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10 Home Remedies for Tooth Pain and Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy
Due to considerable hormonal changes during pregnancy, your gums can become ultra-sensitive to simple acts like brushing and flossing. These dental problems can threaten to ruin a near-perfect pregnancy as they can lead to the bleeding, swelling and tenderness of gums. It is also a well-known fact that there is a greater risk of pre-term delivery of your baby if you suffer from toothaches and gum disease.
10 Most Effective Remedies for Teeth and Gum Problems in Pregnancy
Since the hormone progesterone softens your gums and enhances the amount of blood supplied to them, your gums could bleed when you brush your teeth or even floss them. Eating and drinking could be disrupted for a while. Furthermore, painkillers will not suit your present condition, so immediate relief might seem to be an impossible thing to achieve. Fortunately, for swollen gums during pregnancy, certain home remedies have been proven to be extremely effective, as they can prevent and provide relief from gingivitis and periodontitis.
Use the following remedies if you are plagued by tooth pain and bleeding gums during pregnancy:
1. Clove:
The use of clove or clove oil works well in the case of tooth and gum problems as it is an effective natural antiseptic. It can get rid of bacterial infections and is a top alternative dental medicine. If you have a toothache, chew on a clove or rub clove oil on your teeth and gums to get quick relief. For a toothache, you can also soak a cotton ball in clove oil and place it over the area that’s causing you most pain.
2. Pomegranate:
Pomegranate is known to have powerful anti-bacterial properties which can be helpful in maintaining good oral health and fights well against dental plaque. You can take 30 ml of pomegranate juice in a cup and rinse your mouth every day to keep dental plaque at bay. It also reduces bacterial infections which can give rise to toothaches at a later stage. Make sure the juice is fresh, and do not add any sugar to it. Use it as a preventive step and you can prevent plaque build-up during pregnancy.
3. Aloe Vera:
This multi-talented and potent plant is certainly one of the best options for a toothache remedy during pregnancy. It consists of 99% water and has various healing properties to boast of. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. During pregnancy, when the gums become highly sensitive, it helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and the bleeding of the gums too. Since aloe vera is available in various forms like juices, supplements, gels, mouthwashes, and toothpaste, you can choose the right product as per your need and use it accordingly.
4. Tea Tree Oil:
Renowned as one of the most reliable treatments for dental problems, tea tree oil can be used to address gum and teeth problems that occur during pregnancy. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which makes it a highly popular choice. If you have inflamed gums, you can rinse your mouth with water and tea tree oil to kill microorganisms that cause the infection. Buy a tea tree oil of a good brand and mix four drops of this oil in around 90 ml of water. Rinse your mouth with this solution for best results.
5. Garlic:
During pregnancy, it is important to stay away from painkillers and antibiotics. Garlic has proved itself to be a highly effective remedy for pregnant women. This ancient remedy is simple to use. Peel a clove of garlic and chew on it directly or apply it on the affected area. Since garlic contains allicin, which is a natural antibiotic, it kills the bacteria in the infected area which reduces the pain. It will reduce your toothache instantly and provide quick relief without any side effects.
6. Baking Soda:
This commonly used ingredient in every kitchen is a wonderful neutralizer of the various acids that result in gum infection in the mouth. Its use is pretty simple too - all you have to do is dab your wet brush in a little baking soda powder and brush your teeth with it. Alternatively, you can also mix baking soda with your toothpaste but it is highly recommended to rinse your mouth with baking soda and water or to brush with it. Do this 2-3 times a day after meals for best results.
7. Neem Leaves:
For centuries, neem leaves have been used to treat irritated and inflamed gums, especially by pregnant women. The antimicrobial properties of neem leaves prevent the build-up of plaque and also helps stop the bleeding in your gums. You can chew on one or two neem leaves every day after each meal to keep fungal and bacterial infections at bay. Neem leaves have powerful anti-inflammatory properties which make them perfect to treat gum-related issues which occur when hormonal changes make them sensitive. You can also make a neem mouthwash at home which is much better than an OTC drug, since there won’t be any side effects.
