Infants and children need a sufficient number of calories and nutrients to allow normal growth and development. Infants require 90 to 120 calories per kilogram of body weight per day. Children need 1800 calories per day.
Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is the leading cause of death for infants who are one month to one year old.
Babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to get asthma. If a woman is exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, her baby may also be more likely to get asthma.
Immunization can drastically reduce your chances of contracting or spreading many diseases. Make sure to keep up to date on your recommended vaccinations, as well as for your children.
Kids do not like to hear what they cannot do, tell them what they can do instead. Keep it fun and positive. Everyone likes to be praised for a job well done. Celebrate successes and help children and teens develop a good self-image.
Honey is a safe remedy for children age 1 and older who are suffering from the common cold or a cough. A glass of warm milk with honey can relieve a dry cough and reduce chest pain.
Cranberry juice is good for the bladder and urinary tract. It is highly recommended for children with bed-wetting problems.
If you are using reusable diapers or cloth diapers, rinse them in a vinegar solution. Add one-half cup of vinegar to half a bucket of water and use it to rinse your baby diapers. This will help get rid of any soap buildup in the diapers as well as any urine smell.
There are 121 calories in 1 large Banana, which includes 3% fat, 92% carbohydrates and 5% proteins. It is an instant energy-food for children and adults.
For children suffering from the common cold, honey is a good remedy due to its antimicrobial properties. It also helps reduce nighttime coughing and improves sleep. Mix together 2 teaspoons of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Give it to your child 3 or 4 times a day for a few days. Do not give honey to children under age 1 as it can cause infant botulism.
Fennel seeds are a good way to help relieve stomach pain in children due to gas or indigestion. Add 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds to 1 cup of hot water and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add a little honey and have your child drink it slowly 2 times a day.
Cinnamon is the best home remedy for bedwetting. This spice keeps the body warm, which in turn helps prevent bedwetting. Sprinkle cinnamon powder and sugar on a piece of toast and give it to your child for breakfast.
Milk is extremely good for children. Calcium and phosphorous, the two important minerals in milk, are necessary for development of healthy bones, teeth and nails. Milk may also be fortified with vitamin D, another important nutrient for bone health.
If you are using reusable diapers or cloth diapers, rinse them in a vinegar solution. Add one-half cup of vinegar to half a bucket of water and use it to rinse your baby’s diapers. This will help get rid of any soap buildup in the diapers as well as any urine smell.
Oatmeal is good for babies. The high amount of protein in oatmeal soothes a baby’s soft skin and helps preserve the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Coconut oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, and hence can be used to treat diaper rash. It can also have a soothing and healing effect on the baby’s soft skin. Gently apply some coconut oil on the diaper area several times a day.
Coconut oil works well as a natural treatment for cradle cap. It acts as a natural moisturizer and will loosen the cradle cap flakes while nourishing the scalp. Plus, its antifungal and antibacterial properties with help fight infections.
Petroleum jelly is helpful in treating cradle cap. Its moisturizing property can help lift the crusts and loosen the oily scales. Many find this to be the simplest and most convenient remedy for cradle cap.
Almond oil is safe for treating cradle cap. Due to its light texture, almond oil penetrates into the skin quickly. When massaged directly into the scalp, it can help soften the scales and make it easier to rinse them out after shampooing.
Regular oil massages will do wonders for any baby suffering from colic pain. Massage will help keep the baby warm, ensure proper digestion and prevent gas. Plus, it will help your baby sleep after each feeding.
Turn off the television and other electronic gadgets during meals. This will help your child focus on eating. Keep in mind that television advertising might also encourage your child to desire sugary or less nutritious foods.
Sometimes when soap and water is unavailable, teach your child to use the handy bottle of sanitizer. Squeeze a small amount on the palm, rub both surfaces of hands and on fingers. But do prefer to use soap and water when available.
If your child sucks his thumb or rubs his eyes habitually, gently remove his thumb or fingers from the spot and distract him with his favourite toy or book. The longer he clings on to this behaviour, the harder it will be to get him to stop.
When your child has a runny nose, pin a handkerchief onto his shirt or stuff some tissues into his pockets. Nasal discharge can infect other children so it is important to educate your child to wipe his nose whenever necessary and wash his hands often.
Washing hands is a very important habit. Educate your child on when washing-hands is a must. For example- after using the toilet, after reaching home from school and before eating anything. Remember to wash with a good soap or handwash liquid to get the germs off.
Chips, cakes, biscuits and other processed foods may be convenient for snack-box for kids but they are loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium and preservatives. Instead, cultivate good eating habits by giving them home-cooked variety, dry-fruits and home-baked cakes, cookies etc.
Babies should not eat too much salt or sugar. Add very little for slight taste. Remember this when you are cooking for the family, if you plan to give the same food to your baby.