Dr JoAnn Child Specialist

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Dr JoAnn Child Specialist

Dr JoAnn Rajah is a child specialist that provides pediatric care to baby and children in PJ and KL. Baby and Child Clinic

26/09/2026

This is how my little girl falls asleep at night, clutching my hand.

My eldest chose to move into her own room when she was 12. My son is who is 11 this year says he might be ready next year. The funny thing is, I think I’ll miss their company more than they’ll miss mine. I’ll miss seeing their faces first thing in the morning, and hearing the occasional snore or sleepy conversation in the night.

Our children have always had their own beds beside ours. When they were younger, we took care to make their sleep space safe for their age. As a paediatrician, I know how important safe sleep is, especially for babies.

Children grow into independence at different times. Some are ready for their own room early; others take longer.

There’s no prize for getting there first.

What matters is a safe arrangement that lets everyone in the family rest well. For now, I’m happy to hold her hand a little longer.

24/09/2026

Yesterday, I saw a toddler who came in with a low-grade fever, cough and runny nose. On examination, she was also wheezing, and her swab came back positive for RSV.

My immediate thought was her newborn baby sister at home.

RSV can spread very easily between siblings. While an older toddler may experience it as a bad cough, wheezing or bronchiolitis, the same infection can be much more serious in a young baby.

Thankfully, their mum had received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.

Vaccination during pregnancy allows mum to produce antibodies that cross the placenta to the baby, giving the newborn some protection during those first vulnerable months of life.

Of course, it doesn't mean the baby cannot catch RSV at all. But the important aim is to reduce the risk of severe RSV disease and hospitalisation.

If you are pregnant, speak to your obstetrician or doctor about whether maternal RSV vaccination is suitable for you.

23/09/2026

6 SIGNS YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO SEE A DOCTOR ASAP 🚨

Most childhood illnesses can be managed at home with rest, fluids and close observation. But some signs should not be ignored.

1. Breathing looks difficult
Breathing very fast, ribs sucking in, nostrils flaring, grunting, struggling to speak/cry, or lips looking bluish.

2. Your child is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake
Being tired when sick is normal. Being very drowsy, floppy, confused or difficult to wake is not.

3. Your child is not drinking or showing signs of dehydration
Very little urine, dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or repeatedly refusing fluids.

4. Persistent vomiting
Especially when your child cannot keep fluids down, vomit is green or bloody, or vomiting is accompanied by severe abdominal pain.

5. A seizure, severe headache or unusual behaviour
Particularly a first seizure, persistent confusion, severe headache with vomiting, or neck stiffness.

6. Your parental instinct tells you something is seriously wrong
Sometimes the numbers look okay, but your child simply doesn’t look or behave like themselves. If your child is becoming progressively more unwell, get them checked.

One extra reminder:
Babies under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or above should be assessed promptly.

When in doubt, it is always reasonable to have your child examined. ❤️

21/09/2026

What's your parenting style?

Strict? Gentle? Somewhere in between?

20/09/2026

Why does my baby always sound congested or phlegmy?🤔

This is a common concern among parents, especially during the first few months of life.

Babies naturally have smaller and narrower nasal passages. Because of this, even a small amount of mucus can make them sound very congested. The noise may become more obvious during feeding or while they are sleeping.

Reflux may also contribute. When milk comes back up from the stomach, it can irritate the throat and cause a gurgling or “phlegmy” sound. This does not always mean there is phlegm in the lungs or that the baby has a chest infection.

Gently cleaning the nose with saline drops or spray can help, particularly before feeding and sleeping. Suction only when necessary and avoid doing it too forcefully.

Most babies remain well despite these sounds. However, please have your baby checked if there is reduced feeding, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulty, chest recession or if your baby appears unusually tired or unwell.

18/09/2026

I’m watching Resident Evil today. I have been a fan since it first came out! But as a paediatrician and a mother, it got me thinking: when are children ready for scary or gory movies?

There is no single “safe age.” It depends on the child’s maturity, personality and how graphic the movie is. Mild suspense is very different from realistic violence and gore.

➡️For young children, gory movies are definitely a no-no. Frightening images may return as nightmares, bedtime fears or clinginess.

➡️Older primary school children may enjoy age-appropriate scares, but realistic injuries, torture and death are usually still too much.

➡️Some teenagers may be ready, but those who are anxious, sensitive or already having sleeping difficulties may need more time.

Always check the movie rating and content. An age rating is not a challenge to see whether your child is “brave enough.” If a movie is meant for adults, keep it for adults.

When introducing scarier content, watch together and avoid doing so just before bedtime. Let your child know they can stop at any time, and never tease them for feeling frightened.

Childhood is not the time to prove how tough they are. The movie can always wait until they are truly ready.

16/09/2026

Happy Malaysia Day, everyone!

When we browse social media or read the news, we often come across disputes and hurtful comments about race and religion. Unfortunately, such stories are sometimes sensationalized because outrage attracts more views, shares and followers.

Before we react, let us pause and reflect on our own everyday experiences.

Most of us encounter far more kind, respectful and helpful Malaysians than the few “rotten apples” we see online. These ordinary moments of friendship and goodwill may not make the headlines, but they represent the Malaysia many of us know and love.

Beyond our different races, religions and cultures, I believe most Malaysians want the same simple thing: to live peacefully, care for our loved ones and build a better future together.

May we always choose kindness over division and unity over hatred.

Selamat Hari Malaysia! ❤️

12/09/2026

“I want to protect my child from every difficult feeling.”

It sounds noble. After all, what wouldn’t we do for our children?

But will protecting them from every disappointment truly help them become stronger, more resilient adults?

09/09/2026

Why must the API exceed 200 before schools are closed?

I understand the need for a clear threshold. An API above 200 is classified as “very unhealthy,” when the risk to the wider population becomes more significant. Meanwhile, when the API exceeds 100, schools are instructed to stop outdoor activities.

But as a paediatrician, I cannot ignore what we are seeing in the clinic.

Over the past few weeks, the API has remained around 150 on many days. Although this is below the school-closure threshold, it is already classified as unhealthy. We have been seeing more children with wheezing, persistent coughing, nasal congestion, sinus flare-ups, irritated eyes and worsening eczema.

Children are not simply smaller adults. They breathe more air relative to their body weight, their lungs are still developing, and many are physically active even when the air quality is poor. Those with asthma, sensitive airways or allergies may become symptomatic at much lower API levels.

Stopping outdoor activities is helpful, but how protected are children in schools with naturally ventilated classrooms, open windows and no air filtration? When unhealthy air persists for days or weeks, cumulative exposure also deserves consideration.

This does not necessarily mean that every school must close whenever the API reaches 150. However, perhaps our response should be more flexible and child-centred rather than relying on one number alone.

Could we consider temporary online learning when unhealthy readings remain elevated for several consecutive days? Could vulnerable children be allowed to stay home without being penalised? Could schools improve indoor-air monitoring, close windows where appropriate and provide effective air filtration?

The API of 200 should not become the point at which we first begin protecting children. Prevention should start much earlier, especially when the air has already been unhealthy for weeks.

06/09/2026

Involve your child in age-appropriate household tasks whenever possible.

These little responsibilities are more than just chores.

They help children feel capable, valued and included. Over time, they build self-confidence, independence and appreciation for the effort that goes into caring for a home and family.

Start small, offer guidance and praise their effort.

Don’t aim for perfection.

A child who contributes learns, “I am an important part of this family.”

Address

B2-3A, Plaza Damas 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas
Kuala Lumpur
50480

Website

https://www.drjoannchildspecialist.com/

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