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Top 11 Language Development Activities for Toddlers
Communication is a crucial aspect of cognitive development in children. Language development is essential to enable learning. If your child can speak and understand well, his learning and reading will also improve. If you find that your toddler has trouble with his language or hasn’t started to efficiently speak even after a certain age, you can engage him in a few fun activities that will help him develop his language skills.
11 Activities for Language Development in Toddlers
The following communication and language activities for toddlers can help your child learn and model his language skills.
1. Play the Telephone Game
A toy telephone can be an active part of your little one's playtime. Get a pair of toy telephones and pretend that you are dialling his number to call him. Encourage him to pick up the phone and answer. Teach him how to say 'hello' when he answers the phone. Doing this activity regularly can help your child develop good phone etiquette and improve his speaking skills.
2. Sing With Him
Singing lyrics of rhymes and songs can help your toddler improve his language while having fun. You may also introduce new words and teach him nouns and verbs using a song.
3. Play 'Name the Thing'
Point to various objects in your house and ask your toddler to name them. You can help him with the names until he begins to say them on his own. This is an easy way to build and improve his vocabulary. This game can be played anywhere - your house, in the park, or even in the supermarket.
4. Speak in Complete Sentences
Ask your toddler simple questions and encourage him to speak in complete sentences. This will give him a good idea of how sentence construction works and help him construct strong, coherent sentences. Ask your child simple things like, "do you want an orange?" and teach him to respond in a full sentence. This practice will act as a strong foundation for the future, as he will be able to articulate his thoughts better.
5. Read Him Books
Reading to your toddler every night is a great way to introduce him to different words. Read him a simple book with pictures and ask him questions related to the story. You can also try pointing at images in the book and ask him to identify them. This can help improve his vocabulary and teach him to give accurate responses to the questions asked.
6. Join the Dots
Draw a dotted outline of the different letters of the alphabet. Now, ask your toddler to join these dots and identify the letter. This will enhance his motor skills and teach him to write better. You can also give him crayons or colour pencils to make the activity exciting for him.
7. Give Him Toys and Puppets
Give your toddler toys or puppets and encourage him to have conversations with them. Kids are creative and imaginative - once you show them the way, they will take over. You can also use puppets to have simple conversations with your child. Put on a puppet show to make playtime more enjoyable.
8. Match the Alphabet
Draw the letters of the alphabet on cardboard and hand it to your child. Next, give him pictures of objects and ask him to identify them. Then, ask him to match the picture with the starting letter of the object. This way, he will use phonetics to match the letters to the object, thus building his ability to spell correctly.
9. Set an Obstacle Course
If your toddler is over two years of age, you can create a simple obstacle course around the house. Give your child one instruction at a time so that he doesn't get confused. Give him some time to complete the activity. You can also write out instructions on paper and place them around the house.
For example, if you want him to sit in a box, place a chit on the box that says, "sit inside the box." You can then instruct him further and wait for him to follow through. Once he is in tune with the activity, you can try giving him more than just one instruction at a time and challenge him to complete it within a period of time.
10. Have Intelligent Conversations With Him
Even though your child may not be able to immediately respond to you, he will be listening keenly. Ask him for his opinions, thoughts, likes, and dislikes. Listen to him when he responds, and repeat what he said using coherent, grammatically correct sentences. This can help him express himself better and improve his articulation.
11. Stress on the Details
Whenever you are having a conversation with your child, encourage him to speak to you in vivid detail. Point out an object on the street (say, a car) and ask him what it is. When he says 'car', add more details to it ("It's a car. A blue and black, long car."). This will build your child's vocabulary and develop his observation skills.
Your child will mimic you and learn from you, so it is important that you practice good grammar and speak as clearly as possible to help him pick up on words. Introduce new words to him on a regular basis and explain what they mean. Language development can help your toddler prepare for a successful future as he will be able to communicate better and express himself in a clear manner.
In case you notice delayed speech and poor language skills after the age of three despite having performed these activities, consult your doctor to check for any underlying causes of hearing impairment or any other disability.
Resources and References: Parents
Also Read: Best Toys for Your 6-9-Month-Old Baby Read more
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Typhoid in Babies – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
For the first few years, your baby’s immune system is still in the process of development. This makes your little one more susceptible to viral and bacterial infection. It is imperative to decrease your child’s exposure to disease-causing microorganisms in this period. Maintaining proper sanitary and hygiene conditions protects your baby from infections.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection which can be life-threatening for babies. Read on to find out more about typhoid in babies, its symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention.
Video: Typhoid in Babies – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
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What is Typhoid?
Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) is a type of bacteria from the family Salmonella (causes food poisoning), which causes typhoid fever. The bacteria lives in humans and is shed through a person’s urine or faeces. When the bacteria enters the body, it multiplies quickly and spreads into the body’s bloodstream. Typhoid fever in children can be caused due to negligent care and exposure to infected water and food. The symptoms seen are mild to severe and can disappear within 5 days after the treatment has begun. After recovery, your child could become a carrier of the bacteria, which means he can pass the disease to other people.
Causes of Typhoid in Babies
The Salmonella Typhi bacteria attacks the central circulatory system and starts to multiply. Typhoid is an extremely infectious disease, which spreads fast and can be caused by these major reasons:
Food and water: Like cholera, typhoid is mainly transmitted through water and food. Babies contract the disease by consuming contaminated food or water.
Carrier: Babies may become infected when a carrier or infected person touches them without washing their hands.
Food preparation: Unhygienic meals or improper storage also leads to typhoid in babies.
Stools: The typhoid bacteria is passed in the stools of the infected person and not washing hands after going to the toilet can lead to an infection.
While typhoid is common in children between the ages of two and five, toddlers and babies can also easily contract it. The symptoms seen in toddlers and babies can easily be confused with other illnesses. It is uncommon for solely breastfed babies to get infected as they gain immunity through their mother’s milk and are protected against contaminated food as they don’t consume it.
What Symptoms of Typhoid are Seen in Babies?
The symptoms of typhoid in babies develop within a week or two after your baby comes into contact with the contaminated drink or food. These symptoms can last for up to 4 weeks or longer. Typhoid signs in children or babies include:
Persisting low-grade fever of 100.4 degrees F, which increases over time and that lasts for over three days
In some babies, the fever has a pattern of climbing higher as the day passes, and eventually dropping by the morning.
Abdominal and/or stomach pain. Sometimes this leads to body pain
The baby feels uneasy, weak, tired and inactive
Coated tongue
Severe headache
Diarrhoea or constipation
Rose-coloured spots on chest after week 1, which maybe difficult to see initially
Loss of appetite
Loss in baby’s weight
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, on the basis of factors that include health, age and vaccination history.
How to Diagnose Typhoid?
Typhoid can be quite difficult to diagnose. The paediatrician will check for a slow heartbeat and a swollen spleen and liver is he/she suspects typhoid. It is likely that your baby’s blood will be tested and a stool sample will be sent to the lab. On arrival of these results, the doctor can confirm if your little one has typhoid.
Although there is a test called the Typhi-dot test, it isn’t used commonly. Instead, blood culture is used to diagnose the ailment. The results will take a while to arrive, which is why the paediatrician will also check the physical signs to rule out other infections such as dysentery, malaria or pneumonia.
While the blood and stool test results are awaited, it is likely that the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for your baby. Delaying medication or treatment strategies will increase the risk of developing complications.
When to Seek Immediate Care?
If your baby is showing signs of high fever, uneasiness, persistent vomiting and diarrhoea, you must take her/him to the doctor. Even if the symptoms are mild, it is advisable see a doctor to nip any infection in the bud.
Complications of Typhoid in Babies
If typhoid fever isn’t treated immediately, it can lead to several complications, especially if your child has been ill for over two weeks. When neglected for this long, the illness can also be fatal. Complications of typhoid in infants include:
Bleeding in the intestines and stomach
Shock and confusion
Blood poisoning
Bronchitis
Meningitis
Coma
Pneumonia
Infections in the kidney or gall bladder
Cholecystitis or gall bladder inflammation
Inflammation of the pancreas
Myocarditis or the inflammation of heart muscles
Delirium
Inflammation of the valves and lining in the heart
Treating Typhoid in Infants
Once the doctor has confirmed the infection of the Salmonella Typhi bacteria in your baby, a list of antibiotics will be prescribed to kill thisbacteria. Treatment of typhoid fever in children will include administering these medicines for up to two weeks, or the duration it is prescribed for. It is advisable to not buy these antibiotics over the counter and self-medicate. The doctor’s prescription will ensure that your baby or toddler gets the right type of medication and the correct dosage based on the age and weight.
If your little one is severely ill and cannot eat or drink, the doctor will get him/her admitted in the hospital. Fluids, antibiotics, and nutrients will be given to your baby through a drip in the arm. However, most of the babies and toddlers can be taken care of at home during their recovery phase. It is essential to ensure that your little one is given the full course of antibiotics. While at home, your baby can recover faster if you follow these tips:
Food and fluids: The typhoid fever will leave your baby devoid of essential fluids lost during sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. So, ensure enough water is provided to the baby. The paediatrician might also suggest ORS or oral rehydration solution to replace the fluids your little one has lost. Although the baby might suffer a loss of appetite, it is essential that he/she gets regular nutrition to retain energy levels in order to recover. If your baby is still being breastfed, offer breast milk frequently, or let the baby nurse for as long as possible. For toddlers, meals must be broken down into smaller portions and distributed throughout the day.
Rest: Your baby needs a lot of rest while recovering from the fever until the symptoms have completely passed. This helps the body become strong faster.
Refreshing wash: If you don’t wish to bathe your baby every day during the illness, you must try to give a refreshing wash at least once a day. A sponge bath is also a preferred cleaning technique for your baby. Change clothing every day so your baby feels refreshed and clean.
Are There any Preventive Measures?
The Government of Indian along with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics has recommended a vaccine for the prevention of typhoid. It is administered to your baby between the ages of 9-12 months. Two booster injections are given in a span of two years, between 4 and 6 years. Although the vaccine is an important preventive measure, there are few other steps that help as well.
Clean water: Ensure that your family and baby always drink and use clean water. Contaminated and unclean water is the key to most illnesses. Boil the water or filter it before consuming.
Proper nutrition: There is no evidence that typhoid is transmitted through breast milk. Therefore, continue to breastfeed your baby. If your little one is older, provide varied, healthy meals that include proteins, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables with every meal. Avoid street vendors and food from outside.
Hygiene: Your entire family must practice good hygiene and wash hands thoroughly with water and soap before eating, cooking, feeding the baby, after using the toilet, after touching pets, and after changing the baby’s nappy. Bathe the baby daily to keep the germs away. Keep the kitchen and surfaces clean and tidy and throw away expired food products.
What are the Typhoid Vaccines?
Typhoid is quite a common illness in India, Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea. If you are traveling to these countries or live in them, your baby could be at a greater risk of contracting this disease. The right type of vaccination will protect your baby from being infected with the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. Two types of typhoid vaccine for children are available:
Injection: This type of vaccine is injected into the arms of children up to two years of age.
Oral: Vivotif oral or other oral vaccines are given to children who are six years or older.
The vaccines offer protection to the child for up to three years. Ensure that your child is vaccinated during the initial years of development to avoid an infection.
Conclusion:
If typhoid is diagnosed at the right time, your baby has a greater chance of recovery. When delayed, typhoid can lead to fatality. Ensure preventive measures are taken to keep the disease at bay so your little one can have a healthy childhood. Read more
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How to Keep Your Bathroom Safe for Your Child
For children, bathrooms are meant to be fun places to enjoy a bath. Unfortunately, it has been estimated that 90 children die every year due to bathroom hazards like drowning in the bathtub- just 3 inches extra of water is enough to submerge a child. Parents sometimes are busy doing other chores or just fail to notice before it's too late. Therefore, let's talk about the bathroom safety of your child.
Bathroom Safety Tips for Your Child's Protection
The following safety tips and precautions can keep your child protected in the bathroom:
1. Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Bathtub
The running water can make the tub overflow, thus seriously harming your child. Instead of letting your attention drift away, make sure you never leave your child alone in the bathroom, especially if he knows how to work the faucets.
2. Install Scald-Guards In Faucets
Death by scalding is another possibility besides drowning. To make sure the water temperature isn't too high, don't crank the geyser beyond 120 degree F. Additionally, install scald-guards in faucets since these monitor the temperature of the water and let you know if it's too hot for your child.
3. Say Yes to Showers
If you're unsure that your child is ready for the bathtub yet, try showering instead. There's no drowning, everybody gets cleaned up, and it's a win-win for both.
4. Drain Out Excess Water
You might have mastered the art of bathing your kids in the bathtub, but the floor isn't as friendly once you're done bathing your child, especially if he enjoys splashing around. Puddles of water on the floor lead to slips, falls and unexpected accidents. Make sure to mop out any remaining water and dry the floor before he gets out of the tub.
5. Use A Baby Gate
Children like to do things when adults aren't watching, like going to the bathroom to do some splashing. Installing baby gates near toilet doors as bathroom safety are thus good for your child. That way, he can't enter, which means less worrying for you.
