Developmental delay refers to a delay in a child’s developmental milestones as compared to the standardized normal population. Research suggests that developmental delays are seen in approximately 10 to 15% of the children population.  With some developmental delays, you might not notice any changes in your child’s health. It’s mostly diagnosed when a newborn pediatrician or a general physician observes certain irregularities during routine checkups. But what is the reason for the baby’s developmental delays? What causes developmental delays in children? Let’s find out! What causes developmental delays in a newborn? As suggested by newborn pediatricians, developmental delays can be motor, psychological, social, anatomical, behavioral, or may occur due to delay in adapting skills or ADL (Activities of Daily Living).  Developmental delays can either be gross or fine. For instance, your child may have difficulty walking or jumping… There are several reasons for delayed milestones in newborns which makes it difficult to pinpoint one cause. And sometimes, a retarded growth may itself be a sign of another disorder, like autism.  The prenatal, natal, postnatal, and other known causes of developmental delays are: Prenatal: Syndromes like Down Syndrome Toxins exposure in pregnancy like alcohol, or drugs Chromosomal disorders, for example, Turner syndrome Maternal Infections   Perinatal: Prematurity IUGR Hemorrhage  Encephalopathy Hypoglycemia    Postnatal: Infections Trauma/Stress Metabolic disorders Malnutrition   Miscellaneous: Musculoskeletal problems Sickle cell anemia Genetics Hypothyroidism Growth Hormone deficiency  Signs Of Developmental Delay It’s difficult to precisely determine the reason for a baby’s developmental delay. However, you may look out for the following signs and symptoms in a baby: Inability to hold neck by 3 months Can’t stand or crawl by 1 year Floppy limbs Dominant involuntary reflexes Unable to socialize concerning his/her age  Speaking difficulty  Or any obvious anatomical change  Final Words We recommend you talk to a consultant neonatologist if you notice any physical, cognitive, or psychological delays in children. Dr. Olfa is an experienced neonatologist in Dubai, who will provide all the information you need regarding a newborn’s health.   REFERENCES Choo, Y. Y., Agarwal, P., How, C. H., & Yeleswarapu, S. P. (2019). Developmental delay: identification and management at primary care level. Singapore medical journal, 60(3), 119–123. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2019025  Pietrangelo, A. (2020, August 13). What You Need to Know About Developmental Delay. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/developmental-delay#causes Developmental Delay. (2019, November 22). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/developmental-delay

Taking care of the umbilical cord is very important for newborns. The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein. It connects your baby to your placenta through which they receive nourishment. The umbilical cord should be kept clean and dry at all times. It should also not be wrapped too tightly around your baby’s belly button, as this may cause discomfort; if you notice any infection or redness around the belly button, go to a consultant neonatologist immediately as it could indicate a severe problem like sepsis.  Some tips on how to take care of your child’s umbilical cord: Clean the area with soap and water. Pat dry with a clean towel… Keep it outside the diaper  no need to apply anything as recent studies showed that it will delay the cord’s fall Call your doctor right away if you notice any redness, swelling, discharge, or fever. Signs of local infection at the stump include: Swelling and redness in the area around the incision, the skin may feel warm to the touch. Pain or tenderness at the surgery site: you may experience this as a burning sensation or an intense ache when you move your arm or shoulder. Fever and chills: your temperature may be as high as 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Increased heart rate A pus-filled discharge from around your wound. Sometimes, this discharge can be thick, yellowish, or greenish. Poor feeding can cause concern for any new mother. The first thing you need to do is consult your doctor to find out the reason behind it. If your baby is limp and unresponsive call the emergency number (999 in UAE)   We’d love to be your new consultant neonatologist if you’re looking for a newborn pediatrician. Dr. Olfa, a pediatrician in Dubai, is a comprehensive healthcare system that provides superior medical treatment to our local and worldwide communities.  Consult a neonatologist with Dr. Olfa to learn about newborn pediatrician disease remedies. Best Pediatrician in Dubai, Dr.Olfa Clinics for Children. Holistic medicine. Treatments that are one-of-a-kind Unusual Medical Services.   Source: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001926.htm  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/umbilical-cord-care-in-newborns#:~:text=When%20your%20baby%20is%20born,of%20your%20baby%2C%20as%20well.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27573092/  