8. Turmeric:
Since turmeric comes with many therapeutic properties, it is used in combination with other ingredients to treat dental problems. Turmeric contains curcumin which is highly effective against infections and inflammation. You can mix together 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and ½ a teaspoon each of mustard oil and salt to form a paste. Use this paste to massage your gums in a gentle manner at least twice a day for best results. Turmeric is also effective in curtailing cancerous growths in the mouth due to the presence of curcumin.
9. Oil Pulling:
This has been a traditional method to maintain good oral health and is especially helpful during pregnancy since you won’t have to consume anything. You can use coconut oil or sesame oil to do this. Coconut and sesame oil are full of antimicrobial properties and hence, are preferred for this purpose. The antioxidants these oils produce can destroy the harmful microbes present in the mouth. Swish around a good quantity of either of these oils in your mouth and ensure it reaches all the corners of the mouth. Do this for about 10 minutes every day. Infections like gingivitis and periodontitis, which leads to bleeding of gums, can be effectively countered with this simple home remedy.
10. Milk:
This everyday drink contains high quantities of Vitamin K and calcium. This helps in the strengthening of the gums and stops them from bleeding too. Milk soothes the inflammation of the gums and is extremely helpful in reducing the discomfort caused by bleeding. Drink a cup of warm milk once or twice a day or when your gums bleed. Make sure you brush your teeth after drinking milk, otherwise it can lead to the formation of plaque. If possible, add a little turmeric powder to the milk for better effect.
Precautions to Take to Maintain Oral Health During Pregnancy
Apart from these power-packed home remedies, it is necessary to take a few precautions to take care of your oral health while you’re pregnant.
It’s important to inform your dentist that you’re pregnant so that any elective procedures that you were planning on getting done can be postponed to a later date. Similarly, while dental X-rays can be taken while you’re pregnant, your dentist will need to know of your condition to take precautions such as shielding your abdomen and thyroid. Check with your gynaecologist before you schedule your dental appointments to see if there are any details you need to pass on to your dentist.
Prevent the formation of plaque in your mouth by brushing twice a day, before breakfast and before you go to sleep.
Use a soft-bristle brush or an electric toothbrush along with a fluoride toothpaste. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. If morning sickness is keeping you from using your current toothpaste, ask your dentist to recommend a flavourless or bland-tasting toothpaste.
Eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet, which will be good for the baby too. Remove acidic foods and sugary treats (both food and drinks) from your diet to protect your teeth from decay during these nine months, and possibly, after that too. This includes all meals, including the snacks you’ll be having throughout the day.
All the above-mentioned home remedies can be used for immediate relief and as preventive measures too, as they will help you to take care of a toothache and bleeding gums during pregnancy. If the pain or bleeding does not subside, make an appointment with your dentist and take their professional opinion at the earliest. Do not consume over-the-counter drugs for a toothache without consulting your doctor, as this could have an adverse effect on you and the baby.
Also Read: Mouth Ulcers During Pregnancy Read more
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What Should a 3 Year Old Child Know Academically?
Many parents feel that the 3-year-old stage of their baby is ‘just about there’ to start with learning alphabets, words and objects. Although it’s a good time to start training them for preschool now, the foundation for their learning can be laid down before they reach 3. So what are the milestones to look for at the age of 3 and what can you do when they seem delayed?
Educational Milestones for a 3-Year-Old Child
Getting in pre-schools means having a good set of cognitive skills in children and the foundation for it is laid down during their younger years. Many parents wonder what a 3-year-old should know from the education point of view and here are the 3 important things they need to be aware of:
1. Reading Skill
Children’s ability to read doesn’t need to develop only when they start school. Even as infants, they are building the skills needed that will help them to read soon enough. The time between 3 to 5 years is a critical phase for children to learn to start reading. By 3, although they won’t be able to read full sentences, they will definitely begin to show the signs of readiness. You will notice that they can recognise some commonly used letters or are even be able to learn simple three-letter-words.
Most preschoolers by the age of 3 will know the names of their favourite books. They can hold a book properly and turn pages, recall phrases and frequently used words from their favourite books and even pretend to read books. They can also differentiate between a random squiggle, an alphabet or number. Some preschoolers can also recognise or write numbers and letters, identify letters that begin with certain words or make up silly phrases.
