Mother&Baby India

Sarbajeet Mukherjee, General Manager, Consumer and Retail Services, South Asia – UL, gives you expert advice on choosing the right products for your baby

Shrinking families invariably mean that a baby is lavished with attention, even before birth! Much to the amusement and puzzlement of older generations, it is not uncommon to see new parents indulge in a shopping frenzy to amass baby care products and accessories.

While most parents wouldn’t think much about spending extravagantly to make their little one’s early days comfortable and exciting, how many actually heed to the safety considerations of these products? Before you pick that digital thermometer from your local pharmacy or order it off your favourite e-commerce site, do you diligently check for safety certification marks issued by regulators or independent product testing and certification laboratories? Did you know that thermometers, even digital ones, need to be calibrated frequently to show accurate temperature? Most probably, the answers to all these important questions are no.

The danger of poor safety culture in India

India has undoubtedly witnessed unprecedented economic growth. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been an accompanying shift in either public perception or government policies toward quality and safety issues —this is all the more glaring in the case of consumer products, including the baby care segment.

In the US, for example, there are stringent standards that manufacturers must adhere to before releasing their product in the market. They are mandated to test their products against these standards, obtain quality and safety certification for them by an independent, third party laboratory. Separate agencies exist to oversee and regulate food and non-food items—the US Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, for instance. Any lapses in these processes, results in huge product recalls and tarnishing of the brand name.

To keep the regulatory system alert, there are dedicated databases that record injuries and accidents in children involving products, such as the Rapid Alert System for non-food products of the European Commission. With such a rigorous and elaborate standards structure in place, consumers are naturally geared to demand and expect safe and high quality products.

This intricate mechanism of strong regulations, coupled with industry vigilance, is woefully lacking in India. Almost all standards pertaining to consumer products are voluntary rather than enforced, and there is no legal requirement for product recall. Moreover, enforcement of existing regulations is dismal at best. It is no wonder that consumers in India are ignorant or unconcerned about safety standards and regulations.

Why should standards matter?
Quite simply, standards build trust. This trust is especially vital when it comes to baby products, given the tender age of the consumers in question. Every year, thousands of children fall victim to accidents, several of them fatal, on account of contact with malfunctioning or substandard products ranging from toys to high chairs. Even if there is no immediate calamity, there is grave danger posed to the baby’s health, on account of toxic substances present in these products. Consider this:

● An international movement called Campaign for Safe Cosmetics 2011 found that formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, a safety hazard for babies, was found in the products of a prominent brand of baby products.

● The European Child Safety Commission does not recommend the use of either baby walkers or baby bath tubs, for the high risks they pose.

What should you do?

While there are no specific regulations governing baby products in India, it is still advisable to check if the product has been certified as safe for use by any international body or an independent testing laboratory —check for marks like US FDA,  CE, CSP, FSC and UL. You must keep in mind that these products may not be designed for Indian conditions, and  hence visit the manufacturer’s website for operation and maintenance information in different geographical regions. For health devices like nebulisers and aspirators, or even a thermometer, it is always best to check with your baby’s pediatrician before use.

Skin care and cosmetic products are major cause of concern. Choose only those items that are non-fragrant, labelled ‘hypoallergenic’ and do not contain toxic chemicals like  formaldehydes and parabens.

Given the increase in cyber crimes, be wary of choosing electronic devices like baby monitors. Use only equipment that is certified as safe for cyber security as well, lest personal details, like your baby’s location is compromised.

In the end
As a parent, it can be frightening to know that you are inadvertently subjecting your baby to harm through your shopping choices. The remedy lies in educating yourself about the potential hazards a product is associated with, thus prioritising safety over aesthetics or economics at the time of purchase. Make it a habit to read the product information before you checkout the product, either at a store or an online portal. Like medicine, when it comes to the safety of your baby, prevention is always better than cure.| MB

BY RUTH DSOUZA PRABHU

As mothers, time makes us an expert on every kind of crying there is— the hungry cry, the sleepy one, the I-am-irritated cry, the loud tantrum, the give-me-attention cry and much more. But every once in a while comes a cry that leaves us stumped! This is perhaps the time that panic sets in, the emergency calls to friends are made and finally the doctor is woken up in the middle of the night. While at most times the reason for this crying may be a small one, there are a few occasions when you need to be alert and pick up on the signals at the right time. One such instance is the possible sign of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

A UTI is something most adults, especially women, are familiar with. We may have had them at some point in our lives, at least once, if not more. But did you know that little children are quite susceptible to them as well?

“UTIs are different in children as it can cause serious complications if left untreated,” says Dr Vikas Satwik, head – neonatology and pediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals. “In children, a UTI can present with symptoms completely unrelated to the urinary system. For example, a UTI can present symptoms like vomiting, feeling unwell, reduced feeds, etc. Most children may not complain of burning micturition (constant spurts of urine passing with a burning sensation) as seen in adults. However, children born premature, those with some block in fl ow of urine or reflux of urine from the bladder back to the kidneys, are more susceptible to recurrent urinary infections,” Dr Vikas, adds.

Keep an eye out for: It is an established fact that UTIs in small children are very different from what an adult undergoes. While UTIs tend to occur more during the monsoons, when it comes to young children, UTIs are usually due to congenital anomalies and can occur through the year.

“Parents should always keep an eye out for children crying while passing urine as this may be due to severe burning experienced by them,” advices Dr Santosh Palkar, urologist, Zen Hospital, Mumbai. “The kind of fl ow of the urine should also be noted. Keep an eye out to see if blood is present in the urine,” he says.

Dr Vikas also adds that while some children suffering from a UTI may display symptoms, it is not necessary that symptoms will present for all kids. “Sometimes, children may just be irritable and start crying. Some may show signs of a stomach ache, fever, lack of appetite etc. In infants, urine may produce foul smell.”

If left unattended:  Dr Santosh emphasises that any kind of infection can cause a fever, including a UTI. “Do not always consider a fever as a viral infection as there could be other reasons for it, too. If the infection is still overlooked, it can lead to renal damage.” If the urinary infection increases and it reaches the kidney, it can cause permanent kidney damage and scarring. Repeated scarring can lead to high blood pressure and reduced kidney function, including kidney failure. Dr Vikas warns that in a if a UTI is left unchecked, especially among children as young as two to three years, they can suffer from high blood pressure as will most likely be a lifelong problem for him. If renal failure sets in, he may need frequent dialysis and even a renal transplant.”

The treatment: Once a UTI is suspected, it is usually diagnosed with a clean catch urine sample which is then tested for the presence of pus and bacteria. An appropriate antibiotic is started which may be either oral or intravenous, depending on the severity and age of the child. An ultrasound of kidneys and bladder is undertaken, depending on the intensity of the UTI and bacteria causing the infection. If the UTI is severe or recurrent, further investigations to look at renal damage or the cause of UTI is undertaken at a later stage.

How to be careful: Small changes or precautions will help prevent UTI s among children. Here’s what you can do.

● Make sure to change the diapers regularly.

● Evidence suggests that breastfeeding prevents UTIs in children in first six months.

● Clean the baby from front to back after urine and bowel movements.

● In older children, instead of cleaning them with the wet tissues, it is better to wash them with the water.

● After three to four years of age, ensure they drink plenty of water.

● Avoid constipation by proving a diet rich in fibre.

Irrespective of the age group, it is essential for everyone to ensure they are drink plenty of water. Parents should keep a check and ensure children pass urine at regular intervals.

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from a UTI, it is important that you seek medical help as soon as possible. It can prevent a great deal of pain and illness for your child and safeguard your child’s well-being in the long run.|MB

 

 

Vinitha Ramchandani is an author, editor and a qualified curriculum planner. She has to her credit over 20 published children books, two of which are part of the CBSE English textbook as well as the ICSE English Language Programme. She is currently excited about an empathy project for school children.

 

Many parents  in their quest to raise that perfect child  come to me and ask, “How can I get my child to read?” I almost always ask them, “Do you read?” The answer to this question usually clues me in to whether their child does or does not read. If even one parent is an avid reader, this can translate into the child picking up the habit as well. To parents who ask me how to get their kids to read, to them I say, “First, you pick up a book, they will follow suit.”

The importance of reading
The first big reason to get your child to read is the five senses. Babies and toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring and discovering the world with their senses. This is why everything they come across is first put in the mouth, then thrown to the side. They need to touch, smell, taste, hear and feel every single object around them. For pre-schoolers and toddlers who have access to so much visual entertainment, a book gives them one thing that apps and TV do not—the chance to look, touch, read, feel and taste. Yes, nothing can replace a book, especially for toddlers who constantly perceive things through their five senses.

If getting children to read has been a challenge before, it is definitely more so now. In today’s day and age, if there are so many easier, quicker and convenient ways to entertain and keep a person occupied as compared to a book, wouldn’t most parents choose an easier route for their children, especially if children are known to have shorter attention spans? Besides, today’s children need colour, visuals and something to work their hands with. Not all books provide this combination so it helps to do your research and read a few reviews before you pick one off the shelves.

