BDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College. During her clinical practice, pediatric dentistry was her particular area of interest, and she constantly thrived to inculcate the latest advancements in the field of dentistry into her practice. She also holds a certificate in lactation counselling from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore.
Dr. Shah's deep interest in the well-being of babies and children made her take up writing. With over three years into writing, she writes on the general health and well-being of children, in addition to dental-related and lactation topics.
A first-time mother, Dr. Shah understands the struggles and joys of parenting. In addition to research-backed evidence, she tries to include her own experiences and that makes her articles personalized for the readers. In her free time, she takes up gardening, driving, and playing strategy board games.
MomJunction has a strong editorial policy in place, and the team abides by its guidelines. We work toward providing the most reliable information to the reader and help them with a solution that is reliable. Our posts are authentic, and are not biased or influenced. Know more about our editorial policy.
Oral hygiene is an essential part of infant care, even before they begin teething, since oral care also involves the gums and tongue. Hence, it is important to discuss how to clean a baby’s tongue for optimal oral hygiene. The New York State Department of Health states that it is important to take proper care […]
Vaccination is the best way to prevent several illnesses in babies. However, vaccination may have its share of side effects in some cases (1). Fever after vaccination in babies is one of the side effects, which often include pain and swelling at the injection site (2). Fever after vaccination is often benign and manageable at […]
Parents will invariably notice the color of the baby’s poop when changing the diapers. There could be instances when you may notice an unusual color, such as greenish poop in infants. Changes in the baby’s stool color may often reflect the infant’s health. In this post, we tell you the causes, treatments, prevention, and how […]
A baby sticking tongue out is a cute gesture but may sometimes indicate certain conditions or the baby’s requirements. The act is also called tongue thrusting and is when the baby sticks tongue out between the rows of teeth while swallowing or at rest (1). Tongue thrusting is often a benign action but may indicate […]
Regular handwashing for kids is critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as cold and the flu (1). Children are often more susceptible to viral and bacterial diseases due to school environments and a general lack of hygiene knowledge. Hence, it is important to teach children the importance of hand hygiene. It is […]
Calamine lotion is a popular skin lotion used across all age groups. The topical lotion has been available as an over-the-counter medicine for decades. The anti-itch and cooling properties make it a widely used skin care product. But is it safe to use calamine lotion for babies? In this MomJunction post, we tell you Calamine […]
If a chigger has bitten your child, you may be searching for quick ways to treat chigger bites on kids. Chigger bites are tiny, round, reddish bumps that appear on the skin and could cause swelling and blisters in the affected area. They are commonly seen in the skin folds, armpits, privates, around the waist, […]
The onset of psoriasis in children is a common occurrence. Psoriasis is a non-transmittable skin condition where a child’s skin cells multiply rapidly, leading to skin changes. A typical sign of this condition is the build-up of scales on the skin surface. Additionally, a characteristic small, round, red rash called the plague could develop on […]
A poison ivy rash in children is an allergic reaction to the poison ivy plant. Your child may develop a skin rash within 24 to 72 hours of exposure to this plant. They may experience itching and redness initially, but in severe cases, patches of fluid-filled blisters may appear on the affected site. Most children […]
Jock itch (tinea cruris) in kids is a fungal skin infection seen in children who sweat profusely and often swim in public pools. The jock itch is an infection commonly occurring in and around the moist areas of the body, such as the upper thighs and the privates. The main clinical manifestation of this infection […]
Infants are adorable, so it is very difficult to resist kissing a baby. Their cute little eyes, plump cheeks, and tiny hands and feet arouse feelings of affection and a desire to give them tiny pecks. Besides displaying love and joy, kissing and cuddling a newborn are crucial for a baby’s development. Many may be […]
Many parents may consider trying Vicks Vaporub for babies when they develop a common cold. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that infants may have eight to ten bouts of the common cold during the first two years (1). Vicks VapoRub is a product popular among parents since it is a medication, and other oral […]
