Dr. Kabir Nanda

Some babies are late teethers. If there are no teeth by 12–15 months, consult a pediatrician or pediatric dentist for evaluation.

• Drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Chewing on objects
• Mild irritability
• Slight increase in temperature (not high fever)

If your baby develops a high fever or severe diarrhea, consult a doctor as these are not typical teething symptoms.

Typically:

Lower Teeth

• 6–10 months
• 10–16 months
• 17–23 months
• 14–18 months

Upper Teeth

• 8–12 months
• 9–13 months
• 13–19 months
• 16–22 months
• 23–31 months
• 25–33 months

Teething order may vary slightly from child to child.

Most babies get their first tooth between 6–10 months, usually a lower front tooth (lower central incisor). However, some babies may get teeth earlier or later — this can be completely normal.

From around 9 months, when your baby can pick up food:

• Offer soft finger foods
• Let them feed themselves
• Always supervise to prevent choking

Eating with the family encourages healthy habits.

Yes. Once solids begin, offer small amounts of plain water. Avoid sugary drinks. Fruit juices should be limited.

No salt – Babies’ kidneys cannot handle added salt.
No sugar – It promotes tooth decay and unhealthy taste preferences.

After 12 months, cow’s milk can be introduced as a drink.

Before that, breast milk or formula should remain the primary milk source.

1. Carbohydrates (rice, ragi)
2. Proteins (pulses, legumes, chicken, fish, meat)
3. Fats (introduced later in small amounts)

Avoid egg white and cow’s milk until 1 year of age.

• Iron-fortified rice cereal
• Pureed vegetables (carrot, sweet potato)
• Pureed fruits
• Ragi cooked with boiled water

Introduce one food at a time, waiting 4–5 days before adding a new one.

Your baby may be ready if:

• Weight gain has slowed despite frequent feeds
• They seem constantly hungry
• They cannot get satisfied with milk alone
• They can sit with support and hold their head steady
• They show interest in food
  
  
  Why shouldn’t solids be introduced before four months?

Before four months:

• The digestive system is not mature enough
• Babies cannot properly swallow solid textures
• There is a higher risk of allergies and choking

No. Weaning simply means introducing solid foods alongside breast milk or formula. Breastfeeding can (and should) continue even after solids are introduced.

World Health Organization recommends starting solid foods around six months of age, but not before four months.

Frequent hiccups and sneezing are normal in newborns. It helps clear nasal passages and adjust to life outside the womb.

Usually within 2–3 days after hospital discharge, then regularly as advised for growth and vaccinations.

Follow safe sleep guidelines:
  •  Place baby on their back
  •  Use a firm mattress
  •  No pillows, blankets, or toys in crib
  •  Share a room, not a bed

Call immediately if your baby has:
  •  Fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
  •  Difficulty breathing
  •  Persistent vomiting
  •  Poor feeding
  •  Yellowing of skin/eyes worsening
  •  Fewer wet diapers than expected

Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, seek medical advice.

• Keep it clean and dry
• Fold diaper below the stump
• Avoid alcohol unless advised

It usually falls off within 1–2 weeks. Contact your doctor if you notice redness, swelling, or discharge.

Yes. Most babies lose up to 7–10% of birth weight in the first few days.
They usually regain it by 2 weeks of age.

Stool changes over the first week:
  •  First few days: Black, sticky (meconium)
  •  Day 3–5: Greenish-brown
  •  Afterward:
  •  Breastfed babies: Yellow, seedy
  •  Formula-fed babies: Tan or light brown

Call your doctor if stools are white, red, or black after the first week.

Newborns sleep 14–17 hours per day, usually in short periods of 2–4 hours.
It is normal for newborns to wake frequently for feeding.

Signs your baby is feeding well:
  •  6–8 wet diapers per day after day 5
  •  Regular bowel movements
  •  Steady weight gain
  •  Baby appears satisfied after feeds

If you’re unsure, consult your pediatrician for a weight check.

If a vaccine dose is missed, consult your pediatrician for a catch-up immunization plan. Vaccination schedules can be adjusted without restarting the entire series.

Yes, administering multiple vaccines during the same visit is safe and recommended to ensure timely protection without delaying the immunization schedule.

No, most respiratory infections in children are viral and resolve with supportive care. Antibiotics are only required for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections.

A cough lasting more than four weeks, associated with weight loss, persistent fever, breathing difficulty, or recurrent wheezing requires medical evaluation to rule out asthma, infection, or other underlying conditions.

Yes, when prescribed correctly, inhaled medications are safe and effective for long-term asthma control. They reduce airway inflammation and prevent severe attacks when used under medical supervision.

Newborns typically feed every 2–3 hours (8–12 times per day).
  •  Breastfed babies may feed more frequently.
  •  Formula-fed babies may feed every 3–4 hours.

Frequent feeding is normal and supports healthy growth.