Types of Cradles in India

By Jaishri,

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Everyone here would know how anxious we all get few weeks before delivery. It’s not just the pressures of childbirth. Making place for the most important person who is arriving our home is definitely not easy.

I used to panic about stuff like, where my baby would sleep, where do I keep her things. Her wardrobe, her toys, her mattress, list is never ending.  I hardly had place left at home to accommodate so much.

My initial plan was to get a baby cot with railings but a friend of mine told me that babies don’t like to sleep alone. They need the cozy warmth from their mothers and that it’s almost impossible to carry a baby every time for feeds. So I dropped the idea. Continue reading

My dad got us a regular cradle; again my baby would not like to sleep on it for long. She would search for me turning her head from side to side. I used it only a couple of times.

We got a nice mattress (gadda set) from “mom and me” the same day she was born, that was enough to put her on the bed on my side. Do place the baby a little higher else you might crush the baby.

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Finally the best cradle we settled upon- any guesses??? my mom’s saree. I used to find the saree cradles so outdated and misfit for our modern life. But it landed up being our savior.

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It mimics the womb so well, the baby does not fear as she feels so warm and protected. Also, since it covers the ears they hear outside noise with a lesser intensity.

It’s a little tedious to rocks the baby, but it’s an excellent exercise for the arms. Rocking for 15 mins is enough to make your baby sleep. It’s the best for crying babies. Most babies cry and fuss for sleep.

How to make it:

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cloth cradle

 

  • If you have a loop on the roof, most old houses has it. You need to get S shaped hooks with a chain from the hardware store. If you don’t have a hook on the roof, you can use the one for the fan, but you need to remove the fan and all wiring with it.
  • Later pass a nice old cotton saree through the ring of the chain and knot the saree.
  • This will make a fine cradle. Always put some cloth inside and then place your baby, and don’t forget to wash the saree once in a while.

I simply love this cradle it’s very safe and my baby sleeps for a long time in it.

Image source

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Review of Playtex Nurser/Feeding Bottles

By Arathi,

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My husband picked up the Playtex Nurser when he was one of his trips abroad. On the phone he exclaimed “I have got baby an expensive feeding bottle”.
Once he was back he was all exited to try his “new” feeding bottle. Continue reading

Once he opened the wrapper he cried out that the bottom was missing. Ok now all the surprise broken, playtex bottles come with liners, liners are long plastic containers that can be inserted into the body of the feeding bottle before placing the nipple on top.

This is an anti colic bottle and is very popular in other countries. As the baby drinks milk the plastic collapses, making it impossible for air to enter the bottle. The nipple is very soft and hence they claim that it mimics the breast.

My experience: As my baby was used to Avent bottles she did not like the soft texture of the nipple.
The liners are way too expensive in India. Just some 50 liners cost us 1000 bucks.

They claim that it is travel friendly and that we don’t need to wash the bottle, simply replace the liner. But Hello!!! what about the nipple, I should anyways sterilize it, so might as well sterilize the bottle.
I know people abroad raving about this bottle, but for Indian use I don’t find it that useful or reasonably priced.

I know you must be wondering why I review products that didnt work for me. Its just that we all are so exited to buy the best for our kids and in the process buy the wrong stuff most of the time. So I think it is best to advice people around with both pros and cons, to help everyone save money to invest in something better. I hope you agree..

For some of you, who might be interested in knowing what this product looks like, watch the video here.

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Review on Johnson’s Baby Bedtime sweet sleep kit

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One common thing you can expect when you have a baby is Johnson’s gift sets. One is the regular one and one more is this newly introduced bedtime kit.
At the end of the entire visiting sessions we has some 10 sets, its very sad we hardly used these.

So for everyone reading my post please dont gift babies these sets. Most people I know nowadays use different products for different uses. All these sets contain powders which is a big waste as powders are not safe for babies and we dont want to encourage that right? Continue reading

In my next posts, Ill write about that are some things we can gift a newborn, a 3 months baby and so on.

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Ok so from this kit I only used the Johnson’s baby bedtime lotion for my baby for some time. If you ask me if the baby really sleeps with the smell.
Yes they do. Initially this was one thing that worked to our rescue. Dont expect your baby to doze off immediately. This can just make them sleep sooner, sadly you still have to try your other tricks with this.

I did not use the lotion on her face. I used it during the evenings. Every evening we wipe her with a warm towel and then I used this lotion on her body only. It helped a lot.

The rest of stuff from this kit I used it on myself but Im not fond of the smell. But I have loads of powder, do let me know how you guys dispose off powder. I cant give it to my maid as I know the side effects of powder. Are there any other uses?

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Baby Powders in India

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We usually associate the smell of babies with the smell of powders. I remember when I was young, people would just dust their babies with powder. So much that the baby would like a powder puff.

I am not a big fan of baby powders, but then after bath a lot of water settles in the baby’s neck, and also due to sweat the rashes appear. So applying a little powder helps a lot.

Even we started out with baby powder way before I read articles about the harmful effects of talc in baby powder. Continue reading

Even the government has sent warnings to some very big brand making baby powder.

http://www.babycenter.com/406_is-it-safe-to-use-baby-powder-on-my-baby_1519559.bc

Baby powder is known for preventing diaper rash and also uses for the deodorant qualities. Also it absorbs all the moisture after bath and prevents babies from falling sick. So for us it all started out that way. But later we read that talc causes aspiration pneumonia or granuloma.

But then someone with a baby will know how important it is to use powders. So after a lot of research I found that cornstarch based powders are safe for babies as it is made of cornstarch.

Sadly, I could not find any cornstarch based powders in India everything contained talc, so I has to ask my friend to bring this from the US. The powder is very thick and has a pungent smell.

I hate to use it on my baby but I have to use some on her neck as sweat settles in the fine lines. But then I know its safe so Im satisfied. ill use it for a while till my baby’s neck grows.

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Bollywoods Cutest Babies

Here is my compilation of Bollywoods star kids who are gaining a lot of popularity like their parents.

Winston and Viraaj sons of Celina Jaitly

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Lara Dutta’s daughter Saira

lara new Continue reading

Maduri Dixit son

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Vir, Madhira Bedi’s son

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Azhad Rao Khan son of Amir Khan

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Sanja Dutt’s kidos Shahraan and Iqra

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Aradhya Bachchan daughter of Aish and Abi

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Viaan son of Shilpa Shetty

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Ayaan son of Emran Hashmi

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Image source 1

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My Baby at 5 months

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5 months is an exiting phase, now my baby recognises me.
Giggles makes sounds, its such a pleasure to see each emotion build up every day.

She now turns on her own, and turns around like a clock.

When we give her the phone she says Aoooooo….., we are convincing ourselves that its a hello. We are enjoying the oooooooooos and aaaaaaaaas. Continue reading

Also she reaches out to us when we stand, she wants to be carried the whole day.

I sometimes lie down next to her and run her through a book and she is so exited seeing pictures.

Another entertainment for her is to view youtube videos on my mobile.

Overall its a nice phase little easy, Im sure it will get worse when she crawls. She tuns on her back and moves, she tries to go on her knee.

My cutie pie will turn 6 months soon. I will update her developments soon.

I celebrate her birthday every month. In the initial months I ordered cake, but now I make my own. One such attempts has been posted above. Once she turns one year Ill post all the 12 cakes.

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Choosing Between Home and Career

This is one of the most pinching question most women ask themselves when they are stuck with a growing career and a baby who needs you. Here are some questions I asked myself, do let me know what made you take this step?

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I chose my baby over my career though I had work from home support, from my workplace. Continue reading

It is very difficult to manage work with a baby around. Also, I did not want to miss these moments with my baby as I would never get it back.

Here are some questions I asked myself:

Is there a financial need for the family, can my husband manage alone for a year or two? yeah

Are there some big plans you have made for the next 2-3 years, or you can make small financial sacrifices to stay with your child?
I didn’t see any major lifestyle changes in the past 2 year so I can do without it for another two years.

Will you be able to spend quality time with your child after work?
No, I will have to wait for weekend and again weekends do grocery shopping etc etc, time just flies and my baby will be all grown before I know.

Will I want to go back to work after two years?
Why not thats just a myth.

Will I miss my baby?
Yes yes a lot

Is there someone who can take care of my baby when Im away?
Though I have someone I want to be a hands on mom.

Will I miss my job?
Money yes, but spending time with my baby priceless.

What else can I do?
Now is the time I can really think of what else I can do. follow my passion , study etc.

What about a full time maid?
Classy, the in thing, but I did not have a baby to hand over to a full time maid.
My baby is not a showpiece.

What about my life?
This is not the end, Ill take every day as it comes. For now I want to spend time with my baby, things will change.

What if I get used to this household life?
Not wrong, but Im one person who runs after change, and I will take every phase as it comes.

I dont like people calling me a housewife, what will I do?
Ignore them and follow bold and smart women who are positive.

I need to ask my husband to buy me clothes, makeup, shoes? oh no..
I can make these small changes, limit my expenses for a year.

What else can I do?
Get back to shape, taking care of a baby is the best gym in the world.

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Bollywoods Hottest Moms

Here in India we look up to the bollywood stars for everything and now lets see our favorite yummy mummies of Bollywood.
Before I start this post I want to clarify that these celebs are listed here just for inspiration.
Being a mom itself is such a beautiful thing in the world. Getting back to shape can take its own course raising our beautiful babies should be our top priority.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: I did not want to place her first because the Bachchans are always in news. But she is such a confident woman and that is one thing I really appreciate. She could have hid behind doors till she got back to shape or used some short cut methods that celebs use. But she didnt, she came out and showed us that celebs are humans too and they get fat after having a baby. If anyone points out to my fat, I say “Aish too put on weight who am I”. So thanks for showing us the reality.

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Shilpa Shetty: She is always known for her fab figure. Its marvelous how she has gotten back to shape. She is actively into yoga and the glow on her face says it all. Yoga is the best way to stay young.

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Continue reading

Celena Jaitely
Did she have twins? Did she gain weight? How did she lose all the weight? God knows!!

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Nandita Das
Her dusky skin and fab features has made her such a desirable mom. She looks so warm and is again in perfect shape.

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Karishma Kapoor
Again I have always seen her in perfect shape after both kids and pregnancy, she is actively into gymming.

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Malaika Arora Khan

She has always maintained a good figure. I remember her MTV days where she used to hide her tummy with a pillow. Whatever, she shows no sign of ageing.
Dance makes her look the way she is.

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Madhuri Dixit Nene

She manages to maintain a nice dancer body, but definately we can see all the fine lines. But we all love her smile.
She always carries her kids along and talks about them so often, her face lights up when she talks about them.

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Sridevi: A dedicated mom, she ruled both the south and north industries, but looks like being mommy makes her more happy.

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Swetha Tiwari: Another young looking mom, but after Parvarish she looks more mature and mommy like.

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Kajol: dedicated, sincere, gave up her reigning career for her family.

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Raveena Tandon: fab as always

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Sharmila Tagore: she is one mom I always admire, she looks so young and pretty

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Two more hot young moms Lara and Chitrangadha

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Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter

By Jaishri

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A soothing tummy butter for people who love the smell of vanilla and chocolate. It has the texture of ghee so it can be greasy for some.

And all the ladies who have nausea just watch out if you like the smell, cause it lingers around the whole day. Continue reading

From their website

A rich concentrated formula that can be applied liberally over the tummy as an intensive treatment. Contains soothing lavender oil which makes it ideal for evening application to promote relaxation and sleep. For best results use in conjunction with Palmer’s Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks for all-over body and Palmer’s Massage Cream for Stretch Marks for targeted areas. Our new advanced formula contains Bio C-Elaste, an advanced blend of stretch mark fighting ingredients to improve the elasticity and moisture content of skin to help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Clinically proven to improve skin elasticity by 59% or more in 97% of women tested.
 
Price: Rs 570 for 125 grams
 
It is cheaper in the US, and other countries.
 
I have been using it throughout my pregnancy but it did not work that effectively. I had stretch marks. The cream is highly greasy and sticks to the clothes.
 
Some advantages:  It prevents the skin from drying. A nice sooting lotion, but for stretch marks, it did not work for me.
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Stretch Nil lotion

BY Arathi,

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From my pregnancy till now, I have confused the weighing scale many times.
I gained 17 kgs during my pregnancy and now I have managed to lose 10 kgs of the gained weight.

So I think Im a good candidate to review a stretch marks cream that I used religiously throughout my pregnancy. Continue reading

Again a recommendation from a friend who claimed not to have any stretch marks. But my doctor told me its almost impossible for people to escape stretch marks. So I was prepared for it anyways.

From their site:

StretchNil is a herbal preparation which is to be used for minimization of stretch marks. It is a herbal lotion with natural ingredients that have stood the test of time. Apply liberally over stomach abdomen and especially on flanks twice a day from the 4th month of pregnancy till delivery. Rub gently till it disappears on skin.

My experience: I started using this cream from the 3rd month every day after bath. I could not see any stretch marks at all throughout my pregnancy.

Even after giving birth I could not see any mark, now that I am losing weight I am seeing small stretch marks propping up here and there.
Compared to my mother and aunts who have never ever heard of such things, my marks are very less and bearable.

Its crazy in a way but these marks are reminders of the wonderful times with my baby in my tummy so I like them in a way.

Ok coming to the cream, it works. But not to the extent that they claim.

Price: 100ml cost Rs 249, you might need 3-4 tubes for your entire pregnancy

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Himalaya Diaper rash cream

BY Jaishri

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Himalaya diaper rash cream is one rash cream I am using from when my baby is born.
“Touchwood” my baby had rashes only once.

I applied this cream for 2 days and it helped a lot with the rashes. Continue reading

As I have mentioned in my earlier posts, use a diaper rash cream if your baby has rashes or no.
Use it everyday after bath and once in the evening.

This is my second favorite after B4 Nappi cream.

From the himalaya website:

A specially formulated mild cream that treats rashes, inflammation and irritation caused due to rubbing of diapers against baby’s soft skin.

Action:
Five-leaved chaste tree extract relieves pain, Zinc calx aids in healing the rashes, Aloe vera and Almond oil soothe the skin.

Indications:
Diaper rash, inflammation in the anal region.

Ingredients Include:
Zinc calx (Yashad bhasma)
Barbados Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Almond (Prunus amygdalus)
Five-Leaved Chaste Tree (Vitex negundo)
Indian Madder (Rubia cordifolia)

Overall a good product its very mild smelling and great value for money.

Priced very reasonably Rs 50 20 mg.

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Buzz off mosquito repellent patch

By Jaishri

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From the day my baby was born, I have been so cautious about mosquitoes. After hearing about dengue fevers it scares the hell out of me.
There are many things I do to keep mosquitoes at bay. I have an electric bat to kill mosquitoes. Also we used a net around our bed for a few days, but it gets too hot and the baby wants to keep moving around the house. Continue reading

I heard a lot about mosquito repellant patches and went to “mom and me” store to buy some. But then it was too expensive so I came back.
Next I looked up online and I found these reasonably priced patches on Baby oye.com. It costed around Rs 100 for 5 sheets, with 2 patches each.

Description: it’s infused with citronella oil which keeps mosquitoes at bay. It’s safe to use near babies but I would suggest to use it in some place where your baby cant touch, as they keep licking their fingers.

How to use: just stick it on your baby’s clothing or somewhere around your baby. I stick it on her back so that she won’t touch it and I also stick it on her cradle.

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Does it work: to an extent yes as mosquitoes have not bit her when I use these patches.

But I always forget to use these. I’m planning to buy a bottle of citronella, its available at MK retail stores. For the strong ones you can ask someone who is visiting Ooty or Kodaikanal to get a bottle, I have seen very good ones there.

You can use few drops while washing baby clothes or mop the house with this solution mixed with water.

I wouldn’t say this product is a must have, but it’s good to try once. Do let me know your feedback on this product.
I’m waiting to try Chicco mosquito repellent cream in future. Ill review it once I get the product over this weekend.

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