Hey, kids don’t need toys!!! If you want to strengthen their cognitive skills and creativity, just let them run wild in the outdoors. You do not want to trap your children inside the four walls of their rooms and hand them some tacky toys and expect them to exhibit great skills. They need free play in the nature for their growth and overall development. But what about the times when going out is not an option, like during heavy rains, extreme cold or scorching heat. What do you expect kids to do then? Remember, balance is key. While outdoor play is essential, toys can also play a role in promoting a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Hence in this post, we will explore five of the best toys to boost creativity and imagination in children between the ages of 3 to 6 years old.

It sounds like an easy topic, you may ask, what’s the big deal with toys? Many will say, it’s so easy to choose a nice toy for a child as there are thousands of options available in the market. Or, some may suggest, simply take your child with you to the toy store and they will choose the best one for themselves. However, parents who recognize the impact of toys on their child’s growth and learning would understand the struggle.

I want to recommend some toys based on my experience as these have played a crucial role in nurturing my son’s creativity, imagination, and various developmental skills. As I believe that by providing children with toys that stimulate their problem-solving skills and fine motor abilities, we can foster their cognitive development and enhance their creativity.

I have already talked about the importance of cognitive milestones in early childhood and how the stimulation activities and environment play an important role in the brain development of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

You may also read: brain-boosting games for children! I have also made a video on the same topic. Check it out below-

So, without further ado, let’s check out 5 of the best toys that can enhance creativity and imagination in young children.

5 Best Toys to Boost Creativity and Imagination in Kids

1- Big Building Blocks

The first on our list of toys to boost creativity and imagination in kids is the Building Blocks. There are numerous learning possibilities with building blocks for young children. When my son was a toddler, he learned numbers, counting, shapes, and colors using these blocks. These blocks can be helpful in developing gross motor skills, curiosity, creativity, and imagination. These blocks provide a hands-on experience that engages children in constructive play, allowing them to explore their environment and learn through building and problem-solving.

Mega Bloks is an excellent choice for early learners.

MEGA Bloks – Building Blocks

Recommended Brand – Mega Bloks

Recommended Age – 12 months to 5 years

2- Magnetic Blocks/Tiles

The magnetic blocks and magnetic tiles are a great open-ended toy to build creativity in young children. These are also the perfect toys to challenge children’s logic and thinking abilities. By manipulating the magnetic pieces, children can create various structures, fostering their creativity and spatial reasoning. They learn about shapes, symmetry, balance, and how different pieces fit together to form stable structures.

GEL MAG – Magnetic Blocks

GEL Tiles – Magnetic Tiles

Recommended Brand – GEL Mag & GEL Tiles

Recommended Age – 2+ years for GEL Mag and 3+ years for GEL Tiles

3- Jenga Blocks

Once you feel that your child has honed the primary skills using big building blocks, it’s time to introduce Jenga to your kids. This game can be played in many ways, it’s fun and it also tickles your brain. It not only uses your physical skills but also needs a lot of mental skills. By carefully removing blocks and maintaining balance, children improve their fine motor control and strategic thinking.

Playing Jenga with Nemit

HASBRO Gaming – Jenga

Recommended Brand – Hasbro Gaming Jenga

Recommended Age – 4+ years

4- LEGO Bricks

Lego is the classic toy loved by children worldwide. These little building blocks can keep kids occupied for a long time. This is one of Nemit’s all time favorites and he never ceases to surprise us with his amazing creations. It’s a perfect toy for children to work on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Also, it is the best one when it comes to building concentration span in kids. As children construct different creations with Lego, they engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and imaginative play.

LEGO Classic

Recommended Brand – LEGO

Recommended Age – 4+ years

You may also read – Fun Activities to do with Family at Home!

5- Activity Box/Science Kit

The last one on the list of toys to boost creativity and development in kids is the theme-based Activity Box and Science Kit.

An activity box for kids is a fantastic way to provide them with a variety of engaging and educational activities. These boxes typically contain a curated selection of crafts, games, puzzles, and other hands-on activities that cater to the interests and developmental needs of children.

Our son enjoyed doing activities from such theme based activity boxes. We have mainly used Flintobox & Firstcry Intellikit but I am not able to find links to these brands on Amazon now. I am not sure if they have stopped making activity boxes or they are just not available on Amazon.

Not to worry, I will recommend our current favorite brand. We love their STEAM educational DIY toys.

Smartivity Activity Box

Recommended Brand –  Smartivity

Recommended Age – 3+ years for Activity box.

Science kit for children is an excellent way to spark curiosity and foster a love for science from an early age. These kits provide hands-on experiences that allow children to explore scientific concepts through fun and engaging experiments. Science kits are still my son’s favorite.

Einstein Science Kit

Recommended Brand – Einstein Box

Recommended Age – 4+ years for the Experiment kit.

By providing children with these five toys, we can create an enriching environment that promotes creativity, development, and learning. Whether it’s constructing with Mega Blocks, building with Lego Bricks, or engaging in experimental activities, these toys offer endless possibilities for children to explore their imaginations and enhance their cognitive abilities. So let’s dive into the world of play and watch our children grow into creative, curious, and confident individuals.

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Would you like to recommend a toy that would help nurture a child’s creativity, imagination and cognition? Share that in the comments below.