6. Use Cushioned Covers on Faucets
Steel water faucets are dangerous as they have sharp edges. There's also a risk of your baby bumping and hitting his head on hard surfaces. Cushioned covers absorb the shock and minimise injury in the bathtub.
7. Seal the Toilet Lids Shut
Babies and toddlers may slip and fall through the toilet lid while prancing around. Use a toilet lid lock or device to seal it during times you leave your child unattended.
8. Invest in High-Rise Shelves and Cabinets
Your shampoos and razor blades are like treasure hunting moments for your child. Looking at the beautiful pictures and sleek designs, he may be tempted to give those a try, or drink your cleaning products out of curiosity. You don't want that, and the best way to prevent it is by keeping them tucked away from his reach on high wall shelves and cabinets.
9. Unplug the Electronics
Most of us have curling irons and blow dryers in our bathrooms. When you leave them plugged in and turn away for a moment, your child falls at risk of being severely injured by them. The solution is to unplug and turn off these devices whenever you're with your child in the bathroom.
10. Pay Attention at All Times
Prevention is better than cure, and the best way to pay heed to this is by constantly keeping a watch. Make sure there are no choking hazards in the bathtub, and teach your child against gulping soapy water when bathing.
Additional Bath Time Safety Tips for Infants and Kids
For your child's benefit, here are some additional bath time safety tips:
Keep cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, and medicines out of reach. Install safety locks in cabinets as extra measures.
Ask an electrician to set up ground-fault circuit interrupters for shutting down electrical appliances in an instant when they fall into the bathtub, in order to prevent injuries.
Don't keep the water level beyond 2 to 3 inches for babies and young toddlers in the tub.
Use a kitchen sink to bathe your infant instead of a bathtub for additional safety.
Hold your baby and provide physical support while bathing to prevent slips/falls.
Baby proof the floor and cabinets, always.
Do not ever leave your baby alone in the bathroom.
Set up the bathroom doors in a way they can be unlocked from outside in case your child locks himself in.
How to Prevent Your Child from Drowning in the Bathtub?
Never leave your child beyond your arm's reach before, during, and after bathing as a rule of thumb. Also, never leave them alone while bathing.
Following these suggestion will help keep your child safe. As a parent, remember to watch him like a hawk during bath times since anything could go wrong in an instant.
Also Read: Safety Rules at School for Young Kids Read more
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Eat Your Way to a Steamy Sex Life
There's nothing like a good roll in the bed with your sexy hubby. However, in your crazily busy existence, sex drive may dwindle due to hormonal changes, medication and stress. Check out some of these sex enhancing foods for women and you can say goodbye to worrying about your libido!
While love and trust are the foundations of a successful marriage, physical intimacy is what keeps things passionate. Precisely why an unexciting sex life makes you morose and sulky. Fret not; the solution lies in your kitchen! No kidding but there indeed are foods that increase female libido and work wonders for your sex life. Some of these foods, if included in your daily diet, will turn your bedroom steamier than ever before.
5 Foods that Increase Libido in Women
1. Salmon and Other Fatty Fishes
One of the best libido boosting food for women, these fishes contain omega 3 - a fatty acid which helps in improving blood circulation. This in turn enhances the flow of blood to your sexual organs and puts you in the mood. Omega 3 also hikes dopamine - the feel-good hormone responsible for making you happy and fuzzy during lovemaking.
2. Celery
Celery is quite a favourite among women because it is fibre rich and low on calories. But there's more. Good old celery is also counted as food that increases sexual desire in women. It is rich in androsterone, adrostenal and other male hormones that can sexually arouse you! Aren't you more in love with celery now that you know it's secret prowess?
3. Strawberries
These delicious fruits are aphrodisiacal and one of the best foods for sex. Rich in fibre, vitamin C, folic acid, and potassium, they stop your body from retaining fluid, which is otherwise one of the key reasons for low sex drive. Now you know why peppering with strawberries is often an allusion to sex!
4. Avocado, Nuts, and Seeds
Replace your mayonnaise, cheese, and butter with avocado pulp which is not just healthy and delicious but also a libido boosting food for women. Nuts and seeds reduce vaginal dryness which causes pain during intercourse and reduces the urge for sex in women. Awesome reasons for a healthier dinner plate!
5. Eggs
Time and again, health experts have vouched for the goodness of eggs and recommended that you include them in your daily diet. If you need more reason to adore eggs, this will help you: they are a great food for good sex life! The vitamin B6 in eggs regulates the hormones in your body and increases your sexual appetite.
