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Potty Training for Boys
Someone has very rightly said, ‘Having a kid is like continually having to clean-up after a party you didn’t attend’ and that clean-up starts with diaper duties! Although most potty training tips are common for boys and girls, training boys to use potty seats is a little more challenging.
Video: Potty Training for Boys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Q9weibhs4
What is Potty Training?
The process of training little children to use the toilet for peeing and pooping is what potty training is all about. As babies, children are used to diapers. But as they grow into toddlers, it is important to train them to use toilets, and this must be done at the right age.
Potty training doesn’t start with making children use toilets right away. They learn to do that gradually.The complete phase of transitioning from diapers to using proper toilets is called potty training. So, here is a systematic guide that clearly states all the do’s and don’ts of potty training boys.
How to Start Potty Training for Boys
To start with, potty training a toddler boy requires a lot of patience, and it is believed that they stay in diapers longer than girls. Motivation is another key factor that will help you train your little boy to use a potty seat. The following are some things your could keep in mind before you begin to toilet train your little boy-
Age plays a huge role in getting your son potty trained without any hassle. A parent must start the training when the little boy is willing to learn or even more so when he is physically able to cope with the training.
While some boys may be ready for toilet training as soon as they turn 2, some may be ready only after their third birthday.Toilet training at 3 years may sound like it is very late, but if your toddler is not ready, you mustn’t insist on getting him trained.
Also, if your little boy is coping with other changes like the arrival of a new sibling, change of school or travelling, it is advisable to wait till he has emotionally coped with these changes before introducing anything else.
Initially, you will need to train your baby to poop in a small potty seat. But even before you get there, you need to chalk out a holistic plan. You must decide how and when to start, how to take care of accidents if any, and be prepared to be flexible and even back off if necessary.Your son’s initial progress may make you happy, but if he shows any sign of regress, then you must be prepared to pause and start after some time. Also, before you start, consult your child’s paediatrician and day care provider.
Their valuable inputs based on experience may be really helpful. Once you are ready with a plan, share it with everyone who is involved in taking care of the baby and ensure that they stick to it, as far as possible.
Potty training time will vary from one child to another. Hence, it is important for parents to take it slow. Potty training your toddler boy during the day may be easier compared to training toddlers to stay dry at night, which will take longer.
When Do You Start Toilet Training a Toddler?
There is no definite time defined by any expert to start potty training. It has been roughly put around 18 months to 3 years old, and there may also be some children who are receptive to potty training only when they are close to 4. But before you start, you must look out for certain signs that will indicate that the child is ready.
Signs of Potty Training Readiness for Children
To make it easy for new parents, experts have put together some definite signs to look out for before you start making plans to potty train their kids These signs have been categorised into physical, behavioural and cognitive signs.
Physical signs: Firstly, you may want to check if your baby boy is physically developed enough to walk. You may also want to wait till your baby pees a fair amount at one go and also has a well-formed bowel movement at a foreseeable time. Also, having a dry time of at least 2 to 3 hours or so during nap time will come very handy while making your plans around potty training your son.
Behavioural Signs: You need to wait until your baby can sit quietly in one place for at least five minutes. He should also be able to pull his pants up and down on his own When a child starts disliking the feeling of being in a wet diaper or starts giving physical or verbal signs of bowel movement, it is a good indication to start with potty training. Also, if you observe him showing an interest in other’s bathroom habits, it is time to chalk out a plan to help him form his own. Other important behavioural traits include demonstrating a desire for independence, taking pride in his accomplishments and being cooperative.
Cognitive Signs: The following cognitive development milestones are also important while potty training a 2 year old. The child should be able to understand physical signals and should also be able to give signals themselves whenever necessary. Being able to follow simple and straightforward instructions is another cognitive development milestone that is necessary before starting any training at all. Experts also emphasise that learning to tidy up their toys is more important for children than learning to keep themselves clean. They should also have some code word for stool and urine which they can use to communicate whenever they must pee or poop.
The signs mentioned above can help parents to determine potty training age for boys.
Potty Training Tips for Boys
As parents, it is important to be fully prepared to help the baby achieve each milestone with confidence. These toilet training ideas will help you to get over this phase of your child’s development without much hassle.
Children love to imitate. Hence, the best way to potty train a boy is to let him observe his daddy using the toilet when peeing. Very soon he will be intrigued and would like to try it out himself.
It is important to go about the training step by step. Experts suggest that it is always helpful to train the child to go potty in a child-sized potty where he can sit comfortably, and his legs touch the ground. This will also give him a sense of possession, and he may just think of it as a new toy where he can poop peacefully. This needs to be followed if you are starting as early as 18 months old. However, if you start the training at the age of 3 or older, then you can just buy a comfortable adapter seat for your toilet. In this case, though, you will also have to put a footstool in front of him, so that he sits comfortably without his legs dangling. This will also come in handy to get on and off the potty easily and independently.
An extra piece of advice is to buy a potty seat without a urine guard.
The next phase is to help the child get comfortable with the potty. Create a sense of possession for the potty seat in your child. Write your boy’s name on it or even decorate it with some stickers. Let him playfully sit on it for a week or so before you suggest that he takes his pants off and sits on it . You can also do a role-play on how to use the potty seat. Use his favourite stuffed doll or animal toy for demonstration. This makes the whole process of potty training enjoyable for him and easier for you.
Motivate your child to become like his dad or elder brother. Tell him that he can choose his favourite underwear and wear it like his father and brother do. If he is initially uncomfortable, let him try wearing them on top of the diaper. Slowly he should be willing to ditch the diaper and wear only underwear.
Setting up a training schedule based on your personal schedule and your son’s time table is very important. If your son goes to a day care or pre-school, do share your potty training strategy with them. Since your son will take his own time to learn, keep some diapers and disposable pants handy for night time and travel.
Bowel movements and the tendency to urinate usually come at the same time. Hence, it is advisable to make your son sit first. Avoid making him sit for too long as he will avoid trying it from very next time. Once your son starts pooping and peeing in a sitting position, teach him how to stand and pee. Once again, a demonstration from daddy with by helpful. You can also float some oval shaped object for target practice, but please remember that should be your last resort as it can become very messy.
Around the time he usually has bowel movements, take off his pants and let him be for some time. Keep the potty seat handy so that as soon as you see the signs you can make him sit on it.
Celebrate each success by rewarding him with stickers or stars. That will keep him inspired. If you don’t succeed the first time, do try repeatedly till you get there; but remember to do so with lots of love, patience, innovation and positive reinforcement. You can also buy him picture books and cartoon CDs around potty training and let him watch them. They are usually fun, and children love watching and learning from them.
Once your baby boy has learned to stay dry all day, it is time to move to night-time training. This will take a longer time as it will require him to hold his urine for a certain period. If your little boy wants to sleep without diapers, let him do that. A few days will be experimental, and he may wet the bed, but slowly he will learn to wake up for peeing and then eventually will hold his urine for the rest of the night. This training may take weeks or even months.
Do's & Don'ts while Potty Training Boys
The above mentioned potty training steps will clear any doubts that new parents may have about toilet training boys. Here are some dos and don'ts to summarise what we have discussed so far.
Dos:
Show a lot of patience
Look out for physical, behavioural and cognitive signs before you start
Take valuable tips from his preschool teachers or day care providers before chalking out a plan
Make it fun and motivational by trying out various innovative methods. Get books and CDs around it and let him watch. Also, celebrate each achievement by rewarding him
Don'ts:
Don’t push him or constantly insist once you start
Do not try to achieve all levels at one go
Do not chide him or compare him to someone else
Do not show any signs of frustration. That will make him regress
Nothing about parenting is a cakewalk, but we hope the potty training tips for boys, penned down in detail in this article, will help young parents to get over this patience-testing time easily.
Also Read: Potty Training for Girls Read more
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Pre-Birth Sex Determination - Should You, Shouldn't You?
Boy or girl? If you're an expecting mom, you may be curious. But in a country where pre-birth sex determination has such severely negative connotations, it is wiser to wait! With the International Day of the Girl Child coming soon on October 11, why not say a strict no to discrimination against the girl child? After all, girl or boy, your baby will be adorable!
There is an undeniable curiosity to find out whether your baby is a boy or a girl, especially if it's your first pregnancy. But sometimes, there can be a negative effect of sex determination. Not only has it led to girl child abortions and female infanticides, but it is also a punishable offence in India. Here's why you should experience one of life's greatest surprise and not be a planner ahead of time!
Why Gender Determination May Not Be A Great Idea
1. You'll Miss Out On The Fun Stories during Pregnancy
Trust us, you would not want to miss this! There are umpteen myths related to the baby's gender and some amazing old wives' tales. Carrying low or high? Holding your engagement rings over your bump or below? You have a sweet tooth or sour? All this can be far more fun than the scientific way!
2. You are Saved From Gender Disappointment
What if you are hoping for a boy or a girl, and find out the other way? Just disappointment! Pre-natal sex determination will only increase the risk of suffering from gender disappointment. Whereas, even if you're hoping for a girl, but get blessed with a lovely boy, you will be caught up in the joy of the moment.
3. Let It be a Surprise
Determination of sex of the baby will eliminate all the surprises. It will never be more exciting, happier, and a cooler surprise than to find out in your arms whether it's a son or a daughter. It's magical to watch a new life enter the world, than to find it out at the ultrasound.
4. Sex Determination Isn't Really the True Purpose of the Ultrasound
The ultrasound is to ensure your baby's health and its position. It is to let you know the baby is developing well. The 20 week scan is not for you to find out the sex of the baby and forgetting the actual purpose. Plus, have you not heard that ultrasounds are not 100% correct?
5. You Need Something to Get Motivated in the Delivery Room!
Would-be-moms, you need to push like a warrior! For this you need a lot of motivation. When you don't know the gender, you can really gear up for that final tough push.
6. You Can Avoid Being a Stereotype
You hate stereotypes, but aren't you being one of them by choosing to find out what's in your pouch? Once you check on the sex and announce it, everything around you becomes gender specific. Starting from wardrobe filled with the blues or pinks, to the gender stereotypical parties.
Your baby is a surprise you are guaranteed to love. Today, with the social stigma attached to the birth of a girl child, many nations are getting strict about sex determination. Even the United Nations has marked 11th October as International Day For Girl Child 2015. This is to eliminate gender inequalities and promote girls' human rights. Do your bit and wait it out. You'll love the surprise either way! Read more
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A Dairy-free Diet while Breastfeeding - Tips to Survive without Dairy
It is difficult to tell whether a baby has a milk allergy or whether he is showing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem, and as a mother, you should check if your baby is able to digest your milk or not. In case your baby is lactose intolerant, then it is not your milk that might be causing him trouble, but the lactose-based protein, vitamins, and nutrients from the dairy products that you consume. And if it triggers allergies then you must reconsider what you should eat while breastfeeding. You can always opt for a dairy-free diet. Do not worry, it is as healthy as the dairy diet that most doctors would prescribe you.
What Is a Dairy-Free Diet?
A dairy-free diet is the one that does not include milk and milk-based products. Dairy-related proteins or nutrients are present in almost everything. But a mother’s milk is free of dairy. However, if a nursing mother consumes dairy products, then the nutrients in those products may pass to the baby via breast milk. Hence, a nursing mother should avoid consuming dairy products. Goat milk is also a dairy product, so it should be avoided too.
Soy-based products are dairy-free; they are common alternatives to dairy products for almost everything. Soy milk does not contain casein or whey, the two allergenic components present in dairy products. Soy cheese, yoghurt, and ice cream also do not contain these two components. While buying any food products, always keep an eye for ingredients such as caseinates, curds, custard, half & half, nougat, paneer, pudding, rennet, and koumiss as they are dairy products.
When Is a Dairy-free Diet Needed while Nursing?
If you notice any changes in your baby’s behaviour, then you might have to consider changing your diet. Drinking cow's milk is the most common problem as it can trigger a gas problem in babies. If your baby cries incessantly or is not sleeping well, then also you must change your diet. If he has rashes, hives, eczema, itchy eyes, constipation, or diarrhoea, then your baby might be lactose intolerant. Your baby may find it difficult to digest dairy products, hence you should consider switching to a dairy-free diet.
Tips for Going Dairy-free while Breastfeeding
Staying away from dairy products does not mean that you can not have delicious foods. These tips would help you in finding healthy and tasty food options that you can always try.
Spend a lot of time in your grocery store. Before buying any product, read the labels carefully and opt for dairy-free products only.
Baking can be a really cool option. You can use almond milk in place of regular milk - it is tasty and healthy too! You can bake almost anything with almond milk and its rich taste would give your baked goods a special touch. Coconut milk or cream is also a good option.
Opt for dairy-free butter rather than your regular butter or ghee. Other than this, you can also opt for peanut butter - it is healthy and can make your breakfast or a light snack really yummy.
