How to handle when toddler screams:

• Screaming back to your toddler when they scream won’t help at all. The best way to stop the screaming is to avoid the situation that tempts your toddler to scream. For this you need to figure out the reason of their screaming.

• Ignore the screaming and allow the habit to run its natural course.

• The moment your toddler screams, walk away. Ignore him for 5-10 minutes. Then return to him and say, “If you don’t scream, we can play or eat chocolates” or name some of his favorite activities.

•The best way is to use distraction as your weapon against a screaming child. For example, if your child screams for some candy in the grocery store, try pointing out some healthy snack options instead.

Help your child to stop screaming:

• In case you can’t be around your child, make sure she’s well-rested, with a full stomach and an empty bladder. In many cases child screams when they are hungry.

• Whenever you are out for a day with your toddler keep some snacks, water and favorite toys of your child in your purse. This works well when your child is frustrated.

• Involving the kids as much as possible is also a great way to avoid screaming. Keep on speaking to them even if you are busy with some work.

• If you’re planning on eating at a restaurant with your toddler, opt for the more family friendly places rather than a quiet or more formal setting. They will feel comfortable in known surrounding.

Source: Dr. Anupam

Your baby’s skin is smooth, soft, and highly delicate.  So how you care for your baby’s skin is very important. Here are some guidelines for keeping your baby’s skin healthy.

If your child has sensitive skin:

• Steer clear of products that have fragrances and perfumes.
• Avoid dryer sheets or fabric softeners, which leave a film on clothing and can irritate tender infant skin.
• Stay away from shampoo or washes made with sodium lauryl sulfate, which tend to burn children’s eyes.

If your infant gets cradle cap, a build-up of scales on the scalp, apply a little mineral oil to the scalp and gently brush away the thick scales with a very soft-bristle brush or toothbrush, suggests Jakubowicz.

Soaps and Anti-Bacterial Products

Avoid deodorant soaps meant for adults, they are harsh and too drying on a baby’s skin. Although they may not lather as well, try milder liquid or bar products that will be labeled “cleansing bar” or “skin cleanser.” “Babies aren’t sweating, you don’t have to use anything harsh to get its skin clean,” says Jakubowicz.

Avoid using anti-bacterial products. They tend to dry out a baby’s gentle skin. Also, regular use of anti-bacterial household products may actually increase the possibility that the germs they are meant to kill will eventually become more resistant to these products, and harder to kill.

Although bubble bath products may make bath time more fun for children, they tend to dry skin out. Be sure to use a bubble bath that is mild enough for frequent use. Using a moisturizer after bathing can also help avoid dry skin.

Moisturizers and Sun Protection

Stick to creams, ointment, and emollient moisturizers instead of lotions. “If it comes in a tube, it’s usually more effective,” says Jakubowicz. Avoid products that list alcohol in the ingredients. Alcohol tends to produce a drying effect that’s counterproductive to moisturizing.

Try to keep babies less than six months old out of the sun, or dress them in sun-protective clothing. When that’s impossible, apply a small amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF to exposed areas like the face and back of hands. For older babies, choose a sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum” with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Look for physical sunscreens and sunblockers or chemical-free sunscreen products that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Protect Baby’s Tender Bottom

If your baby develops a diaper rash, make sure to change your baby’s diaper every three to four hours, and immediately after a bowel movement. Wipes can be irritating to raw skin, so use unscented wipes or a soft cloth with water until it heals. Allow baby’s bottom to air dry. A cream or ointment with zinc oxide can help protect the area. For prevention, petroleum ointments should do fine.

For the first three months, or longer, if your baby has sensitive skin, avoid baby wipes that have fragrances. You can also skip the wipes altogether and just use wash cloths and a squirt bottle of water at the baby’s changing table.

If you use baby powder, pour it out carefully and keep the powder away from the baby’s face. Talc or cornstarch in baby powder can injure a baby’s lungs.

By Ms. Shobha

To get started, smooth a few drops of edible oil such as olive or sweet almond oil into your warm hands and begin massaging the soles of your baby’s feet. Use firm, gentle, slow strokes from the heel towards the toes. Always keep one hand on your baby while massaging.

Continue with long smooth strokes up your baby’s legs. Massage from the ankle up to the thigh and over the hip. You can try massaging both legs at once or one at time. Avoid massaging the genital area. Hold your baby’s leg under the knee and gently press it towards the tummy to help her expel gas.

      Massaging the upper body:

• Start the upper body massage with your hands on your baby’s shoulders and make gentle strokes in towards the chest.

• Massage the arms by stroking from the shoulders down towards the wrists. Try not to get oil on your baby’s hands but if that happens, wipe her fingers clean before she sucks them.

• If your baby’s tummy feels soft (not hard or full) massage his belly using circular, clockwise strokes. Babies’ tummies are sensitive, so if he becomes unsettled, move on to the next step. Avoid massaging the naval area if the cord has not completely healed.Massaging the face and back:
  • Use your fingertips to massage your baby’s face. Stroke from the middle of his forehead, down the outside of his face and in towards his cheeks. With your fingertips, massage the scalp in small circles as if you are shampooing hair.
  • If your baby is still relaxed once you’ve finished massaging the front of her body, you can turn her onto his tummy and use long, smooth strokes from head to toe.
  • Use respectful touch and stop the massage if your baby is not enjoying himself or is showing signs of discomfort. It’s also best to avoid a massage if you are very tense, or if your baby is agitated or upset.
  Source: Dr Anu( pediatrician)

  
  

1. Eat a balanced diet of bread, cereals, fruit and vegetables, milk, dairy foods, meat, oily fish, eggs and pulses (peas, beans and lentils).

2. Stop smoking from the moment you start planning your pregnancy, and straight away if you discover you are pregnant unexpectedly. Smoking can harm your unborn baby and trigger premature birth.

3. Up to the 12th week of pregnancy take plenty of folic acid to reduce the risk of spina bifida, either through a daily 400mg supplement, foods with added folic acid such as certain breads and breakfast cereals, and foods naturally rich in folic acid such as leafy vegetables.

4. Avoid soft, unpasteurised cheese, undercooked meat, pate and raw eggs because they may contain listeria and salmonella.

5. Don’t drink more than two units of alcohol a week (two glasses of wine or a pint of beer). Too much alcohol can cause brain damage to your baby.

6. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these: vaginal bleeding, swollen limbs, disturbed vision, abdominal pain or headaches and waters breaking.

7. Avoid drugs of all kinds. Never take medication without your GP’s permission.

8. Relax. Long periods of exhausting work can trigger premature labour, so rest during the day. Meditation, yoga and massage are also good for you and your baby.

9. Wear gloves for gardening or handling cat litter to avoid toxoplasmosis, an infection found in cat’s mess.

10. Go to all your antenatal appointments to detect problems as early as possible.

Source: Dr Sona, Gynae

If you are worried about how to avoid excessive weight during pregnancy, then following some simple suggestions will help you keep off those extra pounds and continue to look just the way you did before getting a baby, always.

Many people associate weight gain with eating, and therefore tend to cut down on food. This could cause a number of health problems, especially if you are pregnant. Avoid the tendency to cut down on food, but rather eat a balanced diet. Ensure, especially that you do not skip breakfast.

Skipping breakfast will impact your unborn child and deprive it of the nutrition that it requires. Apart from that, skipping breakfast will slow down your metabolism and lead to increased weight gain. This is the first step to staying in shape while you are pregnant.

While at home, choose to boil or steam your food as far as possible. Cooked oils and fast foods tend to cause weight gain, and in some people, even add to the build-up of cholesterol in the blood stream.

Sleep: Get enough of it. There is no way a tired mother can take care of her newborn. Your baby may keep you up all night, so grab some sleep when your baby sleeps. You can also consider the option of asking your partner to attend to your baby, while you catch up on your missed sleep.

Take it easy: Do not rush things. You cannot become a great mother in a matter of days. It takes practice and plenty of patience. Give yourself sufficient time everyday, whether it is nursing your baby, putting your baby to bed or dealing with his or her intermittent crying spells. Avoid outings or travel as far as possible. If you must travel, pack adequate supplies and do not forget to take extra diapers.

Make healthy lifestyle changes: It is vitally important that you take good care of yourself after childbirth. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and beverages that contain Caffeine. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday. Good habits will help you gain and maintain the energy you need to take care of your newborn.

Mood swings: Mood swings are quite common during this time. You may adore your child, but on occasions you may lament the lack of independence that your newborn has brought about. On occasions you may worry whether you are a worthy mother or possess the necessary skills to be one. Expect these emotions and know that they are only passing clouds—you will soon grow out of it. Talk to friends and experienced mothers to get a better understanding of your situation.

Spare time for others (Specially your Hubby) : Having a newborn in the house does not mean you attend to him or her round the clock. Spare time for your partner, friends and your own entertainment. Go to a movie or meet a friend for lunch. This can keep you relaxed and remove stress.

 The Moral Of The Story is:
Being a new mother is never too easy. You are not born with motherhood skills—you acquire them with time, practice and patience. Good parenting is a learned skill and knowing to handle the stress related with it can be rewarding indeed. If you are depressed or you are having trouble adjusting to life with a newborn, talk to your doctor. Remember, your newborn is not going to remain that way forever. He or she is soon going to grow up. So, despite the difficulties, turmoil, sleeplessness and fatigue savor the moments that you spend with your little baby—those times will never come back.

Source: Indian women health

When you were born you filled my heart with pride,

And I was overcome by the joy I felt inside.

As I held you in my arms that very first day,

I knew I would never let any harm come your way.

With your tiny little hands and tiny little feet,

Everytime I look at you my heart skips a beat.

As I watch you sleep in the middle of the night,

I hope and pray I will do everything right.

I know I may make some mistakes along the way,

But I promise to do my best not to every single day.

I often wonder what you will grow up to be,

But whatever you become will be fine with me.

So whatever you may decide to do in your life,

Maybe an astronaut, a lawyer, or even a doctor’s wife.

I can say this without any doubt at all,

I will always be there to catch you if you fall.

And another promise I make to you from me,

Daddy’s little angel you will always be.

Source: Daddy’s Little Angel, Baby Poem Family Friend Poems