Walker Experiences

When the kid could stand on her own without any support and was attempting to walk, that is around her birthday, I gave her a walker which kind of looked like this, had 6 wheels, had a foot rest, sun shade, handling stand.  It is a bit expensive, we can invest on it if we start the kid early on on the walker, like when she/he is just sitting without support.

Like in various other posts, I was a no walker until the baby stands up mom...  The doctor has specifically mentioned not using the walkers until the baby does it on her own or stands up on her own at least.  To my horror, a few of my cousins  put the kid in the walker as and when she/he could sit up or make an attempt to sit as early as 6th or 7th month onwards.  Those kids walked real fast and met that milestone pretty fast, but still what doctor said lingered on in my mind.  I used to wonder when those moms compared milestones with my kid if I was depriving my kid of something by not providing an aid to walk... well, it is a personal choice to go for one or not.

My reviews on what I had used are as below...

  Sreya walked on her own only in her 13th month after her birthday.  She was able to stand and walk around the bed a little with the help of a the bed edge but nothing much..  As soon as I put her in a walker, within a week she was walking really well, halting a little but walking steadily. 

I had gotten her a rocker/walker/swing combo by Amardeep when she was 9 months old but since it had just 4 wheels and the kid tended to walk side ways rather than to the front, she had a couple of real bad falls even when we were close behind watching her, so my personal experience, for kids who have learnt walking and who are yet to learn, it is a bad choice of a walker.. DO NOT USE THIS AS A WALKER.  Rocker/stroller if you have a handling rod attached to it is fine.. but as a walker, strict NO.


The one in the topmost picture is the one like I said that could be bought if we start early... costs around 1600 to 2000/- which I felt is waste of money as the kid hardly used it for a couple of weeks. Again, it was because I started when she was totally ready to walk on her own, she had the stamina but did not know how to go about at that time, it was just a little push towards the final step... but like I already mentioned, early starters will have a little longer use of this...

If it is late starters like me, then this one which costs around 450/- to 500/- at the max should solve the purpose because once the kid starts walking on his/her own, she will no longer need this...

This one is a traditional yet good model which I got so that she can walk around on her own and since she was an on-the-go baby with most people carrying her all the while in the village, I had to have 2 spares, one to take wherever she goes and one to keep at home, this one was for us to carry around where she goes like a temple, any neighbors place, etc.

Above everything I would say round walker helped me a lot, relatively less expensive considering the very short span of time it had been used by me..

But as usual you need to keep a close watch when the kid uses it and ensure that the ground is even, without any ridges between stones/granite, uneven mud, etc.  With an active kid like mine, there were falls even in this when she started running around enthusiastically in this one when she realized that she could mobilize from one place to another and pull and pluck things :((.. so caution must be exercised at all costs...

The one in the picture is a sit to stand walker.. once the kid is walking on her own without falling, this would be of good use because with my kid, she used to bend forward a lot to play with the games rather than use it as an aid to walk... the toys in front provided distraction from walking, so I got the one in the toy section pictures with less games... It is according to me, not a very good buy for Indian kids or rather kids in India since it is very light, the kid would fall unless he/she understands grip.

I loved my traditional 3-wheeled walker, wooden one the best of all because that provided a good grip to stand on with the heavy wooden bottom.. will put up the pic when I get it from the neighbor I handed it over to..

Whatever be the walker, the ground rule is stay close, really really close and keep a watchful eye when you let others handle this for you.

Points on Child Abuse...

One thing that scares the hell out of me each time I think about... a fine line between being cautious and paranoid...

check it out here...

Childhood Depression??????.....

Isnt it really scary getting to know a lot of things right when you have a little kid to raise... pheww!! nothing to get scare (I tell this myself every day) just another insight, another view point... 
 

Check out...

Toy Review - 1

This is one post that I have been wanting to do for a while.. when I look at any sites for toy reviews, I get the review as a product but not a mother's review on it.. as to how useful it would be and stuff like that.y

When I knew I was pregnant, I must confess that one of the primary reasons to be happy other than the emotional part of it was that I could now buy and play with all the toys without getting those looks ;).. but only when it came to reality did I know choosing toys is the toughest job I had to date.. utilities are something which are a must and even when there is choice you know it fully well as to what suits the needs, but what suits the baby needs.. no idea!!

