Red Flags: Baby warning signs that you should never ignore

By Megha,

red flag

Hello moms.

I want to say whenever you notice something problematic with your baby please consult your doctor immediately. Few conditions are:

• Fever over 100 degree Fahrenheit

• Lethargic, excessive crying, poor feeding

• Bleeding from any site

• Jaundice that deepens

• Persistent vomiting

• Fast breathing, abdominal distensions and seizures

So be careful and keep your babies healthy and fit.

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Difference between raising a boy versus girl

boys vs girls newHi ladies!!! this post is inspired by a friend of mine who lives abroad, so today she got to know the gender of her baby and she said “ I’m going to raise a man!!, but I wanted to have a baby girl”.

Most of us would have had our gender preferences before our babies are born for varied reasons. But eventually we all know that we are so happy with our babies. Last year, I attended a talk by a professor from IIMB, and she said when boys are girls are born they are just the same emotionally, all of them cry, am I right?

But few years later when your daughter falls down and cries we all run towards her pick her up kiss her and say it’s ok. When the boy falls, yes we do care but then when he cries, everyone says don’t cry like a girl. The next time he falls he will cry secretly, and the next time his tears dry up. So we have made the rough and tough man and the delicate girl.

Raising a Girl:

Let me start with my upbringing, though my parents were very protective they have never stopped me from doing anything. But I have sacrificed some of my adventurous hangouts just seeing them fear.

With so much we hear about abuse, it definitely takes a lot to protect your girl. But then you should not transfer your fears to your girl and make her scared of everyone around. Abuse happens only to girls who are timid and scared.

Girls are very mature and you need to consider their emotions during every step of upbringing.

Girls always share their life with their parents, so my parents know all my friends their parents and we have so many family friends because of that. Its always fun to have a girl around who goes on and on, we are two girls so there is never a quiet moment at home. But lots of arguments too, which can land up in fights. hehe

Girls are no one’s property. My daughter chose us to be her parents; she will choose her career, her life and everything she wants.

And I hate people saying “you are a girl don’t do it”. Please raise your girls telling them the sky is the limit they can achieve anything that a man can do.

Raising a Boy

I know some of my co-authors are going to read this column carefully. Hehe

Everyone I know wants to have a boy, old people want a boy to carry the family name, and some people feel secure and complete that there is someone to take care of them, but I know most new moms don’t think that way. Continue reading

I feel raising a boy is equally challenging as raising a girl. Boys are quite naughty and there is a lot of running around to do. But there is a lot of humor around with the boys and not much emotional turmoil to handle.

Guys don’t share a lot with their family so it’s very difficult to know what they are upto. But I’m sure you won’t freak out much if he says he is going out on a date, but the ones with girls would be like huh..

When it comes to abuse, many people are unaware that boys are also victims of this disgraceful act. So please protect your boys too.

My final message to all the moms with boys, you are responsible for the way he treats a girl. You need to teach him to respect women; you need to be an inspiration to your son. The first woman he knows is his mom and what he thinks of women starts from there.

I’ll let Anjjali and Reks add more on raising boys.

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Review of Sebamed Baby Cream

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Today I’m reviewing my newly found baby cream, which I randomly picked up from a Babystore. I’m sure many people who are into skincare have heard of this brand (from Germany). They make the finest skincare products in the world.

Since I’m already using Cetaphil lotion for my baby, my doctor asked me to stick on to it. But otherwise she said Sebamed is the best brand. I already find Cetaphil pricey and Sebamed is even more expensive. This cream costed me rs 650.

Review:

  • The cream is quiet greasy but protects the skin from drying.
  • It’s really sticky, half the cream sticky to my hand.
  • It works very well as a diaper rash cream too.

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  • I use this cream only at night as its way too oily during the day. I think their lotion would be better.
  • It can be used as a multipurpose cream as they claim it to soothe any irritation and promotes regeneration of new cells and protects nappy area.
  • Contains chamomile to nourish the skin
  • They claim it has 42% lipid formula so it’s very good for extreme dry skin babies.
  • No color or odors are added.

Overall a good product, I will have it as a backup for my Cetaphil lotion.

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Time for a nappy change ?? Messy and cumbersome??

Nappy change

Here are a few simple steps:

*Get your essentials ready… Changing sheet/mat, Nappies/Diapers, Baby wipes/cotton/cloth and water, A set of extra clothes and a towel.
*Put your baby in a comfortable spot and distract her with a toy or music . This helps to make the process quick and easy.
*While changing , cover your baby with the towel till you get the new nappy/diaper ready. This helps from the sudden chillness your baby may feel on exposing and also comes handy if your baby happens to wee again.
* Lift your baby’s legs at the ankles, clean well, pat dry, apply the nappy powder or cream.
*Place the nappy/diaper under your baby and fasten securely . Roll your finger on either sides of the diaper to ensure the diaper is in place.
Now its back to playtime …

Note: Try using the same brand of diapers always, avoid switching brands too often. This can/may lead to rash.

Image Source: Nappy change

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Wish I knew / could … Heres what new mommies think..

A few things that nobody tells us and we wish we had known

– Experience the pregnancy phase and enjoy every moment of it and not just wait for the
baby to pop soon.
– Flaunt the baby bump with the latest range of maternity wear and accessories
– Laze on the beach sipping lemonade or a fruity mocktail on my babymoon
– Boost your spirits by catching up with your friends or just getting a foot massage .
– Not necessary to eat for two. Talk to your doctor on how much weight is right . Eat healthy to stay fit and monitor your progess
– Pack the hospital bag atleast a month before the due
– To shop only for the essentials that will be required by your baby post birth
– Shop for good Inner wear to be used Post birth
– Labour pains !!! the less said the better … but all forgotten once the baby is in your arms.
– Latching issues are common ; You are not the only one facing it
– Breastfeeding gets easier with patience and practice
– And on perfection you slowly start feeling like a COW !! ;)
– Though breastfeeding is the best, use of formula milk is OK when in dire circumstances
– Take a break from the monotony to keep your sanity
– Accept help , its good for you and your baby
– Ask your partner directly what you help or advise you need from him. Dont expect or wait for
him to offer.
– Spend quality time with your partner as well
– Set a comfortable routine for you and your baby . This is good for your baby’s growth and development and will also help if you plan on getting back to work.

This is my comprehensive list, do you have more to add??

Enjoy Pregnancy
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The simple Oats …. a healthy breakfast

Oatmeal
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, to keep your mind and body fit throughout the day.
My hubby is so used to having a bowl of oats with milk and nuts every morning as he leaves home by 7am. I find that bland so prefer a toast and egg or any other south indian breakfast on a regular weekday.
But during pregnancy I was suggested by a friend to try oats. I was told that Oats is one cereal that is a natural source of carbs and also has high fibre content. This would aid to fight constipation that is common problem during pregnancy and post birth.
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So I took the suggestion seriously and switched to oatmeal . I would top it with fruits or nuts and a little bit of honey to make it more appetising. So here I was getting wholesome nutrition–The Oats with all its benefits, calcium from milk and off course the goodness of fruits and nuts .
I continued this post birth as well, with a slight variation in timings. Instead of having it as the 8-9am breakfast, I had it as a snack around 11am after breakfast.
This routine and extra snack has assisted me in lactation, improved my metabolism, helped keep my weight in control and provided me with the energy that is so much required post birth.
After 5 years now I continue the practice of having Oatmeal for breakfast as often as possible, more for the health benefits but with weekends I give in to the pleasures of relishing idlis and dosas dunked in sambar or chutney :)
Quaker and Saffola have come up with up flavoured versions just to suit the Indian palate, so go ahead and give it a try to experience a healthier and lightier YOU !!
To know more benefits of Oats from the Whole Grains Council click the below link
Whole Grains Council

Image Source: Quaker Oatmeal

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Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

ganesha

We wish all the readers of mommyswall a happy Ganesh Pooja. I hope Lord Ganesh fills up all our lives with a lot of happiness and prosperity. May he bless all our littles ones.

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Aromatherapy for Moms

By Jaishri 
oil
Hello ladies I have been very busy for the past few days with so many get-togethers, festivals lined up and hence a lot of stress.

With a baby, there is very little I could do for myself, so the least I could do is to add a few drops of aroma oil in my bath. I had picked up the oil from  Bhavani Store in Yercaud when I went on a vacation there. I felt so relaxed instantly so I thought ill do a quick post on it.

Aromathereapy is basically a therapy to calm the mind and heal the body using aromas. Mostly using natural oils that are extracted from flowers, stems, roots  barks etc. I am not a fan of strong fragrances. So my favorite choices are the mild ones like lavender , sandal, tea tree.

How can it be used?

  • Add a few drops to your bath
  • Combine it with carrier oil, almond oil is a great carrier, and massage it on the body or forehead.
  • Mix with oil and burn it on a lamp.
  • Scented candles usually contain aroma oils

Availability: We don’t get a variety of aroma oils in India, the famous ones I have seen are from Aroma Magic available at health and glow, Soulflower (check online) or at Hometown stores, The Body Shop has some good aroma oils, you can check online for a few. I pick mine mostly during my vacations in Hill Stations. Continue reading

Please note: Aroma oils can never be suggested to someone you need to find your favorite only by trial and error as it very personal. Also please consult your doctor during pregnancy.

Here are some that I have tried and some that I know of, do let me know your favorites:

Patchouli: It has an earthy fragrance, and protects the skin from infections.

Chamomile:  has antibiotic, antiseptic properties, great for acne and is known to fight urinary tract infection.

Peppermint: known for cooling improves digestion, helps mood swings

Eucalyptus: treats respiratory issues, antiseptic, decongestant, diuretic and stimulant.

Rose oil: treats depression, anxiety, stress

Jasmine: eases depression and childbirth, helps stress

ROSEMARY: Antidepressant, analgesic, soothing aching, cramping muscles, headaches and migraines.

Sandalwood oi: helps treat the urinary tract and chest wall. Reduces stress and calms the mind.

LAVENDER: stress-relief, antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory decongestant, deodorant, diuretic and sedative.

TEA TREE: fights all  kinds of infection. Treats acne

LEMON: helps with skin irritation, stop headaches and fever, stress buster.

YLANG-YLANG: soothe headaches, nausea, skin conditions, improves hair growth, reduces high blood pressure

For Stress Relief:, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Patchouli, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang

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Dont Blame The Baby

By Anushri,

anu

I invited my sister(a new mom) for lunch, and here’s what she said,

“Api  (the baby who sleeps like an angel) has to sleep, let’s go in a while”.

I waited an hour, asked again, and this time she said:

“I don’t think we can go, she might wake up.

The only option now at sight was to order in the same old boring take out, but this time I was determined to change things. So the plan was to get out there and test the tides.

So here’s the deal, worst situations possible:

Baby cries louder than the speakers in the theatre – feed her, give him his favorite toy, play with her.

Baby wants to run around – take a stroll in the park, go to a mall, window shopping never harmed anyone.

Baby is asleep – you have the entire world to conquer.

Your wedding date is the target to get in the best shape and your little one’s birthday is the expiry of the same target? The most common of all excuses is the “weight”. Accept it! All of us were not the size we want at some point in life, but doesn’t mean you can give up because you have an excuse. An excuse that is not even valid. Continue reading

The little angel wants to, jump around with you, wear matching clothes, and grow into your life, not your old age. Those tiny play pens with tricky architecture, your baby wants you to be able to fit in when he’s stuck and rescue him right away.

Need inspiration?

Here’s a list of celebrity moms. Guys if they can so can you.

http://omg.yahoo.com/photos/celebrities-post-baby-bodies-1374172956-slideshow/

Back to my sister, we went out to the closest restaurant and ordered only the starter expecting Api to wake up while we await our course. We even finished the main course while she slept in blissful peace, it was time for desert but we decided not to stretch it and headed home. Api opened her eyes to the same ceiling she loves.

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Sure Shots: Most Important Vaccination for Infants

By Megha
vaccine

Infants are born with passive immunity inherited from their moms, but have a weak immune system that makes them vulnerable to infections. Vaccines give babies the protection they need from potentially fatal conditions. In India mandatory vaccines for children include:

  • BCG
  • Oral polio vaccine
  • DPT
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles
  • MMR

Some voluntary vaccines include the

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  • Rotavirus to prevent diarrhoea.
  • Pneumococcal to prevent against pneumonia and meningitis.

Consult your paediatrician to decide if your child needs these additional vaccines.

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Belated Happy Birthday Sijy – My Dearest Friend

By Jaishri
sijybirthday

I dont know how I manage to forget your birthday every year but this year Im sure I have an excuse because Im a mommy. I dont know the difference between day and night, month and year, time and day :(

Wishing you a great year ahead and lots of babies.

For the readers: Sijy is my dear friend who literally lived every moment of my pregnancy with me. I shared all my sadness, happiness, and fears with her. She was such a moral support during my pregnancy.

Even before Maanvi was born she had done all the shoppping for me. Initially I wanted to start mommyswall.com just to show-off all the stuff she had got for Maanvi and me.

I think everyone should have a friend like her.

Sijy lives in the US so I thought the best gift for her would be to do a post on her from me and Maanvi.

Love You Lots!!! Miss you :)

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Travelling with your Baby

Hi ladies,

I am one person who prefers to stay at home instead of taking my baby out. I get too panicked thinking of the entire mess I’m going to face. But nowadays I go out once in a while as I realized that Il go crazy sitting at home and a little bit of planning can make life easy.

So here are some travel tips from me. So happy shopping and happy traveling..

  • Plan your trip and make sure it has many pit stops in case of road.
  • For flight journey, travel during your baby’s sleep time, also select a window seat for feeding.
  • This tip is from a friend, please consult your doctor before this:
    To help the baby cope with the pressure difference in the flight it is advised to give your baby few drops of cough syrup.
  • Make sure you start your journey when your baby is full and not hungry.

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  • Carry enough diapers, wet wipes, a changing mat, extra clothes, warm clothes, towels, bibs.
  • Carry essential medicines, diaper rash creams.
  • I always carry some little toys which makes noise to distract my baby while crying.
  • If your going to a holiday destination then take a pram or baby carrier along as you don’t want to get too tired during your vacation right?
  • Try to choose holiday destinations where you know someone its better to stay in someones house than hotel right?
  • Carry all your mosquito repellent patches and creams.
  • Carry baby food, like cerelac, baby milk powders, biscuits.
  • Always carry a flask or an electric kettle with you when your going outstation.
  • Pack up some baby utensils, feeding bottles and spoons, atleast 2 sets.

 

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