Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Vitamin C in Pregnancy: Importance and Side Effects
Vitamin C is vital to the human body as it helps build the immune system and the connective tissues. There are many whose intake of this essential vitamin is limited and hence they suffer from poor health and bleeding gums. Pregnant women are already at risk as parts of their immune system are suppressed by hormones and need collagen for the baby’s growth. Vitamin C then comes as a saving grace that can help boost the immunity of pregnant women.
Why is Vitamin C Important during Pregnancy?
Being a mother is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world and a huge change in the body. It indeed is important to heed these changes and take good care of the woman's health which in turn takes care of the baby's health. It is amazing that certain vitamins and minerals can prove to be beneficial during pregnancy. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is one such vitamin. This water-soluble vitamin is not produced by the body and needs to be consumed in certain amounts. It is naturally available in abundance to us in many vegetables and citrus fruits.
Vitamin C benefits range from boosting the immune system to even combating cancer.
It is well known for fighting against cold and flu viruses.
It improves the absorption of iron and other minerals from food.
It lowers the risk of cataract.
It helps improve the process of wound healing.
The role of vitamin C in pregnancy is mainly to promote the formation of collagen which is the primary component of connective tissues. This helps in healthy growth and development of the baby's organs.
Vitamin C and pregnancy are in accord as it is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, proper growth of bones and fight against infections.
How much Vitamin C do you require during Pregnancy?
Regulating one’s vitamin C intake is important. For women, the per-day intake as per National Institutes of Health (NIH) is 65-75 milligrams. During pregnancy, it is recommended to consume about 80-85 milligrams per day. This range increases to 115-120 milligrams per day for breastfeeding mothers.
Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency
Signs of vitamin C deficiency can be vague but do exist. Slow or delayed wound healing and swollen or bleeding gums are two signs that indicate the inadequacy of vitamin c. Besides this, a weak immune system, inflamed joints and increased bruising can also be symptoms of ascorbic acid deficiency. Although rare, severe vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy.
Best Food Sources of Vitamin C
Listed below are natural foods which have a high Vitamin C content:
1. Vegetables:
Tomato, pepper (red, yellow and green), cabbage, kale, broccoli, sweet potato, cauliflower.
2. Fruits:
Fruits rich in vitamin C include orange, lemon, and tangerine. Berries, apples, grapes, apricots, persimmons, peaches, strawberries and mango also have good vitamin C content. They can be consumed directly or consumed as juices.
3. Animal Sources:
Meat, fish and milk have sufficient ascorbic acid content. Lamb liver/heart(11-12mg /100g), calf(11mg/100g), human milk(4mg/100g), cow milk(2mg/100g)
4. Briar (Thorny Bush):
Usually brewed and can be had as tea, it is a good source of vitamin C.
5. Green leaves:
Parsley is rich in vitamin C
Vitamin Rich Food Sources with Quantity
Food
Serving Size
Vitamin C (mg)
Vegetables and Fruit
Vegetables
Peppers (red, yellow) raw
125 mL (½ cup)
101-144
Peppers (red, green), cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
121-132
Peppers, green, raw
125 mL (½ cup)
63
Broccoli, cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
54
Cabbage, red, raw
250 mL (1 cup)
42
Brussels sprouts, cooked
125 mL (4 sprouts)
38-52
Kohlrabi, cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
47
Broccoli, raw
125 mL (½ cup)
42
Snow peas, cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
41
Cabbage, cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
30
Cauliflower, raw or cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
27-29
Kale, cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
28
Rapini, cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
24
Potato, with skin, cooked
One medium
14-31
Bok Choy, cooked
125 mL (1/2 cup)
23
Sweet potato, with skin, cooked
One medium
22
Asparagus, frozen, cooked
six spears
22
Balsam-pear/bitter melon
125 mL (½ cup)
22
Turnip greens, cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
21
Snow peas, raw
125 mL (½ cup)
20
Collards, cooked
125 mL (½ cup)
18
Tomato, raw
one medium
14
Tomato sauce, canned
125 mL (½ cup)
8-9
Tomatoes, canned, stewed
125 mL (½ cup)
11-12
Fruit
Guava
1 fruit
206
Papaya
½ fruit
94
Kiwifruit
1 large
84
Orange
one medium
59-83
Lychee
10 fruits
69
Strawberries
125 mL (½ cup)
52
Pineapple
125 mL (½ cup)
42-49
Grapefruit, pink or red
½ fruit
38-47
Clementine
one fruit
36
Cantaloupe
125 mL (½ cup)
31
Mango
½ fruit
38
Avocado, Florida
½ fruit
26
Soursop
125 mL (½ cup)
25
Tangerine or mandarin
one medium
24
Persimmon
125 mL (½ cup)
17
Berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
125 mL (½ cup)
14-17
Juice
Juice (orange, grapefruit, apple, pineapple, grape) , Vitamin C added
125 mL (½ cup)
23 – 66
Fruit and vegetable cocktail
125 mL (½ cup)
35 – 73
Guava nectar
125 mL (½ cup)
26
Grain Products
This food group contains very little of this nutrient.
