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Babies and Pets - How to Introduce, Benefits & Safety Tips
For many pet owners the pet is their first child. So when you know that you are expecting a baby, one of your concerns is bound to be about how your pet will react to the new member of your household. As with everything else, a little time and effort can help. Planning well ahead of your baby’s arrival will ensure that your house pet makes the smooth transition to living in a house where the focus is on a wailing new born.
Prepare your Pet before your Baby arrives
Once your baby arrives, you will not be able to spend as much time with your pet as you previously did. And this can be very traumatizing for your pet, especially if the change is sudden. This is why getting the pet accustomed to the imminent changes before they actually happen can help all of you settle easily into the new routine. Here are some things to keep in mind while preparing pets for a new baby:
1. Smells and Sounds
Introduce your pet to the new sounds and smells that will come along with a newborn. You can do this by playing recordings of a crying baby and bringing in baby stuff such as lotions. Also, before you bring home baby from the hospital, get your partner to get baby’s blankets and dresses home for your pet to get used to the new smell.
2. Carry Around a Doll
Swaddle a doll or a toy and carry it around as you would carry a baby. To reinforce a positive association with the baby, reward your pet for good behavior in the presence of the baby (doll). This will include not jumping all over the person carrying the baby or pulling the blanket used to wrap baby in.
3. Getting Used to the Stroller
When you have a dog for a pet, you are likely to go for daily walks. So the next time you leash your dog and walk it, push along a stroller so your dog gradually gets used to walking next to it.
Implement a New Routine
1. Changes in Behavior
If your pet is prone to playfully jumping on people or barking, teach them not to do it anymore. Though much of your pet’s behavior may be harmless to adults, with children even a simple scratch or a playful nip can have long-lasting consequences.
2. Mark the Space
Demarcate the areas that you would like to be pet-free after the baby is home. This would include the baby’s changing table, cot or crib, and the play pen. Make it clear to your pet that it is not to intrude in these spaces at any time.
When your Baby arrives
When introducing a baby to pets, it is important to take it slow and easy. A positive and non-threatening environment can help with this. One way of doing this is to have one member of your family welcome the pet first and wait till your pet is calm. Then, slowly introduce the pet to the baby and let it investigate. Be sure to reward any good behavior and always keep dogs on a leash and a close watch on cats while they are near the baby. And do not forget to spend some quality time with your pet each day even after baby arrives. As little as five minutes can work wonders for your pet.
Pros of Having a Pet
There is quite a bit of research to indicate that having a pet at home is, in fact, good for your child. Here’s why:
The presence of pets has been found to make children healthier and prevent them from getting allergies as an adult. This is thought to be due to the bacteria that is present in cats and dogs which can fortify the human immune system.
Analysts also found that children who lived in homes with dogs got fewer respiratory infections compared to others.
The mental health benefits and happiness derived from having pets is manifold.
Walking the dog daily is one way of ensuring you and your child get some bit of exercise each day without fail.
Cons of having a Pet
Pets are also vulnerable to jealousy or feelings of neglect. So, when your baby makes an entry into your home, there are some risks that come with it.
Cats and dogs can be nasty and scratch or nip if they are feeling unhappy too much attention to the new bay or something similar.
Babies can get over-friendly with pets and a loving lick from the animal can transmit infectious stuff like fecal matter on to the mouth or eyes of your child.
A cat that urinates indoors or on your baby’s toys is a health hazard. Felines are also vulnerable to toxoplasmosis infections which can then be transmitted to humans.
9 Tips for Keeping the Child Safe around the Pet
Animals can be unpredictable no matter how long they have been living with you. Since babies are bound to make unpredictable movements and also resort to unruly behavior as they achieve milestones, it is important to keep a close watch on both child and pet when they are together. The following are some safety tips to remember:
Never leave your pet alone with your child, especially till your child is at least aged seven.
Even if you must leave the room for a few seconds to fetch a bottle or diaper, take either the baby or the pet with you.
Keep pet food and medications far from the reach of young children.
If you have a garden and your pets roam there freely, be sure to check for poop and dispose of it before you let your child play there.
Do not leave your baby on the floor when dogs and cats are nearby.
If the back door to your home has a dog or cat flap, see if your baby fits in through that. There are plenty of instances of babies crawling out to freedom through these openings!
If your pet shows any hostility or aggressiveness towards the baby then you should immediately put a stop to such behavior.
When it comes to dogs and baby’s safety, any time you feel that your dog is behaving strangely, seek expert advice without delay.
If you are putting the baby in a swing for naps or playtime, be wary of your pets. They can get excited by moving objects and act out.
These are just some handy suggestions to ensure that pets and newborn babies live together in peace and harmony. The individual temperament of your baby and your pet will, in reality, determine if they can get along or not.
By following these suggestions and being proactive about recognizing and tackling any problems that are likely to arise when babies and pets live together, you can ensure that they have a long-term and healthy relationship. And, as your baby grows up, keep emphasizing that pets are to be treated gently and with respect at all times. Watch how your child is with your pet and gently correct them if they are doing something wrong.
