Vitamins for Your Baby

Vitamins and the Child

A great variety of foods make up a child’s well balanced diet which allows them to get the necessary elements their body needs for growth, maintenance and repair. A child’s health will suffer gradually over a long period of time rather than immediately if one or more essential elements are continuously lacking for the child’s body or the elements are present in insufficient amounts. Rather than being revealed by hunger pains this is a consider known as “Hidden Hunger” in which the signs are anemia, fatigue and deficiency diseases such as Berberi, Pellagra and Rickets. Make your child eat a well balanced diet that has all the elements needed to satisfy the body’s daily nutritional requirements if you want them to have a healthy life. The essential elements you should include are the following:

Vitamin A

There are many benefits to Vitamin A. On the inside it helps the formation of vision and maintains it while helping the body fight against infection. Outside the body it helps keep the skin smooth and increase a persons life span. Burning eyes, dry and rought skin, night-blindness and lusterless eyes are effects of insufficient Vitamin A intake. Yellow and green vegetables, liver, fish, eggs, papayas, mangoes, green chilies, carrots, butter, unskimmed milk, cheese, peaches and apricots are all sources of Vitamin A. If there is a deficiency you should give Arovit drops.

Vitamin B1 or Thiamin

Better digestion, fertility, growth, healthy nerves and heart are all benefits associated with Vitamin B1. Constipation, poor digestion, tiredness, nervousness, gas and beriberi which is a disease that attacks the nervous system and heart are effects of insufficient intake of Vitamin B1. Curds, whole wheat flour, peanuts, beans, peas, milk, live, mutton and papayas are good sources of Vitamin B1. In case of deficiency you should give Becozyum syrup.

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin

Growth, vision and long life are all excellent benefits of Vitamin B2. There are three parts the Vitamin B2 deficiency can be divided into: the eyes, mouth and skin disorders. In the eyes an abnormal sensitivity to light and interference with vision can develop. The mouth disorders are typically limited to the lips. Their appearance becomes chapped and the line of closure usually looks red and very shiny. White spots may appear in the corners of the mouth and break down after sometime. Each angle of the mouth will have a crack appear and the tongue may also become discolored and look purplish red. Milk, eggs, chicken, liver, kidney and green leaves plants are all good sources of Vitamin B2.

Vitamin B3 or Niacin

Vitamin B3 is an essential component of the bodies production of healthy blood, skin and good digestion. A disease called Pellagra is the typical effect of insufficient Vitamin B3 intake. Skin disorders, weakness, loss of appetite and indigestion are typically the early symptoms of this condition. Late in the diseases development the mouth may become sore and ulcerated and diarrhea can develop. Whole wheat flour, soy beans, liver, peanuts, butter and chicken are good sources of Vitamin B3.

Vitamin C

The bodies growth and resistance to disease depends largely on Vitamin C. Wounds heal quickly and bleeding of the gums is prevented as well as healthy gums are promoted by Vitamin C. Bleeding gums, rheumatism, troublesome veins and arteries, brittle bones, sore throat, general weakness and susceptibility to all diseases are signs of insufficient Vitamin C intake. Between the ages of seven months and two years a common disease due to the deficiency of Vitamin C called Scurvy can develop. Physical weakness, inflamed and bleeding gums and easily bruised skin are signs of Scurvy. There are many sources of Vitamin C so it is not hard to maintain a high level in your body. Good Vitamin C sources include citrus fruits, raw tomatoes, strawberries, liver, cauliflower, mustard greens, capsicums, spinach, grapefruits, cabbages, oranges, pineapple, turnips, sweet potatoes, peaches, raw mangoes, chilies and papayas. In case of deficiency you can give redoxin tablets which are soluble in water.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a vital role in keeping the teeth and bones strong, straight and firm. In addition, if plays a important role in providing good and comfortable sleep. Poor bone structure, bad teeth, nervous tension, calcium deficiency, near-sightedness, retardation of growth and chronic ill health are all common with an insufficient intake of Vitamin D. Rickets is a common disease caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D which leads to a softening of the bones. This disease products various degrees of bone deformities including nodules on the ribs, flexible and bent bones. Bowlegs and a misshapen skull are common with Rickets. Getting sunshine every day is the best source of Vitamin D. During the early morning hours you should have your child lie in the sun for an hour or so. Otherwise you can give them a diet that is rich in fish, sardines, milk, butter and eggs. Rickets can be controlled by cod liver oil and macalvit syrup.

