The Playful Minds

How lack of sleep for as little as 39 minutes can affect your child's health     A new study shows that lack of sleep  can affect children's well-being and mood.   sleep deprived children do not do very well in school.   Losing even 30 minutes of sleep can have an impact.   Sleep experts say sleep should be a priority for  children and adults alike.    If they lost just 39 minutes of sleep, they felt significantly worse, had poorer academic performance, and  reduced quality of life.     sleep restrictions have also affected children who  lost as little as 30 minutes of sleep.       How sleep deprivation affects children   According to the study's authors, little is known about the effects of sleep deprivation on healthy children. Their goal was to study this problem.     The children in the study were part of another study aptly named DREAM (Daily Rest, Eat and Activity Monitoring).    In this study, the children alternated between weeks of reduced and increased sleep. Ther

Paneer Bhurji is a popular Indian dish made with crumbled paneer, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Paired with soft and fresh roti and a cooling mixed vegetable raita, this dish makes for a filling and balanced lunch for kids. Ingredients: For Paneer Bhurji: 200g paneer, crumbled 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 onion, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 1 green chilli, chopped 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp garam masala powder Salt to taste Coriander leaves for garnish For Roti: 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tsp salt Water as needed For Mixed Vegetable Raita: 1 cup plain yogurt 1 small cucumber, chopped 1 small carrot, grated 1 small tomato, chopped 1/2 tsp cumin powder Salt to taste Coriander leaves for garnish Instructions: For Paneer Bhurji: Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Add onions and green chilli and sauté until onions turn translucent. Add tomatoes and cook until they become soft. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well.

Poha is a popular breakfast dish in India that is made with flattened rice. This version of poha is loaded with vegetables and peanuts for added nutrition and flavor. Ingredients: 1 cup of flattened rice (poha) 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, onions, bell peppers) 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder Salt to taste 1 tablespoon of oil Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Instructions: Rinse the flattened rice in water and drain it in a colander. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the pan and let them sizzle. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and sauté them for 2-3 minutes. Add the turmeric powder and salt to the pan and mix well. Add the flattened rice and roasted peanuts to the pan and mix everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot. Notes: You can add more or less ve

This protein-packed breakfast is perfect for starting your day with energy. The omelette is loaded with vegetables, and the whole wheat bread provides fiber and nutrients to keep you feeling full throughout the morning. Ingredients: 2 eggs 1/4 cup of chopped mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach) Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon of olive oil 2 slices of whole wheat bread Instructions: Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and beat them with a fork. Add the chopped vegetables, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is set. Flip the omelette and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until it's cooked through. Serve the omelette with two slices of toasted whole wheat bread. Notes: You can use any vegetables you like in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces. You can add cheese or herbs to the omelette if

Upma is a popular and healthy breakfast dish in India. It is made with semolina and vegetables, making it a nutritious and filling meal. This recipe for upma with vegetables is easy to make and a great way to start your day. Ingredients: 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji) 1 onion, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 1 carrot, grated 1 capsicum, chopped 2 green chillies, chopped 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp cumin seeds A pinch of asafoetida (hing) 8-10 curry leaves 2 tbsp oil 2 cups water Salt to taste 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional) Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Instructions: Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add cumin seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves. Add chopped onion and green chillies and sauté till the onions turn translucent. Add chopped tomato and sauté for a minute. Add grated carrot and chopped capsicum and sauté for a minute. Add water and salt and bring it to boil. Once the water starts boiling, add semolina slowly, stirring continuously to avoid lum

Start your child's day with a healthy and refreshing breakfast with this Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl. Made with fresh fruits and yogurt, it is loaded with essential nutrients that will keep your child energized throughout the day. Ingredients: 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 banana ½ cup Greek yogurt ¼ cup almond milk 1 tbsp honey Toppings: sliced banana, sliced strawberries, granola, chia seeds Instructions: Add frozen strawberries, banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey into a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the smoothie into a bowl. Arrange toppings on top of the smoothie. Serve immediately. Notes: You can use any type of milk or milk substitute in place of almond milk. Frozen fruits can be replaced with fresh fruits, but you will need to add ice to the blender to get a thick consistency. For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt. FAQ: Q: Can I use other fruits in this smoothie bowl? A: Yes, you can use any type of fruit you like. Just make sure to adjust the

Bread Idli is a unique take on the traditional South Indian idli, which is typically made from a batter of fermented rice and urad dal. The use of bread slices in this recipe not only adds an interesting texture but also makes the preparation process much faster and easier. Overall, Bread Idli is a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to please your taste buds and keep you satisfied throughout the day. It's a great recipe to have in your repertoire, whether you're a fan of South Indian cuisine or just looking for a new way to enjoy bread. Recipe card for instant bread idli recipe | instant  idli recipe: Bread Idli is a popular South Indian snack made with bread slices and a few basic pantry ingredients. It is a quick and easy alternative to the traditional idli recipe, which requires soaking and grinding rice and lentils. Bread Idli is soft, spongy, and has a delicious tangy flavor from the addition of yogurt. It is a perfect snack for breakfast or as a light

Banana Pancakes Ingredients: 1 ripe banana 1 egg 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract pinch of salt butter or oil for cooking Instructions: Mash the banana in a bowl with a fork. Add the egg, flour, milk, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Use a ladle to pour a small amount of the batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup, honey, or fresh fruit. Nutrition Information: Serving size: 3 pancakes Calories : 225 Fat : 5.4g Saturated fat : 2.2g Cholesterol : 115mg Sodium : 190mg Carbohydrates : 38g Fiber : 2g Sugar : 12g Protein : 8g Enjoy your delicious and nutritious banana pancakes for breakfast! Q: How many pancakes does this recipe make? A: This recipe makes about 6 small pancakes, or 2-3 servings. Q: Can I substitute almond milk or another ty

Introduction Infant formula is an essential alternative to breast milk, providing necessary nutrients for growth and development. However, some babies may experience discomfort due to gas, fussiness, or digestive issues, making it difficult for them to consume regular formula. Enfamil Gentlease is designed to alleviate such problems, providing a gentle, easy-to-digest formula for babies with sensitive tummies. This article will explore the features, benefits, drawbacks, and usage of Enfamil Gentlease, analyzing its effectiveness in addressing infant digestive issues. Ingredients Enfamil Gentlease is formulated with gentle proteins that are easy to digest, making it a suitable choice for babies who are struggling with gas and other digestive issues. The formula also contains a blend of nutrients to support growth and development, including calcium, iron, and vitamins C, D, and E. Additionally, Enfamil Gentlease is enriched with a prebiotic blend that helps promote healthy digestion and

As parents, we all want to ensure that our children are eating healthy and nutritious meals. One of the most important meals of the day is lunch, as it provides the energy and nutrients that children need to stay focused and alert throughout the day. In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate guide to packing a nutritious lunchbox for your child. Choose the Right Container The first step in packing a nutritious lunchbox is to choose the right container. Look for containers that are BPA-free and can keep food fresh for several hours. You can also consider using a bento box, which makes it easier to pack a variety of foods in a single container. Include a Variety of Foods It is important to include a variety of foods in your child's lunchbox to ensure that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. Try to include a source of protein, such as lean meat or beans, a source of carbohydrates, such as whole-grain bread or pasta, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. You can a

As a new parent, it's understandable to be concerned about your baby's poop. The color, texture, and frequency of your baby's stools can provide valuable insights into their health and well-being. In this blog post, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to decoding your baby's poop, including what to look for, common stool colors and what they mean, and when to see a doctor. What to Look for in Infants' Stools? It's essential to monitor your baby's stools to determine if there are any issues with their digestive system or overall health. Here are a few things to look for: Frequency: A healthy baby should poop at least once a day. Color: Newborn baby poop is typically yellow or greenish-brown, but it can change over time. Texture: Normal baby poop should be soft and smooth, like peanut butter. Odor : Baby poop has a distinct odor, but it should not be excessively foul. Common Stool Colors and What They Mean Baby poop comes in different colors, and each co

If you're planning to travel with an infant on an Indian Railways train, there are a few things you need to know about IRCTC's berth policy for infants. Here's what you need to know before you book. Infants under the age of three can travel free of charge on Indian Railways trains, but they must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. If you're traveling with an infant, you'll need to book a separate ticket for the infant and specify that the infant is under three years of age. You can book a seat or berth for your infant in one of three ways: as a lap child, in a bassinet, or in a separate seat. A lap child is an infant who travels on an adult's lap and does not occupy a separate seat. A bassinet is a small bed provided by Indian Railways for infants under the age of one year. Bassinets are only available in certain classes of service, and they must be booked in advance. Separate seats are available for infants over the age of one year, and these can be booked i

Birth injuries can be a devastating experience for both the parents and the child. Birth injuries refer to any harm caused to a baby before, during, or just after delivery. While some birth injuries are minor and resolve on their own, others can lead to long-term disabilities, medical expenses, and even death. In this article, we will discuss the causes, types, and prevention of birth injuries. Causes of Birth Injuries: There are several causes of birth injuries, including: Improper use of birth-assisting tools: The use of forceps, vacuum extractors, and other birth-assisting tools can cause injuries to the baby's head, neck, and shoulders. Delayed or incorrect response to fetal distress: During delivery, healthcare providers must monitor the baby's heart rate and respond promptly to any signs of distress. Failure to do so can lead to oxygen deprivation, brain damage, and other serious injuries. Inadequate prenatal care: Prenatal care is essential to monitor the health of bo

Empathy is a fundamental human emotion that allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. It involves understanding and sharing the feelings and experiences of others, even if we haven't experienced them ourselves. As parents, helping our children develop empathy is essential for their emotional intelligence and social skills. Here are some tips and strategies to foster empathy in your child: Model empathy: Children learn by example, so it's important to model empathy in our own behavior. Show empathy and compassion towards others, whether it's a family member, friend, or stranger. Talk to your child about why it's important to be kind and considerate towards others, and how it can make a positive impact on their lives. Encourage perspective-taking: Perspective-taking is the ability to see things from another person's point of view. Encourage your child to think about how someone else might feel in a particular situation. Ask questions that promote empathy,

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart condition that affects some newborns. In this condition, the ductus arteriosus, which is a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, fails to close after birth, leading to abnormal blood flow between the two vessels. This can cause various complications and require medical treatment. In this article, we will discuss PDA in babies, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Causes of PDA in babies: The exact cause of PDA in babies is not known, but it is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Babies who are born premature or have a low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing PDA. Other risk factors include maternal rubella infection during pregnancy, certain genetic conditions, and exposure to certain medications. Symptoms of PDA in babies: The symptoms of PDA in babies can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some babies with PDA may not show

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that can affect newborns. GERD occurs when the muscle that separates the stomach and the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as spitting up, vomiting, poor weight gain, and breathing difficulties. Infants with GERD may show symptoms shortly after feeding or during sleep. They may arch their backs, cry or fuss during or after feeding, and refuse to eat. Some may experience breathing difficulties, such as wheezing, choking, or coughing, and have recurrent respiratory infections. In severe cases, GERD can cause damage to the esophagus, leading to bleeding, ulcers, and scar tissue formation. Causes: GERD in newborns is usually caused by an immature digestive system. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that opens to allow food to enter the stomach and clo

As a new parent, you want to ensure your baby stays healthy and happy. Unfortunately, newborn babies are susceptible to infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems. These infections can be serious and even life-threatening if not treated promptly. In this article, we will discuss the most common infections in newborns, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Causes of Infections in Newborns Newborns are at risk of developing infections due to their immature immune systems, as well as exposure to bacteria and viruses during childbirth, hospital stays, and contact with infected individuals. Some of the most common causes of infections in newborns include: Bacterial Infections: Bacteria such as group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious infections in newborns. Viral Infections : Viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and hepatitis B and C can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbi

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common respiratory disorder that affects premature infants. It is caused by the absence or deficiency of a substance called surfactant, which helps keep the lungs inflated by reducing surface tension in the alveoli. Without surfactant, the alveoli can collapse and make it difficult for the baby to breathe. Symptoms of RDS usually appear shortly after birth and include rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, grunting sounds, and a bluish tint to the skin. The severity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of lung immaturity and the presence of other complications. In severe cases, RDS can lead to respiratory failure and other serious health problems. Treatment for RDS typically involves providing respiratory support to the infant, such as mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The baby may also need to receive surfactant replacement therapy, which involves administering a synthetic form o

Firstly, congratulations on your arrival to the world! As a newborn, there are many things you will experience as you grow and adapt to your surroundings. One of the most common medical problems that newborns can face is called jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. It occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in your blood. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down in the body, and is normally processed by the liver and eliminated through the body's waste products. In newborns, however, the liver is not yet fully developed and may not be able to process bilirubin efficiently. This can cause bilirubin levels to build up in the blood, leading to the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, affecting up to 60% of full-term babies and 80% of premature babies. It typically appears within the first few days of life and can last for several weeks. While jaundice is usually not

For parents, seeing a rash on their child's skin can be alarming. Rashes can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, infections, and irritants. In this article, we'll go over the most common types of rashes in children and how to treat them. Diaper rash Diaper rash is a common rash that occurs in the diaper area of a baby's skin. This rash is usually caused by prolonged contact with wetness, urine or feces. The skin becomes irritated and red, and sometimes small red bumps or blisters may form. To treat diaper rash, change your baby's diaper frequently and apply a diaper rash cream or ointment. You can also try leaving your baby without a diaper for short periods of time to allow the skin to breathe. Eczema Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin. This condition can be genetic and often occurs in families with a history of allergies or asthma. Eczema can also be triggered by environmental factors such as harsh soaps or det

At the heart of every parent's concerns is the safety of their child. As a parent, your top priority is to ensure that your child is protected from harm and is growing up in a safe environment. It's a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge and tools, it's entirely achievable. In this article, we'll explore how to create a safe environment for your child, and give you some practical tips that you can implement right away. Child-Proof Your Home   Child-proofing your home is one of the most crucial steps in creating a safe environment for your child. It involves identifying and eliminating potential hazards around your home. Begin by going around your home and checking for any sharp corners, exposed wires, or dangerous chemicals that are within reach of your child. Secure any cabinets, doors, and windows that your child can access. Invest in safety gates to prevent your child from accessing dangerous areas like the kitchen or stairways. Install a Security System