Momdoc does still gets asked parenting questions from new and experienced moms, and while her page doesn\u2019t offer personalised medical advice, she does share guidance. Below she addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) she\u2019s received.<\/p>\n
Q: Should I avoid certain foods at specific ages to prevent allergies?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cResearch now suggests the opposite!\u201d says Momdoc. \u201cIntroducing allergenic foods early (4 to 6 months of age) may help prevent allergies.\u201d These should ideally be introduced before a baby turns one. \u201cIf your baby is at high risk (they have eczema or there\u2019s a family history of allergies), it\u2019s wise to consult a healthcare provider or allergy specialist before introducing solids.\u201d<\/p>\n She also suggests seeking medical advice is a child shows a negative reaction to new food.<\/p>\n Q: My child is always sick. Should I be concerned?<\/strong><\/p>\n While young children commonly catch bugs, some signs could suggest something more serious. Van der Bijl recommends the SPURR checklist:<\/p>\n \u201cIf any of these apply, it\u2019s worth seeing a paediatrician.\u201d<\/p>\n Q: Do kids need vitamins to boost their immune system?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThere is a common misconception that your child should take a handful of vitamins to \u2018boost\u2019 their immune system,\u201d explains Van der Bijl. \u201cYour immune system does not need to be boosted. In actual fact, if your immune system were to be \u2018boosted\u2019, it would start attacking its own body, as with auto-immune diseases.\u201d<\/p>\n She suggests plenty of sleep, a balanced diet, and daily physical activity for better immunity.<\/p>\n Q: When should we ditch the dummy?<\/strong><\/p>\n Although dummies are great self-soothing tools for infants, Momdoc suggests weaning off by around twelve months. \u201cIf 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Q: What\u2019s the best way to take a temperature?<\/strong><\/p>\n Van der Bijl says feeling your child\u2019s skin can alert you, \u201cbut it\u2019s not reliable for accurate readings\u201d.<\/p>\n A digital thermometer under the arm, in the mouth, or rectum is most accurate. \u201cFor infants under 6 months, avoid ear thermometers, as their ear canals are too small.\u201d<\/p>\n Q: When should I start tummy time?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe sooner the better!\u201d says Momdoc enthusiastically. \u201cFrom the day your baby comes home, aim for 2\u20133 short sessions (3\u20135 minutes) a day. This helps build head, neck, and upper body strength and supports important motor development milestones like rolling, crawling, and sitting.\u201d<\/p>\n Babies should also not be left in car seats of other easting outside of travel.<\/p>\n Van der Bijl concludes, saying: \u201cParenting comes with questions. It\u2019s okay not to have all the answers. Ask, learn, and trust your instincts. Always check in with your doctor when in doubt!\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Compiled by Warren Hawkins Photograph: Christine Watson Photography\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 \u2013 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":124,"featured_media":19609,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,40],"tags":[7232,8164,8165],"class_list":{"0":"post-19608","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kids","8":"category-people","9":"tag-bloem-momdoc","10":"tag-bloem-momdoc-tackles-parenting-faqs","11":"tag-momdoc"},"yoast_head":"\n\n