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• What is immunization and how it benefits the child?

  Immunization is the process wherein protection is provided to the healthy child against infectious germs. Vaccination prepares the body of the child how to eliminate the disease-causing agents from their system. It is the safest way of keeping the child healthy as each vaccine is first researched, designed, and clinically tested. The chances of a child having certain serious diseases are nullified by the use of vaccines. This effective weapon also prevents the possibility of death, associated stress, and expenses of becoming ill. If a healthy child is vaccinated for a specific disease, it does not mean that the immunity is lowered for fighting other diseases. There are rare chances that the child develops the same disease for which he/she is vaccinated.
• How do vaccines help protect the child from disease-causing microorganisms?

  A vaccine is prepared by using a weakened/killed form, or the parts of the bacteria or virus (using vectors) that cause a particular disease. When a vaccine is given to the child, a protective response against the targeted disease-causing agent is activated by a generation of pathogen-specific antibodies. These antibodies that flow in the blood serum react with the microbial antigen and neutralizes its effect or kill the pathogen when it enters the child's body. The vaccines prepare the body by creating a memory for the same pathogen and give permanent protection to the child in case of subsequent episodes of actual infection. Hence, the child will not feel sick as the body is prepared to fight against the illness. This is known as active immunity provided to children when natural passive immunity from the mother has declined.
• Why is there a particular schedule for the administration of each vaccination?

  The immunization begins soon after the child is born. Some vaccines are administered immediately after birth such as BCG (tuberculosis), OPV (polio), and Hepatitis B that are maternally transmitted. The efficacy of a vaccine is best when given to the child at the recommended time, with the right number of doses, and through the correct routes as mentioned in the National Immunization schedule. The age is decided based on the maximum incidence of a specific disease in that time of life. Similarly, the number of doses is recommended based on the level of protection needed. If the child is vaccinated lately as scheduled, it may leave the child unprotected from serious diseases for a longer time. The cases of diseased child or their deaths are significantly reduced when the vaccine is given at the age that ensures maximum protection.
• Are there any side effects on the child who has been immunized?

  Sometimes after getting a vaccine shot, the child may develop soreness or redness at the site of injection and a low-grade fever. Serious risk factors such as allergic reactions or seizures are very rare. The increase in body temperature after vaccination is a normal reaction indicating that the vaccine is working to provide an active immunity. But it doesn’t mean that the vaccine has not been effective or requires to be re-administered if the child does not develop any fever. Every year, the children are getting vaccinated safely as the research and clinical trials enhance the safety of immunization. Moreover, various studies have shown that there is no link that vaccines can cause a developmental disorder (autism) in a child. If there is any serious side effect associated with any vaccine, its method of development may be changed to minimize risks.
• How to check that whether a newborn is having enough food, sleep, and normal pooping?

  When a normal newborn makes a fuss, sucks fists, or cries, such actions give a hunger indication to the mother. It is advised that the mother should feed the baby only when a baby shows hunger signs. If the baby is on bottle feed, the entire bottle doesn't need to be emptied by the baby. In every feed, the amount of milk consumed can vary. In the initial days, the newborn baby frequently wakes up after every few hours to have milk and sleeps for about 16 hours a day. After some months (usually 4 to 6 months), the baby starts sleeping at a longer stretch without having food. Every time the mother nurses a newborn, a small bowel movement is normal.
• How to breastfeed a baby?

  Breastfeeding is the healthiest practice for a baby which requires some patience and practice. A baby shall be fed after every few hours or when hunger signs are observed such as fussing, the movement towards breasts, or fists sucking. A comfortable sitting place and the position shall be chosen before starting breastfeeding. Mother can use a soft pillow as a support to the head and neck of the baby. A fussy baby can be made relaxed by skin-to-skin contact with the mother. One hand of the mother shall be put underneath the head of the baby and the other hand shall be used to support the breast. As the baby opens his/her mouth elevate the head towards the breast so that the areolae and nipple go inside the mouth and the baby starts sucking milk. After the baby stops drinking milk from one breast, try burping before lying the baby down or switching breasts.
• Why does my child suck his/her fingers?

  It is completely normal for young infants aged 4–5 months to suck their fingers, as this is the age at which they begin to explore their surroundings. Parents should therefore be careful not to prohibit or pull their fingers away because they may turn to sucking their toys instead. For older children, the sucking may be a result of familiarity or used as a way to self-comfort. Should parents find that their grown-up child is still sucking on their fingers, it is important not to be too strict or pull their fingers away from the mouth because this could shock the child. Instead, try to find toys or activities that will provide a distraction for the sucking, as well as providing a platform for the development of their fine motor skills.
• Why does my baby spit up? Is it normal?

  All babies spit up. A lot of air is swallowed during the process of feeding. When we hold the baby up for a burp, this air comes up. Along with the burp some amount of milk, which may become curdled, will also come up. This is spit up, and it is completely normal.
• How can I make sure my baby is developing okay?

  The first two years usually see a rapid progress in both growth and development. Your paediatrician usually tracks these when you visit for regular checks and immunisations. An important thing to remember is that there is a range of normalcy, and just because some other child has achieved a milestone earlier than your baby, doesn’t mean it’s a cause for panic. Remember to provide a lot of stimulation by talking to your baby and encouraging them to be interactive. It is not important to buy expensive toys and gadgets. Usually babies will stand and walk by the time they are a year-old, and show a lot of interest in social interaction and communication by then. Actual words and phrases may take until two years of age.
• What is the right age to start weaning my baby?

  Mother’s milk is recommended till the age of six months. After that, we need to introduce supplemental foods to encourage proper transition to regular food. Try one food item (usually rice-based is a good starting point) at a time, and add a new item every few days to see how the baby adjusts to it. The food should be watery initially and can become thicker gradually. By the time the first teeth appear, the texture doesn’t have to be totally smooth. Avoid salt and sugar at the start. Always introduce a new item in the early part of the day to avoid indigestion at night. Breastfeeding may continue but, if needed, the child can be put on formula or doorstep milk now. The idea is that the child eats most of the foods the family eats by the time he/she is one-year-old, and is encouraged to self feed. Plan for three meals and two snacks by the time they are toddlers.