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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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Side Effects of Holi Colors and Safety Tips for...
The most awaited summer festival is upon us! Gujiyas and Namak Paare are getting ready to energize you for the fun-packed celebrations. The vibrant colours are calling you! Aren’t you...
Side Effects of Holi Colors and Safety Tips for Holi
The most awaited summer festival is upon us! Gujiyas and Namak Paare are getting ready to energize you for the fun-packed celebrations. The vibrant colours are calling you! Aren’t you excited to celebrate Holi with your friends and family? Because we sure are! To make sure that Holi 2023 is the happiest for you, here are a few tips from our side. Precautions you should take for Holi: Play only with organic Holi colours According to folklore, Lord Krishna acquired a deep blue skin color in his childhood after drinking the poisoned breastmilk of a she-demon, Putana. In his youth, he would worry if his beloved Radha or any other girl would ever like him. One day, Krishna’s mother asked him to color Radha’s face in any color he would like. Since then, the day is celebrated as a festival of love in the northern parts of India. Traditionally, Holi was meant to be celebrated with Gulal, a powdered color made with natural dyes which were also beneficial for the skin. But today, mass-produced colours may contain chemicals that can be really harsh on your skin. The ill effects are worse on your baby’s or toddler’s skin, as their skin is much more prone to irritation than adults'. This is why one of the most important precautions for Holi is to play with organic Holi colours. Look for authentic brands with fair manufacturing practices and ethical sourcing. You can go one step further and make organic colours yourself using natural and skin-safe ingredients like turmeric powder, beetroot, and black carrots. This could become a fun activity with your kids or even a yearly Holi tradition! Protect yourself and your kids from the multiple Holi colour side effects Colors used for playing Holi can contain multiple harmful substances like heavy metals, powdered glass, chemicals, and pesticides. Holi color side effects can range from skin irritation to severe respiratory issues. For eyes: The harsh chemicals can enter your eyes and cause a burning sensation, which might be worsened by excessive rubbing. The colours can also cause allergic reactions leading to reddened, swollen, and watery eyes. Precautions: Avoid wearing contact lenses. The harsh chemicals can cause an infection by smearing your lens. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from any misfired water balloons and to prevent colours from coming in contact with the eyes. Avoid touching your eyes while playing Holi. Do not rub your eyes! Rubbing can aggravate the problems further. For skin and hair: Chemical Holi colors can cause itching, dryness, irritation, rashes, as well as a burning sensation on your skin. For young kids, these effects can be really pronounced. Precautions: Moisturizing skin with a natural oil-based moisturizer before heading out to play with colours is very important for your skin, and more so for your baby/ toddler’s delicate skin. This creates a barrier between your skin and the colours. It also helps the colours to be taken off easily upon washing. Our Natural Moisturizing Baby Balm with 7 natural oils is perfect for your little ones’ skin. Similarly, oil your hair or wear a bandana/ scarf/ cap to cover your hair. The chemicals can dry out your hair. You’ll need to protect your nails too! Paint your nails with two coats of good quality nail paint to prevent your nails from getting stained. Use lighter colours like pink. Avoid dark colors like blue, violet, or black as they might not come off as easily. Dress yourself and your kids in full-sleeved clothes to create one more barrier between your skin and the colours. Tips for removing Holi colour from your face and hair Be gentle on your skin and hair. Even though you might feel tempted to scrub your face and hair until the last remains of colour disappear, it is a really bad idea. Vigorous scrubbing can irritate your skin and if you use a soap with harsh chemicals, it can further damage the already sensitive skin. Rinse your face with cold water and use a mild cleanser that is toxin-free to wash it. For your babies, our Tender Foaming Baby Wash offers extremely gentle cleansing while also nourishing and conditioning their skin with the goodness of natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Coconut extracts. For your hair too, using a gentle cleanser that is non-drying is essential. First, wash your hair with plain water to remove as much color as possible. Next, use a natural shampoo with hydrating ingredients to wash off the colours. For your kids, our Gentle Foaming Baby Shampoo works the best as it is enriched with Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, and Olive Oil and does not dry off their hair. Remember, you should avoid taking a bath with hot water because that can be extremely drying for your skin and hair. Cold or lukewarm water works best. Moisturize your skin with a thick natural moisturizer post-bath. Also, avoid facials or bleach, or any other kind of treatment for your face for at least 4-5 days after the festival celebrations. Give your skin some time to breathe and restore its natural balance before subjecting it to any new treatments. CITTA’s natural hydrating Face mist with Rose and Aloe Vera can help you heal your dehydrated skin and rejuvenate it. Safe Holi is a Happy Holi! From kids to oldies, Holi holds a special place in everyone’s heart. The colour of festivals is a unique festival that allows us to come out and celebrate together in a fun manner. Buying colourful water guns and pichkaaris, filling up water balloons, mixing up your favourite colours in water—these are some of our fondest childhood memories associated with Holi. To celebrate the festival with love and joy, we should make safety a priority. Apart from all the precautions we have listed above, there are a few more things you can do to ensure that Holi 2023 is the safest you’ve ever celebrated. Do not drink and drive. Avoid travelling to overcrowded places if you have any chronic respiratory diseases, and celebrate safely at home. Take good care of your pets too, walk them early in the morning before the celebrations begin, and then ensure that they stay at home with their favorite toys. Educate children to be caring towards animals and not throw any colours or water balloons at them. We hope you have a happy Holi!
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Finding a Moment for Me Time: Tips for New Moms
Spending time with your baby is a rewarding experience as a new mother. After having dreamed of your time together during the long months of your pregnancy, you finally get...
Finding a Moment for Me Time: Tips for New Moms
Spending time with your baby is a rewarding experience as a new mother. After having dreamed of your time together during the long months of your pregnancy, you finally get to hold your baby in your hands, look at her smiling, and cuddle with her all day long! It is a beautiful feeling to notice something new every day, whether it is the way they hold your fingers or nap comfortably on your shoulders. And as they grow up, this list of adorable moments with them just keeps on getting longer. But while making time for all these moments, have you found a moment for yourself? Finding a moment for ‘me time’ as a new mom can be very challenging, but it is really important. Not just for you, but for your baby and family too. Meaningful me time allows you to recharge yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally—so you can show up better. You can be more present for your loved ones when you prioritize your own self. However difficult that might sound to you at the moment, trust us, you can do this! Here are a few tips that can help you find time as a new mom: Start by creating small pockets of joy, then build them up This is crucial! When you are struggling to find decent hours of sleep adjusting to your baby’s new sleeping routine, it can seem impossible to even think of taking some time to do something for yourself. That is why even 5 minutes is a good start. Before your baby wakes up, or as soon as she/he has fallen asleep, take out 5 minutes for yourself. Fill those 5 minutes with a small activity that you enjoy—a brisk walk in your terrace garden, listening to a soothing song, meditation, a few sets of quick stretches, or making yourself a hot cup of tea. All you need to aim for is to be fully present with yourself in those few minutes. Once you start doing this, you will also start noticing more opportunities for such times, and you can build these small pockets of joy into your daily life. Have realistic expectations for yourself Your time is precious. Even if dusting the window panes seems like an essential task to you, ask yourself if it really is. Whatever your previous housekeeping habits were, after a baby, it will serve you better if you start setting realistic expectations. Be very clear about needs and optional tasks, and you will be able to free up some time for yourself. For example, clean baby clothes are necessary, but well-folded clothes? You could probably skip that part if you’re feeling overwhelmed with ten other things to do. Allow yourself to be a little more relaxed when it comes to household chores. Ask for help (or hire) without any guilt or shame Moms are the primary caregivers in most families. This means they are expending more energy and time on caregiving than their partners. But you need not be doing everything alone. Raising a child does take a village, and you should ask for help without any guilt. Try to work out a system with your partner where you both get some child-free time for yourself. If you are a single mom, or if you and your partner are both working hectic jobs, consider hiring help. If it is possible, ask your relatives to take care of your baby for a few hours every week, so that you can schedule some fun activities with your partner or friends. Many moms feel guilty about asking for help, but this is nothing to be ashamed of. You are still a great mother if you take help, and you should remember that. Cultivate hobbies that you can do at home Being a mom takes up so much time and energy that many new moms feel like they are losing touch with their older identities. Were you a biking enthusiast before you had a baby? Did you travel a lot with your friends? While it may not be possible to do the same set of activities anymore, it is very much possible for you to cultivate hobbies that make you feel like yourself. Only this time, you’ll need to fine-tune your hobbies such that they can be done at home easily. Painting, reading, yoga, hula-hoops, Zumba, and at-home workouts are some options you can start exploring right away. Plan vacations with baby-friendly travel options If you have the travel bug, you can keep traveling even after becoming a mom. You will need to plan a lot more, but it can be a wonderful shared experience. Look for baby-friendly options at every stage—stay, amenities, food, and activities. Many hotels and resorts have kids' clubs with activities planned for your little ones. Look for services such as strollers, cribs, 24-hr on-call doctors, and baby food on-demand. Plan your stay during warmer weather to ensure the comfort of your baby. Involve your kids in chores and make routine tasks more meaningful Involving your 5-year-old in household chores will make him/her feel more important as well as more connected to you. You can ask your kids to do small tasks to help you, such as putting their toys back in the box or carrying their own plates to the sink after finishing a meal. You can also think of creative ways of doing certain activities together that are fun for both of you. Can you bake cookies together where your kid shapes the dough? Are you missing karaoke nights? Why not plan one with your little one for a change? Instead of feeling exhausted after doing the regular chores, if you can make the chores interesting, they can become your much-needed me time. Schedule playdates with other moms Why not make your child’s playtime fun for yourself too? While your kid plays with your friend’s baby, you both get to spend some time making adult conversation. You can schedule these playdates every week or every other week so that you block this time to connect with your friends without leaving your child alone. Join a support group or parents club to socialize Parenting is one of those experiences which you need to experience to understand. Parenting clubs and support groups offer you a safe space for you to connect with other new parents. With CITTA Care Club, we are trying to create a supportive community of parents where they can feel safe and relaxed enough to enjoy some quality downtime, either by themselves or with their partners and kids. Finding me time as a mom is difficult, but not impossible! We hope that these tips will help you feel a little bit more in control of your time and help you to carve out those moments of peace and joy in your busy new-mom life.
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Top 7 Frequently Asked Questions by New Parents
Becoming a parent is one of the most unique life experiences a person can have. Parenthood is an all-consuming journey filled with joy, love, laughter, and yes, a lot of...
Top 7 Frequently Asked Questions by New Parents
Becoming a parent is one of the most unique life experiences a person can have. Parenthood is an all-consuming journey filled with joy, love, laughter, and yes, a lot of hard work! As it is an entirely new experience, new parents can have a lot of questions in their minds. In this article, we answer the 7 most common questions new parents ask. How can I tell if my baby is getting enough breast milk? Many moms are concerned about whether or not their baby is receiving an adequate amount of milk from breastfeeding, as it cannot be measured accurately like bottled milk. However, there are many indicators for you to assess if your baby is well-fed. Your baby should feel calm and relaxed during the feed. They should come off the breast on their own after a feed, and your breasts should feel soft. It is important that your baby latches correctly while feeding, their cheeks should not seem hollow while suckling and your nipples should not hurt when your baby is latched to you! Other than this, if your baby shows a steady weight gain after the first two weeks, passes 3-4 yellow stools and over after 4 days, and wets their nappy 6 times or more after 5 days of age, it means that your baby is getting enough breast milk to stay alert and healthy. If you still have concerns regarding the issue, it is best to ask for professional help as soon as possible. I'm going back to work in a couple of weeks and I'd like to continue breastfeeding. What's