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Being a parent is no cakewalk; ask any mom or dad for that matter! Things are most challenging in those difficult times when the little one contracts a disease. The child suffers and the parent shares and bears her agony. Of course, you take her to the doctor and feed her the prescribed medicine, but […] The post 40+ Home Remedies Infants (0 to 1+ Year-Old) for Cold, Cough, Loose Motion, Vomit, and Fever appeared first on...

Being a parent is no cakewalk; ask any mom or dad for that matter!

Things are most challenging in those difficult times when the little one contracts a disease. The child suffers and the parent shares and bears her agony. Of course, you take her to the doctor and feed her the prescribed medicine, but the aches do not go away with just a few doses. It is heart-wrenching to see your precious angel gulp for breath as her nose is blocked or lose her smile because her food did not sit well with her sensitive digestive system.

I can’t help but think of a January night, when my 1-year-old didn’t sleep all night and me and the husband kept taking turns bouncing him up and down all night long. The minute we lay him down he started crying and we had no clue what was going on. Come morning, we rushed to the paediatrician who nebulized him and then explained to us that my son was having trouble breathing because of a bad case of sinusitis. We continued with the antibiotics for a few days, but on day 3 as a godsend my mom came to visit and she shared her golden nuskhas for cold, cough and many other ailments.

To this day I follow her instructions on the first ring of cough or the slightest of a tummy ache. Suffice to say my son was feeling better in no time, and he always bounces back pretty quick with his nani’s invaluable remedies!

This post lists 40+ home remedies to give your suffering child some relief until the point the medicines take over and do their job. Here, you will find simple solutions using home ingredients that work like a charm to cure several health issues that commonly bother young children.

So, put on your reading glasses and note down some time tested remedies – after all a super-parent does not deserve to see their child in pain.

Home Remedies for Babies Up To 6 Months

Remedies for Cold and Cough

#1. Breast Milk

There is no better ingredient to turn to or depend upon but Mother Nature’s own antidote of all possible diseases in infants. Make sure your child his having her fill with your milk even when she is suffering from the common cold. Her appetite might be less, so feed her less at a time and feed her more often. Breast milk will work its wonders when it hits your child’s system and speeds up the healing in its own way.

#2. Squirt Breast Milk in Nose

A few tiny drops will do. This will work exactly like a nasal drop and will clear the passage in an instant. But resort to this only when your child is suffering a lot. Otherwise, stick to this next home ingredient.

#3. Saline Water

You can make it at home by adding a pinch of salt to some amount of water. Then, put a few drops of this mixture in the blocked nose of your child. Saline water will help to unblock a stuffy nose and restore normalcy in your life.

#4. Garlic & Ajwain Fumes

Garlic is a very powerful medicine with anti-bacterial properties. Ajwain (carom seeds) also kills viruses and bacteria. Roast 2–3 big cloves of garlic and put a few pinches of Ajwain on Tawa for just one minute. Let the mixture cool down and keep it near your child. The fumes will work wonders for your child and that blocked nose will vanish. Again, a remedy for the extreme conditions!

#5. Light Steam

Naturally, you cannot take your baby near-boiling water but you can bring the boiling water to your baby. Heat some water in a pan up to a boil and let it sit beside your child. The steam will fill the room up, heat things up, and let the accumulated mucus flow out. This will shoo that common cold right away.

#6. Keep babies head elevated

Babies feel difficulty in sleeping when suffering from blocked nose and cold. Elevate your baby’s head with the help of pillow or cushion while she is sleeping to minimize her discomfort. Sleep is the best cure to cold and she needs to be at peace to sleep better.

#7. Hot Oil Massage

Light massage of hot mustard or coconut oil will help your baby to get relief from her cough and cold. You may heat the coconut oil with drumstick leaves or add a few tulsi to turn your potion herbal. Do massage on the chest and back of your baby and allow the heat to seep into her infected areas.

#8. Diffuse Essential Oils in Room

Essential oils (EOs) are extracts of plants. They can come from the roots, leaves, flowers, stems, or a mixture of these. The essential oils that are good to diffuse to help with nasal congestion are Cedarwood, Clove, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lemon, Melaleuca, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Thyme. Dilute essential oils with water and put in a diffuser for better results.

Home remedies for fever in babies

#1. Skin to Skin Contact with mom

This home remedy should not be surprising to you! Your baby will seek her mom’s presence when she is feeling sick. Give her that, holding her close, comfort her and help her to sleep. She will sleep better in your arms than the cradle during fever and that will drive down the menacing temperature.

#2. Lukewarm Bath

A warm bath helps in bringing the temperature to normal. Give your child a lukewarm bath in the tub or by the sponge. You can also add some vinegar to lukewarm water. That also helps.

#3. Onion in Socks

Yes, you read that right! Traditionally, onions are used to cure fever in India. Cut the onion into 2–3 pieces and put under the feet, inside the socks of your child. Works best when the child is sleeping.

Home remedies for gas in the stomach

#1. Burp after every feed

You have to understand why babies have gas problems more often than elders. When infants drink milk, air accompanies the food into their throat & stomach. The sound of burp happens when the air is released from the stomach. As they said, prevention is better than cure. So, always burp your baby after every feed and in-between the feed.

#2. Exercising baby’s legs

If your baby is feeling uncomfortable with the gas problem, then help her in exercising by cycling legs for two minutes. Don’t do this exercise immediately after feeding but give a time gap of at least 30 minutes. Folding and pressing both legs towards the stomach will also help to release gas.

#3. Stomach massage

Light massage on the stomach will help soothe your child. You can use baby oil as well or just stick to mustard or coconut oil. Do tummy massage for five to seven minutes with light hands.

#4. Hing (Asafoetida)

Hing is a very effective Indian home remedy for gas-related issues in children. Take a spoon of warm water and put a pinch of hing into it. You cannot give hing to infants directly by mouth so apply the Hing water on your child’s abdomen or around baby’s navel in the anti-clockwise direction.

#5. Warm Towel

Boil some water in the pan. Soak a clean hand towel into hot water and squeeze out excess fluid. Check the temperature and make sure the towel is not too hot for the child. Place the warm towel on the tummy of your child and it will start giving relief to your kiddo almost instantly.

Home Remedies to Stop Vomiting & Lose motion in infants

#1. Gripe Water

Gripe water is an effective remedy for diarrhoea in babies. Gripe water gives relief to the stomach and helps cure loose motions.

Home Remedies for babies more than 7 months

Cure a cold & cough with Home-Based ingredients

#1. Dry roasted turmeric rub

The antibacterial properties of turmeric make it an effective solution to treat cough and cold naturally. Take a dried turmeric root, burn it and make a turmeric powder from it. Apply turmeric paste (turmeric powder & few drops of water) on the baby’s nose to help her get relief from blocked nose.

#2. Use VapoRub

Rub VapoRub to bottom of your baby’s feet and chest at night, cover her feet with cotton socks. Your baby will get instant relief from cough. VapoRub actually do not remove congestion, it makes baby feel better with its cooling action.

#3. Tulsi Water

Tulsi juice helps to get relief from cough, cold and fever. Boil a few leaves of tulsi in water & give this water to your baby or you can add 2–3 spoons of tulsi water into baby’s milk.

#4. Boiled water with cumin seeds

Cumin seeds have essential oils that can prevent viral infections & help to cure cough & congestion. Cumin seeds strengthen immunity system as well. Boil cumin seeds in water & give it to your baby when lukewarm.

#5. Carrot Juice

Carrot juice contains essential nutrients, a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrients found in carrot juice helps to control cough. Extract the juice from fresh carrots, dilute it with filtered water & feed it to your little one.

#5. Warm Vegetable Soup

Give seasonal vegetable soup, Kala channa soup, dal soup or tomato soup to your baby. Warm soups give warmth to your baby’s chest and throat and the nutrients of the vegetables will also reach her to add on to her own fighting strength.

Remedy for Fever in babies

#1. Egg Whites

Take two pairs of socks. Dip one pair of socks into egg whites and cover the little one’s feet with it. Now put the second pair of socks on top of the wet socks. This combo will immediately bring down your child’s temperature

#2. Onion Juice

Onion is great to treat cough, cold & fever. Grate some pieces of onion, make one spoon of juice from it. Feed it to your baby and that will work on her fever. It’s an effective home remedy for infants.

Natural remedies for Gas (7+ month)

#1. Fennel seeds water

Fennel seeds reduce the production of gas in the stomach and give quick relief from stomach problems like bloating, gas. Boil one tsp of fennel seeds in one cup of water for 10 minutes on low flame. When it cools down, strain it & give two tsp of fennel seeds water to your little one. Keep giving it on regular intervals.

