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Giving Jaggery (Gur) to Babies
Jaggery, called gur in Hindi, is unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or a date palm sap. It is made by boiling the sugarcane juice or date palm sap until it becomes a thick syrup, and then cooling it until it solidifies. It is used in both sweet and savoury dishes in several South-Asian countries, including India. Jaggery is used in India as a sweetener in baby food. This article explains in detail the benefits and risks of feeding your baby jaggery.
Can You Add Jaggery to Baby Food?
You must be wondering if jaggery is good for babies or not. The answer is yes, but it must be used with caution. In rural India, doctors may recommend the inclusion of jaggery in food for babies less than a year old to combat anaemia, as jaggery is a good source of iron. Thus, including jaggery in your baby’s diet depends on feeding methods, lifestyle, and individual preferences.
When Can You Introduce Jaggery to a Baby?
Jaggery should be introduced to a baby’s diet only after the age of one year. However, this may vary based on the baby’s health and your doctor’s advice. Paediatricians recommend that babies should not be given any form of sugar until they turn one. For babies less than a year old, it is better to use various kinds of fruit purees to sweeten the food.
Amazing Health Benefits of Jaggery for Infants
Jaggery has several health benefits for babies - however, it is not recommended for babies less than a year old. Babies older than one year can be given jaggery. The health benefits of jaggery are:
1. Prevents Anaemia
Jaggery is a good source of iron. 10g of jaggery contains 0.3mg of iron, which is 3% or the daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Including jaggery in your baby’s diet can prevent anaemia, which is caused due to iron deficiency in the blood.
2. Strengthens Bones
Jaggery contains phosphorous and calcium, which are minerals essential for the development of strong, healthy bones. Hence, consuming jaggery can help strengthen your baby’s bones.
3. Detoxifies the Liver
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that can help flush out toxins from the body. It cleanses and detoxifies the liver.
4. Increases Immunity
Jaggery is rich in antioxidants and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins B4, B5, B6, and choline. All of these together help in increasing your baby’s immunity.
5. Treats Symptoms of Flu, Cough, and Cold
Jaggery has traditionally been used as a home remedy to treat symptoms of cold, cough and flu in India. Warm water mixed with a bit of jaggery is given to babies suffering from cold, cough, or flu. This gives the baby an immediate relief. Jaggery has the ability to cool the body down. Having warm water with jaggery brings down body temperature when your baby has the flu.
6. Prevents Constipation
Jaggery stimulates regular bowel movements, thus preventing constipation. It also aids in digestion by activating digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestine.
7. Eliminates Stomach Problems and Worms
Jaggery cools the body down and soothes stomach aches. Jaggery also provides relief from worms and prickly heat rashes.
8. Provides Instant Energy
As it is 97% sugar and is made of complex carbohydrates, jaggery takes more time to get absorbed by the body. It provides your baby with greater energy for a longer duration.
9. Helps Maintain Blood Pressure
The mineral content in jaggery helps in regulating blood pressure and keeping blood pressure steady.
10. Good for Intestinal Health
The magnesium in jaggery promotes good intestinal health and aids digestion. 10g of jaggery contains nearly 4% of the daily RDA of magnesium.
Risks of Giving Jaggery to Babies
Jaggery contains about 97% sugar. Therefore, excessive use can be harmful to your baby. The risks of giving jaggery to babies are:
1. Too Many Calories
Jaggery contains about 38 calories per 10 g. As a result, excessive consumption of jaggery can result in the baby getting too many calories, causing an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes later in life.
2. Sugar Addiction
Jaggery can cause babies to become addicted to sugary foods later, leading to diabetes.
3. Unfavourable Reactions
Some babies may have unfavourable reactions to jaggery, such as rashes or stomach problems.
4. Cavities
Excessive consumption of jaggery can cause cavities in your baby’s teeth.
5. Obesity and Diabetes
Too much jaggery can cause obesity and diabetes in babies when they grow up.
Healthy Jaggery Recipes for Babies
Here are some healthy jaggery recipes for babies:
1. Sooji Halwa
Sooji or semolina is used to make a sweet dish along with jaggery.
Ingredients:
Sooji or semolina, jaggery, water, and cardamom powder.
