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Benefits and Risks of Vitamin E for Your Baby's...
Baby’s health is every parent’s first priority. Conscious parents today are ready to go that extra mile to give their baby the best nutrition, whether that means buying organic fruits...
Benefits and Risks of Vitamin E for Your Baby's Health
Baby’s health is every parent’s first priority. Conscious parents today are ready to go that extra mile to give their baby the best nutrition, whether that means buying organic fruits and vegetables or planning their baby’s meals meticulously! Our bodies need vitamins to perform vital functions such as converting our food into energy and keeping our bones, eyes, brain, and skin healthy. Though needed in small amounts, they are essential to your well-being, and your baby’s. Vitamin E has come to be known widely for its health benefits today. Skin, heart, hair – Vitamin E seems to help improve each! If you are wondering whether Vitamin E is safe for babies’ skin or how to use it for your baby’s skin and hair, keep reading the article. What is Vitamin E Vitamin E is a fat-soluble micronutrient essential for your baby’s overall health. It is an antioxidant – it helps to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. It helps to boost your baby’s immunity system and fights germs. It also keeps blood vessels open so that blood flows freely and prevents clotting. Vitamin E benefits for skin Apart from the nutritional benefits, Vitamin E is essential to keep your baby’s skin looking great and healthy from within. Vitamin E helps to lock in moisture and reduce dryness in your baby’s skin. It protects the skin from cell damage and softens skin. It is especially useful in extremely dry and rough patches of skin. Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to soothe inflamed skin and reduce the redness and swelling of your baby’s skin. Though more studies are needed, Vitamin E may also help in reducing sun damage caused by harsh UV rays. This is why Vitamin E is an important ingredient when it comes to your baby’s skincare products. Our Moisturizing Balm for Babies & Kids and Massage Oil contain Vitamin E to ensure your baby’s and kids’ skin stays soft, supple, and nourished naturally. Vitamin E benefits for hair Vitamin E’s moisturizing and nourishing nature can help keep your baby’s and kid’s hair soft and promote growth. Babies’ scalp is delicate, much like their skin. It needs more nourishment and gentle care. For babies and toddlers, massage oil that contains Vitamin E is a great way to get its wonderful benefits for hair. Vitamin E foods Like many other vitamins, our bodies can’t produce Vitamin E. To ensure that your baby gets enough Vitamin E, you need to ensure that his/her diet includes food that is rich in Vitamin E. This includes vegetables like sweet potato, carrot, tomato, broccoli and greens, nuts and seeds like almonds, minimally processed vegetable oils, unprocessed cereals and wholegrains, meats, and egg yolks. When your baby is old enough to start solids, which is usually at the six-month mark, you can start giving her these foods to ensure that her daily requirement for this micronutrient is met adequately. Children need less Vitamin E than adults, and mostly their requirement can be fulfilled through diet itself. You should only give your baby or kid Vitamin E supplements at your paediatrician’s prescription. Also, remember to consult your pediatrician before starting with any solids for your little one. Dosage Recommendations for Vitamin E The ideal daily dosage of Vitamin E varies according to age. According to the National Institute of Health babies under 6 months of age need 4mg of Vitamin E in their diet while 7-12 months old babies need 5 mg. Toddlers need 6 mg of Vitamin E daily. As your child grows, her nutritional needs will also increase accordingly. However, with Vitamin E, you need not worry obsessively about a deficiency. Vitamin E deficiency is very rare. Mostly, the needed amount can be obtained through a balanced diet. As such, try as much as you can to eat healthy and unprocessed or minimally processed foods to get maximum nutrition. Risks of Vitamin E for Your Baby's Health While Vitamin E is essential for your baby’s health just like any other nutrient, there are certain precautions you must follow. Feeding your baby Vitamin E-rich food is totally healthy, but you need to be careful when it comes to oral supplements. Do not go for the supplements without consulting your pediatrician. Excessive Vitamin E can interfere with blood clotting when it is necessary. It can also interfere with your kid’s other medications. If your little one experiences frequent skin breakouts or has pores that clog easily, the topical application of Vitamin E can aggravate these symptoms. While you may be taking great care of your baby’s nutritional needs, remember not to neglect their skincare. After all, the skin is the largest organ of our bodies! Vitamin E is helpful for your baby’s overall health, but also the health of his/her skin and hair. We hope that with this article, you will be able to understand the benefits and risks of Vitamin E for your baby.
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Sesame Oil For Your Baby: Benefits And Precautions
Sesame oil is very commonplace in Indian households. From North to South, it has been used as a cooking oil for a long time. But are you aware that it...
Sesame Oil For Your Baby: Benefits And Precautions
Sesame oil is very commonplace in Indian households. From North to South, it has been used as a cooking oil for a long time. But are you aware that it is also a miraculous ingredient for your baby’s skincare? Read on to know more! What is Sesame oil? Sesame oil is an oil derived from raw or toasted Sesame seeds. It is known as Til oil in Hindi and has many applications. Organic Sesame oil made from raw Sesame seeds has a lighter color while that from toasted Sesame seeds is darker in color and has a pronounced, slightly bitter flavor. Sesame seeds are one of the earliest crops known to be processed for oil – archaeologists have found that it was cultivated during the Indus Valley Civilization. Part of Indian culture since ancient times, Sesame oil has become an essential part of our lives today. The raw and roasted oil varieties are both used in cooking as well as in religious rituals across various parts of India. But that’s not all, Sesame oil also offers a host of benefits for your baby’s skin! What are the benefits of Sesame oil? Sesame oil is highly nutritious. The antioxidant compounds, Vitamin K, and Vitamin E in the oil help in boosting your baby’s immune system, and can help your baby stay strong through seasonal changes. Vitamin K is also essential for babies to be able to form clots and stop excessive bleeding, while Vitamin E helps to keep your little one’s skin moisturized. Protects your baby’s skin from dryness and irritation. Sesame oil is especially recommended for sensitive skin since it is high in linoleic acid which has antibacterial properties. Apart from these benefits, it is good for building bone and muscle strength. Its purifying effects help to cleanse the skin, seal in moisture, and prevent the skin from drying. How to use Sesame oil for babies and kids? Sesame oil for skin: The best way to get the benefits of Sesame oil for your baby’s skin is to incorporate it into your baby’s massage routine. Oil massage has been a traditional baby care ritual in India for a long time, and Sesame oil has been a favourite choice for the same. Traditionally, it was performed by grandmothers or dais, women who specialized in giving massages to newborns and babies. Nowadays, however, it is mostly the mothers who massage their babies. Many doctors also recommend that, as the practice offers benefits for both moms and babies. An oil massage can help your baby and you feel calmer and happier. As it involves touch, it can help in creating a stronger mother-baby bond. Choosing the right oil for your baby’s massage is essential to get its wonderful benefits. Rich in Linoleic acid, Vitamin K, and Vitamin E, massaging your baby with Sesame oil promotes overall growth and strengthens their bones. Its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also offer protection to your little one’s skin. It nourishes your baby’s skin from within and improves the skin’s texture as well. Sesame oil works wonder for babies with eczema as it soothes sensitive skin and moisturizes it deeply. Our Nourishing Baby Massage Oil contains 11 natural oils along with Sesame oil to provide your little one’s skin with complete nourishment. Sesame oil for hair: The nourishing nature of Sesame oil makes it perfect to be used as a hair oil not just for your baby or kids, but for you as well! Just like their skin, your kid’s hair is delicate and needs a lot of care. Exposure to dust and pollution can make their hair dry and scalps itchy. Regular use of Sesame oil nourishes your little one’s scalp and hair deeply. It moisturizes the hair and makes them soft and easy to manage. Not only that but Sesame oil is also said to promote hair growth. So if you or your little one are suffering from hair fall or dry hair issues, give Sesame oil a try. Precautions while using Sesame oil for your baby Your baby’s skin needs extra love and care because it is much more delicate than yours. Babies’ and kids’ skin is at a developing stage. As such, it is more prone to infections, allergies, and irritation. Along with this, every kid’s skin is unique and reacts differently to different products. This is why you need to choose their skincare products very consciously. Even though Sesame oil is natural and safe to be used on your baby’s skin, make sure to conduct a patch test before using it regularly. Apply a small amount of oil to your baby’s elbow and observe if there is any adverse reaction like a rash within 24-48 hours. If you see any signs of discomfort in your baby, discontinue the usage of Sesame oil and conduct your doctor immediately. When introducing Sesame/ Sesame oil into your baby’s diet, introduce a little quantity at a time. Allergies can take up to 3-5 days or even more to show up on your little one, so wait for at least a week before feeding it again. When purchasing, ensure that you are buying a good quality Sesame oil that is unadulterated. Purchase from reputed vendors and always read the product label before you buy! Sesame oil is a wonderful natural oil that can offer your baby’s skin and hair some really wonderful benefits. But as always, you must be extra careful while using any product on your little one’s skin. We hope that with this article, you will be able to understand how to use it so that it is just right for you and your baby!
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Discover the Surprising Benefits of Ashwagandha...
Unlike coconut or turmeric, Ashwagandha is not a widely grown plant or a commonly used culinary spice, but it is brimming with advantages. Natural ingredients like Ashwagandha provide enhanced medicinal...
Discover the Surprising Benefits of Ashwagandha Oil for Your Baby's Health
Unlike coconut or turmeric, Ashwagandha is not a widely grown plant or a commonly used culinary spice, but it is brimming with advantages. Natural ingredients like Ashwagandha provide enhanced medicinal benefits for both adults and children. It is a safe, effective, and highly sought-after medicinal plant that can help treat a wide range of common medical conditions in addition to several skin and hair problems. This miracle ingredient protects us and our babies from various skin issues. What is Ashwagandha? “Indian Winter Cherry” or “Indian Ginseng," commonly known as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), is an evergreen shrub that’s found in India, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. The Sanskrit words "ashwa" and "gandha" mean horse and aroma, respectively, and refer to a fragrant root that is primarily used in various natural skincare products. The name derives from the fact that when consumed, it can provide the strength and power of a horse. Its herbal formulation promotes physical and mental growth, as well as happiness. Ashwagandha root oil helps in promoting a baby’s muscle strength and fortifies the immune system to withstand seasonal challenges. The effects of Ashwagandha aid in stress reduction while promoting strength, intelligence, and sleep. Benefits of Ashwagandha on Baby’s Skin Ashwagandha is a superfood for the body and skin that promotes your baby’s healthy living and healthy skin. Anti Inflammatory Inflammation is the body's natural response to infections, toxins, and trauma. Under normal conditions, the body produces an anti-inflammatory response to restore balance. However, in some cases, particularly in babies, the body is unable to control the inflammatory response, resulting in an imbalance. The anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of Ashwagandha can be used to treat skin infections such as eczema, dermatitis, leucoderma, and others. It lowers blood CRP levels. Fortifies Muscles Ashwagandha is a safe and natural way to support a child's muscle strength to prevent injuries. Massaging your baby with Ashwagandha oil improves muscular strength and increases endurance, speed, and coordination. Promotes better sleep Ashwagandha helps children to improve their sleep, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being. Children today live in a technologically advanced world. They are exposed to electronic devices and their electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) from birth or earlier. This results in inadequate sleep. According to research, Ashwagandha root contains sleep-inducing compounds. Massage with Ashwagandha root oil helps promote sleep and relaxation. Improves Brain Power Ashwagandha health benefits also include increased levels of acetylcholine, the most important neurotransmitter associated with enhanced brain power. According to research, low acetylcholine levels are associated with impaired cognitive function, including the inability to learn. Ashwagandha increases acetylcholine by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. In addition, the Ashwagandha root contains choline, which is required for the formation of acetylcholine. Boost Immune System Improving our children’s immune systems is something all parents want. One of the most well-known advantages of Ashwagandha for children is immunity-boosting due to its anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties. It also promotes the production of antibodies, which aid the body's response to a potentially fatal infection. Fights Sickness Ashwagandha has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties that aid in the prevention of illness. According to studies, Ashwagandha root extract reduces the risk of any skin infection. It's no surprise that there are no alternatives to natural ingredients. Ashwagandha, or Ashwagandha root oil, is one such natural ingredient with numerous skin and health benefits. It has made its mark in the skincare industry. It is an ingredient found in remedies and skin care products, including baby skincare. Baby Massage Oil - CITTA We are happy to introduce our Natural Nourishing Baby Massage Oil. It has the goodness of Ashwagandha root oil and 11 other natural oils that nourish your baby's skin, foster growth, fortify muscles and strengthen bones. Baby massages have been an important part of childcare in India for a long time. They are known to offer multiple benefits like- strengthening the mother-baby bond boosting the baby’s immunity improving the baby’s skin texture helping tone muscles developing proper coordination nourishing deeply CITTA's fragrance-free nourishing baby massage oil is made with grandma's love and care, backed by science, that provides long-lasting moisturization and protection to your baby's skin. This non-sticky oil has a fast absorption property that reduces dryness and leaves the skin soft and supple. Soothe your little one to dreamland with the power of your gentle touch.
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Diet chart for 6-month baby: A Guide for Parents
Feeding your babies right as they grow up is every parent’s priority. They do grow up really fast! Their needs for nutrition keep changing as they do. They are recommended...
Diet chart for 6-month baby: A Guide for Parents
Feeding your babies right as they grow up is every parent’s priority. They do grow up really fast! Their needs for nutrition keep changing as they do. They are recommended to be exclusively breastfed for the first few months of your baby’s life. But as they touch the 6-month mark, breastmilk or formula milk is not enough by itself and needs to be supplemented with solid food. If you’re wondering what’s right and what’s not, we’re here to help you with a diet chart for your 6-month baby. What can I feed my 6-month baby? Your baby’s first solid food needs to be soft. They are just learning to chew. Anything you feed them should be soft and easy to swallow, like porridge or a mash. Always start with a single food, so you can understand whether your baby likes it or is allergic to it. Choose a single fruit, like a banana, and mash it to a creamy consistency without any lumps before feeding your little one. Apple, mango, chikoo, pear, plum, pumpkin, or peach puree are some other options. You can also go ahead with an unsweetened porridge made with rice, corn, or oats. Cooked and mashed lentils also help provide your baby with essential nutrients like proteins and minerals. Remember not to add sugar/ artificial sweeteners or salt to your baby’s solid food. If you are a non-vegetarian, you can start feeding your baby little quantities of pureed and stewed meat, fish, and poultry. Ensure that it is well-cooked and has no bones. You should avoid processed meat like sausages as it is high in salt and low in nutrition. Homemade, nutritious, and soft is all you need to remember! Since your baby is being introduced to solid food for the first time, they may refuse it sometimes. Also, at this age, they might only be able to eat a few spoonfuls of solid food at a time. Be patient, and do not try to force-feed them. Introduce a single food item and wait for three days before feeding the same to your baby again—allergic reactions may take this long to show up in your little one. If you notice any rashes, irritation, or discomfort, consult your pediatrician immediately. What time of the day should I feed my baby solid food? At 6 months old, most of your baby’s requirements are still being met with breastmilk or formula milk. This is why you should keep breastfeeding your baby as before (4-6 feeds per day), whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, and only introduce solid foods once a day. You can gradually increase the quantity to half a bowl in the coming months. Your baby will also start feeling hungry more often, and you can increase the frequency of solid foods in her diet accordingly. Should my 6-month baby drink water? Fully breastfed babies do not need to drink water. But once they have started eating solid food, you can offer them water from a cup or beaker after meals. Ensure that the water is boiled and cooled to room temperature. Your baby’s nutritional needs change as they grow. You should always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new food to your baby’s diet. You should also follow good hygiene and wash your hands and your baby’s hands before preparing a meal and feeding. With the above tips, we hope that you will be able to plan your 6-month-old baby’s diet. Also Read: Summer Skincare for Babies
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Summer Skin Care for Babies & Toddlers: The Ult...
Summer is most kids’ favourite season—who doesn’t love a month-long vacation? But for babies and toddlers, summer can be a bit too harsh if a good skincare routine is not followed....
Summer Skin Care for Babies & Toddlers: The Ultimate Guide
Summer is most kids’ favourite season—who doesn’t love a month-long vacation? But for babies and toddlers, summer can be a bit too harsh if a good skincare routine is not followed. Babies’ and toddlers’ skin is much different than adults. It is still developing many of its functions, which is why it is more prone to infections, allergies, and irritation. Their bodies are still learning to regulate temperature, meaning they have a hard time adjusting to the heat. Due to all these reasons, you need to pay extra attention to your little one’s skin during summer. We have compiled the best summer skincare tips for babies and toddlers in this article so that you can be worry-free and breeze through summer! Should I bathe my baby or toddler every day in the summer? As long as you keep the face, nappy area, and skin creases of your baby or toddler clean by wiping as and when needed, they need to be bathed only once or twice a week. Their mobility is limited, so they do not accumulate much dirt. Bathing them more than necessary can make their skin excessively dry, and can worsen skin conditions like eczema. In summer though, your baby may sweat more than usual, and you might feel that he/she needs a bath every day to keep cool and comfortable. If that is the case, remember to use lukewarm water instead of hot or cold water for your little one’s bathtime, and keep the duration short. Your baby’s skin barrier function is not fully developed yet, so their skin is more prone to irritation, allergies, and infections. This is why you need to ensure that you are using a natural, harsh chemical-free cleanser like CITTA’s Baby Body Wash that is gentle on your baby’s skin. It is enriched with Hydrolyzed Rice Protein which acts as an anti-irritant, while Aloe Vera and Coconut extracts soothe and hydrate it. For your baby and toddler’s hair too, use a tear-free baby shampoo that will not dry off their hair. Our Gentle Foaming Baby Shampoo is tear-free, non-dripping, and enriched with three natural oils to not only clean your kid’s hair gently but also hydrate and nourish it. Using the right baby care products is really important. If you feel like your baby needs to be bathed more than once a day, limit the use of a cleanser or shampoo to once a day. For more information about the basics of bathing your little one, check out our previous article here. When can babies wear sunscreen? Protecting your kid’s skin from the sun’s harsh rays is important all year round, and even more so in summer. However, it is recommended not to use sunscreen for babies less than six months old. There are multiple reasons for this. Firstly, sunscreens have not been tested on babies younger than six months. Secondly, they are unable to excrete the chemicals in sunscreens, which means they can absorb them. So it is best to avoid sunscreen for your little one for the first half year of their lives. For older babies and toddlers, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF factor between 30-50. Also, apart from using sunscreen, try and stay indoors during the sunniest hours! Your little ones have extra sensitive skin, so it’s better to make outdoor plans when the weather is a bit more comfortable, like in the evenings. When heading out, dress your kid in loose-fit but full-sleeved clothing. Remember, clothing is the first line of protection against sun damage. Can I use talcum powder on my baby in the summer? Talcum powder is made with talc, a soft mineral that absorbs excess moisture and oil. However, it may be contaminated with asbestos, a very detrimental substance that is linked to several illnesses. While further studies are necessary, talc has been linked to diseases such as Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, and Ovarian Cancer. Since you cannot be sure if the baby care product you choose for your baby is contaminated or not, it’s better to steer clear of talc-based powders for your precious baby. Instead, you should opt for a talc-free baby powder, like CITTA’s. Our baby powder is made with the best natural alternatives of talc—Corn Starch, Oat Kernel Flour, and Kaolin Clay. These natural ingredients naturally absorb excess oil and moisture from your baby’s skin and are safe to be used on even a newborn, like all our other products. It is free from harsh chemicals and dermatologist approved. While using a powder on your baby, in summer and all other seasons, keep the following in mind: Use only a small quantity at a time. Take a small amount of powder in your palms, away from your baby’s face, and then apply gently to the baby’s armpit, elbow creases, and neck creases—only the areas that accumulate excess moisture. Do not use powder on your baby’s face. Since the powder has small particles, your baby might inhale them accidentally. What kinds of clothes are best for my baby in summer? Summer calls