How to treat Chest Congestion in Babies and Kids Naturally

Chest congestion can be quite irritating and bothersome for anyone, but more so for babies and young kids.

Chest congestion is often due to viral or bacterial infection. Cold and cough can bother young children at anytime but winter season often brings with it viruses as well as bacteria that can cause these infections.

Babies immune system is still developing thus making them prone to catching cold often. It is said that babies and toddlers may catch upto 4-5 colds every year till the age of 5 years.

Causes of chest congestion in babies and kids:

• Common Cold

• Diseases of Respiratory Tract
• Low Immunity

Symptoms of Chest Congestion

• Baby/ child does not want to feed as normal
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Low grade fever around 100 degrees
• Fussy and irritable
• Coughing with phlegm
• Difficulty in breathing

Quick and Easy Natural Remedy For Chest Congestion in Babies and Kids

 Babies Below 6 months

1. Steam the Room

Steam can provide relief in case of chest congestion. For this the easiest way is to run a hot bath in the bathroom and sit there with baby in the steamy bathroom.

2. BreastFeeding

Breast milk is the best solution to all the ailments of your little one. If your baby is below 6 months, then avoid using any over the counter drugs and stick to home remedies that involve external application. If you still feel that he or she needs medicine, remember that you have the medicine to offer- breast milk.

Frequent breastfeeding helps to prevent the solidification of mucus inside baby’s nose and chest. It also addresses the hydration needs of your little one and provides him/her with the anti-bodies to fight the germs and get well soon.

3. Raise the head of your baby while sleeping:

Always make it a point to elevate the baby’s head while sleeping and breastfeeding. Maintaining this angle helps to drain out the mucus from nose and chest relieving baby from congestion. Raising head of the baby can be done by using pillows or slings.

You can also allow the baby to sleep sideways to ease breathing. Some babies like to sleep on their tummies, it is better to avoid this position when he or she has a cold.

4. Tap the back

You have to place your baby on your lap with the baby’s head facing down. Support the neck with one hand. With the other hand, gently tap the baby’s back. Cup your hand while you do the tapping. This method will help to loosen the phlegm.

5. Vicks vaporub:

Simply rub some Vicks vaporub for babies on soles of their feet and make them wear socks during night time. This helps to bring down the chest congestion. It also helps babies who are suffering from cough.

Babies above 1 year

1.Turmeric milk/ Haldi doodh

Turmeric milk or haldi wala doodh also known as golden milk is an age-old Indian recipe which has found favour across the world in recent years. Just boil milk with some turmeric, col it down and give it to you toddler or child.

2. Tulsi juice with honey

Crush a few tulsi leaves to get the juice. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to it and store this in a clean container.

Make your toddler have this juice at regular intervals as it helps to expel the phlegm from the chest. Tulsi has disease fighting qualities which makes it an effective remedy against chest congestion.

3. Ginger juice with honey

Grate ginger and add 1 tablespoon of honey to it. Store in a container and make your toddler have this at regular intervals throughout the day.

You can also blend ginger with water and then add honey to it.

4. Lemon

Take a cup of hot water and add a slice of lemon and some lemon zest. Wait for five minutes so that the lemon essence gets infused into the water. Strain and offer it to your kid. You can also add some honey to sweeten it. Offer it to your child while it is still warm.

You can also make some lemonade sweetened with honey. This remedy works as it kills the germs causing the irritation. It helps to soothe the throat and chest as well.

5. Warm Fluids

Fluids helps to keep your baby hydrated and get rid of germs and infection that causes wheezing. Fluids such as water, cow’s milk, soups,  breast milk, helps to thin mucus secretion thereby helping to make your child breathe without any difficulty. Give your child increased fluids, including filtered warm water.

Top 10 Foods That Promote Brain Growth in Children

FOOD THAT PROMOTE BRAIN GROWTH IN CHILDREN:

“TRUE BEAUTY COMES FROM THE INSIDE OUT.IT EMERGES FROM PROPER THINKING, AS WELL AS NUTRITION AND EXERCISE.”

A healthy, balanced diet is not just good for kid’s bodies; it’s good for their brains, too. Growing bodies need many types of nutrients. The right foods can improve brain function, memory and concentration. Like the body the brain also absorbs nutrients from the food we eat. Although brain growth is well advanced by birth, your child’s brain continues to grow and develop long after. The brain cells need specific nutritional needs and missing out on a particular nutrient at the time when a part of the brain is growing can cause problems. Some of the brain foods aren’t kid’s favorites- yet if you are willing to be patient and offer them regularly they soon will be liking the food.

Vitamin nutrients are the intelligent nutrients that keep the brain in tune. They are key to building and rebuilding the brain. They mainly come from fruits, vegetables and whole foods and can be supplemented for optimum brain performance.

These foods can help kids stay sharp and affect how their brains develop well into the future.

• WATER:  Water is an overlooked food. Children often run around in a state of relative dehydration. Dehydration, even a mild case, makes children listless, lethargic and irritable. Too little water creates false hunger in children, so they make poor food choices. Offer water at every meal, especially after an active day.
• MILK: Fat free milk is well known as a great source of protein, vitamin D and phosphorus. Milk stimulates brain growth in children. It also boosts cognitive performance- either because it improves general nutrition or because it specifically promotes brain growth. Vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for variety disease- diabetes; cancer etc. vitamin D fortified milk may help children avoid developing such diseases.
• OILY FISH:  Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel are a great source of omega- 3 fatty acids and vitamins which protects the brain from declining mental skills and memory loss. The more omega-3s we can get to the brain, the better it will function and the better kids will be able to focus. Children who get more of theses fatty acids in their diet have sharper minds and do better at mental skills tests. 
• EGGS: Eggs are well known as a great protein source- but the egg yolks are also packed with choline, which helps memory development. Choline is vital for the creation of memory stem cells, formed deep within our brains. The more cells we have, the better our memories.
• VEGGIES: Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrot, spinach- vegetables with rich, deep color are the best sources of antioxidants that keep brain cells strong and healthy. Fruits and vegetables may play an important role in preventing the long term effects of oxidative stress on brain function.  Full of folate and vitamins, kale are linked to lower odds of getting dementia later in life. Kale is a super food, packed with antioxidants and other things that help new brain cells grow.
• BERRIES: Strawberries and blueberries these two juicy favorites are ultra high in antioxidants. Children have showed improved memory with the extracts of blueberries and strawberries. The more intense the color, the more nutrition in the berries. Berries boost high levels of antioxidants, especially in vitamin C, which will help prevent cancer. A diet rich in such brain foods boosts the cognitive functioning of children. The seeds from berries are also a good source of omega-3 fats.
• SUGAR: Sugar is your brain’s super fuel. Too much fast sugar means a blood sugar high and hyper activity. The excess sugar in the blood gets dumped into storage as abdominal fat. Eating little and often helps keep your child’s energy and concentration even. Too much sugar may make your child hyperactive and he may find it hard to concentrate. Too little sugar may make the child tired, irritable and he may find it hard to concentrate. It’s better to know to give your child the “right types and right amount at the right time”.
• OATS: Oats provide excellent energy or fuel for the brain that kids need first thing in the morning. Loaded with fiber, oats keep a child’s brain fed all morning at school. Oats are also a good source of vitamin E, Vitamin B, potassium and zinc which make our body and brain function at full capacity. Kids who eat oats do better memory related school tasks. Oats is one of the most familiar hot cereals for kids and a very nutritious grain for the brain.
• AVOCADO: A real power- house food, full of that other essential fatty acids, omega-6, which is also key for brain development. Avocado is full of carbohydrates and fats as well as proteins needed for the crucial growth of a child. “Right fats can build a better brain”. Avocados are often called one of nature’s perfect foods because it contains everything a person need to survive. A wonderful “good fat” food for baby’s brain. Avocado makes a great first food for baby due to its texture and creaminess; an extra bonus is that avocado is full or good fats and has a high nutrient content.
• PEANUTS: Peanuts are a great snack food being rich in protein, niacin, monounsaturated fats and folate.  Their high vitamin E content protects brain cell membranes.  Peanut and peanut butter are a good source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects nervous membranes-plus thiamine to help the brain and nervous system use glucose for energy.

A child’s nourishment during the first years of life can affect the ability to learn, communicate, socialize and adapt to new environments and people.  Making sure that your child gets those particular nutrients needed during the first years of life will help to ensure the brain growths and develop optimally. You will have to pay attention to make sure your child gets a good source of the brain nutrients.

“BE SMART EAT SMART”

 

How Important is Getting Sufficient Sleep for your Child

Getting sufficient sleep is very important for your child as it is connected to various important and critical functions for your baby’s growth. As a new parent you will realize that if you do not get a good night’s sleep it bothers you the whole day. The ongoing irritation and the inability to focus on the daily routines is totally affected.

Also read: When can I take my Baby out in public?

The same reasoning goes for a new baby too. Baby’s energy has to be restored and the main function i.e building brain connections has to progress. It has been proved that sleep actually fuels the physical growth of a baby.

Also read: Best 8 Weaning Foods for your Baby

Connection between Sleep and Growth for your baby

In the initial weeks after the baby is born you will observe that the new born baby is asleep for several hours at a stretch. At times baby is breast fed during deep sleep only. Baby is awake for a few hours only.

Growth is a complex process that requires several hormones to stimulate various biological events in the blood, organs, muscles, and bones.

The science of growing states that there is a protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland called growth hormone (or “human growth hormone“) which is a key player in these events. Several factors affect its production, including nutrition, stress, and exercise. In young children, though, the most important factor is sleep.

Growth hormone is released throughout the day. But for kids, the most intense period of release is shortly after the beginning of deep sleep. Therefore it becomes necessary for new parents to realize this and make the environment a pleasant one.

How much sleep is required for your baby?

For a new born the total nap time- including day and night time is about 16 to 20 hours. As the baby is 3 to 6 months old it reduces to 15 to 17 hrs and by the time the baby is 1 year old the baby sleeps for about 12 to 14 hrs only. There is also a shift of sleeping more during night time and less during the day as there are several activities the growing baby is busy with.

As the child grows the sleep patterns keep changing. Sleep needs are somewhat individual, with some kids requiring slightly less or more than their peers. Inadequate sleep there will be several growth problems i.e stunted growth. The baby is all the while irritated and growth hormone production gets disrupted causing obstructed sleep apnea.

Few examples of health issues due to inadequate sleep are inadequate height. This condition is known as growth hormone deficiency that can affect heart or lung strength or immune system function. (It’s treatable with a supplementary hormone.)
Growing children also show changes in the levels of hormones circulating in their body. Hormones that regulate hunger and appetite can be affected, causing a child to overeat and have a preference for high-calorie carbs. What’s more, a shortage of sleep can affect the way the body metabolizes these foods, triggering insulin resistance.

Lack of sleep at night can also affect motor skills and concentration during the day, leading to more accidents and behavioral problems, and poor performance at school.

Making Sure to have a good night’s sleep

To help your child get sufficient sleep, follow the below guidelines:

• Follow a consistent bedtime. This will provide a timing by the time he is in school.
• Set a good bedtime routine. Listening to lullaby, soft music, reading of story books will give indications that it is bed time.
• If required give the baby a bath and ensure he is fed adequately such that hunger pangs will not wake him up earlier than schedule.
• Ensure the room is encouraging for the baby to sleep, the environment is pleasant and quiet. A very dim lighting can be provided till baby is fast asleep
• Avoid loud music, TV and computer in the baby’s room as it will distract the baby and lead to disturbed sleep too.
• Always stick to the same timetable and routines for bedtime on weekends and vacations that you follow during the week. A small variation once in a while won’t cause long-term disruptions, but repeated and irregular bedtimes can lead to poor sleep habits and sleep deprivation.

Establish good sleep habits for your baby that will prove beneficial in the long run.

Please add a comment and, if you like the post, feel free to share it with your friends. You can also visit ourFacebook page and Google plus page for more insight.

When Can I Take my Baby out in Public?

When a baby is born there will a number of relatives and friends coming to visit and bless the parents after they receive the good news. The parents are also curious and have a common query in mind, “When can I take my newborn baby in public ?”. This is a point of discussion and debate among elders too.

Ideally it is always good to stay back in the warmth of your home but there are certain requirements to be fulfilled in the growth and health of the child that requires you going out into the general public. When you introduce your little one to the world you need to take a few precautions for the well being of the child.

Also read: How to keep your Baby Healthy during Weather changes?

When can I take my Newborn baby out in public?

Since ages babies were not taken out for weeks and months considering then to be too fragile to be taken out in public. In Indian culture the newborn baby is not taken out to common places like church, temple or even the common roads for about 56 days. The elders were literally scared that the baby may get nazar, and may fall sick. Going out was only for doctor visit etc. in a closed environment.

Now that times have changed with the logical reasoning applied that babies can be taken out by following some precautionary measures.

However you need to remember that babies are delicate and prone to catch viral infections if they are exposed to crowds and busy places. Therefore when you plan to take your baby out you need to watch out for the below mentioned activities.

Also read: 8 Top Tips to Keep your Newborn Baby Clean and Healthy

Take Your Baby out when fed and clean

Take your baby out after he is fed and has been changed into fresh diaper and clothes. This will ensure baby is in the mood to look around and see the world is great. Avoid taking him out when it is time for his sleep time because he will be restless and will certainly make a lot of noise.

Watch the Weather and Temperature

Before you leave your home check out for the weather conditions / report.  If there is any chance of rain preferably avoid going out. Secondly if the temperature of the air outside is high you will not be able to manage your baby. Staying in during hottest summer days and the coldest of the winter can be the best bet for keeping your baby healthy and happy.

Be self sufficient with Supplies

If your outing will take a bit longer you need to plan for the essential supplies like extra diapers, feedings and a small toy. This will ensure you have all the basic requirements and you can handle the baby without any problems. A fully-loaded diaper bag comes in handy!

 Dress the Baby Properly

Take care while dressing the baby. Choose clothes that will keep the baby comfortable . Just like you plan your clothes and accessories you need to cover up the babies ear, head and feet based on the seasons. In summer dress lightly and in winter ensure extra layers. Avoid glaring sunrays and direct heat. Use an umbrella and park in shady places. You can however postpone the outing if the weather conditions are not manageable.

 Avoid busy places and Crowds

Avoid busy places and crowds as your baby’s immune system is not as good and stable as yours. Preferably avoid going out shopping, movies, busy places like stations and airports as much as possible. If it is absolutely a must go to these places, make sure your baby is well-covered and try to keep your distance from others as much as possible.

 Keep away from Sick People

You need to keep your child away from sick people or who were sick from contagious problems as much as you can. This will include avoiding gatherings such as birthday parties, holy places  where  people assemble often. As babies are delicate illnesses can be quickly transmitted to your baby.

 No Touching and kissing the new born baby

It is a common observation that people want to touch newborns – as they are so adorable and cute. But as new born parents don’t allow your baby to be touched, especially by strangers, no matter how well-meaning they are. There are a few others who want to kiss the baby’s cheeks or hands. If someone gets upset with you over this rule, don’t be surprised, but stand your ground. Make it clear that you want to keep her as healthy as possible. This is one main reason to keep the baby away from common places for the initial few weeks.

 Sanitize Your hands at regular intervals

Even if your baby is not touched, you could be that means that you can pick up germs. Remember that when you touch various surfaces for eg: the door handle of your car, the doors of your home or anything else can transmit germs to your skin. Keep a hand sanitizer in your pocket, in your car, at home, and even in the diaper bag, and use it often.

Clean things that you might not think of automatically, such as the handles of your stroller or the sides and bottom of your diaper bag. With a little care, you can make sure that your child doesn’t come into contact with germs before her immune system is ready to handle the outside world.

Create this awareness among your family members too and you can watch your newborn baby grow healthy and in good spirits too.

Please add a comment and, if you like the post, feel free to share it with your friends. You can also visit our Facebook page and Google plus page for more insight.

Happy motherhood!!

Is Thumb sucking a Better Option than Using Pacifier?

Thumb sucking is commonly observed among infants. Parents are aware that the babies sucking the thumb or pacifier is only non nutritive sucking. This practice is associated with their need to satisfy the urge for contact and security.

At times the pacifier is encouraged by parents to avoid baby crying especially on an outing. Parents also believe that it is easier to get rid of the practice of a pacifier rather than thumb sucking as the fingers or thumb are always available for the baby and therefore becomes extremely difficult to change the habit.

Within the first few months of life, or even sooner, a baby can become a thumb or finger sucker as a way to fall asleep, to calm down, or to just feel good. At this stage, not only is thumb or finger sucking common, it is considered harmless in terms of a child’s growth and speech development.

Affects of thumb sucking, using pacifier

Usage of thumb/ fingers and pacifiers will have a negative effect as they affect the teeth in the same way. The teeth is slightly raised on the front side. Sucking puts pressure on the sides of the upper jaw and the soft tissue on the roof of the mouth. As a result, the upper jaw can narrow, causing the teeth to not meet properly from the top to the bottom

Hygiene part is most critical. The pacifier needs to be kept sterile in between uses. Exposure to dust and germs will affect health and baby may fall sick repeatedly. The ‘problem’ isn’t really thumb sucking or using a pacifier, it is when they become prolonged sucking habits.

I’ve seen children who have joined school with distorted skin due to constant sucking. Sucking is very natural for babies. It is very common for them to use their thumbs or fingers as part of their routine to find comfort and to soothe themselves.

Thumb sucking: Do’s and Don’t’s

If your child is approaching preschool and is still sucking away, here’s how to handle it correctly:

1. DO try to limit the time that your child sucks his thumb to his bedroom or in the house, not in public. Explain to him that this is a bed activity during nap time and at night.
2. DON’T turn it into a confrontation. “Don’t tell your child, ‘You cannot suck your thumb anymore,’”. Try to recognize him and praise him when he’s not sucking his thumb instead of criticizing when he is.
3. DO talk to your child about her thumb sucking or finger sucking. The child will surely give up with the support you have constantly given him.
4. DON’T stop your child if he tries to suck his thumb or fingers after being hurt or injured. This is a basic means to be in his comfort zone, and by not letting him go there, you’re only hurting him more.
5. Do not use the various means prescribed to stop thumb sucking i.e application of neem leaves paste, applying bitter gourd juice and other bitter applications.
6. DO come up with creative ways to help your child understand that he is growing up and one day won’t suck his thumb anymore. “Ask your child, ‘Do you think Spider man or his favorite cartoon character eg: Chotta Bheem sucks his thumb?’” Observe the thought process. “Then they’ll think about, and start to process whether they want to be sucking their thumbs anymore.”
7. DON’T try a glove or a mitten on the hand as a quick-fix to thumb or finger sucking. “This will just frustrate them and cause more anxiety,”. They’re old enough to just take it off, and as a result, they’ll just want to suck more.”
8. DO remember that a child will grow out of the need for thumb sucking or finger sucking when he’s good and ready. While parents may not like it, it’s best left alone,.  Parents be assured that “Kids will eventually give it up.”

Therefore whether  the baby is thumb sucking or using a pacifier you need to gradually encourage them to change this habit and be supportive during this changing phase where they will require more comfort and YOU to lean onto.

Please add a comment and, if you like the post, feel free to share it with your friends. You can also visit our Facebook page and Google plus page for more insight.

Best 8 Weaning Foods for your Baby

It is generally observed that mothers are eager and enthusiastic to start giving their babies foods other than breast milk. When the time approaches to make the change, she keeps guessing as to “what food will be ideal for my baby”?.

Listed below are the best 8 weaning foods for your baby. These foods will be easy for your baby’s little tummy and is the best weaning option.

Important Weaning Foods for your Baby

Juices:

Preferably start with fresh and clear fruit juices, ensure filtering. Select fruits that is available all through the year. Apple is the best choice. Peel an apple, cut it into small pieces and  boil it in a pan. When cooked mash the apple with a flat spoon or your hand and use a strainer for filtering. Collect the juice in a container. Feed spoonfuls of the clear apple juice to your baby in the beginning.

Also read: Tender Coconut water is better than Baby’s Formula Milk

Remembering the popular saying,”An Apple a day keeps the doctor away”

Dal pani:

You can soak mung dhal/ split Green gram in water for 3 hrs. Drain the water, wash and cook in double the quantity of water. When the dal has cooked and turns soft, drain the cooked dhal thru’ a strainer and when lukewarm offer few spoonfuls at a time.

You can start with these liquids till the baby is six months old. Offer the below foods when the baby is over six months.

Fruits:

If your baby enjoys having fruit juice shift to apple puree. Peel the apple, cut into small pieces and cook in a shallow pan. Mash it with a flat ladle when hot. When it cools serve your hungry baby. You can try the same recipe with a pear also.

An over ripe banana can be mashed and fed without any lumps. Feed your baby and he is definitely gonna enjoy. You can serve orange juice too after filtering.

Gradually alternate with papaya, mango and chickoo (sapota). Always remember to introduce one fruit at a time to avoid indigestion.

Related reading: Feeding Ripe Mango will Protect your Baby from Summer heat

Vegetables:

Vegetables like carrot, potato, tomatoes are a good start. Make sure the veggies are washed properly, peeled and then cooked. Carrots and potatoes can be hand mashed and fed with a little salt, Tomato should be peeled and filtered. Spinach can be started after about 2 weeks. Wash the leaves in running water. Chop the leaves, cook along with other vegetables. Mix with ghee, salt and serve. Bottle gourd, Pumpkin, Yellow cucumber can be slowly included in the menu.

Also read: Recipes for Baby food

Soups:

Boil the vegetables in a pressure cooker. Mash them and strain the contents to remove larger pieces and avoid choking. Add a pinch of salt. Introduce clear vegetable soups when the baby is 8 months old. Include carrots, beetroots, tomatoes, beans gradually.

Also read: Wheat flour porridge

Cooked foods:

You can start a wholesome meal with cooked rice and split green gram / moong dhal. Take equal amounts of rice and mung dhal. Heat the mung dhal and keep aside. Wash rice and dhal and cook in pressure cooker with a little turmeric and salt. Season with jeera in desi ghee. You can add vegetables and spinach leaves pressure cook along with rice and dhal and serve the baby.

Related reading: Your Baby’s First Taste of Solids

The above mentioned weaning foods will ensure your baby is getting the required nutrition and baby is healthy in all seasons.

Also read: What to feed when my child has watery motions – Diarrhea

Take care of your little one. Best wishes!!

Qualities of a Good Baby Sitter

In recent times both parents are employed and need to resume duties immediately after maternity leave it becomes very essential to balance home , the baby and work without interrupting the schedules and compromising on quality of work. New moms depend on baby sitters to take care of the kids in their absence.

Finding a babysitter, daima (in Hindi) is a big challenge for the parents. You need to feel confident that your baby is being taken care of properly and comfortable having her in your house when you are not around.

Best traits in Baby sitters

• Responsible, Regular and dependable
• Neat and tidy
• Replace things in its allocated place. Abides by the rules given
• Leave reminders / notes for follow-up
• Basic presence of maid, instantly respond during an emergency
• Patient, calming, loving, have fun with the kid, caring and compassionate
• Keeps you informed, able to handle basic communication
• Mature and do not get carried away by visitors / hawkers / marketing personnel
• Descent background to ensure baby listens to good language
• Possess at least one good reference prior to selection.

The parents can observe if the baby is getting along with the baby sitter. The search for a reliable person should start well in advance such that the baby and the babysitter can get to know each other. The new mom and the grand parents can observe in the background.

Parents should exercise patience

Explain all key requirements to the babysitter to get familiar with the surroundings. There are plenty of reports about the consequences of not interviewing the babysitter. There are cases where the caretaker will consume all good food and neglect the baby.

Avoid all these situations with proper verification of babysitter’s background. Also check for references, should be foolproof. Handover emergency contact numbers, printed list will be advisable. Keep your immediate neighbors informed about the change.

Keep valuable articles in a safe place. In the beginning parents also need to have patience and extend support such that the babysitter settle down. Be understanding and supportive. Keep a list of medications that have to be given in case of fever or cold.

Instruct them to keep tiny things out of baby’s reach. Be attentive and alert. Minimize mobile calls and watching TV programs. You will be lucky if the babysitter is a trained personnel in First aid and CPR.

Do not expect them to do house chores. They are welcome to teach the baby rhymes and guide in growth of the baby.

You can assess how good your babysitter is by the body language your child exhibits when they are around. If they are disturbed and withdrawn, it indicates that the baby is worried and not able to adjust. Beware of such symptoms.

Do you have any more suggestions for the qualities of a Good Baby Sitter. If so, please add a comment and, if you like the post, feel free to share it with your friends. You can also visit our Facebook page and Google plus page for more insight.

8 Top Tips to Keep your Newborn Baby Clean and Healthy

A newborn baby brings lots of happiness and stress too with its arrival. As they say that the parents are going thru’ a new set of responsibilities, sleepless nights, coping up with extra members in the family, guests and new crew of support services.

Newborns have to be cared for and most importantly closely monitored for any slight changes. A lot of healthy hygiene practices have to be followed at home and should be implemented by all family members including supporting team. There are plenty of do’s and don’ts that have to be strictly adhered to ensure newborn baby is clean and healthy.

The basic needs for a Newborn baby are:

Bathing a baby

Babies can be given a bath daily unless the baby is sick or had an immunization schedule. In winters when the external weather is extremely cold you can opt for a wipe with a towel dipped in luke warm water. You can wash the baby’s hair daily though it is not mandatory. Weekly twice you can apply a mild shampoo for the hair and use a mild soap. However, you need to monitor that the water does not enter the newborn baby’s nose, mouth, eyes and ears.

After bathing the baby dry the baby completely with a dry towel. Make sure you clean dry the hidden area under creases- especially armpit and groin. This will keep away infection or peeling of skin

Read: New Moms Newborn Basic Baby Care Tips

Care for the cord

After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut close to the body in a painless procedure, leaving a 2 to 3 cm short umbilical stump. Your baby’s umbilical cord stump will dry up and eventually fall off within 10 to 21 days. There will be a fresh wound and it will take a few days to heal.

Read: Umbilical cord care: Basics for a New mom

You need to take good care of the umbilical cord area. This area is delicate and will need a little extra attention until the cord stump naturally falls off. Apply medication as prescribed by your baby’s pediatrician.

Taking care of eyes, nose, ears

There is no specific need to clean the eyes, ears and nose, however you need to wipe them with a wet towel externally. Avoid putting Kaajal in the eyes. You can apply kaajal on eyebrows. If you observe some dirt like substance in the ear or nose, gently clean with a ear bud without going much deeper.

Keeping private areas clean

During baby massage the common practice is to squeeze the breasts of the newborn baby to remove a milky substance otherwise the boys will have huge breast when they grow up. At times the foreskin on the penis of the baby is pushed back as a part of cleaning. These actions can result in serious infections and should be avoided unless handled by experienced hands.

Read: Taking Care of a premature baby

Trimming nail

Preferably trim baby’s nails when the baby is asleep. Nails grow quickly and if uncut can cause scratches for the baby. The nails of a baby may be trimmed with a clipper or baby scissors. Do not bite off the nails as it is not a hygienic practice.

Read: How to trim baby’s nails

Cutting hair

Baby’s hair grow fast and few babies have thick hair and it will start falling into the eyes and cause irritation. In certain communities, it is a practice to shave the head, soon after birth or after the baby is one year old. If cutting the hair is delayed you can use baby clips and secure hair.

Shaving the hair is also practiced in Indian communities, religious and scientific reason for removing the birth hair. Apply sandal wood paste mixed in homemade turmeric paste for cooling the scalp, this is followed commonly.

Read: Shaving a baby’s head makes the hair grow thicker and stronger

The same holds true for ear piercing. It is safe to wait till the baby has received its triple injections to tonsure the head or pierce the baby’s ears. This helps prevent tetanus.

Read: Vaccines for your baby – Immunization schedule

Keeping clothes clean

The newborn baby’s clothes need to be segregated and washed daily in water containing an antibacterial solution like dettol and some mild detergent, either by hand or in the washing machine. They should be sufficiently dried in a machine or in the sun to kill all germs. Once dry, the clothes should be folded and kept inside the cupboard, free from contamination. Change the clothes when damp after a feed or after baby passes stool or urinates.

Read: The importance of Setting a Baby’s routine

Handling the baby

There will be lots of friends and relatives visiting hospital and home after the baby is born. Make sure that anybody who handles the baby washes his/her hands with a good antibacterial soap or hand wash. Make sure civil footwear is left outside the baby’s room to minimize contamination.

Read: How to Handle the New Born Baby?

Clean and sterilize feeding bottles and other accessories

Feeding bottles should be sterilized in boiling water early in the morning and should be left in the vessel with water and a lid. You should have a good set of bottles to avoid any shortcuts and bypasses during cleaning. After baby’s feed empty the bottle, wash and keep aside. All the bottles and nipples needs to be sterilized again prior to use.

Read: How to Clean and Sterilize Bottle Feeding Equipment &

Dispensing and Preparing Formula for baby

Baby toys are major causes of infection. You need to wipe them with soap and water and ensure they are away from floor. Keep away toys that have sharp edges or are damaged, they could be dangerous.

Read: Choking prevention and First Aid for Babies

A common advice

It is a known fact that newborn babies are delicate and prone to infections quickly even with slight weather changes therefore you need to monitor the flow of relatives and friends visiting the hospital and home. Ensure baby’s room is airy and well lit.

Read: Use an Air Conditioner(AC) or Air cooler for a newborn baby?

The mother should also take care of overall health and the food intake to ensure being healthy and also making sure of the baby’s well being. Take medicines on time and recover fast. Follow hygiene practices to keep breast clean by washing with soap and water frequently prior to breast feeding.

Best wishes!! Happy motherhood !!

Please add a comment and, if you like the post, feel free to share it with your friends. You can also visit our Facebook page and Google plus page for more insight.

5 Essential Tips to Prevent Diaper Rashes

Diaper rashes for babies are painful ,the babies are irritated and restless. Diaper rashes can be prevented with timely action and proper care. Here are few essential tips to prevent diaper rashes for the baby.

Choose the diapers wisely:

Quality of product should be given preference to than fragrance and cost. Avoid diapers that promise fragrances as they are bound to be treated with chemicals that may irritate your baby. Do not use wipes that are dipped in alcohol or other pleasant fragrances. Rinse your baby’s bottom with a wet cloth dipped in warm water. If you are using cotton nappies that are made at home , do wash them thoroughly to remove the detergents.

How to Make a Cloth Diaper for the Baby?

Ensure your baby’s bottoms clean and dry:

Change baby’s diapers frequently. Monitor the diaper for stools or urine. Avoid long contact with the poop and urine. During nights also watch out if the diaper needs changing. Clean your baby’s private parts with a wet cloth dipped in warm water, pat dry and replace the diaper. Take care not rubbing the privates vigorously. Also as part of good hygiene practices sanitize your own hands before and after every diaper change.

Disposable diapers or cloth

Weaning process- Be cool:

During weaning process introduce one food at a time. Watch the baby for any visible changes i.e allergies or rashes. If you observe redness then discontinue with that food. Continue to breast feed as it will build immunity for the baby and reduce rashes if any.

Your Baby’s First Taste of Solids

Check the size of the diapers:

Always buy a pack of diapers that fits your baby. This will ensure better air circulation and baby will be comfortable. In case you are using the home made ones make sure you do not tie it tight over the baby’s waist. In summers or during humid weather let the baby be without the diaper for some time when asleep. This will make the baby feel free and give some fresh air. Cover with a light cloth. Do monitor to avoid insect bite etc.

The importance of Setting a Baby’s routine

Select best baby products:

When the baby is patted dry after a nappy change do apply baby powder. In case you observe rashes do consult the pediatrician. Follow medication as recommended by the doctor. You may apply moisturizers on the baby’s skin. Check for the “best use before” dates on the pack while purchasing diapers. Cover the diaper pack after you have take out diapers to avoid dust contamination and itching for the baby.

Take precautions for the baby and avoid diaper rashes. Keep your baby healthy and active.

Please add a comment and, if you like the post, feel free to share it with your friends. You can also visit our Facebook page and Google plus page for more insight on other articles.

You may also like to read:

How to keep your Baby Healthy during Weather changes?
How Memory Develops for your Baby
Vaccines for your baby – Immunization schedule
It is not safe to use an AC or Air cooler for a newborn baby?

Do Toys Support Development for the Baby

Toys are the child’s best means for being engaged. Toys keeps away boredom and therefore it is important to have a variety of toys such that the child has enough attention and is engrossed while playing with them.

Toys are colorful, makes pleasant noises, in different shapes and sizes, in different textures – Soft material and hard ones too. Whatever be the size and shape you need to monitor for the safety of the kid. Keep away tiny or loose pieces from the babies too avoid choking risks.

Read the instructions while purchasing the toys. There should not be any sharp projections, too much noise generating toys. Choosing toys is important to maximize your child play and encourage physical and intellectual growth.

Toys enhance movement and motor skills

Toys help co-ordination and balance, build arm and leg strength. There are push and pull toys, ride on toys eg: a small car which moves on wheels. Advised to avoid battery powered ride-on toys. Playing with balls, kicking the ball with hands and legs are also great fun, the child gets good exercise. There are rockers like the horse which helps move forward and backward. The child learns of new toys and also imbibes the technique of operating each of them.

As they grow you can choose toys that involve hand-eye coordination. The child will gradually adapt to the toy placement of various structures with practice. You can select toys that makes patterns, coloring on art books and using crayons. Stacking and building toys with arrangement of shapes and placing the shapes in corresponding blocks.

The child can play with toys associated to the kitchen, doctor articles, teaching kit, showing their interest towards a particular task or profession. Children at a very young age play musical instruments from the inclination to music and musical instruments.

Toys enhance language skills

For improving language skills it is advised to select books with pictures. The child can be made to understand with images and will be able to correspond to the requirement quickly. As the children are curious you can make an effort to read stories to them and share good values and idealogy.

Mothers who are carrying can follow this for the unborn child too. Listening to good music and talk only fosters good qualities in an individual. As child grows up, he will not be interested on the same toys. You need to select toys as per the age. Children will be keen on sports kit and want outdoor stuff. You can let the child have fun in open air provided close monitoring.

The toddlers learn to balance and place articles. At times the babies will cry and weep when they are unable to place the shapes successfully. They get attracted to colors and shapes. Babies do learn to align and bridge toys over one another. When there are more than one baby around they will want to play with the same toy or choose the same color even when there are spare ones around. A sense of ownership starts building in them. Parents can teach kids to share and nurture qualities that will become the foundation of one’s character.

Toys are a great medium for the child’s growth and development. The trick lies in selecting the right toys that truly supports the child’s physical and intellectual growth.

Also read: How to make your home safe for kids

Next Page »