Learn

Short, referenced health notes for parents and families, written by Dr Harshal Khade, Pediatrician and Neonatologist. New notes every week, and a health tip on Facebook every Sunday. For public health education only.

• All
• Vaccination
• Nutrition and growth
• Newborn and infant care
• Parenting and behaviour
• Family health

• 
  Parenting and behaviour · 1 November 2026

  Screen time: how much is okay for my young child?

  The Indian Academy of Pediatrics advises no screens at all for children under 2 years, and up to 1 hour a day for children aged 2 to 5 years, watched together with a parent. Play, talking, reading and sleep matter most at this age.

• 
  Family health · 1 November 2026

  Diwali crackers: how can I keep my child safe?

  Let adults light the crackers in an open space while children watch from a distance, keep water or sand ready, and dress children in close-fitting cotton clothes. If a burn happens, cool it under running water and see a doctor.

• 
  Newborn and infant care · 30 October 2026

  Umbilical cord stump: how do I care for it at home?

  Keep your baby's cord stump clean and dry, and put nothing on it: no oil, powder, ash or home remedies. It usually dries and falls off on its own by about 3 weeks of age.

• 
  Family health · 30 October 2026

  After the rains: how to stop mosquitoes breeding in your home

  The mosquito that spreads dengue lays its eggs in clean water standing in and around the home. Empty, scrub and cover every water container once a week, and protect children from bites during the day.

• 
  Vaccination · 24 October 2026

  Polio drops: when does your child need them?

  Under India's schedule, babies get polio drops at birth, at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, and a booster at 16 to 24 months. Every child under 5 should also get drops on each Pulse Polio day, even if fully vaccinated.

• 
  Nutrition and growth · 22 October 2026

  Iron-rich foods: how to help your child get enough iron

  Give your child dal and other pulses, green leafy vegetables, seeds and dry fruits, and eggs, fish or meat if your family eats them. Add a vitamin C fruit or a squeeze of lemon, and keep tea and coffee away from meal times.

• 
  Nutrition and growth · 20 October 2026

  Healthy festival snacks for children: simple ideas from home

  Sweets and faral can be part of the festival fun. Keep them small and occasional, and fill most snack times with fruit, roasted chana, makhana, sprouts, curd and steamed or roasted home snacks.

• 
  Nutrition and growth · 16 October 2026

  How to build a healthy plate for your growing child

  Fill about half of your child's food for the day with vegetables and fruits, and share the rest between whole grains or millets, and dal, eggs or milk. Simple home food, eaten together, is enough.

• 
  Family health · 15 October 2026

  Handwashing with soap: when and how to teach your child

  Wash with soap and water before eating and after the toilet, scrubbing every part of both hands for at least 20 seconds. Children pick up the habit most easily when the whole family does it together, every day.

• 
  Vaccination · 13 October 2026

  Missed a vaccine date? Your child does not need to start again

  If a vaccine was missed on its due date, the doses already given still count. The missed dose is given at the next visit and the schedule simply continues from there.