Active Mum and Baby

Once the baby has completed six months, it is time to introduce weaning foods along with breast milk or formula-based milk. Weaning foods mean the baby’s first food, which must be home-cooked, soft, pureed or mashed and easy to digest. Completing six months is one of the biggest milestones for a baby as well the new mother because it’s time to start semi-solid/solid foods for the infant after a period of exclusive breastfeeding (in some cases, formula feeding). As the baby has completed six months, it is now time to introduce weaning foods along with breast milk or formula-based milk. Your baby will start showing the signs that he is ready for solid foods. Weaning foods mean the baby’s first food, which must be home-cooked, soft, pureed or mashed and easy to digest. How to tell when your baby is ready for solid foods When the baby is able to sit on a chair with back support, you must know that it is time to introduce a proper meal plan. The baby’s head and nec...

The Indian thali of dal-rice is very beneficial for kids after a month of weaning time. Dal contains amino acids and rice contains sulphur-based amino acids, both of which are required by the body for synthesis of proteins. Dal and rice is a great and an extremely healthy combination for growing kids. With excess protein and high nutritional value, the mixture makes for a perfect portion to satiate the appetite of a growing and healthy baby. The most effective combination to achieve maximum supplementary effects is four parts of cereal protein (rice) and one art of pulse (dal). The Indian thali of dal-rice is very beneficial for kids after a month of weaning time. Dal contains amino acids and rice contains sulphur-based amino acids, both of which are required by the body for synthesis of proteins. A combination of dal and rice aids in protein synthesis, which helps build and strengthen muscles. One medium-sized katori or cup of dal-rice contains 290 kcal, 1.3 gm protein. ...

Children face a number of health problems due to their young age and low immunity compared to adults, right from illnesses like asthma to sports injuries. Giving a cup of turmeric milk regularly will ensure that your child does not become ill frequently. Advertising Turmeric is one of the most celebrated superfoods in the world. People everywhere, from Indians using turmeric as an essential food ingredient to Westerners sipping on Ayurveda-inspired golden lattes, swear by the amazing benefits of this turbo-charged spice99 that is native to India. Thousands of years ago, our ancient sages discovered its healing properties. According to Ayurveda, turmeric balances all the “doshas”, cleanses the blood, purges toxins from the body, strengthens digestion and keeps the nervous system healthy and the skin glowing. What makes turmeric a wonder spice is that it is nutritionally rich and its health benefits extend across all age groups. It is as helpful for an...

The drop in temperatures and the rains during the monsoon season, are a welcome change from the hot summer months. But it is also a time when infections are quite common. Children, especially toddlers, are susceptible to various diseases during the monsoon season. The moist and humid weather provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other germs, which may lead to diseases such as malaria, dengue, viral fever, jaundice, allergies, etc. Here are some valuable tips to prevent monsoon diseases in your toddler naturally. 1) Protect your toddler against mosquitoes During the rainy season, mosquitoes are responsible for spreading many diseases such as malaria and dengue. Take these precautions against mosquito bites: Drain water in pots, old tyres, coconut shells etc. in and around the house and clean all sources of stagnant water. Apply a mosquito repellent cream on your toddler’s body but seek advice from a paediatrician first. Make your toddler wear light cotto...

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in this world. And, with good reason too! Be it as a rejuvenating drink, a refreshing flavour, a boost to the spirits or a weight loss tonic – tea has a little something for everyone. Especially in your parenting journey, when your anxiety levels hit the roof or you don’t have the time to follow a fitness regimen to lose weight, sip the right tea that helps you through your day. Let’s examine the various types of tea and their health benefits. 1. Green tea Today, green tea has become a favourite for its many health benefits, among teens and adults alike. It is rich in health-promoting antioxidants that boost your mood. Benefits: Helps burn fat and lowers blood pressure Prevents clogging of the arteries Plays a key role in restricting the growth of lung, stomach and pancreatic cancer Reduces the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases Caution:  One should keep a limit on the amount of...

Dried fruits and nuts are called the  powerhouse of nutrition , as they are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, antioxidants and dietary fibre. Here, we look at the top 10 dried fruits and nuts, and what it can do to improve your child's health.  How dried fruits are made Dried fruits  are either dried naturally in the sun or using processing machines. Some of the commonly eaten dried fruits are raisins, dates, figs, apricots, prunes, kiwi, papaya and sweet lime.  Nuts  are fruits with a hard shell and seeds that are edible. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashew nuts, pecans, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, chestnuts and macadamia nuts are some of the popular ones. When and how to introduce dried fruits and nuts to children? Dried fruits and nuts can be introduced into your child's diet when she is around 7 to 9 months of age. But it should be done so, in the form of paste or powder to avoid any choking hazards. Dried fruits like dates, pr...