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Crying Baby: Causes & Tips to Calm Your Baby
Imagine that you don’t have a universal language to communicate with your fellow beings. It must be so difficult, especially for a baby. Learning the signs that your baby uses to communicate with you is a crucial aspect of parenting.
Why Do Babies Cry?
Babies communicate their needs like hunger, pain and fear and the need to sleep through their cries. The interpretation of the reason can be tricky. The cry of a baby sounds different from that caused by hunger or the need to sleep. If the baby’s crying does not sound right, you should contact the doctor immediately. Learning what it takes to soothe and comfort an upset or unresponsive baby may take all of your skills of perception and awareness. As the baby grows, it will learn other ways to communicate with you. The different reasons behind a baby’s cry include:
1. Hunger
The baby’s stomach is small. Thus it cannot hold too much and empties very fast. So your baby will need frequent feeds. If your baby is crying, your baby might not be feeding consistently or drinking formula or breastfeed in small quantities and more often. You may try feeding your baby earlier than the estimated 2-3 hours to see if it calms him.
Need to sleep – Babies will tend to fall asleep when they are tired.
However, sometimes they may become fussy or cranky when overtired.
2. Diaper Change
You may need to keep a check on when the baby needs a diaper change.
3. Stomach Problems
If your baby cries a lot, stomach ache caused due to colic or gas could be a reason especially if your baby cries just after being fed.
4. Needs to Burp
Burping is not mandatory. However, if your baby starts crying after being fed, then you may try to burp him to relieve them from the discomfort.
5. Wants to be Held
Babies want to be cuddled. They want to see their parents’ faces and hear their voices. Hence, they may sometimes cry to indicate that they want to be close to you.
6. Feeling Too Hot or Cold
A fussy baby might also be trying to indicate if he is feeling too hot or too cold. As a parent, you should be careful to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature.
7. Something Causing Pain or Discomfort
Sometimes your baby may be troubled by something, like a hair tightly wrapped around a toe or finger, or a scratchy cloth tag.
8. Stimulation
Babies find it difficult at times to process things happening around them (noise, lights). So they may need to be pacified. On the other hand, babies are sometimes outgoing, so they may cry and fuss to be more active.
9. Feeling Unwell
Crying may be a symptom of some illness. Check for any symptoms that could indicate one.
10. Teething
Babies cry and become cranky when they are teething because each tooth pushes through the gums causing pain.
11. Getting Scared
Sometimes babies get scared by something in the environment, like a bad dream or from any other thing that can be scary for babies, that we may take for granted.
12. Separation Anxiety
Babies also experience separation anxiety. It is natural for a baby to be anxious about being separated from the parents, but with patience and reassurance, they are sure to understand that the separation is temporary.
How Should You Hold Your Crying Baby?
Pick the baby and hold him snugly across your chest. Fold the baby’s arms and secure them with your hand and support the baby’s chin also. Hold the baby’s bottom gently with your other hand by using the fleshy part of your arm. Keep the baby at a 45-degree angle and gently rock him. The movement should be smooth and in a sequence. The angle is important because it will help you control the baby. This technique is used for holding babies who are 2 to 3 months old.
Babies cry for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is easy to soothe the baby by feeding, holding or changing the diaper. However, there are times when the baby is inconsolable which may be due to colic.
5 S’s for Soothing a Crying Baby
Mentioned below are different ways to soothe a crying baby.
1. Swaddling
Swaddling your baby in a blanket keeps the baby cosy and secure. Swaddling creates a womb-like feeling, so it helps the baby to settle down faster. You may leave the arms of the baby outside the swaddle so that they can enjoy their freedom.
2. Side Lying
Since your baby has spent most of his time on his side inside the foetus, you may try to hold him in a similar way. This is called the football hold, clutch the baby with one arm and support the head and legs under your armpit.
3. Shushing
Some babies can be calmed by soothing sounds, like a whooshing noise, because it is similar to the sound inside the womb. The whooshing sound should be louder than the baby’s crying, else he or she will not be able to hear it. You may make a “shhh shhh” sound or can use a white noise machine or a mobile phone for the same.
4. Swinging
Fast and rhythmic motions like swinging or rocking may help soothe a fussy baby. You may also use motorized baby swings or gliders. But try not to allow the baby to sleep off while on one. It may lead to him becoming dependant on the motion to fall asleep over time.
5. Sucking
Babies often calm themselves by sucking on a finger or a pacifier. This does not fill their tummies. However, it relaxes their nerves. Keep in mind to avoid resorting to pacifiers all the time as the baby may become dependent on them.
Other Tips to Calm your Baby
The following ways help calm a fussy crying baby:
1. Give a Massage
Massaging is a calming ritual which can be used to soothe a crying baby. You may use lotion or baby massage oil for the massage. Stroke the baby’s chest gently from the centre to outward and make small circles on the stomach and around the belly button. Roll the arms and legs of the baby between your hands. Take turns for massaging each limb in a “milking” motion. Rub the palms and fingers of the baby. Massage the soles of the feet as well. If the baby is alright, then you can turn the baby on his tummy and stroke the back from side to side and then up and down.
2. Entertain
Babies also cry when they are bored. You can keep them entertained by narrating stories or making noises with animated expressions. You can play with the baby’s toys and show him how to rattle and spin different toys.
3. Colic
Sometimes, the cause of crying is colic or gas. You may soothe the baby by holding him (colic carry). You have to apply some pressure to the baby’s tummy. Lay the baby on his tummy on your forearm, with the head rested on your hand. With the other hand, rub the baby’s back gently. You can lay the baby across your lap with one knee under his tummy and the other supporting the head. You may also put the baby down on his back and push the knees up to his stomach for about 10 seconds each. This action of release and repeat help relieve the gas.
4. Get the Baby Outside
Sometimes, all that a cranky baby needs is to get out into fresh air. A change in the surroundings (light, air, temperature and sound) may improve the baby’s mood. If you are unable to take the baby out for a walk, you may take him for a drive.
5. Sing a Lullaby
Sometimes just singing a lullaby can calm a crying baby. Your voice will comfort the baby.
6. Using a Front Pack Carrier to Carry the Baby
You can walk around with your baby facing your body in a front pack carrier. The closeness and rhythm of your steps will help the baby relax. Babies enjoy being carried around.
7. Keep Calm
Sometimes over stimulation causes the baby to become cranky since everything is new to them. So, you may create a soothing environment around him . You can take the baby to a separate room dim the lights and put on some light music.
What If your Baby is Crying Without Any Reason?
Babies can cry and be fussy during the initial months. They might even have a particular time during the day which is their fussy period. A standard fussy period may start from 2 to 6 weeks, reaches its peak at 6 weeks and is gone by the 4th month. The fussy period usually lasts for about 2 to 4 hours every day. Normal crying or fussiness occurs at a similar time, for a similar duration and with the same intensity. The baby will respond to the same things every time. If your baby does not stop crying, you need to try out the 5 S soothing methods. However, if you feel that your baby’s crying or being fussy is not normal, consult your paediatrician.
What is Self-Soothing?
Self-soothing means the baby’s ability to regulate his emotions. Nowadays, paediatricians recommend parents to allow the baby to self-soothe. While self-soothing needs to be taught to most babies, it comes naturally to some. Mellow babies learn to self-soothe earlier than babies with more insistent personalities.
When to Teach your Baby to Self-Soothe?
Self-soothing teaches the baby to settle down between the age of 6 to 9 months with a little parental guidance. If you start to teach the baby too early, then the baby may tend to become fussy. You have to be patient with the baby during the initial days since the baby is still trying to adapt to the world around. Until the baby learns to vocalise his needs, the caregiver may need to use all the senses to assess preferences. From the 4th month onwards, you may start teaching the baby to self-soothe.
How to Teach your Baby to Self-Soothe?
The process of teaching your baby to self-soothe requires a lot of encouragement from your side. You need to take one step at a time to allow the baby’s body and mind to adapt.
1. Change of Mindset
When you start teaching the baby to self-soothe, it important that you let go. It is important to give the baby a chance to self-soothe and believe that the baby will be able to do so. Initially, it will be difficult however rescuing your baby from discomfort every time will not give him the opportunity to self-soothe. Hence, we need to learn to equip the baby to handle discomfort.
2. Establish a Bedtime Routine
It is important that you establish a routine for the baby. Predictability will make the baby less anxious and will also lessen the resistance. You should try to do the same things at the same time and in the same order.
3. Do Not Pick the Baby Right Away
There will always be a temptation to pick up and soothe a crying or fussy baby. However, it may have its own set of problems like –
Your baby will not get a chance to settle on his own and will not be able to get the opportunity to calm down.