How to Make:
Boil water with some jaggery in it. Roast the sooji in a pan until golden brown. Add it to the boiling jaggery water, stirring continuously until it thickens into a porridge-like solid form. Next, add cardamom powder. Stir well and your sooji halwa is ready.
2. Jaggery Syrup:
Jaggery syrup recipe for babies is simple and easy to make. It can be stored for up to 2 months in the refrigerator and used to sweeten the baby’s porridge.
Ingredients:
Jaggery and water.
How to Make:
Melt some jaggery with one tablespoon of water in a pan on a low flame. Sieve this into another pan and discard the lumps. Add 1 cup water to this, and bring it to a boil. Keep it on the heat for another couple of minutes, and allow it to cool. After cooling, it should look like a thick, golden brown syrup. Store this syrup in a refrigerator and use for sweetening the baby’s porridge.
Jaggery has many health benefits for babies, but it is best to check with your paediatrician before including it in your baby’s diet. Giving your baby jaggery also has some risks, so it is usually not recommended for babies less than a year old. You can sweeten infant food using fruit purees like mashed banana, pureed dates, or applesauce.
Also Read: Salt and Sugar for Babies - Reasons to Avoid Them Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 9 months
2 hours ago
Q. i missed my periods on 5 but when I checked in the morning urine that is not showing positive but when I check now I can see faint line ... why this is happening
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. please wait they can be simple delayed period. 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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5 Creative Ice-Cream or Popsicle Stick Crafts for Kids
With the large number of ice creams and popsicles that your kids and you will gorge on this summer, throwing them away isn’t the best thing that you can do with them. There are various craft ideas for kids with ice-cream sticks that are extremely creative and quite easy for your little one to do it by himself. Not only does it stoke the creative genius inside him, but it also helps children look at scrap or waste material in a new way, and understand recycling, even at the basic level of creating a craft item out of it.
Easy Popsicle Stick Craft Ideas for Children
Here are some craft ideas with popsicle sticks that you can try with your children.
1. A Garden Full of Ice-Cream Plants that Look Like Alphabets
If alphabet soup can be a thing, why not an alphabet garden?
What You will Need
Ice cream sticks
Flower Pots
Green coloured felt paper
Tray
Coloured pens
Artificial flowers
Paintbrushes
Green coloured paint
Dried black beans
Rice grains and lentils
Glue
How to Make it
Take all the ice cream sticks together. Then start colouring them in green colour. These become the stems of the plant.
Using a coloured sketch pen, let your kid write one letter one on each stick. All these letters should come together to form a sentence.
Once letters have been written, take the artificial flowers and start attaching them to the end of each stick. Use glue to affix them firmly onto the ice cream stick.
Take the tray and lay down the green coloured felt paper on it. This will become the garden’s base. Place the flower pots on it. The pots, too, can be coloured or can have various designs painted on them.
Fill all the pots to a good level by using the lentils, rice grains and beans as sand and soil. In this soil, plant your ice cream plant stems in the right order.
Place the pots accordingly so that they form a sentence.
2. A Box Made of Ice Cream Sticks to Store All Your Treasures
Let your child have his own safe box where he keeps all the little trinkets he collects.
What You will Need
Icecream sticks
A box lid
Earbuds
Various paints
Paintbrushes
Glue
How to Make it
Collect all the ice cream sticks together and paint each one of them in a unique colour. Feel free to add any designs or patterns using other colours or pens.
Place the lid face down and pour the glue into it until there’s a small layer.
Take an earbud and dip it in the glue. Then use it to apply glue on to the side of the ice cream sticks gradually.
Now, place two sticks in such a manner that they are parallel to each other. Then place two more sticks above them, such that together they form a square.
Once this initial framework is ready, let your kid repeat the process until he has a box that is large enough for him.
Allow it to dry. Once dried, place it upside down. Then seal the bottom portion by applying glue on the bottom sticks and covering that portion with the remaining ice cream sticks.
Create a separate square using the sticks to form the lid of the box and place it on top of it.
3. A Boat Made from Icecream Sticks that can Actually Float on Water
One of the easiest and most fun-filled popsicle stick boat craft for kids.
What You will Need
Popsicle sticks
Decorative paper
Normal paper
A smaller ice cream stick
Glue
How to Make It
Put a bunch of popsicle sticks flat down on the table. Take another stick and apply glue to it. Place this stick in such a way that it is perpendicular to the other sticks and cover them all.
