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Birthday Party for Kids - Menu Plan and Foods to Serve
Birthdays are a fun time for kids, and parents work hard to make this day memorable for their child and his friends. Though this task of throwing a fantastic birthday party can seem tedious to some parents, coming up with creative ideas and executing them can be fun to watch, not to mention, the satisfaction in watching everyone have fun is unparalleled. Of course, no birthday is complete without an enormous cake and delicious food.
If you want to throw a party that is memorable, yet economical, we have a few delicious items that you can add to the birthday menu. It's time to get those notebooks and planners out and scribble away for your little one's next birthday bash. For the invites, you can even go green and make digital invites, thereby teaching a valuable lesson to your kid. When it comes to the party favours, go simple and try to stay away from giving chocolates or sweets.
Tips for Planning Your Kid's Birthday Party Menu
With careful planning and a smart budget, you can serve food that delights the palates of both adults and kids. Here are a few easy ways to plan the menu for your kid's birthday party at home.
1. Make a Schedule
Maybe two-three weeks before the birthday bash, make sure you plan everything to the last detail. Make schedules and set a time time for picking up the cake, party favours, and any other miscellaneous item that you may need.
2. Time is an Important Factor
Plan the birthday party at a time when all the kids are energetic and eat well. It could be an afternoon party, i.e. between 2-5 p.m. on a weekend, so that you can wrap up before it gets late. This way your kid shall sleep on time.
3. Consider Allergies
When you are preparing the menu, make sure you check with all the parents about any allergies or health problems that their children may have. Plan your menu accordingly.
4. Go for Healthy Foods
Use lots of vegetables and fruits to make finger foods, skewers, and even the main course.
5. Dietary Restrictions
If you are planning to include non-vegetarian food, make a list of vegetarian children and serve them separately. Also ask the parents about any dietary restrictions.
6. Non-messy Food
Apart from the cake, food such as finger foods, foods on a stick, muffins, etc. will make sure you don’t have a huge mess to clean-up after. Also, opt for food which does not stain anything around.
7. Go for a Homemade Cake
It’s a lot easier nowadays to bake a cake at home or get a homemade cake. Homemade cakes are, of course, delicious, and they also add a personal touch to the entire event.
Food to Serve for a Kids Birthday Party
Deciding on a menu for your kid's birthday party can be difficult. However, with these easy-to-make delicious treats, you will be considered as the best party organiser in your town. Make everyone’s life easier by not providing cutlery, but instead, serving them finger foods which kids shall enjoy eating while playing. You can serve them finger sandwiches with different fillings, which can be held between two fingers. If you are having an afternoon lunch party, you can even have some salads, starters, and the main course. If you are having a big party for your little champ, then it is advisable to call for a caterer to ensure everything is standardised and you are not slogging away in the kitchen. Here are some options for drinks and foods for your kid's birthday party that you may choose from.
Welcome Drinks
As soon as the guests come in, serve them something nice and soothing. Here are a few options for welcome drinks:
Lemon juice
Mango juice
Any other fresh juice
Badam kheer
Buttermilk or chaas
Rose milk
Coconut water
Hot chocolate
A bottle of squash - in case the welcome drinks get over
Starters
It is fun to begin a kid's birthday party with finger foods. Finger foods are always a favourite among kids. These will probably be the most sought-after foods at your kid's birthday party, so make sure you have plenty to go around. Here are some options for starters to include in your menu:
Potato wedges
Fries
Garlic bread
Samosa
Dholka
Cheese sticks
Pizza puffs
Corn dog muffins
Deli sushi rolls
Soya chunks manchurian
Baby corn manchurian
Baked idli fry
Breadsticks
Potato croquet
Vegetable cutlet
Sliced caramel apple sticks
Skewered veggies
Main Course
The size of the party does not matter. Be it small or large, the main course is an integral part of the menu. The following food will be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Puri bhaji
Pizza
Mac & Cheese
Mini masala dosa
Waffles
Pasta
Pancakes
Chana bhatura
Veg hakka noodles
Fried rice
Salad
Salad may not be everyone’s favourite thing on the menu, but adults will certainly appreciate it. If you are having a full-fledged lunch party, then a salad is a must and is a healthy food to include in the menu.
Corn and cheese salad
Cucumber and carrot salad
Mixed sprouts salad
Fruit salad
Dessert
While you may have a lovely birthday cake to devour, it is good to have an option for people to enjoy. You can consider either an Indian dessert or ice-cream. Here are some suggestions:
Fine vermicelli kheer
Fresh fruit cream
Gulab jamun
Carrot halwa
Badam halwa
Moong dal halwa
Falooda
Brownie with ice cream
No bake cheesecake
Rasgulla
The best part about birthday parties is the fun that kids have together. Food is an important aspect, which makes a party even more memorable. So, when planning your kid's birthday party, include these foods and have a gala time.
Also Read: Dinner Recipes for Kids Read more
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Introducing Bottle or Cup to Breastfed Baby
One of the key problems that hinder a baby’s transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding is the fact that the mechanism powering them both is rather different. Breastfeeding involves creating a grip around the areola to press the nipple, which allows the milk to flow in smoothly and the baby swallows it up. Bottle feeding ends up with the baby taking more effort in suckling as he needs to reduce the milk flow to suit his own pace. Therefore, introducing the bottle needs to be a tricky endeavour.
How to Introduce Bottle Feeding to Your Breastfed Baby
To figure out how to bottle feed a breastfeeding baby here are certain steps and procedures you can adhere to:
Choose to introduce the bottle to your baby when he is hungry and not when it is the time to feed him. If you bring the bottle as per schedule, he will immediately notice the difference and choose to push it away. For a hungry baby, the presence of milk will take higher importance rather than the source, increasing the chances of him accepting the bottle.
Do your best to feed your baby via a bottle after making him sit upright. Many mothers continue to feed their little ones while they are lying down. Though that isn’t a problem, the chances of such babies developing ear infections and dental caries due to pools of milk staying collected in the mouth are higher. Give him support and hold him while he uses the bottle.
Try to keep the bottle feeding duration to last somewhere around 15 minutes or so, which should be closer to the usual time he takes when feeding on your breast. This could also make it necessary to choose an appropriate nipple size, which allows the milk flow rate to be as close as possible to your own. Any difference in it could either irritate the child or cause him to drink excessive milk before he realizes he has had enough.
Don’t push the bottle’s nipple in the mouth of your baby. It is necessary that the baby accepts the nipple by himself, just the way he accepts your breast. Start by stroking the nipple of the bottle against his lips to kick in his reflex of sucking on the bottle. The initial times might take a while before he gets used to the different texture of the artificial nipple, and realises that it also contains milk.
When a baby breastfeeds, he tends to take numerous breaks in between, just to catch some breath or to look around. Make sure the bottle feeding mimics that same behaviour as well. At times, babies can drink down a lot of milk in a single go, which can cause them to throw up when burping. Stay close to an actual breastfeeding session as much as you can.
Don’t force your little one to finish all the milk that’s present in the bottle. Most babies have a good idea of their satisfaction and will push away the bottle once they are done. Some may even fall asleep midway once their stomach is full and their nap kicks in. Don’t wake him up to finish the milk.
In the initial stages, start by switching your baby from one breast to another so that he doesn’t end up depending on one breast. Slowly, you can switch him from one breast to the bottle and then back, helping him get used to the sensation and trusting it fully.
Don’t mix breastmilk and formula milk in the bottle. The baby is getting used to the sensation of the new nipple, and a confusing taste of the milk can catch him off-guard. You can start off with breastmilk first and then replace it with formula as he accepts the bottle.
What to Do If Your Baby is Refusing to Feed on the Bottle
It is quite natural for a baby to be sceptical about a new entity being thrust into his mouth, especially when it feels nowhere close to the real breast. If your baby tends to refuse the bottle, here are a few ways you can make it easier for him.
Some babies might not accept the bottle when they are fully awake and aware of it. Choose a different time and see if it works for him. He might readily accept the bottle at night when is partially asleep or so.
At times, the temperature of the milk could also be a deal breaker for your child. While the milk from your breast is at the body temperature, the milk might taste better from the bottle if it is a tad warmer or even cold. Experiment with that as well and see if it works.
The position of feeding can be a little uncomfortable for the baby, causing him to reject the bottle. If sitting upright is getting difficult for you and the baby, you can start by using your lap and feeding him on his back. Else, if he likes a particular spot or a seat quite a lot, try starting him off from there. Gradually, you can return to the default feeding position.
Even if your baby does not drink from the bottle, let him play around with it and get used to the feeling. He might chew on the nipple or simply play with it. That would make him comfortable and more open to drinking milk from it.
The tastelessness of the artificial nipple might be weird for the little one. This can be countered easily by squeezing your breast and applying some breastmilk onto the bottle’s nipple. The familiar flavour will get him to start using the bottle immediately.
For a child that is already comfortable with a specific pacifier, opt for getting a bottle nipple made from the same material. Try warming the nipple up a bit to be closer to your body temperature as well.
What If Your Baby First Takes The Bottle and Now only Wants to Breastfeed?
Babies change their minds on the fly, which makes transitioning from breast to bottle more than a one-time thing. While you are rejoicing at the fact that your baby accepted the bottle right away, he might push it away after a few days and then choose only to breastfeed. The reason behind this could be a sudden realization that bottle feeding is absent from their mother’s breast and the touch of her skin and the body warmth. If this is the scenario for your child, try to sit with him for a few more days and using the bottle while he is next to you. At times, other situations such as an illness or other problems could cause him to reject the bottle. This would require a doctor to check him up and figure out the reason.
How to Teach Your Baby to Drink from A Cup?
Few families choose not to introduce the bottle at all. They rather prefer breastfeeding their child for a longer duration and then transitioning him directly to a cup. This has its advantages for sure. The chances of the baby getting confused with nipples are highly reduced. While most families continue to bottle feed their babies while they are lying down, opting for a cup can reduce chances of dental problems emerging early in life. Weaning the baby also gets a tad easier.
The transition to a cup requires more time than the bottle. Starting off with a sipper cup can be a stepping stone, allowing your baby to start sucking differently. Once that happens, you can make sure that at least one feed of the day is being rendered via a cup. As your little one grows up, he will get used to drinking from the cup right away.
What If Your Baby Completely Refuses to Take Bottle?
Some parents do complain about their baby not taking bottle feed at all. While they might blame time or habit for it, some babies would simply refuse to accept a bottle at all. Keeping him hungry for long durations is also not a good way to make him take the bottle. Such babies are well-used to the sensation of a nipple and might be more accepting of a sippy cup instead.
What If You Decide to Wean Your Infant from The Breast?
Whether you are deciding to wean your baby early just by habit, or to make it easier for you to return to work, it is necessary to continue giving him breastmilk in other ways. Make sure you get your baby adapted to a bottle or a cup early on, to make the transition easier for you as well as for him.
Moving from breastfeeding to bottle feeding can make mothers feel like they are breaking the bond with their child. However, the bond is made by the mother’s love and her presence, which can continue in various ways that go beyond the act of breastfeeding.
Also Read: Signs That Baby is Getting Enough Breast Milk Read more
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A Winter Travel Essentials Checklist - 7 Things You Shouldn't Forget to Pack
Whether it is to escape the cold and go to a warmer place or to head to a place that is cold enough to give you an excuse to use your sweaters, travelling in winter is a good idea. Winter breaks present the perfect opportunity to take a mini vacation, during which to indulge in good food, good wine, and shopping (since everything is on sale on account of Christmas and New Year). However, if you’re not careful, common winter ailments can ruin your perfect travel plans.
Pack These 7 Things for Winter Getaways
As a cautious parent on the lookout for the family’s needs, you will surely pack the regular things while going on a trip: extra clothes, important documents, emergency contacts, an elaborate first-aid kit, and all that jazz. However, there are some items you might want to consider adding to your luggage, that will especially guard your family against the winter.
Consider these as not just things to pack, but clever travel hacks for the winter. Ready? Here we go!
1. Anti-allergen and Decongestant
Winters bring on a lot of allergies in a lot of people. The source of these allergies is commonly pollen in the air. However, even those people who are allergic to dust might come down with allergic rhinitis in winter, because we tend to spend a lot of time indoors – and where there are carpets, mattresses and pets, there will also be dust! One of the most common symptoms of an allergy is either a runny or a congested nose. So make sure you carry both – an anti-allergen as well as a decongestant
2. Thermos Flask
Winters bring on dryness and cold (duh!), making it very important to look after our hydration. Of course you can get order whatever you want to your hotel room. But what about when you step out or are on the go? It is best to carry a thermos flask when taking a winter vacation. You can fill it up with your favourite hot drink – be it coffee, hot chocolate, or green tea. It’s best to carry one for each family member. Top it up at restaurants, cafes, or when you visit people.
3. Palm Sugar and Lozenges
Another thing that the dry and cold weather in winter brings on is a dry cough. Palm sugar is best to keep a dry cough away. In fact, it is one of the things you should have handy for winter, irrespective of whether you are travelling or not. Pop a piece before stepping out of the hotel room or house. However, should you start noticing symptoms of the onset of a dry cough (such as excessive thirst, dryness in the throat, difficulty in swallowing, etc.), lozenges would be an effective and inexpensive way to bring the situation under control before it becomes a full-fledged cough.
4. Instant Chicken Soup
You must have noticed how winters make you extra hungry. However, you can’t be constantly stuffing yourself! One light yet filling snack at such times is chicken soup. In winters, however, it has several additional benefits; chicken soup can help boost immunity, it can help you stay warm, and it is one of those ‘feel good’ foods that are perfect for when the temperature drops. Also, you can make it on the go; all you need to do is dunk contents in a flask, and pour hot water!
5. Layering Essentials
Of course, you are going to pack sweaters and jackets, gloves and mittens, socks and thermal wear, and closed-toe footwear, depending on where you are going for your winter vacation. However, an important tip to remember here is to pack clothes that you can easily layer-up or layer-down. Instead of carrying one thick coat, break it up into three layers: a base layer of a thin t-shirt, an intermediate level of a warm sweatshirt or sweater, and a top layer of a thick jacket. Follow the same principle for bottoms. You are not going to spend all your time outdoors; the thinner layers will help you stay adequately warm indoors.
6. Headgear
One of the common reasons for falling ill in winter is exposing the head to the cold winter temperature. Even if you don’t come down with a cold, you may find yourself complaining of a headache. Appropriate headgear can keep such nagging problems away. A woollen cap is your best friend when travelling during winter. However, consider the humble scarf too; the additional benefit you will get with a scarf is that it will also cover your ears. Plus, you can pack multiple scarves to go with each of your outfits!
7. Travel Packs of Lotions and Lip Balm
The important thing to remember when packing lotion and lip balm is to pack travel-sized bottles along with the big bottle. You will sufficiently dab lotion and apply lip balm on your lips upon having a bath, no doubt. But even as you step out to enjoy and have some winter-fun, you may want to re-apply the lotion – especially to your hands (which will get dry as a result of frequent washing). You will also definitely want to reapply the lip balm. So make sure everyone is carrying their own little bottle of lotion and their own chapstick.
Armed with these 7 must-haves, you are ready to conquer any winter adventure! Bon voyage!
Also Read:
Awesome Ideas for Keeping Kids Busy during The Winter Holidays
How to Plan a Romantic Staycation Surprise This Winter
Warm Locations in India to Visit With Your Child This Winter Read more
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Ghaavan / Dhirde (Wheat Pancakes)
Perfect for the working mom and the mom who has her hands full with kids and housework – this dish is so easy to prepare, and is yummy and nutritious to boot! Use a non-stick tawa to ensure your pancakes don't lose their shape by sticking to the pan!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
12 People
5-10 Minutes
5-10 Minutes
Ingredients
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup rice flour
2 green chillies, de-seeded and very finely chopped
Small piece of ginger, finely chopped
2 tsp cumin seeds
A few tender curry leaves
2 ½ tsp salt
4 cups water
For the Seasoning
1 tsp oil
¾ tsp mustard seeds
A pinch of hing
Method
Step 1
Prepare a mixture of the wheat flour and rice flour in a bowl, with green chillies, ginger, cumin seeds, curry leaves and salt to taste
Step 2
Add 4 cups of water a little bit at a time and stir well so that there are no lumps in your batter
Step 3
Your batter should not be too thick or pasty, neither too fluid and thin. Just enough for a dosa-like pancake to form.
Step 4
Heat a tsp of oil on a non-stick tawa, add mustards seeds, and when it splutters add hing.
Step 5
Pour the mixture into the pancake batter and mix well.
Step 6
Place your tawa on medium heat for 2 minutes, with a light coat of cooking oil.
Step 7
Ladle the batter onto the pan, this will resemble a dosa, there should be holes in your pancake.
Step 8
Drizzle the required amount of oil on the pancake (if you like to be generous with oil, sesame seed oil is considered very healthy)
Step 9
Move the tawa in circular motions at regular intervals to ensure it is cooked evenly.
Step 10
Flip the pancake when the bottom starts browning and the edges start lifting up.
Step 11
Flip the pancake to let the other side cook (but not for too long – this side remains white!)
Step 12
Stir the batter once more before proceeding to make the next pancake, and repeat the process as necessary
Nutritional Information
Serving Size 1 medium (5" dia)
Calories from Fat
36
Calories
92
Total Fat
4.03 g 6%
Saturated Fat
0.854 g 4%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1.566 g
Monounsaturated Fat
1.299 g
Cholesterol
24 mg 8%
Sodium
244 mg 10%
Potassium
94 mg
Total Carbohydrate
11.62 g 4%
Dietary Fiber
1.5 g 6%
Sugars
2.66 g
Protein
3.15 g
Vitamin A
1%
Vitamin C
0%
Calcium
8%
Iron
4%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Expecting Mom due in 2 months
13 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
12 hours 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
13 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
12 hours 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
12 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
12 hours 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
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
what is the pain killer than can be taken by a breastfeeding mother to deal with pain of stitches after delivery?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. dolo 650 safe analgesic. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 3 months
20 mins ago
Q. My wife taking tablets for UTI it caused fever last week she took paracetamol and Pan D in IV and now for the past 5 days taking Nitrofurantoin tablet IP I have two questio
1) Will this tablets and IV affect my baby in any way and it's growth inside
2) She says still feeling some pain groin and abdomen area comparatively lesser than previous days
3) Any diets to avoid this UTI in future
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
18 mins ago
A. take medicines understrict medical supervision advised of your doctor. 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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