Dr Shreya Dubey is a gold medalist and a high-risk newborn specialist. She is a renowned paediatrician with extensive experience of more than 12 years. She offers her expertise in the areas of advanced newborn care, growth, development, immunisations/vaccinations, behavioural paediatrics, childhood illnesses and adolescent care. She has highly trained and has successfully managed more than 1,000 ELBW (extremely low birth weight) babies. A leading child specialist in Gurgaon, Dr Dubey brings with her experience of more than 12 years with Apollo Cradle Hospital.
Growing pains in kids: Complete guide for parents
The transition from childhood to early adulthood may seem swift on the surface. However, there is much that a child has to experience while growing up. From routine wellness habits to settling with hormonal changes and emotional upheavals, they also have to undergo some extent of pain in the process. Growing pains is one such phase that affects children, especially during the night. In this article, Dr Shreya Dubey, leading paediatrics and neonatologist at the CK Birla Hospital gives you an overview of growing pains in kids.
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A dull throbbing muscular ache felt by children in their legs is identified as growing pains. Your child may complain of sharp pain in front of the thighs, the calves and behind the knees if they are suffering from growing pains.
The intensity of this pain is felt in both the legs and is felt most during the night. It often starts in the afternoon or evening.
A child between the age group of 2-12 years is most likely to experience growing pains. In most cases, this condition is not persistent and the pain usually comes and goes.
This condition is characterised by pain in both legs. Nevertheless, some symptoms are uncommon and vary in children.
Symptoms of growing pains in kids include:
Only a verified healthcare provider can diagnose growing pains in kids. Most often, your medical doctor will assess your health to rule out the possibility of any other condition.
You must seek urgent medical help if:
It is not essential that your child’s pain in legs is due to growing pains. Several other conditions can cause similar pain such as:
There is no known cause for growing pains. A child’s development through the years does not necessarily cause pain and discomfort.
Research has suggested the possibility of an association between growing pains and restless leg syndrome. Some medical experts also believe that muscle cramps and pain in the night may result from exertion throughout the day. Since children put their legs to great use, as compared to adults, they may also feel higher pain. Activities such as running, climbing, jumping and more can tire a child and cause pain.
Despite its name, the idea that growing pain is related to a child’s development is not certain. It is because our bones keep growing most parts of our life. Bone growth should not cause pain in the legs and arms.
Watch Dr Shreya Dubey, Paediatric & neonatology specialist at the CK Birla Hospital talks about growing pains in kids and warning signs to look out for. She also gives a few tips to help you manage your child’s growing pain effectively at home.
A detailed investigation of the symptoms is usually enough to diagnose growing pains. Your healthcare provider will ask a range of questions such as:
Your doctor will evaluate your physical health and analyse your personal and family medical history.
Your doctor may not need to order additional tests and screenings to diagnose growing pains. However, to rule out the possibility of other musculoskeletal conditions, an X-ray may be indicated.
Growing pains are not aggravating and do not further develop into other conditions. In most incidences, the intensity of the pain gradually lessens and vanishes within a year or two. Therefore, there is no particular treatment protocol for growing pains.
However, there are several clinical measures and home remedies to alleviate the pain and help your child to deal with it.
Here are some expert-approved measures you can take to treat growing pains:
Due to the insufficient research on growing pains, it is also not known if they can be prevented. However, an active lifestyle and a sufficient supply of nutrients to your child’s body can help them cope.
You should make sure that your child is getting all the needed nutrients. Your child’s diet must include fibrous fruits and vegetables. You should also ensure that your child is taking plenty of rest. If they are fatigued throughout the day, you should divide nap times for them.
Growing pains are mostly harmless. The pain and discomfort associated with this condition can be dealt with clinical intervention and extra care by the parents. However, it is necessary for parents to ask for the opinion of doctors so that complications can be avoided.
If you wish to learn more about growing pains, book an appointment with Dr Shreya Dubery, best paediatric doctor at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: At what age do the kids get growing pains?
Ans: Growing pains usually start during early childhood. It affects a child between the age of 3 and 5 or 8 and 12 years.
Ques: How long do the growing pains last?
Ans: Growing pains affect every child differently. Mostly, it appears in intervals and lasts for nearly half an hour.
Ques: Do growing pains mean a growth spurt?
Ans: Despite the names, there is no clear evidence that growing pains are linked with a growth spurt.
Ques: Can you take anything for growing pains?
Ans: No, it is ideal to consult a medical expert for the treatment of growing pains.
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10 common skin rashes in children
A baby’s skin is considered the standard for softness and natural texture. You may see cosmetic products, mostly moisturisers and lotions, being advertised with the analogy that they make your skin as soft and natural as a baby’s. However, infants and small children are not exempt from skin conditions. Nearly 23.7% of children under the age of 3 years in India visit a healthcare provider for skin conditions. There are some common skin rashes in children that parents should look out for.
In this article, Dr Shreya Dubey, a leading paediatrician in Gurgaon, discusses some common skin conditions and rashes in children.
