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Using Nasal Sprays for Babies and Kids - Are They Safe?
No parents like to see their child suffer and it breaks the hearts of the parents when they see their child in intense pain. If you see your child suffering from a blocked nose and struggling for every breath, you will want to do everything you can to help him. There are many nasal sprays available in the market that can provide relief from a blocked nose, but are these sprays safe for children?
What are Nasal Sprays?
Nasal sprays are just a short-term solution that provides instant relief from congested nasal passages, caused by colds, sinus infections, and allergies. Although nasal sprays provide immediate relief, they should not be used for more than three days in a row. Also, you should not be used for infants unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
Types of Nasal Sprays
There are three types of nasal sprays that need to be looked at; they are:
1. Saline Nasal Sprays
Saline nasal sprays are made of salt water and do not contain any medications. The salt water helps in loosening the excess mucus in the nasal passage. It also moisturises the passage and even provides relief from breathing problems.
2. Nasal Decongestant Sprays
These provide relief pretty quickly as they contain chemical medications in them. Decongestant nasal sprays work by narrowing the tiny blood vessels in your nose and reduces the swelling. If these are used for more than three to four days in a row, they tend to have the opposite effect and can worsen the congestion once the effects of the medication wear off. You can purchase it for topical use with a doctor’s prescription.
3. Steroid Nasal Sprays
Used for allergic rhinitis symptoms and for nasal blocks, steroid nasal sprays work by blocking histamine, and only one dose of the medication will last for 12 hours and are anti-inflammatory.
Are Nasal Sprays Safe for Children?
You may be wondering if nasal sprays are safe for babies or not? While most decongestant nasal sprays can provide immediate relief to your child, but sometimes they may have a negative effect too; it might worsen the congestion once you stop the medication. This is why it is always said saline nasal spray for babies is the best as they do not contain any medication, but to unblock the nose, salt water should be used.
Do Allergic Nasal Sprays Affect a Child’s Growth?
Some children need to use nasal sprays to manage the symptoms of their allergies. These are often the steroid sprays, and they have been known to affect the growth of a child. Allergic rhinitis is the most prevalent allergy that requires the use of these nasal sprays. The sprays that contain the ingredient beclomethasone are known to slow down the growth rate in children. However, if the nasal spray has Nasonex (mometasone) as the main active ingredient, it makes the spray harmless and does not impact the growth of a child.
How to Use Nasal Sprays?
No child is going to enjoy someone squirting something up their nose, but sometimes as a parent, you don’t have a choice. Follow these simple steps to administer nasal sprays to your child:
For Babies
Babies cannot blow their own noses on their own, hence it is up to the parents to remove the mucus for them. Here are some ways to go about it:
Keep a nasal spray, towel, an aspirator and some tissues handy.
Lay your baby in your lap - his head on your knees and feet pointing to your belly.
Be gentle as you spray one or two drops into one of his nostrils. Wait for a few seconds as the spray will start to work and loosen the excess mucus.
Close the other nostril and then using a fully compressed aspirator, suck out all the mucus.
Discard the mucus into the towel or sink and then wipe off your baby’s nose with a tissue.
Repeat the same process on the other nostril.
Make sure you do not touch the nozzle of the spray directly to your baby’s nose as it can spread germs.
For Older Kids
Older kids can resist better against things they don’t like. But if you are gentle while administering the spray to your child, even this can go smoothly.
Support your seated child with one arm and use the other hand to administer the drops.
Ask your child to tilt his head back slightly.
Ask your child to breath and then squirt one drop into each nostril.
Do not touch the spray to your child’s nose, as the infection may spread.
Once you are sure that the mucus is melting, help your child blow his nose.
Alternatives to Nasal Sprays to Relieve Nasal Congestion in a Child
Not everyone is a fan of nasal sprays. If you are not sure how often to use saline nasal sprays for babies and nasal sprays for toddlers, there are alternative methods you can use to help your child get rid of congestion:
Steam
Steam is an age-old remedy for treating nasal congestion. You can use a vaporizer during bedtime or a makeshift sauna in the bathroom. Giving steam will help in loosening the mucus, thereby providing relief from nasal congestion.
