November 2018

Tips and Tricks To Sleep Better During Pregnancy

Posted on November 26, 2018June 18, 2024 by admin

How To Sleep Better During Pregnancy

Night is the time when all we want to do is kick back and sleep like a baby. But, when you have a baby growing inside you, the process of sleeping becomes a routine full of precautions.
You can’t sleep on your stomach.
Which side should you sleep on; right or left?
If you’re an expecting mother, then these are the questions running through your head at all times.
Well, we have deconstructed the answer for you.

First Trimester

If you’re a tummy sleeper then, this is probably the only time when you can sleep on your stomach. But, as the bump starts to show you will have to move to a more comfortable position. So, take this time to get rid of your tummy sleeping habit as it will help you a lot during the course of your pregnancy. Also, unlike the common opinion, sleeping on the right side or left side is not the same. Left side is the best to sleep on as it takes the weight of the uterus off the right side to optimize blood flow.

Second Trimester

As you enter your second trimester, changes in your body pick up the pace. There will be a plethora of physical, hormonal and emotional changes which will surely keep you up at night. So, ensure that you take precautionary measures like wearing loose clothes, having a light dinner and going for a short walk before you head to bed.

Third Trimester

The final phase of pregnancy is a complete roller coaster. You are excited about the arrival of your baby but also exhausted due to all the changes your body is going through. The best you can do right now is to relax. We get it. It’s difficult to relax but your body needs it. You should also try some light exercise to relax yourself and give your body a good supply of oxygen, which will help you sleep better.

We hope this piece helps you sleep better with your bump. We wish you a safe delivery and a healthy baby!

Wholesome Homemade Baby Food Recipes

Posted on November 26, 2018June 18, 2024 by admin

Instead of spending money on pre-packaged baby food, you can opt for these easy to make wholesome baby food recipes. These are easy, efficient and economical and you can use fresh produce, grains, and meat that you have at hand. Best of all, you know exactly what you are feeding your little darling. Always remember that this is as important for your pregnancy diet.

RECIPE 1: Banana Puree

Ingredients: 1/2 ripe banana, peeled

Method: Mash banana with a fork, adding 1 tablespoon water, formula, or breast milk to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.

RECIPE 2: PASTA SOUP

Babies will love this soup made with little pasta. It can be changed according to your baby’s taste—try adding mashed carrots, creamy spinach or tiny bits of broccoli, chicken.

You’ll need:

11/2 cups (355 ml) low-sodium chicken broth

2 (22 g) tablespoons uncooked Pastina

Method:

Bring broth to a gentle boil and add pasta. Cook, stirring frequently, 7 or 8 minutes, or until pasta is cooked. Serve warm. This recipe, covered tightly, will last for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, just add a bit of water.

RECIPE 3: BROWN RICE CEREAL

Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil and sprinkle in 2 tbsp of the ground brown rice.

Whisk continuously for 30 seconds and then occasionally for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture is thick and creamy to prevent any lumps from forming.

Serve as is or with one of the additions below.

RECIPE 4: APPLE & OATS PORRIDGE

You’ll need:

Oats – 1.5 tablespoon

Apple – 1/2 a big apple

Cinnamon Powder – 1/4 Tsp

Water – 1/2 cup or adjust

Method:

Start by peeling and chopping 1/2 an apple into small pieces.

Take a clean saucepan, in which you cook your baby’s food. Add oats, chopped apple, cinnamon and clean water in it.

Put the saucepan on the stove and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes on a low flame till the oats are completely cooked.

Now take it off the stove and let it cool a bit. Pour the whole mix into a blender and make into a smooth puree.

Pour the porridge on to clean sterilized bowls and feed your baby. You can pour this into the feeding bottle and feed your baby. I cut a bigger hole in my feeding bottle nipple and feed my baby, this way it is easy and convenient.

RECIPE 5: Mango Puree

Ingredients:1 ripe Mango

Method: Peel, de-seed and mash the mango until smooth. Add water if needed until the proper consistency for your baby is achieved.

For more pregnancy tips and information for new mothers take a tour around our site. From the easy-to-use pregnancy calculator to amazing products like the PregaNews kit everything a mother will need in one place.

Bouncing Back To Health Post Pregnancy

Posted on November 26, 2018June 20, 2024 by admin

Most pregnancy books talk about prenatal care – things to do while you are pregnant, how to take care of the unborn baby, etc. But o

Adequate rest

Sooner or later you will come to know that babies run on a different clock than adults. A typical new born wakes up almost every three hours, which is when it needs to be fed, changed and comforted. It is highly likely that sheer exhaustion can take over within a matter of weeks. Although a solid eight-hour sleep isn’t possible in the first few months, few suggestions can help you get more rest.

It is important for the mother to be relieved of all responsibilities other than taking care of the baby and herself.
Sleep when the baby sleeps. This is key to getting maximum rest during the day. You might sleep only few minutes every now and then, but they also add up.
At night, have your baby’s bed near yours. This will ensure that you do not have to walk into another room to feed your baby at night.
Go outside and enjoy the day for a while. You should also start walking and postpartum exercises as and when your doctor recommends.
Friends and family will soon start visiting for a glimpse of the new born. Being a new mother, do not feel obligated to entertain them & feel free to excuse yourself for a quick nap or feeding your baby.

Right nutrition

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes. The weight that you gained during pregnancy helps build stores for the recovery process, post-delivery. Whether you breastfeed or formula-feed your baby, it is extremely important that you take care of your diet. A proper exercise routine should also be part of your diet plan. Remember to plan simple & healthy meals that include items from all recommended food groups.

Grains – Food items that are made from wheat, barley, rice, oats, etc. are major grain products
Vegetables – Choose a variety of veggies for your meal. Make sure to include green leafy vegetables, legumes and starchy vegetables in your meal.
Fruits – Any fruit that is in season or 100% fruit juices should also be incorporated in your meal plan
Protein – While choosing proteins, it is wise to choose lean meats and poultry. You can also include nuts, fish, seeds, peas and beans to add variety.
Dairy – Choose fat-free or low-fat milk products in your diet that are high on calcium.

Always remember that is important to follow a healthy post pregnancy care routine. This will ensure that you are able to bounce back to health soon after the baby is born.

Tips to take care of your skin & hair post pregnancy

Posted on November 26, 2018June 20, 2024 by admin

Childbirth & pregnancy are some events that changes a woman’s life completely. While you make it a point to read up on every literature that talks about things to remember during pregnancy, there are a few things that goes neglected. Out of them, hair care and skincare are the major things that seem to be on the back burner. And rightly so. Who would have time for post pregnancy care such as grooming oneself when the baby becomes the centre of your universe? But we have some great pointers that will make you look your most beautiful, because feeling good is key to being the perfect mother.

During your pregnancy, your hormones enhance your hair growth, leaving you with lush locks that are glossy and voluminous. After delivery, your hormones tend to return to their normal state. This is when you may face quite a lot of hair fall, which may seem unnatural, but is completely normal. To help reduce hair fall, here is what you can do –
- Eat healthy – There is nothing better than a healthy diet plan. Ensure anti-oxidant rich food such as apples, bananas, prunes, etc.
- Keep your scalp & hair clean – Switch to a gentle cleansing or anti-hair loss shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair clean, while preventing hair fall.
- Avoid pulling & tying hair – While tying your hair, remember to not pull on your strands very tightly as it can induce hair loss.
- Vitamin supplements – Your hair will need a helping hand, so consider taking supplements like Vitamin B & E regularly for fuller hair.
- Chemical treatments – Steer clear from colouring your hair, post pregnancy, as this may lead to hair loss like never before.
You are sure to neglect your skin right after childbirth. Skin care should be on the top of your post pregnancy care Check out these tips which will help you bring back your natural glow.
- In case you are suffering from acne, consider cleansing your face twice daily with a mild cleanser and always remember to put on a light-weight moisturiser after that.
- While pigmentation should disappear within a year or two, you should simply stay indoors, away from the sun. If you have to go out, never forget to use a good sunscreen.
- All those sleepless nights are bound to give you dark circles and puffy eyes. Drink plenty of water and take short naps. Use an under-eye cream to soothe your eyes.
- In most cases, stretch marks should be avoided from the beginning. Use a moisturiser or oil rich in Vitamin E from the very beginning to prevent acute stretch marks, especially in your problem areas such as hips, breasts, belly and inner thighs.

