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Make Sure Your Little One Doesn't Fall Ill With Seasonal Changes Coming Up - Follow These 12 Tips!
Season change is every mother's worst nightmare as she tries to keep her child away from sickness and illness. Here are some easy tips to safeguard your child's health as the seasons change.
It is a beautiful experience to see the seasons change and witness the multitude of changes that nature goes through. The transformation and metamorphosis is beautiful. However, changing seasons can be a nightmare for a mother, as the only thing that’s going through her mind is – “I hope my baby doesn’t catch a cold or fall sick!”
Well mothers – we are here to put your changing season woes to rest.
Video: Tips To Protect Your Child From Seasonal Sickness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKjo4KViMcE
Protect Your Child from Weather Change Sickness
Prevention is always better than cure. But sometimes, with taking care of so many things, it might slip our mind to take necessary precautions to keep our children away from season change related sickness. As soon as you see those initial weather change sickness symptoms in your child, adopt the following tips and prevent the sickness from growing in intensity.
Here is the ultimate guide to keeping kids safe and healthy in changing seasons.
Note: All these tips are easy to follow, and require no special effort!
1. Keep Your Child well Hydrated
Water helps flush the toxins out of the body. But with respect to season change, the importance of water is increased even more because it helps the body regulate its temperature. When your kids are not hydrated enough, the nasal passage and throat become dry. This makes it easy for germs to enter their body. Just ensure your little one drinks plenty of water through the day; that itself can take care of half the problem.
Note: For children younger than 6 months, it is advised to not give them any water. Mother's milk is enough hydration. In this case, just make sure you breastfeed your baby adequately.
WATCH: Why Do We Fall Sick When The Season Changes?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKISEt3agqA
2. Feed Your Child Citrus Fruits for Vitamin C.
There are different kinds of cells in our immune system that are responsible for fighting infections and keeping illness away. Some of these cells require an abundant supply of vitamin C to perform their functions well. When the season changes, eating extra vitamin C can act as a booster dose for these cells and help them perform their functions more efficiently.
Here are some Vitamin C rich foods to feed your child to boost his immunity against illness:
oranges
lemons
pineapple
strawberries
kiwi
papaya
3. Make Sure You Child Gets Enough Dietary Fibre.
The food we feed our child, no matter how carefully prepared, can be a major source of pathogens and disease-causing germs. This is why, in our body, we have a major component of the immune system located in our gut. This component – known as gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) – constitutes and contributes to a large segment of the body’s first line of defence against pathogens and disease-causing microorganisms. For the proper functioning of the GALT, it is important we consume a good amount of fibre. Fibre – soluble as well as insoluble – plays a crucial role in clearing our bowels and keeping our digestive system running at optimal levels.
Make sure you feed your child fibre-rich foods:
black beans
lentils
peas
broccolis
pears
oatmeal
carrots
chia seeds
4. Include Eggs, Fish, Chicken and Other Protein-Rich Foods in Your Child’s Diet.
The immune system of the body is a vast and complex system that requires a lot of energy to be kept running smoothly. The process of making cells, antibodies, fighting germs and pathogens, is a costly affair. In order to keep the body strong – especially the muscles – it is important to consume good amount of proteins. In fact, did you know that all antibodies are actually complex protein structures? To build proteins, we need to eat proteins!
5. Ensure your child eats berries for antioxidants.
Phagocytes are a kid of immune cell that act by ‘eating’ the bacteria that cause diseases, and killing them. In the process of doing so, they release a lot of reactive oxygen molecules. These molecules, if not neutralised, can cause a lot of harm to the body. This is why we need to consume good amount of antioxidants in order to keep our immune system healthy and running.
Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, mulberries, as well as grapes, dark chocolate, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables are all great sources of antioxidants.
6. Include Dry Fruits and Nuts in Your Child’s Diet in Winter.
The most common weather change sickness is the cold that most children catch when winter comes. Not only do dry fruits and nuts give you energy, they give warmth during winter. One of the best ways, hence, to prevent your child from getting sick from cold weather, is to make them eat dry fruits and nuts. Make sure they consume almonds, walnuts, dates, raisins, and dry figs.