Vapour Rub
If your child is older than four years old, you can always use eucalyptus oil or any vapour rub. These are known to be very effective in treating nasal congestion.
Warm Liquids
Giving warm liquids like chicken soup also help in decongestion. You can give any warm liquid to your child and he will relish it.
The immune system of babies are not fully developed, hence they may catch a cold easily. If you follow the guidelines given here, administering nasal sprays to your child will become easy. If you do not prefer the use of sprays, try one of the alternate methods. But remember, never to self-medicate your child.
Also Read: Nosebleeds in Kids Read more
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Diet Cake
This diet cake is surely different and delicious cake. Its perfect for weight-watchers as it does not contain any butter and sugar. Even diabetic people can enjoy as it has no added sugars. So go all out and treat your taste buds without being guilty.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15 Minutes
30 Minutes
Ingredients
1 tsp (teaspoon) cinnamon
2 cup water
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp artificial sweetener
1 cup rolled oats
1 beaten egg
1 cup raisins
1 cup flour
Method
Step 1
In a sauce pan add raisins, water and cinnamon.
Step 2
Heat the sauce pan on low heat for 15 minutes.
Step 3
Take off from fire and let it cool.
Step 4
To this mixture, add beaten egg, oats, artificial sweetener, shortening and vanilla extract.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon powder and salt.
Step 6
Add these dry ingredients to the batter and mix well.
Step 7
Pour this mixture in a baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Step 8
When the cake is ready, let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
Step 9
Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 100 g
Calories
158
Calories from Fat
6
Total Fat
0 g 0%
Saturated Fat
0 g 0%
Trans Fat
0.0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg 0%
Sodium
197 mg 8%
Potassium
234 mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates
37.7 g 13%
Dietary Fiber
3.6 g 14%
Sugars
14.8 g
Protein
5.5 g
Vitamin A
9%
Vitamin C
5%
Calcium
4%
Iron
11%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutritional details are an estimate and should only be used as a guide for approximation.
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Importance and Tips to Go Plastic Free with Your Kids
Plastics are one of the major sources of pollution on this planet. About 50 billion bottles of plastics are disposed of every year and many countries have already started banning the use of plastics because of the damage it causes. Now that adults have started taking steps to create a cleaner planet for the next generations, it is equally important for children to get involved in these processes. Creating more plastic free kids will only encourage eco-friendly habits.
Why is it Important to Teach Children to Be Plastic Free?
It might be tough for little children to understand the importance and magnitude of the pollution issues and why they must take some steps to reduce their use of plastics. Children should learn to get used to plastic-free environments because the future is in their hands. They must create a cleaner world for them to live in.
You can teach your children about plastic by making efforts to reduce the amount of plastic used around your home and you could involve them in activities that will help them learn about the problem and what they can do from their side to help.
Involving your kids in recycling efforts can help them understand about waste and the amount of trash we produce over time.
If your home is near an ocean or lake, then you could participate in a beach clean-up so they can learn about the impact plastic wastes have on our environment. They can also learn about the harmful effects it has on our wildlife.
You could offer to take a class on a field trip to a recycling facility to help the children learn more about plastic and pollution.
You could plan an activity in class that teaches students about plastic pollution.
When you go for grocery shopping, take your children with you and teach them how choosing less plastic packed items are good for the world. Make finding plastic-free alternatives a fun activity.
Teach the children the significance of reusing objects that are already available instead of buying new school supplies and toys.
Tips to Help Kids Go Plastic Free
These plastic free ideas for kids are a great way to reduce pollution.
1. Pack Plastic-Free Lunch
When you pack your children’s lunch, try to switch to non-disposable alternatives. This is an amazing way to teach your child to go zero waste when not at home and even involve other people. Therefore, instead of using plastic wraps and containers they can use reusable containers. This will save money in the long run though it might cost more than disposable options. These containers can be taken when they go for sleepovers, road trips, or camping trips making them a good investment.
