourself in tight clothing can suffocate you and the baby.
15. Wear Appropriate Footwear
As your pregnancy progresses, your weight gain hampers the centre of gravity and creates a painful pressure on your feet. So, it is advisable to shop for footwear that is easy on your feet.
16. Take Care of Your Skin
During pregnancy, your skin becomes sensitive to sunlight. You are prone to sunburns and dark spots. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
17. Pamper Yourself
Although you need to watch what you eat, listen to your body and feed the cravings that pop up occasionally. Also, pamper yourself with a lunch out, manicure, a much-needed day out with friends, or by taking a quiet walk to help you de-stress. These activities help both you and the baby.
18. Educate Yourself
Educate yourself about the different stages of pregnancy and be aware of the times when you need to seek medical help. Call your doctor if you have:
Severe pain
Cramps
Vaginal bleeding
Fluid leaking
Dizziness
Palpitations
Swelling of joints
A reduction in the movement of the foetus
19. Stress Management
Pregnancy-related lifestyle changes and hormonal changes may be demanding. Life during pregnancy is a rollercoaster ride and can overwhelm you. So, working towards managing stress is important. You can manage stress by changing how you react to situations at home and work. Meditation, yoga, talking to friends and involving in craft activities can help you be stress-free.
20. Talk to Your Baby
Talking to your baby, who is cuddled in your womb, can be a memorable and soul-soothing activity. It helps you build the bond and communicate with the little one. You can tell your baby how you feel, about your family, things that you eat and activities that you do. You can also sing and read to your baby.
Signs of a Healthy Pregnancy
Keeping a tab on your health on a day-to-day basis and being aware of your general health goes a long way in ensuring that your pregnancy stays on the right track. Listen to your body and catch the signs so that you may pander to the needs it indicates. If you are hungry, eat a healthy snack and steer clear of junk food. If you are thirsty, drink water, or a nourishing drink like a fresh juice or coconut water, and avoid caffeine and aerated beverages. If you feel stressed, take time to relax with a good book, or take a nap. Besides, do keep a tab on your vitals which are indicators of good health. These include:
Normal Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Levels
During pregnancy, the blood pressure levels are a little on the higher side, while the sugar levels vary. Therefore, it is required to monitor the blood pressure and the blood sugar levels. If possible, maintain a record so that you may discuss it with your doctor when needed.
Health of the Uterus and Placenta
The uterus and the placenta must be healthy to ensure that the foetus is safe until the end of the pregnancy. The placenta is attached to the wall of the uterus. A loosely-attached placenta can lead to serious consequences. Do ask your doctor about the placement of your placenta, and about exercises that will help it be appropriately positioned .
Development of the Foetus
The growth of the baby and the health of the pregnancy are determined by the rate at which the foetus is developing. Factors such as weight gain determine the growth of the foetus. Lack of oxygen can be one of the factors that affect the foetus. Sometimes, this can interfere with the functions of the placenta. The movement of the foetus ensures that the baby is receiving adequate oxygen. You can start to feel the foetus movements as you advance into the second trimester of pregnancy. Feeling these movements and keeping a count of them indicates the health of your pregnancy.
Weight Gain
A steady increase in your weight determines the growth of the foetus and eventually, the health of the pregnancy.
Plunging head-on into physical and emotional wellness, nutrition and health act as catalysts that boost your well-being during pregnancy. Immersing yourself in joy and taking care of your physical and emotional health will help you sail smoothly through this memorable journey. Read more
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Diet Plan for 18 Month 4 Week Old Toddler
Introduction:
As we wrap up the 18th month diet plan this week, your toddler is sure to be enjoying the same food as the rest of the family. Make sure that he has a glass of milk each day, as it will give him the calcium he needs for stronger bones and teeth. You can also choose nutritional supplements to add to the milk in order to improve the taste and increase the nutritional value of the milk. The diet plan ensures that he gets all round nutrition from the food he eats, so you can tend to other aspects of his life, such as learning, etc., knowing that his health is taken care of. Lets look at the final week of the diet plan for your 18-month-old toddler.
Food Menu & Schedule for 18 Month 4 Week Old Toddler
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
1 egg or paneer paratha with green chutney
Mid-morning
Papaya cubes with chaat masala and honey
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Seviyan (vermicelli) kheer
Dinner
Paneer cutlets or grilled fish with rajma (kidney bean) soup and grated carrot sticks
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs + multigrain toast + 1 glass fresh of orange juice
Mid-morning
2-3 whole wheat crackers with hummus
Lunch
Palak paneer and paratha + cucumber
Evening
Milk
+ 2-3 whole wheat or multigrain biscuits
Dinner
Tofu bhurji with jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti and grated carrot sticks
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Rajgira (amaranth) puff porridge with almond and walnut powder
Mid-morning
Boiled aloo (potato) and carrot chaat
Lunch
Tofu bhurji with jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti and grated carrot sticks
Evening
Apple-date milkshake (strained)
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) paratha with tomato soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
Poha (flattened rice) soaked in dahi with mashed banana
Lunch
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak (spinach) + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Dahi (curd) with masala puri
Dinner
Methi matar malai with paneer (cottage cheese) pulao
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
French toast + 1 glass of fresh apple juice
Mid-morning
Oats-apple smoothie
Lunch
Bajra (pearl millet) khichdi with lauki (bottle gourd) soup
Evening
Carrot phirni
Dinner
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Dhokla + green chutney
Mid-morning
Peanut ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Cornflakes chivda
Dinner
White sauce pasta with mixed vegetable soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Omelette or besan chilla
Mid-morning
Mashed potato with cheese
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Lauki (bottle gourd) halwa
Dinner
Pongal with vegetable soup
Conclusion:
Did your little one like what he ate during his 18th month? We’re sure he’s accustomed to your tastes by now, and has a few favourites that he loves eating on any given day. We hope he liked the new dishes and ingredients included this month as well, making your life easier. Next month’s meal plan has some exciting dishes that are delicious for your little one and easy for you to prepare. Click here for the meal plan for a 19-month-old toddler. Read more
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Listeria during Pregnancy
Listeria is a serious infection that can be dangerous to the foetus during pregnancy. Although it is a rare disease, the primary threat to the pregnant mother is its devastating effect on the baby which includes developmental problems, miscarriage or foetal death. Listeria can be prevented by good personal hygiene, and its onset can be curbed by early diagnosis and intervention.
What is Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria which is found in soil, water, dust, animal faeces, processed foods and raw meat. It is a rare infection which most commonly occurs by eating food that is contaminated by the bacteria. For the majority, listeriosis is a mild illness that can be cured with antibiotics and passes without any severe complications. However, in newborns, elderly and people with weak immune systems, Listeria can cause meningitis, blood infection and other complications that can be potentially life-threatening. Listeria infection in pregnancy can cause complications to the foetus which can be devastating and even lead to severe disease that can be fatal.
What Are the Odds of Getting Listeria while Pregnant
Although listeriosis is a rare infection, it is 20 times more common in pregnant women when compared to the general population. Of the total cases of infection in the population, an estimated 27% of the cases are pregnant women. Pregnancy increases the risk of listeriosis due to the changes in the mother’s immune system. When it is focusing more on defending the foetus, the mother becomes susceptible to infections.
Listeria Symptoms in Pregnancy
The symptoms of listeria may start between two days to even two months after exposure to the bacteria. Healthy adults and women who are not pregnant typically do not show any symptoms at all.
The symptoms of the infection are similar to flu with fever and muscle pain that is typical of any infection.
Symptoms in pregnant women include:
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Stiff neck
Who Is Most At the Risk of Getting Listeriosis
Women who have certain conditions have a slightly higher risk of the infection. Pregnant women have a significantly higher risk of listeriosis compared to the general population. Some of the conditions that make women susceptible to listeriosis are:
Diabetes
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Use of steroids
Weakened immune system
Use of medicines that are immunosuppressive
Alcoholism
Cancer
How to Test for Listeria in Pregnancy
Some women show no symptoms, and some can develop it within 2 to 30 days, or longer. Since infections by eating food contaminated by listeria bacteria in pregnancy are the most common, the symptoms of that normally appear within 48 hours.
It can be roughly said that listeria is a kind of food poisoning that can cause complications in pregnancy. Hence if you’ve eaten some food recently that you suspect might be contaminated and if you are showing symptoms of the disease the doctor would order a listeria blood test during pregnancy. Cultures can take up to two days to grow. Due to the seriousness of the disease to the foetus, treatment might be started even before the results are out.
