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How To Teach Toddler to Brush Teeth
Although toddlers will eventually come to lose their baby teeth, that doesn’t make it okay for them to have cavities. Setting up a practice of dental hygiene can help them understand the importance of caring for their teeth and also alleviate any chances of unpleasant mouth odour and cavities at an early age.
Why Do You Need to Take Care of Your Toddler's Teeth?
Helping promote a toddler’s teeth cleaning habits is beneficial to him for many reasons.
Baby teeth in kids help them chew and speak efficiently.
Your toddler’s baby teeth are what builds his jaws and prepared the gums for the onset of permanent teeth.
Healthier gums can lead to proper teeth alignment in your kid.
It prevents cavities and also builds a dental hygiene habit that can last well into adulthood.
When to Start Brushing?
Oral hygiene can begin at an early age. Right from when your kid is an infant you can clean his mouth after each feeding. You can do this by cradling his head in one of your hands and use the other hand to gently wipe his mouth with wet gauze, sanitized cloth or a xylitol wipe. When you notice the first teeth appear in your baby’s mouth, you can begin the brushing routine.
Points to Keep in Mind While Beginning to Brush Your Child's Teeth
As you begin the teeth brushing routine for your kid, here are a few things that can be kept in mind.
Use toothpaste without fluoride in kids between 18 months to 6 years of age. Use a tiny brush with soft bristles.
Stand with your child in front of a mirror so that he can see his teeth being brushed.
Check your toddler’s mouth for any plaque build-up near the gums.
Ask your toddler to open this mouth wide to check for any cavities.
Ask your toddler to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
Replace the toothbrush every three or four months or when it is worn out and frayed.
Encourage your kid to brush twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed.
How to Brush Your Tot's Teeth?
You will need to teach your kid how to brush the right way with regular suggestions. A good way to do this is to stand with your kid as he brushes and guide him. If he is too young you can brush his teeth yourself. Keep in mind the following suggestions as you brush your kid’s teeth.
Brush gently with small, circular motions and use different sides of your toddler’s toothbrush.
Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and the upper and the lower teeth.
Start with the teeth in the back and move to the front.
Place the tip of the brush in an upright position while you brush the back of the front teeth on the upper and the lower jaws.
Clean the margins of the gum gently.
Brush the tongue softly to clear out any bacteria on the surface.
Encourage your toddler to spit out the toothpaste.
Help your kid in the basin once he’s done brushing.
After every use clean the toothbrush and rinse it dry.
Tips for Brushing Toddler's Teeth
If you have a reluctant kid who doesn’t like brushing, getting your toddler to brush teeth can be quite tiresome. Here are a few steps you can follow to encourage your kid to brush regularly.
Let your toddler choose his own brushes and toothpaste. A colourful brush and toothpaste that tastes good and has his favourite characters on it can encourage him to voluntarily brush his teeth.
Brush with your kid and help him enjoy the moment with some company.
Make it fun with peppy music or by humming his favourite tunes.
You can also get an attractive battery powered toothbrushes or toothbrushes that play tunes until it is time to stop.
You can go a step ahead and allow your child to practice on you. Even better, you can get him a toy and help him practice brushing on it.
Create a game while brushing. You can make brushing exciting by inventing little imaginary games where your child is defeating the germs and bacteria inside his mouth.
Stand in front of the mirror and let your kid watch himself brush.
Award him with praises or little rewards like stars for brushing.
A regular practice of these kid-friendly methods can get your child make brushing a regular part of his routine in no time.
Also Read: Personal Hygiene for Kids Read more
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Sleepwalking (Somnambulism) in Children
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a disorder that affects about 1% to 15% of the population. This condition is more prevalent among children than in adults.
If your child happens to be suffering from somnambulism, it is imperative that you are aware of the causes, signs, treatments and everything else that this disorder entails.
What is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking or somnambulism is a condition that involves the performance of several activities, mainly walking - when the person in question is asleep. The kind of activities that a sleepwalker performs ranges from merely getting up and looking out of the window, to even going out of the house and walking long distances.
How Common Is It In Kids?
Sleepwalking happens to be more common in kids than in adults. An estimate of 1% to 15% of the general population suffers from this disorder, more than half of which are kids. It has been observed that if the child has been sleep-deprived or is tired, the chances of that child having a sleepwalking episode is more likely.
Do You Need to Worry if Your Child Sleep Walks
Sleepwalking by itself is not harmful to your child, but the fact that the child isn’t aware of what he or she is doing can prove to be hazardous. This is a given, because if your child strolls out of the house, or climbs downstairs, then he or she might get hurt. There have been instances when children have walked out on the street, only to find themselves lying in an unknown location in the morning. Having said this, you will have to worry about what your child does while having a sleepwalking episode, than worrying about the fact that your child has this condition at all.
