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Tips To Help Improve Sleep For Busy Moms & Dads
Tips To Help Improve Sleep
Sleepless nights are not at all rare stories for parents with little ones. Peaceful and lavish sleeps are something so hard for them to attain. Although it is so exhausting for the parents to skip sleep at night, still sleepless nights are not considered as a main concern by them, as they believe it as a part of their parental responsibilities. However, it is never a good idea for busy dads and moms to not work on improving sleep. As ignoring the soothing and relaxed sleep at night on a regular basis will for sure hold a lot of negative impacts on their day to day life.
Parents skipping their sleep will definitely find it difficult to handle their work and also their life. Better sleep is inevitable for everyone, as it boosts up metabolism, keeps cognitive disturbances at bay, bolsters immunity and not least of all a good sleep will make you more patient with your kid, as it reduces your stress level.
Sleeping for at least six hours is one amoung the most important healthy habits in a person’s life. No one should ever attempt to make this wonderful habit get lost in the turmoil of busy schedules or life. Without restful sleep, busy moms and dads can never be comfortable, peaceful and healthful. This soothing night rest should be achieved by everyone, no matter how hard to follow these tips.
The first and foremost thing to do is to take out the entire hurdles that are hindering the night’s sleep. Sleep is something that should be kept on the top of the priority list. It is never a child’s play and it requires all your commitment. Hurry up to the next supermarket and grab some thick curtains, appoint a nanny for your little one during the nighttime, stay away from mobile phones, television and the like. Take enough measures and steps to get rid of every possible impediment that hurt your night’s rest.
Sleep struggles or issues are another worst part of disturbed sleep. There can be quite a few reasons that catalyze this issue that including hormonal imbalance. These issues should be resolved as soon as possible with treatments like acupuncture. Better sleep promotes better health, so by consulting a medical practitioner, this issue can be solved at its best.
Crafting a healthful sleep routine for you is another suggestion that can help you get out of this sleep trouble. A much-relaxed bedtime that will definitely work for the busy person in you should be laid down. This can be created with enough trying and testing. Relax your minds and engage in activities that are known for inducing sleep. Head on to your room without much wait and try to attain the most soporific night rest.
You should be well aware of the damages that lack of sleep will bring on to your health. It will for sure increase the risk of diseases like obesity, heart attack, high blood pressure and many more. You should never overlook prioritizing your sleep and thereby take good care of your health. Never sacrifice your sleep on behalf of any other chores that can be doing laundry, feeding your child, cleaning home, preparing food, doing dishes or like. No matter how long your task lists, sleep should be on top of it.
Passing on work and responsibilities to your kids is another best way to make you ready to look after your sleep and health, it will not only give you time but also will make your kids responsible and efficient. Put them to do works like cleaning, picking up toys, folding clothes etc. By doing so you can win your sleep time early.
Do not hold yourself back from sleeping, when your kids are sleeping. Complete the task of relaxed sleep with your kids. It is better to plan your sleep together with that of your little one. When he or she is embracing their night’s rest, you can also join them in watching beautiful and heavenly dreams. Along with developing sleeping habits in your younger ones, try to revamp your healthy habit of sleeping.
Recognize sleep and rest as a priority in life, which will definitely make you more productive and healthy. The sleeping schedule you created should be consistent. Keep the blue lights at bay during the nighttime that can undeniably evoke sleep. Together with turning off the blue lights, you should also keep your screens of mobiles and laptops out of your room. Always stick to your sleep time and do not cram it up with unfinished works and tasks.
Stressing over poor sleep is another unhealthy habit that will make you lose sleep. It is better to keep your conversations light and soothing right before you enter into your bedroom to get some sleep, as serious talks can for sure affect your relaxed and composed sleep. Make your family and your kid understand about how tired you are and you are in need of a sweet and strong nap.
Reduce doing unproductive and inefficient works like scrolling phones, as it will steal your valuable time and will make you inefficient and tied up. Never try to make your job schedules grab your sleep time and never encourage yourself to become a night owl. There is no harm in buying some time for achieving a blissful sleep. Make yourself less stressed and shape a better sleep time.
Transfigure your personal space or your bedroom into a blissful one by making little changes or by setting up a calm and soothing ambience. Light a lamp with some fragrance oil, drink a glass of golden milk or chamomile tea, massage your pressure points with some oil, read a book, listen to soothing sounds, give yourself a shower with warm water, write a journal and in the morning time, hug your soul and body with yoga and meditation. Lure your sweet and relaxing slumber with enough actions, otherwise, the cost you have to pay will be really high.
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6 Toxic Ingredients Found in Baby Food & Baby Formula
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Toxic Ingredients Found in Baby Food There are many recent studies that have suggested that a large amount of baby formula can contain harmful chemicals that are damaging to your infant and even affect their growth and development. The study found that approximately 80% of the formulas contained arsenic along with a wide range of other ingredients you would not approve of. The World Health Organization and many other organizations proclaim that breastfeeding is best for babies; however, for some new moms, this is simply not feasible. Therefore, education on other options is important, such as goat milk formula, for such moms. You may want to keep an eye out for or avoid these ingredients in baby food: Sucrose The presence of sucrose in formula despite being one of the milder toxins, can still cause a number of problems. As one of the essential ingredients in formula, it aids in the digestion of the milk; however, it has been reported that some formulas contain too much. Children may become obese and suffer from dental problems such as weak enamel. Additionally, it can be addictive. Soy Soy-based products account for approximately one-fifth of all formulas sold, and although they may seem harmless, soy poses many issues when used as an ingredient for infant formula. It is common for genetically modified soy to be laced with pesticides or weed killers, which is not ideal for a newborn baby to consume. Artificial DHA and ARA ARA and DHA are natural fatty acids found in breast milk; however, in formula, they are synthetically manufactured to reassure parents that their infants are getting a high-quality formula. Despite their benefits, artificial versions are derived from algae and fungus, which are not intended for human consumption. In the process of gathering, the petroleum-based solvent hexane can be used, which can end up in the formulation and negatively affect the nervous system of the consumer. A number of studies have demonstrated that synthetic DHA and ARA are useless, have no benefits for babies, and may even contribute to some stomach problems. Dioxin Formula for your baby contains this substance, which is known to cause cancer. This chemical is found in many foods and places in our environment, making it very difficult to avoid. Infants are born with this substance already in their bodies, and are then fed it continuously for life after birth. Preservatives There are both normal and organic formulas that contain these substances. The manufacturer adds preservatives such as beta carotene and ascorbyl palmitate to extend the shelf life of its products. Artificial substances can cause the body to create toxins that can even cause infants to fail to reach developmental milestones and cause negative changes in their sight and hearing. Synthetic Nutrients The purpose of adding synthetic nutrients to formula is to mimic breast milk. Examples include L-Carnitine and lycopene. Due to manufacturers trying to process these ingredients in the cheapest way while using harmful chemicals to make them, it's known that they can be toxic, resulting in long-term harm to infants who consume them. The findings of studies have demonstrated that children fed toxic rich formulas are more likely to develop chronic diseases and to die younger. Watch out for Heavy Metals Nowadays, it's difficult to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, and there is heavy pollution everywhere you look. We as adults have developed immune systems to fight these effects, and in comparison with our body weight, we take in a much lower amount than those in children. These chemicals can, however, cause harm to newborns and small infants who have highly weakened immune systems and low body weights, leading to brain damage and stunted development. As a parent, it's important to stay informed and aware when it comes to making decisions about your child's diet. Heavy metals can be found in soil, water, and the air we breathe. We can ingest these metals through the food we eat because plants absorb them as they grow. Despite the fact that some heavy metals (like iron and zinc) are necessary for our bodies, others (like arsenic and lead) are harmful. There are some crops, like rice, that absorb more of these harmful metals than others. Over time, heavy metals can accumulate in the body and harm learning, behavior, and attention. Some food additives may contain heavy metals when added to baby food. Vitamins and minerals are added along with food additives. Some baby foods contain more heavy metals than others, such as: infant rice cereal infant rice puff snacks teething biscuits and rice rusks fruit juice carrots and sweet potatoes It is possible that organic baby food may contain heavy metals. While baby food contains low levels of heavy metals, you can take steps to reduce them even further. Here are ways to do that: Make sure your baby eats a variety of healthy foods. A balanced diet can reduce the amount of heavy metals that your baby is exposed to. Give infants more than rice cereal. Offer your baby other cereal types such as oatmeal, barley, quinoa, and multigrain cereals. Keep serving carrots and sweet potatoes. These vegetables are packed with nutrients. Be sure to serve them along with other fruits and vegetables. Fruit juice should not be given to your baby. A child under 1 year old should not consume juice since it can cause cavities and weight gain. Drinking formula or breast milk for babies and water and milk for older children is the best way to keep babies hydrated. For your baby, you should feed fruits instead of juice, since they contain more fiber and nutrients. You can prepare your own baby food. When you make your own baby food, you can avoid additives and foods with high levels of heavy metals. Serve the same foods that you eat as a family, but in a way that your baby can understand. Smooth purées are necessary for infants just starting solid food. When making rice dishes, use white basmati rice and sushi rice. These types of rice contain less arsenic than other types. Before cooking rice, ensure that it is thoroughly rinsed. Make sure you add plenty of water while cooking, and then drain any extra. By doing so, you'll reduce the amount of arsenic. Reduce baby food snacks, such as rice puffs and oat ring cereals. Pureed, mashed, or soft foods that are rich in nutrients such as fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheese, or yogurt, are a better alternative to processed snacks. You can also reduce the amount of sugar, salt, and refined flour your baby consumes. Preparing snacks for your baby is an excellent idea if you choose rice-free or multigrain options. Teething biscuits should not be used. Instead, you should give your baby a cold, not frozen teether or a wet washcloth to chew on. Make sure your water is clean. Lead pipes can cause lead to accumulate in the water. The water in many people's wells may contain lead and other heavy metals. Want to learn the Tips To Help Improve Sleep For Busy Moms & Dads? Click here!
View MorePotty training tips that I followed for my toddler
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Potty training tips Regardless of what you think, the process of potty training does not happen overnight as per my observation and experiences. As a mother, I feel potty training requires patience and practice. Tips to potty train your little ones First and foremost, check if your toddler is old enough to potty train. Ideally, potty training gets started between 18 and 30 months. Does your toddler stays dry for at least 2 hours and after naps. Find out if your toddler becomes aware when he/she becomes wet. Once your toddler starts expressing his/her discomfort of being wet, potty training can be started as soon as possible. As a part of introducing your child to potty training, talk about it to your toddler occasionally. Familiarize “potty training” through books or videos before buying the right potty chair. The right child-size potty chair helps your toddler to be comfortable while practicing potty training. If possible, personalize it with favorite pictures or toys. Once the personalized potty chair is decorated, make your toddler sit on it, maybe every 2 hours. Then gradually get your child to remove his/her pants first and then sit on the potty chair. Train him/her to sit on the chair with the pants down whenever he/she has to go for a pee or poo. Once the toddler gets familiarized with the potty chair in the day, start practicing the potty training in the night so that they get a comfortable sleep during night time. Thus, it is advisable to limit the fluids of your toddler after evening snacks to keep their tummies light before they go to sleep. While potty training, make it a point that you encourage your child. Your toddler will always look up to you for appreciation, so just give him/her that when the potty training is done right. Otherwise, be patient with him/her with gentle tips on how to go pee or poo the right way while reminding your toddler that he or she is a “big kid” now. Teach your child about basic hygiene including flushing, cleaning, and washing hands regardless of whether your toddler actually went to the toilet or not. Ascertain if it is the right time and start potty training your toddler Be aware of your child’s mannerisms. Observational studies show that though most parents start potty training their child at an age of 2, some children will become ready only by the age of 4. The toddler should be able to walk and sit down and this requires a certain amount of physical and cognitive development. The proper development ensures that the toddler can build up the ability to pull his/her pants down unassisted, like a “big kid”. Toddlers are always curious about what others do and how things get done. One sign that your child is ready to potty train is when he/she starts imitating others in their washroom habits and expresses his/her need to use the toilet for pee or poo. After a certain age, the child showcases good bladder control by keeping himself/herself dry for a period of about 3 to 4 hours. In traditional villages, potty training is carried out even before the child can walk properly. Western culture uses diapers more often than Indians as in India, people are comfortable with not using diapers and just using water for cleaning the pee or poo. Your toddler often indicates the need to use the toilet by making grunting sounds. Once a baby crawls up to the washroom, the parents identify the need to go for a pee or poo and helps out with the rest. Usually, mothers hold their toddlers over a sink or toilet and give verbal clues to either pee or poo as the needs of the toddler’s body. The toddlers will take their time to start using the commode but might need help in removing their pants for quite some time. Toddlers that start with this technique are often potty trained well within 15 to 18 months. Although this is a quicker approach, you still need to show patience with your toddlers until they become familiar and comfortable in using a washroom effectively. Regarding the equipment used for potty training, most urban parents opt for a western style. You should ensure that you have the right equipment to do the potty training if you choose to favor the western style. Either purchase a child-sized potty or get a special seat that can be attached over the regular potty seat. Make sure that the toddler feels comfortable using the equipment. Once everything is set, try and explain the process to your child. Seat him/her on the potty without a diaper or nappy to get him/her used to the process. Try explaining to him/her what to do when he/she has to pee or poo. Handle his/her mistakes by calmly explaining everything. Just interact with your child to ease away any kind of pressure he/she feels. Give ample time to your toddler for mastering the process, and getting used to his/her bladder movements. Dress your child in clothes that he/she can easily disrobe while he/she wants to use the potty. Talk to your toddler about basic hygiene tips like washing his/her hands and wiping himself/herself. Take note of all the little achievements and make him/her feel validated. Encourage your child to be independent by telling him/her to use the potty whenever the need arises. As per my observation, night training takes a bit more time than day training. Assure your child that, if he/she needs to use the potty any time in the night, he/she can do so with your help. A portable potty can be used, which can be kept near your child’s bed. Get a waterproof mattress for easier cleaning. In a nutshell, successful potty training happens with ample persistence and should be started only when you feel that your toddler is ready. The whole process might take a bit more time than anticipated. Also remember that the duration of the training might differ from one toddler to another depending on the pace of their learning. Want to learn how this mom effectively increased her child's appetite? Click here to learn her 6 tips!
