Hello parents of cute little kids, today we will talk about a very sensitive topic: "child abuse." Abuse means misuse, so think about how harmful "child abuse" can be. Every home has children who are happy and playful, but if these children start living quietly and in fear, it means your child might be unsafe. Something wrong might be happening to them, and they may be victims of child abuse, possibly unable to tell you.6 Major Causes of Child Abuse: Reasons of Adults Hurt ChildrenIf we try to understand the causes of child abuse on an individual level, studies show substance use, personal history of abuse, age, and mental health as major risk factors for child abuse. If we try to understand this thing at the societal level, then economic equality, cultural norms that encourage harsh physical punishment for children, and risk factors like lack of safety concern for children in society are highlighted.1: Marital strife and tensionMarital strife: Parents who physically abuse their spouses are more likely to physically harm their children.Tension: Many parents develop expectations from their children that exceed their capability and age. The resulting frustration in children is a contributing factor to child abuse.2: Intent to punishMost of the physical violence against children is done by parents and teachers with the intention of punishing kids because they believe that doing so improves the behavior of children. Children and infants abused by their parents are more likely to be assaulted by their parents and have more frequent injuries that sometimes even require medical attention.3: Children from Unintended pregnancies:Those babies born from unintended pregnancy are more likely to suffer neglect or abuse. The chances of abusive relationships being formed between partners are higher in unintended pregnancies as compared to intended pregnancies due to which women also have to suffer physical violence during pregnancy. This kind of behavior negatively impacts maternal mental health and also reduces mother-child relationship quality.4: Substance Use Disorder:This is a major contributing factor to child abuse. A study conducted in the US found that parents involved in substance abuse like alcohol, cocaine, and heroin are more likely to mistreat and reject their children. Parental stress from substance abuse causes minors to exhibit internalizing and externalizing behavior. Such children remain internally in a very confused state and after reaching a certain age the inner anger turns into outer frustration.5: Feeling of Anger:In some cases, when people find themselves in some problem, they get very angry. Because of problems in family, work, money, or relationships. Their anger and frustration manifest into abusive actions. In some cases, the person begins to perceive their own children as the cause of the problem which causes them to take abusive actions against their children.6: Mental Health:Individuals who have substance abuse disorders, depression, or personality disorders are at high risk for child abuse.Explain different types of Child AbuseChild abuse is a condition where parents, caregivers, or local guardians, who are responsible for a child, either harm them or fail to take proper care of them.Child abuse is a serious issue and can take various forms:1: Physical abuse: Physical abuse involves intentionally harming or injuring a child. This includes hitting, pushing, burning, or hurting the child with objects.Signs of physical abuse: Bruises, burns, fractures, or cuts of unexplained origin.2: Emotional abuse:Emotional abuse includes scolding, screaming, threatening, criticizing, rejecting, or continuously bullying a child.Signs of emotional abuse: Low self-esteem, depression in children.Suggested Read:https://medwiki.co.in/post/protect-your-kids-from-bullying-when-and-how-to-step-in-en3: Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual activity with a child, such as touching inappropriate body parts or engaging in any other sexual activity.Signs of sexual abuse: The child may show fear of certain places or people, experience pain in the genital area, have unexplained bleeding from private body parts, or possess knowledge of sexual acts that are inappropriate for their age.Suggested Read:https://medwiki.co.in/post/signs-of-child-sexual-abuse-enIf you notice your child becoming unusually quiet or fearful of certain places or people, take the time to talk to them, understand them, and provide the support and care they need.Child abuse is a deeply concerning issue that involves physical, sexual, and emotional harm to a child, even to those who are responsible for their care and nurturing. Many factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues, marital strife, unintended pregnancies, and anger contribute to this harmful behavior. Parents and caregivers need to have adequate knowledge of and awareness of abusive signs and take protective steps to protect their child from this potential harm. Open communication, awareness, and seeking professional help when needed can significantly reduce the risk of child abuse and ensure children's safety and well-being.source: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/child-abuse-types https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459146/#:~:text=The World Health Organization

There are many reasons for depression in children, such as family history, illness, childhood traumas, and many other factors.It is important to provide support and care to children during their hard times to reduce the effects of depression. However, to treat depression in children, they need therapy.This therapy is called CBT, which stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.In this therapy, children feel a sense of belonging and support. The therapy involves talking about what the children feel and what they are thinking.Children are also taught through different stories, dramas, and how to reduce or deal with their fears. Sometimes, the parents of the children are also included in this therapy to make the child feel comfortable.So that's the therapy, but what should you, as a parent, do when your child is depressed?If you think your child is depressed, here are the steps you should take as parents:Ask your child about the reason for their sadness. Make your child feel that you are there to listen and help them.Take your child to a doctor to find out if they are depressed or just stressed.Take your child to a therapist and get them the necessary therapy.Talk to your child calmly and lovingly.Spend as much time as possible with your child to make them feel good and to bring positive thoughts to them.source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465814/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3788699/

What are some common sedentary activities that children engage in today?Children's Current Activities:Children traditionally spent time playing games and enjoying themselves.Nowadays, they spend more time watching TV, and playing video games and mobile games.Learning apps are also being used for academic purposes.Importance of Physical Activity:Physical activity is crucial for children and adolescents.It promotes bone health, muscle growth and development, and improves motor and cognitive development.Recommended Duration:The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes (1 hour) of physical activity per day for children and adolescents.Both moderate and vigorous intensity activities benefit physical and mental health.What are some benefits of regular physical activity for children?Benefits of Physical Activity:Improves physical fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness) and bone health.Enhances cardiometabolic health (blood pressure, glucose levels, etc.) and helps maintain a healthy body weight.Boosts cognitive outcomes (academic performance).Improves mental health and reduces depression.Ways to Be Physically Active:Any bodily movement requiring energy expenditure, such as:Brisk walking, swimming, running, or cycling.Climbing, jumping, tumbling, gymnastics, jumping races, animal races, and playing hopscotch.Any form of dance.Using stairs instead of elevators/lifts.What are some activities that children should avoid to reduce sedentary behavior?Activities to Avoid:Being a couch potato: watching TV.Playing sitting games like mobile or video games.Playing a lot of board games.Using passive transport like cars and scooters for short distances.Encouragement for Physical Activity:Encourage children and adolescents to start with small amounts of physical activity.Gradually increase the frequency, intensity, and duration over time.Source:-1.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity2.https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/336656/9789240015128-eng.pdf?sequence=1

As a new parent, you may find yourself crammed with advice on what your baby needs, from essential items like food, clothes, diapers, and baby care products to traditional practices like giving Janam Ghutti. It can be overwhelming and may leave you confused about what actually is good for your baby. You need to know what should be used for your baby and more importantly what needs to be avoided.Suggested Read: Are symptoms of pregnancy the same for every woman?What is Janam Ghutti?Janam Ghutti is a traditional herbal mixture often given to newborns in some cultures. It is believed to aid digestion and boost immunity. Janam Ghutti is often referred to as Prelacteal feed as it is given to the baby before feeding them with mother’s milk.Indians generally stick to Janam Ghutti for any of the stomach related issues with their baby. Janam Ghutti is the most popular home remedy for infant's gut health but it is hardly the truth. Janam Ghutti has not been proven to offer any major, it can rather arise an uphill battle for your baby.Suggested Read: How to Feed Your Newborn BabyIs it safe to give Janam Ghutti to your baby?Janam Ghutti is widely given to the newborns as a traditional practice in India. If you are a new mother or expecting a baby, you must have been advised to do the same. But you might be wondering if it is actually safe for your baby.The answer is NO, modern medical advice suggests that it might not be safe for newborns.Suggested Read: The truth about breastfeeding and HIV – it's not what you think!Why Not Janam Ghutti?Following are the reasons why you should avoid giving Janam Ghutti to your baby:1. Weak Digestive System:Newborns have very delicate and underdeveloped digestive systems. Introducing anything other than breast milk into their little tummies can overwhelm their digestive system, wrecking the digestion and potentially causing harm. So anything which is hard to digest should not be given to the babies for at least first six months.2. Prelacteal Feeds:Anything given to a baby before breastfeeding is known as prelacteal feed. This includes sugar water, honey, glucose, or the herbal preparations like Janam Ghutti. Some prelacteal feeds like honey can even cause food poisoning in the baby with symptoms like (constipation, loss of appetite and lethargy) and therefore it should be strictly avoided.3. Risk of Infections:Introducing non-sterile substances can lead to infections. Newborns have fragile immune systems and are particularly susceptible to harmful bacteria and viruses, so anything with the potential of causing infections should not be given to the baby.4. Interference with Breastfeeding:Giving prelacteal feeds can interfere with the natural breastfeeding cycle. It might delay the initiation of breastfeeding, reducing the baby’s intake of colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by the mother.Suggested Read: How Often Should You Change a Baby's Diaper!Why should be preferred instead of Janam Ghutti for baby's immunity?Breast milk is the best thing to give to your baby which can strengthen the immunity of your body. Breast milk is often referred to as 'liquid gold' because it is perfectly designed for your baby’s nutritional needs.Breast milk enriches your little one with:Essential Nutrients: All the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for healthy growth and development.Immunity Boost: Antibodies and immune-boosting properties that protect your baby from illnesses.Digestive Health: Easily digestible proteins and fats tailored for your baby’s immature digestive system.For the first six months of life, it is recommended to exclusively breastfeed your baby. This means no prelacteal feeds, including Janam Ghutti. Breast milk alone will provide the optimal nutrition and protection for your newborn's growth and development.Suggested Read: Baby’s Poop Colour!Frequently Asked Questions:Q1. Is is safe to give Dabur Janma Ghunti to the newborn?It is best to avoid giving Janam Ghutti to your baby as in some cases it is hard for the baby to metabolise the herbal preparation.Q2. Are there any side effects of Janam Ghutti?No side effects of Janam Ghutti are known but you must check the ingredient list for allergies. However, in case of any side effects, report immediately to the doctor.Q3. What is Janam Ghutti used for?Janam Ghutti is believed to treat stomach issues in babies like flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, vomitting etc.Q4. Which is the best Ghutti for the baby?Dabur Janma Ghunti is an ayurvedic formulation which is trusted to be the best ghutti, for the babies, in India.Q5. Can Janam Ghutti be given with milk to the infant?It is advised not to give Janam Ghutti to the infant, especially with milk, as herbals ingredients in the ghutti can be hard for the baby to digest. Coupling Janam Ghutti with milk can make the things further difficult.

Bottle feeding is a common practice among parents, often seen as a convenient and comforting way to feed their children. However, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with bottle feeding, particularly the risk of dental caries (cavities) among young children, also known as early childhood caries.Why is Dental Caries a Concern with Bottle Feeding?1. Dental caries are a significant concern, especially when bottle feeding is not managed appropriately. Here are the primary issues linked to improper bottle feeding:2. Night Feeds: Using a bottle for night feeds can increase the risk of dental caries. When a child falls asleep with a feeding bottle, the milk or formula can pool in the mouth. The reduced salivary flow during sleep means that sugars and other residues are not washed away effectively, leading to an increased risk of cavities.3. Daytime Sleep Feeds: Similar to night feeds, allowing a child to use a bottle during naps can have the same effect, as the decreased salivary flow during sleep fails to clear the sugars from the mouth.4. Not Wiping Gums: Failing to clean a child's gums after each bottle feed can also contribute to the problem. Residues left on the gums can lead to the formation of plaque, which is a precursor to cavities.Why Do Dental Caries Happen?Saliva's Role: Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health. When a child is awake, the saliva flow and swallowing help wash away food particles and sugars from the mouth. During sleep, both the salivary flow and swallowing rate decrease, allowing residues to remain in the mouth and around the teeth, leading to the formation of cavities.How to Prevent Dental Caries Among Young Children?1. Avoid Nighttime Bottle Feeding: Try to avoid giving your child a bottle at night. If a bottle is necessary, ensure it contains only water.2. Clean Gums After Feeding: Wipe your child's gums with a clean, damp cloth after each bottle feed, especially at night. This helps remove any residual milk or formula.3. Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular visits to your child's dentist to monitor their oral health and catch any potential issues early.Source:-1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651315/#abstract-a.k.b.stitle2. https://iapindia.org/pdf/child-india/2021/CHILD-INDIA-DEC-2021.pdf

Little ones do not talk but they have a very interesting way of communicating their needs to their mother.We have often heard about crying: A tool they use, to get what they need. To sleep, to get cleaned, to be held; they communicate all this by just crying and every mother understands what her child wants. Although this might take a little time for a mother to get used to.It is often said ‘Baby’s are their best judge to know if they are hungry’. And hence, they reflect certain hunger signs, which help the mothers to understand that they are hungry.Still have questions about baby’s hunger signs? Get trustworthy answers from verified sources on Ask Medwiki.What are the baby’s hunger signs ?Hunger signs are divided into:1. Early signs: Licking or smacking lips, moving the mouth (in search of milk), sucking on fingers or toys.2. Active hunger signs: Rubbing against the person carrying him, responding to your touch, expecting milk from you when you touch.3. Late hunger signs: Rapid movement of the head and crying out loud.It is always recommended to identify the early signs and feed the baby before it is too late and the baby starts crying out loud.We recommend responsive/ demand feeding (according to the hunger signs) rather than scheduled/ timely feeding.Source:-1. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/mealtime/signs-your-child-is-hungry-or-full.html2. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15325-3#:~:text=Infant%20hunger%20cues%20include%20putting,%2C%20and%20vocalizations%20%5B26%5D.

Parents often worry and ask:"Is my child growing as per his/her age?My child looks thin. Should I really be concerned?"Growth monitoring is an essential component to track the growth and development of a child. It also helps in early detection of growth faltering of a child.What is growth monitoring?Growth monitoring is done by measuring weight, length/height, head circumference, and body mass index (BMI) of a child. The data is collected at regular intervals and growth is calculated as per the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standard charts.What are WHO growth standard charts?WHO has developed separate charts to record weight, length/height, head circumference, in accordance with the child’s age. Also, the charts are separate for both girls (pink colored) and boys (blue colored). They are applicable for all children in the world from any region, race, religion, or community.Let us understand what weight for age growth charts say?What we can see?Age (of a child) is mentioned on the X-axis and weight (in kgs) is mentioned on the Y-axis.Several curves (green, orange, and red) are shown on the chart.How can I monitor if my baby is growing well?It is recommended to take your baby for growth measurements every month.Once you get your child’s anthropometric measurements (weight, height, head circumference), you or your pediatrician can plot the growth chart and understand the growth pattern of the child.If you see:An upward Growth curve: It shows adequate weight gain for the age of the child. Hence, the child is growing healthily.A flat Growth curve: It shows that the child has not gained weight and requires attention.A downward Growth curve: It shows that the child has lost weight and requires immediate attention.It is important that starting from the birth weight, each child follows his trajectory of growth. If the trajectory slows down or drops down, then the child requires attention. It is recommended to consult the pediatrician/health care provider before taking any decisions on growth faltering in a child.Source:-1. https://www.who.int/tools/child-growth-standards/standards2. https://www.unicef.org/uganda/key-practice-monitoring-growth-and-development-childDisclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

Kids often catch colds multiple times per year, sometimes up to eight times and it is usual as kids build stronger immunity over time. Cold symptoms typically improve within 5-7 days. There are few ways to treat cold in children at home including:To prevent spreading of germs, keep washing their hands frequently.Give your child more fluids than usual, like water or juice, regularly since staying hydrated helps loosen the mucus.For pain relief, choose either paracetamol or ibuprofen, but don't use both at once because combining them at the same time may lead to an overdose or undesirable side effects. .Remember, antibiotics don't work for colds because they're caused by a virus, not bacteria. There's no need for a doctor visit to get an antibiotic.Using nasal saline drops may loosen mucus and encourage sneezing, helping clear the nose by sneezing the secretions out.Talk with your healthcare professional if needed.Source:-(n.d.). https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/motherhood/the-first-year/all-about-babys-first-cold