MBBS, DCH, MCPS
Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla is a well-known pediatrician, practicing paediatrics since the last 20 years in Karachi Pakistan. She is the head of the department of Pediatrics in Karachi Liaquat Hospital, as well as her private practice in three specialist clinics in Pediatrics. She is also a Public Health Specialist specializing in preventive health including nutrition, breastfeeding and infectious diseases especially diarrhea, polio and tuberculosis.
She has affiliations with the Center of Disease Control Atlanta (CDC), UNICEF, and WHO and is the recipient of the Clinton Foundation Award in 2016. She has more than 50 research papers in international journals including Lancet, JAMA etc., to her credit. She is also the chairperson of HOPE, an NGO working for child and maternal health and education. Being a mother of two healthy kids herself, she has hands-on experience of dealing with child issues.
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Hand, foot, and mouth disease in children is a highly transmissible viral infection, particularly in young ones. Fever is the first symptom, followed by rashes on the lips, hands, and feet. You may also be concerned that the rashes will spread from one part of the body to another. Although hand, foot, and mouth disease…
Toddler staph infection is more common than in adults and is caused by staphylococcus bacteria. These bacteria can affect various body parts, including skin and vital organs such as the lungs. However, most toddlers get staph skin infections, and adequate treatment could help prevent further complications. You may seek medical care for treating these skin…
Babies develop with each passing day. By the time your baby is 16 months old, they attain several capabilities. The 16-month-old baby's developmental milestones include walking around with baby steps. The baby may also run, climb, and jump. Some babies of this age also start to utter at least two to three words, while the…
Complementary feeding is an essential milestone in a baby’s life. A well-growing, healthy baby can eat several solid foods from different food groups. However, this doesn’t mean they can eat everything. Knowing the foods to avoid for babies helps to avoid health hazards. The transition from breastfeeding to weaning indicates that the baby is growing…
At around seven months, your little one is sitting and likely to crawl to explore the world. The activities for a 7-month-old baby can help them master these milestones. They also boost the interaction with your little one while they start their pursuit towards skill progression. Seeing your little one grow up is guaranteed to…
Chalazion in children is an uncommon ocular condition where a small, slow-developing lump resembling a stye appears on the eyelid; however, it is not the same. A stye is a painful lump on the eyelid resulting from a bacterial infection of the eyelash, while a chalazion is a painless bump caused by a blocked oil…
2-month-old baby activities are great to introduce your little one to the world of sensory play. Now that the exhausting pregnancy days are over, you’ll feel more physically active and want to be involved in taking care of your baby. If you’re looking for ways to become closer to and strengthen your bond with your…
A baby's scalp is soft and delicate, making it more susceptible to irritation and dryness. Thus, dry scalp in babies is pretty common. A dry scalp may look similar to a cradle cap in babies, but it is slightly different. However, the cradle cap is often the underlying cause for a dry scalp with white…
Licorice is a herbal plant whose root (licorice root) is a purported galactagogueiXA food or substance that increases the flow of breastmilk . However, since research suggests otherwise, you would want to know if using licorice when breastfeeding is safe. Knowing the answer to this question is necessary to prevent any adverse effects that licorice…
At around six months after childbirth, many mothers begin to experiment with their baby’s diet. As they gradually consider shifting to the bottle, a common question pediatricians are asked at this time is, “when can a baby hold a bottle?” While it is safe to explore other nutrition options for your infant in this period,…
Since their first cry, your baby has come a long way. If you observe your 2-month-old’s milestones, you’ll notice that your baby now pays attention to faces, turns their head toward sounds, and smiles at familiar faces. There is also a significant increase in physical growth. However, that’s not all – two-month-old babies are capable…
Parents must educate their children on personal hygiene for kids from their early years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), multiple diseases and ailments can be prevented by maintaining proper self-hygiene and frequently washing the body parts (1). Many infections spread via the oral-fecal route or in the form of droplets…
Coughing is one of the body's defense mechanisms of getting rid of phlegm, mucus, sputum, postnasal drip, or a foreign body. A variety of factors can cause cough in babies, and while coughing is a necessary function, it is unhealthy for a newborn to cough excessively. If your infant coughs a lot, you should see…
Muscle twitches in children are sudden, uncontrollable muscle movements or jerks in their bodies. Muscle twitching, also known as myoclonus, could be repetitive and triggered by certain factors and postures. Though muscle twitching is not a disease, it could indicate various underlying conditions in the brain and nervous system. Twitches may occur in a single…
Weight and height aren’t the only indicators of a baby’s growth and development. The skills babies develop as they progress each month, referred to as developmental milestones, and includes motor, and social interactions that mark their growth and development. For example, you may notice that by your baby’s 21st month, when they are just a…
You may often wonder if you should introduce ice cream for babies. Ice cream can be as tempting for babies as they are for adults. Everyone loves ice creams, and it is difficult to stop ourselves from having them. However, considering the ingredients that go into store-bought ice cream, parents are often apprehensive about introducing…
Molluscum contagiosum in children is a common viral skin infection that causes tiny skin-colored or pink bumps to appear on the child’s skin. The infecting virus stays inside these bumps and is mildly contagious. The bumps are painless, but they may be itchy and bothersome. Usually, these bumps clear over time, but you can use…
Feeding infants will help them grow better, but overfeeding them might increase the chances of causing acid reflux in babies. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux can cause severe discomfort to the baby and may also become chronic, leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, it is important to feed babies milk and other food items in…
Ear infection in toddlers can cause acute pain, fever, and eating difficulty. Although it may happen to anyone, toddlers are susceptible to it. The condition, also known as otitis media, can occur as a result of pathogenic infection and cause soreness in the ears. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders,…
Body odor in teens is not uncommon and maybe a common complaint after puberty. While teenagers may have issues with self-confidence, self-esteem, and social acceptance due to body odor, it may help to know that it is normal and does not always indicate an underlying pathology (1). The condition is more common in teenage boys…
Almond oil for baby massage is a popular choice among mothers. Though different oils can be used to massage your little one, some mothers prefer almond oil because it is a good source of multiple vitamins. Babies gain many health benefits from regular body massages, such as improved sleep and relaxation. However, if you’re still…
Toddlers love to jump around the house, and nothing can stop them. Not to forget, they love to run around barefoot. This increases the risk of them encountering a splinter, making you eventually wonder about how to remove a splinter from your toddler’s foot. A splinter is the fragment of any object that gets lodged…
While acne is common in adults, toddler acne is rare. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of sebaceous glands (oil-producing cells). These oil glands are located at the base of hair follicles (1). Extra skin cells and oil may combine to block the hair follicle’s opening, which in turn plugs the oil glands leading…
Baby arching back is frequently interpreted as a symptom of discomfort or pain caused by an external or internal cause. Crying, turning the head, or sleeping are frequently associated with an arched back in babies. It could be a symptom of a minor ailment or a more serious medical condition. This post discusses various reasons…
Allergies in children are a common occurrence. The most common trigger that causes allergies are pollens, dust particles, certain food items, medicines etc. An allergy can be defined as the immune system's reaction to an unknown or foreign substance. Usually, allergies can be treated with the help of medication and simple home remedies. However, in…
Breastfed babies often spit up thin milky fluid, while formula-fed babies spit up a type of material that looks like cottage cheese. However, if you see your baby spitting up blood, you might be extremely worried as a concerned parent. Spitting up fluids through the nose and mouth is pretty common in babies. But if…
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…
Speech therapy for children has numerous benefits. Children with speech delays may have problems with the smooth flow of words. They may not be able to speak complete sentences as the words or syllables break when they convey their thoughts. They may stammer and may not be able to speak with clarity. Such problems could…
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…
Developmental delay in children should be evaluated by a pediatrician. Delays are diagnosed when they take longer to reach developmental milestones (age-specific skills) than expected of their age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developmental delays and disabilities are prevalent among one in six US children. That said, each child is unique,…
Preseptal cellulitis or periorbital cellulitis in children is characterized by inflammation and infection of the soft tissues around the eyes. It can be due to bacteria and may occur in one or both eyes. The risk for severe complications is rare if it is treated appropriately. Improper treatment or a delay in treatment may complicate…
Styes are a common eye infection usually seen at the eyelash base and resemble a pimple. Also known as a hordeolum, they may grow inside or outside the eyelid. Stye in children are not contagious and usually fade away on their own, or you can follow some home care tips to treat them. However, medical…
Like in other sleep regression stages, sleep regression in 18-month-old babies is triggered by a developmental phase where the baby’s sleep patterns change to cognitive leaps. A baby who has been sleeping well will suddenly refuse to go to sleep or wake up fussy in the middle of the night. Though the phase is temporary…
Teenagers start noticing bodily changes when they read 13 to 14 years. They start discussing their growing bodies and the monthly menstrual cycles. It is natural for them to be curious during their adolescence and so it is better that they get all the right answers from the parents if they wonder how to hit…
If you are a mother, you may find yourself checking on your kid’s growth and development now and then. However, the developmental stages of children may vary, and not all kids may develop a particular skill around the same time. If your child is a little late in learning to walk or cooing, do not…
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from tea tree leaves. It possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatoryiXDrugs or substances that reduce inflammation or pain , and immuno-stimulatingiXSubstances that stimulate or increase immunity effects(1). and is often used for aromatherapy. You can safely use tea tree oil for kids under the guidance of experts who…
Yeast infection in toddlers occurs on body parts that offer proper growth conditions to the fungus, such as adequate moisture, heat, and darkness. This infection is also called candidiasis and is recognized by the excess growth of yeast on the skin or mouth. The causative strain is candida fungus. This microorganism naturally occurs on the…
Coconut oil is commonly used for cooking, skin moisturization, and hair oiling in tropical regions. Even research shows that consuming coconut oil is beneficial for children (1). If you want to try coconut oil for kids, use it in small amounts if they have not had it earlier. But before feeding coconut oil to your…
A belly button or a navel is a depression in the person’s belly. It is formed when the umbilical cord of the newborn is cut and clamped soon after delivery, dries, and falls within a few days. Babies can have an innie or outie belly button, also known as the umbilicus. While the majority of…
Acrochordons or skin tags are soft and small skin bumps often seen on skin folds such as armpits, groin, buttocks, or eyelids (1). Self-treatment for skin tags on children is not recommended due to the risk of skin infections. Skin tags are harmless, painless, non-cancerous (benign growths), but some children may not be comfortable with…
When you observe one-month-old babies’ milestones in terms of development, you will notice how a whole new world unlocks for them at this age. They develop new abilities and are more responsive, physically dexterous, and cognitively capable than when they were born. So, at the age of one month, what other developmental milestones could you…
Breathing is a natural process the baby learns inside the womb itself. Usually, there is little to worry about, but sometimes, there could be a problem in the baby’s breathing patterns. Therefore, it is good for parents to know about normal infant breathing and how to spot anomalies in the pattern. MomJunction tells you about…
Parents are usually a child’s biggest cheerleaders. Since children naturally look up to their parents, their development is significantly influenced when their parents motivate them. However, as a parent, you may often ponder, “What motivates your child?” While all parents want their children to push their boundaries and achieve their goals, you should look for…
A toddler's development often indicates whether they are growing healthily or not. Several achievements mark the toddlerhood phase between the ages of 25 and 27 months. For instance, toddlers are a lot more expressive than they were before. They utilize receptive language and speak while listening to you. As toddlers grow beyond their first year,…
Meningitis is a neurological disease that causes inflammation in the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis in toddlers can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. If this condition is not treated on time, it could result in alarming symptoms and long-lasting complications. Therefore, early detection of the symptoms is important to…
Primary lung cancers in children are a rare diagnosis, and the tumor characteristics may vary from adults. Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs can be secondary cancers that spread after common childhood cancers. Genetic changes in tumor suppressor genes or certain syndromes can increase the risk for lung cancer in children…
One of the several questions new parents ask is “do babies have kneecaps?” or “are babies born with kneecaps?’’ According to Dr. Edward Gotlied, a pediatric specialist in the Stone Mountain area, Georgia, newborns have kneecaps (patella). However, they are made of a soft, rubbery material called cartilage that eventually mineralizes to a bony joint.…
When parents or caregivers hurry to a coughing baby to see what’s wrong, they may notice the baby giggling with a mischievous expression. It leaves many puzzled parents asking this question – why does a baby fake cough? Babies may fake cough for many reasons; for example, when you see your child pretending to cough,…
If you are unaware of using Cannabidiol or CBD oil for kids, you should be reading this post. CBD oil is a component found in the Cannabis Sativa family\'s hemp and marijuana plants, making individuals feel high. (1). The oil has gained popularity in recent years for treating various conditions, including chronic pain, stress, insomnia,…
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…
Castor oil is found in several cosmetic and medicinal products due to its beneficial properties. However, using castor oil for babies is a subject of apprehension for many parents. Generally, castor seeds contain a toxin named ricin, making unprocessed castor oil unfit for consumption. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties too. But is it safe…
Newborn sneezing is a defensive mechanism that helps newborns eliminate inhaled irritants, such as dust, dirt, and germs from the airway. It is a common reflex that babies have right from the time they enter this world (1). Generally, all babies sneeze, but some may sneeze less while others sneeze more. Yet, on average, babies…
Have you ever observed your child experiencing intense outbreaks of sweating, causing their face to turn red? These could be signs of hot flashes in children. Additionally, some may also experience fever-like heat in several parts of the body. Though witnessing your child profusely perspiring could be alarming, hot flashes are seldom serious. Hot flashes…
Baby jumpers are fun toys that help them exercise, play, and jump. They are a sling-style seat suspended from a rubber cable with a spring that can be clamped above the door or toy frame itself. The baby pushes their feet against the floor to bounce in it. Parents may prefer these jumpers to keep…
Alkaline water is popular among health enthusiasts. However, you might want to know about the benefits and side effects of alkaline water for babies before giving it to your child. Alkaline water has a higher pH level than normal drinking water. It also contains more minerals and electrolytes and is comparatively pure. Although further research…
Nyquil for kids younger than 12 years is not recommended unless prescribed by a medical practitioner. Nyquil provides temporary relief from cold and cough since it constricts the blood vessels and blocks the histamine action, reducing throat and bronchial irritation, runny nose, and sneezing. It contains medications such as doxylamine succinate (antihistamine), acetaminophen (pain reliever),…