The weeks before school starts in the UAE move fast. Uniforms, stationery, new backpacks, and school fees all compete for attention, and in the rush, children’s health preparation often gets left to the last minute. But the start of a new school year is one of the most important times to ensure your child is physically ready for the demands ahead. A new classroom means new friendships, new routines, and inevitably new exposure to the viruses and bacteria that circulate wherever children gather in groups. Getting ahead of this with a focused health check before term begins is one of the most practical things a parent can do. Here is what to prioritise. 1. Book a Pre-School Paediatric Check-Up The single most valuable thing you can do before the school year begins is schedule a well-child visit with your paediatrician. A back-to-school check-up is an opportunity to review your child’s growth, vision, hearing, and development; update any outstanding vaccinations; address any health concerns that emerged over the summer; and get a clear picture of whether your child is starting the year in good health. Many families in Dubai skip routine check-ups when their child seems well, but asymptomatic conditions such as anaemia, borderline hearing difficulties, or early vision problems are often only caught at these reviews. Our article on the importance of regular paediatrician check-ups for children explains in detail what these visits cover and why they matter even for apparently healthy children. 2. Check and Update Vaccinations School environments are among the highest-risk settings for the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses. Before the school year starts, review your child’s vaccination record and confirm they are up to date with all age-appropriate immunisations. In the UAE, several vaccinations are required for school entry, and some schools request an updated immunisation card at registration. Key vaccines to confirm include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis A and B, meningococcal vaccine for older children, and the annual influenza vaccine, which is especially recommended for school-age children given how rapidly flu spreads in classroom settings. Our UAE 2026 childhood vaccination schedule guide is the most practical reference for parents confirming which vaccines are due at each age. If your child has missed any doses over the summer, a catch-up appointment with your paediatrician is straightforward to arrange. 3. Address Any Developmental or Learning Concerns The start of a new school year, particularly for children entering Foundation Stage, Year 1, or transitioning to a new level, is the right moment to address any developmental concerns before they become classroom difficulties. If your child struggled with speech, reading, writing, attention, or social interaction last year, early assessment before term begins gives schools time to put appropriate support in place from day one. Waiting until problems become visible to teachers costs valuable months. Our Developmental Delays service provides thorough assessments for children of all ages, and our articles on signs of developmental delay in children, what a developmental paediatrician is, and what they do are helpful starting points if you are unsure whether a formal assessment is needed. 4. Sort Nutrition and the School Lunchbox After a summer of more relaxed eating, returning to a structured school day means thinking carefully about what your child eats during school hours. A well-balanced lunchbox supports concentration, energy, and mood throughout the afternoon, and the difference between a child who can focus after lunch and one who cannot is often simply what they ate. Aim for a combination of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, a quality protein source, healthy fats, and fresh fruit or vegetables. Avoid ultra-processed snacks, sugary drinks, and high-sugar items that cause energy spikes and crashes during the school day something we cover in detail in our article on how sugar affects your child’s behavior. Our article on healthy lunchbox ideas for school kids offers practical, UAE-friendly ideas that are easy to prepare and genuinely nutritious. And since the school day starts early, do not underestimate breakfast; our article on the importance of breakfast for kids explains why it is the one meal that should never be skipped. 5. Re-establish a Sleep Routine Before Term Starts This one consistently catches families off guard. After weeks of later bedtimes and relaxed mornings during the UAE summer, shifting back to a 6 am or 6:30 am school wake-up is a significant adjustment and one that takes the body several days to adapt to. Start moving bedtime and wake-up time earlier by fifteen to twenty minutes every two days in the week before school begins. By the time the first school day arrives, your child’s body clock will have adjusted, and they will start the year rested rather than exhausted. Sleep is not just about energy; it directly affects attention, emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and immune function. A child who is chronically under-slept will struggle academically and socially regardless of how well everything else is in place. Our article on tips for parents to improve children’s sleep quality covers the full practical toolkit for building a strong sleep routine. 6. Prepare for the Inevitable Wave of School Infections The first half-term of every school year brings a predictable wave of upper respiratory infections, stomach bugs, and ear infections as children share germs in new classroom groups. You cannot prevent all of this, and some exposure is actually important for immune development, but you can reduce severity and frequency. Teach and reinforce regular handwashing with soap for at least twenty seconds, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. Make sure your child stays well-hydrated throughout the school day; a water bottle in the bag every single day is non-negotiable. Our article on the best ways to keep kids hydrated covers hydration strategies that apply throughout the year, not just in summer. Keep your child home when they are genuinely unwell; sending a sick child to school prolongs their own recovery, exposes classmates unnecessarily, and is strongly discouraged by UAE school health policies. If your child develops an ear

Walk into any pharmacy in Dubai, and you will find an entire shelf dedicated to children’s probiotic gummies, drops, powders, and sachets, each promising better digestion, stronger immunity, and a happier gut. For parents, the choice is overwhelming. And the question underneath all of it is a simple one: does my child actually need these? The honest answer is: it depends. Probiotics are not a universal supplement that every child needs. But for specific situations, they are genuinely useful, and the evidence behind them is stronger than many people realise. Here is what you need to know before reaching for that next bottle. What Are Probiotics? Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly bacteria and some yeasts that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit to the host. They are found naturally in fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, labneh, miso, and sauerkraut, and they are also available in concentrated supplement form. The gut microbiome, the vast community of bacteria living in your child’s digestive tract, plays a central role in digestion, immune function, inflammation regulation, and even mood. Probiotics work by supporting and restoring the balance of this community, particularly when it has been disrupted. How Does a Child’s Gut Microbiome Develop? A baby’s microbiome begins forming at birth. Babies born vaginally are exposed to the mother’s vaginal and gut bacteria during delivery, which seeds their own microbiome. Babies born by caesarean section have a different early microbial exposure, which is one reason some pediatricians consider probiotics in the early weeks for this group. Breastfeeding plays a significant role too. Breast milk contains prebiotic compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria as well as its own live bacteria, contributing directly to microbiome development. Our article on breastfeeding basics for newborns explains the wide-ranging benefits of breastfeeding beyond nutrition alone. By the age of two to three, a child’s microbiome has largely stabilised, though it continues to be shaped by diet, antibiotic use, illness, stress, and environment throughout childhood and beyond. When Do Probiotics Actually Help Children? This is where the evidence becomes specific, and specificity matters, because not all probiotics are equal, and not all children need them. After a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics do not distinguish between harmful bacteria and the beneficial bacteria in your child’s gut; they reduce both. This is the most well-supported use case for children’s probiotics. Strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii have good evidence for reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and helping restore gut balance after treatment. If your child has recently completed a course of antibiotics, probiotics are worth discussing with your pediatrician. Acute gastroenteritis. Several high-quality studies support the use of specific probiotic strains to shorten the duration of infectious diarrhoea in children. Again, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is the most studied strain in this context. The effect is modest but clinically meaningful, typically reducing illness duration by around one day. Colic in infants. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 has been studied specifically in breastfed infants with colic and has shown promising results in reducing crying time. The evidence is stronger for breastfed infants than formula-fed ones, and results vary between studies, but it is a reasonable option to discuss with your pediatrician if colic is a significant concern. The broader topic of newborn comfort and settling is covered in our article on 11 things to know about newborns. Eczema prevention in high-risk infants. There is emerging evidence that probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and in early infancy may reduce the risk of eczema in children with a family history of allergic conditions. This is an evolving area of research; speak to your pediatrician about whether this is relevant for your child. If eczema is already present, our article on paediatric eczema: triggers and management in the UAE climate is a useful resource. Functional constipation. Some studies suggest probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri, may help with functional constipation in children, improving stool frequency and consistency. Evidence is still accumulating, but it is worth raising with your pediatrician if constipation is an ongoing concern. When Are Probiotics Not Necessary? A healthy child eating a varied diet with adequate fibre, fermented foods, and minimal ultra-processed food does not need a probiotic supplement. The gut microbiome is remarkably self-regulating in children who are well-nourished and not exposed to frequent antibiotic courses. Probiotics are also not a substitute for addressing underlying dietary or health issues. If your child has persistent digestive problems, recurrent infections, or significant food intolerances, the right first step is a thorough paediatric assessment, not a probiotic. Our Paediatric Health and Wellness service includes nutritional assessment and gut health guidance as part of a comprehensive child health review. Are Probiotics Safe for Children? For healthy children, probiotics have a strong safety record. Side effects are generally mild, and temporary bloating or slight changes in stool pattern in the first few days of use are the most common. Probiotics should be used with caution and only under medical supervision in children who are immunocompromised, have a central venous catheter, or are critically ill. For premature and high-risk infants, probiotic use should always be guided by a specialist. Our High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic supports families of premature and medically complex babies with exactly this kind of tailored guidance. What About Probiotic-Rich Foods Instead? For most children, getting beneficial bacteria through food is a perfectly effective and far more enjoyable approach than supplements. Foods rich in naturally occurring probiotics include: Plain full-fat yoghurt with live cultures is widely available across the UAE and a great breakfast or snack base. Labneh, which is a staple of regional cuisine and an excellent source of beneficial bacteria. Kefir, which can be introduced from around twelve months. Mild fermented cheeses. Small amounts of miso in soups for older children. Pairing these with prebiotic-rich foods such as bananas, oats, garlic, onions, and legumes feeds the beneficial bacteria already present in the gut and compounds the benefit. Our articles on healthy lunchbox ideas for school kids and the importance of breakfast for kids include

If every mealtime in your home feels like a negotiation, you are not alone. Picky eating is one of the most common concerns I hear from parents at my clinic in Dubai, and it peaks significantly in summer. When children are home for long stretches, routines loosen, and parents suddenly find themselves responsible for every meal of the day instead of relying on the school canteen. The reassuring truth is that most picky eating in young children is completely normal from a developmental standpoint. Between the ages of two and six, children go through a phase called neophobia, a natural wariness of new or unfamiliar foods. It is the brain’s way of being cautious during a period of growing independence. Understanding this is the first step toward approaching mealtimes without anxiety. That said, there is a real difference between typical fussiness and feeding difficulties that affect a child’s growth or nutrition. In this article, I will walk you through what is normal, what warrants attention, and the strategies that genuinely help based on both research and what I see working for families in the UAE. First, Is This Normal Picky Eating? A child who eats a limited range of foods but is growing well, has energy, and is hitting developmental milestones is almost certainly fine. Typical picky eating looks like: Refusing vegetables while accepting fruit Going through phases where they love a food and then suddenly reject it Wanting the same few meals on rotation Separating foods on the plate and refusing them if they touch This is frustrating, but it is not medically concerning in most cases. What warrants a conversation with your pediatrician is a child who is dropping weight or not gaining appropriately, showing extreme gagging or distress at mealtimes, eating fewer than 20 different foods, refusing entire food texture categories, or whose picky