To wrap snacks and sandwiches you can use reusable fabric wraps. There are varieties that contain a zip for closing to keep the loose snacks from falling or fold like a napkin. These wraps are washable and they have a lining that is toxin-free making it easy to clean.
Reusable utensils made of bamboo work well with salads, yoghurts, and soups and these are portable.
Using stainless steel container is a great option since they are lightweight. These containers come in many sizes and can carry everything. Your kids can take lunch kits which eliminate the need for taking lunch bags to carry everything.
For water and juice, you can give a stainless steel bottle to use throughout the day.
2. Zero-waste Presents
Almost every toy for children is wrapped in plastic or even made out of thick plastic. Refusing such toys is a good way to start teaching children. Instead of plastic toys, you can request the family members for books or heirloom gifts like wooden toys and teddy bears. If your child is going for a birthday party then request the family not to present your child with any party flavours because these are mostly made out of plastic. Your child might find this very hard at the beginning but you are involving your child in a zero waste learning process. They will feel empowered in the long run. When the child is giving gifts, remember to get something that can be kept for many years and not something that is easily thrown away.
3. Jars for Ice Cream Stores
Another great way for helping your child go plastic-free is gifting them little jars that they can take to the ice cream parlour. Normally, ice creams are given with plastic spoons and put into Styrofoam or plastic cups. Instead of this, your child can take their own Mason jars and metal or wooden spoons. This is a little lifestyle change that will have a great impact on our planet for the future. This is a continued interactive method that will help your child involve in steps to create a waste-free future.
4. Digital Assignments
If your kids are a little older then this is another great way to get rid of the waste. Assignments usually take a lot of paper and plastic files which will mostly end up being thrown away. Requesting the teacher to give digital homework will encourage the children to remain waste-free outside the home and solidify a lifestyle that is zero waste. Also, it is an amazing way to involve technology in a sustainable and responsible way.
5. Create a No Plastic Rule
This is one of the most important ways to help the child reduce waste though this is a very common method. The concept of “no plastic in the house” can become a strict rule. Though this might be very hard to implement at the beginning, when done creatively, it can become a very fun family activity.
6. Plastic-Free Birthdays
From decorations to party favours, birthday parties involve a lot of plastic. You will find many fun and convenient party options made out of plastic but you can swap these items with eco-friendly alternatives.
You can switch to paper bags instead of plastic party favour bags. These bags can be decorated with colourful scraps of fabric, drawings, or coloured paper. You could also create a fun activity out of it. Let the children decorate their bags with colourful drawings.
Instead of filling party favours with plastic objects, you can choose to fill it with coloured pencils, sidewalk chalk, homemade play dough, natural crayons, or homemade cookies.
You can make customised banners instead of plastic banners. These customised banners can be made out of recycled paper or cloth.
You can use coloured biodegradable straws for party ware, and compostable plates, cups, or silverware.
Balloons can be harmful to wildlife as the animals might ingest pieces of balloons. Instead of using balloons, use colourful papers for decorations or make something out of the natural elements found in your backyard to create an inviting and fun place.
Plastic is not just harmful to the planet, it is harmful to the health of your children. It is made of chemicals and dangerous ingredients which will have effects in the long run. Therefore, it is best when parents help to set an example for a plastic-free lifestyle. When the children have a plastic free childhood, it can help them build a world without pollution in the future.
Also Read:
Pollution Facts for Kids
Air Pollution Facts and Information for Kids
Water Pollution Facts for Children Read more
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Life of Working Mom versus Wife- Little saga by Reeva
The life is not easy but it gets tough when you have dual responsibility I.e. Mom and Wife that too Working. Before my baby landed on earth I thought my hubby’s feelings will change for me but somewhere when I hold my angel it’s Vice Versa. Handling personal
life along with professional life is a big challenge and especially when my little one don’t wana leave me but with my husband support and cooperation I give him tym which is less than before but we enjoy the we 3 time as anyhow at end of day after 9
hours of office my baby needs me more than anyone else on this planet. However I do miss the we time we used to spend and coz of this Pandemic life is not smooth and easy anymore as we cannot go out for vacations or outings it’s just office home family
schedule going on nowadays.
