Why Baby Is Putting Fingers In Mouth Constantly 

 

You must have got tried of telling your friends and family that your baby is putting his or her fingers in the mouth continuously. And the reply must have been, ‘Oh! What do you expect from a baby!' You get a lot of such textbook replies from people who either don't have kids or their kids have grown up and they have forgotten how messy small babies can be. Your baby putting his or her fist in the mouth may be natural but it is certainly going to make your life difficult.

Firstly, if your baby is in between 2 to 6 months, then this is not a case of thumb-sucking. Your baby is too young to get into habitual thumb-sucking, so stop worrying. Newborn babies usually cannot focus their finger separately so they just put their entire hand into their mouth. When your baby is putting all fingers in the mouth, he/she is likely to choke on it and puke up milk. This is what is most irritating about your baby putting fist in the mouth.

The truth is that apart from increasing your work, this kind of behaviour from babies is totally natural. You have to understand that your baby is putting everything into his/her mouth for a reason. And when the reason doesn't exist, the baby will come out of the habit on his/her own. Meanwhile, you have be ready with wipes and bibs. Here some reasons why your baby is putting his/her fingers in the mouth and also what you can do about it.

 

Getting To Know The World Putting everything in the mouth is a way by which your baby discovers new things in the world. Your baby's vision and sense of sound is still fuzzy. So, the newborn depends on his/her sense of taste to experience the world.

Soothing In some cases, sucking on the fingers is a way the baby soothes himself or herself. Self soothing is a good thing; it is the first step towards self-dependence and you should encourage it.

Teething When the baby is teething, he or she will look for the comfort of chewing on just about anything. His hand is just the most readily available option

Hunger Games Some babies get into the habit of sucking their hand when they are hungry. Only you as the mother can pick up that hint. Remember that every baby is unique and have their own way of communicating.

Tie A Bib When your baby puts the entire fist into mouth, he/she is likely to throw up, so be ready by tying a bib around the baby's neck.

Keep Wiping Fingers Always keep wiping the baby's hands with wet wipes so that he or she does not pick up any serious infection.

Distract The Baby If you have just changed your baby's clothes and don't want him/her to throw up right away, then keep the baby distracted. You can hold your baby's hands gently and do some animated gestures to keep him/her busy.

Teething Rings Teething rings can be very comforting for babies who are teething. They have the urge to chew on something urgently. Teething rings are harder compared to fingers and thus your baby will find more comfort in the teethers.

 

Feed The Baby Sometimes, feeding can be a temporary way to keep your baby from chewing his or fingers. But it won't work for long.

 

Indulge The Baby Sometimes You have to allow the baby to suck his or her fingers even if it is inconvenient for you. Every stage in your infant's growth has to be lived to the fullest. If you do not allow your baby to put fingers in his/her mouth now, he or she may have a thumb-sucking habit at a later age.

Ways To Make Your Baby Poop Regularly

 

If your baby poops regularly, it is a sign that your little one is healthy. Pooping is an essential bodily activity and tells you how your baby's digestive system is functioning. But sometimes, your baby may not poop for days. Don't worry; it is natural for your baby's nascent large intestines to take some time to adjust. Meanwhile, you can try some way to make your baby poop externally. To make your baby poop, if constipated, is actually easier than you think. All you have to do is ensure that your baby is suffering from constipation. Sometimes, babies don't poop much when they are having a growth spurt. This happens around 2-4 months of age. You can still try to make your baby poop by using many different tricks.

These home remedies to make your baby's poop softer come from age old wisdom. Your grandmothers might have tried these tips to make their babies poop when there were no laxatives available. All these ways to make your baby's poop softer are natural and thus, you need not fear for side effects. Here are some ingenious ways to make your baby poop if he or she is constipated.

 

Honey + Warm Water Mix one teaspoonful of virgin honey in lukewarm water and give it to your baby in a feeding bottle. You can also feed this mixture with a spoon. This combination of honey and warm water is a natural laxative for babies.

Solidified Ghee Freeze ghee in the refrigerator and make small pellets from it. Now push these pellets of solid ghee into your baby's rectum. The ghee melts and helps the baby pass stools.

Cycling Exercises Make your baby lie down on the bed and hold his or her legs by ankles. Now work your baby's legs in a cycling motion to stimulate his or her large intestines. This helps release trapped gas and also poop quickly

Abdominal Massage Take some warm coconut oil and massage your baby's lower abdomen with it. This helps to ease your baby's bowels and make pooping easier.

Warm Bath Sometimes, a warm bath can be comforting to your baby's abdomen. Soak your baby in a warm bath to help him or her poop easily.

Vibrating Chair Many rockers and prams have vibrators in them these days. Put your baby in the chair and start the vibrator. The vibrating motion may help your baby poop easily.

Rectal Temperature Taking the rectal temperature of your baby with a thermometre can also be the stimulus needed for him or her to poop.

Glycerin Pellets Roll solidified glycerin into pellets and insert one or two of these pellets into your baby's rectum. Glycerin melts quickly and makes your baby's poop softer.

When Can Your Baby Drink Water?

 

Water is one basic necessity of life. We all need to drink water in order to survive. But when your baby comes into this world, you are faced with many different questions that you did not have before. Even the simple question of when can your baby drink water can bother you? Usually, new parents go through a phase where they turn up at the doctor's chamber with questions every weekend. They want to know many different things related to the baby's diet. As far as water is concerned, babies have some very special needs. You need to be sure of what you are giving a new life. Here is a comprehensive list of facts that will answer all your water related questions concerning your baby.

 

• Newborn babies need not be given after till the age of 6 months. Breast milk contains 80 percent water and thus, your baby's water requirements will be met on its own.
•  Even if your baby is formula fed, you should not give your baby water separately. You should also never add too much water to the formula milk.
•  After your baby is over 6 months old, you can give him/her sips if water with a small spoon. You can give your baby a few spoons of water after milk every time you feed him/her. And if your baby has started solids, make sure you increase the amount of water you give your baby. 
• How much water your baby can drink per day is a very relevant question. You must not give your baby too much water because it will cause an imbalance of sodium and other electrolytes in the body. This is called water intoxication.
•  If you baby suffers from constipation after starting with solid food, it means he/she is not getting enough water. You need to increase the amount of water you are giving your baby. 
• The easiest trick is to give your baby water whenever he or she feels thirsty.Once your baby has been weaned away from breast milk, you must give him/her a few sips of water every hour. 
• Once your baby celebrates his/her first birthday, they can drink water like normal people. Let the toddler have as much water as he or she wishes to drink. Never force the baby to have water. This is because water is something that the child will have to drink on their own free will

8 Teething Baby Problems & Remedies 

There are very few tougher things to handle in the world than a teething baby. Usually, the problems of a teething baby are really tough to deal with. And the worst is, all these problems are symptomatic. These symptoms of teething are seen in the baby a few days before the teeth erupts and then they fade away on their own. But along with the problems of a teething baby there are remedies to help you.

 

 

Usually, the commonest problems of teething babies is diarrhea. When babies are getting teeth, they put everything in their mouth and that causes a stomach infection. This is bound to happen to 90 percent of babies. There is not much parents can do to avoid teething baby problems. However, having the solution to the problems of teething babies symptoms may help.

Always avoid giving your baby a pain killer to deal with the teething discomfort. It is much better to use the tried and tested home remedies. Teething is a long process. Usually the milk teeth come out in twos and threes. So you have to be patient in dealing with the problems of your teething baby. Looking for short term remedies for these problems would not help.

There are the 8 main problems of teething babies and remedies to these as well.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is something certainly will happen to a teething baby. You need not get too worked up about it. However, you need to monitor your baby's stool. If he is passing too much watery stool give your baby ORS immediately. Remember, your baby can get dehydrated very quickly.

Cranky Baby

Your baby will cry continuously or at very short intervals when he or she is teething. Sometimes vibrating chairs or music can help you to calm them down. You can also try rubbing their gum with your clean fingers for relief.

 

Fever

Fever usually happens when your baby gets a stomach infection as he or she puts almost everything in their mouth. You have treat the fever with standard paracetamol drops for infants. The dosage is decided by taking the baby's weight. But if your baby has high fever, always consult the doctor.

Chewing Accidents

Your baby might chew something poisonous or too hard for his or her young gums during the teething phase. Choking accidents are also common during this phase. You can avoid these by giving your baby teething rings and keeping only safe objects to chew around him/her

Refusing Food

It is routine for babies to refuse food when they are teething. Try to give the baby warm milk in a bottle. The baby can chew on the nipple of the bottle and the warm milk helps soothe the pain in their gums.

More Acid Reflux

As your baby keeps putting his or her fingers in the mouth, milk reflux will be increased. Keep your baby distracted for 30 minutes after every feeding session while the milk is going down. After this time, milk reflux is much reduced because the food has started getting digested.

Gassy Baby

If your baby is having a stomach infection, he or she will be gassy. You can understand this by tapping your babies stomach or by hearing them fart too often. If your baby is visibly uncomfortable, turn the baby around and let him lie on his/her belly. This will help release the gas.

 

Baby Not Sleeping At Night

Teething babies do not sleep at night. They keep crying throughout the night sometimes. However, you can try co-sleeping with the baby to comfort him/her. Also give the baby to something to chew on when you are putting him/her to sleep.

Why Babies Shouldn't Be Left In The Car?

Do you have the habit of leaving your infant in the car seat while you get down to buy something? Well, researchers say that it is unsafe as infants may not be able to breathe in the car.

 

 

 

After 15 minutes, the breathing problem might worsen say experts. The study was conducted on more than 50 infants. Some of them were also pre-term babies. But the age group was below 2 months.

 

Researchers say that babies may not be able to comfortably sit in car seats for long as the neck muscles in babies aren't so well-developed to support the head in sitting position for long.

That is the reason why experts recommend less car-time for kids. In fact, they recommend reducing car journeys with infants as much as possible. It is better to wait till the infant grows up if you wish to take your baby on a car very frequently. Even if there is an urgent situation that demands you to take your baby in a car, it is better to take breaks on the way.

 

 

 

Also, it is better to make your baby sleep on the bed once you reach your place. This may relax the neck which gets strained while the baby is in sitting position. Also, monitor your baby almost every few minutes while you are traveling in car. In fact, it is better to first ask your doctor whether it is safe to travel with your infant in a car.

This way, it is better to take certain precautions if you are planning to travel in a car with your infant.

What To Do When Your Baby Cries

Crying is your baby's way of telling you that he or she is going through some kind of discomfort. During the first few years, babies tend to cry a lot. But when a parent tries to understand the needs of the baby, the frequency of the crying could be reduced. Also, when the baby starts grasping language, the need to cry may reduce. Generally, babies cry when they are hungry, ill, tired, frustrated or even excited. Here are some things to try when your baby starts crying.

 

 

Tip #1 Sometimes, when babies are hungry, they cry. So, try to feed your baby when he or she cries around the meal time.

Tip #2 If you see your baby sucking the thumb, you can also give the milk bottle to suck. Just ensure that it is sterilised.

 

Tip #3 Sometimes, babies also cry when they feel lonely. If that is the case, just hug your baby and make him or her feel secure.

 

 

 

Tip #4 Sometimes, taking your baby outdoors can do the trick. When babies get bored, they may cry. Gently carry the baby and go out for a walk.

 

Tip #5 Even toys can do a good job in diverting the attention of a crying baby. Keep some toys handy.

 

Tip #6 Sometimes, the room temperature could also be the reasons. See that the room isn't too hot or too cold for your baby.

 

Tip #7 If none of the above tips work, take your baby to the doctor. Sometimes, digestive issues could also make babies cry.

Parvathy

Parvathy (born Parvathy Thiruvoth Kottuvata) is an Indian film actress from Kozhikode, Kerala, who appears in South Indian films. She made her debut in the Malayalam film Out of Syllabus in 2006. She's well known for her performances in films such as Notebook (2006), Poo (2008), Prithvi (2010), City of God (2011), Maryan (2013), Bangalore Days (2014), Uttama Villain (2015), Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015), and Charlie (2015).
Parvathy won Kerala State Film Award in 2015 for Best Actress for her role in the Malayalam Movie Ennu Ninte Moideen and Charlie and the 2008 Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role as Maari in the Tamil film Poo. And the 2014 Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as RJ Sarah in the Malayalam film Bangalore Days (2014) and the 2015 Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role as Kanchanamala in the Malayalam film Ennu Ninte Moideen(2015)

Early life and education

Parvathy was born in Kozhikode, Kerala, to P Vinod Kumar and T K Usha Kumari, both lawyers. She has a brother, Karunakaran.Her initials come from her mother's family name, Thiruvoth Kottuvata. During her schooling years, her family moved to Thiruvananthapuram and she pursued her studies there. She finished her schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pangode. She is a Bharatanatyam dancer. After finishing her B.A. in English Literature from All Saints' College at Trivandrum, Kerala, she is currently pursuing her M.A. through distance education. She was a successful television anchor at Kiran TV, a full-time music channel based in Thiruvananthapuram.