7. Feed Your Child Homemade Curd for Probiotics
Curd contains a lot of good microorganisms that help keep our digestive system on track. As explained above in this article, the GALT in the gut needs to function well to keep infections away. One of the ways to ensure good gut health is to eat curd. Homemade curd contains living good bacteria that help keep the gut smooth and running. Apart from that, the calcium and protein in curd also has added benefits for our body’s immunity.
8. Make Good Use of Ginger, Tulsi, Turmeric, and Spices.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts are full of wisdom about the use of natural ingredients to keep all doshas in the body away. Ayurveda suggests the abundant use of turmeric, ginger, and tulsi to keep seasonal sickness, especially cough and cold, away. Turmeric milk, tulsi water, and ginger candy are some of the easiest ways to consume this. As for spices, make sure you include black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon in your daily food preparations in one way or the other.
9. Cover Your Child’s Head while Stepping Out.
The connection between weather change and headaches is very strong. It is mostly owing to the change in distance of the Earth from the sun, as the year progresses. The easiest way to keep weather change headaches away is to always cover your head when you are out in the sun. Prevent the sun’s harmful rays from directly hitting your child’s head. Carry a scarf, and insist your child wears a cap or hat. As far as possible, do not expose children to direct sunlight between 11am and 5pm.
As for babies, ensure you dress them in layers so as to maintain their body at optimum temperatures. Babies do not sweat, so we have to take extra precaution to regulate their body temperature. Keep their chest, back, and throat covered during season change. In winters, make sure they are warm enough.
10. Ensure your child exercises too.
Most mothers will want to keep their children indoors as the seasons change outside. However, being indoors does not mean there should be no exercise. Make sure your child gets at least 30 minutes of stretching and basic exercise when indoors. If the weather is good enough to venture outside, a good 40 minute walk or run, or play time can suffice.
11. Bathing and Massaging Should Not be Missed for Babies.
The connection of hygiene and diseases is fairly clear. A high degree of personal hygiene will help you ensure your child does not fall ill when the season changes. If your child is only a baby, make sure you use good baby products. While a daily bath may not be recommended, baby wipes should be used abundantly around to keep weather change sickness away. Massaging should also be part of your baby’s hygiene ritual. Massaging helps baby’s bones and muscles grow strong and improves blood circulation, in turn strengthening their immunity.
12. Ensure Good Sleep.
Sleep is the time for the body to rest, repair, and rejuvenate itself. Without a good night’s uninterrupted sleep, it will be of no use to follow all of the above steps. Ensure your child gets minimum 8 hours of sleep.
For Breastfeeding Babies
All the above mentioned points are great for babies over 1 year of age, older children, as well as for adults. However, for newborn and breastfeeding babies, this is going to be difficult to implement! In such a situation, please follow the following precautions:
Follow all the above points yourself and ensure you are taking best care of yourself. Also ensure your family members observe hygiene.
Ensure you keep the baby’s things clean, especially toys. Toys can catch a lot of dust and germs.
Breastfeed your baby as much as possible. All the food you consume can reach the baby through breastmilk, and keep the baby healthy and free from infections in the changing season.
Ensure you follow your baby’s vaccination plan to the T. Do not miss any vaccines, and do not delay any follow-up vaccines either.
Do you follow any special tips to keep your family and yourself safe from weather change sickness? Tell us in the comments below. Read more
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Toys for a 6-month-old Baby
Your baby is growing up fast and can now sit up by himself. He may even be able to grab two objects and bang them together. He loves listening to new sounds and learning that he can make things happen! Here are some baby toys for 6-month-olds that you can get your baby to aid in his development:
Action/Reaction Toys
Toys that do something when your baby plays with it, such as squeak, rattle, move, flash lights etc., are action/reaction toys.
1. Skill Development
Action/reaction toys help in your baby’s cognitive development.
Toys that move slowly encourage your baby to start crawling.
2. Recommended Toys
Plastic keys on a ring
Squeaky toys
Dolls or stuffed toys with recordings that activate when pressed
Toys with movement - cars, stuffed animals, etc.