Image Source

• Toys – Amazon.in

• Featured Image – Pexels.com (Photo by Yan Krukau)

• Pin Image – Pexels.com (Photo by Pavel Danilyuk)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and brands that we trust and believe will provide value to our readers. The commission earned through these links helps support the maintenance and growth of our website and allows us to continue providing valuable content for our audience. Thank you for your support!

The post Toys to Boost Creativity and Imagination in Kids (3 To 6 Years Old) appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

It’s no secret that a healthy and balanced diet is essential for giving your child the best possible start in life. And, this is especially true when it comes to supporting their immune system. Eating the right foods can help keep your child healthy and protected from illness. So what are the top foods to include in your child’s diet for a stronger immune system? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top immunity building foods for kids.

Must-Include Immunity Building Foods for Kids 

1. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. Oranges and tangerines are popular among kids and can be easily incorporated into their diet; often consumed as a morning juice or a snack. Besides being a healthy addition to breakfast, these fruits come pre-packaged by nature; making them a convenient and hygienic snack option.

You may also read – Key Steps to Ensure Your Child Reaches All Milestones!

2. Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help in boosting the immune system. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and calcium. These are crucial for maintaining optimal health. Incorporating green leafy vegetables into your child’s diet can be done by adding them to soups, stews, and salads, or by preparing them as a side dish. 

You can also try introducing new varieties of leafy greens to make meals more interesting and flavorful for your child. Encouraging your child to eat a variety of green leafy vegetables can help ensure they receive the full spectrum of nutrients needed for a healthy immune system.

3. Herbs and Spices

Spices are often underestimated for their health benefits and are commonly believed to be used solely for adding flavour to food. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Certain Indian herbs and spices possess immune-boosting properties that can help prepare the body to fight infections.

Turmeric, for example, contains curcumin, a potent antiviral agent that can help the body fight off viral infections. Drinking warm milk mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric twice a day can help build immunity and reduce the risk of viral infections. Basil is another powerful herb that has been used for centuries to relieve the symptoms of cold, flu, and sore throat. It is known to increase the “T” cells in our body, which naturally helps to fight diseases and illnesses.

Cinnamon is also beneficial for the immune system, with studies showing that it has antimicrobial, antifungal, and immunomodulatory effects. Incorporating small amounts of cinnamon into a child’s diet can have positive long-term effects on their health. By adding these spices to our diet, we can naturally boost our immune system and protect ourselves from illnesses and infections. Herbs and spices are considered one of the best and top immunity-building foods for kids

4. Nuts and Dry Fruits

Nuts and dry fruits are an excellent sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that can help boost the immune system. They contain antioxidants, fibre, and protein that are vital for maintaining optimal health. Including a variety of nuts and dry fruits in your child’s diet can be done by adding them to snacks, and desserts, or by eating them as a standalone snack.

You may also read – It’s Time to Check Nutrition in Indian Kids for their Strong Immunity!

Almonds, for example, are rich in vitamin E, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation in the body. While, raisins are high in iron, which is essential for producing red blood cells. Cashews are also rich in zinc, a nutrient that plays a vital role in boosting the immune system.

It is essential to note that nuts and dry fruits are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. Encouraging your child to eat a handful of nuts and dry fruits as a snack can help them meet their daily nutritional requirements and promote overall health.

5. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is an excellent source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the stomach. To cultivate a healthy gut, it’s important to consume foods that are high in fibre and probiotics, such as yoghurt and fermented foods like pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut. These foods can be incorporated into delicious meals during lunch and dinner.

With probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, you can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and boost your child’s immune system. In addition to being delicious, yoghurt and fermented foods provide essential nutrients and probiotics that support overall health and well-being. So why not try incorporating these foods into your child’s diet today?

6. Whole Grains 

It is important to ensure that your child’s diet includes an ample amount of whole grains. As they provide the essential fibre that aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. In fact, consuming whole grains can help prevent obesity in children and minimize the risk of stomach problems, constipation, and haemorrhoids. A healthy digestive system is critical for a child’s overall health and a strong immune system.

You may also read – How to Use the Growth Indicators to Monitor Growth in Children in India?

Some examples of whole grains that can be easily incorporated into your child’s diet include wheat, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, quinoa, and millet. These grains can be included in the form of rotis, rice, or served as snacks.

By encouraging your child to consume whole grains regularly, you can help them maintain a healthy weight. And promote a healthy digestive system, which can lead to a stronger immune system and overall well-being. Whole grains come under the top immunity-building foods for kids

7. Oats

Oats are a highly nutritious grains that are rich in fibre, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. They provide a wide range of health benefits, including promoting heart health, reducing the risk of diabetes, and boosting the immune system.

Oats contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fibre that can improve gut health and enhance the immune system’s response to infections. They also contain antioxidants that help protect the body against harmful free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

You may also read – How to ensure that your child is growing right?

Incorporating oats into your child’s diet is easy. It can be done by serving them as oatmeal for breakfast, adding them to smoothies. Or, incorporating them into baked goods like muffins or granola bars.

8. Legumes

Including legumes or beans in your child’s diet is essential, particularly kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils. As they are rich in protein and can help fulfill the body’s protein requirements. These protein-rich foods are also a great source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them highly beneficial for the immune system. Legumes are especially rich in the B Vitamin Folate, which helps in producing new immune cells. Moreover, they are an ideal food choice for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets.