eating has remained completely unchanged for more than two years. These patterns can sometimes indicate sensory processing difficulties or a condition called Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which is different from ordinary fussiness and responds well to early intervention. The Pressure Trap: Why Forcing Backfires The most common mistake parents make, and the one I understand completely, because it comes from genuine love and worry, is pressuring children to eat. Whether it is “just one more bite,” bargaining with screen time, or sitting at the table until the plate is cleared, pressure at mealtimes consistently makes picky eating worse, not better. Research on the Division of Responsibility in Feeding, developed by dietitian Ellyn Satter, is clear on this: parents are responsible for what food is offered, when it is served, and where the meal happens. Children are responsible for whether they eat and how much. When parents take over the child’s side of that equation, children lose trust in their own hunger signals and become more resistant, not less. This does not mean giving up. It means letting go of the outcome of each meal and focusing on building a positive relationship with food over time. Strategies That Actually Work Expose without pressure. Research consistently shows that children need to be exposed to a new food between 10 and 15 times before they are willing to try it. The keyword is exposed, not forced. Placing a small amount of a refused food on the plate alongside accepted foods, without comment or expectation, is enough. Over weeks, familiarity reduces wariness. Eat together as a family. Children learn by watching. When they sit at a table where adults and siblings are eating a variety of foods with visible enjoyment, they are far more likely to eventually try those foods themselves. Family meals are one of the most underestimated tools in expanding a child’s diet. If the family eats together only occasionally in your household, the summer break is actually the perfect time to establish this habit. Give children some control. Picky eating is often about autonomy as much as taste. Letting your child choose between two acceptable vegetable options, deciding how much of something they want on their plate, or helping select a meal for the week gives them agency without giving them complete control. Children who feel heard at mealtimes are more cooperative. Make food approachable, not dramatic. The way food is presented matters. Many children who refuse a roasted carrot will happily eat a raw carrot cut into sticks with a small dip. A smoothie can carry spinach, avocado, or Greek yoghurt without the child registering anything unusual. A food that is “hidden” is not dishonest; it is a bridge to gradual acceptance. Involve children in food preparation. Children as young as two can wash vegetables, tear lettuce leaves, or stir batter. A child who has participated in preparing food almost always has more curiosity about eating it. Weekend cooking sessions or simple summer projects like growing a herb pot on the balcony can shift a child’s relationship with food in surprisingly meaningful ways. Keep mealtimes calm and time-limited. Mealtimes should last around 20 to 30 minutes. After that, the meal ends without drama and without alternatives. Knowing that the meal will end regardless of how much was eaten removes the power struggle from the table. Hunger at the next meal is not harmful; it is the body working as it should. Avoid using food as a reward. Offering dessert as a reward for eating vegetables (“if you finish your broccoli, you can have ice cream”) actually increases a child’s preference for the reward food and decreases their acceptance of the vegetable. The message it sends is that vegetables are something to be endured, not enjoyed. Dessert can simply be a small, regular part of the meal offered without conditions. Nutrition Gaps to Watch in Picky Eaters While most picky eaters do not have serious nutritional deficiencies, there are a few worth monitoring, particularly in the UAE context. Iron is one of the most common deficiencies in picky toddlers, especially those who rely heavily on milk, bread, and processed snacks. Low iron

Every July in Dubai, the same pattern repeats itself. Schools are out, temperatures outside push past 45°C, and families spend almost the entire day indoors, air conditioning running full blast, windows sealed shut. By mid-July, many parents start noticing something: their child has a dry cough that will not go away, a blocked or runny nose with no fever, dry skin, or restless nights. They wonder if their child has caught a cold. Quite often, the answer is far simpler, and the culprit is the very thing keeping everyone cool. Air conditioning is not harmful by itself. In a Dubai summer, it is a genuine necessity. But when it runs continuously without proper maintenance or humidity control, it creates an indoor environment that can quietly affect your child’s respiratory system, skin, ears, and sleep. As a paediatrician and neonatologist based in Dubai, I see these patterns every summer. The good news is that most of these issues are easy to prevent once you understand what is happening. How AC Affects the Respiratory System in Children Children breathe faster than adults, and their airways are significantly narrower. This makes them more sensitive to changes in air quality and humidity. When air conditioning runs for long hours, it removes moisture from the air along with the heat. Indoor humidity in heavily air-conditioned spaces in Dubai can drop well below 30%, far lower than the 40–60% range that is considered healthy. In this dry environment, the delicate mucous membranes lining your child’s nose and throat can dry out. These membranes act as the body’s first line of defence against airborne bacteria and viruses; when they dry out, that defence weakens. The result is a persistent dry cough, nasal congestion without infection, frequent throat clearing, or a hoarse voice. Parents often describe these symptoms as “a cold that never fully develops.” That is precisely what it is: irritation without infection. However, when the mucous membranes are consistently compromised, the risk of a genuine viral or bacterial infection does increase. Children who spend long hours in heavily air-conditioned environments, such as malls, cars, and sealed apartments, can develop recurring respiratory symptoms throughout the summer months. Children who already have asthma or allergic rhinitis need extra attention during this season. Cold, dry air from AC vents can act as a trigger for bronchospasm and worsen existing allergy symptoms. If your child uses an inhaler, make sure you are consistent with their preventer medication throughout the summer, not just when symptoms flare. The AC–Ear Infection Connection This is something many parents do not realise. Dry indoor air dries out the Eustachian tube, the small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. When this tube loses its natural moisture, mucus thickens, drainage slows, and pressure builds in the middle ear. This can lead to discomfort, hearing changes, and, in some cases, a middle ear infection (otitis media). If your child is pulling at their ears, seems off-balance, or is complaining of muffled hearing in the summer months without obvious illness, the AC environment could be contributing. You can read more about ear-related issues in children in our detailed guide on glue ear in children. Skin and Eyes: The Overlooked