View MoreHow I established a healthy sleeping habit for my baby
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Healthy sleeping habit for my baby As a mother, I can vouch for the fact that newborn babies sleep a lot. In the first few weeks, as per my observation, a healthy baby sleeps somewhere between 16 to 18 hours per day. A baby’s sleep cycle will alter between 3 to 4 hours as he/she needs to be fed well, when awake. It undoubtedly means sleepless nights and days for parents. This phase moves on quickly although it might feel like an eternity. As per my observations and research, babies undergo light & easily disturbed sleep rather than sound sleep most of the time. This kind of sleep helps with the baby’s healthy brain development. Change in sleep patterns with gradual growth Between 6 to 8 weeks, the baby sleeps for long spells during the night. However, he/she needs to get fed during the night as well. Start training your baby to sleep more hours at night gradually and safely by encouraging healthy habits. Encouraging good and healthy sleep habits in babies As discussed above, the baby develops sleep habits from as early as six weeks. From a certain time period after the 6-week mark, babies start developing the natural circadian rhythms that help him/her to process and regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Tactics to help your baby sleep healthily On average, a baby sleeps for 2 hours in the first 6 to 8 weeks. Overtiring a baby by not putting him/her to sleep within this 2-hour window can be stressful and tiresome, which will affect the sleep cycle. Spotting the signs to know if my baby is tired or not is one way I make sure that I won’t disrupt the sleep cycle, and this tactic works like a charm every time. The signs include rubbing the eyes, flicking the ear, whining & crying, appearances of faint dark circles under the eyes, staring blankly into space, yawning, stretching, and losing interest along with becoming quiet. A baby will most often turn his/her face away from moving objects and people. Check these signs of sleeplessness, stress, and tiredness and put him/her to sleep as soon as possible. With practice, we all will know about the daily rhythms and patterns of the baby. This is the first and most important tactic to keep an eye out for. The second tactic for healthier sleep is to make your baby understand the difference between day and night. Start training your baby slowly about the differences between day and night, maybe after a 2 week period. During day time take him/her for an outing, change the clothes when he/she awakes, play as much as possible, chat and sing while he/she is being fed, and keep the house and his/her room bright. Wake the baby gently when he/she nods off. During the nighttime, change to nightclothes, keep all-natural noises down and dim all the lights. All these could make the baby understand between day and night. The third tactic is to let the baby fall asleep without any help. After your baby crosses the duration of 3 months, he/she should be trained to sleep without any help from the parents. Place your baby on the bed when he/she is sleepy, but still awake. Stay with him/her until the baby drifts off to sleep. Train him/her to sleep at night and be awake in the day on a daily basis. Setting a routine plays an important part as the baby will expect it to continue for a prolonged period. Read a story, sing a song, feed, or rock the baby at your convenience. Adopt the same strategy every night to make it a routine. Regardless of the people around you, make your baby’s sleep healthier by allowing him/her to fall asleep without any external help. This helps in building healthier sleep habits, which gets continued for a lifetime. This routine can help develop self-confidence in babies at a very young age and will be fearless & innocent from the get-go. Right interactions with the babies will make them more playful and confident in their activities. Beware of sleep problems that can happen at a young age Now that we looked into and discussed the tactics that can be used to instil a healthy sleep pattern in babies, let us delve into the sleep problems that can disturb your young charmer. It might be hard to identify the sleep problems in a baby at an early stage. This is because of the rhythm difference between your’s and your baby’s daily routines when it comes to sleep. During the baby’s first months, he/she require plenty of cuddles and night-time feeds. If possible, sleep with the baby matching his/her rhythm so that he/she will always feel safe, secure while you are nearby. As per my observations and understanding, coping with nighttime waking gets easier if the baby is on the same bed as you or on a small cot/cradle at an arm’s length. This way, a new mother can feed the baby whenever the need arises regardless of the time while staying half-asleep keeping an eye on the baby every time as much as possible. When the baby starts feeding on a formula diet, you can switch between the feeding timings ensuring that you and your baby stay healthy all the time. In the first few weeks, make it a practice to swaddle the baby in a warm cloth. These are some of the observations and understandings I made while raising up my baby. Following these will help any couple to put their baby to a healthy and sound sleep, which is very much necessary for your little bundle of joy. Also, the above-discussed ways are by which I established a healthy sleep habit in my baby. Want to learn how this mother took care of her fussy eating baby? Click here and find out!
View MoreHow I Recovered After Giving Birth And Maintained My Fitness
10 min read
Positive Parenting
After Giving Birth Childbirth is a process where you have to go through a lot of pressures, emotional turmoil, pain, and traumas that affect your mental and physical state. I have also been through the same after giving birth to my child. From my perspective, I would like to advise every mother out there that giving birth to a child doesn’t mean you have to let go of your body. Instead, stay strong and put in some effort, treasure it, and treat it very well so that you can become strong and confident enough which would surely help you to improve your motherhood. I have always wondered about seeing celebrities getting back to awesome shapes after their pregnancies. I was curious about the methods they adapt and also the interventions they got in their whole journey in getting back in shape. Later, after giving birth to my child and while going through that phase, I understood that it is not that simple as I thought but, with a regular exercise plan and lifestyle routine anyone could pull it off easily as I did. Being a new mother is extremely challenging as you have to go through a lot of physiological as well as psychological stresses. After the whole long process, you will be tested both mentally and physically and will need some time to recover yourselves from the impact of the childbirth journey. It is said that an average postpartum period can last anywhere from four to eight months after the delivery. This is the time when our body slowly comes back to equilibrium. It doesn’t matter if you had a normal delivery or C-section; it is advised that you have to take good care and rest for two weeks minimum. I did deep research through various journals and studies to get an insight into how to recover from the post-partum state and get back into a fit and healthy body. I found various studies online stating that we could safely start exercising after four weeks if your delivery was normal. If it was a C–section then you will have to wait for a couple of weeks more, i.e., Six weeks unless you don’t have any complications during the childbirth. It is essential to maintain this recovery period because this period ensures that your uterus has properly retracted back into the pelvis, the bleedings and discharges have stopped and also the stitches are properly healed. You can also take some additional time if needed to get ready into the mood of exercising. If you are someone who had a healthy exercise routine then you will be having your set of conditioned muscles which would help you to start your routine much easier. Fortunately, I had a good routine and so I was able to start much better. Before starting your routine remember; you have to start very slow. No high-impact exercises are allowed during the initial phase. Studies indicate that the presence of a ligament and joint softening hormone called Relaxin which is released during pregnancy and childbirth can remain in your body for almost six months postpartum which can lead to unstable joints and loosened pelvis. Make sure that you avoid high-intensity exercises during that time and start your routine at a slow and steady pace. How did I do that? I’ll explain. I started my workouts slowly and split my workouts into different shifts which included 20 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of lightweight exercises, and another 20 minutes for stabilizing my core and increasing flexibility. Remember, I started it very slow at very small impacts. Starting exercises can seriously help you to get into a feel-good mood and can be of great help in recovering from the impacts of post-natal depression. I will explain to you some exercises as an example so that you could choose from them according to your interest. Firstly, I would suggest walking. Start walking at a slow pace. This will help your body to burn calories and help strengthen your muscles. If you want to have a detailed analysis of your health results, you can buy a fitness tracker and note down your daily progress and also increase the distance by some steps so that you become stronger than you started. Depending upon your delivery type and health condition and also under your doctor’s guidance, you can start doing Kegels and pelvic tilts. These activities help in increasing the blood supply to the perineum and also speeds up your healing process. This helps in activating your transverse abdominals and also helps you in getting a strong foundation for your core muscles. The next one is breastfeeding. You would be surprised to know that Breastfeeding also helps you to stay fit. It is one of the fastest and best way that helps to shrink the uterus to the pre-pregnancy size. Additionally, it burns 600 calories a day too. One thing to be noted is that you will have to maintain a balanced diet along with an exercise program to achieve this unless you won't be seeing the results you expected. After gaining a bit of strength from the milder exercise program you can move on to a bit higher levels starting from doing basic abs crunches. Along with this, you can start doing strength training and increase the intensity of your cardio workouts. These shifts in programs can be time-efficient since the intensity is getting higher in very little time. This can help in increasing your metabolism and speeds up the baby fat-burning process. While I started, I added some squats, some shoulder raises, and also some lunges which helped me increasing my heart rate. The body postures we maintain while performing these exercises can help you lose weight and also tones your body very well so that you can easily get back to your pre–pregnancy state. Being a mother is special, while getting healthy is important at the same time post pregnancy. Getting back to shape after pregnancy is not an impossible task but will require a srong mind to achieve it. Start slow and be patient, desired results will come towards you. This is my takeaway after going through my post pregnancy phase.
View MoreWhat I Learned About My Baby’s Food Allergies & Sensitivities
10 min read
Positive Parenting
My Baby’s Food Allergies A food allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to a particular food. Being a mom, I have noticed reactions to certain foods in my child’s diet. Sometimes my baby cries, fusses, or even nurses more frequently once I consume spicy or "gassy" diets. These are some common symptoms my infant shows as a reaction to allergic food that reaches the body. The strong response associated with a food allergy will occur rapidly, often within seconds. In mild cases, it can be any time within 2 hours after eating the trigger food. If a child displays signs after 2 hours, it’s hard for parents to identify the problem, unless they are aware the kid is sensitive to the food consumed. I always prefer to make a list of foods prior to feeding the same for the first time and check the responses of my little one to mark the food as safe and non-allergic. Start Gradually to Identify Food Allergies in your kids It is advised to begin with a few non-allergenic foods first to see how the baby handles solid food. Foods that comprise single-grain iron-fortified infant cereals, meats, and beans are encouraged as first foods, as they furnish nutrients like iron and zinc. Potentially allergenic foods, like eggs, peanut products, wheat, and fish are also recommended because postponing their introduction can increase the chance of food allergy. Specific diets like walnuts and chunks of peanut butter extend a choking risk, so the quantity of food and its consistency are also expected to be analyzed. Cow's milk and soy milk can only be given for 12 months. Serve plain fruits, vegetables, and meats rather than diverse varieties. If the newborn responds to a specific food, stop serving that food. It is the second time kid consumes the food that the allergic symptoms occur. If IgE antibodies react with food at this point, histamines are released, which can lead to hives, asthma, itchy mouth, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea in the child. Only two or three out of every one hundred newborns have an allergic consequence, most frequently to cow's milk in their mother's diet. Most babies eventually outgrow their allergy to cow’s milk, although food allergies to other substances can last a lifetime. Causes of Food Sensitivities Children are supposed to be at extremely high risk for evolving food allergies if they have a family history of food allergies, moderate to serious eczema, or asthma. The intestine acts as an obstruction, retaining undigested food particles in the digestive tract, but those with leaky gut have small spaces between the cells of their intestinal lining. This enables food particles from inside the intestines to ‘leak’ through the gut lining into the bloodstream, resulting in a variety of symptoms, often including eczema. Topical creams can lower the external indications of eczema, but they are only a band-aid treatment to cover the symptoms, meaning they do not get to the "cause." Nothing will benefit more than curing holistically from within. Aiding the baby’s gut is the crucial element in resolving their food sensitivities and eczema because the healthier a baby’s gut is, the better their digestive and immune systems function. So far, no evidence not eating certain foods while breastfeeding can contribute to a child developing allergies or asthma. However, if the family has had severe food allergies, limit intake of milk and dairy products, fish, eggs, peanuts, and other tree nuts during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Carefully monitor the baby for skin rashes, respiratory problems, unusual stools, or other allergic symptoms and tell the paediatrician about the family's medical history. How to Avoid Food Allergies If your baby responds negatively to a particular kind of food, you should stop feeding that specific food temporarily. If these signs persist every day and last for a lengthy duration, they may indicate colic rather than food sensitivity. Do not assume that the baby will be "clear" if a particular food has been introduced without reacting to it. It frequently takes a few introductions before indications are noticeable, as responses can worsen with every subsequent feeding and kids can outgrow their allergies as their bodies and immune systems mature. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish normally persist for life. Only 10-20% of children who have these allergies will outgrow them. Many develop milk, egg, wheat, or soy allergy on their first birthday, but it can persist until age 5-9. But these allergies also tend to resolve less often than in the last decades. Sometimes, an allergy can result in a drastic reaction named anaphylaxis, even if a prior reaction was mild. Anaphylaxis can commence with some of the exact symptoms as a less serious reaction, but it can shortly get worse. The child may have difficulty breathing or pass out. More than one portion of the body may be affected. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. When the sensitivity risks have been reduced, it is instructed to reintroduce the diets that the newborn is sensitive to, one at a time. Some professionals advise that each food be consumed by itself, in the morning, before the child eats anything else. Food allergies are incurable. But medications can treat both mild and severe symptoms. It's also a promising notion to carry an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine for the child, as this can help treat mild allergy signs. A rotation diet assures that no one food is eaten further once every four days; rotating and modifying food intake in such a means will avoid new sensitivities from developing. A rotation diet has advantages to address the whole family, not only those impacted by food sensitivities. It contributes to a mixture of fresh, nutrient-rich, unprocessed diets. This ideal sort of diet can prevent and occasionally correct digestive problems. Learn how this mother increased her child's appetite to eat more by clicking here!
View More6 Tips that effectively increase children’s appetite
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Increase Children's Appetite As a parent, my children’s nourishment, growth, and diet are a vital daily concern. Parenthood comes with immense responsibilities. For me, feeding my little one well-balanced and nutritious meals is something I try to achieve every day. It is important to get your kids to eat nutritious food, especially if they have a very small appetite or if they are always looking for excuses to skip their meals. Parents should ensure that their kids get all the necessary nutrients that their body requires in adequate quantities. Feeding your kids with a healthy and good breakfast every day can kick-start their metabolism as well as increase their appetite. Try to feed your kids peacefully I usually let my kids decide how much they eat. Although I get to decide what to feed my kids, I let my child decide how much. Besides, I try to avoid power struggles and forced feedings as all these will create a negative association that your baby will form with food. Allow your kids or toddlers to learn and listen to their stomachs. Try to limit the snacking Although a small snack in between meals such as pieces of cheese, yoghurt, and fruit can be healthy, children who over-snack will not be hungry at mealtimes. I often try to add different shapes to my kid's snack that spark her interest. For instance, you can serve the same meal cooked at your home differently so that your child may find it visually appealing. Follow different serving styles As a mom I want my children to eat well. How the food is served is extremely important for children. I sometimes end up giving my kids bigger portions of food. This may look overwhelming for them. So, I serve appropriate or smaller portions so that they ask for more. Apart from that, I avoid insisting on my child to finish everything on the plate. The tip that worked well for me was a muffin or cupcake tray – this way different foods can go into different cups. Also, it makes our kids feel they have been served a variety of food. Introduce new foods My child usually does not touch any new food when it is introduced to her and I feel that is alright. If you see, it often takes around 10 or 20 times of repeatedly seeing that new food on their plate. You do not need to force your babies to try the food. Rather than insisting they take a bite, you can just leave it on their plate. Our kids will taste it when they are ready. My kid resists more if I insist on her. It can be frustrating feeding a baby who can't communicate beyond sobs or screams. But with guidance and patience, we can learn to give our children the food or snacks they need in ways they will appreciate. It was common for my baby to shy away from unfamiliar foods. Babies learn by watching, and by watching their siblings or parents eat or enjoy a wide variety of foods can make them more likely to give them a try as well. Research shows that exposing kids to an assortment of textures and flavours sets them up for better health in the future. I have a toddler and a fussy baby at home who refuses to eat a lovingly prepared and delicious meal! It might be because they are not feeling hungry or they do not like to eat a particular vegetable. Worried and tired about our kids’ unhealthy eating, we often turn to the television for help. This helps in distracting the children and we can feed them a few more spoonfuls. Whenever possible make meal-time a family event Kids can be hard to predict when it comes to eating habits. Some days they eat all day long while on other days they may not eat much. I teach my kids the principles of distraction-free healthy eating by making our meal-time a family event. This helps my child to learn about the social aspects of dining and eating together by good setting examples. Besides, I try to show that we are enjoying our food and finish it to make our kids do the same. Hence, kids will certainly follow your lead. Apart from that, I make it a point to have family meals as this will teach my child the importance of having food with family. Rather than placing the plate in my lap, I take the meals on our dinner table and keep all distractions like mobile phones as well as TV switched off. Serve veggies and fruits attractively Feeding vegetables and fruits to toddlers and babies are one of the biggest food challenges we face! Creating some fun with food can be a solution for this! I try serving fruits. If my toddler does not like to eat veggies or fruits in raw form, I serve him shakes or juices made using a blender to get the essential vitamins in her system. I also whip up a thick strawberry shake or add a scoop of her favourite ice cream over a banana. I also try giving my kid vibrant fruits that are nicely chopped or mixed with chocolate syrup as well as whipped cream. When kids are growing, they are still trying to figure out their appetite, their taste, patterns, likes, and dislikes. Sometimes my child might not like something in the beginning but she eventually develops a taste later. So, I try to keep patient when introducing or experimenting with new foods. Parents should try serving new foods or dishes along with their child's favourite foods. Keep serving your baby healthy food choices until they naturally develop likes and dislikes to certain dishes. Plenty of research suggests that children tend to model the eating habits of their parents. To increase a child's appetite, you should focus on introducing them to healthy and tasty foods that they will love. If you want to learn how this mother makes her baby eat healthily, click here!
View MoreSprouted Ragi Porridge: Baby Food Recipe
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Sprouted Ragi Porridge Easily digestible and nutritional, finger millet/ragi is easy to cook. Millet is the first nutrient-rich grain recommended for babies. For babies below 7 months, only the milk is extracted from this millet and porridge is made. After completing 7 months, whole ragi porridge can be given using whole ragi flour or sprouted ragi flour for more nutritious porridge. In our family, we give this sprouted ragi porridge till the baby turns one. A wholesome diet is key to a baby’s healthy growth and development. By setting your baby on a healthy eating path, you will ensure they follow a healthy lifestyle as they grow. Incorporate ragi into your child's diet as it is a super-food with many benefits. Ragi is one of the healthiest grains that you should feed your child. What Is Ragi? It contains large amounts of proteins, iron, and calcium. Ragi is also called finger millet or nachni. India is a leading producer of ragi in the world. This whole grain contains important amino acids like phenylalanine, methionine, isoleucine, and leucine. Ragi can be grown during the summer even when it's extremely dry. How to Prepare the SPROUTED RAGI PORRIDGE Putting together the porridge requires only 11 minutes total. There are very few ingredients, so getting the ingredients only takes a minute. Making this baby food takes little time and can be done in less time. INGREDIENTS Sprouted ragi powder - 2 tablespoons Half a cup of water. Half a tablespoon of ghee INSTRUCTIONS Put 2 tablespoons (leveled) of sprouted ragi powder in a pan. Pour in 12 cups of water. Whip or stir until smooth, without lumps. Using a low-medium flame, cook the food. When the color changes from pale to dark after 2 minutes, add a little ghee and continue stirring. Ten minutes is the maximum amount of time you should cook it. Be careful not to let it thicken too much. Shut off when it has thickened only slightly (not too much). Preparing sprouted Ragi Porridge for babies: Tips and Tricks Feed this porridge as soon as possible because it thickens over time. Once the food has warmed, transfer into a feeding bowl and feed. Stir well and turn on the stove to prevent lumps. Stir continuously for the entire cooking time of 10 minutes. The mixture is left unsweetened for 1-year-olds, you can add sugar or filtered cane jaggery or palm syrup (jaggery) after the child is 1year. Cook for 3 more minutes or until slightly thickened after adding it at the 7th minute. Over time, this porridge will thicken, so feed it as soon as possible. Mix well, then preheat the stove so you don't get lumps. For the entire cooking time of 10 minutes, keep stirring. In case you don't like the taste of the honey, you can add sweeteners like cane sugar or filtered cane jaggery or palm jaggery. It should be added at the 7th minute and cooked for 3 more minutes or until slightly thickened. Nutritional Benefits of Sprouted ragi Porridge for babies Ragi contains calcium, potassium, iron, protein, and fiber. A common question parents have is whether ragi is good for babies? Ragi is good for babies. As early as six months of age, babies can benefit from a diet rich in ragi, which contains essential nutrients. The following are some of the health benefits your child can derive from this super cereal: Ragi contains a high amount of calcium, so it is beneficial for the bones of young children. By reducing the risk of fractures and eliminating calcium supplements. It reduces the need for bone-building supplements. In addition to this, ragi help the body produce more blood. Fibre aids digestion and contributes to feeling full in babies Ragi has a lot of dietary fiber, which can result in quicker digestion and a longer period of feeling full. As ragi is high in amino acids, it removes excess fat around the liver as well as reduces cholesterol levels in a child's body, reducing obesity. Natural source of iron Children can benefit from the natural iron present in ragi by preventing anemia. Sprouting Ragi contains Vitamin C, which is responsible for improving iron absorption. Because of its high nutritional content, Ragi defends babies against malnutrition. Relaxes the body and mind There are significant amounts of antioxidants in ragi, and its consumption helps alleviate many health problems, including insomnia, anxiety, and headaches in children. Basically, ragi provides comprehensive nutrition for the body. Boosts skin and hair health You can help promote your baby's healthy skin and hair by providing him with methionine. Ragi is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep the skin and hair healthy. Conclusion When consumed regularly, ragi kanji, ragi malt, or ragi porridge is nourishing and provides a good amount of nutrients. They strengthen bones and teeth and improve overall health. Ragi Porridge is one of the first baby foods recommended for babies. This food is easily digestible, and it contains a lot of nutrients that help the child grow and develop all around. For babies, it is a quick and easy meal that can be made in a fraction of the time. It is an important component of a balanced diet for babies. Feeding a child is a difficult task but it has to be done. Make the process simple by choosing a quality and healthy food for your baby, such as sprouted ragi. Ensure your baby is eating healthily by experimenting with a variety of foods. Calcium, potassium, iron, protein, and fiber are found in ragi. Ragi contains a lot of dietary fiber, which can make digestion faster and keep a person full for a longer time. Since ragi have a high level of amino acids, it helps to reduce fat around the liver and cholesterol levels in a child's body, helping to prevent obesity. In addition to its high antioxidant content, ragi is believed to alleviate a number of health problems, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, and headaches in children. This is because ragi essentially take care of the body's nutritional needs. The best-sprouted ragi powder can be found at Yummy Valley. The origins of the ingredients are transparent with Yummy Valley. Click here if you want to learn more about the nutritional benefits and recipes of millet mix.
View MoreMillet Health Mix for Babies: All You Need to Know
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Millet Health Mix for Babies Millet Health Mix is a nutritious baby food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Your doctor or nutritionist has probably told you that a baby's diet is instrumental to their growth if you're the parent of a baby or toddler. I couldn't agree more! Your baby's diet will influence his or her physical health and shape his or her dietary habits. Healthy foods are therefore very important to provide for your baby from a young age. In terms of nutrition, millet is one of the healthiest foods you can include in your baby's and adult's diet. Furthermore, it is one of the most versatile ingredients to use in cooking. Check out the following for when and how to introduce millet to your baby's diet! Millet: What is? The gluten-free, high-fiber grain of millet is a nutritious, highly digestible, highly nutrient grain that is also easy to prepare and is rich in fiber. Many people are allergic to millet, but none have reported adverse reactions to it. The size and shape of buckwheat are extremely similar to those of barley, but it contains higher levels of fiber, which makes it easier to digest. Aside from vitamins, minerals, and proteins, millet is also considered a superfood because it is rich in potash, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. In India, what varieties of millet are available? This versatility can be attributed to the fact that millets can be used to make all sorts of different dishes, from idlis to millet cereal for babies. Because millets have a wide range of varieties, there are many foods that can be made with this superfood. In India, the most common millets are: Millet Foxtail Foxtail millet is commonly found in India, where it is known as Kakum or Kangni. You can control blood pressure and cholesterol levels with this type of millet. Millet Pearls In India, it is called Bajra and is the most common millet. The type of millet grown in this region is reputed to help manage and prevent type 2 diabetes in humans. Additionally, it has a high magnesium content. Millet finger In Southern India, specifically in the state of Karnataka, this millet is known as Ragi. The digestibility and nutritional value of finger millet make it popular among babies. Kodo Millet The millet is rich in polyphenol, a type of antioxidant, fiber, and is low in fat, making it a common diabetes-management ingredient. Kodra or Varagu are the names of the millet varieties. Little Millet Besides being rich in iron, fiber, and antioxidants, this type of millet is also known for its ability to prevent stomach disease and diabetes. Saamai or Kutki are its local names. Barnyard Millet In addition to being extremely high in fiber, phosphorus, and calcium, Jhangora or Kuthiravali is rich in phosphorus. Sorghum Millet This millet is commonly referred to as Jowar, and it is one of the easiest to find and one of the most commonly eaten millets in India. It contains unrefined fat, protein, calcium, and minerals like phosphorus and potassium. Micronutrients and antioxidants are also plentiful. Can infants eat millet? When cooked correctly, millet is extremely safe for infants. These grains are packed with antioxidants, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Due to their easy digestibility and gluten-free status, it is extraordinarily unlikely that your child will be allergic to millets. What is the best time for your baby to eat millet? When your baby is around 6 months old, he or she can begin eating millets. Millets are a new ingredient, and as with any new food, as you introduce it to your child, you should do it slowly. You can begin by giving them a small amount and gradually increasing it. What is the best millet for babies? There is a wide range of millets that are great for babies; the easiest to prepare and digest are pearl millet, foxtail millet, and sorghum millet. If you want more specific information about millets that can be fed to your child, speak with a nutritionist or doctor. Babies can benefit from millet's health benefits There are numerous health benefits associated with millet, due to its high nutritional value. Listed below are some of these benefits. Aids in digestion Among the nutrients that aid in digestion, fiber is one of the most important. Millet contains a lot of fibre. Besides being rich in antioxidants, millet also prevents stomach bugs with its antimicrobial properties. Healthy bones Calcium is one mineral that millets are high in, this mineral is important in helping the baby develop strong and healthy bones. Promotes muscle recovery Muscle fatigue occurs when your baby's muscles are used in different ways as they develop. Protein is essential for muscle recovery, and millets are a great source of protein and healthy for babies. Boosts metabolic rates Phosphorus is a mineral that is crucial to breaking down and metabolizing fats, and it is also required to repair damage to tissue. Phosphorus is abundant in millets. Helps prevent anemia You can prevent your baby from becoming anemic by eating millets, as they are rich in iron. Facilitates weight loss Because simple carbohydrates take longer to digest, millet is a good source of healthy carbohydrates for your baby. The body does not easily digest these carbs, which keeps your baby fuller for longer. Additionally, it helps your baby lose weight. Conclusion Millet Health Mix is really good for your baby as it helps to improve health and fight off certain health conditions. Millet Health Mix is easily available from Yummy Valley and a variety of recipes can be tried out for fun and nutritious baby food. Millets are superfoods, but they cannot be the sole component of your child's diet. Your child's meal plan should include other healthy ingredients. Your dietician or nutritionist can help you determine the nutritional requirements of your child and how millets can be incorporated into their diet. If you want to learn how this mother handles her fussy eating baby, click here!
View MoreHow I Handled My Fussy Eating Baby
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Here is How I Handle My Fussy Eating baby. As a parent, I get my daily exercise while feeding my child. It is no secret that children are fussy or picky eaters when it comes to healthy food. I got one here at my home. In the routine of feeding babies, we sometimes forget to ask ourselves if they are eating healthy. Even though greens are healthy, I have difficulty feeding my baby healthy baby food. A fussy eater is always a concern for every mother. The constant complaint is that she doesn't eat well and even when she eats, it's not healthy food. Under forceful feeding, I observed that the child suffered. It made me rethink my strategy. Here is how I get my baby to eat healthily. I've discovered ways to get my baby to eat healthy after doing some intensive research through trial and error. The secret is not to create a funny routine or use a special recipe. This is a combination of tips and tactics that I found useful for getting my baby to eat healthy food. It is important to prioritize the health and well-being of the child. After all, we are what we eat. I would like to share the guidelines I used to get my baby to eat healthy before getting into details. Force-feeding is unhealthy for children I used to force-feed my child. This concept is based upon the notion that you must be rough to do good. I thought I was helping, but it wasn't the case. Food should have a positive influence on the relationship between parents and children. Forcing children to eat leads to an aversion to food. I learned this the hard way. When we force-fed, the baby was not happy, neither was I. As soon as I brought food to her, the baby began crying and running away. It made the baby feel uneasy. Remember don’t force-feed the children. When you force-feed the child, you damage the relationship with the baby. Be sure feeding time is a loving experience for the parents as well as the children. Focus on time over Quality. The most important thing I have learned is to not worry about the amount of food but rather when to feed the baby. The baby's stomach is only 2 to 5 times as large as the baby's hand. I learned that children should eat four meals each day. Be specific about the time, such as 8:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00. Find the ideal time to feed the child. If you start feeding, then it should stop after one hour. Between nine to twelve o clock, the child should not be offered anything other than water. Usually while feeding porridge we used to sit for hours to finish a bowl. Now whatever she eats, even if it is two or three spoons, we stop after one hour. It seems to help both the baby and me. Hold Back on the Sugar and Milk. Sugar and milk may seem like normal ingredients, but sugar-rich treats and milk will keep the baby from getting hungry. The average baby needs less than 200 ml of milk per day. Excess sugar is not good for health. As soon as I learned these facts, We cut back on the consumption of sugar and milk. Reducing unhealthy habits can lead to a healthier diet. That does not mean that you should completely avoid these things. Just keep an eye on the amount of sugar and other unhealthy food consumed. I sometimes use sweets to encourage good behaviour. I recommend starting healthy snacking behaviours as early as possible. Snacks can be used as mini-meals to add more grains, fruits, and vegetables to your child's diet. Add vegetables and fruits When it comes to eating healthy, it is best to choose organic and green foods. Nevertheless, I have trouble getting my baby to eat vegetables. However, eventually, we overcame the difficulty. The trick is to keep in mind that the children are tasting these ingredients for the first time, and it may take some time to get used to them. Not every taste is familiar to them. Include vegetables and fruits in daily porridge gradually. Though they may not like it the first time, that does not mean they will not try again. That's when you need to be patient. I tried over weeks to get her to eat vegetables and finally one day she acquired a taste for it. It no longer requires much effort to get her to eat those fruits and vegetables; it is merely a matter of patience and time. Conclusion It is possible for children to become fussy eaters or to acquire a taste for some food. It is important to be patient and introduce new tastes consistently to get the fussy eater to get more. The relationship between parents, children, and food needs to be healthy. Feeding time should be one of affection, play, and love. I understand how hard it is to feed a fussy eater and how worried parents are about their children. However, no matter how deep your worries are, do not force feed the children. Concrete on when to feed your child rather than how much. Rather than quantity, focus on quality. Feed the children at least four times a day at a specific time interval. Reduce unhealthy foods, especially sugar and milk, gradually. Get your children acquainted with the taste of vegetables and fruits by including them in the daily diet. Make sure the feeding experience is filled with love and enjoyment. Every child is unique and deserves your unconditional love and patience. You should not be discouraged if your attempts to get your picky eater to eat aren't 100 percent successful at first. No matter how much your little one hates eating anything but grapes, they are definitely not going to live off grapes for the rest of their lives. Children tend to eat the same types of foods for a while and then switch to other types. Look at the amount of food they consume over the course of a week (or even a month) rather than what they consume at a single meal or on a particular day. Learn this mother's tips to make her baby eat healthy by clicking here!
View MoreBaby Food Recipes: Banana Porridge Recipe
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Banana Porridge Recipe Bananas are efficient, tasty, and affordable--a perfect fruit for people pressed for time, which happens every day. Consider treating bananas as a backup food when you're on the go with your kids rather than eating them every day. Besides offering great taste and convenience, bananas are also loaded with nutrients that are good for you - especially for babies. A lot of nutrients are found in this easy-to-digest baby food. Learn how to make banana porridge as baby food and the benefits of bananas for babies by reading this article. Bananas for babies - when can they eat them? When a baby is ready to start solid food, which typically occurs around 6 months of age, bananas can be introduced. It is a good start when it comes to solid food for babies. If you are concerned about choking hazards, begin by slicing up some bananas. Are Bananas Good For Babies? Certainly. As well as providing carbohydrates to energize your body, bananas provide nutrients your baby needs to thrive, such as folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium. They support a healthy nervous system, healthy skin, iron absorption, and healthy blood pressure. The good news is that bananas are packed with more antioxidants than many berries, herbs, and vegetables. The banana is neither a vegetable nor a fruit. The banana is actually a berry. Nutrition varies with ripeness. Bananas, for instance, contain a large amount of fiber that helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. Furthermore, the prebiotic fiber contains less in under-ripe bananas than in ripened bananas, which contain more soluble fiber. Whatever stage of ripeness your banana is in, bananas are a great addition to your child's diet. When combined with a healthy protein or fat, such as peanut butter thinned with yogurt to reduce the chance of choking, a healthy snack such as this is a great choice for kids. Banana Porridge: How to Prepare Make your baby's breakfast exciting with this banana, cinnamon, and raisins recipe, suitable from 7 months. You will need the following ingredients to begin the recipe. To start you need to have at least half a mug of porridge oats Then take one mug of full-fat milk Slice up one banana into small pieces. Take a handful of raisins and chop them up into small pieces. Get a pinch of cinnamon to add flavor Instruction The first step is to cook the oats with the milk and banana slices in the pan. In the second step, you will need to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Pour in water if necessary. The third step: Stir in cinnamon and raisins after removing the pot from the stove. The fourth step: Cool the food before serving it. Use different kinds of fruit in your smoothies, such as poached pears or mixed berries. The Benefits Of Banana Baby Food Not only are bananas delicious and convenient, but they also contain a lot of good nutrition, which makes them ideal for babies. In terms of health benefits, bananas are far superior to apples. The reason is that they are richer in vitamins and nutrients than their round counterparts. The carbohydrate content of bananas is twice that of apples, the iron content is five times that of apples, and the phosphorus content is three times that of apples. As well as potassium, fiber, and natural sugars, bananas are also rich in nutrients. Vitamin C, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals in bananas play an important role in health maintenance. Bananas contain such a high amount of nutrients that they should be considered a "superfood.". Energizer Energy is better derived from bananas than expensive sports drinks. The calories in two bananas are sufficient for an hour-and-a-half walk or workout. A banana also makes a great pick-me-up. Do not grab a cup of coffee or a sugary snack whenever you feel sluggish or tired in the afternoon. Eat a banana instead. There will be no crash after drinking coffee or eating cake, so you will have more energy. Enhancing heart health In addition to their potassium content, bananas facilitate the delivery of oxygen to the brain through the circulatory system. It is also effective in maintaining a regular heartbeat, lowering blood pressure, and maintaining a proper balance of water in the body. Women over 60 are also known to benefit from potassium-rich foods since they reduce the risk of stroke. Natural Laxative Constipation might be a thing of the past if you eat bananas. Eating bananas can help you digest food better, so they're very healthy. Bananas that have ripened well have a fiber that helps restore and maintain regular bowel movements. The movement of waste through the bowels is improved by the consumption of a banana. You can improve your baby's bowel movements by adding bananas to their diet. The Health and development of the baby will be improved in the long run. Notes Its sweetness and starch make it a versatile flavor, which goes well with tropical fruits such as guava, lychee, mango, and papaya as well as juicy berries like blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry. Pair bananas with hearty nuts like almond, cashew, coconut, walnut, or peanut; dairy products like kefir or yogurt; starchy vegetables like carrot and sweet potato; and nutty grains like amaranth, quinoa, and rice. Conclusion Bananas are not without fault despite their nutritional benefits. Traditionally grown bananas are heavily sprayed with pesticides, harming the environment and compromising the health of the workers and consumers who consume the food. Bananas should be peeled and discarded to minimize their pesticide exposure - there has been a growing demand for sustainably cultivated and equitably sourced bananas. When it comes to eating banana peels and food products made from them (like banana peel flour), purchase organic or consider these foods as a "one-in-a-while" item – and wash the peel before cooking to remove pesticide residue. Yummy Valley is the place to go if you need quality banana powder. Their ingredients are completely transparent. You can trace the ingredients back to their source. You don't have to worry about the quality. If you like to learn how this mother feeds nutritious food for her baby, click here!