Stacking facts
When you pick up a book, the feeling you get is not the same as when you read something on a device. A book is a time travel machine; when you flip through its pages and pore over the words, a book has the power to pull you along with it. We can all agree that today’s world  is a world of information. The fact remains, all we need to do is Google something and we have the information right at our fingertips. The easy access to a wealth of knowledge has undermined the value of it. So if we no longer look to books for information, why do we read books indeed?

Here’s why: books are vaults of emotions; they carry with them decades of experience. Books act as stimulators and perform the basic word-building magic in a child. A child who reads is definitely someone who has   better-than-average vocabulary, has better honed communication skills and will probably be able to solve problems faster, as compared to a non-reading child.

Books have been known to nurture character traits in children, and have been used to teach values such as honesty, kindness, sharing, consideration to others, bravery, generosity, etc. Children who read are individuals who will understand another person’s point of view. After all, an author or writers is someone who has seen ‘the other side’ and thus makes us sympathetic to ideas and feelings that have a deep importance.

While some people may consider books a waste of time, reading is actually the ultimate timesaver. When you read, you store small nuggets of information, flutter  through a range of emotions and events that would otherwise take you a lifetime to experience directly. Literature is a device through which your mind can experience a reality unlike the real world allows you to assimilate—from periods of time, a parallel universe or dimension, alter egos to even the paranormal, books can prove to be the greatest reality simulator. After all, a good book is an emotional experience.

In a world where we are all battling with deficit attention spans and borderline ADHD, a child who gravitates to a book is a child who is calmer, has larger attention span and has a more active imagination than those who play on an app or who choose to read online. The fact remains that reading a book means concentration on the task at hand; when you are online, you’re spoilt for choice and can be easily distracted by something more attention grabbing—a catchy headline or an exciting online game.

This is precisely why nurturing the habit to read from a young age, can not only prove to strengthen one’s mind, it will make a person more open to new ideas. Here’s how you can make the right start:
◆ Find an appropriate time and place to read to your kids regularly. You will notice that this will engage your child’s imagination and there will be some stories they will ask for, over and over again.
◆ Reading aloud helps children remember words and phrases, increases vocabulary and helps cognitive development.

SIMPLE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND IF YOU
WANT TO RAISE A READER:
● Keep books around you
● Visit a library once a week
● Read aloud and make storytelling a part of
your child’s day
● Take your kids book-shopping

◆ Moreover, research shows that children who read have more empathy, reasoning, creativity and problem-solving skills than children who don’t.

The right-fit book
Now, to get a child to engage with a book, it is important to find the ‘Right Fit’ book. Most books for children and young adults come with the recommended age group already in place. In younger kids, these indicators are helpful because it is the parent picking the book and ultimately reading along.

If a three to five-year-old had to  hoose a book, she would pick one for its visual appeal. Her second choice would be a subject that interests her. No matter what the age, picking books with a subject matter that’s close to the child’s interest, is a great place to start. If your child likes cars and aeroplanes, then there are books that explore the subject or have cars or aeroplanes as protagonists.  It’s the same for kids who love animals or nature. Parents need to see that the book tells a story and has a few new words so that you simultaneously build your child’s vocabulary. At the three to five age-range, parents should pick up books that are interactive, visually replete and colourful, and those that are great as concept starters.

The fact remains, kids develop at different speeds, both emotionally and cognitively. A child’s chronological age doesn’t take into account individual experiences, maturity,  or sensitivities. While picking out a book for your toddler, do remember that picture books with two lines or less per page, is always less intimidating. Today, there are great books that tell a story without too many words. If there are too many tough words in a book, chances are, reading or being read to, may be frustrating.

Allow the child to steer you through the choices. Websites and howto books will give you important pointers like:
◆ If there are more than five new or tough words in each page then put the book away
◆ Easy-worded books can be boring.
◆ Introduce a few new words each book so that there is a take-away each time.

I believe that you should let your child steer you as you will also steer her. If you love books, you already know that each story is a journey. The key to piquing your child’s interested in reading is not just to build vocabulary or instill character-traits; a good book is about telling a story, but more importantly, it has to be about the journey your child makes with the book. Vocabulary and character building are all an inevitable outcome. You have my word! | MB

 

 BY SHRUTI SHUKLA

It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone who appreciates the good things in life must be in want of a piece of chocolate. While Jane Austen may have had another idea, modern day gourmands really do know that the good things in life usually boil down to one simple thing—chocolate! From exam worries and office deadlines, to cheery celebrations and pregnancy woes, this  scrummy friend has always been there for us. And despite its debatable image, it has fought time and again to prove its health benefi ts for heart, skin, brain and our mood.