Treatment
Listeria can be treated using antibiotics. In most cases, the antibiotics work well and prevent the spread of the infection to the foetus. Newborn babies can also be treated with the same antibiotics.
Management
The mother will be given an intravenous antibiotic which treats the infection and may also help protect the baby. Since listeria and pregnancy is a combination known to cause birth defects, the baby will be monitored periodically using ultrasound scans to check for developmental problems.
Complications
Pregnant women who are infected with listeriosis have complications such as:
Miscarriage
Premature delivery
Stillbirth
Low birth weight in newborns
Foetal death
The infection can also affect pregnant mothers in some cases and cause:
Bacterial meningitis (which is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain)
Septicemia (Blood poisoning)
What is the Outlook
The effects of listeriosis can be severe on babies and also has a fatality rate of 20 to 30 percent. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can help avoid infection reaching the foetus and avert complications. However, it should be noted that not all babies that are born to infected mothers have problems.
Prevention
Preventive measures can help avoid your chances of an infection. Here are some noteworthy ones:
Cook All Meat Thoroughly
Meat such as poultry, fish, pork and others must be cooked thoroughly.
Use a food thermometer to ensure the right temperature.
70 to 82 degree Celsius is the minimum temperature at which all meat must be cooked.
Cook meat until it is no longer pink in the middle and fish until it is opaque.
Avoid sampling the meat before it is done.
2. Thoroughly Reheat Leftover Food
Listeria bacteria contamination can occur even after the food has been cooked. Since they can survive sometimes and continue to grow even under refrigeration unlike many other bacteria, all previously cooked food must be reheated before storage.
Food should also be reheated to 75 degrees Celsius or steaming hot before consumption.
3. Avoid Deli Foods Unless They Are Heated Thoroughly
Delis, cold cuts, meat spreads, smoked or pickled fish; refrigerated pates are all listeria foods to avoid in pregnancy. Since they have the highest chances of spreading the disease, they should only be consumed if they are cooked well until steaming hot.
Avoid any meat-based preparation that has been stored or refrigerated improperly.
4. Do Not Consume Unpasteurized (Raw) Milk
Avoid drinking raw milk whether it is from a cow, goat or buffalo. Also, avoid food prepared using unpasteurized milk.
Avoid soft cheese such as camembert and brie. Also avoid Mexican cheese such as blanco, queso, panela or queso fresco unless the label states clearly that they are made from pasteurized milk.
Cultured dairy products such as yoghurt and buttermilk are generally considered safe. So is cottage cheese, cream cheese, hard cheese and processed cheese.
Ensure to read the label on all dairy products to make sure they are made out of pasteurized milk to be on the safe side.
5 Thoroughly Wash All Produce
All your fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before consumption.
When in doubt peal all fruits to be safe
6. Avoid Raw Sprouts
Try not to consume raw sprouts until after your pregnancy.
7. Avoid Contamination of Food That’s Ready to Eat
Wash utensils, cutting boards, dishes, counters and your hands with soap water after handling potentially contaminated food.
Keep potentially contaminated foods such as unwashed produce, poultry, uncooked meat etc. away from clean cooked food that is ready to eat.
8. Cleanse Sponges and Dishcloths Routinely
Sponges and dishcloths are potential breeding ground for bacteria.
Clean them with hot water and soap regularly or in the microwave or the dishwasher
Wipe clean dishes, utensils and countertop dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towel regularly.
9. Don’t Keep Perishable Food Around Too Long
Consume ready-to-eat and perishable foods as soon as possible once you’ve opened their packaging.
Their expiry date holds good only when they remain unopened. Once opened, they should be consumed soon.
10. Set Your Refrigerator Temperature to Optimal Values
The ideal temperature for the refrigerator is between 1 to 4 degrees Celsius.
The freezer is to be kept at zero or below always and use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor regularly.
By maintaining good hygiene, it is possible to prevent listeriosis and pregnancy complications.
Also Read: 22 Infections That Can Affect Your Pregnancy Read more
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If Your Baby Craves Non-Food Items Like Chalk, Here's What You Should Do!
