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Your 8 Week Old Baby - Development, Milestones & Care
It’s been nearly two months since you gave birth and you would have many questions about how fast your baby should be growing, how much they should weigh and what is expected of them in general. Here is all you need to know about your 8 week old.
8 Week Old Baby Development
Your baby is nearing two months of continuous change and development. By now you would have understood their moods and behaviour and have a routine established to feed, bathe and play with them. Try not to compare with what other moms are doing. You may not feel all that confident with what you are up to and your baby is the best judge of how well you’re doing. Babies are fairly content as long as they get plenty to feed, sleep well and have their diapers changed on time.
Your 8 week old baby's weight should have increased between 900 grams to 1.3 kilograms since he was born. He would also grow about 5cm and start showing some volume on the pads of his cheeks, tummy, arms and legs. You would also notice that the 8 week old baby growth spurt makes him cluster feed more in the evenings and some fussy feeding in the night.
[Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Development]
Eight Week Old Baby Milestones
Your baby will now start showing curiosity towards things around them. He'll watch people and moving objects and express interest toward unfamiliar objects.
Babies start realizing that smiling is fun. You’ll see them smile whenever you cuddle them, hear your voice or see people they like.
They will start favouring some toys over others and smile when they see their favourite toy.
Their vision has improved and can now look at objects that are about 20cm away in front of them.
Babies have now become more aware of their arms and legs, so expect a lot of kicking and reaching with the hands. Their movements are a bit jagged at first but you’ll see they become more controlled in no time.
8 week old teething is very rare but their salivary glands are developing fast. So you can expect plenty of drooling from now on.
[Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Milestones]
Feeding
Your baby would still need at least 6 feeds every 24 hours at 2 months old. At this stage, they will often go through growth spurts and cluster feed around the evenings to meet their growing demand for nutrition. Cluster feeding can seem concerning to first-time moms if they are entirely breastfeeding as they tend to doubt if they have enough milk. A good way to tell if the baby is getting enough is a steady growth rate of 150-200 grams a week and 6 or more pale or wet nappies a day. Also when they have enough, they seem happy and alert.
If you are bottle feeding you may find that your little one's appetite is a little larger and he'd finish one bottle and look for more. Speak to your doctor about the correct quota of milk for his age and weight. It’s also important to not alter the ratio of formula and water in the mix, feed him as instructed and throw away the excess.
[Also Read: 2 Month Old Baby Food]
Sleeping
Your 8 week old baby sleep will last between 11-15 hours a day, unlike the 18-hour total sleep time he had in his first few weeks. Although at this stage, babies still wake up in the middle of the night, they should start sleeping in solid chunks of 5-6 hours at a stretch. Some babies sleep morer and have a regular sleep routine that is predictable. Other are more alert and refuse to sleep when their parents try to put them to bed. In general, there is not much control over your 8 week old's sleep schedule and you need to tailor your responses to his rhythms.
It’s worthwhile however at this stage to place babies in their cot so they can learn how to fall asleep on their own over the upcoming months. Babies who are always asleep when they go into their cots become dependent on their parents to get them to fall asleep. They would not develop the skills involved in self-settling when they go through lighter phases of sleep and wakefulness.
[Also Read: 2 Month Old Baby Sleep Basics]
Behaviour
At 8 weeks most of your baby’s movements would still be a little random and flinging. Babies do not yet possess enough control to hold a rattler or a toy, but that milestone is on the horizon. Babies will also start losing their grasp reflex and it will soon be replaced by a conscious grab and hold. It’s a good idea to frequently talk to your baby even though he can’t understand what you’re saying. However, you’ll see that he will soon begin to react with smiles and “coos” to what you say. Research shows that baby babble follows the rhythm of speech they hear from their surroundings and especially from you.
If you have older children allow them to interact with the baby. Gentle play and loving positive stimulation will help build the baby’s social skills. You’ll also see that your baby can recognize different faces; he may even stare longer at people who wear glasses.
Crying
It shouldn’t be surprising if you find that your baby is still unsettled and has fits of crying now and then. Crying for long periods of time can be hard on babies as it might tire them out and get them cranky to the point where they are hard to soothe. Crying can peak around mid-morning or the late afternoons; so anticipate a fit and ensure they are well fed and comfortable as a precaution. Sometimes parents might experience that their baby is unsettled for a few days straight and get anxious about the underlying cause. If you suspect that it might be colic, which is a condition that affects almost half of the infants, contact your paediatrician about how to deal with it.
8 Week Old Baby Care Tips
Babies at this stage still spit up during or after feeding as they ingest air along with the milk. So ensure you have lots of receiving blankets on hand to shield yourself.
Offer them a range of objects to look at and feel from your home. It lays down the foundations of their visual and tactile perceptions.
Supervised floor time every day when they are awake will help them strengthen their neck, shoulder and chest muscles.
