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10 Essentials for Your Toddler
If you are a parent to a toddler, then you must be used to your little one's tantrums and tears. Most mothers dread even a day out or a walk in the park because they feel that they will have to carry their entire house with them, just in case. But no moms, you don't have to carry your entire house when going out with your babies. We will provide you with a list of things that you should keep handy when you have a toddler at home.
10 Essentials for Your Toddler
Here is what you should arm yourself with so that you can manage your toddler without panicking:
1. Diaper Bag Essentials
If you haven’t begun potty training your child yet then a diaper bag is a must-have. A simple changing mat, wet wipes, and a change of clothes should always be there in the diaper bag. Wet wipes can do a lot more than helping you wipe your baby’s bottoms. They are great to wipe off the dirt, grime, paint, chocolate, and any other thing that your munchkin has managed to cover himself with. You should also keep diaper rash cream, baby powder, hand sanitiser, etc. in the diaper bag.
2. A Sippy Cup
It is essential to have a good cup that your baby can drink water from. Preferably get one of those sturdy sippy cups with a spout rather than a straw. A cup with handles will allow your baby to hold the cup by himself. Keep reminding your little one to drink more water and stay hydrated while he plays.
3. Baby Blanket
A baby or toddler needs a soft blanket to sleep peacefully. If the blanket is too light, it could make him cold. If it is too heavy, your baby could get smothered by the heat. So, pick a cosy and pretty blanket that your child grows to adore. You could get him a cuddle lovey with the blanket which may bring a sense of security to your little one when he sleeps.
4. A Magna Doodle Board
A Magna doodle board will keep your toddler busy and it is one of the essentials for a child's playroom. It will keep him occupied and learn as well. Not only is it a great addition to toddler's playroom but you can also carry it around for your toddler when you are out for the day with him. It will keep him busy while you get your work done.
5. Clothes
While buying clothes for your little one, think about his comfort. Buy soft cotton pyjamas that are not footed so that your toddler will have a good grip while walking. Some children get attached to a particular t-shirt or a legging. Try to buy a similar t-shirt which is a prized possession for your child. Your toddler's wardrobe will be incomplete if you don't buy some cosy socks, hats, and jackets for him.
6. A Play Table
To buy a play table for your toddler, keep in mind your child's height. If your toddler is able to reach the table, he will enjoy playing with blocks or puzzle set on it. A play table is important for a growing child. So, buy one soon.
7. Crocs
For all utilitarian reasons, a pair of Crocs sandals is a must-have for a 1-year-old and a toddler. These sandals can easily be worn and can be cleaned easily too. They are hardy and can withstand the zealous activity that a toddler’s life usually involves, and they are super comfortable. What’s more, is that they come in such vibrant colours. Your baby will love wearing them for sure.
8. Toys
There are certain must-have toys for 2-year-olds. These toys include blocks, toy cars, beach toys, play-doh etc. Your child will definitely love most of these and will stay occupied for a good chunk of time. Avoid buying the small plastic toys for your toddler as they pose a choking hazard. Stick to the toys that spark creativity in your toddler.
9. A Stroller
Strollers are travel essentials that every parent of a toddler must invest in. Your little one will get tired if you make him walk for long, and it can be difficult for you to carry your baby's diaper bag and him at the same time. Buying a stroller for your little one can help so much even if you just have to do your shopping at a supermarket or are going out to catch up with some friends for lunch. Ideally, if you can find a stroller with swivel wheels, that can fold into a compact carry-around, then you are all set.
10. Baby Bath Toys
Most mommies have faced the nightmare called bath time. Some children love a warm bath while others are terrified of water and hate taking a bath. Having some fun bath alphabets or colour changing bath tablets can entice your little one into the baby-tub to have a bath. Once he gets into a bathtub, he might refuse to come out of if he likes his bath toys.
There may be several other essentials that moms cannot do without. Some children are very particular about their baby-cutlery, while others about their favourite soft toy. You know your baby well, and that will help you compile your own list of essentials for your toddler. What is important to remember is that even if you do miss out on some essentials, it's okay. Stay calm and have happy moments with your toddler.
Also Read:
Tips for Choosing Toys for Toddlers
Fun and Engaging Activities for Toddler
Delicious Foods That Your Toddler Likes Read more
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Guidelines for Writing a Birth Plan
To make a birth plan, you don’t require a lot of research. All that is required is to realise and understand what you want, what your needs and preferences are during and post-delivery and thereafter organizing it all together and writing it down.
In order to pen down a birth plan, certain guidelines need to be followed. These guidelines help in planning what a mother wants during her labour andThis involves understanding whether a mother wants a normal delivery, a C-Section or an epidural, who she wants or does not want during her labour in the delivery room, after how long does she want to breastfeed her baby, when does she want to feed her baby after birth etc. All information that one thinks is necessary and important should be listed in this plan.
What is a Birth Plan
A birth plan is a record or a document in which the expectant parents state their preferences for the labour and after delivery process. It is also a way to prepare them for the physical and emotional aspects of the birthing process. It also serves as a vehicle for communication between the partners, their care provider and the hospital staff prior to labour and the childbirth process. The document also gives an insight into the other options that could be put practised in case an unexpected situation arises.
Why Should You Create a Birth Plan?
A birth plan allows the caregivers get an idea of what you prefer and expect during your labour and delivery. It is a list of the expectant parents' expectations and desires. Here are the reasons why you should have one:
Natural birth: You would want everyone in the labour room to know that you want a normal delivery and not an epidural one, without the help of any pain-free drugs. Creating a birth plan will enable you to do this.
Means of communication: It will communicate your wishes and expectations clearly. It helps you to convey to your doctor or your midwife that unless there is some complication, the delivery should go as per the birth plan drafted by you. In hindsight, it also gives a chance to your health care providers to analyse and brief you about the possibilities post reading your documented plan.
Preparation: Drafting a birth plan also shows what you are prepared for. You can create this plan after going through several Blogs, talking to friends who are mothers, talking to health care providers and also reading several books about pregnancy and childbirth. Doing so may not make your delivery easy but it will give you a greater sense of comfort while going into the labour room.
Other options: Most women want a normal delivery but what if that is not possible? What if you require medication to induce labour or you have oedema in the cervix which stops it from opening up and you are writhing in pain? So having “just in case” options in your birth plan, is a wise move.
Gathering knowledge: Writing a birth plan requires you to acquire knowledge about labour, childbirth, hospital or the health centre environment, medical equipment (which may be used during childbirth) and medications. In the process, you also get to know about everything that is related to having a baby.
Gives clarity: At a time when the contractions have started and you are in pain, just opening up the birth plan will give you an idea and help you to decide as to what should be done next.
Role of your partner: Just as it took both you and your partner to make a baby, in the same way, both of you can create a birth plan together. In the process, your partner will get to know all about labour and childbirth and get a feeling of being a part of the whole journey and the experience.
The Kind of Research to do Before Writing a Birth Plan
Doing a bit of research before drafting a birth plan is a good thought. You can do so in the following ways.
Join an antenatal class: An antenatal class is a good place to interact and ask questions to the various caregivers and health professionals about different aspects of pregnancy, labour and delivery. It’s a place where you can meet other moms-to-be and share your pregnancy woes, your experiences and learn new things from them.
Talking to people: Interacting with people and women who have given birth at the hospital you are going to, will give you an insight into what your experience could be like. Also talking to other women in pregnancy forums on the internet could also give you an understanding of labour and childbirth. However a word of caution, “never delve too much into it because every woman is different and so is their pregnancy”.
Talking to friends: Ask friends who have recently had babies for inputs on what they had included in their birth plan and what they had excluded. They could also help you to understand what you should expect at the time of childbirth.
Talking to your partner: Talking to your partner and asking him what role he could provide during your labour and delivery is important before drafting a birth plan. It will also give you an insight as to how he would help you during your labour and delivery process.
Reading: Reading about birth and birthing options could help you decide on what and how you want your labour and delivery to be. It will help you decide and choose options according to your likes and necessity.
Prepare for the worst: Your delivery may not go according to how you have envisioned it. At times, during childbirth, you may need some kind of intervention or an emergency caesarean, if your health or baby’s health is at risk. Therefore having a flexible birth plan is important.
How to Write a Birth Plan?
Every woman’s birth plan is different because what goes in it depends on what is important for her. It should be as simple and concise as possible. Your partner and family members should have full knowledge about what you have wished for in the birth plan (some hospitals and caregivers may try to override the birth plan instead of adhering to it).
What Should be Included in the Plan?
A birth plan should be as brief as possible and should include all the things that are important to the expectant mother. A good and legible birth plan should include the following points.
Your positions during labour and birth should be included in case you feel you will be more relaxed and comfortable in a certain way.
It should state whether you will have a labour coach and who will it be.
Stating other pain relief options other than the medicated ones during your labour such as breathing techniques and massages should be mentioned.
Who you would want and do not want during the time of delivery in the labour room.
Whether you want people to visit you or not, right after your delivery.
Whether you want somebody to videotape your delivery and whether the hospital allows it or not.
If you want some soothing music during your labour/delivery process.
Your concerns and fears.
If you would like to move during labour?
Whether you want an epidural delivery or a drug free delivery?
Whether being induced is okay with you?