The best way to instil an interest in reading is to read to your child every day regardless of how much it is that they understand. Reading opens the window to the realm of literacy that your child would soon enter while also building a bond with you during the time you spend reading to them. Reading doesn't have to begin and end with books; labels on cereal boxes, words on toys will do as well. As they go from words to forming their first sentences, you will notice them reaching their milestones. You will also see them recognising printed words on signs, streets, common store signs and others.
A text-rich environment is a key to laying down the groundwork for success in reading. Along with books, you can also talk about words, letters or numbers on packages, signs, clothing, etc. Make a game of guessing letters and numbers when out on the streets or supermarkets. Flashcards are also good toys to introduce at this point to help learn alphabets and pictures.
2. Vocabulary
You can expect a growth spurt in the language skills of your child between the ages of 2 and 3. At the beginning of this period, most kids can say 50 or more words and follow simple instructions. They can combine two or three words to form a sentence such as ‘mommy get in the car’ or ‘Me go too’. Kids are also able to understand one step instructions such as ‘put sock on foot’ or two-step instructions such as ‘pick up the ball and bring it to mommy’.
By the age of 3, the vocabulary of kids can contain as much as 200-300 words, and you will begin to hear longer sentences that are more structured and grammatical. For example, instead of saying ‘I go’, your child might say ‘I’m going’. You can also expect to hear past tense such as ‘walked’ or ‘jumped’. They can understand better and speak more clearly; you will be able to understand at least 75% of what your child says.
As they mature beyond the age of 3, they should be able to use language freely and solve problems and learn new concepts. They can engage in a simple question-answer session or tell stories. A good example is a story about their visit to the supermarket. They may be able to put together a simple story and say something similar to ‘I go shop’. When you respond with ‘And what did you do at the shop?’, they would reply ‘Buy candies’. They should also be able to tell simple made-up stories, although they would leave out a lot of details.
Children’s vocabulary when they start kindergarten is an important predictor of academic success throughout their school. Therefore it is important to work on building their vocabulary, language and communication skills. To start with, introduce them to new words during their day-to-day activities. At the grocery store, you can explain to them that bread comes from a bakery and show them a bakery on the way home. Children often have an obsession with things, be it cars, birds or a stray cat. The next time your child is chatting about their obsession, throw in a few words that they have never heard before into the discussion.
3. Identifying Different Objects
3-year-old children can identify many objects at this point in their development and even identify their various uses. As their cognitive skills expand, they learn with much vigour and stuff themselves with as much new information as possible. Objects that they encounter on a regular basis are often of the greatest interest. It could be your car and the sound it makes when you honk, the bouncing of balls, kitchen appliances and the rumbling of the grinder. They can associate that the function of a vacuum is to suck up dust and bits of paper that they throw in its way.
Even before they can identify individual objects, they pay attention to the colours and shapes of objects. As shapes and colours are the most noticeable attributes of the world around us, children pick these up faster than anything else. Therefore, children need to know the basics of colours and shapes before they can read, write or do the math. For example, when children learn to discern the differences or similarities between shapes and colours, they are using the same skills needed to understand the differences between letters and numbers. Therefore, when children are asked to sort objects, they often use the most noticeable attributes such as colour, shape and size to categorise objects.
To help them develop their ability to discern colours and objects, offer them paint swatches of different shapes to explore. Let them sort the shapes based on colours as an activity or give them glue sticks to make monochromatic collages of different colours. Shapes can be introduced in fun ways such as giving them square, triangle or circularly shaped cookies to eat. Play with shape sorting games or use household objects in sorting games.
As they grow older, they start developing an interest in science and math as many available games revolve around exploration and sorting/counting mathematically. Along with learning the numerals, they would love counting how many toys they have or how many crackers they can eat.
Most children reach the expected milestones on time or faster when they are supplemented with everyday activities and games designed to help them learn.
Also Read:
Interesting Number Identification Activities for Preschoolers
Fun Ways To Teach Your Kid To Write His Name
How to Teach The Use of First Person to Preschool Kids? Read more
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Spinal Anaesthesia for C-section - Advantages and Disadvantages
There's a lot going on the mind of a mother-to-be when she is about to have a C-section. It is major surgery - you will have a baby at the end of it. You may have concerns about anaesthesia - what type the doctor might use and how it will all pan out. You may have heard from other mothers about an epidural, but a spinal block is more commonly used during a C-section. Continue reading for everything you need to know about spinal anaesthesia.