As your little one grows older and starts teething, you’ll find him exploring the world in a variety of ways - including putting different things in his mouth. Babies will often try to chew on new things during the teething process. This will include non-food items too; nothing is too ‘dirty’ or ‘yucky’ for the baby, including fallen toys, leftovers, and messy laundry! However, if your baby’s cravings for these non-food, non-nutritive substances seem unnatural or too strong, it is a cause for alarm. Your baby could have an alarming condition called PICA!
When your baby becomes mobile and starts crawling around the house, your chores become even more intensive! You now have to maintain hygiene in your house with greater rigour, especially the baby’s room. This is to make sure that your little one doesn’t put something unsanitary in his mouth. Yes, it is natural and even expected of your baby to put things in his mouth in this passing phase.
However, if your baby continues to mouth or swallow non-food things after he has turned 18 months old, there might be something wrong. As per paediatricians, if your kid craves and repeatedly tries to eat non-food things for more than a month, then he might have an alarming condition called PICA. This needs immediate medical attention.
What is PICA & What Causes it?
Pica is a nutritional disorder where the child has cravings for certain specific types of non-nutritive and non-food items. These include things like dirt, chalk, paper, hair and other items. There are a number of reasons why your little one could have Pica. These include:
Hunger
Nutrient deficiency
Coping mechanism to deal with stress
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Autism, schizophrenia and some developmental disorders
Why is PICA Dangerous?
Well, the reasons behind the disorder itself are cause for concern. But the fact that children could be consuming these non-food items that can contain toxins is very alarming. The ingestion of such toxins can result in:
Serious infections or blockages in the stomach and digestive tract
Lead poisoning
Damage to the kidneys or the liver
Interference with a healthy diet as non-food objects can reduce appetite
In extreme cases, it can even affect the physical and mental development of the child
How To Deal With PICA
One of the most common reasons for Pica is nutrient deficiencies for nutrients like Iron and Zinc. The treatment of this deficiency requires further testing by doctors. The good news is that Pica generally lasts for just a few months with timely intervention. If your child has Pica but has tested negative for nutrient deficiencies, proactivity on your end is necessary. Here are some more ways to deal with Pica in children:
1. Identify the Cause of the Cravings
Whenever your child indulges in behaviour typical to Pica, i.e. he tries to eat non-food items, try to ascertain his feelings and identify the cause for his cravings. If you can identify the cause, you can take steps towards dealing with this disorder. If your child is hungry, make him a healthy snack. Talk to him about how he can indicate his need for food and ask you for some instead of resorting to non-food items.
If stress or hunger aren’t the reasons behind Pica, try and ascertain his need/craving for these items by keeping track of his emotions and surroundings every time he tries to eat these toxic items.
2. Help Dissipate Pent-Up Energy
If your child is showing signs of stress and pent-up negative energy, help him expel this energy by doing some physical activity, i.e. running races, jumping, etc.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Simply trying to encourage your child to not consume non-food items can be more useful than we think. Gentle, firm words and a supportive approach can help kids learn to tackle such cravings. Punishment or scolding may only affect the child’s mental setup further.
PICA and Developmental Disorders
At times, Pica maybe a symptom of a yet undiagnosed disorder like Autism or OCD, as this behaviour is often seen in people with these disorders. As per experts, children with autism tend to eat non-food items due to the following reasons:
Lack of ability to differentiate: The child might not be able to tell that what they are eating is not for consumption and is actually harming them. In such cases, try to teach your child to understand the difference between food and non-food items.
Comfort and joy in the sensation of certain items: The sensation of certain items feels familiar and comforting to them and thus they resort to eating these ‘comfort foods’. You can use positive and negative reinforcement in such cases and additionally encourage your child to find comfort and familiarity in other ways (like a toy or a certain type of food).
Pica has also been classified as an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder under which a person, despite knowing that a certain type of behaviour may be risky or harmful, will still indulge in the same. In such cases, it's best to consult child psychologists/paediatricians for further examination, understanding and treatment. Additionally, make sure that your doctor checks for any infections or side effects in your child as a result of consuming these toxins. This will ensure your little one doesn’t face any harmful consequences.
Pica can be very worrisome and is also difficult to deal with. But it is certainly treatable, and with early intervention, your child can get cured quickly. Take care. Read more
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Why Should I Send my Child to Playgroups?
With couples increasingly settling for single child families, a child’s initiation into socializing and making friends has become more difficult. Playgroups are a boon that way, since they help make your preschooler gregarious and open out to other children of her own age group. Read on to know the benefits of playgroups and what you need to know before deciding to send your child to one.
