As the temperature soars across Assam and Travel restrictions have been relaxed we decided to visit Dirang in the west Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. There are so many things to do in Dirang, so do make a detailed plan and check the weather before leaving.
Dirang is located at 4910 feet above sea level and is approximately 310 km from Guwahati. This quiet village and Bomdilla, both are overnight destinations for tourists heading towards Tawang from Assam.
I was not sure if the kids would be able to travel by road this distance at a stretch, so we left Guwahati in the late afternoon and stayed at Tezpur for the night and the next morning we continued our journey. One can also stay at Nameri/Bhalukpong and explore Nameri Tiger Reserve for 1 day and then continue their journey onwards.
River Rafting at Nameri
There are a few tourist spots in Dirang that one can visit and enjoy before heading to Tawang.
Things to do in Dirang:
1. Monastery/Thupsung Dhargye Monastery: Things to do in Dirang
Located in the middle of the mountains, this Monastery is must visit. With a beautifully artistic, clean and peaceful environment one can feel at peace and relaxed. With prayer Stupa on both sides and an open field in front of the Monastery, it’s a beautiful experience both for the body and mind. There is a The kids could freely roam around as there were few visitors when we arrived. The Shrine is considered a centre for promoting Buddhist Learning and Tibetan culture for visitors. Photography is also allowed inside the shrine. There is a small cafe where you will get Tea, Coffee and Snacks. Free parking is also available.
Thupsung Dhargye Monastery
Thupsung Dhargye MonasteryInside the Monastery
2. Sela Pass:
It is the only route to Tawang. The roads are very curved, they are covered in snow during winter. The weather can be very unpredictable even during summer seasons so it is better to carry enough warm clothes. My son was expecting to see some snow but it was not snowing when we visited, it was very cold and windy with temperatures around 5 degrees. We all were shivering even after wearing sweaters and jackets and my daughter refused to wear any warm clothes. During winters one may get stuck for hours due to snow and landslides so you make sure you are carrying enough food and water with you as there are no tea or food stall (or maybe one or two) luckily we had packed our lunch and tea and ate it at Sela pass. One can also spot Yaks on the way.
Sela Pass
3. Sangti Valley:
It is one of the most beautiful valleys I have been to it is approximately 15 km from Dirang and is blessed with natural beauty and various flora and fauna. As one walks inside the valley you will be greeted by Kiwi trees and locally grown vegetables on both sides of the road. A walk beside the river is simply breathing. We booked our homestay at Sangti Valley and it was an isolated one with no internet connections. If you could spend at least one day in this beautiful valley, you won’t regret it at all. Don’t forget to carry your binoculars also as you are going to spot some exotic bird species.
Sangti Valley
Sangti Valley
4. Local Market:
I always make a point to visit the local market, whenever I visit a place, not particularly to buy something but to explore different kinds of local fruits and vegetables available there. And I have always found something interesting which is not available in our market or cities. Some local fruits and vegetables that were available in the market were Kiwi, Apples, sweet Kerela, almonds, and milk products like cheese made from yak’s milk.
Local Market in Dirang
Local products at the market
5. Kalachakra Gompa: Things to do in Dirang
It’s a 500-year-old monastery and a major tourist attraction. Mostly pilgrims and Buddhist monks are seen visiting this sacred place.
There are a few other places like Dirang Dzong ( It is a 17th-century citadel that was built to protect Bomdila from invasions) and National Research Centre on Yak that one can visit, but we had to miss them as we didn’t get time to cover these places.
Where to stay in Bomdila or Dirang
Not many options to choose from, but one can book hotels or homestays in Dirang/ Bomdilla or Sangti valley. We stayed in Letro Homestay at Sangti Valley. The owner was very helpful. Check here for availability
The nearest airport to Dirang, Bomdila or Tawang is Tezpur and Guwahati in Assam. From Guwahati/Tezpur one can take a cab to Bhalukpong)/Tezpur check post and from there one can take a shared taxi to Bomdilla or Dirang. I would advise you to take a cab or your private car for the whole journey or book your trip through some travel agents. One is also required to take Inner Line Permit before visiting Arunachal Pradesh. (ILP can be obtained online for Rupees 50 per person)
The nearest feasible station is Guwahati. Shared cabs are available at the Dirang Taxi Counter in ASTC bus stand in Paltan Bazaar. There are buses that run between Guwahati and Bomdila/Dirang/Tawang from ISBT Bus Stand in Guwahati.
