MD
Dr. Anuradha Bansal is a highly accomplished pediatrician and neonatologist with 13 years of professional experience. Presently, she is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at PIMS Jalandhar. She has done her MBBS and MD Pediatrics at GMCH, Chandigarh. Thereafter, she polished her skills as senior resident at MAMC, Delhi. She has also done IAP Fellowship in Neonatology at GMCH, Chandigarh and obtained the membership of the prestigious Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
She is actively involved in both inpatient and outpatient care of neonates, children and adolescents at a tertiary care hospital in Jalandhar, Punjab. She has authored chapters in textbooks of neonatology and has several national and international publications to her credit.
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Did you know that your baby will answer your smile with a smile in just the second month? It takes 5 minutes to know about the surprises your baby has in store for you in their first year. In This Article What Are Baby Milestones?16 Important Developmental Milestones In The Baby’s First YearKey Pointers Achieving…
The feeling when your baby turns their head and comes running to you, as you call to them, is precious and incomparable. So have you ever wondered, when do babies recognize their names? Most parents are curious to know when their little one will be able to respond to their name. Babies typically develop recognition…
Have you noticed that if you touch the roof of a newborn’s mouth with a pacifier, finger, or nipple, they immediately start sucking? The baby sucking reflex is an involuntary reflex seen in almost all full-term and some preterm infants. It is one of the first and most critical reflex actions in newborns and acts…
Silent reflux in babies is a common disorder that usually gets corrected as the baby grows older. The condition is also called laryngopharyngeal reflux or silent acid reflux. It occurs when the stomach acid flows reversely into the larynx and nasal passages. Some may consider it an extension of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition…
The onset of menstruation or period might be stressful for some girls as it is associated with other painful symptoms. But how to deal with your period? This post will answer you. For most girls, period management and menstrual care are essential skills to learn to alleviate the discomforts that come with menstruation, such as…
Flat head syndrome in babies is characterized by an abnormal flattening of the baby’s skull, and usually, it is one sided. This condition is a cause for concern among parents as they fear it may cause permanent deformity. Keep reading this post as we tell you more about the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment,…
As babies grow, you need to keep adapting to their development. For example, at two months, babies may start responding to sounds, recognize voices, seem interested in their hands and feet, try to grab objects, and make cooing or gurgling sounds. These adorable developmental milestones may want you to know more about effective ways of…
Parents prefer to use a digital thermometer instead of a conventional one (mercury thermometer) for safety reasons. However, most parents do not know how to take baby temperature with a digital thermometer. Measuring correct body temperature is crucial because it is a good indicator of the baby’s health. However, there are different ways of measuring…
Puberty in girls is a period that prepares them and their bodies for the transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s an important milestone that reflects they are growing and developing well. But since several physical, physiological, and emotional changes happen simultaneously during this period, it is common for young girls to feel confused and anxious.…
Hearing the baby utter their first word is the most joyous moment in the parent’s life. Parents may also wonder when do babies say "mama" and "dada." It is a milestone that most parents anticipate. Learning to talk is a gradual process that starts with basic communication skills such as gurgling and cooing. Most babies…
Pinworms are intestinal worms which are very common in kids. Pinworms in kids are characterized by a constant anal itch and resulting irritation or restlessness. The parasitic infection usually happens due to poor oral hygiene and inadequate cleanliness. Pinworms in children can be treated with oral and topical medicines. Read this post to learn about…
Explaining the respiratory system for kids may seem easy yet challenging at the same time. Did you know, several organs form the respiratory system, from the nose to the lungs. Lungs take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide while breathing. Oxygen is needed to perform everyday activities such as moving hands, opening eyes, and digesting…
Fruits and vegetable purees form the first foods for many babies. While parents want to ensure their babies get all the necessary nutrients and form healthy food habits, they may often wonder if and when to introduce fruit and vegetable juices for babies. Is it safe to give juices to babies? Moreover, juices available in…
Heat rashes in children may be of many types and cause skin irritation. Thankfully, it is not considered a serious condition. These rashes usually affect the skin in the body parts that remain sweaty for a long duration. They are self-limiting and get resolved in a few days (1). Continue reading this post as we…
If you see your baby cruising, toddling, or trying to walk with the support of objects or furniture, rest assured that they have achieved a vital physical development milestone. Cruising is the transition from crawling to walking. Most toddlers begin cruising spontaneously when learning to walk, while some cruise and crawl simultaneously. Regardless of how…
FPIES, or Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome, is a rare and potentially severe food allergy. It generally starts after four months and within the first year of life (1) (2). While the exact causes of FPIES in babies are not well understood, it may be due to an immune reaction to specific proteins in food and…
Soon after birth, the touch and hearing senses of babies are activated, but they can’t see colors. Since seeing colors and differentiating between them is an important milestone, many parents wonder, “when can babies see colors?” Like any development milestone, such as crawling, walking, or talking, babies learn to see and distinguish between different colors…
The tiny baby you got from the hospital, wrapped in your arms, is almost two years old now. The baby’s 23rd month may be marked by different activities such as walking, running, imitating you, being a pro at throwing tantrums, and talking – seems unbelievable, isn’t it! You see them do all those things every…
Jaundice is a condition that leads to the yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is common in both babies and adults. However, newborn jaundice might cause concern in parents. Jaundice in your baby occurs mostly due to the overproduction of a pigment called bilirubin in their body (1). The increased amount of bilirubin is…
Babies may have their first bath 24 hours after their birth. While most babies become used to bathing and enjoy it, some may consistently dislike it to the point that their parents begin wondering why their baby hates baths. Switching to sponge baths can be a temporary solution, but eventually, you need to figure out…
Stomach pain in infants can be due to various causes, and most cases of stomach pain in babies are self-limiting and treatable with some home remedies. However, in some rare cases, medical intervention may be required. If your infant has stomach pain a little too often, it would be a good idea to consult a…
A baby's skin is sensitive. Thus, you cannot use the same products for baby skin care that you use for yourself. The products you use for your baby should be chemical-free, gentle on the skin, dermatologically tested and natural. Babies, especially newborns, are still adjusting to the harsh environment. Therefore, their skin is extra sensitive…
Nausea can be defined as a queasiness in the stomach that is accompanied by an involuntary urge to vomit. Episodes of nausea in children and adolescents are not uncommon (1) (2). Nausea is not a disease but a complex symptom of various underlying conditions and can be managed at homes for some children. Read this…
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…
Ginger is a common kitchen herb popular for its flavor and medicinal properties. Its use is prevalent to treat and manage ailments, such as cough, nausea, and gastric issues in adults. However, using ginger for babies needs caution as it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as heartburn and gas in sensitive babies. Thus, knowing the…
Hypo means less, and tone refers to the resistance of muscles in our bodies. So, the condition of hypotonia in babies refers to a low muscle tone, causing a flexed posture. However, it should not be confused with muscle weakness. Hypotonia often occurs due to disorders of nerves, which control muscle movements. The condition commonly…
Athlete\'s foot in children is a fungal infection, which usually affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. The primary sign of the infection is the reddish-white appearance of the skin. The affected area may also become itchy, moist, and scaly. It is called athlete\'s foot since it is most commonly observed among…
Toddler growth spurts may occur between the ages of one and three years. Toddlers grow a few inches and gain a few pounds each year of toddlerhood (1). Growth spurts are periods when a toddler has sudden and intense growth. As a result, they may appear hungrier and need more food than usual to meet…
Physical development in infants is fast. It seems like only yesterday that your baby was so small that you could completely encircle them in your arms. Now, the baby has grown several centimeters and is approaching new developmental milestones on a daily basis. These bodily changes are critical for the development of a baby's motor…
Dravet syndrome (DS) in babies is a rare genetic condition, previously referred to as severe myoclonic epilepsyiXA brain-related phenomenon characterized by uncontrollable movements and loss of consciousness of infancy (SMEI) or epilepsy with polymorphic seizuresiXA type of seizure characterized by a varied pattern of body movements . It is characterized by temperature-sensitive epileptic seizures that…
You may commonly notice a wet or dry cough in kids. Coughing is a defensive response that clears the airways of irritants, germs, and foreign particles. While wet cough is associated with mucus production, a dry cough does not produce phlegm (mucus). Coughing multiple times a day can be a symptom of viral infections, such…
Regularly consumed, the effects of energy drinks on teenagers can be dangerous. While many claim to be all-natural, they aren’t. Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and sugar, which can negatively affect health in the long run (1). Without thorough research, it’s impossible to decide if it’s safe for teens to consume energy drinks daily,…
Children aged six to 17 years are recommended a minimum of 60 minutes of physical exercise daily. This target can be achieved by doing simple exercises for kids at home, contrary to the belief that only complex exercises or strenuous outdoor sports are helpful. Children are increasingly getting used to a sedentary lifestyle, which is…
Dyslexia in children causes them to encounter difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling letters and words or making calculations. It is a learning disorder and may also be referred to as a reading disability. Dyslexia may even affect children who do not have disabilities in terms of intelligence, hearing, and vision. Although this disorder has…
Just like for adults, yoga for toddlers also has several health benefits. When toddlers begin to learn yoga and include the practice in their daily routine, there is a remarkable change in their flexibility and strength. Yoga for toddlers can bring additional benefits such as increased mindfulness, reduced anxiety, and an increase in discipline. Your…
High blood pressure is rarely associated with babies. This is because the causes of a spike in blood pressure in infants vary from those that are usually seen in adults. The major causes of high blood pressure in babies might include blocked blood vessels in the kidney, a blood clot, or exposure to medicines and…
When a fetus starts developing, its cells are not differentiated into organs. Instead, gradually, the organs are formed through different developmental stages. In total, five phases of fetal lung development take place before the lung is matured enough to help babies breathe after birth. These five phases occur in a stepwise process at a fixed…
Gallstones or cholelithiasis are pebble-like, solid deposits formed by the solidification of digestive fluids in the gallbladder (1). The complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors causes gallstones in children. Children with a positive family history and certain inherited disorders are more likely to develop gallstones. Childhood obesity and certain medications may also increase the…
The sight of a baby crying can worry parents for sure. Nevertheless, it is common for babies to cry for a total of three hours a day. Crying serves various purposes and may communicate different emotions of the baby. In some cases, crying might only be their way of telling you that they need attention…
Croup in kids occurs due to a viral infection in the vocal cords and the trachea (windpipe). The infection causes swelling and narrowing of the upper airway, making it difficult for air to pass through. It is characterized by a harsh, barking cough, hoarseness, and high-pitched noise while breathing in (1). Croup infection usually affects…
Soy is a protein-rich legume capable of triggering allergies in babies (1). It is important to identify the symptoms of soy allergy in babies as early as possible. Soy proteins are treated as pathogens by the immune system of people with soy allergies. It releases antibodies (immunoglobulin E or IgE) to fight the allergen, leading…
Toddlers may sometimes encounter pauses in speech and some levels of disfluencies while speaking, which is a normal aspect of developing communication skills. However, stuttering in toddlers is a phenomenon that could cause concern among many parents. Also, stuttering may last for longer durations in some children and could hamper their social and interactive abilities.…
If you have a newborn or toddler, you may always be concerned about their health. If you notice red rashes on your baby's chest, it might be an indication of Scarlet fever or bacterial illness. Scarlet fever in babies and toddlers can occur after having flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat and fever. While…
Ear infection in babies usually refers to middle ear infection. The middle ear is part of the ear that contains the vibrating bones of the ear. This air-filled space behind the eardrum is an optimal site for the growth of microorganisms, and ear infections in infants are quite common (1) (2). An ear infection could…
A baby is constipated if they have difficulty passing stools or have hardened stools. A baby’s constipation may also lead to other issues, such as pain while passing stools and stomach ache. Most infants younger than a year may go days without pooping. Knowing the symptoms of a constipated baby may make it easier for…
Babies suck their hands to communicate and self-soothe. A baby sucking hand is considered a normal part of their development and may begin at two months. Besides sucking hands, you may notice babies sucking fists or even trying to put their feet in their mouths. Most babies stop sucking their hands by themselves at around…
Smoking is a bad habit, and many fall prey to it without knowing the dangers of it. It is important to introduce smoking facts for kids early on so they can understand the hazards involved and avoid smoking cigarettes in the first place. A smoker is more likely to have a compromised immune system, heart…
Milk allergy in children occurs when a child’s immune system mistakenly perceives cow milk proteins as a threat and acts against them, triggering a reaction. A child allergic to milk develops symptoms when milk or milk-based foods are ingested. Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, the symptoms may vary from mild to severe.…
Mosquito bites in toddlers are common, and the itching annoyance these bites cause can irritate your toddler significantly. These bites may sometimes cause severe infections, such as malaria, chikungunya, dengue feveriXA mosquito-borne viral disease that causes a high fever and acute pain in the joints. , and West Nile EncephalitisiXAn infectious disease characterized by brain…
It is common to find Epstein pearls in newborn babies. They are tiny, white bumps that appear in the baby’s mouth and are also called gingivaliXA structure consisting of gums and a mucosal layer that surrounds and protects teeth cystsiXFluid-filled, benign growths that form on or under the skim . Epstein pearls have been named…
Parents are constantly on the lookout for health tips for children to ensure they stay fit. Good health in children depends on several factors, such as their nutrition, hydration, sleep routine, hygiene, and physical activity. It may be difficult for children to ensure they are on the right track for all these parameters by themselves,…
PANDAS syndrome is a condition that affects children. It is characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors and/or tics. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune autoimmuneiXA condition characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells, tissues, and organs reaction to a streptococcal infection (1). Treatment typically…
Tea is believed to have several health benefits. However, it may not be safe for you to consider tea for kids. The tea we usually make contains caffeine and refined sugar, which are not recommended in excess amounts, especially for children. Plunge into this post as we tell you whether or not tea is safe…
Potty training takes time and patience to help your child feel comfortable and confident. All children learn to use the toilet sooner or later. While some children learn it earlier, the timing differs for each child. So, we have compiled some tips on how to potty train a three-year-old. Moreover, you may want to know…
The ‘da-da-da’ or ‘ba-ba-ba’ sounds your baby makes are the stepping stones to their first words. Baby babbling is a continuous string of vowel and consonant sounds produced by your little one. These repetitive mumbling sounds may seem meaningless, but it plays a major role in encouraging language development in infants. Besides babbling, your baby…
Peaceful sleep is paramount for the overall well-being of a toddler. As a parent, you may be concerned about your toddler waking up at night. However, it is a common phenomenon observed by most parents. While most toddlers have uninterrupted sleep, some might wake up frequently or have trouble falling asleep. Not having sufficient sleep…
Hiccups are the repeated contractions of the diaphragm (1). These contractions cause the vocal cords to shut, creating the characteristic ‘hic’ sound. Newborns get hiccups frequently, and it is usually not a cause for concern until your baby is a year old. However, if the hiccups seem odd or are frequent after the age of…
A gas problem in toddlers is common and is seldom a cause of concern. Usually, it may not require any clinical analysis or treatment interventions. Instead, the mild discomfort due to gas is easily managed at home with simple remedies. However, if your toddler has been experiencing constant and unbearable gas pain, you must seek…
Occasional loss of appetite in toddlers is common. And although it is generally not a cause for concern, you should consult the doctor if it is accompanied by signs of chronic illnesses or weight loss (1). Also, persistent loss of appetite can delay the growth of babies and make them prone to other diseases. Read…
Hiccups are innate, involuntary reflexes that could begin in the womb at just nine weeks of gestational ageiXCalculated from the last menstrual cycle to the current date in weeks (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…
Dog bites in children are common as they are often not careful to stay away from an aggressive or confused dog. They may try to get close and play with the animal, but the dog could attack to defend its puppies or out of fear. You need to teach your child how to deal with…
Noticing white or gray hair in children might cause concern in parents. The graying of hair in older adults is a natural process. But premature graying of hair in children is not. Although the reason might be genetic in some children, it might also be associated with a health condition such as vitiligoiXAn autoimmune condition…
Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that causes skin redness, commonly on the face and neck. Rosacea in children is uncommon, and it is usually seen in adults. If a child has rosacea, they can have flare-ups that may become frequent and intense over time. Moreover, a delayed diagnosis could lead to issues such as pimples,…
A splinter is a tiny fragment of an object, such as plastic, wood, glass, or other material that penetrates the skin and stays embedded, causing pain. Since the pain can be bothersome for a child, you might be looking for ways to remove a splinter from a child’s skin. Although splinters aren’t a cause for…
Noticing your baby wheezing can be distressing, but not all wheezing should worry you. Around 50% of children may experience an episode of wheezing in the first year of life, according to one study (1). Wheezing may be a sign that there is an obstruction in the airways. The severity and cause of this obstruction…
Rice water for babies is one of the oldest weaning foods that people in several cultures use due to its availability, simple preparation, and affordability. To prepare rice water, you need to cook the rice until it turns smooth and gets completely dissolved into the water. Drain the boiled rice, and the remaining suspended starch…
Diarrhea in children is a frequent passing of watery stools three or more times a day. It can be a symptom and a less serious condition (1). The most common cause of diarrhea is viral gastrointestinal infections. However, celiac diseaseiXAn autoimmune and genetic condition characterized by an immune reaction to gluten, the protein found in…
Ritalin for children is a prescription-only drug. It is a brand name for methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant. Methylphenidate is available in immediate-release or sustained-release formulationsiXThe medicine is released slowly for a prolonged effect on the body (1). According to a national survey of parents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that…
Water intoxication in babies is a condition that may cause severe physiological changes, such as low body temperatures and seizures. Feeding more water than the baby’s body can handle may upset the electrolyte balance of their system, leading to water intoxication. Just like for adults, water is a vital nutrient for babies too. It is,…
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises administering a vitamin K shot at birth to newborns. Vitamin K is a vital fat-soluble vitamin crucial in maintaining various physiological functions, including blood clotting. The body stores the vitamin in the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and bones, but these reserves are limited in newborns. Therefore, they are…
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a lung disease caused due to deficiency of surfactants in the lungs\' alveoli. The lung disease is also called hyaline membrane disease or infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). The condition is usually common in premature babies who do not have fully developed lungs. It is less commonly seen in…
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…
Nasal congestion in infants is as troublesome as in adults. While grown-ups may be able to handle it, infants may experience severe discomfort due to it. Besides causing breathing difficulty, a blocked nose can make it hard for babies to swallow food. In addition, it interferes with their sleep. Hence, they may wake up cranky…
Mononucleosis is an infectious disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (1). It is also known as infectious mononucleosis, glandular fever, mono, kissing disease, or just IM. Mono can occur at all ages, but most cases are seen in adolescence and early childhood. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…
Warts are benign growths on the skin caused due to a virus called the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Although a bit unsightly, warts are usually harmless. Children are more prone to infections than adults, and hence more vulnerable to being affected by the virus that causes warts (1). Normally warts are not painful, but the ones…