Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2021 i Mother & Baby India

"Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.” - O Fred Donaldson. We grossly disregard the importance of play in our child’s life. Experts believe that playtime does not just serve the objective of entertaining, but also helps achieve developmental milestones, teaches focus, nurtures imagination, improves mind function, and gives them a sense of purpose. And remember, play time is not just the time spent with toys. It is everything that adds to your child’s idea of fun! It’s only right then that we dedicate an entire issue to play time. We discuss the relevance of developmental toys and how they would help your growing tyke. We also show you how you can organise a COVID-safe play date, rather than depriving your child of…

motherandbabyindia Social media moments we GIVE US A SHOUTOUT! Got something to say? Wanna feature on our social pages? We’re all ears, mamas! Holler at mbeditorial@gmail. com. For social media collabs, and other enquiries, reach out to Kriselle at k.fonseca@nextgenpublishing.net Sophie la girafe®, Baby’s favourite teething toy made of natural rubber, since 1961—And happy sponsor of #Let’sTalk For product-related queries visit www.sophielagirafe.in, or write in to hello@hoyabella-distribution.com Hi Team, I’ve been reading your magazines ever since I was pregnant with my baby girl Naina. I remember feeling so lost, and not being able to understand what was going on with my body and how to handle the changes. That’s when my sister gifted me a Mother & Baby subscription, and it completely turned things around. So thank you for being…

Chloe Qureshi is a known name in the telly world. With an illustrious career as creative director at Balaji Telefilms, Chloe has been at the helm of numerous award-winning productions. However, this time, Chloe details a new project, one that involved extensive prep work behind the scenes, physically and emotionally—becoming mommy to baby Aayatt. Read on as she revisits a life-changing birthing experience and her elaborate travels with a seven month-old baby in tow... SURPRISE! IT’S A BABY “I’ve been with Balaji Telefilms for the last 18 years. I’ve always been a career woman, and work has kept me on the go. December 2019 was when I was in the busiest time of my career—I had to oversee 26-odd shows in various stages of development. And right in the middle…

A colicky baby can shatter even the calmest of nerves. Those bouts of inconsolable crying that last for hours, with no apparent trigger, can leave previously sane parents climbing the walls. But don’t panic. He’s not seriously ill – and it certainly won’t cause him any longterm damage. “Although colic can feel as though it’s going on forever, most parents find that symptoms disappear as quickly as they started,” UK-based GP Dr Philippa Ridley. In the meantime, there are things you can do to soothe him. WHAT IS COLIC? There’s no medical definition, but colic is believed to be pain caused by a build-up of wind in the stomach or bowel. Another increasingly popular theory is that it may be caused by an intolerance to lactose (natural sugar found in…

Children learn and develop through play. Toys based on action, construction and technology help children gain problem-solving and spatial skills, and encourage them to be active. Toys focused on roles and imagination help growth of social skills. When toys are gendered, they deny both genders one set of vital skills. Girls role-play and imagine scenarios with dolls, doll houses, cooking sets, makeup sets, oven sets and other household-y things. Boys build and run around with sports equipment, chemistry sets, tool kits and building blocks. PINK VS BLUE—HOW GENDERED TOYS ARE HURTING BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS Across the world, gendered toys limit childrens’ interests. Little girls are restrained to flowers, fairies and princesses in pink and fuchsia hues. Little boys may have toys in all the colours of the world, but…

DR KIRAN COELHO A succesful gynaecologist and practicing obgyn for the last 30 years. DR ANITA MADAN A doctorate in education, she is currently the Curriculum Development head with EuroKids International Pvt Ltd where she promotes a developmentally appropriate curriculum. DR GEETANJALI SHAH Popular Mumbai paediatrician, conducts holistic fitness workshops for pregnant women. NUTAN PANDIT Breastfeeding counsellor and natural birth therapist who’s been teaching in New Delhi since 1978. DR DHERANDRA KUMAR Consultant clinical and child psychologist, he is founder and director of Psyindia, and engaged in direct work with children. SONALI SHIVLANI Mumbai-based childbirth educator, certified by Childbirth & Postpartum Professional Association, USA. ANIKA PURI Childbirth educator, prenatal and postnatal massage therapist, certified counsellor, reflexolgist and a holistic practitioner of women’s health and fertility in Delhi. EFFATH YASMIN India’s…

