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Teething

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Teething is a process by which an infant's first teeth ( usually in pairs) appear through the gums. Teething may start as early as six months or as late as ten months. Generally, the first ten teeth appear between six to nine months. picture 1 The first teeth tend to appear in pairs. The general pattern is as follows : Lower central incisors (2) at approx. 6 months Upper central incisors (2) at approx.  8 months Upper lateral incisors  (2) at approx.  10 months Lower lateral incisors  (2) at approx.  10 months First molars                  (4) at approx.  14 months Canines                         (4) at approx.  18 months Second molars.              (4) at approx.  2-3 years Some common symptoms during teething are drooling, irritability, swollen gums and mild fever. The symptoms appear a few ...

Weaning - When And How

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Weaning is the process of introducing an infant to food and withdrawing the supply of mother's milk. How and when to wean an infant is often a matter of debate. Most Medical Institutions and authorities recommend exclusive breast feeding a baby for the first six months of its life. pic However in today's time and age, when most women are working breast feeding is a challenge. A baby is considered to be weaned, when he stops nursing and gets all his nutrition from sources other than breasts. Generally, weaning is a long process and you are the best judge to decide when you want to wean your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breast feeds for at least a year and even encourages to breastfeed longer if you want to.  In my case, I breastfeeded both my kids till they were 2.5 years of age. When I tell this, most mothers look in amusement and their mother-in-laws in admiration. Has this ever happened to you? Well, start slowly regardless o...

Breast feeding

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Breast  milk provides the ideal nutrition for babies. It has a perfect mix of protein, fat and vitamin and is a complete food in itself. Medical authorities strongly recommend exclusive breast feeding for first six months for a baby. Breast feeding has immense benefits for the baby and the mother. It contains antibodies that help develop immunity and fights various bacteria and viruses. Breast feeding lowers your babies risk of having allergies, respiratory diseases, asthma and diarrhea.         Breast feeding has also been linked to higher IQ at later age, though it may or may not be true. But, breast feeding helps in forming a bond between the mother and the baby. It helps your baby feel secure and  works as touch therapy. Breast feeding also reduces 'Sudden infant death syndrome' and also lowers risks of fatal diseases like cancer as well. Breast feeding has numerous positives for the mother as well. It releases the hormone Oxytocin, which he...

Food And Nutrition - We Are What We Eat

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Food and nutrition go hand in hand. Simply defined, food is anything we eat and drink, which provides energy and help our body grow. Nutrition is the process in which you consume food, digest and absorb them for growth and health. Most food contain a mix of nutrient types and a healthy diet should include these.  There are seven major types of nutrients :  1. Carbohydrates - our main sources of energy, like Whole grains, fruits, honey.  2.  Fats - our source of energy as well as important in relation to fat soluble vitamins. Some example  of healthy fats are avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, monosaturated oils like olive oil and canola oil.     3.  Proteins - essential for growth and repair, like eggs, fish, meat.  4. Minerals - necessary for normal functions, though required in traces, for example potassium,       sodium, iodine etc. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources.  5. Vitamins - play an impo...

Pregnancy diet - what to eat

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During pregnancy, the baby's nourishment comes from the food the mother eats. So, it is recommended that the mom-to-be chooses a variety of foods to provide the important nutrients a baby needs for growth and development. A pregnant women needs more nutrients than others so as to fulfill requirements of a growing baby. Though, eating for two is a myth....you are required to eat just a little more than your usual, not double. The pregnancy diet should include these - Folic Acid Folic acid or Folate prevents any birth defects  in the baby's spine and brain. It is difficult to get the recommended amount from diet alone, so supplements are needed. The required amount of Folic acid during pregnancy is about 600 mg/day. The main natural source of folate are leafy green vegetables. Calcium Calcium is the required to build bones and teeth of a baby. A pregnant women needs about 1000 mg of calcium a day. The main source of calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, fish. Iron ...

Fashionistas And Faux Pas

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Isn't the title of the post too vague?? What is she trying to convey? Why is she behaving like a dumb bimbo?           Was this your first reaction? ........... Yes ! Then you are in the queue, coz you are not alone. Truly,  How can a fashionista ever commit a Faux-pas? And, if she has, then she isn't one.                     You are absolutely right with your logic. But you need to know one thing, that no one is born stylish. Style is an ever evolving phenomenon. As we grow, we learn so many new things about ourself and in general. In this process of self discovery, your very own personal style evolves, slowly. Isn't it!  Yes! I can imagine you nodding in affirmation ..........haahaa. 1. What was I thinking ??? -  Does this thought ever cross your mind, when you are surfing through your old pictures ( some may be just a couple of years old ).  I always took great pride in being a ...

Home Pregnancy Test

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Did you ever imagine, the power of two coloured parallel lines..........how it opens a world of hope and happiness, excitement and ecstasy.  Yes! Two pink/purple lines have magical Potency, the ability to make you joyous and blithe. Hey! Don't get confused ! I am referring to the lines appearing on pregnancy test strip, if the test is positive. A home pregnancy test  is based on the presence of HCG (Human chorionic gonadotrophin) in the urine. It can be detected in the urine after 6 - 14 days of fertilization. Generally, the levels of HCG rise rapidly after implantation. Most home pregnancy test are sensitive to the presence of HCG in urine, even on the first day of missed periods. However, testing early may not give the most accurate result. At times, the test may be negative. If your periods are irregular, wait for a few more days before conducting a second pregnancy test. Sometimes, the amounts of HCG may not have yet reached the level, where it could be detected...

How to look slim during your pregnancy

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Pregnancy is the most wonderful time in a life of a women. You glow as a result of your inner happiness. You are excited, to be carrying your "little bundle of joy" inside you. It is sheer bliss and joy.....         But a lot of women are anxious about their growing bellies. Yes, you get bigger by day and gain a considerable amount of weight. A lot of women complain, they "have nothing to wear" or they "look like a sac". Remember ! Pregnancy is not a disease and it will last for only nine months. You can look as stylish and gorgeous, as you are by Keeping these simple tips in mind -  1. Don't wear oversized clothes : wearing big clothes to hide your pregnant belly is passé, flaunt your new curves. Oversized clothes makes you look bigger than you are.  2. Monotones : Wearing contrasting colours as top and bottom, visually cuts your body into two, making you look shorter than you are. Instead, opt for monotones, that is the  top and the ...

Just a Click Away

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Parenting is a the most challenging job that I have recruited myself for. Sounds funny......it isn't. Being a mother is like running a government, where challenges are thrown at you every second and by the very people you love the most in the world, your little big hunny bunnies.                        Sometime back, my dear darling daughter wanted to go on a 5 days adventure trip to Corbett. The school had made it mandatory for every student of 5th grade to attend it. And my little girl was way too excited to go on an excursion with school friends and that too for 5 long days. I tried my best to dissuade her, to the extent of bribing her, but in vain. I felt as if a volcano has erupted in my brain, a volcano of thousand questions. She had never gone alone anywhere, not even for a single day! How is she going to manage all that ? Who will take care of her ? What if something happens? ...... I knew I had to let her go, for h...

Black Swan

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Remember, the 2010 blockbuster movie by the name Black swan, where Natalie Portman played a ballerina. Natalie Portman swept all the major awards including the prestigious Academy Award for the best actress that year. I loved that movie and was mesmerized by Portman, I must confess..... But, why am I talking about the movie, you guys must be wondering!!!  Hmmmmm........today, the post that I am doing takes an inspiration from there..... No, I didn't do it on purpose, but the moment I donned that beautiful black long slit top, I felt like a Diva. Sometimes, a simple piece of clothing can have that impact on you. As far as this top is considered, I got this from THE PRETTY GIRLZ KORNER, the start up retailing through some top notch e-com sites, bringing stylish stuff for affordable pricing.  Black has this beautiful quality to create a slimming silhouette. The long slits in the middle and sides adds sophistication while the zipper in gold lends it a royale charm. And it fitte...

The joy of gifting with Threadcasa

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Diwali  shopping may not always be easy, but the look on a loved one’s face when you give them a gift that’s just right makes it all worth it. Imagine a gift that could let you bring that kind of joy for someone you love.  Every year, I am in a dilemma, as to what gift shall I give to my best friends on Diwali. You go gifts- hunting to the swankiest malls and all they have is the usuals - chocolates, cookies, silver, decorative items, glassware n stuff like that. I am super tired of receiving these myself, so it was not even an option now. I started brainstorming and after much deliberation, I got an "idea".                                                 Ever since, I did a blogpost on my #Threadcasa bag, my friends went ga-ga over it. So what better than a gorgeous Threadcasa piece. Threadcasa is a #Makeinindia startup, dealing in...