Parenting wisdom from real moms

When a baby develops a stuffy nose from AC dryness, place a bowl of water in the room or use a humidifier. Placing a small amount of camphor (pooja variety) in a bowl near the room's entrance can also help with breathing while keeping mosquitoes away.

Health Factory zero maida bread tastes the same as regular bread and is a guilt-free daily option. For muesli, Whole Truth and Monsoon Harvest are cleaner alternatives to mainstream brands.

To build a library of books for your toddler sustainably, look for toy and book rental services or NGOs that accept donations. Renting allows you to rotate age-appropriate titles without needing significant storage space at home.

Instead of removing junk food entirely, try allocating one specific day of the week, like Friday, as 'dessert day'. Enforcing this consistently helps toddlers manage expectations and reduces daily power struggles.

Most paediatricians prescribe only Vitamin D3 and iron for 1-year-olds. Iron is typically stopped around 18 months. Do not add supplements without blood test confirmation — unnecessary supplementation can do more harm than good.

If you are concerned about your toddler’s safety on flights, prioritize booking a bassinet seat to secure extra legroom and space. Regardless of whether the baby sleeps in it, the extra room allows you to place toys on the floor for play.

When traveling internationally with a 14-month-old, carry a mix of familiar toys and a few new ones. Engaging them with slow-eating snacks like puffed grains (jowar, ragi, or rice) can help keep them occupied for longer stretches.

When a toddler is going through the 'movement frustration' phase and crying during floor time, engage them by dancing, playing new music, or placing them on your lap for supported sitting. Introducing new rattles or books while they are in a half-cobra position can help motivate them to master motor skills.

For a cooling, nutritious snack, mix Greek yogurt with mashed berries and chia seeds, spread it on parchment paper, and freeze it overnight. Break into bite-sized pieces for an easy, protein-rich treat.

R for Rabbit makes solid quality tricycles with push handles. Decathlon inline skates with wheel conversion kits work well as first roller skates for 4-year-olds.

For distracted feeders aged 4 months and older, try feeding in a dark, quiet room with minimal noise or light. If the baby continues to be fussy, allow them to play briefly before returning to the feed, as babies become more efficient at eating and may not need the long sessions they once did.

It is a normal developmental phase for babies to explore objects by mouth; as long as the object is safe and clean, you don't necessarily need to force a pacifier if they aren't interested.