What are the Benefits of Immune-boosting Food Items?

Incorporating the best and top immune boosters for kids in their diet can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Providing all the essential nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development.
• Helping kids stay energized throughout the day.
• Reducing the risk of common cold and flu.
• Improving their sleep patterns.
• Enhancing their digestive system’s functioning.

By including these immune boosters in your child’s diet, you can ensure that they have a strong immune system. And, they stay healthy, and have optimal physical and cognitive development.

Final Thoughts 

A strong immune system is essential for the health of your child. By providing them with a balanced diet that includes these top foods, you can give their immune system the best chance of fighting off any potential illnesses. Be sure to speak to your pediatrician about any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s diet. Additionally, don’t forget to make meals fun and enjoyable for your kids by letting them help cook and picking out healthy snacks together.

Author Bio

Kunal Tambe is part of the content marketing team at Two Brothers Organic Farms. With his team, he works tirelessly to create awareness about organic farming, food sovereignty, sustainable practices, nutrition, climate change and a myriad of issues that surround these topics. His content offers value to farmers, the agriculture industry and to end consumers. Besides writing and developing content strategies, he loves adventure sports and listening to classical music.

The post What are the Top Immunity Building Foods for Kids? appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hi mommies, today I want to talk to you about child growth and development. Mothers have a really bad habit of always worrying about their child’s health & growth. When I was a kid, I used to get really angry with my mom for worrying about me unnecessarily. Her biggest concern has always been if I had eaten properly or not. That time it was hard for me to understand her concerns but now that I am a mother myself, I know how she felt. My child’s health is my top most priority and I try my best to make sure my child is ‘Growing Right‘. And, I’m sure it’s the same with you as well.

When I say grow right, I don’t just mean growing physically, that is, visible growth. But, it also means proper brain development. Somehow, we keep shifting our focus toward physical growth, especially in the case of infants & toddlers. Because if a child is gaining weight & height, we consider he/she is growing well. But that is not right, we need to ensure that our child is also achieving cognitive milestones.

Here are the 4 ways to ensure that your child is growing right, physically as well as mentally

During pregnancy, I read a lot of articles on child growth & development to prepare myself for the biggest responsibility of being a mother. I thought I had read it all and I was ready to take care of a new life. But I was wrong, I am learning something new every day. I’ve learned some of the most important lessons from my mommy friends. And, today I want to share my experience with you all.

• Food

We all know that food plays the most important role in a child’s growth and development. But only healthy, nutritious food and a balanced diet can help in proper bone growth. A balanced diet must contain carbohydrates, high-quality protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and fiber in the required amounts¹.

Young children don’t understand what’s nutritious and good for them, their fussy eating habits may lead to nutritional gaps which may affect their overall growth². And, that’s why I trust, Pediasure, a nutritional supplement prescribed by doctors all over the world. It is clinically proven to give visible growth in 90 days. Not just that, it also supports immunity and brain development.

• Play

Just like nutrition, physical activity is as important for the physical and mental growth of a child. And, being physically active requires energy which comes from the right blend of nutrients from food. So, the right balance of nutritious food plus physical activity ensures the right growth in young children. I would suggest limiting screen time and replacing that time with outdoor playtime for kids, it can work wonders for them.

• Stimulation

When it comes to a child’s brain development, stimulation plays the most important part. Just like physical activity is good for visible growth, stimulation activities are essential for optimal mental growth. Babies are born with a biological need and desire to learn. And, it’s up to us how we help them in their learning phase. Stimulation acts as food for mental growth.

• Environment

Another main aspect of growth and development that gets ignored easily is the right environment. It is every parent’s responsibility to provide a positive stimulatory & nurturing environment for their child.

A study by neuroscientist Audrey van der Meer shows that neurons in the brains of young children increase in both number & specialization when they are exposed to a positive and challenging environment³.

So, you see, it doesn’t take much to ensure our child’s optimal growth & development. Nutrition, physical & mental activities, and the right environment is the key to Grow Right.

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References:

1. https://pediasure.in/child-nutrition/child-growth-and-development
2. https://pediasure.in/about-pediasure/pediasure-overview
3. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170102143458.htm

The post How to ensure that your child is growing right? appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

In today’s post, I want to talk about the role of a nurturing environment on a child’s cognitive development. And share some easy ways to create a positive environment for your child. When I am saying environment, it includes both physical as well as the emotional environment.

We know how crucial are the initial years of a child’s life for their growth and development. A child’s brain develops rapidly during the first three years. It is the time of rapid physical, emotional and cognitive development.

If you have been following my posts on #FeedIQ, an initiative by Abbott, by now you know how nutrition plays a crucial role in a baby’s optimal development. As per a research from Abbott, 3 key nutrients i.e. DHA, lutein and natural vitamin E are essential to support brain development and encourage early learning skills in infants. Mothers can take care of their nutritional needs by including a good supplement like SimMom IQ+ in their diet.

But nutrition is not the only factor which influences a baby’s cognitive development. A positive, stimulatory, as well as a nurturing environment, plays an equally important role. In one of my previous posts, I have shared some of the age-specific stimulation activities for babies.

A study by neuroscientist Audrey van der Meer shows that neurons in the brains of young children increase in both number & specialization when they are exposed to a positive and challenging environment.

But do we parents really care about the environment our babies are exposed to?

Do we really focus on providing a positive & stress-free home environment for our babies?

Brain imaging research suggests that growing up in a stressful environment causes the brain to develop differently. Even pregnancy stress and postpartum depression are found to have negative effects on a baby’s cognitive development.

It is the responsibility of parents & caretakers to consciously create a warm, caring, loving & sensory-rich environment around the babies.

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Let’s see some of the best ways to create a nurturing environment around babies to have a positive impact on their cognitive development.

1- Cut out the stress and be a happy parent

We all want to raise happy babies but are you a happy parent?

It doesn’t take much to drop out the stress from our lives and focus on being happy beings. Children absorb all the sights, sounds, smells, textures and emotions around them. They can sense even the slightest tension in the environment.

Babies communicate their needs & emotions through their behavior. And if you want to understand their behavior, you should look at their environment.

I have shared a post on Instagram on how to be a happy parent. Check it out –

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Create a happy & positive environment at home. How? .

👉 Smile more…Laugh often! . 👉 Eat at least 2 meals together as a family. . 👉 Don’t complicate things, keep your life as simple as possible. . 👉 Do some crazy stuff together. . 👉 Don’t shy away from showing love n care to your partner. Say ‘I love you’ more often. .👉 Keep an unlimited stock of kisses n hugs & use them for no particular reason. .👉 Never take your fight to a level that it becomes abusive. . 👉 Show your child that 2 individuals who love each other can also have a difference in opinion & things can be sorted out by talking without getting highly aggressive. . 👉 Take care of yourself, do something for yourself without feeling guilty. . 👉 Remember memories matter more than money. . 👉 Throw out negative thoughts & people out of your mind and your life

A post shared by Neha Sharma (@growing_with_nemit) on Nov 25, 2018 at 10:31pm PST

2- Create a positive nurturing environment at home

One of the best ways to create a positive nurturing environment for babies is by providing them with unconditional love and care. Even the simplest acts of cleaning & changing your baby, breastfeeding her, rocking her to sleep, soothing her, makes the environment nurturing.

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Also, be available for your child when you are present around them. Listen to their cues in understanding their behavior. Don’t neglect their cries because that is their way of communicating their needs. Allow your baby to spend time with each member of the family. And also encourage other people in the house to have a positive interaction with the baby. Try to adopt shared parenting as well as positive parenting approach.

3- Indoor/Outdoor Stimulatory activities

One of the best ways to help your baby achieve cognitive milestones is through stimulation. Play-based learning is the most fundamental in a child’s physical as well as intellectual development. It builds a range of skills that enable young minds to take risks, solve problems, imagine possibilities, negotiate, and much more.

Babies as young as a few days old are learning about their environment through their senses. Some of the fun indoor stimulation activities for babies are reading, giving a massage, playing peek-a-boo, talking, singing and responding to their coo’s.

Just like indoor activities, spending time outdoors is a great way for a baby’s physical and mental development. You can take your baby for a stroll, talk to her about the surroundings, show her the things around & let her explore the sights and sounds. Spending time outdoors also helps in a baby’s emotional as well as social development.

So, dear parents, these are some of the ways in which you can create a happy, healthy & nurturing environment around your babies to have a positive impact on their cognitive development.

Hope you find this post helpful and worth sharing. Do share your thoughts in the below comments section.

The post 3 Effective Ways to Create a Nurturing Environment for a Baby’s Cognition appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

The early years of a child’s life are the most crucial in terms of proper growth and development. Infants have a biological need and desire to learn. And as parents, we should assist them in their learning phase by providing the right environment and stimulation activities. In my previous post on Feed IQ, I have written about the importance of cognitive milestones in infant cognition. In today’s post, I will share some of the age-specific stimulation activities for infants to help in their cognitive development. I am sharing the activities as per my experience which I used to do with Nemit.

Stimulation activities for babies (0 to 12 months old)

A baby’s first year is the most sensitive time for both baby and the mother. The first 3 months are quite tiring for a mom, with continuous breastfeeding, cleaning, changing and no proper sleep and rest in between. And that’s why it becomes a challenge to stay motivated and happy at all the times. If you are not happy, it will show up in your behavior. And believe me, these little babies can sense our stress or the stressful environment around them. The stress is not good even for your little ones, I hope you know that! Hence, it’s always better to take help from your partner or other family members during this time.

The best you can do for yourself during the first 3 months is to take care of yourself.

Take proper nutrition and include foods rich in DHA and natural Vitamin E in your diet as these are considered as brain-boosting nutrients for the baby. We are well aware of the significance of proper nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding in a baby’s growth. But parents often do not understand the importance of stimulation in a baby’s brain development.

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Let’s see some of the stimulation activities you can do for your baby’s overall development.

0 to 3 months

One thing which I often hear from my friends who have babies in this age group is ‘My baby is too young to do any activity so what should I do? Such small babies just lie in one place, keep staring at the ceiling, and keep howling every 2 hours’.

Yes, that’s true! But then what we moms do at that time? We feed them, caress them, talk to them in the cutest possible voice, clean them, rush to them on hearing their first squeak. That’s what we do to make them feel loved. And that’s what constitutes stimulation for them.

Watch this video of Nemit responding to our talks when he was 2-months-old!

The first 3-4 months, babies communicate their needs by making different sounds (i.e cry). This is the most important time to bond with your baby and understand his needs better. The best stimulation you can provide is through touch. When you breastfeed your baby, he gets the warmth and comfort. When you attend to his cries and give him attention, he feels safe and secure. Talk to your baby in a soft loving tone, he will love listening to you although he may be looking somewhere else his attention will be on your voice only.

10 stimulation activities you can do with your (0 to 3) months old

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3 to 6 months

Soon after 3 months, the baby starts using movement and other sounds for learning & communicating. This is the best time to prepare a visual stimulatory environment and introduce sound-producing toys. Use colorful decorations in the baby’s room as they love to see around and observe things during this stage. You can give rattle toys, they will love to hold a rattle and shake it. And be ready to witness their cute toothless smiles while hearing the rattle create different sounds.

You can also make simple toys & puzzles at home for your baby using the locally available materials!

One of the favorite toys of all babies is play gym. My son rolled over for the first time while trying to grab a toy hanging on the play gym. Tummy time is another activity which helps them work on their neck muscles and strengthening their core. Talking and singing are one of the best ways to bond with your baby. Make faces and use different sounds to see how curious they get.

10 stimulation activities you can do with your (3 to 6) months old

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6 to 12 months

Once your baby is halfway through his first year of life, it will be time for more exploration and more movement. Your baby will experience many physical, mental and emotional changes. And he may seem self-motivated to learn new things and explore new avenues. The first thing you should do is to make the surroundings baby friendly.

At around 4 months, when our son first rolled over, we shifted our bed onto the floor. And soon after 6 months, we turned our home baby friendly. You can get many baby proofing techniques and ideas on Google.

10 stimulation activities you can do with your (6 to 12) months old

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I hope you find these stimulation activities helpful and will assist in your baby’s cognitive development. Do spread the love by sharing this post with your friends and family. And tell me in the comments section what all activities you do/did with your babies as new parents.

The post 30 Stimulation Activities for a baby’s cognitive development appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hi guys, today I want to take up another important topic related to babies i.e Cognitive Milestones in Early Childhood. 

In simple words, cognitive development is the brain’s ability to act and think. And cognitive milestones help keep a check on baby’s brain and intellectual development.

Just like any other new mom, I was also obsessed with the term ‘milestones’, when Nemit was a little baby. I used to keep a check on his physical growth every month and sometimes even every week since babies grow really fast.

For the first 30 days after birth, my complete focus was only on his physical growth. At that time I was not aware that there are cognitive milestones as well. And came to know about their importance only at a later stage.

At around 2 months, when a baby smiles for the first time, it is a growth milestone. And around 3-4 months, when the baby responds to our facial expressions with a smile, it is a cognitive milestone.

Keeping a track of cognitive milestones is as important as other developmental milestones.

Many parents are not aware of the different categories of developmental milestones. These are basically a bundle of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and communication milestones. And each one of these plays an equally important role in a child’s overall growth and development.

Physical milestones involve the development of gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills such as rolling over, crawling, sitting, standing and fine motor skills like mastering pincer grip, drawing, writing, eating etc.

With cognitive milestones, the focus is more on thinking, learning, exploring and problem-solving skills.

There are many ways in which a mother can assist her baby in achieving cognitive milestones. And further helping in infant cognition.

One of the best ways is through nutrition!

Source – Gooey Brains

You will be amazed to know that a baby’s cognitive development starts from the time of conception. And that is why during pregnancy, mothers are advised to take proper care of their health and nutrition intake. DHA and Natural Vitamin E are the most important brain-building nutrients responsible for baby’s cognitive development.

Many studies and research conducted by Abbott, reinforce nutrition’s impact on cognition.

Only a mother can provide these essential nutrients to the baby during pregnancy and later through breastfeeding.

I always say that each baby is unique and they achieve their milestones at their own pace. However, this is also true that parents play an important role in their baby’s growth and development. Cognitive development is directly influenced by the quality of time parents spent with their babies. Cognition is the most important part of a child’s development as it lays the foundation for lifelong progress.

Another best way to help your baby achieve cognitive milestones is through stimulation!

Source – www.essentialbaby.com

It’s important that parents provide the right environment and stimulation activities right from the birth. There are many benefits of stimulation for the development of baby’s thinking and intelligence, auditory and visual senses and also helps in improving their social and emotional skills.

To know more about the age-appropriate (0-2 years) stimulation activities check out this post here!

A baby’s brain doubles in size in the first year. And by the age of two, the brain has up to twice as many nerve connections as it will have in adulthood.

Babies are way smarter than we think. For the first 2 years after birth, they use their senses to learn about the world around them. They are constantly learning, thinking and exploring their surroundings. And working towards developing remarkable intellectual skills.

Hence, it becomes crucial for parents to keep a watch on their cognitive milestones. And take immediate action if they notice any red flags. As early intervention always help!

Check out the below chart for an age-wise list of cognitive milestones 

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I hope you find this post informative and helpful. Do share your experience with me related to developmental milestones in the comment below. And don’t forget to share this post!

Reference:

http://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/anhi.org/img/Cheatham.pdf

http://www.abbott.in/live-healthy/thrive/infant/boost-your-babys-development.html

https://anhi.org/education/course-catalog/B880EF2D92BB48A1AE80277F1B36C0C4

https://www.nap.edu/resource/19401/ProfKnowCompFINAL.pdf

https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2012/05/21/Abbott-Nutrition-Cognition-research-is-one-of-our-top-global-priorities

‘I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter’

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Hey guys, I am back again with one of the least talked about topics ever i.e. Extended Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful part of a mother-child relationship as it helps in making the bond even stronger. During World Breastfeeding Week (1st Aug – 7th Aug), we saw many big organizations talking about the benefits & importance of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother. Breast milk is considered the first complete food for the baby. It does not just provide the nutrition for the baby’s growth but it also helps to keep the baby healthy by providing the necessary immunity.

Various researchers have even found a connection between breastfeeding and infant cognition. 

However, there is still a lack of knowledge and understanding among the new mothers regarding breastfeeding. And extended breastfeeding is not even considered by many due to some myths hanging onto it. Hence, today, I am going to share my experience with extended breastfeeding.

I am a mother and I have breastfed my son till 2.4 years and I can say that this journey was not at all easy. Just like any other part of motherhood & parenting, breastfeeding comes with its own set of hurdles. However, you all will agree that when it comes to our babies, we moms can do anything.

Extended breastfeeding means breastfeeding after the age of 12 or 24 months. 

Many of us are already aware that the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months of age. But not many know that WHO also recommends continued/ extended breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. I was shocked to read that globally, only 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed.

I understand there could be many reasons for not being able to breastfeed exclusively. Whatever your situation is, just remember you are still doing the best for your baby. And you are not alone!

I also want to tell you that Breastfeeding has innumerable benefits for the baby as well as the mother. And even if you are struggling with this phase, just don’t give up yet. Give it one more try!

We, moms, are ready to do anything which is in the best interest of our babies. During pregnancy, I took very good care of my diet as advised by my doctor, even though I hated those superfoods. Since I knew that the right nutrition during pregnancy leads to improved health of the baby at birth.

As per a research from Abbott, 3 key nutrients i.e. DHA, lutein and natural vitamin E are essential to support brain development and encourage early learning skills in infants.

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid which is an essential nutrient for the baby’s nervous system. It works best in combination with lutein and natural vitamin E. Hence, it’s important to include these nutrients in diet during pregnancy. After birth, the baby receives these nutrients through breast milk, hence it’s even more important for mothers to take care of their diets and include foods rich in these essential brain-boosting nutrients.

This is how mothers FeedIQ to their babies even when they are in the womb and later through breastfeeding. 

Research has revealed that the nutritional needs of a mother increases during breastfeeding. And the diet alone may not provide all the essential nutrients for the mother as well as the baby. Hence, it becomes important to fulfill those needs by taking a good supplement rich in DHA, lutein, and Vit E. One such supplement is Simmom™IQ⁺ which is specialized nutrition offering IQ⁺ blend of brain nutrients for effective brain development of the growing baby.

In one of my previous posts on FeedIQ, I had also mentioned how 90% of brain development takes place by the age of 2 years. So, along with nutrition, stimulation and the role of parents also play an important role in the brain development of a child.

There are so many benefits of breastfeeding still not many mothers consider extended breastfeeding for their children. One big reason is support from the family and on a whole from society. In earlier times, breastfeeding a child till the age of 3 or 4 years was a norm in our culture.

Why I chose extended breastfeeding?

At first, I was not aware of the many benefits attached to extended breastfeeding. I was forced to continue feeding as I had no idea how to go about weaning. Breastfeeding a toddler is completely different as compared to feeding a baby. While I was thinking about ways to wean off, we adjusted to the new feeding schedule. Now the feeds were not that frequent and were of shorter duration. And I noticed that in fact, it was helping me and my son in many ways. It was easier for me to continue breastfeeding considering that I am a stay at home mom.

So, mommies if you are not able to feed your child after a certain age due to any reason, don’t feel bad about it. It is your decision and no one can force you. But, if you are considering extended breastfeeding and undue pressure from others is stopping you, do only what is best for you and your child.

1. Extended breastfeeding gives Comfort & Security – Everybody talks about toddler tantrums and their mood changes. Will you believe it if I say we rarely face tantrums. That’s true! My son knows that he can come to me whenever he feels confused or upset. When nothing works, breastfeeding comes to the rescue. Even during sickness, he would find comfort in breastfeeding.

2. Bonding – After one year, our feeding sessions reduced in number. And I would use those times to bond better with my son. A few minutes, 4-5 times a day we would spend just with each other. No distractions around. Those were actually the best times spent in peace.

3. Independence – The strong bonding helped him become independent. He’s not at all clingy.

4. Health benefits – Breastmilk changes as your toddler grows. Breastfeeding has been shown to support the child’s immune system antibodies even at the age of two and beyond. Breastfed kids are known to fall less sick and have a good IQ.

5. Helped me as a mother – Breastfeeding beyond the age of two helped me in many ways from emotional security to fighting stress. Nursing also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. I feel more connected to my toddler & understand his needs better. I am happy that I decided to continue breastfeeding my toddler and provide him with brain-building, immune-boosting nutrients. It feels so satisfying. Thanks to the supplement I was taking.

Breastfeeding is a personal decision to be taken by the mother for her child. And no one has a right to interfere or pressurize her for her decision to breastfeed or not. Be well informed, only you know what is best for your child!

I hope you find this post informative and helpful in taking the most important decision of breastfeeding your child. Do spread the word, share this post! If you have any queries or doubt leave your comments below.

Reference –

www.prnewswire.com/news-releases

www.who.int

www.abbott.com

Featured Image Source – www.bubhub.com.au

The post Extended Breastfeeding and the Essential Brain Boosters appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

It is said that ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, how true is this in today’s world? Let’s talk about new age parenting and the role of parents in the cognitive development of their child. We are in an era where more and more families are turning nuclear and both parents have specific career goals. Due to multiple responsibilities, parents are always running short of time, still, they want to practice the best parenting method for their kids. However, I have seen parents struggling through this phase with little or absolutely no help around. Also, it’s commonly believed that the responsibility of a child is tilted more towards the mother. But times are changing and we can see many fathers proudly sharing parenting responsibilities and taking the load off the mothers’ shoulders.

Source – simmom.in

So, if you come under this category of nuclear family setup or joint family with zero support, this post is for you.

We are a nuclear family with no help around. Initially, after the birth of our son, I thought of dedicating my full attention and giving all my time to raising our kid. However, motherhood is not that easy, it comes with its own pros and cons. Postpartum depression hit me quite early and too hard that it took a toll on my mental as well as physical health. This, in turn, put a bad impact on bonding with my newborn. Luckily, my husband observed the mood changes and took the step to talk it out. That was the time when I poured my heart out and explained how difficult it was for me to manage a newborn all alone. Then onwards, we decided to follow a shared parenting approach.

Nemit and Papa shares a strong bond

You may read – How to conquer the Postpartum Depression?

I have already talked about how an impressive amount of a baby’s brain development occurs during pregnancy in my previous posts. And also how choosing the right nutrition plays an important role in boosting a child’s growth and development. We very well know how understanding the benefits of breastfeeding, choosing the right environment, and offering the age-specific stimulation exercises can all assist in the cognitive development of a child. These are some of the ways in which a mother can FeedIQ to her child.

Source – simmom.in

It is the responsibility of both parents to ensure that the child gets the right stimulatory environment by being mindful of their parenting approach. We make sure we are available for each other and for our son as and when required. This way we also try to inculcate the important values of equality in our son.

How do we ensure our child’s proper physical, social as well as cognitive development?

Let’s be true to ourselves, a mother can’t do it all by herself. She can fit well in all the roles but the fact can’t be ignored that she too needs rest and care. Here are some of the things we do in laying a great development foundation for our child.

An equally shared parenting truly is half the work and all the fun.

=> Outdoor Play – To ensure Nemit gets ample time outside, Sumit takes him to the nearby park twice a day. It’s an advantage to us since Nemit wakes up early, he gets his first dose of physical activity in the early morning hours, which in turn, helps in keeping his energy levels in check. Now, here it is important for parents to be a part of their child’s outdoor activity. Outdoor play or play dates also help in improving the child’s social development.

Toddlers still need their parents around; they feel secure and loved when parents show interest in what their kids are doing. This can also be the best bonding time for a father with his child. Just by playing with your child, you can help in reducing their feelings of anxiety and stress.

You may also read – How to make outdoor play more fun for toddlers?

=> Interaction – Talking to the child and making conversation is very important starting from an early age to develop their communication skills. And here I am not just speaking about making general talks, positive interactions with your child are helpful in a child’s social development too. Yes, your child’s social development starts with you. We do this by encouraging Nemit to share his day and activities with us, we help him in building a two-way communication. Listening to your toddler is as important as talking which also helps in their cognitive development.

When you speak with your child look into their eyes, respond with a smile and stay focused. Never shy away from hugging and kissing your child, always make them feel loved. All this helps in teaching a child to be affectionate and compassionate to others.  These positive interactions also help in maintaining a good parent-child relationship.

Cuddles are Fun

You may also read – Ways to develop good communication skills in kids!

=> Structured Play – I have always encouraged play-based learning for Nemit. In simple terms, structured play means ‘play with a purpose‘, and this may include pre-planned skill-based activities. These activities provide the right stimulation which in turn boosts the child’s cognitive development.

Play-based learning

The power of play should never be underestimated when it comes to a child’s cognition. In fact, these stimulation activities play the most fundamental role in their physical as well as intellectual development.

Finger Painting

I resort to these pre-planned activities mostly during the daytime when I am alone with Nemit. During Nemit’s summer break, this structured play helped in keeping me sane through the long summer days.

Pre-planned activities

I usually plan 3-4 activities which help in keeping him busy for good 2-3 hours. These are not just fun but helps in strengthening our bond too. Also, following the Montessori approach has helped in planning activities based on day to day life skills. I will be sharing more about these toddler activities in my next post.

You may also read – Activities to boost a child’s brain development (0-2 years old)!

When the parents provide attention and the right environment, it helps in shaping their child’s physical, social as well as cognitive development. This is how I manage being a work at home mom without feeling the undue pressure even in our nuclear setup. I understand this approach is not applicable for everyone, and I have no intention to portray that only equal parenting is better for every family than another parenting model. But this has surely helped us in many ways.

How do you moms manage your work-life balance? Does your family also follow the equal parenting approach? Share with me in the comments below. And if you liked this post, please do share it with your friends and family.