the best way to do this? If you are worried about breastfeeding at work, you are not alone. Breastfeeding is about much more than merely feeding a baby, and only mothers can understand that feeling. Here are a few tips to help you make the transition from breastfeeding your baby as needed at home, to working in the office and still ensuring that your baby receives your breast milk in a similar schedule as before. If possible, start this process 3-4 weeks before you join back, so that you give your baby and your family members/caregivers some time to adjust to the change. Invest in a good breast pump. A good electric double breast pump can help you save a lot of time. Talk to your employers about having a safe, comfortable, clean, and private space in the office for you to pump. Also, you will need to plan extra hard to block time to pump at regular intervals—as that is better for your body and will prevent breast engorgement. Learn about storing breast milk safely. Ideally, you should store it in bottles or sealed zip-lock bags in a refrigerator, with the date and quantity labelled on it. As you and your baby get used to the new schedule, your baby might feed for longer at night—to feel more connected to you, so you will also need to ensure that you are getting longer sleep hours. Stay calm, plan everything out, and ask for help when you need it. How long will it take for my baby's umbilical stump to fall off? Your baby’s umbilical stump should dry off and fall within one to three weeks after birth. Till then, keep the area dry. Give your baby only sponge baths before the stump has fallen off, ensuring that the stump is still kept dry. You can also fold the front of the diaper so that it does not cover your baby’s umbilical stump and allows it to naturally air-dry. How can I soothe my crying baby? The first thing to remember is that all babies cry! Do not feel guilty about being inadequate as a parent if your baby cries for a longer duration of time, you will get better at understanding your baby’s needs and calming them down. Most of the time, attending to your baby’s needs, such as changing a wet or dirty diaper, feeding, turning down the lights to reduce stimulation, or singing them a lullaby to keep them entertained will be enough to soothe your crying baby. If that is not the case, you can try swaddling your baby and rocking him/her while making a shooshing sound. You can also try going out for a walk with your baby in the stroller, a change of scenery can be helpful. If you feel overwhelmed by your baby’s crying, take some time out. Ask a family member or another caregiver to take care of your baby while you take a few deep breaths, listen to some relaxing music, and come back to soothe your baby with some more patience. How often should I bathe my newborn? Newborns need to be bathed only twice or thrice per week. Since their mobility is limited, they tend to get dirtier lesser and do not need much cleaning. That said, it is important to clean up your baby’s burps, vomits, and nappy area after every change to avoid rashes and infections. It is also important to remember that you should be giving only sponge baths to your baby until his/her umbilical stump has fallen off. After that, you can move on to regular water baths in a baby bathtub. To know the basics of bathing your baby, read our previous article here. Do babies need pillows? The short answer is no. Pillows can be dangerous for your kids and you should avoid them completely at least for the first two years. Until your baby is 2 years old, he/she should be sleeping in a crib with a fitted sheet and nothing else in it, not even blankets. Pillows can suffocate your baby, restrict their movement, sprain their neck, and increase the risk of syndromes like Flat Head Syndrome and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If the pillow is stuffed with thermocol balls or sponges, there is an additional risk of choking involved. With so many negatives, it is best for you to wait until your baby has transitioned from sleeping in a crib to sleeping on the bed before you get pillows for them. How many diapers does a newborn use a day? On average, your little newborn can need anywhere between 8-12 diapers a day. This number is higher for newborns and can reduce to 4 or 5 daily as your baby gets potty-trained. Till then, you’ll need to plan a proper diaper-changing kit to make your life easy. A changing table or portable changing pad, comfortable diapers that have ‘pee indicators’, non-irritating baby wet wipes, a separate bin/ garbage bag to dispose of the diapers, and a good diaper rash cream—these are the essentials you’ll need. When they said “Every day is an adventure”, they were most definitely talking about parenthood! So we know you will still be having many more questions. But we hope we were able to answer the most pressing ones in this post, and we will try to cover a few more in another article very soon. Till then, happy parenting!
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