for airy, breezy, light clothes. Dress your baby in breathable natural fabrics like cotton for maximum comfort. Cotton is also considered to be a hypoallergenic fabric, which means that it is less likely to cause allergic reactions than other synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics can trap sweat, leading to discomfort and heat rashes on your little one’s skin. Choose loose-fit clothes that cover most parts of your little one’s body to protect them from the sun. Also, ensure that the fabric is soft and there are no rough patches or tags in your baby’s summer clothes since that might irritate their delicate skin. Can we use moisturizer for babies in the summer? Your baby’s skin is thinner and hence, loses moisture at a much faster rate than yours. This is why it is essential to moisturize their skin even in summer. For babies’ skin, thicker moisturizers work better than runny creams or lotions. A good moisturization routine also helps prevent eczema flare-ups, and dry, itchy skin. Choosing the right baby care product in this category is really important, as you would be using it daily. CITTA offers a natural Moisturizing Baby Balm which has a unique thick texture due to zero water content. It is crafted with the goddess of 7 natural oils, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E to provide deep nourishment and care along with long-lasting moisturization to your baby’s skin. Our balm also helps to prevent rashes and itchiness. Which oil is best for baby skin in summer? Massaging your baby with a mix of natural oils offers many benefits for the parent as well as the baby/ toddler. Many parents incorporate an oil massage in their baby’s daily routine—either before the bath or before bedtime—as it helps to calm the baby. In summer, you can continue with your massaging routine as usual, just ensure that the oil that you are using is light and non-sticky, like CITTA’s Nourishing Baby Massage Oil. It is a mix of 12 natural oils that give your baby’s skin the complete care it deserves. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients also protect your baby’s skin How do I keep my baby/toddler hydrated in summer? Keeping your babies and toddlers hydrated is essential in summer. Dehydration can lead to lethargy, tiredness, thirst, headaches, poor concentration, and irritability. Ensure that they are drinking enough fluids throughout the day, whether they are being breastfed, formula-fed, or eating solids. Remember to avoid any sugary or packaged drinks, as milk and water are the only appropriate fluids for babies and toddlers. We hope that we have answered all queries you might have regarding baby skincare during the summer season. Stay cool and enjoy summer to its fullest!
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Common Baby Sleep Time Problems & Solutions
If you ask a new parent what they are struggling with, chances are, most of them will respond with something related to their little one’s sleep! A baby’s sleeping routine...
Common Baby Sleep Time Problems & Solutions
If you ask a new parent what they are struggling with, chances are, most of them will respond with something related to their little one’s sleep! A baby’s sleeping routine is one of the most difficult areas to cope with when you enter parenthood. A baby that sleeps only in short 30-minute bursts, a baby that cries constantly and won’t sleep, a baby that sleeps all day and keeps you up all night—even though most parents try to prepare themselves for these situations, it can be really overwhelming to figure a way out. If you are a new parent and wondering about the reasons your baby won’t nap, and how you can help them fall asleep, we are here with the best tips. How many naps does my baby need? Babies sleep for much longer hours than adults. Up to the first 3 months, newborns will sleep around 14 to 18 hours, although in short bursts, and spread throughout the day in around 5 naps or more. At this age, babies generally wake up multiple times during the day, and if your little one is not sleeping at a stretch for more than three hours, do not worry—this is completely normal. As they grow up, their sleeping hours decrease. A 4 to 6-month-old baby typically sleeps for about 14 to 16 hours, with 2 to 4 naps per day. They start sleeping for longer hours at a stretch during the night. A 7 to 12-month-old baby should be sleeping more at night, around 10 to 11 hours at a stretch. They should be napping for around 2 hours every day, and either not waking up at all during the night, or at least less frequently. How long can a baby go without napping? The wake time or the time your baby can go without napping depends on his/her age. Also, every baby is different, hence their napping routines can also vary. But generally speaking, for the first two months, your baby can go somewhere around 45 minutes to an hour without napping. From 2 to 8 months, this time increases to 1.5-3 hours, and for 9 to 12-month babies, the wake time is 2.5-4 hours. Why is my baby not napping during the day? There can be multiple reasons why your little