Vaccines
1. Is the non-governmental vaccine necessary if yes, which ones are the most important?
Most of these vaccines are part of the regular immunization schedule in developed countries. The government of Nepal is still working towards including them in our national immunization program. Till then we have to pay from our own pocket. Vaccines against Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A, Influenza, Meningococcal disease, HPV, and regular Boosters are crucial.
2. Are booster shots for a baby’s vaccines required?
Yes. Absolutely. The effect of the vaccine received during infancy gradually wean off in their ability to protect against the specified diseases. So to protect the child against deadly infections like diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles-mumps-rubella, boosters are highly recommended at 18 months, 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years age.
3. Which of the optional immunizations do you recommend for the babies?
We are lucky to have access to a variety of additional vaccines now in the Nepali market. Vaccines against Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A, Influenza, Meningococcal disease, HPV, and regular Boosters are recommended and extremely important.
Feeding
4. Why is my baby puking milk?
That really depends on how old your baby is. Vomiting during the newborn period and early infancy is very common. You can reduce the tendency of vomiting by regular burping, avoiding excessive swinging/shaking after feeds, and making the baby lie down with the head end slightly elevated. Common causes of vomiting in bigger babies could be an exaggerated gag, food poisoning, and other infections.
5. When and how should a baby be trained to stop eating at night?
Most babies are able to sleep 6 hours stretch by the time they are 6-8 months old, without feeds. Breastfed babies tend to wake up more often as they seek suckling to help them go back to sleep. You do not need to ‘train’ your baby as such, just wait patiently for her natural development and growth to take care of it.
6. When could we start our baby on solid foods?
Semi-solids are to be started only after the completion of 6 months. Babies are ready to be weaned only at this age. There are various disadvantages, and you may even be doing harm to your baby if you introduce semi-solids too early or too late.
7. What are the exercises for a baby’s digestion?
Babies do not need specific exercises to help with their digestion. But if baby develops constipation then massaging the abdomen, tummy-time, leg stretches and cycling movements are known to prove beneficial.
8. What are the foods that can be introduced when your child is ready for semi-solids?
Any food you choose to start is fine. Easily digestible food such as apple puree or single grain-based cereal is great starter foods. Make sure you do not use added salt, sugar, honey, citrus fruits, and animal milk until the first birthday.
9. My six-month-old is teething and isn’t interested in eating. Is it okay if I give her a multivitamin? Please suggest one for me.
To help relieve teething discomfort; you can use a chilled teether. It is normal and expected for baby’s appetite to go down during teething. There is no need for additional multivitamins if your baby is normal and growing well.
10. Is it good to feed rice to babies on a daily basis? My infant is over eight months old and eats rice once a day.
Yes. Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, easily digestible, available, and affordable. But do make sure you give enough source of protein and vegetables along with the rice
11. With three meals a day, it’s difficult to manage milk and snack schedules for an 18-month-old. please suggest a suitable timetable.
The daily diet schedule is almost the same as that of an adult. 4 meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner. Milk is preferably to be given within a few minutes after semi-solids. Aim for a balanced diet with carbs, protein, vegetables, seasonal fruits along with breastfeeding on demand or/and 3 ½ cup servings of milk or dairy products.
12. What are the tricks and techniques for burping a child?
There are a few easy techniques you can use for burping your baby. Hold your baby upright with the head resting on your shoulder and pat the back with your other hand. Or sit your baby on your lap supporting the chin and chest with one hand, then rub or pat the back with your other hand. You can also rest your baby face down on your lap and gently rub or pat the back. A few helpful tricks – cupping your hand slightly is gentler than a flattened palm; use repeated, gentle pats on your baby’s back; keep a cloth nearby in case your baby spits up.
Weight of baby
13. At what age should a baby’s weight double?
The Baby’s birth weight is expected to double by the time baby is 5-6 months and triple by the first birthday.
14. My baby’s birth weight was 3.7 kg, and he grew to 6.5 kg after 47 days. Is the rate of growth normal?
The rate of weight gain is much higher than expected. Make sure that the weighing scale is accurately calibrated and the baby is wearing minimal clothing during weight checks. Also, get your baby examined by your health care provider and his/her growth plotted in a growth chart during vaccine visits.
Infection and Injuries
15. My six-month-old banged head. What can be done about the mark of blood clot on the wounded portion as well as in the eye?
If I were you, I would apply a cold compress and rush my baby to the nearest emergency.
16. What are the treatments and prevention for Cradle cap?
Cradle cap is very common, especially in our context, due to our culture of using oil on the scalp along with constant headwear. Regular use of a mild baby shampoo prevents this condition. If it gets worse or severe, you will need to visit a pediatrician or a dermatologist for a prescribed treatment.