Eggs are another healthy option. A rich source of protein, vitamins and nutrients, an egg can be a perfect substitute for dairy products. Having one egg per day would ensure your well-being.
Buy dairy-free breastfeeding snacks. Some brands make dairy-free snacks that are good for nursing moms who are on a dairy-free diet. Some crackers are made of sprouted grain chips, which can serve as ideal snacks.
Consume dark chocolates in healthy amounts. However, before buying a bar of dark chocolate, check its ingredients.
Dairy-free desserts may sound awful, but some are just too good to resist. Especially, ice creams. Almond-based ice cream, cashew ice cream, and coconut ice creams are some value-for-the-money products.
You can consider going vegan. A vegan diet is free of any kind of animal protein. Hence, you won't have to think twice before eating anything. You can eat vegetables, nuts, cereals, and seeds.
If you are planning to dine out while on a dairy-free diet, then go ahead. A romantic getaway with your partner or just a simple day off from the kitchen would do good to you. A little bit of outing can always cheer you up, but be careful of what you eat. Eat foods that are not made with milk or milk-based products.
While nursing your baby, you should consume calorie-rich foods, as it is important for the healthy growth of the baby. Your diet should provide you at least 500 calories more than your normal intake. Five servings of fruits and vegetables every day should be enough for you to complement the lack of calories from your diet.
It is not that hard to go on a dairy-free diet, especially, when you know that you are doing it for your baby's health. If you feel demotivated at any point of time, remind yourself that it is temporary. Once you stop breastfeeding, you can go back to your former routine. So, enjoy the moments with your baby as much as you can and eat healthy.
Also Read:
Low Carb Diet While Breastfeeding
Foods That Increase Production of Breast Milk
Fruits to Eat and Avoid during Breastfeeding Read more
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Start Winter Mornings with These 7 Yoga Exercises for Various Health Benefits
Nothing beats the feeling of snuggling up in a blanket on a cold winter morning or wrapping your hands around a cup of hot coffee or adrak wali chai as soon as you get up. A lot of changes take place when winter comes! Families stock up on their winter supplies, start adding layers of warmers to their bodies and do their best to stay warm and keep infections, cold, cough, dry skin and other issues at bay.
Yoga is an additional protective cover that can keep your body warm and grant it the strength it needs to battle these winter infections. Yoga works best when done in the morning, so summon enough motivation to get up on cold winter mornings and perform these yoga asanas that will keep you warm throughout the day. They come with various health benefits too!
Yoga Exercises to Warm up Your Winter Mornings
Yoga is an excellent way to start the day, especially during winters. Every yoga pose has its own set of health benefits, and various poses are known to stretch and warm up multiple parts of the body. No doubt the body tends to get a little rusty during winters. Here’s a list of yoga exercises that are perfect for winter mornings.
1. Sun Salutations or Surya Namaskar
The traditional 12-step Surya Namaskar is a great exercise to start your winter mornings. This yoga sequence alone is a host of health benefits and is known to work wonders for the mind, soul and body flexibility. Sun salutations are ideal for weight loss; they keep the skin healthy and glowing by promoting blood flow. As you proceed with sets of sun salutations, you will notice your heart rate increasing, and eventually, you will break into a sweat. This not only gets your blood pumping but also aids digestion, calms the nervous system and boosts immunity.
2. Child’s Pose or Balasana
Start by sitting on your knees with your buttocks touching your heels. Maintain this position and stretch your arms forward, bending gently, bring your chest between your knees. Then breathe in and hold this position for 2-3 minutes.
The child’s pose is a calming pose that relaxes and rejuvenates the body. If done correctly, it stretches the spinal column, hips, thighs, ankles and also calms the muscles. The science behind this pose is that it is a therapeutic posture which helps relieve stress and cure back pain. The balasana boosts blood circulation which keeps the body warm, making it an ideal yoga pose for winter mornings. It works wonders in soothing physical, mental & emotional health.
3. Downward Facing Dog or Adho Mukha Shvanasana
Start by sitting on your knees and your palms. Breathe in and gently lift your knees, keeping your feet & palms flat on the ground. Keep some distance between your feet and hold this position for 1-2 minutes.
The downward facing dog pose is ideal to boost the flow of blood from head to toe. It strengthens every muscle in the body, including the shoulders, arms, hands, arches, hamstrings & calves. The Adho Mukha Shvanasana energises the body and improves digestion. It also relieves headaches, insomnia, and back pain, all of which tend to show up during winters. This yoga pose strengthens the spine and promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body.