Causes of Sleepwalking In Kids
A few causes of sleepwalking in kid include -
Sleepwalking is the kind of disorder that runs in the family. If you or another family member happens to be suffering from this, then there are chances that your child will follow suit.
Sleep deprivation is one of the leading causes of sleepwalking. If your child is suffering from lack of sleep, the chances are that he or she will have a sleepwalking episode.
An irregular sleeping pattern can cause sleepwalking as well.
Medication can cause sleepwalking. If your child is on some strong medication, then these meds are probably the culprit. A few strong medications like stimulants, antihistamines and stimulants.
Stress is the cause of a number of disorders, and this holds good for sleepwalking as well.
Anxiety
Sleep apnoea is a condition wherein the affected person stops breathing for a brief period during the night. Sleep apnoea can be responsible for sleepwalking as well.
Nightmares
Restless leg syndrome is a condition that affects the CNS, where the affected area (usually the leg) has an unusual moving pattern. RLS can be another cause of sleepwalking.
Migraines
Having a history of head injuries.
Sleepwalking Signs and Symptoms
When you hear the term sleepwalking, the first thing that you associate it with is walking during sleep. However, walking while asleep is not the only sign of this disorder. There are endless signs and symptoms of sleepwalking, and these are a few of the most common signs among children:
Sitting up and looking around.
Talking while asleep but not responding when talked to.
Crying while asleep.
Walking around and then urinating in inappropriate places (like inside wardrobes or the sink).
A cycle of repetitive behaviours like opening the windows or doors and closing it, which is mostly repetitive.
Inability to remember having a sleepwalking episode the next day.
Screaming (especially when having a nightmare).
Violent behaviour like kicking and hitting
Difficulty in waking the child.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis for sleepwalking includes an examination of the sleep patterns and the history concerning the sleepwalking episodes that the child has had. A physical exam is administered as well, where the patient is examined for nightmares, seizures during sleep and panic attacks. In some cases, nocturnal sleep study or polysomnography is administered, wherein the child is made to spend the night overnight in the lab, and the brain waves, heart rate, oxygen levels, REM, and leg movements are observed.
Treatment Options for Sleepwalking in Children
To treat somnambulism, you need to go down to the roots, because this is usually caused by underlying issues like sleep deprivation, stress or anxiety. So when you get to the root or the cause, treating this disorder becomes much easier. Several treatment options can help with this disorder, but in most cases, a child stops having episodes of sleepwalking once he or she hits the teenage years.
In some cases, the causal factor for sleepwalking is drugs and certain medications. Consult your doctor for an alternative that does not have sleepwalking as its side effects.
Therapy and counselling can help with sleepwalking as well. A few sessions of stress reduction and sleep therapy has helped a great deal.
Prevention
A lot of children experience sleepwalking episodes, and this gradually decreases once the child hits the teenage years. You can keep this preventive measures in mind to avoid sleepwalking episodes in the future -
Make sure your child has had enough sleep. Most of the time insufficient or disrupted sleep can lead to an episode of sleepwalking.
Take note of the dates, when a sleepwalking episode occurs. Most of the time, you will see a repetition or pattern.
If your child has a history of sleepwalking episodes, take him or her to a therapist and administer sleep relaxation techniques or stress reduction therapy.
Make sure the child's bedroom is cool, dry, comfortable and dark. This helps aid better sleep.
Make sure there is no noise or other disturbances during the night when the child is asleep. If the television or radio is kept in or near the child's bedroom, make sure you move it from there.
Maintain a regular and consistent timing of sleep.
Don't let your child sleep for long hours during the day, especially post three in the afternoon, as this can disrupt the sleep pattern at night.
Ensure that your child is getting good exercise. If this is not the case, incorporate a good exercise routine on a daily basis, or at least three to four times a week.
Make sure your child eats healthy. Indulging in junk food is fine if occasionally done. Avoid giving your child a heavy diet during the night.
Ways to Keep a Sleepwalker Safe
As mentioned before, sleepwalking in itself is not harmful, but the activities that are performed during each sleepwalking episodes is what can cause real harm. If your child is a sleepwalker, then it is imperative that you do everything in your control to keep your child safe, so that he or she isn't harmed during these episodes.
Make sure the room your child sleeps in is free from clutter and objects that can make your child trip and fall.
If your child is a sleepwalker, make sure his or her room is on the ground floor. This can help avoid him or her taking the stairs.
Make sure you've bolted and locked the doors.
You can keep a bell or alarm on the door of your child's room, so if he or she opens the door, you will be aware of it.