Vitamin E

The heart, muscles and skin as well as a normal sex life are effected by the amount of Vitamin E in our body. Heart trouble and muscular atrophy can result from a insufficient intake of Vitamin E. Vegetable oils, apples, eggs, beans, grape fruits, bananas, celery, carrots, live chicken and butter are excellent sources of Vitamin E.

Vitamin K

Normal blood coagulation depends on Vitamin K. After surgery the speed with which the blood clots depends on how much Vitamin K is present in the persons body. Green leave plants such as spinach and beet tops have Vitamin K. However, the green tops of carrots, cabbage, liver, egg yolks and tomatoes are the best sources for Vitamin K.

Proteins

To keep the body firm and functioning it relies on proteins to help build and repair the body. Less resistance to disease, anemia, diseases of the kidney and liver, delayed convalescence and delayed healing of burns can result from a lack of protein in the body. Meat, chicken, fish, nuts, flour, cereals, peas, beans, milk and gelatin are good sources of protein.

Carbohydrates

The bodies ability to furnish heat and energy is fueled by carbohydrates, this is turn allows the body to work, act, move, perform and live. In order to use fat efficiently the body needs carbohydrates. Rice, wheat, onion, maize, jowar, honey, potatoes, figs, beans, nuts and fruits are good sources of carbohydrates.

Fats

Heat and energy come from fat. It also helps to make our meals palatable and satisfying. The most concentrated form of dietary energy is found in fat. The efficiency and utilization of fat soluble vitamins are promoted by fat. There are some fats and oils that are goods sources of Vitamin A, D, E and K.

Minerals

Like vitamins, minerals are an important part of leading a healthy life. Many people give their children vitamins but neglect minerals when in fact they often work together with vitamins. The building and repairing of body and teeth, bones and blood require the help of minerals. Minerals also play an important role in maintain the bodies water level, influences the gland secretions and keep blood and tissue in balance without them becoming too acidic or alkaline. Soluble salts have minerals present in the fluids of the body which supply power to movement and assistance in digestion.

Poor health, growth and certain serious disease can develop if there is a deficiency of minerals. Life would become extinct if some minerals were to disappear completely from the body. Brain power would fade, bones would not hold their shape and essential organs such as the heart, lungs and bowels would cease to function. For good health there are sixteen essential minerals, but not all are essential to equal degrees since some are not important individually but rather assist other minerals to function.

Calcium, iron, sodium chloride, iodine, phosphorous, copper, manganese and potassium are the important minerals to have in your body.

Calcium

Strong bones and teeth are built and maintained through calcium. It also helps keep the heart beating rhythmically along with normal nerve action and healthy nails. Tooth decay, brittle bones, nervousness, cramps, weak heart and nervous headache can result from a insufficient intake of calcium. Milk, cheese, buttermilk, eggs, green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, curds and beans are good sources of calcium.

Iron

A rosy complexion, pep and vigor, good memory and warm hands and feet require a good intake of iron. Anemia, tiredness, forgetfulness and lack of endurance can result with an insufficient amount of iron. Liver, apricots, cucumber, eggs, tomatoes, drumsticks, almonds and soy beans are important sources of iron.

Iodine

The production of thyroxin in the thyroid glands is aided by iodine which helps maintain the urge to work and play. A proper amount of iodine will help provide more stamina, greater endurance and helps a child stay slim. Goitre, overweight, tiredness and mental depression are effects of lack of iodine. Fish is the most important source of iodine since seawater contains the most iodine. However, fresh green vegetables also contain some iodine.

Phosphorous

The building and maintenance of strong bones and teeth needs phosphorous. It also plays an important role in glandular secretions and vital energy. Tooth decay, susceptibility to pyorrhea and brittle bones can result from a lack of phosphorous. Liver, fish, meat, milk, eggs, cheese, pulses and lentils, whole grains, nuts, spinach and garlic are important sources of phosphorous.

Copper

The formation of hemoglobin or the red color of the blood is stimulated by copper which puts the iron to work. Nuts and cereal foods are good sources of copper.

Manganese

Calcium works with manganese to help keep the heart from working too fast and aided the blood in the use of sugar. Milk, meat, grains, pulses, nuts and green leafy vegetables are good sources of manganese.

Sodium Chloride and Potassium

These two minerals are vital in keep the balance of water between the bodies cells. They also help the stimulation of the nerve impulse to the muscles which help them to contract. All muscles including those of the heart are influenced by these minerals. Although too much sodium chloride or common salt can lead to high blood pressure so you should add extra food to salt after it has been prepared. It is best to stick with foods that have been moderately salted and pickled.

Eating Food for Baby

Eating Schedule for 1 Year Old
6 a.m.
Give one cup of milk and add flavor by mixing in either drinking chocolate or Rose syrup.
8 a.m.
Give them cereals and eggs or eggs and toast with butter depending on the child.
Some of the egg preparations that you can choose from include:
Soft boiled egg: For this you need to place an egg in a pan with enough water to cover the top of the egg by at least one inch. To prevent the white of the egg from boiling out if there is a crack in the shell you should add some salt, lime juice or vinegar. Bring the water to a boil once you have covered the pan. Leave the cover on and let it stand for two minutes after removing from the flame. Cool the egg in cold water immediately and break it open in a cup sprinkling in some salt and pepper on the top.
Poached egg: For this you simply need one egg, a half cup of milk and one tsp butter. Mix the milk and butter in a small bowl. Once the milk is hot, put the egg in and cook until the egg white is firm.
Steamed egg: Break the egg in a small greased bowl. Cover the bowl and place over hot water. Remove the bowl once the egg white turns firm.
Fried egg: Break the egg and place in two tablespoons of heated butter. Cook until the white turns firm and remove from the flame.
Scrambled egg: For this you need one egg, one tablespoon milk, one tsp cream of milk and one tablespoon butter. Blend the egg together with the milk and cream of milk and add a pinch of salt. Melt the butter in a pan and then add the egg and cook until completely cooked but make sure the egg is still soft and moist.
Baked egg: Break the egg in a greased bowl and spring with a little bit of salt. Add one tsp cream of milk over the egg and bake it until the white has set. Then you can serve the egg with hot buttered toast or with a cereal of your choice.
The following are some cereals you can choose from:
Rice kheer: For this you will need one tablespoon rice, one cup of milk, one and a half tablespoons sugar and a few drops of rose essence. Boil the rice in a half cup of water. Once the water dries up you can add the milk and sugar and cook until it turns thick. Decorate with fresh or dried fruits if you want and sprinkle the rose essence on the top.
Rice payasam: For this cereal you will need one tablespoon broken rice, two tablespoons grated jaggery, a half cup of think coconut milk, one cup of thick coconut milk and a big pinch of cardamom and nutmeg. Use the thin coconut milk to cook the rice until it is soft. Then add the thick milk, jaggery and spices. Cook until the mixture is thick like custard and decorate with a few pieces of dry fruits if desired.
Rice and dal paysam: For this you will need one tablespoon rice, a half tablespoon moong dal, a half cup of thin coconut milk, a cup of thick coconut milk, three tablespoons of jaggery and a big pinch of nutmeg and jaiphal. Use a little ghee to fry both the rice and dal until they are golden. Add the thin milk and allow it to dry. Then add the thick milk, jaggery and spices, cook until it is thick like custard. Then decorate with dry fruits if desired.
Flour sheera: For this you will need one tablespoon wheat flour, a half cup water, one tablespoon ground sugar, one tablespoon butter and a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg. Use water to dissolve the sugar. Then heat the butter and fry the flower to a golden color over slow flame. Add the water, cardamom and nutmeg and cook until thick like a custard.
Suji halwa: For this you will need one tablespoon suji or semolina, one tablespoon ground sugar, one cup milk, one tablespoon butter and a few fruits and nuts. Use one tablespoon butter to fry the suji lightly. Add the sugar and milk and continue to cook until it is thick like a custard then decorate with the fruits and nuts.
10 a.m.
At this time it is best to give raw vegetable juice or fruit juice rather than cooked vegetables. The heat of cooking partly destroys the minerals and vitamins along which some of them being dissolved in the water.
The following are some good juices you can choose from:
Carrot juice: Not only does this juice have minerals, calcium, iron and iodine but it is also a rich source of Vitamin A, B, C and B2.
Spinach juice: This juice should be mixed equally with carrot juice. It contains a fair amount of iodine as well as high levels of Vitamin A, B and E.
Parsley juice: This is another juice that should be mixed equally with carrot juice. For Vitamins A, B, C and Iron this juice is an excellent source.
Tomato juice: You can flavor this juice with a small amount of lime juice and salt. For Vitamin A, B and C it is an excellent source.
Beet juice: It is a good idea to mix this juice in an equation of ¼ cup beet juice to ever ¾ cup of pineapple juice. Vitamin A, B, C and minerals can be found in this juice.
There is also the choice of mixing juice. The following are some delicious juice combinations you can try:
Tomatoes, carrots and celery.
Apples and celery with a bit of parsley.
Lettuce, celery, tomato with a bit of cabbage and a small cucumber.
Beet, carrot, spinach and tomato.
For better taste you can season all your juices with a little lime juice and salt.
12 Noon
For lunch time it is a good idea to give your child protein rich foods such as fish, chicken or meat with soup. For some delicious soups you can try the following:
Vegetable soup: Cook a half cup of mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, French beans or celery in two cups of water until they are soft. Use broth and force the vegetables through a strainer. Next mix in one tablespoon cream of milk and reheat. A few pieces of fried bread can be added if desired.
Tomato soup: For this you need a half cup of vegetables such as peas, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, celery and French beans, two medium sized tomatoes and one tablespoon cream. Use two cups of water and cook the vegetables until they are soft. Use broth and force the vegetables through a strainer. Put in a few pieces of boiled elbow macaroni and some of your favorite grated cheese.
Dal soup: For this you will need one tablespoon moong dal, three tablespoons minced mutton or kheema, one teaspoon grated onion, a small piece of grated ginger and a few dried mint leaves. Fry the onion and ginger in one tablespoon of butter. Add the mutton and a pinch of salt for flavor then fry to a golden color with a little bit of water. Add the dal and mint with an additional two cups of water and cook until the dal and mutton are soft and the soup is slightly thick. Then you can mix in some lime juice if you want extra flavor.
Minstrone soup: For this you will need one cup tomato juice, ¼ cup sliced vegetables such as peas, carrots, French beans or potatoes, one tablespoon boiled raimah or red kidney beans, a few elbow macaroni, one teaspoon grated cheese and some salt for flavor. Fry the vegetables lightly in one tablespoon butter. Then boil the vegetables until soft by adding one cup of water. Add the tomato juice, kidney beans and macaroni and then boil for an additional two minutes. Sprinkle the cheese on top before serving.
For your mutton, chicken or fish options consider some of the following delicious recipes:
Kheema: For this you will need ¼ cup minced mutton, a small onion, a small piece of ginger, two tablespoons green peas and some salt and pepper for flavor. Fry the onions and ginger to a brown color in one tablespoon ghee. Then add the mutton and fry until everything is a red color and add a little water. Then cover the ingredients with hot water and cook until they are almost done, then add the peas, salt and pepper and continue cooking until the mutton is soft.
Pounded chicken: For this you will need one chicken breast, salt for flavor and one teaspoon of butter. Put all the ingredients in a vessel and cover it with hot water. Then allow it to cook until the chicken is soft. Take it off the heat and separate the chicken meat from the bones, put the meat in a broth and serve to your child.
Steamed fish: Take a slice of fish and rub both sides with salt, pepper and some lime juice. Take brown paper and grease it with butter before wrapping the fish slice in it. Allow it to steam on each side for ten minutes a piece. The remove the paper and flake the fish.
Boiled fish: For this you will need a slice of fish, a carrot, a quarter of a small onion, some parsley leaves, salt and lime juice. Combine every ingredient other than the fish with some water in a pan and cook for ten minutes. Then add the fish and cook until the fish is completely done. Bone and flake the fish before serving with tomato ketchup.
Minced liver: Take half a liver and boil it until it is soft. Then mince it and add one tablespoon of cream of milk and salt.
4 p.m.
During this time you should give a glass of flavored milk.
7 p.m.
During dinner time you can give your child a full meal dish and a dessert. Some meal dishes to consider are the following:
Vegetable cheese souffle: For this you will need one tablespoon each of butter and flour, ¼ cup of milk, an egg, three teaspoons of grated cheese and ¼ cup of boiled vegetables such as French beans, carrots, peas and potatoes. Melt the butter before adding the flour, then cook until it is smooth and thick. Beat the egg yolk until it is smooth and thick. Cool the sauce and then add it a little at a time. Mix the cheese, vegetables, salt and pepper before folding in the stiffly beaten egg white. Place everything in a greased dish and bake in a preheated oven until it looks puffed and golden.
Tomato pie: For this you will need one cup of broken bread, one medium sliced tomato, a half cup of grated cheese, an egg, a half cup of milk and salt and pepper for flavor. Take a greased dish and place the bread in it before placing the tomato on the bread and sprinkling the cheese over the tomatoes. Then beat the egg together with the milk, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the bread. Place in a preheated oven and bake until slightly puffy and golden.
