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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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 know more about the classification, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hives in children. [mj-toc] Are Hives Contagious? Hives can be itchy, painful, and even burn. Hives that go away in a few days or less than six weeks’ time are referred to as acute hives. Those that need more than six weeks to disappear or keep coming and going for more than six weeks are called chronic hives (2). Hives caused due to stress on the skin or exposure of the skin to external elements such as extreme cold or heat are referred to as physical urticaria. Hives themselves are not contagious, but 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 to be careful with every step that you might come across. If you are not aware of what activities will help them, we have covered them here. Check the list of activities that are guaranteed to help your little one develop strength and grow healthily. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/babys-third-month-a-development-guide_00102426/" title="3-Month-Old Baby's Developmental Milestones & Tips To Support"] [mj-toc] 3 Month Old Baby Development Activities Your baby can now hold up her head steadily and hold herself easily at 45 degree while on her tummy time. You can try holding her on her feet and put her in different positions. Play all the fun activities for 3 month...
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 weather, some skin products, inadequate hydration, or an underlying health condition. Read through this post as we explain what may cause children to develop dry skin and suggest some home remedies to manage the condition. [mj-toc] Symptoms Of Dry Skin In Children Dry skin is most prominent on the arm, lower leg region, and the sides of the abdomen. The other symptoms vary based on the severity of the dryness. Some of the symptoms are: Mildly dry skin Rough appearance and mild scaling of the skin Mild redness with no pain Moderately dry skin Moderate scaling of the skin Mild or moderate itching and pain...
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 from when do babies smile after birth? Read on to know about when babies start to smile, ways in which you may encourage them to smile, and what smiling says about your baby’s development. [mj-toc] When Do Babies Smile? [caption id="attachment_893612" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Babies begin to give a reflex smile from almost when they are born. Reflex smiles are smiles triggered by certain stimuli or events. You may notice a reflex smile when the baby relieves in the diaper, or you may notice the baby smiling in their sleep (2). A baby progresses to a social smile at around the age of two months...
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 are hungry. So, rather than worrying about when to feed your baby or how much to feed your baby, it’s a good idea to feed your baby only when they are hungry. Keep an understanding on your baby’s behavior by considering the hunger cues we’ve mentioned in this article. [mj-toc] Different Baby Hunger Cues Most parents think that crying is a hunger signal. But it is a late hunger cue. The baby shows many more cues early on. By utilizing your maternal instinct to identify these early cues, feeding your child will become a smoother process. Below is a list of baby hunger cues that...
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 bios, meaning life. Aerobics helps improve the efficiency of oxygen use and cardiovascular activity of the body. Thus, performing aerobics helps enhance oxygen circulation in the blood and improves heart health. Read on to know about a few types of aerobic exercises that you can try with your children. [mj_protip type="Did you know" title="Did you know?"]Lack of exercise may cause lower bone density, resulting in osteoporosis (6).[/mj_protip] [mj-toc] Types Of Aerobic Exercises For Kids Aerobics isn't just limited to dancing in a professional studio. Any exercise that helps you breathe faster and increase your heart rate can be considered aerobic. In this section, we have...
Bronchitis in kids is a viral or bacterial infection characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the large breathing tubes (bronchi). This lining makes [simple_tooltip text="mucus" tooltip="A sticky material that covers the lining of the lungs, throat, mouth, and sinus and provides protection and lubrication" ]and protects the underlying tissues. When the lining is inflamed, it makes a lot of mucus, making it difficult for the air to pass through and reach the bronchi. The main symptom of the infection is cough. Children may have dry coughs or wet coughs with mucus (1) (2). Read the post to know about the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of bronchitis in children. [mj-toc] Types And Causes Of Bronchitis In Children Bronchitis-causing pathogens spread through the mucus and respiratory droplets of the infected person (1) (3) (4). 1. Acute bronchitis [caption id="attachment_893533" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] It is a temporary inflammation of the bronchi caused by bacteria or viruses. It may...
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 helps you maintain circadian rhythm and regulate sleep patterns. Synthetically produced melatonin supplements may be used in conditions such as jet lag, some sleep disorders in children, and anxiety before and after surgery (2). This post talks about the safety of using melatonin in children, its side effects, and precautions. [mj-toc] Is Melatonin Safe For Children? [caption id="attachment_893610" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The short-term use of melatonin supplements is usually considered safe. Nevertheless, their effects on children have not been studied extensively. Studies on the long-term effects of melatonin use in children are not adequate as well. Additionally, melatonin being a hormone itself may affect hormonal development such as puberty and menstruation. However, evidence is not confirmatory (2). Hence, a child...
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 colic can often help parents distinguish it from cries for essential needs such as feeding and changing the diaper. It may also help you learn ways that work the best to soothe your baby. Read this post to understand colic in babies and ways to manage it effectively. [mj-toc] What Is Colic And How Common Is It? Colic is the uncontrollable and frequent cries of otherwise healthy babies. It is defined as crying for more than three hours a day for at least three days a week, with these episodes occurring for more than three weeks. Most infants are colicky during the first six weeks...
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 and Prevention (CDC) explains that TB in children younger than 15 years is a threat to public health as it indicates a recent transmission. So the chance of active tuberculosis among close family members is high. Moreover, TB in young children can be life-threatening (3). Read this post to learn more about the symptoms, complications, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of TB in children. [mj-toc] Types Of TB In Children The following are the different stages of TB (1). Exposed: This is when the child comes in contact with a TB-positive person but has a negative TB skin and blood test, a normal appearance of the...
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 feed. The parent or the caretaker needs to assist the baby to make them burp. This post acquaints you with attributes of burping in babies and how to help an infant burp. [mj-toc] Why Do Newborns Need Burping? Burping is a convenient way to release any trapped air in the digestive system. When being fed, babies tend to swallow some air. Apart from ingesting it orally, babies may produce gas during digestion. Babies with lactose intolerance or those allergic to formulas may produce excess gas. Similarly, the foods consumed by nursing mothers may produce gas in a few breastfed babies. Therefore, letting your baby burp...
Gastroenteritis or stomach flu is a bowel 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 the symptoms last for around two days. It usually takes around seven days for the infection to subside completely. Children can recover at home by drinking plenty of fluids and taking adequate rest (3) (4) (5). Read about the causes, symptoms, risks, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gastroenteritis in children. [mj-toc] What Are The Causes Of Gastroenteritis In Children? The causes of gastroenteritis in children are (4): Viral infection: Most viral gastroenteritis is caused by [simple_tooltip text="rotavirus" tooltip=" Virus that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in children" ], [simple_tooltip text="adenovirus" tooltip="Viruses that cause mild to severe respiratory and intestinal illness" ], or [simple_tooltip text="norovirus" tooltip="A contagious virus that...
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 a rash developing after fever. Sometimes bleeding spots may be confused with rashes. Read this post to learn about the various infectious diseases that cause skin rashes in toddlers after a fever. [mj-toc] Causes Of Rashes After Fever In Toddlers [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/skin-rashes-in-babies_00388497/" title="20 Different Causes Of Rashes In Babies And Their Prevention"] Dr. Loretta Cody, a board-certified pediatrician from New York City Metropolitan Area, says, “Many viral illnesses in children can be associated with a rash. This is called a viral exanthem. Some of the common viral illnesses associated with a rash in toddlers are coxsackie, chickenpox, erythema infectiosum also known as Fifth disease, and...
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 make it too moist or sweaty. Read this post to learn about the indications, safety measures, and tips to keep in mind while choosing the right moisturizer for your baby. [mj-toc]Do Newborns Need Lotion? [caption id="attachment_888865" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Baby’s have a protective layer on their skin when in the mother’s womb. This layer is called vernix caseosa, and it protects the baby’s skin from drying up too much. Post-birth, the vernix begins to shed, which gives a flaky appearance to the baby’s skin. This process is quite normal. However, newborns might not need lotion or baby oil as their skin remains moist until...
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 aids in breaking down the food into smaller fragments and exercises and strengthens the jaw muscles. Teeth are required for adequate chewing, and the emergence of an infant’s teeth significantly impacts their chewing abilities. Therefore, parents should start helping their babies develop their chewing abilities at a young age. Read on to learn when babies start chewing food, how to train them to chew, and how to detect any problems with their chewing skills. When Can A Baby Start Chewing Food? [caption id="attachment_881470" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] The ability to chew correctly usually appears around the age of 12 months (1). The baby would gradually...
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 could also occur due to blocked sweat glands or overheating. In either case, these rashes can be treated with home remedies after consulting a pediatrician. Read about the types, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of a heat rash in babies. [mj-toc]Types Of Heat Rashes In Babies Heat rashes, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, can be of different types, depending on the location of the rash, its clinical features, and other factors, such as the baby’s age (2) (3) (4). Miliaria crystallina: This sub-type of heat rash is commonly seen in the neck, trunk, and head areas. Miliaria crystallina mostly affects babies aged two weeks or less and is caused due to the obstruction of the sweat gland duct right beneath the skin’s surface...
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 post as we talk about the causes, home remedies, and prevention of a baby’s dry and chapped lips. [mj-toc]What Causes Chapped Lips In Babies? Common reasons behind dry and chapped lips in babies include: Dry weather, which is the most common cause of chapped lips among babies. The lips crack and become hard during winters or whenever there is a drop in the humidity. If you live in a place with low humidity, then the baby can have chapped lips any time of the year. Dry weather rid the lips of moisture, thus leading to chapping. Prolonged exposure to wind and sun can also cause...