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Probiotics for Babies - A Complete Guide
When a child enters your life, everything seems to revolve around the newborn. All your problems seem insignificant compared to the problems regarding the baby, and parents often find themselves asking questions regarding every single little thing. The main duty of the parent is to ensure that the child is healthy always, in all aspects.
What a baby eats plays a pivotal role in his development, right throughout childhood. Questions about the diet of the child can seem never-ending, however, there are answers to most questions, and you will definitely be able to do right for your child. Regarding the diet, there are questions no matter how old the child is- be it about breastfeeding, liquid diets or solid food. To ensure that the child grows up well, a few supplements should be provided for the child.
Probiotics are one of the best things that you can provide to your child, as he grows up. It plays a huge role in ensuring the health of the digestive system, thus affecting the nutrient absorption processes of the child in a huge manner. In this article, let us take a look at how probiotics can be a great choice for your child.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are mainly made up of friendly bacteria, which colonize the gut of the infant. The bacteria and fungi contained in the probiotic supplement work in tandem with the microorganisms existing already in the gut, and help them fight off any invading organisms. Probiotics or gut bacteria play a vital role in supporting the immune system of the child. The most common types of such friendly bacteria include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus and Saccharomyces Boulardii.
Does Your Infant Need Probiotics?
Probiotics for newborns are not recommended by doctors, as they are considered unnecessary. A newborn child has a sterile intestine, which means that there are no bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria are actually unnecessary at the time, as the baby is not exposed to any other food than breast milk. By the first birthday, children acquire healthy gut flora from the breast milk they drink, and with a diet of yoghurt also given to the child, probiotics are not deemed necessary for children. However, if the child undergoes periods of severe vomiting or diarrhoea or has recently undertaken a long course of antibiotics, doctors recommend that the child be given probiotics. These ensure that healthy gut flora return to the intestinal tract and the immune system of the child is strengthened again. Therefore, they must be given to the child if the child was administered antibiotics. Other reasons for providing probiotics to babies are an ear infection, eczema, baby thrush, diaper rash or constipation.
When Can You Introduce Probiotics to Your Child?
Probiotics can be introduced to children from an early age, as they do not have any harmful effects on the child. However, they are not necessary for children whose diet only consists of breast milk. Only after the child starts on a diet of solid food, probiotics are usually given. This is because the exposure of the child to the environment is higher, thus putting the child at risk of being attacked by dangerous microorganisms. Still, your child might be getting enough of friendly bacteria from normal food items, like yoghurt and vegetables. Probiotics are introduced earlier to children if they have been given antibiotics constantly. This is because those medicines usually remove the bacteria which have colonized the gut, making your intestinal tract gullible to infections and attacks.
Amazing Benefits of Probiotics for Infants
Probiotics literally translate to ‘for life’, which is apt considering how vital friendly bacteria in the gut are. Infants have many benefits to be gained from consuming probiotics, and a few of those are listed below.
1. No More Reflux
It has been proven that probiotic bacteria can reduce the symptoms of reflux occurring in the digestive tract of babies to a great extent. The bacteria present in the probiotics help the child digest his food well in the stomach, and simultaneously reduces the chances of reflux, dyspepsia or other similar conditions occurring.
2. Constipation
Constipation is the telltale sign of an unhealthy digestive system, especially in infants. The results of an Italian study pointed towards the fact that giving probiotics regularly to infants can improve the regularity of their bowel movement, even in infants with a history of constant constipation problems.
3. Reduces Diaper Rash
Diaper thrush or diaper rash is a common condition that is caused by yeast in babies. Probiotics containing friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can not only help in the healing of existing rashes but also prevent these rashes from affecting the baby again. In most cases, this condition occurs as a result of usage of antibiotics for a long time.
4. Infant Thrush
Sometimes, children get oral thrush from their mothers as a result of breastfeeding through infected nipples. These rashes may become a chronic condition, and cause a lot of pain to your child- it is advisable to go to the doctor if the condition worsens. Probiotic supplements containing Acidophilus bacteria are best for preventing this condition, and the supplement is usually available in the powdered form too.
5. Reduces Eczema
Elaborate studies have found out that the consumption of probiotic bacteria can alleviate the symptoms of eczema in infants. This disease is characterized by the red, itchy rashes that occur on the skin of the baby, and it can be reduced by giving your child probiotics.
6. Gassiness in Children
The use of Probiotics for babies with gas has been proven to have great effects and has reduced the symptoms of gassiness and colic in the child. Probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus reuteri, which is a friendly bacterium, aids digestion and also reduces inflammation of the intestines. The main cause of this condition is that the balance of harmful and friendly bacteria in the intestine has shifted towards the former, and probiotics make it balanced again.
7. Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is characterized by frequent passing of stools, which have a liquid consistency. Diarrhoea is a symptom that all is not well in the digestive system of the child, so probiotics for babies with diarrhoea are often recommended by doctors. With these supplements recolonizing the gut, the digestive system of the baby starts to work well again quickly.
8. Infections
Are probiotics safe for infants with infections? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. Probiotics are necessary for the re-colonization of the gut by friendly bacteria, most of which disappear because of the antibiotics course administered to the child.
Sources of Probiotics
There are two major sources of probiotics for babies, both of which are listed below:
1. Probiotic-Rich Foods for Babies
For newborns, breast milk contains enough probiotics for the digestive system of the child. These friendly bacteria colonize the gut so that the digestion of the baby proceeds smoothly. Else, infant formulas usually contain Bifidobacterium Lactis, which is also present in breast milk- this can be given to the child on a regular basis. For children who are a little older than the age of breastfeeding, food items rich in healthy bacteria can be given. Yoghurt is an example of a common food item rich in probiotic bacteria- otherwise, you can opt to give your child baby foods containing probiotics.
2. Supplements
For children and infants, probiotic supplements can be bought in the powdered form. This is not only easy to use but also easy to administer to the child. The easiest way to give probiotics to the child is to dip your finger in the powder and let your child suck the powder off your finger. Otherwise, you can also mix it into his regular diet- be it breast milk, formula or baby food. If the baby stops consuming these probiotic bacteria, it has been found that the amount of bacteria in the intestine drops to its normal levels in a matter of days.
How Can You Give Probiotics to Infants?
Probiotics are available in the liquid and powder form, both of which are easy to give to the child. The supplements in the liquid form can be mixed into the regular diet of the child, be it breast milk or solid food. It can also be given to the child directly. If the supplement is in the powdered form, you can dip your finger in it and make your child suck the powder off your finger. This also ensures that the supplement is absorbed by the body instantly.
Are There Any Side Effects of Probiotics on Babies?
There are no lasting side effects of probiotics on the baby, although there may be a few problems in the initial few days of starting probiotic intake. These are mild digestive problems, like flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea. They occur as a result of the balance changing in the intestine, because of the shift to a higher number of friendly bacteria colonizing the gut. If the symptoms persist, you can try reducing the dosage and increasing it slowly.
Probiotics are a must for babies, as they greatly enhance the immunity and digestive stability of the child. They can reduce common problems like diaper rashes, eczema, constipation and diarrhoea, and play a pivotal role in the nutrition absorption of the child.
Also Read: Importance of Probiotics in Kids Read more
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Keep Furniture Away from Monsoon Woes
Monsoons are a welcome change from the summer heat. But the excess moisture could have an adverse effect on your favourite pieces of furniture. If you're concerned about them getting ruined, you need a few easy-to-follow furniture care tips for the rainy season.
Keeping furniture looking almost as good as new takes work. When the monsoon comes, you have more to contend with. Those pieces of vintage furniture could see wood expansion during rainy season. That lovely wrought iron furniture set could start getting rusted due to exposure to moisture. What do you do? Get started on your quest to keeping things away from monsoon woes.
How To Take Care Of Furniture During Monsoon Season
1. Keep it Away from Dampness
Move away all the furniture you’ve placed near windows and doors. The gentle spray that comes in with the breeze might be refreshing to you but it’s definitely not good for the furniture. You should also consider moving chairs, cabinets and tables away from the walls. You don't want leakages and dampness to ruin your precious investment. Think of this as an opportunity to do a bit of long-awaited rearranging!
