Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
8 Must-Have Items for Potty Training
One baby, so many different milestones; and among them, one of the most dreaded - potty training! It sounds simple enough - you’re trying to train your child to use the toilet and grow out of his diapers. But what it also means is that you’re relinquishing any control you’ve had over your baby’s bladder and bowel movements, and that can be super scary. Especially when you know the trusty diaper can no longer be your backup plan! But mommies, you know that with the great powers of motherhood comes the greater responsibility of dealing with every challenge that can come your way. And potty training is no different!
8 Potty Training Essentials You Need
Rule Number 1 of potty training your child (and of course, motherhood in general) - be prepared! There are a few essential items you’ll need to stock up on before embarking on this mission. Keeping these handy is going to make your life (and your baby’s!) much easier - trust us on this one!
1. Potty Chair
This is the most common choice parents make when they begin potty training their babies. With its fun colours, designs, and characters, a cute potty chair can make the whole process a lot more fun for your little one, and cancel out the associated ‘challenge’ factor. Most potty chairs are usable from around 6 to 24 months of age. They’re also portable, which makes them great in times of a ‘can’t hold it in’ emergency!
2. Potty Seat
A potty seat is a great option if you want your little one to get used to the adult toilet and not be too intimidated by it in the first go. This seat can be attached to the toilet, (making it travel-friendly as well) and is usually cushioned to provide your baby comfort. They also have handles that can help your baby balance himself, and won’t tip over when he’s trying to get off. To make another case for potty seats, they help your child get accustomed to the adult toilet faster, and don’t require much of a transition period - plus, lesser clean-up duty is always a bonus! But this is applicable only if your baby is ready to get on a toilet without much of a fuss; if he isn’t, it’s always best to go through the chair-to-seat route.
3. Step Stool
Unless your toilet is quite near ground level, your baby won’t be able to get up on it if he’s using a potty seat. Solution? The step stool, of course! Not only does it make it easier for your kid to reach the toilet or washbasin, but it also grants him a certain level of independence, because he doesn’t have to depend on you to use the washroom. Look for an option that suits your toddler’s height and has a sturdy grip to prevent any unfortunate accidents.
4. Baby Wipes
Let’s be real - toilet training can take a while and there will be messy accidents aplenty. Your kid may not reach the potty in time to relieve himself and there’s a good chance that he (and different parts of your house) will require clean-up constantly. Enter baby wipes to your rescue! This handy little product is easily going to be your best friend during your baby’s potty training days. They’re gentle on your little one’s skin and make the clean-up process a whole lot easier, especially if you’re travelling and can’t stop at a restroom soon enough.
P.S - Getting scented disinfectant wipes for your floor and other surfaces is also a great idea to ensure that your house doesn’t reveal your potty training struggles!
5. Training Pants
Training pants are a great ‘in-between’ training tool for your baby while he’s potty training. They look and feel like underwear that can provide your child with a ‘big kid’ vibe he’ll love, but also has a protective layer that ensures no messes or dribbles get past you! The only issue here is that the diaper-like feel of the training pants can confuse your little one into thinking that it’s okay to pee and poop in them, which is why it’s advised to let babies go pants-free during the day while potty training. However, at night, you can definitely let your baby wear these pants, till he can transition to wearing regular underwear. Additionally, clothe your child in non-fussy pants that come with a stretchy waistband, so that he can pull them down without needing to fiddle with buttons and zips!
6. Mattress Protector
Your child’s mattress need not get messy during his potty training days, or nights, rather. A waterproof mattress protector can keep his bed dry and stain-free, and in most cases, doubles as a changing sheet too. Get yourself a machine-washable sheet to make your job easier.
7. Potty Time Activities
Yes, these are toys and books, but those restricted to potty time alone, such that your baby has something to look forward to. It could be stories about cartoon characters using the potty and little interactive toys that keep him occupied and make the whole process less daunting. And as tempting as it may seem to bribe your baby with some screen-time, it’s best to keep your smartphone away!
8. Tracking Chart & Rewards
We all work well with a bit of positive reinforcement, don’t we? Well, you’ll see the same applies to your baby during potty training. With cheers, praise, and encouragement, he’s bound to feel proud of himself and cooperate with you! Design a cute little tracking chart with actions like ‘I said I needed to go!’, ‘I washed my hands’, ‘I didn’t wet myself today’, and so on, and reward him with a star for every action he fulfils. For little ones who are too young to grasp the concept of a progress chart, little rewards like candy or inexpensive collectable toys can work well too.