Also Read: Best Pets to Consider for Your Kids Read more
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4 Skin Problems Babies Risk Facing in Winter - and The One Solution That Tackles Them All
Sunlit afternoons, hot chocolate and comfy bedding – there is so much magic that winter brings along. If you are a mother, you can’t stop gushing over how rosy-red your baby’s cheeks are and how adorable he looks in his winter-wear. However, for your little one, winter can also lead to something that’s not at all pleasant: skin problems! The likelihood of skin-related problems increases during winter and our sensitive babies are often the most common target.
In the winter season, the natural moisture content of the air is very low. This means that the air is drier than usual. While adults can handle this change fairly well, our babies have extremely delicate skin. In fact, a baby’s skin loses moisture up to five times faster than an adult’s skin So when the surrounding air is dry, their likelihood of moisture-loss also increases substantially. This is especially so during and after bath-time, when they are particularly vulnerable to losing essential moisture and nutrients and thereby facing dryness in skin
Here are the four most common skin problems babies face in winter, and why
1. Overall dryness
That feeling we get of skin being easily scratched and stretched to touch – imagine what it can do to our babies! When our skin gets exposed to the merciless winter air, it tends to lose its natural moisture and starts drying out. This results in a feeling of overall dryness that’s more pronounced in the facial region, knees and feet. It can even lead to rashes in babies.
2. Chapping – of the cheeks and lips
This problem doesn’t spare anyone – indeed, many of us end up licking our lips to stop them from feeling dry in the winter. Chapping occurs when the skin is intensely dried out, so much that it starts peeling. This usually occurs in the cheeks and lips and can become really painful if not treated. Chapped skin can even start oozing blood.
3. Eczema
This is a condition that looks like an itchy rash and can lead to dry, red and inflamed skin. While eczema often runs in the family, it can flare up during the winter months. Sometimes, if your baby has been unwell or been exposed to a sudden change in temperature, this too can bring on an attack of eczema. Goes without saying, this is very uncomfortable and even painful for your child.
4. Flakiness in the scalp
It’s not just adults who struggle with a flaky and crusty scalp in the winter months; babies can have it worse! The dryness can also aggravate cradle cap, in case your baby is already suffering from it. This condition leads to a greasy scalp and flakes. While this is not harmful to your baby and usually goes away on its own, the winter air can delay things.
The one solution for your baby’s skin problems in winter
When trying to figure out how to protect our baby from these problems, it is important that we look at the main cause: the lack of moisture. How many times have you observed your baby’s skin after a bath, or before bed-time, and found it dry? It must have made you question the necessity of baths in the first place, and long for something that could return all the lost hydration. The good news is that herein lies the solution to all winter skin-problems: moisturisation. You simply need to moisturise with a nourishing cream more often, and at the right time, to keep these problems away!
That said, it is important to choose suitable skincare products that can deliver this extra care. The natural hydration levels of your baby’s skin are low now, and depleting every moment, so you need something that can keep it locked through the day. Baby Dove is a good option to consider for this, with its range of gentle and moisturising products for little ones. Dermatologist and paediatrician tested, the products have been formulated to replenish essential nutrients and moisture lost during bathing. All Baby Dove products are also hypoallergenic and pH neutral to suit all baby skin types. This means you can look after your baby in the best way possible – just the way you want.
Keep in mind the following guidelines for your baby’s winter-care routine
Use a nourishing soap for your baby’s bath. Try the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Bar which is infused with 1/4th moisturising cream that leaves delicate baby skin soft, and nourished. It is a good bet for maintaining the pH balance of the skin. If your baby has ultra-sensitive skin or suffers from eczema, you should opt for the Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Bar that has been specially developed for babies with sensitive skin.The bar is hypoallergenic so as to minimise allergy risks. This takes extra care to ensure that the bath is cleansing(bath is cleansing ?), without being at all harsh. Both these bars come with a mild and caring fragrance developed specifically for delicate baby skin
Follow up the bath by dabbing on lotion generously but gently. Use the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Nourishing Baby Lotion that gently moisturises baby’s skin for 24 hours leaving it supple throughout the day. The lotion soothes dry skin from the first use itself and also has a very delicate scent.
Try and maintain a comfortable level of humidity as well as temperature indoors. You can get a humidifier for your baby’s room to make sure that the air is not excessively dry
Keep your baby well-covered especially when venturing out in order to limit his exposure to the dry winds. However, make sure you don’t overheat him by piling on too many layers
To prevent the occurrence of diaper rash, keep the area clean and fresh by changing diapers often. This is critical even if your baby doesn’t pee much in the winter. Follow this up with the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Diaper Rash Cream to avoid any redness or itching. The cream neutralises skin’s pH level in seconds, provides instant comfort from the first use and immediately protects from diaper rash. I have also noticed that the diaper rash cream by Baby Dove is easier to clean and spread compared to the others I’ve used
Extend the extra nourishment to your baby’s scalp too, by massaging it with oil more frequently, and keeping it clean using a baby shampoo. This will reduce instances of flakiness
Come winter, and you instinctively become more cautious with everything related to your baby. You dress up your bundle of joy in warm and colourful winter clothes. You feed him foods to boost his immunity and keep a close track of his growth. You feel his soft cheeks and mentally pledge to not let anything – not even the winter winds – bring him any harm. Your instincts are spot on, mom. Little ones do require extra care in the winter months, and it is up to you to deliver this. As a mother, you have always wanted the gentlest care for your baby. This year, aside from gentleness, also give your baby added nourishment and help him have a beautiful, problem-free winter! Read more
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How to Make Your Child Fast Learner to Walk With Advance World!