We took our car from Guwahati.
Weather in Dirang- Arunachal Pradesh:
The best time to visit is Between October to April.
The weather is mostly cold but can be unpredictable at times. When we visited in October the weather was clear and sunny with temperatures at around 30 degrees Celcius and at night it was about 15 degrees. Keep 2-3 days extra as you might get stuck due to landslides or snowfall like we came back to Bomdilla and stayed there for the night from Tenga Valley as roads were closed due to landslides. Check what to pack for a one-day outing with a kid.
The whole trip was rejuvenating for us and the kids also loved exploring these places. As these places are still not very popular among tourists there were not many people from outside thus making the tourist places less crowded and peaceful.
Cloth Diapers, also commonly known as modern Cloth Diapers, are reusable diapers that can be used again after being washed, cleaned, and dried. Unlike disposable diapers thrown away, cloth diapers can be used again and again. Modern cloth diapers come with a waterproof outer layer and the inserts are a combination of different materials like microfiber, hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo charcoal to give maximum absorbency. Once soiled they are washed and can be used again.
Before disposable diapers came into the market people were using only the traditional cloth diapers or nappies only. The traditional diapers which our mother had used lacked absorbency, were ineffective and would be required to change after 2-3 pees. But with time cloth diapers have evolved and modern cloth diapers are more absorbent, leak-proof, come in attractive prints, are eco-friendly, safer option for the babies and are light in your pocket too in the long run.
Disposable diapers are convenient to use as they are thrown away after use. As they don’t require any washing, they are convenient to use and make life easier. But they are not at all save for the environment and nor for the baby. As disposable diapers have chemicals to increase absorbency they are harmful to the environment and can cause rashes in babies. On the other hand, cloth diapers have the following benefits:
doesn’t contain harmful chemicals thus making it safe for the baby and the environment
makes toilet training easy
economical in the long run
never have to worry about buying diapers monthly or when you run out of stock
one free-size diaper suits infants as well as toddlers thus saving money
What are the different cloth diapers?
Flats:
Flats are the oldest and have been in use for ages. They can be folded as per convince and secured onto the baby with a diaper cover, cotton nappy, pin it with a snappy or can be used as inserts with pocket diapers.
It is a single piece of cloth that is tied to the baby. They don’t have any absorbency capacity and need to be changed each time a baby pees. They can be used as diaper-free time or can be used with flats.
Prefolds are rectangular diapers with multiple layers of lightweight, woven fabric with extra layers in the centre panel for absorbency. They are easy to use with diaper cover or pockets.
They are easy to use and they dry up quickly. They have a waterproof material outside and soft microfleece stay dry material inside. Any type of inserts can be put inside and together they form a pocket. They are especially suitable when the baby starts moving.
As the name suggests diaper covers are waterproof covers and can be used with flats, inserts or prefolds. They can be used again with any inserts without washing. They are very helpful during travelling with your baby.
In Aios the inserts are sewed to the stay-dry lining and the waterproof outer layer. Some also have pockets where you can put inserts to increase the absorbency. After use, the whole diaper goes for washing.
They come with or without snaps and are highly absorbent and also come with inserts to boost absorbency. They have elastic at the legs and with or without snaps for closure. They need a diaper cover to become waterproof from the outside.
Hybrid diapers are diapers that use the best of cloth and disposables. These diapers comprise cloth covers that are sized and trim and work with both washable and disposable inserts. The covers do not need a daily wash and can be reused with a simple swap out of the insert on the same day. In short, these diapers give you the convenience of disposables and the health of cloth all in the same diaper.
