The importance of Setting a Baby’s routine
Setting a routine in the early stages is very important and it reflects in the baby’s growth. The baby will slowly maintain the routine and this will help you manage your time, balance your home and work. The caretaker in your absence can plan taking care of the kid.
Preparing baby feeds, bathing arrangements can be scheduled and this will ensure baby has a good pattern for feed, bath and sleep too. You can also plan for office work (if you have work from home arrangement).
Babies will follow the schedule gradually and the biggest advantage is baby follows the routine and gets adjusted to the timings except on days when baby is unwell. Bonding between parents and the child will develop due to this routine.
Planning a few routines for the baby are: Feed routine, Sleep routine, Bath routine, Toilet schedules.
Feed routine: A popular saying, “Only a crying baby is fed”. Nevertheless the baby trusts that you will feed him when he is hungry. The simple way he communicates is by crying. He will show his irritation and restlessness by crying and wailing. Mother senses this reflux and starts feeding the baby. The cycle of feeds are understood with regular observation. As baby grows the food patterns vary- introduction of semi-solid foods. You need to cook in advance and make things ready for baby.
It is advisable to feed babies every three hours, but do not be fussy with the timing. Doctors also insists to feed the babies when they are hungry and genuinely have appetite. Force feeding can result in over feeding or vomiting. When you start a feed routine, a feeling of love and security is created in the baby, which lasts a lifetime.
Bath routine: Bath time is loved by most babies. Basically bath time is fun time for little ones. They have a nice oil massage and a warm water bath. They are changed into fresh and clean clothes. Babies are fed after a bath and put to sleep. Infact most babies are drowsy during feed time itself due to the refreshing feeling of warmth. Keep all the bath accessories together such that you do not have to leave the baby unattended.
Few babies do not enjoy bathing. They get restless with the massage and warm water. They would like to be left alone in the crib or watch the toys around. Such babies need to be handled with great care. Hold baby close to yourself while performing the bath routine. Bathing need not be done in the early hours of the day. Plan baby bath based on the sleep routine, usually in the afternoon when the sun is warm. Set a particular time and stick to the schedule.
Sleep routine: Sleep routine is the most important routine for the baby in a day. The sleep pattern of a newborn baby is very inconsistent, this will disturb the sleep of everyone in the family. Developing a sleep routine is very important as the baby is slowly adjusting to the new environment he is in. Sleep pattern generally observed is if the baby is born in the night, he’ll be awake during that time and will sleep in the day. If baby is born in the day time, he’ll be awake during the day and sleep during the night.
If babies do not sleep during the set schedules they become irritated. They are overtired and handling the baby becomes tough. Therefore it is recommended that babies are allowed to follow the sleep pattern. Watch for the signs of tiredness, when baby starts rubbing her eyes and becoming cranky. You will observe that the baby goes fast asleep after these signs. You can start the bedtime routine, start putting the baby into the cradle and rocking or placing baby in the crib and patting gently. Lower the lights, close the curtains and make the environment amicable.
You can also hum a few slow melodious lines, sing lullabies and put the baby to sleep. Babies that follow a routine develop the same as they grow up. The child turns to be systematic and this is a good practice imbibed.
Toilet routine can be slowly developed. This can be initiated when baby is around 9 months old. Baby is already on a solid diet and therefore morning stools can be initiated on the toilet chair by holding to the baby. After regular intervals baby can be taken to the toilet for passing urine. This will develop an instinct and the baby understands and communicates with signs the need for nature call.
What are the Soft Spots on my Newborn Baby’s head?
You may have heard elders in the family warning about being careful while carrying a newborn baby. When babies are placed into sibling arms they are cautioned not to touch the top portion of the head. This is basically because there are soft spots on the newborn baby’s head.
Usually all are curious to know about the soft spot on newborn baby’s head.
The soft spots are called Fontanelles. There are two fontanelles, with varying sizes. The one at the top of the head is called anterior fontanelle. It is larger in size and diamond or kite-shaped. The other one at the back of the head is called posterior fontanelle. It is smaller in size and triangular in shape.
You can see or feel a pulse beneath the fontanelles. There is no bone in that area. Don’t be afraid to touch these spots gently. They’re covered with a tough membrane to protect the delicate contents underneath.
After birth also the doctor or the nurse incharge of the delivery will inspect the baby’s fontanelles. This is a routine check to assess the health of the newborn baby.
At birth, baby’s head bones are relatively soft and connected by tissue. This structure of bones actually helps the baby to pass through the birth canal, the bones will gently slide over the other and smoothly come out into open air. This process is called moulding, when the baby comes out through a small space and be born.
Read this article: Umbilical cord care- Basics for a New Mom
This flexible arrangement allows the skull to compress during labor and to continue to grow during the early years of life. The rear fontanel usually closes within four months, while the front one doesn’t close until the child is at least a year old . For few babies it extends to around 15 to 18 months too.
In India when the baby is massaged with oil prior to a warm bath, oil is poured over the soft spot lavishly. In some parts of South India a soft powder called Raasnadhi podi is rubbed over the soft spot to keep away cold and coughs. This is applied for growing kids too.
The fontanelles will also provide clue to identify baby’s overall health:
- If the soft spot is sunken it is a sign of dehydration. This could be a result of watery motions, baby sickness. Do not hesitate to consult a pediatrician.
- If the soft spot is bulging, this is a sign of a serious illness known as meningitis. Consult the child doctor, do not delay.
- The pulse will also seem low if baby is dehydrated due to insufficient feed. In some instances, the soft spot on the top of your baby’s head may seem to be pulsating. There is no need to worry—this movement is quite normal and simply reflects the visible pulsing of blood that corresponds to your baby’s heartbeat.
As your baby grows your doctor will monitor the baby’s growth and if the head bones are developing naturally. Make sure the baby is placed in a crib when mom is busy as this will avoid falls and unsafe incidents.
When you go out of home cover baby’s head adequately to prevent baby from cold and hot weather.
Umbilical cord care: Basics for a New Mom
A baby’s newly cut umbilical cord can be an entry point for bacteria, which can lead to cord infection and potentially life-threatening sepsis. You can prevent any infection that can arise from an umbilical cord by taking good care in the initial days. A new mom need to be careful and prevent infection to the baby.
At birth babies are born with a high level of Anti-body like proteins called immunoglobulin (IgG), which are important for keeping babies free from bacterial and viral infections. However, these drop over the first two to three months of birth making them prone to infections. It is only at around three months your child will start to developing his own antibodies, but at a much slower rate than adults. Therefore babies are at high risk when exposed to external conditions, therefore lot of importance is given for umbilical cord care and preventing infection.
Why does your baby have an umbilical cord stump?
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord supplies nutrients and oxygen to your developing baby in the womb through the placenta, which is connected to the inner wall of the mother’s uterus. The placenta is connected to your baby by the umbilical cord through an opening in the baby’s abdomen. After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is no longer needed and therefore clamped and cut close to the body in a painless procedure, leaving a 2 to 3 cm short umbilical stump.
Your baby will not feel any discomfort during this procedure as the umbilical cord does not contain pain-sensitive nerve fibers.
How long will your baby have an umbilical cord stump?
Your baby’s umbilical cord stump will dry up and eventually fall off within 10 to 21 days. The color of the umbilical cord will change to black and will then fall off. There will be a fresh wound and it will take a few days to heal.
Umbilical cord care: Basics for a New Mom
How to take care of the Umbilical cord stump?
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 . Follow the below steps:
- Keep the stump clean. Earlier parents were instructed to swab the stump with rubbing alcohol after every diaper change. Doctors now advise to leave the stump dry without applying any antiseptic lotion, the stump might heal faster if left alone. If the stump becomes dirty or sticky, clean it with plain water — then dry it by holding a clean, absorbent cloth around the stump or fanning it with a piece of paper.