Film career

Parvathy made her acting debut in the 2006 Malayalam film Out of Syllabus, portraying a supporting role as a college student. Her second venture, Rosshan Andrrews' Notebook, won media attention due to its theme on teenage pregnancy. Parvathy appeared alongside Roma Asrani and Mariya Roy, after being picked for one of the three main roles from five thousand applicants. She was also seen in Sathyan Anthikkad's comedy drama film, Vinodayathra (2007), playing a supporting role alongside an ensemble cast including Dileep, Mukesh and Meera Jasmine. Her first leading role was in the Kannada film Milana, which became a commercial success upon release. Pairing alongside Puneet Rajkumar, she was a surprise selection for the film and began working on the film in April 2007.The film won mixed reviews, but the actress's role was praised with a critic noting she "has been a wonderful selection for the role", adding that "she has that right attitude for the role". The film went on to become a big commercial success, running for 450 days at a multiplex in Bangalore. She returned to the Malayalam industry portraying the leading female role in Sibi Malayil's Flash with Mohanlal and Indrajith, and prior to release revealed that she hoped the film would give a breakthrough as a lead actress in the industry.However, the film failed commercially and garnered poor reviews on release.
Parvathy was selected to play the lead role in Sasi's Poo (2008) and featured alongside Srikanth, portraying the role of a young Tamil village girl named Maari. She revealed that she had to forgo twelve other offers to commit to the film, noting that Sasi selected her after a successful audition.To acclimatise to the role, the actress had to get her skin tone several shades darker and also visited a firework factory to study Maari's occupation. The actress revealed she found it difficult getting out of character and became emotionally attached to the role she had played. Upon release, the film and her performance won rave reviews. A critic from Sify.com noted "Parvathy has lived in the role of Maari and takes your breath away as she effortlessly delivers such a difficult role so convincingly on her debut in Tamil", adding that "she is consistently credible and lifelike and absolutely riveting."Similarly Rediff.com's reviewer mentioned that Poo is "almost entirely Parvathy's film" noting that "she's superb", while Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu wrote Parvathy "makes optimum use" and "plays a rustic belle to the hilt in attire and expression, also getting the body language right."The actress subsequently went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actress, while also securing other accolades and nominations from several other award juries, notably winning the Vijay Award for Best Debut Actress.
Her only release in 2009 was the Kannada film, Male Barali Manju Irali, directed by Vijayalakshmi Singh, where she dubbed for the role in her own voice. Parvathy accepted the venture, which featured mostly rookie technicians, noting that she was impressed by the director's script and revealed she had turned down several offers from Tamil film-makers during the period who had wanted to cast her in roles similar to her character from Poo. The film won rave reviews, with a critic noting "Parvathy steals the show" and that "she comes with one of the most absorbing performances", adding that "her level of commitment to the role could be gauged by the way she has taken pains to dub in an alien language almost perfectly." Parvathi again teamed up with Puneet Rajkumar in Prithvi, which was based on the political situation in Karnataka. The director has earmarked Parvathy for the role when writing the script and her re-collaboration with Puneet after the success of Milana, was built up by the media.Though the film opened to positive reviews, critics noted the little scope that Parvathy's character had in the film, noting that "she was mostly confined to the songs". Her Malayalam film City of God (2011), which was directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, opened to mixed reviews. Despite the commercial failure of the project, Parvathy won rave reviews again with critics noting she was "just brilliant" and a "dynamo" in her role of a Tamil refuge girl.The actress took a voluntary break after the film's release, deciding to become choosier while selecting scripts.
Her first release in 2013, was the Kannada romantic film Andhar Bahar co-starring Shivrajkumar, which told the story of the relationship between a newly married criminal and his wife. She dubbed with her own voice for the film again, revealing that she chose to star in the film as the role had scope for her to perform.The film opened to good reviews, with a critic noting "Parvathy lights up the screen whenever she appears and is a delight to watch".She was next seen in the 2013 Tamil thriller film, Chennaiyil Oru Naal, featuring her alongside an ensemble cast. The film, a remake of the 2011 Malayalam film Traffic, has its narrative in a hyperlink format and Parvathy won good reviews for her small role as Aditi. She was then signed to essay a leading role in Bharat Bala's romantic drama Maryan opposite Dhanush. The director had seen her performance in Poo and subsequently auditioned her for the part, with Parvathy noting that the character was the best she has played till date. She portrayed Panimalar, a girl in love with the titular character Maryan, who inspires him to overcome his struggles. During production, the actress helped get into the mind of the character by working with fisherman, while also learning how to swim for underwater scenes.The film released to unanimously positive reviews and successful box office collections in June 2013, with Parvathy's portrayal being raved by critics. A reviewer from Sify.com noted Parvathy "leaves a lasting impression", while another critic noted that she "is totally in sync with Dhanush all the way; she has matched him step for step, never allowing him to overshadow her." Times of India's review noted "Parvathy is the other pillar of the film, and comes up with a scintillating performance", adding "it is such a pleasure to watch her portray the various emotions".Her only 2014 release, Bangalore Days directed by Anjali Menon, was a high commercial success, with reports claiming that it was "one of the biggest hits in history of Malayalam cinema". In 2015, she appeared in the romance film Ennu Ninte Moideen which narrated the tragic love tale of Kanchanamala and Moideen which happened in the 1960s in Mukkam, a riverside village in Kerala. The film opened to critical acclaim, with several critics regarding it as one of the greatest romance films made in Malayalam.