Pack in these 5 foods with the usual aphrodisiacs - chocolates, blueberries, watermelon and oatmeal - and you have a treasury of foods that increase female libido. You'll end up both pleasing your body and enthralling your husband simply by munching on delicious food. Read more
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How to Raise a Child in this Consumerist Generation
Today’s child gets everything very easily- right from sophisticated play stations to melting pizzas, he knows anything can be bought with the swipe of a card. Such an easy, consumerist life is fraught with its own pitfalls. A child becomes lazy, selfish and self-centered. Read this article to know, how you can inculcate the right values in your child.
Consumerism is the opposite of philanthropy or charity. In a consumerist society, people equate happiness with acquisition and hoarding of material possessions. Finer values like sharing, giving and simplicity are shoved into the background and people compete with each other to own more and more of mostly everything. To raise a child in such a culture is quite a challenge, but not an impossible dream.
Ways to Inculcate Good Values in Children
1. Teach your child about spending time in wholesome ways
Teach your child that inner happiness does not come from acquiring a certain toy, video game or car. It comes from being compassionate and kind. Encourage your child to spend time with old, needy people in your community. Enrich his life with experiences. Take him to an orphanage to donate old clothes. Spend a day in the company of less fortunate children. Ask him if he would like to make a donation from his pocket money. Ignite the compassionate streak in him.
2. Make an early beginning
Teach your child about the joys of giving and sharing. Encourage him to divide his earnings between spending, investing and charity in whatever proportion he deems fit. Educate him about the NGOs which might find his small donation useful.
3. Tell your child about the harsh realities of life
This requires a lot of tact and sensitivity on the part of a parent. Tell your child that there are some children out there on streets who cannot even afford one square meal a day and have no roof over their heads. Also, tell your child that orphanages and libraries are run by good souls who find joy and happiness in such sharing.
4. Appeal to his Rational, Creative Self
Many parents like to believe that their children are spoiled little creatures who do not see a reason. But the fact is children appreciate logic when used gently and with a smile.
If your child is demanding that you buy her a certain expensive toy, ask him in a friendly tone whether he really needs it.
Remind him of all the toys in his closet space which lie untouched.
Tell him that the money can be spent in better ways like buying a meal or clothes for a hungry child.
Always appreciate your child when he goes beyond the call of his age and does something kind and compassionate.
5. Set an Example
Online shopping portals, more disposable income and the saturating advertisements are all responsible for the thriving of a consumerist culture. In such a scenario, as a parent you need to set an example and step back from mindless purchasing and splurging. To initiate, you can involve yourself in a noble cause like rescuing stray animals, planting trees or even making your community a cleaner, healthier space to live in.
Finally, remember no journey is an easy one. When choosing the path of philanthropy and charity, learn to appreciate your child’s point of view although it might not always agree with yours. Make a connection with your child as you teach her about the deeper aspects of living away from the glitter of a consumerist society. Read more
Nm Anish Ali Hamja has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 yr 2 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. is there any tablet to prepone periods
Nm Anish Ali Hamja
Father of a 3 yr 1 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. No
Sagara S has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 6 months
4 hours ago
Q. from which month or week to take calcium and iron tablets during pregnancy
Sagara S
Mom of a 1 yr 2 m old boy
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A. 3 Rd month
PiaPiousPM has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
4 hours ago
Q. after 7 missing of periods I got faint line first then I have tested USG and TVs it was 7 days after I missed my periods there was negetive results then doctor gave me a medicine which called macgest sr 200 then after 15 days of missing my periods I got this result am I pregnant because I do not have nasuea but have tender brest only this is the last test photo and 2 image was the 7 days of missing my periods
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Mom of a 3 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Yes you are.. Get it confirmed with an ultrasound for viability
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. I am 28 weeks pregnant and layed on my stomach for few seconds. is it worrisome?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. If it was just a few seconds and it is not going to make a difference yet if you want to be more sure about it if it is more for you then you can get an ultrasound done with your doctor but as far as I know few seconds are not going to make any difference but still you can check with the doctor
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. which soap is better tedibar or sebamed?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. no problem u can use anyone. 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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Trying To Conceive
26 mins ago
Q. Hi, are matte sunscreens suitable for oily skin? I am a new mother and I have to join office after my maternity leave, please suggest me a good one.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 mins ago
A. Cetaphil SPF 50 sunscreen lotion is going to be a very good choice for you to use for your skin it’s one of the best things that you can currently use and I’m very certain it is going to be good for your skin options also otherwise if you want you can try consulting a dermatologist for that
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