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Stranger Anxiety in Babies and Toddlers - Signs and Tips to Deal with It
In the process of growing up, your baby will start recognising who his caretakers are and will generally be extremely aware of whose presence he is in. But the fear of strangers in babies is also what might be observed around this time. A child needs to feel safe and secure no matter the age he is at, and the presence of an unknown face might make him feel like there’s a danger associated with it.
What Is Stranger Anxiety?
For a 2-year-old, stranger anxiety might be a condition you would immediately associate him with, but it is necessary to know what exactly can be termed as stranger anxiety in the first place.
Stranger anxiety is a form of distress babies, and toddlers feel when they are exposed to people unfamiliar to them. This is a good milestone marker for your child’s growth since it relates to the proper development of memory and recognition. The degree of anxiety varies from child to child, some being extremely shy or fearful, while others just feeling a wee bit weird.
Why are Young Children Afraid of Strangers?
Young children are just getting used to the people taking care of them, and wish those to be the only permanent members around them. When this image of his parents starts getting immortalised in his brain, the presentation of a new image causes dissonance within, leading them to start feeling the fear of abandonment, making them sad and fearful of a stranger.
How Long Does Stranger Anxiety Last In a Child?
There is no specific baby stranger anxiety age to demarcate how long it tends to last. As it starts around the age of 6 months or so, it reaches its prominence in the following months and then fades away depending on the frequency of interactions. Girls seem to be better in this regard while boys might take up to 2 years to get comfortable with strangers.
Symptoms of Stranger Anxiety In Infants and Toddlers
The signs of stranger anxiety being present in your child are not hard to spot, and can generally be observed whenever social interactions are taking place. These are seen in the following conditions.
Apprehension when interacting with other kids
Seeing an unknown person or guest at a home
The stranger making attempts to get closer
The person dressed in a different manner
Being alone in a room with the person
Breathing rapidly to calm down
Running around the house looking for you
Hiding behind an object
Facing away from the stranger
Moving to the other side of the room
Getting too fussy
Start crying uncontrollably
Common Problems Associated with Stranger Anxiety
Handling a baby with stranger anxiety can pose numerous issues to you as well as the other person. Excited relatives might feel rejected on seeing a kid behave in this manner, while parents might have a hard time in getting him used to babysitters or the caretakers at a creche.
How To Help Your Child To Feel Comfortable Around Strangers?
There are a few simple ways stranger anxiety can be reduced, and your child can gradually made to feel comfortable around a person or a similar environment.
Let The New Person Cooperate
Allow the new person to interact with the child from a distance by talking to him or playing peek-a-boo or other games to get his guards down
Inform The Person Beforehand
If your child is meeting someone new, let them know that he has trouble dealing with new people right away. This will help them control their actions accordingly and not approach the child directly.
Maintain Your Presence
Your child will feel much more secure if you are in the same room or in his sight while the stranger is present. Interacting with the new person together can make his anxiety fade away.
Be Patient
Stranger anxiety will not fade away within a day or a week. Your child will take his own time to develop his courage and get used to new people. Allow him to do so.
Acknowledge His Fear
Don’t brush away his concerns or behaviour. Let him know you understand his feelings by not forcing him to interact and supporting him when needed.
Empathize With Your Child
If your little one has an extreme case of stranger anxiety, do your best to reduce those interactions in the early stages. Don’t put him in a position that might trigger it.
Can You Prevent Stranger Anxiety In Young Children?
Severe stranger anxiety in toddlers is quite rare, but that leads parents to wonder if they can prevent it altogether. Pushing them in uncomfortable scenarios and engaging them to interact might seem sensible, but it isn’t always so. Children take their own time in getting used to the world, and there’s no way you can prevent it. It can worsen if you scold your child for expressing what he feels.
The fear of strangers in toddlers is not irrational and is a natural consequence of the way we all grow up as human beings. Stepping out of the comfort zone and coming to terms with the unknown requires time, and your child will do in his own good time. Support him through the phase, and he will very soon be interacting with numerous people in multiple ways.
Also Read: Dealing With Separation Anxiety in Babies Read more
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Can Pregnant Women Donate Blood - How Safe Is It?
When you get pregnant, there are a lot of transitions which occur in your mind and body. You need to understand that now you have to be careful and take proper care of yourself and the new life developing inside you. Many of us are a regular blood donor; there is nothing greater happiness than donating blood and saving the lives of many needful people around. But once you are pregnant, you need to take a break and wait till the baby is born and you regain your health before donating the blood next time.
Why Can't You Donate Blood During Pregnancy?