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As a parent, you are always worrying about your child’s safety—COVID and pre-COVID times! But at this point, when we are still finding the reins to our somewhat normal life, we all want to enjoy the company of our loved ones, including our babies. Thankfully, we’re slowly limping our way back to normal. Which means, play dates, kiddie birthdays, classes, etc. can very much be on the agenda, with precaution. I am very strict with the COVID protocols, especially since our own tryst with this deadly virus. But that doesn’t mean I don’t allow my kids to have some fun. Here are some of the tips and tricks we follow when it comes to organising playdates at home- 1 First things first, keep it minimal. Less is more right…

Jayshree was five days past her period date. She was suffering from mild cramps, had slight headaches and was feeling pretty moody—all usual premenstrual symptoms. She has been trying to have a baby for a few months, but the misleading symptoms have left her in a tizzy! And every month she does not know if she is expecting a baby—or her period. Often, early signs of pregnancy can be rather similar to those of the start of a regular menstrual cycle and thus, can be pretty misleading. The easiest way to find out if you’re pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test—or better still, a blood pregnancy test at the path lab. But, first-time mums-to-be may have a more difficult time distinguishing pregnancy from PMS though, even those who…

Your milk’s come in and you’ve established a breastfeeding routine without too much bother (or if you’ve experienced any bother, you’ve managed to overcome it), and now you’re hearing other mums talking about expressing milk. Your doctor might have mentioned it – or perhaps another new mum you know has started expressing her milk and freezing it in preparation for a night away from her baby or going back to work. So should you be thinking about it? And what’s it all about? Read on to find out more – it could do you and your baby the world of good. WHY EXPRESS? Going back to work The corporate high-flier who goes back to work two weeks after her baby is born, then expresses and couriers home milk every couple…

Some experts believe that feeding your baby in an upright position may help prevent the build-up of wind associated with colic. In countries where babies are carried upright and breastfed in slings, there’s far less colic. With a bit of practice, it should be possible to either breast- or bottlefeed your baby in an upright position. If you’re breastfeeding, you may be giving your baby wind via your breastmilk by eating certain foods, so avoid those that make you windy (onions or baked beans are common culprits) and see if it helps. If you’re bottlefeeding and your baby only has small feeds, try using the small 125ml (4fl oz) bottles instead of the full-size ones. This will prevent your baby from sucking in too much air when he’s drinking. Also,…

NITA (26), had just dropped her five year old daughter to her drawing class and was heading back home with Ajit (20 months). As Nita dragged her son along the road, she coaxed him to hurry up. But Ajit would have none of it and shouted ‘Football, I want football’. He was eyeing some children having fun with a football as they played and shouted, in a nearby garden. Ajit pulled his mother’s hand trying to free himself. She therefore picked him up in her arms and walked hurriedly in the direction of their home. She was getting late as she had a TV serial to catch! The above example illustrates a toddler’s need to explore something that catches his eye, to run free and have some fun. They need…

Have you noticed another little addition to your household – one who loves Noddy and ice cream, but who tends to throw the crayons all over the floor and hates broccoli? If so, your tot may have acquired an imaginary friend. According to leading UK-based child psychologist Dr Richard Woolfson, author of Why Do Kids Do That, many children have invisible buddies—and they’re a perfectly normal part of development. “Research suggests at least a quarter of children under eight have an imaginary friend at some stage,” he says. “They tend to appear when your tot’s about three.” Take Jai, three, the youngest of four children. “He often plays with his friend Jumbo, who’s an elephant. We hear Jai chatting to him, and when Jumbo’s not around, Jai’s on the phone…