Bdiapers hybrid diapers are India’s only hybrid diapers that come with chemical-free disposable inserts. These cloth covers are waterproof and washable with the option of using a disposable or reusable insert. These diapers are designed to allow for the passage of air thereby reducing the growth of bacteria, making them guaranteed rash free. The Bdiapers disposable nappy pads are bleach, fragrant and dye-free hence hypoallergenic. These diapers are sized to fit and are trim, and the cloth covers do not need a daily wash. You can reuse the cover with a simple change of insert on the same day by wiping clean the pouch. Bdiapers brings you the option of several matching accessories like T-shirts and bandana bibs making your hybrid diaper a functional fashion statement for your bub. Prices for these start at Rs 399/- with the option to save big on larger packs of nappy pads. They are available on Amazon, Flipkart and all major marketplaces.
It is very hard to point out what type and which brand of diapers would be best for your baby. One will need to try out different types of diapers according to the baby`s built and pee pattern, before building a stash. Here are lists of the Best Cloth Diapers in India (not in particular order) that I have used personally and would highly recommend to parents who are looking to buy for their little ones.
Best Cloth Diapers in India:
1)Superbottoms Cloth Diapers: Best Cloth Diapers in India
Diapers from Superbottoms are popularly known UNO is one of the best baby cloth diaper brands from India. From newborns to toddlers they cater to all specific age groups. The Superbottoms Newborn UNO is suitable for newborn babies to 3 months. They are made of all cloth and no harmful chemicals have been used. It has a super dry feel layer to keep the baby`s bum dry and a waterproof outer layer.
It consists of:
A dry fill pad with a super dry feel layer on top.
Waterproof outer
The Superbottoms Free Size Unoare suitable for babies from 10 months to 3 years. They come with an adjustable snap and one just needs to change the pattern set according to the age. One can use one insert during the day and for night time the booster pad can be added for more absorbency. They are perfect for travelling and heavy wetters. One can use fleece liner on top of the insert (touching the baby`s skin) to make poo cleaning easy.
2) Snugkins Cloth Diapers: Best Cloth Diapers in India
What I liked the best part about Snugkins diapers is that they fit perfectly without any chance of leakages (which is the main concern while buying any diapers) and they are not at all bulky. Each of their diapers is CPSIA and GOTS Certified, which means the cloth used in each diaper is certified safe for your child.
Snugkins Cloth Diapers for newborns don’t contain Phthalates and are very soft on the skin. This pocket diaper has an opening at the top and bottom making it easier to place the soaker. It consists of 12 layers of organic cotton along with a highly absorbent sheet to keep the baby`s bum dry. It has an additional 9 layers of an organic cotton booster.
These diapers will last for around 5 to 6 hours and for the nighttime, one can add a booster pad along with wet free prefold pad for a comfortable sleep. It fits babies from 2.5 kgs to 7 kgs.
Regular Cloth Diapers from Snugkins are leak-proof, sleek, slim and ultra-breathable and last up to 4-5 hours. It fits babies from 0-36 months weight 5-17 kgs.
New Age Diapers have 21 layers of soft organic cotton cloth (13 layers of wet-free prefold pad when folded and 8 layers of booster pad). With an easy snap system, one can adjust the size and length accordingly. It fits babies from 3 months to 2 years/5-14 kg.
It has the following features:
1. India’s first designer diapers by Archana Kochhar and Tomas De Bruyne.
2. Slim, sleek, and lightweight than other bulky cloth diapers.
4.74% savings on diapers, CPSIA certified, No lead phthalates
5. Paediatricians certified, trusted by moms with the goodness and comfort of traditional diapers
6. 21 layers of GOTS certified 100% Organic cotton and stay dry feel layer
7. Snug Snap Technology
8. Keeps the baby dry for up to 12 hours along with booster pads.
9. Free 15-Day Trial on cloth diapers
10. Dedicated Mom Support Team for any queries.
3)Apple Blossom Cloth Diapers: Best Cloth Diapers in India
Apple Blossom Cloth Diapers: Best Cloth Diapers in India
For my second child, I have exclusively used Appleblossom Cloth Diapers for the first 4 months. One of the best baby cloth diapers that I have used is perfectly sized to fit your little one from 3-7 Kg. The Apple Blossoms Cloth Diapers are made with Soft Microfleece- Stay-Dry Inner, 8 Layers of Bamboo Cotton Inserts and a waterproof outer cover. The inserts are made with supersoft, natural and GOTS-certified Bamboo Cotton Fabric.