A few decades ago, the concept of playgroup was unheard of. That is because there wasn’t really a need for them, with every home having at least a couple of children and a lot of children in the neighborhood, who would play together, and run freely in and out of each other’s homes and on the streets. Making friends, socializing, sharing and teamwork; therefore, came naturally to most of the children.
Today, however, the scene is different. Children hardly get to play with other children in their neighborhood, thanks to the boxed apartment houses where one hardly gets to see their neighbors. In such a scenario, playgroups have become essential to help children mingle with kids of their own age.
Generally speaking, playgroups can be categorized into two main types –
1. Initiated and Run By Parents
This is quite prevalent in a lot of countries. Mommies of a locality get together to plan and organize play dates. Here children between a specific age group, accompanied by their mothers, can play together, while the mothers watch them from a distance over a cup of coffee and chat with other mothers.
2. Facilitated By A Preschool
This kind of set up is quite common in India, where a preschool also runs a playgroup, which is almost akin to the nursery, but there is no studying. The children are made to play with various items to improve their motor skills – both gross and fine. The school organizes a plethora of activities to keep the children engaged, while children learn to make friends along with doing fun activities together.
Whether you want to become a member of a parent-run playgroup or a preschool, there are a few things to consider so that your child’s first group play experience is a pleasant one.
Check Out the Scene
If you are enrolling your child in a parent-run playgroup, checkout other members of the group to see if your child and you will be comfortable in the group. Some children tend to be too aggressive while some are shy. Some mothers have different preferences and parenting ideas than the others. It is as important for you to gel well with other mommies in the group, as your child with other children. Also consider the activities the children do together, whether there is any intervention or facilitation of activities for the children. Preschools offer facilitated play times and exclusive staff to attend the children, whereas in mommy groups, unless the mommies are making an effort to organize the tots’ playtime, it could just be free play.
Rules and Standards
No kidding! Rules and standards are as important in a playgroup environment as in any other. It is important to set the expectations from the playgroup – what will be taught, or not taught, how will aggression and fighting between the kids be handled, whether the kid is required to be potty- trained (some playgroups insist that the child should come in diapers if not potty-trained; others insist otherwise, emphasizing their staff will take care of taking the child to the bathroom at regular intervals).
Safety and Hygiene
These are the most important aspects in any environment where the child is going to be given a free rein. Ensure that the play area is padded with good quality mats to break falls, the toys are made of good materials and do not have broken or sharp edges. Ensure that the bathrooms are clean and hygienic, and children are made to wash hands after playing or before eating. Ask the facilitators how they handle accidents or mishaps; whether they have first aid and how and when do they clean the premises.
Duration
Playgroups are typically meant for children aged between 1.5 and 3, ones that are not old enough to go to school yet. The duration of playgroups should be decided by keeping in mind the capacity of these children. Ideally, a playgroup session can last for up to two hours, with a snack break, free play time and quiet time included. Children of this age do not have the attention span of more than 15 minutes, so the playgroup should include small activities with a lot of varieties in them.
Sending your child to a playgroup or not is a personal decision, one that you should take keeping in mind the social characteristics of your child. You may decide not to send your child if she already has a great group of siblings and pals at home, or you may decide to send her quite early, if she is too clingy to you and you want her to become independent. Whatever may be the case, do remember that the idea is only to get the kids interact with others like them and give them their first exposure to the outer world. Read more
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6 Amazing Parachute Games for Kids
Parachute games are a great way for children to learn as they encourage sharing and teache teamwork. Children also learn how to listen, follow instructions and communicate as they engage in the fun and recreational activities that parachute games supply. If you are wondering how to play parachute games with kids, you’ve come to the right place.
Fun Parachute Games for Children
Are you trying to find ways to entertain your kids at a picnic? Here are some fun parachute activities for kids :
1. Dinosaur Parachute
Kids who are interested in dinosaurs will love this one.
Things You Will Need
Parachute
How To Play
Let the children stand around the parachute and hold it at waist level.
Ask them to imitate the movements of different dinosaurs, for example, if imitating a pterodactyl, have them move the parachute up and down like wings.
What Your Child Will Learn
How to work together
How different dinosaurs move
2. Treasure Hunt
An interesting game that encourages kids to practice their skills.