Milk and Alternatives
This food group contains very little of this nutrient.
Meats and Alternatives
This food group contains very little of this nutrient.
Source: "Canadian Nutrient File 2015"
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/fiche-nutri-data/index-eng.php
[Accessed October 17, 2016].
Are Vitamin C Supplements Safe to Consume during Pregnancy?
Consuming them during daily meals in a well-balanced diet is the safest way and is sufficient to meet the required needs. Some studies have shown that high vitamin C supplement consumption can increase the risk of premature birth. There are also some reports of babies developing scurvy due to mothers taking vitamin C supplements. Therefore, you should consult a physician before taking any supplements.
Side Effects Of having Excessive Vitamin C
Since vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it is not stored in our body and any excess is excreted. Still, it is important to keep in mind not to consume extremely high dosage (>2000 milligrams). Here are a few effects of vitamin C overdose in pregnancy:
Diarrhoea
Kidney stones
Abdominal cramps
Higher risk of high blood pressure for the mother
Another concern for pregnant women is, can too much vitamin C cause miscarriage? Although there have been instances of women suffering from miscarriages, there is no scientific proof that this is caused by Vitamin C. Pregnancy is a time when women need to protect their bodies and a healthy amount of this nutrient can help keep problems like low immunity at bay.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in forming collagen and is required for healthy development of the baby. The healthiest way to intake vitamin C is by including vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables in the daily diet.
Also Read:
Taking Vitamin E during Pregnancy
Vitamins Intake during Pregnancy
Vitamin A during Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Preschooler Month 43-48 — Growth and Development
It has been over 43 months since you first held your little baby. By now you are an indispensable part of each other’s lives. There's so much you have learnt from your baby and so much she has learnt from you. In fact, this learning never stops. Let's have a look at the next few months with your preschooler and what you can expect her to learn shortly.
Between months 43 and 48, you will notice a lot of “growing up” - suddenly. Every child develops at their own pace so it is impossible to figure out exactly when yours will learn a particular skill. The following milestones will give you an idea of what you can expect in these months. However, do not get worried if your child has different interests or a slower pace at developing. The rate of development varies across children. However, if something worries you too much, consult the pediatrician for advice.
Physical Development
Your child's jaw and facial bones have been growing to create some space for teeth. This sort of changes the size and appearance of the face.
Now, your child can walk up and down stairs without stumbling or using any support now.
Riding a tricycle is child's play for your little one as her body fine tunes its motor skills even further.
Socio-emotional Development
Your little girl most likely has some best friends in her life whom she is really attached to. If she hasn't been exposed to many kids her age, her family will be of utmost importance to her.
She will learn to share toys around this time and will learn that it is a social norm to share. Teaching your child to share should be easy but if you aren't too sure you can find some great ways here.
As for potty training, you might not need to worry any longer and these months are usually when children are quite capable of doing the job on their own.
Previously you may have noticed emotional outbursts that are common in toddlers who cannot contain their feelings. These will decline as your child gets older and finds ways of coping. There will be a definite improvement in emotional self-regulation.
You will also notice your child considering someone else's feelings, especially if they are directly related to her own actions.
Cognitive Development
Thinking and cognitive development is also major at this stage. For instance, your little one can easily feed herself with a spoon or fork now.