Make sure you remove or hide dangerous objects like knives and scissors from the reach of your child.
Hide the house keys and your car keys, in case your child tries to walk out of the house or take the car.
Make sure your child isn't sleeping in a bunk bed.
Keep hazardous chemicals or any such objects from the reach of your child.
How to Deal With Sleepwalking Child?
Sleepwalking is a disorder that affects a lot more people than you think. In most cases, you will see a gradual decrease in the number of sleepwalking episodes. In some cases, your child might engage in inappropriate activities like urinating in the wardrobe, kicking or screaming. This can be upsetting, but you need to realise that your child has no control over his or her episodes. You need to be patient and understanding. Resorting to punishment is a strict no, as this can help trigger the situation and it can take a turn for the worse. Talk to your child, and in case the episodes become more frequent, get in touch with a therapist.
Home Care Tips
A few home care tips that you can keep in mind when dealing with a sleepwalking child are -
Make sure the child gets enough sleep.
Make sure the environment your child sleeps in is free from unwanted noise, lights and other disturbances.
If your child has a sleepwalking episode, gently guide him or her back to bed.
It is a common notion that you must not try to wake up a sleepwalker - this is a myth. Make sure you gently wake him or her up as this can come as a shock.
Avoid giving your child caffeine - keep away alcohol and nicotine as well.
Create a calm environment. Stressful situations and environments can trigger sleepwalking episodes.
Sleepwalking is a disorder that can be upsetting, especially if your little one is suffering from it. But with the right treatment and therapies, you can help treat it. Make sure you follow the above tips, treatment and precautionary measures so that your child stays safe.
Also Read: 5 Inspirational Bedtime Stories for Children Read more
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A Baby's Arrival in the Family: Tiny Bundle of Joy or the Biggest Responsibility?
Most of the time, a baby's arrival into the family is treated as good news. The mom-to-be and dad-to-be are happy, grandparents start preparations for their grandchild's arrival, uncles and aunts paste cute baby photos on the wall. There is no limit to the happiness of a family expecting a new child. The new mom-to-be is given a lot of love from everyone, taken care of, given gifts and yummy food items to eat. The baby shower and maternity photo shoot are conducted too. Soon, the baby arrives.Relatives visit, grandparents start to play with the baby, happiness is in the air...!But as the days pass by, everyone becomes busy with their daily routine expect the mom. Slowly, the child starts becoming only the mother's responsibility: the baby's feeding, bathing, sleeping, and health remain to be only her concern. Family members play with the child as per their convenience when the baby is happy but as soon he/she starts crying, the baby is given to his/her mom. The concept that a crying baby stops as soon as he/she is taken by the mother is not practical. She is also apparently supposed to know what baby needs. Sleepless nights tend to become a routine for mothers. The mother has to think about the child first, then family, and lastly about own self. This affects not only the physical but also the mental health of women.Through this article I want to bring about awareness among people that a child is part of the whole family so it's not fair to burden the mother alone with everything; everyone should play their role to fullest. Grandparents should take the baby for small walks. The father of the child should start proper financial planning regarding the child. The uncle or aunt can take also care of the baby if he/she wakes up frequently at night. This will reduce the workload and stress of the mother, as she is also human after all and she needs love, care and rest too. Then, it'll be the happiest family of all!
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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Journey From Being a Housewife to Being a Mother
Motherhood - a journey of balancing the needs of the family and the baby. Isn't it difficult for new moms to cater to the needs of the family, the baby, and also the household chores?
A solution to this is working in the smartest way and giving as much time to the baby as possible because once they grow up, we're going to miss the quality time terribly! Effective and smart work includes having a pre-planned schedule instead of working hard all day. Planning of meals and working out the schedule for the next day in advance will ease the routine for the next day. Preparing for the next day during baby's sleep time will boost the speed of the task at hand.
Let us mommies start by giving equal time to family, work, and baby. Keeping the baby with you through your working process will also enhance the bond between you and your baby as your little one will be with you throughout, making them feel like they are being prioritised over everything. It is important to remember that it's not easy being a mom who balances everything in her family - some moms may not be able to do so, and that is also perfectly okay. Every mother will try to balance life with her new baby to the best of her abilities, and that in itself is worth an applause. After all, can one count the tasks performed by a mom in one day? Can one simply imagine a single day without a mother? The answer is no. Because all moms carry out invisible tasks every day.
Some women go through the journey of being wives first, and then mothers - this journey can be exciting and thrilling. However, while it's not easy balancing work and life along with a baby, some find it a rewarding experience!
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.
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Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
12 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
9 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
9 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
4 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
54 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
50 mins ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
17 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
16 mins ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
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