Categories
Health Parenting and Childcare

Tips to Recognise and Diagnose Your Baby’s Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Starting to feed solid foods to babies is an electrifying milestone for parents. But, it comes with a lot of concerns and questions, particularly about food allergies. Allergy is caused by antibodies that the body’s immune system pro­duces, which respond to a constituent of a particular food and then discharge chemicals that cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and coughing.

Start Gradually to Recognise Any Food Allergies

It is most essential to introduce a baby to new foods slowly, one at a time, in case of food allergies. If not, a parent may have difficulty finding out that the baby is sensitive to which food. For instance, if you offer your baby 3 new foods in a day and she builds up an allergic reaction, you would not know which of the foods triggered it.

The type of food or the order in which food is introduced is not much anxiety, as long as the foods you are offering are well-balanced and healthy for the baby. Every time you provide a new food, you should wait for a few days before adding another innovative item to the menu. Do not get rid of the previous foods your baby is eating during that time; as you know these are safe for your baby.

Food Allergy Symptoms to Look for in Your Baby

Food allergy symptoms typically appear very soon after the food is consumed. The reaction may occur in a few minutes to a couple of hours. If you are introducing new food to your baby, look for these symptoms:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Hives or welts
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Flushed skin or rash
  • Diarrhoea  and/or vomiting 
  • Lip, tongue, or face swelling
  • Wheezing or coughing
How to Diagnose Baby Food Allergies?

Doctors suggest that it is important to secure a reliable diagnosis before drawing any dietary conclusions. Remember that restricting a baby’s diet without your paediatrician’s guidance carries risks of its own. If your baby has stomach issues or is picky after meals, talk to your paediatrician and visit an allergist. Sometimes the issue is not related to food allergies at all rather it can be due to overfeeding, incorrect mixing of formula milk, etc.

If your little one is diagnosed with an allergy or is sensitive to a particular food, you will have to stay away from her trigger foods. If your little one is allergic to milk, doctors will typically put the baby on a hypoallergenic formula. Just keep in mind; while food allergies can be annoying and even frightening, they do not essentially last forever. Several kids grow out of them by age five.

If you expect a sensitivity or food allergy, verify your suspicions

If you see a few warning signs and start to suspect that your infant may have a food allergy or is sensitive to a particular food, then take appropriate steps:

  • Choose an elimination diet. This diet enables you to test how your baby reacts when you eliminate a specific food from her diet and then introduce it later. An elimination diet is a great tool to use if your baby’s symptoms are not life-threatening and acute.
  • Look for medical assistance if essential. If your kid’s symptoms are serious, seek medical attention at once. A paediatrician will be able to carry out a range of tests to give you a diagnosis.

After you have confirmation about your baby’s food sensitivity or allergy, let your paediatrician know about this. This comprises anyone who takes care of your baby. The people who will be supervising and feeding your little one must know exactly what he can and cannot eat.

Categories
Behaviour and Discipline Parenting and Childcare

Tips to Deal with Swearing and Abusive Language: A Guide for Parents

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Reasons why my child is using foul language

Kids are always studying how to converse and communicate with people. When your kid picks up a new swear word at kindergarten or from another kid in your society, the prospects are, he will want to try it out at the house. And when other kids start laughing when he uses the word, it will give him the confidence to repeat uttering the word.

Toddlers also study by copying themselves on others. For your kid, this often involves imitation, particularly of people he looks up to and loves, such as family members and older siblings. Thus, he may pick up certain words and behaviors to fit in, without knowing what they mean.

This is the usual stage in your child’s development. Your curious child has acquired a new skill, one that is different and thrilling.

What should you do about swearing and abusive language?

It does not matter where the language comes from, though it is never too early to teach your child that it is not tolerable. Here are some tips on how you can make your little one comprehend:

Maintain a straight face

When your preschooler uses abusive language, says a swear word, oppose the urge to giggle, which he will take as superb support for doing it again.
The capability to make adults giggle or annoy or distress is very powerful when you are little. And even if it seems hilarious or amusing to hear your toddler repeating some wrong words unknowingly, showing your enjoyment is not in his best interests.


Though difficult to practice, try to pay no heed to rude language the first time your child uses it. It may happen that he would not repeat it if it does not get him the reaction he was searching for.

Evaluate the environment

Children usually imitate behavior and language that they have heard. Although they might have an idea that it is something that is not permitted, they do not know the connotation of the words themselves. If your kid hears you or other family members swearing on a day-to-day basis, he is likely to choose these up and reiterate them. If you swear in front of him, admit and apologize that you should not have said it.

Speak to everyone within the family which also includes the household staff. No one should use bad language in front of your toddler. If they end up saying something inappropriate they should apologize.

Teach respect

Children need support and motivation to study about respectful behavior and the disparity between “good” and “bad”. Kids need to know right away when their behavior is improper, whether it is swearing, kicking or hitting. Wait for a few minutes if you need to pacify, and then tell him that foul words are not allowed. Also tell him that it is not okay to use swear words and this is not tolerated at preschool or daycare, on the playground, at friends’ houses and even their home.

Remember that all children go through this stage at some point or another. The possibility is that with a little patience and guidance, your toddler will get the message that it is not acceptable behaviour.

Categories
Parenting and Childcare Travel

Here’s How You Can Keep Boredom at Bay When Travelling with a Child During a Road Trip

One of the key changes that motherhood brings along is that all the hasty travel plans change to a more organized and scheduled one. If this is your first road trip with kids then it would involve a great amount of planning and preparation.

From their security to entertainment- parents have to think about all the aspects. To have a fun and successful road trip here are some of the tips that you can refer to.

Plan It Perfectly

Appropriate planning is the key. Prepping for the trip beforehand can assist in several ways than one. You get sufficient time to assemble for all that you necessitate for the travel. Try and schedule the time of the travel according to the nap time of the child. You can choose to leave early in the morning hours when the kids were drowsy and the traffic on the road was less. This way you can get some quiet and constant drive time.

Safety Awareness

For smooth sailing, make sure your car is in appropriate working order. Check the condition of the battery, belts, tyres, etc. If the car servicing is due, ensure to get it done before your tour. Carry all the emergency equipment like flashlights, tools to change the tyre, jumper cable, etc. Also, make sure that the child safety locks on the door are well activated.

Stop Regularly

Riding in the car for hours can be strenuous and tedious- both for you and the kids. Ensure you take timely breaks. Study the route of your destination carefully and know about the suggested pit stops. Do not forget to ask for recommendations from friends about all the restaurants and locations that are child friendly.

Arrange for child’s entertainment

You certainly do not want to mess up your drive with a grumpy child. Thus, keep him happy by engaging him in his favourite activity. Be it toys or books or games- keep everything handy. You can also download some audio rhymes and stories that can help to keep your kids entertained. Here are some of the tips that you can do to keep your child happy:

Mix things up with a building block play-set

A practical activity can be a great change of pace after a few hours on the road. Look for a playset that is ideal for little hands and has the perfect amount of pieces to keep kids’ entertained without causing a big mess.

Bring puzzles, word builders or any creative things

To keep boredom at bay, you can ask your kids to solve puzzles and word builders. You can also ask your kids to recite a rhyme which they have learned recently or talk about the things that you can see on the road as you travel.

Snacks on board

Pack lots of drinks and snacks with you. Again keep them as per your child’s liking and taste. You can carry homemade finger food, sandwiches, dry fruits, bananas, etc that can be munched on effortlessly. For younger kids, you can keep powdered cereals handy that can be fed by mixing in some water easily. Also keep some disposable spoons, paper plates, bowls, tissues, etc. Make sure that your child’s sippy cups and bottles are spill-proof.

Road trip with kids may sound a bit challenging but is great fun. A little pre-trip planning can go a long way in making your journey simple and memorable. The thumb rule for any travel is to make sure the comfort of the child. A happy and comfortable child would surely mean a serene and successful road trip.

Categories
Development Health Parenting and Childcare

Guidelines on How to Track Your Baby’s Growth

The focus of your kid’s health proof is his growth diagram. Kids who are developing at the usual rate and whose weight and length or height is quite well matched are usually healthy. Your doctor will monitor your baby’s weight and height on a percentile chart. With time, your provider would be able to see whether your baby is growing at a normal rate.

How does Baby Growth Charts Work?

The curves you notice on a baby growth diagram imitate average development—in head circumference, length, and weight —for girls and boys depending on their age. The physician will measure and weigh the baby then include a mark to the diagram to plan your kid’s latest gains. The curve is simply those dots linked over time.

How frequently is the baby’s growth measured?

Doctors will whisk out the measuring tape and place baby on a scale during every checkup, which means at birth, after 3 to 5 days and at one, two, four, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, eighteen, twenty-four, and thirty months, then annually after that. The main thing your doctor is looking for is constancy.

If you are interested in the baby’s growth, check out the below-mentioned guidelines:

Newborn milestones

Week 1: It is only been a week, but your newborn knows he can depend on you. By now, he can distinguish your voice, and the acquaintance helps him adjust to the weird new world outside the womb.

Week 2: In the second week, your baby can focus on objects a few inches away. As you feed your little one, move your head from side to side slowly and see if his eyes follow you. This helps make his eye muscles and tracking skills.

Week 3: Though his movements are still jerky and haphazard, your baby can begin snuggling by week three. As you hold him, watch how he adjusts his position towards you. He finds your arms soothing and reassuring. 

Week 4: This week you will see your baby is using his vocal cords in ways other than crying. He may make ahh and coo sounds, particularly when he sees parents. Babies learn by imitating, so replay his sounds back to him.

1 Month Baby Milestones

Week 5: This week your baby’s movements become more purposeful and smoother. Make sure to give your little one a mini-drill by pulling him slowly to a sitting pose, or allow him to rest with belly-down on your arm. Make sure to support his head during activities.

Week 8: Although your child’s head is still unsteady, the neck muscles are getting firmer by the day. Your baby can lift his head about 45 degrees. Put him on his stomach for brief periods each day so he can practice.

2 Month Baby Milestones

Week 9: This week sounds attract your baby, particularly high pitches and tones. He is also interested in hearing you talk, and will stare at your mouth intently as you speak to him. He may even reply with cooing.

Week 12: The baby by now has discovered an everlasting source of delight: his hands. He has understood that the thumbs and fingers are individual objects. He can also get his hands together, staring at them and then place them to his mouth to taste.

3 Month Baby Milestones

Your kid is getting stronger by the day. He may protest when he is placed on his stomach, but he needs tummy time every day for exercising his chest, neck, arm muscles, and rib cage. This is important for sitting up, rolling over, and crawling.

Consider these simple guidelines for toddler growth in the first year: Till six months, a toddler can grow half to one inch a month and put on about 200 grams per week. Your baby can increase his or her birth weight by two –times at about 5 months’ age.

Categories
Development Potty Training

At what Age should I start Potty Training?

Like learning to crawl, sit and walk, potty training is a skill that your child must learn. There is no perfect or specified age to start potty training. It all depends on the way you train your child to practice which becomes his habit. Let us go through some signs to make sure our little ones are prepared to be potty trained. Though having a potty trained baby is a very big achievement, it takes time, focus and plenty of patience. 

When to start potty training

Just like crawling, walking, talking and sleeping through the night, every child has got its own time. Potty training success depends on the physical, development and behavioural milestones and not age. Some babies show signs of being ready for potty training by the age of 18 or 24 months, whereas others might not be ready at all till they are three or four years old. Never rush till a child is ready.

Ask yourself the following:

  • Can your baby sit in a potty seat and get up without any help? 
  • Can he understand and follow basic instructions? 
  • Can your baby walk to and sit on the toilet?
  • Can your child communicate with you when he or she needs to go to the toilet? 
  • Can the baby stay dry up to 2 hours? 

If your answer for most of these questions is yes then your child might be ready. But if you answered mostly no, you will need to wait. If Potty training is started before the child is ready it will take even longer than needed. Toddlers can be very stubborn at times, and this will ruin the entire process.

Be patient with your child

Don’t judge your child’s intelligence or stubbornness with the potty training success or difficulty. Don’t compel your child; let your child’s motivation lead the process. Also, understand that punishment has no role in the process. You need to plan and devote time and energy consistently and continuously for a few months until the child understands. 
Ready, set, go! 

Choose your words

Decide on the words that you are going to use for your child’s potty needs. Avoid negative words like bad, dirty or stinky.

Fix a place and equipment

Fix a particular place to use potty preferably in the bathroom and encourage your child to sit on the potty frequently. Use simple and positive things to talk about the toilet like describing how to use the potty, show their purpose and teaching them to flush the toilet.

Schedule potty brakes

Scheduling a specific time would make your job easy. Pick them to the toilet right after naps would be a good start. 

Take them fast!

When you notice signs that your baby needs to use the toilet such as squatting, squirming or holding the genital area- respond quickly. Help your child become familiar with these signals, stop whatever they are doing and take them to the toilet. Appreciate and praise your child for telling you when he or she needs to go and continuously remind them.

 Explain hygiene

Educate girls to spread their legs and wipe carefully from front to back after urination. Emphasis on the importance of washing his/her hands afterwards.

Irrespective of the baby’s age, if your child is resisting using the potty chair or toilet continuously, think over. In case you feel he is not ready, take a break! Try again in a few months. 

Nighttime training

This might take a little longer to achieve. If your child’s diaper is dry or only slightly damp when a child wakes in the morning in a row, they may be ready for night time potty training.

When to seek help

If your baby seems to be ready for potty training but is having difficulties continuously, approach a pediatrician. He or she may guide you and help you with tips to overcome the situation. They will check to see if there is an underlying problem.

Potty training is a continuous process and needs patience. To keep control over their bowels and bladder may take a while for some children. You need to be patient throughout and keep them prepared to follow the schedule for their needs gradually at their pace. Believe it, potty training experience is worth the effort and your toddler will be independent once he/she succeeds.

Categories
Development Parenting and Childcare

Introducing your Child to the World of Writing

Writing is a skill. Parents are always looking for ways to help their kids learn to write. Though it takes time and patience to master the art of writing, it is never a difficult task to accomplish. Some children have it in their blood and for a few others need these skills to be incorporated in their daily routine.

There are a lot of methods starting from daily reading and writing sessions to fun-filled activities to improve a child’s writing skills. These will help a child build on his or her skills in no time. 

Create an alphabet book

This can be a fun way of getting your child’s alphabet learning started. Alphabet books can be created with one alphabet on a page along with the picture of an item starting with that letter for a child’s visual aid. Children will love drawing items and gradually become familiar with alphabets and letters.

Make children write their books

Encourage children to write their storybooks and get them compiled in the form of a book. Once completed, help them correct it and add them to your bookshelf. Finding a book written by them in the book-shelf will create in them a sense of pride.

Create writing worksheets

For small children just beginning to write, try creating a worksheet where they can trace out letters and words. You can also create a connect-the-dots game by engaging your child tracing along the dotted line and finally finding out the letter which comes up. 

Encourage reading

Regular reading helps expand a child’s vocabulary and shows them different ways of using a particular word. This would make it easier for them to use these words on their piece while writing. 

Encourage your child’s love for reading as they grow. This can be accomplished in smaller children by ensuring that you too read along with them daily. Start Reading early. Those children who devour books, grow up to become strong writers themselves.

Write to faraway friend and relatives

Writing to friends and relatives who they don’t get to see very often would increase your child’s love for writing. They will be enthusiastic to tell about what they have been up to and would love it, even more, when they get a response back.

Creativity can also be encouraged by assigning writing tasks like making pen pals or writing a letter to each other at home and hiding them around the house to find.

Encourage journaling

Creating a journal would be a great milestone in improving your child’s writing skills. This is a great way to express your thoughts and ideas on a particular topic. Encourage your child to write in as much as possible and make it a part of his or her daily routine. 

Create a writing space

Dedicate an area of your home solely for writing purposes. Space should be completely devoted to writing. This will help your child to stay away from all distractions and he can focus on practicing writing skills regularly. 

Connect your child’s interest

Think about your kid’s favorite book series or a comic character or whatever your child is fascinated about. Connect his or her area of interest to writing. If your child is interested in dinosaurs, encourage him to write a series on them, or to describe their features in an article. 

Create story prompts

Suppose your child is obsessed with Pokemon. Encourage your child to write a new short story about Pokemon or ask him to create an entire series of Pokemon. This will add on to his creative writing skills and imagination, prompting him to write more and more. 

Make apt use of Technology 

Use technology to your advantage by promoting your child to create a blog. Engaging in such online updates would help improve their writing skills by encouraging frequent writing habits and creative skills. 

Invest your time

Make yourself available to help your child in proofreading and spellings whenever your child requires it. This will make him confident in what he/she is writing to help him improve more.

Praise your child’s work

Appreciate your child when they show interest in writing any piece. This appreciation will be an inspiration for him to write more and develop their skills. 

As parents, encourage them to write at schools, participate in competitions and try bringing out the best in them by your constant guidance and support. Give these techniques a try and along with some fun, you can see your children sparkling with pens.

Categories
Parenting and Childcare

Tips on How to Enhance Your Toddler’s Self-Confidence with Words

Self-confidence arrives from a sense of capability. A confident kid requires a realistic and positive sensitivity to his or her capabilities. This arises out of achievements, small and great. Your motivating words can assist develop this confidence, particularly when you refer to your child’s abilities or specific efforts.

As a parent, you are always trying your best to assist your child to be happy, resilient, and confident. But at times even the most excellent parents slip into utilising language that weakens those goals.

Here are some tips on how to build confidence in your toddler

Love your toddler

This seems understandable, but it is possibly the most significant thing you can offer your toddler. Even if you do it wrongly always give out lots of love. Your child needs to feel accepted and loved, starting with the family and expanding to others such as community, friends, sports teams, and schoolmates. If you shout or overlook or make some other parenting error, offer your child a hug and tell him you are apologetic and you love her. Unconditional love constructs a strong foundation for confidence.

Tell them they are Powerful

Telling your toddler that they are powerful lets them know that they make a differentiation in the world. They will gain confidence from knowing that their actions impact others as well as their words. When a kid feels powerful, they feel that they are as vital as an adult and their words are taken with the same thoughtfulness.

Congratulate where praise is due

It is vital to admire your child and give positive feedback as children measure their achievements and worth by what you think. But be realistic in your praise. If a child shows no flair at a specific skill, admire the effort; however, do not admire the results unrealistically. Tell your child that some things take recurring effort and exercise—and at times it is alright to move on after you have given your best effort.

Tell your toddler that he is strong

Telling your child that he is strong will improve their self-confidence. They will feel strong and able to achieve tasks that are hard to do. They will also experience better about themselves which elevates their confidence. If a kid feels strong, they are more prone to continue through challenges and go on the path despite difficulties. Also, when your kid feels strong, they will wish to take on new tasks and challenges as they feel that they have the power to finish the tasks.

Say Thank You

Telling your child that you appreciate their actions or words will persuade them to do it again in the future. Saying thank you is also part of modelling appreciation in your family, making it simpler for your child to know how to convey thanks themselves. A toddler who feels like they make a difference will be more likely to repeat the supportive action in the future or try other ways to be cooperative such as assisting with groceries. When appreciated, a toddler feels important, and this gives a boost to confidence.

Tell them they are beautiful

A child who feels beautiful will be more convinced in themselves while they face new situations and challenges.

These words will improve your toddler’s self-esteem and self-confidence. The more confidence they have, the more liable they are to search for challenges. When a toddler feels confident, they are more possible to stand up and strive again when they collapse.

Categories
Development Parenting and Childcare

Tips on How to Teach Your Baby to Walk

Seeing your child take his first steps is one of the most thrilling early milestones. Children go through numerous developmental stages before learning to walk, which include crawling, sitting, standing and pulling up. While all toddlers tend to pursue the same development through these phases, no two babies experience them at the same time or in the same manner. That said, there are lots of ways you can assist your baby along in his journey to walk!

When do babies start walking?

Usually, a baby learns to walk at about 14 months, but every baby is different, so some may get there earlier and some will take a little longer. It is important that you give them time, even up to 18 months is considered common, though you can persuade them to practise often and try not to carry them in all places. If you are still concerned, it may be wise to seek medical assistance, so trained professionals can check your child’s reflexes, muscle tone, and posture.

Tips on how to teach your baby to walk
  • Even though you cannot rush their development, there are a few things you can do to assist build their harmonization and self-assurance.
  • Place an attention-grabbing toy on a chair to motivate your baby to get to it
  • Provide your baby lots of appreciation whenever they drag them up to standing and assist them to sit down again as they would not have learned this yet
  • If your baby is standing self-confidently by holding furniture, motivate them to ‘travel’ around furniture or to grasp their hands and get them to stroll
  • Once your little one tries to pull a push-along toy, they use it to support themselves when walking. Ensure it is firm and solid enough to support their weight steadily.
  • Your encouragement and smiling face is the most excellent way to motivate your baby to take their first steps on their own. Thus, stoop a few feet away, hold out your arms and smile as you advise your baby to take a few steps towards you
Things that you should not worry about

There are several peculiarities you will notice as your child waddles around — all of them completely normal:

Flat feet

Although you may find your baby’s feet appear flat, that is just baby fat plumping them up. By three years, the extra “plump” should dissolve and you will be able to see her natural curves. The feet may also bend inward, almost like half-moons. That is quite normal as it will take time to straighten out.

Tiptoe walking

Some babies have a desire to go around on their tiptoes which helps them develop their sense of balance. While in few cases tiptoeing may specify too-tight muscles in the feet or heels, it is almost always a peculiarity that goes away on its own.

Trips and falls

Ensure your home is childproofed and watch her at all times cautiously — then try not to tension over her predictable fall over. Your little one may indeed cry if he falls, but prospects are he is more irritated than wounded.

Once your baby is getting around on her own two feet, she will keep on discovering new things.

Categories
Parenting and Childcare

Avoid These Toxic Ingredients in Baby Care Products

Many parents are innocently moisturising, powdering, bathing, and wiping their babies with products including a shocking blend of toxic, harmful, chemicals. Parabens, Talc, Propylene Glycol, Sulphates, DEA, are some of the recognised lethal ingredients popularly utilised in baby care skin and hair care products and also in nappy change creams and baby wipes.

Luckily avoiding lethal ingredients in baby care products is quite simpler these days and there are at present several safer options out there.The apparent choice would be to choose a gentle, natural range of products designed principally for baby skin.

But with the thousands of products available, how does one select the one that is completely free of toxins and destructive ingredients.

Ingredients to look out for and avoid in baby care products

In a world filled with contaminants, it is essential to instruct yourself about what is in the products you are using for your baby so that you know what to watch out for and what to avoid. Take a look at some of the common toxins here:

Common Toxins in Baby Oils

Most baby oils in the market are made up of mineral oils primarily because it is money-making and easy to source. But, mineral oils can block pores and stop the skin from breathing. It also forms a layer over subtle baby skin, delaying the natural release of toxins from their bodies. Baby oils might also include vegetable glycerin blended with grain alcohol known as PPG or PEG. Even though the component may appear safe and natural, the process includes synthetic chemicals that can cause serious skin damage.

You should ideally choose toxin-free baby oil containing natural ingredients for your kid’s massages and mild rub-downs. Opt for oils that contain sesame oil to strengthen your little one’s muscle and bone strength and organic wheat germ, almond, and avocado oils to keep your baby’s dry skin well-nurtured and moisturised through the day!

Common Toxins in Baby Lotion

The fragrances present in baby lotions are usually made up of phthalates which studies have shown, can potentially cause kidney or liver damage. Phthalates are also found in baby powders, soft plastic toys, lotions, shampoos, and fragrances added to baby products.

One more ingredient to watch out for is parabens. These are utilised in products to slow down the growth of bacteria and expand the shelf life of a product. While not all might cause damage, certain parabens have been found to give rise to tumours. Search for ‘paraben-free’ products when shopping for your baby.

Apply a paraben-free baby lotion on your baby’s skin post-bath to keep his skin plump and supple through the day

Popular Toxins in Baby Soaps and Shampoos

Remember that the immaculate sea of foam you see in soap and shampoo commercials are usually produced by the addition of sulphates in baby shampoos and soaps. It can cause rashes to fragile baby skin. These are also damaging if they get into your little one’s eyes, as it can affect the growing tissue.

Choose shampoo and soap which cleans, softens and strengthens your baby’s hair and skin gently.

Find out if your product label states only ‘key ingredients’

If the baby care products do not comprise the aforementioned ingredients, you should still read the labels. A lot of popular brands mention words like natural and pure freely as marketing claims and it is natural for dependable consumers to buy these, assuming that such products may be the most excellent option at the best price.

Therefore, you should check for the ingredients despite the mention of organic, natural, and pure.

Categories
Health

6 Ways to Boost your Toddler’s Immune System

Once the babies are weaned, they are prone to health issues like runny noses, gastrointestinal problems, colds, coughs, etc. How often have we attributed these symptoms to changes in the weather or allergies? Is it fair to just accept that your toddler is more susceptible to infections than other kids? Instead, why not boost your child’s immunity against common diseases?

Here are some useful tips for better immunity in children

Breast milk

Breastfeeding is the best immunity-boosting method for babies. According to an article published by the National Health Scheme, U.K. breast milk boosts immunity and protects babies from various diseases. Breast milk contains powerful white blood cells and natural antibodies. The nutrients will protect your child from respiratory diseases, urinary tract infections, tummy bugs, meningitis, and others. If you are a stay-at-home mommy and get plenty of breast-milk, then try to breast-feed the baby at least for a year. This will strengthen the immunity of the child much more than supplements do.

Eating right

Some foods have powerful phytonutrients that enhance the production of white blood cells that fight diseases. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh fruit and/or vegetable pulp in the daily diet of your pre-schooler. Green beans, berries, carrots, oranges, kiwi, etc. contain diseases-fighting nutrients like vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc. Other foods that improve immunity in toddlers are oily fish (containing Omega-3), almonds (vitamin B), garlic (sulphur), mushrooms (zinc), yam (vitamin A), and others.

Healthy hygienic habits

Teaching clean habits is one of the most important ways of improving your child’s immunity. There are many situations when toddlers are exposed to disease-carrying germs. They may be handling pets, not washing hands before meals, using shared soaps and towels, etc. Teach your child clean habits at a very early age so that they become second nature.

Adequate sleep

Toddlers need 11 to 15 hours of sleep per day depending on age. Adequate sleep and regular sleep cycles are good for toddlers. Kids with low immunity can be affected by Sleep Deprivation. You need to ensure that your child gets deep sleep in order to remain healthy and happy. On the other hand, Ingestion of the right foods will also help to counteract the side-effects of sleep deprivation to some extent.

Physical activity

You do not want your toddler to grow up into a couch-potato! But formal exercises will be boring for your delightful little toddler. Whereas, music and dance, cycling, follow-the-leader game (which involves walking), racing, ball games, etc. will be fun.

Avoid passive smoking

The parents’ habit of cigarette smoking in the presence of children is the most common reason for respiratory problems in kids. Second-hand smoking or passive smoking will cause low immunity in the child. This will make your kid more susceptible to chronic/recurring diseases like colds, coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or worse!

Your toddler’s well-being is entirely in your hands. The more you know how to improve your child’s immunity the easier life will be for your toddler. Good health and stamina will ensure that your little darling is always active and happy.