MD
Dr. Shaon Mitra is a consultant pediatrician and neonatologist with 17 years of experience. She is attached to several hospitals in Kolkata, West Bengal, including Bellevue Clinic, ILS Hospitals Salt Lake, and Park View Superspeciality Hospital. Previously, she worked as an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at KPC Medical College & Hospital. In addition to being a certified Medical Teacher under the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, she is a certified trainer in Neonatal Resuscitation. Dr. Mitra specializes in treating term and preterm newborns, newborns admitted in NICU, and older children with various health problems.
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Burping is a method of releasing gas from the stomach and esophagus through the mouth. It is also called belching. So, how to burp a newborn? Does it help a baby? Burping is beneficial for a baby, and the lack of it might make a baby cranky and gassy, resulting in spitting up of the…
Now that your three-month-old, it is time to introduce them to learning activities for a 3-month-old baby. This is the stage where the baby begins to develop her play, sensory stimulation, along with experiencing changes in her sleeping and feeding patterns. It will help if you try to understand their likes and dislikes. You have…
Aerobics is a form of exercise that combines strength training and stretching along with rhythmic movement. In this post, we tell you about the benefits of aerobics for kids and give you some easy exercises that you could try with your children. The word “aerobic” is derived from the Greek words aero, meaning air, and…
Hives or urticaria are reddish-pink rashes or patches that appear anywhere on the skin and can be triggered by a number of factors. These red welts are usually the skin’s reaction to an allergen such as an infection, foods, pollen, medicines, etc (1). In most cases, these hives disappear after a while. Read on to…
It can be challenging for parents, especially new ones, to teach babies to chew food. However, your infant will need to master the chewing process, also known as mastication, to eat solid food. Because saliva contains enzymes that break down the starches in our diet, chewing is the first stage in the digestion process. Chewing…
Bronchitis in kids is a viral or bacterial lower respiratory infection characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the large breathing tubes (bronchi). This lining makes mucusiXA sticky material that covers the lining of the lungs, throat, mouth, and sinus and provides protection and lubrication and protects the underlying tissues. It causes a lot…
Most new moms may ask themselves, “Is my baby hungry?” and “What is a good time to feed my baby?” Finding the answer to all of these questions is easy. With a bit of research, you will be able to identify the baby hunger cues your little one gives out to let you know they…
Melatonin for kids may be effective as a short-term treatment option for sleep disorders. It may be prescribed for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adolescents (1). Melatonin is a hormone made by your brain in response to darkness. It promotes calmness and relaxation and helps in the maintenance of circadian rhythm and sleep pattern regulation.…
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…
Dry skin in children is a common problem that may cause itchiness and skin irritation. The condition may worsen during winters due to reduced moisture content in the air, and the child may have to use a moisturizer multiple times a day. Dry skin, also called xerosis, may have several causes, such as extremes of…
Heat rashes affect about 40 percent of newborns, mostly in the first month of their lives (1). A baby’s heat rash is often due to underdeveloped sweat glands. However, in some cases, heat rashes may occur due to the blockage and inflammation of sweat glands or overheating. In either case, these rashes can be treated…
Fever and skin rashes can be present in many infectious diseases, and it is more common in children than adults. Despite the rashes, a toddler may appear well. These rashes can be due to immune reactions of the body towards the virus or other pathogen. A skin rash during fever can be more serious than…
All babies cry, and in most cases, the crying is subdued once the baby’s needs are addressed. However, there are moments when a baby cries for hours a day and does so often in a week, for many weeks. This is what is usually referred to as colic, but what is colic in babies? Understanding…
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…
It is common to see chapped lips in babies, especially during winters. It may be more prevalent in places with low humidity. Babies who naturally tend to lick their lips may also experience chapped lips. While adults commonly use lip balms to manage their dry lips, are they safe for babies as well? Read this…
Gastroenteritis or stomach flu is a bowel or GI tract infection that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines and is accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (1). In the US, acute gastroenteritis in children accounts for 200,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths in children every year (2). However, gastroenteritis infections are not usually severe, and…
Babies start to smile from the time even before they are born. Yes, you read that right. During the 11th week of pregnancy, your baby can smile and make complex facial expressions while still in the womb (1). These smiles, known as reflex smiles, may continue for a few weeks after birth as well. But…