Apart from these practices, always remember that the key to healthy skin and hair post pregnancy is to stay calm and stress-free. Enjoy the journey of being a mother!

Natural Birth Vs Caesarean: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Posted on November 26, 2018June 20, 2024 by admin

Natural Baby Delivery Or Delivery Using Surgery?

Welcoming a baby into the world is a joy that cannot be put into words. As soon as the early signs of pregnancy start showing up, a mother starts planning for the whole course of pregnancy and the journey afterward. But, there are a lot of things that need to be considered when it comes to the method of delivering a baby.

As an expecting mother, Caesarean/C-section sounds like a convenient method, but are you aware of the side-effects that tag along with it? Or, the gamut of irreversible physical changes that your body might encounter after the surgery?
On the other hand, delivering a baby naturally is also not a piece of cake

So, Caesarean or Natural Birth, what should you opt for?

Conditions : Vaginal birth is the natural way of delivering a baby which is preferred by most expecting mothers. While caesareans are mostly planned for medical reasons such as diabetes or high blood pressure that may make natural delivery too risky. A C-section may also be necessary if the baby is not in the head-down position and efforts to turn the baby before the delivery have been unsuccessful.
Recovery time : Having a natural delivery shortens the recovery time and the mother is usually discharged from the hospital after a day or two. But, in the case of caesareans, recovery time extends up to days as it is a major surgery that involves opening up the mother’s abdomen and removing the baby from mother’s uterus.
Delivery time : In case of a natural birth, the delivery time is never fixed as it completely depends on the baby and the mother; sometimes the labor pain can extend up to a couple of days. While a Caesarean eliminates the element of uncertainty as the time is planned by the doctor in advance.
Consequences : During a vaginal delivery, muscles involved in the process squeeze out amniotic fluid out of the newborn’s lungs making it easier for them to start breathing. While Babies born by Caesarean are more likely to have breathing problems at birth and also at a greater risk for stillbirth.

In the present scenario, C-sections have become more of a trend than a necessity and also an opportunity for doctors to earn big bucks. Therefore, knowing the pro and cons of both the methods becomes of utmost importance for you to make a wise decision.

Consult your doctor from the early pregnancy symptoms itself and meet for a regular check-up to ensure that everything goes smoothly. We wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy!

7 Tips for Mommies for a younger looking skin

Posted on November 26, 2018June 20, 2024 by admin

Let’s get this out of the way – Pregnancy isn’t a joke. It takes a toll on expecting mothers and if you don’t follow the correct kind of pregnancy tips or read up about pregnancy care, you will have a tough time keeping up with the various changes that your body goes through leaving you tired, haggard and looking old.

We at Prega News, India’s best pregnancy test, understand how pregnancy can lead to your skin losing its youthful charm and glow, are here to give you the best tips to keep your skin looking bright and soft in the following pregnancy guide.

WATER – OUR SAVIOUR

Everyone knows the benefits of water but for pregnant women, this is the life-saving liquid that can bring back youthfulness to your skin. It can also help slow down the process of aging so drink away.

SLEEP LIKE A BABY

One of the major ‘To-Dos’ for pregnancy care are to get a good night’s sleep. It helps your body relax and depletes stress leading to glowing skin. Pro Tip: Use a silk or satin pillow case for added comfort.

WORK IT

Exercise is another useful pregnancy tip that helps you tone your body, stay healthy and make your skin look pretty. Keep this up at least once a day and you will look younger – we promise.

DON’T BE SWEET

Sugar is something that you should stay away from if you want to retain your youthfulness. Instead, have natural goods that have sugar content in them if you feel the urge.

MOISTURIZE

Something that every pregnant woman should do is moisturize her skin before going to bed every day. Wash away the dirt from the day and moisturize your skin before hitting the sack each day for younger looking skin. But remember, here are some things you should avoid.

HIGH BROW

Another handy tip or rather beauty hack is to shape your eyebrows. These help you in retaining a neat look and add to the youth factor overall. Consult your beautician for the perfect look.

