Answers from Dr. Rishikant Ojha — 29 years of paediatric practice, distilled into the questions parents ask most.
When should I worry about my child's fever?+
In babies under 3 months, any fever above 38°C needs immediate attention — call Dr. Ojha or go to Avantika Hospital ER. In older children, watch for: fever lasting more than 3 days, difficulty breathing, a rash alongside fever, extreme lethargy, fever above 40°C, or a febrile seizure. Most fevers in children are viral and self-limiting.
Do not give aspirin to children. Paracetamol at the correct dose is safe. When in doubt, call
98182-13710.
How do I give paracetamol correctly to my child?+
The correct dose is 15mg per kg of body weight, every 4–6 hours. For a 10kg child, that is 150mg. Most syrups are 125mg/5ml or 250mg/5ml — check the label. Never exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. Ibuprofen is an alternative for children over 6 months — dose 5–10mg/kg. Do not give both together routinely. If fever persists beyond 3 days, consult Dr. Ojha.
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for my baby?+
The IAP schedule:
At birth — BCG, OPV, Hepatitis B.
6 weeks — DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B, PCV, Rotavirus.
10 weeks — DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, Rotavirus.
14 weeks — DTwP/DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, Rotavirus.
6 months — Influenza, OPV.
9 months — MMR, Varicella.
12–15 months — Boosters, Typhoid. We also cover USA, Australia and EU charts.
Book a vaccination planning visit →My baby has fever after vaccination — is this normal?+
Yes, mild fever (38–38.5°C) after vaccination is a normal immune response and usually resolves in 24–48 hours. Give paracetamol at the correct dose. A sore, red injection site is also normal. Seek help immediately if: fever exceeds 40°C, baby cries inconsolably for more than 3 hours, a rash or hives appears, or there is any breathing difficulty.
My child refuses to eat — what should I do?+
Temporary food refusal is completely normal in toddlers aged 1–3 years — their growth rate slows, so appetite naturally decreases. Tips: maintain regular mealtimes, avoid excessive snacking, offer variety without force, make mealtimes pressure-free, and limit milk/juice. If your child shows poor weight gain or is falling off the growth curve, book a nutrition assessment with Dr. Ojha who has specialised training in paediatric nutrition (PGPN, Boston University).
How long should I breastfeed my baby?+
WHO and IAP recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then continuing alongside complementary foods until at least 2 years. Breast milk provides optimal nutrition, immunity, and bonding. If you are struggling — low supply, latching issues, nipple pain — consult Dr. Ojha early. Most breastfeeding issues are entirely solvable.
My child seems shorter/thinner than peers — should I be concerned?+
Children grow at different rates. Consult Dr. Ojha if: your child has consistently been below the 3rd percentile, has recently slowed in growth, shows signs of nutritional deficiency, or if there is a significant difference from siblings at the same age. Dr. Ojha will check height, weight, BMI, diet, and screen for anaemia, thyroid issues, or celiac disease.
My child has had a cough for 2 weeks — when should I see a doctor?+
Most coughs resolve in 7–14 days without antibiotics. See Dr. Ojha if: the cough lasts more than 3 weeks, there is wheezing or difficulty breathing, there is fever lasting more than 3 days, the child seems very unwell, or the cough produces green/yellow phlegm. Cough syrups are not recommended for children under 6 years — saline drops, steam, and honey (over 1 year) are safer options.
When does my child actually need antibiotics?+
Antibiotics work only against bacterial infections — zero effect on viruses, which cause most childhood illnesses. Dr. Ojha follows the IAP AAA (Avoid Antibiotic Abuse) initiative. Antibiotics are appropriate for: bacterial pneumonia, confirmed UTI, streptococcal throat infection, certain ear infections, and specific bacterial gut infections. Overusing antibiotics causes resistance — one of the biggest public health threats of our era. Trust a doctor who says "No antibiotic needed" — it is the right call.
What symptoms require immediate hospital attention?+
Go to Avantika Hospital ER immediately (call Dr. Ojha on
98182-13710) if your child has:
Difficulty breathing,
Blue lips or fingertips,
Seizure/convulsion,
Loss of consciousness,
Severe dehydration (no urine 8+ hrs, dry lips, sunken eyes),
Severe abdominal pain,
High fever in newborn under 3 months,
Stiff neck with fever,
Non-blanching rash. When in doubt — call, never wait.
My newborn looks yellow — is jaundice dangerous?+
Mild neonatal jaundice affects about 60% of full-term newborns and usually resolves in 1–2 weeks. However, it is concerning if: it appears within the first 24 hours, the baby becomes very lethargic or feeds poorly, bilirubin rises rapidly, jaundice extends to the abdomen and legs, or it persists beyond 2 weeks. Dr. Ojha will assess the level and advise phototherapy if needed. Never ignore jaundice in a newborn who is not feeding well.
How much sleep does my child need?+
Recommended sleep by age: Newborn (0–3m) — 14–17 hrs. Infant (4–11m) — 12–15 hrs. Toddler (1–2y) — 11–14 hrs. Preschool (3–5y) — 10–13 hrs. School age (6–13y) — 9–11 hrs. Consistent bedtime routines and limiting screens 1 hour before bed improve sleep. If your child snores loudly or gasps during sleep, consult Dr. Ojha — these may indicate sleep apnea or adenoid issues.
How much screen time is safe for my child?+
IAP/WHO recommendations: Under 2 years — no screen time (except video calls). 2–5 years — maximum 1 hour/day of high-quality content. 6 years+ — consistent limits, not displacing sleep, physical activity, or face-to-face time. Excessive screen time is linked to speech delays, attention problems, sleep disruption, and obesity in children.
My child has loose motions — what should I do?+
Most childhood diarrhoea is viral and resolves in 3–7 days. The primary treatment is preventing dehydration with ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) — small, frequent sips. Continue breastfeeding or formula. For solid-eating children, BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) helps. Seek immediate care if: blood in stool, green/bloody vomit, no urination for 6+ hours, very lethargic, or 8+ episodes/day. Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed.