Yashashree, Author at Aloha Kids Clinic

28/Jul/2025

Tummy time is a crucial part of a baby’s early growth. It helps build strength, coordination, and motor skills. Tummy time can be challenging for both babies and parents, as not all babies enjoy it naturally, so parents may need to get creative to make it more engaging.

Understanding Tummy Time: What It Is and Why It Matters

Tummy time is important because it helps your baby build strong neck, shoulder, arm, and back muscles, which are needed for rolling over, crawling, and walking. Simply put, tummy time means placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. During tummy time, babies learn to lift their heads, strengthen their muscles, and become more aware of their bodies. It also encourages them to explore their surroundings, boosting motor skills, coordination, and sensory development. Making tummy time a regular part of your routine helps your baby grow stronger and more active, setting the stage for healthy movement and exploration.

Tips to Encourage Tummy Time

Start tummy time early as it helps build important motor skills.
In the first few weeks, try short sessions of a few minutes, a couple of times a day, especially when your baby is awake and alert.
Tummy time after feeding or a diaper change works well when your baby is calm and content.
To keep your baby engaged, lie down facing them, make eye contact, and talk or sing to them.
Use bright, colourful tummy time toys or a mat to make it more fun. Babies also enjoy looking at themselves in mirrors.
Be encouraging by celebrating small wins, like lifting their head or pushing up on their arms, with smiles and praise.
If your baby gets fussy, try doing tummy time on your chest or across your lap instead of on the floor—it can feel more comforting.

Adding tummy time to your daily routine makes it fun and helps your baby explore and grow. Every little bit counts, so take these moments to bond and support your baby’s development. If you’re not sure how to get started or have questions, talk to your pediatrician for advice. If you have any questions or would like to share your tummy time experiences, feel free to connect with us.

Yashashree

21/Jul/2025

Are you finding yourself up at all hours, staring at the clock, wondering if you will ever sleep again? Confused about when (or if) your newborn should sleep? You are not alone.

With constant wake-ups, unpredictable naps, and lots of yawning, it’s normal to feel tired and stressed. Adjusting to life with a new baby can feel like an endless cycle of sleeplessness and uncertainty, but understanding newborn sleep patterns can make this transition a little smoother for everyone involved.

Why Is Baby’s Sleep So Confusing?

Adults and newborns’ sleep habits are different. Babies sleep in brief periods, in contrast to adults who are used to a bedtime routine. Infants often wake up for feedings because their small stomachs require frequent refilling. Newborns sleep 14–17 hours per day, although this sleep is divided up into brief naps, usually lasting only 2-4 hours. If your infant’s sleep seems irregular, don’t be shocked. They will eventually start sleeping for a longer duration as their internal body clock matures.

Establishing a Routine

You may assist your baby learn to know when it’s time to sleep by establishing a calm routine. Simple practices that signal bedtime include singing a gentle lullaby, giving a warm bath, and lowering the lights. Although a rigid timetable isn’t suitable for them, following habits can help you and your child sleep better.

Create a peaceful environment: Dim the lights, reduce noise, and establish a peaceful setting for sleep.

Feedings first: Since babies frequently rest soon after feeding, let them have some time to doze off after feeding.

Day vs night: Keep some noise in the house and expose your infant to natural light during the day. Maintain everything dark with comfortable room temperature at night to let them know it’s time to go to bed.

Safe sleeping methods: Your infant should always sleep on their back in a crib with a firm mattress, free of cushions, blankets, or toys.

Tips for Parents

If possible, take turns with your spouse for nighttime duties so both of you can get some rest.
While it may be tempting to finish up work while your baby is sleeping, it can be helpful to you to take a nap when your baby sleeps.
Your infant may need weeks or months to become used to a normal sleep cycle, and that’s okay.

When to Seek Help- If you notice excessive crying, feeding issues, or persistent sleep disturbances, contact your pediatrician. Your baby’s health and your own well being are top priorities.

Remember that the infant sleep stage is temporary (though it can be tough). It will get better, and your baby will eventually settle into more regular sleep patterns. Until then, be kind to yourself as you are doing great. Rest whenever you can, ask for help when you need it, and know that better sleep days are ahead.

Yashashree

14/Jul/2025

Choosing between cloth and disposable diapers is a big decision for many parents. Both options have their pros and cons, and what works best for one family may not be right for another. Let’s understand the difference so you can choose the best option for your baby and your daily routine.

Disposable vs Cloth Diapers: A Simple Guide to Help You Decide

Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers

Advantages-

Cloth diapering creates less waste, which is better for the environment.
You spend less money over time.
Reusable diapers often have fewer chemicals, which can be better for baby’s skin health and may reduce the chances of diaper rash.

Disadvantages-

They cost more at the beginning.
You have to wash and dry them regularly.
Carrying dirty diapers while out can be inconvenient.

Pros and Cons of Disposable Diapers

Advantages-

Disposable diapers are simple to use and can be thrown away after each change.
There is no need to carry used diapers around when you are out.
They keep babies dry longer, which some parents think delays potty training.
No washing or drying is needed, which saves time and effort.

Disadvantages-

You need to buy them regularly, which can become expensive over time.
They contribute to landfill waste, which increases their environmental impact.
Some babies may develop diaper rash or skin irritation due to the materials used.
They might not fit every baby well, which can cause leaks or discomfort.

Which One is Best for Your Family?

Choosing between disposable and cloth diapers depends on what fits your family’s lifestyle, budget, and values. Disposable diapers are great if you want something easy and convenient, especially when you’re busy or traveling, and don’t want to worry about extra laundry. Cloth diapers are a better choice if you care about the environment, want to save money in the long run, or prefer natural materials for your baby’s skin. Some parents even use both—cloth diapers at home and disposables when out and about. Whatever you pick, the most important thing is that your baby stays clean, dry, and comfortable.

Diapering isn’t always easy—there’s a lot to think about, from your baby’s comfort to what works best for your daily routine. At Aloha Kids Clinic, we are here to help. If your baby has sensitive skin, needs extra changes, or you are just not sure which diaper to go with, we will work with you to find the right fit.

Not sure where to start? Come see us at Aloha Kids Clinic. We will explain the options and help you decide what’s best for your little one.

Yashashree

07/Jul/2025

Introducing your baby to solid food is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a little bit tricky. Knowing when and how to make the transition easier on you and your baby. Here are some suggestions that can be helpful.

1. Start at the Right Time- Doctors suggest starting solids when your baby is about six months old. Signs that your baby is ready include being able to sit with support, showing interest in food, and no longer pushing food out of their mouth with their tongue.

2. Begin with Single-Ingredient Foods-Start one-ingredient baby food like mashed bananas, sweet potatoes, or iron-rich baby cereal. This makes it easier to spot any food allergies or food sensitivities.

3. Introduce One New Food at a Time-Give your baby a new food every three to five days. This allows time to monitor for any allergic reactions, such as rashes, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

4. Offer a Variety of Textures-Start with smooth purees and slowly add more texture or finger foods as your baby gets used to eating. This helps them learn to chew and swallow.

5. Encourage Self-Feeding-As your baby grows, offer soft finger foods like , cooked carrots, scrambled eggs, idli, dosa, or soft chapati. This encourages independence and helps develop fine motor skills.

Engage Their Senses-Make mealtime fun by letting your baby explore different colours, smells, and textures. Encourage them to touch and taste their food to build a positive eating experience.

Mealtime can be messy, so stay patient and keep it fun! Babies may need time to accept new foods—don’t force it. Watch their reactions, be flexible, and adjust meals to their preferences. Always supervise them while eating solids to prevent choking, avoiding hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and raw carrots. A relaxed approach helps build healthy eating habits!

When to Consult a Pediatrician

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your pediatrician for guidance.

Severe allergic reactions – Signs like rashes, swelling, vomiting, or trouble breathing after eating.
Choking or difficulty swallowing – frequent gagging, coughing, or refusal to eat.
No interest in food – refusing all solids even after multiple tries.
Poor weight gain – not growing as expected or losing weight.
Severe Constipation or Diarrhea – Ongoing digestive issues after trying new foods.
Unusual Fussiness or Discomfort – Constant crying, irritability, or pain after eating.

Aloha Kids Clinic: Your Partner in Parenting

Introducing solid foods to your baby can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! At Aloha Kids Clinic, our pediatric specialists offer personalized guidance to help you. We answer all your questions, from food allergies to meal planning, so your baby gets the best start.

Our caring team is here to support your family with expert advice based on the latest research. Whether you need help choosing first foods, figuring out portion sizes, or handling picky eating, we are here for you.

Schedule a consultation with Aloha Kids Clinic today and start this journey with confidence!

Yashashree

02/Jul/2025

It can be worrying when your newborn shows signs of an allergy, but these reactions are more common than many parents realise. With proper care and support, most baby allergies can be handled safely and calmly.

Here’s a guide to help you recognize newborn allergies and how to handle them.

Skin rashes or eczema that don’t go away easily
Frequent sneezing or a persistent runny nose
Diarrhea or vomiting following feedings
Fussiness or excessive crying after eating

Talk to your baby’s doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

Watch for Food Allergies-If you are breastfeeding, some foods you eat (like dairy, nuts, or eggs) might cause an allergic reaction in your baby. If your baby is drinking formula, they could be allergic to the cow’s milk protein in it.

When your baby is ready for solid foods (usually around 6 months), give them one new food at a time. Wait 3 to 5 days before trying another food. This makes it easier to see if a certain food causes a problem.

Keep the Environment Clean-Environmental allergies in babies can be triggered by things like dust, pet hair, and mold. To help reduce these allergies, keep your baby’s surroundings clean:

Wash bedding frequently in hot water
Vacuum the house often to remove dust and pet hair
Avoid smoking or using strong-smelling products near your baby

Use Gentle Products-Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic baby lotions, shampoos, and laundry detergents. These reduce the risk of skin irritation.

If you notice signs of allergies in newborns, it’s important to speak with a pediatrician. They might refer you to an allergy specialist for further testing and guidance. Avoid trying to diagnose or treat the allergy yourself. Managing allergies in newborns requires patience and proper care, but with your doctor’s support and a few changes at home, your baby can thrive and stay healthy.

Yashashree

23/Jun/2025

A new baby brings lots of love, joy, and big emotions into the home. But it’s not only the parents who need to adjust—siblings and pets also feel the changes. With a little preparation, patience, and care, you can help the whole family welcome the baby and ease into this new chapter together. Here are some simple tips to make the transition smoother for everyone.

Preparing Siblings Before Baby Arrives

Start talking to your older child about the new baby early in your pregnancy. Show your child pictures of the baby from the doctor and let them feel the baby move.. You can also let them choose baby clothes or toys. This helps them feel excited and included.

Reading books about becoming a big brother or big sister can make your child understand what’s coming. Playing with dolls is also a fun way to practice being gentle and kind to a baby. Let your child talk about how they feel—happy, worried, or even a little jealous.

When your older child meets the baby for the first time, try to keep things calm and quiet. It can help if the baby is in a crib or in your arms, so your child doesn’t feel too overwhelmed. Let them watch and take their time. They will come closer when they are ready. If they want to touch the baby, show them how to be gentle, but don’t force it. Say kind words when they act nicely, and give them little jobs—like bringing a diaper or singing to the baby. These small tasks help them feel important and happy to be a big brother or sister.

It’s normal if the child starts acting out or doing things they used to do when they were younger. Be patient and give them lots of love, hugs, and attentionMake time each day to be with just them—even 10 minutes of reading or playing can mean a lot.. Tell them often that they are still very special and loved, and that they will always be an important part of the family.

The First Pet-Baby Introduction

Pets also need time to get used to having a new baby around.Before the baby arrives, slowly adjust your pet’s routine and let them smell baby items like lotion or powder.. After the baby is born, bring home something like a blanket or piece of clothing so your pet can become familiar with the baby’s scent.. Always watch your pet around the baby. Never leave them alone together Over time, your pet can learn to be a kind and trusted companion for your child.

Introducing your newborn to siblings and pets is different for every family, because each child and pet takes their own time to adjust. What matters most is making sure everyone feels safe, loved, and important. With a little patience and planning, your family can settle in well and start creating happy memories together.

Yashashree

16/Jun/2025

The rainy season brings cool weather and fresh air, but it also brings many infections. Babies are more at risk during this time because their immune system is still growing hence it is very important to keep your baby safe, clean, and healthy during this season.

Below are some useful tips for protecting babies from infections during rainy season.

Keep Your Baby Clean and Dry

In the monsoon season, the air is full of moisture, which helps germs and fungi grow. Babies sweat easily and may get rashes or infections. To keep your baby safe, give them a warm sponge bath every day or as the doctor suggests. Gently dry their skin after the bath, especially in areas like the neck, underarms, and groin. Change wet clothes quickly and dress your baby in soft, dry cotton clothes to keep them comfortable.

Follow Good Hygiene Practices

Keeping your baby clean helps protect them from getting sick. After going outside, carefully wipe their face, hands, and feet. Cut their nails often so dirt and germs don’t stay under them. Wash things your baby uses—like bottles, toys, and pacifiers—really well. Use warm water and soap made for babies. Make sure everything is dry, because germs like wet and dirty places.

Keep the Home Environment Clean

Open windows when the weather is clear to let in fresh air, and wipe wet or muddy floors often. Check for any damp spots or leaks and dry them with a clean cloth. Mosquitoes can carry viral infections like dengue and chikungunya, which are more common monsoon illnesses. Use nets on windows and around the crib.

Avoid Stagnant Water

Water that collects in flower pots, buckets, or around the house becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so avoid this in and around your home. Cover water storage containers, clean drains, and empty anything that collects rainwater. This helps prevent waterborne diseases and keeps your surroundings safe.

Watch for Early Signs of Illness

During the monsoon season, babies can easily catch colds, coughs, or stomach infections. Watch for signs like fever, runny nose, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Seek medical attention soon if you notice anything is unusual with your baby. To help your baby stay healthy, give proper food, boil drinking water, get enough rest, and care. If your baby eats solids, offer clean, safe fruits and vegetables. Breastfeeding also helps boost immunity and protects against illness.

Vaccinations and Immunity

Vaccines protect your baby from many diseases. Make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Also, give your baby enough rest, sleep, and proper nutrition to keep the immune system strong.

Rainy days can be fun, but they can also make babies sick. You can protect your baby by being careful. Keep everything clean, make sure your baby wears dry and cozy clothes, and only give fresh, safe food. If you’re worried about anything, ask your doctor for help.

Yashashree

09/Jun/2025

Today, screens are all around us. Kids are growing up with smartphones, tablets, TVs, and video games. While technology can be helpful, too much screen time can hurt a child’s sleep, behaviour, attention, and relationships.

One good way to keep things balanced is to create tech-free zones for kids at home. These are places where screens aren’t allowed, and the focus is on spending time together, being creative, and staying calm. Let’s explore why tech-free this is a great idea — and how you can make it happen.

Why Kids Need Tech-Free Zones

Encourages Face-to-Face Connection-When screens are off, kids join family time and real conversations. These moments build trust, and kids feel valued when adults give full attention instead of looking at phones.

Improves Sleep-Screens give off blue light and can overstimulate kids before bed, affecting their sleep quality. Tech-free zones like screen-free bedrooms help kids relax and sleep better.

Improves Imagination and Creativity-Without screens, kids are more likely to enjoy screen-free activities like reading, drawing, building, or creating their own games. This type of play supports brain development and helps them become better problem-solvers and thinkers. Parents can use parental controls and model healthy screen habits to encourage this kind of creative play.

Helps with Focus-Social media and screen time distract kids during homework. A tech-free study space improves focus and supports mental health by easing online pressure.

Reduces Screen Dependence-Using screens all the time makes it hard for kids to enjoy quiet moments. Tech-free zones help them take healthy breaks and build self-control and balance.

Where to Create Such Spaces

You don’t have to ban screens from the whole house. Just pick a few key areas where screen-free time can make a big difference.

Mealtimes are perfect for catching up and talking, so make it a rule to keep phones and tablets off the table.
To help kids sleep better and create a calm space for reading or relaxing, avoid having devices in bedrooms, especially at night.
Keeping devices out is also more hygienic and encourages kids to focus on self-care.
Set up a quiet, screen-free area for schoolwork, unless a device is needed for the task.
Use your backyard or balcony as a spot for physical play and fresh air, not screen time.

Tips to Make It Work

Explain to your kids why certain areas have no screens.
Children learn by watching adults. Try to follow the rules yourself.
Keep books, puzzles, drawing materials, or board games nearby. When the space is fun, kids won’t miss their screens as much.
Post a small sign to remind everyone of the screen-free rule.
If this is new for your family, start with one area—like the dinner table. Once it feels normal, add another.
Also, set time limits and teach about online safety to protect themselves.

Technology is a normal part of life, and that’s perfectly fine. But kids also need time without screens to grow, be creative, and connect with others. Setting aside certain spots at home where screens are not used can give them that chance.

Creating these no-screen areas helps children build healthy habits, stronger bonds, and a clearer mind. It doesn’t require big changes—just a bit of effort and consistency. If you are unsure where to begin, talk to your pediatrician for tips and suggestions on how to make this work in your home.

Yashashree

03/Jun/2025

In today’s busy world, kids have lots of technology and entertainment all the time. Although this is fun, it can keep them from learning how to handle being bored. Helping children get comfortable with boredom teaches them to enjoy quiet moments, be creative, and find ways to entertain themselves. In this blog, we’ll talk about why it’s important for building boredom tolerance among kids and share simple tips to help them develop this helpful skill.

Understanding boredom: What is it and why does it matter?

Boredom tolerance means being able to handle quiet or less exciting moments. It’s an important skill that helps kids become more creative, solve problems, stay motivated, and manage their emotions. When children learn to sit with boredom, they often start to explore, imagine, and find what they really enjoy. Instead of always trying to keep them entertained, we can see boredom as a good thing—and a chance to grow.

If kids are constantly entertained, they don’t get the opportunity to learn how to use their time wisely or think independently. Boredom gives them space to reflect and ask, “What do I want to do?”

Research shows that free, unstructured time can boost creativity. When kids are bored, their brains enter a state that supports imagination, memory, and planning. That’s when they often start building, creating, or simply daydreaming. Allowing boredom supports child development and helps kids learn important life skills.

Signs your child needs to build boredom tolerance

They jump quickly from one activity to another without feeling satisfied.
They depend a lot on devices or planned entertainment.
They get irritable or anxious when there’s nothing going on.

If any of these sound familiar, your child may benefit from practicing boredom tolerance.

Why boredom is good for your child

Resist the Urge to Rescue- Don’t rush to help when your child says, “I’m bored.” Instead, let them know it’s okay by saying, “That’s fine. Sometimes boredom helps us come up with great ideas.” Give them some time and space to figure it out themselves.

Limit Screen Time-Digital entertainment is made to keep kids busy, but too much of it can make it hard for them to enjoy quiet time or free play. Setting limits on screen use and having screen-free time each day is good for their mental health and helps them get better at handling boredom.

Include Free Time-Make sure your child has time each day with nothing planned. This free time helps them be creative and learn to do things on their own. Let them play, relax, or explore without a set schedule.

Show How to Handle Boredom-Let your child see that it’s okay to have quiet, unplanned time. You can read, draw, or just relax without a goal, and share how it feels.

Support Independent Play-Keep your home filled with open-ended items like art supplies, blocks, books, and dress-up clothes. These things spark creativity and encourage kids to explore on their own.

Boredom isn’t something bad—it’s a chance for creativity, strength, and learning. When parents step back, kids can explore and learn more about themselves. Teaching kids to handle boredom isn’t about doing less for them—it’s about giving them space to grow.

Yashashree

26/May/2025

In today’s world, screens play a big role in daily life, especially for busy parents juggling work and family responsibilities. While technology can be helpful, it’s easy to start using screens without thinking — often out of stress or habit. This blog shares easy and useful tips to help you use screens in a more thoughtful way. With a few small changes, you can build healthier screen time and create stronger, more meaningful connections with your family.

What Does It Mean to Use Screens Intentionally?

Mindful screen time means paying attention not just to how long your child uses devices, but also to what they are doing and why. It’s about making sure screen use has a purpose—like learning something new, being creative, or staying connected with others—instead of just watching or scrolling through social media without thinking.

Understand Why You Use Screens-The first step is to notice why you or your child pick up a screen. Are you bored, tired, stressed, or avoiding a difficult moment? Sometimes we use screens to escape feelings instead of facing them. When you catch yourself reaching for a device because of a strong emotion, pause and ask:

What am I really feeling right now?
Is there another way I can handle this feeling?
Do I really need the screen now?

As a parent, being aware of how screens are used helps you guide your child to use technology in a balanced way. Screens can then be tools for learning and growth, not just distractions. By encouraging mindful screen time, you are helping your child build healthy digital habits for today and the future.

Set Clear Goals for Screen Time-When screen time has a clear purpose, it becomes more useful and not just something to do when bored. Talk as a family about how you use devices, what’s working, and what could be better. Make simple rules like no screens at meals or before bedtime, set time limits, and choose what content is right for different ages.

Create Screen-Free Zones and Times-Choose certain places or times at home where screens are not allowed, like at the dinner table or before bedtime. This helps everyone talk more and get better sleep. It also helps you spend more quality time together.

Model Healthy Screen Habits-Kids learn by watching their parents. To help them use screens wisely, show good habits—like putting phones away during family time and choosing screen-free activities. When kids see this, they will follow your example.

Use Screens Together-Instead of using screens alone, make some screen time a family activity. Watch shows, play learning games, or try new apps together. This helps screens bring you closer, not apart.

Parenting can be exhausting and stressful. It’s normal to unwind with your phone or TV, but pay attention if you are using screens to avoid difficult feelings. Try other ways to calm down, like deep breathing, going outside, or talking to a friend. As children grow, screen habits can change too. Take time now to think about how screens affect your family. Are they helping you connect or causing issues? Do you feel balanced?

In today’s digital world, using screens with purpose is key to balanced and mindful parenting. By setting clear limits, showing good screen habits, and being aware of when and how screens are used, you can create a positive space that supports your family’s well-being and connection. Remember, screens should help your life, not take it over. Use them intentionally to build healthy habits and meaningful moments with your children.

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