Apart from these items, there is the one essential you really cannot miss out on, and that is having truckloads of patience! Remember, kids are all different and comparing your baby’s progress to that of his peers isn’t going to do anything but make you worry. Some babies may potty train in 3 days, some may take up to a year - but your words of encouragement and positive techniques sure can push things along. Now, grab on to these handy helpers ASAP and let the training begin! Read more
Suggested for you
Vitamin D Deficiency in Children
A healthy mind needs a healthy body. One of the common deficiencies in children is of Vitamin D. It is important to understand that growth starts from when the baby is in the womb. The mother-to-be should ensure she has balanced and nutritious meals, to ensure proper growth of the baby. Even after birth and throughout life adequate levels of Vitamin D is essential.
Deficiency of normal levels of Vitamin D in kids can lead to rickets, a disease that causes softening of bones and skeletal abnormalities. The condition is normally coupled with Calcium deficiency in the blood and can lead to deformity, severe heart problems and other painful conditions.
The deficiency in the baby can be avoided by the mother having a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet. Many questions arise as to what this deficiency causes, its symptoms, risks, treatment etc. Learning all about this deficiency is a key factor in helping prevent it. Here is how and why of Vitamin D deficiency in kids.
Why is Vitamin D important for Children?
Vitamin D for kids is vital for your child’s development and is available in nature in the form of early morning sunlight.
A deficiency of Vitamin D can lead to -
Rickets, also known as soft bones disease, leading to fractures and skeletal deformities
Unhealthy immune system, infections
Juvenile arthritis
Causes of Low Vitamin D in a Child
Causes of Vitamin D deficiency in kids are -
Poor intake of nutritious and balanced food
Lack of sunlight as the covered skin cannot synthesize Vitamin D
Wearing dark-coloured clothes
Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency in Kids
Common signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in kids are -
Muscle cramps, seizures and breathing difficulties
Delayed teething
Irritable and fussy children
Being prone to various respiratory infections
Difficult breathing due to rib cage softening
Poor growth and low weight
A weakening of heart muscles
Typical symptoms of rickets like a soft skull, bones of the legs looking curved, severe and repeated bouts of pain in the legs and muscles and general weakness.
Vitamin D Rich Foods
Food is the main source of minerals, vitamins, proteins etc. for a growing child. Hence a balanced diet with proper vitamins and minerals is very important to keep any health-risk away. An indicative list of Vitamin D rich foods is given below.
Oily fish like mackerel, cod etc.
Egg yolk
Soya milk
Infant formula milk
Cereals and millets
Dairy products like milk, butter, curd, yoghurt etc.
Fruit juices especially orange juice
Cod liver oil
Vitamin D Dosage for Children
Vitamin D deficiency can be mild or severe. Treatment and the dosage depend on whether such deficiency of normal Vitamin D levels in kids is mild or severe. A paediatrician should be consulted.
Recommended dosage as per age for Vitamin D:
An infant, up to 12 months of age, requires 10mcg of vitamin D on daily basis.
For kids older than 1 year, the dosage is 15mcg.
How is Vitamin D Deficiency Treated in Kids?
Treatment for Vitamin D deficiency in kids should be done as per the degree of severity of the deficiency and on the advice of a paediatrician.
Bare body exposure to the sun for a limited time is beneficial.
A healthy and balanced diet is a must.
Stoss therapy or high dose Vitamin D therapy is recommended when the deficiency is severe.
The treatment can be oral or intra-muscular.
Injections of Vitamin D may be administered to fussy children who do not take oral medicines.
The effects generally last for about 6 months
It may be recommended to take calcium and phosphorous supplements or multivitamins to help build stronger bones.
During further studies on a batch of 500 critically ill children, deficiency in the Vitamin D, was more likely to cause the child to be sicker and have longer hospital stays. Based on their research, The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that children over the age of 1 get 600 international units (IU) of the vitamin daily.
How Can You Prevent Your Child from Getting Deficiency of Vitamin D?
Prevention is always better than cure. Learning how to prevent such deficiencies in kids is essential. Here is how we can do this and give the child a healthy future.
Allow your child to play in the sun daily, unprotected and bare bodied, for a little while.
Vitamin D deficiency, especially in breast-fed infants, can be prevented by the mother having a balanced Vitamin D dosage during pregnancy and lactation.
If the deficiency is present the paediatrician will advice Vitamin D supplements for kids from the first day of life itself.
Ensure you prepare food rich in multivitamins as the child grows.
You can provide Vitamin D supplements to growing children on a daily basis.
