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7 WORST Foods for Your Child’s Teeth That You Must Keep in Mind This Festive Season
Diwali – the festival that everyone looks forward to, is soon approaching! This festival is synonymous with lights, fun, frolic, and most definitely sweets! One can’t imagine a celebration without sweets like barfis, ladoos, and mithais prepared for friends and loved ones, jalebis enjoyed by the family, and kids rushing about stuffing their mouths with whatever they can lay their hands on!
As much as this entire scenario evokes images of happiness and merrymaking, there can be a lot to deal with post the festivities if one isn't mindful, one of them being the risk of cavities in your child’s teeth.
Certain foods can cause plaque and bacteria buildups leading to poor oral health for your child. But worry not! We are here to help. You should just be aware of the worst foods that cause tooth decay and take a few more precautions. With that, you will be all set for the festivities!
Worst Foods for Your Child’s Teeth
These are some of the most tooth-unfriendly foods to keep away from your child.
1. Carbonated Drinks
Not only are carbonated drinks like soda an unhealthy choice for your child’s body, but they’re also one of the worst foods for tooth decay. When the teeth are exposed to the carbonic acid in these sodas, the enamel gets eroded, making the teeth more prone to tooth decay. Additionally, these teeth are also more sensitive to foods that are at hot and cold temperatures. Post drinking soda, ask your child to rinse their mouth with water. And then, after an hour passes, they can brush with a toothpaste like the Colgate Kids Toothpaste for 2-5 Years, which is less abrasive on the teeth and protects against cavities. This is essential as kids' soft, tender milk teeth require special care.
2. Packaged Fruit Juices
It’s a common thought: Skip the soda and choose packaged fruit juice instead. However, even fruit juices labelled ‘healthier’ and ‘with added vitamins’ contain large amounts of sugar that make them some of the worst foods for your child’s teeth. On drinking these sugary juices, the sugar sticks to their teeth. This sugar feeds the bacteria present in their mouth, which creates acid. And just like with acidic soda, this acid, too, wears away the enamel. Always opt for water or milk or freshly squeezed fruit juice over packaged fruit juice or soda for your child. If they do have a sugary drink, let them rinse their mouth with water after doing so. Rinsing helps eliminate any surplus sugar that sticks to teeth, thus reducing the risk for tooth decay.
3. Sweets and Candy
Anything that sticks to your child’s teeth is straight away in contention for the worst foods for oral health. Snacks and sweets like jalebis, sticky candies, and even dry fruits can create chaos on your child’s teeth. What sticky foods do is stick to your little one’s teeth and become a feast for bacteria. The bacteria feed on the sugar content in the food, which leads to tooth decay. What’s worse than regular sticky snacks? Sticky sour candies. This is because of the addition of the sour, acidic component. Like in soda, the acid only spells bad news for the enamel. If your child does consume a sticky snack, make them thoroughly brush their teeth afterwards. Gentle flossing can also help remove any remaining bits.
4. Citrus Fruits
Limes, lemons, and oranges — these fruits are generally considered good for health. But they are, in fact, not so good for the teeth. Like soda, citrus fruits have very high acid levels, making them harmful to your child’s teeth enamel. The more acidic the fruit, the worse it is for your child’s teeth. Oranges, though still acidic, are the least acidic of the citrus fruit family and are thus a safer choice if consumed in moderation. If your child loves citrus fruit, you can include oranges in their diet while reducing the damage to their teeth. For citrus juices, have your child use a straw to avoid any direct contact with their teeth. They can then rinse their mouth to help dilute the acid.
5. Pickles
Pickled vegetables like pickled cucumbers increase the risk of tooth decay because of the vinegar used during the pickling process. With a low pH of 2.4, vinegar has around the same acidity as lemons. The acetic acid present in vinegar weakens the dental enamel, leading to tooth decay and loss of tooth minerals. This, in turn, will lead to the formation of cavities. If your child is obsessed with eating pickles alone as a snack, you can try adding them inside a sandwich or burger. This is a safer alternative, as the pickles will have less contact with the teeth that way.
6. Potato Chips and Crackers
Because there’s not much sugar in salty snacks like chips and crackers, they should be safe for your child’s teeth, right? Wrong. These snacks are filled with starch, which gets converted into sugar. And that’s not all! They tend to get collected between the teeth and feed the bacteria present in tooth plaque. It’s the stickiness of these starchy foods that enables them to stay on the teeth for a long time. The longer the teeth are exposed to these foods, the easier it is for cavities to build. After eating crackers or chips, have your child brush with a toothpaste designed for kids to ensure all the particles stuck between the teeth are removed. Kids’ milk teeth have thinner enamel and are softer than adults’ teeth. You can opt for the Colgate Kids Toothpaste for 2-5 Years, which protects against cavities and cleans gently without harming enamel. This will leave your little one with clean and healthy teeth!
7. Popcorn
As a snack, popcorn is a very healthy choice (when not filled with oil, butter, oil, or salt!). It is made from whole-grain corn, which has high fibre content and contains beneficial antioxidants. But popcorn can be problematic for your child’s teeth—although this may not be attributed to decay. Popcorn becomes a problem when it gets stuck under the gum line leading to gum infection. Ensure your child brushes after they eat popcorn so that there are no popcorn kernel fragments left between their teeth.
Effective Tips to Protect Your Child’s Teeth From Damage
Teach your child to brush at least twice a day every day. Milk teeth and young permanent teeth are unique in their composition. Choose a toothpaste specially designed for it. For eg: the Colgate Kids range has offerings across age groups.
Choose kid-friendly flavours. Kids toothpaste coupled with its fun flavour, will encourage your little one to stick to their dental hygiene routine.
Choose the right-sized toothbrush with extra soft bristles like the Colgate Kids Toothbrush for your little one. Its fun characters will make them look forward to brushing their teeth without any reminders!
Teach your child to spit while brushing. Do not give them water to swish and spit, as this can increase the probability of them swallowing the toothpaste.
Have your child rinse immediately after meals, as it is a great way to remove food debris stuck between teeth.
Limit or avoid foods that are sticky, sugary, or have a high acid content. This will go a long way in ensuring your child’s dental health is top-notch!
Ensure your child drinks plenty of water. Water is excellent in fighting against acid erosion. As water is not acidic, it doesn’t harm tooth enamel. It increases saliva production, which helps clean teeth of debris naturally.
Children love to eat various things that may be harmful to their teeth. As a parent, we must help feed our children the right foods. That said, maintaining good dental health is easy. Just make effective food choices, follow the usual brushing, and flossing routine, and visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup.
If you wish to know more about Colgate Kids Oral Care Range, view them here.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics for children. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Also Read:
15 Delicious Finger Foods for Baby With No Teeth
Dental Care for Children
Tooth Decay In Children: Causes, Signs and Treatment Read more
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How to Give Corn to Babies - A Definitive Guide
Corn, which is also called maize in many countries, is a delicious food known for its sweet taste, bright yellow colour and protein value. Because of this, you might think that it might be a perfect food to introduce to your little one early.
However, it is best to know all the health benefits as well as side effects of corn before proceeding to introduce it into your baby’s diet. Below we will discuss all that along with how to feed corn to your baby and what are the precautions to take while doing so.
Is Corn Safe for Babies?
First and foremost, corn is safe for your baby, but it is best not to make it a part of the first solid food. Corn contains a good amount of proteins and carbohydrates, making it a great energy food, but is lacking in many other nutrients. Also, due to reasons like the risk of allergies, indigestion etc., it is believed that corn should be withheld from the baby’s diet until he or she is at least one year of age. If your family has a history of corn allergies, avoid giving corn to your baby until he or she can sustain it. Also if your baby has eczema, stay away from corn unless the doctor says so.
Nutritional Value of Corn
Corn is high in B-vitamins: thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid (B5) and folate. It contains dietary fibre, minerals, magnesium and phosphorus in moderate levels. The table below shows its nutritional values:
Nutritional value per 100g (3.5oz)
Energy
360kJ (86kcal)
Carbohydrates
18.7g
Protein
3.27g
Fat
1.35g
Vitamins
Vitamin A
9 μg
lutein zeaxanthin
644 μg
Thiamine (B1)
0.155 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
0.055 mg
Niacin (B3)
1.77 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
0.717 mg
Vitamin B6
0.093 mg
Folate (B9)
42 μg
Vitamin C
6.8 mg
Minerals
Iron
0.52 mg
Magnesium
37 mg
Manganese
0.163mg
Phosphorus
89 mg
Potassium
270 mg
Zinc
0.46 mg
Types of Corn
There are five different types of corn: dent, sweet, flint, popcorn and flour
Dent: Also known as field corn, dent is yellow or white. It is used in livestock feeds, processed foods and industrial products.
Sweet: Sweet corn is so named as it has a higher natural sugar content than the other types of corn. Dent has 4% sugar while sweet corn has 10%. It is consumed directly rather than being added to food. Hardly used as livestock feed, sweet corn should be eaten immediately after being picked, as 50% of the sugar turns to starch after 24 sugars.
Flint: Flint corn has a hard outer shell and is grown in Central and South America. It is either yellow or red.
Flour: Flour corn is the oldest type and is used in baked food items. It is usually white, and its kernels are soft and filled with starch.
Popcorn: This type is soft and starchy on the inside and pops up when heated. The moisture inside the kernel acts as steam that causes it to explode. Other types of corn can also pop but not to the same extent as popcorn, due to the high levels of starch and moisture in them.
Keep in mind that corn is not as healthy as other vegetables, fruits and cereals.
How and When to Introduce Corn in your Baby's Diet
Corn can be given to the baby after six months of age when he or she begins eating solid food. To reduce the risk of allergies, you can wait till the baby turns one year old. It is also better to wait until the baby’s digestive system is improved as corn is fairly difficult to digest. Here are several ways you can introduce corn into your baby’s diet:
Make corn puree and feed the mixture to an infant. It will be soft and easy to swallow.
When your baby becomes a toddler of 18-24 months, you can start giving him creamed corn.
Once your baby is two years or more and develops teeth to chew, you can give him corn kernels to eat but make sure to check that he chews them.
If you have to choose between giving corn or nutritional food to babies, always choose the latter. Never substitute with corn as it is considered to be less in nutritional value. You can always introduce it as finger food in later months. Some tips for introducing corn in your baby’s diet are –
Don’t give your baby corn as a first food. Wait till he is enjoying a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and is comfortable with digesting them.
Choose corn ears that are tight and green. Avoid ones that are dry. Ensure that the corn kernels are bright in colour and plump, and not indented.
Both yellow and white corn is equally tasty. There are some new varieties in the market which stay sweet for longer, as the sugar in them takes more time to convert to starch.
Kernels may pose a major choking hazard, so until your baby is at least one year of age, avoid giving him solid corn.
Canned corn is less nutritious that fresh corn, which contains more protein. Make sure you check the ingredients of canned corn carefully and avoid buying those with added sugar and salt.
Prepare and eat the corn as soon as you buy it to prevent it spoiling. Until the time of consumption, keep it refrigerated as this slows down the conversion of sugar to starch.
Try starting off your baby with creamed corn as it is easier to digest. You can make creamed corn by pureeing the kernels in a food processor and using the right amount of water depending on the consistency you want to achieve.
Benefits of Corn for your Infant
Corn, when introduced in limited to moderate amounts, can be beneficial for your baby. Here are a few ways it is beneficial -
Weight Gain: 100gms of corn has about 350 calories – a great energy food. If your baby is underweight, a corn diet can help him gain a few kilograms. Even a baby with normal weight can be given corn to help maintain his body weight right after you stop breastfeeding.
Body Growth and Development: Corn is rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins which help in body development. For example, the kernels are rich in B complex. Thiamin which supports nerve and brain development. Niacin improves metabolism of sugars, proteins and fatty acids; and folate helps new cell development.
Protects Blood Cells: Anti-oxidants in corn (which is in the form of Vitamin E) help protect cells from damage. Anti-oxidants also help prevent tissue and DNA damage in the body. Corn contains the phenolic compound ferulic acid which is anti-carcinogenic.
Good Eyes and Skin: Yellow corn is rich in Vitamin A, a source of beta-carotene which is important for good eyesight. Beta-carotene is also an anti-oxidant which is good for the baby’s skin.
Muscle and Nerve Function: Corn contains phosphorous (which supports bone health), potassium, magnesium (which are necessary for muscle and nerve function) and iron (which improves brain development).
Improves Digestion: Corn is rich in fibre which acts as a laxative. If your baby has a digestion or constipation problem, corn seeds and corn flour can help relieve the problem.
Side Effects of Corn in Babies
Natural sugars in corn can turn to starch very quickly and hence are not considered very healthy for babies. The side effects of eating corn can include -
Allergies
Allergies manifest due to the proteins present in corn kernels. Lipid transfer protein (LPD) is responsible for the allergies and stays on in the corn even after processing or heating it or post-digestion. The storage proteins and corn pollen present in the kernels are also potential allergens. Corn and corn-based products can both trigger allergic reactions like eczema and allergic rhinitis. Below is a list of some major corn-based products in the market –
cornstarch
baking powder
corn oil
cornflakes
corn tortillas
popcorn
vanilla extract
confectioners’ sugar
corn meal
mannitol
margarine
colour hominy
lactic acid
invert sugar
corn syrup
caramel
dextrin
dextrose
fructose
maltodextrin
sorbitol
Here are the corn allergy symptoms to watch out for in babies –
Skin rash
Asthma or anaphylaxis
Stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing
Headaches
Nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea
Hives
If your baby exhibits symptoms of a corn allergy, do not panic. The first and most obvious step is to restrict corn and corn-based products from the baby’s diet. Store-bought food may contain traces of corn so make sure you give your baby only home-cooked food. If the symptoms are severe, take him to a doctor who can administer medication.
Intolerance
Intolerance is derived from digestive problems and is different from allergies. If your baby has the following symptoms, it may mean he is intolerant to corn –
Stomach pain
Bloating
Diarrhoea
Gas
Intolerance can be easily cured as compared to allergies. Just stop including corn in your baby’s diet and feed him with lighter, healthier fruits and vegetables with plenty of water.
How to Select and Store Corn?
Once you know for sure that your baby is fine with corn and doesn’t have any allergies or intolerance with its consumption, you can go ahead and buy it from the market. Here are some tips to select the best corn in the market –
Select fresh corn and not canned ones, as eating fresh corn is the best way to consume it.
Corn kernels need to be plump and shiny
Husks protect corn from heat so buy corn with husks still attached
If the supermarket or store allows it, peel back the husk from the corn and check the quality of the kernels and the tip.
The tassels (the brown threads near the top) need to be sticky and glossy.
Purchase organic corn which is non-GMO
You can also buy frozen corn
Ensure that the husks are tightly closed and green. Dried husks indicate that the corn may be stale.
Press the corn with both hands to feel its firmness. Firm corn is fresh and has healthy kernels.
Corn needs to be away from sunlight and heat as the sugars in it can convert to starch easily.
Consume corn within the first three days
If you are buying canned corn, check the ingredients very carefully to see that there is no added sugar. Canned corn is less nutritional than fresh corn.
Store corn in an air-tight container and place them in the fridge.
Delicious Corn Recipes for your Baby
Corn is a versatile ingredient which can be served in various ways. From sweet corn soup to corn porridge for your baby, here are a few ways to prepare it so that your little one slurps it up!
1. Corn Puree Recipe
Ingredients: One cob of sweet corn, a teaspoon of water, breast milk or formula
Recipe
Run a knife across the kernels and get them off the cob
Put the kernels in boiling water and let them boil till they are soft
Add water or breast milk and make a puree. Add more water for a runnier consistency
2. Sweet Corn Soup Recipe
Ingredients: Fresh sweet corn, salt to taste, a tablespoon each of finely chopped carrots, beans, broccoli and spring onions
Recipe
Cook the corn cob and take off the kernels after they cool down
Keep a few kernels away for later use and puree the rest
Cook the other vegetables in a heavy bottom pan with a pinch of butter
After cooking for two minutes, add the corn puree, a bit of salt and boil
Add water for the desired consistency
Add the rest of the kernels and simmer
3. Pumpkin and Cornmeal Porridge Recipe
Ingredients: 1 cup water,1 cup milk, 1 cup pureed pumpkin, water as needed, yellow cornmeal as needed, one tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional), a pinch of salt.
Recipe
Add water, milk and pumpkin in a pan
In another bowl, mix cornmeal with water. Make sure there are no lumps.
Add cornmeal paste and sugar to the mixture in the pan, heat it and stir till it thickens
Add ginger and salt
Let it cook for 3-5 minutes
Serve the warm, corn porridge
4. Carrot, Potato and Sweet Corn Puree Recipe
Ingredients: 1 carrot, 1 potato, 1 tablespoon peas, 2 tablespoons sweet corn kernels, 4 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon olive oil
Recipe
Oil a pan and sauté finely chopped carrot till it softens
Add potato, peas, sweet corn and water
Let the mixture come to boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes to make a corn puree
5. Corn and Cauliflower Puree Recipe
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped cauliflower, 1 cup yoghurt, 2 cups corn kernels, pepper as needed
Recipe
Cook the corn and steam the cauliflower
Puree both in a blender or food processor
Mix in yoghurt and pepper for taste
6. Corn Fritters (for a baby above 1 year of age) Recipe
Ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons of milk, 2-3 teaspoons of sauce, 1 cup of sweetcorn kernels, 1 cup of multipurpose flour, vegetable oil
Recipe
Mix the flour and milk to make a smooth batter
Add sauce and corn kernels
Add a thin layer of vegetable oil to the frying pan and spread small portions of the batter on it
Press them lightly while cooking and toss the fritters a few times
7. Maize, Apple and Sweet Potato Puree Recipe
Ingredients: 1 peeled apple, 1 sweet potato, 2 cups corn kernels
Recipe:
Cook the corn and steam the apple and sweet potato
Puree the three
Add some formula or breast milk to thin the consistency
8. Corn flour Cutlets (for a baby above 1 year of age) Recipe
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon corn flour, 1 boiled potato, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt to taste, pepper to taste, oil to fry
Recipe
Mash the boiled potato
Mix corn flour, salt, lemon juice and add a bit of pepper to it
Make the mix into small flat rounds using your fingers
Fry the rounds in a pan, tossing them now and then
Cornmeal usually mixes well with carrots, apples, peas, brown rice or rice meal which are all easily digestible
FAQs
1. Can your baby drink corn (Karo) syrup to cure constipation?
Karo corn syrup does not cure constipation. It does not contain the necessary chemical structure that allows liquid into the intestine and loosens stool. It used to be a common home remedy but is not an effective one.
2. Is corn syrup present in formula good for infants?
Corn syrup is an artificial sweetener and makes formula high in fructose content. It is only used to sweeten the product and hence should be avoided for infants. Not only will high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) cause the baby to be over-weight, but also accustom him to over-sweetened foods. This could make him eat only such foods when he grows up. What you can do, is check the ingredients in the formula before buying it and select the one that has low levels of corn syrup.
3. Is it safe to give cornflakes to a one-year-old baby?
Babies who are one year old and above can safely eat cornflakes, but it is important to choose one which has less salt. Rice flakes, oatmeal and wheat flakes have better nutritional value than cornflakes.
4. Can you give cornstarch to your baby?
Babies who are yet to develop teeth should not be given starchy foods like cornstarch. It is usually given as it can be easily swallowed. However, swallowing poses the risk of the food not being properly salivated, which may interfere with the baby’s digestion.
5. Is guinea corn good for babies?
Guinea corn, also known as sorghum, is rich in unsaturated fats, proteins, fibre and minerals like phosphorous, potassium, calcium and iron. It is high in starch, so if you are giving it to your baby, make sure to balance his diet with other less starchy foods.
6. Is corn puffs an ideal finger food for my baby?
Fruits and vegetable snacks are much more nutritious than corn puffs.
7. Is corn flour used for a baby rash?
First determine the kind of rash the baby has. Corn flour can soothe a non-fungal rash but helps the fungus grow if applied to a fungal rash.
8. Can you use cornstarch to treat a diaper rash?
Cornstarch supports bacterial growth so avoid using it to treat diaper rash. Instead you can use a baby powder.
Corn has various health benefits but it is also important to introduce it at the right time, right form and also in the right quantities to your baby’s diet so that you don’t have to worry about any adverse effects. Read more
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5 Summer Skincare Tips For Babies We Absolutely Mustn't Overlook
Summer time means ‘happy time’ for both parents and children – there's no school, and we can all finally take a vacation and go visit nana-nani! However, summer time also means harsh and dry weather which can cause your baby great distress and bring on illness. When it comes to baby care, especially skincare, summer is a rather difficult season. No matter what you do, you cannot seem to escape the effects of the scorching sun and the mercury rising.
There is a reason babies face the brunt of summer far worse than us. Baby skin is much softer and more delicate than adult skin. In fact, this is also the reason it loses moisture up to five times faster than adult skin. This is why it becomes essential to inform ourselves about the best skincare approach for babies at this time of the year.
Here we give you 5 simple tips to follow, which will not only lock in the moisture of your baby's skin, but will also keep your baby happy and giggling through summer time!
5 Babycare Tips For a Happy Baby This Summer
1. Bathe Them Properly
How? - Choose a good and mild baby soap that does not cause any kind of irritation to the baby's skin. Skin rashes tend to become exceptionally mean in summers, so choose wisely. The Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Soap is a great option that doesn’t dry out your baby’s skin but helps retain its essential nutrients and moisture. It contains Dove’s 1/4th moisturising cream leaving your baby’s skin soft and nourished. With a mild and caring fragrance developed specifically for delicate baby skin, it is also hypoallergenic. Plus, its pH neutral formula respects skin’s natural pH balance. Pat your baby completely dry after the bath (using a soft towel to do so) as trapped moisture becomes a hotspot for germs to grow, especially in the folds of the skin. If you live in a region where summers are humid, this can cause really mean skin problems in your baby.
Why? - A good bath will help get rid of all the dust, sweat and grime from your baby's body. These three things are the main cause of skin problems in babies during the summer. Make sure your baby gets a bath frequently enough to keep these three factors in check.
2. Keep Them Cool and Dry
How? - Do not layer up your baby in summers. As mothers, we often tend to think we need to keep the baby covered and wrapped up so that germs won’t get to the baby. However, it is important for your baby to feel cool in the summer. So do not be afraid to peel off the layers from your baby. Less layers means less warmth, which will help your baby remain cool.
Also make sure you clothe your baby in light, breathable and comfortable fabrics. It is best to buy lose-fitting clothes for your baby. As a thumb rule, you can pick clothes that are one size bigger than your baby's size. Pick skin-friendly fabrics, such as pure cotton and hosiery cotton.
Why? - The baby's body is not fully capable of regulating its own temperature (the way bodies of grown-ups can). Hence it is important we do all we can to help the baby stay cool and dry. Dressing them in fewer layers and in natural, skin-friendly fabrics helps them stay aerated and cool. Pure cotton does not cause irritation, or rashes on the baby's skin; in fact, it absorbs excess moisture, keeping the body dry and cool. Unlike synthetic fibres like rayon, chiffon, polyester, etc., clothes made of pure cotton are more breathable as they do not generate or trap heat.
3. Use Baby Wipes To Keep Them Fresh
How? - Always keep a packet of baby wipes at hand, especially in the summer. The weather can be dusty and sweaty now, and it may not be possible for you to give your baby a bath whenever he needs one. For instance, when you are out with the baby and do not have access to a good and clean bathroom. Baby wipes, such as the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Care Wipes, come handy at such times. They have zero alcohol and instead use glycerine to keep the skin moisturised while also cleaning it effectively by removing impurities. Suitable for newborns, the Baby Dove wipes provide instant moisturisation and is suitable for all over use.
Why? - Baby wipes act as a cheat-bath for your little one. They allow you to get rid of dust, sweat and grime from your baby's skin, and also take care that your baby remains clean and cool. They can refresh and soothe your baby in the summer heat. Think about how good you feel after you use a wet-wipe or a cool towel for your face at the gym or spa! Your baby loves that feeling too.
4. Keep Them Well-Hydrated
How? - If your baby has weaned off breastmilk, make sure they drink enough water throughout the day. Remember – a baby will not be able to ask for water or always show signs when she is thirsty. Hence it is best to offer her some water regularly, every couple of hours. If she is not thirsty, she won't drink it. If you are breastfeeding, your breastmilk is sufficient to fulfil the baby’s need for hydration; keep at it.
Along with the body, the skin of your baby also rapidly loses moisture in summer (much like your own skin does). Hence it is advisable to use a good moisturiser. Pick a moisturiser that provides superior moisturisation, is neither too creamy nor too runny, and has a mild, pleasing fragrance; like Baby Dove Rich Moisture Nourishing Baby Lotion. The best part is that this keeps the skin moisturised for 24 hours! And like all their products, is dermatologist and paediatrician tested, hypoallergenic and pH neutral.
Why? - Dehydration can have severe and very serious consequences on your baby. It is such a simple thing – water – and yet a lot can go wrong if you do not give your baby enough water. There are many tell-tale signs of dehydration such as no tears while crying and less frequency of passing urine; make sure you know them, and monitor your baby accordingly.
Note: When you are looking at keeping your baby well-hydrated, it is important that the moisture comes from within. Water depositing on the skin does not count as moisturisation; proper and monitored intake of water and application of a nourishing moisturising lotion does. It is critical that we realise the difference and disallow those long baths in the tub, no matter how hot it is!
5. Step Out Wisely, and Covered
How? - Make sure your baby's skin is not directly exposed to the sun in summers. It is best to avoid stepping out between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. The sun is at its peak around this time of the day and does maximum amount of damage to the skin and the body. This holds true for grown-ups too. If you must step-out during these hours however, make sure you carry all baby care essentials in the diaper bag – extra diapers, baby wipes, baby soap, baby lotion, and a good diaper rash cream, like the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Diaper Rash Cream. Containing skin protectants, this diaper rash cream forms a protective layer that shields baby's delicate skin from the causes of irritation. The Baby Dove diaper rash cream also neutralises pH in seconds and provides instant comfort from the first use, and immediate protection from the diaper rash. You will also find that it is easier to spread and clean compared to other diaper rash creams.
Why? – When it comes to any baby-related concern, the general approach that we must always adopt is prevention. Avoiding and minimising your baby's exposure to the summer sun is probably the easiest and best way to keep summer heat away from your baby.
Once you have taken all the necessary precautions for your little darling, summers can be beautiful! Do not miss out on the weather; just be prepared, and we are sure your baby will have a delightful summer ahead. Read more
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Raising Bilingual Children - Methods and Tips
Raising bilingual children can be difficult, especially when living in a place where your native tongue is not spoken by the general public. As the world turns into a space where lines between cultures are turning more blurry, it is important to be able to communicate effectively. Still, challenging as it may be to give your child the right kind and the right amount of exposure to each language, it will benefit your child in the long run. Here we explore the reasons why, and give you tips on how you can help your child along the way.
How Do Bilingual Children Benefit?
Bilingual children and adults experience many benefits as compared to monolingual people. Here are some of the advantages that come with being bilingual:
They have better focus and are able to ignore distractions much better
They are more capable and better able when it comes to problem-solving
The brain of a bilingual person ages more slowly compared to those who are only able to speak one language
Dementia is delayed by about four years in those who are bilingual
They are able to communicate with more people, forming more meaningful bonds
They have more job opportunities with more chances of a higher income
They are more able to learn and grasp new concepts
They are more open-minded to different people
How To Teach Your Child Two or More Languages
Children all have different personalities and abilities, and the way each one learns is different. This is why there is no universal method to teach all children different languages. There are four widespread methods used to raising bilingual children. Here we discuss the four most popular methods, considered best in bilingual language development in early childhood:
1. One Person, One Language
This method consists of one person speaking one language to the child while another speaks to him in another language. For example,your partner can speak to your child in Hindi at all times, and you can speak to him in English at all times. If this method is used, your child will be able to get equal exposure to both languages, thus picking them up slowly. If the family lives in Karnataka, he will also be able to pick up on Kannada when he goes to school, making him able to speak three languages.
2. Minority Language at Home
Children will require support in learning all languages. In this method, the minority language will be spoken at home by you and your partner, while the child picks up the language spoken by the general public outside. For example, your family living in the UK will speak to your child in your native tongue, and he will learn English from people outside, from school, and from other sources such as English films, music, and reading.
3. Time and Place
In this method, a family will dedicate certain assigned times to speaking a particular language. For example, during the morning and the afternoon, you and your partner speak to your child in English, and in the evening and night you speak to him in your native tongue. Another way to handle this is by assigning certain days to speak the different languages. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays could be assigned to one language, and the remaining days to the other. You could also designate places, so when in public, you can speak to your child in English, while at home you can speak to him in your native tongue.
4. Mixed Language Policy
In this method, parents will speak to their children in a language that is appropriate to the situation that they are in. For example, when working on school assignments and doing homework, you can speak to your child in a language mostly required to be spoken at school, and while discussing personal matters, you can speak to him in your native tongue.
Tips to Support Your Child’s Bilingual Development
Bringing up a bilingual child can be challenging as it can sometimes feel as though your child is losing interest in speaking his native language because of the interest and cultural influence around him that urges him to speak in the “majority” or general public’s language. Tips in retaining your child’s interest in speaking his native language, and therefore encouraging his bilingual development include:
1. Community Activities
Look out for any cultural activities that your child may find interesting that will expose him to the culture and rich heritage of your people, in order to spark his interest in speaking the language. Take him on a visit to your homeland and take him around, showing him things that you know will captivate his young mind, and keep speaking to him in your mother tongue. If you know of other people in your community with children who are from the same place as you, try having play-dates and visits so that you can all benefit from speaking to each other in your language. Having a friend who speaks the same language is sure to encourage him to keep speaking it.
2. Fun Activities
All children love music, and songs are often a great way to help them remember things. Teach him childhood rhymes and tell him stories in your native language. You can even play fun games such as “I spy” in your language.
3. Home Activities
When at home, you can always play radio programmes, turn on popular channels on TV where your child can listen to music or watch films in your native language. Giving him opportunities to listen to the language will help him pick it up and deepen his understanding of it. It will also expose him to the cultural aspects of the language. Engage him in his favourite activities while speaking in your native language so that it is more interesting for him and it does not feel so much like a burden to learn it. The more interesting he finds the language, the more he will seek to understand it for himself.
Common Myths and Facts About Childhood Bilingualism
As we have seen, there are many benefits to being bilingual, and knowing more than one language will be of great use to your child for the rest of his life. Not only will your child gain the cognitive development and emotional benefits, but he will also be capable of being a bridge between two people who cannot speak the same language. It is truly a gift to be able to speak more than one language. However, there are many myths that surround bilingualism in child development and should be clarified:
1. Myth
Children who do not learn a second language when they are very young will not be fluent in another language.
Fact
It is still possible for older children and adults alike to be able to learn another language and even become fluent in it. The best time is certainly when a child is younger as this is the time of greater cognitive development, but it does not mean that your child has lost the opportunity if it doesn’t happen at a young age.
2. Myth
Children who have speech impairments or disorders in language processing will not be able to learn another language.
Fact
Though children who have speech impairments and language processing disorders may take longer than a child who does not, they are still very capable of learning more than one language.
3. Myth
If you speak to a child in more than one language, he will have disorders with his speech or language.
Fact
Speech problems are not caused because of learning two languages. However, if a child already has an existing speech or language problem, it will be seen in their communication of both languages.
4. Myth
If you expose your child to more than one language, it will most likely cause delays in the development of his speech and language.
Fact
There is no delay in the developmental milestones in bilingual children. Language development milestones are the same in all the languages, so irrespective of the language they speak, all children will be able to speak single words by the age of one, and string two words together by the age of two. Bilingual children may string two words together that are not of the same language, but the total number of words they are able to use is right on the mark. While they may be difficult to understand in the beginning, they will learn to differentiate between the two languages as they grow.
5. Myth
Your child may become confused if you try to teach him two different languages.
Fact
While children may mix up the grammar rules and use both languages in one sentence when they are younger, most will learn how to differentiate between the two languages by the age of four or five. Even if they still use both languages in one sentence for a while after that, they will grow out of it. It is not something that will have long-lasting consequences, and neither will it cause any problems for them.
6. Myth
Children who are bilingual are more likely to have problems in their academics in school.
Fact
What school best suits bilingual children will depend on their age. Younger children will do well in schools whose medium is not their native tongue as they will be able to grasp the other language fast enough. But for older children, this is not very effective. They should be able to get proper instructions in their native tongue as they learn another language. Bilingual children will do very well in school as their ability to problem solve and multitask will be more superior to those who can speak only one language.
7. Myth
Children who are not fluent in both languages are not really bilingual.
Fact
All bilingual people will have a more dominant language. This will strongly depend on which language they use more often. For children, this will most often be the language that is spoken in school and in public rather than the language that is spoken at home. Just because your child is not fluent in both languages, it does not mean he is not bilingual. With constant exposure to both languages and with enough practice, fluency in both languages will develop over time, and his ability to retain knowledge and skill in both will remain with him long-term.
Children are often very influenced by their friends and what is considered to be cool in places where they live. Your child may feel that it is cooler to speak in the language that is spoken by the people of the country or state you live in rather than to speak in your native tongue. He may feel that speaking a certain language may make him more friends, and he is going to want to fit in with the crowd. However, if you consistently speak to him in your native tongue, he will not help but be able to retain his knowledge of the language and will reap the benefits of being bilingual.
Also Read: Speech Therapy for Children Read more
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Practical Tips and Tricks for Baby's Oral and Dental Care
"Brush your teeth properly Every morning, every night! So that you can eat everything!!"
That's the silly song made up by me for my baby. I have been singing it since I started cleanling her gums with my finger. A clean finger with trimmed nails without nailpaint was her first ever toothbrush! It's important to clean and massage baby's mouth with your finger so that you can feel the budding teeth and keep baby's gums clean, healthy.
She had her first tooth quite late, around 8 to 9 months of age. So till that time I used the same method of brushing with my finger.
Later on, I got a small kid toothbrush. I tried brushing her teeth without toothpaste. But she loved to do it herself and in the process just kept on chewing on the bristles. It didn't help much in maintaining proper hygiene.
Around 14 to 15 months of age, she started to follow what I was saying and hence it got simpler.
She started lying down and opened her mouth for me to brush! That was accompanied by laughing too.
Then I bought a cartoon kid toothbrush at 16 months age along with fluoride free toothpaste. She is fond of oranges so I made sure the toothpaste had the same flavour. Applying just a smear of toothpaste was more than enough. Brushing teeth has always been a fun activity for both of us.
Apart from that I try to rinse her mouth or clean her teeth with a finger after all her meals. Sometimes that is not possible on a busy day. Giving plain water after meals is also a great way of clearing residual food from baby's mouth.
Also avoiding feeding bottle is important as its use, especially at night may cause milk accumulation and dental decay. She drinks milk from the cup so that's good for her.
Persistent daily routine, some songs, patience and innovative ideas helped me a lot in inducing the good habit of dental hygiene in my daughter. Taking care of baby's teeth is many times given the least priority or it is many times just the forgotten act! Earlier we do it the better!
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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Cleaning and Sorting Out your Kid's Room
Wondering how to clean kids room? With the right tips under your belt, you can make the task of de-cluttering easier than expected. Adopt smarter storage solutions, create more visible space, and give your precious darlings a better-looking space to enjoy, and live in. They will love you for your efforts!
In most cases, the thought of de-cluttering and arranging your kids' room can bog you down and make you yearn for easier ways of going about the task — right? Fortunately, these smart cleaning tips come in handy and help you sort out their space—quickly and effectively.
Cool Storage Solutions for Kids' Room
1. What’s treasure, what’s not?
Be prepared for many arguments. Your precious angels will label ‘trash’ as ‘treasure’. Try your best, but you will be told that broken toys can be mended and don’t have to be given away. Be firm yet reasonable. If a certain toy is gaining enough play time in spite of been battered or worn out, let it be. The non-keeps would be the ones that rarely see the light of day or are often tossed away as ‘boring'. Choose your battles carefully and lay down the rules about what can stay and what goes.
2. Sort in an organised way
Want to know how to clean kids' room? Opt for sensible and proven storage solutions that'll make you sort their stuff in piles and as per types. Say, one pile for the action figures, other for dolls, and the third one for art supplies, and so on. This goes a long way in getting your kids' attention and making them participate in your de-cluttering tasks with more vigour. Once these piles are ready, you need to keep a few bags or trash cans handy. These can be labelled as “for charity”, “for the maid’s children”, and so forth.
3. Put yourself in your kid’s shoes
Literally speaking, get down on your fours or stoop low to come to the eye level of your kid. Then, take a closer look at the storage, furniture, space, and possessions from his point of view. Clean up sticky handle drawers to help your child manage them better; get rid of folding closet doors as they end up pinching fingers; lower the hanging rods for greater accessibility; and more. Also, invest in open plastic baskets, floor-level containers, child-sized hangers, and easy-to-use racks and storage kits — your kiddo will love you more for these efforts.
4. Oh yeah, there will be distractions!
As you go about the task to de-clutter your kids' rooms, you need to prep yourself for distractions. However, don't hesitate to get your kids into action; they need to be involved and should learn to take responsibility. Think of ways of getting their complete attention and establishing ground rules, right at the beginning. By making them focus on different sorting and trashing tasks, rather than playing, you may look forward to getting things underway and much sooner than expected.
Go ahead and simplify your kids' room cleaning regime by involving smart kids' room storage ideas. By making this a weekly or fortnightly affair, you may look forward to handling less clutter on hand and keeping their space more hygienic and better organised — at all times. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk 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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Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. it's a natural process 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
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
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Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. 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 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
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