Since they often kick even during their sleep, you’d find their bed covers are usually kicked off. A baby sleeping bag can work well in such cases.
If you wish to bottle feed your baby henceforth, now is a good time to switch and slowly introduce the feeding bottle teat. Also, have another family member or a caretaker feed the baby often with the bottle.
[Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Care]
Tests and Vaccinations
Your baby needs a general check-up at 6 to 8 weeks to check for growth rate, weight gain and infections. At 8 weeks your baby will also get the first immunizations appointment to administer vaccinations against some nasty germs. It can be a daunting take the first time, so take your partner with you or a family member or a friend.
Babies are given their first dose of injection which is a 5 in 1 vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib virus. They will also get a shot of the first pneumococcal injection which protects against the bacteria that cause meningitis and septicemia. Oral Rotavirus vaccination is also given as drops to protect against the rotavirus infection that causes diarrhoea and sickness.
Games and Activities
Here are a few simple games that may be considered at this stage.
1. The Swatting Game
Starting from two months your baby will start swinging at objects within his reach, especially the bright attractive ones. This can be used to develop his hand-eye coordination and build strength in his arms. You’ll need a screw in ceiling hook, some string, simple light toys that are soft, rattlers, and a coat hanger.
Put the hook in the ceiling over your bed or your baby’s cot and using a strong string dangle the coat hanger from the ceiling. You can hang a bunch of light shiny toys on the coat hanger such that they are just within the baby’s reach to swat but not low enough to grab.
2. Go Fish
There’s nothing like a bright colourful object to capture your baby’s attention. Taking him to an aquarium to let him see tropical fish is a good exercise that builds his vision and a sense of object permanence. All you need is an aquarium in your house or at a friend’s place that has plenty of colourful fish. You can also visit a pet store to see a lot more fish!
[Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Games and Activities]
Consult a Doctor if
If you notice that the baby feeds little, is having dry nappies and is in pain it could be dehydration and constipation. He should be taken to the doctor immediately.
The baby’s fontanelles (the soft spots on the head) haven’t fused yet and will continue to remain soft for a while. They may bulge slightly when the baby is crying or appear sunken when dehydrated. Consult your doctor if it persists for a long time
You’ve made it through your baby’s fussy phase; more exciting times are on the horizon!
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Taking Letrozole (Femara) for Treating Infertility in Women
Letrozole is an oral medication used to treat infertility in women. If you have been trying to conceive for a long time now and failing repeatedly, your doctor might prescribe you letrozole. Earlier, letrozole was used for treating cancer in the breast tissue. However, nowadays, this medicine is given to treat fertility issues in women.
What Is Letrozole?
In strict medical terms, letrozole is a non-steroidal medication. It is consumed orally and functions as an aromatase inhibitor. This inhibition helps in reducing estradiol levels in the body, which allows the follicle-stimulating hormone to rise and follicles in the ovaries to grow readily.
Who Should Take Letrozole?
Not all women with fertility problems will be recommended a dose of letrozole. Usually, letrozole is prescribed to women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Many other disorders that affect the ovulation cycle of a woman are met with an administration of letrozole. Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe the medication if the cause of infertility has not been determined conclusively.
How Does Letrozole Work?
Many women may feel bloated after taking letrozole medication. This makes it important to understand how letrozole works in a woman's body.
Letrozole is typically an aromatase inhibitor, which means that it blocks any kind of aromatase activity within the body. Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for the production of oestrogen hormone in the body. Once this drug enters a woman's body, the cycle of converting androgens to oestrogen is halted in its path. As the oestrogen levels drop in the body, this is sensed by the pituitary gland, which is responsible for maintaining optimal hormone levels at all times. In order to balance the reduced oestrogen, the gland secretes the follicle-stimulating hormones to increase oestrogen. The effect of generating FSH is multifold, as it also affects the ovaries causing them to be stimulated and generate an egg. At times, higher FSH could cause a woman to release more than one egg as well.
Ovulation begins and reaches a peak once the dose is completed. Engaging in sexual intercourse at this stage can help increase the chances of natural conception substantially and achieve pregnancy.
How to Take Letrozole for Treating Infertility
Doctors usually recommend women to take around 2.5mg letrozole for improving fertility. The dosage usually lasts for 5 days to a week, if a tablet is taken every day. The right time to start taking letrozole is on the third or fourth day of your menstrual cycle. When you take it for 5 days in a row, ovulation usually kicks in and continues for about four days to a week after the course is completed.
What Is the Success Rate of Fertility With Letrozole?
The effectiveness of this medicine is difficult to determine as a successful conception depends on a variety of factors. However, after administering letrozole, a substantial improvement in ovulation is observed in women. Most women get pregnant after beginning with letrozole course and deliver their babies successfully. Women with PCOS or other ovulatory disorders may benefit from this medicine successfully.
Risks and Side Effects of Taking Letrozole for Infertility
While letrozole does have its benefits in countering instances of infertility in various women as well as helping most of them achieve improved ovulation cycles, there are a bunch of risks and side effects that might occur as a result of its intake. In most cases, letrozole is not recommended for long term usage due to the possibility of birth defects.
The primary action of letrozole is to stop the conversion of androgens to oestrogen, which causes the levels of the hormone to fall within the body. While the pituitary gland does stimulate the ovaries to counter this fall, the effect of oestrogen reduction can be observed easily. Women may experience instances of dizziness or headaches as a result of it. At times, hot flashes may occur and a few women may have tender and sensitive breasts more than usual.
The alternative to letrozole is clomiphene. However, the side effects of the drug range from mood fluctuations to a substantial impact on the lining of the uterus and on the mucous covering the cervix. While letrozole does not cause such effects, it does tend to cause leg cramps in some women. Thankfully, the cramps and headaches subside once the course is completed.
Since letrozole is taken for conception, there is a rare chance that a woman would be on birth control pills at the same time. In the rarest of the rare cases, any medication with letrozole is bound to react with the pills and reduce their effect. Similarly, women attempting to get pregnant during their breastfeeding phase should not take letrozole since it can find its way into the baby’s body and disturb his hormones.
Earlier, letrozole was attributed to being responsible for birth defects in children. But this was later observed to be in cases where women would continue to take letrozole even while breastfeeding the child, causing toxic reactions in the baby as well as the formation of physical anomalies in the development. Similarly, women who have a premenopausal endocrinal condition are suggested to avoid the drug entirely for similar reasons.
Knowing how effective letrozole is for fertility may not provide a clear and concise answer because the actual effect of letrozole is not on fertility but on ovulation. Better ovulation can increase the chances of conception, but only when you indulge in sex on a regular basis.
Also Read: Fertility Drugs for Women Read more
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Is It Safe to Give Bottled Water to Babies?
Anything we give our babies contributes to their health and happiness, even water. As parents, you might be wondering whether it is safe to give bottled water to your baby. Read on to find out the types of water, what you can give your infant and things to consider before giving it to them.
Can Infants Drink Bottled Water?
You can give bottled water to your little cutie only if she is above 6 months of age. Giving water too early can result in water intoxication. This is because baby’s kidneys are still tiny and developing meaning that they cannot handle the load. Never replace breast milk or formula with bottled water during this time.
Types of Bottled Water
Here are the three types of bottled water:
1. Packaged Drinking Water
Bottled water is made with water which is sourced from lakes, rivers or public taps. It is purified using UV rays, and all the inorganic ions, bacteria, gases which are harmful, and any other impurities are removed from them. Once this process is complete, bottled water acquires a distinct flavour.
2. Mineral Water
You might be wondering is mineral water safe for babies? Mineral water has higher amounts of dissolved minerals, and it is usually extracted from groundwater or from underground spring water. Mineral water for babies is fine as long as the level of dissolved minerals (such as sodium and fluoride) are low.
3. Distilled Water
The purest form of water, this one does not contain any minerals or gases. It is not used for consumption and is usually used in industrial outfits.
Which Bottled Water is Safe for Babies?
Bottled water is packaged by different companies, some of which are Bisleri, Kinley, Himalayan Water and Kingfisher. The way it is collected, its purification process and constituent elements are different, meaning that there can be vast differences between them. Some of the important criteria that make bottled water safe for babies include:
Many bottled water companies add fluoride to the water. In limited quantities, fluoride is good for your toddler’s teeth and gums. However, high levels of fluoride can be very harmful to your baby as it can cause ‘enamel fluorosis’ which can show on your baby’s teeth as white spots while they are still growing.
Opt for those brands which have had reverse osmosis or ion exchange as part of the purification process. This is because there are many places in the country which have arsenic in the water. The above-mentioned processes help remove arsenic which cannot be done through boiling.
Studies have shown that large amounts of sodium in drinking water leads to high blood pressure. Hence, low sodium bottled water for babies is the best alternative.
Is Boiled Bottled Water Good for Babies?
Plain bottled water may seem good, but studies have shown that over seventy per cent of the samples had high levels of bacteria. This study was conducted in the United Kingdom and given the poor quality of water India; the risk is even higher over here.
Boiling bottled water is added protection and is the preferred method as it eliminates any lingering bacteria that may be present. If you are travelling, buy some mineral water beforehand and boil it at home. Only if there is no provision for heating, should bottled water without boiling be given.
Baby Water vs Bottled Water
Nursery water or baby water as its popularly called is made for babies which means it contains low sodium, no sulphate and low fluoride. This gives baby water an edge over bottled water.
Is It Ok to Use Bottled Water for Baby Formula?
If you are making formula using bottled water, it should contain less than 200 milligrams a litre of sodium. Read the labels of any bottled water to make sure you check for this. Also, make sure that you boil the bottled water as well as a final precaution.
Can You Replace Bottled Water with Tap Water?
The tap water quality in the country is terrible in many parts of the country. Even the capital of the country, New Delhi, has seventy per cent contamination in its water. In addition, places like West Bengal and Bihar have large amounts of arsenic which even boiling cant remove. Hence, while tap water may work in some places abroad, the dismal quality of water in the country makes it a poor alternative for your little one.
Unless you have a water purifier at home, boiled bottle water is the next best alternative for your baby. It acts as a minimum deterrence to the number of deadly diseases such as diarrhoea and jaundice that can affect your baby.
Also Read: Gripe water for Babies Read more
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Quick Breakfast Recipes for Your Busy Mornings
Mornings might get really stressful during workdays. In the midst of the chaos, you might sometimes miss the most important meal of the day, breakfast. These recipes will make sure you don’t waste too much time making breakfast.
Instant Healthy Breakfast Recipes That Can Be Cooked in a Few Minutes
Check out these quick breakfast recipes you can make in no time.
1. Scrambled Eggs with Chicken Sausages
Try out these easy to make scrambled eggs with mild spices and chicken sausages.
Ingredients
½ chopped onion
1 chopped potato
2 sliced chicken sausages
3 tbsp olive oil
6 eggs
Salt
Pepper
2 tbsp grated cheese
A handful of chopped spring onions
Butter
Burger Buns
½ cup milk
Total Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Method:
Heat the olive oil taken in a pan. Fry the potatoes in the pan till they become golden brown.
Place the chicken sausages into the pan and toss them around.
Now, with some salt and pepper, add the onions into the pan.
Turn the heat off and transfer the contents into another pan.
Beat the eggs to a mixture. Add some milk and cheese to it, and whisk.
Heat a pan and add both of the mixtures. Cook on low heat.
Add some salt and pepper after scraping the bottom. You could also sprinkle the spring onions.
Preheat the oven at 240 degrees for about five minutes.
Spread some butter on the burger buns and for 4 minutes, grill them in the oven.
Finally, garnish the dish with spring onions.
2. Masala Cheese French Toast
This toast contains a mixture of sauces, herbs and has a spicy twist.
Ingredients
2 tbsp chilli tomato ketchup
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp mayonnaise
3 slices of brown and white bread
4 slices cheese
4 egg whites
1 spring onion
2 green chillies
Coriander leaves
2-3 basil leaves
1 bunch chives
Salt
Olive oil
Total Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Method
For the herb paste, blend the basil, spring onions, green chillies, chives, and coriander.
For the sauce paste, mix mustard, mayonnaise, and tomato ketchup.
To make the egg mixture, take some egg whites and whisk them in some salt. Add the herb paste to this mixture.
On a bread slice, apply the sauce paste and place 2 cheese slices. Place another sauce spread slice of bread on top of the cheese. Chill the bread for 2-3 minutes.
Dip this sandwich in an egg mixture.
Cook the French toast in a pan of heated olive oil till it becomes golden brown.
Serve after cutting the fingers.
3. Rawa Upma
This is one of the yummiest south Indian breakfast recipes which will not consume a lot of your time.
Ingredients
250 gm Semolina
650 ml water
75 gm ghee
5 gm mustard seeds
2 gm black gram dal
2 gm Bengal gram dal
100 gm onions
5 gm green chillies
25 gm cashew nuts
2 gm curry leaves
Salt
Coriander leaves
Grated coconut
Total Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Method
Start by boiling some water.
Cut the chillies and slice the onions lengthwise.
Heat ghee in a pan, and add mustard. When it starts crackling, add dal.
Next add the curry leaves, onions, green chillies, and cashew nuts. Add the semolina when the onions become translucent, and sauté them.
Add the boiling water to the pan and then stir it rapidly with some salt. The upma is cooked when the mixture is absorbed.
Finally, garnish with some grated coconut and coriander leaves.
4. Bombay Toasty
This is a really simple and quick breakfast recipe.
Ingredients
4 brown bread slices
50 gm butter
1 onion (peeled and sliced)
1 capsicum (sliced)
1 tomato (sliced)
1 cucumber (sliced)
1 potato (boiled and sliced)
Mint chutney
Salt
Chaat masala
Total Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Method
Take the bread slices and butter them. Once done, put a layer of mint chutney on the slice of bread.
Place potatoes, onion, cucumber, capsicum, and tomato slices.
Season them with some salt and chaat masala.
With a teaspoon of butter, heat the frying pan.
Till they are crispy brown, toast both sides of the sandwiches.
Serve your sandwiches with some potato fries.
5. Masala Chicken on Toast
This amazing toast recipe with chicken is flavourful on a hot, buttered toast.
Ingredients
½ kg boneless chicken (diced)
50 gm hung yoghurt
½ tbsp Kashmiri mirch
½ tbsp garam masala
½ tbsp garlic paste
½ tbsp ginger paste
2 tbsp lime juice
1 ½ tbsp oil
2 onions (diced)
¼ tbsp coriander powder
¼ tbsp chilli powder
Salt
Pepper
4 tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
2 tbsp coriander (chopped)
Total Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Method
You should start by marinating the chicken in hung curd, garam masala, chilli powder, ½ of the garlic and ½ of the ginger paste. Set aside for 1 hour.
Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onions until golden brown. Add some spices, the remaining ginger, and garlic. Sauté this for a minute.
To the mixture, add the chicken and stir it for a minute. Include the tomatoes and simmer uncovered until the chicken is coated on both the sides.
Garnish with some coriander and serve it on a hot buttered toast.
6. Banana and Almond Porridge
If you want to try recipes without eggs, then this is the one for you.
Ingredients
¼ cup oats
1 tsp chia seeds
1 cup milk
½ banana (chopped)
1 tbsp dates (chopped)
2 tsp almonds (sliced)
2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 saffron thread
1 tbsp honey
Total Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Method
First, gather all the ingredients. Next, soak the oats in some water for a few minutes. In another bowl, soak the chia seeds for about 10 minutes.
Heat milk in a pan over medium flame and add some bananas, almonds, dates, and cinnamon.
To the milk, add the saffron and after 30 seconds, cook the drained oats with the milk.
After 1 minute, when the oats are cooked and the porridge is ready, remove the pan. Pour the porridge into a serving bowl.
Add some honey and garnish it with chia seeds.
7. Peas and Potato Sandwich
Present between two bread slices is an amazing mix of peas, mashed potatoes, spices, lime, and curry leaves.
Ingredients
1 large bowl of peas (boiled)
3 potatoes (boiled and grated)
2 green chillies (chopped)
½ tsp of madras curry powder
¼ tsp coriander powder
4 kaffir lime leaves (chopped)
¼ tsp red chilli powder
2 tbsp olive oil
6 bread slices
Butter
Salt
Total Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Method
Drizzle the pan with some olive oil and heat it. Flash fry the green chillies and add some potatoes. Sauté the potatoes.
Add some kaffir lime leaves, boiled peas, curry powder, red chilli powder, salt, and coriander powder.
Mash the potatoes and peas together and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.
Once the peas and potatoes are cooked, leave the filling aside so that it cools down.
Butter the filling evenly on the slices of bread.
Spread the filling on 3 bread slices and cover with other slices of bread.
8. Quinoa Lentil Salad
Quinoa lentil salad is a mixture of healthy items like lentils, asparagus, pomegranate, and quinoa.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2-3 baby carrots
Broccoli
Asparagus
Cauliflower
1 cup lentils
1 cup pomegranate
2 spring onions
Coriander
1 mosambi (juiced)
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp olive oil
Lemongrass
½ green chilli (chopped)
4-6 Basil Leaves
Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Method
Add some salt to the boiling water. For about 45 seconds, par-blanch the vegetables.
Now, shift these vegetables in a bowl filled with ice water. To the bowl, add soaked quinoa.
To this, add pomegranate seeds and lentils.
Add chopped spring onions and coriander. Mix the ingredients in the bowl.
Add the blanched vegetables to the quinoa and lentil mix.
To make the dressing, take some fresh mosambi juice and add some lemongrass, mustard, basil leaves, chopped green chilli, and olive oil. Mix this into the salad.
Plate the salad and garnish it with some sunflower sprouts.
9. Masala Omelet
Check out this spicy combination of onions, eggs, tomatoes, and flavorful spices.
Ingredients
½ onion (chopped)
1 tomato (chopped)
2 green chillies (chopped)
3 tbsp olive oil
3 eggs
Salt
Pepper
2 tbsp butter
A handful of fresh coriander leaves
A handful of spring onions (chopped)
A handful of grated cheese
Burger Buns
Total Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Method
Take olive oil in a pan and heat it. Add some tomato, onion, and green chillies.
Turn down the heat and let the vegetables cook.
Next, break 3 eggs in a bowl and whisk them nicely. Add some pepper and salt to taste.
Mix the vegetables and eggs and sauté them.
Now heat the pan with some butter and pour this mixture in a pan.
Sprinkle fresh spring onions, coriander leaves, and grated cheese on the egg-vegetable mixture.
Make two folds of the omelette and turn off the heat.
Add some butter under the omelette and serve with a toasted bun. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
10. Eggless Pancakes
These amazing pancakes recipes without eggs are very sweet and fluffy.
Ingredients
1 cup Maida
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
3 tbsp oil
1 tsp vanilla essence
Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Method
Mix the flour, salt, sugar, milk, baking powder, oil, enough water, and vanilla essence to form a smooth batter. You can add more water if necessary.
Heat oil in a frying pan and when the oil gets very hot, drain the oil.
Increase the heat and pour the batter. Lower the heat and cover the pan for about 10 seconds.
Uncover and check the edges. If they start lifting, flip it over. The pancake is done!
Just loosen the edges and place the pancakes on the plate.
These recipes along with breakfast casserole recipes like French Toast or potatoes and egg casserole will definitely make sure your mornings are happy and healthy.
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Amazing Facts About Africa for Kids
Traveling to Africa on a safari vacation is becoming increasingly popular. More and more people discover how much fun it is to get away from it all, relax in a different culture, and witness incredible wildlife while on vacation. On a safari in Africa, you'll have the opportunity to visit some of Earth's most beautiful places, including places like the Serengeti National Park, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta, the Zanzibar archipelago, the Victoria Falls, the Great Rift Valley, and the Malaria region, among other places. While you're out exploring, don't forget to pay a visit to one of Africa's numerous game reserves. A few incredible facts about Africa that your children will undoubtedly enjoy learning about are included below.
Geography and Landscape of Africa
There are three particular facts about Africa concerning geography, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human ecology-
Africa is the second-largest continent.
It is divided into eight major geographical regions: the Sahara, the Sahel, the Ethiopian Highlands, the Savanna, the Swahili Coast, the rainforest, the African Great Lakes, and southern Africa.
The continent encompasses 30.3 million square kilometers, or 6 percent of the planet's surface area and 20 percent of its land area.
Plateaus, mountains, ridges, and basins link Africa's major rivers and depressions together in a web of connectivity. It's a narrow valley with a steep incline.
History of Africa
Consider some of these history facts about Africa:
The development of various civilizations throughout Africa's documented history following the advent of Egyptian civilization in the fourth millennium BC was a feature of the continent's documented history that extended far beyond the Nile Valley.
According to Africa's ancient Kemetic predecessors, the continent was known as Alkebulan (Land of the Lions). Alkebu-Ian is the sole indigenous word that has been in use for thousands of years and is still used now. Depending on your perspective, the name alkebulan relates to Eden's garden or the first human mother.
Most scholars assume that the term "Africa" derives from the Roman 'Afri,' which refers to regions of Tunisia and Northern Algeria almost two thousand years ago and is still in use today.
People and Cultural Facts About Africa
Indigenous people in Africa include a diverse range of groups such as:
The Pygmies of Central Africa, nomadic pastoralists such as the Maasai and Samburu of East Africa, the San of Southern Africa, the Amazigh (Berbers) of North Africa, and the Sahel are examples of hunter-gatherer forest people.
Six African tribes with African cultural customs have been identified, including the Bantu-speaking tribes.
They belong to the Maasai ethnic group of Kenya and Tanzania.
Located in Namibia's northwest region, the Himba people are a nomadic group.
Zulu people are a group of people of the Nguni ethnic group in Southern Africa.
Known as San or Khoisan, a Bushman belongs to a tribe of people in Southern Africa.
It is believed that the Ndebele are an ethnic group from South Africa.
The Samburu are a tribe of people who live in Northern Kenya.
Wildlife of Africa
Africa is a refuge for a wide array of wild animals, many of which are threatened with extinction. This nation is home to various creatures, including some of the most well-known fauna in human culture. Let's check out concerning facts about African animals and the common wildlife found there:
Lions
Rhinoceros
Giraffes
Antelope
Hippos
Leopards
Zebras
African elephants
The African elephant is an ape-like creature that is the largest terrestrial animal alive today.
With a body length of nearly six meters, the Nile crocodile is Africa's largest reptile.
The Goliath frog is the world's giant living frog and the largest species of frog.
The ostrich is the world's largest living bird.
Food Facts About Africa
Several well-known African cuisines have acquired global acclaim over time. We'll look at ten little-known African food facts:
Among the most popular fruits in Africa are bananas, apricots, and coconuts, which are also among the most nutritious. Watermelon is the most widely consumed fruit.
Many of the most popular African dishes are based on meat or meat products, which indicates that Africa consumes a diverse range of meats and meat products. The inclusion of meat in meals is commonplace. Meats such as fish, beef, chicken, and mutton are commonplace.
Africans are the most skilled at growing organic foods. Many of the most widely consumed plants can be found in the soils of African countries. Among the most popular vegetables in Africa are potatoes, okra, and yams, to name a few.
The use of distinctive spices distinguishes African cuisine. Traditionally, they are added to a variety of traditional dishes to give them unique African flavors. Everything from vegetables to meats incorporates spices to varying degrees in their preparations.
Peanuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts, and copra are the most common nuts found in Africa, with walnuts and pecans coming in second and third place, respectively. Nuts are a popular healthy snack in Africa, and for a good reason.
Flan is a type of dessert that is very popular in the Philippines, especially among the young. For flavor and texture, flan is an African (and Latin American) dessert similar to crème caramel in both taste and appearance. There is a special recipe for every region, and each person prepares it in a slightly different way depending on where they live.
Sofrito is a traditional African sauce and dish served during specific seasons in the country of its origin. The Africans, who are particularly fond of flan, have perfected their own versions of the traditional dish. Green peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and cilantro leaves are some of the ingredients in this dish, including other vegetables.
Aside from the continent of Africa, Jollof Rice is the most well-known African dish outside of the continent. Rice is a widely consumed food worldwide due to the ease with which you can prepare it.
Chambo is considered one of South Africa's most delectable dishes, and it's easy to see why. It is derived from a fish found in the Lake Malawi region.
Cultivated cereal grains are widely consumed throughout Africa, owing to their low production costs and widespread availability.
Interesting Places to Visit in Africa
Every country in Africa has a unique topography, ecology, culture, and activities. Check them some of the interesting locations in Africa for travelers:
Uganda is one of the only three countries where mountain gorillas can be seen in the wild.
There is a lot of mixing between Kenya and Tanzania. Two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle make their way from Kenya's Masa Mara to Tanzania's Serengeti in a loop; many people believe Kenya and Tanzania to be among the best places to visit in Africa.
Zambia and Zimbabwe have magnificent Victoria Falls, i.e., worth visiting. The Zambezi River, home to crocodiles and hippos, floats in the wild.
Dunes tower across Namibia, making it one of the world's most deserted countries. Namibia is one of the best African countries to visit because of the breathtaking scenery.
Botswana has fewer visitors than much of East Africa, yet the resorts here are spectacular.
Whether it's shark cage diving or malaria-free safari zones, South Africa has it all. Durban, an Indian-influenced enclave on the coast of Africa, offers a unique culinary experience.
It's on many people's bucket lists to visit Egypt, see the pyramids, and sail down the Nile. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the pyramids and the Sphinx from so close.
Visit the world-famous spice market in Rabat, Morocco, and get a taste of the Arab life.
Other Fun Facts About Africa for Children
Let's check out ten cool facts about the continent:
Between 1250 and 3000 indigenous languages are spoken across Africa, according to estimates.
The Greeks referred to the continent as 'Libya,' while the Romans referred to it as 'Africa.' The continent was divided into two parts. Some believe that the word "Africa" was derived from the Latin word "aprica," which means "sunny."
The Karueein Institution is an African institution that takes great pride as it is the oldest university in the world.
The Sahara Desert, located in South Africa, is the world's largest and hottest desert, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius.
It is also the site of the world's highest bungee jumping sport.
Arid land covers more than 60% of the country's land area, including desert and arid terrain.
Algiers is the most populous country in Africa, followed by the Seychelles Republic as the second-most populous country.
Lake Victoria, the world's second-largest freshwater lake and the source of the Nile River, is located in this region.
Because it is considered the home of the first human beings, approximately 5-10 million years ago, the continent of Africa has acquired the label of the "cradle of humanity."
In addition to being Nigeria's most populated metropolis, Lagos is also the country's commercial capital, with around 20 million people.
Most of the time, when people think of a continent, they don't think of a specific country. If you want to learn more about Africa, make a note of this page in your favorites! These cool African facts will make everyone curious about other cultural and historical aspects of the continent.
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Setting Healthy Boundaries for Your Child - Why and How
Child rearing psychology has been through many changes throughout the years. For instance, a few decades ago, parents made decisions for their kids. Children back then were even subjected to punishment. In recent times, the child-knows-best mode of rearing has come into place, with parents often allowing their little ones to choose for themselves. In theory, this is a great practice, but children cannot make right decisions, well not always. Hence, it should be a parent's duty to help their kids find direction in life. You should focus on your child’s behaviour as well as on their emotional state, as nothing supersedes their mental health and peace of mind. Nevertheless, as a parent, you must ensure that you set healthy boundaries for your child, within which he can thrive and learn to handle the world around him. This article will explain how to establish boundaries for kids and the importance of setting limits.
Why Is It Important to Set Limits for Kids?
These days, it is observed that parents are considerably free with their kids, with no clear set boundaries. Sometimes this can be problematic. Below you will find a few reasons as to why you should set rules and boundaries for your children:
1. The Brain of Kids is Not Fully Developed
Children have prefrontal lobes that are not entirely formed. This leads to something known as “magical thinking” according to child psychologists. This allows them to live in a semi-imaginary world, which means they are not capable of making big decisions, hence parents should make important decisions for them. Children under the age of eight are less abstract in their thinking, making them less likely to know the better of two decisions. Of course, this excludes simple choices like what clothes to wear or which food to eat. Let them choose that.
2. Limits Make Kids Feel Protected
Young children thrive on routine and discipline. Establishing firm timelines for different activities will instil a sense of predictability, which in turn can lower uncertainty and anxiety. Yes, there will be days when your child may rebel but make him understand that the boundaries you have set are for his own good. As he grows, he will realise that whatever you are doing is in his best interest and he will feel protected and cherished.
3. Boundaries Interrupt Narcissistic Tendencies
It is not a good idea to allow your child to get control over you, especially when it comes to making important decisions. This will make them feel like they are the centre of the world, and can lead to narcissistic personality disorder. Children need to experience the feeling of disappointment and loss, so they can learn how to deal with these situations as adults. However, please ensure your boundaries for them are not dictatorial or extremely strict, as this can lead to trust issues in later years.
Tips to Set Boundaries for Children
If you are wondering about how to set limits for your child, then these tips will help you establish proper boundaries:
1. Don’t Expect Too Much
Please set limits keeping in mind the developmental stage of your child. For instance, toddlers find their way everywhere while older kids can refuse or demand reasons for your rules. Remember that it takes a while for them to cross these stages of growth, and set your rules accordingly.
2. Use a Warm and Friendly Tone
Be friendly with kids without letting them have their way. If you speak to your child in an angry tone or shout at him unnecessarily, it will scare him or make him feel nervous and he will be obliged to follow the boundaries. Frightened children will agree to your limits but not happily. Therefore, if you want your kid to follow the limits that you have set for him, speak to him in a gentle and friendly tone. First, make him feel relaxed and safe and then talk.
3. Be Clear in Your Approach
Don’t use words that can mean multiple things. For example, don’t tell your child you don't want him to do or not do something specific. Instead, tell him softly what he is doing, why it is wrong, inappropriate or dangerous. Explain this gently and ask him to change his behaviour.
4. Plan in Advance
It is important to strategise in advance, especially when it comes to setting limits for preschoolers. As parents, you should be aware of when your kid is most emotionally comfortable and when and where he begins to get fussy, nervous, or angry.
5. Let Your Child Complain
Your child will invariably complain about the limits you have set. This cannot be avoided. But it will certainly help if you react to his upset state with composure and understanding rather than being angry at him. Yes, he will complain in the beginning but later he will understand why you have set boundaries for him.
6. Remain Firm in Your Decisions
Do not waver once you set boundaries for your kid. Your child will complain initially, making you feel that you should give up but don't. Be firm in your decisions and remember that you are doing it for your child's good future. Set boundaries but change them as per circumstances.
7. Maintain Consistent Body Language
Keep your non-verbal cues consistent. This is important to maintain authority. Instead of intimidating your child with your height and body, crouch down to his level and maintain a neutral facial expression. Explain him about the rules you have set for him in a serious yet friendly tone and he will follow them.
8. Don’t Over Explain the Boundaries
Explain yourself once or twice, until your child understands what you mean. Don’t keep trying to get it through his head, as this will only annoy both of you.
9. Make Him Feel Protected
Be there for your child whenever he needs you or whenever you think he is in danger. For instance, if he insists on running across the road or tries to climb trees, hold his hand and stop him from doing so. Keep calm and remember that you must not ever touch your child when you are feeling enraged. Further, please keep an eye on the amount of force you are using, so your child does not feel pain. It is also necessary that you let him go once he calms down or is able to handle himself.
10. Be Humorous
Being funny always works. You can set your limits with songs, limericks, rhymes, anything that sounds entertaining and amusing. Use a funny voice or create a fictional character who is actually making the rules instead of you doing it. This will take less time than other tactics such as shouting or bribing your children.
How Do You Know If You Are Blurring Boundaries as a Parent?
It is possible to blur your boundaries as a parent. This is unhealthy for your relationship with your child as they need to see you as loving, warm, and protective but also as an authority figure. Here are a few signs to keep an eye out for:
Allowing your little ones to explore your personal space, either yours or your partners. This makes them feel like they are the centre of your world all the time.
Not allowing your child to do things which they are completely capable of. This makes them dependent on you for the most basic things.
Having an emotional reaction to your child’s outburst. This might make him feel like he can’t be emotionally available for you.
Continuously interrogating your little one about anything and everything. This will make him scared of you and will lead to distrust.
Allowing your kid to do whatever he wants without stopping him. When you do this, he does not see you as an authority figure.
Treating your child more like a peer than as a child. This might be fun for a short time but will lead to problems when you want him to follow certain rules.
Treating him as an extension of yourself, with his victories and losses being yours. This puts pressure on him to perform better to please you, causing unnecessary anxiety and stress.
Children will always push your tolerance, patience, and stress levels. This is something that you have in your complete control. Please understand that your child wanting to do more things by himself is a part of his development stage. It is up to you to guide him along the way so that he can make the right choices and correct decisions in his life. It can be easy to simply let your kid do what he wants instead of keeping firm limits. It is also easy to force strict military rules on a kid so that he is totally obedient. But neither of these techniques will make your child into a healthy or happy individual. Raising a child is a dynamic process, not a static one. You will not know everything in the beginning, but you can pick up a lot on the way. Once you define your limits and resolutely stick to them, your child will listen to you and look at your behaviour as something to be modelled.
Also Read: Healthy and Good Habits for Child to Learn Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
13 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 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
11 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
2 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
3 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
2 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
38 mins 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
7 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
3 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
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