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.