Our children are the most precious things in our life. We want to nurture them and see them grow into fine adults. It is our responsibility to ensure our little ones lead a happy and healthy life, and here are 5 ways you can do just that.
Good Food Helps Them Grow
Food is life and what we eat has a massive impact on our health and fitness. The minute your bundle of joy enters the world, you can set them on the right track by feeding them breast milk or high-quality milk formula. As they grow, introduce them to fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain cereals, and dairy products. Encourage your family to drink plenty of fresh water and avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.
If you wish your offspring to eat meat, ensure it is lean and good quality – try to steer clear of processed foods full of sugar, salt, and nitrates. When your children become older and know their own minds, it is more challenging to make them stick to a diet free of excess fats and sugar – but giving them a decent start will hopefully provide them with a taste for healthy cuisine. Educate them and explain the importance of eating a healthy diet.
Keep Their Teeth in Top Condition
Drinking water and avoiding sugary and carbonated drinks will help keep your children’s teeth healthy too. The most tooth-friendly drinks are still water and plain milk. Fruit juices should also be limited as the fruit acid can erode tooth enamel.
Experts have suggested that pacifiers may affect the growth and development of your child’s mouth and teeth. Pacifiers should only be used when your child desperately needs the comfort of it and should be weaned off it as soon as possible.
You must start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they get their first milk tooth, which is around six months of age. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Your child should visit a dentist every six months for check-ups, and should they require dental treatment, your dentist can talk you through the pros and cons of general anesthesia for dental procedures or other forms of pain management.
Protect Them From Disease
Getting your child vaccinated against diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella is very important – as is ensuring that they receive boosters for any vaccinations at appropriate time points throughout their life. If you and your child have to travel to foreign countries, check to see if any vaccinations are required before you travel.
As soon as possible, you should teach your child good hygiene techniques. Wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet, avoid having them share food and utensils with other children, and try to prevent them from putting other children’s toys in their mouth.
You can help reduce their chances of contracting infections by keeping your home clean and free of dust and germs. Disinfect surfaces regularly, wash your hands, use disposable tissues and bin them immediately after use, clean your baby’s toys and room regularly and keep you and your child away from ill people or unhygienic environments.
Dress Them Appropriately
When your child is young, it is your responsibility to make sure they are dressed appropriately. In cold weather, you need to wrap them in warm, waterproof clothing so that they don’t get chilled and wet, and in warm weather, they should be dressed in a manner that keeps them cool. On hot days they should wear a hat and have sun cream applied to them to protect their delicate skin from sunburn.
If your child participates in sports such as bicycle riding, skateboarding, or horse riding, they should wear the appropriate safety clothing such as a hard hat, knee pads, and elbow pads. They should be supervised by an adult and well trained at the sport so that they can keep as safe as possible.
Grow Their Social Circle
The mental health of your child is just as important as their physical health. You can help grow their social interaction skills from when they are young by taking them to baby playgroups and activity classes. Here they will learn new skills and how to interact with other children. As they grow, encourage them to join clubs to develop their talents and interests and grow their social circle. Having a supportive group of lifelong friends can help your child have a happy life without loneliness.
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