Delivery preference like whether you want a Vaginal delivery, a C – section, vacuum extraction or a forceps delivery?
Under what circumstance should your doctor perform C – section?
Positions for labour and birth.
Do you want to wear your own clothing while in labour and during delivery?
Do you want to bank the cord blood?
How soon or later would you and your partner get to hold the baby after birth?
When would you first feed the baby?
Would you like to nurse your baby or bottle feed? Do you learn how to breastfeed?
Would you like your baby to sleep with you or in the nursery?
If your baby is a boy, do you want him to be circumcised? If so, when?
You could also mention whether you want your partner or the midwife to cut the cord instead of the doctor or the nurse. You could also ask for some drugs which would expel the placenta quickly or for it to come out on its own.
What if You Have Any Special Requirements?
Special requirements should always be put down on the birth plan. In case of a special family or religious custom during the baby’s birth, there should be a mention of it in the birth plan. If one has a disability, it should be mentioned in the birth plan along with the kind of help required.
One must also mention if English or any other language that is spoken at large (in that particular place) is not your first language and whether you require an interpreter. Also mentioning any special diet during your stay at the hospital, if in case you have one, is necessary.
What Happens After Writing a Birth Plan?
After you have finished mentioning all your preferences and your aversions in your birth plan template, your doctor, the caregivers and the other hospital personnel will know what you are expecting during your labour and childbirth. In case they feel something in your birth plan is too rigid, they may tell you what could be the outcome of it.
Having a good birth plan is certainly a good idea when it comes to one of your life’s most important milestone, that of being a mother. However, one cannot be too rigid while framing one. Expectant mothers need to be flexible and keep their options open. This would not only help in having a safe delivery but also a good one.
Also Read: 10 Complications During Labour and Delivery Read more
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Your Two Year Old Toddler on a Tricycle
Have you been wondering at what age can a child pedal a tricycle? If he has touched the two-year mark, it's a safe age for him to pedal. Teaching your toddler to pedal a tricycle will only take a day. Allowing him to practice and become steady is necessary.
You need to have patience with your toddler when teaching him to pedal a tricycle. There are techniques and tricks you can employ to make the learning process easy. Try not to run out of patience.Here are some effective tips on teaching your toddler to pedal a tricycle.
Handy Tips for a Toddler Learning to Ride a Tricycle
1. The Initiation
The first step involves getting your little one a small tricycle. Ensure that the seat is comfortable. A good seat will prop him up to allow him to hold the handlebars. His feet should also be able to touch the pedals. In order for your toddler to really get the tricycle going, ensure that his knees are bent at the full extension point.
2. Safety
Safety is of utmost importance. Before your toddler starts to learn to ride a tricycle, ensure that his head is fitted with a helmet that is strapped on securely. Make it mandatory for him to wear a helmet before he rides a tricycle or a bicycle.
3. Position
In order to ensure your toddler’s safety, ensure that the tricycle is positioned in a safe zone. This will make the pedalling lessons go off without having to worry about your little one falling. A location with lots of grass(hint: the garden) that comes with a slight downward slope is perfect for that initial ‘push’.
4. Balance
Your little one will have to get his balance right to master the tricycle. His rear should be firmly planted on the tricycle seat with his hands firmly on the handlebars and feet on the pedals. These precautions will pave the way for a successful tricycle lesson.
5. The Push
You have to be the one that gives your toddler his first push on the tricycle. Keep reminding him to keep his hands on the bar and feet on the pedal. If his feet come off the pedal, stop the lesson and ask him to reposition them. You can then continue to push your toddler down the slope while urging him to start pedalling. If things go right, he will be smiling with glee for accomplishing the feat.
6. Persistence
Don't stop the pedalling lessons. Continue working with your toddler to ensure he gains experience with pedalling. The process will not be easy. It will probably be a few months before he is motivated to pedal without assistance. So, when can a toddler ride a tricycle? When he is confident.
If you stick to the plan, your little one should soon become adept at putting the pedal to the metal. There will be a few bumps and bruises along the way, but, aren't those a part of every learning process? Remember; when you're teaching a toddler to ride a tricycle don't ever forget to keep a close watch on the child. Read more
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Falafel Sandwich
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is made of chick peas. Typically, a chick pea patty along with a few other additions is sandwiched between pita bread and served. We could turn the dish ‘desi’ by adding a hint of our typical green chutney instead of the tahini or red garlic chutney. How 'bout an Indo-Lebanese falafel fare!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 people
10 - 15 Minutes
20 - 25 Minutes
Ingredients
6 pita bread breads
1/2 cup tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup lettuce, shredded
4 tbsp tahini dip
2 tbsp ready made red garlic chutney / homemade green chutney
For The Patty
½ cup kabuli chana
¼ cup onions, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, chopped
2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
½ tsp cumin seeds powder
1 tbsp coriander, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Oil for deep-frying
For The Dressing
1/3 cup curds, whisked
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1/4 cup spring onions, chopped
A pinch of sugar
Salt to taste
For Salad
A handful shredded cabbage
1 carrot, shredded
1 capsicum, shredded
Method
For The Patties
Step 1
Soak kabuli chana in water overnight. In the morning, clean, wash and drain.
step 2
Blend in a mixer to get a coarse paste.
Step 3
Add all the remaining ‘for the patty’ ingredients and mix well.
Step 4
Divide this mixture into 30 equal portions and shape each portion in small balls.
Step 5
Heat oil in a kadhai and deep-fry the balls till they turn golden brown in colour. Keep them on an absorbent paper for drying.
For the Dressing
Blend all the ‘for the dressing’ ingredients in a mixer to a smooth sauce. Keep aside.
For Salad
Mix the shredded carrot, cabbage and capsicum together. Put salt, red chilli powder and chaat masala. Mix well and keep aside.
How to Proceed
Step 1
Cut each pita bread into two and warm the halves a little on a hot tava.
Step 2
Fill each pita bread half with a little tahini dip, little red garlic chutney, some tomato slices and shredded lettuce. Place a few patties and a spoonful of the dressing on top.
Step 3
Repeat for the remaining pita bread halves and other ingredients.
Step 4
Serve immediately. You could roast it a little on tawa with butter and serve with the salad.
Nutritional Information
Calories
167 K cal
Fats
3.7 g
Cholesterol
11 mg
Potassium
761 g
Protein
12.2 g
Carbohydrates
23.3 g
Sodium
655 mg
Tip: All weight-watchers can shallow fry the falafels on a tawa or even bake it in the oven; thus reducing the calories from fat used for deep-frying. Read more
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DIY Coloured Pasta
Paints and pasta – two things that children absolutely love! But did you know that you can combine the two for hours and hours of endless fun?
Coloured pasta is a fun and extremely easy DIY project that will keep both you and your child engaged for a long time. The project involves different kinds of colours, it involves shaking, and sorting... and the possibilities with the finished product are aplenty too!
You Will Need
Various types of pasta – penne, fuesli, macaroni, cannelloni, farfalle, etc.
Food colour – equal in number to the different types of pasta
Vinegar
Empty zip-lock bags – equal in number to the different kinds of pasta
Containers and spoon – to prepare the food colour
A wide tray – you can also use a big plate instead
One mommy-child pair ready to have some fun with shapes and colours!
Step-by-step Instructions:
1. In one of the small containers, take a big spoonful of food colour. Add vinegar to this. Mix thoroughly with a spoon.
2. Pour this colour into one of the zip-lock bags.
3. Dunk one kind of pasta into the bag. Seal it properly.
4. Shake it to mix the colour thorogly with the colour. Make sure it coats evenly.
5. Repeat with other pasta shapes and food colours. You can even mix two food colours to create your own shades and use them to colour the pasta.
6. Empty the coloured pasta in the tray of plate. It will be a bit sogy, but don't worry. Spread it out evenly in the plate, and leave it in the sun to dry. Your coloured pasta is ready!
How To Use Coloured Pasta
We are pretty sure this was a fun activity for you and your child to do (our favourite part was shaking the bags!). Now that your pasta has dried, you can use it in the following ways:
Colour and shape sorting: You can use the coloured pasta to teach your child the different colours and shapes. Sorting is an important developmental milestone, and this DIY project is perfect to teach your child how to sort things.
Make pasta jewellry: you can string the penne pasta together and make colourful pasta jewellry.
Coloured pasta meal: since we have used food colour, you can even cook this pasta and serve it to your child! Imagine the look of glee on your child's face when her meal is served to her in her favourite colour! Just make sure you store the pasta in a cool, dry place, in an air-tight container, and it can go for months together without spoiling.
Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. can we get all item in one parcel which I orderd
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. This is a place which is associated with parenting if you have any questions associated with parenting I can help you with that but if you have any associated with your orders kindly check with the concerned department that they can give clarity about these things
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
57 mins ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
59 mins ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
26 mins ago
A. I cannot assist you on that because other things are also associated with the particular particular report so I think it’s better that once a gynaecologist is available she’s going to take up your query and she will be able to give you a better clarity as per the situation
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
37 mins ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
30 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please do not take any medicine without consulting with your gynaecologist. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
32 mins ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
21 mins ago
A. Actually on the ovulation time only you can conceive so yes if things are right with you you can go ahead with the conception but with what the details you have mentioned it would be better to have a discussion with your gynaecologist prior to you proceed to your ovulation and conception
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