Your baby associates waking up with a need to have external help to help him to fall asleep. They will not realise that it is alright to find ways to self-soothe.
Rushing every time to calm the baby will make you feel drained and stressed out. Your baby will be able to sense your anxiety and start feeling stressed as well.
4. Leaving the Baby’s Arms Un-Swaddled
Swaddles are a way to help to calm a baby, especially in the newborn days. Swaddling does not allow the baby to suck their hands, which is a way to self-soothe.
5. Put the Baby Down When He’s Drowsy But Awake
You should learn to put the baby down when he’s drowsy but awake. The baby should be drowsy enough that he can fall asleep easily, but not too drowsy that the baby is not able to adjust to the new environment. A baby who is slightly awake will be able to find his bearings and sleep without being held. You may look for sleep cues to determine when it’s time for the baby to take another nap.
6. Use Dim Lights or White Noise
Make the baby’s room conducive to sleep by keeping it dim or adding white noise, so the baby has a better chance of falling and staying asleep. It is okay if your baby is lying down awake. They will fall asleep on their own. In case the baby is fussing while lying down, you may help them settle down or rock them to a sleepy state.
7. Feed your Baby after He or She Wakes Up
You should try and feed the baby after waking up. This way, the baby is encouraged to find alternate ways to sleep like sucking, rocking the head from side to side or cooing. The baby will have the energy to play while being awake and will be able to digest the feed reducing the chances of gas.
8. Give the Baby a Comfort Item
You may try to get the baby used to a toy to encourage self-soothing. The baby finds comfort in them.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does a Baby’s Ability to Self-Soothe Reflect the Parenting Abilities?
A baby’s ability to self-soothe depends on the baby’s temperament and not on your parenting abilities.
2. Do All Babies Self-Ssoothe Easily?
Sometimes babies do not self-soothe or resist it. You should not be afraid that the baby lacks something or will not be independent. On the other hand, the ability to engage with the baby to comfort the baby is considered to be extremely healthy.
3. How Old Will My Baby be Before She Learns to Soothe Herself?
The ability to self-soothe depends largely on the personality of the baby. While some babies are born with good self-soothing skills, others may take time to learn the skill.
4. What are the Alternate Techniques to Comfort a Baby?
The baby should know that you believe in them. As a parent, you should be able to be around the baby and keep reassuring him verbally or by body language.
5. What to Do If the Baby Cannot Sleep without Nursing?
If your baby is drowsy enough but wakes up each time you lay him, you should use your judgment and let the baby understand that it is time to sleep and see if he or she can settle down in a few minutes.
6. Can I Spoil My Baby If I Respond to Every Cry?
It is not possible to spoil a baby by comforting them when they are upset. However, responding instantly to crying is not necessary. Parents should aim to be consistent in their response to the baby’s crying. This is the key to building a sense of security in the baby in the growing years.
7. For How Long Can I Leave My Baby Alone?
It is a good idea to leave the baby for about 10 to 15 minutes and check on him at regular intervals.
Also Read: Basics of Baby Sleep: 10 to 12 Months Read more
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) during Pregnancy
A woman who has a sexually transmitted disease (STDs) during pregnancy can affect her baby's health adversely. An STD may also cause certain complications during delivery. Sexually transmitted diseases are also known as sexually transmitted infections. Not many are aware of STDs and generally, have misconceptions about it. So, find out what are STDs and how they affect during pregnancy.
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)?
As the name suggests, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the diseases that spread from one person to another through a sexual act. The sexual act includes vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person.
How Common are STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases or infections are fairly common, and many women around the world may contract this infection during pregnancy. However, in the dearth of proper and affordable diagnostic measures, it is more prevalent in developing nations.
Who is Most At the Risk of Getting STDs
In the following conditions, a woman may contract this STDs:
If she has multiple sexual partners.
If her partner has multiple sexual partners.
If she has had an STD in the past.
If she has shared a drug needle (IV) with an infected person.
Types of STDs
If you fall into any of the above risk categories, you should bring it to your doctor’s notice. Here are some sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy:
Herpes
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis
Genital warts
Hepatitis B
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis
HIV/AIDS
Signs and Symptoms of STD while Pregnant
Contracting sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy can be life-threatening for your baby. Therefore, it becomes important that you should be aware of the symptoms of this infection to treat it in time. Here are some signs and symptoms that may help you identify if you have contracted an STD during pregnancy:
Pain during sex or pain while peeing.
Redness, swelling, bumps, or soreness in the vaginal or anal area.
Rashes or itching in your vagina.
Bleeding or discharge from the vagina, other than periods.
Fever, chills, aches or jaundice.
Weight loss, loose bowel movements.
Common Sexually Transmitted Infections and How They Affect Pregnancy
We shall now talk about some common sexually transmitted infections and how they may have an affect on your pregnancy:
1. HIV/AIDS
AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is caused by human immunodeficiency virus and if you contract this infection during your pregnancy, it may lead to catastrophic effects. The infection hampers with the body’s immunity or defence mechanism during pregnancy and may also get transmitted to your baby. You may transmit this virus to your baby in the womb, during delivery or while breastfeeding too.
2. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. In case you have this infection, then you will experience severe itching, smelly vaginal discharge, and burning sensation while peeping. Women who have this infection are at a greater risk of delivering preterm or premature babies. The baby born to such mothers may also have eye infections or a lung infection.
3. Syphilis
Syphilis, a bacterial infection, is caused by Treponema pallidum. This infection may cause skin liaisons or non-itchy skin ulcers. This condition may be fatal for your baby. It may lead to preterm birth, stillbirth, or the baby may die within a few hours after birth. It may even cause heart, brain, skin, bones, or teeth problems in your baby.
4. Herpes
In case a pregnant woman has herpes, her baby may be safe until the delivery. The liaisons on the genitals are highly contagious, and your baby may get infected during the delivery. Therefore, your doctor may recommend for a c-section if you have this infection.
5. Hepatitis B
If a pregnant woman has hepatitis B (a liver infection), there are chances that the virus may be transmitted to her baby through the placenta. A baby infected with this virus becomes infected for the lifetime and may develop severe liver complications. In some cases, it may even lead to death.
6. Genital Warts
A cluster of warts may appear on the genitals. These warts may itch or burn severely and may obstruct the birth canal during pregnancy. In case you have genital warts, your doctor may suggest that you go for a caesarean delivery for your baby.
7. Gonorrhoea
If a pregnant woman catches this infection, she may not only experience pain while peeing but it also increases her chances of a miscarriage or preterm birth of her baby. In case the mother has this infection at the time of delivery too, it may increase the chances of her baby developing severe blood infection or blindness.
8. Trichomoniasis
The woman with this infection may experience itching, smelly vaginal discharge, or bleeding. This bacterial infection may rupture the membrane leading to preterm delivery.
How Are STDs Diagnosed
When you visit your doctor for prenatal visits, your doctor may check for the signs of any STDs. However, if you have had STDs before, or have a new sexual partner during pregnancy or any other such symptoms, you should tell your doctor about the same. Your doctor may examine you thoroughly and conduct various pregnancy STDs tests to establish if you are suffering from any kind of STD or not.
How Are STDs Treated in Pregnancy
Sexually transmitted diseases may prove fatal for you and the baby. Therefore, it becomes important that proper treatment for the infection should be started. Here are some treatment options available to treat various kinds of STDs during pregnancy:
1. HIV/AIDS
This is an incurable virus; however, a pregnant woman can take various medicines to prevent the infection from transmitting to her baby.
2. Chlamydia
This infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Medicines may be given to the newborn baby to prevent this infection from causing any eye problems; however, the risk of pneumonia won't be prevented.
3. Syphilis
You will be administered a course of antibiotics for inhibiting the infection from getting transmitted to your baby and also from not spreading further.
4. Herpes
If you have herpes, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines to you. Also, you may be advised to go in for a c-section so that you may not spread the infection to your baby.
5. Hepatitis B
In case you have this infection, your doctor may give your baby an antibodies injection to protect your baby from getting infected.
6. Genital warts
Your doctor may recommend delaying your treatment for warts until your delivery.
7. Gonorrhoea
You will be given a course of antibiotic medicine for the treatment of this infection. Your baby will be given medication to prevent an eye infection.
8. Trichomoniasis
If you are infected with this condition, your doctor may prescribe various medicines to cure this condition.
How Can You Prevent STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs affect your pregnancy adversely and may pose a grave threat to your unborn baby; therefore it is best to protect yourself from all such infections. Following are some effective ways of preventing STDs during pregnancy:
Do not have multiple sex partners as it increases your risks of catching various kinds of STDs.
Refrain from having unprotected sexual intercourse. It is advised that you make use of latex condoms, whenever you have sex.
Do not have any sexual relation with a person who may have more than one sex partner.
Having one partner or having sexual relations with a single partner reduces your chances of having STDs.
Find out more about the signs and symptoms of various STDs so that as soon as you spot any, you may seek medical help.
Get yourself checked for STDs on a regular basis, if you think you are at a risk of catching such infections. Early detection helps in controlling the symptoms and complications that may arise.
Pregnant women may get any kind of STD infections. You will be checked for such infections during your antenatal visits. In case your doctor establishes that you are suffering from any kind of STD, he will start treating it, and will also monitor your pregnancy closely. So, don't worry and believe in your doctor.
Also Read: 22 Infections That Can Affect Your Pregnancy Read more
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This Bedtime Routine for Babies Needs to Be Brought Back NOW!
Hello there, parents, both brand-new and experienced! At some point or the other, you’re sure to have gone through that stage of staying up all night long because your little one refuses to go to sleep. In fact, a lot of you are probably reading this article late at night, cradling your crying baby in one arm and scrolling through the internet to find a solution! There are certain things that you probably follow for your baby’s bedtime routine - feeding, massaging, bathing; the common steps. But it has been found that a lot of millennial parents are actually ditching an important bedtime routine; something that a lot of us probably grew up on!
And that’s singing lullabies!
Research Shows That Younger Parents are Ditching the ‘Lullaby’ Ritual
You may have been used to your parents gently rocking you or your younger siblings to sleep with lullabies (or even nursery rhymes!), like ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’, ‘Nanhi kali sone chali’, ‘Lalla lalla lori’, or popular ones in your mother tongue. Your mother probably sat down next to you, and stroked your hair or patted you on the arm, till you fell asleep listening to her soothing voice. Sigh! Brings back such wonderful memories, doesn’t it!
But the tradition is fast dwindling down, at least in Western countries! The Lullaby Trust conducted a poll among 2000 adults, which revealed that only 38% of the subjects actually still sang lullabies for their kids (under 5 years of age). In fact, the younger the parent, the less likely they were to sing to their child. Also, women were found to be twice as likely to sing to their children, as opposed to their male counterparts.
But Why is it Such an Important Routine Anyway?
It may seem like a simple trick to make babies fall asleep, but that’s not the only purpose served by lullabies.
1. It Helps Regulate Emotions
Music is known to help steer emotions in a particular direction - it can either relieve you of stress or better your mood; but in the case of disturbing music, the opposite can happen too! Lullabies are, of course, quite calming and soothing in nature, so they help your child feel at peace, and comfortable enough to gently drift off to sleep. Studies have also shown that lullabies have the power to relieve babies of pain and anxiety.
2. It Affects the Child in a Positive Manner Subconsciously
The melody aside, sweet lyrics assuring your child that he’s loved and in a safe place while he’s in his parents’ arms are bound to make him feel special. The general tone of wishing goodness upon the child will have him feeling positive, and waiting for his dad or mum to sing him to sleep every night!
3. It Helps Your Child Sleep Better
Since lullabies help reduce the feeling of stress and anxiety in your child, it relaxes him mentally and physically, thereby helping him fall asleep faster AND better. You’ll notice that singing lightly to him when he wakes up in the middle of the night comforts him and lulls him to sleep soon.
4. It Helps Develop His Language Skills
Simple words and the rhythmic tone they’re repeated in every day will help your child pick up these songs quickly. Imagine how adorable your little one is going to sound, squeakily repeating his favourite lullabies after you!
5. Lullabies Breed Familiarity
When you sing for your child as part of a routine, he begins to associate it with bedtime, and thus, it speeds up the process of him falling asleep!
6. For Dads, Lullabies Offer a Chance to Bond with the Baby
When the baby is quite young, a lot of the responsibilities with regard to the child’s well-being falls on the mother. Unless there’s bottle feeding involved, dads can’t really feed their infants. Since a lot of mothers don’t prefer bathing their child at night, dads tend to miss out on this activity when they’re at work (assuming their partner is a stay-at-home mom!). Putting the baby to sleep then naturally becomes the one thing that dads can get involved to bond with their babies. And singing to the baby is a lovely way to do that!
7. It Enhances the Parent-Child Bond
When you sing for your child, you won’t just be humming a tune, will you? You’ll be rocking your child or comforting him with a soothing touch, looking at his face and making expressions in time with the music. You’ll be gentle, smiling, and radiating warmth and comfort. All of these gestures along with the singing, help build and foster trust in your child, that his parents’ arms are the warmest and safest places to be in!
How to Sing a Lullaby to your Child
Relax, it isn’t as complicated as it sounds - in fact, you don’t have to be a qualified singer to hum a simple lullaby and put your baby to sleep. But certain little tricks help in making sure that the activity actually helps your baby. Choose a simple tune and maintain a low volume. The idea isn’t to stimulate your child too much with music, but to help him relax.
An uncomplicated tune, repeated over and over, will calm and soothe your child. Repeat a particular relaxing motion - either rocking or swaying your child or gently stroking his skin - that will slowly make him feel drowsy. Rhythm and repetition, and plenty of love, of course, is the key to gently lulling your baby to sleep! And as much as it may be convenient, try not to turn to videos on the internet – after all, nothing can replace the real deal!
If you’ve been sticking to the good ol’ routine of singing your baby to sleep, much like your parents had done when you were a child, your child is definitely going to benefit from it. And if you’ve been holding back because you feel like your singing isn’t up to the mark, well, time to brush up on your loris – your baby is a fan of your voice already so you have nothing to worry about!
Also Read:
Baby Sleep Training Methods
Tips to Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night
Bad Sleeping Habits That Can Harm Your Baby Read more
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Baby's Precious First of Language Development and Early Language Stimulation
Early Language Stimulation plays a key role in infant and toddlers communication development. The child develops 70-80% of speech and language before three years of age. This period is a critical period for a child’s development as 70% of the brain maturation takes place during this period. The more we give language stimulation, the better the child can communicate in future.
By the time, the child reaches his/her first birthday; the child should be able to:
1. Respond to the mother’s voice by 1 month.
2. Recognise all the family members’ voices by 2-3 months.
3. Start making cooing sounds by 3-4 months.
4. Reciprocate to others by smiling by 5-6 months.
5. Start recognising familiar objects and respond to simple commands by 6 months.
6. Start babbling by 6-7 months.
7. Use jargon words by 10 months.
8. Use approximately 20-25 receptive vocabulary and around 3-5 expressive vocabulary.
So, What Is Early Language Stimulation?
It is a set of interaction strategies used to improve the infant's communication. Communication can be through verbal mode, non-verbal mode or both. Early Language Stimulation says TALK! TALK! TALK! to the child in any form. It also includes storytelling, reading with children and performing arts/fine arts experiences.
The basic things involved in ELS are-
1. Eye contact and Attention of the Child
By 1-2 months, the infant starts looking at the mother. Make sure the infant/toddler looks at you when you talk to them. This helps the child to pick the language from your facial emotions and the way you talk. This in turn helps the child to reciprocate by a smile. Look at your baby when he/she makes sounds. Talk back to the baby and say what he says. Pretend to have a conversation. Respond when your baby laughs or makes faces. Sing and dance with your baby.
2. Imitation
Imitation is one of the earliest language stimulation techniques that you can start using with your infant. The more we interact with the child, the more children learn to imitate us. Your baby will develop simple actions along with cooing/babbling sounds. Teach your baby to clap, play peek-a-boo, wave, point, etc. Talk about animal sounds like "The dog says woof-woof." Or Vehicle sounds like “Car – pippi, bus- boom boom.
3. Touch
A child recognizes and learns about the object by touch. Give the baby real objects and let them touch and feel. The more the baby is near to nature, the better the baby learns.
4. Self-Talk & Parallel Talk
Keep talking to the infant/toddler about what you are doing, what the child is doing and what others are doing. Let them explore and learn new words from the environment. Use simple phrases which help the child understand easily.
5. Baby Talk
Baby talk to the child. This should include changing the pitch, and tone and tempo of the voice to make the voice easier for the child to understand. Slow speaking rates, frequent pauses, pronounced fluctuations in pitch, and clear emphasised pronunciations are some factors that can help a child understand an adult’s speech more clearly.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
14 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. 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
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
11 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
6 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
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