23-march-2024
What is Holi and Why is it So Special for New Mothers?
Holi is a Hindu festival of colors celebrated in India and other countries with large Hindu populations. It is a joyous celebration that marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter. Every year, people gather together to celebrate Holi with vibrant colors, music, dance and food. For new mothers, Holi is a special occasion as it marks the start of their journey into motherhood. It is an opportunity for them to bond with their families and friends in a festive atmosphere filled with joy and laughter.
Moreover, Holi has many customs and traditions associated with it that make it even more special for new mothers – from smearing each other's faces with bright colors to playing games like 'Dhulivandan' or 'Holi Khel'. to singing bhajans, Holi is a day to remember. The festival of Holi brings with it many new traditions and customs that mark the beginning of spring. Here are some reasons why busting into colors during Holi has become a celebration for all those who celebrate this occasion.
It is a day for bursting with joy: One traditional custom associated with the festival of Holi is smearing each other's faces and bodies with bright colors. The excitement of breaking out into colors during the event provides an immense sense of joy, making it one to remember. Moreover, new mothers get to remember the joy of their new baby's birth by celebrating this event. The festival is also celebrated with a special game called 'Dhulivandan'. The way to play the game is to smother your opponent in brightly-colored powder while they cover your face and body in the same color of powder. This takes place until one person's body is completely covered in colors, earning them a spot as winner!
Tips to Celebrate Holi Safely while Breastfeeding & Caring for a Newborn
From choosing natural colors to wearing protective clothing, these practical advice on how to make sure that your baby is safe and secure during the festivities. So read on to learn more about how to make the most of this special occasion with your little one!
- Keep Your Baby's Temperature Normal Babies and children often get congested, especially when they are exposed to too much pollen, which may cause wheezing or a fever. During the festival of holi, a lot of flowers are used for decoration and playing, as it is also the spring season, pollen allergies are common. The best way to prevent such complications is by keeping your child's temperature normal throughout the Holi season.
This can be accomplished by ensuring that your baby stays indoors whenever possible and doesn't go outside without some sort of protection (a mask, a kimono/kurta/uniform, etc.) A common misconception regarding Holi is that it will help babies improve their immunity system. However, this is not true. The best way to prevent any allergies or respiratory complications is by ensuring that your baby is healthy and by keeping the temperature normal.
- Keep Your Baby Safe and Comfortable. Babies should be kept safe and comfortable during Holi, especially in case of accidental contact with watercolor powder or oil paints, which may lead to choking. To ensure this, babies should always have a soft blanket at their disposal that they can use to cover their face in case of any mishaps. As a precautionary measure, children should also be supervised while they play with any chemicals/paints or substances.
- Enjoying Holi with your babies should be allowed. This could be done by making a special room for your baby with watercolor paints, paper cutouts and children's books for them to enjoy and keep them company. You can also let your baby dance around the house to the music during this fun time!
- Stay Hydrated- The best way of staying hydrated is by drinking water throughout the day in moderation along with fruits (especially watermelon) and vegetables like cucumbers or pears that are high-water content fruits that can provide you with much needed hydration. It is unnecessary to restrict your and your baby's fluid intake, but rather the best way to ensure that they do not get dehydrated is by being frequently hydrated.
- Avoid Food and Beverages- The main reason for babies developing infantile seizures is due to their immature nervous or brain networks that don't help prevent the absorption of alcohol or other toxins in the body. As a precautionary measure, avoid food and beverages that might cause your baby to have seizures. As a lactating mother, one must take care of their dietary consumption. Examples are alcoholic drinks, cannabinoids containing sweets as well as frequent intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea.
Essential Items to Have on Hand When Celebrating Holi with an Infant
- Holi is a fun and festive holiday, but it can be a bit tricky when you’re celebrating with an infant. To make sure your little one has a safe and enjoyable time, it’s important to have the right items on hand. Diapers, rash cream, natural color for holi, lukewarm water and other infant care items are essential for keeping your baby happy during Holi celebrations. With these items in tow, you can ensure that your baby is comfortable and protected from any potential skin irritations or allergies.
- An Important Gift for the Baby- A number of gifts are appropriate for a baby during Holi. A gift that can be enjoyed by both you and your infant is a new set of infant clothes. The right outfit will provide the baby with a sense of comfort and security. For infants, clothing should not be too tight or restrictive, so something light-weight is best to avoid any discomfort or rubbing. that may irritate the skin. What better way to celebrate Holi than with a new outfit that your loved one will enjoy wearing?
- Another gift you might want to consider is a new toy or stuffed animal. Babies tend to be sensitive, so toys made of soft materials are ideal for this time of the year. If your baby receives such an item, he or she can focus on enjoying it without any concerns about what others might think about his or her behavior during celebrations.
What's On the Menu for Holi?
- Many Indian households prepare traditional Holi delicacies to be enjoyed during this time of celebration. One example is the popular Indian sweet called gulab jamun, soaked in sugar syrup. Other popular Holi delicacies include deep-fried doughnuts called bhajiyas and savory snacks like samosa and kachori. Relish all these holi foods in moderation and make sure your toddlers can have some too. It is healthy for the mothers and infants to be consuming good food and enjoying their day.
