When should I bring my child to a doctor?
Come at once if your child:
- has trouble breathing
- has had a fall or an accident
- is bleeding
- is dull, or not responding as usual
- has swallowed a medicine or anything unknown
- is having a fit
Outside clinic hours, on Sundays and on holidays, go straight to Max Hospital, IP Extension, Patparganj.
Until what age should a paediatrician see my child?
From birth until 18 years of age.
When is the first visit?
Every baby should be seen at birth. We then fix a visit for after the mother comes home from hospital.
If the baby is born at home, bring them as soon as you can.
Does my newborn need a hearing test?
Yes. It is a simple test. Hearing loss that is missed leads to delayed speech and trouble learning later.
What blood tests does a newborn need?
A thyroid test at birth. Thyroid problems are common, easy to find and easy to treat, but treatment must start early.
Other conditions can be checked at the same time. Ask us about newborn screening.
How will I know which vaccine is due?
We tell you the next date every time a vaccine is given.
Are the newer vaccines available at government centres?
No. The government gives only the vaccines in the national programme. New vaccines take years to be added.
Ask us what the newer ones protect against, then decide for yourself.
Should my child take the polio drops at home visits?
Yes, every time. India has been polio free since 2011 because families took part. The disease can come back if children are not protected.
Why do vaccinations continue into adult age?
Different diseases are common at different ages. Vaccines are advised for teenagers, adults and the elderly too.
My child is not growing taller. What should I do?
Both parents should come, with the birth record and the growth and vaccination charts. It may be something simple, or it may need tests.
When should I start solid food?
At six months, for a baby fed only on breast milk. Come and see us then, because the diet changes with every month of age.
Does diet in the first two years really matter?
Yes, more than at any other time. Growth and brain development depend on it, and some of the harm from poor feeding in these years cannot be undone.
Not sure?
If you are wondering whether to come, it is usually worth coming.