Chocolate encourages feel-good endorphins in the body that justify our true love for it. In fact, a study by Katri Raikkonen at the University of Helsinki, Finland, has confi rmed that women who consumed chocolates during their pregnancy, gave birth to babies who were ‘positively reactive— a measure that encompasses traits such as smiling and laughter’.

“Chocolate consumption by expectant mothers, in moderation, can work as a source of iron”, says Dr Rahul Nagpal, director, paediatrics and neonatology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj. “However, pregnant women who have gestational diabetes should keep away from chocolates,” he adds.

The Right Age for Chocolate
As a new mum, you could be baffled about the right time for introducing chocolates to your little one. With all the festivities around the corner, they are bound to have a frequent presence in our homes. In such a scenario, it becomes exceedingly difficult to figure out whether it’s alright to give your bundle of joy some treats, or to hold out just a little while longer.

Ideally, a baby is allowed solid food once she completes six months, but this doesn’t include chocolates. Dr Rahul advices, “Babies shouldn’t be given any chocolate in the first year of their life. Very small and measured amounts can be introduced to them after they turn one, but it is advised to stick to white chocolate only.”

Now, Milkybar remains a childhood favourite and is a sought-after choice in this category. To top it off, Nestlé has amped up its health quotient with its new kid-friendly recipe, by adding more milk and reducing sugar. “As a wellness and health company, we bring out products which offer healthier choices by simplifying our ingredients and meeting the highest food quality and safety standards. We believe in delivering tastier and healthier choices to its consumers and improve the nutrient portfolio of products,” says Nikhil Chand, general manager, Nestlé India. He further adds, “We have also made concrete efforts to promote portion guidance and all our chocolate and confectionery innovations have lighter treats as part of the portfolio, several of which are less than 50 calories per serve.” So, if you’re looking for a healthier treat to introduce your kids to, you know where to look.

Caffeine Content
Dark chocolates contain caffeine. A baby’s system is very sensitive, and while caffeine might not have any long-term complications, it can make your child hyperactive, uncomfortable, and even cranky. “Dark chocolates and other varieties with cocoa should be given to children only after the age of two,” Dr Rahul asserts.

Sugar Content
Even once your child gets acquainted with the taste of chocolate, it is important that you restrict her intake. This is due to the fact that chocolates are very high in sugar and fats, and hardly provide any protein. Furthermore, kids have small delicate teeth that are vulnerable to decay. The acid build-up around teeth after eating chocolates or any sugary food, can easily lead to poor oral health.

Dr Rahul says, “Tooth decay in kids is a very common condition these days. This can be avoided by limiting your child’s sugar intake and ensuring a good rinse and clean-up when the baby indulges in sweet treats.” This also implies that eating a piece of chocolate at once, instead of several small portions, is better for your child.

However, chocolate intake among children is not limited to chocolate bars alone. What is often ignored are the other sources through which chocolate sneaks into your child’s diet. For example, flavoured milk or cereals, cakes and even Indian sweets like chocolate mithai. One should look for these culprits and keep away from them.

Chocolate Allergies
Contrary to popular belief, cocoa allergy among children is very rare, almost negligible. It is the other ingredients like nuts, milk, gluten, etc., present in chocolate, that can have an allergic effect on your baby. Dr Rahul suggests, “Parents should consult a paediatrician for a better understanding of foods that might trigger an allergy. This will help them pick a product  according to their baby’s physical restraints. Avoiding chocolates with almonds or other nuts is a safe option.” He also warns parents to beware of any liquor content in chocolates.

It is significant that you check the Guideline Daily Amount (GDA), the nutrition facts label on the product, to know the exact ingredients. If after consuming chocolate, your child experiences a rash, fever or even light diarrhoea, it should be reported to the doctor immediately.

As a parent, it is your role to inculcate healthy eating habits in your children. The food habits that you shape right now will form the foundation for their entire lives. Restricting them from eating sweets or allowing them to binge on them, are both a big no-no. Maintaining a balance is what you have to teach them.

Neetika Chabbra, mum to threeyear- old Samaira, tells us, “I did not introduce my daughter to chocolates till the age of two; the main concern was her dental health. Now, I allow her Kinder Joy or Milkybar once a week, and if she insists, I let her have some cheat chocolates too.” Moderation works for Neetika; it will work for you too.

In the end, we believe that you know your child best. And if, as parents, both you and your partner agree that a little chocolate every now and then, won’t do much damage, then go ahead and give your kids a taste. After all, a little chocolate does make everything better!| MB