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7 Simple Exercises to Make Your Baby's Bones and Muscles Stronger!
Babies are born with weak muscles and bones. In their early years, it is very important that you help them promote their muscular development. According to pediatricians, we as parents need to help our babies build flexibility, coordination, and strength with some age-appropriate routines and activities. This will help them walk sooner and with more confidence!
Healthy muscles and bones are an indicator of overall health. If your baby has good muscular strength and healthy bones, chances are he will also learn to crawl, walk and run about faster! Once your baby has been weaned off breastfeeding, it is advisable to introduce him to strengthening foods rich in calcium, Vitamin-D and protein. Some of these include chicken, spinach, cheese and fruits. (You can refer to more calcium-rich foods for babies here)
However, it is not sufficient to just depend on a healthy diet to make your baby stronger; you also need to start some important physical exercises. Yes, even babies as young as a 2 months old need some amount of physical activity to become stronger!
7 Baby Strengthening Exercises
Here are 7 exercises recommended by doctors to develop your little one’s muscles and bones, naturally, and see them take those cute little steps soon!
1. Give Your Baby Tummy Time
Age: 0 Months Onwards
This is the most common of all trunk strengthening exercises for babies suggested by pediatricians. Simply put your newborn on his tummy after every feeding. This act builds the core muscles of your baby’s tummy. There are many variations to this, such as:
Place your baby on a blanket so he can also get some floor-time and explore his surroundings
Place your baby on tummy between both of your knees. This also helps baby to release trapped gas
Place your baby on daddy’s tummy! This is a fun and very useful variation of tummy time that can be done after you've breastfed the baby, or in the evening time before bed [Bonus: this also strengthens the emotional bond between the father and baby. We recommend you definitely ask your husband to try this out!]
Tip: Remember that whenever your child is not lying on the back, he is working on increasing his head control and neck strength. So, minimize lying down time after your child is 2- 3 months old and make sure that your baby is getting exposure to enough physical activity.
2. Help Your Baby Sit-Up
Age: 4 Months (or when a baby is able to support her head)
This is how to do it: Place a blanket on the bed and then place the baby on the blanket. Then, hold the blanket on each side slightly above the head, with your baby in the middle of your arms. Slowly lift the blanket so your baby comes to a sitting position, then lower it back down again. This is a very simple and safe exercise to help your baby gain upper body strength.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N5Vt8nPSlk
KEY TAKEAWAY:
Teach this exercise to your baby-
This little core exercise really helps babies as they start crawling, standing and walking
Lay your baby down and let them pull themselves up and put him back down.
Let your baby lead this exercise as it strengthens his core.
After doing this exercise, a baby gets better at sitting up.
Daily exercise also helps babies sleep better and stay happier all day!
3. Baby Massage Complex Exercises
Age: 0 Months Onwards
Massage is one age-old trick that never fails! The benefits of an oil massage are now well accepted by doctors, and it can definitely help make your baby’s muscles and bones stronger. You can start massaging your baby’s body early - as early as a week or two old. There are a few movements/exercises that you should do as part of baby massage in order to build the baby's strength:
Hold your baby's wrists and lift the baby off the massage table (just a few centimetres). This exercise helps the development of the cervical spine
Place your baby on the tummy, his knees spread apart but his feet together. Press the baby's feet with your thumbs. Voila! Your baby will try to push himself forward. This exercise is very useful for leg muscle development
After the massage, keep your palm on the baby's chest and press lightly. This helps eliminate congestion from the lungs and increases ventilation, both of which are good for overall respiratory strength
Note: Make sure you do NOT use rigorous or high-pressure strokes. Only a gentle massage using a skin-friendly baby oil is beneficial for your baby's improved blood circulation, and in turn, bodily strength. Refer to this guide on baby massage when in doubt.
4. Rotate Your Baby's Head
Age: 2-3 Months
It is important to help the muscles of your baby's head to develop as they are very delicate in the first few months. Help your baby to turn his head sideways while lying down. This helps strengthen the muscles of the baby's head. You should also do these two simple baby neck strengthening exercises to strengthen your baby's head muscles:
Using Toys: Take an attractive, colorful toy such as a rattle. Keep it in your baby's line of sight and then move it from left to right. This will encourage baby to move his head and exercise it naturally.
Using Daily Objects: Put interesting things on both sides of your baby’s crib, so that he is motivated to turn his head on both sides.