- Keep the stump dry. Expose the stump to air to help dry out the base of the umbilical cord. Avoid covering the stump with diaper or clothes. Keep the front of your baby’s diaper folded down . In warm weather, dress your baby in a diaper and short top shirt to improve air circulation. Avoid contact with urine especially for the boy babies, place diaper in the right position. Avoid usage of dry cotton wool as the fibers left in the area can cause irritation to your baby’s delicate skin and may lead to infection.
- Continue with sponge baths. Sponge baths might be most practical during the healing process. When the stump falls off, you can bathe your baby in a baby tub or sink.
- Let the stump fall off on its own. Do not pull off the umbilical cord stump even if it is hanging on by only a thread. Resist the temptation to pull off the stump yourself.
How to identify if there is an infection?
When the umbilical cord is naturally healing, it’s natural to see a little dried blood near the stump. Contact your baby’s doctor if the child develops fever or if the umbilical cord area:
- Appears red and swollen at the base of the cord
- A foul odor coming from the cord
- Yellowish pus or discharge coming from the cord
- Continuous bleeding observed (although slight bleeding often occurs at the time of separation).
If you sense an infection or any of the above symptoms, prompt treatment should be administered to stop the infection and get your little baby back to normalcy.
How to Trim Baby’s nails
You are all enthusiastic about taking care of your new born baby. Yet you are not comfortable to trim your baby’s nails. Keeping baby’s nails short is very important mainly for baby’s safety. Babies lack muscle control, they can easily scratch and bruise their own soft skin while waving their hand and feet. As baby is growing up the other kids may get hurt by baby’s long nails especially in baby care environments.
You can make the task easier by taking the help of elders in the home or your partner. Prefer the timing when baby is fast asleep. It is ideal to be done after baby bath as the skin is soft and baby will have sound sleep. One person should hold the baby’s hand firmly while the other trims the nails.
Select a good location for having better access. Make your position comfortable to have hold over the baby as well as comfortable for the partner holding the baby’s hand. Ensure sufficient lighting while doing this activity. In case the baby is awake you need to distract the baby with songs and actions that will keep the baby engaged.
To trim nails use baby clippers with rounded tips , advised for safety. This is the safest tools. When clipping nails, hold your baby’s fingertip pad down and away from the nail. Gently snip, follow the natural curve of the finger nail, taking care that you do not go too low and cause pain.
Few doctors recommend to use emery paper for the first eight weeks as baby nails are very soft , to avoid any injury to the baby. Do not bite or peel the nails as advised by grandma. Peeling can take off excess nail and may cause bleeding. Do not bite the nails as the germs from your mouth will transfer to the baby’s skin and baby may put the fingers into mouth. Ensure there are no sharp edges after trimming the nails. Use emery paper to smoothen edges.
Baby nails tend to grow quickly from infancy to toddler hood. You need to trim baby’s finger nails at least twice a week. Finger nails grow quickly when compared to toe nails. The frequency for toe nails can be maintained at thrice a month, requiring less maintenance.
After you trim baby’s nails wipe the fingers and toe with a clean damp cloth to remove any remnants. This will keep away any germs transferred from the baby clipper.
If in case of injury while trimming the baby’s nails especially when the baby fidgets too much. Do not worry, use a sterile cotton and gently apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
Do not put a bandage or cotton gauze over the cut – babies may unknowingly put the finger into the mouth and the bandage may get displaced and cause choking. Doctors do not recommend using a liquid bandage product for babies or toddlers as they may suck it off. Few babies have thumb sucking habit. If you observe the wound doesn’t stop bleeding for the baby, it will be a good idea to see your pediatrician.
Top Tips on Child Care for Working Parents
Parenting is a very critical task that requires dedication and genuine time. You cannot depend on another person for all activities associated with the kid. By doing so there will be a huge gap in the relation. Child care is a big challenge for working parents. You need to focus on both office work and family life. There is an overlap of timings and tasks. When you take a leave the work is piling and you may get irritated if there is no one to guide you or share your concerns. Understanding your children is the most important aspect.