Having a special object such as a teddy that goes everywhere with your toddler is normal. It smells and feels familiar and gives your child psychological comfort. But is it a sign of an insecure child? No, say experts. “Research shows that preschool children who have comforters tend to get on better with classmates and are more likely to be outgoing and confident,” explains Dr Richard. “If the special teddy soothes your child and helps her relax, or gives her courage, the comforter can be a positive thing,” he says. However, if it discourages her from facing new challenges using her own resources, or if your child can’t let it go even when she reaches age seven, it’s time to wean her off. The key is to start small. “Persuade…

Having an organised home seems like a dream, but it is achievable. Here’s how: 1 Categorize and group As tedious as it may seem, categorising each toy into a group or a type, will go a long way in clearing the clutter, and help your tot find her toys easily. For example, all tools can be in one box, Lego pieces in another, pretend food in one, playdoh sets together, etc. It will not only help organise and maintain a clutter-free space, but also teach her to think in mental compartments, a key cognitive functioning skill. Once the grouping is done, everything will have its own assigned space. This also helps to put things back where they belong, with utmost ease. 2 Box it up! Storage boxes or drawers have…

WEEK 1 AND 2 The first pregnancy symptom for most women is light bleeding and light cramping that occurs about six to 12 days after conception due to implantation of the embryo. Another common and early sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. Swollen and tender breasts usually also occur about one to two weeks into pregnancy, as well as fatigue. WEEK 2 TO 12 You may experience nausea or morning sickness. The severity of this first trimester symptom varies among women. Expectant moms may also experience headaches and backaches during this phase. Other symptoms are salivation changes, mood changes, hot flushes and breast discomfort. WEEK 13 TO 27 Your belly will grow. The nipples may darken in colour, and your breasts may continue to feel tender and swollen.…

I visited a young couple recently, who had just had their second baby. The older child was looking super glum, and when I asked her what was making her so sad, she looked at me and said, “My baby brother is not playing with me.” It made me realise how common this issue is. Prior to the arrival of the baby, mums and dads end up doing a lot of shopping for essentials as well as non-essentials, and of course, toys. But they are surprised when their baby does not seem to respond. And then beat themselves up for not being able to bond with the baby. So how do you decipher what your baby really needs at such a crucial stage in her life? Keep in mind—babies do not…

• Become a role model for your child and show her the right way instead of constantly reprimanding her. Work on building your profile of being the ‘ideal parent’ you would want your child to emulate. “Children begin to imitate their parents at this age. Hence try to inculcate good habits. Your child will repeat the same mistakes. However try neglecting the bad and pay attention to the good things she does. Positive reinforcement is the best approach,” advises Dr Sathe, adding, “But neglecting the negative does not mean ignoring or relaxing your hold on regular supervision. You have to be attentive at all times and quick to take away tiny objects she has grabbed.” • In other words, create a child-friendly house. “Child-proof the environment not environment-proof the child,”…

Herewith is an assortment of play/games/play materials /equipments to be used by parents for the benefit of their toddlers. Make use of home based materials which are easily available. These are just examples; you may expand/drop them as per your need and convenience. These are named as IES for the sake of convenience. 1. USING THE BIG EQUIPMENTS As your toddler uses the slide, swing and see-saw, verbalise the movements and related items so that your child gains physical skills, new vocabulary and exposure to scientific concepts. * The equipments such as slides, swings and see saws lend themselves to words such as up, down, push, pull, fast slow, jump, front, side, back and so on. * The grass lends itself to a crawl, run, roll over, tumble, walk fast…

Aries This month, you will need to encourage your tot in all her activities, as she’ll be super active all through. However, all this hyperactivity will mean she’s prone to boo-boos and ouchies more than usual, so you might want to watch out for your surroundings. Also watch her water intake, and ensure that she’s in top shape health-wise. Given that the festive season is upon us, make sure she stays away from fire crackers or any element of fire. Lucky Colour: Red Taurus Your baby will grasp and absorb everything you try to teach her, so this might be the best time to teach her new things or inculcate new habits. If you’re organising a playdate, you might want to be extra cautious about any of her little peers…