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Object Permanence Milestone - Importance and Stages
As adults, we understand that objects exist even if we cannot see or hear them, but babies do not perceive the objects in a similar manner. For babies, whatever is not seen or heard ceases to exit. However, it is an important milestone for babies to understand and learn that even if they can’t see certain things, they are still there and this is what object permanence is all about.
What is Object Permanence
Object permanence is when your mind knows that even if you cannot see or hear something, it is there. When your baby is one month old, if you hide something from your baby or put it away, your baby thinks that it does not exist any longer, this is because his hearing and vision are still in a nascent stage. However, soon enough that is around 4 to 7 months of age, your baby understands that if something is out of sight or mind, it is still there.
Why is Object Permanence an Important Milestone
Object permanence is an important developmental milestone. Object permanence helps your baby to understand the world around him; he also learns to expect what may happen next. For instance, if you hide your baby’s toy under the blanket, he will look for it by lifting up the blanket. This gives your baby an idea that it is okay for things to disappear sometimes or give up things because he can get it back later. Lack of object permanence in the earlier months may frighten your baby. If you go into another room for some time, he may get frightened thinking that you have disappeared, as for babies what they can’t see, no longer exists. However, as your baby learns about object permanence, he learns that people exist, which means that even if they leave, they are there. And thus now when you come and go, he will be fine with it.
When Does a Child Develop Object Permanence
Here we shall discuss the stages of object permanence or how a child achieves this milestone:
1. Birth to 1 Month: Reflexes
In the neonatal stage, your baby understands and explores the world around him through his reflexes. Your baby relies on his reflexes such as sucking, startling or rooting in order to interact with the world around him. However, at this age, your baby has no idea of object permanence, but he is exposed to visual stimuli that means that he may detect movements, which is an important milestone at this stage.
2. 1 to 4 Months: Primary Circular Reaction
Your baby may respond to familiar images, objects or activities, though it may only be for a few seconds. Also, your baby may keep looking at an object or follow an object for some time. Around this age, your baby’s attention is more intentional rather than reflexive.
3. 4 to 8 Months: Secondary Circular Reaction
Around this age, a baby pays more heed to the world around him and may perform actions to generate a response. During this stage, your baby starts understanding about object permanence and may look for partially hidden things but may not look for completely hidden things. Your baby may take visual clues and comprehend about objects, but he is yet to understand more about object permanence.
4. 8 to 12 Months: Greater Sense of Exploration
Your baby is able to retrieve objects that you may hide from him, though it may seem a small task, it is a major cognitive development milestone. Your baby explores things and is more goal-oriented, which means his desire to look out for things is more intentional. However, your baby may find an object that you hide at a usual place and not understand that he can find the object at a different place.
5. 12 to 18 Months: Tertiary Circular Reaction
Around this age, your baby may be able to find an object that is within his visual field. This means that he may only look for an object that you may hide within his visual field and not beyond that. Your baby may do things to gain attention from other, which is a significant milestone for your little one.
6. 18 to 24 Months of Age: Emergence of Object Permanence
Around this age, your baby has a fair idea of what object permanence is. Your baby develops a mental representation of objects, which means that he may be able to find hidden objects too. By this time, your baby will be able to imagine a thing that he cannot see and thus he is able to understand about object permanence.
How Piaget Measured Object Permanence in Infants
Before the theory of object permanence was suggested, it was believed that cognitive development happens passively, that is it just happens. Jean Piaget, a psychologist, believed that cognitive development in babies and children is more vast and complex than it is understood to be. As per Piaget’s theory, babies do not just sit and wait for things to happen, rather they make constant efforts to understand new information, apply it to their existing concepts, and create their own representation of various objects around them. In simple words, babies understand and perceive various things around them by making use of their motor skills such as vision, touch, movement, and taste.
At first, babies have no clue of the world around them, and they believe and understand, only what they can see. Therefore, mental representation of various objects becomes very important in order to understand that objects continue to exists, even when the eyes cannot see them.
Jean Piaget calls these mental representations as schemas, which means knowledge of things in the world. For instance, a baby may have a schema for breast milk or bottle. As your baby grows, his schemas multiply and may become more and more complex. However, by the process of accommodating and assimilating, children tend to develop various new categories by increasing their already existing categories and may change their current schemas.