View MoreBaby Food Allergy – Everything You Need to Know
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Baby Food Allergy There are many people who suffer from food allergies. Whenever you eat certain foods, your immune system reacts abnormally, causing a food allergy. Food allergies can vary from person to person. With Baby food, you just can’t take the risk. So make sure you check the label and understand the ingredients to avoid baby food allergy. You get this condition when the immune system incorrectly recognizes some of the proteins in a portion of food as harmful. During this transition period, your body initiates a series of protective responses, such as releasing inflammatory chemicals, including histamine. baby food allergy Food Allergies: What Are They? The effects of food allergies can be serious and even deadly. You need to understand how an allergic reaction is recognized in order to be ready if one occurs. A foreign object in your body can cause allergic reactions when your immune system reacts to it. As a result, your body produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E. Upon entering your body, these antibodies attach to your skin, lungs, and digestive tract. Histamine, which dilates blood vessels, is released by the antibodies when you encounter the allergen again. As a result, an allergic reaction takes place. How Can You Tell If Your Child Has a Food Allergy? Food allergies occur when a person's body perceives a certain food as poisonous. This enables the body's immune system, which fights diseases and infections, to make antibodies to fight food allergies. Look for allergies in family history and consult a Pediatrician. If you have a family history of food allergies, don't take the risk. Observe any changes in your baby's behavior if you don't know whether he has food allergies before trying new baby food. A person's body releases chemicals like histamine whenever they eat (or in some cases, handle or breathe in) food. Allergy symptoms are caused by this, which can affect the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, or the cardiovascular system. Affected individuals may exhibit the following symptoms: Breathing problems coughing throat tightness diarrhea Swollen, itchy, or watery eyes Red spots Swelling belly pain Vomiting Food intolerance and food allergies have similar symptoms, which makes them easy to confuse. Food intolerance can cause symptoms such as burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or the sensation of feeling "flushed." But food intolerance: The immune system is not involved A person may have difficulty digesting a substance, such as lactose Even though it is rarely dangerous, it can be unpleasant Baby Food Allergens: What Are the Most Common Ones? It is likely that a child will react to any food, but the following ingredients make up 90% of all allergic reactions: milk peanuts wheat soy eggs nuts shellfish Food allergies are usually outgrown by most kids. Approximately 80% of people with milk allergies will eventually outgrow the allergy. Two-thirds of those with an egg allergy and about 80% with a wheat or soy allergy will grow out of it by their fifth birthday. However, food allergies in other species may be harder to overcome. Baby Food Allergy Reactions: What Happens? People react differently to food allergies. A single person can react differently under certain circumstances. It is critical to find and treat food allergy reactions as quickly as possible. Baby food allergy can be difficult to identify in children. There are several possible reactions: The symptoms will only affect one part of the body, such as hives on the skin The condition could be more severe and affect multiple parts of the body After contacting the food, the reaction can occur within minutes or within two hours Anaphylaxis can result in severe reactions from allergies, even if previous reactions were mild. A less severe reaction might begin with some of the same symptoms as anaphylaxis. However, it can quickly become more severe. There may be difficulty breathing or collapse for the individual. The individual may be affected in more than one way. In the absence of treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Baby Food Allergy: How Are They Diagnosed? A doctor will ask about the following if you suspect your child might have a food allergy: Symptoms experienced by your child The frequency with which the reaction occurs An individual's response to a particular food after eating it Allergies or conditions such as eczema or asthma among family members There could be other conditions causing the symptoms, so the doctor will check for those as well. Your doctor may examine your child for lactose intolerance if your child has diarrhea after drinking milk, for example. Similar symptoms can also be seen in celiac disease, which causes an inability to tolerate gluten. If your doctor recommends an allergist (allergy specialist doctor), they will ask you more questions and perform a physical examination. Tests to determine the allergy's cause may be ordered by the allergist, including: The skin test. A food allergy test involves pricking your child's skin with liquid extracts of food allergens, watching for reddish raised spots (called wheals) to form after 15 minutes, and then waiting to see if they develop. Your child's reaction to a food is only an indication that the food might cause sensitivity. Testing the blood for IgE antibodies to specific foods A food challenge may be recommended by the allergist if the test results are unclear: To perform this test, the doctor slowly increases the amount of a potential food allergen a person is eating while keeping an eye on their symptoms. A life-threatening reaction may occur during the allergy test, so it must be performed in an allergist's office or hospital with immediate medical attention and medicines. A more common reason for doing food challenge tests is to determine if a person has outgrown their allergy. Check for baby food allergy by giving your children small quantities. What are the Treatments for Baby Food Allergy? Creating a treatment plan for your child with a food allergy will be assisted by the allergist. In most cases, allergen treatment involves avoiding all foods containing the allergen. It's important to read labels on food so you can avoid allergens. Read the label before buying the baby food. Be aware of ingredients that might cause allergies. Stay clear of baby food products that contain those ingredients that can lead to baby food allergy. Currently, food allergies do not have a cure. Medication can be used to treat mild as well as severe symptoms. Allergic reactions may result in symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or stomach pain that can be treated with antihistamines. The moment you notice allergic reactions in your child, call an ambulance and take them to the hospital as soon as possible,
View More7 Tips I Use To Make My Baby Eat Healthy
10 min read
Positive Parenting
7 Tips I Use To Make My Baby Eat Healthy Most of the little ones find it boring to eat something healthy and they are more excited to munch some fries, relish some chocolates or candies. It is a herculean task to make them fall in love with healthful food. With some tricks and tips, this hurdle of making the tiny tots eat healthily can triumph over. Convincing your baby to eat healthily First of all, make them convinced and relaxed with their pretty platter. As a new mom, at first, I found it difficult to cope up with the tiny tantrums thrown by my baby over food. However, now I have almost excelled myself in the task of feeding my cutie pie. I always encourage my baby to learn more tastes and flavours, as I want my kid to be a daring diner and not a picky diner. Be patient with your kids The very first thing I have done to make my little one love food as much as I do was to develop a loving relationship with food. And I recommend this to every parent out there to make their babies embrace healthy eating habits. We should always set our mind to appreciate the liking and disliking of children towards food and we should understand that it takes time to foster healthy eating habits in kids. As they are just learning to taste and enjoy their food, they should not be turned down by judging them as a bad eater. Every kid is different and possesses a different rate of learning and parents should never be adamant to make their kid learn the eating habits at the same pace as another child. Parents should provide anything and everything that is healthful to their children. Do not make them get bored with the same flavours or foods and let them explore and enjoy the different savouries available in the world. Mix it up with tips and tricks Just like us, kids prefer to have the same food every day; they crave varieties and changes. Not only the flavour but also the texture of the food item should be made different concerning their interest and age. They should be served with both smashed and diced vegetables, fruits, and other food items. Their healthy diet should be enriched with both liquids and solids. They should be allowed to gulp and chew their savouries from their tumbler and plate respectively. Another trick to make the tot relish his or her food is to prepare their food in different shapes, which can be of their favourite cartoon characters, and animals. With a cookie-cutter, every dad and mom can go on with their shape experiment. It is so lovely to add a smiley on top of every food that is served to the baby and make the little one smile at their food, which is smiling back at them. Become a role model to your kid Mealtime with a toddler will be a stressful time for parents and it is something that cannot be helped. Howbeit, parents should take extra care not to make their kids anxious or nervous, which will undeniably hold back their appetite. Elders should set themselves as role models for younger ones at the dining table by not fiddling and meddling with others especially kids who share the table with them and they should relish their food with a full heart. This will for sure make the kids focus on their own plate and enjoy their food. By making a better environment for dining, the children will eventually fall in love with food. Children love snacks and candies and they are never health-conscious, every parent should consider this attitude of their kids and should respect it. Parents should replace their unhealthful choices with much healthier and tastier choices and should be mindful of the nutrition intake of their kids. Accept the fact the kids are messy and encourage them to have their food themselves. They may play in between eating, they may convert the dining room into a total muddle, whatever they do should be fine with the parents, as they are experiencing their food and should never be dispirited. The Fruit and Vegetable bandwagon For cultivating a better relationship towards fruits and vegetables, children should be offered at least one portion of fruit and vegetable per day. If they are reluctant to have their vegetables or fruits, then it is better not to compel him or them to have the whole thing at a single go and should offer them more than a few servings each day. Try to feed them only when need food or when they are hungry and do not set up a proper dining timetable for them. Healthy Servings Children usually possess a tendency to accept food, when they are starving, so parents should take up this opportunity to feed them with the most healthful serving. And it is better to prepare something vegetarian as the starter or the main course that is offered first. Click here if you want to learn the must-have nutritional guidebook from one mom for every mom! Desserts that wow them After finishing their whole meal gracefully, it is better to surprise them with a healthy dessert that can be fruit salad, a piece of homemade cake, or something just as delicious. One of the most important things that every parent should keep in mind is not making any assumptions regarding the expressions made by the little one. Parenting with care Being a parent is not at all an easy task and there are no well-written rules and regulations for doing extremely well in the field of parenting. Parents are born with the little one and they will grow and learn together with them, so it is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Although, it is a challenging job, still parenting is the most fulfilling and rewarding feeling in the world. Developing a healthier eating habit in their kid happens to be the most daunting of all tasks in parenting, but this can be trounced with the above-mentioned tricks and tips.