5. Bicycle Motion
Age: 0 Months Onwards
Your little one's leg development is also a key area of concern, especially as the leg muscles help determine how soon he/she will be able to crawl and walk. Paediatricians recommend the following baby leg strengthening exercise to develop your baby's leg muscles:
Lay the baby on his back and gently hold his ankles. Slowly move his legs in a circular motion, like he is pedalling a bicycle. You can go for 4-5 movements at a stretch of time. Then, give your baby a break for a couple of mins and continue.
Did You Know: Bicycle Legs is among the best ways to relieve your baby's gas!
Pediatricians say that when your baby is practicing bicycle legs, the movement helps release bubbles from her stomach and move them through the intestines. This way, your baby can pass these bubbles naturally and not face any gas pain.
When to do this - Check if your baby's stomach feels hard and bloated. She may be gassy, and this exercise will soothe her.
If your baby resists and does not want to have you pedal her legs, don’t force her.
6. Help Your Baby Pick Up/Lift Objects
Age: 4-6 Months
Your baby is probably already very interested in household objects, especially the ones you don't want him to touch! You can turn this into a powerful strengthening exercise for your baby. Doctors suggest that picking up objects is a good way to build your baby’s grasping ability and hand-eye coordination, as well as muscular strength. Here's how to do this:
Make your baby sit in a high chair or bouncy seat. Now place some toys or household items in front of your baby. Encourage them to lift one, examine it, put it down, and then lift it (or another object) again. You may have to show them how to do this a few times, but most babies learn very quickly and enjoy this exercise a lot!
7. Do Some Dancing!
Age: 0 Months Onwards
No, don't be surprised; we are not recommending you teach your baby any dance steps! However, you must have noticed that babies like to be moved around and held up on their toes. As per doctors, this toe and feet motion is excellent for their leg muscles development.
Simply hold your baby gently under his armpits and touch his toes on the ground. Since you are now supporting most of his weight, let him balance gently. Notice that your baby will often kick, which will make it look like he is dancing!
Note: Be sure to give your baby extra support as he finds it very difficult to stand up now. It is not recommended to practice this exercise for a prolonged duration as the little one will get tired.
One Final Tip: Remember that, just like adults, babies also get bored when their 'workout' and daily activities become routine. Hence it is a good idea to mix and match various things to get variations in these exercises and help your baby become stronger! Read more
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12 Amazing Diwali Gift Ideas for Kids
Diwali is celebrated with much fanfare and fervour all around. This festival is particularly a favourite among kids as they enjoy lighting diyas and bursting crackers to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is also a good time to make your loved ones feel special by giving them gifts and showering love upon them. Kids, in particular, look forward to receiving Diwali gifts. If you are looking for some options to gift your children, then we have some Diwali gift ideas for kids. Consider these ideas and buy the best one for your child.
Diwali Gift Items That Your Children Will Love
Kids love Diwali for many reasons; Diwali vacations, sweets, games, and gifts being a few of them. If you are planning to gift something unique to your kids, then remember that whatever you buy should be age-appropriate and fun. This Diwali, gift something special and unique so that your kid remembers the festival with much fondness. Here are some options that can make for memorable Diwali gifts for kids:
1. Clothes
Kids generally love dressing up for Diwali and usually look forward to wearing new clothes on this auspicious occasion. Traditional attire is perfect for Diwali. You can buy a combination of traditional and trendy clothes for boys and girls online and explore the different heavy discount offers at various shopping centres. You can choose from a variety of fashion wear styles like kurta pyjama set, kurta with a waistcoatfor boys and lehenga cholis, ruffle frocks for girls.
2. Sweets Gift Hamper
Sweets - specifically, chocolates – are the best Diwali gift for kids, because kids and chocolates go hand in hand! You can prepare a chocolate gift hamper and fill it with an assortment of goodies like chocolate-covered cookies, chocolate truffles, milk chocolate bars, toffee caramels, dark chocolate pretzels, dark chocolate bars, etc. Watch your kid’s eyes light up at the sight of this bag of treats. You can also teach him the concept of giving and sharing on this festival.
3. Gadgets
The kids of this generation are well acquainted with gadgets. If your kid likes gadgets, he will like receiving it as a Diwali gift even more. Gadgets like a smartwatch, learner toy laptop, or a smart learning tablet make for useful Diwali gifts as they can keep your child happy and entertained for hours. You can browse through the awesome range of gadgets available online. These can be a great learning tool as well as help in developing your kid’s motor skills.
4. Crackers
For children, Diwali is synonymous with crackers. Kids enjoy bursting crackers on Diwali, but as a responsible citizen, you should buy the crackers that do not cause sound pollution and are entertaining at the same time, like magic snakes, sparklers, glow worms, pistol poppers, cone fountains, and spinners. Also, keep in mind to buy kid-friendly and age-appropriate crackers. Ask your child to burst crackers under adult supervision and explain fire safety rules to him.