When in doubt, speak to your paediatrician and get your child tested for any Vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and the overall development of your child. It is important that you consult your doctor if you notice any signs of Vitamin D deficiency in your child and get timely remedies.
Also Read: Calcium-Rich Foods for Kids Read more
Suggested for you
8 Houseplants Every Home Must Have
Ever wondered how to purify the air inside your house? Well, you can let nature do the trick. Take your pick from among some of the best plants for improving indoor air quality - yes, there's more than just aloe vera!
Are you bothered that indoor pollution is harming your little ones? While you definitely can't do much about pollution coming in from outside, you can ensure that when your children are home, they breathe in only fresh air. Many scientists now vouch for indoor plants to keep air clean and fresh. Getting some houseplants will not only clear the air in your house but also add to your decor. There's nothing like nature to liven things up!
Pick a local or exotic variety or better still, ask the kids for a little green input! We give you 8 winners when it comes to plants for a happy home.
8 Best Plants for Indoor Air Quality
1. Spider plant
As spooky as it sounds, the spider plant is a beautiful addition to your home and will clean the air of toxins from household cleaners, xylene and carbon monoxide. These toxins can damage your skin and cause a spate of health problems. Your solution can be the spider plant, said to be one of the best indoor plants that purify air. And yes, it’s also safe for your pets despite sounding so spidery!
2. Snake plant
If you're looking to clear air of chemicals like formaldehyde, which is an unavoidable constituent of personal care and cleaning products, snake plant is your best bet. Also known as mother-in-law's tongue (what an apt name, did we hear you say?), the snake plant can give room fresheners a run for their money.
3. Rubber plant
The best thing about the rubber plant is that it produces a lot of oxygen. Not only does this cleanse indoor air of toxins but also keeps you feeling fresh and energised due to the increased oxygen level. This indoor decorative plant is a cool idea to lend natural freshness to your living room or even bedroom.
4. Golden pothos
The golden pothos, also called devil’s ivy, doesn’t require much sunlight to grow, which is why you can place it just about anywhere you like. This quick-growing indoor plant filters air and also helps remove chemicals produced by vehicle exhaust. Say goodbye to pollution the moment you step in from the road!
5. Peace lily
Are you looking for indoor plants that are also really decorative? Go for the beautiful peace lily that looks stunning and also flushes out poisonous gases. Some studies have shown that the plant has the ability to clear air of toxins like benzene, xylene, toluene and trichloroethylene, which are all extremely harmful and present in several household cleaning products.
6. English ivy
Have you just welcomed a new baby or a new pet into the family? You are probably getting worked up about germs that can be transported through faeces. One way to deal with this is to get English ivy, a beautiful indoor plant that cleans air of faecal germs. Easy peasy!
7. Weeping fig
If the name makes you sad, it will help to know that the weeping fig purifies air of annoying germs like magic. Carpets and upholstery are big carriers of germs and chemical byproducts. This is where this indoor plant with its pretty cascading leaves can come to your rescue. Put it up where you can see it clearly and also watch your space brighten in a blink.
8. Bamboo Palm
If you have a room that receives a lot of sunlight, these plants are going to love you! In return, they will your indoor air of harmful pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde. What's more, they grow up to be nice and tall, really lifting the ambience of your house!
Time and again, interior decorators recommend placing plants inside homes to inject a dash of nature into the decor. You can place them in empty corners, on tabletops and in hanging pots. Why not get pretty metal planters, earthen containers and antique-looking pots to really let the plants stand out? Your home will get so much more charming and you'll be breathing fresh! Read more
Suggested for you
Your Baby This Week : 14 Month Week 4 Old
” Do you notice your child hit or push other kids? Dont worry too much. When your child pulls another childs hair or hits her, he is probably only fascinated by the response it evokes or is simply imitating someone elses behaviour. The best way to tackle this is to redirect your childs attention and firmly say no. This might take a few tries, but be patient, your child will grow out of this phase too. “
Read more
Suggested for you
Rollercoaster Journey of 10 months - Tough and Enjoyable New Experiences
I am writing my first blog, don’t know whether it is informative for parenting community or not, but I believe this is the platform where I can share my most cherishable experiences.
I live and work in Noida. I'm a father of a 10-month-old cute baby boy Darshik and I love to call him Darshu. On 1st Aug 2018 morning, first-time Darshu touched my hands! This was the best feeling I ever had so far, it is something that I never ever coded in words because some emotions are always unexplained. So, from here our journey starts!! First 3 weeks we hardly slept, our days started and ended with milk, potty, and diapers. Our life got changed from morning walks to mid-time and night walks which sometimes lasted till early morning. Uff!!! That was a tough time.
After that, Darshu started growing really fast and time ran like Usain Bolt. Days and nights passed and we both were now little ‘pro’ in babysitting and care. I worked like a machine! Days started at 6.00 am and ended at around 4.30 am – in between office, household, diaper, potty!! But on the other side of the coin, Darshu’s mommy played the most important inning, she is a super mom. I took breaks sometimes, but she didn’t, 24*7 with Darshu which gave her countless sleepless nights, skipped meals, forgot self-care, her contribution will always be priceless!
Days and months passed, our little man grew up and become naughty, achieving his milestones and we are blessed to witness all the happiness that God gave us in the most adorable, lovely, prettiest, cutest small bundle of joy Darshu. So far, this journey is a rollercoaster for us and we enjoyed each and every moment a lot and we thanks to god for this. Now, Our little boy stands, crawling, saying Maa, Paa, Bua, Baba, loves to go to the park, market and enjoys car trips. Always likes our food and hates his own food. He has hundreds of toys but his most favourite ones are mobiles, TV and AC remotes, utensils. Our home setting gets changed, many showpieces and small souvenirs are locked in drawers and room plants now enjoy balcony weather. In the past 10 months, we missed many movies, web series, sports but we enjoyed our little ones - smiles, crawling, kisses, hugs, which are lifetime memories for us.
This is not the end to the story it’s a beginning and will continue…. Till then take care!
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. Read more
Suggested for you
Ellie the Elephant
Let's have some fun with clay! This elephant is super-simple to make and can inspire your child to keep modelling with clay all day.
Who doesn't love a play mate, especially if you get to create her yourself! Activities that involve clay have always been a favourite amongst kids and creating animals are like creating new friends. So, here's presenting Ellie, the elephant that you and your kid can create together on a lazy afternoon.
You Will Need:
Coloured clay
A fun mum and an enthusiastic kid!
Step-by-step Instructions
Choose a particular colour clay that you will be using to create Ellie's body.
2. Now, take a small piece of this clay and have your child roll a ball out of it. The larger the ball, the bigger Ellie will be.
3. Repeat the process with to create medium sized balls for ears and two slightly smaller ones for the eyes. You can also use googly eyes instead.
4. Once you have all the pieces ready, assemble them together by placing these pieces in the order of the body parts.
5. Once, the baseline of the elephant's body is created, it's time to create the legs. For this, roll a long snake-shape from the same colour (or a different colour).
6. With the same clay, cut out a long trunk for the elephant.
7. Stick these pieces on as in the image.
8. Roll up another piece of clay and thin it from one end to create a point. This will attach as Ellie's tail.
9. Let Ellie rest for a bit before you are ready to play with her!
Messiness Score
1
Level Of Difficulty
Easy
Parental Involvement
Low
Skills Enhanced
Playing with clay is definitely fun but has various other developmental benefits for your child. Apart from enhacing their creativity, this activity will also improve your child's fine motor skills as they squeeze and roll clay pieces. Besides, it's always fun creating something from scratch!
You Will Observe Your Child ...
Trying to get innovative with shapes.
It Will Be Fun Because...
With clay modelling, the possibilities are endless! Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. anytime after full term 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. my last period date Dec 26 pregnancy test date January 31 check panen apom 37 days ipom enaku evlo weeks and days what ?..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. I don’t understand your language can you please post your question once again in English or Hindi whatever language you are more comfortable with because anybody on this only we can give you response on that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. 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
7 hours ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
5 hours ago
Q. hi Doc,
eating raw mango, chapathi or any heat producing foods cause miscarriage during first trimester?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. no relation ok c. 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 Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
4 hours ago
Q. Hi Doc,
I'm getting cramps on my right side of lower stomach. is this normal or do I have to visit doc?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. without examination it is difficult to tell proper treatment as well as advice so you should visit the doctor5 for health assessment as well as examination.
whether any investigations is required or not will be told by the doctor5
Check out this new Memory
komal saraswat ojha
Mom of a 1 m old boy
New Milestone
My elder sister ❤️
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Lohitha chowdary
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old girl
3 mins ago
#clicktowin
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
komal saraswat ojha
Mom of a 1 m old boy
3 mins ago
First picture with mumma
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Anithasathish A Anithasathish
Mom of a 2 yr 6 m old girl
6 mins ago
#thephoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Shubham Srivastava
Guardian of a 1 m old boy
6 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive