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Best Games to Play with Babies (0 to 12 Months Old)
Your baby’s life during the first twelve months will be marked by many developmental milestones, such as vocalisation, mobility, social awareness and so on. Babies naturally develop into well-adjusted adults as long as the basic needs such as nutrition, rest, and emotional bonding are met. You can further encourage your baby’s development by stimulating him both mentally and physically, which can help him explore and understand his environment.
Research has shown that the key components in this process are parents who take the time to interact with them in different ways. There are several fun activities described in this article which can help them in their development.
How to Play with Babies?
The first year is going to be difficult, with the rearranged sleeping schedules, fussiness, crying, constant attention and so on. As a newborn grows older, they become more aware of their own body in the context of their surroundings. One of the most common ways babies explore their new environment is their mouths. They tend to put everything in their mouth. Fingers and hands are also developing during this period, allowing them to grab, pinch, hold and lift objects as they grow. There are various games you can play with your child that help him experience the world, involving visual components, social bonding, hand-eye coordination, motor skills and memory.
Games to Play With Infants Under One Year
Babies younger than one year have rather short attention spans. Combined with their age, personality and disposition, it can become difficult to keep them focused on a single thing. This is why it helps to repetitively play the same game over and over, so it becomes firmly entrenched in their minds. If your baby is enjoying the activity, he will be smiling or laughing. However, if he looks disinterested or squirmy, change the game.
Birth to 3 Months
Newborns seem like they are unaware of most things around them. So you might think it’s difficult or impossible to engage them. However, even very young babies have working senses, which can even be stimulated and sharpened.
1. Locating Objects
Tracking or finding objects can help with visual development. You can use a brightly coloured item in this activity. When your baby is on his back, keep the object right in front of his face. Then, slowly move it from left to right until your baby begins to follow it with his eyes.
2. Song and Dance
You can introduce him to music and movement. Play a relaxing song with a beat, firmly hold your baby and dance around the room slowly in time to the song.
3. Identifying Reflections
Hold your baby in front of a mirror and point at his reflection. You can ask him “Who is that?”, And repeat the activity for other reflections, such as yours, his sibling, or a toy.
4 to 6 Months
Babies of this age tend to be more physical, they will start rolling over, sitting up, holding objects in their hands and mouths. You can introduce more physical games now.
1. Bubble Distraction
Playing with bubbles is quite fun, and can be an interesting way to distract your child if they are fussy or cranky. You can blow bubbles anywhere, at the park, during bath time or even when putting your baby to sleep.
2. Flight Simulation
Since your baby can now support his head, you can lift him up in your arms and carry him around as if he is flying.
3. Introduction to Scents
Let your baby get a whiff of the various smells around the house. This activity can distract him as well as teach him how to associate odours with actions. For instance, you can employ mild spices like cinnamon, cloves, cumin as well as lotions, creams, soaps and so on.
7 to 9 Months
Your baby should be now able to grasp objects and transfer them from one hand to another. He might even begin crawling around.
1. Obstacle Courses
You can use large but soft objects like pillows and quilts in his crawl paths so he can learn how to manoeuvre around them. This is excellent to improve motor skills.
2. Sensory Stimulation
Babies are pretty noisy, especially when they take objects and bang them around on the floor or tabletops. This is not because they want to annoy you; they are curious about the sounds being produced. Give them items like spoons and bells which make interesting sounds. You can also give them embroidered cloth or other complex but delicate surfaces to hone their tactile skills on.
3. Hide and Seek
Hide and seek, or peek-a-boo, is a great game to help your baby understand the concept of object permanence, that is even if an item moves out of the line of vision, it still exists somewhere. You can hide behind a door or curtain and let your baby find you. You can also cover your face with a cloth and reveal yourself when your baby starts calling for you.
10 to 12 Months
At this age, your baby should be learning how to stand, pull himself up, climb and so on. Fine motor skills like turning pages are also developing.
1. Make Movement Fun
As your baby learns to walk, you can encourage his mobility by keeping his favourite toy in different locations, so he goes to get it. Also show him how to push objects around the room, which will help him establish a sense of balance.
2. The Imitation Game
Babies around a year old love imitating sounds and expressions. You can encourage them by making strange sounds and faces until your baby starts copying you or responding with their versions.
3. Order from Chaos
Your baby is now learning that the world around him is ordered. You can show him how to maintain that order by giving him toys and other objects and show him how to arrange them by size, colour or shape. This will also show him that order need not be established rigidly, but rather that there are multiple ways of doing so.
Tips for Parents
Activities and games are essential in the early development of children. Here are a few tips for parents to play with infants, which can help make the experience both fun and informative for your little one:
Make playing with the baby a family activity. This will strengthen the bonds between family members and stimulate the formation of an intimate relationship between the family and the baby.