Plan for the next day in advance
You need to plan for the next day. Learn time management skills and schedule the tasks as per priority. You can keep colleagues and family informed of certain tasks like School meeting, or visiting a Doctor to avoid last minute stress. You can plan each day of the week for bigger chores and just do the bare minimum on working days. Prioritizing and pre-planning will help smooth running of both office and family life.
Spend time with the kids when you are at home
Never make the kids feel that they are unwanted and you are losing on bigger household chores. After you are back from work freshen up and spend 10 to 15 mins quality time with them to have a briefing of the day. By doing this they also get a platform to share and it builds stronger relationships. Never make the kids feel that office work and house hold chores are important than spending time with them. You can delegate tasks to them such that you will be able to spend time together.
Involve your growing up kids in decision making
Take their opinion during purchasing of gadgets and their clothes. This will make the kids feel important that you are valuing their opinion. Seeking opinion will make them feel responsible and also they will start thinking rather than being hasty decisions. Include your kids in cleaning activities. Small chores that they can do by themselves requiring minimal supervision. By doing this they will also share responsibility of keeping the house clean free of trash.
Include kids during shopping activities
Take your kids for shopping , an outing for a change. They will learn table mannerisms and will also get a chance to interact with parents. These outings help improve interaction between kids and parent. You can make the child to speak freely and be able to understand their likes and dislikes, their references.
Never argue, do not use foul language
Parents have to be careful that they do not argue with each other. They should take all care to avoid filthy language in the presence of kids. It will set a bad example. They are going thru’ a stage where they absorb learnings from the surroundings. This will influence the kids negatively.
Take care of the health
A stitch in time saves nine. Take care of your health such that you can safeguard your family’s health too. You will work with a positive frame of mind. Eat good food and make sure you can balance work and family. Make your home a loving place.
Encourage children to mingle with grand parents. Make them also feel a part of the family. Share child care tasks with them also. They will feel valued and the children also will imbibe values in life in the supervision of grand parents. You can reapply the top tips on Child care and make your parenting a wonderful experience.
Can I Continue to Breastfeed my Baby when I’m Back from Work?
This is a common question in the mind of new moms who are planning to resume work after maternity leave or starting a job after a long break of pregnancy and childbirth.Can I breastfeed my baby when I’m back from work?
Benefits of breast feeding
Continuing to breastfeed after returning to work is a real labor of love, but it is well worth the effort too. It is a big challenge to the nursing mom and the caretaker of the baby when mom is out to work. The nursing mom has to be committed to make this happen. No, it isn’t easy, and requires a great deal of commitment and work on your part. Only you can provide the best possible nourishment for your baby. Baby also goes through a transition phase. There are plenty of benefits by breastfeeding.
- The physiological benefits are baby has higher immunity and lesser illnesses.
- The financial benefits of breast feeding are less cost towards formula milk , fewer doctor visits .
- The psychological benefits are the closeness, bonding and skin- to- skin nurturing that only a mother can provide.
Managing change
If your work demands you to be away from the baby for long durations then you need to attempt weaning at least 10 days in advance. The change to formula milk has to be made and associated affects to be monitored. Baby may have indigestion problem or have watery stools due to lactose allergy. Watch out for baby’s overall health. You can then confirm that baby has adjusted to feed, bottle and nipple etc.
How long can I feed the baby?
You can continue breast feed baby till 2 years if you have sufficient quantity and your health is maintained. Breast milk has anti-infective properties. Breast milk is made from nutrients in the mother’s bloodstream and bodily stores. Breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby’s growth and development.
Good hygiene practices to be followed
It is essential that breastfeeding mothers practice good hygiene. Nursing mothers should take a shower, change clothes and then feed the baby. The background of work, the exposure to pollution externally can affect the baby’s health. At a minimum clean your breasts with a moisturizing soap and rinse well. This has two benefits the smell goes away and the nipples remain soft. There are natural oils secreted during lactation through the Montgomery Glands (little bumps visible on the areola), which prevent bacteria from breeding. To avoid disrupting the glands gently wash the breast. Take away little milk from both breasts and then feed the baby. This way the retained milk is removed and hind milk is fed.
Switch over the baby to the other breast to avoid differ in size and pain in the other breasts due to stagnation of milk. Your milk supply may vary daily. To maximize your milk flow, try to pump at the same time each day.
To avoid leakage of milk at work place nursing pads ( thick cotton pads inside bra). If you feel your milk letting down, cross your arms across your chest and apply pressure for about ten seconds or so. Wear darker clothes or prints to avoid leakage seen. Pump milk out in between breaks to avoid heaviness and pain in breasts.
If you have to carry the baby out and you are afraid then use the baby carrier kit.
Health caution
Stress and fatigue are major reasons to suppress milk production. Stay calm and relaxed. And remember, you’re still a nursing mom, so eat well and drink plenty of water while at work.
Keep in mind that the hormonal changes can affect your moods. Expect to feel all manner of emotions. Weaning is a psychological experience as well as physical. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you are feeling.
Do not pump the breasts until they are empty when you are decreasing your feeding sessions. Doing so will trigger the body to replenish the milk. Instead, drain a little bit of milk from the breast to prevent the breast from becoming engorged. Do this as often as needed if the breasts become too full. A warm shower can assist with allowing the milk to leak out a bit.
Consult a doctor if pain persists . Discuss with your colleagues who are having kids. They will be able to guide you on how to care for the baby and manage with the change. You may get some wonderful tips. Visit information on Internet and verify in case you have a doubt.
You are going thru’ several changes at your workplace after a short leave duration. You may have a new assignment to take care of. Do not hesitate. You can make this transition happen smoothly.
Tender Coconut Water is Better Than Baby’s Formula Milk
Tender Coconut water is nature’s gift to mankind. It is like manna from the trees. Tender coconut water is a healthy natural beverage that has been provided by nature.
Did you know that Tender Coconut water is better than processed baby milk as it contains high levels of Lauric acid that is present in breast milk. Lauric acid is used by the body to make monolaurin, a disease fighting fatty acid derivative. Babies make monolaurin from the lauric acid during breast feeding therefore it is essential that nursing mothers consume Tender coconut water.
Lauric acid has amazing anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that protects the babies and young children from various infections.
Tender Coconut water helps to cure diseases. Ideal for feeding infants who have stomach upset and are not accepting regular milk. You can feed this water to babies suffering from watery motions, constipation an intestinal worms . Coconut water is relatively low in sugar compared to other fruit juices.
Coconut water is more nutritious than whole milk. It has less fats and no cholesterol. You need to restrict the consumption of coconut water for a baby in a day. Coconut water is pure and contains natural sugar, salts, vitamins to keep away fatigue and it is considered an energy drink. It is better than the sugary juices that are given to the baby.
Tender coconut water is recommended for pregnant women as it provides nourishment for self and the benefits are transferred to the growing baby. Contains organic compounds that possess growth promoting properties.
Tender coconut water is a perfect drink to quench the baby’s thirst especially when you are on an outing or traveling. It is naturally sterile and therefore you need not be worried about contamination and hygiene issues while serving this drink for the baby.
You can keep the summer heat away, it also supplements as an electrolyte to balance health. It prevents urinary infections and removes kidney stones, if any. Tender coconut water treats malnourishment conditions too, considered to be an oral rehydration medium.
Ideal to consume coconut water fresh as with time and exposure it starts to ferment and that is not recommended for a baby.
You can apply the water of tender coconut on the body for prickly heat and summer boils and subsides the rashes caused by chicken pox, prickly heat rashes, measles, etc.
The benefits of tender coconut water are numerous . Therefore it is considered to be better than processed baby milk.
How To Keep Your Baby Comfortable and Healthy in Summer
Summer has set in with the heat and you need to keep your baby cool and comfortable. Your baby’s health is most important and you need to protect your little one from all external conditions that would affect his health.
Choice of clothes
Select cotton clothes of light colors. Baby will be comfortable as it does not attract the heat and sweat does not get trapped which is a major cause for prickly heat to occur. Preferably use cotton nappies unless it cannot be avoided like traveling, attending a function. If you are using disposable nappy ensure baby is retained in cool environment.