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As a new parent, changes in your child’s skin can frighten you. It is, thus, important to learn about these skin conditions. While the range of skin rashes in children is varying, there are a few rashes that are more prevalent than others.
If you wondered that the onset of acne happens when you hit puberty, you may be wrong. Baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, is a common skin condition affecting thousands of babies worldwide. As the name denotes, it is a condition in which pimp, white and red spots on skin begin to appear.
Baby acne are common baby rashes that mostly affect the child’s forehead and cheeks. This acne appears within the first month of birth and is associated with maternal hormones during pregnancy.
Treatment: Baby acne is not a frightening condition. It does not cause long-term effects and usually subsides on its own after the first one or two months. If your baby’s skin does not improve after a few months, you should consult your healthcare provider.
One of the most common skin rashes in children and babies is the cradle cap. In this condition, you will notice a thick and crusty layer (often yellow in colour) on the scalp of your child’s head.
While a cradle cap usually appears on the head, it can also be found behind the ears.
Treatment: Cradle cap is normally a harmless skin condition.It disappears on its own within a few months. You should ensure to maintain your baby’s hygiene for quick relief from the cradle cap. You should brush, hydrate and wash your baby’s hair routinely. Seek medical help if the condition persists or spreads to your baby’s face or other parts.
If babies could communicate as well as adults, they would agree how common and aggravating diaper rashes are. As the name denotes, a diaper rash is one of the common rashes in children caused by excessive moisture or prolonged contact with feces or urine in the diaper.
A diaper rash appears in the form of redness in your baby’s bottoms or genital area.
Treatment: A diaper rash can be prevented and easily managed by a routine hygiene check. You should make sure to change your baby’s nappies every 2-3 hours. Use diaper rash oil and creams.
Another condition common in infants and young children is eczema. It is characterised by dry and scaly patches on the skin. Baby eczema is among the commonest rashes in children. It is a chronic condition that often causes itching. Dust and heat can cause eczema in children.
Treatment: You should keep your baby clean and neat by bathing him every second or third day. If the rashes become severe, you should make sure to consult your doctor.
Baby’s skin tends to be extraordinarily sensitive. Their skin can become more dry due to a lack of moisturising oil created by the baby. Dry skin is a major factor leading to viral rashes in children.
Treatment: Skin dryness can be treated simply by hydrating your skin. You can use moisturisers and lotions specifically made for babies to keep your baby’s skin healthy.
Heat rash toddler can also lead to skin conditions in children. A harsh humid weather or excessive layers of clothing can trigger a heat rash. Heat rashes appear in the form of bright red spots on skin and not usually harmless.
Treatment: Heat rashes usually do not persist for long. They tend to disappear on their own in due time and care. Shifting your baby to a cooler environment can help in reducing this rash.
Milia is among the common skin rashes in children that appears on the nose, cheeks and chin. This condition is mostly present by birth and is not harmful for the baby.
Treatment: You can wash your baby’s face with clean water and soap to decrease the white bumps caused by milia. If the condition persists or aggravates, you should consult your healthcare provider.
Fifth disease also known as ‘slapped cheek disease’ is among the popular skin conditions in children. It is a result of a viral illness. Fifth disease is characterised by redness on the cheeks accompanied by low-grade fever and cold-like symptoms.
Treatment: There is no home remedy you can use for fifth disease. If your child develops a skin rash along with fever, you should make sure to take him to the medical doctor.
A drool rash is caused by the constant presence of saliva on your baby’s face. It usually appears during the teething phase of your child when your little one is growing milk teeth. A drool rash occurs on the mouth and is characterised by redness.
Treatment: You should ensure that your baby’s face is clear of saliva at most times. Do not scrub your infant’s mouth, instead pat dry it.
Hives is another common skin rash in children. It appears in the form of red or white bumpy patches of skin. These patches can sometimes be painful and itchy. However, hives in children is an acute illness and should not be a reason for panic.
Treatment: Your healthcare provider will be able to offer relevant medicines for the treatment of hives.
Most skin rashes can be avoided or reduced if you provide a healthy and clean environment for your baby. Here are some expert-approved tips on how to get rid of skin rashes in children.
The prevalence of common skin rashes in children is considerably high. Little kids have sensitive skin that can be easily affected by irritants. Parents should not be alarmed if they suspect a small change in their child’s skin. Make sure to practice the above-given tips on how to get rid of skin rashes in children and consult your doctor for regular health checkups of your child.
For more information on child health, book an appointment with Dr Shreya Dubey at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: How can you tell if a rash is serious?
Ans: You can tell if a skin rash is serious if:
Ques: What kind of rashes are painful?
Ans: Most rashes in children are not painful. However, some kinds such as diaper rash, baby eczema, heat rash, fifth disease and hives can cause mild discomfort and pain.
Ques: When should I worry about rashes on my child?
Ans: If your child’s rashes are serious and associated with symptoms such as fever and painful urination, you should consult a doctor urgently.
Ques: What should I do if my child has a rash?
Ans: The action steps depend on the severity of the rashes. If your child’s rash is not severe, you can simply pat a wet cloth on it to soothe pain and itching.
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Growth Development Milestones for Baby: 2022 Update
Parents are the biggest cheerleaders for children through the circle of life. Every achievement by a child is a matter of pride, whether it is a small step of potty training or graduating from a top college. The development milestones for baby are curiously tracked soon after their birth.
The first year of a child’s life is extraordinarily important. They go through a massive transformation in terms of growth during this time. Although, no two children are the same, there is a common set of baby development milestones.
Child healthcare experts all over the world have approved of some common guidelines to track a baby’s growth. In this article, Dr Shreya Dubey, one of the best paediatric and neonatologists at the CK Birla Hospital, explores the baby first year milestones.
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Growth and development milestones are basic physical and physiological checkpoints that a child acquires as they grow. These milestones can be regarded as basic life skills that help baby progress.
Child development milestones are categorised into four key areas:
A baby’s first year is a time for utmost joy and growth. It is a necessary life event for the child and an interesting time for the parents.
Welcome to the journey called parenting! At 0-3 months, the newborn has just started his/her life. Your baby will go through tremendous changes in the first few months. This is also the time when your baby will require most of your attention and love. Major growth and development milestones in the first 3 months are listed below.
Motor development milestones – Your newborn will be able to move her hands. She would open and close a fist and place her hands in the mouth by 3 months. If your baby is placed on her stomach, she will be able to pull her head up. During the first 3 months, your infant will gain slight control over her body. She would be able to life her head very briefly. If your baby is happy and playful, she will also throw her hands and legs in joy.
Sensory development milestones – Your baby will be able to latch her attention to specific things like some toys. If you move her favourite toy from side to side, she would be able to track its directions. She would also possibly respond to lullabies, gentle playful and calming music.
Language development milestones – The communication aspect starts early for infants. Your little one would start to respond by smiling. She would revert to specific sounds and also make eye contact with parents. You would also be able to notice a difference in her cries depending upon her need.
Feeding milestones – Your baby would be enthusiastic about feeding by 3 months old. You can expect her to gorge at the nipple or bottle. You can expect her to be fed atleast 6 times during a day.
Motor development milestones – By 6 months, your baby’s motor skills will develop largely. She would be able to accept most of her body weight. She would start sitting or standing with the help of additional support. You can see that she will also playfully begin to roll on tummy and roll back. She would start to bend her legs and reach for her toes during this period.
Sensory development milestones – Your baby will become more familiar with her surroundings. She will understand specific sounds and you would be able to calm her through rocking or moving gently. You can see her explore her toys and other objects with her hands at 6 months.
Language development milestones – Your baby will start communicating with you through the baby noises. She would babble and giggle while expressing. She would also pay additional attention to toys that make sounds.
Feeding milestones – Your baby will be able to notice food by now. She would start eating baby foods like cereals, purees and fruits.
Motor development milestones – Your baby will be able to sit by this time. She would not require any extra support to sit. She would move forward to reach out for toys. She would be quick to respond to certain noises. You can expect your baby to pick up things.
Sensory development milestones – This is an experimental time for the baby. Your little one would be very keen to explore different objects. She would curiously examine her toys with both hands. You can analyse which playful movement does she enjoy. The sensory sight of your baby will also expand and she would also be able to place her attention at faraway objects.
Language development milestones – Your baby’s babbling will be more expressive. You can recognise the repetition of certain syllables in her babbles. Her recognition of particular people and objects will enhance. She will grow familiar with who her parents her, which toys are her favorite and more. She may also nod or react to a familiar name or act using simple gestures.
Feeding milestones – By 9 months, your baby will start holding her own milk bottle. She will start to enjoy chewing on teethers. She will also begin to react to certain smells and foods.
Congratulations! Your newborn has transformed into an infant by the first year. She has accomplished most of her child development milestones. There is, still, much to watch out for.
Motor development milestones – Your baby will begin to move around furniture with the support of hands. Her balance would considerably improve. You can teach your baby to clap her hands at this time. She would start to throw objects in places with a large opening like containers. Her movement would be more flexible and independent.
Sensory development milestones – Your baby will become more curious about her toys. She will also, probably, have her favorite songs and sounds. She will react more extensively to objects that she likes or dislikes.
Language development milestones – By 12 months, your baby will not only identify but begin to call you ‘mama’ or ‘dada’. She would also understand meaningful instructions. She can babble at a longer extent and possibly use a couple of understandable words. Her communication will be more clear.
Feeding milestones – Your baby will begin to discover a variety of food. She would be able to digest more softly cooked foods by now. She can drink through an open-mouthed cup. She may start self-feeding using her fingers.
Every child is unique in his/her own way. Child development milestones should be looked at as guidelines for parents to track the baby’s growth. These developments are not necessarily followed in each child’s case. If you have had a pre-term baby, you should consider these guidelines differently.
If your child is not able to reach these baby development milestones, you should avoid panic and speak to an expert. A verified paediatrician would be able to help you in case your baby is growing differently.
Recording these growth development milestones in the first year is a fascinating approach. You can support your child in a better manner if you are aware of this aspect.
If you need clinical assistance to track baby milestones the first year, you can visit CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon.
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