Cheese sauce with potatoes and hamburger: For the cheese sauce you will need 25 grams of grated cheese, a half tablespoon of flour, ¼ cup of milk, some salt and pepper for flavor. Melt a tablespoon of butter and add the flour. One the mixture is smooth you should add the milk gradually. Cook this mixture until it is slightly thick, then add the seasonings and cheese before cooking for at least two more minutes. For the potatoes you should take a boiled and peeled medium sized potato and cut it into long thin fingers, sprinkle them with salt and deep fry them until they are a golden color. Then drain the excess oil off the potatoes. Next take ¼ cup of boiled minced mutton and mix it with some grated onion, ginger and corriander leaves. Make the mixture smooth by adding a raw egg. Form this into a round shaped cutlet and dip it in bread crumbs then fry to a golden color. Place the potatoes and cutlet in a dish before topping it with ketchup and the cheese sauce.
Date pilaf: For this you will need two tablespoons butter, ¼ cup of rice, four peeled and sliced almonds, a tablespoon of raisins, five chopped dates and some salt for flavor. Melt the butter and add the rice along with enough water to be about an inch above the rice. Bring to a boil after adding the salt then reduce the temperature and cook until the rice is tender and dry. Fry the nuts and dates separately in two tablespoons of butter and then spoon it on top of the rice.
Paella: For this you will need ¼ cup of rice, a medium sized tomato, one tablespoon of minced onion, ¼ teaspoon of minced ginger, a half cup of mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, cauliflower or French beans, a sliced boiled egg, salt and pepper for flavor and a bit of turmeric powder. Fry the onion and ginger until soft in one tablespoon of butter. The add the tomato and cook until they are soft. Add all the spices and vegetables and mix it well before adding the rice. Add water to an inch above the rice. Reduce the heat once it has been brought to a boil and cook until the rice is tender and dry. Then place the egg in a decorative fashion on top of the paella and serve at once.
For dessert you can try some of the following delicious yet healthy options:
Fruit custard: For this you will need a half cup of hot milk, an egg, one tablespoon of sugar and ¼ cup of sliced, drained and tinned peaches, strawberries or cherries depending on your choice and what’s in season. Place everything except the egg in a mixer for one minute. Then add the egg and mix for a few more seconds. Place the mixture in a greased pan and place in a pan of hot water while bake in a moderately hot oven.
Burnt sugar pudding: For this you will need a cup of milk, a beaten egg and two tablespoons of sugar. Melt the sugar in a pie dish over low heat until golden. Mix the egg and milk and place over the sugar. Cover with grease proof paper and steam until everything turns firm.
Coconut custard: For this you will need a half cup of ground coconut, a half cup milk, an egg, two tablespoons sugar and a few drops essence of your favorite flavor. Boil the coconut and milk then let it stand for half an hour. Strain out the liquid and discard the pulp. Then mix in the egg and sugar before placed in a greased bowl and cover it with wax paper. Place the bowl in a plate of water and back in a moderately preheated oven for twenty minutes.

Pregency Care

To accurately assess how your baby is growing your health professional will be able to observe your pregnancy week by week. Towards the end of your pregnancy your checkups will become more frequent even though you won’t have them week by week during the early pregnancy.

Your weight and blood pressure are the most common tests that are performed during your pregnancy week by week. These are checked to ensure that you are gaining the right amount of weight when shows your baby is growing at the right rate. Your blood pressure can change the same as it does when you are not pregnant but it is important to keep track of since it shouldn’t be dangerously high or low. You are likely to be admitted to the hospital during your pregnancy if you have blood pressure issues so that your blood pressure can be monitored constantly.

Health professional can monitor your baby more effectively during your pregnancy week by week once you reach the second trimester. At various intervals during your regular pregnancy week by week checkups there are a number of tests that you may be offered. Investigations for various conditions that the unborn baby may have developed can be determined during these tests which can help a doctor start preventative measures.

During their pregnancy week by week the most common question people ask is what sex their baby is. Unless she asks, in some countries it is not common practice to tell the mother the sex of her baby. A mother can make more specific plans during her pregnancy week by week if she knows the sex of her baby, such as buying the appropriate clothes and choosing a name. During their pregnancy week by week many women prefer to have the element of surprise as to the sex of their baby until they are actually born.