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to shop
 INDIA'S NO.1 PREGNANCY, BABY & TODDLER MAGAZINE
VOL 11 ISSUE 7 ` 120

NOVEMBER 2018

Soup-erb Diaper
done right
kid-friendly ) SET UP A CHANGING
recipes STATION
) KEEP IT COMFY
) ALL ABOUT WIPES

KIDS' SPACE
inspiration!
Instagram-worthy
bedrooms

Keep out
the cold

Keep those tiny

K
feet warm
COOL pregnancy
 Contents
November
2018
In every issue
M&B PANEL ............................. 10
Our team of experts
EDIT NOTE ............................... 12
From us to you
MUM’S THE WORD ................... 14
Snapshots from your
mommy diary
THE WHOLE NINE MONTHS ..... 16 28
Show off your baby bump
ANGEL SPOTTING .................... 18
Your favourite baby clicks
WHAT’S ON .............................. 95
All the buzz from across
the country 50
ACTIVITY CORNER.................... 97
Fun puzzles for your little one
Life & Kids
34 WHAT’S IN STORE......................22
Grab that shopping bag and
head to your nearest mall
SOUPS FOR THE
TODDLER SOUL .........................28
Hearty and healthy recipes
AIR IT! ........................................34
On the Cover Are indoor air purifiers safe
for children?
SNUGGLY WARM! ......................38
Cute winter socks and caps for tots
HOW TO SET UP A DIAPER
CHANGING STATION? ................46
Create an efficient and
organised changing space
MAKING IT WITH METHI ............48
Ways to include fenugreek
in daily diet
LIGHT AT THE END OF
On the cover Kajal Manek with THE TUNNEL..............................50
her girl Siara Kajal Manek talks about her
Visuals Akshay Kulkarni
Hair & Make-up Sachin Ghate
surprise rainbow pregnancy
46 and healing

6 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
 Contents Bump To Birth
November SAIL THROUGH YOUR
WINTER PREGNANCY ...............58
2018 Expert tips to breeze through
the colder months
PREGNANCY WELL-BEING .......61
Sonali Shivlani’s prenatal advice
ARE YOU COVERED? ..................62
Your guide to maternity
inusurance plans
GIVE IT TIME ..............................64
Impact of advanced maternal 72
age on preterm birth
FINDING SUPPORT ....................66
Effath Yasmin discusses
lactation issues

79
58
Baby & Toddler
KEEP UP WITH THE CHANGE....68
Winter diapering tips to make
life easy
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE! .......70
Keep your little one warm
and comfortable
68 PREPARE YOUR TOT
62 FOR WINTERS ............................72
Protect your toddler from
winter bugs
SWEET DREAMS ........................79
Baby dreams decoded
WIPE RIGHT ...............................82
Everything you need to know
about baby wipes
THEIR OWN SPACE ....................84
Transform your kids’ room
BABYPROOF YOUR HOME .........94
Bijal Shrivastava gives you
64 70 childcare tips

Views and opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd. does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or other material.
All material published in Mother and Baby is copyright and no part of the magazine may be reproduced in part or full without the express prior written permission of the publisher. Printed by Stephen Cyril D’Lima,
Mafatlal Chambers B, Ground Floor, N M Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (E), Mumbai - 400 013. Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd, 1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad 20.
Published at Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd, Mafatlal Chambers B, Ground Floor, N M Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (E), Mumbai - 400 013. Editor Swati ChopraVikamsey

8 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
 THE TEAM

Panel
EDITORIAL
Editor Swati Chopra Vikamsey c.swati@nextgenpublishing.net
Asst Editor Tania Tarafdar t.tarafdar@nextgenpublishing.net

of HEAD - DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Ravi Parmar

Experts ASST ART DIRECTOR

Ganesh Patere
PICTURES DESK
Dipak Gaykar

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Dinesh Bhajnik

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mahesh Reddy

DR KIRAN COELHO
A succesful gynaecologist and
practicing obgyn for the last 30 years.
PUBLISHING
Publisher Stephen Cyril D’Lima
Mother and Baby India is a licensee product of
Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. UK
DR DHERANDRA KUMAR
Consultant clinical and child psychologist, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
he is founder and director of Psyindia, and Hoshang S. Billimoria
engaged in direct work with children. MARKETING
General Manager-North & East Ellora Das Gupta
General Manager-South Girish Shet
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Kapil Kaushik (North & East)

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.
SONALI SHIVLANI
Mumbai-based childbirth
educator, certified by Childbirth &
Postpartum Professional Association, USA.
Mafatlal Chambers B, Ground Floor, N M Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (E),
Unit No. 509, 5th Floor ‘B’ Wing, Mittal Towers, MG Road, Bangalore -560001, India
ANIKA PURI
Childbirth educator, prenatal and postnatal
26-B, Ground Floor, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase-III, New Delhi - 110020.
massage therapist, certified counsellor,
reflexolgist and a holistic practitioner of
women’s health and fertility in Delhi.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions Supervisor Sachin Kelkar Tel: +91 22 43525220
E-mail: subscriptions@nextgenpublishing.net
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Picture Researcher Kirsty McNeil
INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS
Australia • Croatia • Indonesia Poland • Serbia • Singapore
Thailand • United Kingdom

NUTAN PANDIT EFFATH YASMIN

Breastfeeding counsellor and natural birth
therapist who’s been teaching in
New Delhi since 1978.
10 | November 2018
Founder of Nourish & Nurture Lactation
Care & Parenting Education, International
Board Certified lactation consultant, and
accredited La Leche League leader.
Views and opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Next
Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd. does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited
manuscripts, photographs, or other material.
All material published in Mother and Baby is copyright and no part of the magazine
may be reproduced in part or full without the express prior written permission of the
publisher. Printed by Stephen Cyril D’Lima, Mafatlal Chambers B, Ground Floor, N M
Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (E), Mumbai - 400 013.
Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd, 1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad 20.
Published at Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd, Mafatlal Chambers B, Ground Floor, N M
Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (E), Mumbai - 400 013.
Editor Swati Chopra Vikamsey

Mother and Baby

 Welcome from
Editor

ello,
There’s something about this time of the year
Oh, there’s a definite nip in the air, and who
better than parents to feel it first? Should we
turn down the fan? Is she wearing her socks?
Was that sniffle I heard? Do I need to add
another layer? It is that time of the year when
your mommy radar is at its highest alert. We
got your back. In this issue of Mother and Baby,
learn how you can keep your li’l one cosy when
the weather gets harsh. Also read about how
you can keep your precious safe from the
niggles that the season may bring. And for
those really chilly evenings, dish out one of the
piping hot soups from our recipe section! Now,
didn’t I say, we got your back?
If you are mommy to be, watch out for our
special cover feature on making the most of
your winter pregnancy, even as you gush over
our curation of adorable hats and socks to
keep your munchkin snug. As for all you mums
and mums to be, read about the journey of our
cover mum Kajal. From loss to motherhood to
revisiting the joy, she brings every emotion
alive with her heartwarming story. Who says
it’s cold out there? Dig right in as we
endeavour to make this a warm, fuzzy issue
for you. And while we are at it, may we
remind you to steal in a few cuddles from
your li’l bundles of joy!?

Swati Chopra Vikamsey

Editor

12 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Mum’s the Word
Mum’s the
Word
M&B team,
I gave birth to my daughter a month
ago. Breastfeeding posed another
challenge to me, and I had almost
given up on being able to nurse.
Luckily, I stumbled upon your August
issue and happened to go through the
breastfeeding special. The sensitivity
and detail with which you have tackled
the subject encouraged me to not give
up. I got in touch with a lactation
consultant and persisted. My lovely
daughter cooperated, and we could
resolve our latching issues together.
I am so happy to be on this journey,
and I owe it all to Mother and Baby.
MAYURI MAKHIJA, AHMEDABAD
Dear Mayuri,
Like anything worth doing,
breastfeeding is not without its
difficulties. But while some hurdles at
the start are inevitable, they can be
countered with proper help and learning
the right way to help your baby latch.
So don’t give up. — Swati
Subscribe
NOW
WHY SUBSCRIBE TO MOTHER & BABY MAGAZINE?
If you’re a smart, savvy and style-conscious mum, you will enjoy the
perfect mix of information and insight that M&B offers. Get useful
tips on pregnancy and babycare plus articles to enhance your own
life. + recipes + fashion + hot destinations + reviews
14 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
Do you have something to say?
Is there any way Mother & Baby
can help you in your journey of
parenthood? Write in to the
editor at this e-mail address:
mbeditorial@gmail.com
Dear M&B,
When I was carrying my now four-
month-old twins, my mum had come
down to take care of me during the
pregnancy. Since I had subscribed to
your magazine right from the time
I discovered I was pregnant, mum
would go through it too.
Undoubtedly, I loved the articles and
all the knowledge that I gained, but
mum was in awe of the magazine
too! She always lauded the way facts
are presented in Mother and Baby,
and how many different perspectives
are touched upon. My progressive
mother always pointed out that this
magazine is moving with the times,
and yet rooted in what’s best for the
mother and the child. Now that mum
is back home, and I am taking care of
my babies all by myself with a helper,
I find it so comforting to keep going
back to M&B every time I am faced
with a doubt or concern regarding
bringing up my kids. After all,
mumma endorsed it!
DIVYA SINGH, CHENNAI
Dear Divya,
Thank you for your kind words. We
always endeavour to make a new
mum’s journey as smooth as possible.
So if you have any queries, do write
to us and we will have them answered.
— Swati
Turn to Pg 20 ¶
Dear Mother & Baby,
I am mum to a beautiful six-month-old
princess. During the last trimester of
my pregnancy, my husband got
transferred to Mumbai from our
hometown in Nagpur. Since my
husband’s parents passed away a while
ago, we had decided that my mum will
visit us after the delivery, and help us in
caring for the baby. Unfortunately,
however, my dad had a stroke, and
mum could only be with us for a few
days. I was lost and depressed, without
any support whatsoever, and a few days
old baby. Of course, my husband
helped, but being first time parents, we
would incessantly worry about several
things. This until I stumbled upon M&B
while waiting at the pediatrician’s
clinic. Having skimmed through the
magazine, I realised that it has the
answers to all my questions. My
newspaper vendor has since been
instructed to get us a copy every month.
I am forever indebted to your team for
addressing a host of problems from
breastfeeding to newborn care, and for
putting a lot of our fears to rest. More
importantly, reading informative
articles and experiences calmed us
down a great deal. And for everything
else, I still have my mum!
Thanking you,
JAGRUTI BELSARE, MUMBAI
Dear Jagruti,
I am sorry to hear about your in-laws.
I hope your dad is much better now.
And now, more importantly,
congratulations on your little bundle of
joy! I am sure she keeps you busy! Yours
is such a heartwarming letter. Thank you
for placing your trust in us. We at M&B
always try to preempt your challenges,
and offer solutions. Do let us know if
there are particular issues that you would
like to address. We can never replace the
wisdom and love of your mother, but can
surely endeavour to be a friendly guide in
the most crucial years of your child’s life.
— Swati
motherandbabyindia.com
Whole Nine Months

Pregnant women are more prone to

osteoporosis and since you spend much
less time out in the sun during winter,
it is important to compensate by taking
vitamin D supplements and consuming
enough calcium in your diet.

Tejal Sarmalkar, Palghar

Share your pregnancy photos

with us and you could
Win exciting
prizes!
Send high-res images with
your full name, personal
address and contact details to
mbeditorial@gmail.com
marked ‘THE WHOLE NINE
MONTHS’ in the subject line.
Featured mums-to-be
will receive a gift hamper
from Himalaya, valuing
`1000 each.

Shruthi Deepak, Bengaluru

Usha Joshi, Pune

16 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
 Send high-res images of your baby to
mbeditorial@gmail.com
with ‘Angel Spotting’ in the subject
line, with your baby’s name, your
address and phone number.

If your baby’s pic has been featured on

this page, you’ve won great goodies
worth ` 1,000 from
BuddsBuddy, a highly-dedicated baby
products manufacturing firm.

Name : Diaan Kumawat

Age : Ten months From : Thane

Name : Ritika Tiwari

Age : Ten months
From : Mumbai

Name : Vivin Joe

Age : Six months From : Dindigul

18 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
 Why would you buy a
Mother & Baby subscription?

Here are
4 really good ...India’s Number 1 Pregnancy and
Parenting Magazine. Mother &
reasons! Baby magazine provides essential
reading for today’s smart, savvy,
1 Save up to 31% on
cover prices
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and is packed with hot news
stories and reassuring features
on pregnancy as well as practical
2 Never miss an
issue again tips on baby and toddler care
plus authoritative health advice.
It helps mums make the right
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Please allow 4-5 weeks for processing of your subscription. Copies will be sent by ordinary post only. Next Gen Publishing will not be responsible for postal delay,
transit loses or mutilation of copies. No cancellation of subscriptions will be entertained after commencement of subscription. Please mention your name and address on the reverse of your DD/
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 Life & Kids
SHOP > EAT > ARRANGE

November 2018 | 21
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Life & Kids
What’s in Store
Keep the chill out!
THERE’S nothing more important than
making sure your child is warm and
comfortable during the winter months.
Designed especially for babies, Chicco’s
new Fall Winter 2018 collection cuddles
the child with comfortable and durable
clothing, providing complete protection
from chilly winds. Chicco’s winter wear
range is something that your little outdoors and indoors as the entire
bundle of joy will certainly enjoy both Price on range comes in a variety of patterns,
request designs, and colours. Made of
comfortable materials, Chicco winter
range clothes bear the STANDARD
100 by OEKO-TEX label which is tested
and certified in compliance with the
international standards. Available on
leading baby stors and firstcry.com.