Object Permanence Games
Babies learn soon through fun and playful ways, and therefore as parents; you do not have to slog your way out to teach your baby about object permanence. The best way to help your baby learn any skill is by spending some quality time with your baby. It is only through interaction and experiences with parents and loved ones that may help your baby to master various skills and enhance his learning. You may buy object permanence toys or play the following games with your baby:
1. Play Leave and Return
This a good game that you can play with your little one. You can simply go from the room, leaving your baby with your partner or a caretaker and return in a while. It is a great way of teaching your baby that even when he cannot see you, you are there. Also, object permanence is not just about visual perception. You can even call out your baby from the other room to let him that you are there, even if you are not visible.
2. Play Peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo is one of the best games of giving a hang of object permanence to your baby. You may play this game with your baby if he is anywhere between 6 to 12 months of age, as by this age he is getting the idea of object permanence. You may hide behind a curtain or a door and show your face to the baby and then hide again. Your baby may be able to understand that if you are not seen, you are still there hiding behind the curtain.
3. Hide Your Baby’s Favourite Toy
You can take your baby's favourite toy and hide it under the blanket for a while and then take it out. You can also leave a small part of it visible so that your baby can find it out on his own. You can make this game more interesting and challenging as your baby grows, by hiding most of the toy and making a smaller part visible. Alternatively, you can take the toy and hide it behind you and bring it in front of your baby.
The above-mentioned games are a fun way to make sure that your baby understands about object permanence. However, not all babies are alike, where some babies may enjoy playing such games, others may panic at the sheer thought of your disappearance. It is recommended that you handle the situation accordingly, if your baby is not okay, skip playing such games for some time.
If you want to know how well your child understands object permanence or any other query, get in touch with your baby’s doctor.
Also Read: 24 Months (2 Years Old) Baby Growth and Development Read more
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Is It Safe to Eat Ginseng During Pregnancy?
Ginseng has been widely consumed by people for centuries for its health benefits such as boosting immunity, lowering stress, and fighting fatigue. But can you have ginseng when pregnant? What are its benefits and side effects? Continue reading to find out.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a type of herb found in both Asia and America. Ginseng is used for the benefits it provides, like boosting the immune system and increasing mental concentration. American ginseng is used to lower blood sugar levels in those suffering from Type 2 diabetes. It is also thought to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers ginseng to be “heaty” by nature. Pregnant women are considered to be more prone to heat in traditional Chinese medicine, which could potentially cause harm to the foetus. Thus, ginseng is not recommended for pregnant women.
Types and Uses
Typically, two species of the herb are in popular use - the Asian ginseng and the American ginseng. The Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is found in China and Korea and has been a part of their traditional medicine. The American ginseng (Panax quinquefolis) is native to North America, particularly Canada. Their dried root and extracts are used in the form of tablets, capsules, creams and tea.
Some of the uses of Ginseng include:
Boosts the immune system
Improves symptoms of menopause
Lowers muscle injury after exercise
Acts as a treatment for erectile dysfunction
Enhances memory, prevents dementia and improves mental performance
Improves digestion
Reasons Why You Should Avoid Ginseng in Pregnancy
Ginseng is generally not recommended during pregnancy, and here are the reasons why:
1. Risk of Birth Defects
An active chemical in Ginseng called ginsenoside Rb1 has been associated with developmental defects in the embryos of animals. The National Institutes of Health, because of this, strongly recommends against the usage of the herb during pregnancy and has labelled it as potentially unsafe.
2. Risk of Bleeding
The Korean Ginseng has anticoagulant properties that pose sufficient risks during pregnancy. It stops blood from clotting normally and could lead to serious problems during childbirth or afterwards.
3. Can Cause Diarrhea
A common side effect observed in women who have ginseng tea during pregnancy is diarrhoea. It is typically known to cause two or three watery stools during the day after consumptions. Diarrhoea leads to dehydration, which adversely affects the fetus. If you experience diarrhoea after consuming ginseng tea, visit the doctor immediately and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
4. Disturbs Sleep
Ginseng is observed to cause disturbances during sleep in pregnant women. Apart from having difficulty going to sleep, waking up several times in the night is a common side effect of consuming ginseng supplements or tea. Poor sleep leads to fatigue and deterioration of health while worsening mood swings and stamina.
5. Dry Mouth
Pregnant women who consume ginseng tea often complain of dry mouth as well. This happens because of the poor functioning of salivary glands due to the enzymes present in ginseng. Pregnant women also experience dry mouth due to several factors such as anxiety, stress, and other medications. Consumption of ginseng adds to this and worsens the problem.
6. Lowers Blood Sugar
Pregnant women are at a high risk of developing diabetes and they are often unaware of it. Consuming ginseng can lead to imbalances in sugar levels, which can lead to dizziness and lowered heartbeat, both of which are dangerous to both the mother and fetus.
7. Can Cause Headaches
Ginseng is also known to cause headaches and muscle pain in the face and neck of pregnant women. This can add to the misery of morning sickness or mood swings they would be experiencing.
Ginseng is not recommended during pregnancy and is best avoided due to the side effects it causes in pregnant women.
Also Read: Fennel Seeds During Pregnancy Read more
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CMV(Cytomegalovirus) in Pregnancy
Cytomegalovirus infection is a commonly encountered virus in human beings. It causes a mild infection in adults which does not pose any severe health problem, and the body can combat it without any special treatment. Although that's the case in adults, this virus must be treated more seriously during pregnancy. CMV virus has avidity towards pregnancy and has potential to cause congenital CMV in newborns.
What is Cytomegalovirus?
Cytomegalovirus belongs to the virus family Herpesviridaeis and is known to be one of the most common congenital viral infection which affects all age groups. Almost everyone encounters this virus in their lifetime. The virus can stay in a healthy person's body in an inactive form without any symptoms for their entire life and even if it becomes active, the immune system can fight against it without any treatment. The CMV virus can cause severe health conditions if the person becomes immuno-compromised which can be a result of HIV infection. Congenital CMV infection is when the baby is born with the infection. It is identified as the leading cause for children developing hearing problems or even hearing loss due to non-genetic reason. Cmv virus and pregnancy are a highly discussed since it can be a threat to the baby's health.
How Common is CMV?
CMV virus is prevalent and affects the worldwide population. It is estimated that more than 40% of people have encountered this virus by the time they are 20 years of age. Any form of close contact with an infected person can lead to transmission of the virus to the healthy person.
Causes of CMV Infection
CMV spreads from an infected person to another person through body fluids. This includes saliva, urine, faeces, tears, vaginal secretions, semen, bread milk and any other bodily secretion. CMV infection is not related to food, water or animals. Although it is not a highly contagious disease, it is seen to spread quickly among the household as a result of sharing utensils or close intimate contact with an infected individual. Also, toddlers playing or schooling together have a higher risk of transmitting CMV infection to each other.
Symptoms of CMV
CMV usually does not present with any symptoms and the person might not even know they are infected. Even if there are symptoms, they are vague and can often be confused with that of a common cold or other viral infection. It's symptoms generally include:
High fever (above 100F)
Fatigue
A sore throat
Muscle and joint pains
Swollen glands
Weakness and loss of appetite
A weakened immune system which paves the way for other infections in severe cases like pneumonia, hepatitis, etc.
This can further worsen the immune system and make the woman susceptible to common pregnancy infections.
Congenital cytomegalovirus is a condition when the cytomegalovirus is passed on from the mother to the child before birth. It is when the condition is present in the baby at birth. Congenital CMV in pregnancy can happen during any stage where it gets transferred through the placenta to the baby. In these situations, the baby may present with the following conditions:
Low birth weight and smaller head
Enlarged liver and spleen
Jaundice
Pneumonia
In the long term, if it is untreated, it can cause hearing loss, visual impairment, etc.
In most cases, the baby may not present with any symptoms at birth but will develop physical or mental problems later.
Diagnosis of CMV
The symptoms of CMV can be easily confused with that of common cold or throat infection. Almost everyone encounters the virus once in their lifetimes, and once it enters the body, the virus stays in their bodies in the dormant state. Diagnosis is made by a simple blood test of the patient or sample of any other body fluid or even tissue. If the patient is CMV positive, then accordingly the doctor suggests further treatment if required. If a pregnant woman is detected positive, then the doctor may check if the baby has also got the infection. This is usually done by performing an ultrasound to check for any CMV related abnormalities and can be followed by carrying out an amniocentesis. In cases of congenital CMV, the doctor must test the baby at birth or within first two weeks preferably to ensure that it is congenital CMV.
Risks of Cytomegalovirus
The infection due to CMV is usually mild and does not show any specific symptoms. Unless the person's immune system gets compromised, the infection does not pose any major health threats. Even with congenital CMV, the majority of babies (about 80%) do not show any signs and also do not develop any complications in future. However, in the rest 20% severe problems may be seen such as:
Premature birth
Enlarged liver or spleen
Lower birth weight
Smaller head
Inflamed lymph nodes
Even though the baby does not show any symptoms at birth, he may develop some of the following conditions later in life:
Vision loss
Hearing loss
Learning disabilities
Impaired neural development
Lack of coordination
Muscle weakness
Effects of CMV on Mother and Unborn Baby
Most pregnant women would already have antibodies against CMV since they would have encountered the virus before in life. Hence the mother does not face any serious threats from the viral infection. However, for the baby, the infection can be dangerous if transmitted.
How Is the Virus Transmitted from Mom to Unborn?
CMV exposure in pregnancy can go undetected to get transmitted to the foetus during pregnancy or at delivery. This transmission is possible through the placenta depends on the stage of pregnancy when the mother got the infection. If the mother encounters the virus after her first trimester, the chances of the baby being born which congenital CMV are less, but if the mother gets CMV early pregnancy, the chances are higher of the baby being born with the infection. Out of these also, the majority do not display any symptoms at birth or even during later stages of life.
Cytomegalovirus Treatment
Treatment is not required in adults since the immune system of the body is sufficient to fight the infection, but in some cases, the doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs.
How to Prevent CMV Infection?
There are simple ways to protect yourself from the infection. Maintaining a hygienic lifestyle, cleaning toys or surfaces which come in contact with saliva or urine, etc. can go a long way in preventing the virus from entering your body. Children that show symptoms of infection should not mingle with other kids till they recover.
What If Your Baby Born With Infection?
In babies with congenital CMV, it is essential to undergo proper medication with antiviral drugs as prescribed by the doctor to fight infection. It is recommended to get regular check-ups done to see any degradation in vision or hearing.
While the virus has little or no effect on adults, it can have a debilitating impact on those children who contract the virus by possible impaired hearing. As the symptoms of the virus can be confused with the common cold, it is advisable for pregnant women to get a CMV igg test done.
Also Read: Fever during Pregnancy
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Vaccination - the Key to Healthy, Sickness-free Living for Babies
Vaccinations begin from the time you open your eyes on earth. It's the key to healthy, sickness-free living for babies and cannot or should not be missed. It gives parents the assurance that their kid will be safe. There are two main types of vaccinations available in India - one that's affordable for all, and one that's painless which comes at an extra cost. I chose the painless one for my baby and it worked wonders. My Shaarav did not catch a fever post any of his vaccinations - just a little cry and then all was good. My baby just got a shot of swine flu recently, and one more is due for next month. I urge parents to not miss even a single shot of vaccination as it can spoil your child's life properly. Take out the time to get your kid vaccinated or you will regret it for a lifetime. Healthy living comes with vaccinations!
I travel by the local train daily and see the differently-abled compartment, where a lot of polio-affected people travel. Somewhere, someday their parents missed to take out time to get them vaccinated and ruined their life. I feel so sorry to see them in pain. There are cases of swine flu in babies. If they were well-vaccinated they would never have contracted it, it's that simple. We nurture our baby in the womb for 9 long months, then why don't we take out time for getting them vaccinated?
Somewhere, some negligence on our part becomes a struggle for the kid for his entire life. So please take it seriously and pay close attention to your child's vaccination schedule. Also, it is now easily available at all government hospitals, child care centres, hospitals, etc.
My kid has got all his doses on time and, touch wood, till this day hasn't suffered even from fever. He is my heartbeat; how can I not let him live safe and healthy?
Live happily, stay calm, and definitely get your child his/her shots on time!
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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Handling Lies amongst Little Children : Catch them young!
Purpose of the article is to make parents aware of why kids lie and ways tackle the same in a healthy way.
Handling Lies amongst Little Children
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Kids are likely to lie somewhere along the way. Should parents get upset when a child lies? On one hand, the longer their disruptive behaviour is tolerated firmly rooted it becomes. On the other, freaking would only make things worse because child is less likely to trust you and open up about key information in future.
When kids grow up they use their discretion of what to share with parents and things to keep to themselves but as parents what should be our role in this ? It is imperative to catch them young and explain the difference between lying and saying the truth.
So, what is lying? It is simply hiding facts or correct information for the fear of getting reprimanded. So, why do children start lying ? Do they know what it means to lie or they use it as a fun tactic to draw attention?
Well, I have observed some of the following reasons why kids lie.
1. Fear of getting scolded by either parent if they share correct information.
2. Letting go of an object / toy because of which they lied.
3. To avoid confrontation with a parent. For example if a parent asks the child to do something repeatedly, they may lie inorder to avoid confrontation with the parent.
4. Fear of getting judged or rejection by peers, teachers etc.
5. For fun sake or to seek attention of either parent.
6. Sometimes lie is prompted by an elder or a parent as a measure to not hurt someone's feelings.
How can we ensure that they know what lying is and how it feels when we speak the truth?
Well, as a mom I too face instances when my kids hide information. Coercing makes them share correct information. But till what age can this approach work? Ultimately, it is crucial for child's overall growth to know difference between the two. We all are humans and so are these little people. As they grow up they may not want to share everything with parents but at least they would know what they are doing. Therefore, it is important to catch them young! Here are some of the do's and dont's of streamlining the behaviour.
1. First things first, Never react when they share truth. Truth is not easy for ears. Keep calm and process information shared by them and respond accordingly.
2. Lying is simply hiding information and is not joking in any way. For instance in my house whenever i step out of the house or i'm busy with chores, my little ones catch hold of a device and start watching videos. If i catch them or if they hear me close to their room they behave as though nothing happened. Tactic i use is to smile at them and ask.They share exactly what they were upto. Receptivity gives them confidence to share.
3. Don't be stern when they tell the truth. Sometimes we are helpless and react unnecessarily. This will do no good instead they wouldnt want to come back and share with you.Rather, encourage them to say whatever they want to. Eventually whether truth or lie they'll come up with everything.
4. Show them that you are on their side. Unless you do this, you'll continue to stay in a different team and will get correct information only in piecemeal. It's obvious to not agree with everything they say or share but in that moment you can keep calm and process what they have to say.
5. Storytelling is the best way for kids to absorb any concept. Tell them stories around the topic of how it feels to say the truth. Encourage them to weave moral of the story themselves. It'll help them identify with some great values as they share their perspective on the situation.
Learning and unlearning is a vicious circle. Parenting is all about reinforcing value system time and again. Children are children and they tend to forget just as adults do. Be patient and repeat yourself a million times if required to instill the correct value system. Read more
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
what is the pain killer than can be taken by a breastfeeding mother to deal with pain of stitches after delivery?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. dolo 650 safe analgesic. 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
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 3 months
2 hours ago
Q. My wife taking tablets for UTI it caused fever last week she took paracetamol and Pan D in IV and now for the past 5 days taking Nitrofurantoin tablet IP I have two questio
1) Will this tablets and IV affect my baby in any way and it's growth inside
2) She says still feeling some pain groin and abdomen area comparatively lesser than previous days
3) Any diets to avoid this UTI in future
Read moreAnu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
1 hour ago
A. UTI infection is common in pregnecy. Better to consult gyne
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. ma lmp 28.9.2023 edd date 5.7.2024 ma age 25.7.1999 ma beby boy or girl plsss tell me mam
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. be not possible to tell. 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. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
1 hour ago
Q. Hii...., Is it safe to eat jackfruit in 4th month of pregnancy, daily 2 ...
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. dear mam, you can eat jackfruit during the 4th month of pregnancy. there is no problem in having it. you can eat all types of seasonal vegetables and fruits even green leafy vegetables.
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 mins ago
Q. is that positive result??? my Due date is tommoro I am having vomitting and nausea and back pain etc please reply asap
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 mins ago
A. Regarding the mentioned concern your local doctor will guide you in a proper way and the doubts can be cleared accordijtngly .so you can discuss and get the solution for query.
Also online consultation can be taken on the platform and it will also be helpful in getting the proper guidance as there could be a detailed discussion which would be benifecial helpful in the correct manner .
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