Skin abscess in children is a condition where a pocket of pus develops under the skin, causing a red, tender, and swollen boil. Abscesses form when the immune system tries to flush infection-causing germs, such as bacteria, from the body. Children are susceptible to developing an abscess where the skin is cut or broken. In […]
Adenoids in children are lymphatic tissues located at the back of the nose and throat (nasal passage). They are a part of the immune system and protect the body from the harmful pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that a child may inhale or swallow with air, food, and water. The main responsibility of the adenoids is […]
Bruising in children is caused by skin injuries that result in discoloration of the affected sites. When the skin gets bruised, the blood from the damaged blood cells collects under the skin, which causes the bruise to appear deep red, purple, blue, or black. Whether it is a toddler trying to walk or a child […]
Parents and caregivers may often examine the physical health of their babies when they nap. It can be concerning if the baby sleeps with their mouth open. Babies sleeping with open mouths may breathe through their mouths, and it is not the natural way to breathe. Occasional mouth breathing is harmless. However, frequent mouth breathing […]
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in kids is a common eye infection among those younger than five years (1). This condition causes inflammation of the membrane covering the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva). Viral or bacterial infections and allergic reactions can cause pink eyes in children. Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and there can […]
Stork bite birthmarks, also known as stork bites, angel kisses, or salmon patches, are pinkish or reddish patches on the neonatal skin. While babies may have different types of birthmarks, including moles and port-wine stains, stork bite birthmarks are collections of blood on the skin from tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Most babies have stork […]
Maintaining the optimal room temperature for babies can help them sleep well and stay comfortable during playtime. To maintain the room temperature, you may use thermostats, heaters, or air conditioners or close and open windows. Most babies require the temperature to be regulated as per the season. Choosing baby clothes to keep your little ones […]
Lazy eye is an eye disorder that arises when one eye becomes weaker than the other. Lazy eye (amblyopia) in children may result in decreased vision in the weaker eye (1). This condition affects around 3% of children and is the most common reason for vision loss (2). However, early detection and appropriate treatment could […]
Most parents are enthusiastic about giving their baby’s first haircut. But babies could be twitchy and restless during a haircut. Also, they may feel anxious during a haircut. Therefore, baby hair cutting and trimming needs training and a lot of patience. It is important as babies would not sit still while running a pair of […]
Buck teeth in kids refer to the misalignment of the upper and lower front teeth. The condition is characterized by an irregular protrusion of the upper front teeth, usually causing them to cover the lower lip. Buck teeth may lead to certain health issues in some children based on the malalignment’s severity. Buck teeth leads […]
Preterm babies who are ill may require additional care and support to survive after birth. Incubators for babies might be used based on how early the baby is born and how well their systems are developed. Most premature babies who need special care could be placed in incubators in a separate setup called the neonatal […]
If your little one is teething, you may have thought of using teething tablets for babies at some point or the other. The teething process begins when the baby is six months old, and sometimes it may start as early as three months. By the age of two or two-and-a-half years, a toddler has a […]
Parenting is all about experiencing and appreciating the different milestones in your child’s life. Teething is one such milestone, and after a few years, children’s primary or baby teeth give way to permanent teeth. So when do kids start losing teeth? This process may occur before time for some children, while it may get delayed […]
Enlargement or lumps in a baby’s breasts are common among newborns and are usually harmless. The condition may result in visible lumps under the nipple in one or both breasts, and it can affect boys and girls alike. In most cases, such breast lumps subside without requiring treatment. However, you may consult a pediatrician to […]
Fleas may infest babies if they are unmonitored. Flea bites on babies may manifest as mild rashes to severe allergies, depending on their body’s response. As babies cannot clearly express their problems, pay close attention to their responses to stimuli. Observing your baby for any signs of fleabites is essential to help relieve symptoms and […]
Nasal saline drops for babies can be useful for relieving nasal congestion, which usually occurs due to cold and other respiratory illnesses. Babies and toddlers may experience seven to eight episodes of cold a year (1). Since babies are obligate nasal breathers, a stuffed nose may affect their feeding and sleeping routines and make them […]
Hiccups are innate, involuntary reflexes that could begin in the womb at just nine weeks of (1). Though they aren’t a cause for worry, hiccups in kids can be bothersome since they can disrupt what they are doing and make them fussy and irritable. Hiccups are caused by the contraction of the diaphragm, the dome-shaped […]
On average, a baby’s spontaneous eye blinking (SB) rate is fewer than four blinks per minute, which increases with age. The blink rate reaches a minimum of 14 to 17 times per minute by adolescence and rises to 15 to 30 times in adulthood (1). However, if you notice excessive blinking in children, it may […]
Dhruval Shah Dhruval and Salony met for the first time in 2008 through some common friends. They clicked in just the second meeting when they saw each other in an arranged marriage set up with families in 2013 and married in 2014. Soon after, Salony got pregnant and gave birth to their son, Arham, in […]
Late Shri Ram Kunwar Jindal Late Shri Ram Kunwar Jindal was married to Bharpai Devi, and they had six sons. Life was perfect for them until Bharpai Devi passed away when their eldest son was 16 years old, and the youngest son was just 20 months old. Single Dad, Double Love On this Father’s Day, […]
Ravi Prabhala Ravi and Shilpa got married in 2005. They gave birth to their son, Pranay, in 2011. Life was fun for this three-member family until 2014. Pranay was three-and-a-half years old when Shilpa was diagnosed with stomach cancer in December 2014. After a long battle, she passed away in 2017. Single Dad, Double Love […]
Rajesh Shah Rajesh and Asha fell in love in school, continued their romance through college years, and got married after graduating. They gave birth to two children, Nisarg and Shaili. The 25 years of married life were like a fairytale for them until Asha was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and passed away in 2007. Single […]
Gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy are very common. Diarrhea and constipation are common in pregnancy and occur in about one-third of all pregnant women (1). Diarrhea is having three or more loose bowel movements during the day that may or may not be accompanied by stomach cramps (2). Diarrhea in pregnancy is mostly caused by bacteria […]
Finding a well-equipped, skilled professional who can handle complex gynecological queries isn’t easy. Therefore, we have curated a list of top gynecologists in Delhi for you. In this list, we have some highly experienced, skilled, top-ranked obstetricians and gynecologists. These women’s health specialists practice in renowned clinics and hospitals in Delhi. The list also contains […]
Baby poop color and texture can help parents and caregivers know if the baby is doing well. Newborn’s poop has a broad color range and is completely different in color and texture from adult poop. During the first few months after birth, you will notice many changes in your infant’s poop color and texture. These […]
Most lactating mothers worry about the increased possibilities of weight gain after breastfeeding. This is because assists in postpartum weight loss. During exclusive nursing (the first six months), you may consume an excess of about 400-500 kilocalories per 24 hours for milk production (1). However, the process of breastfeeding affects the metabolism, due to which […]
A 3-year-old’s sleep regression could be due to hyperstimulation of their senses caused by a toddler’s swift learning and development. This rapid development may cause a shift in their sleeping pattern. A toddler who would sleep well would suddenly show a change in sleeping patterns. They would have disturbed sleep and may even be cranky […]
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gives rise to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV in babies or Pediatric HIV is also known as congenital HIV or neonatal HIV. The virus may cause opportunistic infections in babies by attacking and weakening their immune system (1) (2). Babies acquire congenital HIV from their mothers during pregnancy, labor, or breastfeeding. […]
A manipulative child often exploits situations or people to get what they want, be it their favorite food, toys, or attention and praise from parents, caregivers, siblings, and friends. Both psychological and emotional manipulation may be done to gain control over someone or make someone give in to one’s demands using skillful tactics. Sometimes, the […]
Back pain while breastfeeding is common during the initial days when the newborn requires feedings every one to three hours (1). Frequent feedings and recent delivery can be quite taxing for the new mother and often strain their back. As a result, many lactating mothers seek medical care for back pain that worsens or […]
Although it may sound like a basic question, many parents may think about how to dress babies for sleep to ensure they and their baby can have a good night’s sleep. A baby can sleep well in a safe and comfortable sleep environment that is neither too hot nor too cold. The baby’s bedtime attire […]
Breastfeeding works the same for all women, irrespective of the size and shape of their breasts. However, breastfeeding with big breasts may lead to some challenges about position and latching, in addition to the other challenges of breastfeeding. Some tips and tricks can help women with heavy breasts have a successful breastfeeding journey. If you […]
Diarrhea while breastfeeding could develop in a few new mothers due to underlying conditions such as acute or other causes. Although this is not a serious illness requiring of breastfeeding, if you have diarrhea, you must maintain proper hygiene to prevent any risks of transferring any illnesses to your newborn. In addition, ensure proper hydration […]
The umbilical stump is part of the umbilical cord and falls off after about one to two weeks from birth. Umbilical granuloma in newborns (neonatal umbilical granuloma) can be observed as a tissue overgrowth commonly during the healing of the umbilical cord stump. It is characterized as a soft, pink, and wet lump oozing a clear […]
Candida is a yeast that commonly resides in our bodies, specifically in the skin, digestive tract, birth canal, and oral cavity. While healthy levels of candida may be beneficial, its overgrowth could lead to infections such as breast yeast infections (1). Yeast infections often occur in warm, moist skin regions such as the underarms, private […]
Most babies develop their first teeth between four and seven months, but some may develop teeth as early as three months. Three-month-old teething is also called early eruption and is a rare condition. The early eruption’s exact cause and risk factors have not been identified, yet it is usually believed not to cause any concern. […]
Toddlers holding poop and not passing stool on time is a common phenomenon. This behavioral pattern may occur due to physical or psychological factors. If this problem is not resolved on time, it may lead to other health problems. Parents can deal with this situation only if they understand the cause behind their toddler’s behavior. […]
It is past midnight, and your toddler won’t sleep. They keep giving excuses like they want to pee, that they are hungry, or keep requesting you to read another bedtime story. These lines may seem familiar because these may be the common tantrums your child throws to skip sleep. We understand that you might be […]
It is concerning for a new parent to see a baby gasp for air. However, a baby gasping for breath is not always a matter of worry. Usually, babies gasp for air if something is stuck in their throats. Usually, extra mucus during cold tends to be that obstruction. As their respiratory system matures with […]
Timely vaccination is essential to ensure babies develop sufficient immunity against potentially deadly diseases. Hence, it is important to know when specific vaccines should be administered; for example, some essential 2-month vaccines include polio and rotavirus vaccinations. Vaccines are developed after extensive research on their safety and efficacy for widespread use (1). Though vaccines are […]
Miralax is a non-prescription used to relieve constipation. Though the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits its use by adults, the use of Miralax for kids should be regulated. Miralax is the trade name of the drug containing polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), a water-soluble drug. PEG 3350 enables the bowel to retain more […]
As a busy parent, you may find yourself in situations where you have to leave your children alone at home. Since finding a babysitter is not always a viable option, you could leave your older child in charge. However, one question most parents ask while considering is at what age can a child stay home […]
Your heart may melt when you see your kid crying, which is a natural emotional response for babies and young children to difficult situations (1). They may cry to express various emotions, such as discomfort, confusion, anger, or fear. Since they cannot verbally express their feelings, they may even cry when they cannot cope with […]
Peripheral cyanosis is a bluish-purple skin discoloration caused by a lack of oxygen. On the other hand, bluish-purple discoloration around the mouth and extremities, particularly the palms and soles, is called acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis is usually considered normal in healthy newborns until there is no cyanosis in the central region of the body. Generally, acrocyanosis in […]
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters based on the gestational age and the fetal development. The first trimester, which begins on the first day of your last menstrual cycle and ends until week 12 of gestation, is the most crucial stage for the baby’s growth (1) (2). A woman also goes through various physiological and […]
One out of four pregnant women experiences first trimester bleeding during pregnancy. Fortunately, despite bleeding in the initial days, many women have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Vaginal bleeding is when there is a discharge of blood from the vagina at any time during the pregnancy. It may occur between conception and delivery. […]
Skin picking in children is a repetitive behavior characterized by picking the skin. It is most common in teenagers and children below ten years. While for most people, it is a rare instance, for others, it might become a habit that can turn into a skin picking disorder. Frequent skin picking can cause skin (1) […]
Breast milk should be the only source of nourishment for a baby for the first six months. Thus, several lactating women may wonder how to increase milk supply safely. To ensure a good milk flow, mothers should start breastfeeding at the earliest and continue frequent nursing. Good baby latching also ensures effective milk flow. Insufficient […]
Smelly urine when pregnant is one of the several unusual symptoms one might experience. While it is not always a cause of concern, it may be uncomfortable for expecting mothers. While some cases could indicate underlying pathology, it is essential to get examined by the doctor to rule out any infections or other problems causing […]
Lymph nodes are kidney-shaped organs in the neck, under the jaw (submandibular lymph nodes), under the chin (sublingual lymph nodes), underarms or armpit (axillary lymph nodes), groin, chest, and abdomen. They are a part of the immune system and play an important role in filtering the blood and killing bacteria and viruses. Swollen lymph nodes […]
Third-trimester nausea and vomiting are less common. Usually, nausea and vomiting subside by the 16th week of pregnancy in most women. Overall, only 20% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting throughout pregnancy (1). The exact causes of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are unknown, but knowing and avoiding triggers can help you manage the […]
Newborn skin peeling is common and not always a cause for concern. The extremely sensitive skin of newborns goes through several changes in appearance and texture in the first few weeks after birth. In addition, many babies have dry patches of skin, which may lead to skin peeling or flaking. However, it is normal in […]
Many new parents wonder if it is safe to use lotions on newborns. However, gentle cleaning and moisturizing help prevent germs, dryness, and rashes from affecting the baby’s gentle skin. Baby lotions help keep their skin soft and healthy, especially during dry seasons (1). However, ensure that the moisturizer does not irritate their skin or […]
A birth control implant is a four-centimeter-long, soft plastic stick inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. This type of implant falls under the category of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10.4% of women in the US opt for this type of […]
Children experience emotional outbursts and impulsiveness occasionally. But if that happens too often, it may be due to a borderline personality disorder (BPD). Borderline personality disorder in children is a mental health problem characterized by extreme emotions, impulsive behavior, emotional dysregulation, and severe problems with self-worth, which makes maintaining long, stable, and strong relations with […]
Masturbation and lovemaking may be observed as taboos in pregnancy. If you are also not sure whether masturbation during pregnancy is safe or not, you should be reading this post. Most women go through changes in due to hormonal pregnancy changes. Moreover, your huge belly in the later pregnancy could make it uncomfortable when indulging […]
Several hormonal and physical changes can cause crying in pregnancy. These changes bring a lot of stress to women, and some women may find it more difficult to cope with stress than others. Pregnancy can be overwhelming and lead to mood swings and make you cry. While crying does not have significant side effects for […]
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a common condition that leads to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and oily skin. Irrespective of its severity, acne during pregnancy does not affect the growing baby. The various hormonal changes during pregnancy may make pregnant women prone to acne. It is considered that around half of pregnant women experience […]
Chorioamnionitis, also known as intraamniotic infection, is a serious infection in pregnancy. It is characterized by the infection of the membranes that surround the fetus (chorion and amnion), the umbilical cord, and the amniotic fluid (1) (2). The condition affects around 40-70% of women with premature delivery and two to four percent of women with […]
Around one-third of all children need orthodontic treatment (1). The braces for kids are used to align crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth, close abnormal gaps between the teeth, and bite correction for the upper and the lower teeth to contact each other when closing the mouth (2). Read more about the types, indications, benefits, and tips […]
An Abscessed tooth in a child is characterized by the collection of pus inside the teeth, gums, or surrounding bone. It occurs as a result of bacterial infection. An abscess at the end of the tooth is called a periapical abscess, and an abscess within the gum is called a periodontal abscess. A dental abscess […]
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection. It is a rare but contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs but may also infect lymph nodes, bones, skin, kidneys, brain, or spine (1). Around 1.2 million children under 15 years fall ill with TB every year (2). The Centers for Disease Control […]
Shingles in children is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus responsible for chickenpox infection (1). The rash from shingles can appear anywhere on the body and can be extremely painful (2). Herpes zoster affects more than one million people in the US each year. Around 30% or […]
Most pregnant women experience various side effects, such as itchy skin, increased sweating, fatigue, and body odor, among others. However, these vary from one woman to another as each pregnancy is unique. This post takes you through the condition, increased body odor during pregnancy, its causes, and treatment management. It is likely to cause discomfort, […]
Halitosis or bad breath in children is common. It can originate from oral and non-oral sources; 87% of cases arise from an oral source, and 13% from non-oral sources (1). Bad breath is alike in children and adults when they wake up in the morning because of increased bacterial activity in the mouth. However, morning breath is temporary […]
A chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that happens before five weeks, immediately after the embryo implants (1). It is a pregnancy that home pregnancy tests or blood tests may confirm but not seen on an ultrasound. It is also called a biochemical pregnancy (2). Most women do not know they are pregnant when they have […]
Pregnancy can bring out a range of emotions, and it is not unusual to experience several overwhelming thoughts when one is planning pregnancy after a miscarriage. While some women want to embrace motherhood as soon as possible after a loss, others may take some time to recover from it. Each pregnancy and body is different. How soon you can get pregnant […]
The is the tissue that normally lines the uterus or womb. Endometriosis is a disorder when the tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus and on the other areas of the body. The following post discusses and pregnancy and how the condition impacts fertility, pregnancy, and the baby. Endometriosis is most commonly found […]
Pregnancy gingivitis is characterized by inflamed or swollen gums (1). It could be painful during pregnancy and more susceptible to bleeding. When pregnant, hormonal changes lead to an increased blood flow to the gums that could make your gums more sensitive, swollen, and irritable (2). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), […]
Positive reinforcement for kids is a research-backed practice used to support and encourage children to use their skills and behavior (1). Learning often results from rewards or praising words and consequences or punishments (2). The practice of positive reinforcement focuses on appreciating the child’s good behavior and acknowledging efforts rather than punishing them for their […]
Ovulation is the process of egg release from one of the two ovaries (1). These eggs help you get pregnant, but some women may not be ovulating despite regular menstrual periods. But how can you get pregnant when you are not ovulating? This post helps you understand it better. The egg not getting released from […]
Regular exercise can help maintain and improve the physical and mental health of pregnant and non-pregnant people. For many, exercising during pregnancy is safe, provided they do not have a high-risk pregnancy. However, choosing the right exercises for pregnant women is essential to reap their benefits. Your OB/GYN can guide you to a trainer or […]
Mother’s milk is the best food for an infant, but in some cases breastfeeding may not be possible. In such situations, Aptamil Gold 1 infant formula is that one formula which is closest to breast milk. The formula is a unique blend of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), zinc, iron and is claimed to be the […]
Delayed cord clamping (DCC) has become a standard practice during child’s birth for its significant benefits. The procedure delays umbilical cord severance by a few minutes after childbirth. According to the WHO, cutting the cord is carried out more than one minute after birth or when the umbilical cord has stopped pulsating (1). Delayed cord […]