Safety first
ENOVUS enterprises, the makers comes with a dedicated SOS key
of the easyfone brand of phone which allows children to seek
have launched easyfone Star - help quickly in emergencies.
India’s first phone that has been One very important feature of
specially designed for kids to help the phone is that all important
them be more safe and connected. and critical settings can only be
The easyfone Star comes with a configured through the company’s
host of safety features, the likes of website through a service called
which have never
been seen in India
‘CareTouch’ and
these settings cannot
PJs for happy nights
before. The phone be changed on the IS there anything cuter than
restricts calls phone by anyone. It a tot scampering around in
(incoming and is available in five footsies? How about a pajama
outgoing) to only colours. What’s more, set with your kid’s zodiac sign
pre-configured the phone’s keypad can on it? Yep, it exists. Your little
numbers so that be personalised with trouble-maker would love to
the child can only pictures of contacts run around in their cute PJs
talk to known – thereby making it and have a comfortable night
people. Further, unique for every child. of sleep. Zodiac Pajamas for
it has no internet The phone is available kids by Plan B is made of 100
browsing capability on the company’s per cent breathable cotton and
and comes with website www.easyfone. non-bleeding organic dyes.
a GPS which in and leading You can buy it online from
allows parents to e-commerce platforms. amazon.in and firstcry.com
track their child
when required.
Price `3,490 Price `499
In addition, it

22 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Life & Kids
Price `7,999
Play away!
ENRICH your child’s playtime
by adding this valuable ‘my
car service centre’ toy set
from Brainsmith to their
collection. Your little one can
now learn to manage his own
car service centre with this
beautiful wooden play set.
With four cars, a car elevator,
24 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
W h a t ’s i n S t o re
Wipe off!
BUDDSBUDDY wet wipes are specially designed
to soothe your lil’s delicate skin. They are not
only cost effective but also extremely safe. They
come in different sizes and contain moisturiser
and aloe vera gel to keep your little one clean
and refreshed. The soft and absorbent wipes will
immediately eliminate the dirt out of your baby’s
skin and if your tot has sensitive skin, these
wipes will help prevent bothersome rashes and
breakouts. The wipes are available online and all
leading baby care stores.
Price `255
fuel station, and car wash, you
can encourage storytelling,
imagination and creativity
in children to infinity and
beyond. Your tot will also be
able to put his motor skills
to work. The toy is available
online on brainsmith.in
and firstcry.com.
Mum, you’re glowing!
LOVE organically is the country’s first range of skincare
products for little ones and their mums that are free from
aggressive ingredients like sulphates, parabens, and GMOs
to name a few. The mogra range by Love Organically is
designed to give an instant glow to your skin. The mogra
bath oil is a blend of mogra oil, vitamin-rich almond oil
and essential oils that leaves an irresistible soft scent all
day long. Just add a capful of the oil to warm bath water
in a tumbler and pour it over yourself, rinse and pat dry
for radiant, glowing skin. The mogra body cleanser retains
moisture into the skin and prevents dryness, leaving you with
a glowing skin. This sweet smelling mogra moisturiser has
fresh botanicals extract and enriching oils of mogra which
moisturises and hydrates your skin making it dewy.
Price `800
onwards
motherandbabyindia.com
Life & Kids W h a t ’s i n S t o re

Kids wardrobe upgraded

TAKING the quintessentially British
tradition of the members’ club as
the overriding theme for autumn/
winter 2018, Pepe Jeans London
translates that into a typically
cool and clever junior collection
that spans sports styles,
smarter options and signature
denim pieces for the new
season. The collection is
one part smart to one part
Price on
request
casual with blazers and
billow-sleeved blouses styles found among both men and
for girls, plaid shirts and womenswear ranges, there comes raw
neat parkas for boys to and selvedge denim specials in hoodies,
make the ideal pairing. And skirts, jackets, and jeans for girls and
alongside mini versions of boys. The collection is available in all
the statement puffa coat the Pepe Jeans stores across India.

Go skin deep
I
t’s no secret that pregnancy
although deliriously exciting (and
a little scary), can play havoc on
the skin. Spots, stretch marks, and
dry skin can happen when you least
expect it, even when you weren’t prone
V I E W
to such problems previously. You’re
going to be inundated with body oils
RE
and stretch mark creams as soon as
you say the word “pregnant” out loud,
but choosing what’s best is purely
a personal choice and a lot about marks and restoring the elasticity of and started using this cream a week
trial and error. The Cocoa Bliss Body the skin. According to her, the scent is ago because my stomach started to
Butter with Peppermint by Satliva is subtle with a mild-chocolaty aroma, itch. I love it. It stopped the itching,
highly recommended by our tester the formula smooth and non-greasy. and I now am using it on my entire
mum. It is an anti-inflammatory and Applying this body butter daily after a body to relieve my dry skin. The butter
antibacterial formula that combines bath ensure that your skin maintained is not only creamy but it goes right
cocoa butter and essential oils like an even and spot-free appearance into the skin without the greasy after-
hemp seed oil, moringa oil, jojoba oil, throughout pregnancy. feel”, says Priyanka.
and peppermint oil. Our tester mum
found that it diminishes fine lines, Using this helped our tester mum stay
and is excellent for preventing stretch hydrated. “I am six months pregnant Price `610

26 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
W h a t ’s i n S t o re
Stroll along!
THE Rito Trike is India’s
first folding stroller with
tricycle imported by Astar
Marketing Pvt Ltd. It is
designed keeping both
style and functionality in
mind. There are multiple
footrest positions, a reclining
backseat, and parent control
handle which assure that
both you and your child are
comfortable using the trike.
Simply press a couple of
buttons to fold this stroller
Price `14,500
motherandbabyindia.com
Life & Kids
The Bundle of Joy
down to a compact state to fit
in the trunk of your car and More
Thickness
overhead compartments of More Softness
the airplanes. You can also
pull it along while its folded
HIGH
Moisturizing
on its wheels and carry
it with you on escalators,
public transit, and airports
to make your travel hassle-
free. It is available on retail
outlets all across India and
also available online on
hopscotch, firstcry, amazon,
and flipkart.
Baby Dresses | Clothing Accessories | Baby Cosmetics |
Feeding Accessories | Cradles | Prams | Walkers |
Baby Foods | Baby Furnitures | Mother Needs
Chennai: Nungambakkam | Anna Nagar West | Velachery | Valasaravakkam | Ashok
Nagar | Kolathur | Selaiyur | Thuraipakkam, Omr | Thiruvallur | Gleneagles Global Health
City | Prashanth Hospitals | Coimbatore: R.S.Puram | Kmch Campus | KMCH Sulur
Hospital | Mettupalayam Road | Tatabad | Ganga Hospital | Near Ramakrishna Hospital
| Opp. CMS School Sathy Road | Bangalore: Jaya nagar | Marathahalli | Hsr Layout |
Chandra Layout | Bannerghatta Road | BGS Global Hospital | Apollo Hospital | Manipal
Hospital | Hyderabad: Banjara hills | Kukatpally | A.S.Rao Nagar | Himayath Nagar |
Karkhana | Malakpet | Shaikpet | Continental Hospital | Fernandez Hospital | Rainbow
Hospital | L.B. Nagar | Opp. Radio Tower, L.B. Nagar | Sarath’s City Capital Mall |
Cochin: Near Renai medicity | Cimar Hospital | Calicut: Opp. Hi-Lite Mall
Perinthalmanna: Kims Alshifa Hospital
Customer Care: 99418 99888
ONLINE SHOPPING: www.bornbabiesonline.com
November 2018 | 27
Mother and Baby
Life & Kids
Yum Recipes

Soups
for the toddler soul
Hot beverages for the cold months

Meira Asrani is trained at D Y Patil

Hotel Management College and
Sophia Polytechnic in Bakery. She
successfully runs a Cook and Bake
Studio named Little Stirs by Meira,
exclusively for kids aged three years
and above. Meira aims to make
cooking and baking a fun element
for kids at an early age.
littlestirsbymiera@gmail.com

One Pot Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:
Ghee : 3 tsp
Onion : 1 (inely chopped)
Garlic : 6 to 7 cloves
Celery : ½ cup
Pumpkin : 300 g
Salt and pepper : to taste

Method:
O Chop the onion, celery, pumpkin and
keep aside.
O In a pan, heat the ghee, add onions, garlic,
and celery and mix well. Add pumpkin
and sauté.
O Pour the vegetale stock and let it simmer
till it cooks.
O Grind the mixture and sieve it.
O Heat a pan, add the strained pulp, season
with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Nutritional beneits: Rich in Vitamin A, the

the soup is heart healthy, can help improve
vision and promote better sleep.

28 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Yum Recipes
Life & Kids

Lentil and Ragi Soup

Ingredients: Method:
Yellow daal : 1 cup (toor daal or split pigeon peas) O In a pan, add some ghee and sauté onion
Carrot : ½ cup and garlic till golden brown.
Ragi lour : 1 tsp O Add 1 tsp ragi lour and sauté.
(Boil the daal and carrot together) O Mix the lentil and carrot mixture to it.
Onion : 1 cup (inely chopped) O Cook for approximately ive minutes.
Garlic : 3 to 4 cloves (minced) O Blend and sieve the mixture.
Veg stock : 1 ½ cup O Serve warm.

Nutritional Beneits: Rich in ibre and

protein, this soup helps boost immunity.

November 2018 | 29
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Life & Kids Yum Recipes

Full Nutrition
Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
Tomato : 2
Potato : 1
Beetroot : 1
Carrot : 1 small
Butter : 1 tbsp
Garlic paste : 1 tsp
Salt and pepper : to taste
Homemade cream : 1 tbsp

Method:
O Pressure cook the beetroot,
tomato, potato together
(peeled and chopped in
cubes) till it is 80 to 90 per
cent cooked and blend into a
ine paste.
O In a hot pan, add butter and
garlic, and saute.
O Add the blended paste,
followed by salt, pepper and
some vegetable stock and let it
cook for few minutes.
O After one or two whistles,
switch off the lame and serve
with fresh cream.

Nutritional Beneits:
Rich in iron, vitamin C and other
essential minerals, the soup
improves stamina and promotes
brain health.

30 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Yum Recipes
Chicken Clear Soup
Ingredients:
Butter : 1 tbsp
Chicken (boneless) : minced
Onion : 1 (inely chopped)
Garlic : 6 cloves (minced)
Celery (chopped) : 2 tsp
Flour : 1 tbsp
Veg Stock : 1 ½ cup
Salt and pepper : to taste
motherandbabyindia.com
Life & Kids
Method:
O In a hot pan, add butter. Once heated, add
the chopped garlic, onion, and celery, and
let it cook.
O Add the lour and mix for approximately
two minutes on low lame.
O Add minced chicken, and sauté well.
O Pour in the vegetable stock.
O Season with salt and pepper and cook for
approximately ive minutes.
Nutritional beneits: Rich in protein and
health-enhancing vitamins, the soup is great
to boost immunity.
November 2018 | 31
Mother and Baby
Life & Kids Yum Recipes

To prepare the veg stock FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

you will need 1. Soups are a great way to sneak in
vegetables in the daily diet plan.
2. They are extremely good for
Carrot : 1 medium
hydration.
Celery : 2 stalks
3. The vegetables and legumes added
Onion : 1 medium
in soup makes it a power house of
Garlic : 6 to 8 cloves
vitamins, minerals and proteins.
Bay leaf : 1
4. A warm bowl of soup in winter helps
Water : 750 ml
relieve fever and cold while boosting
the immunity.
Method:
5. A thick creamy textured soup with
O Put all the ingredients in a pot with
dollops of cream, butter or ghee
water. Bring to boil. Reduce the heat
can help increase the weight of your
and simmer for 30 minutes.
child.
O Strain and use as required.
6. Besides being delicious, soups are
easy to consume and suitable for
babies as young as six months.

32 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Life & Kids
Clean Up

Air it!
Should we be cleaning up our indoor air for our babies?
We explore the pros and cons of an air purifier

BY ASHISHWANG GODHA

A
n asthmatic little girl
in a recent video, that’s
gone viral, urges us to
do something about indoor air
pollution. Newspaper headlines
prove that air pollution not only
hurts our heart and lungs, but
also affects the brain’s cognitive
abilities so much that as we age,
we may struggle to speak and do
simple math.
It’s without a doubt that we
need to stop being the indoor
generation. It’s without a doubt
that we need to clean up our Air
Quality Index (AQI), simply the
air we breathe. The debate lies in
what to do in the meanwhile.
What should we breathe, and
make our children breathe, at
least while we are indoors? Are
indoor air puriiers the answer?
Well, they may be a temporary
solution to win the battle but,
certainly not the environmental
answer for a cleaner world for
our kids.
Air puriiers help clean up indoor
air. They remove most particulate
matter (dust, smoke), allergic
organisms (bacteria and virus)
as well as gaseous pollutants
(cooking gas, vehicle exhaust,
chemical emissions
from furnishings, paints or
cleaning products).
Children need more clean air
Newborns and toddlers, as their
size will tell, have a much smaller
lung capacity than adults. This
means little children inhale
more breaths per minute. On an
average, babies breathe 40 to 60
times per minute; adults breathe
18 to 20 times a minute.
Consequently, this means
children are breathing in more
air than us. A whopping three
times more. Obviously, you want
that air to be clean.
Secondly, kids’ rooms are often
illed with more toxicity. If you
have done up a new nursery, you

34 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Clean Up
Life & Kids
might have new carpets, looring O Carbon mono-oxide particles
HUMIDIFIERS AND DE-HUMIDIFIERS
or furniture. All these leak from outside.
First, be clear: these will not purify the air at
high levels of Volatile Organic O Airborne viral infections from
all. They either add or remove moisture from
Compounds (VOCs), pets and people.
the air. India, blessed with its climate, doesn’t
a dangerous pollutant.
really need either. If you happen to live high up
The milder spectrum
in the north and use indoor heat continuously
WHAT AIR PURIFIERS CLEAN UP Dust: an obvious culprit
throughout the cold, dry, winter months, you
The air indoors is polluted by Pollen: actually not a pollutant,
may consider a humidifier.
natural substances as well as but closed spaces make some
A humidifier keeps indoor air moist. This
pollutants that cause severe of us allergic
reduces your child’s chances of catching an
complexities. Installing an air Smoke: can’t help cooking
influenza virus which thrives on dryness. If your
puriier will rid both. Here’s the Odour: babies fart and poop
child is prone to congestion or nosebleeds, a
list of common pollutants, going a lot Pet dander (if any)
humidifier used only during bedtime may solve
from avoidable and dangerous to
the issue.
unavoidable and mild. CLEAN AIR, HEALTHIER BABY
A dehumidifier sucks in moisture and reduces
Hazardous Now that you have cleansed the
humidity in the air. It is often used where
O Toxic compounds that mix in air, you should, technically, have
humidity is greater than 50 per cent. While this
indoor air are commonly used a healthier baby. A few things you
may be true for many of our cities, it does not
pesticides, chemical cleansers may notice after using an
necessitate its use. Regular home cleaning will
for loors, dishes, clothes and air puriier:
remove all the mold and microbes that thrive in
some aerosols. For kids
humidity.
O Off-gassing from O Lower allergy symptoms such
Note: Both are often breeding grounds for mildew,
furniture and appliances as coughs and colds
fungus, bacteria and allergens. A humidifier may
(VOCs listed above). O Lower chances of catching viral
do more harm if not cleaned regularly. If you notice
O Mould, fungi and other infections, at least while home
moisture on your windows or floors, stop using it.
microbial and bacterial growth O Happier, less cranky toddlers
that develops in damp spaces. O Lower risk of respiratory