You’re probably feeling overwhelmed with the number of choices you have to make when caring for your newborn. It’s normal to feel that you want to take the best care possible of your baby, but it’s also important to remember that less is more. In addition to providing necessities like food and shelter, you should also be sure that they are getting the right products for their skin. Therefore, here are some of the products that you need to buy for your newborn baby: Products you need to buy for your newborn: Baby wash. You might choose a gentle wash that cleans and moisturizes your baby’s delicate skin. Baby lotion. You can use this product to keep your baby’s skin hydrated and soft. Bath sponge. You may want to bathe your baby every day or even twice a day, so having a soft sponge will help prevent skin irritation or getting soap in their eyes or ears. Cotton swabs. These will allow easy cleaning of any dirt or debris that gets in their ears or nose after feeding your baby. A little Large Clothes. Your little one will grow, so it’s a good idea to buy larger sizes of clothes rather than true to the size or smaller ones. You’ll also need a wide range of different clothes so you can adapt your baby’s look depending on the weather and temperature.  Diapers. Your newborn baby will need diapers at least eight times a day for the first few weeks. A good rule of thumb is that if your baby’s diaper is more than half full after being changed, use another one even if the diaper looks dry on the outside! Don’t forget to take extra diapers and change your baby’s ones before going out in public, especially if you’re traveling by car or plane! Some parents choose cloth diapers instead of disposable ones because they’re environmentally friendly, easy to use, and save money over time. They also come in fun patterns and colors that might make changing times more enjoyable for both parents. Wipes. Wet wipes help clean up messes before they happen. We recommend getting unscented wipes that are free of unnecessary chemicals because they will come in contact with your baby’s sensitive skin every day. Changing pad covers. Pad covers can get gross quickly if you don’t clean enough or change them regularly. It is the best choice for changing your baby’s diapers. This course of action can keep your baby safe from germs and bacteria. Final Words Dr. Olfa, a neonatologist in Dubai, is a physician who specializes in the care of newborns. Neonatology encompasses the medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care of premature infants and newborns with complications. Pediatricians in Dubai may be responsible for overseeing the care of all premature babies born or for just those premature babies who require intensive care after birth.  Dr. Olfa also offers outpatient services to all babies discharged from the hospital, Neonatal, and Well Baby Wards. In the instance of eligibility, a consultant neonatologist may also recommend circumcision.   Source: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-baby-skin-care-products-do-you-need-your-newborn 

After bringing your baby home, everything may seem complicated at first, but with a little practice and guidance, you’ll quickly become a pro. Babies are very small and fragile, which is why it’s important to properly prepare for their first bath. Dr. Olfa, a neonatal pediatrician, offers some tips for a successful first bath for your baby. Bring together all of the baby bath supplies you’ll need: A baby bath sponge or a clean washcloth would suffice, a fresh blanket or bath towel, a fresh diaper, clean Clothes, Gauze and Vaseline, and warm water. Remember that you should always keep your baby under supervision. The fundamentals of infant bathing: First, use the thermometer to check the temperature of the water, between 37-38 degrees. Undress the infant while holding the head with one hand. Leave the diaper on and cover your newborn with a towel. Clean one area at a time with a baby towel or a clean cloth. Start at the back of the ears and go behind to the neck, elbows, knees, and between the fingers and toes. You should clean the head after the bath is done so that the infant does not get chilly. While babies don’t have a large amount of hair, you can use a sponge to wash what’s there. To prevent getting water in their eyes, incline their head slightly while still supporting it. Remove the diaper and clean the baby’s tummy, legs, and private parts. Gently pat the baby dry. If you massage your skin, it will get inflamed. Dr. Olfa‘s aim as a neonatologist in Dubai is to achieve optimal physical, mental, and social healthcare and well-being for all newborns and children, and to provide families with the knowledge and confidence they need to make the best health decisions regarding neonatal care for their children. Visit us for more information and advice about taking care of your baby.

Our concept at Dr. Olfa, a neonatologist in Dubai, is ‘Experience Excellence,’ and it pervades everything we do. From the time you contact a neonatal pediatrician, our devoted and highly experienced team works tirelessly to provide specialized, world-class treatment to ensure a positive healthcare experience. A newborn infant just has three basic needs: warmth in their mother’s embrace, sustenance from her breasts, and security in knowing she is there. Babies’ stomachs are really small, and it doesn’t take much for your baby to feel full. However, you’ll need to feed your newborn frequently, between 8-12 times each day. It is recommended that you feed your baby regularly, as it will also help your body to continue producing milk. Breast milk meets all their requirements. Breast milk is your baby’s first meal. It will keep your baby healthy by providing all of the important nutrients in the proper amounts. It has the ideal balance of proteins, vitamins, carbs, and fats. A new mother should be aware of a few warning signals that will assist her in determining whether or not her infant is receiving adequate nutrition. you should be able to tell if the baby is eating properly if you can hear them sucking and swallowing milk. Also, if your baby is passing urine regularly means that he is getting enough milk. A breast pump will assist a mother in extracting and storing her milk for future use, allowing the infant to eat even when the mother is not there. Storage of breast milk is a constant concern for moms; how to preserve breast milk, how long breast milk can be stored, and so on are commonly asked questions. Refrigerate the milk immediately after expressing it unless it is going to be consumed right away. Breast milk may be refrigerated for 2 days in a regular fridge, and it can be frozen for up to 4 months in your fridge’s freezer compartment. If you have a separate freezer, it can be stored for up to 6 months. Dr. Olfa, a neonatologist and pediatrician in Dubai, offers all the information you need, from breast milk statistics to indicators that your baby is hungry. Discover how to get ready for the first few feedings with Dr. Olfa. See why it’s so crucial to hold your newborn skin to skin. Consult your neonatal pediatrician and learn how your breast milk varies over time and how much milk your developing baby needs.