Repeat the process with more sticks so as to create a base for the raft. Keep as minimal space between the sticks as possible. Keep a tiny gap in the centre.
Take the smaller ice cream stick and apply glue on one end. Cut the decorative paper into a triangle. Fold it around the glue end of the stick in such a way that it forms a triangular sail.
Once it dries, fix the stick in the central gap of the raft. Apply some glue there if the stick feels loose.
Test out the boat in a tub of water and watch it float merrily.
4. A Photo Frame for a Jigsaw Puzzle Piece Landscape
Complete the puzzle and turn it into a nice painting for the house.
What You will Need
Popsicle sticks
Old jigsaw puzzle pieces
Ribbons
Coloured sketch pens
Normal paper
Scissors
Glue
How to Make it
Take 4 ice cream sticks together. Apply glue on each end of the ice cream stick.
Now place two sticks on either end of a stick in such a way that the stick is perpendicular to both.
Once stuck, take the final stick and glue it at the end of both those sticks, such that it is parallel to the first stick. This will form a square shaped frame.
Now let your kid start applying glue to each piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Paste these over the frame one by one in such a way that they cover the entire area of the frame.
Once done, let him start drawing on the normal paper. That painting will then be glued on to the base of the frame.
Create a nice border for the frame using a ribbon and use it behind to form a loop as well.
5. An Ice Cream Stick Butterfly that’s Beautifully Decorated
What could be a better addition to the alphabet garden than a wonderful butterfly?
What You will Need
Ice cream sticks
Black marker
Normal paper
Shiny tiny dots
Scissors
Glue
How to Make it
Take a bunch of ice cream sticks. Ask your kid to colour them all completely using the black marker.
With the normal paper, lightly sketch out the shape of a butterfly wing. Cut that out using a pair of scissors.
Take some clue and gently use it to paste the tiny dots onto the butterfly wings.
Once the wings are ready, take one ice cream stick and glue it in such a way that it is exactly in the centre of both wings.
Repeat the same for multiple butterflies.
Kids can unleash their creativity once they get the gist of it. And by learning various ice cream stick craft for preschoolers or even school kids, you can join them in teaching how to make the best of waste material and turn scrap into something that is beautiful and long-lasting.
Also Read:
Plastic Bottle Crafts for Kids
Greeting Card Making Ideas for Kids
Cardboard Crafts for Kids Read more
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Don't Take Risk in the Name of Doing Things for Normal Delivery. Health is Most Important.
I am Divya, mother of 1 year 7 months old baby named Era. The moment I got pregnant, both my husband and I were really scared, because it was an unplanned one. Then we visited my doctor who advised us to carry the baby as it was the first one. We decided to continue the pregnancy. Only then did I begin to feel free from worries - everyday we woke up as mom-to-be and dad-to-be. But the first three months were very crucial for me as I was going through nausea and vomiting a lot. In my fifth month I had to move to my in laws-home as delivery was to be done there.
After 6 months I stopped doing household chores like cleaning, cooking and dusting as my feet used to swell up a lot, and when I did do those things I couldn't stand for a long time. Even preparing lunch and dinner was really tough for me. And when you stop doing this, things become crucial. People around me, even my mother-in-law began to suggest that I shouldn't stop working as it might lead me to face a C-section later, and I should work as much as I can. Blah, blah, blah. In those times I would feel angry - I am going through sleepless nights, abdomen pain, and swollen feet and people are still talking like that. Then, somehow for the sake of my health I started mopping, sitting on my feet, doing all the work I could do.
Then, finally, the 'big day' came. After so many problems I delivered my baby girl via C-section, and this was the end of the myth that doing household chores would cause a 'normal' delivery. This made me realise that people will say what they are following their entire life. Everybody has a different body, different physical abilities, so follow your heart instead of hurting yourself during this precious period. If you think you can do everything tirelessly, go for it. But if you feel that you are uncomfortable doing anything, stop immediately, because it may lead to some other problem. Follow your heart despite the shitty things people say.
