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Newborn Baby Care - Important Tips for Parents
The first few months with your newborn can be chaotic and overwhelming for first-time parents. You will get all kinds of contradicting advice from everyone about newborn baby care. Deciding what advice to follow in regards to newborn care can be confusing. Caring for a newborn is exhausting and challenging, but it is also one of the most wonderful and rewarding experiences of your life.
Tips to Take Care of Newborn Baby
Taking care of a newborn is obviously a challenge when it is your first time. So, here are ten ways that will assist you in taking care of a newborn baby:
1. Feeding
It is very important to feed the baby on time. A newborn has to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, which means you need to nurse her 8-12 times in 24 hours. An infant should be fed only breast milk for the first 6 months of life. Breast milk contains vital nutrients and antibodies that are required for a baby’s survival and growth. Nurse the baby for 10 minutes at least. Hold the breast near your baby’s lips until she latches on firmly and starts sucking. If the baby has latched on correctly, the mother will not experience any pain in her nipples. The breast should feel less full once the baby is done the feeding. This is an indication that the baby is getting enough milk. In case breast milk is not an option, feed the baby with a doctor-recommended formula. The baby should get 60 to 90ml of formula per feeding.
2. Burping
Once the baby is fed, she needs to be burped. Babies swallow air while feeding, which causes gas and colic in their tummies. Burping expels this excess air, thus aiding in digestion and preventing spit-ups and stomach colic. Gently hold the baby against your chest with one hand. Her chin should rest on your shoulder. Pat or stroke her back very gently with your other hand until she burps.
3. How to Hold Your Newborn
It is very important to ensure that you are supporting your baby’s head and neck with one hand while holding her. This is because her neck muscles are not yet strong enough to hold up the head independently. The backbone is also still growing and becoming stronger. The neck will be able to support the head on its own only after 3 months of age. So pay attention to supporting your baby’s head and neck while taking care of a newborn baby.
4. Umbilical Cord Stump Care
An important aspect of newborn baby care in the 1st month is caring for the umbilical cord stump. Do not bathe your baby for the initial 2-3 weeks. Give her a sponge bath instead with lukewarm water. Keep the navel area clean and dry. Keep the baby’s diaper folded down so that the stump can dry. Disinfect your hands before handling the navel area. To clean, use a damp cloth and dry with a clean, absorbent cloth. Lookout for signs of infection in the cord-stump area. If there is redness, swelling, smelly discharge or pus, and bleeding in the navel area, take the baby to a paediatrician.
5. Diapering
Changing diapers frequently is an important aspect when taking care of a newborn baby after delivery. If your baby is getting sufficient breast milk or formula, she will wet at least 6 to 8 diapers in a day, along with regular bowel movements. Change her diaper frequently, as soon as it feels full. You may even have to change it at least 10 times a day. To change a dirty diaper, you will need a changing sheet, gentle diaper wipes, diaper rash cream or baby powder and fresh diapers. In order to prevent UTI, wipe your baby girl from front to back rather than back to front. And let your baby remain without a diaper for a few hours each day.
6. Bathing
Bathing a newborn is a delicate task. You should start bathing the baby 2 to 3 times a week after the cord stump dries and falls off. Make sure you have all the bathing and changing supplies ready before you take the baby for a bath. Bath time just before bedtime helps babies sleep more soundly. You will need an infant bathtub, lukewarm water, mild baby soap or body wash, a washcloth, soft towel, baby lotion or cream, new diaper, and fresh baby clothes. Get your partner or a family member to help, so that one person can hold the baby’s neck and head above the water while the other bathes the baby. Use soap sparingly. Clean the baby’s genitals, scalp, hair, neck, face, and any dried mucous that has collected around the nose with the washcloth. Rinse your baby’s body with lukewarm water. Once this is done, dry the baby’s body with a soft towel, apply lotion and put on a fresh diaper and baby clothes.
7. Massaging
Massaging is a great way to bond with your baby. It also helps in soothing the baby to sleep and in improving blood circulation and digestion. Spread a small quantity of baby oil or lotion on your hands. Next, gently and rhythmically stroke her body. Maintain eye contact with the baby and talk to her when massaging her body. A good time to massage the baby is before her bath.
8. Handling Your Newborn
There are a few things to keep in mind when playing with your baby. Never shake your baby as her internal organs are delicate and can be damaged by vigorous shaking. Do not throw the baby up into the air, as this can be dangerous. Always disinfect or wash your hands before handling the baby, as their immune systems are not fully developed, and they are vulnerable to infections. Ensure that your baby is fastened securely in a stroller, car seat, or baby carrier if you are taking her out. Make your baby lie on her tummy every day for a short while. This will make her neck and back muscles stronger. It will also improve her vision, as she will need to look up and sideways to see.
9. Sleeping
Newborns need to sleep for about 16 hours a day in the first 2 months. They usually take naps that are 2 to 4 hours long and wake up if they are hungry or wet. As the baby needs to be fed every 3 hours, you may need to wake her and feed her. Do not worry in case she does not follow the ideal newborn sleep pattern. Every baby is different and has a different sleep cycle. You should also remember to alternate your baby’s head position while she is sleeping. This prevents the formation of flat spots on the head. Make sure you put the baby to sleep on her back to avoid suffocation. A mother should try to take naps along with the baby. She can also use the time to have a bath or eat a meal peacefully while her baby is asleep.
10. Trimming Nails
Newborn nails grow very fast. The baby may scratch her own face or body with her hand movements. Hence, it is important to keep the baby’s nails trimmed. As the nails of a baby are soft, so use baby nail clippers. Try and trim the nails gently when the baby is asleep. Do not trim it too deeply as the nails are very tender and it could be painful for the baby. Do not trim the edges of the nails as this will cause ingrown nails.
New parents should seek help from family or friends so that they can rest and take care of themselves too. First-time parents of a newborn can be quite perplexed about several aspects of newborn baby care. This article will help new moms care for their newborns with confidence.
Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Care Tips Read more
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15 Best Baby and Toddler Food Ideas While Travelling
Travelling with a baby in tow may seem challenging, but the key to ensuring a smooth journey that both you and the baby enjoy is to be prepared for anything you may need. A major part of travelling with your baby is having the right food around, as babies stomachs are delicate, and can’t handle outside food. Many parents are unsure about what kind of food to carry when travelling with a baby and toddler. To keep your baby’s hunger satiated and her mood happy, it is important to carry food that is both, travel friendly and delicious. Here are some baby and toddler travel food ideas.
Food for Babies While Travelling
Babies between six to 12 months old are fairly new in the process of being introduced to solids, so it essential to be smart about the type of food you carry along for them.
1. Baby Food
Baby food is nutritious, yummy, and quite easy to prepare while travelling. This kind of food is generally given to infants above six months. There are various baby food premixes that are easily available and travel friendly.
2. Oatmeal
You can add oatmeal to your baby’s diet, once she is 6 months old.It contains calcium, protein and fibre apart from having a great taste babies love. Boil milk or water, and add oatmeal powder while stirring continuously. You can add mashed fruits for taste and nutrition. Allow it to cool and then pack it in a container.
3. Milk
This is a complete food for babies and toddlers, due to the rich nutrients it contains. You can rely on breastfeeding the baby if you are travelling in a private vehicle, but it can be an issue in public places. Store breast milk beforehand, using a breast pump, and feed your baby during meal times. Formula milk is a great option, as it needs water and formula powder to make the mix.
4. Fruit Purees
These are wholesome, loaded with essential nutrients, and easy to prepare when travelling. This can be prepared on-the-spot, since all you need is fruit, milk, a bowl, and a fork. Mash the fruit add milk and feed it to your tiny tot.
5. Khichdi
There is simply no better food for toddlers while travelling than the traditional, home-made khichdi. It is nutritious, tasty, and gives all the necessary nutrition, especially when vegetables are added to it. Follow the normal steps you take to prepare khichdi for yourself, but add lots of ghee and ensure that it is soft. Use a pressure cooker to give it a soft and even texture, with a taste that your baby will love.
6. Boiled Vegetables
Vegetables are great foods for babies, but can often be hard to chew. Boiling softens the vegetables and makes them ready for consumption. Vegetables like carrot work well, as they are sweet in taste and help in digestion. Use a pressure cooker to boil the vegetables for minimal loss of nutrients.
7. Carrot Cake
Travel isn’t fun without something sweet, right? Carrot cake is soft, healthy and delicious. You can always substitute flour and sugar with healthier ingredients such as whole wheat and jaggery or honey. Your child will be super happy when you bring out the carrot cake you’ve packed.
Food for Toddlers While Travelling
Between the ages of one to three, toddlers are now more accustomed to eating solid food, but require non-spicy, hygienic, and well-cooked dishes. Here are some food ideas for toddlers when travelling.
1. Yoghurt
This superfood is easy to carry while travelling and is packed with essential nutrients such as calcium. Kids love the tasty flavours of yoghurt, which is light on the stomach. Ensure you pack yoghurt in travel-friendly jars for an easy feeding session. Ensure that you store yoghurt in a cool environment.
2. Cereal
Choose O-shaped cereals while shopping for your trip, and it can prove to be an ideal travel food for one-year-old children and above. Slide them onto his fingers and let him enjoy this engaging activity while travelling. You can add dry fruits to make it healthy and enhance the flavour too.
3. Eggs
This superfood is rich in calories and helps to boost the immune system. The unsaturated fats in eggs help in developing the brain. As you’re travelling, you can stick to serving them hard-boiled eggs, as they are the least likely to create a mess.
4. Idli
A delicious breakfast meal, idli is soft and nutritious at the same time. It contains zero cholesterol and has dietary fibres, which can prevent constipation.
5. Hummus
This Middle Eastern dish is rich in iron, which can prevent anaemia. Its thick texture means that kids are unlikely to spill it, and can be eaten with pita bread, which is filling. Make sure to refrigerate it before carrying and store it in a cool environment.
6. Biscuits
Biscuits are easy to carry and come in delicious flavours as well. Choose whole wheat or ragi biscuits that are healthy and provide some nutritional benefits, as compared to maida.
7. Whole Wheat Paratha
Parathas are filling, delicious, and can be prepared according to your baby’s tastes. You can prepare aloo or paneer parathas at home and pack them for your journey, and your baby is sure to love them. Ensure that you let them cool completely before packing them.
8. Granola Bars
You can make soft energy bars or granola bars at home, loaded with healthy ingredients that are nutritious. They provide your little one with energy throughout the trip and are delicious and filling as well.
Which Foods to Avoid While Travelling With Baby and Toddler?
There are certain kinds of foods to be avoided when you are travelling with a baby in tow. Strike them off your travel list to ensure you and your baby have a hassle-free trip:
Oily snacks (especially the ready made variety) should be avoided, as they can lead to issues like heartburn and obesity.
Soft drinks are rich in sugar and can erode the enamel of your kids.
Cereals that are high in sugar can lead to early diabetes.
Thin liquids that are easy to spill and cause a mess. Kids have less control over their motor functions and can easily spill and drop food.
Foods that are relatively small can get lodged in the windpipe and are a choking hazard.
New and untried food which may not agree with your baby’s tummy
Travelling with your baby should be special for you and your baby. Feeding your baby or toddler during an outstation trip should not cause any stress. All you require is effort and loads of patience, so the journey becomes enjoyable with food and feeding times being the least of your worries.
Also Read: Papaya for Babies: Benefits and Recipes Read more
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Cream of Carrot and Bottle Gourd Soup
The carrot and bottle gourd soup with a taste of bay leaf is as exotic as a soup can be! This wholesome soup is quite is quite sumptuous and can be served as an appetizer or in a larger bowl as a snack in its own right. We bet when we say good health never tasted so good.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10-15 Minutes
20-25 Minutes
Ingredients
2 carrots, diced
1/2 bottle-gourd, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
4 - 5 garlic cloves
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp cream / malai
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter
Method
Step 1
Heat a cooker and melt butter. Add garlic and tejpatta (bay leaf) and sauté for a minute.
Step 2
Add tomatoes, carrots and bottle gourd and again sauté for 2-3 min.
Step 3
Add 2-3 cups of water and pressure cook the above ingredients for 1 whistle.
Step 4
After the cooker cools down, remove the tejpatta aside, add cream or malai and blend in a blender. Now, seive this mixture.
Step 5
Next, add salt, pepper, sugar and Italian seasoning and bring to a boil.
Step 6
Your soup is ready.
Step 7
Serve hot with a little garnishing of cream and coriander.
Nutritional Information
Calories
102 Kcal
Total Fat
1.2g
Total Carbohydrates
21.9g
Cholesterol
2mg
Sodium
100mg
Potassium
977mg
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मेरा बेटा एक साल का हो गया है!! Feelings of a mother of a premature baby....
अभी की ही तो बात हैं,जब तुम्हे पहली बार नर्स ने मेरे हाथो में दिया था। तुम्हे नज़र भर देख भी नही पाई थी कि बस कुछ सेकंड में ही वापस ले लिया, तुम्हे फिर से इनक्यूबेटर में जो रखना था। तुम अपने तय समय से थोड़ी जल्दी जो आ गए थे। वो 5 - 10 सेकंड मेरी ज़िन्दगी मानो रुक गई हो। तुम्हे पहली बार अपनी गोद में जो लिया था।
आज जब तुम एक साल के हो गए हो तो सारी बाते आंखों के सामने ऐसे घूम रही है जैसे अभी की ही बात हो। अपने बच्चे को ऐसे अकेले nicu में देखना आसान नहीं था। टेस्ट तुम्हारे होते मेरी आंखों से आसू रुकते नहीं। तुम्हे नहलाया जाता तो मै बहुत डरी सहमी रहती। तुम्हे हिचकी भी आती तो बहुत घबरा जाती । तुम इतने छोटे से जो थे कुछ 2 किलो वजन था तुम्हारा जन्म के समय। सब कहते प्रीमेच्योर बेबी है। थोड़ा कमजोर है। पर मै जानती थी कि तुम्हारा वजन जरूर कम है मगर तुम मेरे स्वस्थ बच्चे हो। और जल्द ही तुमने वेट गेन भी कर लिया। तुम भी दूसरे बच्चो की तरह ही अपने सारे माइलस्टोन समय से पहले ही पूरे कर लेते। कुछ दिनों बाद ही ये प्रीमेच्योर बेबी का जो डर मेरे अंदर था वह भी निकल गया।
आज जब तुम्हारी शैतानियां मस्ती देखती हूं, तो लगता है इससे बड़ी शायद ही कोई खुशी है।
नोट - अगर अगली बार आपकी फैमिली या फ्रेंड्स किसी की प्रीमेच्योर डिलेवरी हो । तो उन्हें घबराए नहीं। एक नई मां पहले ही बहुत डरी हुई होती है। मानसिक व शारीरिक रूप से कमजोर होती है। और अगर बेबी प्रीमेच्योर हो तो ये घबराहट दुगुनी हो जाती है। उन्हे हौसला दे और सबसे जरूरी उन्हे बताए कि प्रीमेच्योर बेबी हेल्दी होते है। और दूसरे बच्चो की तरह ही उनकी ग्रोथ होती है।
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Is It Okay To Let Your Baby Keep Crying?
No matter how cheerful and bubbly your baby is, crying is a normal part of his life. After all, that is the only way in which your little one can communicate his needs to you. But how much is too much? When is it okay to ignore your baby's cries – and when is it not? Read on to find out.
Some babies cry a lot and are extremely loud, while some only cry occasionally, and their cries are soft, even hard to hear. Regardless of how they cry, it's a rule of nature – all babies cry. Some parents choose a method called crying it out, wherein they only comfort baby with a pat on his back at regular intervals. Left on his own, the baby stops crying after a while, after he realizes that nobody is going to come to soothe him. While this is a personal choice, we certainly do not recommend it. We strongly believe you shouldn't ignore your baby's cries. His cries are the only way in which your baby can express himself, and tending to his cries helps build his trust in you.
Of course, decoding baby's cries can be tough and easier said than done. Check out our age by age guide to know why baby is crying - and what you should do when he cries.
Newborn to Three Months
Babies at this age cry differently for different needs such as hunger, sleep, loneliness, etc. When you answer his needs instantly, you are not only communicating with your baby, you are also helping him trust you. If baby's needs are not met when he cries, he feels neglected and stressed out. When baby's cries are often ignored, he realizes that his needs won't be met when he cries, and he learns to stop crying. Studies have shown that babies whose cries are ignored grow up to have anxiety, depression and trust issues. Therefore, make sure you respond promptly to baby's cries at this age.
Three to Six Months
At three to four months, she will cry only when she needs to be fed, her diaper needs to be changed, or when she is tired and sleepy. By this time, you will be able to figure out why she is crying. If you meet baby's needs before she starts crying, you will avoid baby's crying spells. If your baby cries despite this, it could be because she is unwell.
A five to six month old baby will cry sparingly, because this is when babies learn to self-soothe. Rest assured, letting your baby fuss for a few minutes is not the same as crying it out. However, make sure your baby doesn't cry for more than 6 minutes at a time. Your baby still needs to know you are nearby, and your presence will strengthen the bond between you and her.
Six to Nine Months
By six to nine months, your baby will sleep peacefully for 6-8 hours at a stretch. If he still has trouble falling or staying asleep, you can now try the “crying it out” method. Let your baby cry for a short duration before you comfort him. Increase this duration of time each night, and within three to four nights, you will notice that your baby is able to fall asleep without you comforting him.
Stranger anxiety will manifest itself at this time, which will cause baby to cry in the presence of unfamiliar people. Now is also the time when baby will experience separation anxiety, due to which he will tend to cry on waking up in your absence. On the bright side, baby is likely to calm down as soon as he sees you.
Nine to Twelve Months
Your baby is now old enough to realize that when she cries at night, you will try to calm her by taking her in your arms. When a baby at this age cries at night, it is generally due to boredom or separation anxiety. The solution to this is to be loving yet firm. When your baby cries, go to her but do not pick her up. Instead, tell her in a firm voice that it's time for her to sleep. Repeat this process in short intervals of 5-10 minutes. As baby learns that she is not going to get her way, her cries will reduce over time.
Remember, your baby is crying because she wants to tell you something. Your job is to find out why she is crying, and what you can do about it. In situations when she simply refuses to stop crying, consider using a pacifier. No matter how fussy or inconsolable your baby is, a pacifier will definitely help her calm down. Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
4 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
29 mins ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
28 mins ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
27 mins ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 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
3 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
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