Like any other parent, you’re constantly worrying about your child’s development; do they know enough things for their age? Should they be able to do this or that at their age? Having these types of concerns is completely natural, and while a regular checkup is always advised, here are a few things you could do to help your baby learn better and develop their intelligence. Provide a varied and nutritious diet Starting from 4 to 6 months, your baby is ready to start to have solid food. It is important that you introduce them to a varied and nutritious diet. This way you contribute not only to his physical development but to his mental one as well. Consult your pediatrician to know the right food for your baby’s age. Make your baby move Regardless of their age, it’s important that your baby gets any type of movement there is. For instance, at a very young age, you can clap your baby’s hands together or gently move their legs as if pedaling a bicycle. When your baby gets a bit older, you can roll their tummy combined with the bicycle movements. This is important because it makes your baby aware of their body and improves their motor functions. Talk to your baby Talking to your baby is highly beneficial to the development of your baby. It boosts their understanding of their surroundings, helps them learn to talk at an early age, and increases their nonverbal abilities like reasoning and empathy. Singing has also been shown to be beneficial to the development of their characters. For instance, research shows that singing to your baby helps relieve anxiety and build their confidence. Provide developmentally appropriate toys Toys are a wonderful way to stimulate your baby’s mental development. They promote spatial awareness, cognitive development and self-confidence. Also, they promote their coordination abilities and focus. Make sure that you give your baby their age-appropriate toys, and most importantly give them your attention and support to boost their self-esteem. Avoid screen time Screen time is your child’s worst enemy especially at a very young age. Try to avoid screen time for your baby at all costs no matter how fussy they get. Instead, indulge them with some toys and games. Takeaway It is important to pay attention to your baby’s development from a very young age to be able to stimulate and reinforce their abilities. Healthy and varied nutrition, physical movements, talking to your baby, providing developmentally appropriate toys, and avoiding screen time are powerful methods to increase your child’s learning abilities and intelligence. Nonetheless, a regular checkup is needed for the safety of your baby and your own peace of mind. Contact us or Call our office to book your baby’s monthly checkup.

Many new parents get confused about how to understand and deal with their newborn babies. Here are 10 things to know about your newborn: 1. The first days at home The baby’s days and nights are usually confused in the first few nights at home from the hospital. White noise and low lighting can help to soothe them late at night. 2. How to deal with the umbilical cord? The umbilical cord falls out faster if it is kept dry – generally within two weeks. Therefore, give your baby sponge baths until then, and if the umbilical cord gets wet, dry it gently with a towel. Also, don’t freak out if the stump bleeds a bit after the cord falls out, it is quite normal! 3. Will your newborn interact with you? Until they reach 6-weeks, don’t expect smiles or any other interaction from your newborn, of course except crying, eating, and sleeping. However, your newborn feels safe by your affection and enjoys being held and cuddled. 4. Babies connect with you through crying Newborns have an undeveloped nervous system and are easily frightened or irritated. In fact, they tend to cry a lot because this is how they connect with others! Their loud cries will inform you about their needs, whether they are hungry, cold, have a dirty diaper, or just want to be carried. Even though this kind of communication might be stressful, don’t worry, the storm will be gone after three months. 5. They cry without tears. Babies cry with no tears! Their little eyes will develop tears until they are around a month old. 6. Does your baby see you? Babies’ eyesight is very low until they are 6 months old. Their eyes are just 75% of their adult size, and their sight level is at 20/400! 7. They have natural swimming reflex Newborns have a natural swimming reflex in the first 6 months of their lives, but they lose that gift as they grow up. They can kick and move their arms very well when they are in the water. 8. Is your baby’s temperature normal? Except for the 24 hours following the first series of vaccinations at 2 months, any temperature exceeding 38°C in a newborn under 3 months old is considered an emergency. 9. Babies can swallow and breathe at the same time Unlike adults, babies can breathe and swallow simultaneously. They don’t need to pause and breathe until they are about 7 months old. 10. Is it dangerous to touch the baby’s head and soft spots? You are not contacting your baby’s brain when you touch his soft areas, known as fontanels. In fact, they are thick and very protective membranes. The soft areas helped your baby to pass the tight delivery canal safely. Don’t forget that your child’s delicate head has already gone through a hard trip with no injuries. 11. How to protect your baby outdoors? Avoid exposing the newborn to the sun, as well as sick individuals and overcrowded smaller areas. You can give their older siblings the mission of preserving baby sanitation. They’ll like reminding people to not touch the baby without first cleaning their hands, or not to kiss them on the mouth, etc.