Apple Blossoms OneSize Pocket Style fit babies from 5-17 Kgs. They are made with Soft Microfleece- Stay-Dry Inner, 12 Layers of Organic Cotton Inserts.
Charlie Banana is an international cloth diaper brand India available in India. I just fell in love with the prints the moment I saw their diapers. They come with 2 inserts. One small size insert for the day will last for 4 hours and 2 large inserts with last for the night and heavy wetters also. once the baby is a little older or when the pee count has reduced then one can go for only 1 large insert at night. The newborn cloth diapers are suitable for newborn babies up to 6 months.
Free Size Cloth Diaper Suitable for babies from 6 months up to 2.5 years.
Free Size Cloth Diaper Consists of:
1 Free Size Outer Cloth Diaper &
2 Inserts
For people outside India, you can buy their diapers here
5)Bumpadum Baby Cloth Diapers: Best Cloth Diapers in India
Bumpadum Cloth Diaper
Bumpadum is another Indian brand with some great cloth diapers for kids and the best part is that the diapers are not bulky. They have Cloth nappies, Neo organic newborn diapers, and Organic free-size diapers in their diaper categories. Neo Organic Newborn Diapers Fit newborn babies from 2 – 8 kgs approximately. The trifold insert is made of organic cotton with a total of 10 layers of absorbency – 3 layers of organic cotton in 3 panels with an additional layer of hemp in the centre panel. One panel is topped with microfleece to keep the baby’s bottom dry.
Neo Organic Newborn Diapers consist of:
One waterproof outer
One tri-fold insert
Organic Free Size Diapersfor babies from 3 months to 3 years. Duet Diaper is suitable for both infants and toddlers that lasts up to 12 hours at night.
Organic Free Size Diapers consist of:
One waterproof outer
One prefold style insert
Other Accessories required with Cloth Diapers are: Best Cloth Diapers in India
Fleece Liners:
Fleece liners are stay dry liners that are placed over the inserts touching the baby`s bum to give them a dry feel and they also make poo cleaning easy. One can also buy Disposable Stay Dry Liner. The Biodegradable Bamboo Liners come in super handy while travelling or when u don’t or can’t use fleece liners. It makes mess cleaning easy while travelling, all you need to do is empty the liner in the flush and discard the liner in the trash.
Wet Bags:
Wet Bags are waterproof bags that are used to store used diapers both at home and while travelling before giving them for a wash. They come with two pockets – a larger and one smaller dry pocket. 8-10 diapers fit in the larger pocket, while the smaller pocket can be used to store a change of clothes for the baby, wipes, wipes solution etc.
Cloth Wipes:
Like disposable diapers, disposable wipes are also not good for the environment as well as for the baby`s skin. I have made my cloth wipes using old soft cotton cloth cut into small sizes. You can also buy them online. Check my video on how I make my solution.
How to wash baby cloth diapers:
Generally, the following steps are followed while washing cloth diapers but do check what is mentioned in the wash care routine of the respective brands.
Steps in washing cloth diapers:
knock off any solids in the toilet
rinse off the pee using a little detergent
rub it well and rinse well
then put it in other regular clothes to wash and dry out in the sun.
Hope you liked the list of the 5 Best Cloth Diapers. Living with cloth diapers is not at all difficult. All you need is little patience and determination. Your child and mother earth will thank you for not using harmful chemicals on them. To know how we travelled with cloth diapers click the link here Traveling with Cloth Diapers: My Experience
For any questions or suggestions do contact me or drop a comment below.