Stacking Toys
Stacking helps babies develop some important skills.
1. Skill Development
Your child learns how to solve problems
Developing the creative part of the brain
Developing gross and fine motor skills
2. Recommended Toys
Stacking rings or blocks
Toys That Encourage Crawling
Most crawl toys are cushy and colourful, often incorporating colourful lights, movement, or some sound.
1. Skill Development
Helps develop motor skills
Encourages mobility in your child
Encourages tummy time
2. Recommended Toys
Battery operated walking dogs
Roller, on which your baby is propped up
Toys with wheels
Role Playing Toys
These are toys that help him imitate the actions of daily life.
1. Skill Development
Helps your baby understand the world better
Helps develop hand-eye coordination
Builds self-confidence
2. Recommended Toys
Play-phone or cell phones
Lightweight toy hammers
Soft Toys
Your little one will soon grow attached to his soft toys.
1. Skill Development
Stuffed toys can be a great tool in getting your child to learn to self-soothe at night while falling asleep
The different textures that soft toys and dolls come in offer a great sensory experience for your little one.
2. Recommended Toys
Stuffed animals
Dolls
Soft books
Noisy and Flashy Toys
Toys that make noise and flash lights when touched are fun for your baby.
1. Skill Development
Cause and effect are now becoming a reality as your baby will be able to experiment with different toys to see how certain things he does makes certain things happen.
2. Recommended Toys
Rattles
Balls with bells in them
Toys with button options that have different sounds; for example, a toy that has the options of pressing different animal buttons and learning what sounds they make.
Building Blocks
At this age, it is best to go for the softer bigger blocks.
1. Skill Development
Building blocks teach your child hand-eye coordination
Builds his focus
Teaches him problem-solving
2. Recommended Toys
Fabric building blocks
Building blocks with projections that can be used for assembling
Colourful dominos (age-appropriate size)
Push Toys
Toys that babies can push are a lot of fun for them and will encourage them to move.
1. Skill Development
Aids in the development of motor skills
Your baby can be kept engaged for a long time, improving his cognitive development as well.
2. Recommended Toys
Toys with wheels
Walkers
Balls
Bath Toys
Use bath time as an opportunity for play and learning.
1. Skill Development
Bath-time with toys can stimulate several senses.
Your baby is introduced to the fact that some animals live underwater and some can float on top.
2. Recommended Toys
Rubber ducky
Pouring tumblers
Floating toy ship
Toy sea creatures
Balls
Balls are a lot of fun and can be used for many different purposes when it comes to children.
1. Skill Development
Helps them learn how to crawl
Can be used as a push toy
Helps in the development of motor skills
2. Recommended Toys
Rubber bouncing balls
Balls with lights
Balls with rattles or bells inside
Books and Puzzles
It's never too early for your baby to delve into the deep and wonderful world of books and knowledge! Furthermore, he will benefit from puzzles for this age group.
1. Skill Development
Helps with memory development
Aids in the ability to recognise objects and faces in pictures
Problem-solving skills are exercised
2. Recommended Toys
Indestructible books are made from a very thick paper-like material, and are filled with colourful pictures. These are safe even for your baby to chew on, and are washable as well.
Pop up books are great for getting your baby to interact while you read the story to him.
Inset puzzles with very large pieces
Activity Gym
Babies love to observe things; your little one is going to love having a play gym for him to play with and observe.
1. Skill Development
Motor development takes place when he swats at his toys
Observe and experiment with different toys
2. Recommended Toys
Standard play gym
Themed play gyms such as a tepee-shaped play gym
Portable play gym bassinettes
Musical Toys
Music has a way of soothing and calming babies, and musical toys do just that!
1. Skill Development
Teaches your baby to self-soothe and use the sound of music for comfort
Playing with toys such as toy keyboards helps to develop some musical creativity in your child
Helps develop a bond between you and your baby
2. Recommended Toys
Toy keyboard
Toy drums
Toy xylophone
Battery operated dolls or stuffed toys that sing and dance
Wagons
Kids love to be pulled around by their family members as this gives them the chance to explore, and have a great time while doing it.
1. Skill Development
Helps your baby learn balance and exercise his motor skills
Can help him develop their memory and recognition skills
2. Recommended Toys
Walker wagons which are wagons with long handles to help baby hold onto something as he tries walking
Walker stations that have a seat and which your baby can use to pull himself across the floor
Four in one trike has features of a stroller, tricycle and a wagon.
What Does Age Recommendation Labels on Toys Mean?
When considering toys to buy for your little one, you are going to want to be prepared rather than running around the aisle buying things at random. Age recommendation labels are meant for parents and those who wish to buy presents for your little ones. They are based on the following:
Guidelines for safety
Very good knowledge of child development
Observations made based on children of certain age groups playing with certain toys
History of toys that are similar
Information from parents whose children have played with the toys.
Safety Tips for Babies
Though toy companies usually mention the age recommendations on their toy boxes, it does not mean that you can just leave your little one alone. There are always safety measures that you need to undertake in order to have safe play time with your little one.
Do not ignore the age recommendation labels on toys; instead, pick them according to the age and skill level of your child.
Pay attention to other information such as “flame resistant” or “washable.”
Discard plastic wrapping to avoid choking.
Choose toys that are lightweight, colourful, and do not have any toxic paint or materials on them, as children like to put things in their mouths at this age.
Make sure there are no small removable parts. like the eyes and noses on stuffed toys.
Make sure there are no sharp edges or materials like glass or metal as these can injure your little one.
Do not leave any toys that have strings or cords around your baby’s crib or while your baby is left unsupervised as they can pose a strangulation threat.
Throw away any broken toys.
Always supervise your child while he play with his toys.
How to Help Your Baby Learn While Playing?
Here are some ways that you can help your baby learn while playing:
Use a roller to help keep his upper body elevated so that he can look around, and do keep an eye on him during this time.
While playing with building blocks, stacking toys, and puzzles, you can talk to your child about the shape, colour, and how to play with them. You will encourage your child to think and learn to use his problem-solving skills.
Gently roll a ball to your baby to give him a bit of a physical work out. He will use his motor skills and learn how to catch a moving object. If the ball doesn’t quite reach him, he may be encouraged to crawl to it.
Hide a rattle behind your back and shake it, so that your baby will start to understand that just because he cannot see it, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t still exist.
Sing nursery rhymes such as 'Old McDonald' to help teach him about animals and the sounds they make. You can make it even more fun by using stuffed animal toys or by showing colourful pictures of the animals.
You can encourage early role play by taking him around the house and allowing him to do things such as turn the lights on and off, or perhaps ring the doorbell.
How to Choose Best Toys for Your 6-month-old Baby
Out of the vast number of toys that are available, choosing some can be tricky, so we have some tips that you can use. Just pick the toys that are:
Safe and long lasting
Interesting to your child
Interactive in nature
Challenging but not frustrating
Encouraging to the developing needs and skills
Children of this age are constantly learning and every waking moment of theirs can be used as a learning opportunity. So, getting developmental toys for a 6-month-old baby will play a huge role in helping him achieve those ever important developmental milestones right on schedule.
Also Read: Best Toys for Your 6-9 Month Old Baby
Read more
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The Tiny One Who Gave Love and Faith to Us
It was like any other day. House full of guests and chores to be done. I was having an active pregnancy as my lil one inside never troubled me. Next morning, I was unusually tired and restless. Had cramps at peculiar spots. The next events started to happen. I had spotting too. I had gone through all the books and websites to find out I gonna deliver my lil one very soon. When I went to the hospital the contractions started, followed by cervix opening upto 4 cm. But still things weren't smooth, I was only 35 weeks with breech baby. Quickly shifted to the operation theatre and after a few minutes, they handed me a tiny gem of 2 kgs. I went crazy over her, she was taken to NICU even before I could smell her. It was critical- she had immature lungs. She had troubled breathing like other premiees. Only if she learns to latch up she can be healthy and normal, these were the doctor's words. I prayed to all the Gods in the world.
Next morning 4:05am, she finally latched up successfully breathing without any assistance, looking deep into mumma's eyes and she was like saying" I don't want to trouble you any more mumma", bringing tears to my eyes, my breasts felt heavy to feed her more and more. My love, my world is all good and fine now am enjoying my parenthood. Although raising a preemie is challenging, you will slowly learn to love your life and the strong mother's instinct is more than any doctor and medicine. She is different from other babies yes, she receives more love and care than a normal baby would have. She reaches her milestones with delay. But yes, I love to teach her and watch her slowly reaching each of her achievement bound within me.
So believe in you and your baby.. happy parenting.. cheers...!!!
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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Summer Makeover for your Abode
Summer's back with a vengeance and with every passing day, the mercury levels are soaring. How do you deal with it? While you can't control the weather, you can treat yourself and your family to a cool, stylish abode with summer home decorating ideas you'll love.
It’s that time of the year again when the Sun God shines without any mercy and the temperature’s constantly rising. You’re probably bogged down by the heat as everyone else is. An airy home is what you and your family need to stay cool and comfortable. With a few summer home decor ideas, you can transform your house and make it warm weather-friendly.
Summer Home Decor Tips to Try
1. Bring in The Outdoors
This is one of the best low-cost ideas you can try. Enjoy the feel of the outdoors within the confines of your home by placing green plants and flowers on tabletops and corners. Choose seasonal flowers or perennial flowers so that you don’t need to spend too much time taking care of them. Even if they don’t exactly cool your home, they’ll definitely soothe your senses.
2. Lightning Effect
Get rid of heavy winter curtains and go for white or other light-coloured ones that let light stream into your home. Sheers are also great as they lend an airy feel. When shopping for curtains, purchase bedspreads, cushions and other accessories in similar colours too. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton are a good idea for curtains but they should be lined if they’re to fall well. You can also go for synthetic curtains but try to pick those that don’t have a plastic feel to them.||
3. Colourful Ambiance
Experimenting with colours is a fun summer home decoration idea to keep interiors looking summery and cheerful. Colours can enhance your mood too. Your children’s rooms could do with a few coats of peppy hues like yellow and bright blue while your bedroom could be painted with cool sea green colour. Stay away from dark, gloomy colours and let light and shadow create the perfect contrast.
4. Mirror on The Walls
Brightening up rooms with daylight is another awesome summer home decorating idea. Instead of spending money on installing additional windows, just install a few largish mirrors of different shapes and sizes. Hang them up where light from windows can bounce off them. You can install them directly opposite the windows or place them in a dark corner of the room.
5. Less is Better
A crowded interior is a definite no-no, not just in summer but in winter too. Too many decorative objects can make spaces claustrophobic and rob rooms of that airy ambiance. Get rid of unnecessary clutter and store away decorations you can do without. You may want to remove one or two items of furniture too if you don’t really need them.
Get started with your summer house makeover using these ideas. Your home will look amazing and will feel a lot cooler. The best part is that you don’t have to spend a lot to transform your abode. With clever planning, you can get it looking airy and homely. You can ask your children for ideas too. They’re usually brimming with them and would love being given the role of planner! Read more
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Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. is it normal for toddlers get cold and gone in one day in these summers
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. yes that's fine
you can go for home remedies like tulsi ginger honey (add honey if child is more than 1 year of age) combination which can be diluted with water and given frequently to the child.
also u can give turmeric with warm milk one or two times everyday.
give warm water to drink as well as nasal saline drops frequently. d
try to prevent temperature variations around the child that is from hot to cold and cold to hot environment.
keep the child well covered.
if the palms and soles of the child are cold then the child is feeling cold and you have to take preventive measures to make the child warm
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. from which month weight will gain
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. hello in the first one baby weight will reduce and then it will start increasing and baby gaining a minimum of 600 g to 800 gram per month then it is a good weight gain and absolutely nothing to worry or not a problem and if the BM is S not sufficient you can give infant formula milk stage 1 using a bpa free bottle like babyhug
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
5 hours ago
Q. mam i am 21 week continuing in my pregnancy but my baby not moving as much
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. pl do ultrasound. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is muconium staining?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. due to feetal distance that will be mcconium passing in the uterine cavity itself. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. 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
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
3 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
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