SMILE

Lastly, always smile. Staying happy and smiling tends to keep you away from stress and it does have a positive impact on your lifestyle. If you tend to keep smiling, your youthfulness doesn’t fade away as fast in comparison to you being stressed all the time. These pregnancy tips should help you keep your skin looking young and full of vigour. For more more about pregnancy and about pregnancy care, don’t forget to join us on our social channels on Facebook and Twitter.

Pregnancy Complications That Every Woman Should Know About

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Common Complications During Pregnancy

As soon as the news of early pregnancy symptoms starts popping, people start buzzing in the mother’s life with their advices and stories, most of which you should ignore. But, if the scary story of how one of your distant relative had a serious complication has stuck inside your head then, let us clear it for once and for all. Most pregnancies are UNCOMPLICATED. So, don’t let the bad things get to your head. Do not overthink about those signs of pregnancy; they are normal. But, if you want to educate yourself regarding common complications; then read on.

1. Low amniotic fluid

The amniotic sac is filled with liquid that protects and supports your baby during the course of your pregnancy. Under normal circumstances, the liquid increases till the beginning of your third semester; after which it gradually decreases till the day of your delivery. If you have low level of amniotic fluid, then the caregiver will follow your pregnancy closely to ensure that the baby is growing fine. If you are near your term, then labor will be induced or the doctor will have to opt for a C-section.

2. Excessive amniotic fluid

Having excessive amniotic fluid in your belly is also a complication a lot of women suffer through their pregnancy. The scientific term for this condition is Polyhydramnios. The earlier this condition occurs in the course of pregnancy, the more severe it gets. In most moderate to severe cases, the overly enlarged uterus exerts pressure on other organs which leads to problems like difficulty in breathing, swelling in lower extremities, decreased urine production and constipation etc. But, fortunately most delivery cases of polyhydramnios can be handled through a Caesarean.

3. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious complication that causes high blood pressure, kidney damage and other problems but, only affects about 5% of pregnant women. Women who have Preeclampsia develop mild symptoms during the end of their pregnancy and most mothers do fine with proper care. But, in some cases it progresses quickly, it can cause greater risks to the mother and the baby. In severe cases of Preeclampsia, baby is delivered earlier than the scheduled time.

4. Placenta Previa

Gestational diabetes is a condition wherein a pregnant woman develops diabetes due to the high surge of sugar level in her body. This condition can be harmful for the baby if not taken care of. In most cases, gestational diabetes can be controlled by following a strict diet plan which is rich in fibre and low in carb or you can consult a dietician to prescribe a personalised diet plan according to your results.

5. Ectopic Pregnancy

Under normal conditions, placenta lies close to the top of the uterus and supplies required nutrition to the growing embryo. But, in a woman who has Placenta Previa, the placenta lies unusually low in the uterus; almost next to the cervix or covering it. In most cases, the placenta corrects itself as the pregnancy progresses but can be harmful if it continues to lie low in the uterus. This condition affects 1 in every 200 pregnant women and smoking cigarettes and use of drugs makes a woman’s body more prone to this condition.

6. Ectopic Pregnancy

After the fertilization, the egg travels to the uterus where it gets implanted and grows into a baby. Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the egg gets implanted outside the uterus leading to severe complications. Since, the vast majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube, this condition is also called tubal pregnancy. It’s important to detect this problem in the early stages as the growing embryo can rupture the mother’s fallopian tube and lead to internal bleeding that can be fatal.

As an expecting mother, you should be concerned about the well-being of your growing baby but the complications should not become a cause of distress. So, relax and enjoy the beautiful journey to motherhood.

Pregnancy Myths & Facts

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Pregnancy is a very difficult and stressful period for women, especially if they’re pregnant for the first time. Unfortunately, there are many myths that are accepted as facts by many in our society. That is why Prega News has come up with a few myth busters that will help you during this period. Like our pregnancy test kits, these myths busters are extremely reliable.

Myth 1 : One of the most common myths that surround pregnancy is the shape of a woman’s stomach. If a woman is carrying high, in all possibility it is a girl and if she is carrying low it is a boy.
Fact : Experts say there is no scientific basis for this assumption and it is the woman’s muscle size, structure, the position of the foetus, posture, and the amount of fat deposited around her abdomen that play a role in the size and shape of a pregnant belly.
Myth 2 : Craving for salty foods means you’re having a boy. Craving for sweet foods indicate a girl is expected.
Fact : Research shows that cravings have nothing to do with determining the sex of a baby. Stick to all the proper food your pregnancy diet requires you take.
Myth 3 : If you suffer from heartburn during pregnancy, it means your baby will be born with lots of hair.
Fact : Heartburn is a common problem for pregnant women and has nothing to do with the quantity of hair for your child. Even women who suffered a lot from heartburn have welcomed bald babies.
Myth 4 : If your mother had an easy pregnancy and delivery, so will you.
Fact : Hereditary factors have no role to play in predicting how easy or difficult your pregnancy and delivery will be. On the contrary, the size and position of the baby, your pregnancy diet and lifestyle play a role in determining how things will be.
Myth 5 : Sleeping or taking a nap on your back will hurt your baby.
Fact : While you won’t harm your baby if you sleep in this position, you will feel better if you sleep on your side. Experts recommend sleeping on your left side since this is known to increase blood flow to your uterus and placenta.
Myth 6 : Having sex might hurt the baby.
Fact : You should know that seven layers of skin from the abdominal wall to the amniotic sac are present to protect your baby. Your cervix has lengthened and hardened to prevent anything from getting into the uterus, and it also produces mucus to keep the area clean and infection free. Having sex cannot reach, touch or harm your baby. If your doctor has not asked you to abstain from sex, have no fear and go ahead.
Myth 7 : First babies always arrive late.
Fact : While this is true to an extent since about 60 percent arrive after their due date, five per cent on the due date and 35 before the due date, what really determines the arrival of your baby is the length of your menstrual cycle. If it is shorter, there are more possibilities of you delivering early. If your cycle is longer, your baby will arrive later and if your cycle usually lasts 28 days, you will more likely deliver close to your due date. Always be sure, keep up-to-date with your ovulation date with our ovulation calculator.
Myth 8 : A woman in her early 20s not using birth control has a 50 percent chance of getting pregnant each month.
Fact : Getting pregnant isn’t as easy as you’d think. Surprisingly, when you’re under 25, your monthly chances of hitting baby bingo are just 20 to 25 percent — not that much higher than they are for a woman who is over 35, whose monthly odds would be about 15 percent.
Myth 9 : Saliva is the most fertility friendly lubricant to use when you’re trying to conceive.
Fact : You’d think that all bodily fluids would just get along — but no, not so, saliva is a sperm killer. In fact, the truth is that most lubricants and massage oils are fertility unfriendly — so best to go without when you’re baby making.
Myth 10 : Boxers are a better bet than briefs when you’re trying to conceive.
Fact : Though in most cases, not true enough to make a big difference. Sperm production can get a cold shower from overheating — whether it’s in a hot tub, a sauna, spandex bike shorts, or a pair of tighty-whities. So if you’d like to give your partner the most conception-friendly climate control, switch to boxers and stay out of hot water.
Myth 11 : Laptops can impair sperm production.
Fact : The heat is on when you use a laptop on your lap, and heat is not a friend of male fertility. The same may hold true for cell phones. So keep them out of your pocket and treat laptops as desktops.
Myth 12 : It’s best to take a home pregnancy test first thing in the morning.
Fact : Even though you can get a positive result with anytime of the day urine, the longer you’ve gone between pees — and drinks — the more concentrated your urine. The more concentrated your urine, the more likely early levels of pregnancy hormone are to show up in it — and the more likely you’ll get the early positive you’re hoping for. For the best result try our pregnancy kit and check out our video on how to use a pregnancy kit properly.
Myth 13 : The average couple conceives within 3 months of trying.
Fact : Conception doesn’t typically happen overnight — even after a really hot night. Egg and sperm may meet up on your first try, of course, but it actually takes take the average couple who doesn’t have any fertility issues between 6 and 12 months of active efforts before mission conception is accomplished. So if at first you don’t succeed — try, try again next month. Don’t forget to check out our conception calculator and our pregnancy test kit!
Myth 14 : After an egg is released, it can be fertilized for up to two days.
Fact : While sperm can hang out and wait for their date for three days or more, an egg has only a 12 to 24 hour shelf life. So sperm have to catch it while they can. Timing is just about everything when it comes to fertility, which is why how to tell when you’re ovulating (and pinpointing ovulation) is so key to conception success. Try our ovulation calculator and our due date calculator to get the best idea.
Myth 15 : You can wait until you’re pregnant before you start cutting back on those lattes.
Fact : Too much caffeine isn’t just a pregnancy no-no, it can be a fertility buster, too. Heavy caffeine consumption is linked to fertility issues, as well as to early miscarriage. So decaffeinate your diet and stick to no more than 200 mg a day while you’re trying to conceive, the equivalent of 12 ounces of brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso. Good news: You won’t have to cut back any more once you’re expecting. The pregnant set is allowed the same 200 mg.
Myth 16 : Hopeful Moms need to switch to sparkling water, but Dads can keep their cocktails.
Fact : Too much alcohol can definitely mess with a woman’s cycle, so it’s best to start cutting back on alcohol or cutting it out once you’re actively trying — especially because you won’t know immediately when baby’s on board. But dads don’t get a free drink pass. Too much alcohol can bring down the curtain on performance, but it can also lower testosterone, impairing sperm production.
Myth 17 : When a couple is having trouble conceiving, the woman should get a fertility workup first.
Fact : First of all, fertility issues are just as often linked to men as to women. More importantly, a female fertility workup involves lots of testing, prodding, and probing. A male fertility workup involves a sperm sample. You do the math.
Myth 18 : Men don’t have a biological clock.
Fact : It’s a clock with a much longer-lasting battery, but it’s still ticking away. While guys can produce viable sperm — and father babies. Older men are more likely to have fertility issues, due to dipping testosterone levels, the decrease in quantity and quality of sperm, as well as its strength and motility, and other factors.

Tips For Selecting Creches

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

A mother’s duty might begin by simply choosing the perfect pregnancy kit but it gets even more hectic as time goes on. Choosing the perfect crèche or daycare center for your baby that involves prioritizing your requirements, researching good crèches in your locality, being aware and observant are all important things a mother should do. An ideal crèche should be home away from home.

The first step you should take is to make a list of qualities you’re looking for in a childcare provider, such as experience, staff ratios, flexibility etc. Make sure to visit the childcare facility as often as you wish when there are children present. Doing this gives you an insight into the quality of childcare and the atmosphere there.

Make note of the following,

A warm responsive interaction between the carers and the children. Do the children look happy and content? Your gut instinct in judging this is often the best – will your own child be happy there?
A friendly, welcoming and safe environment.
A good structure and routine to the day and good arrangements for mealtimes.
Plenty of stimulating activities, toys, and materials for the children that are appropriate to the age of your child.
Opportunities to play outdoors as well as indoors.
Transparent, well-established policies and open communication.
A structured, child-centric and age-specific curriculum.
Qualified, dedicated, and professional staff.
Clean and safe facilities with a valid operating license.

WHAT KIND OF POLICIES SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?

A crèche should have clearly established policies for dealing with emergencies. By checking that these procedures are in place, you can see that the crèche or daycare center takes the responsibility of caring for your child seriously.
The crèche should also have a strict illness policy. Find out if they have basic first aid facilities at all times. Staff should be trained in basic first aid and there should be someone responsible, who can assess an emergency situation and take necessary action. They should also have a list of emergency numbers handy.
The center should also have a clear policy about handling sick staff and children.

QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN THE STAFF

Staff members should share your views on sleep, discipline, feeding and other care issues. Good caregivers will ask detailed questions about your child’s health. This may also help determine whether the crèche is right for you and your child.

Hygiene is an important factor to look out for in staff members. Look carefully and assess the cleanliness of the “ayahs” as they will be the ones who will be taking care of your child’s feeding and nappy changing.

Make sure the crèche has plenty of staff so that your child gets the attention and care that she needs. Ideally the smaller the group, the better the care. The child to staff ratio should preferably be:

3:1 for children under two years of age.
4:1 for children between two and three years of age.
8:1 for children between three and five years of age.

Apart from the teacher and “ayah” also, check out crèche’s policy on the support staff. Are the security guards, sweepers, cooks, drivers verified by the police?

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THESE TOO

The building should be suitably air-conditioned, lit and ventilated.
Do check if the crèche has a supply of good clean running water. Make sure the drinking water is filtered?
Are they equipped to handle the frequent power cuts? Do they have electricity backup services?
Is the refrigerator clean and in working order? Remember your child’s medicines and food will be stored in the common refrigerator.
Don’t forget to check the cots and bed linen. Make it a point to discuss what sleeping arrangements are being followed. Sometimes crèches make two or three children sleep in one cot. You must ensure that you state your expectations firmly and clearly.
Check where your baby’s daycare bag and spare clothes are kept. Ideally, each child should have a separate locker or shelf with a name tag. Your baby’s bottle, sipper, clothes, diapers, and toiletries must not be shared with another child.
Make it a point to check your child’s bag every day. Good crèches will provide you with a checklist. They will also inform you when anything has been used or needs replacement.
Lastly, find out about their policy on potty training. Often one hears about caregivers hitting or punishing young children if there are accidents or if the child is not ready to be potty trained. Ensure you speak to the manager, caregiver, and a few parents to get a true picture. If their ideas don’t match with yours, it may be wise to look for another crèche that does not put your child under any undue pressure.

Check out the rest of our site for more pregnancy tips, the pregnancy test calculator and all the information a mother would need.

Childproofing Your Home

Posted on November 26, 2018June 21, 2024 by admin

Many parents while spending nights worrying about how to protect their children from violence and injuries, tend to overlook one of the biggest threats to their children’s safety – their own home. Studies have shown that kids between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be harmed by burns, choking, drowning, falls or poison indoors than by violence.

Because so many children are accidentally injured, it is imperative that you childproof your home. That is why we’ve come up with a few things you can do to ensure that your baby isn’t harmed in your house.

In the nursery:

1. Try to avoid buying drop-side cribs, they can be dangerous to your toddler. Also, make sure your crib’s slats are 2 3/8 inches (or less) apart.

2. Many mothers leave blankets, pillows and stuffed animals in the baby’s cribs. They can actually suffocate your child so you should remove them when your toddler is sleeping.

3. Do not leave small things that can be swallowed by the baby, lying around.

4. While baby monitors are great, many households still use the ones with cords. If you have it, keep the cords tightly wound and away from the baby’s reach or you could choose a cordless monitor.

5. Store your baby’s toys in an open box so that there’s no lid to slam your child’s fingers.

In the bathroom:

1. Make sure that you test the water temperature before giving the child a bath.

2. Use nonslip mats so that even if your kid is running around, he/she might not slip.

3. Make it a habit to cover the toilet. Babies are very susceptible to diseases.

4. Make sure that you keep all the chemicals you use to clean the toilet out of reach of your child. You should also keep your hair straightener, your blow dryer, and other electricals out of reach.

5. Cover the tub spouts to protect your baby’s head in case he/she falls.

In the kitchen:

1. Keep your oven and microwave out of reach. If you’re cooking something, keep your child away from the splatters and use a stove guard to ensure that your baby won’t hurt him/her self when you’re not there.

2. Many people feed their pets in the kitchen; the pet treats can prove to be a choking hazard. If you feed your pet, make sure there are no treats just lying around.

3. Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher, but you need to keep it out of reach.

4. Many families also store cleaning products under the sink. If you have a baby in the house, you need to keep them out of reach. You can make cabinets, which you can then lock.

5. It goes without saying that you need to keep knives and other utensils out of reach of the baby.

In the living room:

1. Make sure that all the cords are well hidden. These include your electrical cables and cords of the blinds.

2. Whether it’s your TV stand or coffee table or even window ledges, there are plenty of sharp corners that might come at eye level for someone who’s just 2 feet tall. Try and cushion the edges and move the breakables to where your little one can’t get them.

3. Make sure that you secure all your tall and heavy furniture and that they are attached to the walls with bolts so that they don’t fall over.

4. Make sure that your houseplants are not toxic and try and keep them out of reach so that your child won’t be tempted to eat the mud.

5. You should have a baby gate on your stairs to make sure that they can’t just run up or down.

Follow these hacks and you can rest assured that your bundle of joy is safe at home.

For more pregnancy tips ranging from finding the perfect pregnancy kit and learning how to use the pregnancy kit at home to some amazing recipes for your pregnancy diet check out the rest of our site.