Author: MomComIndia

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

We have all grown up with the use of talcum powder. It has been a tool to combat the effects of a harsh Indian summer- sweating, rashes and body odour. Same for the babies. The fragrance of Johnson baby talc immediately makes us think of a cute and cuddly baby. While preparing for the delivery day and the care of my new born, I too shopped for 3 big bottles of Johnson’s baby powder. It was an obvious purchase to me. However, while being briefed by my doctor about the do’s and don’ts of baby care, baby talcum powder was strictly discouraged to me. This came as a shock to me as the practice of using talcum powder is a habit for everyone at home. I follow the path that I suggest to all parents – discuss all your doubts with your medical practitioner. My doctor took the time to explain to me the reasons for avoiding talcum powder. I have since stopped the use of talcum powder in my household.

Extensive research have established that the fine particles of a talcum powder, during application spread , mix with the air and are carried into the respiratory system. A baby is yet to develop a strong physical system and as the powder particles collect in its lungs, with regular applications the blockage builds up ,dramatically increasing the chances of Asthma, Bronchitis and in severe cases Suffocation and Lung cancer (over time). This fact seemed logical to me as I recalled that we usually shake the bottle of talcum powder and sprinkle it on ourselves. We always find residues of it all around even after application.

I was also made aware that talcum powder is especially harmful for the girl child. Talcum powder when applied regularly to the genital area, increases the chance of ovarian cancer by 40%. This was an eye opener for me. Not only did I become vocal about not using talcum powder on babies, I chose to speak to women around me about the same.

Reference Article_1:https://sarasota.legalexaminer.com/legal/u-s-supreme-court-upholds-2-1-billion-verdict-against-johnson-johnson-for-talc-baby-powder-cancer-case/

Reference Article_2: https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/does-talc-cause-cancer#the-cancer-link

 

Taking a step back, I analysed the reasons we choose to use talcum powder and identified alternatives that helps me avoid Talcum Powder.

1. Cooling Agent

We generally use talcum powder to have a cooling effect on the body. For a baby, we use it on the diaper area to keep it cool after every change. I realised that applying coconut oil too keeps the baby’s bottom cool. Diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide that has a similar effect. When we started using “Butt Paste” for Kabir, there seemed to be no need for a talcum powder.

2. Fragrance

Baby powders have been used for long for their “baby fragrance”. Yet at least for the first 6 months, any scented product is discouraged for a baby. Later for the purposes of fragrance, there are wonderful baby moisturisers. Also detergents made specifically for baby clothes have a wonderful mild fragrance. So that eradicates the need for baby powder.

3. Heat rashes

Sweating is a natural process of the body. A baby’s sweat glands are yet to develop fully . Talcum powder, as I learnt, blocks the sweat glands. Any hindrance to a baby development is not desirable. Hence, applying baby talcum powder can only be detrimental. I chose to purchase baby’s clothes pertaining to the climate conditions or adjust the AC temperatures in accordance. For extreme rashes you may still use a medicated powder however it should be in the rarest of scenarios.

For me the bottom line is “no more talcum powder”. Should you choose to use baby powder once a while, it would be best to use the following technique to ensure the safety of the baby. In a different space of your house, away from the baby, take a cloth and put a little bit of the powder. Wrap the cloth and apply the cloth on the desired area. This would limit the ill effects of the powder. Applying talcum powder on the face is not advised. This technique too, should be used as less as possible.

 

Raising awareness about talcum powders and its ill effects is a must. Parents need to know it for both the safety of their baby and themselves. If there is a history of respiratory infections in the family, cut out talcum powder all together. For women too, it’s best to avoid any talcum powder. Many women have chosen to sue companies for the damage done to their bodies by talcum powder. For this reason, I would request you to share the article and discuss the topic with your near and dear ones.

Do feel free to reach out to me if you have any comments, feedbacks or queries on the same. I endeavour to understand your parenting experiences. Parenting is enjoyable when there is a community to help you overcome any hurdles that you may face. MomCom provides the platform for it. I look forward to interacting with you on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and our website. This content is also available in a video format (link). Enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥क्या बच्चों को पाउडर लगाना ठीक है, जानिए इस आर्टिकल में | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►

 

Rules For Hosting Guests & Visitors Post Delivery Ensuring Newborn Safety

Your bundle of joy brings in a lot of excitement. Family members and friends look forward to being introduced to the new one. Though this moment calls for celebrations, hosting a series of guests is a task. While you and your partner are getting adjusted to the new journey of parenting, the little one is adjusting with a whole new world. Looking for the comforting arms of its parents, to the new born a rush of relatives is overwhelming. This is the first arena when you as a parent set boundaries to protect your baby. In my case, I was polite but firm on my set of rules. As it happened, at times people took me to be over cautious. Yet, my husband and I, put my recovery from childbirth, our newborn’s safety and our bonding time, on top priority.

As a new parent, it is important for you to understand that a newborn is yet to develop an immune system. In the initial months, a baby is susceptible to infections. Breast milk steadily develops its immunity. The first 3 months are critical for the same. Not just the baby, delivery takes a tremendous toll on the mother’s body as well. Hence, during the process of recovery, the mother needs rest and protection from external infections. No matter how connected your bond is with the guest, you have the right to decline visits or reiterate the rules that need to be followed during this phase. Below, I have listed the rules that we followed, though our son was born in pre-covid era, many of the rules are applicable for the current situation too. As a parent, you might add more to these. However, the ones listed are absolutely essential.

1. Follow the visiting hours in the hospital

The visiting hours are there for a reason. It limits the window of guests arriving to greet your baby. Both the mother and the father are usually exhausted with the new responsibilities of parenting. The child too needs time to settle down. A steady stream of guests would infringe upon the time to rest, bond and sleep. This also opens a chance of catching infections from any of the visitors. Requesting the visitors to avoid meeting you at the hospital is perfectly acceptable. I strongly believe that the less people crowding the hospital, the better. At least for the first 2 days, only the presence of the mother, father and caregiver (if any) is advised.

2. People with signs of fever should avoid visits

As mentioned above, the immune system of both mother and child is weak and vulnerable at this phase. Even a minor infection from a visitor can be hazardous to either of them. A firm refusal to let them see the mother or child, is the best solution. If you are delivering in covid times then even the slightest cold like symptom should be alarming and no matter how close, interactions with anyone with such symptoms should be totally avoided.

3. Choose soaps over sanitizers

Though the hospital too provides sanitizers to disinfect oneself before touching a baby or the mother, soap is the most effective way to get rid of germs. Choose to wash your hand with a soap for 2 mins ,rather than a hand sanitiser. Note that a hand sanitizer is heavy on its alcohol formulation, hence it can irritate the skin of the baby. Also most hand sanitisers have a strong smell that can overstimulate the baby. Choose a mild soap for the baby’s comfort.

4. Ensure mobile phone or camera flashes are switched off

While you and your loved ones would want to click numerous photos of the newborn, ensure that the camera flash is switched off. The blinding camera flash can permanently damage the newborn’s pupils. Sometimes, especially the elders, who aren’t as conversant with a mobile phones operation, might fumble with this rule. A quick trick that I used was to ask them to click a photograph of me first before clicking the newborn’s photo. This way I could ensure that the camera flash was switched off.

5. Avoid flowers

Though flowers are a wonderful way to extend one’s greeting, it is advised to not let flowers enter the room where the mother and child are. Most hospitals also discourage flowers. This is to avoid any pollen allergy or the overstimulation of the newborn with the smell of flower. Intimate the visitors that flowers need not be bought.

6. Do not wake up a sleeping baby

A newborn needs sleep. Some visitors might want to pick up a sleeping baby or may talk loudly in its vicinity. Discourage it. The more the baby sleeps, the better it is for its development.

7. Discourage visitors from rocking your baby too vigorously

This comes from personal experience. An elder of the family rocked Kabir with a lot of enthusiasm. That night was challenging for us. Kabir just wouldn’t sleep and kept crying. He finally slept off around 3am. The incident made us realise that not always are the elder adept at their techniques of taking care of a new born. A new born is used to a gentle pace in a mother’s womb. During pregnancy, a mother is advised to walk slow. Hence, vigorous rocking would only over stimulate the baby. No matter how well-meaning the elders are, if you have a difference of opinion regarding the care of your baby, you have the right to say a polite “no”.

8. Kissing a newborn is not allowed at all

For friends and family, kissing your baby is an absolute no. Even as parents, we shouldn’t kiss our newborn on the face. The mouth and nose are the easiest way for the germs to enter a child and cause an infection. Instead ,as parents you could kiss the feet, hands or back of the head.

9. Space out the visits as much as possible

The initial months for parents are a time for rest, recoup and bonding with the baby. However, visitors might want to infringe upon the time, especially on holidays and weekends. Too many visitors would only increase the chance of infection. It’s also an energy drain for you. Instead of entertaining visits as per their convenience, choose to space the visiting time slots. For example, if someone visits you on a Saturday, you may choose to meet another guest on a Sunday. If that too is taxing for you, request them to visit on another weekend. It’s your comfort that is more important than their convenience.

10. Delay any ceremonies for as long as possible

In some households, the birth of a child marks a series of religious rituals. Try and delay it as long as possible. Any ritual will bring the mother and the child in close contact with a lot of guests, risking their safety. In addition, some rituals like a Hawan, pollute the air around the baby. Breathing this air is detrimental for a baby. At least for 40 days, postpone any such rituals, as by then the baby would have completed one round of vaccinations.

11. Limit people who smoke

A smoker will have smoke particles on his clothes. Just washing hands does not do away with the smoke particles. In addition, the stench of smoking, is too strong for the baby. Discourage a smoker from holding your baby.

12. Avoid perfumes and strong fragrances

A baby is sensitive to smell. It looks for the comfort of the smell of its mother’s body. Any strong perfume disturbs the newborn. Do caution the visitors to not wear a strong fragrance while visiting the baby.

13. Introduce your baby to visitors or new places

The baby’s understanding of the world stems from the comfort and security of its parents. Everything else is new. This can rattle a baby. Instead of a visitor speaking directly to the baby, choose to introduce the visitor to the baby. The voice of the parents, calms the baby down. Similarly should you take your baby out for a stroll on a pram, picking up a crying baby and speaking to it about the new set up has a calming effect.

These rules are definitely not exhaustive. Depending on your family structure, you might have to add on more to these. Though it’s easier said than done, drawing your boundaries and being firm on it is for the best interest of your baby. Parenting is a tough job. Yet it’s all worth it for the little one. A little bit of courage, tact and diplomacy, can resolve a lot of unpleasant experiences. That too while ensuring the safety of your baby.

Feel free to reach out to me and share your trying experiences during this phase. We are present on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and our website. Our stories can inspire and help more parents .This content is also available on a video format (link). Do spread the word. Together we create a community of happy parents. Enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥ इस आर्टिकल में बताया गया है – नवजात शिशु से मिलने वाले मेहमानों को किन चीजों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►

Post Delivery Care For Your Stitches & Breasts | Traditional Care Methods Passed Down From My Mother

“The delivery of a baby is akin to a re-birth of a woman,” my mother’s words echoed in my mind. While giving birth to my son, Kabir, I witnessed the wisdom of it first-hand. The lifestyle changes associated with nurturing a new born, went in tandem with physical and psychological changes in me. The stitches, the post-delivery bleeding and breasts full of milk. From the comfort of a joyful pregnancy, the above discomforts felt like a shock. Though grateful for the healthy baby in my arms, I knew that I needed as much support as possible to ensure a speedy recovery for myself. And I completely banked on my family, especially my mother, to help me heal.

Grandmothers, mothers and mother in laws have forever been experts in their knowledge of post-partum care. In most cultures, including ours in India, a new mother relies on advice and home remedies that the wise women of the family offer. This article of mine is an extension of my mother’s care that I received while recovering from the same. I intend to share my good fortune of having a mother who guided me through every step of this phase. The wealth of information on this topic, was too vast to be put into one article. To do justice and explain every suggestion in detail, I chose to divide it into two parts. Click here for Part-1 of this series. This edition highlights the pivotal matter of cleanliness that a new mother needs to incorporate in her recovery routine. From my mother to me and now to you, these simple suggestions will fasten up your healing.

1. How to ease post-delivery bleeding

The first hurdle of hygiene for a new mom is the bleeding post-delivery. During the birthing most of the bleeding takes place. However residual bleeding continues. The blood often coagulates and is discharged from the body in form of clots. To ease this my mother advised me to consume a mix of Desi Ghee, Gur (jaggery), Jeera (cumin) and overnight soaked Badam (almonds) with a glass of warm milk. Not only did I notice an increase in my energy levels, my clots decreased enabling a comfortable flow in my post-delivery bleeding.

 

2. How to care for stitches after delivery

Even if one has a normal delivery, ensuring that the stitches heal well, is a priority. To avoid infections and any stress on the stitches it is important to take note of the following-

a) Walk slow: Post-delivery returning immediately to a normal pace is not advised. The stitches, both in normal delivery or c section, need care. Care at this point will expedite the recovery.

b) Do Not Sit Cross-Legged: While sitting cross legged is virtually impossible after a c section, it is equally harmful to sit cross-legged after a normal delivery. Strain to the stitches can cause them to open. Even while breast feeding, take the support of a pillow or adjust your sitting position to avoid the same.

c) Clean the stitches: For a normal delivery, do wash the area every-time you use the washroom. After relieving, gently wash with water. Follow it up with a second rinse of a solution made by mixing equal parts of water and betadine solution. Let it air dry. After a few minutes of air drying, there might be a need to apply an ointment like Soframycin. I reiterate that this process needs to followed as many times as you use the washroom. Blood, stool or urine can cause the stitches to get infected. Hence, regular cleaning is advised.

For a c-section, the medical practitioner would prescribe an ointment or a powder medication like Neosporin. The aim is to avoid superficial bacterial infection. Seeking advice of a doctor is a must, for both normal delivery and c-section.

3. How to care for breasts after delivery

Breast feeding the baby at regular intervals is taxing on a new mother. However, it is important that the hygiene of the breasts is maintained. Pre and post feed, clean the breast with water and a clean cloth. Soap or harsh disinfectants can irritate the skin. It is enough to just sponge the breasts with lukewarm water and immediately dry it with a clean towel.

Heaviness in the breast is a common problem that new mothers face. The breasts full of excess milk, might feel hard. In such cases, a mother could feel feverish and have shivers. Ignoring this can lead to fainting and blackouts. The cause for this is over supply of milk. There might have been a longer gap between feeds or it can just be that there has been a sudden increase in lactation. To avoid this make sure to breast feed by alternating between both breasts. Doctors’ advice to switch breasts after 15 mins of feed. This also ensures that the baby gets both hindmilk and foremilk. In case, sudden breast heaviness causes a rise in body temperature, express some milk by squeezing breasts. Drinking warm milk or hot soup helps in such condition. In severe cases, applying a hot water bottle on the breasts helps to relieve pain. Do not directly apply the hot water bottle on skin, use a cloth or towel as a layer between the breast and the bottle. Do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor if the condition persists.

Additionally, it is advised not to sleep with the arms up. It affects the flow of milk and can cause heaviness and pain.

A new mom’s care is imperative to ensure the health and happiness of the baby. It is ok to skip a few routine chores to just rest. Rest promotes recovery. That said, it doesn’t mean lying down all the while. At least 15 mins of sunlight is a must. Get some fresh air ,walk around in the balcony or garden. This will pep-up the mood as well. Eat well and remember to hydrate. Regular consumption of desi ghee is advised by the elders. To understand the dietary needs of a new mother, check this link.

The challenges of motherhood are many. The stronger the support system, the easier is the journey of parenting. My endeavour is to help as many parents as I can. By sharing this article and by reaching out to me on any of my platforms(YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, website), this aim of mine is furthered. All comments, feedbacks or questions are welcome. The content is also available in a video format below. Do spread the word. And enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥मम्मी के नुस्खे जो आज भी काम आते है, नार्मल डिलीवरी के बाद कैसे ध्यान रखें | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►

Normal Delivery Recovery & Care Tips | Traditional Care Methods Passed Down From My Mother

As I recollect the days after the delivery of my son, Kabir, I am grateful for the wisdom that my mother shared. With the internet flooding information on postpartum care, my recovery could have been lost in mind boggling research and often contradictory advice. Instead I chose to rely on the wealth of knowledge that’s passed on from one generation to another in our culture. Time tested remedies that an Indian mother suggests, are practical and aids in a stable recovery. Thus, I completely banked on my mother to walk me through this phase.

As I pass on the advice of my mother to you, simplified and easy to implement, I would like to emphasise that a healthy and happy mother raises a healthy and happy baby.

I had a normal delivery. I had read and had been advised on the new life that I embark upon with a little angel in my arms. The day after the delivery, I was feeling absolutely fine. In fact I thought that I had overestimated the trauma of child birth. Three days into the journey, the narrative changed. Weakness overwhelmed me. I could hardly lift up myself. Body ache made matters worse. Taking painkillers or other medications wasn’t an option. I was breast feeding and as advised by my doctor, I had to keep my recovery as natural as possible. Tender and lovingly, my mother explained to me that child birth is equivalent to re-birth for a woman. It is not just the start of a dramatically different lifestyle, it is physically a whole new person, that a new mother finds herself to be. Hormonal changes, blood loss, water retention, surgical recovery are few of the many ailments that the mother’s body needs to recover from. Taking care of oneself isn’t something that can be put to a side. A new mother’s well-being is of primary importance. Ignorance at this stage can lead to long term health problems for the mother, in turn affecting the baby.

The first 40 days are crucial. Though the care of a new mother has to continue post that as well, the initial days lay the foundation to a speedy recovery. In popular north Indian terms this phase is called “Jhapa”. Some misquote it as just a bonding phase for mother and child. It is far more than that. Both the mother and the child are adapting to their new self. As natural the process of child birth is, the recovery too is natural. While taking care of the new born, a new mother needs all the support that she can get, to heal herself. I followed all the do’s and dont’s to the tee. And today, looking back I can vouch for them to be necessary and effective.

1. Keep Your Head Covered

Blood loss during delivery causes tremendous weakness, resulting in chills. Most mother’s feel cold and have mild shivering. Keeping your body warm is important at this time. Covering your head with a cap or a dupatta, ensures that you don’t have headaches or catch a cold.

2. Keep your body warm extra layer of clothing

Carrying forward from the reason cited above, wearing an additional layer of clothing will protect you. Body Heat aids in recovery. By keeping yourself covered from head to toe, joint pains can be avoided. In my case, when I felt full of milk in my breasts, the body temperature would rise too. It was like having a mild fever. Keeping myself covered, especially then, would help me sweat out the fever.

3. Postpartum Massage

Regular body massages are a must. It can start after 7-10 days of delivery. Earlier than that, it can affect the healing of the stitches. But after your stitches have healed, make sure to employ someone adept at giving postpartum massages. Take a massage every alternate day. The massage oil can be of your choice. It increases blood circulation in the body, helping you not to just get over the body ache, but also in your internal recovery. To feel free to take a bath post the massage. However do ensure that your bath water is between lukewarm to hot.

4. Doctor Recommended Supplements

Supplements are not medication. The iron and calcium supplements that you took during pregnancy, need to be continued. In case of severe weakness, the doctor might prescribe multi vitamins. Do consult your medical practitioner about the supplements that you need, before being discharged from the hospital.

5. Avoid Screen Time

Your body is recovering. The eyes are already strained during this time. Exposure to screen adds to the strain. Minimise screen time and catch up on sleep. Your baby will sleep most of the time and following your babies pattern at this stage will help you in the longer run.

6. Keep Moving

Yes, your body needs rest. But lying down or sitting constantly will deprive your muscles and joints from movement. Walk around in the house. You might want to do some minor chores for the baby. This will not only help in your physical recovery, it will also keep depression at bay.

7. Avoid Constipation

The hospital usually doesn’t discharge a mother till one passes motion. However, constipation can set-in. Adding foods and condiments like papaya, sponge gourd (ghiya), desi ghee, jeera etc to your diet, aids in a healthy bowel movement. Do hydrate yourself by sipping on lukewarm water. My mother advised me to boil my drinking water with one big elachi and then storing it in a bottle that is near my reach. She ensured that I sit down and sip water from time to time. This simple home remedy helped me avoid gas and bloating. Sometimes elders advise us to drink jeera (cumin) water or ajwain (bishops weed) water. You may try either of the remedies to basis what suits you the best.

8. Proper Diet

A healthy diet provides the nutrients for a faster recovery. Eat hot meals and eat fresh. Avoid spicy ,sour or any food that might cause you gas. I have done an in-depth article on this topic with a sample diet chart. As it’s an important factor in your recovery, do check it out here (link to new mother’s diet chart).

9. Time Tested Post-Pregnancy Food

In a North Indian household, Panjiri, Pinni are a must have snack for a new mother. It’s loaded with herbs and dry fruits, to help the recovery. I had two servings of each on a regular basis with warm milk. Do ask your elders about such healing foods in your culture. Should you want to know how my mother made them for me here’s the the link.

I had to divide the content for this topic as I wanted to do justice to each point. A follow up article ,as a continuation of my effort to guide as minutely as possible, is linked here. The suggestions mentioned above are a legacy of my mother’s love and blessing. From one mother to another, I am here for you. Reach out to me on any of my platforms- YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and this website. Your comments, suggestions, feedback, help me to build a community of happy parents. Enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥मम्मी के नुस्खे जो आज भी काम आते है, नार्मल डिलीवरी के बाद कैसे ध्यान रखें | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►

 

Meal Plan for a 6 to 7 Month Old Baby | Complete Guide To Baby First Foods

An introduction to a whole new world of taste. From breast milk, formula to something new. Introduction to solid food is an occasion. As new parents, we wonder about the right way to start this journey. I too have been in the same bandwagon. Remembering the days when I researched and planned the meal options for my little Kabir, brings a smile to my face. That’s the joy that I want to share with you. Feeding a baby is a vast subject to discuss. In order to address it in detail, I chose to focus on the first step – food for the 6th and the 7th month also called first foods.

When to start solids?

It is advised that a baby starts with solids only after 6 months. WHO and your paediatrician would strongly recommend exclusive breast feed for a baby younger than 6 months. However, sometimes a baby starts showing signs of wanting more than just milk at 5 or 5.5 months. I have written a separate article on signs that tell you if your baby is ready for solids or not, you can find that article here.

That said, patience is the key word in this stage. Even a six and a half months old baby might take time to adapt to solids. Start slow and notice your baby’s response to it.

How many times in a day to feed solids to a baby?

As the saying goes, ”Food before one is just for Fun.” That is literally the case. At 6-7 months, it is just a taste fest. The nutritional needs of the baby is still met with breast milk or formula. Solids at this stage is essentially a treat for the senses and a signal to the baby’s tummy to adapt slowly. For a six month old, 1 serving of solids in a day is more than enough. For a seven month old, 1 meal and one snack per day would be a maximum. The serving suggestion for a meal in both cases is 1- 2 tbsps. And a snack is just a taste tester. Do not worry if your baby doesn’t consume the above serving. Spitting out food is a natural reflex action for a baby. Let the baby take its time. Eventually, your baby will express it’s want for solids. Force feeding or stressing about nutrition at this stage is unnecessary.

What is the best time in a day to feed solids?

For a 6 month old, the one meal, ideally should be at breakfast. Day feeding is a safer option, as you can monitor the baby throughout the day for any reactions or allergy. Sometimes a food may make the child bloated with gas. This is difficult to deal with at night. A breakfast of solids also gives a baby adequate energy to enjoy its day.

A seven month old can have one solid meal at breakfast and one snack at mid-day (around 12- 12 :30pm). Do note that adequate gap in timings should be there between these two servings, for a baby to build its appetite. A planned time gap also lets the baby digest its previous meal, before being served a snack. This lessens the chance of any reaction or gas formation in its tummy.

How many times does one feed the same type of food?

Ideally, it takes 3 days for a baby to adapt to a new food. Paediatricians recommend that one should feed a particular type of food for three days in a row, while observing the child for any allergic reactions. For example- if you have introduced apple purée to your baby, feed apple purée to it for three breakfasts. However if you don’t have a family history of allergic reaction to that food group, chances of your baby having an allergy to it is quite minimal. In such a case you might choose to test the food for 2 days instead of 3.

Milk products and non-vegetarian food groups are difficult to digest in the initial stage. Eggs, cow’s milk, cheese, butter etc can be introduced much later- preferably after 1 year of age. Combining one or more food groups is advised only after you have checked the baby for any reaction by introducing each food group individually. Combinations are not advised for a six month old.

What should be the texture of the solid food?

The terms “solid” is often misleading. The meal serving is essentially a purée. The more watery the consistency, the better. The child at this stage needs its meals to be closer in texture to a liquid. Mash and blend well. Lumps in food can choke a baby. I used a Morphy Richards hand blender to ensure the consistency in texture. If in doubt, pour the mash through a sieve. Only the puree that pass through ,should be given.

 

 

How does one know if there are any reactions?

Reaction or allergy to any food is a cause of concern. It can surface as redness, rashes, constipation, loose motions, bloating, gas and in severe cases might be accompanied with fever. Do consult your medical practitioner in case you notice any of the above. It is necessary to keep a watch on the baby when you introduce a new food.

How to store baby food?

Babies hardly consume a tiny bit of the food that is prepared and we advise preparing a fresh puree for every meal. However if you are crunched on time there is a solution. After preparing the babies meal, divide it into portions. The portion that is not served can be stored in a glass jar with an airtight lid. This jar has to refrigerated in the back of the fridge, where it is the coldest. Before serving this food, one need to bring it back to room temperature. For the same, take the jar out of the fridge. Let it thaw for a few minutes. Reheating the food on gas stove isn’t advised. Though defrosting in a microwave is an option, uneven heating of food (some parts being cold and rest being too hot) in a microwave can hurt a baby. Food stored in the above way can be used up to 3 days. However, points to note are- do not store food that has already been served to the baby and ensure hygienic storage.

What to feed a baby?

If you introduce your baby to a bland food, chances of it being rejected are far higher. Instead of enjoying it, a child will be irritated and resist solids. I get numerous queries from parents whose kids don’t eat their food properly, and often it can be linked to the incorrect first foods they were given. The best food group to start with is fruits. Fruits are high on fibre, with less chances of allergy and are tasty.

To make it easier for you, here’s a list of foods that you can give to your baby, these are to be introduced in the same order they appear following the 2-3 day rule (every food gets 2-3 days before you move on to the next one)

Fruits- Banana, Apple, Pear, Avocado, Apricot, Prunes.

Vegetables- Carrot, Potato, Sweet potato, Pumpkin, Peas

Legumes- Moong Dal water or blended moong dal.

Oats

Ragi

Rice- preferably brown rice.

 

Points to note for the above

  1. Hard fruits and vegetables need to be boiled/poached and blended well before serving.
  2. Start with fruits and vegetables. Gently graduate to other items on the list.
  3. Rice, Dal and legumes need to be soaked for a minimum of 4 hrs before being cooked. Traditionally overnight soaking is the best. This makes it easier to digest.
  4. Each of the above 15 items, need to be introduced individually. Each food being served for 2-3 days in row. Do watch the baby for any reactions.
  5. Combinations of the above foods can be done only after the individual food testing.

I have walked the path that I suggest above. My personal experiences have led me to build this comprehensive guide for you. This content is also available in a video format below. I would appreciate feedbacks and comments. Don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube. Share this article and your insights on it, to assist other parents. Enjoy simplified parenting.

♥♥इस आर्टिकल में बच्चो के पहले खाने से जुड़ी बातें बताई गई है | इस आर्टिकल की जानकारी हिंदी में पाने के लिए नीचे दिए वीडियो को देखें ►