What is a Spinal Block?
A spinal block is a type of regional anaesthetic that is injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the nerves and spinal cord. A spinal block is different from a spinal epidural. The spinal block is an injection of anaesthetic directly into the spinal fluid which quickly and effectively blocks the pain for a few hours. You feel numb from the abdomen down, but it allows the use of your arms, head and upper body.
In contrast, an epidural uses a larger needle that goes into your epidural space and not into the membrane that covers your spinal cord. A catheter is then used to administer the anaesthetic for a long time continually, and it can be made to last longer than a spinal. Spinal block is given if you decide that you need pain relief late in labour or there is not enough time for an epidural and the delivery is likely to be very soon. It is also the preferred spinal injection for a c-section if you do not already have an epidural in place.
How is Spinal Anaesthesia Given?
The painkilling drugs are injected into the spinal fluid surrounding the nerves and the spinal cord. To do that, the anaesthesiologist uses a very fine needle to penetrate the dura, the tissue which encapsulates the spinal cord and the spinal fluid. The spinal is a single injection of anaesthetic in the spinal area and is a one-shot deal; therefore, there is only one chance to deliver the drugs. It’s also noteworthy that there is almost no chance of mistakenly piercing your spinal cord as the needle goes inside below where the spinal cord ends.
The way this is performed is quite simple. The anaesthesiologist will come in and ask you to sit on the side of the bed or lie on your side. Your back is then cleaned with iodine solution, and a sticky, plastic guard type-contact paper is placed on your back. A topical anaesthetic is first used, and then the drugs are injected into the spinal fluid with a fine needle. It leaves you numb, but ambulatory. However, you won’t be able to walk for a while.
How Does a Spinal Work?
The spinal block works quickly and very effectively to deliver pain relief to your lower body down from the abdomen for a limited period. During this time you are alert and know everything that is happening except the sensations in your lower body. You will be able to move your arms, upper body and head as well. The anaesthetic is injected using a fine needle which is carefully guided into the membrane surrounding the spinal cord through your lower back. Since they spread more easily in the spinal fluid, only a small dose of anaesthetic is required in this case, and it works by blocking the pain signals going from the uterus and lower body to the brain. This will also stop you from feeling your contractions, and your abdomen will feel numb in about 10 minutes.
Who Should Avoid Taking a Spinal?
Not all women are given spinal for pain relief. It is avoided if they have abnormally low levels of blood pressure because of problems such as bleeding, blood infections, previous allergic reaction to local anaesthetics or a skin infection in the lower back where the needle enters. It is also not given to women who are on some specific blood-thinning medications.
What Are the Benefits of Having Spinal Anaesthesia for C-section?
Spinal anaesthesia avoids the need for a general anaesthetic to be administered during the procedure. This means you will be fully awake and can participate in the birth of your baby along with your partner in the operating theatre.
You will have almost complete pain relief and be alert during the procedure. You are also less likely to feel sick unlike under a general anaesthetic.
Once your baby is born, you can hold him right away and start feeding him. The baby will also be more alert if you are not under a general anaesthetic.
Unlike an epidural where a tube is left stuck to the back, spinal is given as a single injection for pain relief.
It is much faster than an epidural and gives rapid pain relief that kicks in within five to ten minutes.
The catheter inserted into your bladder is likely to be for a shorter period compared to an epidural.
What Are the Side Effects of Spinal Block?
Depending on the drugs administered, you may or may not be able to maintain sufficient muscle strength, which means you may not be able to move around, even with assistance. Either way, obstetric caregivers will recommend you to stay in bed after you’ve had a spinal block. You will also need an IV and constant fetal monitoring.
The administered drugs may temporarily reduce your blood pressure. This can reduce blood flow to the baby, which in turn slows down its heart rate. Therefore, continuous fetal monitoring is needed.
If opioids are used, especially ones such as fentanyl, it can cause itchiness around the nose and lips. Some women also get nauseous and throw up during labour.
In some cases, it can cause mild respiratory and circulatory depression. When the drugs used in the anaesthesia travels higher than intended within the spinal fluid, a high spinal block or high neural blockade can occur. This is more common in women who are short, obese or sensitive in general to anaesthesia. The anaesthesia can cause mild shortness of breath and numbness or weakness in the upper body such as shoulders, arms and trunk. This is followed by nausea with or without vomiting. At first, the high spinal block can seem frightening, but it’s not life-threatening. It can be treated with intravenous drugs that stabilise the heart rate and blood pressure and supplemental oxygen.