However u cannot keep everyone happy but I try to be happy so that I don’t spread my negative vibes to anyone especially my family. I hardly have time for myself nowadays but a sense of satisfaction is there that my time is being utilised in most effective
and efficient way.
Raising a child is not easy but nothing is easy and something that’s easy is not worth trying. Before learning to raise her I am trying to raise ourselves as parents as now we hardly have time for our chats and when we have we prefer to lay beside each
other without any talks.
Life of Mom not easy but the love of my angel vanish all my stress pain tiredness along with the tight hug of her papa.
Working moms be strong for me my mom is inspiration as she being working mom raised her family so well hopefully my baby will also have proud on me some day.
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If I Can Be a Mother, You Can Be Too
My name Is Aditi. I am a first-time mother of a baby girl and I am surrounded by a gang of women who are always there to guide me and pull me through turmoil. Frankly speaking, I didn’t know anything about being a mother when I got pregnant. There are many women who absolutely adore babies and kids, but I am not one of them and I doubt I would ever be.I was a tomboy while I was growing up. A part of me still is and will always be. My mother knew I would eventually find my partner in crime (husband) by myself, plus I made it very clear that I am not the type of person who would do an arranged marriage. When I was a child, my family moved around a lot. We moved from one place to another as my dad had to travel a lot due to his work. We stayed in the UK, Australia, and Malaysia. Finally, we came back to India. I finished my schooling in Delhi and did my graduation from Goa. After a few years, I went to the UK to do my post graduation. That’s where I met my Mr Right. At that time I never knew we would get hitched. But he knew…he always knows! Anyways, here we are together celebrating our marriage and cherishing each day. We are blessed!Anyways, back in the days, my friends used to tease me saying how would our adi (Aditi or me) be as a bride. My friend even had a dream that I got married and was wearing a pink lehenga ( pink isn’t my favourite colour) and all I said was hahaha guys! Haha! I also said, "jab hogi tab dekhi jayegi".When I actually got married and posted a picture on Facebook, the people who know me were clean bowled. They never expected me of all the people to get married or ever have a child.
I was a workaholic. I used to reach work by 6:45 am and leave at about 8-8:30 pm. Then I got pregnant and ever since everything has changed. I wrote this blog to share my story and would love to hear your story too. Anything can happen in life. If I could have a baby, you can too.
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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What to Do If Kids Don't Listen to Their Parents
All the parents have to take care of their child in every front. Now day’s parents are much more concerned about every activity of their children. But sometimes we forget that they are GENERATION ALPHA who are expected to be the wealthiest, most educated, and technologically connected group to date. They know many things that we got familiar with after our schooling, so we start suggesting that they are not too big to take certain decisions or don’t know how to choose their friends and similarly start nagging them for such matters in their childhood.
In this series, one major mistake we make is to start saying to them" that you should do what we are telling you to do. We are much experienced than you; whatever you are doing is not suitable for you, and you may suffer for this if you don’t listen to me." It would help if you didn’t convey negative words as it may hinder their self-confidence and decision-making.
One should remember that every child is an individual who is born with their fate and destiny. It’s apparent that parents are worried about their kids, but if a child refuses to listen to them instead of saying or thinking negatively, we should try to understand why we are telling them about this. If the child agrees, it’s well and good; if not, always give them positive vibrations through your words, thoughts, and deeds. We can only nurture our children with our teachings.
Positive vibrations could be in the form of BLESSINGS and believing that whatever they do, everything will be alright, and they will get success. Another factor is ACCEPTANCE; that means they are always accepted as they are. Individuals are accepted; the only thing Non-acceptable is their bad habits or impolite behavior.
Blessings and Acceptance will protect your child in every stage of life from the worst situation and turn them into a self-dependent, confident, and self-decision-making person.
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
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
9 hours ago
Q. mam i am 21 week continuing in my pregnancy but my baby not moving as much
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. pl do ultrasound. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
9 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is muconium staining?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. due to feetal distance that will be mcconium passing in the uterine cavity itself. 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 2 months
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. 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
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
8 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
3 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
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