She can also undo and put on bigger buttons on a dress. Frees up quite a bit of your time, we assure you!
Her attention span increases as well as she can focus for longer periods without interruptions.
You will find that random scribbles now transform into more meaningful pictures, perhaps a family picture.
Linguistic Development
Your little talker can now ask grammatically correct questions and not just baby-talk words.
She can also speak out about 10 letters of the alphabet in the correct order. If she is being taught phonetics then she may also be able to match some letters with their correct sounds.
As for writing skills, she should be able to trace certain letters down. This will only get better with practice and increasing confidence.
Contact Your Pediatrician If You Notice
By now, your child should be able to throw a ball overhand and jump in one place. Most kids this age are also able to ride a tricycle easily. If your child is still struggling with these milestones, it could indicate a physical development lag. You should discuss this with pediatrician to rule out problems with muscle tone or gross motor skills.
Can your child not use simple sentences yet? Does he still confuse “me” and “you”? It is possible that he could be going through a language or speech problem. You should get this analyse by the doctor who will suggest therapy or activities to help your little one.
Previous Month: Preschooler Month 37-42— Growth and Development
Next Month: Preschooler Month 49-54 — Growth and Development Read more
Suggested for you
Understanding & Treating Sore Throat in Babies and Toddlers
While a sore throat is the most common childhood complaint, it can become very frustrating for babies, toddlers and their parents. It can be accompanied by crying, crankiness, tiredness, an inability to eat or talk properly, and even breathing problems.
A sore throat is a visitor that is never welcome.
While in general, it is not a very serious complaint, it is important to know more about what causes it, and how to take care of your child when they are suffering from one.
Video: Sore Throat In Babies & Toddlers - Causes, Symptoms & Home Remedies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIukOg93x-w
What is Sore Throat?
Sore throat is a common condition that affects people all around the world, including babies. It is the feeling of uneasiness in the throat because the mucous lining is inflamed or aggravated. Babies who are affected with sore throats generally cough a lot and will be in a very cranky and upset mood because of this.
Throat Infection in Babies and Toddlers
A sore throat in infants and babies is one of the most common childhood ailments. Its causes can be many, but it is mainly attributed to a common cold or flu virus attacks. Other more serious illnesses like measles, chickenpox and croup - all viral conditions - can also cause a sore throat.
Whooping cough is a less common cause of throat irritation.
In most of these illnesses, there is bacterial or viral baby throat infection which primarily or secondarily irritates the mucous lining of the throat and upper respiratory tract. Babies frequently contract a sore throat during teething, an attack of thrush, gingivostomatitis (combination of gingivitis and stomatitis), or hand, foot, and mouth disease.
A throat infection in infants can also be caused by allergies triggered by pollen from plants and flowers, smoke at home (both cooking fumes and tobacco), dust mites, and cat or dog dander. This condition is called allergic rhinitis.
When a child is suffering from a sore throat, he can find it difficult to swallow and experience pain and a scratchy sensation in the throat. He may also sore and swollen lymph glands under the hinge of the jaw, swollen tonsils with redness, white patches or pus and/or a hoarse throat.
Is Sore Throat Contagious?
This generally depends on the cause of the sore throat. If a sore throat is caused by teething or if the baby has gingivostomatitis, thrush, or hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is less likely to be contagious.
A sore throat caused by allergies is also not contagious, though the other members of the family may be equally sensitive to the same allergens as the baby and can suffer allergic symptoms at the same time. In most cases, however, they do not contract it from the baby.
If the cause is a bacterial or viral infection, the sore throat can definitely be contagious. The contagion can spread by way of contact with infected mucous and can be transmitted from person to person. Mucus, nasal discharge as well as saliva contain viruses or bacteria which can cause sore throat. Activities like kissing the baby, handling the baby or wiping the baby’s nose and not washing your hands afterwards can spread the contagion.
Young children living with the baby are more susceptible to contracting the infection. Adults in general are less susceptible to contracting a sore throat from their baby since their immune response has already handled the infection that the baby is suffering from. It is important to clean objects like towels, brushes and clothing after the illness so that the infected matter does not linger and attack again.
Symptoms of Sore Throat in Babies
A throat infection in babies and toddlers is, in general, a symptom of an underlying infection or bodily reaction that is triggering it. The sore throat has a few characteristic symptoms which can help a parent to narrow down the source of the infection.
An inability to feed: In babies, the sore throat will cause an inflammation of the mucous membranes, and swallowing food and even saliva will cause irritation and pain. The baby may cry and refuse to feed even when hungry, due to the pain
Redness of the throat: The mucous lining of the throat may be inflamed. This is difficult to observe in babies and infants. Toddlers can be led to a bright place and asked to open their mouth to see the condition of the throat, and determine whether there are any more symptoms like sores, yellow coating on the tongue and swollen tonsils, all of which can indicate specific ailments which are causing the sore throat
Swollen lymph glands: An infectious sore throat may present with swollen lymph glands, a sign that the body is fighting the infection
Irritable and restless child: The infection and the inability to feed make the baby irritable and restless. The irritability and restlessness is frequently compounded by lack of sleep and hunger
Fever: Depending on the infection which causes the sore throat, fever in varying degrees may be present
Bad breath: The baby, unable to feed without pain, will have a dry mouth and consequent bad breath. This is noticed more in cases of gingivostomatitis, thrush, or hand, foot, and mouth disease
The strep throat symptoms in toddlers are red and white patches in the throat and enlarged tonsils. This leads to difficulty in swallowing. There may be a fever, tender or swollen glands lymph nodes, headache, and a pain in the stomach
Causes of Sore Throat in Babies and Toddlers
There is a host of reasons for your little one's sore throat. The most common reasons are:
Common Cold: Common or not, when your child has a cold, it can be miserable in the week that it visits. A stuffy nose, sore throat, phlegm in the throat and nose, headaches and fever - usually under 101 F - all contribute to the general malaise and irritation of this attack on the respiratory tract
Flu: A flu attack, is, in general, more serious than a cold, and the child may develop a high fever, have mucous running from the nose and throat, headaches, and body and muscle pains. The fever and muscle aches usually last only the first 2 to 4 days, but the attendant cough and tiredness can continue for up to a week or more
Strep throat: This is a common bacterial infection which babies and toddlers are susceptible to, the symptoms of which include inflammation, redness and swelling in the throat and tonsils. This condition can be painful and makes eating, swallowing and talking difficult
Viral Infections: Chicken pox, croup, measles, gingivostomatitis, and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are all viral infections that can affect a baby or a toddlerThese infections vary in their contagiousness, and their symptoms include:
Red spots and blisters around the baby’s mouth and in the throat
Rashes on the baby’s hands and feet
Red spots or rashes on the baby’s hips and other private parts
Irritation
Inability to feed in spite of hunger
Since these symptoms may indicate an infection which is difficult to treat without medical advice, it is better to see a doctor if they are present.
Allergies: The nascent immune response of the baby can frequently take umbrage at common pollutants like dust, pet dander, smoke, cooking fumes and paint fumes. If the allergic response is extreme, i.e., presenting with visible swelling of the eye, difficulty in breathing and excessive mucous secretion, immediate medical care is required and the child must be kept away from the allergen in the future. A mild allergic response should be accepted as part of the growing pangs of any baby.
Treatment Options
Here are a few remedies for a baby sore throat treatment:
Provide nourishment and comfort
Seek medical help if additional symptoms like a high fever and earache are also present
Offer smaller, more frequent feeds
Turn on a humidifier or sit in the bathroom with hot water to make the air warm and humid to soothe the throat irritation
Toddlers can be given mouthwashes or warm water with salt or turmeric to gargle with if you’re wondering what to give a child with sore throat
Give popsicle throat lozenges to suck on as an effective sore throat treatment for toddlers
Sore throat remedies for toddlers can include an anaesthetic or antiseptic throat gargle if the child can be trusted to not swallow it
Diagnosing Sore Throat
Diagnosing a sore throat consists of examining the throat, ear, nose and mouth of the child. If the following symptoms are present the child has a sore throat:
If your child is finding it difficult to swallow
Has pain and a scratchy sensation in the throat
Has sore and swollen lymph glands under the hinge of the jaw
Swollen tonsils with redness, white patches or pus
A hoarse throat with a scratchy voice, or trouble speaking
Complications of Sore Throat in a Child
In addition to having the symptoms of a sore throat, a few other complications can arise too. It is better to treat a sore throat if it is accompanied with these symptoms so that bacteria do not spread to other parts of the baby’s body.
Mouth sores
Throat infection along with lots of swelling, red inflammation, flecked with pus
Inability to swallow or open the mouth wide
Laboured breathing
Lack of appetite accompanied by dehydration, excessive drooling and a stiff neck
More than usual crying, irritability and crankiness
Remedies to Relieve Pain
Sore throat remedies for toddlers are generally limited to giving the prescribed dosage of an OTC pain relief and fever-reducing drug for high fevers. This takes care of the discomfort and pain and resultant crankiness, while giving the body time to fight the infection and recover
Home remedies for throat infection in babies and toddlers are rest and hydration. Giving them extra warm fluids will thin the mucus and help it to drain. It will also ease the sore throat
Drinking warm and light soups provides nutrition while easing the pain of the sore throat
Those wondering what to give a child with a sore throat can try home remedies for throat infection in babies like a small amount of tulsi crushed with honey or some herbal teas with ginger, pepper, turmeric, honey and lemon
Prevention of Sore Throat
A sore throat can be avoided by following these precautions:
Washing hands regularly, especially after sneezing, coughing, and coming in contact with infected material
Not going to a space where the infection is common
While babies cannot avoid contact with infected primary caregivers, the caregivers can practice better hygiene to minimize the exposure as well as avoid contact with people who have sore throats
A sore throat can be avoided by not sharing spoons, glasses and towels with infected people
Is Sore Throat an Emergency?
A sore throat can be an emergency if it is accompanied by:
Breathing difficulties
Shortness of breath, panting
A fever higher than 100.4 degrees for children younger than 3 months and higher than 102.2 degrees for children older than 3 months
A cough with traces of blood in the sputum
A muffled voice
Inability to open his or her mouth all the way
Swelling on one side of the throat (this can indicate an abscess in the tonsils)
When to See the Doctor
The correct time to see the doctor is when any of the above symptoms are present along with a sore throat, so that any serious health condition is not allowed to spread. Even if no serious underlying issues are detected, a doctor can take some measures to give the child temporary relief from the symptoms.
Conclusion: A sore throat isn’t something to lose your head over, despite the imminent days of suffering for your child. Ensure that it does not spread. Try to keep the child as comfortable as possible during this phase. By taking care of their immune systems, you can ensure future incidents of sore throat do not occur. Read more
Suggested for you
What You Should Eat for Strong & Healthy Teeth
We brush our teeth regularly and floss often, but not all of us have sparkling white teeth. They say, 'Laugh and the world will laugh with you'. But if you want to laugh wholeheartedly, you need strong teeth - after all, they will be visible when you laugh. If you don't want people to notice your yellow or crooked teeth, start taking care of them properly. There are certain foods that can make our teeth strong and healthy. Read this article to find out!
10 Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth
Where toothpaste and mouthwashes act as cleansers, the food that you intake does the work of nourishment. You need to keep in mind what you eat. Include these foods in your diet if you want strong and healthy teeth:
1. Carrots
Carrots can be consumed both raw and cooked but to reap maximum benefits eat them raw. Carrots are a good source of fibre and crunchy too. Eating carrots after your meal will help in the production of saliva in your mouth which can reduce the risk of cavities. So, eat carrots and have healthy teeth.
2. Milk
You all know that milk is a rich source of calcium, which strengthens the bones and teeth. Drinking milk can help fight the acid level in the oral cavity and prevent tooth decay. You can also consume calcium-rich foods like milk, sesame seeds, soy milk, etc. Milk also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin D which help strengthen the teeth and gums.
3. Yoghurt
Yoghurt, just like milk is high in calcium and is also rich in protein. Thus eating yoghurt can strengthen your teeth. Dairy products are really good for teeth. Being a good source of calcium, yoghurt can make your teeth stronger and healthier. The probiotics in yoghurt benefit the gums and can prevent tooth decay. Eating yoghurt can keep your tooth enamel strong. So, eat yoghurt; however, make sure that you opt for a plain variety of yoghurt.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and can be very beneficial for your teeth. The polyphenols present in black tea and green tea can slow down the growth of the bacteria that lead to cavities and gum disease. If you don't like green tea, drink it considering it as a medicine, but do drink it. It can make your teeth stronger.
5. Leafy vegetables
Leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, and kale are rich in folic acid. These vegetables are also high in calcium, which builds your teeth enamel. You can also eat carrots and celery for perfect teeth. So, next time do include a plate full of salad into your diet.
6. Water
Drinking water will keep you hydrated and balance the saliva level in your mouth. It will also help in washing away food particles. Saliva is the mouth’s army of defence as it contains minerals and proteins that naturally fight plaque. So, you have one more reason to up your water intake.
7. Apples
Apples are crunchy and taste delicious. But did you know that they are good for your oral health as well? Eating apples can cleanse your gums, reduce bad breath and strengthen your teeth and gums. Apples are high in fibre and water, hence they can help saliva production in your mouth. And saliva can rinse the bacteria and food particles from your mouth.
8. Meat
Meat is a rich source of protein. Proteins are the building block of our body and contain a high level of phosphorous which in turn strengthens the teeth and bones. So consume meat in healthy amounts and have healthy teeth!
9. Fish
Fish which are a rich source of Vitamin D should be consumed for strong and healthy teeth as Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish lower down the rates of gum disease by fighting the bacteria that cause gum irritation. You can include salmon and tuna in your diet.
10.Nuts
Nuts are a rich source of calcium and phosphorus, which you know are important minerals for strong and healthy teeth. You can consume almonds, Brazil nuts and cashew nuts to fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
The mantra for strong and healthy teeth is not just brushing and flossing. Eating healthy foods also matters. Incorporate the above mentioned calcium-rich foods in your diet and have strong teeth. Also, brush twice a day, use floss and visit your dentists regularly to make sure your oral health is not compromised. Never let your smile fade.
Also Read:
Foods That Are Good for Your Heart
Foods to Eat & Avoid for Healthy Skin
Foods to Eat for Healthy Hair Read more
Suggested for you
Harmful Ingredients You Need to Look Out For in Baby Care Products
From the time your baby entered the world your first instinct was to kiss, cuddle and caress your baby. Nine months of waiting was too long and now that your little one is in your arms, all you want to do is provide the best, most gentle care for your baby. This includes, wrapping him up nice and cozy, giving him gentle sponge baths, feeding him sufficiently and keeping his skin healthy and free of rashes and irritation that baby skin is usually prone to.
The obvious choice would be to opt for a gentle, natural range of products designed especially for baby skin, right? But with the scores of products available, how does one choose the one that is truly free of toxins and harmful ingredients?
Help is at hand – once you get the hang of the product labels, it is easy to see what should be avoided and what is okay.
Ingredients to Watch out for and avoid in Baby Products
In a world full of pollutants, it’s important to educate yourself about what’s in the products you’re using for your baby, so that you know what to look out for and what to avoid. Take a look at some common offenders below.
Common Toxins in Baby Oils
Major baby oils in the market are made up of mineral oils - commonly used because it is cost-effective and easy to source. However, mineral oils can clog pores and prevent skin from breathing. It also forms a layer over delicate baby skin, hindering the natural release of toxins from their bodies.
Baby oils may also contain a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol called PEG or PPG. Although, the ingredient may seem safe and natural, the process involves synthetic chemicals which can cause hives or even eczema!
Instead: Choose a toxin-free, natural ingredient laden baby oil like The Moms Co. Natural Massage Oil for your baby’s massages and gentle rub-downs. It contains sesame oil to build your little one’s bone and muscle strength and organic almond, wheat germ and avocado oils to keep your baby’s dry skin well-nourished and moisturised through the day!
Common Toxins in Baby Lotion
You know that soothing ‘baby smell’ that most people love? This usually comes from a mixture of baby lotions and products applied and the natural scent of your little one. However, fragrance, as pleasant as it may be, is a big ‘no-no’ for your baby’s sensitive skin. These fragrances are often made up of phthalates which studies have shown, could potentially cause liver or kidney damage. Phthalates are also found in soft plastic toys, baby powders, shampoos, lotions and in fragrances added to baby products.
Another ingredient to look out for is parabens! Parabens are used in products to inhibit bacterial growth and extend a product’s shelf life. While not all may cause harm, certain parabens have been found to give rise to tumors. There is no proof on which ones are harmful which is why it’s best to avoid them. Look out for 'paraben-free' products when shopping for your baby.
Instead: Apply a hypo-allergenic paraben-free baby lotion like The Moms CO. Natural Baby Lotion on your little one’s skin after a bath to keep his skin supple and plump through the day.
Common Toxins in Baby Shampoos and Soaps
Baby bath time is a time when most parents bond with their little ones. To see your little one enjoy the soothing experience is a joy you’ll treasure for life. But, you know that pristine sea of foam you see in shampoo and soap commercials? That’s usually produced by the addition of sulphates in baby soaps and shampoos. It can cause irritation to fragile baby skin. These are also harmful if they go into your baby’s eyes, affecting the developing tissue.
Check your labels for DEA/TEA/MEA. These chemicals are hormone-disrupting ones and are very commonly used in cosmetics and other consumer products as emulsifiers or foaming agents. TEA can cause allergic reactions which include dryness of hair, skin and eye infections and can also be toxic if continually absorbed by the body over a long duration. Needless to say, keep your baby far from products which contain sulphates.
Instead: Choose The Moms Co. Natural Baby Shampoo which gently cleans, softens and strengthens your baby’s hair while nourishing and moisturising his scalp with organic Argan oil and coconut-based cleansers.
Check If Your Product Label Mentions Only 'Key Ingredients'
If your baby product brand does not contain the above mentioned ingredients, remember to still read the labels for this one trick advertisers might be using. A lot of popular brands mention words like ‘pure’ and ‘natural’ loosely as marketing claims and it’s natural for trusting consumers to buy into these, assuming that such products might be the best option at the best price. Look up ingredients and their side-effects despite the mention of pure, natural and organic.
Brands also hide harmful ingredients by mentioning only 'KEY' ingredients on the label. Always look for organic products with natural ingredients mentioned clearly. For instance, certain brands like The Moms Co. products clearly mention ALL ingredients on their label and only contain gentle and natural ingredients that have been dermatologically tested.
Now that you know what to avoid and why, let’s look at why you should make an informed decision and choose one that leads you to a natural, toxin free range of products for your baby.
Baby skin is sensitive to even the gentlest of touch, including touch by a parent. This is actually a blessing because most parent child bonding happens through touch. The love hormone ‘oxytocin’ is released during this time of bonding and has effects that translate into a lifetime of trust and security between parent and baby. This is a natural phenomenon. Nature is designed in a way that is meant to preserve the health and well-being of human beings.
Sticking to natural, organic and toxin-free products ensures that your baby gets only what will meet his needs and also nourish his developing body and fragile skin. That said, make sure whatever you use is dermatologist-tested, allergen-free and certified safe to use. You cannot take even the slightest risk with your little one, right? The MomsCo. Natural Baby lotion uses organic oils like apricot, jojoba, avocado, rice bran oils to enrich the products. In addition, gentle and baby safe ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter are added as well.
So choose wisely. While a beautifully fragrant product might be enticing, a low budget product might make you feel like you are spending wisely, no amount of satisfaction will match up to the fact that you are choosing what is best and safest for your little one’s sensitive skin. Read more
Suggested for you
Soft Gulabjamun Recipe using Milk Powder (with trips and tricks)
"Gulabjamun" is a very popular north Indian sweet. In English Gulab means "rose" and Jamun is "blackish purple berry". This is called as such may be due to its look. I personally love the combination of hot gulabjamuns and vanilla icecream. They both create a true heavenly feeling in mouth. Gulabjamuns can be made in two ways- using khoya or milk powder. Here I have made the gulabjamuns using milk powder which tests really good and it's very easy to make. Let's jump into the recipe...

Ingredients:
Serves: 4 to 5 persons
Cook Time: 30 to 45 minutes
For 10 to 12 pieces of Gulabjamuns
1 cup milk powder
1/4 cup all purpose flour (maida)
1 tablespoon ghee or as required
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons fresh yogurt (curd) or as required
Grated almonds to garnish
Oil to deep fry
For Sugar Syrup
2 cups water
1.5 cups sugar
3 to 4 cardamoms
Few saffron strands (optional)
Few drops of rose water (optional)
Add water sugar and 3 to 4 cardamoms into a pan. Keep it to boil. Stir occasionally. (If the sugar syrup has impurities, then add 1 tbsp milk into it. Then remove the layer of scum with a spatula or spoon.)
If available, add a few drops of rose water and a few saffron strands in the sugar solution. This is optional.
You have to make a thick sugar syrup. It's better to keep on boiling till it gets a half string consistency. On cooling it will be thicker.
Add milk powder, all purpose flour, baking soda in a bowl and mix well.
Add ghee and fresh yogurt (curd) and mix nicely.
Mix everything gently. Do not kneed or over mix. Keep in mind that over mixing will make the jamuns hard (due to extra gluten) and then the jamuns won't absorb the sugar syrup.
Also keep in mind that the dough should be smooth without any cracks. If there are cracks or the dough looks dry, add a little more yogurt (1 tablespoon or as required) and mix.
The dough will be a little sticky. Apply some ghee in hand and then make small balls from the dough. Jamun balls will increase in size while frying and soaking in sugar syrup.
Heat oil in a kadhai. Oil should be medium hot. Add balls in the oil and deep fry. Balls should slowly get browned in colour and should rise to the top from the bottom of the kadhai while cooking.
Remember if the balls get browned too quickly the oil is too hot. If the balls do not rise, the oil is not hot enough. In either cases gulabjamuns won't get cooked properly. So oil should be medium hot.
Also remember, if the balls crack while frying, add some flour (1 more teaspoon or as required) to the dough and mix again.
Gently stir and keep on turning the gulabjamun balls while frying so that they get evenly browned in colour.
Once done, add them to the warm suger syrup.
Soak the gulabjamuns atleast for one hour before serving, to get the perfect soft texture.
Tadaaaa...Here it goes. This festive season it's a must try and please follow my blogs to get more such Recipes. Hope you enjoy !! Until next time take care. Thank you😊💖
Disclaimer: I own all the images of this blog. Kindly do not reproduce without prior permission.
©️PramaSarkar, 2020
Love,
Prama❤ Read more
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. nasal blockage can be relieved by using nasal saline drops like nasoclear saline drops in thecg nose followed by nasal aspirator to take out the secretions very ghently
steam inhalation can also be helpful in this condition
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. At what month does the baby go from breech position to cephalic position?
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. hello nearing your delivery it will happen.any concern then it would be better to check with your doctor and she will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly which would be better and also safe
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. @ the time of birth baby weight 2.475kg but after completed 6weeks baby weight approx 3kg, why baby weight gain very slow, till breast-feeding milk and urinate 6-7 times and potty 2-3 times. can u please suggest why slow in progress in weight gain???
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. the average birth weight of neonates is about 3 kg.
during the first few days after birth, the newborn loses
extracellular fluid equivalent to about 10% of the body
weight.
most infants regain their birth weight by the age of 10 days. subsequently, they gain weight at a rate of
approximately 25 to 30 g per day for the first 3 months of life.
thereafter they gain about 400 g weight every month,
for the remaining part of the first year. x
an infant usually doubles his birth weight (taken as 3 kg) by the age of 5 months. the birth weight triples at 1 year and is four times at 2 years of age.
the weight of ca child at the age of three years is usually
five times that of the birth weight.
Manisha Singh has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mera baby 3 month ka h use gas bhuat banti h is karan wo bhuat rota hai
Manisha Singh
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
A. it's very common for babies having gas problem ...you should recommend your doctor for this
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
1 hour ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
Check out this new Memory
Nisha
Guardian of a 1 yr 1 m old girl
New Memory
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Moni Mishra
Guardian of a 8 m old boy
New Memory
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Hemlata Sharma
Mom of a 3 yr 8 m old boy
New Memory
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Fayaz Lovey
Father of a 1 m old girl
3 mins ago
So cute
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Vaishali Gaikwad balande
Mom of a 9 m old girl
4 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive