Author: MomComIndia

Baby Winter Care (Part-1) | Skin Care for Newborn Baby (0-12 months)

The cold months bring in a nagging worry in most parents. As the temperatures drop, the concern of how to best protect the baby from cough, cold and winter dryness looms large in our minds. Addressing the winter woes with my first-hand experience of keeping Kabir safe during winters, I chose to divide this extensive topic into 3 parts- Skincare, Clothing and Immunity. This article is the first part of our Baby Winter Care series focusing on skincare for your baby.

Dryness, flaky skin, itching, rashes are some of the common concerns. The cold air strips off moisture from the baby’s skin, the heaters aggravating the problem, the sweat trapped in layers of clothing causing itching and rashes, the baby is left uncomfortable. While all these can be dealt with setting up a simple winter care routine, skincare is often looked at as a secondary topic. As parents it’s important for one to understand that the skin is the largest organ in the body and also the one that is most exposed to environmental conditions, making it the most susceptible to infections. Acknowledging it and maintaining a healthy skin routine for your baby, lets your little one enjoys the wondrous days of early childhood.

The baby skincare routine can broadly be divided into three parts;

Massage Routine

Unlike the common belief that one can skip baby’s daily massage, I firmly believe that everyday massage is a must. Massage increases the blood circulation and that in turn has multifold health benefits. Additionally, it is relaxing for the baby. However, there are some precautionary measures that need to be maintained during the winter massages-

a) One must massage a baby in a warm room. Heat up the room with the help of a heater or radiator, before undressing the baby. Ensure that door and windows to the room are closed, to avoid a cold draft of wind from affecting your baby. We gave Kabir a massage every day at 11- 11:30 am. Since our bedroom receives a lot of sunlight, we chose to set up a table at the spot where there was direct sunlight. The room temperature was between 28 degrees to 35 degrees. In case you find the bathroom too cold, you can turn on the hot water tap or hot shower in your bathroom, let the steam fill up and then give the baby a quick massage before giving it a bath. If your bathroom has enough space & centrally heated, set the baby massage station inside. That way you can massage, bathe and clothe the baby in the bathroom itself.

b) Winter massages need to be quick; winter massages should move from head to toe. 10- 15 mins of massage is good enough. In contrast to the summer massages, that are deliberate and detailed, winter massages need to be done swiftly.

c) The choice of oil is important. A warming oil is recommended for winters. We used Forest Essentials Almond Oil for Kabir’s winter massages. It’s non sticky and light, adding a healthy glow to the skin. You can also choose to apply mustard oil. A drop of almond/mustard oil around the navel helps too. However, this is only after the umbilical stump falls off naturally.

d) Warm up the oil to a lukewarm temperature before massaging the baby. Check the oil temperature to ascertain it’s not too hot or too cold.

Bath Routine

It is important to give a baby a bath everyday with lukewarm water. A bath washes away the sweat on a baby’s body, opening the pores. This makes the baby feel fresh and clean. The salient points to remember while giving the baby a bath is the following;

a) Winter baths should be quick. 5- 10 minutes is the ideal time. Even if the baby is enjoying in the water, do not let the baby take a longer bath. Prolonged baths dry up the skin far more than winter breeze.

b) Bathe the baby in lukewarm water. Water that is too hot would raise the baby’s body temperature. After the bath, the contrast in the baby’s body temperature and the ambient temperature, would immediately make the baby catch a cold. Dip your elbow or wrist in the water to ascertain the temperature.

c) Before undressing the child for both massage and bath, keep all the things that you would need during and post it, near your reach. Towel, Moisturizer, diaper, rash cream, clothes etc.

d) If it’s very cold, instead of giving a bath, give the baby a sponge. Dip the towel into lukewarm water, wring it and then wipe the baby quickly with the damp cloth. Especially at the places where the body sweats the most like neck, back of the neck, armpits, diaper area and behind the legs.

e) Invest in good products. For Kabir we use Sebamed Baby Wash Extra Soft (for face & body), and Johnson Top to Toe Baby Wash & Shampoo (for body & hair).

Moisturising Routine

Winters dry up the skin. Babies get dehydrated easily. In winters babies hardly drink water. The breast-fed babies, especially have a tendency to get dehydrated as well. The skin is the first to loose moisture when one is dehydrated. Hence, moisturizing is important. The key points of moisturizing are-

a) Moisturize 3-4 times a day. After bath, before sleeping at night and at any other time of the day as per your preference.

b) Apply moisturizer to damp skin. Immediately after the bath is ideal. For other times of the day, wipe the baby with a damp washcloth (dipped in Lukewarm water) and then apply the moisturizer. A moisturizer gets absorbed into the skin only if the skin is damp.

c) For dry lips, apply breast milk on baby’s lips. It’s incredibly nourishing and moisturising. Express a bit of milk and use it to moisturize. Also, it’s absolutely safe in case the milk goes into the baby’s mouth.

d) Products- For Kabir we used Aveeno Baby Daily Lotion & Shea Butter in winters. It’s nourishing and made his skin glow.

This routine though looks exhaustive, hardly takes 20 mins in a day. Your baby will feel refreshed as a result. Also sweat breeds bacteria, that this daily routine would prevent. I have this content in a video format as well, should you want to revisit it (link). Do read the next parts of our winter care to know about clothing and immunity.

I cherish your comments and feedbacks. MomComIndia is available on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and our website. I love to interact with parents and caregivers on all the platforms. The endeavor from the start has been to build a community that supports and shares the parenting journey. Enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥ सरदियों में बेबी की त्वचा का ध्यान कैसे रखें | इस आर्टिकल में इस बारे में बताया गया है | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►

Must-read articles for new mothers:

A Must Have List for New Mommies | For a Smooth Postpartum Journey

Weight Loss After Delivery | How To Lose Weight After Delivery

Diet Chart For Breastfeeding Mothers: Perfect Meal Plan For Indian Mothers

Panjiri Recipe | The Superfood for New Mothers

A while back, my mother & I went on MomComIndia’s YouTube channel, to talk about motherly advice during pregnancy. I wanted to share all the support that I received from my mother. After all, the wisdom that is passed on from mother to daughter, is blessed with love and practicality. This is especially true in case of pregnancy. We discussed the pregnancy and post pregnancy super food- Panjiri, in that video. Since there are multiple recipes on the Internet, that often contradict each other, Ma and I chose to share the recipe of Panjiri, the way we make at home.

Panjiri has always been popular in North Indian kitchens. Its claim of being a superfood has a strong foundation, as it is packed with nutrients. Edible gum or Gond fortifies the body, providing it with the nutrition to repair itself. Kamarkas herb strengthens the back and lower back muscles. Dry Ginger powder or Sonth, heals the wear and tear. Pepper warms the body. Makhana is rich in proteins and can be had individually as a snack. A generous addition of dry fruits, being high in vitamins and minerals, adds to the nutritional value. Atta (whole wheat flour) binds it all together. The star ingredient is Desi ghee. Hailed by nutritionists around the world to have medical benefits, when taken in the right quantity, it’s an elixir. Thus, it is no surprise that Panjiri can be consumed by anyone in need of a boost to recover from ailments. Though a word of advice from my mom is that Panjiri with kamarkas herb is not recommended for men. In my case, this was a valid excuse to not share this delicious snack with my husband.

Recipe:

Preparation Time- 25 mins

Ingredients

Atta- 1 bowl

Desi Ghee- 1 bowl

Sonth (ginger powder)- 1/4th spoon

Gondh- 1 spoon

Kamarkas herb- 1 spoon

Black pepper- 1/4th spoon

Makhana- 1 bowl

Almonds- 12 (cut into small pieces)

Cashew- 12 (cut into small pieces)

Kishmish- 18-20

Bhura Chini (crushed sugar crystals)- 3/4 th bowl

Note:

Atta is the carrier ingredient for Panjiri. The recipe needs to be adjusted as per the quantity of atta. Eg- If you are doubling the quantity of atta, double the quantity of other ingredients as well

Sugar can be adjusted according to taste.

Use a medium spoon to measure the quantity of Sonth, Gondh, Kamarkas, Pepper.

Use a standard bowl to measure the proportions of the rest.

Do not leave the Atta unattended, while ghee roasting it. Stir continuously.

You can use jaggery instead of sugar. However, jaggery can only be used for winters as it heats up the body quickly.

The air tight container should be dry when one is storing the Panjiri.

Method of preparation

Let a heavy bottomed utensil heat up on a high flame.

Lower the flame to medium and add 1/2 a bowl of ghee

Let the ghee heat up well. To check the ghee, you can put a small piece of almond. If the almond floats up, the ghee is ready.

Add all the almonds. Stir till it gets a light colour. Then remove the almonds from the ghee. Set aside on a plate.

Lower the gas flame further. Add the cashews to the ghee. Since cashews cook faster, remove them immediately. Set aside on a plate.

Add the Makhana. Stir till it gets a light colour. Remove from the ghee and set aside.

Add the Gond into the Ghee. The Gond pellets will puff up into white chunks. Remove from the ghee.

Add Kamarkas herb. Stir for about 20 secs and remove from ghee.

Grind the kamarkas and Gond together.

After all the dry fruits and herbs are removed from the ghee, add the remaining 1/2 bowl ghee.

Add the atta and stir vigorously. Increase the flame to high. Keep mixing the atta and the ghee continuously. Atta has a tendency to stick, hence do not let the mixture rest. Do not leave the atta unattended at any point of the preparation.

Reduce the flame to medium after 5 mins. Keep stirring.

After about 15 mins, the aroma signals that the atta is now cooked.

Add the Makhana into the atta and mix well.

Follow it up by adding the dry fruits ,one at a time and mix well.

Add Sonth and black pepper. Mix well.

Switch off the gas and let the mixture cool a bit.

Once it’s nearing the room temperature, add the kishmish and bhura chini. Kishmish will harden up if we add it while the atta is hot. The bhura chini will soak up the residual ghee.

Transfer to an air tight bowl. Let it cool. Close the container. This Panjiri will stay fresh, without refrigeration, for a more than a month.

Optional- You can make laddoos of this mixture

Method- While the mixture is still warm, make it into small round balls and set aside to cool on a steel plate. Cover the plate with a dry kitchen cloth. This takes upto 4-5 hrs. Once it has cooled, the laddoos will stick to the steel plate. Warm the steel plate slightly on the gas, to release the laddoos. Now you can store the laddoos the same way as Panjiri.

When to consume

Panjiri is great as a snack at any time of the day. Warm it up a bit and have Panjiri with a glass of warm milk. The milk helps one digest the Panjiri. A new mother can have it twice a day. It warms up the body, hence you can reduce the quantity in summers. Enjoy it as much as you want in winters. I used to have it as a pre breakfast snack and again at night before sleeping.

Panjiri works wonders for elders at home. Without adding the Kamarkas, it can be given to young children, instead of giving them the cornflakes and likes. If you are suffering from a lower back ache, whether you are a new mom or not, Kamarkas panjiri will give you relief. You can make it in larger batches and store it. Instead of reaching out for a snack of biscuits or popcorns, choose Panjiri.

I would strongly recommend that you watch our video for this content (link). This will aid you to make the panjiri in a jiffy. I would love to know if you enjoyed the panjiri made from my mom’s recipe. If you have any family recipes of pregnancy and post-partum recovery foods, do share with us. Feel free to reach out to me for any clarification or suggestions. MomComIndia is present on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, along with this website. Hope to hear from you soon. Enjoy Panjiri. Enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥ डिलीवरी के बाद सेहत बनाने की दमदार रेसिपी : पंजीरी | इस आर्टिकल में इस बारे में बताया गया है | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►

Must-read articles for new mothers:

A Must Have List for New Mommies | For a Smooth Postpartum Journey

Weight Loss After Delivery | How To Lose Weight After Delivery

Diet Chart For Breastfeeding Mothers: Perfect Meal Plan For Indian Mothers

Is It Safe To Apply Kajal On Baby?

Traditions in India come with many layers to it. They vary across towns and cities. Every version is unique. What to follow or what not to follow, is sometimes a personal choice and sometimes in respect of the culture. Many succumb to it, keeping in mind the rich heritage and family ancestry.

But the big question here is, should a new born baby be subjected to it? Should its delicate eyes be exposed to this “beauty product”, so to speak? Some parents choose to pick a middle path, just a dot behind the earlobes or under the feet, and so on and so forth. With every region across the country, comes the diverse beliefs.

If the scientific approach is to be believed, doctors seem to differ in their opinion. Let me take you through it.

Do you believe in evil eyes?

One concept that we all have heard of, and many of us believe in is “nazar lagna” or an evil eye. Many people apply kajal on babies to protect them from the evil eye. This to a great extent seems to be a superstition that many still believe in. Since it’s purely based on an age old belief system, you must give it a second thought before you start applying kajal on your child, either as something that you have seen others do or on the behest of your older family members. If you don’t believe in superstition then is there really any need for you to apply kajal. Babies do fall ill occasionally especially in the first year of birth, irrespective of them being applied kajal or not.

Can cause irritation, allergies & watery eyes

We adults are always wary of the cosmetic products we use on ourselves. We hop from one brand to another in a faint hope of finding that perfect Kajal which should not only suit us, but also be cruelty free. But when it comes to the little babies, we have to understand that it’s all harsh chemicals at the end of the day that makes it what it is. As a result, the tender eyes of a baby can’t take so much. They tend to have watery eyes, redness, allergies or infections. Your little one can’t communicate this to you and we only check for hunger, sleep or a soiled diaper and overlook what is troubling him or her. Checking for problems due to the application of Kajal becomes an oversight. Therefore, a delayed action results in major infections, which by the time we realise, has done some considerable damage to your little one’s tender eyes.

Ways to apply Kajal

Most common ways of application of Kajal is either using a fingertip or a sleek object. Most of the times, we cannot determine an individual’s hygiene levels or the cleanliness and sharpness of the object used. Such options can easily hurt the gentle tissues of eyes or cause an infection, at the very least. Any amount of cleaning cannot make it a hundred percent sanitised and safe. A baby’s eyes are super delicate, so the fear of hurting or an infection is always looming over.

Difficulty in taking it off

In order to remove the Kajal from the eyes, there is only so much we can do. The most practised ways of removing it is either washing it with water or using cotton or a piece of cloth. Rubbing the eye to remove it can cause redness, irritation or minor cuts in and around the eye, as the skin around it is super gentle for both babies and adults alike. Washing it off with water can pose some irritant too. In case of any residue left inside the eye, it can travel down to the nose, block some nerves and eventually causing major troublesome infections. Due to this reason too, doctors do not recommend applying Kajal in the baby’s eyes.

High lead content in commercially produced Kajal

For a human body, the commercially produced Kajal can pose quite a degree of dangers as it is manufactured with high levels of Lead in it. Prolonged usage and application of Lead on any body part can be very harmful, especially when it comes to babies, the effects can be severe. Some serious medical issues include ANEMA, stunted brain development and lower IQ, to name a few.

Parallel to commercially produced Kajal containing Lead, many people claim to have made Kajal at home. But, the main concern here is the authenticity of the ingredients used in making it, whether its organic or not, is uncertain. Hence, doctors always advise to refrain from such products whose constitution is doubtful, especially when the baby’s skin is so sensitive. In fact, all parents go the extra mile to ascertain the authenticity and quality of the products that they purchase and use as a part of the baby’s routine. Not all baby products would suit every baby. Some may suit them, while some can cause major reactions. So putting something as precarious as a Kajal into the gentle eye is not in accordance to any doctor’s recommendation, but just to satisfy the old customs and rituals.

In my personal experience, even I was told to apply Kajal in Kabir’s eyes,  I stuck to a dot behind his earlobes, under his feet or on the forehead. Many a times I was told to do so to ward off evil but on the contrary doctors never give their nod to such customs.

It is understandable, that going against the humdrum tradition can be quite a task, but parents can always work a way around it, so as to respect the tradition whilst not harming the child. It is very common for a child to fall sick due to weather conditions, teething and other associated milestones of their growth. It wouldn’t be wise to think of it as a result of an evil eye, instead you can take in your stride, as the baby completely depends on his parents. It’s the parents who have to take an informed decision and take a justified route.

We would love to hear what you as a parent went through, to break stereotypical notions and encourage other parents reading this. Your comments, questions and feedback are always welcome and feel free to share this article and spread the word amongst your friends and novice parents. Do share our enthusiasm to build a parenting community. Introduce more parents to MomcomIndia. We reach out to you via our pages on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and this website.

Enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥ क्या बच्चों को काजल लगाना सही है | इस आर्टिकल में इस बारे में बताया गया है | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►

Must-read article for newborn babies:

What to do if your baby does not sleep properly (0-3 months)

Baby Diapers: Is it Safe to Keep a Baby in Diapers all Day?

How To Develop A Skincare Routine For Your Baby (0-12 Months)

Baby Powder: Is It Safe To Apply Powder On Your Baby?

A Must Have List for New Mommies | For a Smooth Postpartum Journey

There are no compromises here, be it your hospital bag, or your nightstand drawer. The right supply at the right time, is what will do the trick. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had an SOS snack drawer for the erratic hours that we would put in pre and post-partum? Or, stocking up the right outfits and the necessary sanitary requirements? The following three months post delivering the baby, can be quite a dealbreaker.

Trials and tribulations have lead us to understand what could have been done better as well as many things we learnt in the process. Our detailed research ensures that MomComIndia will act as your one stop guide of a detailed list of things to-do before you rush to the hospital, at the zero hour and also post-delivery.

1. Sanitary Napkins

First and foremost, stock up on a huge collection of sanitary napkins. Bigger the better, because you will find yourself in the need of a new one quite frequently in the entire day, post birth. The initial days a new mother may go through continuous bleeding for as little as few days to a maximum of two months. One of the major factors to keep in mind is that a new mommy has fresh stitches which need to be kept infection free. It’s advisable to follow a dedicated routine of changing it to maintain good hygiene.

2. Comfortable Clothing

Comfortable clothing is one major inescapable requirement in the list. As soon as one gives birth, the first few kilograms are lost as the weight of the baby and the fluid leaves the body. One may continue with the same outfits which they wore during their last trimester. As a new mother, one must keep their head and feet covered. It is very easy to catch infections at this stage.

3. Stomach Muscles Recovery

Now to get a grip of the loose stomach muscles, it needs to be taken care of right after seven days of bearing a child. As soon as the stitches heal up, take a cotton cloth or a dupatta and tie it around your belly and secure. This takes care of the sagging stomach muscles and slowly brings it back to shape. Most importantly, this method is not applicable to new moms who have had a caesarean section delivery. It is only advisable to wear easy comfortable clothes and keep yourself fully covered whilst taking enough care during the body recovery stage. If the new mother gets proper care post birth, it is all the more easier to recover in all aspects.

4. Feeding Essentials

Feeding pillow or feeding chair is an important requisite, which facilitates mothers in feeding babies for long durations ranging from anywhere between 15-45 minutes. Since feeding a baby is a deliberate process, it gives a lot of strain on the mothers back. Hence, it is important to invest  in a good quality feeding pillow or chair. While feeding one must also ensure that the baby is fed in an upright position and not in a lying position which may result in choking or formation of gas.

5. House Help / Japa Maid

Many overlook the need of having a ‘help’. It’s crucial to take all the  help one can get in the first 40 days after birth. Especially someone who can take care of the mother’s diet. This is extremely necessary since the new mother is entirely engaged in taking care of the new born baby. Therefore help will ensure that the mother’s road to postpartum recovery is fast and she gets proper nutrients for milk production and faster recovery. This help could be anyone starting from a dependable family member, relative or a ‘Japa’ hired help ,who is specially trained for these tasks during this period or an existing maid whose service could be sought by an extra payment, to get some assistance in this sensitive time period. Getting assistance may or may not be feasible for some, but investing in this will only reap you great benefits during your recovery post birth.

Remember, weakness along with aches and pains can set in eventually which can be irritable. It can’t be stressed enough upon the fact that although giving birth to your baby is a very rewarding feeling, but taken care of during the recovery phase is of high importance. Do not lack there.

6. Nursing Bras & Pads

New mothers should invest in nursing bras and pads. These come in very handy. No major requirement of buying something absolutely alien to your understanding, just get a size bigger than the usually worn during the last trimester. Once the mother starts breast-feeding its natural to size up. Also, depending on the milk production frequency, nursing pads would come in handy to avoid any awkward moments of leakage.

7. Post-Partum Massage

Post-partum massages are a major boon especially during the first 40 days. Once the stitches heal, it is essential to start getting it done. There are professionals who are experienced in this specific area. It hugely promotes body toning, blood circulation and warmth. Ideally it should be done with warm mustard oil, which is good for your bones and to get some much needed warmth in the body. One can always suit the weather requirements and choose an oil to their liking. The sole purpose is to get a deep massage, hot water shower and feel rejuvenated. During the recovery phase, it is highly prudent to get it done every day during the first 40 days and after that reduce the frequency to a few times per week. Not doing it will only make it difficult for the sore muscles and bones to feel the same flexibility like before.

8. Stretch Marks

Next must have is a stretch mark cream. Many begin thinking about it after it has made an appearance. Whereas, it is always advised that it should be taken care of since the very beginning of pregnancy. The idea here is to keep your belly skin moisturised and maintain a certain elasticity, hence avoiding stretch marks to a great deal. Even if they do show up inspite of all the care, it disappears in time. I would recommend using Shea Butter, it has helped me to a great extent. Coconut oil too is a great alternative. Also, if you come across any other revered product give that a shot too. Key is to moisturise.

9. Breast Pumps

Breasts pumps are another great addition to your maternity repertoire. Many mums might feel that they would stick to good old-fashioned breast feeding, but what we don’t realise is how our body responds on certain days. Someday we experience over supply at a particular hour, and on some days it can be scanty. On some occasions the milk supply may be irregular, so on and so forth. So to combat such issues, a breast pump comes in handy. We may begin with a manual one, later you can add an electric one for better convenience. It is helpful especially on those days when one may have a heavy supply and breasts tend to feel hard . In such cases, expressing some milk out is a good idea to relieve oneself of the pain.

10. Formula Milk & Bottle for Baby

Next ,that comes in handy is a Formula Milk. Now one may ask why keep substitutes when breast milk is already available? It is just a handy substitute in times of crisis when breast milk may not be enough. If we keep our baby’s favourite tin of formula milk in your stock, at least the worry of the baby going hungry won’t upset us. The formula won’t expire for a very long time. If kept sealed, it’s fresh until opened. So it’s a good idea to keep this option worked out and steer clear of unwanted situations. We may introduce bottles at any age, the idea is to keep bottle and formula handy for those times when the situation is just not favourable.

11. Healthy Snack

As an expecting as well as a lactating mother, snacking is an inevitable part of the process. So keeping a secret stash is one such go-to idea. Eating ‘Panjiri’ is a part of our Indian tradition and full of all the yummy goodness. It is also a good source of nourishment during recovery post birth. Secondly, I recommend stocking up on Oats biscuits. It promotes good breast milk supply. Also, roasted salted Foxnuts (Makhaane) is also a very healthy snacker and store it in a jar, keeping it handy. Eating dry fruits is a no-brainer. Every morning snack on a handful and it facilitates instant energy and warmth for the body. So overall, eat tasty and healthy snacks, which do not harm you or the baby ,yet keeps you full and nourished.

12. Medication

Keep an emergency medicine box ready at all times. Keeping the prescribed pills handy during pregnancy and post birth is a good idea so that one doesn’t forget taking it. Many women do not continue taking the prescribed supplements after the baby is born and this affects their recovery in the longer run. A pregnancy takes most of the nutrients from the mother’s body and it is integral to replenish it with the right medicines.

13. Capture Memories

My next recommendation is an interesting one. Get a good camera or a phone and record all the beautiful memories. Time will fly and we forget to capture the important moments starting from pregnancy, birth and the growing years of the baby. It would be a trip down memory lane watching all of it again later. Won’t it be a great time to get that upgrade you’ve been looking for!

The must not do  for a mother is applying a perfume. Yes! At least for a minimum of first-three months. The scent will irritate the baby. They recognise their mother by the smell and warmth of the body. Any perfume will only make it difficult for them. Babies do not have their vision completely developed as a new born. So they depend on their senses.

Last but not the least, the biggest takeaway from this is PATIENCE.  It was a really long list of must-haves, but patience is one such boat that will help you sail through all the trying times. First-three months are going to be challenging in terms of understanding the newborn, emotional breakdowns, physical recovery, feeding and all the associated changes. The key is to hold on and this too shall pass. On looking back later, it will all seem so worth the effort and one would want to hold on to it so dearly.

Having said that, these were tried and tested experiences. If only we are told about these earlier. One eventually learns as a part of the process. Many parents reading this may have some more ideas to share. It would be an absolute joy to see your comments pouring in. Please share this and spread the word amongst new parents, caregivers, family and friends. We would love to read your comments and answer your questions. Keep them coming!

Share the enthusiasm and help us to build an interactive parenting community through Mom Com India. You can reach us via our pages on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and this website.

Enjoy simplified parenting!

♥♥ एक नै माँ के लिए कुछ ज़रूरी चीज़ें , इस आर्टिकल में इस बारे में बताया गया है | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►

Tummy Time For Newborn Baby & It’s Benefits | For 1-6 Months Baby

A new parent is on a constant lookout to find methods, to support their baby’s developmental process. We keep researching for activities and different ways of bringing up our baby in a healthy environment and watch out for signs, as the baby can’t communicate yet.

Today let me take you through a new activity, something new born babies can be made to do. Many parents complain about the slow growth of their baby, like the neck not being supported, not rolling over and not responding to certain stimuli. This would cater to building towards these landmarks. ‘Tummy-Time’ is a very simple activity where the baby of more than 1 month old is made to lie down on a flat surface on its stomach. This has a lot of compelling benefits. First, it aids in development of a range of muscle groups as the baby tries to swing his arms, legs and neck. This helps in adequate shoulder and back muscle development and movement of other muscle groups.

Since the baby keeps lying down on his back for a major chunk of the day, this tummy time activity promotes back strength and relaxes it. The next advantage is the baby gets adequate neck control as he would be trying to rotate it and move in different directions in an attempt to get up. So all the movements will eventually let him gain control of his neck.

This activity also helps relieve any gas formation and bloating,  hugely relaxing them. ‘Tummy Time’ not only relieves stomach issues, but also helps with the shape of the head. A new born is constantly on his back for most part of the day, by doing this, it helps in forming the right shape of the head, as well as relaxes the pressures on head avoiding a flat head. It is usually suggested that we move their head from side to side and this activity guarantees an all-round physical development of the baby. Be gentle with your baby while moving its neck. Better still if you move around the room and let the baby move its neck, trying to keep you in its line of sight.

The next benefit that this activity helps with is rolling over. Rolling over is considered a major milestone in their development during the initial few months. It also helps them give response to different stimulus. You have to do this activity under your supervision and keep them engaged while they are at it. Use of toys or talking to them helps in keeping them constantly engaged with the activity.

Also one thing to keep in mind is this activity should be only introduced when the remaining portion of the umbilical cord dries and falls of, which usually happens within 15-20 days since birth.

The right way of doing this, is on a flat surface or on a hard bed. Preferably place a thick blanket or a mat so that the baby feels comfortable on the surface. Also remember to start with this activity for short duration in the beginning. Begin with 30 seconds or a minute and gradually increase to 2,3, 5 or 10 mins with time and as the baby grows, they get used to it. This can be done thrice or four times in a day. Be very careful to do so when the baby is awake, under supervision. The breathing should not be affected and stop if you see any discomfort.

This can be done till they either turn 4 to 5 moths old or they learn to roll over. Once they cross the milestone of rolling over, they will automatically continue doing this and further continue to like it. They feel things are more visible and try to reach them, colours and different things will continue to catch their fancy.

Many parents feel the dilemma of how to carry out this activity with their babies. It is actually quite simple and doable. I would suggest that the parent should also lie down on their stomach in front of the baby, talk to them, use rattles and movements, call out their name loudly and clear, use playful things, etc. Basically, the idea of including such activities ensures not only optimum  physical, motor and mental development, but also teaches them how to respond. This multi-faceted ‘Tummy Time’ activity not only ensures all round development but also a good bonding time between the parent and baby.

We hope we have been able to answer your queries related to ‘Tummy Time’. It can guarantee that your baby will happily reach his developmental milestones with ease while you see your little baby bloom. Do drop in your comments and questions and we would be happy to answer them. Your feedback is always welcome. Do share this article and spread the word amongst your friends, relatives and new parents out there.

Share our enthusiasm to build a parenting community. Introduce more parents to MomcomIndia. We reach out to you via our pages on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and this website. Enjoy tummy time. Enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥ बच्चों के लिए TUMMY TIME | गैस से रिलीफ और कई और फायदे, इस आर्टिकल में इस बारे में बताया गया है | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►