MBBS, DCH, DNB
Dr. Pooja Parikh is a pediatrician with 11 years of experience in the field. Her medical journey has taken her from Rajkot (PDUMC) to Vadodara (SSGH) to Mumbai (Hinduja & Breach Candy Hospital). Currently, she is actively involved in critical, intensive, and general care of 0 to 18-year-olds in the port town of Gandhidham, where she was born and brought up. She believes that a doctor should ensure not only the absence of illness but also the procurement of overall good health.
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The rubella virus causes a contagious viral infection known as rubella. While rubella in children is usually a mild condition, it can cause major complications in unborn babies if their mothers contract it during pregnancy. It spreads through droplets or direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or mucus and is also known as German…
Protein powders are used for muscle development and weight gain by adults. However, doctors may recommend protein powders for kids only to fill nutritional gaps. These powders are derived from plant and animal sources. Apart from amino acids, these also contain other substances such as artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, multi-vitamins, minerals, preservatives, and thickeners (1).…
Escherichia coli or E. coli infection is more prevalent in children and older adults than in other age groups (1). The E.coli bacteria that cause E. coli infection in children are mostly harmless and are commonly found in the intestinal tract. However, some strains of the bacteria can cause various infections, such as gastrointestinal infection,…
Many parents seek pediatric care for teething and diarrhea during their baby’s teething period. Most babies begin teething when they initiate complementary feeding while weaning from breast milk and infant formula. Although it can be exciting to see your little one getting their teeth, many babies experience discomforts such as gum pain, drooling rash, and…
Even before they are born, your life begins to revolve around your baby. You appear to be preparing your home and life to accommodate your baby's requirements. Therefore, it is good to be aware of some fascinating facts about babies. You have celebrated your baby showers and taken maternity leave to prepare for the arrival…
If you are a parent of a child who gets bored very easily, this post with some interesting games-for-7-year-olds can be your savior. You may be busy with family, work, and home responsibilities, but it is important to find some time and tag along with your little one to enjoy their activities. Seven-year-olds are quite…
If you have noticed scratch marks on your baby’s face, it is quite understandable to feel upset or anxious. However, these marks have likely been caused by your baby scratching their own face. Nevertheless, parents should be wary about babies scratching themselves. Scratch marks on babies’ faces are common due to their sensitive skin. Even…
Four-month sleep regression results in a sudden change in sleep patterns that may cause worry in new parents. It is a condition where four-month-olds, who had previously been sleeping well, suddenly begin waking up at night and have trouble falling back asleep. Baby sleep regressions are characterized by unexplained disruptions in sleep patterns. They are…
Lemon is a citrus fruit and a vital vitamin C source. It is known for its refreshing flavor and scent. Due to the benefits of lemon for babies, parents consider adding it as a supplementary component while preparing their drinks or foods, but some doubt whether it is safe enough to do so. Lemon contains…
The tongue thrust reflex in kids, also known as the extrusion reflex, may interfere with speech development and cause orthodontic problems related to teeth alignment. This reflex occurs when an infant opens their mouth and extends their tongue when the lips touch (1). It is a newborn reflex that is a sign of normal development.…
Any new parent would love to witness all movements of their babies, including smiling, rolling over, communicating, and sleeping. However, as you watch your baby sleep peacefully, you may suddenly notice your baby twitching in sleep sometimes. Sleep twitching is when your baby has little jerks and spasms during sleep. These spams could occur in…
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…
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in babies or CDH in babies occurs when the diaphragm fails to close during fetal life. The diaphragm is a muscular wall separating the chest and abdominal cavity. If there is an opening, the abdominal organs may herniate or protrude to the chest cavity and affect lung growth. Babies with CDH may…
You notice your baby scratching their eyes and nose, becoming irritable and fussy, and you realize it's time for them to go to bed. So, you gently rock them in your arms and even hum a lullaby to them. But does your baby fight sleep despite the rocking? Some babies can resist falling asleep when…
A bulging fontanelle in infants is characterized by the outward appearance of their soft spot (fontanelle). Under normal conditions, the fontanelle is curved inwards. But when the pressure inside the brain increases or if there is a fluid buildup, the tension within leads to the protrusion and formation of the dome-shaped fontanelle. The condition could…
Viral rashes in babies may include spots, vesicles, bumps, pimples, or blisters. The type of rash may vary depending on the underlying viral infection. The rashes may disappear in a few days or last up to several weeks. Antibiotics meant for treating bacterial infections cannot treat viral infections. Therefore, they are ineffective in reducing viral…
It is fun to apply nail polish to babies’ little toenails and fingernails. Baby nail polish may look adorable, and many moms love to twin with their little one on special occasions with matching nails. However, it should be considered whether nail polish is safe for babies and whether there are nail polishes exclusively for…
Malnutrition in children is defined as an imbalance in nutrient intake and utilization. Statistics suggest that 155 million children under five had stunted growth, while 41 million were overweight or obese in 2016 (1) (2). Growth stunting results from inadequate energy and nutrient intake, whereas overweight or obesity results from excessive intake. Poor eating habits, nutritional…
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…
Passage of gas from the digestive tract is referred to as flatulence. Though it is normal in adults, flatulence (farting) in teens can leave them embarrassed and even amused. However, studies say that farting is a usual phenomenon. In fact, the average number of times an individual passes wind is five to 15 times in…
Occasional heartburn in teenagers is not a cause of concern. This is not a cardiac symptom, and it is the regurgitation of stomach acid to the esophagus, causing burning pain in the chest and throat. It is also known as pyrosis or acid regurgitation. Usually, teens may experience heartburn after eating some foods or drinks,…
Pneumonia is an infection that causes lung inflammation and fluid filled alveoli (air sacs). A variety of organisms could cause pneumonia in teens. In addition, the inflamed air sacs may cause breathing difficulties (due to insufficient oxygen levels) in your teen. This condition commonly occurs in children below four. However, teenagers who are predisposed to…
Parents find various activities of their babies to be humorous. One such uncommon activity is a baby chewing on the tongue. You may have noticed your child nibbling on their tongue several times and wondered why they do it. Chewing on the tongue is quite common among babies and is usually their reaction to discovering…
The exact cause of the 12-month sleep regression in babies is unknown. Most babies have frequent, unexplained sleep disruptions, called sleep regressions. Usually, the sleep regressions coincide with major brain developments. 12-month-old babies usually achieve or are on the verge of achieving milestones such as fine motor skills, including holding their toys, and gross motor…
Booster seats help a child sit comfortably in the car once they outgrow their infant safety seat. Many parents may want to know when a child can stop using a booster seat since children may often demand sitting without booster seats. However, most children require a booster seat throughout early childhood for their safety. After…
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,…
Many parents may wonder whether their newborn baby\'s bath temperature is ideal. Some prefer giving their babies a warm bath because it seems to calm and relax them. However, it is better to bathe your newbie in lukewarm water. While bathing your baby, ensure that the water temperature does not exceed a level that could…
Many new parents begin to notice their infant staring at particular people randomly, which may lead them to think, “why do babies stare?” Although this staring behavior can be concerning, it is not worrisome. Most babies feel curious about people and stare at them when they get to know them. Sometimes, they may be attracted…
Sickle cell diseases are a group of inherited disorders that affect the hemoglobin in the body. Sickle cell anemia in children is the most common and serious form of all sickle cell diseases. It causes crescent or sickle-shaped red blood cells, which are more fragile than normal red blood cells. Sickle cells can be more…