Dr Deb | Paediatrican & Mum

SCHOOL SORES⁠ ⁠ These spots you might have heard about are also called "Impetigo," or as I call them, "Impetig-Oh-No”! 😷 But don't worry; knowledge is power, so let's learn a few useful facts about them:⁠ ⁠ 👉🏻 Impetigo is caused by bacteria, often Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes ⁠ 👉🏻The rash goes through a typical cycle ending with the crusts you can see in this pic⁠ 👉🏻It's usually itchy⁠ 👉🏻It's very common among children, especially in places like schools and daycare centres ⁠ 👉🏻It's highly contagious ⁠ ⁠ If you'd like to learn more please read my latest HEALTH BLOG - link in bio. And if you think your child could have them, def do that now! Please tag friends who you’d like to help by sharing this info ❤️ #schoollife #rash #kidsrash #impetigo #schoolsores #infection #contagious #washyourhands #daycareproblems #expertadvice #pediatrician #kidshealth #healthykids

BABY STEPS⁠ ⁠ 🚶‍♀️ The Journey of First Steps Begins! 🌟 ⁠ ⁠ Although there is a range, your little one is likely to take their first wobbly steps, embracing newfound independence around their first birthday 🥳 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠Clues your little one is on the right path (mind the pun!) Initially, they’ll use furniture (or you!) to pull themselves up to stand, next comes taking steps when holding onto something building confidence and strength to finally walk independently! ⁠ ⁠ Here are a few tips to help their walking skills:⁠ 👣 Putting toys up on a low table or sofa to encourage pulling up to stand⁠ 👣 Creating a safe and obstacle-free environment⁠ 👣 Holding their hands to walk⁠ 👣 Introducing push toys (NOT the walkers they sit in)⁠ ⁠ Even though they start out looking like a little drunk person with wobbly legs and lots of fall downs, they’ll soon be walking smoothly. Cheer them on during this huge achievement and get ready to start running after them before you know it!⁠ ⁠ If your baby shows no attempts to walk or stand with support (eg holding onto your hand or furniture) by 18 months, consult a paediatrician for further evaluation.⁠ ⁠ Please share in the comments when your munchkin took their first step so we can all celebrate this wonderful milestone! 🌈 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #FirstSteps #GrowingConfidently #TheWalkingAdventureBegins⁠ ⁠ ⁠

SAY WHAT!!?! IS THIS TRUE?⁠ ⁠ Before you go googling, let me save you time and overwhelm. Yes, they can!⁠ ⁠ Let me explain and shed light on a topic that might surprise some: mini periods or vaginal discharge in newborn baby girls.⁠ ⁠ 🌺 Thankfully, this is completely normal and nothing to worry about⁠ ⁠ Just like adult women, baby girls may experience a discharge due to the lingering hormones passed on by their mothers during pregnancy. This may cause a blood-stained discharge within the first few weeks of life. This discharge, known as a mini period, is a natural part of their body's adjustment to the outside world. ⁠ A simple mini-period passes without any problems or consequence. ⁠ And NO you never need any kind of tampon!!! Ever!!! ⁠ 🌼 While mini periods are typically harmless, there are some signs to be more concerned about. If you notice any of the following, it's important to reach out to your paediatrician:⁠ 1️⃣ Excessive bleeding or bright red discharge bright with clots.⁠ 2️⃣ Foul smell accompanying the discharge.⁠ 3️⃣ Signs of discomfort or pain during urination or pooping.⁠ 4️⃣ Redness, swelling, or irritation in the genital area.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Share below if your little princess had one and if you were prepared or freaked out!⁠ ⁠ 👑 Let's cherish every moment of this beautiful journey, embracing the wonders of life, and supporting our little angels through every milestone they reach! 🎉 #NewbornJourney #LittlePrincess #MiracleOfLife #BabyGirl #Newborn #Newmama⁠

FPIES not fries! And pronounced "F- pies"⁠ ⁠ As if that's not confusing enough, FPIES can be very tricky to diagnose. Thankfully though it's not life-threatening and the majority of children out grow it.⁠ ⁠ Do you have a child with FPIES or maybe you think they could have it? Comment below and TAG friends who need this info. ❤️

YES... AND NO...⁠ ⁠ Crying is a baby's main way of communicating and although it's never nice to hear your baby cry it's usually them just letting you know what they need. That may be a feed, a sleep, a diaper change or even a cuddle. ⁠ ⁠ These types of cries are usually short-lived and bub will soon be soothed. With time you'll even work out what the cry means :) Although you obviously need to tend to the needs of your baby, these are not the type of cries that you usually need to worry about.⁠ ⁠ But what about other cries? The ones that are 'different' from their usual ones. They may have a different pitch, be louder, quieter, higher, more urgent or you just cannot settle them.⁠ ⁠ These types of cries can point to something else like pain or illness. You should seek review by your doctor if this happens.⁠ ⁠ Don't worry if you're not sure, that's why healthcare providers are around! If in doubt, get it checked out ❤️⁠ ⁠

SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL! Talking and reading are just two of my favourite ways we can help our children’s minds develop. And who better than that wonderful Sir David Attenborough to remind us of this? Please tag another mum who’d enjoy this info. ❤️

CLEANING YOUR SON’S GENITALS A little bit of skin can cause bother… by this I mean the foreskin. To retract or not to retract is a question I get asked a LOT. And it’s good to remember that for the majority of boys their foreskin will only retract by puberty, it’s an important thing to know about. Was this a worry for you? Please tag mums of boys to share this important information ❤️

CLEANING YOUR BABY GIRLS GENITALS Although it may seem obvious, I think it’s good to know the ins and outs…. Mind the pun 🙈 Please tag any friends with baby girls 💖

CRADLE CAP⁠ ⁠ Also known as seborrhoeic dermatits is a really common condition in young babies with around 1 in 10 having it.⁠ ⁠ It can vary in severity and usually affects the head and face. There can be an association with eczema but not always and it typically occurs within the first few weeks of life.⁠ ⁠ The good thing is that it really doesn't bother your bub and it will slowly go away without any intervention. But it can be very extensive and not look very nice. ⁠ ⁠ Ask Dr Google and you'll get LOTS of "advice" on how to treat it but the honest truth is that it can be really tricky. There are a few things that can help though so please chat to your healthcare provider.⁠ ⁠ Did your baby have it? What helped? Please COMMENT below ❤️⁠ ⁠

SICK AGAIN? YUP!⁠ ⁠ It may feel like your little one is sick ALL the time which can be very stressful. ⁠ ⁠ Listen to our latest podcast to learn about fevers, snotty noses, rashes and more!⁠ ⁠ Link in bio or DM me and I'll send it to you ❤️ and tag a friend who’s in the same sickness boat as you are!