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‘Red flags on kids’ vaccination, nutrition, screen time should not be ignored’ In conversation with Avneet Kaur, paediatrician, Dr MS Bhutani, who is also the president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Jalandhar, sheds light on some of the most common concerns parents have regarding newborns and young children. From vaccination myths to nutritional mistakes and the effects of excessive screen time, he provides expert insights on ensuring a child’s healthy development. Q: Many parents worry about childhood vaccinations. What are the biggest myths surrounding these, and how do you address these concerns? One of the biggest concerns parents express is whether vaccinations are necessary and if they come with serious side-effects. Many fear that vaccines might harm their child’s immune system or cause long-term health issues. However, I always reassure them that vaccinations are crucial for preventing life-threatening diseases, and any side-effects such as mild fever or pain at the injection site are temporary and minor. Serious reactions, like anaphylactic shock, are extremely rare. I emphasise that no vaccine is optional; every single one is essential. Prevention is always better than cure, and the cost of treating vaccine-preventable diseases is far higher than the cost of immunisation. Additionally, an immunisation record is crucial for a child’s education, as foreign universities and even schools in India require these documents. Most parents, once they understand these facts, trust our advice and ask us to do what is best for their child. Honesty and clear communication are key to addressing their concerns. Q-What are the key nutritional mistakes parents make in a child’s early years, and how can they ensure a well-balanced diet? One of the most common mistakes is not exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months. Some parents introduce cow’s milk too early, while others add salt or sugar to their baby’s diet before it is appropriate. I always stress that mother’s milk should be the sole source of nutrition for the first six months, as it provides all essential nutrients and strengthens the child’s immune system. After six months, homemade semi-solid foods should be introduced gradually. Parents should avoid excessive milk consumption as the child grows and instead focus on a balanced diet that includes green vegetables, fruits, pulses and carbohydrates. By the age of two, breastfeeding should be discontinued to encourage healthy eating habits. Small, frequent meals are best for maintaining a child’s energy levels and overall growth. Q: There’s a growing concern about rising allergies in children. What factors contribute to this, and can anything be done to prevent these? Diet plays a crucial role in allergies. The increasing consumption of fast food, fried food and frozen food is a major factor contributing to allergies in children. These processed foods often contain preservatives and artificial additives that can trigger allergic reactions. Encouraging fresh, home-cooked meals can significantly lower the risk of allergies and boost a child’s overall health. Q: How can parents differentiate between normal developmental variations and signs of a potential delay in their child? Certain red flags should not be ignored. If a child starts losing previously acquired skills, does not respond to commands, is excessively self-centered or constantly demands attention, these could be signs of developmental delays. A child who is unresponsive, unplayful or not reaching age-appropriate milestones should be evaluated by a specialist as early detection and intervention can make a significant difference. Q-With screen time becoming unavoidable, what are the best practices for ensuring a healthy balance for kids of different age groups? In today’s digital world, eliminating screen time completely may be difficult, but parents should make a conscious effort to minimise it as much as possible. Excessive screen exposure is linked to conditions like ADHD and autism. Instead of relying on screens for entertainment, children should be encouraged to engage in real-world activities like outdoor games, reading books, painting, listening to music, participating in stage plays and traveling. Parents should remember that children do not need expensive presents — they need personal time and presence. Engaging with them in meaningful activities not only reduces screen dependency but also strengthens the parent-child bond. The key is to create an environment where children naturally prefer interactive, creative and physically engaging activities over passive screen consumption.

‘Red flags on kids’ vaccination, nutrition, screen time should not be ignored’ In conversation with Avneet Kaur, paediatrician, Dr MS Bhutani, who is also the president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Jalandhar, sheds light on some of the most common concerns parents have regarding newborns and young children. From vaccination myths to nutritional mistakes and the effects of excessive screen time, he provides expert insights on ensuring a child’s healthy development. Q: Many parents worry about childhood vaccinations. What are the biggest myths surrounding these, and how do you address these concerns? One of the biggest concerns parents express is whether vaccinations are necessary and if they come with serious side-effects. Many fear that vaccines might harm their child’s immune system or cause long-term health issues. However, I always reassure them that vaccinations are crucial for preventing life-threatening diseases, and any side-effects such as mild fever or pain at the injection site are temporary and minor. Serious reactions, like anaphylactic shock, are extremely rare. I emphasise that no vaccine is optional; every single one is essential. Prevention is always better than cure, and the cost of treating vaccine-preventable diseases is far higher than the cost of immunisation. Additionally, an immunisation record is crucial for a child’s education, as foreign universities and even schools in India require these documents. Most parents, once they understand these facts, trust our advice and ask us to do what is best for their child. Honesty and clear communication are key to addressing their concerns. Q-What are the key nutritional mistakes parents make in a child’s early years, and how can they ensure a well-balanced diet? One of the most common mistakes is not exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months. Some parents introduce cow’s milk too early, while others add salt or sugar to their baby’s diet before it is appropriate. I always stress that mother’s milk should be the sole source of nutrition for the first six months, as it provides all essential nutrients and strengthens the child’s immune system. After six months, homemade semi-solid foods should be introduced gradually. Parents should avoid excessive milk consumption as the child grows and instead focus on a balanced diet that includes green vegetables, fruits, pulses and carbohydrates. By the age of two, breastfeeding should be discontinued to encourage healthy eating habits. Small, frequent meals are best for maintaining a child’s energy levels and overall growth. Q: There’s a growing concern about rising allergies in children. What factors contribute to this, and can anything be done to prevent these? Diet plays a crucial role in allergies. The increasing consumption of fast food, fried food and frozen food is a major factor contributing to allergies in children. These processed foods often contain preservatives and artificial additives that can trigger allergic reactions. Encouraging fresh, home-cooked meals can significantly lower the risk of allergies and boost a child’s overall health. Q: How can parents differentiate between normal developmental variations and signs of a potential delay in their child? Certain red flags should not be ignored. If a child starts losing previously acquired skills, does not respond to commands, is excessively self-centered or constantly demands attention, these could be signs of developmental delays. A child who is unresponsive, unplayful or not reaching age-appropriate milestones should be evaluated by a specialist as early detection and intervention can make a significant difference. Q-With screen time becoming unavoidable, what are the best practices for ensuring a healthy balance for kids of different age groups? In today’s digital world, eliminating screen time completely may be difficult, but parents should make a conscious effort to minimise it as much as possible. Excessive screen exposure is linked to conditions like ADHD and autism. Instead of relying on screens for entertainment, children should be encouraged to engage in real-world activities like outdoor games, reading books, painting, listening to music, participating in stage plays and traveling. Parents should remember that children do not need expensive presents — they need personal time and presence. Engaging with them in meaningful activities not only reduces screen dependency but also strengthens the parent-child bond. The key is to create an environment where children naturally prefer interactive, creative and physically engaging activities over passive screen consumption.

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