November 20

Introducing Weaving to Kids

Introducing Weaving to kids

Introducing weaving to your toddler is a lot more fun. It brings excitement among kids and helps boost their concentration power. When I introduced weaving to Kreesha, she started placing beads to her fingers to get the grip and gradually she learnt the weaving technique. I can directly show you how to introduce weaving to your kids, however, I prefer sharing the benefits and challenges you might face while introducing this new skill to your toddler. 

Why is introducing Weaving to kids important?

  • It helps strengthen fine motor skills (Pincer Grasp)
  • Eye – Hand Coordination
  • Pattern and sequencing understanding
  • Understanding of Spatial Concepts
  • Enhances visual tracking
  • Boosts creativity
  • Keeps the child calm and composed

Stages of Weaving

  • Introduction – I introduced weaving to Kreesha with straws – basket and thread – beads. Starting with daily household material helps kids to adapt to new development easily. They don’t consider the new activity as some rocket science.  
  • Introducing Patterns – Once Kreesha got used to the method of weaving I introduced patterns to her. Like, Straw colour pattern / Beads colour pattern / Basket pattern. 
  • Ribbon / Yarn weaving – Once the child gets familiar to patterns, we can move ahead one step to ribbon / yarn weaving. All you need is different colour yarn threads / ribbons, threaded frame (can be homemade). The yarn weaving helps kids develop creativity and enhances their imagination. 
  • Paper Plate weaving – Paper plate weaving is a little tricky as it involves a needle. I would not advise paper plate weaving till the child is 4 years old and that too under complete supervision. Paper plate weaving helps build movement understanding among kids. 

Fun Weaving Patterns for Preschoolers

  • Loom Weaving – You can use any material as a loom which has a net pattern. 
  • Paper Weaving – Kids can weave paper strips to a larger paper with pattern cutout.
  • Branch Weaving – A broken branch of a tree is also good to introduce weaving to kids.
  • Frame Weaving – A wooden frame or a popsicles frame is also a good option for kids to weave a pattern.
  • Cardboard Weaving – You can make holes in the cardboard for your kids to weave a beautiful pattern
  • Window Weaving – If you have grills on your window pane, your kid can enjoy the weaving on the same as well. 
  • Large room weaving – Convert a large room to weaving loom by attaching strings / threads to corners / walls / furniture of the room. This activity is also a fun activity for your child’s friends during birthday parties.
  • Outdoor weaving – Get your child out in the garden and find a loom for your child to weave various leaves or stems. 

Love,

Wonder Mom

Category: Fun Activities | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 18

Diaper Rash – All you need to know about

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is one of the common problems infants suffer from. The common age for diaper rash is usually Newborn – 18 months. In this article, I will be sharing the common causes, treatment and precautions to avoid such a situation for your child. 

What is Diaper Rash?

It is a form of inflammation in skin, mostly generic. The baby’s bottom and thighs have a bright red patch causing itching and pain to the child. 

Causes

There are various reasons:

  • Wet diaper – if your baby’s diaper has been sogged with too much urine / poop, then the baby is very prone to get diaper rash
  • Prolonged use of a single diaper – Do not keep your baby for long hours in a single diaper. Frequent change of diaper is must to avoid any sort of skin problem.
  • Sensitive skin – Consult your paediatrician to check if your baby has any skin problems or if the skin is sensitive. In case of sensitive skin, use the doctor’s recommended products for your baby’s wellness
  • Urine / stomach Infection – If the baby has urine or stomach infection, this may also rash to baby’s bottoms. The excreted urine and poop would have the infectious bacteria causing rash to baby
  • Diarrhea – Too much urine during diarrhea causes skin irritation and wet diapers. It is advisable to change diapers immediately once you feel they are wet and heavy. 
  • Chafing – Sometimes we tend to tighten the diapers too much that it gets scratched with skin causing rashes.
  • New food introduced causing allergic reaction – If you have introduced new foods to the baby, check for any allergic signs. Sometimes, food allergies may lead to diaper rash also.
  • Intake of antibiotics – If the baby / breastfeeding mother is on antibiotics, it may lead to excessive heat in the body resulting to diaper rash

Treatment

  • Use of Diaper Rash Cream
  • Avoid using baby powders or cornstarch
  • Wet clean your baby bottom during every diaper change

Prevention is better than cure

  • Change diapers frequently even at nights
  • Use barrier cream before every change
  • More hours for without diapers
  • Wash baby bottoms thoroughly after every diaper change
Category: Experiences | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 17

Haven is Still Far Away 

We have started to settle our lives
Create our identity in the new world
Glad to be on step two
But the haven is still far away

The result of this new beginning
Now we will also have name and fame
In this crowded world
I want to make an identity of self
But the haven is still far away

Will Neither stop nor be tired
I'll just keep moving
Everyone will know me
I would such deeds
But the haven is still far away

The journey has started
Now this convoy will grow
Wonderful world of Wonder Mom
Will now be everyone's small world 
But the haven is still far away

Love,

Wonder Mom

Category: Poetry | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 9

Palak Ragi Roti

Palak Ragi Roti

It’s winter time and Palak Ragi Roti is one of the best foods for toddlers and even elders. It helps is easy digestion and is rich in vitamins. I have shared the benefits of Ragi for toddlers in my previous post. Today, I will be sharing benefits of Spinach as well as Spinach + Ragi for toddlers.

Nutritional Value of Spinach

NutrientsAmount (Per 100 grams)
Energy23Kcal
Fibre2.2 grams
Proteins2.9 grams
Carbs3.6 grams
Natural Sugars0.4 grams
Fats0.4 grams
Magnesium79 mg
Calcium99mg
Potassium558 mg
Phosphorus49 mg
Iron2.71 mg
Sodium79 mg
Manganese0.897 mg
Copper0.130 mg
Zinc0.53 mg
Selenium1g
Vitamin C28 mg
Vitamin B1 ( Thiamin)0.078 mg
Vitamin A469 g
Vitamin E2 mg
Vitamin K483 g
Source: US Department of Agriculture

Benefits of Spinach for Toddlers

  • Spinach is rich in water content and thus keeps the kids hydrated for longer time
  • The fibers present in spinach help in digestion and also reduces gastro problems
  • The Iron rich spinach strengthens bones and muscles of kids
  • Being the richest source of Vitamin A, Spinach helps is vision correction and proper vision in kids
  • Spinach has antimicrobial elements which help kids fight urinary infections
  • Rich in nutrients, Spinach helps kids fight off viruses and bacteria
  • Spinach kills the parasitic worms, which can otherwise harm babies

Palak Ragi Roti Recipe

Ingredients:
  • Ragi Flour (Finger millet) – 1 cup
  • Wheat flour – 1/2 cup
  • Spinach, blanched n chopped – 1 Cup
  • Half Onion grated
  • Red chilli powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cumin powder  – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ajwain – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt as taste
Process:
  • Mix all ingredients in bowl. Gradually add lukewarm water to make a soft dough.
  • Set aside for half an hour to raise the dough.
  • Divide in equal balls to roll into slightly thick roti. Place on heated tawa, cook on both sides with medium flame. Apply ghee / low fat butter and serve hot with curd.

Category: Recipes | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 5

Tummy Time = Fun Time

Tummy Time

It’s fun time for your infant. Kids enjoy this exercise and consider more of a play activity. Tummy time strengthens their muscles and help them grow as a strong individual. The American Academy of Pediatricis suggests that tummy time should be started as the child gets back home from hospital.

What is tummy time?

It is a technique to enable your infant to move their hands and legs. The kids are laid down on their stomach with some toys and playful things around. This helped her in early crawling and walking. 

“Tummy Time is one of baby’s first exercises—and the most important! It is the period during the day your baby spends awake and on their stomach. It is a crucial exercise for baby’s visual, motor, and sensory development. Baby can begin Tummy Time as a newborn, and continue throughout baby’s first year.”

Pathways.org

Benefits for your new born:

  • Develop their core muscles of back, shoulders and neck
  • Meet developmental milestones easily
  • Enhanced Motor skills
  • Prevents flat head

How to do?

  • The preferred and suggested time by doctors for is after the baby wakes up from a nap or after diaper change
  • Preferred place: Clean floor with playmat or clean towel
  • Baby Position: Baby lying on his/her tummy over the mat / towel
  • Tools: Place some likeable toys for baby to stay motivated
  • Time: Twice / thrice a day for 4 – 5 minutes each session
  • Follow up – Increase the time slowly as your baby starts enjoying the sessions.

“Always Remember: Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play!”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Activities for kid

  • Get down with your baby
  • Place interesting toys
  • Chat with your kid
  • Place a mirror to let baby watch him / her making moves
  • Encourage your child by clapping, pointing fingers for them to hold

Love,

Wonder Mom

Category: Fun Activities | 1 Comment on Tummy Time = Fun Time
November 3

Mom’s Breastmilk is good

Breastmilk

Mom’s breastmilk is good, in fact the best for a newborn baby. But what if you don’t produce enough milk to feed your child. It is absolutely fine. The scenario wherein a baby doesn’t feel full after being breastfed is completely acceptable. There are various reasons for the insufficient supply of mother’s milk. Some of the them are:

Cesarean Delivery

One of the most common scenarios where breastmilk is insufficient for the baby is the cesarean deliveries. Cesarean deliveries affect the mother’s body to an extent once cannot imagine. There is a hormonal imbalance, lack of contraction in the uterus resulting in fat accumulation.  

Compared to normal delivery, where a woman pushes out the baby with uterus contractions the risk of hormonal imbalance is minimal. The body has naturally given birth to a new life and thus the process of milk production starts naturally. 

For cesarean deliveries, a mother is separated from her child immediately after delivery for 4-6 hours. The natural contractions and hormonal doesn’t take place. Furthermore, the child is first fed with powdered milk and does not get close to the mother for feed. This creates the very first barrier for breastmilk production. 

Nutrition & Balanced Diet

To retain nutrients in her body and to be able to produce enough milk for the baby, a mother should have a balanced diet. However, it is not necessary that a standard diet plan suits all. Every mother is different and so are there needs in terms of nutrition and balanced diet. Always consult a dietician after your delivery for a personal recommended diet plan. 

Lactation Consultant

Out of my personal experience, I have highlighted this point. After cesarean delivery, a mother definitely needs a lactation consultant. Since the baby is fed with powdered milk the very first time and later requires assistance in latching to the mother, a lactation consultant plays an important role here. The consultant helps the mother and the baby strengthen their bond and gradually improves  the breastmilk supply for the child to feel full. 

Love,

Wonder Mom

Category: Experiences | LEAVE A COMMENT