7 Best Tips For Parents Planning A Second Baby!

Have you and your partner always wished to have a big, happy family complete with 3 kids and 2 dogs?

 

Do you and your partner already have a beautiful child and feel like you are ready to bring another new member into your family?
If yes, then there are a few things to be considered and a few tips to be followed before you give birth to baby #2.
It is quite natural to want to have a second child, as it means that your first-born will have some company to spend time with.
Also, by having two children, your family will seem more complete and fun.
However, sometimes, even if both the parents feel ready to have a second baby, it may not be a feasible option due to various reasons like financial constraints, lack of time to take care of two kids, health issues of the mother, etc.
Even then, many a times, parents tend to make certain personal sacrifices in order to bring in a new child into this world.
So, if you are planning on having a second baby, here are a few tips to keep in mind, have a look.

Tip #1: Mother Should Be In Good Health

Ensure that the mother is in good heath to deliver a second child and talk to a professional before going ahead because planning on getting pregnant if you are not in good shape can only lead to further complications.

Tip #2: Follow The Advice Of Your Gynaec If You Are Post 35

If you have waited too long after your first child to plan for your second one, and if the mother is over 35 years of age, you must consult a gynaecologist before coming to a concrete decision, as late pregnancy is not advisable.

Tip #3: Ensure That You Are Financially Stable

Ensure that you are financially stable and ready to cater to the needs of another family member. Remember that your expenses may double after your second baby.

Tip #4: There Must Be An Age Gap Between 1st & 2nd Child

It is not advisable to get pregnant with a second child within a year of delivering your first child, as it will take up a lot of your energy and it is also not very healthy for the mother.

Tip #5: Age Gap Of 3-5 Years Is Ideal

Psychologists opine that ideally the gap between your first and second babies should be around 3-5 years, so that the siblings can bond in a better way, if the age gap is not too high.

Tip #6: Make Sure The First-Born Is Healthy & You Can Manage Both

If you have a first-born who has a lot of health complications, then you might want to wait to plan for your second pregnancy, as it could be hard for you to mange a newborn and a sick child together!

Tip #7: It Is Impractical To Plan For 2nd Child Based On Gender

It would be impractical to plan for a second child just because you are unhappy with the sex of the first child. Try to accept and love your child for what he/she is and invest all of your time in making his/her life better.

Natural Ingredients That Can Make Your Baby’s Bones Stronger

Have you started feeding solid foods to your baby? Are you wondering what foods should be given to your baby to make his/her bones stronger?

If yes, then you are thinking in the right direction because healthy bones are extremely important for a growing child.

Bones form an internal framework of the body, without which the human body ceases to exist.

Bones are extremely important, as they carry on important functions such as providing support to the internal organs, protecting them and bones also help in movement.

In babies, bones need to be healthy and strong, otherwise the babies may experience stunted growth, joint pain, weakness, etc.

If your child's bones are not healthy and strong, then there are chances that he/she may not grow up to be very tall. Also, they may be prone to more physical injuries.

For the baby's bones to get stronger, the parents must ensure that they provide a healthy diet for their little ones, which includes calcium-rich foods.

So, if you want to make your baby's bones stronger naturally, make these natural ingredients a part of their daily diet.

1. Dairy Products 

Milk, cheese, curd, etc., are highly rich in calcium content and can make your baby's bones and teeth stronger naturally. Also, health benefits of milk can help your baby in many ways.
 

2. Sweet Potatoes 

Calcium-rich foods for babies also include sweet potatoes, as they are rich in vitamins and also increase the bones' capacity to absorb calcium better.

 

3. Soy Milk 

Soy milk can also give your baby stronger bones, as it is rich in calcium content, it can also boost the immunity of your child to a great extent.

4. Peas

If you want to make your baby's bones stronger naturally, add peas to his/her diet, as peas and other varieties of lentils are also rich in calcium content.
 

5. Orange 

Orange is a citrus fruit that can make your baby's bones healthy and strong, as it comes infused with a high amount of calcium and also vitamin C.

 

6. Ragi 

To make your baby's bones stronger naturally, add ragi to his/her daily diet, as ragi is also rich in calcium that is exceptionally good for the bones.

7. Nuts 

Nuts like almonds are a good natural source of calcium that can make your baby's bones healthy and strong.

 

 

10 Benefits Of Coconut Water For Pregnant Women

Natural ingredients are generally considered good for human health. Coconut water is one such natural fluid which has several such benefits, and it is a far better alternative to sweetened drinks. But, is coconut water equally good for pregnant women as it is generally for normal people? Drink Coconut Water But In Moderation Coconut water is good, as it safeguards pregnant women from getting dehydrated and is effective against problems like morning sickness. Coconut water is also good for heartburn and constipation - things that are commonly associated with pregnancy. But, it is advisable to drink coconut water in moderation (one glass a day).

Would-be Moms, Drink Coconut Water In The Morning.. For pregnant women, the best time to drink coconut water is early in the morning. It is because the electrolytes and nutrients in it are best absorbed when our stomach is empty. Other nutritional content in coconut water include: Calories Potassium Carbohydrates Calcium Sodium Dietary fibre Sugar Health Benefits That Coconut Water Offers To Pregnant Women: During pregnancy, these are the benefits that you get from fresh coconut water:



1. Helps In Maintaining A Good Health: Since coconut water is free of fat and also low in calories, it doesn't cause accumulation of fat in an already overweight body of pregnant women. Taking coconut water helps would-be moms and the babies in their womb to avoid unhealthy sugary drinks, as it is a perfect alternative to them.

2. Helpful Electrolytes: Electrolytes help during pregnancy, as problems like nausea, morning sickness and diarrhoea leave the body dehydrated. Coconut water includes all five essential electrolytes like minerals, calcium, potassium, etc. These electrolytes also help in the muscles' functioning and control blood pressure levels. The cooling properties cure problems like vomiting.


3. Naturally Diuretic: Coconut water is a diuretic agent, since it increases urination because of the mineral content, including potassium and magnesium. It helps in getting rid of the toxins and cleans the urinary tract, hence helping the kidneys' functioning and preventing urinary infection. Through this, coconut water reduces chances of a pre-term labour.

4. Reduces Heartburn And Constipation: Pregnancy period sees hormonal changes and that gives birth to problems like constipation, indigestion and heartburn. The dietary fibre in coconut water improves the digestive system and prevents constipation. Coconut water improves metabolism and neutralises the acid, hence curing heartburn.

5. Deals With Infection: Since coconut water has a rich content of essential nutrients, it helps improve the immunity level in pregnant women. The lauric acid in coconut water produces a powerful anti-virus called monolaurin, which neutralises various infections

6. Improves Heart Conditions: Coconut water improves the level of potassium, magnesium, lauric acid, etc., which regulate the blood pressure. It also boosts good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol. The vitamins and essential proteins improve blood circulation and thereby keep your heart in a perfect condition.
 
7. Reduces Sugar Content: Coconut water's low sugar content also lowers the possibility of getting affected by gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

8. Gives Energy: Coconut water helps in gaining energy if one is suffering from frequent exhaustion and fatigue during pregnancy. Coconut water's hydrating effects improve the skin's elasticity, hence restraining stretch marks that are caused by pregnancy.

9. Helps The Foetus To Grow: Coconut water, by means of offering essential nutrients to mothers, helps in nourishing the foetus and ensures that it grows at a healthy rate.

10. Improves The Level Of Amniotic Fluids: Coconut water improves the level of amniotic fluid, which in turn improves the health of the foetus. This is a benefit coconut water offers in the third trimester of pregnancy. 

Side Effects Of Coconut Water: Coconut water is mostly safe, but two things that pregnant women can keep in mind while taking it are: 1. Ripe coconut water can cause constipation 2. Sodium in coconut water may not be good for would-be mothers who have pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy disorder marked by high blood pressure and a large amount of protein in urine.

Does Whole-Fat Milk Make Kids Leaner? 

Struggling to reduce obesity in your kid? Opt for whole milk. A new study shows drinking whole milk may make kids leaner and increase their vitamin D levels, in comparison to low-fat or skimmed milk.
 

In the study, children who drank whole milk (containing 3.25 per cent fat content) had a body mass index (BMI) score of 0.72 units lower than those who drank one or two per cent low-fat milk.

 

That's comparable to the difference between having a healthy weight and being overweight, said lead author Jonathon Maguire, pediatrician at St. Michael's Hospital in Ontario, Canada.

It may be because children who drank full-fat milk were likely to end up less hungry, making them less likely to snack on high calorie foods, the researchers explained.

Further, children who drank one cup of whole milk each day had better vitamin D levels -- known to protects bones and immune system -- than those who drank nearly three times as much skimmed milk.

 

This could be because vitamin D is fat soluble, meaning it dissolves in fat rather than water. Milk with higher fat content therefore contains more vitamin D. "Children who drink lower fat milk don't have less body fat, and they also don't benefit from the higher vitamin D levels in whole milk," Maguire said, adding "it's a double negative with low fat milk.

For this study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers studied 2,745 children ages two to six years. The findings indicate a need to closely examine existing nutritional guidelines that recommend two servings of low fat (one per cent or two per cent) milk for children over the age of two to reduce the risk of childhood obesity, the researchers suggested.

Do Calcium Deposits Cause Premature Births?

The calcium deposits in the amniotic fluid -- the fluid surrounding a foetus -- is the leading cause behind the rupture of the foetal membranes, commonly known as water breaking, and lead to premature birth of a baby, a study has found.

 

Globally, more babies than one in 10 are born preterm -- birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy -- and nearly one million children die each year due to complications of preterm birth, according to World Health Organization (WHO)

hese children may be at an increased risk of a lifetime of disability, including learning disabilities and visual and hearing problems.

The study showed that the calcium deposits in the membrane or amniotic sac, which carries the foetus, can form early and may cause a mother's water to break too soon. The deposits that are early markers of bone formation make the membrane less elastic and more prone to breaking, the researchers said.

 

 

"We do see calcium deposits in full term births as well, which is probably part of the normal breakdown of the membranes at the appropriate time," said Irina Buhimschi, Director at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio, US. "The membranes are supposed to rupture when labour is underway. However, these calcium deposits are too many and too early," added Buhimschi, who is also a Professor at The Ohio State University in the US.

Further, the researchers showed that the deposits occur as a result of calciprotein particles produce by many human body fluids, including saliva and blood and amniotic fluid. The findings suggest it may be possible to identify women whose bodies are unable to prevent the formation of premature calcium deposits, Buhimschi noted in the paper published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Winter Care Tips For Less Than 1-Year-Old Babies

Winter is a challenging time whenever we consider our health and beauty. It is more or less the same with your children as well.

Parents have to go through many challenges, as winter hits the corner, especially those who have children less than one year of age. The immune system of babies is usually not well developed to fight the infections during the winter months.

The climate will make the infants little uncomfortable and remember, they have just began to get exposed to the seasons. Experts say that the tender skin of babies will find it difficult to get adjusted with the cold environment.

It doesn't mean that you have to keep your infant inside the house all the time. Most of the parents are skeptical on the health of their babies less than one year of age.
Curling on a couch in blankets may work for you. But, your active little ones need more practical tips and tricks to stay warm and healthy.

But, when it comes to infants, you must be cautious, as they are really tots who are unable to communicate. So, have a look at some of the winter care tips for babies less than one year of age.

Warm Clothing:
Unlike adults, infants need extra care and it can be done with several layering of clothes. When inside the room, try to check the room temperature and dress your infant accordingly. If you want to take the babies out, layer them with clothes and ensure that the baby is getting enough warmth. Mittens and socks are very important during the winter months.

Lukewarm Water Bath:
Babies' skin tends to face dryness and itching during the winter weather. Doctors recommend limiting the bath time to less than 10 minutes and advise using lukewarm water. It is also better to avoid soaps and instead, you can use mild cleansers.

Moisturising Lotions/Ointments:
Yes, even babies less than one year of age require moisturising lotions or ointments. Never wipe the water fully soon after the bath. Pat dry with a dry towel and apply some good moisturising cream or an ointment to keep the baby's skin soft and free from dryness.

No Heavy Blankets:
Some parents put heavy blankets on their infants, especially during the nights. However, it has been found that there is a risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). So, try to dress them in warm cloths, instead of putting on heavy blankets on them.

Room Temperature:

As the temperature outside may go low, it is better to maintain the room temperature according to your baby's need indoors. During the night, it is better to close all the windows and doors, so that the cold air will not affect the babies.

Massaging:

From ages, massaging babies in the winter months has been a practice. With a good massage, the baby's body will get the warmth that is required. Almond oil or coconut oil can be used, as these oils will keep the skin healthy.

Don't Use Many Baby Products:

Usage of too many baby products is not good for the babies less than one year of age. Some parents use soap, lotions, shampoos, etc., which can be really harmful for the babies. It is better to use mild soaps or shampoos to avoid dryness and itching.

 

 

7 Strange Facts About Newborns That You Never Knew! 

 

Most of us, when we look at a newborn baby, have a smile on our faces. The baby's delicate features, the soft skin and his/her innocence can make one want to just cuddle with the baby all day long! Parents do everything they can to ensure that their newborn gets the best care. They follow all the advice given by the professionals and elders, they even buy guides and books that help them through this by giving them certain baby care tips. It is very important to be careful and attentive while taking care of the newborn baby, as infants are very delicate and their organs are still not completely developed.

 

In addition, a newborn baby has a weaker immune system, making him/her more susceptible to various diseases. So, as parents, we must know everything we can about how to take a good care of a newborn baby. Even a slight mistake committed while caring for the fragile newborn baby can lead to fatal consequences. Did you know that there are a few strange, fascinating facts about newborns that doctors never tell you about? Well, read more below to find out what they are. 

 

•  Fact #1 When newborn babies cry, they do not shed any tears. This is because they would not have fully developed tear ducts, until they are about 12 weeks old.

 

• Fact #2 Newborn babies have a well-developed sense of taste and their taste buds can sense sweet, bitter and even spicy foods, except for salt!

 

• Fact #3 There is an absence of the knee caps, or the cartilage bone around the knees, in newborn babies, as that particular cartilage will usually develop only when babies are a year old.

 

• Fact #4 Newborn babies have about 300 bones in their body, while the adults have only 206. This is because, as an infant grows up, many of the bones fuse together, thus reducing the number of bones in an infant's body.

 

•  Fact #5 Many newborns are covered in a layer of fine hair, which may be of concern to the parents; however, this layer of hair growth is normal and is known as the lanugo, which is developed while the baby is still in the womb to help regulate body temperature. 

 

•  Fact #6 Some female newborns menstruate. Yes, you read that right!! Newborn babies are exposed to a high level of oestrogen while in the womb, which may lead them to shed a few drops of blood in their diapers initially, which is quite normal. 

 

•  Fact #7 In rare cases, newborn babies lactate! Yes, as they are exposed to a lot of hormones while in the womb, they develop tiny breast buds that can produce small amounts of milk; and this can be seen in both boys and girls! However, this is completely normal, if it stops within a few days of birth.

Microcephaly, A Condition Every To-Be Parent Must Be Aware Of! 

Are you someone who is planning to have a baby soon? Or are you already on your way to becoming a parent?

If yes, then surely you will be going through an emotional journey, which is filled with a lot of joy, fear and anticipation.

The prospect of becoming parents and starting a family can make a couple exhilarated and, at the same time, they also worry about the possible health complications that could occur in the baby during or after pregnancy.

Pregnancy and the consequent childbirth are extremely fragile phases, in which a number of things could go wrong, putting both the mother's and the child's life at risk.

Many a times, even scans may not be able to determine if something is wrong with the foetus, until it is too late to do anything about it.

Right from congenital disorders in unborn babies to miscarriages, there is always a fear of abnormalities and complications that could occur!

Do you what microcephaly is? It is a rare disorder that affects the nervous system of the baby, wherein the infant's brain is not fully developed.

Well, learn more about some of the facts about microcephaly, here.

Fact #1

Microcephaly can either be congenital, as in developed due to abnormalities in the genes or it can be acquired, which is developed due to environmental factors.

Fact #2

The environmental factors which cause microcephaly can be viral infections, exposure to chemicals like lead, malnutrition, use of alcohol or drugs by the pregnant mother, injury to the brain after birth, etc.
 

 

Fact #3

Microcephaly can affect a baby while it is still in the womb or it can occur even after a few years from birth.

Fact #4

Usually infants with microcephaly have smaller heads than that of an average baby of the same age.

 

Fact #5

Some of the most common symptoms of microcephaly include balance and coordination problems, delayed development, trouble swallowing milk, loss of hearing, speech and vision impairments, seizures, etc.

Fact #6

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for microcephaly; however, some of its symptoms can be treated effectively with the help of regular treatments.

Fact #7

Treatment for microcephaly includes medicines to reduce seizures, medicines to improve nerve functions, speech therapy, physiotherapy, etc.