5. Art and Craft Items
Art supplies make delightful gifts and are a great option to boost your child’s creativity. Children enjoy colouring, drawing, painting, and crafting. You can gift them coloured pencils, scented markers, paints, crayons, colouring sets, drawing sheets, sketchbooks, doodle book. You can even gift them a DIY craft kit to encourage the artist in your child.
6. Educational Activity Boxes
A learning activity box can be a wonderful Diwali gift for your child to keep him happily engaged for long. You can unbox both learning and fun this Diwali with educational activity boxes that contain a number of activities that are age-appropriate and help in improving a child’s focus, creativity, problem-solving skills, and reading and comprehension abilities. You can gift your child subscription boxes. These activity boxes will help him learn in a fun way.
7. Toys and Board Games
A kid can never have enough toys, and that’s why they are one of the best Diwali gifts for children. You can select a suitable toy from the huge assortment of bright and colourful toys available online and in shops. You can also go in for board games, sports equipment or outdoor toys like a swimming pool, play tents, outdoor water guns. In case your kid likes music, you can pick up a musical instrument like the drums, the guitar, or the keyboard for him. Robots, train sets, laser guns, remote controlled cars also make for fascinating gifts. So, go ahead and get one of these toys or more for your kid.
8. Personalised Gifts
Personalised gifts are loved by kids. You can make your kid feel extra special by creating a customised gift for him. You can gift him personalised t-shirts, sweatshirts, cushions, and towels. You can also get personalised school supplies for him, like backpacks, pouches, mugs, or stationery. You can get a calendar printed featuring your child’s name. You can also consider personalising his favourite cartoon characters on his gift. The options are endless, so think what your child would like the best and get it for him.
9. Picture Memory Book
A memory book is for keeps and your child is going to love it. You can create one-of-a-kind book showcasing your kid’s pictures, right from the day he was born to his various sporting events, birthdays, holidays, family get-togethers and other main events. You can even buy a memory book and stick pictures in it. Wrap it creatively and gift it to your child-going down memory lane will be a blast!
10. Kids’ Furniture
Set up your child’s bedrom with colourful furniture this Diwali - this gift will be used by your child for years to come. When buying furniture for your kid’s room, select the one that is practical and designed for kids. You can look for bookcases, fancy beds, cosy chairs, bean bags, study tables, and so on. You can explore wall decor too like growth charts, wall stickers, sports-themed posters, etc. Don’t think twice before investing in this; your kid will like the new addition to his room.
11. Luggage
Personalised luggage can make for a great Diwali gift for kids. Getting a backpack or a suitcase with your child’s favourite cartoon, movie, or storybook character on it will not only make your child super happy, but it will automatically develop a sense of ownership in him. This way, you’ll know that he will take care of his belongings when you and your family go out on vacation. A practical gift, indeed!
12. Piggy Bank
What better way to celebrate an auspicious occasion than teaching your child about money and savings? This Diwali, gift your child a piggy bank and teach him the benefits of saving for a rainy day. You can find several different types of piggy banks both online and in shops, and you can choose between contemporary metal piggy banks and old school gullaks made out of clay. Having a piggy bank as a present will surely inculcate the habit of saving and spending wisely in your child.
Choosing the perfect Diwali gifts for family – especially kids - can be a tedious task, but remember - whatever you select with love is sure to make him smile from ear-to-ear. You can show your kid how much he means to you by gifting him a unique gift this Diwali. Putting a little thought while buying a gift for your child will help you pick the best gift for him.
Also Read: Birthday and Festival Gift Idea for Kids Read more
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Relationship Goals After Becoming Parents
New parents can understand how difficult it is to raise a child. Becoming parents is like a promotion for a couple. From being husband and wife, they become parents and their lives revolve around their child. But the couple needs to realise that apart from taking care of their little bundle of joy, they have to take care of other responsibilities too. The mother and the father always forget that the responsibility of raising a child is to be shared. However, we don't give importance to the teamwork and just expect the mother to take all the responsibility on her head. Our society also expects that women should take all the responsibility of the house and children. But the times have changed and our society also needs to change.
Today's women are good at multitasking. Whether they are doing a job or they are running an online business or are homemakers, they do everything in the best possible way and do justice with their work. However, to do each and everything alone can sometimes frustrate them and make them restless. It is an unjust treatment with women.
As per our society men should earn for their family and run errands, but why can't women do that? Why don't men participate in household activities? This might frustrate women and later this frustration converts into small arguments between the husband and wife. Such arguments ruin the happy and healthy atmosphere of a house. And a child can never get a good upbringing in such an atmosphere (where there is a lack of love between the husband and wife).
