Beloved specialist family physician Dr Chantelle van der Bijl is the face behind the popular Facebook page Bloem Momdoc. Her recent online hiatus can be explained though – the full-time working mom of three is working towards her PhD!
Momdoc does still gets asked parenting questions from new and experienced moms, and while her page doesn’t offer personalised medical advice, she does share guidance. Below she addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) she’s received.
Q: Should I avoid certain foods at specific ages to prevent allergies?
“Research now suggests the opposite!” says Momdoc. “Introducing allergenic foods early (4 to 6 months of age) may help prevent allergies.” These should ideally be introduced before a baby turns one. “If your baby is at high risk (they have eczema or there’s a family history of allergies), it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider or allergy specialist before introducing solids.”
She also suggests seeking medical advice is a child shows a negative reaction to new food.
Q: My child is always sick. Should I be concerned?
While young children commonly catch bugs, some signs could suggest something more serious. Van der Bijl recommends the SPURR checklist:
- Severe: Infections that require hospitalisation or intravenous antibiotics.
- Persistent: Illnesses that don’t clear up easily or return quickly.
- Unusual: Infections caused by rare or unusual germs.
- Recurrent: The same types of infections keep coming back.
- Runs in the Family: A pattern of illness among family members.
“If any of these apply, it’s worth seeing a paediatrician.”
Q: Do kids need vitamins to boost their immune system?
“There is a common misconception that your child should take a handful of vitamins to ‘boost’ their immune system,” explains Van der Bijl. “Your immune system does not need to be boosted. In actual fact, if your immune system were to be ‘boosted’, it would start attacking its own body, as with auto-immune diseases.”
She suggests plenty of sleep, a balanced diet, and daily physical activity for better immunity.
Q: When should we ditch the dummy?
Although dummies are great self-soothing tools for infants, Momdoc suggests weaning off by around twelve months. “If you keep it past a year, try limiting use to naps and bedtime only. Aim to phase it out completely between 18 to 24 months. This is a key period for speech development.”
Q: What’s the best way to take a temperature?
Van der Bijl says feeling your child’s skin can alert you, “but it’s not reliable for accurate readings”.
A digital thermometer under the arm, in the mouth, or rectum is most accurate. “For infants under 6 months, avoid ear thermometers, as their ear canals are too small.”
Q: When should I start tummy time?
“The sooner the better!” says Momdoc enthusiastically. “From the day your baby comes home, aim for 2–3 short sessions (3–5 minutes) a day. This helps build head, neck, and upper body strength and supports important motor development milestones like rolling, crawling, and sitting.”
Babies should also not be left in car seats of other easting outside of travel.
Van der Bijl concludes, saying: “Parenting comes with questions. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Ask, learn, and trust your instincts. Always check in with your doctor when in doubt!”
DISCLAIMER: This article offers general health advice and does not replace the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor for personal medical concerns.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins Photograph: Christine Watson Photography