Stay indoors during peak hours
To avoid the peak time of the sun’s heat, it is recommended that you do not go out between 10 am to 5 pm. In case situation demands you going out with the baby then wear suitable clothes, cover the baby’s head and keep away from direct sunlight as baby will feel drained and may fall sick due to the heat wave.
You can take the baby out in the evenings in his pram and show him the world around him. This will be a good exercise – walking schedule for the parents too.
Baby has to be given more liquids
Baby has to be given liquids in addition to milk. If baby is less than six months and exclusively breast fed there is no need to give boiled & cooled water separately. If baby is on formula feed you need to feed baby with water, coconut water or fruit juices in addition to milk. For kids above 8 months, appetite has increased, avoid buying food and drink from the road side vendors. Baby may fall sick due to unhygienic conditions at the stalls or the contaminated water used in the process and handling. Train babies to have homemade stuff. Carry water and food when you go out with the baby.
Avoid using excess talcum powder
Consult the doctor if baby skin has rashes. Apply coconut oil or olive oil while massaging your baby and to cool the baby’s skin. Wash away all oil during bath time. Consult a doctor for the right sunscreen to be used when you plan an outing. Use a mild moisturizing soap. Apply talcum powder scarcely and after all moisture is wiped from the body.
Keep your baby from direct air of cooler or AC
Ensure your baby is way from direct cool air from the Air cooler or AC. This will ensure baby does not catch cold. After bathing your baby do not place him under high speed of fan or AC. Baby will feel cold and become uncomfortable.
Let baby enjoy bath time
You can give him extra bathes. Need not wet the hair and head, the body should be addressed. Place baby in a small bath tub and fill lukewarm water into the basin up to stomach level when baby sits in the tub. Never, ever leave the baby alone even for a single moment. Give him some water toys, your baby is going to enjoy this play in water and will definitely make noise for taking him out water
Protect baby from insect bites
Keep baby within mosquito nets. Insect bites will leave rashes on body that will swell and ooze. Summer is the time for allergies and health problems due to extreme hot conditions. Wear long sleeved clothes and full covered thin pyjamas. Avoid standing water in and around your house which lead to breeding of mosquitoes. Protect your home with mosquito mesh on windows and doors
Follow all precautionary measures to keep your baby healthy this summer. If your baby is comfortable he will play and be normal throughout the day. If he is uneasy with the heat he will definitely put you to task.
Read: How to keep your Baby Healthy during Weather changes?
Valuable tips on how to develop your baby’s brain
You are all anxious to bring home a new born baby. The parents have a huge responsibility to bring up the child , you need to role model a behavior that as the years go by the child imbibes from the surroundings.
Motherhood is a special time in your life, it is a time filled with worries , surprises and adjustments. You can carry this phase of your life with grace and make memorable moments for you and your family.
Studies reveal that a baby brought up with affection and nurturing will grow to be a healthy individual in future. The brain develops fully and the baby will trust the surroundings, will be positive and will care for the family. The child will stick to the values in tough times too.
The baby brought up in negative environment, in the midst of parents tiffs are very narrow minded. They are selfish, less caring and grow up into individuals with lot of health complications.
As a mother you can care for your child with affection and love and make the most of the responsibility bestowed upon you.
The following tips will be helpful to develop your baby’s brain for a new born baby upto 3 months of age:
- You need to assure your baby with the warmth of your skin. Skin contact makes your baby feel your presence and nearness and feels comfortable.
- Hold your baby face to face and make eye contact.
- You need to communicate with your baby during all the activities you are doing in a day. Keep talking to your baby in a soft voice and lovingly while you are feeding, bathing or dressing the baby.
- While the baby is sleepy put him to sleep by singing a lullaby. The lyrics need not be perfect , never mind if the tune is off melody. The baby will recognize your voice in the midst of several people speaking.
- Keep calling out the baby’s name such that he identifies his name and responds with a smile.
- Place colorful toys around his crib and vision. Ensure the toys make different sounds too. Select toys that will stimulate the baby’s brain and development.
- During the communications mimic the cries of birds, the noise of animals such that the baby differentiates sounds.
- Place bright pictures of black and white images in the areas of eye contact such that the images keep him occupied.
- Understand the cries of your baby, you can differentiate the cries of hunger, pain, irritation, sleep, baby unwell. When the mother responds to babies cry, baby is assured of the love and feels emotionally secure.
- Massage your baby prior to bath schedules. Hold your baby during feedings and provide the baby the warmth and comfort required. Breast feeding is the closest bonding between mother and baby.
- Play different music tunes and you will be surprised to see how the baby is enjoying the tunes.
- Take the baby for a short stroll outside when the weather is appropriate. You can make the baby feel closer to nature and value the importance of environment too.
How you mother your baby can make a huge difference. The tips are small steps in the progress of your baby’s brain. Your child’s future is in your hands. You can create the right surroundings for your little baby. Enjoy your baby’s growth…
How To Soothe Your Crying Baby…
Babies are very fussy at times when feeling sleepy and they keep crying non stop . You will not be able to pacify the baby. Here is an very old soothing method that will calm your baby and will enable her to fall asleep. Lullaby is the solution for your crying baby.
Lullabies are loved by little ones. Lullabies are rhymed and harmonious words. Lullabies are sung by the mother of the baby generally to put the baby to sleep. Lullaby is a tradition in our culture and it has been handed over to each parent through generations. Lullabies are usually sung in their mother tongue. In joint families baby gets to hear lullabies from grandparents, elderly relatives, aunts, uncles at home apart from parents.
You can develop rapport with your baby by singing lullaby while the baby is feeling sleepy. You need not worry about the lyrics of the song, the tune or if the song is sung with sruthi…off tune in melody. You may have forgotten a few words, never mind, keep humming to fill the gap. You can make it a practice to sing different popular songs you may have hard in your childhood.
Lullabies are known as lory in Hindi, Lali pata in Telugu, tharatu patta in Malayalam. Just to recollect the famous ones depicted in movies are:
In Hindi : Chanda hai tu, mera suraj hai tu….
In Telugu: Lali…lali…lali…lali
In malayalam: aararo…aarariro…. These songs are full of melody and pleasant feeling.
Lullabies are sung all over the world in local languages and styles of singing. The folk songs are good to hear with simple words that is easy to learn too. The cosmopolitan culture and advanced technology are changing the styles of lullabies. The pleasant music is replaced with rap songs and high music. You can pick a CD from your nearest music store for the ideal songs your baby would enjoy to hear and soothe her down.
The lullaby reflects the taste of the mother. Lullabies built a communication pattern between mother and child. The baby’s responses, identification and perception process increases. Baby reflexes like hearing, seeing- eye contact and even responding to the voices is clearly seen. As the baby is held close or the parent holds the arm, the body postures convey warmth and love to the baby. The bond between child and family is strengthened.
Lullabies are infact the first interactive medium of communication with mother and child. Babies slowly start showing preferences to songs. They identify the voice , words gradually and smile, laugh and within a few minutes are fast asleep. Funny to see the pattern develop in a baby.
The advantages of lullabies for babies are:
- Soothes crying children to make them sleep.
- Directs baby with the tone of mother’s voice.
- When babies are afraid of sudden movements and sudden voices their blood pressure and heartbeats rise immediately. Lullaby draws this high blood pressure suffered by children into a normal level and this is achieved in a very short time.
- The child grown hearing lullabies have a much healthier kind of communication with the mother.
- Baby grasps words quickly and will be able to repeat them as they are growing up.
- The baby identifies nature – moon, rain, voices of birds and animals as these are the common lyrics of lullabies.
As most mothers are working they do not find the time to sing a lullaby or are so tied up in their schedules, mobiles that they prefer to switch on the music system for convenience. You can make an effort to chip in with your vice such that the baby realizes that mama is near.
You can make a start even now as the baby can take lullabies as she is growing up. Maximize the benefits of lullabies and keep the age old tradition alive