The first toy I got to her was a mobile for her cradle/swing, the traditional model with just toys, something like this, they say the first few months or at least a month the kid cannot focus on anything but still for my satisfaction... and with a month or so when the kid would play with her hands and feet they would touch the mobile toys and that would be a game for her.. later on as months passed by 3rd month beginning she was holding the toy and pulling it and trying to hold another one, so it was a good time-pass item is what I feel..  Along with these, we get those good old jhoomars plastic ones which make sounds with manual key, they like the sound and bright colors of them too... Alternatively, I tied a small brass temple bell to the swing which would make that sweet jingle noise when we swing the cradle and was pleasant to my ears, so you can try it as well.

Rattles:
Then came rattles, the typical hello baby plastic ones we get in Indian Market along with Etikoppaka wooden rattles that I got from Kalanjali and a few craft melas.. basically reading a lot about lead poisoning and effects of bad plastic usage I was kind of scared to use any toy as the kid tended to put everything in her mouth.  So, my obvious choice was washable ones with good plastic.

Sounds and Sights:
When the kid could recognize sounds and lights my hunt was for toys that would give out sound and also bright and safe for her and since I stayed in a remote area, the choice was less but the key with colors and sounds was something that I liked and the mobile phone which would recite ABCs and 123s with music and lights was the second one.

The cloth book which worked as a teether as well as a book and for sounds is a good pick too as the kid liked the bright colors, the plastic figurines worked as teethers and it was washable.

Then came the board books which had bright colors and pictures and more than as educational medium I used them for sights and even if she licked them or put them in water, I could just wipe them clean.. as for the books I prefer anything other than Vicky Series as the other models have bright photos closer to real ones rather than the painted ones in Vicky Series.. check out the pictures before you get them, they should appeal to the eyes.

When the kid could sit and play, I went to the stacking toys, both traditional Indian doll in doll ones and the FunSkool ones, the kid could not actually understand the doll-in-doll set but liked to play with bright rings and gradually learnt to stack them and now over time identifies colors as we talk casually, so it was a good investment too..

Finally, when she could sit and scribble on the floor and tear paper into pieces I went for this magic slate on which she could scribble and pass her time, however, this should be under strict supervision as the pen has a pointed edge and she can put it in eyes or hurt herself. and this is a toy only after a year or so..

One more toy set that caught my attention and was really helpful in keeping her occupied was the vegetable and fruit set, plastic ones which were available in the market.. the colors were bright, they looked good and the kid had a nice time playing with them... we should, however, be there all the time to see that the kid does not put them in mouth and check the set and see if there are any toys with sharp edges.  I must say these are the ones which provided her a lot of playtime when she was just about rolling over and sitting up with support, the bright colors caught her fancy and she used to play with them happily... As a toddler, she happily carries them around in a basket and gives them one by one when we ask their names, so it is fun and educative at the same time.

Puppets:

These hand puppets and finger puppets are good interactive toys as we can make sounds and play act a lot of things and the kid loves it when we speak in funny tones... since I was a non TV person, she had to make do with these active play sessions.. Thanks Caps for the idea, your rabbit gift gave me ideas to get more..

Swing:

The swing which kind of looks like this is a good source on enjoyment and once the kid was sitting upright on her own, I got her this one.. in fact a few of them and set up at various locations so that she can swing and watch out things on road, she loves it and so do I as it keeps her busy.. but the down side is she is so used to it that she wont sleep without a swing ;).


Bath Toys:

The plastic ducks, kitty toys, Mickey set and the other toys which would make that squeaky noise are good for bath time when the kid starts throwing tantrums to lie down still or sit up still.. these are of good use to me now after one year.

When she came to the age where she could sit with confidence and needed no support then I went for a baby pool as it was summer.. this was an inflatable pool and provided ample of cushoning for the kid to sit it, splash in some water and have fun.. I used to throw the plastic veggies, bath toys and a ball and the kid would just squeal and play with delight, so according to me a good buy... the balls that you get in the market, those very soft exercise balls would be a good idea rather than the plastic ones.. remember the smiley ones, yellow ones... also, the ball in the picture is an inflatable one with colorful designs, light weight and a good source of entertainment.

Since I was a strict no-walker until she stands on her own parent, I had gotten her a sit to stand walker, which had some play stuff in front and 4 wheels to walk which we made her do under supervision.  The kid initially was scared to walk on it alone but now when she loves walking all over she likes using it like a stroller and have loads and loads of fun pushing it around.. I have the traditional wooden 3-wheel walker which was of great help too as it was heavy, it provided her the much needed balance.  This plastic one however, is very light weight and when the kid is learning to walk, it is not a good idea as the grip to stand is not provided.  So, for starters go for the sturdy old wooden one and go for this later on if you have space to put it at home :).  There are ones in the market with more toys and frills in the front but the kid's focus would be more on front than on walking, so went for a simple one, this one cost me 450/-

Pillow Toys:
One gift that my mom got and I and the kid love to bits are these convertible pillow toys.. which she can play with during the day and sleep on them at nights, so they are her full-day companions and the bright colors make them appealing to the eye.  They are easy to wash and light weight.  The velcro underneath it makes them toys and undo the velcro and it is a pillow, priced at 100/- each, they are a good buy.

The latest to the collection is her tricycle.. she is mostly an outdoor person and I cannot carry her around, so I find it really useful... it is different than the conventional ones in that it has a handle which can be used to push along without bending, has a sun guard, foot rest and a whole lot of attachments which can later on be taken out as the kid's requirements keep changing..  This particular one has a supporting rod and hand rest like a stroller which would keep the kid inside without falling forward, the tyres are strong and I feel that 1900/- bucks that I spent for is worth it as I can use it for the next couple of years conveniently.

More later... waiting for a lot more reviews from this site users... moms, please help!!!

Brushing Teeth

Babies can begin teething at 3 months old; however it is more common for babies to begin teething around 6 to 7 months old. The first teeth that will appear are usually the lower incisors or front teeth. By the age of 3, children should have their complete set of 20 "pearly whites." It is never too early to begin a regular brushing routine with your child.

As the teeth grow, use a toothbrush that is designed for your child's age, as indicated on the package. Avoid using toothpaste that contains fluoride until your child is old enough to understand that swallowing the toothpaste should be avoided.

Use the correct brushing and flossing method, when caring for your child's teeth. Most children like to show their independence by doing tasks, such as brushing their teeth, on their own. Allow your kids brush their teeth themselves, either before or after you have completely removed all of the plaque. You should, however, brush your child's teeth twice a day until he is able to brush his own teeth correctly, around the age of six. When you are confident your child is capable of brushing alone, buy an egg timer or use a stop watch and time your child's brushing for the recommended two minutes. When complete, always do a final inspection. Remember to applaud your child on a job well done, and if you do notice any teeth that have been missed, visually show your child the area and demonstrate how he should remove the plaque or food.

I personally find the complete set very useful... it is a product of Summer Infant and it is one of those paisa vasool items I bought for Sreya.. the finger brush and its buds are useful pre-toothing stage.. 3 months age and upwards with very soft bristles and help in bite gum stimulation... the top most one in the picture is the gum stimulator which the kid uses to bite on to satisfy that teething urge and can used up to about a year or so until the pearly whites pop up... Sreya cut her first tooth when she was close to a year and now has 4, so I used the second one up to a year and even now.. in fact, I let her pick up whatever brush she wants to and go about brushing or do brushing acting.. the finger brush, however, is dangerous to mom's fingers after the teeth eruption ;)...

Right now, we have graduated to the third brush, where I just give it to her after washing and she munches on it happily, I just clean her tongue also with the brush as the bristles are really soft...

Coming to the toothpaste.. Orajel is one brand which caters to non-fluoride age group.. am doing a little bit research on it, so more on it once I gather it... Since I can manage to get Orajel through friends and relatives, it is manageable as of now but I want to search on what is available in Indian market for that tricky age group..

Need For Brushing:
1.  Wide spread misconceptions are that you need to clean the teeth only after they pop out, nope gum and mouth cleaning and gum stimulation is very much vital to how the teeth will erupt in the long run, so care starts right as a newborn, so keep working at it...
2.  Milk teeth do not have to taken care of well, they are eventually going to fall out anyways... nope, they are the foundation for the actual teeth, so the care is as much vital as the others...

Care
****
**As a newborn, after 3 months, clean the gums with a very soft cloth and warm water both clean and sterile.
**As an infant, the finger brush.
**In infant to toddler transition, either a brush or a stimulator.
**Toddler, tooth brush along with paste (non-fluoride).

Selecting a Tooth Paste
********************
- Fluoride :
. Below 4 years of age – do not use fluoridated toothpaste as till this age, the child ingests part of the toothpaste.
. Between 4 to 14 years of age – fluoride is required in toothpaste as at this age the teeth enamel is permeable and therefore benefits from the fluoride.
. Above 14 years of age – fluoridated toothpaste is not required as the teeth enamel is no longer permeable and therefore the fluoride is not used. Excess fluoride may lead to fluorosis.
- Attractive color (if possible).
- Should produce foam.
- Change the toothpaste every time you buy a new pack as frequent use of the same formulation makes the bacteria present in the teeth resistant to that toothpaste. (This applies to you too).
- Do not use only gel based toothpaste for your child as gels serve more as mouthwash rather than for cleaning teeth. Keep changing the type of toothpaste the child uses.

So, you can ask for toothpaste for child, many are available, including Oral-B, Podflor, Kidzee etc.
But always remember ... It is the brushing action which is more important than the toothpaste used. For the child to have healthy teeth it is important to make him aware of the importance of good dental hygiene right from early age – Brushing twice a day, regular visits to the dentist, sensible eating and no neglect of caries even of milk teeth.
Do not feed the kid anything other than water before the bedtime... even if you have to feed them milk in sleep make sure they drink a little bit of water to wash down the liquid thoroughly from the mouth as the bacteria will work full force during nighttime.

Brushing and oral hygiene is very much vital in childcare.. we take utmost care as to what goes into her tummy, food wise, so it has be an extra-cautious attempt to see to it that entry to the stomach is clean as well ;).

Bronchitis and Kids

1) Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (the airways that carry air to lungs). Bronchitis is of two types: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis presents with cough, with or without the production of sputum, mucus. It usually occurs during the course of an acute viral illness such as common cold. Viruses cause about 90% of cases.

Chronic bronchitis is something in which cough persists for years, this is not seen in children, and it’s more common in chronic smokers. So what we see in children is just extension of cold to airways, it’s usually a mild infection, doesn’t need any specific treatment in most of the cases. Just need treatment as of cold only. Need antibiotics, if it’s because of bacteria only in 10% cases. So, you need to worry for that, just see if your child doesn’t get better in normal course of time, take him to doctor, to see any need for antibiotics or not.

2. Asthma is something where there are inherited allergic tendencies in lungs to get spasm. It may be lifelong sometimes. So, bronchitis is different from asthma.

3. If cough cold and fever doesn’t settle in 3-5 days, and cough increases, its time for you to talk to your doctor for any need of antibiotics.

4. No specific precautions, just same what to take to prevent common cold, hygiene etc. You can’t restrict always him always form playing in water or taking ice creams. Just be sensitive if needed in taking early medical advice. It’s because of infection, which is there in air.

5. Child can’t spit sputum, its difficult.

Kids and Beauty..

I am not too keen on outer beauty as much as the inner but I am sure a little bit of external charm would do no harm.

As long as you ensure that the kid is not obsessed with self and gets looks conscious, it is perfectly alright.

Kanti has shared an amazing collection in her blog, which I am posting here for reference.
Please check the compilation over HERE.