November 2018 | 35
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Life & Kids
conditions such as childhood
asthma, wheezing
and bronchitis
O A healthier future: extended
exposure to toxins can lead to
nervous system damage, organ
damage and even cancer
For yourself
Pollutants, it is claimed, lead
to extreme tiredness and
fatigue. Remove the feeling
of being bogged down and
you will see:
O Fewer mood swings
O Lesser headaches and sinuses
O Higher energy levels
WHICH PURIFIER SHOULD I BUY?
Certain air puriiers remove
tiny particles, certain remove
gaseous pollutants and certain
remove both. The choice is
obvious. The key word is a HEPA
(High Eficiency Particulate
Arrestance) ilter. These claim to
clean up at least 99.97 per cent of
airborne particles, as tiny as 0.3
micrometres in diameter. There
are also portable air puriiers,
should you wish to roll them
around the house.
The cons
Still not convinced? Perhaps,
rightfully so.
O For starters, air puriiers
aren’t cheap.
O They take a toll on your energy
bill to operate. If you are
trying to do your bit for the
environment, you want your
overall consumption to drop.
O Puriiers can remove only
airborne particles, not dust
or pollen already settled into
furnishing. For that, you need
to clean up.
Note: Negative ion ilters suck in
particles stuck on furniture, then
separate the positive ion from the
negative ion, thereby preventing it
36 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
from sticking again. However, there
are many concerns about this.
O Never buy an ozone technology
ilter. Being exposed to direct
ozone (as opposed to the
natural layer in the sky, which
is good for you) causes
severe damages.
CLEAN UP, YOUR HOME AND
THE ENVIRONMENT – WITHOUT
A PURIFIER!
O Have natural ventilation, open
up windows every day to let in
fresh air.
O Use natural, if not wholly
organic products, instead
of chemicals. Lemon juice
and baking soda for
dishes, citronella for
mosquito repellents.
O Grow green plants that clean
up the air. Mother-in-law’s
tongue, acacia ferns, peace
lilies are all indoor variants.
O Like all Indian homes, wash
the loorings and wipe clean
furniture every day or at least,
as often as possible.
O If you have carpets or rugs,
Clean Up
vacuum often and thoroughly.
Ideally, remove them.
O Stop smoking – you have
a baby now!
O Don’t opt for scented candles,
incense sticks and ires as far
as possible.
O Change the ilters on your air-
conditioning and
heating often.
O Run exhaust fans in kitchen
and bathroom.
Let’s leave with a thought: should
we even be controlling the air our
children breathe?
SHOPPING LIST
`28,000
Honeywell Air Touch on the
highest range
`18,000
Sharp Plasmacluster or
Panasonic on the mid-range
`7,000
Kent Aura Portable on the
lower range
motherandbabyindia.com
Life & Kids
Must-Haves

Heart motif
cap from
Knits & Knots
`489

Smiling face
embroidered
woollen cap
from Babyhug
`135

Snuggly
warm!
Keep your sweet tot cozy and warm with these adorable caps and socks Quarter
length sock
shoes from
Kidofash
`499
Ankle length
sock shoes
from Cute
Walk by
Babyhug
`95

38 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Must-Haves
Life & Kids
Ankle length
stripe sock
shoes from
Cute Walk by
Babyhug
`95

Cap with
knot from
Babyhug
`149

Socks with
lace from
Buzzy
`199

Striped
socks from
MayRa Knits
`350

Ankle-length
socks from
Mustang Tie knot
`110 style woollen
cap from
Fox Baby
`745

November 2018 | 39
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Life & Kids Must-Haves

Crochet cap
from Knit
Masters
`290

Winter wear
cap from
Babyhug
`315

Ankle length
sock shoes
from Cute Walk Ankle length
by Babyhug socks from
`145 Morisons
Baby Dreams
`245

Animal
design cap
from Magic
Needles
`699

Ankle length
sock shoes
from Kidofash
`399

40 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Must-Haves
Life & Kids

Panda theme
Ankle length winter woolen
sock shoes cap from
chevron from Flaunt Chic
Kidofash `549
`499

Cutie face
cap set from
Mayra Knits Footed
`550 tights floral
motif from
Kidofash
`599

Antibacterial
ankle length
socks from Crochet
Cute Walk by socks shoes
Babyhug from Beebop
`99 `499

November 2018 | 41
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Life & Kids Must-Haves

Woolen cap
eye design Button
from Knit applique cap
Masters from Knits
`450 & Knots
`489

Ankle length
Antibacterial Winter
socks from cap car
Cute Walk by design from
Babyhug Babyhug
`109 `195

Woolen
socks from
Mustang
`110
Cap with
ea`design
from Magic
Needles
`699

42 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Must-Haves
Life & Kids

Acrylic Woolen
cap from cap from
Babyhug Mustang
`185 `140

Quarter
length warm
socks from
Model
`80

Antibacterial
terry socks
from Cute
walk by
Babyhug
`109

Cap with
flower and
bow design
from Magic
Needles
`699

Woolen cap
from Knit
Masters
`350

November 2018 | 43
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Life & Kids
Organise Well

w set up a diaper
T changing station

Here’s how you can create an efficient

and organised space to ensure
a pleasant changing experience
BY TANIA TARAFDAR
B
eing a new parent requires
organisation and patience,
and taking a couple of
deep breaths. It can be a lifesaver
to have everything you need to be
stocked up and in a designated
space, especially when it comes
to diaper changing stations.
Newborns alone go through
a dozen diapers in a single day.
Stocking up on changing table
essentials and putting them in
a convenient location can make
your life a lot easier. Sometimes,

46 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Organise Well
the baby poops or pees while
changing so having a diaper
changing station would mean that
you don’t go around cleaning
your entire house. Here’s how
you can set up a diaper changing
station to make it safe, functional
and comfortable for your baby.
THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WORK
It might sound funny, but you
need to think about the direction
you work when changing your
motherandbabyindia.com
baby. If you prefer to position
the baby’s head at the top of the
changing table, arrange items
to the left of her head. If you’d
rather have her head at the end
of the changing table, arrange all
items to the right. Next, to your
changing table, keep a diaper pail
with a tight lid. This makes it easy
to dispose of soiled diapers and
helps to contain odours. Also,
keep the diaper changing area
clean with a baby-friendly and
non-toxic cleaning spray. It can
be wise to test out a few different
setups to see which one feels the
most comfortable.
SELECT A COMFORTABLE HEIGHT
It is completely acceptable to use
anything other than a dedicated
changing table as a base. You can
get creative, and use a bookshelf
or even a dresser. Just make sure
that it is at the right height so
you are not causing extra strain
on your back. Leaning over less
to change a diaper can keep
your back more comfortable.
According to experts, the surface
height should land between 36
to 43 inches. If you’re using a
repurposed changing table, be
safe and invest in a changing pad
with adjustable
STORE EXTRAS TO HAVE ON HAND
There’s nothing worse than
running out of diapers or
wipes. Keep the changing table
stocked with extras that have
already been taken out of their
packaging so you can easily grab
more. Also, place a few extra
outits in the drawers or storage
baskets underneath the changing
table in case you need to quickly
change soiled clothes. Likewise,
consider having a spare changing
table cover on hand in case the
one that you’re using requires
more than just a quick wipe down.
Life & Kids
“I like to have a basket right on
the surface of the changing area
with plenty of diapers and wipes
for quick access. Clearly, I’m
going to need these things at
every single diaper change,
so why put them anywhere else?
I keep extra diapers in the
closet and reill this fabric basket
when it is running low,” says
Panchali Mukherjee, mum to
one-year-old Lia.
STOCK ESSENTIALS HIGH UP
You may think storing wipes and
diapers in the top drawer makes
them easy to reach, but it is
actually smarter to make a secure
shelf above the baby so you can
leave a hand on your newborn
— and maintain eye contact
while reaching for what you want.
Besides, it also keeps things out
of her reach as she gets older.
However, you can always use a wall
organiser if you’re unable to hang
a shelf or are tight on space.
ORGANISE FOR YOUR NEEDS
Along with having all the basics
on hand, like diapers, wipes, and
baby lotions, having a couple of
other items close by can also a big
help when dealing with a fussy
toddler. From extra paciiers to
swaddles, make sure you are
ready for whatever might come
up. “My baby girl always gets
cranky while changing, so a rattle
always helps to calm her down,”
says Anita Thadani.
While there’s no way to get out
of changing those thousands of
diapers in your baby’s irst few
months of life, setting up your
changing station properly can
make the process as pleasant as
possible. Use these tips to get
started. Then, make adjustments
to meet you and your
baby’s needs.
November 2018 | 47
Mother and Baby
Life & Kids
Fuss Over Food
Making it with methi!
Fun ideas to get your toddler to bite into the bitter yet awesome health
Here’s presenting our answer to all
your fussy toddler woes. Every issue,
we will discuss one not-so-popular-yet-
highly-nutritious veggie or fruit, and tell
you a myriad ways of sneaking it in...
M
y toddler isn’t really
a fussy eater — on most
days. But the words
‘fenu’ and ‘greek’ are always a
most deinite put-off. So, here are
my tricks on how to get the really
healthy methi into that tiny tummy.
There are two kinds of methi. The
fresh tender methi, the one with
the tiny green leaves and white
stems attached, is full of value.
Of course, it’s really bitter as well.
All the more challenging to get
toddlers to eat it. I prefer to add
these to snack recipes, where
there are sweeteners involved.
Then there are full-grown
fenugreek leaves. These don’t
have the same acrid bitterness
that the baby methi does. But, they
certainly have the health beneits.
Fenugreek is high in vitamin
B-6, potassium and magnesium.
It’s rich in minerals, vitamins,
48 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
benefits that fenugreek offers
BY ASHISHWANG GODHA
phytonutrients and anti-oxidants
that help strengthen the immune
system. It helps balance the extra
sweet that most toddlers indulge
in. It clears out the liver, cleanses
the gut and helps aid digestion.
Tummy ache complaints? Sip on
some methi tea.
For adults too, methi helps curb
diabetes, maintain blood lipid
levels, and reduce heart issues. Of
course, it beneits our hair, skin
and nails immensely. Any more
reasons why it should be a regular
part of your toddler, and your
own, diet?
BREAKFAST
Methi paratha, dosa, pancakes,
omelettes
Yes, you can get your toddler to
eat methi for breakfast. Add an
assortment of veggies with methi
into her parathas, add dried
fenugreek into mini dosas or even
idlis. Or go English, and make
pancakes with fresh methi. Top
with a drizzle of honey. If you feel
adventurous, add a dash of methi
to cheesy scrambled eggs or
luffy omelettes.
SNACKS
Methi and cheese cookies
Mix lour (I often use a mix of
barley or amaranth, with whole
wheat), butter, sugar (you could
substitute with jaggery), a pinch
of salt and a pinch of baking
powder. Use any regular cookie
recipe for measurements. Mix
in a whole bunch of fresh methi
leaves and a generous proportion
of grated cheese. Pat into regular
cookies or use a cookie-cutter for
fun shapes that your toddler will
love. You could even tweak your
recipe and make thin crackers,
instead of thicker cookies.
Store it: In an air-tight container for
up to a week.
Methi shakarpala
Again, I make my shakarpala with
a mix of different lours to add
value to a toddler snack. Add in
inely chopped methi leaves to the
lour mix. You could choose to
add some honey or date syrup as a
treacle for setting off the tartness
of the baby methi. Cut into simple
fun shapes. Fry till crisp.
Store it: In an air-tight container for
up to a week.
motherandbabyindia.com
Fuss Over Food
Methi sandwiches
These come in many variants and
are great for picnics and school
snack boxes. Sauté the methi
lightly with a couple of cloves of
garlic and salt. Coarsely grind.
I make an MLT, my version of
a BLT. I sometimes add shredded
chicken and a slice of cheese, with
the lettuce and tomato slices, on
generously buttered multi-grain
bread. I’ve also tried a successful
version with the methi spread and
peanut butter. Cut sandwiches
into triangles, circles and even
pentagons for added fun.
Store it: Fill the methi spread into
an air-tight jar and top generously
with olive oil if you would like
to keep, refrigerated, for a couple
of days.
RECIPES
Canapes
Make a simple, non-spicy methi
vegetable. I make mine with
inely sliced onions, tomatoes and
motherandbabyindia.com
potatoes to take the sharpness
off the tender methi. Stuff the
canapés till half full. Top with
grated cheese of your choice –
regular, cheddar or gouda all go
well. Bake in a pre-heated oven
for 10 minutes or until the cheese
begins to melt. Allow to cool
(impatient hungry toddlers
may bite and scald themselves)
and serve.
Methi malai mutter
Stick with the big methi leaves for
this one. Your regular methi and
green peas vegetable can be
a toddler favourite. If you aren’t
high on the fresh cream like us,
add it only to your toddler’s bowl.
I often use actual malai, lightly
whipped, and that works just as
well. You could also try avoiding
the cream and using paneer,
grated or cubed.
Methi thepla pizza base
Methi theplas not making the
Life & Kids
cut with your toddler? Not even
with srikhand? Transform them
into home-made pizza bases.
Butter a griddle lightly, place
thepla, add some jaggery, allow it
to melt and top it with another
thepla. Seal into a paratha. Top
with pizza toppings of choice
(go really easy on the sauce or
avoid altogether, else the base
will get soggy). Bake in a pre-
heated oven for 10 minutes.
Methi pulao, methi dal or
methi khichdi
Since toddler portions are
generally rather small, these
may not provide a high dose
of methi nutrition but, when
it comes to tiny tummies,
something is better than
nothing. Simply add freshly
chopped fenugreek leaves to
your regular vegetable/meat
pulao, yellow dal or mung dal
khichdi. It makes a simple,
wholesome family meal.
November 2018 | 49
Mother and Baby
Life & Kids
Cover Mum

of the tunnel

After suffering a miscarriage, Kajal Manek talks about

her rainbow pregnancy, healing and peace

WORDS AND SHOOT COORDINATION BY TANIA TARAFDAR

PHOTOGRAPHS BY AKSHAY KULKARNI
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY SACHIN GHATE

50 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Cover Mum
Life & Kids

N
ineteen months earlier, Kajal and Niraj overwhelming feelings of guilt that looded her
were expecting a baby boy. But soon they each time she had to pass her daughter off to her
learned that their baby would be stillborn husband to get her to quieten down. That wasn’t
at 19 weeks. Fast-forward 19 months and Kajal what worried her the most though. The fact that
is seven months pregnant with her third child, she frequently experienced intense feelings of
whom she describes as proof that ‘there is life low spirits with her baby scared her. But there
after loss’. Some birth stories touch you in a way is one thing Kajal knew for sure, she had to
you don’t expect. It was not until we met Kajal make a change. The constant support of her
for the shoot that we learned that this is going family was extra golden during the challenging
to be a rainbow baby and an extra special irst month. In a matter of 25 days, Kajal was
moment for the family. Her story will make enjoying her time with her baby girl. And it
you cry happy tears. was before Kajal knew that her baby girl started
feeling her warmth, her touch, and started
THE PLANNING AND PREGNANCY recognising her voice.
Back in 2015, two years into marriage Niraj
expressed his wish of having a baby. Kajal too BECOMING A MUM
was convinced and within a month of planning, Motherhood always has something invaluable to
the couple was expecting their irst child. Kajal offer every woman. For Kajal too, it has been
describes her irst pregnancy as ‘extremely easy’.
She never experienced those classic pregnancy
symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Yes, she did
have occasional mood swings but Niraj made her
feel better by constantly pampering her. Kajal
was consistent with her yoga practice throughout
pregnancy. Though not a trained yogi, Kajal
followed Lara Dutta’s prenatal yoga series. She
did not read too many books but listened to music
during the day and before she drifted to sleep. She
would also regularly talk to her baby in the womb.
Soon, it was the 38th week and Kajal was due. She
had to go for a c-section delivery as the baby was in
breech position. Baby Siara was born.

BATTLE WITH DEPRESSION

Kajal suffered postpartum depression (PPD)
for a brief period soon after Siara’s birth. Like
anyone who has dealt with PPD understands
that it can strike in the most unexpected,
inexplicable moments. For Kajal, it was while
calming her wailing newborn down. Kajal shared
her compulsion to reach into the bassinet and
touch her baby’s head a couple of times every
minute before she could fall asleep. She feared
that if she did not keep an eye on her baby every
minute, something terrible might happen. Many
times she heaved uncontrollable sobs. Niraj was
extremely supportive from the get-go and let
her vent about how she felt. He made sure that
Kajal did not sulk, and tried to be near her all
the time. The awesome thing? Dads are usually
the best as chief baby calmers. Although Niraj’s
presence was a huge aid, Kajal couldn’t shake the

November 2018 | 51
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Life & Kids Cover Mum

52 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Cover Mum
Life & Kids
a life-changing experience. “Being a mother has
brought out the best in me. I feel it is the most
special and meaningful experience of my life.
The birth of my baby girl was the best moment of
my life. The love and affection I felt and got from
those tiny hands and feet is something I cannot
describe in words. It was a feeling that never
existed to date. I have heard a lot of mothers say
that they have become more patient after the
birth of their baby but in my case, I would rather
contradict. I still lose my patience, sometimes
more than I used to, but what has changed is
how quickly I compose myself back and handle it.
More than changes, I feel that I have learned to
manage my time much better after the arrival of
my baby.”

GIFT OF LIFE: A SYMPATHETIC BABY

Unknowingly, Siara has always been very
supportive, understanding and helpful. She made
it easy for Kajal to rest and recover post-delivery.
Till date, Siara does not have a record of keeping
her mum awake throughout the night. From
the day she was born, she had a consistent sleep
routine. She napped for three-four hours during
the day, and nine-10 hours at night. Slowly and
gradually, she started staying up longer during
the day, and got up only once in the night for her
feed. Kajal believes that the sleep music(nidra)
that she listened to throughout her pregnancy
and post the arrival of her baby, helped her girl
stay asleep throughout the night. “Soon, she
would be staying up a little later to look up at the
stars and catch irelies. Until then, she is my little
girl with a strict bed-time routine,” says Kajal.
As a mother, Kajal has been lucky to have a girl
who never had inicky tendencies towards food.
She breastfed her baby for six months, and
started with top feed and soups and dal water
post that. Siara loves fruits, so Kajal makes it
a point to have an arsenal of fruits at the ready.
They come handy for distractions for those times
when she is out just a little past lunch time and
for keeping that little mouth busy.

FIRST MILESTONES CAPTURED

Siara’s irst word was ‘baa’. She started walking
when she was just nine months old. When
Siara was just 10, she was selected for the Dove
shampoo advertisement. Kajal travelled alone
with her baby girl to Thailand for the shoot.
Needless to say that they had a great
mummy-baby bonding time. Siara loves
travelling, and mixes effortlessly with people.
She takes on her father completely from her
traits and looks to her behaviour and habits.

November 2018 | 53
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Life & Kids Cover Mum

Baby’s irst milestones are monumental, but it

can be a challenging task to remember them
all when new achievements take the spotlight.
Kajal and Niraj found out a simple yet lasting
way to cherish these memories. They made an
email address for Siara, where they send all her
memories, photos, and videos. They can easily do
it on their phone so whenever they have a spare
moment, they send one off. They mailed her all
the pictures of her irst milestones from rolling,
holding ingers, crawling, climbing, walking
and other special moments along with a small
message. They wish to share the password with
their daughter when she turns 16, to let her relive
her childhood all over again. For the couple, it’s
been a fun journey so far, capturing some of the
best moments of their baby girl from her irst
crawl, smile, reaction and more.

TESTING TIMES
It was on Siara’s irst birthday that they got to
know that they were pregnant for the second
time. As it was not a planned pregnancy, the
news almost came as a shock to the couple. But
since they always wanted to have two kids, they
accepted it as God’s gift. They went and checked
everything with their gynaecologist to make sure
that all was ine. Everything was on point until the
19th week, where Kajal’s anomaly scan revealed
that the baby’s heartbeat had stopped. The
irst few ob-gyn appointments were typical, and
everything looked how it should. However, when they arrived for the 19th ultrasound, Kajal knew
in her gut something was wrong (call it mother’s
intuition) before her doctor even turned the
screen back to face him and uttered the words,
‘I’m so sorry’. That was it. Kajal went numb.

COPING WITH THE LOSS

The doctors induced labour and by evening,
Kajal delivered her baby boy only to let him go.
She requested her doctor to allow her to spend
a few moments with her boy. The doctor agreed,
and left the couple alone with the baby. They
held their baby in their arms for the irst and the
last time. Kajal describes those few moments as
‘magical’. After having a perfect irst pregnancy
and 18 weeks of a smooth second pregnancy,
Kajal was devastated beyond belief. She could not
understand what went wrong. She couldn’t be
around anyone but her husband, her mother and
her daughter. She withdrew from friends enough
to feel some space, but not so much that their

54 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Cover Mum
Life & Kids
radars would go off. She was not able to pick
herself up and dust herself off, as they say. She
tried to bounce back, but found herself crying all
the time over the loss. Defeated. But when their
daughter Siara too could not contain her tears
looking at her parents, they decided to be strong
at least for the sake of their little one. That was
the exact moment when they took a call to not
remember this as a painful chapter but as
a blessing in disguise.

STROKE OF LUCK
And like they say, there is light at the end of the
tunnel, Kajal is pregnant for the third time. Nine
months after the miscarriage Kajal conceived
again and nobody could be more shocked than
her. She is both excited and nervous for her
rainbow baby. But at the same time, she is so
traumatised by her miscarriage that her anxiety
skyrockets before every doctor’s appointment.
“I practically hold my breath until I hear/see
a heartbeat. It is a complete paradox to my
irst pregnancy where I went into every visit
blissfully unaware of the dark side. I longed
for that ignorance. Nonetheless, I gained an
amazing appreciation of the delicacy of both
pregnancy and my own life. More than one year
after experiencing our loss, I am going to hold
our most precious gift of all, our fearfully and
wonderfully made rainbow baby,” says Kajal.

Siara is now two years old, and since she is too

young to understand, nobody expected her
to react to the news in the irst place. But to
everyone’s surprise, she was over the moon when
she heard that she was soon going to become
a big sister. She kisses and talks to the baby in the
womb every day. With baby number two on the
way, Kajal hopes to create many more memories
with both her children.

IN THE END...
For anyone who has struggled with miscarriage
and fertility challenges, there is an unspoken
sisterhood of support made of up women who
can relate. Kajal still gets choked up when she
thinks about it or talks about it. But she also
knows that she isn’t alone and hopes that she
can bring some comfort and empathy to anyone
struggling with a similar situation by being
vulnerable and sharing something that took her
so long to talk about.

November 2018 | 55
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November 2018 | 57
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Bump To Birth
Beat The Cold
Sail through your
winter pregnancy
Winters can be a little daunting on you. Try these expert tips, and we
assure that you will be able to breeze right through the colder months
BY TANIA TARAFDAR
P
regnancy has its ups and
downs all year round,
but ask any mum who’s
been there, and she’ll tell you
that every season comes with its
own unique set of challenges.
If you’re inding yourself with a
baby on board this winter (as in,
right now), you’re in luck. These
expert tips will help you survive
— and even thrive — throughout
the frigid months ahead. Stay
warm, mumma!
WINTER SKINCARE
The dry air can wreak havoc on
your pregnancy glow. These tips
from Dr Jaishree Sharad, celebrity
cosmetic dermatologist and CEO,
Skininiti Aesthetic and Laser
Clinic Mumbai, will help you deal
with the winter skin woes.
For the face
O Cleanse, moisturise and use
a physical sunscreen which
contains zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide. Chemical
sunscreens may not be a good
idea. Also, avoid night creams.
Just use a moisturiser or
coconut oil or almond oil on
the face at night.
58 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
O Pigmentation may occur on
the face due to hormonal
changes. To ight it, have
foods rich in folic acid.
Incorporate leafy greens,
asparagus, broccoli, citrus,
beans, peas, avocado, seeds,
and nuts into your pregnancy
diet to promote an even
skin tone. Make sure to
eat vitamin C rich foods to
reduce pigmentation.
For the hands
O Moisturise your hands
twice a day.
O Avoid hand sanitisers. Wash
your hands with a handwash
instead and immediately apply
coconut or almond or olive oil
on the damp skin to hydrate
the hands.
For the body
O Use a mild shower gel instead
of soaps.
O Very high body temperatures
during early pregnancy may
affect the development of the
baby’s nervous system so it’s
best to avoid saunas during
pregnancy. Also, limit the
warm showers to no more than
motherandbabyindia.com
Beat The Cold
10 minutes, and not more than
once a day.
O Dry skin can get itchy and laky
during winters. So make sure
to moisturise your body and
not just the face. Be sure to
moisture your skin properly
especially after bath to avoid
itchiness and stretch marks.
O If the skin is feeling extra dry
and tight, use ingredients
like evening primrose, jojoba,
borage seed and oat kernel
oil in your moisturiser, all
of which are rich in gamma
linoleic acid.
For the bump
O Use vitamin E oil or hyaluronic
acid-based creams or lotions
to prevent prominent
stretch marks.
WINTER HEALTH
Dr Bandita Sinha, gynaecologist,
Hiranandani Hospital and Fortis,
Vashi, shares tips to stay in the
best of your health all winter long.
motherandbabyindia.com
Bump To Birth
Get a lu vaccine: When you are
pregnant, your immunity is low
and so you are prone to various
infections. It is not just safe, but
it is recommended that you
receive the lu vaccine in the
second and third trimester of
pregnancy. A study published
in the New England Journal
of Medicine in the year 2015
reported that the risk of foetal
death was nearly twice as high for
women who were not vaccinated
as it was for mothers who were
vaccinated. If you have not
already done so, schedule a shot
right now. Also, avoid over the
counter drugs and take only those
medicines that are recommended
by the doctor.
Dress in layers: The thermometer
may read in single digits, but if you
are an expectant mum your body
temperature is on the rise as more
blood lows through your body.
Add or remove layers so that you
don’t freeze or overheat as you
make your way through the day.
Try herbal remedies with caution:
Winter colds are a drag, and while
you may turn to herbal remedies
to ight off the snifles, there
is not enough research on the
effects of echinacea on pregnancy
that deems it safe. So you may not
try those herbal remedies.
Stay hydrated: While summer is
often associated with dehydration,
the lack of humidity in winter
air can draw every last bit of
hydration out of your body.
Dehydration could lead to
a decrease in amniotic luid
and also cause repeated urine
infection and dry skin. So make
sure to drink a minimum of eight
glasses of water a day. Coconut
water and homemade soups are
also great options. Did you know
proper hydration also prevents
preterm labour?
Power up: A long brisk walk in
the morning or in the afternoon
can be a great way to keep your
heart rate up. But if the weather
is uncomfortably frigid, maintain
a itness routine by doing some
light exercises and prenatal yoga
(under guidance). It keeps the
body lexible, strengthens the
immune system and helps ight
illnesses like common cold and
lu. Regular exercise can also
prevent swelling and leg cramps,
high blood pressure and diabetes.
Don’t fear the doctor: If
something does not feel right,
it is better to be over cautious
than to completely ignore the
symptoms. Even if you usually tend
to downplay sickness, remember
you are making decisions for two
now. Winter is notorious for the
frequency of stomach bugs, and of
course the lu and cold season. So
take precautions and if you need
your doctor’s note to stay at home
and rest, go ahead and take one.
Protect yourself: Keep a safe
distance from sick people. Also,
keep yourself clean as this will
help protect you from many
diseases. Getting enough sleep
is also important for the proper
growth of the baby.
Invest in a pair of all-weather
boots: The wedge booties and
platform heels may be stylish
but a comfortable pair of boots
possibly half a size larger than
your normal size if you are
experiencing swelling – will keep
your legs and feet warm and help
stabilise you on a slushy morning.
Take it easy: Pregnancy is tiring.
So take advantage of the short
November 2018 | 59
Mother and Baby
Bump To Birth Beat The Cold