Hello, all beautiful parents who are reading my article.
Let's talk on how to make your child a fast learner, as many parents have concerns that my child lacks in speech, walking, is not eating proper food, is headstrong etc. I am also a mother of a two and half-year-old boy. I want to share my experience with you all that you can make your child a fast learner with an effortless way, and you don't need to go anywhere for that.
In today's world, we extraordinarily treat our child from the day they are born rather than to treat them in a NORMAL WAY. For example, we make them wear nappy since the first day than to wear cotton Langot and child get habituated with nappy and doesn't get the sensation of wetting and this makes him into a late potty trained baby. I would suggest taking your child into washroom once they started sitting on his own and give habit of doing potty in the toilet only. I am not against of nappy, but you have to be firm regarding the use of it.
For speech part, I must say that mother should start talking with the baby the day the child is born, and maybe after one month, everyone at home should have a conversation with the baby for everything with one language. This would help the baby to understand not only the speech but daily routine things that help your child to achieve milestones on time.
Make a routine schedule for the child, make him sleep early as it helps in brain development. Let's not stick to weaning pattern. Once your baby starts weaning after six months of age, let your child explore all healthy options that help him to set in the world of food. Do your lunch and dinner together with your child once you start weaning. It will help to understand how to eat, what to feed etc.
For the socialising part, we have nuclear family nowadays, and most parents have the same query that my child is not mixing well with others, not sharing anything etc. Let's begin with family members only. Explain the concept of sharing, greeting, helping, by practising among family members. Arrange more get-togethers with your friends and relatives, take your child with you in every function that will improve the child.
Let your child explore all the small things of daily routine and include your child in every activity during the day. Don't worry about the mess. All things help your child to be FAST LEARNER.
Thank you for reading!
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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Relationships with inlaws, is it always scary? Or is there another side to it?
Alot of people getoverwhelmed when it comes to staying with inlaws. In my case i have enjoyed most of mytime with all of my inlaws. Especially during the long stretch of lockdown. I was pregnant during most of the lockdown. My parents live
abroad and it was not possible for either of us to travel.
During the period of lockdown my mother in law was likemy very own mother, not just that but my sister in laws were like my dearest friends and my brother in law like my little brother. All of them went nuts trying to make me happy and comfortable
all of the time. They would make me breakfast, fret over my health , cook my favourite dishes , help me with work and most importantly act upon every my every wish. And all of this was truly out of love and care. I was so happy just to be around this
positive atmosphere. Lockdown never seemed like it. Infact i secretly wished sometimes for a very long lasting lockdown with them.We had so much fun during lockdown...all night playing games laughing and telling stories. Sometimes i felt extremely
guilty for not missing home or my very own parents. Naturally when delivery comes near a person misses or longs for ones parent but in my case i had all the help i needed. I was relivedthat i had my inlaws all the time even post delivery. My
Mother in law pampered me just like her very own daughter. She would stay awake at night just so that i could catch some sleep. She would get emotional and cranky when i would be in pain. All my time with my in laws i felt just like home.So
in my conclusion inlaws are a very big boon and i respect them alot for everythingthey havedonefor me.
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Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I have taken dydraboon tablets for 5 days started from 28 day it has been 8 days after last tablet yesterday I have done pregnancy test I got faint I have attached pic let me know what it's means I have taken pic within 5 mins only
Read moreDr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. do serum beta hcg. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Nm Anish Ali Hamja has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 yr 2 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. is there any tablet to prepone periods
Nm Anish Ali Hamja
Father of a 3 yr 1 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. No
Manisha Negi has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 6 months
3 hours ago
Q. from which month or week to take calcium and iron tablets during pregnancy
Manisha Negi
Mom of a 3 m old girl
2 mins ago
A. after 3months
PiaPiousPM has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
3 hours ago
Q. after 7 missing of periods I got faint line first then I have tested USG and TVs it was 7 days after I missed my periods there was negetive results then doctor gave me a medicine which called macgest sr 200 then after 15 days of missing my periods I got this result am I pregnant because I do not have nasuea but have tender brest only this is the last test photo and 2 image was the 7 days of missing my periods
Read morePiaPiousPM
Mom of a 3 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Yes you are.. Get it confirmed with an ultrasound for viability
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am 28 weeks pregnant and layed on my stomach for few seconds. is it worrisome?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. If it was just a few seconds and it is not going to make a difference yet if you want to be more sure about it if it is more for you then you can get an ultrasound done with your doctor but as far as I know few seconds are not going to make any difference but still you can check with the doctor
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. which soap is better tedibar or sebamed?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
41 mins ago
A. no problem u can use anyone. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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