When a child grows up, he learns by observing the things around him. If there is an argument in a house, it may affect the children. They may feel sad or get depressed. But when there is love and happiness in the house, a child grows well.
If a couple wants to live happily, they should value each other's needs. Sharing responsibilities, helping each other with household chores, and making one another comfortable can make a couple happy. And couples who are aware of their responsibilities definitely become responsible and good parents. They know that raising children is not a mother's job but the task of parenting should be done by both the mother and the father. Loving and supporting your partner would bring love in your home and it would make the children happy. Always remember if you want to be good parents, first love, care, and support each other.
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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The Connection between Music and Your Preschooler's Growth
Music is an irreplaceable part of most cultures when it comes to babies, with little ones being sung to sleep, being encouraged to dance to some tunes, etc. Music is a known to be a stress reliever for adults, but did you know the same music can affect your baby and his growth too?
As you baby grows up to be of preschool age, he will undergo a lot of bodily changes and hence will experience stress. The stress will definitely interfere in a smoother growth and development of his skills. Music can play an important role at this stage. Scientists have researched the effect of music on stress relief in kids and have found that music has an excellent positive impact. Music has an impact on the hand-eye coordination, fine motor development and social development. Your child will develop his language skills better too.
So, how does music help in your kid’s social learning?
1. Social Development
Let your kid along with friends make some music together through different instruments. Whatever be the outcome, you kid will learn the concepts of teamwork and team effort. In the pursuit of making some tune or song, your preschooler will learn to care about the contribution from the fellow friends. Cooperation skills and sharing skills will be enhanced as music can’t be made alone. The creative side will also get a boost as your kid will try to play up a different tune every time. The most important learning; your kid will learn that he can make something better when he is a part of a team.
2. Concentration Power and Language skills
Encourage your little one to sing his favorite songs. Doing so will let your kid develop a strong concentration power and language skills as he works on recollecting the tune and words.
3. Gross motor skills
Playing a certain kind of music through instruments will pique your kid’s curiosity and encourage him to want to know how to play the instrument for other songs or sing the song. This will promote development in his motor skills.
4. Stress Buster
Music has proven healing powers and is considered the best stress buster. Your preschooler will experience a lot of changes and restrictions, which in turn will put a lot of stress on him. Music can help in managing the stress and soothe him through these confusing times.
Make sure to keep some music time aside for your kids every day. Inclination towards it cannot be forced, but it will definitely relieve a lot of stress from your kid. Some music will make for great company as you spend time with your kid. Read more
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Blooming a Premature Bud in This Fast-paced World
When a baby is born there is a lot of happiness around. On the other hand, if a Preemie (premature baby) is born there comes a whole lot of stress with very less happiness.
There are some points to ponder if you are a mother of a preemie. These points come from my personal experience.
Stay Positive - Overthinking will only worsen the whole scenario. Mother should be emotionally strong.
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) or Commonly known as Skin to Skin Contact - Try keeping baby more close to your chest so that he can relate and feel the heartbeat of his mother. It enhances the healing of both mother and child. Even the father can provide KMC to the baby.
Stay Hydrated - It helps in accelerating the recovery and production of breast milk.
Eat Lots of Greens - Include more of water-rich veggies from gourd family which are easy to digest.
Liquid Gold - Also known as breastmilk, it should be a priority to feed the baby. But again don't stress out if it's not sufficient initially. In the meantime, try feeding formula milk.
Hygiene - As preemies are more prone to infections, maintain complete hygiene and avoid giving the baby in the hands of every visitor initially. Sanitizer and hand wash should always be used when you are taking the baby in your hands.
Your Better Half- Love and care from husband helps emotional healing and acts as a strong support system.
Massage - With light strokes and a lot of love try to massage baby softly to establish the bond. Again father can do this task. So the mother can relax for a while.
Family - Don't hesitate to ask for help from your family members.
Sleep Talk- Prepare a script in the positive present tense as what you want to tell baby and narrate this script to your baby daily with a lot of optimism and conviction.
Stay away from negative vibes and people who pity your baby's weight and development.
Patience is the key.
Keep a constant touch with your paediatrician for baby's development updates.
This all really helped me throughout my journey. It is always said that parenthood doesn't come with an instruction manual. This all suited me and my baby. It may vary from mother to mother.
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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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea ok. 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
3 hours ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
39 mins ago
A. 29.9.24. 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
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
1 hour ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
38 mins ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. 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. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
39 mins ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy ok. 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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