#2. Ginger

Ginger is always a great solution to relieve gas and stomach discomfort. But use it very carefully for infants.

Home Remedies for Baby Vomiting and Diarrhea (7+ month)

#1. Keep hydrated, give ORS

Give your baby plenty of fluids. Babies tend to dehydrate faster than adults. Give your baby ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts). ORS is a special combination of dry salts that is mixed with safe water. It helps to replace the fluids lost due to diarrhoea.

#2. Pomegranate Juice

Give pomegranate juice at regular intervals. This will not only soothe the discomfort in the baby’s tummy but the fruit will also help in fighting the disease.

#3. Sabudana Water

Give your baby sabudana water which helps to control motions in babies. Soak sabudana for 1 hour. Then put sufficient water and keep it on boiling mode till the sabudana gets completely immersed in water. Give this water to your baby to cure loose motions.

#4. Jeera with Curd

Curd helps to cure diarrhoea. Give your baby fresh curd with roasted cumin seeds/ jeera powder. Or you can add half a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt and give it to your baby.

#5. Mashed Banana

Give your baby mashed banana. Or you can try to give banana with a little curd. It is the most traditional home remedy to stop motions and works wonders. Bananas also provide strength and energy, much needed when your child keeps losing all her vigour.

#6. Papaya

Papaya is the best fruit to eat when your child’s stomach is upset. You can make a routine of giving papaya to your child in the afternoon or morning to keep his stomach fit.

Natural remedies for children 1 year and above

Cold & Cough remedies for 12-month-old kids

#1. Honey with Lukewarm water

Honey can be given to children above one year of age. Just give one spoon of honey with lukewarm water for best results. You can also dissolve honey in warm water and add a few pieces of ginger in it. Even garlic works wonders to bring down that cold.

#2. Jaggery, Cumin, Black Pepper Soup

Boil cumin seeds (jeera) in one glass of water. Add some ground black pepper and jaggery for sweetness. It’s an effective and safe remedy for cold and cough.

#3. Turmeric Milk

Turmeric milk is the remedy for all ages. Serve the milk hot with some turmeric in it and let it act on that cold. 2-3 glasses for 3 days and all that suffering will vanish.

#4. Betel & Tulsi Leaves

Boil betel and tulsi leaves together for 5 minutes in one glass of water. Give the syrup to your child 2-3 times a day. It will soothe the itching sensation in the throat and also act on the infection.

#5. Bhindi Soup

Take exactly one bhindi (ladyfinger) and cut into small pieces. Boil it in one cup of water for 5 minutes until you see a thick soup-like formation. This simple recipe is effective in curing cold for your little one.

Remedies for vomit & lose motion (1 year and above)

#1. Cinnamon & Honey

Cinnamon and honey are good for chest and stomach related problems in kids. If your child is vomiting or having loose motions, then give a spoon of honey with a pinch of cinnamon powder.

#2. Amla

Amla helps in curing many stomach related diseases but it is difficult to eat for children. You can squeeze a few drops of amla juice and add some honey to sweeten it.

#3. Karela Juice

No child ever loved Karela, but that is what cures indigestion problems the best. Maybe you will have to force-feed it to your kid and swallow a few tantrums but Kerala is a must. Juice it up to make it easy for your child to consume and help her to finish it in one gulp.

#4. Nutmeg (Jaifal)

Nutmeg is a powerful herb for healing vomiting. Boil one teaspoon of nutmeg in a cup of water. Offer the drink while it’s warm.

Home Remedies for Fever in Babies (1+ year)

#1. Ice Cubes

If your baby is having a fever without cold then you can give him ice cubes in a bag and place it on her forehead. Even a cloth soaked in ice-water will also help to bring down the temperature. Make sure to wipe her dry right after or else that will lead to another infection.

And there you are! Things you can use right from your kitchen to reduce your child’s symptoms and give her temporary relief. So, the next time when your child falls sick, you know where to find a quick fix. Make something up from this list and reduce your child’s and your own suffering.

The post 40+ Home Remedies Infants (0 to 1+ Year-Old) for Cold, Cough, Loose Motion, Vomit, and Fever appeared first on Babygogo.

Becoming a parent is one of the biggest joys. But the inherent responsibility often creates a lot of tension for the parents. The biggest worry is whether they are feeding the right things in the right proportion and how it will affect their baby’s health. The baby is unable to express their likes and dislikes, […] The post Baby Food Chart Month by Month For Indian Babies From 4-6 Months appeared first on...

Becoming a parent is one of the biggest joys. But the inherent responsibility often creates a lot of tension for the parents. The biggest worry is whether they are feeding the right things in the right proportion and how it will affect their baby’s health. The baby is unable to express their likes and dislikes, so the parent often is confused about what the child is comfortable with. It is often a trial and error situation that leaves the parent in a dilemma.

Every mother you know will have a different version of how to feed your baby, what to feed your baby, when and how much to feed her based on personal experiences. The advice is generally good, but you should try and stick to your own personal experiences. After all, it’s your baby and you know her best. Let us try and understand what suits the baby at the various stages in life. Breast milk is the best thing you can give her for at least the first year of life.

General food habits of 4-6-month-olds

Here is a food chart that will help you understand what foods you can prepare for your baby. It also gives you a fair idea as to what you feed her when.

The best thing to feed the baby until 4 months of age is breast milk.  Most paediatricians will suggest you not to start any solids till the age of 6 months. But do remember, the best way is to watch the baby not her age. You can start the baby on soft and easily digestible foods like mashed bananas, avocadoes and yoghurt at 4 months. You can also start with pre-cooked baby food available in the market with the advice of the Doctor.

Your options

The other option is to give lentils cooked in plenty of water. It is best to avoid solid lentils and just start with the watery part.

Rice and oatmeal are the safest cereals that you can give your baby. They are easily digested and have low allergic reactions as compared to other grains. Just cook them till they are super soft. It is not a good idea to give your baby salt or sugar in the first year of life.

The other things you could give your baby at this age are a little fruit juice and pureed fruits. It should be about a teaspoon at 4 months and can be gradually increased to about half a cup till 6 months. The best fruits to give are bananas and avocadoes in mashed and raw form. Cooked and pureed fruits that can be given to a baby are apples, pears, peaches and other soft fruits. It is not a good idea to give highly acidic fruits like citrus, strawberries and grapefruit.

Grapes are best avoided the whole as the baby might choke. You can peel and mash the same if you are keen. Fruits are a good source of soluble fibre and Vitamin C. More fruits can be introduced as the baby grows older.

More ideas

It is not a good idea to start too many vegetables at the four-month stage but you can slowly start pureed vegetables like carrots, peas and potatoes from the sixth month. Again do remember that too much fibre is also not recommended for babies of that age. The mantra is to go slow. Test the tolerance and then add a little more. Weaning is a slow and steady process. Your baby’s tastes develop at this time. Introduce new foods with caution and stick to a general plan.

The general consensus remains that you should start solid food in a soft pureed state only at 6 months, but if otherwise advised by a paediatrician you can start with the foods mentioned above. The health of the digestive system at this age is fragile and you should be careful in starting with age-appropriate food. If your baby seems unwilling to eat something, try a couple of weeks later. It is a sign that she is not ready to start weaning.

How much to feed your child?

Every mother thinks that her child is underfed. The matter is of grave concern to her. But in most cases the fears are unfounded. Your baby’s tummy is only as big as his fist. So the amount of food that goes into it is only a teaspoon or so at this age. Never expect your baby to finish her meal at this stage.

I have spent many an anxious day when my 5-month-old refused a single spoon of food! But as long as the baby is active and playing happily it should be perfectly alright.

This is a time to help her grow her repertoire of foods. Give every new food a few days to settle in. If the baby has issues like loose motions, constipation or even vomiting after eating something, do not repeat the food till a later age.

Grandma knows best. If you have an older lady whom you trust it might be helpful to take tips from her about what to feed your child. Many a time store-bought baby food can be lacking in nutrition and it is a better option to feed the baby indigenous food items like poha, sooji upma, kanji, kheer and so on.

Understand your child’s preferences

Let the taste of each food develop. The child and you are on a journey of experimentation. Choose foods that suit your baby as every baby feeds uniquely. In fact, you should avoid spicy and heavy food while you breastfeed your baby as most of it is passed to the baby and may upset her stomach. Most of the feeding pattern of the baby is demand-based at 4 months. You should feed the baby as and when required. This can be slowly increased and brought into a routine and the baby grows older.

Do not fret if your baby does not like solids at the beginning. Every taste needs to be developed. Watch the readiness of the baby and proceed with foods slowly. Always use your instincts, you know your baby best. Do not hesitate to take the help of the paediatrician to plan the baby’s meals. The doctor is your best guide.

The cardinal rule of parenting is that there are no rights and wrongs. Everything you do is the best for your baby and a mother’s instincts are never far from the mark. Enjoy this phase of motherhood. Every day is a new day at this age and your baby is growing so fast! Do not miss this time to savour the beauty of motherhood in fretting about unnecessary things.

The post Baby Food Chart Month by Month For Indian Babies From 4-6 Months appeared first on Babygogo.

Immunity and immunity building are terms you hear right from the time you conceive a baby. And these terms hound you for a long long time ahead too. There has always been concern over how weakened immunity could cause trouble in babies, during their growing up years. As a result, there are nuske, tips, medical […] The post Your Kids Can Have a Strong Immunity With these Changes appeared first on...

Immunity and immunity building are terms you hear right from the time you conceive a baby. And these terms hound you for a long long time ahead too. There has always been concern over how weakened immunity could cause trouble in babies, during their growing up years. As a result, there are nuske, tips, medical supplements and so much more which sell like hotcakes.

When you bring a baby into the world, you entirely enter into a phase of perpetual struggle. The struggle to rear the baby, to keep him at peace and above all, to make the baby strong and healthy!

However, while medical experts and experienced parents opine how immunity can be footed up, the fact of the matter is every baby will have low immunity. In addition, every baby needs some help in converting this into a strong immune system.

Especially during monsoons, newborns and toddlers stand the risk of being exposed to more germs. The ailments such as common cold and flu dominate this season. Instead of worrying, focusing on a few easy things will help you sail through the season while having bettered your child’s immunity scale.

Watch What’s Around

Keep your surroundings clean. No matter if your MIL tells she did well minus the OCD, it is better being safe than sorry.

Keep the room clean and ensure basic hygiene. For toddlers and older children teach them to wash hands before eating, avoid keeping them wet even if it happens by accident, and direct or control them from fiddling around excessively.

Now the rule of thumb here is to NOT RESTRICT children activity. You must not stop babies from exploring around or toddlers from playing in the dirt. The rule is to monitor what the baby is putting in mouth and also keeping everything tidy. For toddlers, you can simply give them a bath post outdoor play and scrub well.

Immunity Building Foods

The best way to beat those scares during monsoon is to have a better gut. As a parent, you cannot gift the perfect gut overnight to your kid. Over time, however, if you feed healthy and serve superfoods, the child gets better immunity.

Eggs, legumes, fruits and green veggies, as well as vegetarian or non-vegetarian proteins, help in developing stronger levels of immunity in your child. Ensure a balanced diet and keep serving such foods on a regular basis.

Don’t Be Too Protective

While you will be anxious about the safety of your child, it is easy to go overboard too. Do not stop your kids from playing in rains or exposing them to mud or slime. Over time, these activities if done moderately and taken care of, by thorough cleanups will actually build up immunity levels. Instead of being super protective, let your children go ahead and slush down the puddle.

Pooch buddies

While it will take a longer time for households as a whole to develop an affinity towards pets, this actually betters immunity in kids. Especially, babies who are exposed to pets specifically dogs, as newborns; have better immunity. And yes, while you have to be on guard, you need not be super conscious when it comes to your baby touching pets or playing with your dog. As long as health and hygiene issues aren’t involved, a pat on the Lab’s back and some mingling won’t do your baby harm.

Limited Dependence on Antibiotics

Make sure you settle your kid up using home remedies during the early years. For minor colds and the like, make sure you stop hounding your child’s doctor for antibiotics.

Sure, it is difficult to see the runny nose and disturbed kid rejecting food but it helps to be a little patient.

Building immunity is also a process that occurs even while the kid goes through cold and bouts of related symptoms. Therefore, going in for steaming, feeding fluids and similar home remedies will trigger immunity building functions of the body.

Vaccines Matter!

Vaccinations must be followed as per schedule. It is advised not to miss the same. However, in case a dose is skipped, you can always discuss the same with your paediatrician.

Of Matters Dry and Wet

• Ensure that you introduce dry fruits as part of kids’ diet at around a year or so of age. The introduction must only be done on a doctor’s advice. Dry fruits, especially almonds and walnuts, boost up immunity levels like nothing else and also build up weight.
• Breast milk has been a classic immunity booster. Therefore, it is high up on priorities as a new mom. However, moms who aren’t breastfeeding need to shatter those tall ceilings of guilt. There are so many other ways too. Relax.

One common mistake parents commit when it comes to building their children’s immunity is to not pay enough attention to the sleep routine.

Uninterrupted sleep for 10 to 12 hours is needed in babies upwards of six to eight months. And the need for the same continues later on too. This needs to be implemented with the right mix of foods, playtime and other activities.

Make Smaller Changes, for Bigger Impact

Ensure that you do not expose your kid to passive smoke. This lowers immunity levels faster than you realize. Seal your child’s early immunity development and later solidifying with providing a healthy lifestyle at home.

Avoid junk and pile up on healthy foods. Develop healthy habits as a process that each of you follows at home. With time, introduce mild exercise regimens for kids. It is never too early but it could suddenly get very late!

A mom, and now, grand-mom actively helping her daughter with her year-old child, Lipika B., from Kolkata says, “The best way to develop your child’s immune system is to be less anxious, feed healthy yet simple and avoid going to the clinic for every other thing.” This statement, in essence, sums up the best way ahead for building immunity in kids, this monsoon!

The post Your Kids Can Have a Strong Immunity With these Changes appeared first on Babygogo.

We have all grown up with renditions of ‘Rain, rain, go away!” The popular rhyme gives us a picture of how childhood and the rains have always had a Tom and Jerry connect. Kids love rains and hate them too because of the obstacles it brings. Nevertheless, we all have loved floating those paper boats […] The post Take These Simple Precautions And Let Your Kids Have Fun in the Rain appeared first on...

We have all grown up with renditions of ‘Rain, rain, go away!” The popular rhyme gives us a picture of how childhood and the rains have always had a Tom and Jerry connect. Kids love rains and hate them too because of the obstacles it brings. Nevertheless, we all have loved floating those paper boats in the slush and get wet despite the scolding our moms followed up with. The rainy season has always been interesting. Delays cause concern while excessive rains cause confusion. 

The New Age Parenting Mantra for Rains

As today’s parents are growing more protective of how they bring children up. One thing they still agree with their older counterparts is the spirit of the rains. For kids, a rainy day is generally bliss. It could mean a surprise school holiday, lots of samosas-pakoras frying up at home, a chance to drench themselves on the terrace and so much. Too much has already been written on the smell of freshly wet mud during rains. What has been less written about is the beauty of seeing children jumping with glee as drizzles change to showers. 

The Smell of Nostalgia

The joy of being free from rules is what getting wet in the rain reminds us of. As the rains pour down, it is tough to not connect our rainy day memories from our childhood too. There will be no individual who has not had a special rainy day chapter somewhere on the mind!

The fun of having delicacies sitting on your dad’s lap as he reads the magazine. The excitement of your mom offering the warmest bhajias to you. The joy of rushing out with your cousins and observing slimy fish flowing through the garden drains! Oh, the memories could leave you teary-eyed. However, amid all the dramatic fun a nice rainy day brings in, you also have to understand that your children must be left to have fun responsibly.

To Let, or Not to Let?

The reasons for allowing kids to play in the rain are many. Some of these include the chance rains give for kids to unleash their creativity. 

Role-plays are possible in a rainy atmosphere. Kids get to understand the way rains work. It is a good opportunity for parents to explain how the rains work, study time can be made all fun if parents use the ideas smartly. 

Then again, some believe that exposure to the rains isn’t all that good thanks to air pollutions, chemical imbalances and so on. While these risks are always going to exist, it is no issue allowing your kids to have some fun by restricted exposure. 

Make sure that rainy day and monsoon fun is restricted only when the related conditions are safe. No one will sanction the idea of letting kids play when there are thunderstorms or even the possibility of a strong wind gust. You have to be careful about such things.
Only if the rain is part of the usual monsoon cycle, some letting go and allowing kids to get wet is fine. Off-season rain or rain caused by climatic factors are not the best to have quick fun.

Check that even when getting wet, your kid has proper clothing on. Especially, mind what he is wearing. Poor quality footwear can cause slips in the rain and also invite things such as pebbles to prick in.

Of course, some precautions will help while getting wet in the rain.

• Make sure you change clothes immediately after kids have fun in the rain.
• Mix some antiseptic liquid with warm water for bathing purpose.
• Do not allow kids to stay in rain-drenched clothes for long.
• Make sure your kids are given a good head-rinse even post bathing.
• A light massage using a cream your child uses regular, after post-rain bathing, is helpful.

Regularly using immunity-boosting recipes for your kids, can actually make them less prone to developing a cold when they get wet in the first rains. 

The main point to remember here is that kids will be kids. Instead of letting them stay wary of everything, let them be. Up to a point, everything is perfect and controllable. No kid will be allowed to stay out for hours in the rain, in any case. 

The most important and last tip in this regard is to relax and loosen up a little as parents! This helps more than you can imagine. Then again, being pragmatic and always storing medicines relevant to common colds and flu is a helpful idea. You never know when you might need these. Precautions will help you sail through any issues. Better safe than sorry, after all!

You might also want to read about Mosquito bites – Symptoms and treatments for kids.

Some Fun is Good, After All!

Over the years, you have all heard how getting wet in the rain will be a precursor for the common cold. This is a fact but letting kids enjoy once in a while will actually freshen their minds up. Additionally, you must remember, rainwater is said to kill prickly heat and heat patches too. This gives an additional reason why getting wet in the rains will not be a bad idea at all. 

Always stay around your kids when they get wet. You do not want to leave them totally unattended since there could be the risk of an accident if they are let off unmonitored. Use your discretion and keep your kids around you—the balcony, porch or terrace are best in such cases!

As kids grow up, they will gradually be able to have fun even indoors during rain. 

Rainy days aren’t just about getting wet. They come loaded with scope to bond with family. It gives scope for fun chatter, getting close and conversational with loved ones. 

Who can miss out gorging on food from the same plate, when it rains cats and dog? There is a lot of “add-on” benefit of rainy days. Yes, kids need to understand all this and much more! Sure, they will sing for the rain to go away when it comes on too hard but they sure will love the fresh rains too!

The post Take These Simple Precautions And Let Your Kids Have Fun in the Rain appeared first on Babygogo.

Parenting is a magical experience but its no walk in the park. The world is changing and so are parenting styles. As we wade through these complicated times children require the presence and attention of both their parents with complementing skills. The Mothers and Fathers themselves need each other’s support to manage crazy work hours, […] The post Indian Parents & Equal Parenting: How They Do It Right! appeared first on...

Parenting is a magical experience but its no walk in the park. The world is changing and so are parenting styles. As we wade through these complicated times children require the presence and attention of both their parents with complementing skills. The Mothers and Fathers themselves need each other’s support to manage crazy work hours, sleepless nights, during hospital visits and still have a balanced life.

We asked our users how they exercise equal parenting at home and here are some amazing stories of women who are raising extraordinary boys and girls with the help of their husbands.

Jinal Koladiya Patel

There is so much that I’m thankful for. Here’s my little attempt to show my husband how proud I m to have him in my life. Thank you so much Keval, for everything. Since the 1st day, we met till now. During raising n taking care of our little daughter Dhwity you helped in many ways like holding my hair back during that morning sickness session, for running out for my midnight cravings and for letting me use all pillows n most of d part of our bed so I can feel comfortable during pregnancy.

Most amazing, for holding my hand during labour so I can feel safe n strong. Thanks for rocking n changing our newborn at night so I could get some sleep. After the long day at work u still happily help with everything. Maybe Dhwity will grow up and not understand all things u have done for her and me but I can see you and I am thankful for it. You gave me strength and you always encourage me. And the most important thing for me is you appreciate all I do for our daughter more than anybody.

Gunita Kour

Babygogo is a great app which enables us to share our feelings with all the mothers out there. My husband is always been supportive throughout my pregnancy. My pregnancy was very difficult, I delivered a pre-term baby, my husband took a month off to take care of the baby. He wakes up all night feed our daughter changes her diaper and in the morning even at 6 am. Till now he always took care of our daughter.

Supritha Godwin Karkada

It feels very good to share about my partner today. Parenting completes only when both of the parents give equal importance to the child in all aspects. It’s not necessary who pampers the child more but punishment when necessary too. I have a very calm, faithful and supporting hubby. He supported me from the day I met him till now. In all aspects it can be financial, my studies and my job. My hubby stays aboard most of the time. But he is a person who supports without showing to the world who he is and what is he going to do. His calm supportive words are enough to manage my child alone.

Even though he is far away. He makes sure to call whenever I give missed call. Or routine timing of the call to speak with me and my baby and share with us our feelings and love. Whenever he is with us he makes sure that he is with us all the time to spend his quality of time with sharing my household chores and caring baby whatever he can.

His words of appreciation and words of love and caring are just enough to be satisfied with all. He not only cares for me and my child but he looks after my parents too. This makes me more secure and comfortable in managing a baby. With a lot of stress of managing a baby, my parents, and job. It’s difficult to do manage life. But a word of love is enough to handle everything in life.

Ranzeeta Rai

My husband says the child’s duty is never a duty of a mother only.

Sharvari Agharkar

It is very important for a husband to also consider the baby as a shared responsibility. I am an extremely career-oriented woman. I had no experience in handling babies. Right from the first day my husband helped literally from the stage of how to handle baby till cleaning his potty.

Now my baby is 8 months all though I have learned a lot through these months I give credit to my husband who was extremely patient to help start through this journey called Motherhood. Now also he continues to do his night ups to feed him formula as he knows and understands for the whole day due to his tight work schedule he isn’t able to do anything. I thank God every moment and I do feel blessed to have him in my life.

Riddhi Sharma

My husband is everything for me. I can’t think about living without him even for a single day and my dependence on him is increased so much after the birth of my baby. When I became a mother I did not know how to take care of him, I had a c-section delivery, therefore I could not get up of my own for some days he was a great help and I can’t describe in words.

My son was a colic baby, he was very fussy for a few months and my in-laws could not handle him. I was so depressed knowing nothing that I could do. I could not complete my household work till late afternoon moreover my son woke up very often at least 8-10 times in the night. My husband was with me every time. He tried to calm down my son as soon as he returned from the office.

Moreover, he also woke up in the night with my son so that I could take rest for a few hours. Now my son is 2years old. My hubby and my baby are awesome. They are two cutest people I can’t live without. He spends time with my son, he plays a lot with him. He is such a great life partner and a very good father.

Pallavi Sandanshive

Parenting is not easy without the support of my hubby. He is always with me to tackle difficult situations. So supportive n caring person I got. Feels lucky

Shilpa Rahul Kulkarni

Hello All, My husband is my support system. He cares about the family very much. During my pregnancy, he was very careful about my diet and regular check-ups. We are blessed with a cute baby girl and. He takes care of her food times, changing diapers and pants daily, even he gives a bath to our baby and boil drinking water for the baby.

If we go outside there also he takes care of the baby. He also helps with household chores. He always says that we are very lucky to have our daughter. I feel I am blessed with my husband who is always with me in my ups and downs

Bhaswani Rajesh

I cook and go to the office and my husband takes care Rushu like giving bath dressing him for school, packing his snacks box, drops and picks up at school (as my husband’s office is near to my home and school) and feeding at lunchtime. By the time I reach home again Rushu is neatly ready by father (evening bath) I feed food during the night.

Suresh Malar

I have a 2-year-old boy and I also have so many problems in my life but all my right hand is my cute husband. I am in a love/arrange marriage before marriage only love but after marriage love and carrying and more responsibility for me and my husband. Thank you God, for giving this person as my life partner.

The post Indian Parents & Equal Parenting: How They Do It Right! appeared first on Babygogo.

Indian cuisines and snacks come in all flavours to treat your taste buds. But for kids, the taste is not the only factor that parents would consider. With taste, parents have to also make sure of the healthiness of the food. Today we will introduce you to very-easy-to-cook and equally healthy snacks, you can give […] The post 36 Healthy Indian Snacks For Kids And Toddlers appeared first on...

Indian cuisines and snacks come in all flavours to treat your taste buds. But for kids, the taste is not the only factor that parents would consider. With taste, parents have to also make sure of the healthiness of the food.

Today we will introduce you to very-easy-to-cook and equally healthy snacks, you can give to your baby without any second thoughts. You can click on the links below to directly jump to the relevant topic of your interest.

• Snacks For Your Child’s Tiffin
• Sweet Snacks for Your Kid
• Natural Juices for your little one
• Smoothies for Kids
• 5 minute Snacks for your Child
• Birthday Party Snacks for your kid
• Evening Snacks for your Kids
• Fruit Lollies for your child

Snacks For Your Child’s Tiffin

Below listed are some snacks option for your baby.

#1. Oats & eggs omelette

An easy to make breakfast, the ingredients required to prepare it are usually always available in your kitchen.

Ingredients –

• Eggs (3)
• Oats (one cup)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Turmeric
• Pepper
• Salt
• Oil/butter

Vegetables (1 cup chopped) –

• Carrots
• Capsicum
• Spinach leaves
• Tomato (deseeded)
• Spring onions

How to prepare –

1. Grind the oats into a fine powder and place in a large bowl.
2. Add salt, turmeric, pepper, and if required cinnamon and coriander powder for flavouring.
3. Pour milk and mix well to form a smooth batter.
4. Beat the eggs and add to the batter, mixing continuously.
5. Heat oil in a pan and pour the batter.
6. Spread the batter evenly.
7. Spread the vegetables all over the top of the spread batter.
8. Wait for the omelette to cook and firm up a little.
9. Turn over the omelette and cook.
10. Serve with sauce.

Nutritional benefits: This nutritious omelette provides loads of vitamins A,C and K, in addition to protein. It is a complete meal that also lets your child enjoy the benefits of the beta-carotene, antioxidants and fiber found in carrots as well as the minerals, vitamins, pigments and phytonutrients, including potassium, manganese, zinc, iron, calcium and antioxidants present in Spinach. The presence of fiber and carbohydrates in the oats give your child a balanced and constant supply of energy throughout the day.

Variations: Try garnishing the omelette with grated cheese and coriander leaves

#2. Peanut butter, honey and banana roll

A snack that can be made ready in a jiffy, and hardly needs any cooking.

Ingredients –

• Peanut butter (as per preference)
• Honey
• Banana (1)
• Thinly rolled out bread or roti

How to prepare –

1. Knead the wheat flour into a soft dough using milk, a little salt and oil/butter.
2. Let the dough stand for some time before rolling it out into thin rotis
3. Prepare a soft paratha.
4. Spread a spoonful of peanut butter evenly on the paratha
5. Place thin round slices of the banana on top of this.
6. Drizzle some honey all over
7. Sprinkle some cinnamon powder (optional)
8. Roll the paratha into a convenient roll. Use a toothpick to keep it from unrolling.

Nutritional benefits: While peanut butter is a good source of protein and vitamins, banana is a low-fat but high energy fruit, just right for an active child. Honey will boost your child’s immunity and also help him sleep better.

#3. Puffed Rice Upma

Healthy, tasty and quick.

Ingredients –

• Puffed rice 2 cups
• Mustard seeds (1 tsp)
• Curry leaves (1 sprig)
• Onions (1, finely chopped)
• Urad dal (1 tsp)
• Chana dal (1 tsp)
• Green chillies (1, split in half)
• Capsicum (2 tbs, finely chopped)
• Carrot (2 tbsp, finely chopped)
• Groundnuts (a handful)

How to prepare –

1. Soak the puffed rice in a bowl of water for a minute. Drain and set aside.
2. Pour a tablespoon of oil in a wok, pop some mustard seeds, add the urad dal, chanal dal and curry leaves and green chilly.
3. Add the chopped vegetables and cook, adding salt, turmeric and pepper as per taste.
4. Add the soaked and drained puffed rice and mix well.
5. Mix in the groundnuts.
6. Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves

Variations: Just before serving, you could add a little lemon juice for slight tanginess, or garnish with grated cheese for the kids who love cheese.

Nutritional benefits: This is a low-calorie snack which is free of sodium and fat. It is light on the stomach and very easy to digest.

#4. Poha

Quick and easy school snack for your child.

Ingredients –

• Poha or flattened/pressed rice (1 cup)
• Chopped onions (half a cup)
• Green chillies (1)
• Mustard seeds (1/2 teaspoon)
• Chana daal (2 tsp)
• Oil (1-2 tsp)
• Curry leaves (3/4)
• Mustard seeds(1 tsp)
• Urad daal (1 tsp)

How to prepare –

1. Wash the flattened/pressed rice (poha) and soak it in water for about 10 mins.
2. Drain the water and run a fork through it to fluff up the moist poha.
3. Heat the oil in a pan and pop mustard seeds, add curry leaves and also the chana daal and urad daal.
4. Fry the chopped onions and green chillies till the onion is slightly pink.
5. Reduce the flame and add the drained poha.
6. Mix everything well, add salt to taste.
7. Once cooked, pour little ghee or butter before serving.

Variations: Add grated carrots, sauteed green peas and even peanuts to the poha to make it more colourful and nutritious. Garnish with fresh coriander!

Nutritional benefits:  Poha contains no gluten but has iron, carbohydrates, vitamin B and protein. By adding vegetables you will ensure that the kid enjoys the vitamins offered by the vegetables too. Also, poha keeps the stomach full.

#5. Hung Curd Sandwiches

Yum tiffin, from mum’s kitchen.

Ingredients –

• Finely chopped cabbage (quarter cup)
• Grated carrots (quarter cup)
• Boiled corn (quarter cup)
• Finely chopped capsicum (less than a quarter cup)
• Finely chopped spring onions (2 tsp)
• Hung curd (half cup)
• Pepper powder (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Butter (as required)
• Brown bread or whole wheat bread (as required)

How to prepare –

1. Mix together all the chopped/grated vegetables and boiled corn with the hung curd, salt and pepper. Taste the mixture and add more salt or pepper if required.
2. Butter the bread slices and place a spoonful of the mixture between two slices.
3. Grill in a sandwich maker and serve hot with or without sauce.

Variations: You can add boiled potatoes or even boiled green peas to the hung curd mixture.  Add dry herbs for flavour.

Nutritional benefits: Hung curds have a generous amount of probiotics, which is great for your child’s immune system, digestion, and urinary tract. The vegetables are of course an added bonus.

Sweet Snacks for Your Kid

#1. Aata Halwa

Ingredients –

• Whole wheat flour (1 cup)
• Ghee (1 cup)
• Dry fruits (almonds and cashew nuts as required)
• Sugar (1 cup)
• Cardamom (1- powdered)

How to prepare –

1. Mix sugar and water in a deep vessel and keep on a flame. Just heat till the sugar melts in the water. Do not cook or make the mixture thick.
2. Dry roast the whole wheat flour in a wok for about 10 minutes or till you see the colour changing and smell a nice aroma.
3. Be careful not to allow the flour to burn. You have to roast it just right.
4. Lower the flame and add the ghee a little at a time, all the while stirring the mix.
5. Turn off the flame and add the sugar water to this mix and blend it well till the mixture becomes smooth, and without any lumps.
6. Cook on low flame for a couple of minutes and add the cardamom powder to the mix.
7. Serve hot garnished with dry fruits

Variations: For kids who are not too fond of dry fruits, you could powder the almonds, cashews and walnuts and mix it into the halwa. The halwa can be set in the freezer and cut out into thin cubes for variety.

Nutritional benefits: This sweet dish can fulfill your child’s energy needs. Wheat is easily digestible and contains vitamins and minerals too. Ghee has been known to help in the growth and development of children. Your child also benefits from the healthy fat, magnesium and vitamin E contained in almonds and all the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found in cashews too.

#2. Sooji Halwa

Ingredients –

• Sooji/semolina (1 cup)
• Ghee (1/3 cup)
• Water (less than two cups)
• Sugar (1/2 cup –powdered)
• Dry fruits (sliced badam, kaju and kishmish-1/2 cup)
• Cardamom (1 tsp-powdered)

How to prepare

1. Roast the sooji in a wok on medium flame and keep adding the ghee little by little
2. Keep stirring till the mixture turns golden brown
3. Lower the flame and add water (boiled) to this mix a little at a time, while stirring continuously
4. Continuous stirring is important to prevent lumps from forming
5. Cook on medium flame till the water is absorbed
6. Add the sugar and mix well
7. Mix half the dry fruits
8. Use the rest to garnish and serve hot

Variations: You could try using milk instead of water to make the halwa softer and tastier. Add kesar strands to the halwa while it is cooking. Cool and set the mixture on a flat plate and then cut it out into small diamonds/squares.

Nutritional benefits: This sweet dish keeps your child feeling full for a longer time. It is beneficial for a healthy heart, bones and nervous system. It also prevents anaemia. Cardamom is known to strengthen the digestive system.

#3. Rice Kheer

We adults obviously go crazy after the rice kheer and surely would our kids.

Ingredients –

• Cooked rice (1.5 cups)
• Milk (full cream –2 cups)
• Sugar (as per taste)
• Condensed milk (1/3 cup)
• Ghee ( 2 tsps)
• Cardamom powder (1 tsp)
• Dry fruits (chopped cashews + almonds – 1 cup )

How to prepare

1. Cook rice in a vessel.
2. Take a wok and add a spoonful of ghee. Roast the cashews and almonds and set aside.
3. In the same wok, pour the milk and condensed milk and mix well.
4. Add the cooked rice and sugar (according to taste, since condensed milk is also sweet), and cook till the mixture becomes thick. Don’t let it thicken too much because once the mix cools down it will naturally thicken a little.
5. Add 1 tsp of cardamom powder and 1 tsp ghee and mix well.
6. Let the kheer cool a little and serve garnished with the roasted almonds and cashews.
7. If the kheer is too thick, add warm milk to loosen it up.

Variations: Add a few strands of saffron or a drop of vanilla essence just for variety. You could also mix a bit of powdered cinnamon for flavour.

Nutritional benefits: Rice kheer offers your kid protein, carbohydrates and ample calcium. Your child also benefits from the healthy fat, magnesium and vitamin E from almonds and all the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found in cashews.

#4. Banana Roll

Ingredients

• Peanut butter (2 tsp)
• Banana (1 – ripe but firm)
• Cinnamon (1/2 tsp)
• Soft roti (1 big)
• Oats (1 spoon)

How to prepare

1. Ensure that you roll out the roti into a big circle. If you put milk into the flour, the roti will turn out to be super soft.
2. Spread the peanut butter evenly all over the roti.
3. Sprinkle the oats evenly all over the peanut butter.
4. Peel the banana and place it on one side of the roti and start rolling the roti.

Variations: The roll can also be cut into smaller and handy rounds. The peanut butter can be replaced with a mix of honey and cream cheese with a dash of cinnamon powder.

Nutritional benefits: Banana is high in potassium, magenesium, vitamin B6 and B12. The carbohydrates in the roti will give your kid the energy required for the entire day along with vitamins, iron and calcium.

Natural Juices for your little one

#1. Red hydrant (Water melon juice)

Ingredients –

• Watermelon (1/2)
• Cucumber (1)

How to prepare

Blend all the ingredients in a blender along with a little crushed ice.

Variations: You could add a wee bit of kala namak (black salt) to change the flavour. But all kids may not like it. Be careful when you buy the watermelons. Check the source because these days many water melons come injected with dye, which can be really harmful for the child’s stomach.

Nutritional benefits: The potassium in watermelon helps to preserve the calcium in the body. Therefore, this juice is good for your child’s bones. Both cucumber and watermelon have high water content, so it is the best juice for summers.

#2. Carpple Fun (Carrot and apple juice)

Ingredients

• Red apples (2 )
• Carrots (2)

How to prepare –

Juice the ingredients in a juicer and serve chilled.

Variations: If you want the juice to be sweeter, you could add a little honey. Sprinkle some cinnamon for added flavour with a bit of black salt.

Nutritional benefits: Carrot juice contains biotin, molybdenum, dietary fiber, potassium and vitamins. Apples are high in fibre content as well as vitamins A, B1, B2 and C.

#3. Beet Red (Beetroot, apple and carrots)

Ingredients

• Carrots (1)
• Apple (1)
• Beetroot (1)

How to prepare

Put all three cut into cubes in a juicer and serve the juice in a glass.

Variations: You could add a dash of lemon and honey to sweeten the juice further. Or else try half a pinch of black salt.

Nutritional benefits: This juice is rich in antioxidants, iron and protein.  Beetroot juice has ample glutamine, which is essential for the health of the intestinal tract. Beets are a great source of fiber, manganese, potassium and folic acid.

Smoothies for Kids

#1. Yellow high

Healthy, quick and smooth!

Ingredients

• Chopped carrots (1/2 cup)
• Orange juice (1/2 cup)
• Chopped pineapple (1/2 cup –frozen for an hour)
• Mango chunks (1/2 cup –frozen for an hour)
• Thick yoghurt (1/2 cup)
• Honey ( 1 tbsp or more for those who like more sweet)

How to prepare

Mix all the ingredients together in a blender. Some children prefer a thick smoothie that they can eat with a spoon. However, if the blend turns out to be very thick, add some cold milk and blend again to get the required consistency.

Variations: You need not always use frozen fruit chunks. Fresh fruit chunks will do equally well. You could, however, use some ice cubes before making the blend. Before serving, garnish with some thinly sliced almonds and cashew.

Nu.tritional benefits: This smoothie is packed with vitamin C, iron (Mango is saturated with iron), calcium, vitamin B, protein; antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin K, beta-carotene, fiber, folate, potassium.

#2. Banana Basic

Two-minute smoothie

Ingredients

• Banana (1 ripe but firm –preferably frozen)
• Honey (1 tbsp or according to sweetness preferred)
• Milk (1 cup or according to the consistency preferred)
• Dry fruits for garnishing

How to prepare

Blend all the ingredients together. You may or may not add ice while blending. If the banana is frozen you need not add ice. Garnish with grated almonds, cashews and raisins.

Variations: Add a little saffron while blending and swirl the mix to enhance the presentation and the taste.

Nutritional benefits: Bananas are good for fiber and potassium. They are also packed with vitamin C and B6. Bananas are also known for their role in strengthening the nervous system.

#3. Thick BanMan smoothie

The quickest banana-mango smoothie ever

Ingredients

• Fresh ripe mango (1 large)
• Frozen mango (1 –cut into chunks)
• Frozen banana (1—cut into chunks)

How to prepare

Remember, this smoothie has to be served immediately after preparation. So keep everything you need ready, including the glasses or goblets your wish to serve the smoothie in before you start preparing it.

First blend the fresh mango into a thick puree. Then add the frozen chunks of mango and banana together and blend in. Serve the mixture cold.

Variations: Serve this thick smoothie as a rich dessert with a dollop of thick custard. Stick a mango wafer into the smoothie before serving for an extra burst of mango flavour.

Nutritional benefits: This smoothie is good for your child’s skin and vision. It is not only rich in fiber but also vitamin C.

#4. Lychee-Pineapple smoothie

A quick sweet treat

Ingredients

• Lychees (1 cup—deseeded)
• Pineapple ( 1 cup –cut into small chunks)
• Mango (1/2 cup –cut into small cubes)
• Ice cubes (optional)

How to prepare

Mix together all the ingredients in a blender and serve immediately. You may or may not add the ice cubes while blending.

Variations: If your child likes the flavour, sprinkle some kala namak or if she wants it sweeter, a little bit of honey.

Nutritional benefits: Lychee has a high content of vitamin C and so does pineapple. Therefore, this mix is recommended for children who are prone to cold, fever and throat infections.

#5. A Date with Chikoo

Chikoo-dates smoothie

Ingredients

• Chikoos (fresh and cut into slices—1 cup)
• Dates (1/2 cup—deseeded)
• Mil (1.5 cups- chilled)
• Ice cubes (crushed)

How to prepare

Blend the ingredients together to get the consistency you require. Add more or less milk to adjust the consistency. You need not add any sugar. The smoothie has its own natural sweetness.

Variations: If the weather is very hot, you could avoid dates and use a banana instead, and create an equally yummy smoothie.

Nutritional benefits: Chikoo is saturated with vitamins E, A, C and B complex, which are good for your child’s immune system. It is also a great source of minerals, such as iron, folates, calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.

5-minute Snacks for your Child

#1. Potato delight

Ingredients

•       Potato (2)
•       Mayonnaise (1 tbsp)
•       Peanuts
•       Black salt (kala namak)
•       Fresh coriander
•       Lemon (optional)

How to prepare

1. Boil potatoes. Don’t boil them too much. They should not lose their firmness.
2. Cut the potatoes into small cubes and put them in a bowl.
3. Add peanuts.
4. Sprinkle a little black salt
5. Add mayonnaise and mix well.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
7. Just before serving, crush a handful of potato wafers and spread on the potatoes.
8. If your child enjoys a bit of tang, squeeze a little lemon on top before serving.

Variations: Instead of potato wafers, you can also use aloo bhujia or rice puffs (murmura) to give that much-required crunch.

Nutritional benefits: Potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, dietary fibre, and niacin. Peanut contains healthy fats and loads of vitamins that are good for your child.

#2. Colourful Dalia Mix

Ingredients

• Dalia (1 cup)
• Finely chopped carrots (1/2 cup)
• Finely chopped onions (1/4 cup)
• Finely chopped ginger (1 tsp)
• Finely chopped green chillies (1)
• Finely chopped tomato (1/4 cup)
• Finely chopped French beans (1/4 cup)
• Chopped potatoes (1/4 cup)
• Jeera (1 tsp)
• Ghee or oil (1 tbsp)
• Salt (as required)

How to prepare

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and let the jeera splutter.
2. Rinse the dalia nicely and drain, and keep ready.
3. Saute the onions.
4. Add the ginger and green chillies and sauté for a while, before adding tomatoes.
5. Add the remaining chopped vegetables, stir and sauté for 5 minutes and reduce the flame.
6. Add the rinsed and drained dalia.
7. Pour 4 cups of water, add the salt, and pressure cook till the dalia is thoroughly cooked.
8. Taste the dalia to see if it is cooked. You can add some more water and cook for a little while longer to get the right consistency.
9. Serve hot with fresh coriander leaves.

Variations: Instead of jeera, you could use mustard seeds and curry leaves for a different flavour. Instead of beans you can use green peas or even sprouted moong dal.

Nutritional benefits: Dalia is rich in iron and fibre. The best part is that dalia is very easy to digest and is the best option for an in-between snack. The vegetables make it more nutritional and appeal to your child’s eye.

#3. Mango Cornflakes

Ingredients

• One ripe mango (peeled and cut)
• Milk (one small bowl — chilled)
• Cornflakes
• Almonds (optional)

How to prepare

Puree the mango and then blend in the chilled milk. You will probably get a thick mango-milk mix.

Add cornflakes to it and serve cold.

Variations: Garnish with nuts (almonds, walnuts and cashews) to give the snack a crunch.

Nutritional benefits: Mangoes are packed with vitamin C, fibre and pectin. It is great for your child’s eyesight too. Milk, of course, is a great source of calcium and is essential for your child’s bones.

#4. Fruit Salad

Ingredients

•       Apple (1 – chopped into small pieces)
•       Papaya (1/2—chopped into small pieces)
•       Kiwi (1 – chopped into small pieces)
•       Banana (1—chopped into small pieces)
•       Chikoo (1 – peeled and chopped into pieces)
•       Lemon juice (1 tbsp)
•       Salt (1 tsp)
•       Fresh pudina leaves (cut into small pieces)
•       Honey ( 1 tbsp)
•       Pepper powder ( 1 tsp)
•       Flax seeds ( 1 tsp)

How to prepare

1.     Mix all the cut fruits in a big mixing bowl.
2.     Pour lemon juice, salt, pepper powder, fresh pudina leaves and honey in a separate small bowl and mix well.
3.     Pour the mixture from the small bowl into the big bowl of fruits and mix well.
4.     Sprinkle flax seeds and serve cold.

Variations: Garnishing with almonds, cashews and peanuts can add crunch to this quick and healthy snack.

Nutritional benefits: Papaya is packed with carotenoids, flavonoids and vitamin C, as well as vitamin B. Banana,  is a good source of vitamin B6, B12, magnesium and potassium. Chikoo is yet another mineral-rich fruit The dressing of lemon juice and pudina leaves is also healthy and provides ample vitamin C. Flax seeds with their omega 3 fatty acids are very good for your child’s heart.

#5. Banana toast with nuts

Ingredients

•       Brown bread slices (2)
•       Banana (1)
•       Kala namak (to taste)
•       Honey ( 1 tsp)
•       Cinnamon (a pinch)
•       Almonds (powdered –2 tsp)
•       Flax seeds ( ½ tsp)
•       Ghee ( 1 tsp)

How to prepare

1.     Toast the bread slices nicely on a tava with ghee.
2.     Mash the banana lightly with your hands (it should just stop short of being pureed).
3.     Spread a little honey on both the bread slices.
4.     Spread the banana mash evenly on both the slices.
5.     Sprinkle black salt and cinnamon and flax seeds.
6.     Put the slices together to form a sandwich and your banana toast is ready to eat.

Variations: You can add lettuce leaves for variety and colour. Toasting the bread in a toaster makes the slices very hard. So toasting it on a tava is preferable so that the ghee makes it crisp and just slightly brown.

Nutritional benefits: Bananas are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and Vitamin C.

#6. Cheese and Apple toast

Ingredients

1. Brown bread slices ( 2 big)
2. Paneer (mashed—1/2 cup)
3. Butter (enough to spread on the bread slices)
4. Pepper powder (1 tsp)
5. Salt (1 tsp)
6. Fresh coriander leaves (2 tsp)
7. 4 to 5 very very thin slices of apple

How to prepare

1. Toast the bread slices on a tava. Do not make them very crisp.
2. Butter both sides and keep aside.
3. Mash the paneer nicely adding pepper and salt to it.
4. Spread the mashed paneer on one bread slice.
5. Garnish with green coriander.
6. Spread the thin apple slices on top.
7. Then place the second bread slice on top and serve.

Variations: The same toast can be tried with grated cheese cubes instead of paneer. Try to make paneer at home using lemon juice. This will also give a nice lemony flavour to the sandwich, which is absent in the store-bought paneer.

Nutritional value: While the bread provides your child with carbohydrates and nutrients, the paneer provides calcium and protein. It is a filling snack that will sit in your child’s tummy for a long time.

Birthday Party Snacks for your kid

#1 Home-made Pizza

Ingredients

• Pizza base (1 big)
• Tomatoes (3 big)
• Green chillies (1)
• Garlic ( 4 big pods)
• Capsicum or Simla Mirch( finely chopped ½ cup)
• Spring onions (1/2 cup)
• Cheese ( 1 cube or more if you want to  make it really cheesy)

How to prepare

1. Puree the tomatoes along with green chilli and garlic.
2. Heat just 1 tsp of oil in a wok and cook the tomato puree in it for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped capsicum and spring onions and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Take off the gas and let it cool.
5. Spread this mixture onto the pizza base evenly.
6. Grate the cheese on top of the pizza.
7. Bake till the cheese melts.

b You can try the same spread and toppings on normal brown bread (a healthier option) slices instead of pizza base, which is made of refined flour.

Nutritional benefits: Tomatoes are one of the best sources of vitamin C, beta carotene, biotin and vitamin K. Capsicum is rich in vitamin A, C and K, and also contains carotenoids and dietary fibre. Spring onions provide vitamins C, B2, A and K, as well as thiamine.

#2 Fruit sticks

Ingredients

• Big size grapes cut in half (1/2 cup)
• Pineapple cubes (1/2 cup)
• Ripe papaya cubes (1/2 cup)
• Small cheese cubes (1/2 cup)
• Pepper powder (in a bowl – for sprinkling)
• Black salt (in a bowl for sprinkling)
• Apple cut into small cubes (1/2 cup)

How to prepare

1. Put each fruit (cut into small pieces) in a separate bowl.
2. Sprinkle pepper powder and black salt in the bowl containing pineapple and apple cubes. Mix well.
3. Arrange different pieces of fruit on a toothpick such that the cheese is in the middle and fruits of different colours on either side of it.
4. Arrange the toothpicks on a plate and serve.

Variations: The cheese cubes can also be replaced with tiny squares of a cheese slice.
Nutritional benefits: The child will obviously not stop at just one or two sticks. Therefore she will actually be eating fruits full of vitamins and iron. The cheese will give her the required calcium for her bones.

#3 Sweet energy bar

Ingredients

• Oats (1 cup)
• Flax seeds (coarsely ground 1/2 cup)
• White sesame (1/2 cup)
• Cinnamon powder (1/2 tsp)
• Peanut butter (1/2 cup)
• Honey (2 tbsp)
• Vanilla essence (1/2 tsp)
• Chocolate chip (1/2 cup)

How to prepare

1. Mix oats, flax seeds and white sesame along with cinnamon in a bowl and keep ready.
2. Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
3. Add the honey and vanilla essence.
4. Keep stirring while still warm.
5. Blend in the chocolate chips.
6. Spread the mixture on a tray (preferably greased or lined with butter paper), smoothen the surface and put it in the fridge to set for an hour.
7. Once the mixture is set, cut it into squares or bars and serve.

Variations: Ground almonds, peanuts and deseeded dates can also be added to the mixture. However, dates and sesame together can turn out to be very hot for the digestive system. So this is best avoided in summers.

Nutritional benefits: Sesame contains minerals and natural oils that are beneficial for health, while peanut butter has ample protein and potassium. Oats are easily digestible and have their share of dietary fibre and minerals.

#4. Toast with a twist

Ingredients

• Boiled rajma (1 cup)
• Grated cheese ( 1 cup)
• Bread slices ( 4 )
• Garlic pods (dry roasted and powdered — 2 tsp)
• Pepper powder ( 1 tsp)

How to prepare

1. Boil the rajma in a pressure cooker with enough water and salt.
2. Drain the rajma and keep aside.
3. Toast the bread slices in a toaster and apply butter to one side.
4. Mash the rajma and spread on the bread slices evenly.
5. Sprinkle pepper powder and garlic powder
6. Grate some cheese on top of each slice.
7. Arrange on a plate and put in the microwave for just about a few seconds so that the cheese begins to melt, and serve.

Variations:  Instead of bread slices, you can also use thin parathas, which can be folded into half once all the rajma and cheese has been spread on it.

Nutritional benefits: Rajma or kidney beans are rich in iron, soluble fiber, magnesium and folate. Cheese contains ample calcium for your child.

Evening Snacks for your Kids

#1. Colourful sprout treat

Ingredients

• Onion (1 – finely chopped)
• Tomato ( 1—chopped into small cubes)
• Kala namak / black salt (to taste)
• Lemon Juice ( to taste)
• Coriander leaves (fresh chopped—1/2 cup)
• Green chillies (1 ) or Red chilly powder (to taste)
• Cucumber (1/2, cut into very small cubes)

How to prepare

1. Wash and drain the moong sprouts well in a colander.
2. Steam them in a cooker or just cook them in a vessel,  covered with a lid.
3. Put the finely chopped onions and tomatoes in a mixing bowl. Toss them well. Then add the sprouts and toss to mix well.
4. Sprinkle black salt and mix well.
5. Add the juice of half a lemon and mix well (add more later if it is not tangy enough)
6. Add the green chillies or red chilli powder and mix well.
7. Serve garnished with coriander leaves

Variations:  You can add small pieces of apple to this salad for flavour or even boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes (shakarkandi)

Nutritional benefits:  This is a protein-rich snack with high content of manganese, potassium, folate, copper, zinc and vitamin B. They are a good source of dietary fiber and will keep your child feeling full for a long time.

 #2. Chic chickpeas

Ingredients

• Chickpeas (1 cup boiled)
• Onions (1/4 cup finely chopped)
• Deseeded tomatoes (1/2 cup sliced small)
• Capsicum (1/4 cup thinly sliced)
• Lemon juice (1 tsp)
• Salt or black salt ( to taste)
• Chaat masala (optional)

How to prepare

1. Boil chickpeas (don’t boil them too much or they will lose their firmness).
2. Mix together the finely chopped and sliced vegetables (onion, tomatoes, capsicum) in a big mixing bowl.
3. Add the boiled chickpeas and toss well.
4. Sprinkle black salt and mix well.
5. Add lemon juice and mix well.

Variations: You could add boiled potatoes and even small/thin slices of half a crunchy apple for a twist.

Nutritional benefits: The protein content in the chickpeas will keep your child’s body tissues healthy. The dietary fiber in it will keep the child’s colon in good condition.

#3. Tangy Rajma Salad

Ingredients

• Rajma (soaked in water overnight – 1 cup)
• Finely chopped onion (1)
• Tomato (1- finely chopped and deseeded)
• Cumin powder (1 tsp)
• Amchur (1 tsp)
• Chaat masala (1/2 tsp)
• Red chili powder (1/2 tsp)
• Coriander leaves  (1/2 cup finely chopped)
• Salt
• Oil (1 tsp)
• Mustard seeds (1 tsp)
• Curry patta (1 tsp)

How to prepare

1. Pressure cook the rajma with enough salt and water.
2. Drain the water and keep the rajma aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan, splutter some mustard seeds and then add curry leaves
4. Saute the onions till they change colour.
5. Add all the masalas/powders
6. Put the tomatoes
7. Mix well and then add the rajma.
8. Sprinkle some water, mix well,  and cover and cook for about five minutes.
9. Serve garnished with fresh coriander

Variations: You could add grated cheese as a garnish for variety.

Nutritional benefits: Rajma is rich in iron, protein, soluble fibre, folate, magnesium and zinc.

#4. Corn Soup

A gluten-free evening snack

Ingredients

• Corn kernels (1/2 cup  to make puree + 1 tbsp whole)
• Butter/ghee (1 tbsp)
• Chopped carrots (1/4 cup)
• Hopped beans (1/4 cup)
• Green peas (1/4 cup)
• Salt (as per taste)

How to prepare

1. Make smooth corn puree by blending ½ cup corn kernels with ½ cup water.
2. Strain the puree and keep aside
3. Heat oil or ghee in a wok and sauté the chopped carrots, beans and green peas in it.
4. Sprinkle some water, cover the wok and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the pureed corn, mix well and add 1 cup of water.
6. Let the mixture boil for about 5 to 10 minutes, keep stirring to mix well, and add water to get the required consistency.
7. Put in the 1 tbsp of corn kernels that you had kept aside earlier and let the soup simmer for two minutes.
8. Add salt to taste.
9. Sprinkle pepper as per your child’s taste and serve.

Variations: You could use fresh coriander leaves for garnishing and also serve the soup along with a slice of nicely toasted bread with butter spread evenly on one side.

Nutritional benefits:  This meal is filling and full of carbohydrates and dietary fibre. It will also provide your child with significant amounts of zinc, magnesium, copper and iron. The vitamin A, B  and antioxidants are an added bonus.

 #5. Yummy Tomato soup

Ingredients

• Tomato ( 1 cup – diced)
• Carrot (1/2 cup—diced)
• Onion (1 small, chopped)
• Basil leaves (8 )
• Garlic ( 5 pods – crushed)
• Sugar ( to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

How to prepare

1. Put all the vegetables together in a pressure cooker. Add crushed garlic pods and about 3 cups of water and pressure cook till 3 whistles.
2. Cool and blend along with the basil leaves.
3. Add salt and sugar (as per taste)
4. Sprinkle pepper (optional) and serve warm.

Variations: You could add some fried pieces of bread to the soup just before serving or even grated cheese.

Nutritional benefits:  While tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin A and C, carrot is saturated with beta-carotene and Vitamin A.

#6. Besan Laddu

Ingredients

• Besan – 1 cup
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Ghee – 3 tbsp
• Green cardamom – 1

How to prepare

1. Powder the sugar along with the seeds of one green cardamom and keep it ready.
2. Dry roast the besan in a wok till you can smell the aroma. Take care not to burn it.
3. Put off the flame and mix the powdered sugar and green cardamom.
4. Warm the ghee and keep adding it to this mixture, little by little, while stirring and mixing.
5. Roll this mixture into small balls.

Variations: You can add finely chopped almonds and cashews fried in ghee to the besan mixture before rolling them into balls or simply stick the almonds into the rolled out besan balls.

Nutritional benefits: Besan contains carbohydrates and protein in healthy amounts.  It also contains fibre, iron and many minerals. Ghee, which is great for your child’s brain development, can be easily digested and contains saturated fatty acids.

Fruit Lollies for your child

#1. Creamy mango lollies

Ingredients

• Mango puree (made from two ripe mangoes)
• Coconut milk (less than ½ cup)

How to prepare

Mix the coconut milk and mango puree well and pour this mixture into ice-lolly moulds. You could also use kulfi moulds. Freeze for about 4 hours and serve the lollies.

Variations: You could use boiled and thickened milk or even a little condensed milk instead of coconut milk for creamier lollies.

Nutritional benefits: Not only are mangoes full of vitamin A and C. They also have fibre and loads of minerals.

#2. Mango-Yoghurt ice lollies

Ingredients

• Mango puree (made from 2 ripe mangoes)
• Thick plain yoghurt (1 cup)
• Vanilla essence (2 drops)

How to prepare

1. Puree the mangoes.
2. Blend in the yoghurt.
3. Add two drops of vanilla essence, mix well and pour into ice-cream/kulfi moulds.
4. Freeze overnight.

Variations: The yoghurt could be replaced with thick custard to get the same results.

Nutritional benefits: Mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C and Vitamin A. They also contain fiber and minerals. Yoghurt, of course, being a milk product contains protein, calcium, vitamin B2 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium.

#3. Banana-Yoghurt Ice Lollies

Ingredients

• Bananas (2)
• Yoghurt (1 cup)
• Honey ( 1 tbsp)

How to prepare

1. Mix the yoghurt and honey well.
2. Mash the bananas to form a smooth paste.
3. Mix all the yoghurt, honey and banana paste together.
4. Pour into ice cream or kulfi moulds and freeze for at least 6 hours.

Variations: Instead of honey, you can use very finely powdered cardamom and powdered sugar. Do not put too much sugar or the mix will become too sweet.

Nutritional benefits:  While bananas are full of B6, B12, magnesium and potassium, yoghurt is a good source of calcium and animal protein. Honey is good to build your child’s immunity.

Thanks for reading this article. Do share your feedback and snacks Ideas in the Comments section below.

The post 36 Healthy Indian Snacks For Kids And Toddlers appeared first on Babygogo.

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