2. Say no to Moisture
You might face some furniture problems during the rainy season even after moving everything away from the walls. This is because of excessive moisture in the air. Don't add to it by cleaning furniture with a damp cloth. Use a dry and soft cloth to clean it instead. You can also try household cleaners on glass and metal countertops. Make sure hubby and the kids don’t place damp bath towels over furniture to dry.
3. Polish it Up
Taking care of furniture in the monsoons involves making sure it’s protected. Since you can't ensure everything is perfect with your hands so full of taking care of the little ones, apply a layer of polish to all wooden furniture. Don’t shine it, just coat it. Apply a coat of anti-rust paint on the wrought iron ones as well. It’ll make them look brand new and will also keep them from warping and rusting.
4. Keep Rooms as Dry as Possible
The excess amount of moisture in the air can have a field day on furniture. One way to counter this is to keep rooms properly ventilated. Keep a few doors and windows open for cross ventilation. You can also use a dehumidifier to check the moisture level in the rooms and bring it down. If the bathroom or kitchen is still too humid, you might want to consider installing an exhaust fan.
5. Lubrication is The Key
Wood expansion is a common problem during monsoon. You could end up with a kitchen cabinet that’s too difficult to open or drawers that just won't open at all. The way out of this is to lubricate all such furniture pieces to reduce friction caused by moisture. Don’t resort to forcing them shut otherwise you’ll damage them.
These furniture care tips for the rainy season are the perfect solution for all your monsoon-related furniture woes. Follow them to keep your valuable hardwood tables and intricate wrought iron chairs looking brand new. When the rains come, you’ll be well and ready to enjoy them. Read more
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How to Raise a Tech Savvy Child
Most parents were brought up without the internet, unlike this generation. Kids these days have changed and have become extremely tech savvy owing to the widened exposure to the internet. This is why many parents find it hard to keep tabs on what their kids are browsing, and this has made it very difficult for them to restrain their access from a young age.
How to Incorporate Your Child’s Tech Skills in Real World Learning?
You can use these tips to tap into your kid’s curiosity and help him combine those digital skills and real-world learning.
With the use of a digital camera, you can ask your kid to interview any senior citizen about some historical incident. You can help him share it with other people by having him make a video of the interview with a film-editing program.
If you plan a garage sale, you can make your kid design flyers using different softwares like word-processing or draw-and-paint, and you can post those around the neighbourhood.
Every child has hobbies that excite him. Your kid can make a collection of this by creating books describing his favourite hobbies with digital photos and fun softwares like iPhoto.
If your child has ever thought about setting up a cookie or a lemonade stand, you can encourage him by asking him to design and make the signs using a computer. He can also use the computer to keep track of his expenses by using spreadsheet.
If you've ever wanted to organise your recipes, you can ask your kid to make a well-structured database for you.
Family trips are always fun. The next time your family is planning to go on a vacation or an exciting weekend trip, let your kid research online for what places you can visit.
You can always ask your kid to check out educational websites if they want help with their homework, or are looking for other fun activities.
Many other resources are available to help your child with their projects and assignments.
Why is Parental Involvement Necessary in Raising a Tech Savvy Kid?
Though parents want their child to be savvy enough for this technologically advanced world, they do not want him to become a screen time zombie. There are many ways to help your child explore and discover things on the internet.
1. Engaging in Digital Activities That Teach Real Skills
Technology has become very pervasive in the lives of kids, and they are using the internet to build a creative world, mastering codes, or even studying a foreign language. Experts recommend exploring these worlds together instead of letting them roam alone in the digital world.
To come up with a new rhythm for the family, it is better to consider rethinking your assumptions on what is good and bad technology. Activities that involve movement or dancing, math, logic, and problem-solving are highly recommended.
You can also find many other activities that include the whole family, like watching classic movies made by directors and then discussing it. Explore different ways like learning to code, constructing a computer together, or even working on graphic design projects that can help in increasing his imagination. Focus on what your child is achieving instead of counting the number of hours he spends.
2. Being Involved
Most parents ask questions about their kid’s teachers, classmates, and friends. This practice should not be abandoned in the digital world. When kids spend time online, you should know the games they play, the videos they like, the programs they use, and even who they are talking to online.
