Nothing is comparable to the joy of knowing that you are going to have a baby. But with impending motherhood comes responsibility, because a tiny little person is going to be dependent on you soon and looks up to you for everything. Here’s how you can prepare to give your baby the gift of a healthy future.
From conception to birth and beyond
You can take charge of your baby’s health right from when the baby is cosily tucked away in your uterus and developing through the pregnancy. Remember, what you eat is what the foetus eats, making it essential for your diet to be healthy and nutritious. Be sure to incorporate plenty of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you’re a non vegetarian, choose fish that are high in Omega-3 which is great for foetal development.
It’s not only about the food, though. While in the womb, your baby grows to be sensitive to his external environment. What does this mean? Translated, there is no better time to begin bonding with your little one! Reading to him, even if it’s just the day’s news from the papers or your favourite book will help enhance his senses and responses. Singing to him also familiarises him with your voice, and research has shown that a baby can distinguish his mother’s voice from that of others as early as birth. Plus, nothing helps you more to form a lifelong bond with your baby than this time with just you and him. What more could you want!
Once your baby is here, be sure to provide him with a secure and stable home environment. This helps him de-stress and know that he is surrounded by people who love him and care for him. When you play with your baby, it helps foster a loving relationship with him. Do make sure that he gets adequate sleep even as he grows because this is crucial for his health and wellbeing. At the infant stage, your baby needs gentle exercise, so provide him tummy time to help strengthen his muscles. For an older baby and child, time outdoors in the park is important.
If you are breastfeeding your baby, know that you are contributing to his future health significantly. Your breastmilk contains rich antibodies that protect the baby, so when you nurse you pass these on to your little one. This keeps him healthy and gives him the ability to fight infections, as well as may protect him from possible allergies. Once you wean your baby and introduce him to the world of solids, make sure he gets fresh homemade food as far as possible.
When you play with your baby, it gives rise to their imagination and boosts their thinking ability. They are able to grasp concepts more easily and become well-rounded individuals as they grow.
The bottom line
Your contribution to your baby’s future health is in your hands. Enjoy your time with the baby and simultaneously, offer him the best you can in terms of mental, physical and emotional health.