Traveling always excites me and now I can see the same excitement in my 5-year-old son. The year 2020 kept all of us confined to our home, and we missed traveling so much. as things got a little better, we decided to go to our home state (Assam.) I was perplexed and worried about taking a trip at this time, especially with our daughter. After thinking a lot and discussing with a few people who have traveled, we decided to travel. I am glad we took that decision. And I didn’t expect that’s we will be taking road trips with a baby and toddler
Due to COVID-19 traveling took a backseat and it badly affected those who are related to it traveling/travel in some or the other way. The best we can do is to visit one’s local area/tourist places and give a boost to the economy.
At our stay in Assam, we visited many places with our kids by road. we covered approximately 1500 km in 25 days. My elder one who is 5 years old, is an experienced traveler now. We didn’t have any issues with him. He slept most of the time or enjoyed looking outside when he is awake.
It was our 1-year-old daughter with whom we had little trouble. Because we could not go anywhere due to COVID, as a result, it was a new experience for her.
While coming from Mumbai to Guwahati she went off to sleep even before we boarded the flight and got up just a few minutes before landing. It was during our road trip to Jorhat where we got the real taste of traveling. (Jorhat is about 6-7 hours from Guwahati). She was fine and slept for 2 hours and later it was difficult for her to sleep and it was becoming very difficult for us. I tried all possible ways to keep her entertained or make her sleep, but she was just not comfortable. Here are few tips for taking Road trips with a baby and toddler in India, that I want to share
Roads trips with a baby in India
Tips for taking road trips with a baby:
1. Expect the Unexpected:
Travel with an open mind when traveling with kids. Don’t compare your child with other kids. We never had any issue with our son and were expecting the same from her.
2. Travel shorter distance before taking long trips:
It’s better to get habitat to traveling shorter distances (2-3 hours) before taking long-distance trips. If you are covering a longer distance by road, then take few short breaks, where the child can move around for some time.
3. Leave early:
If you want to reach your destination the same day leave early or stay somewhere for the night (especially if you are traveling in winters). We left Guwahati pretty late so, didn’t took any breaks in between as we wanted to reach our destination before it becomes difficult to drive due to fog.
Make sure you are carrying enough food items. Fruits like bananas are best to carry during traveling as they are easy to eat and they are filling also. Fruits puree from Happa foods and melts from Timios can be very useful for infants. Carry reusable cutlery as I prefer to use reusable cutlery instead of disposable ones.
2. Diapering essentials for infants in a diaper bag:
Diapers, diaper changing mats, and wipes are a must and it’s always better to carry extra than you think you would require. Wet bags to keep soiled diapers if you use only cloth diapers.
3. An extra set of clothes for kids:
An extra set of clothes in case you need to change one.
4. Maternity wear or Stole/Dupatta:
Feeding dresses are best if you are breastfeeding, or any stole or dupatta will also work.
Car seats are very helpful. They not only keep the child safe but will also keep the parent tension-free.
6. Trash bag, old newspapers, and napkins:
Trash bag and newspaper to wrap your fruit peels or that empty chips packet.
7. First aid kit:
The first aid kit with all the necessary medicines. (Keep them out of reach for the kids)
Tips for taking road trips with a 5-Year-Old:
Road trip with a 5-year-Old
By this age, parents are well-accustomed to how their child will behave during traveling and what are their needs. Accordingly one can plan what to carry and other things to keep in mind while taking a road trip with a 5-year-old/older kid. Still would love to share few points which might be helpful if you are traveling long distance for the first time.
Show them the outside world, as different trees, birds, etc. Explain to them the events happening outside.
Keep some toys(according to age and one new) picture books, activity kits, and drawing/colouring books. Colouring books can keep toddlers engaged for a long time(works great during flight journey) recently I found these puzzles to be a great travel companion
Their favourite snacks, water, juice, and cutlery set.
We retook few road trips, and she was much better every time. And when traveling back from Jorhat to Guwahati, we took a break in between and didn’t face any issues like the first trip. Looking forward to taking a road trip with my baby again. Would love to hear about your experience too in the comment section.
Taking your first step towards a new dimension can be very exciting and one needs the right guidance and platform in each step for that. Be it becoming parents for the first time, starting a new career after taking a break, returning to work after a maternity break, or starting your venture, every milestone will always be memorable.
I still remember the day I came to know about my pregnancy. As I didn’t have any elders around me, I would look for any kind of information on the internet. As any parents to be or new parents special in a nuclear family it can be a roller coaster ride.
We either rely on our relatives, neighbors, friends, house help, books, social media platforms, or communities. In such cases, parenting communities as Mommywize: The ultimate platform for all your motherhood and parenting journey can be beneficial as they cater to every need of women.
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The website has articles by industry experts like doctors, psychologists, and mothers themselves which is to provide useful information and to make this journey of motherhood easy and enjoyable. The website has all the relevant insights and resources for any women, covering Pregnancy, Babies, Toddlers, Kids, Momsphere, Travel, Events happening in your city, Entrepreneurship guidance for women, and Home & Living. As a mom to an infant and a kid I always look out for posts on new activities and topics related to food and nutrition.
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Promoting your business
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When and how to start solid foods for babies is every new parent`s concern. Nothing gives more pleasure than watching your little ones growing up. Starting solids to little ones is an important milestone both for the parents and for the baby. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the baby reaches 6 months of age as it provides optimal health benefits.
In some parts of India, a ceremony is conducted known as Annaprashana where the baby is introduced to food for the first time and usually cooked rice is fed to the child. Starting food should be a gradual process and only single grain food like rice or suji should be fed first. Before introducing food to your baby I would recommend keeping these things ready with you.
Let us see when and how to start solid foods for babies according to age/months.
When and how to start solids for babies?
6-8 months: Starting solid foods for babies
Babies can start with single grain iron-fortified cereal apart from breast milk and of runny consistency to get a hang of swallowing it. You can add a little amount of breastmilk or formula milk. Once a routine has been established and they get a hang of it one can use less water or milk to make the consistency a little thick.
Vegetable purees made from carrot, pumpkin, broccoli are some of the best food one can give to their babies. Mashed and pureed fruits like bananas, pears, and apples can be given. Remember not to give Apple in raw form. Always steam it first and then only fed the baby.
Later purees made from 2-3 vegetables like Carrot, Peas can be given. Don`t add salt or sugar, instead, natural sweeteners like Banana Powder or Palm Sugar can be given. You can also try other Organic Baby food items that are available in the market.
Rice Porridge for 6 months old
9-12 months: Starting Solid Foods
One can even introduce Finger foods or teething sticks at this age. I found teething sticks from Early foods to be helpful for my daughter. They are made from organic whole wheat breadsticks and travel friendly too. You can add more variety of food at this age. It can be either in puree form, mashed, or even small tiny chunks. Properly cook pureed meat and egg can also be fed to the baby. Remember breastfeeding or formula should be continued, and no cow`s milk to be introduced until the baby is 2 years of age.
Thick boiled dal
After 12 months of age, the baby can start having whatever the rest of the family is eating but with less oil and spices. Always remember to maintain an ideal environment, away from distractions like mobile phones and tv screens.
Starting solids is an important milestone for both the parents and the child. There are few baby feeding essentials that one should keep ready before introducing solids to your baby. Here I have made a list of 10 Baby Feeding Essentials for Starting Solids.
It is one of the first baby feeding essentials. Make the habit of feeding your child in an upright position and at a particular place every day. You can buy a Highchair/feeding chair also. They are not only comfortable but will also make the child understand that its meal time and in the long run you will not have to struggle, to make them sit to eat. There will be a phase when they will resist sitting, especially when they start crawling or walking. That is ok. Later they will again sit at one place to have food. Just make sure you encourage them to sit in the chair every day. You can check out a few Highchair/Feeding chairs by clicking on the image.
Feeding or High Chair for feeding your little ones.
