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Finger Foods for Babies: Which Food to Give & Avoid
Seeing everyone at home eating, babies want to try eating with their little hands. You can start them on the journey of eating independently by introducing them to finger foods. Eating tiny bits of food items is the first step towards your baby using his or her hands to eat. Finger foods help them develop their fine motor skills and the hand-eye co-ordination.
Video: 10 Healthy Finger Foods for Babies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYb-SuXND3I
What are Finger Foods?
Easy-to-eat food items or tit bits that babies can pick up and eat by themselves are referred to as finger foods. Babies are always on the move and attempt to eat food by themselves as well. So, mothers generally give them finger foods to make them happy.
When Should You Introduce It to Your Baby?
Some parents introduce finger foods when the babies are six months old. However, you would know when your little one is ready by observing them. Typically, between 8 and 9 months, they start showing indications that they are ready to eat all by themselves. Initially, it will be challenging because finger foods for toddlers means a whole lot of mess with their limited hand-eye co-ordination and easy distraction. They will pick food in their hands and throw it around with very little going into their mouths. Eventually, they will learn to use their thumbs and fore-fingers to take the food. This is a fine motor skill and is referred to as pincer grasp.
How To Introduce Finger Foods to Your Baby?
To start off, you can use a highchair and give them a few pieces of finger food on a plate or in a bowl. Give them very little and you can fill their plates after they complete eating or ask for more.
What Are the Best Finger Foods for Infants?
Mothers must always aim to give healthy finger foods to kids. It is also advisable to give them food that is easy to munch, soft and well-cooked, and ones that can be made into tiny pieces. If you are concerned about food allergies, you can consult your doctor before your start with finger foods. Let us look at some of the best finger foods for infants:
Fruits make very healthy finger foods. You can use slices of banana, mangoes, papayas, muskmelons, watermelons, sliced grapes, kiwi slices, and apple slices. You can add all these fruits together or give them one at a time
They would love steamed or boiled vegetables like green peas, cauliflower florets, beans, carrots, and pumpkins with a pinch of salt
You can also bake vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes, and sauté them in ghee to enhance the taste
Thin tomato wedges and very thin cucumber pieces will give them a taste for raw vegetables
Boiled corn and tiny pieces of steamed baby corn can be given too
The little ones would love to munch soft vegetable paranthas, which can be cut into tiny pieces.
They would also love to nibble lightly toasted bread
Small cubes of tofu help them chew easily
Well-cooked pasta spirals cut into small pieces will be easy to handle for the tiny tots
Hard-boiled egg or scrambled eggs can be made into tiny pieces and given. Note: It is advisable to check with your doctor regarding allergens. Egg yolks can be introduced at 8 months while egg whites shold be introduced after 1 year.
Tiny pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, or other soft meat to give them a taste of non-vegetarian foods
Mashed stewed prunes
Steamed or broiled fish is an interesting finger food, but remember to skip fish with high mercury content.
You could also try boiled well-cooked beans, which are full of proteins and other nutrients.
Additionally, you can try home-made healthy nuggets and fries made with vegetables.
Finger Foods to Avoid
Although you can try varieties of food for your baby, it is good to avoid some foods that cause choking and some that are unhealthy. Following are some of the foods that you must avoid.
Pieces of raw vegetables must be avoided, while it is safe to give boiled vegetables.
Large chunks of fruits and vegetables must also be avoided as it can get stuck in the throat.
Remove seeds from plums, peaches, and watermelons before you feed them to the baby. Avoid feeding seeds like pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds as They can get stuck in the windpipe and cause serious problems.
Avoid feeding nuts to babies.
Avoid popcorns and pretzels.
Avoid chewing gum and other jelly-like food items.
Avoid marshmallows and candies.
Peanut butter can be hard for the baby because of its sticky consistency. The peanut is an allergen which should be introduced in later years.
Avoid raisins.
Unroasted bread can also cause choking in the throat.
Avoid sweet items because once they get used to it, they would avoid healthy items.
Avoid fatty items like potato chips and other savouries.
What Steps Can You Take While Feeding Finger Foods?
Ensure that you make your baby sit on a high chair. It is good to sit down and be present while the baby is eating. It is also good to sit down and eat with the baby. Here are some pointers:
Initially, self-feeding is sure to be a mess with food scattered everywhere. However, they will slowly learn to put the food in their mouth. So, have patience, and to minimize waste, give them less food. The amount can be increased depending on how hungry they get.
Ensure that you remove all seeds and also peel the fruits.
Avoid hard foods that cause choking.
Prepare foods that have little or no salt or sugar.
Coming up with finger foods for 1 year old can be relatively easy because they begin to eat many other food items that everyone in the family eats.
Although it’s quite a challenge to come up with interesting finger food recipes for little ones, you can get creative and try to get innovative items to give your little ones the experience of a variety of tastes.
Also Read: 15 Boredom Busting Activities for Toddlers Read more
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Consuming Apricots During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and nutrition go hand in hand, and a mommy-to-be needs to monitor the food she consumes during pregnancy. What to eat and what not to eat may become a battle for you during pregnancy. Diet during pregnancy should be rich in vital nutrients such as iron, folic acid, protein, calcium, and iodine, and apricot is a fruit that is power-packed with these nutrients. Do you have apprehensions about adding this wonder fruit in your pregnancy diet? We shall discuss in detail about how to effectively add apricots in your pregnancy diet and get maximum benefits from them.
What Are Apricots?
Apricot is a fruit that belongs to the category of drupe fruits (which can be eaten raw as well as in dried form). This fruit is a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, C, and E, and eating apricots during pregnancy is good for you and your baby.
Are Apricots Safe for Pregnant Women?
Yes, it is completely safe to eat apricots during pregnancy. Apricot belongs to the Rosaceae family (cherries, peaches, plums, almond, etc. also belong to this family), and this fruit could be added to your pregnancy diet for its immense health benefits. You can safely consume 1 to 2 kernels in a day. However, it is imperative to wash the fruit thoroughly (if eating in raw form), to get rid of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Health Benefits of Having Apricots During Pregnancy
There are many health benefits of consuming apricots during pregnancy; some of which are as follows:
1. Helps With Constipation
Apricots are a rich source of fibre and thus eating them during pregnancy can help overcome constipation. They also help in improving digestion during pregnancy.
2. Helps in Treating Anaemia
Apricots are rich in iron and copper. These nutrients are very effective in increasing haemoglobin and thus help in preventing/treating anaemia during pregnancy.
3. Helps Maintain Eye Health
Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is beneficial in improving eye health. Eating apricots during pregnancy takes care of your eye health.
4. Helps in Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
Apricots are effective in keeping blood sugar levels under check. By controlling the blood glucose levels, you are less likely to suffer from gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
5. Good for Your Baby
Consuming apricots during pregnancy is also good for your baby. The presence of folic acid in apricots helps in the prevention of congenital disabilities such as spina bifida in newborn babies. Apricots are loaded with essential nutrients which are beneficial for foetal growth and development.
6. Good for Your Skin
Apricots can do wonders for your skin. Adding apricots to your pregnancy diet will be good for your skin and make your skin glow.
7. Helps in Lactation
Apricots are not only useful during pregnancy but are also effective in improving milk production post-pregnancy, in lactating mothers.
Dried Apricots
Dried apricots also have immense health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of consuming apricots during pregnancy:
Dried apricots have high potassium content that can be effective in treating swelling experienced during pregnancy.
Dried apricots are a good source of natural sugar, glucose, and fructose. Consuming dried apricots helps in preventing pregnancy craving for sweets.
Dried apricots can be consumed during pregnancy to take care of your digestion issues.
Dried apricots are rich in calcium. Consuming them during pregnancy helps in foetal bone development.
Dried apricots are effective in dealing with heartburns experienced during pregnancy.
Risks and Side-Effects of Consuming Apricots While Pregnant
Taking a balanced diet is essential during pregnancy. It is crucial to consume everything in moderation. The same rule applies for apricots also. Though apricots have many health benefits for a pregnant woman and her baby, there are also risks or side effects that may arise after consuming apricots:
Consuming unripe apricots may cause discomfort and gastric problems in a pregnant woman.
Apricots may cause allergic reactions. Apricots contain sulphur dioxide, which may cause a reaction in women who are allergic to sulphites. Women who have sulphur sensitivity should be careful while eating apricots.
The tip of the apricot fruit contains amygdalin, a chemical which may upset your system. It is recommended to consume apricot after removing its tip to get the maximum benefits out of the fruit.
How to Eat Apricots During Pregnancy
While apricots can be eaten as fresh or dried fruit, there are many ways you can include this delicious fruit in your diet. If you are a fan of smoothies, soak some apricots and figs and blend them with milk and ice cubes to make a healthy smoothie―it will keep the hunger away. You can also add sliced apricots to breakfast bowls like porridge, oats, or cereal to start your day with a nutritious meal. Don’t forget to wash and de-seed the fruit before adding it to your food.
Points to Remember
It is good to eat apricot as a dry fruit during pregnancy; however, it is important to remember the following points before adding it to your pregnancy diet:
It is recommended that you eat apricot along with your breakfast, or as a mid-morning or evening snack to get the best benefit.
It is best to eat apricot in its dried form or ripened form. Unripe apricots can cause severe discomfort and gastric problems during pregnancy.
It is recommended that you eat apricots in moderation (2-3pcs/day) as over consumption may prove to be harmful during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor before adding apricots to your diet, to know if you are sulphur allergic.
Apricots have many health benefits, and it is safe to eat this fruit during your pregnancy. However, one must exercise caution and not go overboard in consuming apricots during pregnancy. If you experience uneasiness or other symptoms after consuming apricots, it is suggested that you seek medical help. You are recommended to get in touch with your doctor or dietician before you add or remove any food from your pregnancy diet.
Also Read: Eating Cashew Nuts during Pregnancy Read more
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20 Fascinating Facts about Spiders for Kids
Spiders are all around us, which are why it is an amazing topic for children to learn. Many children are scared of spiders, but that will reduce when they learn these fun facts about spiders. Your children will love these incredible spider web facts.
20 Interesting Spider Facts & Information for Children
Here are some spider facts for preschoolers.
Spiders have two body segments, so they are called the arachnids. They cannot be categorized as insects. Other arachnids include ticks, mites, and scorpions.
Due to loss of habitat, many spiders are disappearing and becoming endangered. Just like large animals, spiders are valuable to the world. But most people do not realize this.
An average human adult is more than 250000 times heavier than a normal spider.
Not every web we see is spiral shaped. Certain types of spider create webs of shapes of tunnels or dense sheets. For instance, grass spiders form funnel-shaped webs, which are not sticky. These spiders build a web on top of the grass.
Spiders move their legs inwards and towards their body using their muscles. But the spiders cannot pull their legs outwards using muscles.
To move their legs out, body water is pumped to each of the legs. This is why spiders sometimes curl up because it has lost too much water for outward movement.
Spiders have eight eyes, but most of them cannot see properly. These spiders feel to know what their webs have caught.
Spiders lay and store the eggs in an egg sac in order to keep the eggs safe.
Spiders never try to go after people, but they defend themselves by biting. Some bites of spiders are poisonous, but most of them do not affect the human body. It might only have effects like getting stung by a bee or getting bitten by a mosquito. However, spiders can catch insects like wasps, which are harmful to us.
The hairs present on the first pair of legs of the spider are sensitive to taste. This is how the spider tastes its prey by simply touching them with this pair of legs.
‘Arachnophobia’ is the term used for the fear of spiders.
Some spiders hunt their prey and pounce. Most spiders spin webs so they can catch other prey to eat, but not every spider does this.
Spiders have a small mouth, which is why they do not eat their prey. Instead, the spiders put chemicals on and into the body of their prey to change the body into a liquid. The spider then sucks this liquid up.
Some smaller or younger spiders use their silk to travel around in the air. This floating in the air is called ballooning. The wind catches their shooting silk helping these spiders drift to a possible home.
Many types of spiders live on land. But some spiders like raft spiders live on and in water. Such spiders can move across the surface of the water.
Spiders can build a web in an hour, and they normally build a new one each day.
From the spinneret glands present in the abdomen, spiders create silk. This is to create webs and catch prey.
Some spiders like the tarantulas are kept as pets in many families.
The smallest spider is the Patu marplesi found in Samoa (in the South Pacific Ocean).
The largest spiders are the tarantulas. Goliath tarantula is the largest tarantula.
Spiders are mostly blamed for all kinds of rashes, bumps, and growth. However, these creatures do not feed on human blood, so they have no reason to bite us unless they feel threatened. This spider information for kids is a great way of educating children.
Also Read:
Crazy Animal Facts for Kids
Dog Facts & Information for Children
Fun Tiger Facts for Kids
Amazing Butterfly Facts for Children
Fun Snake Facts for Kids Read more
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Vitamin K during Pregnancy - Importance and Food Sources
Congratulations, you are now on one of the most important journeys of your life, pregnancy! You will now notice how important the food you put in your body is and how it effects on the little one growing inside. Are you following a balanced diet? Find out about how you might be missing out on an important vitamin.
Why is Vitamin K Important for Pregnant Women?
During pregnancy, it is vital that you mommies meet the nutritional requirements for good health and the development of your baby. Ideally, the body needs about 90 micrograms of vitamin K per day. Too much consumption can lead to thinning of the blood, which is potentially harmful.
As you enter the third trimester, it is important that you don’t miss out on any form of intake of the nutrient. During post labour and childbirth, this nutrient is the most helpful in healing your body, thus its necessary that your body has plenty of vitamin K.
1. Helps Healing
It helps in the clotting of blood which prevents the body from losing excess blood in case of injury.
2. Immunity
It helps the immune system by aiding digestion and good cardiovascular health.
3. Fights Tooth Decay
Pregnancy can lead to some bad dental issues such as gum disease. Vitamin K helps in bone mineralization and prevents acids from harming the teeth.
4. Good Bone Health
Studies have shown that it helps to increase bone strength and improves bone density.
How Much Vitamin K is Needed in Your Pregnancy Diet?
Mommies, did you know that your body makes Vitamin K? Well, with some help from the friendly bacteria in your intestine, your body produces the nutrient.
Although your diet would contain a safe level of the required levels of Vitamin K, there hasn’t been an established safe upper level. The calculation of the nutrient is determined by your size or weight; that would basically be around 1mcg per kg of your body weight per day.
When the doctor lists out the benefits, you really wonder ‘Can Vitamin K stop bleeding during pregnancy?’
Well, yes! The lack of this nutrient in your body can lead to continual bleeding, which could lead to infections. When the wound is dressed, this nutrient helps in healing quickly.
Food Sources for Vitamin K
What’s the big deal with Vitamin K? For starters, this nutrient is fat-soluble, so that means the liver will store it up and your body will use it whenever the need arises. It contains a group of compounds like Vitamin K1 found in leafy green veggies and Vitamin K2 that are in abundance in meat, eggs, and cheese. This nutrient is essential for many bodily functions, so you can also resort to the use of supplements.
Yummy and nutritious is what you will be craving during the nine months. You can stock up on essential nutrients by including the following food sources, especially for some Vitamin K!
Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, collard, and lettuce
Fresh vegetables such as beetroot, broccoli, celery, red cabbage, cucumber, leeks, celery, cauliflower, artichokes, peas and beans
Well cooked lean meat like beef and liver
Eggs
Fish
Dairy products like cottage cheese and cream or milk
Olive, canola and Soybean oil contain the highest amount
Do You Need to Take Vitamin K Supplements During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you need to check for any deficiencies. You can counter those deficiencies with supplements, especially Vitamin K as it crosses the placenta. Since you have a healthy diet, Vitamin K deficiencies are rare as it is found in your food as well as produced by your body.
Due to some medical conditions, your body’s chances of absorbing the nutrient are less. This can be risky as you and your baby may not be getting the benefits of the nutrient. This is where supplements step in! You need to watch the amount of the nutrient is entering your body through food, prenatal vitamins, and supplements. Nothing in excess is ever good! However, Vitamin K injection during pregnancy is not required.
Unless your doctor recommends them, do not consume supplements. Certain medical situations change the requirement of supplements. If you are on any anti-seizure medications, you should then have supplements for two to four weeks prior to your due date to reduce the risk of bleeding in the newborn. Supplements are also introduced in case you develop cholestasis, a liver disease that occurs during pregnancy, to avoid haemorrhaging.
Mommies, you need to make sure you’re meeting all nutritional requirements for you and your baby’s health and development. Vitamin K is one of the most vital nutrients that contribute to a very healthy pregnancy. You need to keep in mind that you must consume nutritious food that contains Vitamin K and other important nutrients.
Also Read: Vitamin C Intake in Pregnancy Read more
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Womb- A Poem on Motherhood
Motherhood is the best phase in a women's life. It is the time when she feels complete. It is filled with all kinds of mixed emotions, like anxiety, nervousness, curiosity, and stress. This period cannot be forgotten by any woman; the feeling from nausea to labour pains, the movements of her baby is far beyond explanation. Words cannot describe this experience. There is a connection between the mother and her child, a relationship that starts before the birth of the child. I have tried writing a few lines describing a women's journey of motherhood. It is magical, in spite of the pains and suffering, the feeling of giving birth carries the women on cloud nine.
Womb
The mystery remains unclear, deep within my uterus, you reside unfamiliar.
You are first only a blood clot, thriving to be a complete slot.
Nausea, giddiness will fade soon, the due date will be in May or June.
My back aches so badly; nevertheless, your wait is driving me crazy.
O God save everyone from those poking shots,
But I have to take them for your immunity, my tiny tot.
Nervous, anxious, I lay on a hospital bed,
The day of you to come to this world is all set.
Push and push with all your might,
The scenario is filled with lots of fright.
Hold your breath says, my doctor,
There are a few more minutes left to complete the picture.
Gasping for breath, exhausted, yet not tired,
The portrait of my little one is solely on my mind.
Alas! The cry of the little one I heard just now,
Yes, I won, I heaved a sigh of relief, as I lay down.
That day she was crying, and I smiled with lots of tears.
"Mother," the only crown that day with hard work I had earned.
-Dr. Umera.
Do support me with lots of love and encouragement. Even criticism is accepted with a smile.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts advice some parenting hack.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. regarding what ok repeat question. 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
Nikitha has added a new answer
Father of a Newborn child
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is the best time to keep baby in the sun and for how long?
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. hello in the morning around 7 to 9:00 a.m. for 10 minutes you can get your baby exposed to the sunlight which would be safe on baby so the child will also get the vitamin d naturally which should be good and nothing to worry about
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. currently I'm in 25th week of my pregnancy. I would like to when is my 7th month or red trimester is going to start?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. you had to complete 28 weeks ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts I am having vaginal infection from last 2 months my doc have given me antibiotics meds but still I am having it …. 8 months pregnant I am ….is anything I am doing wrong that’s y I am having this infection
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. ok cd. 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 Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. Hlo sir / madam
I m 36week 6 days pregnant
My baby’s head doesn’t fix into the pelvis
Lightening or baby dropping not happend
My AFI is 18 (mild polyhydroaminous)
What should I do?? Normal delivery possible?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. your treating doctor will advise accordingly ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Heenuchauhan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
41 mins ago
Q. I got a very pinkish line in t from 2 test which I took after 7 days of missing period am I pregnant?????
Heenuchauhan
Guardian of 2 children
6 mins ago
A. yeah postive
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