The post Role of Parents in the Cognitive Development of a child appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hello everyone, hope you liked my previous post on play-based learning. Thank you so much for all the love and following our Summer Holidays Story Series on Instagram. Today, I want to share my pregnancy experience and learnings with you hence dedicating this post to all the lovely expecting parents out there. I know how it feels when you have a little human growing inside you. The feeling that you are the sole nurturer of a new life is marvelous. But then there are endless doubts and fears pertaining to baby’s growth and development. One thing I used to do when I was expecting a baby, was read and gather up all the information related to baby growth. You must be doing the same, right? However, many times it would leave me confused and then I would take help of my gynecologist to clear up my doubts.

I remember once during my initial routine check-up, I asked my doc about baby’s brain development in the womb. And I was astonished to know that the neural tube, from which the baby’s brain and spinal cord develop, is formed by the 4th week of conception. Isn’t this amazing? That time she told me how my nutrition intake directly boosts my baby’s brain development.

Our baby’s physical as well as mental growth solely depend on what we eat and how we take care of ourselves both pre and post-pregnancy. In one of my previous posts, I talked about FeedIQ and how mothers not just pass on the genes to the growing baby but also IQ through proper nutrition and stimulation exercises.

You may read that post HERE!

A baby’s brain development is based on the environment, genetics and nourishment she/he receives in utero and via breastfeeding. This is called FeedIQ.

I am sharing the 5 best tips my gynecologist gave me to ensure proper growth & development of my baby as well as for a healthy delivery.

5 tips to have a healthy, happy and smart baby

1) Eat Nutritious Diet

This is one advice we get from almost everyone. I had never cared about nutrition until I found I was expecting a baby. And suddenly I wanted to be mindful of what I eat for my baby’s optimal growth. On every visit to my doc, she would suggest adding a variety of food groups in my daily diet. Foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, dairy products, legumes, and grains provide essential nutrients for baby’s brain development. So, if you want a smart and intelligent baby, you should take care of what you eat as you will be directly feeding IQ to your baby.

Source – simmom.in

Did you know that 70% of the brain growth occurs during fetal life

I tried best to follow her instructions but there were some foods like spinach and dairy products which I couldn’t eat due to strong aversion during my whole term. And that is why she wanted me to take additional supplements to support fetal development.

You may also read 5 essential nutrients for a baby’s brain development!

2) Take Supplements

My hemoglobin, vitamin D, and iron levels were already low and due to severe food aversions, I was not able to include some important food items in my diet. Hence, I was advised to take additional nutritional supplements. If you are not able to meet your recommended daily intake of nutrients, then it’s really important to take supplements to fulfill body’s requirement. There are many nutritional supplements available in the market. SimMom IQ is a specialized nutrition offering with IQ+ blend of brain nutrients and high-quality protein that helps in fetal brain development and healthy birthing. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any nutritional supplement.

3) Stay Active

Many people take advantage of pregnancy and use it as an excuse to laze around, I was the same. I had become a couch potato and somedays would not even change my place for the whole day. It was during my 3rd-trimester scan when my doctor told me that baby’s weight was lagging even though I was gaining some good kilos. I realized the importance of being fit and active quite late. But as soon as I came to know about it, I was on my feet. I wanted my baby to be healthy.

The latest research has shown that exercise during pregnancy can increase neurons in your baby’s brain by 40%.

Our body releases some hormones during physical activity which are good for the baby. Working out not only helps in strengthening baby’s brain but also helps in improving your stamina which you will need during labor.

4) Talk to your baby

Source – Pinterest
(thebump.com)

I have heard many people say that it’s good to talk to your baby in the womb since babies can hear us. It’s true! In fact, talking to your baby plays a crucial role in his brain development. This is also a great way to bond with the baby. Whenever I used to talk to my baby, I would feel his movement. It felt as if he was responding to me. You can also read good books aloud during pregnancy. Talking, singing, and reading can help in your baby’s brain development. Sometimes, it may feel funny to talk to your tummy, but you will start loving that feeling too.

5) Say No to Alcohol & Smoking

It’s hard to stay away from alcohol in today’s social life, especially if you are a party animal. Similarly, cigarette smoking is linked to our highly stressful lifestyles. However, you should immediately stop smoking and drinking as these can have adverse effects on baby’s brain health. As per a study at Wayne State University, in Detroit, women who drank occasionally during pregnancy were 3 times as likely as non-drinkers to have a child diagnosed with behavioral problems.

Smoking can increase the risk of birth defects in babies.

The damage due to higher levels of alcohol in the fetal blood can be long-lasting and severe, ranging from mental retardation to heart damage. So, quit smoking and drinking during pregnancy to have a healthy baby.

We all wish to have healthy and smart babies however we ignore the importance of right lifestyle choices which could, in turn, help in boosting baby’s brain development. I hope you find these tips useful. Don’t forget to share the post with other expecting parents. And do leave a comment below so that I know you visited this blog. Thanks!

References:

www.nature.com

www.developinghumanbrain.org

www.simmom.in/feediq

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

All content here, including advice from the doctor, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in case of any questions related to your health.

This is a sponsored post, however, all opinions are mine.

The post 5 Pregnancy Tips for a Healthy & Smart Baby appeared first on Growing With Nemit.