You can sit with your child so he knows that you are going to be involved, and get him to show the activities he does online and why he likes it. This only means that you are keeping a watchful eye, and this is better than spying.
This is also a perfect way of letting your kid know that you will not panic if he comes up with a problem, because it is essential for him to feel comfortable with you.
3. Modeling Your Own Digital Engagement
It is best to show your kid how to use a phone for running a family life. This will help him understand and connect with you. He will also start imitating your choices sub-consciously when he watches you sort and prioritize important information.
You should also show your kid how and why you use social media like Twitter and Instagram to set a model for good digital citizenship. You can explain how group selfies can be fun, but posting mean comments are inappropriate.
4. Finding Balance and Establishing Boundaries
It is important to unplug from time to time as a way to recharge ourselves. It is essential to find what is best for your family instead of following a universal guide. You can either have a phone-free hour during dinner, or have a day-by-day approach. Either way, your child will surely benefit from these limits and boundaries. He will also appreciate having you to help him navigate the digital world.
Although change is unavoidable, habits rule humans. Every parent is sure to deal with changes as their child grows. It is important to set aside phones and the internet and have healthy family time on a regular basis. When the children get to know the beauty of self-restraint, they will have a better outlook on life.
Also Read: Internet Safety Tips for Kids Read more
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Sleep - An Underrated Routine That Makes Kids Smarter
Kids tend to be active, and contrary to what we hope for, their love of physical pursuits never stops short. Their minds are always on the lookout to process new information, and this curious character makes them examine everything they can lay a hand on. It is hard to speculate what their next to-do assignment is going to be. Our concern for our child's safety primarily urges us to stop them from undertaking many physical pursuits. However, recent studies suggest that the more a kid participates in such tasks, the more he learns. Not only knowledge, but it is also instrumental in teaching them to assimilate failure and subsequently work to overcome shortcomings. Their curiosity compels them to look out for new arenas to gather new experiences as their age advances. The more the engagement is, the more they will challenge their capabilities, which will broaden their mental abilities and multi-tasking horizons. By the time a kid attains five years, a significant portion of their mental growth takes place. It is our responsibility to assure nurture them for their best outcomes.
Apart from food and nutrition, another daily activity that is instrumental in their overall growth is Sleep. Deprivation of sleep can have inalterable conditions on us, leading to mental health issues. The way sleep is an integral part of our body irrespective of age; our young ones need it the most. The younger the kid is, the longer they need to sleep.
During sleep, their brain not only takes rest but also processes all the information through memory consolidation. That's how their memories are created for smell, touch, view, sound, vocabulary, incidences, dangers, good moments, etc. The better their everyday routine is, the healthier they grow out to be. Below are some points that have helped many parents to achieve good sleep for their children and themselves.
1. Maintain a sleep routine -
Compliance with waking up and going to bedtime every day ensures maintenance of our biological clock. This practice adherence from an early age in their daily life shall prove beneficial in the long run. A disciplined timetable not only comforts them as they internalize the chronology of daily chores but also ascertains predictability. The sleep routine assures us of meeting the child's daily sleep requirement essential for their all-round development. It also facilitates kids to remain active throughout the day.
2. Make Sleep a Priority -
Parents need to plan food and sleep intake. Sticking to a set bedtime helps children feel secure because it offers them predictability. They start reciprocating accordingly as it allows them to get used to their surroundings promptly.
3. Limit Socializing -
Unexpected family events, parties, festivals, etc., crop up in our lives, and it's lucrative to include kids in these ceremonies, but their participation must be limited. Often, we fail to maintain this and let kids’ routines be disrupted at the cost of losing sleep time, mealtime, food items, etc. This leads to a disruption in their Circadian
Rhythm. This often may lead up to slouching, restlessness, and at times sickness. The way we feel tired post attending a wedding function, etc., the same way kids get into a sense of discomfort due to unexpected fluctuations in their routine.
4. Ensure extended sleep duration as per age -
It is well-researched that mental development in kids occurs the most from birth until they attain five years of age. Infants need to sleep for around 16 hours, and with the advancement of age, the duration reduces. By the age of five, kids need to have 8 to 10 hours of sleep. This includes naptime and night sleep. Insufficient sleep makes them feel groggy, and they may get cranky, deterring their daytime activities.
5. No Screentime before Bed -
This point has been all over the internet given that kids nowadays have access to mobile and the internet. Also, the pandemic has forced us to impart education through the internet. Not only its prolonged exposure is detrimental to their eyes, but it also limits their creativity. Watching shows on mobile phones takes no mental and physical effort than reading a picture book or coloring. It also makes them lazy, detached from the real world and prevents them from being involved in daily chores. If unaddressed, this can cause childhood obesity as they cannot burn out their natural physical energy. Watching cartoons, etc., before heading to the bed coils up their thoughts, and they find it challenging to settle down on the bed. Also, this can give kids nightmares.
6. Bed and Clothing -
A clean bed looks inviting for good sleep. Keep the bed clutter-free from toys, stuffed animals, extra cushions. Change Bedlinen weekly for cleanliness and keep it free from odor, dust mites, bed moth, etc. Cotton bedsheets and Cotton pillow covers for natural fillers pillows are age-old tested items trusted for their quality and superiority as bedlinen. Likewise, clothing is to be given priority. A change of clean, fresh loose-fitting cotton nightclothes is necessary to ward off any discomfort during sleep.
7. Pre-Bedtime Activity -
It is not about the quantity of time a parent spends with their kid but the quality of time one can give to kids. With nuclear families, the responsibilities of each family member have increased. Resultantly, our children are often ignored the time that they so dearly need at this tender age. A child's growing up years contributes to his personality and thus to provide the best atmosphere is upon us, parents. Storytelling is an excellent way to engage them, and that can be both ways. It not only lets them settle down before bedtime but also advents vocabulary and creative thinking.
8. Calm down with touch therapy -
As kids are active, helping them calm down is essential before winding down to bed. Human touch is considered to comfort; this, specifically for kids, works wonders. A bear hug, a peck on the cheek, soft ruffling of their hair- all have one thing in common, comfort and love offered through touch. We cannot control every aspect of our environment. Loudspeakers, horn honkers, bright light, traffic, loud chats, electricity disruption, and many more are beyond our scope to evade. What we can change is ourselves and how we respond or adjust to the environment around us. However, counseling is worthwhile in some rare cases dealing with sleep difficulties and insomnia due to significant life changes.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Heenuchauhan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
7 hours ago
Q. I got a very pinkish line in t from 2 test which I took after 7 days of missing period am I pregnant?????
Heenuchauhan
Guardian of 2 children
6 hours ago
A. yeah postive
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. hi,
I have done LFT in which SGOT is 58.80 & SGPT is 96.90,
and Bile test is 8.83.
my gyne is suggesting for pre term delivery in 37 weeks.
and other hospital gyne is saying it's normal.
please suggest what should I do, is it matter of concern?
do I have to do early delivery in as per report?
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. It is not a pre-term degree once you enter into your nine months you can deliver any time and it will be a full-time delivery so see if your gynaecologist is suggesting you something go for that because she’s monitored your pregnancy throughout these nine months so I think she would not suggest you anything wrong of going a sec for a second opinion you go for what your gynaecologist suggesting but try going ahead with a normal delivery
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
3 hours ago
Q. y does my baby spit up so much,is it fault of my breast milk
does eating tamird make baby to spit up
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. nothing to do with mothers diet ok. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. difference between lactogen 2&3
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
3 hours ago
A. dear Mum the difference between lactogen 2 and 3 is related to the age
lactogen 2 is for the age group of after 6 months upto 12 months
lactogen 3 is formulated for the age group of after 12 months upto 18 months
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Explain me procedure of epidural …how it works
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. most of the times the anaesthesia will be inside dura but in epidural it is above the dura matter oj. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
46 mins ago
Q. In august 2023 I diagnosed OHSS with ectopic pregnancy in September we abort that pregnancy after that my period cycle was not proper very irregular or scanty periods now can i plan next pregnancy naturally? How can i plan how to get rid of irregular periods
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
40 mins ago
A. You have to take proper medications to balance your hormones and that is what is going to be helpful in a regular period cycle once your periods are regular you’ll be sure about the time when you’re on dating and that would be the right time for you to conceive so that is how you need to work upon it
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