Make sure you have the time to play with your baby. As explained earlier, one of the important factors in child development is the active presence of a caring parent. The activities mentioned in this article are quite simple and do not need special rooms or items.
Remember that the solutions to the problems in the activities must come from the baby. Your role is just to create the setup and assist your baby with anything that is required.
Keep an eye on your children when they are playing. If you observe any instances of mean behaviours, such as refusal to share or physical altercations, you need to interfere and show them how to play fair.
Don’t hold back when it comes to giving your babies different objects to play with. Babies who experience a wide variety of colours, sounds, smells and textures are better at developing the ability to integrate their perceptions with the environment.
Be aware of the materials used to make the objects used in the activities. For instance, plasticine and clay is a bad idea for babies under twelve months as they could swallow it. Similarly, other plastic toys may have chemical colourants that can enter the body if the baby keeps them in their mouths for too long.
Don’t set the rules for their activities. Allow them to build on their creativity and ideas. Play with them in a distraction-free environment, away from disturbances, especially television.
Growth and development happen according to a biological schedule. Even though there might be a few differences, most babies follow the same pattern, starting with rolling over and followed by sitting up, crawling, standing, walking and so on. But always know that all babies are unique, and it does not help to compare your child with others. Some babies might take their own sweet time in learning things while others can be much faster, but at the end, this speed has a negligible effect on their adulthood. However, if you notice your baby takes considerably longer to reach his development milestones, it might be due to an undiagnosed condition. Please consult your paediatrician in this case.
Also Read: Baby Activities – Fun Things to Do with Your Babies Read more
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6 Tips to Deal with Destructive Behaviour in Toddlers
Is your little one giving you a lot of trouble lately by acting all aggressive, violent and destructive? Well, before you scold or punish your child, it is essential for you to understand why your child is behaving in this manner. Children do not know what is right or wrong, in other words, they are not born with good behaviour or bad behaviour. Instead, they learn their behavioural traits from their surroundings or by observing people around them. Let us find out in detail why children have destructive behaviour and what you can do as a parent to correct it, in this post.
Do You Have a Destructive Toddler?
Occasional stomping on toys, throwing their stuff around in anger or pulling their hair can be considered a normal part of growing up and all children engage in such behavioural traits once in a while. However, if your child is exhibiting some of the following behavioural characteristics on a regular basis, it could be indicative of destructive behaviour
1. Aggression
In most cases, suppressed hostility usually turns into deadly action. Aggression can be both physical and verbal and often, children engage in this kind of behaviour to gain their parent’s attention. Also, the severity can be established from the age of the child. For instance, a toddler snatching things from other children and exhibiting tantrums may be considered normal, but the same behaviour by an older child may be an indication of some serious issue.
2. Self-Harm
Children with negative behavioural traits may deliberately harm themselves by burning, cutting or hitting themselves. You may find them involved in activities that may include inflicting self-hurt and pain. This may be due to some hidden or suppressed anger, depression, fear, sadness or frustration.
3. Disruptive Nature
You may often find such children showing disturbing nature, which means they may interfere with other people’s jobs and thus make it more difficult for them. For example, the child may not listen to the teacher, he may break the rules in school, or he may not obey elders. Such children may be trying to gain attention, but it may not be in proper or acceptable ways.
4. Property Destruction
Sometimes a child may act nasty and start breaking or destructing things around them. The child may show no regard towards anyone’s feelings and no fear of the consequences of such actions. The reason for this kind of nature is usually anger, frustration or other negative emotions.
What Causes Destructive Behaviour in a Child?
It is not a pleasant sight for the parents to see their child turn into a diabolical being. However, parents need to understand that the child is doing so because he may be seeking attention or affection from the parents. Sometimes such behavioural traits come into light when a child may want to evade a particular chore or situation. For example, a child may deliberately break his pencil so that is unable to do his homework or he may purposely spoil his party-clothes so that he may get punished, which would eventually mean skipping the event that he does not wish to attend.
How to Stop Destructive Behaviour in Toddlers?
Here are some ways of stopping children's destructive behaviour
1. Try To Understand Your Child
No two children are alike, not even siblings. Therefore, as parents, you need to understand and appreciate your child’s unique personality and needs. Be a part of your child’s life and learn more about him. Find out what he did in school, what bothers him or interests him.
2. Prevention Should Be The Aim
If your child shows such personality traits, punishing and scolding will not help instead it may further worsen the situation. The best way to put a stop to such behaviour is to prevent it. Keep an eye on him or keep him under observation. If he starts any mischief, you may intrude and talk to him or spend time with him.
3. Make A Routine For The Child
It will be a great idea to keep your child engrossed and occupied in doing something constructive or keeping him fruitfully busy. Children who follow routines are less likely to become destructive in comparison to kids who do not support any routine.
4. Pamper But Don’t Spoil
We all love and adore our children but giving in to all their demands and agreeing to whatever they say, may make them spoilt. And it is very easy for spoilt children to turn destructive. You should aim at teaching your child to be well-behaved and disciplined.
5. Nurture Your Child’s Individuality
If your child is more active than other children, you should not sulk or crib about it; instead, you should plan for activities that may help in positively channelising your child’s energies.
6. Keep Encouraging Good Behaviour
When destructive toddler tantrums become a regular phenomenon, you may feel, and tired reinforce good behaviour. However, do not forget that if you feel discouraged, your kid may feel discouraged too. Keep showing him with your love and at the same time encourage good behaviour in your child.
If any of the resorts mentioned above do not prove to be of any help, you may go in for professional advice. Sometimes taking parenting classes may prove to be helpful too. Whatever may be your call, however, do not give up on your child and help your child overcome this behavioural trait.
Also Read:
Aggressive Behaviour in Toddlers
Intense Mood Swings in Toddlers
How to Deal with Overstimulation in Toddlers Read more
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Food for Healthy Life Style in Today's Rush Full and Busy Life
Food for healthy life and busy daily routine for full family.
At morning 1 tsp of flaxseed powder with warm water. Daily eat 2 fruits and always make lunch dinner with combination of pulses and vegetables and curd or lassi. Best with whole wheat roti or mix roti with besan.i.e Missi roti.
I love eating tasty food and love to making also salad of broccoli, mushroom, paneer and corn stir fry. Love it..some time when I sick I hope kash maid can make food like us..it would make our life easier.
When my children not want to eat food that time I make besan chilla with garlic leaves and onion in it and serve with ketchup. It is the most healthy and protein food.and make their stomach full for long time and this food make every one thirsty also so. Water intake will also be fulfilled.this is my first story.
Garlic leaves is the best veggies in winter you can use it like salad and put in curries and dal, kadi etc .it give warm to your body in winter.same as green onion can use.
And when in hurry make a paratha with spices added in it with curd in it put onion,tomato, cucumber. It is good for whole family whether you are kid or parents.
Always eat food with glass of buttermilk with roasted cumin seeds and black salt. Buttermilk always help in digestive system whether you have oily food or normal food. And also a good source of calcium.
In winter make laddoo of wheat, oats powder, jaggery, til, dry fruits powder, flaxseed powder, makhana and lots of pure ghee in it and most important gond in it.Now eat 2 laddoo with warm milk daily.
Again and again I'm talking about flaxseed powder it is good source of Omega 3 like walnut and cheap in price also.Never take it whole always roast and grind into powder for best results.
One more thing you can add in your food for healthy bones and to make it strong i.e drumsticks leaves powder. It is proven best remedy for bones.
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
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Making Amends for Cheating on your Way to Fitness
If you diligently follow a fitness regimen to stay healthy, you might hate the idea of missing a workout. But there are times when you're faced with such a situation - especially as a busy mom. The good news is that if you skipped a workout day, there are ways to make amends.
You have made staying fit a priority. Apart from counting calories and eating a healthy diet, you have a fitness regimen chalked out that you follow without fail. But what if you’re faced with an unforeseen circumstance and had to miss a workout? Well, no need to start going on a guilt trip. You can easily make up for that missed session.
What to Do if You a Miss a Workout for Whatever Reason
1. Consider Missed Day as Rest Day
No matter how strict you are about your fitness programme, you would have allotted a rest day for yourself during the week. So, if by any chance you miss out on your workout on a particular day, treat that day as your weekly rest day. You can exercise on the day that you had planned not to work out. It’ll take some perseverance from your side, but it will definitely make up for your missed workout and save you from the guilt.
2. Work Out More at the Next Session
Another great idea is to make up for your missed workout by exercising more at your next workout session. However, it’s important that you have enough time to do this. You should also make sure that your body is up to it. Don't push yourself if you can’t. You’ll just end up hurting and stressing your body more, which could lead to missing more workouts.
3. Start from Where You Left Off
If you’ve designed a workout schedule with different exercises for different days, skipping a workout would mean that you have to miss out on a particular regimen for a whole week. However, you can make up for this by continuing with your schedule and shifting the whole routine by a day. This won't harm your regimen in any way.
4. Just Miss a Day!
Though this is probably a definite no-no for fitness freaks and fitness trainers, even the best laid plans can fail. Don't worry too much about the missed day and take it easy. But ensure to not make it a habit otherwise you’ll find it tough to get back to the grind!
Ill health or work commitments can sometimes force the best of us to skip a workout day. If you do happen to miss more than one workout in a week, don't let this spoil your whole routine. Bounce back to your regimen the following week and keep going with renewed gusto and enthusiasm. You’re only human, after all, and a busy woman at that! Read more
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
10 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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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