2. Utensil: Bowls/Spoons: Baby Feeding Essentials for Starting Solids
Keep small bowls and spoons ready. Try to avoid plastic materials. Many Indian parents prefer silver bowl and spoons to start with as it is believed to be 100% bacteria-free. Or go for stainless steel.
Feeding Bowl and Spoon.
3. Bibs: Baby Feeding Essentials for Starting Solids
Bibs are very important as feeding times are going to be a messy thing. Invest in a good bib which will last for a long time. Avoid buying the smaller ones. This is another habit that you have to start from the day of starting solids. Again there will be a phase when they will not want to wear them.
Waterproof Silicone Bib
4. Napkin/ Face Towel: Baby Feeding Essentials for Starting Solids
Keep paper towels or soft face towels by your side to clean up their face and hands.
Soft face towel for babies.
5. Saucepan or Small Pressure Cooker:
Saucepans are ideal to make food for the baby. A pressure cooker will be required if you are making dal and later for making khichdi.
Saucepan for making baby foodSmall pressure cooker for cooking baby food
6. Sterilizer:
Always sterilize your baby’s utensils to make them free from germs and bacteria. A pan or electric sterilizer will be required to sterilizer your baby’s feeding bowls/spoons and toys. Sterilization of baby’s utensils is very important as their immune system is not fully developed at this age and they are more susceptible to infections. An electric sterilizer is optional. They only make things faster and more convenient.
An electric sterilizer for sterilizing baby`s feeding bottles and other accessories
7. Cleaning Products (Optional):
You can use soapy water for cleaning or otherwise, various cleaning products are available in the market nowadays. They are specially formulated for cleaning baby’s feeding utensils and toys. You can check them here:
Liquid Cleanser for babies
8. Steamer or Food Processor (Optional):
A steamer is optional. But they can make things easier, otherwise, you can steam the vegetables and fruits in your saucepan. And you would require a masher or food processor/blender to make purees. Check here some good food steamer and blender.
Food masherFood steamer and blender
9. Insulated Water Bottle:
You would require them if you prefer to boil water and keep them for later use. They can be very helpful when you make ready-to-eat types of food like Cerelac which requires adding only warm water or when you go out with your little one.
Insulated water bottle to keep water hot or cold
10. Keep away from distraction:
It is essential to keep away the child from any distractions during mealtime. Kids should not be allowed any screen time, instead read a book, tell a story or sing a rhyme. The environment should be ideal.
Read a book during mealtime
Hope this list of 10 Baby Feeding Essentials for Starting Solids will be helpful for 1st-time parents. Do leave your feedback in the comment section.
When I found out about my pregnancy the first time, thousands of questions were popping into my mind at that moment. With no elders at home, I was looking for information on the internet all the time. It can be confusing most of the time, and nothing gives you the comfort of reading pregnancy books at your own comfort and sweet time. I immediately ordered a few books on pregnancy, which was the best thing I did at that time. People around you will generally guide you about what to eat and what not to eat, but no one can tell you what is going inside your body every single week. Here I have listed 5 Best Books on Pregnancy that every parent should read at least one of them.