Effects Dry AC air draws moisture from the skin’s surface. In young children and babies, whose skin barrier is naturally thinner, this can lead to dryness, flaking, and worsening of pre-existing skin conditions. If your child has eczema, you may notice flare-ups are more frequent indoors during summer than at any other time of year. The eyes are affected too. Children who spend hours in air-conditioned rooms, especially in front of screens, blink less and experience increased tear evaporation. Dry, red, or itchy eyes in summer are often dismissed as allergies, but the AC environment frequently plays a significant role. For advice on managing sensitive skin in children, our article on protecting and soothing your child’s sensitive skin offers practical tips that are especially relevant in the Dubai summer context. Sleep Disruption and Cold Air at Night Many families keep bedrooms very cold at night, particularly in summer. While a cool room supports better sleep, temperatures set too low, below 18°C, can cause children to breathe through their mouths, dry out their nasal passages, and wake with congestion or a sore throat in the morning. The ideal bedroom temperature for children is between 18°C and 22°C. A thin layer, such as a light cotton blanket, helps prevent the body temperature from dropping too much during sleep. Avoid positioning the AC vent so it blows directly onto the bed. For more guidance on healthy sleep environments for children, visit our article on improving children’s sleep quality. Hydration: The Simple Defence One of the most effective ways to counteract the effects of dry AC air is consistent hydration. Children lose more fluid than we realise in air-conditioned environments, and because they are not sweating visibly, they often do not feel thirsty. This is a deceptive form of dehydration, one that gradually affects energy, concentration, and the health of mucous membranes. Encourage your child to drink water regularly throughout the day, even when they say they are not thirsty. Soups, fruits with high water content such as watermelon and cucumber, and diluted juices all contribute. For a full guide on keeping kids hydrated in summer, read our article on the best ways to keep kids hydrated this summer. Practical Steps to Make Your AC Safer for Children Clean the filters regularly. AC filters accumulate dust, mould spores, and bacteria over time. In Dubai, where AC runs almost continuously, filters should be cleaned at least once a month. A dirty filter does not just reduce efficiency; it circulates allergens and bacteria through your home. Use a humidifier. A cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room can restore moisture to the air and significantly reduce dryness-related symptoms. Aim for indoor humidity between 40% and 55%. Clean the humidifier weekly to prevent mould growth. Set the thermostat wisely. There is

Swimming is a cornerstone of summer life in Dubai. Whether it is the building pool, a beach club, or a water park, most children in the UAE spend a significant portion of the summer months in the water. It is excellent exercise, great fun, and an important life skill, but it also comes with a set of health risks that parents should be aware of, particularly around ear infections and pool hygiene. Swimmer’s Ear: The Most Common Swimming-Related Infection Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, can be caused by prolonged exposure to water and can cause an infection of the outer ear canal. When water remains trapped in the ear canal, it creates a warm, moist environment in which bacteria multiply rapidly. It is distinct from a middle ear infection (otitis media) and is extremely common among children who swim frequently. Signs of swimmer’s ear include: Pain in the ear that worsens when the earlobe is tugged or the jaw is moved. Itching inside the ear canal. A feeling of fullness or blocked sensation in the ear. Discharge or odour from the ear. In more advanced cases, reduced hearing or swelling around the ear. Swimmer’s ear is not the same as glue ear, though both can affect hearing temporarily. If your child has a history of ear problems, our article on how to treat glue ear in children provides a helpful overview of the distinction. How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear Prevention is straightforward and highly effective with a few consistent habits: Dry ears after every swim. Tilt your child’s head to each side after swimming and gently dry the outer ear with a soft towel. Do not insert cotton buds into the ear canal this pushes debris deeper and can damage the delicate skin lining. Use well-fitting swim earplugs. For children who swim daily or who have had recurrent ear infections, silicone swim earplugs provide an effective barrier. Ensure they are fitted correctly and cleaned after every use. Choose pools with proper chlorination. Well-maintained pools with appropriate chlorine and pH levels significantly reduce the bacterial load in the water. Avoid pools that smell strongly of chlorine; paradoxically, this often indicates poorly maintained water chemistry rather than a clean pool. Avoid swimming with an active ear infection. If your child already has ear pain or discharge, keep them out of the water until they have been assessed and cleared by a paediatrician. Middle Ear Infections and Swimming Children who have grommets (ventilation tubes) in their eardrums require specific advice about swimming. Your ENT specialist or paediatrician will guide you on whether surface swimming and showering are safe, and whether deeper diving or submersion should be avoided. Do not rely on general advice for this group; individual guidance is essential. Children who are prone to recurrent middle ear infections may also find that heavy swimming exposure during summer exacerbates their symptoms. If your child has had three or more ear infections in a year, this pattern is worth discussing at your next paediatric appointment. Pool Hygiene: What Parents Need to Know Beyond ear infections, pool hygiene affects a child’s skin, eyes, and gut health. In Dubai’s summer heat, outdoor and indoor pools are heavily used, and the risks of exposure to waterborne bacteria and irritants increase accordingly. Skin and eyes. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can cause skin dryness, irritation, and contact dermatitis, particularly in children with sensitive skin or eczema. Rinse your child thoroughly with fresh water immediately after swimming, apply a gentle moisturiser, and ensure they wear well-fitted goggles to protect their eyes. For children with eczema, our article on paediatric eczema: triggers and management in the UAE climate covers how to manage flare-ups during heavy pool exposure. Waterborne illness. Swallowing pool water is a common route of infection for gastrointestinal illnesses caused by bacteria such as E. coli and parasites such as Cryptosporidium. These organisms can survive in chlorinated water, particularly in pools with suboptimal maintenance. Teach children not to swallow pool water, ensure they shower before entering the pool, and keep children with diarrhoea or gastroenteritis out of the water entirely until fully recovered. Sun exposure at the poolside. In Dubai summers, UV exposure at outdoor pools is extreme. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen at least twenty minutes before swimming, reapply every two hours, and ensure your child has access to shade, a hat, and protective clothing during breaks. Our article on how to protect your baby’s skin from the sun provides detailed guidance for younger children. Hydration: A Critical Factor Often Overlooked Children playing in and around water often do not feel thirsty; the cooling effect of water masks their body’s signals. In Dubai’s summer heat, this makes dehydration a real risk even at the pool. Ensure your child drinks water regularly throughout a swimming session, not just when they ask for it. Our article on the best ways to keep kids hydrated this summer is a practical guide for parents managing hydration during the UAE summer months. Beach Swimming Safety in Dubai Open water swimming in Dubai, whether at Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, or beach clubs along the coast, carries additional considerations. Always supervise children closely in open water, regardless of swimming ability. Observe warning flags and never allow children to swim when red flags are displayed. Jellyfish are present in UAE waters, particularly in summer. Teach children to avoid touching any jellyfish, dead or alive, and to report any contact immediately. Saltwater can also cause ear discomfort; the same drying principles apply after sea swimming as after pool swimming. When to See a Pediatrician See your paediatrician promptly if your child develops ear pain, discharge, or significant hearing change after swimming, if a skin rash, eye infection, or gastrointestinal symptoms develop following pool or beach exposure, or if your child develops a fever after a swimming session that does not resolve quickly. Our Paediatric Health and Wellness clinic sees children for swim-related ear, skin, and infection concerns throughout the year. Prompt

“Is my child growing normally?” is one of the questions paediatricians hear most often, and it is a completely understandable concern. Children grow at different rates and in different patterns, and it is not always easy to know what is typical. Growth charts exist to answer exactly this question, and knowing how to read them gives parents a much clearer picture of where their child stands. What Is a Growth Chart? A growth chart is a standardised tool used by paediatricians to plot a child’s height, weight, and head circumference against the measurements of thousands of children of the same age and sex. The result is a set of percentile curves that show where your child falls relative to the broader population. A child on the 50th percentile for height is exactly in the middle, taller than half of the children their age and shorter than the other half. A child on the 10th percentile is shorter than 90% of their peers. Neither is automatically a cause for concern; what matters most is the pattern of growth over time, not any single measurement. The charts most widely used in international paediatric practice are the WHO Child Growth Standards for children aged zero to five and the WHO or CDC reference charts for children aged five and above. What Is Considered Normal Growth? Normal growth varies significantly by age. As a general guide: In the first year of life, growth is rapid; most babies triple their birth weight and grow approximately 25cm in length. From age one to two, growth slows to around 10–12cm per year. From age two to puberty, children typically grow 5–7cm per year in a relatively steady pattern. During puberty, a growth spurt occurs earlier in girls (typically ages ten to twelve) and later in boys (typically ages twelve to fourteen). A child who consistently follows their own percentile curve, even if it is the 5th or the 95th, is generally growing normally. What prompts concern is when a child crosses two or more percentile lines downward over time, stops growing for an extended period, or shows a pattern of growth that diverges significantly from expectations. Factors That Influence Your Child’s Height Genetics is the strongest predictor of a child’s final height. A useful calculation for estimating a child’s genetic height potential is mid-parental height: add both parents’ heights together, add 13cm for boys or subtract 13cm for girls, then divide by two. This gives a target range, plus or minus approximately 8.5cm. Nutrition plays a direct role; children who do not receive adequate calories, protein, and key micronutrients, including zinc and calcium, may experience growth faltering. In the UAE, where dietary habits vary widely, nutritional assessment is an important part of any growth evaluation. Sleep is when the majority of growth hormone is released. Consistent, quality sleep is not just important for behaviour and cognition; it is essential for physical growth. Our article on tips for parents to improve children’s sleep quality covers the practical steps that make a real difference. Chronic illness affecting the gut, kidneys, or immune system can impair growth if unmanaged. Hormonal conditions such as growth hormone deficiency or hypothyroidism are less common but important to rule out when growth is a concern. For guidance on thyroid conditions in children, our article on how to know if your child has hypothyroidism is a helpful reference. Short Stature: When to Be Concerned Short stature is defined medically as a height below the 3rd percentile for age and sex, or more than two standard deviations below the mean. Short stature alone is not a diagnosis; it is a finding that requires interpretation in context. The most common causes of short stature are entirely benign: familial short stature (short parents), or constitutional delay of growth and puberty (a pattern where growth and puberty are delayed but ultimately normal, the child is a “late bloomer”). Both are normal variants, not medical conditions. However, short stature warrants investigation when it is accompanied by a slow growth velocity, falls well below the child’s genetic target range, is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, or swelling, or when a child is significantly shorter than expected based on parental heights. Tall Stature: Is It Ever a Concern? In most cases, a tall child simply has tall parents. Tall stature becomes a medical concern when it is extreme, when growth is accelerating rather than following a steady curve, or when signs of early puberty or other physical changes accompany it. The Role of Regular Paediatric Check-Ups Growth cannot be properly assessed from a single measurement; it requires tracking over time. This is why regular paediatric check-ups are so important from infancy onwards. At each visit, height and weight are plotted on the growth chart, and your paediatrician reviews the trajectory alongside development, nutrition, and overall health. Our Paediatric Health and Wellness service includes routine growth monitoring as a core part of every child’s health review. If you have not yet established a regular check-up routine for your child, our article on the importance of regular paediatrician check-ups for children explains why it matters at every age. For premature babies and high-risk infants, growth monitoring requires additional nuance; corrected age must be used when plotting measurements in the first two years. Our High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic is specifically designed to support these families with specialist growth and developmental monitoring. Conclusion Growth concerns are worth taking seriously, but they are also very often entirely reassuring once properly assessed. A growth chart review with your pediatrician takes minutes and gives you the clarity and confidence every parent deserves.

Witnessing a seizure in your child is one of the most terrifying experiences a parent can face. If it occurs with a high fever, it is most likely a febrile seizure. While this may seem alarming, in most cases, this type of seizure is harmless and leaves no lasting effects. Understanding what a febrile seizure is, how to react in the moment, and when to consult a doctor will help you remain calm and reassured if this happens to your child. What Is a Febrile Seizure? A febrile seizure is a convulsion triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature, typically above 38°C, in a child who does not have epilepsy or any underlying neurological condition. They most commonly occur in children between six months and five years of age, with peak incidence around eighteen months to two years. Febrile seizures are more common than many parents realise; they affect approximately one in twenty-five children. They tend to run in families, so if you or your partner had febrile seizures as a child, your child has a higher chance of experiencing one. Types of Febrile Seizures Simple febrile seizures are the most common type. They last less than fifteen minutes, involve the whole body (the child stiffens and trembles), and do not recur during the same illness. The child may briefly lose consciousness and be drowsy and confused afterward; this is normal and is called the postictal phase. Complex febrile seizures last longer than fifteen minutes, affect only one side or one part of the body, or occur more than once within twenty-four hours. These require immediate medical assessment. What Causes the Fever? The fever itself, not the temperature, is what triggers the seizure. Common causes in children in the UAE include viral upper respiratory infections, ear infections, roseola (a common childhood viral illness), tonsillitis, and the immune response following vaccinations. Staying up to date with your child’s immunisation schedule reduces the frequency of some fever-causing infections. Our childhood vaccination schedule UAE guide is a useful reference for parents. What to Do During a Febrile Seizure The most important thing is to stay as calm as possible. Here is what to do: Do: Place your child on their side in the recovery position on a flat, safe surface. This prevents choking if they vomit. Time the seizure from the moment it begins. Stay with your child throughout. Loosen any tight clothing around their neck. Speak calmly and reassuringly, even if they seem unresponsive. Do not: Do not put anything in your child’s mouth. It is dangerous and unnecessary. Limit your child’s movements. Do not immerse them in a cold bath or apply ice to reduce fever during the attack. Do not give them any medication during the attack. When to Call Emergency Services Call 999 immediately if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes and shows no sign of stopping, if your child does not regain consciousness after the seizure ends, if this is the first seizure your child has ever had, if the seizure affects only one side of the body, if your child has difficulty breathing during or after, or if you are uncertain whether this is a febrile seizure or something else. Even if the seizure resolves on its own, your child should be seen by a paediatrician on the same day for assessment and to identify and treat the underlying cause of the fever. After the Seizure: What to Expect Most children are drowsy and confused for up to an hour after a febrile seizure; this is completely normal. Once they are alert and comfortable, focus on treating the fever with appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen dosing as advised by your paediatrician, keeping them well hydrated, and monitoring their recovery. For guidance on keeping your child hydrated during illness, our article on the best ways to keep kids hydrated this summer covers practical strategies that apply year-round. Will It Happen Again? Approximately one in three children who have a febrile seizure will have another one during a subsequent fever. The risk is higher if the first seizure occurred before eighteen months of age, if the fever was relatively low at the time of the seizure, or if there is a strong family history. Having recurrent febrile seizures does not mean your child has epilepsy; the two conditions are distinct. Do Febrile Seizures Cause Brain Damage? Simple febrile seizures do not cause brain damage, affect intelligence, or increase the risk of epilepsy in children who were previously healthy. This is one of the most important reassurances a paediatrician can offer parents after a first episode. Research consistently shows that children who experience simple febrile seizures develop entirely normally. Conclusion A febrile seizure is a terrifying experience in the moment, but for most children, it is a single event with no lasting consequences. The key is knowing what to do, knowing when to call for help, and following up promptly with your pediatrician. If your child has had a febrile seizure or you have any concerns about their neurological development, book a paediatric consultation with Dr Olfa Koobar today.

The UAE’s extreme summer temperatures make heat-related illness a genuine and serious risk for children. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C between June and September, and even well-prepared families can find themselves in a situation where a child is showing signs of heat distress. Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and knowing exactly what to do can save your child’s life. Why Children Are More Vulnerable Than Adults Children’s bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature than adult bodies. They have a higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio, sweat less efficiently, and are often too absorbed in play to notice or communicate overheating. Infants and toddlers are the most vulnerable of all; they cannot remove clothing, seek shade, or ask for water on their own. In the UAE, risk situations include prolonged outdoor play during peak heat hours (11 am–4 pm), being left in a parked car even briefly, inadequate fluid intake during outdoor activity, and sporting events held in the heat without adequate shade or rest breaks. Heat Exhaustion: Signs and What to Do Heat exhaustion is the warning stage, serious but manageable if acted upon quickly. Signs of heat exhaustion in children: Heavy sweating despite the heat. Cool, pale, or clammy skin. Weakness, fatigue, or muscle cramps. Headache, dizziness, or nausea. A rapid but weak pulse. The child may feel faint but remains conscious and responsive. What to do: Move the child to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned environment immediately. Remove excess clothing. Apply cool (not ice-cold) wet cloths to the skin, especially the neck, armpits, and groin. Offer small, frequent sips of cool water or an oral rehydration solution. Do not force fluids if the child is vomiting. Our article on the best ways to keep kids hydrated this summer is a helpful reference for understanding fluid needs during the UAE summer. Monitor the child closely. If symptoms do not begin to improve within 30 minutes, or if the child loses consciousness or stops responding, escalate immediately to emergency services; this is now a potential heat stroke situation. Heat Stroke: Signs and What to Do Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Unlike heat exhaustion, the body’s cooling system has failed. Without immediate action, heat stroke can cause organ damage, brain injury, or death. Signs of heat stroke in children: Body temperature above 39.4°C (103°F) that rises rapidly. Hot, red, dry skin, the child has stopped sweating despite extreme heat. Confusion, disorientation, or unusual behaviour. Rapid, strong pulse. Vomiting. Seizures. Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness. What to do — call emergency services (999 in the UAE) immediately. While waiting for help, move the child to a cool environment without delay. Begin rapid cooling, apply ice packs or cold wet cloths to the neck, armpits, and groin simultaneously. If available, immerse the child in cool water (not an ice bath for infants). Fan the child continuously. Do not give fluids to an unconscious or semi-conscious child. Do not leave the child alone. Heat stroke requires hospital treatment. Intravenous fluids, monitoring, and in some cases, intensive care may be needed depending on severity. Key Differences at a Glance Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke Skin Cool, pale, clammy Hot, red, dry Sweating Heavy Absent Consciousness Alert Confused or unconscious Temperature Elevated but below 39.4°C Above 39.4°C, rising fast Action needed Cool and monitor Emergency services immediately Prevention: Protecting Your Child in UAE Summers Prevention is always preferable to emergency response. In the UAE context, the most effective protective measures include keeping children indoors during peak heat hours (11 am–4 pm) from May through September. Ensure children are well-hydrated before, during, and after any outdoor activity. Thirst is a late sign of dehydration. Dress children in light, loose, light-coloured clothing and apply sunscreen. Never leave a child in a parked car, even for a minute. For newborns and very young infants, the risks are especially acute. Our Healthy Newborn Clinic provides comprehensive guidance for new parents on keeping infants safe through the UAE’s extreme seasonal conditions. You may also find our article on how to protect your baby’s skin from the sun a useful companion read for the summer months. For older children involved in sports or outdoor activities, understanding the signs of dehydration early is essential. Our article on signs of dehydration in infants covers the physiological signs to watch for across age groups. When to See a Paediatrician After a Heat-Related Episode Even if a child recovers from heat exhaustion at home, a follow-up paediatric consultation is strongly recommended. Heat-related episodes can cause subtle effects on the kidneys, electrolyte balance, and cardiovascular system that may not be immediately apparent. A Paediatric Health and Wellness review following any significant heat episode gives you the reassurance that recovery is complete. Understanding the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is knowledge every parent in the UAE needs, not just in summer, but year-round. When in doubt, act fast, cool the child, and call for help. Your paediatrician is always there to support you before and after.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in young children worldwide, and the United Arab Emirates is no exception. Despite access to quality healthcare and nutrition, many toddlers in Dubai and across the UAE are not getting enough iron for their developing bodies and brains. Here’s what every parent needs to know. What Is Anaemia in Toddlers? Anemia occurs when the blood does not contain enough healthy red blood cells to properly transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. In young children, the most common cause is iron deficiency: the body simply does not have enough iron to produce sufficient hemoglobin. Iron is not just essential for blood health. It plays a direct role in brain development, cognitive function, energy levels, and immune system strength. A toddler who is iron-deficient is not just tired; they may be missing critical developmental building blocks during one of the most sensitive windows of their early life. Why Are Toddlers Particularly at Risk? Toddlers between 12 and 36 months are the most vulnerable age group for iron deficiency anaemia, for several reasons. Growth during this period is rapid, increasing the body’s iron requirements significantly. At the same time, many toddlers are fussy eaters, limiting the variety of iron-rich foods in their diet. Over-reliance on cow’s milk — which is low in iron and can interfere with iron absorption — is another common contributing factor in this age group. In the UAE, dietary patterns vary widely across communities. Certain traditional diets may lack sufficient red meat or iron-fortified cereals, while others may rely heavily on dairy. Premature babies and those with low birth weight are at a higher baseline risk; our High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic is specifically designed to monitor and support these children through their early developmental years. Symptoms of Anaemia in Toddlers Anaemia in toddlers can be insidious and often goes unnoticed because symptoms develop gradually. Here are some common signs to watch for: Pale skin, particularly noticeable around the lips, inside the eyelids, and on the palms. Unusual tiredness or weakness, a toddler who tires quickly, is difficult to wake, or has noticeably lower energy than usual. Reduced appetite and slow weight gain. Irritability or fussiness that seems out of proportion. Delayed development — in more significant cases, iron deficiency can affect cognitive development, attention, and language acquisition. If you have noticed any developmental concerns alongside these physical signs, our Developmental Delays service can provide a thorough assessment. Less commonly, some young children with iron deficiency develop an eating disorder called pica: an irresistible urge to consume non-food substances such as soil, clay, or ice. If you notice this disorder, it is important to speak to your pediatrician promptly. How Is It Diagnosed? Anaemia is confirmed through a simple blood test measuring haemoglobin levels and iron stores. This is one of the reasons routine Paediatric Health and Wellness check-ups are so important — they catch nutritional deficiencies before they cause lasting developmental harm. You can read more about what to expect at your child’s paediatrician appointment to feel prepared. Iron-Rich Foods for UAE Toddlers Dietary adjustment is the first-line approach for mild to moderate iron deficiency. There are two types of dietary iron: haem iron, found in animal products and absorbed most efficiently, and non-haem iron, found in plant sources and absorbed less efficiently but still valuable. Best haem iron sources for toddlers: Lean red meat (lamb, beef), chicken and turkey (especially dark meat), fish and sardines, and eggs. Best non-haem iron sources for toddlers: lentils, chickpeas and beans (foods widely consumed in the UAE and in regional cuisine), tofu, dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, iron-fortified cereals and bread, dried fruits such as apricots and raisins. A key tip for absorption: Pairing non-haem iron foods with a source of vitamin C significantly improves absorption. Squeeze lemon over lentils, serve spinach with tomato, or offer a small glass of diluted orange juice with an iron-rich meal. Conversely, avoid serving iron-rich foods alongside large amounts of dairy, as calcium competes with iron for absorption. For practical inspiration on building nutritionally balanced meals into your child’s routine, our healthy lunchbox ideas for school kids and our article on the importance of breakfast for kids are both useful starting points. When Is Supplementation Needed? In moderate to severe cases, or when dietary changes alone are insufficient, your pediatrician may recommend iron supplementation. It is important not to self-prescribe iron supplements for children: excess iron is toxic, and the dosage must be determined by a healthcare professional based on blood tests and your child’s weight. If anaemia is confirmed and linked to broader nutritional or metabolic concerns, our Paediatric Metabolic Syndrome service may also be relevant, depending on the clinical picture. Conclusion Anemia in toddlers is common, treatable, and, if diagnosed early, perfectly manageable. A balanced diet, regular medical checkups, and prompt medical follow-up are all that’s needed to maintain your child’s iron levels at the level necessary for their growth and development.

Screen time is one of the most common concerns raised by parents at paediatric consultations in Dubai and across the UAE. Whether it is a toddler drawn to a tablet or a school-age child glued to a gaming screen, the question is always the same: how much is too much? Here is what the evidence actually says — broken down clearly by age. Why Screen Time Matters for Developing Brains The first five years of life are the period of fastest brain development a child will ever experience. During this window, the brain is building neural pathways for language, attention, emotional regulation, and social understanding. What a child experiences — and what they are exposed to — directly shapes those pathways. Excessive passive screen time during these years has been linked in research to delayed speech and language development, shorter attention spans, disrupted sleep, and reduced opportunities for the physical play and face-to-face interaction that drive healthy development. This does not mean screens are inherently harmful — it means context, content, and limits all matter enormously. Screen Time Guidelines by Age Under 18 Months: Avoid Screens Entirely (Video Calls Excepted) For babies under 18 months, paediatricians recommend avoiding screen use altogether, except for video calls with family members. Infants learn language and social cues through live, responsive human interaction — something a screen cannot replicate. Even background television affects infant attention and parent-child communication. 18–24 Months: High-Quality Content Only, With a Parent Present If you choose to introduce screens at this stage, limit it to high-quality programming and always watch together. This co-viewing is important — it allows you to talk through what your child is seeing and convert a passive experience into an interactive one. Ages 2–5: Maximum One Hour Per Day of Quality Content For toddlers and preschoolers, the recommended limit is no more than one hour per day of educational, age-appropriate content. Co-viewing remains strongly encouraged. At this age, imaginative play, outdoor time, and conversation are far more developmentally valuable than any screen-based activity. Our article on the benefits of outdoor play for kids explains why unstructured physical play is irreplaceable at this stage. Ages 6 and Above: Consistent Limits, Screen-Free Zones From age six onwards, there is no single hour limit — but consistency and boundaries are essential. Paediatricians recommend ensuring screens do not displace sleep, physical activity, homework, or family time. Establishing screen-free times (mealtimes, one hour before bed) and screen-free zones (bedrooms) are the most effective practical strategies. The Impact of Screens on Sleep One of the most direct and well-documented harms of excessive screen time is disrupted sleep — and this affects children of all ages. The blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall asleep and reducing overall sleep quality. For children in the UAE, where indoor, air-conditioned environments can already reduce natural light exposure, this effect is worth taking seriously. Our guide on tips for parents to improve children’s sleep quality covers practical steps for protecting your child’s sleep routine. What Type of Screen Time Is Less Harmful? Not all screen time is equal. Interactive, educational content — where a child is actively engaged, responding, and learning — is significantly less harmful than passive consumption. Video calls are considered beneficial as they involve real two-way interaction. Fast-paced entertainment content, on the other hand, has the strongest association with attention difficulties in young children. Practical Tips for UAE Parents Managing screen time in the UAE context comes with its own challenges. Long, hot summers, indoor lifestyles, and the widespread availability of devices mean children here can accumulate more screen time than parents realise. A few strategies that work well in practice: Set a family screen schedule and stick to it consistently. Use parental controls to limit access during sleep hours. Replace screen time with activities that serve the same purpose — if your child watches videos to wind down, try audiobooks or calm music instead. Avoid using screens as a reward or a pacifier, as this increases their perceived value in your child’s mind. If you are concerned that your child’s screen habits may already be affecting their speech, attention, or social development, a Paediatric Health and Wellness consultation is the right starting point. Early assessment can identify whether any developmental support is needed and give you a clear, personalised plan to follow. Conclusion Screens are a part of modern life — and a blanket ban is neither realistic nor necessary. What matters is informed, consistent management rooted in your child’s developmental stage. When in doubt, your paediatrician is always the best guide. Book a consultation with Dr Olfa today.