one is refusing to take his/her daytime nap. Here are the most common ones: Your baby isn’t tired Babies need naps to recharge themselves and maintain good energy throughout the day. If they are not tired enough, they may keep playing at the time they usually nap. Forcing them to nap in such situations can backfire—they might just end up screaming and throwing a much bigger tantrum! A good idea is to engage them in a quiet play activity and try for a nap again after some time, say about an hour. Your baby’s naptime routine needs a change Naptime and bedtime routines help your little one understand that it is time for bed. It is essential to set up a good routine that calms down your baby. A gentle oil massage, a calming bath, and singing lullabies to your baby at around the same time every day can create a relaxing downtime routine for both of you. An oil massage with a blend of natural oils, such as our Nourishing Baby Massage Oil, also helps you to bond better with your baby. Your baby is hungry If your baby is waking up too soon from his naps or struggling to fall asleep, hunger might be the issue. You may want to consider if you need to increase his/her feeds. Babies’ feeding and sleeping needs change quite a lot within the first year, so it might be a little tough to adjust quickly to their routines. But if the extra feeding helps your baby stick to his napping routine, it’ll help you to get some more downtime for yourself too. Your baby’s sleep environment is not right Sometimes the problem may not be with your baby, but her environment instead. Make sure to dress your baby in season-appropriate clothing and keep her room comfortably cool and dark. You can also try using white noise to help your baby fall asleep. Till your baby completes a year, ensure that she is sleeping in a crib/bassinet on her back without any loose objects like blankets or cushions in the crib. The only things inside her crib should be a firm mattress with a clean sheet, and a pacifier if needed—anything else can cause more harm than good. Your baby is going through a developmental change Babies go through a lot of changes in a short period of time, especially in the first year. During their transitional phases, their sleep routines can be impacted. If your baby is suddenly refusing to fall asleep at his usual nap times, and it continues for a few days, it could be that your baby is going through a sleep regression. This usually occurs when your child is going through major developmental changes. As your baby starts to become more aware of their environment and learn new skills like rolling over, crawling, or standing up, they just want to practice them–even instead of sleeping! Sleep regressions can also be caused due to other reasons like a change in the time zone or a certain illness. It should last only for a few weeks, and even though there will be many sleepless nights for you, remember that it will get better! If this phase lasts for more than a month, consult your doctor. What age do babies drop daytime naps? Infants and children initially need daytime naps along with night time sleep to fulfil their sleep requirements for holistic growth and well-being. As they grow up, however, their bodies are able to stay energized and healthy with shorter sleep. There is no particular age at which babies drop their daytime naps, but there are a few signs that indicate that your child is now ready to go without those naps:Your baby does not want to fall asleep at his/her usual nap times: If you are used to your baby falling asleep without any difficulty at specific times during the day, but now your baby just wants to keep playing or simply does not want to fall asleep, it can mean that she has enough energy for the day without napping. If your child is fussy during this time, she might still be needing some naptime. But if she shows no signs of tiredness or crankiness during the day even without her daily naps, it usually means that she is ready to stop napping altogether. Your baby has difficulty falling asleep at night: Daytime naps can delay your child’s bedtime if they don’t really need the naps. Try to shorten the duration of your baby’s daytime naps to help them feel sleepy at night. Your baby is waking up early: If daytime napping is making your kid wake up earlier than his morning wake time, it can mean that he is feeling fully rested with lesser sleep, and might be ready to drop nap time. If your child still needs some nap time, you can try to have shorter naptimes for him. Your baby is not sleepy or cranky without napping: If your baby feels energized to go about her day without daytime naps, she may be ready to drop daytime naps. A baby’s sleeping habits are the trickiest to adjust to as a new parent. When their sleep routines are disrupted, it can easily exhaust them and make them feel overwhelmed. This is why you need to understand the reasons behind these changes. We hope that this blog post helps you understand why your baby is refusing to nap and how you can help them fall asleep.
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