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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Easy 3-Ingredient Recipes That You Can Make Under 15 Minutes
As a parent, there will be at least a hundred things on your daily agenda - that’s not really counting your own needs! However packed our schedules are, though, we will always find time for food, won’t we? It won’t always be possible to whip up gourmet meals from scratch, but some delicious treats don’t really need lots of ingredients or a lot of time to make them. Here are 6 recipes you and your family are going to love!
6 Yummy 3-Ingredient Recipes
We’re assuming that you have salt, pepper, sugar, and cooking oil - so those don’t count as the 3rd ingredient in these recipes!
1. Mac & Cheese
If you watch Western shows, you’ll notice how much of a staple this dish is in so many households. It makes for a quick and filling snack, and it’s yummy in the tummy too!
Ingredients
Cheddar cheese - 2 cups, grated
Macaroni- 2 cups
Full-cream milk - 4 cups (or 1 litre)
How to Make
In a deep pan, pour the milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Ensure that it doesn’t boil over at any point.
Add the macaroni, reduce the heat so that the mixture simmers, and cook it for at least 10 minutes in the milk. Stir constantly to ensure that the milk doesn’t burn.
Turn off the heat and add the cheese to the mixture. Stir well so that the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
You can add the condiments you prefer to season the dish to your liking - enjoy!
2. Microwave Mug Brownie
A sweet treat with just 3 ingredients and a convenient-to-use microwave!
Ingredients
Chocolate spread (Hershey’s or Nutella) - 1/4 cup + 1 large tablespoon
Egg - 1, whisked
Maida - 2 tablespoons
How to Make
In a large mug (suitable for the microwave), add the chocolate spread and egg. Mix well.
Add flour to the mixture and mix together till the batter is smooth.
Place the mug in the microwave and cook it for 45 seconds to 1 minute (this depends on your microwave’s power).
If you see that your brownie’s top is firm and holds its shape, it’s ready.
Let the brownie cool for a few minutes before serving it.
3. Cauliflower Soup
This soup is a healthy blend of taste and nutrition! Watch your family lick their bowls clean with this seemingly-plain but deceitfully tasty dish!
Ingredients
Cauliflower - 1 head, chopped into little florets and cleaned
Unsalted butter
Olive oil (for toppings)
How to Make
In a deep pan, boil 4 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of salt to it. Reduce the heat and add the cauliflower florets. Bring the water back to a boil, cover the pan, and let the florets cook for about 5 minutes.
Take out the cooked cauliflower but don’t throw the salted water away.
Fill a mixer-grinder halfway with the cooked cauliflower and add the same proportion of cooking water too.
Blend together the mixture, adding more water as needed. The longer you blend, the silkier and smoother the soup becomes.
Add around half a tablespoon of butter to the soup. Season it to your taste and drizzle olive oil on top. Relish the cauliflower in this wonderful form!
4. Banana Pancakes
Looking to increase your fruit intake? Banana pancakes are the (delicious) way to go!
Ingredients
Banana – 1, large
Eggs - 2
Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
How to Make
Mash the banana well with a fork in a bowl. Add the eggs and cinnamon too. Mix well.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour some batter onto the pan. Cook on both sides for 3 to 4 minutes each.
Serve hot (and with honey, if you’re looking for an extra dose of taste!).
5. Egg and Avocado Toast
Sometimes, keeping it simple does the trick! But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this dish - it packs a punch with its flavour and nutrients, and makes for a healthy breakfast or delicious snack.
Ingredients
Avocado - 1, mashed
Egg - 1
Bread - 1-2 slices, toasted
How to Make
Mash the avocado well and season it with salt and pepper. Spread the mash on a slice of toast.
Cook eggs sunny-side up on a pan. Once it’s done, transfer it on top of the avocado toast.
Season to your liking with condiments of your choice.
6. Cucumber Boats
Okay, we’re going to cheat a little bit on the ‘3-ingredient’ part here, but the result is still going to be as delicious as it looks. With this recipe, it’s all about customisation, so pick what you like best!
Ingredients
Cucumber - 1
Mayonnaise / Cream cheese / Hummus - As needed
Toppings - Of your choice!
How to Make
Cut a cucumber in half and make a hollow portion lengthwise. Remove the seeds and a small part of the flesh, but keep it deep enough to add other things in it.
Fill the hollow portion with mayonnaise, cheese, or hummus, as per your preference.
Top it off with a variety of your favourite toppings - shredded chicken, diced veggies, yummy pickled olives, crispy chopped bacon - whatever you prefer!
6 recipes, 3 ingredients, and all it will take are 15 minutes of your time (if not less!). Switch up your regular salads, sides, sandwiches and soups for some of these yummy recipes and watch your family relish the change!
Also Read:
How to Make Pickle at Home
Easy and Quick Dinner Recipes for Family
Evening Tea Time Snack Recipes Read more
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Double Bonanza! Father's Day gifts Mom will Love to Share
Come Sunday, June 21, and it's time to make your dad feel like a hero. But have you considered how some father’s day gifts benefit mom too? Go on and make this Father’s day extra special by getting something that both parents can enjoy.
Like the sound of a Father's Day gift for dad that mom can also share? It's a great idea to show both parents how much you appreciate them. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of splendid gifts for Father’s Day that'll also take your doting mom by surprise.
Fathers' Day Gifts Mom Will Also Be Thrilled About
1. Family collage photographs
Nothing can touch the heart of your papa quite like a compilation of old pictures when he wore bellbottoms and mom had oversized sunglasses. Your old girl will also love this refresher on happy times and we bet you'll catch her staring at the pictures ever so often. Get the right snaps (even embarrassing ones) into an old photo frame or book, paint it in bright colours, and you've a gift that'll put a smile on both your dad and mom's faces.
2. Noise-cancelling headphones
Your parents love each other but guess what they often argue about? The television volume! Mom hates it when dad watches his favourite sports games on high volume, who in turn frowns when she's busy with her favourite dramas. This Father’s Day, get papa a pair of noise-cancelling headphones so he can enjoy his moment in front of the TV without any outward disturbance. Your mom can share in this gift too; just ensure they don’t end up fighting for it!
3. Men’s jewellery box
If your father needs to scramble every morning for his watch, keys, cufflinks or spare change, a comprehensive men’s jewellery box is the perfect gift for him. Providing plenty of room for all his accessories, it’ll even keep your mother happy as the dressing table will no longer be disorderly. Pick one in a pearl finish and draw out patterns with a felt pen for an interesting twist.
4. Cardio training watch
If your pop’s a fitness freak, let him be his own personal trainer with a natty cardio training sports watch. This watch monitors heart rate, speed, distance and calories burnt and will give your dad that extra impetus in his daily workout sessions. With your dad beginning to look 10 years younger, your mom is sure to give this a try as well. This is one of those Father's Day gifts that'll benefit mom too.
5. Coffee mugs
Does daddy look out for a nice cup of chai or coffee before and after a hard day’s work? Get the couple a pair of mugs with meaningful and relaxing quotes. Guess what's an added bonus? Both mom and dad will think of you fondly whenever they take a sip from the mug!
These Father's Day gifts are sure to warm your dad's heart and have him feeling pampered. The best part is you get to pamper mom too in the same go. After all, no one day should be reserved for celebrating the gift parents are. We say, grab the chance to show them your love whenever you can! Read more
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
10 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts plz suggest me medicine for toothache
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. A proper assessment is required here so regarding this it is vmore favourable to contact your local doctor and accordingly he will guide in a proper manner.
If any more queries you can tgake online consultation on the platform for a detailed discussion .
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 yr 5 m old child
9 hours ago
Q. 3.5 saal ki bacchi ko vomitab syrap kitni or kab den khane se phle ya khane ke bad??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
6 hours ago
A. hello dear u can give it before but if child is vomiting regularly then don't keep on giving medication like this u need to know the reason it might be infection so please consult with the doctor for that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 9 months
5 hours ago
Q. i missed my periods 3 days ago today I checked then this result come. but when I checked yesterday afternoon the result is the second attachment . why this is happening I am confused 😕
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. you had to wait few days this can be delayed periods. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 9 months
5 hours ago
Q. i missed my periods on 5 my result is attached but when I checked in the yesterday afternoon it was little bit dark why this is happening and what to do
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. at present it is negative please wait few more days. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Hi, I am 35 weeks pregnant, and have AFI-24.3 and 2cm cervix length. What should I do to reduce AFI?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. AFI little bit more needs intervention medically. 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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