days by curling up with a blanket is vital for the growth and

and some hot chocolate. Kick
your feet up, put on a good
movie, and silence your phone.
Once the baby’s here, there’s
going to be a whole lot less time
for days like this, so enjoy it
while it lasts!
WINTER NUTRITION
Pregnancy care during winter
should ideally comprise measures
to elevate immunity levels by
consuming the right kind of
food in the right quantity. So it is
imperative that you eat a variety
of foods from all the food groups.
The quantity of calories you need
for your body depends on your
daily physical activity, weight
before pregnancy and current
weight. In the irst trimester,
you usually do not need extra
calories. In the second and third
trimesters, you should eat at least
about 300 extra calories daily.
Stay on track with your health
and your growing baby’s
development by adding these
healthy eats to your daily diet
recommended by Niyati Likhite,
dietician, Fortis Hospital.
development of the baby.
Inadequate iodine intake
during pregnancy increases
the risk of mental impairment
and cretinism (severely stunted
physical and mental growth)
in the newborn baby. Seafoods,
eggs, and iodised salt are good
sources of iodine.
O Eat foods that are rich in iron
such as lean meat, beans,
green leafy vegetables, and
fortiied cereals.
O Eat at least 3- 4 servings of milk
and milk products to meet
the increased requirement of
calcium and protein.
O Eat 8 to 10 servings of grains
and pulses to meet the
additional calories for
baby’s development.
O Constipation is commonly
observed during pregnancy
even during the winter
months. Fiber-rich foods such
as beans, grains, and seeds
(lax seeds, sunlower seeds,
chia seeds, sabja, and
pumpkin seeds) can aid in
the smooth running of the
bowel movements.

Foods to eat Foods to avoid

O Eat plenty of fruits and
vegetables, as they are rich
in antioxidants which helps
in boosting immunity. Eat
lots of vitamin-C rich fruits
like orange, sweet lime,
melons, amla, and banana,
which ensures better iron
absorption. Also, consume
more dark green, red, and
orange vegetables like
broccoli, spinach, lettuce, and
caulilower greens, carrots,
sweet potatoes, winter squash,
and red pepper.
O Iodine is an important mineral
needed for the production
of thyroid hormone, which
O Salt and sugar should be
consumed in moderation.
Blood pressure tends to rise
during the winter months
so salty and processed foods
should be best avoided.
Processed foods can also
increase the risk of excess
weight gain.
O Foods and drinks that are high
in saturated fat, added sugar
and salt are not a necessary
part of a healthy diet and
should be limited.
O It can be tempting to grab
that hot cup of coffee when
it is freezing outside but limit
your intake of caffeine to avoid
possible health problems.
Also avoid tea, cola and
energy drinks.
O Avoid ish high in mercury,
uncooked or raw foods,
undercooked foods, raw and
processed meat, raw eggs, raw
sprouts, unpasteurised milk,
and its products as they may
increase the risk of bacterial
infections.

60 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
 Bump To Birth
Sonali Says

kind of swelling should be reported particular reason and it does not

Meet the
EXPERT
M&B’ panellist Sonali Shivlani is an
Internationally Certified Pregnancy Consultant and
a child nutrition counsellor. She is the executive
director of CAPPA India, and also trains aspiring
birth professionals to achieve certification in
pregnancy, birth and lactation counselling.
to the doctor. It could be simple
luid retention which occurs due to
standing or sitting in one position
for a long time. This type of swelling
usually subsides with movement
in a little while and hence, is not
alarming. If swelling happens for no
subside with movement or dietary
changes, it could be due to elevated
blood pressure and this can pose
a potential threat to your health.
You can do a simple check and
ensure that your ingering its you
throughout your pregnancy.

HOW TO ENSURE YOU

ARE EATING RIGHT
DURING PREGNANCY?
It’s so easy to actually balance meals and
eat healthily. The best way to do it is
to follow the ive inger rule for all the
meals which means that each of your
meal should comprise of:
1. A healthy carb — choose an
unreined option like whole grain roti
or bread, upma or red rice, poha, idli
or dosa.
2. Vegetables and fruits — choose a
range of colours to get a wider intake
of nutrients.
3. Protein — pulses, legumes, sprouts,
eggs, meat, and nuts.
4. Calcium — milk, paneer, curd, lassi.
5. Healthy fats - You don’t need
too much of this so just about six
teaspoons in a day should be enough.
Opt for unsaturated options like olive
oil, lax seed oil, and nut-based oils.

IS IT NORMAL TO
EXPERIENCE SWELLING
ANDFLUID RETENTION
DURING PREGNANCY?
In most Indian families swelling is
considered to be absolutely normal
during pregnancy. It is assumed that
it is part of the natural weight gain
process. However, keep in mind that any

November 2018 | 61
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Bump To Birth
Maternity Matters
tters

a l
he ncet h
u ra
ins licy
po

Are you covered? Learn all about maternity coverage and health insurance for pregnancy,
labour, delivery, and newborn baby care

include maternity healthcare, corporates include the maternity

Rahul Agarwal is the CEO of Ideal
Insurance. He has launched the
only health insurance consulting
website, 121 policy. He is also
actively associated with many social
organisations like CII Young Indians
and Round Table India.
hospitalisation, child delivery,
pre and post-natal care and in
some unfortunate situations
medical termination of pregnancy
if required. The high cost of
maternity care and hospitalsation
triggered the need for couples
looking out for maternity plans.
WHAT IS MATERNITY HEALTH
beneit of their employees and/
or their spouses as a part of their
health insurance group coverage
with a speciied sub-limit.
A proper understanding of the
maternity plan is imperative for
understanding the inclusions and
exclusions of the plan so that you
can use the coverage eficiently.

T
he happy news of the
pregnancy and imminent
parenthood brings along
with it the upcoming inancial
planning and expenditure
during the entire period of
pregnancy and beyond. These
BENEFIT PLAN?
A maternity plan is usually an
add-on or additional rider to the
existing health insurance policy.
Based on the insurer, the features
vary to some extent. A majority of
As we all know, hospitalisation
costs have skyrocketed in the
last few years and healthcare is
something we do not want to
compromise on. A hospitalisation
expense which is unavoidable

62 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Maternity Matters
COMPANIES THAT PROVIDE GOOD MATERNITY
HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES:
Company Name Plan Name
SBI Aarogya Plan
Star Health Wedding Gift
Max Bupa Heartbeat Family Floater
Religare Joy Tomorrow
Apollo Munich Easy Health Young Family
HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha Gold
for everyone is the maternity
expense. Normally, in a city,
maternity expenses may range
from `40,000 to `50,000,
depending on the type of hospital
and doctor chosen. In some cases,
because of lack of availability of
lower category rooms, patients
have to opt for expensive options,
motherandbabyindia.com
Bump To Birth
even if they cannot afford. As
such, maternity Insurance is
a boon for young couples.
Moreover, women today cover
more than 25 per cent of the
workforce in India and are
becoming very ambitious and
career oriented. Due to this
changing attitude, women are
choosing to become mothers late.
According to health insurance
companies, over the last one
year, the average maternity age
has increased from 26-27 years to
32-33 years. Increased age has also
given rise to complications during
pregnancies and higher cost. To
address maternity-related health
concerns, a growing number of
women are opting for health
insurance plans that also cover
maternity expenses.
MATERNITY COVER DETAILS
● Hospitalisation charges
● Operation charges be it
normal or cesarean
● Prenatal OPD expenses
● Expenses for complications
due to premature birth
● Other emergency expense
● Actual ambulance charges
including air ambulance
A maternity insurance ensures
that routine healthcare and
complications that may arise
during pregnancy are taken care
of, allowing a mother to bring a
healthy baby into the world. With
maternity insurance, women can go
for the best treatment which will in
turn aid in speedy recovery too.
Most of the well-known insurers
provide maternity plans that
are customised to address the
needs of working women. The
average age of maternity has
increased to 32-33 years. Thus
the risk factor has increased with
increasing age.
LIMITATIONS OF MATERNITY
HEALTH INSURANCE
POLICIES:
● Health checkups during the
9-month pregnancy period
are not covered; However,
they are covered under
OPD expenses of a health
insurance plan.
● Newborn is not covered
for critical illnesses and
genetic diseases.
● IVF costs are also
not covered.
● Except in a few plans,
most plans cover pregnancy
after 2-3 years of the
waiting period.
November 2018 | 63
Mother and Baby
Bump To Birth
Age-wise
Give it time Study shows corelation between maternal age and premature labour;
ages 30-34 being at least risk
Dr Bindhu K S, consultant
obstetrician and
gynaecologist, Apollo
Hospitals, Navi Mumbai
P
regnancy normally lasts
about 40 weeks, and babies
born after 37 weeks are
considered full term. In the weeks
immediately after birth, preterm
babies often have dificulty in
breathing and digesting food.
They can also encounter long-
term challenges such as impaired
vision, hearing and cognitive
skills, as well as social and
behavioural problems. Preterm
babies have higher risks of heart
defects, lung disorders, cerebral
palsy, and delayed development.
According to WHO statistics,
every year, an estimated 15
million babies are born preterm
and this number is rising.
Complications due to preterm
births are the leading cause of
death among children less than
ive years. Across 184 countries,
the rate of preterm birth ranges
from 5 per cent to 18 per cent .
QUARISMA study, a large
Canadian randomised controlled
trial, which collected data from
184,000 births in 32 hospitals,
64 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
showed that the trend of risk
of premature delivery follows a
U-shaped distribution: It is higher
before 30 years and after 40 years,
and at its lowest between 30 and
34. Women between 20 and 24
years had 6.8 per cent chance of
preterm delivery, the likelihood
was 6 per cent for mothers
between 25 and 29, 6.3% for
mothers between 35 and 39 and
7.8 per cent for women over 40
years. Women between 30 and 34
had the lowest risk for a preterm
delivery, at 5.7 per cent. Overall,
women in their 30’s have a lower
risk of giving birth prematurely
than women in their 20’s. This
offers fresh evidence that age is
an independent risk factor for
preterm births, the researchers
concluded in PLoS One.
Pregnancy in teenage and
very young women is generally
considered to be at very
high-risk because these women
are physically and psychologically
immature for reproduction.
In addition, there are some
extrinsic factors such as
inadequate prenatal care,
illiteracy and poor socio-
economic conditions that affect
the outcome of pregnancy.
Several medical complications
like preterm birth, poor maternal
weight gain, pregnancy-induced
hypertension, anaemia, and
sexually transmitted diseases
are strongly associated with
motherandbabyindia.com
Age-wise
teenage pregnancy. It is suggested
that these young women, who
Increased are still themselves growing,
maternal age may compete with the foetus
may contribute for nutrients, which may in
to the placental turn impair foetal growth
and vascular and result in low birthweight
problems as- babies or babies who are
sociated with small for their gestational age.
preterm birth There is increased neonatal
mortality associated with young
maternal age. Lifestyle and
sociodemographic factors such
as smoking, alcohol use, low
body mass index and social
deprivation have all been
shown to contribute to less
favourable birth outcomes. It is
also established that adolescent
mothers in high-income
countries are at higher risk of
motherandbabyindia.com
Bump To Birth
exhibiting these characteristics.
The underutilisation of
antenatal care by adolescent
mother is again an important
factor which determines the
outcome of teenage pregnancy.
According to the above
mentioned study, stress may also
have contributed to the higher
risk of preterm birth observed in
women who had multiple births
at a young age (20–24 years).
Compared with the reference
group (25–29 years), these
women were more exposed
to factors related to social
vulnerability including low level
of education, country of birth,
and smoking. The preterm birth
in the 20-24 year age group
was mainly spontaneous rather
than that induced for medical
complications of pregnancy.
There has been a considerable
trend in the society nowadays
with women opting for maternity
in their late 30s. Free access to
abortion and better contraceptives
have made it a lot easier for
women to choose when they want
children and how many. Also,
more education and employment
opportunities have given women
greater economic independence.
Other societal changes, such as
increasing women’s liberation
and broader acceptance of
cohabitation also contribute
largely to these changes.
Advanced maternal age increased
the risks of both spontaneous
and indicated very preterm
births. Increased maternal age
may contribute to the placental
and vascular problems associated
with preterm birth. Hypertension
complicating pregnancy and
small babies are associated with
vascular disorders and decreased
uteroဨplacental blood low.
Progesterone is important for
pregnancy maintenance and
this hormone levels decline with
maternal age which might be
again another factor responsible
for the preterm births.
Preterm infant survival is high
nowadays, and the survival rate
has also increased for those
born extremely preterm. But
very preterm infants is one of
the most resourceဨdemanding
inဨhospital patient groups and
the inal outcome is not always
full health. To challenge these
issues, increased professional
and political knowledge as well as
parental and public information
on the increased risk for preterm
birth is warranted.
November 2018 | 65
Mother and Baby
 Bump To Birth
Expert Speak
Breastfeeding support
Meet the
EXPERT
Effath Yasmin is India’s leading International
Board Certified lactation Consultant (IBCLC),
Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapist, internationally
certified lactation educator and the founder director
of Nourish & Nurture Lactation Care & Parenting
Education, an outreach clinic for mothers and families
seeking professional clinical lactation management
and parenting counselling. Yasmin sits on the board of
directors and National Advisory Board of Birth India, an
NGO striving for safe and supported birth in India and
an active governing council member of the International
Association of Tongue-Tie professionals (IATP).
M
others facing breastfeeding
issues desperately look for
support and guidance. While
advice comes from all directions, it is
important to understand that not all
of it is credible or backed by evidence.
However, a good referral always helps.
You can ask your ob-gyn or pediatrician
for a good referral for professional
lactation support or reach out on
social media mother support groups to
ind some good experts. Browsing the
internet can also help you ind one right
next to you. There are different types
of breastfeeding support credentials
and sometimes it is hard to make sense
of them. This quick guide will help you
understand the different tier support
system to look for, and reach out when
you are facing breastfeeding challenges.
TIER 1 SUPPORT
The broadest end of the pyramid is
mother-to-mother support, where
mums share information and wisdom,
and offer help based on personal
66 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
experiences. This is the largest base TIER 3 SUPPORT
of community trust. The La Leche The International Board Certiied
League is an international non-proit Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are
group where accredited leaders, recognised as the gold standard
who are also mothers, arrange credential for professionals who service
monthly group meetings across
the world to talk about their
breastfeeding families. These healthcare
providers specialise in the clinical
breastfeeding journeys. management of breastfeeding and
perform professional comprehensive
TIER 2 SUPPORT clinical lactation consultations, assessing
Here, lactation educators counsel, dificulties that a mother and baby may
educate and support families by experience. There are around 50 to 60
providing evidence-based information IBCLCs in India, and you may ind some
about preparation for breastfeeding of them in the hospitals as well.
and other common concerns. In India,
this profession is slowly making inroads TIER 4 ADVANCED SUPPORT
because of the enormous need. Level 4 support can be provided by
the International Board Certiied
Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) who are
You can ask your ob-gyn or specialised in oral and suck dysfunction,
and work on highly challenging
pediatrician for a good referral for
situations. They rehabilitate and restore
professional lactation support or breastfeeding, working closely with the
reach out on social media mother entire family. Tier 4 support often has
support groups exclusive private clinics and you may not
ind them in hospitals.
TIER 4
Advanced Lactation Care – Skilled
Speciality
TIER 3
International Board Certified
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
TIER 2
Lactation Educators and Councelors
TIER-1
Mother-to-mother Support La Leche
League International
motherandbabyindia.com
 Baby & Toddler SHIELD > COPE > DECORATE

November 2018 | 67
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Baby & Toddler
Changing Times
Keep up with
the change
Here’s how to make diaper changing a breeze during the cold months...
BY AARTI PATHAK
C
hanging diapers is hard
enough with happy peppy
babies merrily moving
their arms and legs all about,
while you make sure that poo
doesn’t get anywhere that it is not
supposed to. Brace yourself: the
approaching winters are going to
make things a tag harder. No one
wants their baby to feel the biting
cold during nappy changes. So
what can be done to ensure that
the diaper changing process is a
pleasant one for the darling baby?
Well, lots !
1. KEEP EVERYTHING READY
BEFORE HAND: New diaper,
talcum/creams, new pyjamas and
sheets. Whatever you need, keep
ready irst.
2. ROOM HEATER: If it is that
cold that it’s got you concerned
about the chill he is exposed to
during diaper change, keep the
room warm with a room-heater.
Not above 24 to 25 degrees. Place
warm lannel sheets below baby
for diaper changes. Try to be
quick and eficient through the
whole process till baby is dressed
and covered again.
68 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
3. WARM WATER OVER COLD,
ABSOLUTELY: Make sure you
have comfortable warm water
ready in the bathroom for
washing baby bums. If not,
then prepare the water before
you undress baby for the
change. Never use hot water
directly from the tap. Always
ill it in a bucket and check the
temperature before you use it
on the baby. You can never be
cautious enough when it comes
to your li’l precious.
the dry clean up using warm adult
4. THE WASH AND AFTER: As socks to cover them.
soon as baby is cleaned up nice
and proper, wrap him up with Dr Ramneet Kataria Chabbra
an absorbent towel. Make sure shares, “Both my babies were
the legs and feet are completely winter babies. My younger one
covered. Bring baby back to his was born in Jammu and elder one
room. Pat dry. Quickly dress him is Amritsar. Both these places get
up again. quite cold in winter. For my irst
baby I used only cloth as those
5. DRY WIPE: If you do not want days it was believed that diapers
to do a water wash you could are unhealthy and cause rashes.
use warmed baby wipes to wipe I managed it as I had family
the bums. But remember that support. Otherwise, managing
rubbing with wipes can cause tens of cloth diapers is not easy
rashes even in just a few washes. for a new mother over and above
So stay mindful of that and keep caring for baby. For my second
an eye out for signs of rashes. You born I used imported diapers and
could keep baby legs warm during it was far more comfortable.
motherandbabyindia.com
Changing Times
It is so cold, my baby is not getting any diaper free
time. Will he end up with rashes?
Answer: No problem. Just massage the baby’s
diaper area with baby oil / vaselene / any other
ointment or powder you swear by, and then put
diaper on him. That should prevent rashes due
to too much diaper time.
On warmer days when the sun is out, and the
baby has just peed and pooed both, feel free
to leave the baby in warm pyjamas without
diapers. Even 15 minutes is enough. Stay
vigilant though. If the infant pees, wash and
change him immediately, lest they catch a cold
from the wet pajamas.
Baby stayed cozy, slept through
the night and had no rash
problem. Also, recovery is far
more dificult for mothers in
winters. I had c-sections during
both my deliveries, and recovery
motherandbabyindia.com
Baby & Toddler
was hard. So when baby was
comfortable in diapers, it brought
respite to me as well.
Antara Bansal, who lives in
Northern India, brings along a
great challenge during winters if
you have a little child living out
of diapers. “I recollect from my
experience that I would simply
be shifting between feeding the
baby and changing his diapers
every two hours. Due to an
increase in wetting diapers, there
was this constant fear of my baby
developing rashes or feeling
uncomfortable. Every diaper
change would make me anxious
that my child would catch a cold
since it meant undressing him off
the two or three layers to cover
him up from temperatures close
to 0 degrees during peak winters.
Worse, at night it could mean
that great risk of waking up the
child from sleep mode due to
the movement and undressing
process. Sends down ‘chills’ even
at the thought of those days!
TOP TIPS:
Warm your hands: Make
sure your own hands are
not icy cold. Warm them
up before you start the
diaper change!
Baby starts crying mid
way: Do not try to comfort
him when they’re exposed
to the chill in the middle of
a diaper change. Finish the
clean up fast, clothe the
baby. Once baby is covered,
start the cuddles.
November 2018 | 69
Mother and Baby
Baby & Toddler
Warm Up!
Baby,
it’s cold outside!
M&B shares expert tips to make sure your little one stays
warm and comfortable this winter
BY TANIA TARAFDAR
A
s hints of winter chill
begin to ill the air,
morning strolls or trips
to the playground with your
toddler require an entirely new
level of preparation. Babies can’t
regulate their body temperature
as effectively as kids and adults
because their bodies have more
surface area by weight, causing
quicker heat loss. Babies also
don’t have as much insulating
body fat, so you have to take
that extra effort to ensure
that your little one is warm
and comfortable. Here are
tried-and-true ways to keep your
baby warm and combat the cold
weather woes this season.
MUST-HAVE WINTER
ACCESSORIES
The most important accessory
in winter for your baby is
a hat. “In the irst few months,
babies lose a large amount of
heat through their heads and
if the head gets cold, the body
will follow soon after. Hats can
protect your baby’s ears from
the winter wind”, says Dr Anita
Rai, paediatrician Cloudnine
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Mother and Baby
Hospital, Bengaluru. Keep baby’s
hands warm with mittens or
tucked inside a blanket if they
will spend a lot of time outdoors.
When it comes to bundling up,
you don’t have to overdo it with
layer upon layer of clothing. Just
make sure that the tootsies are
warm and the chest is covered.
WRAPPING ‘EM UP
According to Dr Rai, a good
blanket can go a long way in
keeping the baby warm and
snuggly. One of the best ways to
keep a baby warm and happy is
to swaddle her in a blanket.
A good swaddle not only keeps
the baby warm but helps the baby
feel secure and protected, just like
she would in the womb. Just be
sure to keep the blanket clear of
the baby’s mouth and nose so as
to not block the airway.
A COMFY BATH
In general, you want baby’s bath
to be warm, but maybe slightly
cooler than you would prefer your
own shower. It should be about
the baby’s body temperature
or about 98 degrees, suggests
motherandbabyindia.com
Warm Up!
“If you’re not sure whether your baby is too
warm or cold, check whether her hands feel
cold or her skin looks blotchy. This indicates her
temperature is too low. If she is restless and has
flushed, red skin, she may be too warm. Check
her temperature frequently, because she can’t
tell you if she’s too hot or cold. In general, dress
your baby how you would like to be dressed for
that temperature. The thumb rule for layering
your baby is to add just one layer beyond what is
comfortable for the mum and dad. So if you are
comfortable in a long sleeve top and jeans inside
the house, your baby will probably be fine in a
sleeper and a blanket,” says Dr Agarwal.
Dr Rai. Don’t compensate for
a drafty room by increasing the
temperature. This is not safe for
the baby. To test, don’t use your
hands because, they can tolerate
a higher temperature. Instead, try
your wrist or your elbow. Just like
adults, babies can be cold when
they get out of the bath. So be
sure to dry your little one well and
bundle her up to keep warm until
the body adjusts.
KANGAROO CARE
Just because it is cold outside does
not mean that your baby has to be
clothed at all times.
motherandbabyindia.com
Baby & Toddler
In fact, skin-to-skin contact with
the mother is enough to keep the
baby warm explains Dr Seema
Agarwal, neonatologist, SL Raheja
Hospital, Mumbai . We are not
recommending kangaroo care out
in the cold, but it can be a good
idea indoors.
NO LAYERING UP
A warm, insulated baby bunting
or sleeping bag makes getting
out and about in cold weather
so much easier than attempting
to pile a layer on your little
one. According to Dr Nitin Syal,
paediatrician, Fortis hospital,
Delhi, you should avoid using
a bunting bag with a car seat.
“Instead, tuck a thin blanket
around your baby’s shoulder
securely for warmth and to
reduce the risk of suffocation
from thicker bunting. If you are
using a modern bunting bag for
swaddling during sleep, do so by
supervising your baby constantly
to ensure that the bunting
doesn’t unfasten and become
a suffocation hazard,” says he.
IDEAL ROOM TEMPERATURE
Although your instincts might
tell you to keep your baby’s
bedroom warmer than the rest
of the house, it is recommended
that you keep it less than-
toasty 20-degree Celcius. That
might feel rather chilly to you,
but overheating can lead to
sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS). “The most reliable way
to monitor your baby’s room
temperature is with a room
thermometer. The best way to
keep your baby’s bedroom at the
right temperature is to set the
central heating or the heater in
their room to between 16°C and
20°C” says Dr Nitin Syal. Also, be
sure not to push your baby’s cot
next to a ireplace or a radiator.
If your baby’s room tends to
be chilly, it’s worth investing in
thick, lined curtains to keep in
the warmth. If you need to use
a portable heater such as an
electric fan heater, make sure
it’s not pointing directly at your
baby. Never use electric blankets
on your baby’s bed.
SLEEPSUITS FOR COSY NIGHTS
Sleepsuits are the perfect
nightwear for babies – they’re all
in one piece, so there’s nothing
to come untucked, and many
of them have enclosed feet and
turn-over cuffs to keep little hands
and feet warm. On top of her
sleepsuit, you can cover your baby
with a sheet and a light blanket
such as a leece or cellular blanket
recommends Dr Agarwal. If the
room temperature drops below
16°C, or if your baby feels cold to
the touch, you can add an extra
blanket on top – the beauty of
layering is that you can add or
remove bedding depending on
the temperature. She should also
never wear a hat in bed: young
babies lose excess heat through
the head, and if it’s covered up,
she could become too hot.
November 2018 | 71
Mother and Baby
Baby & Toddler
Cover Plus

Prepare your tot for

winters
With the nip in the air becoming stronger,
it is time to prepare your bundle of joy
to face the cold, chin up. M&B gives you
a low-down of the common problems to
expect during winters, and expert ways to
tackle them in time
BY RESHMA O PATHARE

72 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Cover Plus
Baby & Toddler

COUGH, COUGH….SNIFF, SNIFF

PROBLEM
Cough, cold, and blocked noses
owing to viruses are a common feature
in winter. However, paediatrician Dr Asmita
Mahajan from SL Raheja Hospital, Mumbai, says,
“Children prone to asthma or asthma-like symptoms
due to bronchospasm, tend to get exaggerated
symptoms due to cold. Generally, viral upper respiratory
infections worsen the symptoms of asthmatic kids. The
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, that causes
bronchiolitis, is another common illness that presents
difficulty in breathing, and for which a patient may
need hospitalisation for oxygen and nebulisation.
Paediatrician Dr Kumud Mehta from Jaslok
Hospital, Mumbai, also warns of hoarse
throats and painful ear infections due to
the the air becoming dry and dusty.

SOLUTION
While it is best to keep
a child’s immunity intact with a
nutrition-rich diet supplemented with
natural boosters like turmeric, ginger, and
garlic; do stock up on paediatric nasal drops,
sprays, and cough syrups or lozenges for older
children. Paediatrician Dr Oniell Fernandes from
Narayana Medical Centre, Bengaluru, advises the
use of honey to treat nocturnal cough in children
over one year old. Below that, they risk the
danger of botulism. He also advises using
sanitisers and hand wipes, as well as, using
disinfectants to clean exposed household
surfaces, to reduce the danger of
contamination manifold.

November 2018 | 73
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Baby & Toddler Cover Plus

GETTING THE CHILLS

PROBLEM
Drop in temperatures cause
an outbreak of various viruses,
that often translate into viral fevers,
influenza or bacterial pneumonias. Dry air,
fog and atmospheric cold give rise to several
types of allergies, that may translate into
fevers. While most fevers are easily curable
with regular paracetamol, the child suffers
from discomfort and allied problems like
cough, cold and breathing difficulties;
which makes it pertinent to save it SOLUTION
from fevers as far as possible. For children above three months of age,
fever can usually be arrested with doctor-
advised dosage of antipyretics, sponging, ample
rest, and intake of fluids. However, if the fever refuses
to abate even after three days, it is best to seek medical
help. Paediatrician Dr Yogesh Gupta of Fortis Hospital,
Bengaluru, advises parents to follow the child’s vaccination
schedule closely, to avoid unnecessary complications.
“During winter, illnesses like seasonal flu and pneumonia
(bacterial) rise in number. So it’s a good idea to administer
yearly influenza shots to protect the kids from seasonal
flu (H1N1/Swine-flu). The vaccination for pneumococcal
pneumonia is helpful in preventing from deadly
disease, as the Meningococcal vaccine helps in
preventing from meningococcal meningitis
(Brain fever), which can be fatal.”

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Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Cover Plus
Baby & Toddler

HAIR(Y) TALES PROBLEM

If you thought babies have
no worries pertaining to hair, you
couldn’t be more off the mark! Winters
can raise quite some problems for your
little one’s mop. Paediatrician Dr Ravindra
Chittal of Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, Mumbai,
explains, “ As the humidity plummets with
winter progressing, bosy and scalp hair tends
to become dry and brittle. The scalp tends to
become scaly, especially in children with
seborrheic skin, and those with infantile
eczema. As the seborrhoea worsens
it leads to itchiness of scalp and
hair fall.”

SOLUTION
Keep the scalp moist with
the application of gentle coconut
or olive oil, to avoid flakes, dandruff
and brittle hair. Keep the child’s body
hydrated to not let the hair and scalp become
dry from within. Use a mild shampoo to wash
the hair, but do not wash too frequently. Adding
Vitamin-E enriched foods like almond, broccoli
and spinach to your child’s diet, also helps
in shielding the hair against the cold. Dr
Mahajan suggests using a humidifier in
the child’s room to keep its scalp and
hair moist without the fear of
catching a chill.

November 2018 | 75
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Baby & Toddler Cover Plus

COMPLEXION COMPLEXITIES

PROBLEM
A baby’s skin is extremely
soft and prone to damage due to
lack to moisture. When the atmospheric
temperature drops, the delicate skin on its
cheeks and hands starts getting dry. Eczema
exacerbations are not uncommon if the skin becomes
too dry. Babies in diapers are at a risk of developing
a diaper rash due because they urinate frequently
in the cold. Paediatrician Dr Sunit Chandra Singhi of
Medanta, Gurgaon, makes a pertinent point as he
says, “children drink less water during winters;
but ironically, the body requires maximum
water during winters to keep itself hydrated.
Less intake of water/fluids is the main
cause for babies for develop skin
problems during winters.”

SOLUTION
Keep your baby hydrated with
water/fluids. Add some element of
Vitamin-E to her diet, to keep the skin
supple. Application of Vaseline or desi ghee
to the cheeks and chapped lips can make them
soft and prevent them from cracking. Apply a layer
of jojoba oil, coconut oil, or shea butter to the baby’s
body to keep it moisturised all over. While it is certainly
advisable to bundle up the child in warm clothing, Dr
Fernandes cautions against using fabrics and laundry
detergents that may harm the already tender skin.
“Use hypoallergenic laundry products” he says,
adding, “Also make sure to not use bathing
soaps that contain alcohol, fragrance,
retinoids, or AHAs.”

76 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Cover Plus
Baby & Toddler

DIGESTIVE TROUBLES

PROBLEM
Two types of digestive issues affect
children during winters – viral and non-
viral. Paediatrician Dr Chetan Ginigeri of
Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, explains, “In
places that see more than normal temperature
drop, children are known to get afflicted by
rotavirus, which causes diarrhoea and respiratory
problems. Rotavirus usually shows up during
the winter in kids between 6 and 24 months.”
Apart from that, as the digestive system
becomes sluggish in winter, children
can be at a risk of constipation.

SOLUTION
Paediatrician Dr Sanjay Sharma
from Columbia Asia Hospital,
Ghaziabad, advises to prepare your child
for winters by including fresh vegetables and
fruits, dry fruits, dairy products, nuts/oilseeds,
whole grains/legumes and limited amount
of ghee, in his/her diet. These will provide
necessary oil and fat, boost immunity and
ensure the digestive system works smooth.
Avoid processed and junk food as they
may take longer to digest. Rotavirus
vaccination should be taken at the
appropriate time.

November 2018 | 77
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Baby & Toddler Cover Plus

DENTAL DANGERS PROBLEM

With the temperature in the
winters dropping down, dental
problems like sensitivity and discomfort
become a common issue in kids. Children
face similar problems like adults, when it
comes to teeth. Babies who are teething,
and toddlers who may be having severe
cold, are prone to sensitivity, discomfort
and probably even tooth-ache during
winters, because of their oral cavity
getting exposed to the cold.

SOLUTION
“If your child suffers from tooth
sensitivity, do not give any edibles that
are too cold or too hot” says aesthetic dentist
Dr Karishma Jaradi of Dentzz Dental Care Centres.
“Regular brushing and flossing are the best ways
to evade any kid of dental issue from hampering your
child’s health. Also, maximise your number of dental
appointments with the paediatric dental expert to fix any
kind of unnoticed oral problems.” Babies who are on a milk
diet, are at a risk of developing dental caries due to the
sugar in the milk. This condition erodes the outer enamel
layer and makes the teeth more sensitive to cold. Be sure
to rinse the baby’s mouth once it consumes milk. It is
also advisable to keep the child from developing
sinusitis by giving appropriate medicine,
because that also leads to toothache and
general discomfort.

78 | November 2018
Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
 Baby & Toddler
Good Night

SWEET
DREAMS

Your baby dreams more than you! Discover what her

night-time adventures are all about

Y
MEET THE our baby sleeps a lot,
EXPERT though perhaps not exactly
quite when you want her
Dr Alan Greene to! At one week old, she sleeps for
is Professor of a whopping 16 hours a day. Even
Paediatrics at at 12 months old, she’s clocking
Stanford University, up 13 hours out of every 24. And
UK, and a during a lot of that snooze-time,
father-of-four, she’s busy dreaming. That’s pretty
DrGreene.com amazing. What is she dreaming
about, and why? Well, once you
know, you’ll be leaning over your
baby’s cot and smiling as you
watch her having sweet dreams.
WHY DOES SHE
DREAM SO MUCH?
“Just like adults, babies need
sleep to restore their bodies
and brains,” says Professor of
Paediatrics Dr Alan Greene. “We
all go through ‘sleep cycles’: when
we irst fall asleep, we’re in light
sleep and during this stage it’s
easy for us to wake up. Then we
start to move into deeper sleep,
which is when our brain is resting
and recovering; and then we go
back towards light sleep again.”
Each of your adult sleep cycles
takes about 90 minutes.
But your baby’s sleep cycles are
much shorter: she goes through

November 2018 | 79
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Baby & Toddler
her pattern of light sleep,
deep sleep, light sleep every 50
minutes. And because dreams
happen during the periods of
light sleep, and babies have more
of those than adults owing to their
shorter sleep cycles, babies dream
more than we do.
“As we surface from deep sleep
into light sleep, we enter Rapid
Eye Movement sleep (REM),”
explains Alan. “If you look at
anyone in REM sleep, you’ll see
their eyes darting about. Scientists
have measured brainwaves during
this stage of sleep and found
distinct patterns of brain activity
80 | November 2018
Mother and Baby
that show that we dream during
REM sleep.”
Armed with this knowledge,
scientists have discovered just how
much babies dream. “Children
dream more than adults, but
babies dream the most,” says
Alan. “Amazingly, it seems we
may be at our dreamiest when
we’re in the womb, from about
28 weeks of gestation.” When the
brainwaves of unborn babies are
measured, the results show that
they get around 10 hours of REM
dreaming sleep every 24 hours.
This declines during the irst
months of life, and by the time
Good Night
your baby is one year old, she’ll
be having ive hours of REM
sleep a night. That’s still a lot of
dream time, but it’s nothing like
the level she had before she
was born!
WHAT’S IN HER DREAMS?
“Of course we can’t ask babies –
unborn or newborn – about their
dreams,” says Alan. “But we think
we understand why they dream:
dreams help them make sense
of their experiences.” So think
about what experiences your
baby had to process while she was
in your womb. “There was a lot
going on!” says Alan.
motherandbabyindia.com
Good Night
“At 28 weeks your baby’s eyes
were open when she was awake.
So if you were outside in the
sunlight, she sensed the light.
Her senses of touch and hearing
were also developing in your
womb, and her sense of smell too
– aroma molecules can cross the
placenta, so she could smell the
things that you could smell.”
THREE SIGNS YOUR BABY IS DREAMING
TEENY TWITCHES Does your baby twitch in her
sleep? Scientists at the University of Iowa think
that these tiny movements might reveal which
physical skills your baby is working on. So if she
twitches her neck, it might not be long before
she’s supporting her head when she’s awake.
SWEET SMILES Tiny babies do smile. Even in
the first month of birth, if you see your baby with
a spontaneous smile during her sleep, she’s
probably enjoying a spot of REM dreaming.
LIVELY EYES She’s definitely dreaming if you
can see her eyes moving rapidly beneath her
eyelids. Scientists at Tel Aviv University have
discovered that as our eyes flicker quickly back
and forth in our sleep, the scenes in our dreams
are changing.
motherandbabyindia.com
Baby & Toddler
And if you don’t think she was
taking all that information
in, think again! In 2013,
researchers at the University
of Helsinki carried out an
experiment asking mums in
their inal trimester to play a
CD of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little
Star regularly to their unborn
babies. They were asked to stop
playing the CD after they’d
given birth, so the babies didn’t
hear the song again. When the
babies were four months old,
the song was re-played to them
and their brainwaves lit up –
they recognised the tune! This
experiment shows that babies
not only hear things when
they’re in the womb, but that
they can process the sounds and
remember them too. So during
all those hours that your unborn
baby spent dreaming, she was
processing her amniotic world
and trying to make sense of it.
And that processing carries on
when your baby is born. For
a newborn, everything is new
and overwhelming. Just think
how different what she’s seeing,
smelling, tasting, hearing and
touching is now she’s in the outside
world! And she’ll dream about
all these experiences, to help her
manage them. “While your baby
can’t tell you what she’s dreaming
about, there are clues about the
dreams she’s having,” Alan says.
“The big clue is how your baby
behaves when she wakes up. If she’s
happy and smiling, she’s probably
dreamt about cuddles and milk. If
she’s fussy and crying, she might
have been processing a less happy
experience – maybe being hungry
or when she didn’t like the way her
babygro felt.”
So to help her have more of
the nice dreams, make sure
that bedtime is a protected and
predictable time. Singing lullabies
is reassuring, as is skin-to-skin time
before bed – during feeding or
a regular before-bed cuddle.
HELP HER DEAL WITH DREAMS
As your baby gets bigger and
starts to talk, it’s common for
her to start telling you about her
vivid dreams – some good, some
not so good. But it’s reassuring
to know that dreams are mostly
happy experiences when she’s
very young. “We think that bad
dreams tend to be most common
in children aged between three
and six,’ says Alan. ‘By this age,
their imagination has taken
off and they can think about
things that they haven’t actually
sensed themselves, and they’re
developing a sense of fear.”
As she gets older, you can help
minimise the not-so-happy
dreams. “Nightmares help
children make sense of things that
they’re anxious about,” explains
Alan. “And one of the best things
you can do is to help her process
them. Once she’s old enough,
get her to draw a picture of her
dream – a squiggle is ine – and
to tell you what’s happening. You
could say, ‘You were being chased
by a monster? What happened
next?’ Then encourage her to ind
a positive end to the story – maybe
she escaped or became friends
with the monster.”
And remember that all those
dreams, good and bad, are serving
a purpose, and growing her brain.
From dreaming about the thud
of your heartbeat while she was
in your womb, and milk-illed
dreams as a newborn, to toddler
adventures with Peppa Pig, her
dreams are helping her make
sense of the world.
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Baby & Toddler
Clean up your act
Wipe right Everything that you need to know about baby wipes
BY POORVA CHAVAN
F
or every mum out there,
their baby’s health is the
top-most priority. When
it comes to hygiene and skin
care, moms are uber careful.
And rightly so; the baby’s skin
is sensitive and needs extra
attention especially when it is
subjected to regular wiping and
cleaning. Diaper rashes and
bacterial infections are a big
worry, and need to be curbed
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in time. While water and cotton
cloths have been conventionally
used for this purpose, today baby
wipes are a handy and convenient
option for most mums.
Different types of baby wipes
And what more can you ask for
when there are different types
of baby wipes available at your
disposal. Bum wipes are specially
designed to wipe the diaper area
of the baby. Since the area is
highly sensitive and subject to
rashes, bum wipes are usually
made of puriied water and are
gentler on the baby’s skin. In
fact, some brands also make oil-
based bum wipes. Kruti Sharma,
mum to 8-month-old Jay, says,
“I was advised to use only cotton
and sterilised water to wipe my
newborn’s bum. But, I wasnt
warming up to the idea at all.
I came across these oil wipes
from a renowned skin-care
brand, while I was browsing
on Amazon.
I decided to give it a go, and it
was the best decision ever! He
never suffered from dryness or
rashes. Having said that, it is only
because this was a credible brand
that I took the chance. It was
a pain sourcing for these
whenever they wen tout of stock
since they are imported.”
Then, there are hand and face
wipes which can be used to clean
other parts of the baby’s body.
These contain a moisturising
lotion and leave the baby’s skin
soft and hydrated. They are
especially formulated to get rid
of food stains, and help to clean,
well, baby’s hands and mouth,
in addition to sanitising feeding
bottles and accessories. Purvi
Shah, mum to 1.5-year-old Diwit,
says, “I love the convenience of
hand and mouth wipes,, whether
at home, or when travelling. Not
only do they help sanitise my li’l
one’s hands, they are also useful
with all the cutlery constantly
being thrown on the loor. The
ones that I use also keep stains at
bay, and make after cleaning
a breeze!” Apart from these,
there are a host of antibacterial
wipes available, including those
for surface as well as for fruits,
toys and baby’s feeding essentials.
These are apparently great
to ward off infections.
WHAT ALL WIPES CONTAIN
Preservatives
Most baby wipes contain
preservatives such as
methylchloroisothiazolinone/
methylisothiazolinone. It is a
commonly used preservative in
baby wipes and wet wipes and has
a combination of antibacterial
motherandbabyindia.com
Clean up your act
Baby & Toddler
and antifungal properties. Some
PROS
baby wipes also contain alcohol
Convenient
as a preservative, but can be
The one thing moms need the
harsher on the baby’s delicate
most today is the ease of using
skin. “Even though baby wipes
things. Using a cotton cloth and
are super convenient, I have
water for cleaning is highly time
always wondered about the effect
consuming. It needs access to
of preservatives of my baby’s
clean water which becomes
gentle skin,” says Aditi Mittal,
a hindrance when you are on the
mum to Itara, 2. “My daughter
go or travelling. Baby wipes are
has very sensitive skin, and is
easy to use, you can simply wipe
prone to eczema. So, I always
your baby clean and you are set.
used only plain water to wipe her.
Thankfully, that has helped in
Disposable
keeping the lareups at bay,”
The last thing moms need is
she adds.
extra laundry to do. Cotton
cloths are reusable which means
washing and disinfecting them
after each use. Baby wipes on
the other hand are one time use.
You can simply dispose them
after wiping. Since they are
use and throw, the chances of
infections are also reduced and
on the plus side there’s lesser
time spent cleaning the clothes
and more time with the baby.
Delicate on the skin
Constant wiping of the nappy
area with water and cotton cloths
can sensitise the baby’s delicate
skin making it vulnerable to
rashes and infections. Baby
wipes are inherently made of soft
cotton and contain moisturisers
that hydrate skin reducing the
Fragrances
Fragrances are added to baby
wipes to provide a better cleaning
experience. They tend to mask diaper
odour giving the mom and the baby
a cleaner and fresher feeling.
Moisturiser
Cotton cloths, if not soft, can
irritate the baby’s delicate skin.
As senior pediatrician Dr
Khandelwal says, “Undoubtedly,
clean, sterile water is best to wash
motherandbabyindia.com
chances of rashes, leaving the
skin soft and supple. They are
also delicate on moms’ hands
and keep them moisturised.
CONS
Skin allergies
The preservatives, moisturisers
and fragrances in baby wipes
after all are chemicals and can
be classified as allergens. While
they may seem harmless, their
continuous use may make the
baby’s skin more sensitive
which can lead to rashes and
skin allergies and infections.
Some studies have shown
that regularly use of baby wipes
may cause allergic and
contact dermatitis.
Environmental Hazard
Baby wipes are not easily
degraded making them a liability
on the environment. If you are
environmentally conscious, you
may want to stick to reusable
cotton cloths.
While baby wipes are convenient
and soft on the skin, you must
read the contents on the package
before buying. Avoid buying
wipes that contain alcohol and
fragrances. They tend to
irritate the skin and may
cause skin allergies.
baby with. But, if proper care is
not taken as regards the kind of
material used, it can do more
harm than good. One needs to be
extremely gentle as baby skin is
very prone to dryness. Ironically,
water in itself can be drying if used
in isolation. Besides, any residue
can cause infections.” Baby wipes,
on the other hand, contain a
moisturiser that leave the baby’s
skin soft and supple, thereby
reducing the chances of rashes.
November 2018 | 83
Mother and Baby
Baby & Toddler
Do Up!

Their own
space

Fill your kid’s room with larger-than-life colours and

style. All it takes is few creative ideas like these...
COURTESY: THE IDEAL HOME AND GARDEN
27 DIAMONDS INTERIOR DESIGN

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Mother and Baby motherandbabyindia.com
Do Up!
Baby & Toddler

ALTUS INTERIO

Be bright, be colourful - that’s

what always should come to mind
when doing kids room. Kids are
always vibrant and brimming
with energy - so design their
environment in such a way that
they never get bored, and spend
maximum of their time making
and creating memories.

DEEPTI KHANNA, FOUNDER,

DESIGNING SPACES

CLARKE & CLARKE

November 2018 | 85
motherandbabyindia.com Mother and Baby
Baby & Toddler Do Up!

ZYNNA

The combination of subtle greys,

soft pinks, blues, mint and
white furniture is timeless and
effortlessly stylish and ensures
longevity. Cotton curtains
having playful embroidery,
featuring cats and birds, add fun
to the scheme and gels with rest of
the accessories.

ROHIT KHEMKA,
FOUNDER, RR DECOR

It’s important when designing

a kid’s room to take into
consideration what the child is
into at that moment. Whether it’s
superheros or princesses, having
an inspiring space will likely
improve the child’s creativity and
overall happiness.

ANNA SHIWLALL, OWNER, 27

DIAMONDS INTERIOR DESIGN

DESIGNING SPACES
BY DEEPTI KHANNA

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Do Up!
Baby & Toddler
RR DECOR

OSBORNE & LITTLE

Study tables, wardrobes and beds need to be thoughtfully combined

to ensure optimum space utilisation. Modular systems are great
at this. You can get multiple space and furniture settings to suit
different age groups, needs and budgets.

ASHOK BASOYA,
FOUNDER, OTTIMO

November 2018 | 87
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Baby & Toddler Do Up!

ESSENTIA ENVIRONMENTS

The upcoming trends are from bold geometric to hand drawn style like doodle art in
soft colours like aguish, opal grey, peach nougat and soft green - they give a unique
look to the room. Accent cushions in copper and silver metallic add fun to the room.

ASHOK BASOYA,
FOUNDER, OTTIMO

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Do Up!
Baby & Toddler

MASPAR

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Baby & Toddler Do Up!

INTRASPACE

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Do Up!
Baby & Toddler

The best way to keep your

live-wire kids busy at home is
to bring a bit of the outdoors
in. Create climber wedge
on the walls, it is useful
whenever the kids crave for
adventure. Add props all
over the place, if possible take
into consideration the child’s
opinion when designing
the room.

AMIT AURORA & RAHUL BANSAL,

GROUP DCA

Decide on a focal point

while doing your kid’s room.
Design the focal point to be
your child’s favourite place
in the room. The reading
nook, is the perfect relaxing
spot, as its warm and
welcoming, and should be
strategically placed under the
window to maximise the use
of natural light.

MK KIDS INTERIORS
MEDINA KING, CREATIVE (IMAGE: DAVIS GEORGE)
DIRECTOR, MK KIDS INTERIORS

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Baby & Toddler Do Up!

ALTUS INTERIO

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Do Up!
Baby & Toddler

ZERO 9 SPACES & DESIGN

A kids room need to be stylish, fun, comfortable, cosy and practical.

Tranquil and muted subtle shades work well and nothing too
topical, as these date very quickly. Colours, design and style should
relect the child’s personality.

CLARKE & CLARKE

November 2018 | 93
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 Baby & Toddler
Expert Speak

Babyproof your home

they may fall down and
suffer grievous head injuries.
They may even go over the
surrounding pillows.
4. When they start walking and
Meet the running, be careful of wet loors.
8. The furniture at home should be
ixed. The movable ones increase
the risk of injury. Also, do not
place the sofa, chairs, and beds
near the window. Besides, there
should be

EXPERT Socks can be slippery, so make sure

Dr Bijal Shrivastava, MBBS and MD (Paediatrics),
is a neonatologist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital. She
works full-time as a pediatric consultant and has
been a pediatric practitioner for the last 12 years.
your tot is not wearing one when
he is walking around.
5. Doors’ edges and furniture’s sharp
ends should be cushioned, and
the closure of the doors should
not be complete.
6. Electric plugs should have
a grill on all windows.
9. Be careful that they don’t stick
their head out in between the
window grills.
10. Always keep the fridge, cupboards,
and closets locked, or your tot can
get locked in.
11. Never leave them alone in

I
t was a sunday. A four-year-old came a protective cover plate so that bathrooms and bathtubs.
with a bleeding little inger as it had children cant put their ingers 12. Avoid toys with sharp edges or
come between the doors. It was a inside it. loose parts or objects which they
badly injured inger for which he was 7. Toys should not be strewn around can aspirate on.
immediately operated upon and sadly, the loor. 13. Foreign body aspirations are very
the inger had to be amputated. common with coins, nuts,
seeds, marbles, buttons, pins,
This is one example of the many balloons, balls, popcorns,
incidents that occur in children. and small ornaments, so keep
Childhood accidents are increasing them beyond their reach.
and maximum take place at home, the 14. Lock cabinets which
one place where they are supposed contain tablets and syrups,
to be safe. Curious toddlers who want cleaning liquids, detergents,
to touch and explore everything can and insect repellents.
inadvertently create havoc in a home. 15. Be extra careful while
Some parents are content with the giving them a bath as the hot
chaos. But it only takes an off-balance water can burn their skin.
baby falling down the stairs once Make it a practice to check
before the safety mind-set sets in. Most the temperature of the water
accidents are completely avoidable and with your elbows.
taking certain preventive measures to
childproof your home can go a long All these precautions
way in saving your little one from also need to be taken in
mishaps. parental absence, means the
1. Less than two years old, especially caretakers such as a nanny,
infants, should not sleep on a single babysitters, older siblings,
bed with their parents, and should grandparents also need to
preferably sleep in a crib. know these preventive safety
2. Loose covers, pillows, plastic bags measures. Always leave your
shouldn’t be around children as they number and an emergency
may get choked. medical care number
3. When tots crawl, they can’t be left with them when you are
unattended for even a second, as not around.

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Saving young lives
DURING Joy of Giving Week
#DaanUtsav2018, four organisations
have come forward to support the
cause of treating children suffering
from CHD. CHD, the most common
congenital anomaly in newborn babies,
refers to the structural heart defects
during the birth of a child. Under this
unique partnership, children from
the Raigad district of Maharashtra will
be screened for CHD and supported
for their medical surgeries. Surgeries
would take place in Wockhardt
Hospital, globally renowned for their
What’s On
medical facilities and service. Oracle
began supporting heart surgeries for
underprivileged children suffering
from CHD throughout India in the
Spring of this year. Under the Project
Little Hearts, Oracle has taken a holistic
approach to support surgeries with
a dedicated grant of USD 100,000,
plus awareness-raising activities to be
planned over the course of the year. These two organisations both believe
Under the same project, Genesis in working at and from the grassroots
Foundation struck a unique partnership level, which ensures that the work does
with Swades Foundation to treat the not end at providing monetary aid but
children suffering from CHD in Raigad. reaches the ones who need it.

The importance of fats Raising mental

INTERNATIONAL symposium on ‘fats in maternal and health awareness
child health nutrition – Indian context’ was recently held MARIWALA Health Initiative
at National Institute of Nutrition. Speakers from India, (MHI), a philanthropic
USA, Canada, UK, Norway delivered art presentations on initiative by Harsh Mariwala
maternal and child nutrition with a focus on fatty acids. They dedicated to mental health,
emphsised on how fats and oils supply energy and essential has launched ReFrame at
building blocks for both mothers and babies. The symposium a mental health workshop on
highlighted the fat nutrition as it relates to Indian mothers’ the occasion of World Mental
health and babies with a focus on brain development and Health Day celebrated every
overall health. Fat consumption also inluences the balance year on October. This edition
of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids essential for the baby’s of ReFrame highlights how
growth. Dr Richard Bazinet, president ISSFAL, Research Chai people of various age groups
in nutritional neuroscience, University of Toronto also spoke face mental health concerns.
at length about the implications of genetic variation for fat Almost 9.8 million one to
nutrition in India. seventeen-year-old Indians
is in need of active mental
health support. Many new
mothers struggle every day
with postpartum depression.
The workshop was
conducted by well-known
experts in the ield of
mental health including
Deepa Pawar, winner
of 2018 Tell her Story
contest, Bhargavi Davar,
internationally known mental
health activist, and Arjun
Kapoor, a psychologist at
Centre for Mental Health
Law and Policy, and Rajvi
Mariwala, director of the
Mariwala Health Initiative.
The speakers focused on
critical counter-narratives to
any dominant norm related
to mental health. ReFrame
is not only an effort to
transform existing discussions
around mental health but
also to widen the scope for
participation in these
crucial conversations.

November 2018 | 95
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 W h a t ’s O n

Breastfeeding 101
FOR the irst time in India, lactation experts from all
over the world are coming together on a symposium
platform to throw light on common breastfeeding
concerns. They are also going to discuss the impact
of infertility on human lactation, induced lactation
for surrogacy, adoption, lactation management
in NICU for premature babies, managing sugar
levels in breastfeeding infants during the hospital
stay, prenatal and perinatal psychology, creating a
therapeutic space for breastfeeding experiences, and
much more. The ilm ‘Untying Breastfeeding’ will
also be screened in the symposium. The event will
take place on the 16th and the17th of November in
One Indiabulls Centre, Lower Parel, Mumbai.

Kids marathon
PARTY Sharty Entertainment
announced the fourth season of
Juniorthon, Mumbai’s longest run and
itness carnival for children, presented
by Radius Developers, the premium real
estate brand. Being organised on the
23rdof December at BKC at 6:00 am,
Juniorthon aims to promote running
as an active lifestyle for children and
their families. Juniorthonm will be
followed by a curated carnival boasting
of 50+ activities including a mix of
games, food, rides, itness activities,
workshops and a lot more for kids to
have fun while being it. The entries
for Mumbai’s longest under 15 kids run
and carnival for children and junior
athletes is open now. Parents can log
onto juniorthon.com to register their
kids for the run.
Juniorthon is organised in a very
professional manner with proper
safety measures. Every kid who
registers gets a kit which includes
run for a cause T-shirts, bib, time
chip, a Juniorthon kit with goodies,
an e-certiicate and inishers medal
on completing the run. Juniorthon
is categorised to accommodate
various levels of runners considering
age and distance. To support a
good cause and promote a healthier
future for children, the goal of this
long-distance run is to discourage
the ample use of video games,
television, fast food and visits
to shopping malls by children.
The children participating in
Juniorthon will take on the streets
of Mumbai, push their limits and
conquer a distance as a testament
to their physical endurance and
mental toughness to ight for this
cause. Further, all participants will
experience an in-depth training cum
prep-up session with an expert, who
will teach children to avoid injuries
and maintain stamina during the
run. The Juniorthon Carnival will be
free for all.

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 Fun O’Clock

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Poster

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