Things You Will Need
Parachute
Balls
Ropes
Frisbees
How To Play
Place the balls, ropes and Frisbees under the parachute and ask the children to move it in a rhythmic wave.
On command one of the children will have to rush beneath the parachute and grab the item they are asked to and rush back out without being touched by the parachute.
If the parachute touches a player, they will need to put the item back.
What Child Will Learn
Practice their speed
Follow commands
Strategize
3. Swapping Colours
A colourful parachute is the best for this game.
Things You Will Need
Parachute
How To Play
Spread the parachute and have the children stand around it.
Ask the children to call out the name of the colour they are standing in front of.
Call out a colour, and then the children standing in front of the colour should run to the next segment of the parachute with the same colour.
What Child Will Learn
The basic colours
To follow instructions
4. What’s that Sound
This one will require a few props and some sharp ears.
What You Will Need
Triangle (instrument)
Bells
A Wooden block
Parachute
How To Play
Tell the children that each of the instruments will signal a different action.
When they hear the triangle, they must stand on one leg and hop twice, raising the parachute up and down.
When they hear the bells, they need to raise it above their heads and vigorously shake the parachute.
When the wooden block is tapped, they will need to lie down on their tummies, parachute in front of them.
What Child Will Learn
To remember instructions
How to follow instructions
How to pay attention
5. Tent
This one of the fun and exciting parachute games for preschoolers.
What You Will Need
Parachute
How To Play
Spread the parachute on the ground and ask the children to stand around it.
Ask them to pick up the parachute and hold it at waist level and then on the count of three, raise the parachute as high as they can, take three steps in front and bring the parachute down behind them.
Once inside you can sing rhymes and tell stories.
What Child Will Learn
Teamwork
Following instructions
Confidence
6. Jack in The Box
Have your toddlers join in on the parachute fun with this one.
What You Will Need
Parachute
How To Play
The toddlers have to sit under the parachute with adults holding the handle down to the ground.
Sing “Jack is quiet down in his box; until somebody opens the lid!”
After the song, the adults lift the parachute high, and the toddlers all cry “BOO!”
What Child Will Learn
How to pay attention
Concept of timing
Parachute games are great for outdoor events and have a way of breaking the ice even among older children. The more colourful the parachute, the more delighted the children are. It is amazing how a simple piece of equipment can bring out so much joy to the little ones. So, the next time you need a few activities for any kind of outdoor events, pick up a parachute and get planning.
Also Read: Fun Park Games for Kids Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert my new born baby boy weight @ birth time 2.475kg, after 7 weeks weight 2.90kg. weight gain very slow. Can u pls advise why weight gain is slow till my baby using breastfeeding milk right now.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. failure to thrive please. 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
1 hour ago
Q. why can't I add child details in my profile
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please add in your profile aftwr login and still is you find any difficulty then you should contact first cry customers service department.
Take care
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. right now I am 39 week pregnant but never feel any type of pain is it ok my due date is 5/5/24
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
30 mins ago
A. Hello mam, It's normal mam. don't worry a lot.Since your due date is near, eat healthy and sip your drinks. Keep yourself hydrated. Happy parenting and welcome new mom!!!
Indhumathy Ravikumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert my newborn baby girl breast is hard n feel like lump
Indhumathy Ravikumar
Mom of 2 children
29 mins ago
A. please give gentle massage on breast before bathing.. and then squeeze the curdled milk in it.. after that keep pumping the breast from time to time.. it will cure with in two weeks..
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
54 mins ago
Q. after c section when we start physical relation?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
44 mins ago
A. after 8 weeks or after proper healing of the wounds. 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
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
50 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
good morning Ma'am..
My son is 4 months old. He gets stomach pain/ gas everyday at any time.. He cries for long when he gets pain.. I am giving him Colic aid everyday from last one month.. Only after giving colic aid he stops crying... what should I do to avoid his pain and medicine??
Read moreRayan
Mom of 2 children
26 mins ago
A. Hello mam! If it is due to colic pain /gas, it is common in newborns. Make sure that you burp your baby after every feed. Don't feed just before your baby is to sleep. Make a routine like feed, play and sleep. Burp inbetween feedings. Colic pain will stop automatically at 5 or 6 months. So don't worry. Happy parenting!
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