4. Low Lunge or Anjaneyāsana
To perform the Anjaneyāsana, start with the downward facing dog pose. Slowly bring your right foot forward, between your hands & slide your left foot back till you feel a stretch in your thigh & hip. Then, lift your hands straight above your head till they’re parallel to your ears and join them. Keeping your back straight, focus on your breathing and hold this position. Then, switch to stretch your other leg.
The low lunge is an excellent pose to stretch and strengthen the lower body, including the thighs, hips and the lower back. This too is a calming and relaxing pose, that enables one to focus and maintain physical and mental balance. It expands the chest and lungs, thus allowing you to breathe in fresh oxygen in abundance, and get rid of the toxins. The low lunge pose boosts endurance in the thighs and feet, promoting blood circulation which helps keep the body warm and active.
5. Bridge Pose or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Keep your hands on either side of your hips. Then gently lift your hips towards the ceiling and balance your weight on your feet and hands. Roll your shoulders under your body and clasp your hands firmly. Hold this position while you focus on your breathing.
If done right, the bridge pose opens up the chest, heart and lungs. It also flexes the hips and back, that tend to become quite rigid because of staying in for extended hours during winter. This pose stimulates the abdominal organs and revitalises the legs. It boosts the metabolism of the body and energises the body. It is an ideal yoga asana for those who spend most of their time sitting in front of the computer. The Setu Bandha Sarvangasana helps control the blood pressure of the body and is known for its calming effects on the body.
6. Fish Pose or Matsyasana
Keep cold and flu at bay this winter with Matsyasana, or the fish pose, which is super simple to perform. Lie on your back keeping your legs straight and your palms resting on either side of your body. Then, slowly lift your chest using your elbows and create an arch in your upper back. Tilt your head such that the crown touches the floor. Ensure that your chest & upper torso are off the floor and hold this pose for five breaths.
The Matsyasana works wonders in flexing the upper body, especially the throat, chest and the abdomen. It strengthens the upper back muscles and those at the back of the neck. The fish pose opens up the lungs, thus relieving you of respiratory ailments. Most importantly, it energises the body and promotes healthy blood flow from head to toe. Performing this pose every morning will strengthen your spine and fix your posture. It is the ideal pose for chilly winter mornings.
7. Standing Forward Bend or Uttanasana
The standing forward bend pose literally translates to ‘a powerful stretch pose.’ To perform this pose, all you need to do is stand straight on the ground with your hands on your hips. Keep your feet together, gently soften your knees and bend forward to keep your palms flat on the ground. Then, point your hips up and slowly rest your hands on your heels, and breathe 6-8 times. Then relax.
The Uttanasana is genuinely a magical pose. It has both, spiritual and physical benefits; right from calming the mind to stretching almost every muscle in the body. Apart from activating the liver and the kidneys, the standing forward bend pose also improves digestion and circulates blood throughout the body. It relieves anxiety and calms the nerves. It is the ideal pose to strengthen the thighs, knees and calves. This pose helps keep the body warm and energetic, making it ideal to combat winter lethargy.
Don’t let the cold weather stand in the way of you caring for your body. Go ahead and perform these yoga poses in the morning to open up some congested airways. The circulation of blood is essential to warm up the body and keep it energised all day. From relieving symptoms of cold & flu to taking care of stiff joints, the benefits of yoga during winter are countless. So, why wait? You have the perfect remedy to stay warm this winter.
Also Read:
Infections You Need to Lookout in Winter
How to Fight Common Winter Ailments
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Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
7 hours ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
6 hours ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. hi iam 13th week pregnant my mind is completely in pressure stress and I cried alott does this affect my baby or baby growth
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
6 hours ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. If you have any question concerning the parenting platform then please feel free to post your question once I know what are you willing to ask with all the necessary details associated it will be easier for me to give you appropriate help and response onto your question
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Its been 7 days my 8 month old hasn’t pooped. He looks good not at all cranky. Eating normally. What to do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Sometimes baby does not poop for 7-10 days. Please massage baby stomach clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can also apply hing water on baby stomach. Also do some cycling leg exercises of the baby to relieve from constipation and gas. Please make the baby burp after every feed. Mother should chew saunf and ajwain after every meal.
Thanks and take care
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