The Modern Indian Parent

Are you wondering whether it’s time to switch from breastmilk or formula to cow or plant-based milk for your toddler?

In this informative episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, hosts Sanchita Daswani, pediatric nutritionist, and Rinie Gupta, pediatric sleep consultant, dive into the crucial transition that happens after your child turns one.

We break down everything you need to know about introducing cow’s milk and plant-based alternatives—when to start, how much to offer, and what to look for on nutrition labels. We also address common concerns around allergies, protein content, added sugars, and fortified nutrients.

Whether you're leaning towards dairy, exploring non-dairy options, or just feeling unsure about how to make this change, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based advice to confidently support your toddler’s growth and development.

Tune in to learn how to make this nutritional transition smooth, safe, and suited to your child’s unique needs!

📌 Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction – Milk After Age One

02:06 Transitioning from Formula to Cow’s Milk

03:26 Why Toddler Formula Is Not Recommended

04:53 Alternatives for Lactose Intolerant Toddlers

06:51 Why Milk Matters: Calcium, Not Protein

09:00 Does My Child Need Milk for Growth?

10:38 Milk Mixes: Should You Add Anything?

12:15 Natural Flavoring & Fruit-Based Milkshakes

14:16 Why Bottles Must Go After Age One

18:17 Gradual vs Cold Turkey: Bottle Weaning Approaches

20:30 Which Cups Are Best (And Which to Avoid)

22:01 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!

Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/

Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/

Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/

Are you a mother feeling anxious about your child’s development? Discover how simple awareness and proactive engagement can set your little one on the path to success!

In this enlightening episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, host Sanchita Daswani welcomes Dr. Megha Arora, a seasoned pediatric physiotherapist, to discuss the essential developmental milestones for children under five.

This episode dives deep into understanding whatmilestones are, how to monitor them, and why they matter for your child's physical and cognitive development. Learn how to recognize delays, the importance of tummy time, and effective strategies to support your child’s journey from rolling,sitting,crawling to walking.

 📌Episode Chapters

⏳ Skip to the part that interests you:

03:16 What is a developmental milestone?06:07 How do we know when there is a developmental delay?07:59 Should milestones be reached on its own or do we helpas parents?10:34 When should you start tummy time and for how long?16:15 How to encourage baby to roll over?19:48 Do babies need pillows?20:55 Make sure milestones happen on both sides26:01 Why your baby must sit up before starting solids28:07 What do we need to do to help our kids sit up at righttime?33:11 Why practicing sitting up will not hurt their back37:16 Do baby seats help with sitting?41:11 Is it okay for babies to skip crawling?45:13 How to encourage baby to crawl?48:00 Why are there delays in walking?50:10 Do we need to worry about toe walking?

🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!

📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/

Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/

Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/

Follow our guest:

Dr. Megha Arora : https://www.instagram.com/mommy.theories/ 

Can you be a devoted mom and build a thriving career? Or does one always come at the cost of the other?

In this inspiring episode of The Modern Indian Parent Podcast, Rinie Gupta speaks with Anjali Harjani, founder of the global babywear brand Malabar Baby, about the real, unfiltered journey of being an ambitious mother.

From starting her business with a newborn to battling mom guilt, breastfeeding pressure, and outsider judgment, Anjali opens up about what it truly takes to build a career without sacrificing your identity.

Whether you're just returning to work, building your own brand, or constantly wondering if you’re doing “enough”—this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to choose between your dreams and your family.

Chapters:

03:19 Meet Anjali Harjani: Founder of Malabar Baby

03:58 The Stigma Around Ambition in Mothers

08:09 Building Confidence Before and After Motherhood

11:35 The Beginning of Malabar Baby

14:02 Starting a Business While Raising a Baby

15:58 Struggles of Trusting Others with Your Baby

20:51 Choking Your Ambition: Why We Need to Let Go

22:06 Letting Grandparents Build Their Own Bond

26:15 Setting Boundaries With Caregivers

29:58 Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding & Formula Guilt

35:15 Overcommunication With Kids Builds Trust

38:22 How Families Can Help Moms Stay in the Workforce

39:52 Leading With Openness, Trust & Shared Responsibility

43:02 Embracing the Pause and Pivoting in Your Career

44:59 Final Words: “You Can Have It All, But Not All At Once”

Stay Connected With Us!

🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲

Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/

Connect With The Hosts

Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant):

https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/

Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist):

https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/

Connect With The Guest

Anjali Harjani, Founder of Malabar Baby

https://www.instagram.com/malabarbaby/

Are you overwhelmed by the choices of different formulas or whether it is okay to even offer formula?

Join us in this enlightening episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, where we tackle the latest controversies surrounding infant formula!In this episode, Sanchita Daswani, a pediatric nutritionist, and Rinie Gupta, a pediatric sleep consultant, guide you through the maze of infant feeding choices.

We discuss the recent uproar over heavy metals in formula, the truth behind added sugars, and the concerns surrounding oils used in infant formulas.

Whether you're a new mom grappling with guilt over formula feeding or simply seeking the best nutrition for your little one, this episode provides evidence-based insights to empower your choices.

Learn what to look for when selecting the right formula, the differences between organic and non-organic options, and why breastmilk/formula are the only optimal choices for your baby.

📌 Episode Chapters

00:00 Precap & Introduction

1:48 Our Journey with Formula Feeding

04:51 Understanding Heavy Metals in Formula

08:36 Are Added Sugars in Formula Bad?

13:09 Concerns about Vegetable Oils in Formula

17:24 Understanding the Composition of Formula

20:07 How to Choose the Best Formula

23:00 Do You Beed to Buy Organic Formula?

25:37 What are Hydrolysed Formulas?

29:03 Is Cow’s Milk a Better Option than Formula?

33:13 Can Parents Replace Formula with Solids in the First Year

35:56 Can We Make Homemade Formula?

38:11 Do Babies Need Follow up Formula?

41:34 Is European Formula Safer than American Formula?

Stay Connected With Us!🎙️

Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/

Connect With The Hosts

Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/

Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/

💌 Loved This Episode? Share It With Fellow Parents!

References:

https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-formula/baby-formula-contaminants-test-results-a7140095293/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/types-of-formula/#:~:text=Follow%2Don%20formula%20should%20never,they%20are%201%20year%20old

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4052126/

Returning to work while breastfeeding can feel overwhelming. From pumping schedules and bottle refusal to freezer stash guilt and formula shame—there’s so much pressure on new moms to do it “perfectly.” In this episode, Rinie speaks with Dana Hardy, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Executive Director of Begin Ed India, about the realities working mothers face when trying to continue breastfeeding after maternity leave. Whether you’re still on maternity leave, preparing to return to work, or already juggling feeds and Zoom calls—this episode is packed with practical tips, emotional validation, and refreshingly honest advice. 🍼 What You’ll Learn: - When and how to introduce a bottle without confusion - Whether you actually need a freezer stash - Tips for pumping at work and maintaining supply - What to do if your baby refuses the breast—or the bottle - Letting go of formula guilt - Advocating for pump breaks in your workplace ⏱ Chapter Breakdown 00:00 Introduction: Breastfeeding & Returning to Work 03:01 Dana’s Journey into Lactation Support 04:42 What Breastfeeding Moms Need to Know Before Returning to Work 07:59 When to Introduce a Bottle and Build a Pumping Plan 11:55 Choosing the Right Breast Pump 12:38 Increase in Night Feeds and Lack of Sleep 15:30 Superwoman Syndrome and Burn Out 18:12 Balancing Frequency of Pumping and Directly Latching Baby 20:11 Do Moms Need a Freezer Stash of Breastmilk? 26:28 Formula, Mixed Feeding & Letting Go of Shame 31:43 What if Baby Refuses the Breast because of the Bottle? 35:14 What if Baby Refuses the Bottle? 37:43 Advocating for Pump Breaks at Work 41:58 How to Reach Dana for Support 📱 Stay Connected With Us! 🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates! 📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/ 👩‍⚕️ Connect With The Hosts Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/ Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/ 🤝 Connect With The Guest Dana Hardy (IBCLC and Executive Director of Begin Ed India): https://www.instagram.com/begin.edindia/

In this episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, hosts Sanchita Daswani, a pediatric nutritionist and Rinie Gupta, Pediatric sleep consultant are joined with Dermatologist Dr. Jaya Pathak and Arshiya Singh from Aveeno Baby India. Together, they tackle the pressing concerns of baby skin care, providing mothers with essential insights and practical remedies for common skin issues such as rashes, dry skin, eczema, cradle cap, and baby acne.This is an awareness initiative by Aveeno Baby to raise awareness on baby’s skin and any concerns parents may have.This episode is sponsored by Aveeno Baby India.📌 Episode Chapters⏳ Skip to the part that interests you:New born skin concerns:01:58 Diaper rashes- causes, preventing and treating them08:48 Cradle cap- causes and treatment12:33 Eczema- why it is on the rise and how to manage it23:04 Baby acne- causes and treatment27:26 Baby hair- do we need to worry about baby hair?Bathing and Moisturizing28:23 When should a baby take their first bath?33:58 How to choose the right baby products for bathing?37:45 What are the best oils to use for our kids?39:54 One golden tip for baby skincare from a dermatologistStay Connected With Us!🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/👩⚕️ Connect With The HostsRinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/🤝 Connect With The GuestsYou can follow Aveeno Baby India on:https://www.youtube.com/@AveenoBabyIndiahttps://www.instagram.com/aveenobaby_india/Dr. Jaya Pathak- MD Dermatologyhttps://www.instagram.com/drjayapathakofficial/💌 Loved This Episode? Share It With Fellow Parents!

If you’ve ever worried about your child losing touch with their Indian heritage, this episode is a must-listen!

In this eye-opening episode of The Modern Indian Parent Podcast, host Rinie Gupta sits down with Avani Modi, co-founder of Modi Toys, to discuss how Indian parents can pass down cultural traditions in a fun, engaging, and modern way.

From language and food to festivals and faith, Avani shares her personal journey as a second-generation Indian American and how she found ways to bridge the cultural gap for her own kids.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ The biggest struggles Indian parents face in passing down traditions
✅ How to make Indian festivals exciting and relevant for kids
✅ Small daily habits that keep kids connected to their roots
✅ How Modi Toys started and why representation in toys matters
✅ What to do when kids reject their cultural identity

Chapters:

0:00 Precap & Introduction

4:02 The Struggle of Passing Down Traditions in Multicultural Families
7:20 How Avani’s Parents Kept Traditions Alive in the U.S.
10:57 The Power of Community in Preserving Culture
12:29 Keeping Culture Alive at Home: Small, Intentional Efforts
16:52 The Birth of Modi Toys: How a Simple Idea Became a Movement
21:50 Handling Kids' Rejection of Their Cultural Identity
27:16 Making Traditions Fun & Relevant for Kids
29:34 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Modi Toys

Stay Connected With Us!

🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲

Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/

Connect With The Hosts

Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant):

https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/

Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist):

https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/

Connect With The Guest

Avani Modi Sarkar, Co-Founder of Modi Toys

https://www.instagram.com/moditoys/

In this episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, host Sanchita Daswani welcomes holistic coach Monica Uttamchandani to discuss the critical importance of nutrition for young children. As mothers, we often grapple with the overwhelming choices available in the market—especially when it comes to what we offer our little ones. With Monica’s expertise, we dive into understanding pantry staples, the truth about fruit juices, and how to make informed choices about sugar and dairy products.📌 Episode Chapters⏳ Skip to the part that interests you:00:00 Introduction03:43 Monica’s journey 06:00 Are fruit juices healthy for kids?09:07 Should kids have vegetable juice?10:09 Which sugar is okay for kids to have?12:00 Do our kids need sugar for energy?14:52 How to limit sugar when eating out?19:14 Is oats the worst breakfast option for kids?22:16 Best oils for cooking and why not to use vegetable oils?24:32 Are airfryers safe for kids?25:48 Is cow’s milk important for toddlers?29:15 How to choose the right cheese for your kids?32:13 What to look for when buying yogurt?#busymom #healthychoicesforkids #motherhood #holisticparentingStay Connected With Us!🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/👩‍⚕️ Connect With The HostsRinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/🤝 Connect With The GuestMonica Uttamchandani, Functional and Holistic Wellness Coachhttps://www.instagram.com/balancedbymonica/

Does sleep training really teach babies to self-soothe, or does it just teach them to stop crying? 

In this episode of The Modern Indian Parent Podcast, host Rinie Gupta sits down with Dr. Sujay Kansagra, a pediatric neurologist & Sleep Medicine Doctor and Professor at Duke University, to break down the science behind sleep training. If you're an exhausted parent questioning every decision, this episode will give you evidence-based facts (not opinions!) to help you decide what’s best for your baby.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: The Sleep Training Debate on Social Media
03:04 Meet Dr. Sujay Kansagra: Pediatric Neurologist & Sleep Expert
03:53 Why Sleep Training is Uncommon in Indian Families
06:12 “Sleep Training Teaches Babies to Stop Crying, Not Sleep”
09:33 “Babies Cannot Learn to Self Soothe”
11:01 “Babies Will Sleep Through the Night When They’re Ready”
14:21 “Sleep Training is Traumatic and Breaks Attachment”
18:53 “There’s No Scientific Evidence That Sleep Training is Safe”
20:37 “Sleep Training Raises Cortisol & Stresses Babies”
25:20 “Kids Must Co-Sleep Until Age 7 for a Healthy Nervous System”
28:05 “SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Doesn’t Happen in India”
31:12 How to Handle Family Pushback on Sleep Training
33:29 Final Thoughts: Empowering Parents to Make the Best Sleep Choices

Struggling to shed those extra pounds during and post pregnancy?

Feeling stuck in your parenting journey? Discover how one mom transformed her passion for healthy baby food into a thriving business!

In this episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, host Sanchita Daswani speaks with Jyoti Srivastava, the founder of Little Cherry Foods. Jyoti shares her inspiring journey from a chemical engineer to a successful mompreneur specializing in millet-based baby food. With a focus on nutrition, Jyoti discusses the importance of incorporating ancient grains into children's diets, helping mothers make informed choices about their kids' nutrition.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into overcoming mom guilt, effective marketing strategies for new businesses, and practical financial advice for aspiring mompreneurs. Whether you're navigating the early years of motherhood or considering starting your own business, this episode is packed with tips and encouragement tailored for mothers.

📌 Episode Chapters

⏳ Skip to the part that interests you:

03:01 Jyoti journey of starting her own business

07:49 How can moms think of a business idea?

09:27 How to overcome social media fear?

13:55 Why are moms so scared to start their own business?

15:34 Strategies to handle mom guilt

18:52 What are the biggest challenges to start a business and how to overcome them

20:40 What is the best way to market your product/service

24:49 How to manage work and kids at the same time?

28:58 Biggest mistake every mom should not make when starting a business

35:34 Top resources for mompreneurs

📱 Stay Connected With Us!

🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!

📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/

👩‍⚕️ Connect With The Hosts

Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/

Rinie Gupta (Co-Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/

🤝 Connect With The Guest

You can follow Jyoti Srivastava ( Founder of Little Cherry Foods):

https://www.instagram.com/littlecherrymom/