Although there is no proven reason why a pregnant woman cannot donate blood, it is advisable not to donate blood during pregnancy. Did you know that body produces at least 50% more blood during pregnancy as compared to the normal course of your life? In spite of this, you are not allowed to donate blood as you need all the blood to support your baby's life inside your womb. If you donate blood during this phase, then you will be putting your own and your baby's well being under risk. Another reason is there is a high chance of being anaemic during pregnancy if you donate blood. Anaemia can further trigger off significant issues like pre-mature delivery, low weight of the baby at birth, etc. The Red Cross strictly discourages women from giving blood while pregnant.
In fact, you are advised not to donate blood till the time you are breastfeeding your child. Generally, new mothers should wait for at least nine months post delivery to donate blood, but if you are continuing to breastfeed after this period, you need to wait until the time you cease breastfeeding. The infant is highly dependent upon the nutrients and vitamins in the breast milk, so if you donate blood during this time, your baby might miss out on these vital nutrients. Once your body replenishes the iron content in your blood, and you have ceased breastfeeding, you can go ahead and donate blood.
What Can Happen If You Donate Blood Before You Know You Are Pregnant?
If you are a regular donor, it might happen that you may have donated blood when you are totally unaware about your pregnancy. This may happen only during the initial phase of your pregnancy, and it will not raise any issues if you donate blood at this stage. Also, before donating the blood, a quick test is done to ensure that your blood pressure, haemoglobin levels, pulse and temperature are normal. Hence, donating blood at this stage when you are in a normal health condition will not be a problem. In case of any anxiety, it is better to consult your doctor.
Why Some Pregnant Women Are Asked by Doctors to Give Blood?
The only reason why a pregnant woman is ever asked to donate blood is when the doctor feel that you might require blood transfusion at the time of your delivery. This generally happens when you are under a high-risk pregnancy. In certain cases, the mother develops severe anaemia, or there is a risk of excessive bleeding during the delivery. During complications, the doctor may receive blood from other sources but at the same time ask you to store some of your blood beforehand. So this blood donation is for your future self!
Donating blood and saving the needy is definitely a noble thought, but risking your own and your child's life is never a wise option. Pregnancy is not a weakness preventing you from doing something good, but instead is a responsibility on you ensuring the life and safety of a new life, your child! So, its time to slow down and take care. After all, now it's your time to get pampered and taken care of!
Also Read: Cord Blood Banking Read more
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11 Funny But Important New Year Resolutions Indian Parents Are Making in 2019!
Whew! Being a parent is a tough job but guess what, you have been doing it just fine! As 2019 begins, it is time to pat yourself on the back and set in place some plans for the times to come. To help you out, we have gone ahead and compiled a list of mommy resolutions that moms in India are making for the new year. Time to check them out and get some inspiration for resolutions of your own!
A new year has started, and you have left behind fears, apprehensions and anxieties in the year gone by. Some of us are set to become new moms in 2019, counting days till the end of our pregnancy. And some of us are preparing to send our kids off to school! No matter what lies ahead, the start of the year is a time to prepare ourselves mentally. We often think that resolutions are hard to keep and disappear a few days into January. But hey, what's a fresh start without fresh plans? And knowing your resolve and patience, mom, we have a feeling you will stick to these plans!
Presenting the 11 parenting resolutions other mommies like you are making in 2019. Time to get some inspiration!
1. I will Focus on Giving My Kids Healthy Meals Instead of Over-feeding Them
Abundant supply of food and Indian parents are synonymous for sure! This year, focus on feeding your child nourishing food. That way you do not need to worry about the quantity he is eating, because the quality is sufficient.
2. I Promise to Lower My Expectations
https://twitter.com/_indianparents/status/696898496981442560
As a parent, sometimes, we fail to realise just how much pressure we are putting on our kids. Yes, it's all in good intention but the pressure to meet our goals - from doing homework to cleaning the room - can really stress our kids out. This year, let's appreciate our child for how much he has already achieved and leave it at that!
3. I Promise to Stay up to Date with Technology
https://twitter.com/Gurvin_Dhillon/status/701993329618104323
Yeah, you've got your hands full and there's so much happening in your own little world that you have no time or inclination to catch up on the world outside. But this year, find time to stay up to date with technology because you'll need it for the future. It's the best way to be in tune with your child too, for like it or not, tech is going to play a huge role in his life, starting from when he's just a baby!
4. I will Say Goodbye to Superstitions and Old Wives Tales
Yes, our great great grandmother's sister-in-law sweared by these things and they were strangely all “True”. But let's give ourselves and our kids a break! Don't blame the poor neighbourhood black cat for your misfortune and for God's sakes let your child cut his nails at night if they are overgrown!