To administer anaesthesia, your spinal cord’s protective membrane is purposefully punctured. This can cause some of the spinal fluid to leak, giving rise to headaches. While they are not serious, they can be troublesome. Women often describe throbbing and episodic pain around the forehead, or behind the eyes or at the base of the head extending down to the spine. Most of them resolve within a few hours, and only about 1 in 500 women report severe headaches.
Backaches are also reported as a result of trauma due to the needle piercing layers of fat, muscle and ligaments. The pain is usually reported to be dull and mild soreness, and they resolve within a few weeks.
FAQs
Below are some FAQs about spinal anaesthesia for C-section.
1. Spinal Block for C-section - Does it Hurt?
The procedure of getting a spinal block is generally quick and painless, but you may feel a stinging sensation when the drugs are first injected into the site. If you feel pins or needles in your legs during the injection, immediately tell your anaesthetist about it. It may be a sign of temporary nerve damage, and the needle needs to be re-positioned. Temporary nerve damage is rare and repairs itself in a few months. Only about one in 1000 to 2000 women are affected by this.
2. General Anesthesia Vs Spinal Anesthesia for C-section?
General anaesthesia leads to a total loss of sensation and consciousness. This means you are not awake and won’t have reflexes. It is given under emergency conditions or when the regional anaesthetic doesn’t work.
3. Spinal or Epidural for C Section?
Both of these are a regional anaesthetic. The difference between spinal and epidural for c-section lies in the duration of numbing and their effectiveness. While spinal blocks are given in one shot and have a high quality of pain blocking for a shorter period, epidurals last longer and are not as potent at blocking the pain. Spinal block is often used as C-sections are generally not a long procedure; therefore, a continuous drip of anaesthesia, i.e. an epidural is unnecessary.
In general, there is not much to worry about spinal anaesthesia. However, if you are concerned, talk to your provider to ease your anxiety.
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Rear-Facing Car Seat Buying Guide
What is a Rear-Facing Car Seat?
A Rear-Facing car seat, also known as infant car seat, is a portable safety seat consisting of a base and a shell like infant carrier into which your baby can be secured. When compared to leaving your infant unrestrained, these car seats reduce the risk of death/ injury to your baby by almost 90%.
Why Should I Choose a Rear-Facing Car Seat?
A newborn’s joints and spinal cord are very delicate and are at risk while travelling. A Rear-Facing car seat not only secures these joints, but also provides enhanced protection for your baby’s head, neck and spine, which are not firm as yet. The Rear-Facing car seat shields the baby from any direct impact. In the event of a collision, the shell shaped interior absorbs the energy of the impact and the integral harness keeps the baby snuggled, as compared to a forward-facing car seat. For this reason, experts recommend Rear-Facing car seats for as long as possible, that is, until the child is able to sit on own or has exceeded the prescribed weight limit for the specific category.
Reference: 5-Childcarseats.org.uk
Which One Will Fit My Infant?
On the basis of characteristics, infant car seats have been broadly categorized into three categories:
1. Group 0
Infant Carriers or Carry Cots which can be secured by seat belts in the rear seat of the car are used for this group. These car seats are designed for vulnerable infants like premature babies, babies who suffer from apnea, or weak babies with low birth weight. Experts however recommend that these car seats be used for your baby’s early months, even if your baby is healthy and not suffering from any of the above problems.
Specifications :
Position
Lying (in carrycot), rear facing, lie-back orientation, no airbags (with the exception of curtain airbags in selected models).
Recommended Weight
Up to 09 kg(20 lbs)
Approximate Age
Birth to 09 months
Recommended heights
per seat construction
Best Buy Period
Keep it ready before your child arrives. You would need to use this when you take your baby home for the first time, from the hospital.
Lasts About
09 to 15 months depending on the child’s growth.
2. Group 0+
As a surrogate of Group 0 car seats, these car seats have been designed to last longer and are meant for healthy children. These car seats administer front & side impact protection and cater to greater protection for the baby's head, neck and spine. These carriers also secure the baby in Rear-Facing position using a standard adult seat belt and/or with an ISOFIX fitting and are equipped with handles for moving the car seat in and out of the car with ease. Turning up the given handles makes it a carrycot and clicking onto the stroller frame converts it into a pushchair. And all this can be done without so much as waking the baby up.
Specifications :
Position
Sitting, rear facing, no airbags (with the exception of curtain airbags in selected models).
Recommended Weight
Up to 09 kg(29 lbs)
Approximate age
Birth to 15 months
Recommended Height
As per seat construction
Best Buy Period
Keep it ready before your baby arrives.
Lasts About
09 to 24 months depending upon the growth rate of your baby and size of the seat.
3. Group 0+ & 1
Conventionally equipped with chassis, these car seats are integrated with handles and are strapped using an adult seat belt. They are bulky, and are recommended only for big vehicles, since they occupy a relatively large space in your car. Like other infant carriers, these car seats also offer Rear-Facing positions and provide robust features and enhanced security for your child. Although these larger car seats secure your child's head effectively during a moment of sudden deceleration. and also require space for additional straps. These car seats are meant for specific vehicles, which makes them less sought after, though they are available.
Specifications
Position
Sitting, rear facing, no airbags (with the exception of curtain airbags in selected models).
Recommended Weight
From birth 2-3 kg (4-6 lbs.) Up till 13 kg (29 lbs.)
Approximate Age
Birth to 15 months
Height
As per seat construction
Best Buy Period
Keep it ready before your baby arrives, and use it for his/her first ride homewards.
Lasts About
09 to 24 months depending upon the growth rate of your baby and size of the seat.
Benefits & Limitations
Here is a comparative analysis of all the categories under the Rear-Facing child car seats. This will give you a bird's-eye view of all the pros and cons and help you with your buying decision.
Benefits
Group 0
Group 0+
Group 0+ & 1
Portability
Yes
Yes
X
Handling Convenience
Yes
Yes
X
Convertible to infant carrier
Yes
Yes
X
Convenient for multiple cars
Yes
Yes
X
Individual harness tensioner
X
X
Yes
Multi-recline - 4 recline positions
X
X
Yes
Enhanced Security
X
X
Yes
Offers both Rear-Facing and forward-facing positions
X
X
Yes
Limitations
Group 0
Group 0+
Group 0+ & 1
Most kids outgrow the seat within few months
Yes
X
X
Should only be used for travel via car and not for any other activity outside the car
Yes
Yes
X
Non-portable and Bulky
X
X
Yes
Cumbersome
X
X
Yes
Expensive
X
X
Yes
X - Positive X - Negative Yes No
How to Buy
Now that you know what to look for in a Rear-Facing car seat across the groups 0, 0+, 0+and 1, find out how to go about determining whether these features are tailor made for your child to take an informed buying decision.
Make sure to push back the seat padding as though pushed back by child’s weight and measure the seat using a measuring tape.
Look out for a low shoulder, small and adjustable harness. It is always better to choose according to your child’s measurements.
Check for adjustable buckles. Check how convenient it is open and put back.
Look out for the distance of the adjustable crotch buckle from the seat’s back surface. Check how convenient it is to open and put back.
Look out for an adjustable handle as most car seat models require that the handle be lowered during travel.
Make sure to recline in all defined positions and check for comfort in each.
Look for robust security features and a strong comfortable base.
Check if the seat fits well in your car and can be customized according to your baby’s needs.
Look out for portability or use in multiple vehicles. Check by converting it into a carrier and pram etc.
Check recommended feature labels, safety instructions and user manuals.
Buying car seats online from a trusted website will save you the trouble of testing all these details yourselves, as the website will provide the images of all the necessary features and certify the product before putting it up for sale. You can also access reviews, opinions of other users, ratings etc. from the comfort of your home. Just ensure that you choose a product with a reasonable return policy, so that in the event you require a replacement, the process is easy.
The Truth About Those Common Myths of a Rear-Facing Car Seat
1. Myth
I grew up fine without a car seat, so will my child. I think my child is safe even without one.
Fact: You were fortunate enough to endure without a car seat, but it was not the safest of moves. Also, this does not imply that you can expose your baby to dangers. Safety is mandatory for everyone.
2. Myth
My child would not be travelling much in the car, so buying a car seat seems such a waste.
Fact: It does not matter how frequently your child travels with you. Even if your child will travel with you just once, when you go home from the hospital, it is your responsibility to ensure his/her safety. Accidents never come with a forewarning. You must be ready with a car seat before your child arrives for his/her first journey homeward.
3. Myth
A child car seat is not comfortable for my child.
Fact: This will not be a concern if you are using the correct child car seat for your child’s age and weight. Also, make sure you are following all the guidelines correctly. Safety and comfort, are the key factors kept in mind while designing and manufacturing any child car seat. Car seats are designed to keep your baby comfortable even during long journeys.
4. Myth
A child car seat never works. Securing it is a hazard too!
Fact: This will not be a concern if you are using the correct child car seat for your child’s age and weight. Also, make sure you are following all the guidelines correctly. Safety and comfort, are the key factors kept in mind while designing and manufacturing any child car seat. Car seats are designed to keep your baby comfortable even during long journeys.
5. Myth
My baby’s legs are too big for a Rear-Facing car seat.
Fact: Rear-Facing car seats are designed keeping baby’s body structure in mind. Your baby is absolutely safe, even if his/her legs are bent at the knees or he/she can touch/kick the vehicle seat.
6. Myth
I can carry my infant in forward-facing position too.
Fact: It is strictly recommended to avoid forward-facing position for infants. Your child must travel in a Rear-Facing position for as long as possible.
7. Myth
We shall not cover long distances. Safety seat is not required for small distances.
Fact: Whether you’re travelling cross country or just around the corner, your baby needs to be safe, and there’s no telling when disaster might strike. Routine trips are often the ones that are deceptively dangerous.
Reference: 6-Durbin, D. R. (2011). Technical report—Child passenger safety. Pediatrics, 127(4). Advance online publication. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-0215
FAQs
1.Why is Rear-facing Position Important for a Baby?
In a frontal crash (the most common and most severe type of crash), the head is thrown forward, but the body is held back. While older children and adults are protected with seat belts, a baby’s delicate neck, head and spinal cord are protected by spreading force through the back, which is not possible in a forward-facing position.
2. Do I Need a Base with My Infant Car Seat?
A base is an accessory to the infant car seat and need not necessarily be installed along with it. In certain situations like air travel, you may even be required to remove it to get a secure fit.
3. What is The Proper Recline Angle for My Child’s Infant Seat?
For an accurate angle, you should match the level lines on the side of the plastic shell with the ground level. The angle arrived at with this method, works best, even for older children. If your car seat model has a ball as an angle indicator, then the ball should be between the two marks on the indicator that matches the weight of your child. In most cases, it is found to be a maximum of 45 degrees.
4. I have an Airbag in The Front Seat of My Car. Should I Place My Child’s Car Seat in Front of The Airbag? Would it be The Safest Place for The Child Car Seat?
No, a child car seat is always the safest in the back seat, as opposed to the front seat, despite the car being equipped with an airbag in the front. The back seat reduces the chances of injury and death by more than 30%.
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
9 hours ago
Q. hi mam for 2days I am seeing my baby bumb decreasing is it cause of worry?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. I don’t know how the bumps of your child decreasing that’s not fair to me second you have not mentioned the current age of your child to do it and there is no clarity in the query it would be difficult for me to help us so if you don’t mind can you please repost with all the necessary details associated with your question
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
8 hours ago
Q. Hello I had my period missed for April month and today I got my period. Is it normal to have period after 1 month or is there anything I should be worried about? Iam worried please let me know if that's ok or should I consult my doctor
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. consult your doctor for any evaluation required. 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
7 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. 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
7 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
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Kiran hans
Guardian of a 1 yr 11 m old girl and 11 m old girl
New Memory
#grandphoto my beautiful doll
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Shikha kaushik
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old boy
1 min ago
#MamyPokoMilestoneMemories , so my baby is a little bit late for walking on his own, so this is the first time he walked. Took the first step in 18 months.
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Sindhu
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old boy
2 mins ago
He is exploring the nature
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Navneet
Guardian of a Newborn boy
2 mins ago
#MamyPokoMilestoneMemories
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Preethi HR Preethi
Mom of a 4 m old girl
4 mins ago
#stylishbaby#firstcryfashion
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