View MoreNutrition Tips That I Follow To Boost My Toddler’s Immunity
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Nutrition Tips That I Follow To Boost My Toddler’s Immunity Apt nutrition is the only thing that can shield the kids from the gathering of germs. As a mom, I know exactly what to do with the microbes that my little one encounters. Toddlers are so vulnerable to diseases and infections, as they are never away from gardens or grounds. So, without the right nutrition, we can never boost up their immune system. Children’s immunity can be kicked to the top gear by following certain habits including washing hands, getting an adequate amount of sleep, and not least of all a healthy diet. They should be crammed up with enough immunity to make them battle the endless series of illnesses. As a mother, I will never compromise in taking care of my baby’s nutritional requirements. I always try to include as many power foods in my child’s diet and hence, make it certain that they are not devoid of nourishment. I do not want my child to miss his classes and garden plays with a weak immune system. So, I put extra care and caution to make them strong enough to fight the array of viruses. The first and foremost thing to boost their immune system is to serve the tots with enough vegetables along with fruits. I always take the time to put a really good attempt to serve at least five portions of veggies and fruits for each day to my naughty kid. They are power foods that will enhance the immunity of little wonders. Colourful veggies for sure, pave a tasty and smooth path towards immunity. Leafy vegetables, carrots, beans, and much more will boost up the immunity to its best. As they possess carotenoids, which are the phytonutrients that enhance the immune system. Carotenoids boost up the production of white blood cells, which are known for their battles with germs and microbes together with the antibody called interferon which functions as a shield particularly against viruses, in the human body. The eye-catching pretty vegetable, carrot is great for eyesight and it helps the toddler to set up a war against the disease-causing germs. With their bright hue and beta carotene, they are one of the perfect vegetables to serve the little one. In company with bright red carrot, include some greenness in their little and perfect diet. Leafy vegetables are positively a must-have for the blooming little ones. They are fantastic with their job of boosting immunity and also in repairing the DNA. No toddler will ever refuse to have some scrumptious mushrooms in their little platter. Together with their appetizing taste, mushrooms are rich in the amazing mineral called zinc, which is of course inevitable in building up a strong and powerful immune system. This is one of the important minerals that help in the production of very brave white blood cells. Mushrooms gear up the little soldiers to set up a battle against the chain of diseases including the common cold, fever, bacterial infection, viral infection, and many more. Mushrooms even possess anti-tumour effects. Enhance your little one’s savouries with some mushroom pieces and make them fall in love with their dish. Together with adding some veggies into your little one’s cart, grab some fruits also. Make their fruits baskets more cheerful with some berries, mangoes, apples, melons, pomegranates, bananas, peaches, and much more. Do not limit your array of fruits with a few colours. Let the collection be more colourful with a wide range of shades from lighter to deeper tinges. Fruits hold a bunch of benefits that are both covert and overt. They are packed with a lot of antioxidants and fibres. I love making my baby healthy and happy with at least one portion of an apple each day. Fill your cart with fresh fruits as well as dry fruits. Make your children’s munch times more crunchy with some nuts in their little hands. Nuts are so full of vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, fatty acids, minerals, etc. I never want my little one to get bored with only one dry fruit, so I filled his plate with every variant, including dates, almonds, figs, pistachios, and much more. I also feel it so satisfying to garnish their desserts with a handful of these dry wonders. Not only dry fruits, but pulses are also rich in protein. So, feeding them with some pea stuffed chapati will make them more healthful and cheerful. Immunity in toddlers should be built not only with vegetables and fruits but also with meats, eggs, and also with a glass of milk. With these super-foods, protein levels can be increased, and hence, the immune system can be made robust. They are nothing short of a storehouse of minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and like. A bowl of soup and scrambled eggs enhance immunity and this will make the kids happy. Together with meat and egg, add some tasty fish into their immunity diet and make them fall in love with the flavoursome tuna salad. Fish is undeniably a brain food that builds up the immune system with its omega-3 fatty acids. Bacterial infections are so rampant among kids, so I found out this amazing option that will succeed in killing the bad bacteria. That option is nothing but a few spoons of yoghurt or curd. Toddlers can be fed with either plain yoghurt or with curd enriched with their favourite flavour. This tasty immune booster will for sure keep the stomach infections at bay. Kids love having a bowl of cereal for breakfast, which is certainly one of the best ways to kick off a new day. Most of the cereals possess the incredible roughage called beta-glucan which holds both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. The fibres in these cereals cleanse up the intestines. It helps in eluding the chances of constipation. Everyone can make their little one healthy. A strong immune system gets developed by including some super tasty and powerful food additions in their daily intake. There should be a balanced diet plan for toddlers to keep the infections and illnesses at bay. Want to know the secrets to this mothers food recipes? Click here!
View MoreHow I Overcame Postpartum Depression
10 min read
Positive Parenting
How I Overcame Postpartum Depression As per my experience, usually, the first year after childbirth presents a high risk of postpartum depression. This Postpartum depression caused difficulties in my ability to engage in the interactions with my baby. According to my understanding, it affects the baby’s later development and well-being. Postpartum depression usually begins with insecurity within a month of the baby’s birth. The symptoms, which follow include anxiousness, sadness, low self-esteem, lethargy, and sleeplessness. Postpartum Blues, the milder version has the mother feeling overwhelmed. I had the misfortune of having the pregnancy blues wherein I went through a prolonged period of emotional distress during my pregnancy. Upon understanding I might have Postpartum Depression, I analyzed the risk factors. As everyone is aware, pregnancy, labour, and childbirth are an emotional rollercoaster with the gruelling nine months adding to the misery. The symptoms included feeling irritable, suffering from a lack of concentration, experiencing sleep abnormality, feeling exhausted and fatigued, and having a lack of motivation for taking care of my baby. Constant fear and anxiety, sleeplessness having suicidal tendencies, having trouble enjoying the usual activities, and feeling restless and irritable are the general symptoms showcased by many who silently suffer from the dreaded postpartum depression. The symptoms of postpartum depression vary between people. As mentioned, these include severe anxiety and panic attacks, depressed mood/mood swings, fear of being a bad mother, sleep problems, appetite changes, difficulty bonding with the baby, diminished ability to think clearly, sense of guilt and shame, and hopelessness among others. Causes and risk factors are the ones to keep an eye out for. Hormonal fluctuations cause a major mood change and can create a depressive atmosphere. The massive mood drop and the onset of breastfeeding can trigger a high risk of developing postpartum depression. One needs to be constantly in touch with themselves and understand their mental strength. The risk factors of postpartum depression include various medical complications, depression symptoms, and alcohol drug abuse issues. It can also be extended to financial difficulties, traumatic experiences, and a lack of strong emotional support from others. Now that we are aware of how postpartum depression occurs and its risks, lets’ look at how to restore one’s emotional health. I did have some of the symptoms and risk factors that led to a mild level of postpartum depression. However, I am always open about my feelings and emotions to my family and loved ones. Although I struggled, the constant support from my family and friends helped to fight against the dreading feeling of postpartum depression. I constantly kept myself updated about my condition and tried to engage myself openly through all the ensuing challenges with an open mind. My constant learning about the condition helped me stabilize my mental state, which helped me in recovering from postpartum depression; a major step in regaining my healthy emotional state. As per my understanding, postpartum depression ranges from mild, moderate, and severe conditions. If it turns to be severe, proper medical professional help is a necessity to come out of this kind of depression. However, if it is mild, it can be taken care of at the beginning itself. There are some simple solutions that I tried and practised on myself. These include not expecting too much out of yourself, sleeping often, eating well and staying fit, having an excellent or good support system, and seeking medical help if required. Coping with the demands of a newborn life may go haywire. So, take it slow. Just relax and focus on one task at a time. Stop being anxious if your house is a mess or lot of tasks to do. Just concentrate your energy on creating a strong bond with the baby. The best time to sleep is to sleep with your baby. Give your body proper rest for recuperating from the strains of labour. Eat and exercise well by following a balanced diet filled with nutrient elements needed for a breastfeeding mother. Going for a walk, jog, or swim can do wonders to your physical and mental psyche. Take the baby out for a stroll. A breeze of fresh air and a good environment will help in recovering from the postpartum depression blues. The proper support system consisting of an educated partner/spouse will go a long way in treating postpartum depression. Have a good talk with your partner/spouse on the postpartum troubles as well as tantrums. Indian system of a big family does help with fighting off this dreaded postpartum depression, which is an amazing thing. This is because a big family has more than one group of support systems, which relieves stress from a new mother’s mind. It also helps with fine-tuning the newborn baby care with much ease. If severe symptoms of postpartum depression are on display, it might be wise to seek professional and medical help. You can always come to us mothers at Yummy Valley where we all share our experiences and help one and other out on our journey through motherhood. If you like to learn what this mother learnt on completing her first 100 days as a mother, click here! A good counselling session will do wonders as this helps one fight the signs of depression. In case if it fails, medications would be prescribed for treating the condition as well as the underlying causes. It is normal to take medication. One should not feel hesitation to take these medications in fear of how society might react. This situation will only serve to aggravate the condition as it can become harmful to your baby and your support systems. Complications of postpartum depression are the following: A baby/child facing the consequences of maternal depression showcases a delayed development of vocal skills, will be more restless, more prone to anxiety disorder, and might become cranky for a prolonged period. So, postpartum depression should be treated as soon as possible for your baby/child to be healthy. Being aware of all this knowledge, I was determined to fight off the postpartum depression I had. With proper support systems, I fought off my postpartum depression. You can do so as well without feeling any kind of anxiety. The tips discussed here is a good benchmark on how to fight off postpartum depression.
View MoreThings Breastfeeding Moms Should Know
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Things Breastfeeding Moms Should Know Being a mom is a great responsibility and throughout this journey, you will be having a lot of questions about the newborn and how to be a good mother to your kid and many more. Believe me, I have also been through the same and was a seriously confused person when it came to motherhood. While you are pregnant, you will be hearing many stories about other people’s experiences connected to pregnancy and childbirth. You will also be hearing stories about other responsibilities coming after childbirth and the main topic of discussion at that stage is breastfeeding. I have heard multiple stories from my friends and relatives about their breastfeeding experiences, some of them worked beautifully and some others went wrong. I was completely overwhelmed by all the information I got and was trying to demystify the process by trying to understand the basics of breastfeeding from authentic journals and also with the help of my doctors. When it comes to breastfeeding, you will be hearing non-stop opinions from others. But remember, you are the one feeding your baby so you should be the one to find a solution that works for you as well as your baby. I will share with you some basic information about breastfeeding and how it is to be done from the information I gathered from various trusted sources. You can have a good read here and can choose the information which you find apt and suitable. Before starting, let me share some information about preparing your breasts at the time of pregnancy. While you are pregnant, the glands responsible for milk making start to develop. There are multiple hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and also prolactin which play a major role in developing your breasts for feeding your baby. Your breast size will also increase while you are pregnant and also the area surrounding your nipples becomes darker which is an indication of the hormones doing their duty properly and you are getting ready enough to produce breast milk for the baby. Another doubt is when is the best time to start breastfeeding? The answer is as soon as possible. Ideally, you should breastfeed your baby within the initial hour after the delivery. Whatever concerns or confusion arise, you can seek the help of lactation consultants who are readily available at the hospitals at your service. Next is the frequency of breastfeeding. How often should you feed your baby? Initially, your baby won’t be demanding much and there is nothing to worry about because it is normal for the babies to show such a pattern. This brief feeding can also help in producing more milk supplies in your body. As the days pass by your baby will start showing a pattern for the breastfeeding frequency and this will give a signal to your body about the quantity of milk to be produced and your supply will get adjusted to the baby’s demands. It is also important to note the way how your baby latches on to your breast. If the breastfeeding latch is good, then the baby would be able to remove milk from your breasts very efficiently which helps in keeping your supply plentiful and steady. Also, note that this would also help you in avoiding sore nipples. Now that you got an idea about milk production and feeding patterns, we should also be aware of the effective and best positions to breastfeed. If your breastfeeding is effective, it encourages your baby to have a good breastfeeding latch. You can find many breastfeeding positions online and based on it, you can choose the one favourable to you. It is advised that if the newborn is having trouble latching, you could try the laid-back position or a cross-cradle position. You can also check on other positions so that you can try them once in a while or more. While you are following changing breastfeeding holds on each feeding, it would help your baby to drain milk from different areas of the breast. The production of breastmilk is based on supply and demand which means the more frequently your baby breastfeeds; the more you will be able to produce milk. There are three main stages that your breastmilk goes through in the initial weeks. During the first 0 to 5 days, the production of Colostrum begins, which is filled with essential nutrients as well as immunoglobulins. Even though your body is not producing a lot of Colostrum, the amount produced would be enough to fill your baby’s demands with everything they need. From day 5 to 14, your breasts will be feeling fuller than they were in the beginning, and at this time your milk changes from colostrum to transitional milk. After 14 days, your breasts start producing mature milk that has a thinner consistency in the beginning and becomes thicker and packed with nutrients in the end. While breastfeeding you must also be aware of the signs indicating that your baby is getting enough milk. If your baby is steadily gaining weight, going through six to eight diapers per day, and also having proper bowel movements you can easily infer that your baby is getting the milk required. If you are having issues with breastfeeding, then there are a variety of products in the market that would help you through the process. For latching problems, you can seek the help of breast shells as well as nipple shields. To protect your clothes from leaking breasts, you can use nursing pads, and also for easy breastfeeding on travel or other conditions, you can rely upon a nursing bra. Along with feeding the baby, it is also important that you must take care of yourself too. You must give yourself healthy nutrition to feed your baby. You must provide yourself time to heal and also have some proper rest. Taking a proper nap at regular intervals can be helpful to overcome the state of postpartum fatigue and also follow a healthy diet to maintain your health combined with slow and steady exercises.
View MoreNutritional Needs For Breast-Feeding Moms
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Nutritional Needs For Breast-Feeding Moms A breastfeeding mom needs a lot of nutrient-rich food to keep herself away from any stress-related issues or diseases. The right nutrients boost the health of my “little charmer”, and myself. More often than not, lactating mothers worry about the right kind of nutrients they should take for the healthy production of breast milk. Stop being anxious and read on; as you will get to know the exact nutrient needs that serve the purpose of keeping your “bundle-of-joy” healthy. In short, as per my personal experience, the nutritional status of a mother directly influences the quality and quantity of her breast milk. The extra demand for nutrients helps moms with secreting an adequate quantity of high-quality breast milk while safeguarding their health. The ten commandments of nutrient needs for breast-feeding moms, such as myself: Hydration is a must: It is no doubt that breastfeeding dehydrates a mother’s body. So, it is advisable to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water. Hydration gets provided through fresh juices, milk, and soups as well. However, refrain from the use of caffeinated drinks including coffee, tea, and chocolate drinks. DHA: The DHA from mother’s milk help babies improve their psychomotor development. Some of the major sources of DHA include cod-liver oil and various types of fish varieties. It is essential for the infant’s brain development. Iron Content: Including pulses and legumes in the mother’s food fulfil all additional demands of breast milk. Other foods with iron content include green leafy vegetables, eggs, and watermelon among others. Calcium and Vitamin D: We all know calcium facilitates bone development and Vitamin D is a vital amine that helps infants grow their immunity. Calcium is present in milk and its products. These include cheese, paneer, yoghurt, green leafy vegetables, and ragi. Vitamin D sources include egg yolk and fatty fish along with morning sunlight. 3 Nutritious Meals a day without skipping breakfast: Breastfeeding drains out a mother as the process uses up calories. These make breastfeeding moms hungrier than usual. A balanced diet is required, which includes 3 nutritious meals without ever skipping breakfast. Some of the best snack options include nuts, fruit smoothies, veg rolls, sandwiches, and fruit platters. Limit excessive sugar and fat content: It is wise to cut down on food items with excessive fat and sugar such as potato crisps, chocolate cake, and soft drinks. They have very little nutritional value, which does not do any good to a lactating mother’s health. No alcohol or smoking: The consumed alcohol passes quickly onto the breast milk and can affect the baby’s health. Common nutrient needs for breastfeeding moms include avoiding tobacco products and smoking as these can interfere with the health of both mother and baby. Avoid Dieting: Although dieting is said to improve one’s health, undertaking this process during the breastfeeding period will drastically reduce the quantity as well as the quality of breast milk. Moderate exercises like walking or swimming help mothers maintain their weight during the breastfeeding period. Proteins: Protein requirement increases during the lactation period and supports the rapid growth of the baby. The foods inclusive of proteins are eggs, milk, milk products, chicken, fish, pulses, and legumes. Galactagogues: In India, herbs such as methi seeds, jeera, dill, and special preparations of methi laddu, almond halwa, laddu, dried ginger burfi, and various recipes using green leafy vegetables are recommended for enhanced breast-milk production while improving the lactation process. Certain herbs and spices like fennel, ajwain, and garlic helps with proper digestion and avoid colic pain in babies. Now that we know about the ten commandments of nutrient needs for breastfeeding moms, a proper diet plan needs to be designed to keep track of the entire breastfeeding process. A routine plan is made and followed as designed. It helps in keeping both the mother and baby healthy as long as possible. Nutritionally speaking, seasonal fruits such as apples, grapes, pear, melons, and bananas always provide moms with the apt nutrients. Vegetables like carrot, tomato, cabbage, cucumber, and beetroot are nutritious to all breastfeeding moms. A fun fact: During breastfeeding, the variety of foods in the mom’s diet helps the baby in appreciating a variety in both flavour and taste. Replenishment of vitamins and minerals becomes a necessity for all lactating mothers, including me. Vitamin A is a key element for boosting immunity and obtaining a clear vision in babies. Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and fenugreek are rich in Vitamin A. In the case of Vitamin C, Amla is a gold mine of this nutrient. Folic Acid helps with cell multiplication. Vegetables such as cluster beans, spinach, peas, broccoli, and tomato consist of folic acid. While there is no specific diet that a breastfeeding mother should follow, a healthy routine needs to be followed. The baby benefits from breastfeeding, especially for the first 6 months. While a healthy and nutritious diet fulfils the needs of both mother and child, certain additional supplements need to be taken for following a health regimen, which improves the immunity in babies and lactating mothers. Although breastfeeding moms have their nutrient needs, the person might be allergic to certain food items. This is where additional supplements become a necessity. These should be provided under the expert supervision and prescription of a doctor. A lactating mother and her family should make sure that she gets all the nutrients needs from the food she is fed with. Fulfilling these needs helps with keeping both the mother and the child healthy and happy. The ten commandments highlight the path through which essential nutrients get incorporated into a breastfeeding mom’s diet. This nutritional diet helps in the secretion of good quality breast milk in adequate quantity. The baby gets to taste different tastes and flavours through breast milk while acquiring immunity. It helps the baby grow healthily as well. Thus, these are the nutrient needs for breastfeeding moms like me. So, what are you waiting for? Just follow through and let us secure a healthy life for our babies. If you like to learn how this mother makes healthy nutritious food for her baby, click here!
View MoreHow I Feed Healthy Nutritious Food For My Baby
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Healthy Nutritious Food For My Baby Recently, I became a young mother. The very first source of food I gave my baby was the “Colostrum”. This breast fluid is a highly nutritious food, produced naturally in my body just before the production and secretion of breast milk. Colostrum promotes growth and health in infants. So, I am excited to feed my baby with the nutritious colostrum and breast milk, which boosts immunity in my kid. As per my understanding, the immune system of my child keeps continually adapting, strengthening, and changing in response to several external factors. I am cent-per cent sure that this is the case with all of your toddlers as well. So, it becomes a huge necessity to provide our babies with healthy, and nutritious food. To know more about how I feed my baby, just keep on reading. I am sure that you can take some tips from this article and make your babies healthy as well. The world outside a mother’s womb is filled with pathogens, germs, allergens, dust, and other factors that can harm your baby. To protect our babies from serious diseases, we should strengthen their immunity. I support my little charmer’s developing immune system by providing him/her with a balanced and healthy diet along with colostrum initially and breast milk as long as I can feed him/her. Prebiotic and probiotic foods help me in this quest of giving the most nutritious food to my “bundle of joy” any day. This way, I ensure that my child gets a boost in his/her immunity. A strong immunity lasts long and thus by providing healthy and nutritious food, I contribute to his/her long-term health. As a fellow parent, you can follow this tip too for your healthy and strong baby. Well, it is necessary to give equal importance to what we feed our children and the food young mothers eat during the pregnancy period. For additional health benefits for my kid, I include certain micro-nutrients in their daily diet. We can always look up to “Mother Nature” for getting the best nutritious food through all kinds of vegetables, and fruits. I serve my toddler with fresh-cut salads, stews, and soups. As we all know, vegetables and fruits are rich sources of various minerals, vital amines, and essential macro-nutrients. Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C. Baked beans, whole grains, and nuts are excellent sources of Zinc and Magnesium. So, I am protecting my child from infections through these food items. Including milk and milk products seem to be a good idea for providing the right kind of nutrition to our babies. Home-cooked food items are hygienic and nutritious. One category of food item I avoid is the artificially processed one as it is not as nutritious as it is required to be. As per my understanding, it is better to avoid food or water laced with a high quantity of sugar, salt, and saturated fatty acids. Lemon water is healthy along with other solutions sprinkled with mint leaves, parsley, and slices of cucumber. All our babies need to be kept hydrated and I give my baby around 8 to 10 cups of liquids per day. As per my observation, my baby loves to drink fresh citrus fruit juices, milk, and coconut water. It would be a wonderful idea to make meals fun for our kids. Let the children choose what they want to eat from a bunch of healthy and nutritious food items you provide them with. I am aware that breastfeeding up to 2 years is most ideal, and I did that for my baby. Engage your kids in healthy conversations while feeding them rather than watching TV or any kind of screen (mobile, laptop, desktop, notebook, or tablets). Give good training for your kids in general hygiene like washing hands, brushing their teeth, and having a bath along with using the washroom. Ensure your toddler has washed hands before eating anything with their hands. Encourage these practices through small praises as your children always look up to you for the right appreciation. While travelling, always make it a habit to carry disposable wipes and a bottle of water for cleaning the hands and mouth straight after eating. We have all seen that our toddlers refuse to eat by throwing tantrums and being playful with us. Here are some ways by which, you can feed your children in such scenarios. Always, sit with your child while eating and engage him/her with favourite topics while feeding them. Try offering new types of food more often than not and this will make them more curious about having new eating experiences. Please do not force your child. Give him/her enough time to eat. After a certain age, encourage him/her to be the “big boy/girl” by letting your child feed themselves. Always keep the mealtimes calm and without any kind of distractions. Offer the same food in different ways as it will make them curious as well. It is perfectly alright if your kid wants to skip a meal once or twice. However, stop this practice if it is slowly becoming a routine. If you have any doubts about the child’s health and food intake as well as feeding patterns, discuss it with a healthcare provider, a dietician, or a nutritionist. Sometimes, the children will eat the same food again and again. Encourage the practice if it is healthy and nutritious. If not, discourage by feeding that food very less often than not. It is ideal for babies, children, and toddlers to have at least 3 small meals with 2 to 3 snacks in between. Trust your child’s appetite and let it guide the baby’s healthy and nutritious development. Herein, I focused on how I feed my baby with healthy and nutritious food. You can also read through this article and follow the tips I discussed, as mentioned. So, what are you waiting for? Let us feed our children with healthy and nutritious food thereby boosting their immunity. To learn what this mother has learned from her baby's first 100 days, click here!
View MoreThe Ultimate Guide To Feeding Your Baby Solid Foods
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Feeding your baby solid foods Being a dad or mom is the best feeling in the world that is filled with a lot of responsibilities and obligations. Breast milk happens to be the very first food and the main source of each and every essential nutrient for the baby. After their first six months, babies can have soft foods together with breast milk. The very first thing to consider before feeding your baby with solid foods is the proper time to bring in the solid food. From six months and onwards, young ones can be fed with solid foods. It is the right time for the baby to start off trying his or her first solid foods. The nutritional requirements of the child will get bigger with time and the parents should be mindful of the type and quantity of food that should be provided to the babies. When they start feeding their little ones with solid food, parents should have a clear idea about the capacity of the little stomachs, and they should never cram it up with solid foods. Apart from offering food in single servings, the little one should be given solid foods repeatedly throughout the day. Different strategies and approaches to introduce solid foods:- Children find it really exciting to have some iron-fortified baby cereal during their first mealtimes. Cereals are rich in beta-glucan, which will clean up their intestines and make them feel really good. Mashed-up vegetables and fruits are the best-ever solid foods to be given to the tiny ones as their first foods. After they get used to fruits and vegetables, eggs and meats can be given to them. Everything offered to them must be in pureed form for making it easy for the babies to have it. Solid foods given to the little one should be rich in nutrition and the first foods for them should not be sugary, salty, and spicy, as those foods will make their stomach upset. The first solid foods should be easily digestible and healthful, as they are the ones that are responsible for catalyzing growth. Make their first bites healthy as possible for their healthy body. Feeding the little one is the most significant part of every parenting lesson, as it is an astonishing milestone in not only the baby’s life but also in every dad’s or mom’s life. This significant phase can be daunting and disturbing during the first few days, but soon, this phase will for sure turn into the most exciting and satisfying one. It is so lovely to watch your little one explores the tastes, smells, and textures of their first solid foods. You can definitely make this stage funny and cool in certain ways. What should parents know when introducing solid food to their kids? Every parent should set their minds to appreciate the fondness and aversion of their kids towards food and they should comprehend the fact that it takes a good amount of time to foster better eating habits in kids. Children should be offered solid foods only after their digestive system get developed enough to accept solid foods. If any child is provided with solid food before the proper development and growth of the digestive system happen, then it will definitely make the child sick and allergic to solid food. In the case of struggles regarding being underweight or overweight that may occur in children, it is better to consult a pediatric dietician before providing solid food to them. Albeit, parents should offer anything and everything that is healthy and nutritious to their child but they should never force the child to have it and they should be cautious and careful enough to not make them stressed on the dining timetable. By doing so, children will positively develop a rapport with the food they consume. Parents should be careful not to discourage the kids in front of their food platter by constantly cleaning up and wiping of the jumble. There will be a lot of trouble with the toddler, but it is totally alright as they are exploring the experience of food and flavour. Neither the parents nor the kids should get dispirited during the wonderful journey with food. In their experiments with a wide variety of solid foods, parents should keenly observe the food tolerance of the baby by checking out if there are any signs and symptoms like constipation, rashes etc. Here are 10 foods to look out for which you cant feed your baby Parents should be well-aware of the food items that are meant to keep away from the child’s platter. Just like we parents, our kids also prefer tasty foods and not some bland food. So, their bay palettes should be set in the tastiest and healthy way. You can include spices like cinnamon, nutmeg etc in their dishes. Flavours should be partnered with health benefits to make the child fall in love with the food together with attaining enough nourishment. Another important thing is to try varieties in their menu, as they will find it really boring to have the same food every day. Not only flavour and variety but also the texture of the foodstuff should be changed according to their liking and interest. Interest and excitement should be developed in the toddlers towards foodstuffs and make them relish the foodstuff with their whole hearts. Children should be well-taught about biting and chewing during their food journey. Parenting is never an easy job and this job will get even worse at the dining room with a little moppet. Parents should be prepared for a muddle at the dining table and although it is difficult, they should accept the fact that children are messy. Train yourselves truly well to excel in the very significant, interesting and intimidating task of feeding your little one with healthful solid foods by employing the perfect tried and tested ways that are mentioned above. With these guidelines you can for sure make this feed phase a definite cakewalk with your baby. Let him or her be a daring diner like you and explore the first foods with grace.
View MoreMonsoon Diet Tips & Recipes for my Child
10 min read
Positive Parenting
Monsoon Diet Tips & Recipes A change in weather compels a shift in diet. Children love the monsoon season because it promises fresh showers and rainbows. This season, every parent is concerned about their child falling sick. The best method to combat this is by providing our children with a healthy balanced diet. When they eat right, they don’t have to rely on medications and the food will keep them strong and hearty. Most children get these infections from the wrong food and drinks consumed during the monsoon. The food must be rich in all vitamins and minerals which can boost their immunity. As a parent, planning for the rainy season feasts is a crucial task. Monsoons cause slow digestion, which is one of the reasons for tummy troubles during this season. The monsoons bring plenty of seasonal fruits with them which are exclusive only at this time. These fruits have useful antioxidants that naturally add protective power to the body after consumption. Nature's holistic progression guarantees that Anthocyanin, Sorbitol, Isatin, and high quantities of dietary fibre found in green almonds, cherries, plums, and jamuns aid prevent monsoon-borne illnesses. Fresh monsoon berries are also a wonderful source of Vitamin C which in itself is an energetic antioxidant. Letting our kids eat food like seasonal fruits and berries is a cautious and significant method of securing their health during the rainy season. Packed with vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, bananas, cherries, oranges, lemons, peaches, and guavas are perfect for boosting the immune system in a season when it’s the most required. The attractive vibrant color of pomegranates is not just for grace. It’s also a pointer to how antioxidant-rich this fruit is. Pomegranates have three times more antioxidants than green tea, making them the best choice for the monsoons. Assure that the kids are being fed meat and fish either in the form of soups or curries as these are rich sources of protein. Not only does our body need this essential nutrient to compose and heal its tissues, but it also has a vital role to play in strengthening white blood cells that are responsible for combating infections. Vegetarians can choose protein-rich edibles like dal and cottage cheese as it is a well-documented truth that most children are meticulous eaters who shy away from consuming vegetables. Still, there is a huge amount of chlorophyll, dietary fibre, and effective nutrients that are only found in vegetables which is why they should be a component of your children’s monsoon meal plan. Nutritionists recommend consuming vegetables rich in vitamin C and vitamin E. Cut it into interesting shapes, sprinkle it with lemon, salt, and pepper before spicing it up with grated cheese, and present our child with a healthy colorful vegetable salad. When children are cranky with their food then add vegetables to homemade pizzas and make them have it. Eating roadside snacks or consuming roadside beverages like lemon water, buttermilk, colored beautiful sweetwater, chilled crushes, sugar cane juice, fruit sap, etc must be prevented as these are powerful sources of infection through the water. There are many food items that your baby cant eat and you must be cautious on the same. Healthy fuits and vegetables, and drinks our children consume in the rainy season should be cleaned properly before consuming. Presenting homemade fruit crushes, chocolate shakes in brilliantly shaded glasses and cute jars captivates our kids in consuming them. Smoothies, milkshakes, and fruit yogurt will support in breaking the monotony for the children and improve their immunity as well. In the case of snacks, sandwiches with delightful fillings like spinach and corn, mushroom and tomatoes, eggs and cheese, etc on bright plates with lovely dips will help to grab the child's attention faster. To make it all the more fascinating for children, we can consider incorporating them in sandwiches, soups, eggs, or healthy dishes. During the monsoon season, it is normal for our children to wish to go out and play outdoors while celebrating the freshness of monsoon showers. Kids are inclined to develop runny noses at the slightest stimulus. Fortunately, it is a scientific truth that the incorporation of exact spices in food like garlic, peppercorn, basil, thyme, turmeric, coriander, and ginger paste in regularly boiled food will enable the growth of a healthier immune system for our children. They will naturally be safeguarded against catching a cold in the monsoon season. I often feed my kids with turmeric milk masala as it is a quick and easy way for them to get the medicinal advantages of turmeric. Turmeric is one of the best foods that save my family against illnesses of all types. Turmeric is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory; in Ayurveda, it is considered nature's antibiotic. When crushed, garlic discharges several sulfur compounds which are accountable for its broad health benefits. As far as monsoon infections are concerned, various researchers have found garlic to be reasonable in treating the common cold and flu. Garlic also stimulates bone health, particularly for growing children and garlic soup recipes or rice dishes can be effective. Ginger is a spice that has several medicinal benefits, to an extent that it is considered a must-have during the monsoon season. Ginger has essential compounds like Gingerol which promptly support in tackling flu, improved body temperature, body pains, and throat discomfort. Nuts and dry fruits are some of the promising and nutritious foods to have during the monsoons. They are little powerhouses of nutrients. Apart from that they boost circulation and increase immunity. This can facilitate a common feeling of wellness in you and your kids even when there are diseases all around. I often feed my kids with a mix of dry fruits. You should use dry fruits powder and mixed nuts powder as nuts and dry fruits pose a choking threat for very young kids. Dry fruits like Walnuts, Raisins, Almonds, and Dates are good sources of necessary antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins. Apart from being rich in proteins, nuts and dry fruits are also sources of good fats.
View MoreWhat I did when my toddler hates baths
10 min read
Positive Parenting
What to do when your toddler hates baths All new parents alike have faced the situation wherein the former water baby suddenly starts fearing water and the bathtub. One of the reasons this is so is because toddlers don't enjoy being embarrassed in front of their parents, making them extra cautious about water. They may fear accidentally peeing or pooping in the water. Also, some toddlers start hating the feeling of water on their faces. I did apply some well-tested approaches by parents for having a healthy bathing routine. Guiding your toddler out of this challenging face can be done through some interesting measures. These are discussed below. Making bath time playful and interesting Let your toddlers break out soap bubbles and be curious and playful about them while you bathe him/her. Making bath time a routine will help work like a charm every time. Use toys, and songs to help along with the “bubble bath”. Make the bathe-tub a space for creativity; like an art zone or hub, wherein your toddler explores their inner creative minds while you can bathe him/her without any fuss. There are bathe-time paints available that wash off with water. Along with a sponge paintbrush, let him/her have a blast in the tub while you cleanse your toddler thoroughly. Bathing with favourite toys. Let your toddler focus on playing with his/her favourite toys. This helps in unlocking the curious mind, which concentrates on the toy and game at hand. Clean the toys as well along with bathing your toddler. Say to him/her about cleansing the toys while you go about bathing the toddler. It will be a fun time for everyone involved. Making every bathe a mini-event or show-time works like a charm as he/she forgets about the fear of water, which is just a small phase. Use props or sock-puppets to make some shapes, which makes them curious. Bathing with these props and sock-puppets will definitely bring in the fun element into the whole cleansing process. Make cute conversations and say your toddler to “take care” of his/her toys wholeheartedly with full attention to that. Keeping them occupied will definitely make the bathes easier than before. Playing the beauty-salon game can quickly turn into a bathing adventure with a little bit of imagination and adventure. Toddlers are always playful and use this fact to your advantage to make them stop hating water once again. This whole process makes it easier to enthusiastically bathe your toddler. Some toddlers feel the fear of washing away into the drain. The fear of bathing or also known as Ablutophobia is very common in children. They think water will wash them away to some foreign place, which is very insecure. To avoid these kinds of fears, it is effective to put a drain cover on. Getting out before the water drains out completely also works with dispelling this kind of fear. Using a washcloth for rinsing out the hair will make toddlers more confident that the water is not touching their face directly. Cups can also be used for rinsing the hair while being used as great bathe toys thereby making the whole process playful and interesting. Bringing back the tub used for bathing when your toddler was an infant will provide a sense of security, which works wonders with the bathing process. Giving a small break from the bathing tub before bringing it back can feel like a good way to bring fun into the whole cleansing process. Rearrange everything, and let his/her imagination run wild, while the bathing process goes on in the background. Giving a bath while standing in the tub can be a new experience, which will catch on easily with toddlers. Use a bathing mat for the purpose and let him/her stand and focus on playing with toys or bubbles. As discussed before, toddlers love to be engaged with a little drama, story, play, or small bathe-time games, which allows them to explore themselves as well as the surrounding environment. A shower visor takes out the fear of water falling into the face, which calms them down the entire bathing ordeal. Another prop, which can be used includes a children’s showerhead in the shape of animals such as a hippo or monkey. It makes them playful, which gives you time to cleanse them properly. Decorating the ceiling with interesting cartoon characters or animals works like a charm when rinsing the hair of toddlers. The whole idea behind this decoration is to keep them engaged as is being discussed over and over again. It works like a charm every time a bathing session is in progress. Waterproof items are available for this purpose and they can be applied to shower curtains as well. Just give your toddlers something to focus on and think about while the bathing process is in progress. Along with this, transitioning back to a bathing tub gradually after cleansing the toddlers outside for a week or so can be refreshing for both you as well as your children. Bathing together is a wonderful idea wherein your toddler can wash your hair once in a while can be a fun process. They will be very much interested in cleansing you with all the things they can use for the bathing process. The whole cleansing session becomes playful in this way. Give proper potty training before the bathing session begins. Sit on the toilet before the whole process and it gives them the grand idea behind bathing and cleansing properly, once they are in the washroom. This also takes out the fear of accidentally pooping or peeing in the bathtub. Some of these ideas were executed by me to ensure my toddler took baths regularly. The basic idea is to keep them engaged as has been mentioned many times above. Take out the fear factor and put in the fun element during bathing and everything will work out well. So, have fun going through this article and have a blast while bathing your toddler. want to learn what I learnt about nutrition as a father? Click here!
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