5. I Promise to Stop Comparing
Yes, Mrs. Mehta's daughter is a child prodigy but does she have the same musical skills as your own little Rahman? It's time to stop comparing your children with other people's children. Everyone is unique.
6. I Will Stop Being a Know-it-all Parent
https://twitter.com/c00poodle/status/706041310117908480
You have lived more years than your child, of course, and you do know better about many things. But save your child the compex and let them discover things and make their own mistakes. Be there when they fall but try and lay off the “I told you so's”.
7. Healthy Food is Important but I will also allow Junk Food Once in a while
https://twitter.com/namratasrealm/status/813691656675332096
While it is important for your child to remain healthy, junk food once in a while will not to irreversable damage either. Let's stop being overly strict and worrying too much about that occasional junk food he ate!
8. I Promise to go Easy on Myself
https://twitter.com/JustJas28/status/759032297731530753
Many of us mothers buckle under the benchmarks we set for ourselves. This year, remember to not be too hard on yourself. It's okay to stumble, to feel tired, to want your own space! It really is okay, mom.
9. I Promise to Say “okay” and “yes” to my Children more
Yes, you are the parent and your child's wishes are at your discretion. They need to learn that all demands cannot be met. But sometimes its okay to say yes as a surprise! You are afterall not their owner, but a gentle yet firm guide and someone they can trust. Say yes to some of their wishes too, even if it sometimes means watching 15 more minutes of TV or having another cookie.
10. I Vow to Let the Future of my Child's Marriage, Stay in the Future
https://twitter.com/YourIndianMom/status/693800347106541568
Admit it, you have already thought about the day your little one gets married, haven't you? Right now he may still be soiling his diapers but his future bride and her family's reputation is so vivid in your mind! Many Indian parents not only worry about this but also start planning in a way that their child settles only for the match chosen for him or her. Let's relax, and enjoy life as it comes.
11. I Promise to Make Some Time to Myself and Ask for Help when I need it
https://twitter.com/HisGirlxxo/status/812719866008498177
Finally, it's time to think about yourself too, mom! So what if you are a mom? It is completely necessary to take some time off to do what you enjoy, even if it's just a much-needed afternoon siesta! Get help from your baby's daddy if needed but don't forget to love yourself a little more this year.
There you have it! We know your mental resolutions are set. It is now time to strengthen your resolve, focus on your inner happiness, and jumpstart these promises. In 2019, let your mantra be #ThisYearIWill. Read more
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Those first few days after having my cesarian baby and it's challenges.
Those first few days is the title of my write-up and it's about my experience on first few days about breastfeeding my baby,It was a bright day in mid of July and after having breakfast I was getting ready to visit my gynecologist for my ultrasound and as I was in my parents home so I was very relaxed and there is no worry at all,then we went to maternity home and everything was fine ,except when my gynecologist told me my baby is breached and I have to get admitted as soon as possible,after listening to her words I started crying and called by husband and told him what doctor had told,after listening my husband started his journey as he was in my in laws home and it take him three hours to reach my place ,I was admitted and they have start preparing me for operation theater,I was very tensed and was praying and crying and my mother was preparing me mentally ,she was distracting my mind ,(at that time nothing can distract me),by the time my husband also arrived and I was taken for C-section,after operation everyone was happy as baby was healthy although his weight was only 2.7 kilogram but everything was good and after two days I got discharged from hospital,and when we reached home it's very difficult for me to walk due to stiches but somehow I managed and reach my room which was at third floor,I take rest and now it's time to feed baby,there was no breast milk and I burst into tears as every one was saying mother's first yellow milk should be given to baby it's very important for baby,but there was no milk and then this painful process started when I started pressing my breasts hard and harder till milk comes out from my breast,it take me one hour to press breasts with hand and only 5-10 drops milk came out,I was tired and my both breasts have blue bruses on them and they were paining,this goes on for next three days,and then next challenge come is to breastfeed baby ,as baby was underweight and baby didn't take nipple in mouth so then breastfeeding becomes next challenge to me,it take whole one week to breastfeed baby by own,this is my story .I know every new mum goes through this phase ,but that pain, sleepless nights, payes off when your baby is healthy,hope you like it ,as I m new and there will be many flaws in my writing but it's a mother's experience which helps other mother's to learn new things. Read more
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Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
13 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
14 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
14 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
12 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
ZIAULHAQ ABDUL KHADAR has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
ZIAULHAQ ABDUL KHADAR
Father of a 7 m old girl
29 mins ago
A. Have good amount of Proteins food
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