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Startle Reflex in Babies- What Is it and How to Control it
Early in parenthood, you might find yourself wishing that the baby came with a manual so that you can understand him better. You might be worried about every movement your child makes, and wonder what his movement means. Some of his movements and reflexes are simply hard to comprehend.
Of the many reflexes that you will observe in your child, most are harmless. The rooting and sucking reflexes help the child breastfeed, and are not a problem for the parents to worry about. However, some reflexes can be a little troubling, namely the Moro reflex or startle reflex.
What is Startle Reflex in Infants?
Babies usually exhibit around nine reflexes right from the time they are born, and the Moro reflex is one among those. Also called the startle reflex, this is said to occur when the baby suddenly wakes up from his sleep. The action might seem unnatural and even harmful, as it is not anywhere close to the way the child wakes up normally, he might pull his knees, and raise his arms, only to go back to the fetal position again.
Is the Startle Reflex an Issue in Newborn Babies?
The Moro reflex does not indicate any sort of disorder in the baby whatsoever, it is in fact, an indication of a healthy nervous system. If the baby startles out of his sleep, it means that the nervous system of the child is working perfectly. However, it does not mean that the child will enjoy waking up abruptly, he might end up crying and may even refuse to go back to sleep again.
What Does the Baby Moro Reflex Look Like?
There are two phases of the baby startle reflex during sleep. In phase one, the arms of the child flail and the baby seems to inhale abruptly. This is followed by loud cries and fussy behaviour. This occurs because the baby feels the sensation of free fall, and reacts to it by stretching his arms out. The second phase is all about the baby going back to the fetal position, in a similarly abrupt fashion. This is because the baby is wired to protect himself from the ‘fall’, and the fetal position gives him the best chance to do that.
What Triggers Baby Startle Reflexes?
The startle reflex is triggered due to some external stimuli, and some of them are given below. Know why they occur:
Auditory: If there occur any sudden noises like a slamming door or a clang of a pot, the reflex may kick in.
Visual: Changes in the amount of light in the room can also cause the reflex to kick in.
Touch: If you are holding your baby, any sudden movements like standing up can also cause the reaction in the child.
Shifting: If you make the child feel unsupported by your action, like if you are in the process of laying your child down on the bed, it may trigger the Moro reflex in him.
When Does Startle Reflex Start?
The startle reflex is present in children from the birth itself. Your child will exhibit the reflex right from the time he is born, and it is completely normal too.
How Long Does the Moro Reflex Last in Babies?
Present from birth, this reflex gradually disappears by the time the baby turns six-months-old. As the muscles of the baby develop, he is able to balance better and it is during this time you should support himself well during sleep.
Age-wise Stages of Startle Reflex
The stages of the Moro reflex change according to the age of the child, as given below.
0 to 1 Month
At this stage, the world is something strange to the child. Startle reflex occurs often, and swaddling might help the baby sleep better.
2 to 3 Months
The baby is more accustomed to your touch, so he will be calm by this age and will sleep better in your embrace. Even if he wakes up during his sleep in an abrupt fashion, your gentle touch may help him go back to sleep quickly.
4 to 6 Months
The muscles of the neck and back develop by this time, so the baby is able to balance himself during his sleep. This means that he is more likely to sleep through and Moro reflex gradually dies out.
How to Reduce Moro Reflex in Infants?
Here are a few ways to help your child through startle reflexes:
Swaddling
The baby feels safe and secure in the warm embrace of a blanket, so the startle reflex incidents may reduce if you swaddle the child comfortably.
Babywearing
This option is even better than swaddling, as the baby always remains in contact with his mom or dad throughout his sleep. This reduces startle reflexes to a great extent.
Co-sleeping
Co-sleeping not only calms the baby down in his sleep but also makes it easier for a parent to attend to the child in the middle of the night without losing much sleep.
Transferring methods
In most cases, the Moro reflexes kick in because of abrupt movements that occur as the baby sleeps. Therefore, you can handle the baby extremely gently once he goes to sleep so that his sleep is not disturbed.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you observe that the reflex seems to affect one side of his body more than the other, it can be an indication of problems with the nervous system, paying your doctor a visit is necessary, at this stage. Even if you have not yet noticed this reflex in the child, your doctor will be able to observe it when you visit him.
FAQ
1. What If the Infant Does Not Have the Startle Reflex?
The lack of Moro reflex in the child can be an indication of problems with the brain, spinal cord, or even both. Since the reflex is an indication of a great nervous system, you should consult the doctor if you feel that it is not present in your child.
2. What If a Baby Rarely Startles?
While most parents do notice this reflex in the early days, some babies might startle in a subtle manner that parents could miss. Therefore, you should never try to startle your baby intentionally when he is asleep.
Moro reflex is a natural condition in newborns and is something that is an indication of a perfect nervous system. If you feel that it is not present in your child, you should consult the doctor immediately. You might simply be mistaken, or there may be problems with the nervous system of your child.
Also Read: Newborn Baby Reflexes Read more
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10 Incredible Health Benefits of Walking Barefoot
Did you know that walking barefoot can have a positive influence on your health? This is because the negative ions present in the earth balance out the positive ions present inside yourself, creating a balance that will give you improved health. When walking barefoot, the pressure points on your feet get activated and give your body energy.
Amazing Benefits of Barefoot Walking
There are many health benefits to your body if you walk barefoot. Here are a few below:
1. It Can Control Insomnia
If you have trouble sleeping at night and often find yourself sleepless even till the wee hours of the morning, you may be suffering from sleeplessness or insomnia which is a type of sleep disorder. It is believed that one of the benefits of walking barefoot on grass is that your insomnia can be cured.
2. Improves Eyesight
There is a pressure point on your feet which is believed to be connected to the nerves of your eye. Walking barefoot can stimulate this pressure point and help improve your overall eyesight.
3. The Nervous System can be Improved
Walking barefoot at home can stimulate specific acupuncture points in the foot, and this will, in turn, stimulate your nerves and veins, thereby improving your nervous system. Diabetic people who experience pain from varicose veins can relieve it if they walk barefoot on a regular basis.\
4. Immunity can be Increased
Children love to play around barefoot. Since walking barefoot stimulates the nervous system, it also helps in increasing one’s immunity by making one stronger and less susceptible to disease.
5. Increases Energy
One of the benefits of walking barefoot on sand is that it gives you resistance and this stimulates the pressure points on your feet. You may find it difficult to walk on the sand for a few days, but as your feet get used to it, you will develop more strength in your legs and body. Your energy level will increase and keep you active during the day. You get the same benefits by walking barefoot on pebbles or barefoot on stones.
6. Helps Menstrual and Hormonal Issues
When your hormones are not in balance, you will experience physical and mental problems. Women who have premenstrual syndrome often have mood swings, headaches, stomach pain, a gain in weight, acne, constipation, and other issues. Walking barefoot on the ground can help ease many of these symptoms.
7. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is caused by damage to your body’s cells, which may lead to complications like cancer, ageing, heart issues, and other problems. Walking barefoot helps the electrons in the ground act as anti-oxidants and reduce inflammation in your body.
8. Cardiovascular Activity is Improved
As we discussed, walking barefoot helps improve the nervous system. This, in turn, helps improve blood circulation in your body. More blood circulation means a healthier cardiovascular system.
9. Maintains Blood Pressure
Your stress levels automatically come down when you walk barefoot as the nerves in your feet are stimulated, releasing stress. This is similar to when you get a foot reflexology massage. Since your stress comes down, your blood pressure also gets stable.
10. It Clears Your Mind and Improves Mood
If you have a lot of internal chatter going on in your head and suffer from mood swings, walking barefoot in snow or on the grass can help you relax and focus on the present. Your body absorbs negative electrons through the earth which helps create within it a balanced bioelectrical environment.
FAQs
You may still have a few questions on the benefits of walking barefoot. Below are a few questions and their answers:
1. Can You Get Diseases From Walking Barefoot?
As long as you are walking on a clean surface and not on harmful substances like chemicals or sludge, there is no reason to think that walking barefoot will give you diseases. You should also make sure you do not have any open cuts on your feet when you walk barefoot to avoid infections.
2. Does Walking Barefoot Cause Back Pain?
Walking barefoot does not cause back pain but instead reduces any pain that your body may experience. Since walking barefoot grounds the body and reduces free radicals, it can help heal your back pain and loosen any tight muscles.
3. Is It Safe To Walk Barefoot On The Beach?
If you are aware of what is in front of you while walking and avoid stepping on sharp rocks or glass, it is quite safe and healthy to walk barefoot on the beach.
4. Does Walking On Grass Improves The Eyesight?
There is a pressure point on your feet that connect to the nerves of your eye. Walking barefoot stimulates this point which in turn helps better your eyesight.
Walking barefoot on the grass, on the beach, or soil helps improve both your mental and physical health by strengthening your feet, improving your nervous system, and reducing stress. So remove those shoes and take a walk!
Also Read:
Health Benefits of Doing Meditation for Body
Health Benefits of Hot Yoga for Weight Loss
Exercises to Reduce Cholesterol from Body Read more
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Teej 2019 - Date, Significance, Rituals and Recipe Ideas
Teej is a three-day-long Hindu festival that celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated by married women across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. Women believe that fasting and devoting prayers to the deities on this day is rewarded with prosperity and a happy married life. Do you wish to know more about the significance of this festival and how you can celebrate it? Then keep reading!
Types of Teej
Teej is celebrated on three days and has three different names!
1. Hariyali Teej
Hariyali Teej, also known as Shravan Teej or Choti Teej, is observed on the third day of the month of Shravan. Women drape themselves in green and red sarees and receive gifts from their husbands, in-laws, and other family members. This year, Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on 3rd August.
2. Kajari Teej
Kajari Teej is celebrated two weeks after Hariyali Teej. On this day, women pray to Goddess Parvati and observe a Kajari Vrat. They sing songs, dance, and enjoy many festive activities. Kajari Teej will be celebrated on 18th August this year.
3. Hartalika Teej
On Hartalika Teej, women fast for the entire day. They don't eat food or drink water for a long, happy, and prosperous married life. The fast ends with a Hartalika Puja and a grand feast. Hartalika Teej falls on 1st September, 2019.
Teej Traditions and Rituals
Teej is celebrated in the months of Shravana and Bhadrapada, i.e. from July-end to September. The exact day of the festivities depends on the waxing and waning of the moon. The festival starts with a Nirjara Vrat to welcome the monsoon.
Women usually dress up in traditional red and green sarees, apply mehendi /henna to their hands and wear colourful bangles.
Teej Katha, one of the highlights of the celebration, are mythological tales narrated to women in gatherings. To end the festival on a pleasant note, women light oil lamps, take a holy bath in red mud and break their fast when the moon shows up in the sky.
Teej Food Ideas
Teej is incomplete without sweets and savouries. Here are some popular recipe ideas for Teej:
1. Snacks
Snacks like mushroom samosas, mirchi vadas, and rajma kebabs are popular on Teej days. These work best with dips and chutneys. Some of our favourites include coconut and mint chutney, coriander chutney, and tomato salsa dips.
2. Desserts
Some popular desserts include coconut laddoos, traditional ghewar, and gulkand cupcakes. Other traditional sweets you can add to the menu are gujiya, anjeer basundi, and malpua. You can also make sabundana kheer and fruit-flavoured kheer.
3. Main Course
Dal baati, a recipe from the Rajasthani cuisine is made during the festival of Teej. These are wheat balls laden with ghee and served with piping hot dal. You can even add paneer and mirchi stuffing to the baatis and serve along with pulao.
4. Appetisers and Savouries
Some of our favourite appetisers are gatte ki sabzi, pyaaz kachoris, and masala chana. You can even spruce up your menu by making amaranth yikkis or bedmi puris with a delicious serving of raseele aloo.
5. Salads
If you want to put a spin on this year's Teej, incorporate salads into the festive food. Anything that features fruits and a mix of traditional Indian veggies with leafy greens will be a hit. You can even consider juices and smoothies.
Teej is one of the most important festivals for women in North and West India. Now that you know how to celebrate this festival and the foods to cook up, we hope you make the most of this year's Teej celebrations!
Also Read:
Pongal Festival: History, Importance and Significance
Krishna Janmashtami : Significance and Rituals
Maha Shivratri: Why It Is Celebrated and Foods to Eat Read more
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Sushmita Sen Had This Message For The Kids At Her Daughter's Annual Function
What do you miss the most when you look back to your childhood? Mamma's cooking, playing at the park, monkeying around the house, and...school. It's odd how our school days take up a permanent place in our heart, even though a lot of us dread everything about it growing up! As moms, we now see our children poring over their school books and talking endlessly about their friends and teachers. Life comes a full circle. Recently, at her daughter's annual function, Sushmita Sen said something that has got us very, very nostalgic.
Sushmita Sen, mom to two adorable daughters Renee, 16 and Alisah, 7, was the chief guest at the annual function. The event was themed around 'The Wizard of Oz', the popular children novel about a young girl named Dorothy and her pet dog Toto. Sushmita had a beautiful message for all the little children gathered in the hall. A message every bit as magical as Dorothy and Toto's spectacular journey in Oz.
Here's what she said:
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Source: https://www.instagram.com/sushmitasen47/[/caption]
“Thank you so much for having me here for this memorable annual day, and if the kids at the back can't hear me, I'm sure they've been told not to scream and shout, they must be very well behaved. But if you can hear me guys, the wizards, the witches, the wonders of Oz - this is all about following that little yellow road!
It's about discovering your journey - it's about making friends along the way, respecting the teachers that teach you, because these are things that will never change in your life. You will move on from a school into life itself, and you will find new teachers, new guides, new friends, but the only that thing that you will remember - as this nostalgic feeling in the pit of your stomach - is who remembers your DNA? Who remembers what you're truly like? And that's what school life is about.
Enjoy your experience at SIS and thank you very much for having me - as Frank Baum said - "True courage is in facing danger, when you are afraid."
That was beautiful, Sush! Our team has already started reminiscing school days and making comparisons that go – we didn't have it as hard as our kids do! But no matter how stressful, no matter how many exams and debate competitions, or friends made and lost along the way, school life remains one of our fondest memories.
As parents, let's remember to ensure this balance as our kids grow up. If exams and good marks are important, so is the spirit to explore, play, create and discover. Let's make sure that one day, when our kids are all grown up, memories of their school life will recreate their childhood in a blink! Read more
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Skype Away the Distance with 5 Useful Tips
Do you find it hard to video chat with your kids? Maybe you need to make the experience more interesting so your little ones pay attention. Video chatting sessions can easily turn into fun times your children will love!
Do you often have to stay away from home and your little one for work and other commitments? You certainly miss your baby and would like nothing better than to stay in touch. Thanks to progress in technology, this isn't difficult anymore. Bonding through video chat with toddlers on Skype is one option that can make the distance dissolve in no time!
Tips for Video Chatting with Children
1. Timing it Right
Toddlers have a short attention span so it's important that you time video chats in such a way that your children are in a good mood and attentive. The best time to chat is in the morning after breakfast as this is when they're most alert. Avoid chatting when they're hungry and tired as they'll only be fussy and irritable.
2. Make Eye Contact
One of the most important tips for a video chat with kids is to make eye contact with them. In order to have toddlers listen to you and respond, it is important that they can see your face and look into your eyes. Try to make them feel like you're talking directly to them instead of through a screen otherwise they'll get bored and inattentive. If your hubby is home, ask him to pitch in and keep your darling entertained!
3. Going for Favourites
Getting your pre-schoolers to show interest throughout a video chat takes some work. You can sing them their favourite song or tell them their favourite story. You could even enact it with some puppets. They'd love that and will be all ears for what you have to say. Try being funny as kids enjoy comic scenes and expressions.
4. Try a Change of Scene
Try chatting with your kids on a phone or a tablet. This makes it easy for you to move around and also gives them the freedom to show you different scenes and views. This is especially so if you have older children who are eager to tell you about school, friends and what's been going on in their lives. However, a change of location should also work well with your toddler.
5. Expect Less
Unlike adults who can chat endlessly for hours, children lose interest quickly. Toddlers and pre-schoolers in particular get bored easily. Don't expect your little ones to chat with you for more than five minutes at a time. Anything longer and they'll be craving something else. It's a good idea to end the call before they start zoning out.
Try these video chatting tips for parents when you Skype with your angels next. Schedule a chat every other day depending on how busy you are. Make sure the internet connection is stable and that your laptop, cell phone or tablet is fully charged. Get closer to your kids even when away! Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea 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
3 hours ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
53 mins ago
A. 29.9.24. 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
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
2 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
53 mins ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. 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
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
54 mins ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy 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
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