1.Grabha Sanskar by Balaji Tambe:
I referred to this amazing book during my pregnancy days. This book written by Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe who is considered a pioneer in Ayurveda has gone far beyond mere herbs, medicines, and remedies. This book comprehensively provides everything a person wants to know about conceiving, pregnancy, delivery, and nurturing the little one. It also advises on the traditional herb mixes, yoga, music, mantra, diet-plan for new mothers, or to the mothers-to-be. Get a copy here:
Grabha Sanskar by Balaji Tambe:
2. What to Expect When You’re Expecting:
What to Expect When You are Expecting has over 18.5 million copies in print and read by 93% of women who read a pregnancy book. It was even named one of the Most Influential Books of the Last 25 Years by USA Today. This book has all the must-have information, insights, tips, and advice for a new generation of parents. It has detailed information right from conception and till after birth. Advice for Dad is fully integrated throughout the book. All medical coverage is completely updated, including the latest on prenatal screening and the safety of medications during pregnancy, as well as a brand-new section on postpartum birth control. It covers a detailed insight into what is happening inside the body of pregnant women every week. It has also touched upon topics of labour and delivery, multiple childbirth, complicated pregnancy. Buy a copy of this book here:
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
3. Passport to a Healthy Pregnancy:
Passport to a Healthy Pregnancy by Gita Arjun is another among the 5 Best Books on Pregnancy for the modern Indian couple. Focused on Indian couples this must-have book demystifies pregnancy with easy-to-understand language and lavish illustrations. It will empower a pregnant woman and her partner to proceed through the pregnancy with confidence. Get a copy here:
Passport to a Healthy Pregnancy
4. Pregnancy Notes: Before, During & After:
This book authored by Rujuta Diwekar, a well-known India’s leading nutrition and exercise science expert, has got you covered with tips even before one gets pregnant, till after you deliver your baby. Each stage includes notes on food, exercise, and recovery, and heritage recipes from across the country. Another must-have pregnancy book for parents to be. Get a copy here:
Pregnancy Notes: Before, During & After
5. The Pregnancy Handbook For Indian Moms: A Doctor’s Answers To All Your Questions:
Authored by Dr. Vinita Salvi is a gynaecologist in Mumbai. The whole book is in a question-answer format. This book will help women understand the changes that are undergoing in their bodies and the precautions and tests they need at proper times. The book starts with a detailed account of how you should prepare your body for pregnancy. What happens during each trimester and how you should deal with the changes. Get a copy here:
The Pregnancy Handbook For Indian Moms: A Doctor’s Answers To All Your Questions
Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride and having a guidebook can make things easy. Do drop in your comments for any suggestions of books.
I was happy to put up an exhibition of my products. I was elated as I was able to start my work again in whatever little time I had now. Now I don’t have to plan days in advance to go out with my 3-year-old son. Now I get time to watch movies or go for long walks alone. I was happy thinking about the trip with my son to Pondicherry. I had already started planning for our next trip. But then ” Oh Again! Oh Yes wow! No, not now! Oh, I am pregnant again! Thousands of thoughts came to my mind.
My husband and I had thought of 2nd child. I had a hard time trying to conceive the first one. Taking medications, hormones injection, regular visits to the doctor, monthly sonography.. !!It was taking a toll on me. I didn’t want to go through the same process again for the 2nd time. But then this time I easily conceived. It was planned but unexpected I would say.
Having only one child was also fine with us. But the thought of what will happen to our son if/when we are not there? Both my husband and I have siblings. The bond shared between siblings is above friends and parents. My son also started asking for a baby. There are many ifs and buts, pros and cons of having a child or 2nd child. It is everyone’s personal decision.
I have friends and cousins who are happily married for years and don’t have any kids nor do they plan to have any. Some have one child and wish to have another but can’t due to various reasons. This dilemma of having kids or how many or not to have is never-ending.
Having a second baby with a toddler
The arrival of a new member in the family can be a difficult transition for older children if not prepared in advance. Integration of a new baby into the family can create an emotional crisis for children. If you have planned for a 2nd baby or you just discovered that you are going to be parents again, it is better to involve your elder one in your pregnancy journey right from the beginning.
Here are few points which I would love to share that helped me in having a second baby with a toddler:
1) Try to know/ understand what they feel about babies in general.
Ask them would they want someone to play with or share their toys? My son would get excited whenever he sees a baby. He would tell me “mama I want a baby”.This was one great positive factor for us
2) Take them to your doctor’s visit and scans.
I would take him every time with me for all my doctor`s visits and sonography and before going for sonography I used to tell him that today we are going to look at the baby and see what is the baby doing inside( is the baby sleeping, or is the baby dancing or is the baby doing potty). This would make him laugh and curious.
3) Let them talk to your unborn child
I would ask him to talk to the baby. Let him ask questions.
4) Keep telling them that they will become Big brother/Sister of the baby. With that, they will have to change the baby’s diapers, apply cream, make them sleep, etc.
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5. The Pregnancy Handbook For Indian Moms: A Doctor’s Answers To All Your Questions:
