With so many things currently happening around the world, raising a toddler (a child who is between 12 and 36 months of age) can be a tough task. At the very least, it is important to ensure that your toddler gets the best for his/her holistic and healthy growth.
Ayurveda has a great deal of wisdom that can be applied to children as well. Ayurveda is an age-old science of life and longevity. Ayurveda works by balancing the body, mind, and spirit. In Ayurveda, each individual is born with 5 elements of nature which are Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Space. The balance of these elements is known as Dosha.
There are 3 main doshas- Vata (energy of movement, composed of space and air), Pitta (digestion and metabolism composed of fire and water), and Kapha (structure and lubrication, composed of water and earth). It is believed that every child has one or two doshas which tend to be more dominant and determine your child’s characteristics.
5 Ayurvedic Practices to Follow Daily for the Healthy Growth of Your Toddler
1. A Daily Dose of Immunity With Ayurvedic Diet
Ayurveda recommends feeding toddlers and kids a balanced diet that consist of natural and fibrous foods that are light in nature. Foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are the best options. When these foods are cooked using natural methods like steaming, along with digestive spices such as garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric, the diet becomes wholesome, nutritious, and boosts immunity.
2. Maintain Happy and Healthy Baby Skin With Oil Massages
Your toddler’s skin is prone to dryness due to the dominance of the “Vata Dosha”. During this period, keeping your toddler’s skin soft and well-hydrated is important.
A good massage on the head and the body with ayurvedic oils help with the relaxation of nerves, balances the pH (a scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution) of the skin, and keeps it soft and healthy. Daily ayurvedic oil massage on the head also helps toddlers sleep well.
Oils commonly used for babies are coconut oil, safflower oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil.
3. Strengthen Bones With Herbal Applications
Massages can be good not only for the head and skin but for the body as well. Body massage at an early age with herbal oils including Brahmi, mustard, or olive oil can increase the toddler's bone health. It strengthens the muscles and bones and increases flexibility for early movements.
4. Natural Ingredients To Help The Toddler Stay Protected From Winters
Winters can be really trying for a toddler as it can affect their lung health. You must keep them warm with proper clothes. Avoid wrapping your baby in a woolen sweater or a blanket directly, as the rough fibre will hurt your baby's sensitive skin, leading to a rash. Use breathable winter clothing to keep your baby warm. Include anti-inflammatory herbal agents like tulsi, ginger, honey, and other herbs that fight common winter ailments, in their daily diet.
5. A Supportive Environment For The Toddler’s Mental Health
Keeping the surroundings happy and healthy is essential for promoting the toddler's mental health. Ensure that your little one witnesses a stress-free and healthy environment at home.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.