BOOKS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

 Hello parents, This is one of the most requested posts. Often I received questions about what kind of books we choose for babies and kids. In this post I am going to share with you the type and the sequence of books from babies to kids.

I am the mother of three girl children, and I developed reading habits in my elder one as well as now my babies (they are not babies anymore),  are preschoolers, by using these books.

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS 

1. Babies cannot read on their own. Just give them exposure.

2. It is not necessary to read the book. If they're turning the page, let them.

3. Always start reading with the name of the book and the author of the book.

4. It is okay to re- read the same book thousands of times.

5. Books should not be read only at specific times. It can be anytime and anywhere.

THE LIST OF THE BOOK FOR BABIES/TODDLERS

HIGH CONTRAST BOOK

When your baby is small, their eyesight is not fully developed. These are specially designed for babies in black and white contrast shades. 

You can DIY them or take printables from Google. Introduce these books as soon as possible. These are best for tummy time.

CLOTHES BOOKS

The second one is a clothes book. When your baby started to crawl or put everything in the mouth stage, these books were really useful. Because they are made up of clothes, so you can use them. These are soft, and parents do not need to worry about mouthing.

BOARD/PICTURE BOOKS

These are our favorites. Colorful, with pictures and small words. These board books include picture books, storybooks, concept books, etc. These are really good. It helps to improve visuals as well as vocabulary too.

TOUCH AND FEEL BOOK:

These are soft books. Inside, the books have different kinds of material, like fluffy, silk, furry, feathery, etc. Each material is described with the picture. Like flowers are silky, rabbits' ears are fluffy, etc.

These are must-have books for your toddler especially.

INTERACTIVE BOOKS

These are specially designed for extra curious toddlers. Books' pages have moving parts. For example, monkeys on swings—then in this interactive book you can move the swings by your hand. If there is rain, then you can actually move the raindropslike this.

Precautions should be taken, as these books should be handled in the presence of parents. If you allow them to read on their own, then they will tear it as fast as they can 😆. My personal experience.

STORY BOOK (one or two lines)

Yes, you can introduce a story now to your babies. Just take the books that have daily concepts through stories with one or two lines, and everything is described in pictures. This way toddlers' imaginations work strongly. And it also widens their brains.

NURSERY RHYMES BOOKS:

Yes, I personally feel this book should be in your library. Nursery rhyme books are very well illustrated, and toddlers watch the words and pictures too. I love this Nursery Rhymes book.

CONCLUSION:

My house is filled with books, and I used to read them since they were babies. Of course the first condition is you have to read your book; then only babies or your kids will love to read books. Be flexible and give more exposure of books to kids. Join groups or follow pages for books. You can find really good deals on books.

Question of the Day 

Mention your favourite list of kids books. 

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025 

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DIWALI FARAL AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

दिवालीचा फराळ

आपल्या लहानपणीच्या खूप आठवणी आहेत या दिवाळीच्या फराळाच्या, नाहीं का?

मला तर आठवते आम्ही सगळे फॅमिली मेंबर एकत्र बसून रात्र भर फराळ बनवायचो. करंजी, शंकरपाळी, लाडू, शेव, चकली, चिवडा, आणि अनारसे हे आमचे ठरलेले फराळाचे पदार्थ. रात्रीचे दोन तीन वाजेपर्यंत सगळे मिळून डबा भर फराळ बनवायचो. आणि तो ही किलोभर!

ही अशी दिवाळी माझे लग्न होईपर्यंत मी enjoy केली. लग्नानंतर नवीन घरात मला तरी बऱ्याच अपेक्षा होत्या. पण सासूबाई फक्त आजूबाजूला वाटण्यासाठीच बनवण्याच्या आणि त्याही माझ्या घरासारख्या टेस्टी नाही. 😶 आपल्या जिभेला एक चव लागली तर तीच रेंगाळत राहते, नाही का?

आणि त्यात इथल्या लोकांना खाणे माहितच नाही. आमच्याघरी तरी फराळ संपेपर्यंत तोच breakfast असायचा. यांच्या घरी अगदी दिवाळीच्या दिवशी सुद्धा चहा चपाती लागते. 😐😑 ते सगळे मला अजीब वाटले पण मी काहीच बोलली नाही. माझ्या मते या घरात मी एकमेव फराळ खाणार खादाड प्राणी होते.

असो, जेव्हा मी माझ्या घरी शिफ्ट झाले तेव्हा मात्र मला एकटीला फराळ बनवायला लागला होता. कारण नवरा म्हणजे अजीब प्राणी, त्याला काहीच बनवता येत नव्हते or else त्याला help नसेल करायची.

पंपांचे फोनवर फोन नुसते, झाली का तयारी? करणार ना फराळ? Bla....bla...bla...

मग काय You Tube matcehi जय, तसा फराळ मी कधीच एकटीने बनवाल नव्हता. नेहमी मी आईला हेल्प करायची त्यामुळे मोजमाप काहीच माहित नव्हते.

आणि पहिल्या वेळी मी करंजी बनवली खूप छान झाली. अगदी माझी मम्मी बनवायची तशीच. बस मग तर काय मी हवेतच उडत होते. You Tube बघून बघून शंकरपाळी, चिवडा आणि बिस्कीट बनवले. आणि माझ्या पप्पांना सुद्धा खूप आवडले.

लास्ट चार वर्षापासून तर मी फराळ बनवला नाही. ट्वीन pregnency आणि नंतर बाळंतपण आणि आता या दोघी काही करून देतील तर ना,

पण सण खूप चांगल्या प्रकारे मी साजरा करते. मुलांना पण सणसूद कळले पाहिजे की नको. तर मला तर खूपच हौस!

मी खूपच नशीबवान ☺️ या वर्षी मला अगदी घरच्यासारखा फराळ मिळाला. गरोदरपनात househelp होती. I am greatful for her🫰

आणि तिनेच या वर्षी सगळा फराळ बनवून दिला. Yummy 😋

एकच खंत ती म्हणजे आम्ही लहानपणी जसे डबे उघडून दिवसभर फराळ खायचो तसे माझी लेकरे खात नाही 😑 त्यांच्यासाठी खास बनवलं आणि दोन दिवसातच त्यांना कंटाळा आला.

तर असा हा फराळाचा प्रवास. कसा वाटला तुम्हाला? तुमचा कसा आहे दिवाळीचा फराळाचा प्रवास? कमेंट box सांगा.

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025 

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KINDNESS

Nowadays people forget how to become kind or how to practice kindness. We need kindness from our family and relatives only. We didn't expect it from unknown people. But these families or our own relatives are habitual to criticize us in many ways. After crossing 40, I have seen much trauma in my life and realize why people around us can't be kind. To become available or to be kind doesn't need money. But still people forget the past and become less emotional and show their real color.

I am sharing a few things that may be relatable to you too.

Scene 1:

My mother was admitted for heart surgery at the end of lockdown. And I was the one who stayed with her throughouther admitted period. Because females need to stay in the female ward, and I am the only female in my family who can stay there continuously. I have a little sister who is married and staying in the same area where my mother stays. But her husband never allowed her to help me.

Kindness—I am talking about the kindness here. I don't want to dig up the reasons, but I just wanted to know, where is her kindness? Why does she need permission from her husband? Why did her husband not allow her to have a hospital stay? I also have a family, and my husband is also working. At that time her husband was at home—jobless. But still these people can't help us by being available whenever we require.

Scene 2:

In the year 2015 my father was on an oxygen cylinder. His lungs were damaged, and he can't breathe oxygen. So the doctor advised him to have an oxygen cylinder as much as he can. At that time a cylinder cost INR 750 to 1000, and one cylinder works only for 4 hours. We need money, and we have rich relatives who became rich due to my father only. Their job was saved by my father. I just wanted to say this is the time where they can show gratitude. None of them offer any money. We never asked money from any of them. But again, where is the kindness?

Scene No. 3

Recently my aunt was admitted to the hospital for gallbladder problems. He has only one son—married with kids. Due to exam time, his wife can't stay in the hospital. And his cousin sister stays nearby to his house. He asked her to stay in the hospital. And she stayed too. She belongs to a rich family, but still he has to pay for her auto and food. That poor boy already had lots of expenses, but still he managed to pay.

Where is the kindness?

These and many more situations are there where we need help from our family members and relatives, but I don't understand why they don't want to help.

CONCLUSION: 

खरंच माणुसकी हरवत चालली की अशा माणसांना माणुसकी नसतेच मुळी. 🥺 तुम्ही गेला असालच ना या सारख्या गोष्टीतून. तुमचा अनुभव सांगा.

Question of the day

Tell us your experience where you expect kindness and you face brutality. 

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025

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OUR DIWALI 2025

Diwali 2025 is the special one because my little twins are now 3.5 years old, old enough to understand what the festival is and which rituals we follow. This year I was quite excited and happy for the festival. I remembered when I was unmarried my shopping never finished till the last day, but after becoming a mother, it changed the whole perspective. Shopping has shifted for my kiddos only. I barely think about my clothing or accessories but am ready to search for cute things for my twins and the elder one.

1.SHOPPING FUN  : 

After 3 years this Diwali I shopped with my daughter, and after roaming for 2 hours, I was able to get 3 dresses. Out of which I am not at all satisfied, but still I purchased it. So what was the fun thing?

In my area, near my building, there was a lady who put up a stall for ladies' dresses and kids' frocks. I was watching her from my balcony daily, and on the day of Laxmi pujan, I went there to see if I could get any traditional frock for my Sia. And bingo, I got the best one, which is in my budget. I was too surprised and felt foolish. Instead of roaming in the outside area where I pay more than the necessary amount, I should visit this shop first. So this was one of the fun things I will remember always. Does this happen with you?

2. RAIN : Diwali 2025 is a rainy Diwali. On Laxmi Pujan there was a thunderstorm and rain. All the rangoli, lanterns, Akashkandil, diya, flowers, and the open market with all the festival things got wet. 🥺 Still, kids enjoyed their firecrackers. 🧨

3. RANGOLI :  This Diwali I want to have flower rangoli, and I ordered 1/2 kg of flowers. But rain ruined everything. On that day we didn't have lights, and with air and rain, every rangoli was washed off. 😕After 6:30 I drew rangoli, which was funny. I was too tired and in a blackout; I drew some flowers and rangoli too.

4. DIYA :  Laxmipujan, there was no light, and finally we lamped out so many diyas. We also have some candles and some diyas.

5. LAXMIPUJAN IN BLACKOUT : 

There was no sign of lights until 8 pm. Then I finally make my kids ready. Put on all the beautiful dresses and bangles and put on a little bit of makeup. I wore only a sari, and with my bun, we did puja.

We didn't take a single picture of this Diwali 2025. 🥺

CONCLUSION : 

Only one happy ending: the daughter went with her father downtown and enjoyed firecrackers. 🧨 🧨 🧨This way we celebrate our Diwali 2025 in blackout.

Question of the day 

What are fun things you remember of this diwali?

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025

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RULES FOR VISITING NEW BORN BABY

Hi, मी मोठी आई झाले. 🤩

Yes, I became a big mumma. My brother-in-law had a baby on Diwali, and we all are very happy. I encountered some rules in the hospital. This is my fifth time prescribing these rules for visitors. Actually, Mummy and Daddy. 

Because every visitor is so excited, and everyone wants to touch the baby, and I don't like it because it is practically not hygienic. And that's why I am writing this blog post. 

Rules you have to follow when you meet a new baby in the hospital or at home. 

RULES FOR VISITING NEW BORN 

1. WASH HAND :  Whenever you enter the hospital, use sanitizer or soap to clean your hands. If you are visiting at home, make sure you wash your hands and feet properly. 

2. Do not take the baby in your hand: A newbornbaby is delicate, and I strictly said no if anyone wants to take the baby in hand. It is not necessary. You can watch it by keeping some distance and giving your love and blessings to the baby.

3) NO KISS : Even if you bring a newborn home, do not allow anyone to kiss the baby except Mummy and Daddy. No grandfather or grandmother should kiss the baby. There is more chance of getting an infection. 

3) NO PICTURE CLICK : When you visit the baby in the hospital or at home, please do not click the picture. Ask for the picture from the parents if they take it. 

4) Stay away if you are sick: If you are sick or having any kind of cough and cold, then please avoid visiting the newborn baby. 

5) SHORT VISITING TIME : visiting time should be short, 15 minutes only. Because there are lots of people who want to visit the hospital and bring lots of stuff. So parents request everyone to have short visiting times so that Mumma and baby do not get tired.

6) NO STRONG PERFUME:  A newborn baby is delicate, so avoid wearing strong perfume. 

7) NO LOUD SPEAKING IN THE HOSPITAL : When relatives visit, they start talking in such a loud voice because they are extremely happy, and so they forget that the mother needs peace. Please keep your talks short and in a low voice.

8) NO ADVICE :  New parents are overwhelmed, so don't give tons of advice. Just one or two advice is okay rest of the things they manage. If they asked, then only give your advice; otherwise, don't spread your gyan. 

9 ) NO WHAT'S UP STATUS : Some people are so hurry to display everything on social media. You don't need to post it on WhatsApp story or on nay other social media. Because it is not your baby. So respect the parents privacy maintain your boundaries.

10 ) NO COMMENTS FOR BABY :  Every new born baby is unique and beautiful. Do not make any comments like he is so black, so white or anything. You don't need to make any good or bad comment for the baby.

CONCLUSION : 

I strongly followed these rules and get most hate from visitors. But I don't care because at the end it is only you and your baby. No one is going to come to help you when your baby get sick or even in your postpartum period. So stick to this rules and have a healthy baby. 

Question for the day 

What kind of rules you follow when you become a mommy ? 

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025 

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Let's connect ☺️ 

Memory Flies on Social Media 

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मम्मा ऐक ना!

Hello and welcome to my blog. Parenting is one of the toughest jobs ever, in which you have no income and you have to devote your mind, body, and money too. 😬 Every kid is unique, and so is the parenting too. I believe there is something to learn from each kid.

Here I am going to share what I learned from my kid. After becoming a parent, I realized parenting is the journey where you constantly learn from your kid and grow as human beings. My 11 years of parenting experience reveal many hidden parts of my strength.

I have my twins, and they are 3 years old. The elder one is the chatterbox who is constantly talking, and I love this phase where she learns new words and language and tries to interact with us like elders.

The constant phrase she used, "मम्मा ऐक ना," means Mumma, listen please.

And I put everything off, like screens, books, or my household chores, and listen to whatever she is going to talk with me about.

I even stopped talking with my older one, and we both listened to her tiny talk. 😄 Most of the time she repeats what she heard from her sisters' talk. And we listen and try to reciprocate.

So here I learned your kids want you to listen. Though they may sound funny, you have to listen. And if you want your child to listen to you, then start listening to them first.

Question of the day

What did you learn from your kid? Have you listened to them?

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025 

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Let's connect ☺️ 

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Saee Turns 12

 Officially 12 now.

This year is very difficult year for her and I am struggling as a mother to reshape her mind. Shifting makes her unstable and she found it difficulties in adopting new home, new school and new neighbourhood. 

SAEE BIG SISTER 

One thing is sure that she loves her twins sister very much. Both sisters are her favourite like a Teddy Bear. She adore, hug and play with them whenever she can. Little sister copy everything from her DIDI which sometimes makes her annoying but then I have to tell her you are exactly like her. You used to do whatever we parents did. 

I must say she is my helping hand and handle twins very well whenever I required. Siblings love each other, fight with each other but still they want to be with each other. I adore the way both sister wave a goodbye to DIDI to school and when she returns they giggles. That love between these siblings melt my heart. 

THINGS I ADORE 

Family : Unlimited love for her twins sisters and cousins 

Friends : Struggling to make new but I can proudly say she have new 3 friends. Still she love her old friends and still they connected via text and call.

Sketching : Her new world is sketching. I am very surprised to see her improvement. Self taught and brilliant Skechers. She spend most of the time in sketching and I also don't bother her to stop doing that and study. 

Independent,  Responsible daughter: 

She understands the responsibility and sometimes acting like a more mature girl. Yes she wanted to have her own time and twin sisters sometimes give her hard time also. I tried to give her own time and let her live her life also. 

Watching Screen :

 Yes, screen is the most important part of her life. She learnt sketching and learnt many more things which inspired her a lots. I am very relieved that she is still not into any stupid reels, shorts or any make up videos. Yes she learning skin care and basic make up and teaching me too 😄 I love this part. 

Listening Music 

Music is her favourite thing. Her choice is incredible. I love each song she suggested me. We always watch songs on big screen and no wonder my 3 years old learnt all songs of BTS and BLACKPINK 💕

Eating : Saee loves to eat variety of food. She is foodie and love to eat quality food. 

Trying new food : Her love to try Korean food is beyond my imagination. Yea she tried many things at home only because we living in such area now where we can't access the Korean restaurant. I wonder, can she really eat that ? 

Roming with mummy : 

I am very much happy she love her mother very much. Currently she is not having any friends in our building and she trying as per her level. I found it is very difficult to make a new friends at new place. 

The best part is she love to roam with me in neighbourhood. We both are exploring this new area. She often asked me to have scooty ride and walk around our neighborhood. 

Shopping in super market.

This is the one thing she learnt. She can independently shop in this big super market. Her choice is high class but at the same time she realised we have our own budget. And she always stick to the budget and not randomly purchasing anything. I feel proud for that 

Losing intrest 

Yes, I feel very sad to see that she loose intrest quickly. This can be pre teen era or I don't know but I saw this major shift in her. I can't force her to keep going. If she doesn't like then she never tried that things. 

I hope she will not loose intrest in her studies. I am trying to make study time  interesting as I can because she still needs me in her studies and I love that. 

As I said , this year is bit difficult for her. While she is struggling to have a new friends and so she is mostly homesick. Love to roam with mummy whenever possible. She often asked me to have a scooty ride or walk in a neighborhood. I am actually delighted to be with her. I love to roam with her and chatting never end.

Slowly and steadily she will adapt new life. Sometimes it bothers me a lot but still I am not forcing her to do particular thing. I think when kids are ready they will do things. We should not forced them because we don't know what bothers them exactly and more over I believe that giving them time to adjust is the best way. 

Favourite Food : 

All kind of fruits. All kinds of paratha except methi and palak Paratha. Chicken, mutton, and panner. Chicken and mutton biryani. Biscuits, cookie, cakes, khari, butter, pizza, Burger, 

Favourite Drink : Milk, coffee (sometimes only), mogu mogu korean drink 

Favourite Show : Aayu pihu show, BTS of BTS and BLACKPINK, japan and Korean travel vlogs, and study vlogs. Love to watch Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra, TMKOC Tarak Mehta Ka Olta Chashma show. 

Favourite Movie:

This year she explore horror movies 

Conjuring, Anabella and Korean webseries with mummy 

Favourite songs : BTS - Life goes on , Blood, swat and tears  in short ( BTS army )

Favourite colour : Purple 

Favourite outfit: Jackets, one piece, shorts at home only,  jeans, long loose t- shirts most black, don't like frocks at all. 

Favourite Book : Geronimo Stilton series. 

Love to read aloud with twin sisters 

Favourite things to do : Playing with twin sisters, sketching, sensory play with sisters, writing, journling, watching movies with family. Drinking water from the jug 

Wake time : Saee generally wake up around 9 to 9 :30 am and sleep around 11:30 pm

Likes

• Family Friends
• Twin siblings and cousins 
• Eat
• Drink
• Watching sunsets
• Listening music 
• Sketching 
• Sensory Play
• Walking 
• Riding 
• Exploring 

My first little doll slowly turning into a teenager. I wish you to have healthy and happy life. Keep exploring new things and be adaptable.