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Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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Dr Willem Smit Paediatrician, Office Nr. 4 , Sadre Park, 1C Hibiscus Street, Durbanville (2026)

12/08/2026

👃💤 Is your child a mouth breather?

Does your little one sleep with their mouth open, snore, or wake up with a dry mouth?

It may be more than just a quirky sleeping habit!

Occasional mouth breathing is common with colds and blocked noses, but persistent mouth breathing—especially during sleep can be worth investigating.

It can sometimes be linked to:
• 👃 Allergies or chronic nasal congestion
• 😴 Snoring or restless sleep
• 👄 Dry mouth
• 🦷 Changes in teeth, bite or palate development
• 🗣️ Speech, chewing or swallowing difficulties in some children
• 💤 Daytime tiredness or difficulty concentrating

Keep an eye out for:
✔️ Regular snoring or noisy breathing
✔️ Sleeping with their mouth open
✔️ Constantly blocked nose
✔️ Dry mouth in the morning
✔️ Restless sleep

If this sounds familiar, chat to your child’s doctor, especially if it’s happening regularly.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Willem Smit | Paediatrician
Because sometimes, how your child breathes matters just as much as how they feel.

05/08/2026

😴🦠 Why Your Child Gets More Sick When They’re Overtired

Parents often focus on vitamins, immune boosters and healthy eating…
But one of the biggest things affecting your child’s immune system is actually:

👉 SLEEP

When children are overtired, their bodies struggle to fight infections properly.

That’s why children who:
• Go to bed too late
• Skip naps
• Wake often at night
• Have busy, overstimulating schedules

👉 Often get sick more frequently and take longer to recover.

😴 What happens when kids don’t sleep enough?

Poor sleep can lead to:

• Weaker immune function
• More coughs & colds
• Increased inflammation
• Mood swings & meltdowns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slower recovery from illness

🧠 A tired child’s body is stressed

Overtired children produce more stress hormones, which can affect:
• Immunity
• Appetite
• Behaviour
• Emotional regulation

Sometimes the “naughty” or emotional child is actually just… exhausted.

⏰ How much sleep do children actually need?

👶 Babies: 12–16 hours
🧒 Toddlers: 11–14 hours
👦 School kids: 9–11 hours

And yes… many children are getting far less than this.

💡 Signs your child may be overtired

• Hyperactive at night
• Emotional meltdowns
• Struggling to wake up
• Dark circles under eyes
• Constant illness
• Falling asleep in the car instantly

🤍 The good news?

Earlier bedtimes are one of the simplest ways to support your child’s:
✔ Immunity
✔ Behaviour
✔ Mood
✔ Overall health

Sometimes the best “immune booster” is not found in a bottle…
👉 It’s a good night’s sleep.

💬 What time does bedtime happen in your house? 😅

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

20/05/2026

💥Don’t rationalize your child’s symptoms away.

“It’s probably just a virus.”
“They’re just being dramatic.”
“They’ll grow out of it.”
“It’s probably teething.”

Sometimes that’s true, but sometimes symptoms are early warning signs that deserve attention.

Children often don’t have the words to explain what they feel, so their bodies and behaviour speak first.

👀Things that should never be ignored include:
• Persistent or high fevers
• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
• Extreme sleepiness or unusual lethargy
• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
• Dehydration (dry lips, fewer wet nappies, no tears when crying)
• Sudden rashes with fever
• Severe headaches or neck stiffness
• Limping or refusing to walk
• Weight loss or poor feeding
• A child who is simply “not themselves”

Parents are often the first to notice subtle changes, trust that instinct.

Many serious illnesses in children initially look mild. Early assessment and treatment can prevent complications and, in some cases, save lives.

It is always better to have your child checked and be reassured than to wait too long.

🗝️Trust your gut.
Ask the questions.
Seek help early.

Dr. Willem Smit
Paediatrician

20/05/2026

Just a reminder to parents: medicine should NEVER be added to your child’s bottle 🍼💊

It may seem like an easier way to get medicine into a little one, but it can actually cause more problems:

• Your child may not finish the full bottle, meaning they don’t get the correct dose
• Some medicines can change taste and make babies refuse feeds altogether
• Mixing medicine with milk or formula can affect how well the medication works
• It can create negative associations with feeding time
• Most importantly, giving inaccurate doses can be dangerous

Medicine should always be given exactly as prescribed, using the correct syringe or measuring device.

If your child struggles with taking medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for safer tips and alternatives 🤍

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

29/04/2026

🐶😮‍💨 That Barking Cough at Night? It Could Be CROUP

If your child suddenly wakes up at night with a harsh, barking cough…
almost like a seal or dog bark…

👉 Don’t ignore it.

It could be croup— a common but sometimes serious airway infection in young children.

🫁 What is croup?

Croup is a viral infection of the upper airway (voice box and windpipe).

👶 Most common in:
• Children under 4
• But can happen in older kids too

👉 Younger children are more affected because their airways are smaller, even a little swelling can make breathing difficult.

🦠 What causes it?

Usually caused by the parainfluenza virus
👉 The same viruses that can also cause chest infections

🌙 How it typically starts

• Child goes to bed fine 😴
• Wakes up suddenly between 11pm–2am
• With:
• A barking cough
• Noisy breathing when breathing in (stridor)
• Hoarse voice
• Sometimes fever

👉 Symptoms are often worse at night and better during the day

🚨 When to act FAST

If your child has:

• Noisy breathing when breathing in (stridor)
• Struggling to breathe
• Chest pulling in with breaths
• Looks anxious or distressed

👉 This is a medical emergency

➡️ Go to ER immediately

❄️ A strange but true tip

Some children improve on the way to hospital
👉 Cooler air can temporarily reduce airway swelling

BUT:
⚠️ This does NOT mean the problem is gone

📉 What happens over the next few days

Croup can move lower into the chest:

• Barking cough → becomes wetter
• May develop:
• Phlegmy cough
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath (especially in babies)

🏥 How it is treated

Treatment focuses on opening the airway:

• Cortisone (very effective)
• Inhalations
• Adrenaline (in more severe cases)

👉 Most children improve quickly with treatment

⚠️ Important

Other serious conditions can look like croup and must be excluded by a doctor.

Most children:
• Improve quickly
• May go home the next day
• Recover fully with treatment

💬 If your child has ever had that barking cough at night, you’ll never forget it.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

22/04/2026

GREAT NEWS FOR Discovery Medical Aid FAMILIES👶✨

If your baby is born between February and June 2026, and you’re on Discovery Health, they are now eligible to receive the Beyfortus vaccine for protection against RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infection.
This is a R6500 benefit !!

✔️ Covers preterm, full-term, healthy, and high-risk babies
✔️ No special motivation needed
✔️ Simply call Discovery for an authorisation number

Once approved and with a valid script, your baby can receive protection during the 2026 RSV season.

RSV can be serious in little ones, this is a big step in keeping our babies safer this winter 💙

📞 Chat to us if you’d like guidance or a script.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

21/04/2026

😮‍💨❄️ BE AWARE !
BRONCHIOLITIS SEASON IS HERE!

If your baby has a runny nose that suddenly turns into a chesty cough and fast breathing…
👉 this could be bronchiolitis.

This is a very common winter illness, but in young babies, it can become VERY SERIOUS quickly.

🫁 What is bronchiolitis?

It’s a viral infection of the small airways in the lungs.

👶 Most common in:
• Babies
• Infants
• Children under 2

👉 The younger the baby, the higher the risk.

🦠 What causes it?

The most common cause is:
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

But other viruses can also cause it.

👉 It spreads easily through:
• Coughing & sneezing
• Hands of caregivers

⚠️ If your child has symptoms, keep them home from crèche/daycare.

📈 How it usually starts

1️⃣ Starts like a normal cold
(runny/blocked nose)

2️⃣ After 3–5 days:
• Moves into the chest
• Wet, phlegmy cough
• Wheezing or rattling breathing
• Sometimes fever

🚨 When to worry and contact your paediatrician

Seek urgent care if your baby has:

• Fast or difficult breathing
• Chest pulling in when breathing
• Struggling to feed
• Vomiting feeds
• Very sleepy or weak
• Lips or tongue looking pale or blue

👉 These are signs your baby needs medical care urgently

🏥 Why some babies need hospital

In hospital, babies can receive:

• Oxygen
• IV fluids if not feeding
• Close monitoring
• Nebulisation treatments
• Support if breathing becomes difficult
• Physiotherapy

👉 Early treatment can prevent serious complications.

🛡️ Prevention tips

• Have ALL babies under one year vaccinated against the RSV during winter.
• Avoid crèche for babies under 6 months in winter if possible
• Wash hands regularly
• Keep sick contacts away
• Avoid smoke exposure

💡 There is a preventative injection for all babies. (Beyfortus for babies and Abrysvo for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks)
It could save your baby’s life!
Babies that are premature or have heart/lung conditions are at an extremely high risk of serious complications due to bronchiolitis

💊 Treatment

There is no single “cure”, but treatment focuses on:

• Reducing inflammation
• Helping breathing
• Clearing phlegm
• Preventing dehydration
• Treating secondary infections if present

Your baby may cough for weeks after bronchiolitis, this is common.

Some children may also have recurrent wheezing for a while after.

RSV bronchiolitis increases the risk of developing asthma and COPD ( Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) later in life

💬 Has your baby ever had bronchiolitis or perhaps have it now? Act fast before it gets worse

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

16/04/2026

🌼🤧 It’s Not Just a Cold… It Might Be Allergies”

If your child has a constant runny nose, sneezing or cough…
and it just never seems to go away…

👉 It might not be another virus.

👉 It could be allergies.

🧠 Here’s something most parents don’t realise:

Up to 30–40% of children have allergies, especially in urban areas.

And if:
• One parent has allergies → child has a 50% chance
• Both parents → up to 80% chance

👉 Genetics plays a BIG role.

🌿 Common allergy symptoms in kids

• Constant runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing fits
• Itchy eyes, nose, throat or ears
• Night-time cough
• Wheezing or tight chest
• Dry, itchy skin (eczema)

🤧 Allergy or just another cold?

They can look VERY similar…

BUT:

👉 Allergies:
• Ongoing or seasonal
• Often no fever
• Child otherwise active

👉 Viruses:
• Usually last 3–7 days
• Often come with fever
• Child looks more “sick”

🌼 When symptoms flare up

• Summer: pollen & grass allergies
• Winter: mould & damp environments
• All year: dust mites & pets

👉 Some children struggle all year round

⚠️ Why this matters

Untreated allergies can lead to:
• Poor sleep
• Chronic cough
• Recurrent infections
• Asthma flare-ups
• Ongoing discomfort

💊 What actually helps?

👉 The right preventative treatment

And this is important:

✔ The most effective allergy medications are prescription-based
✔ They work best when started early, before symptoms worsen
✔ Correct use makes a big difference

🤍 A simple message for parents

If your child always seems to have a “cold”…

👉 It’s worth asking:
“Could this be allergies?”

💬 Does your child struggle more in certain seasons?

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

13/04/2026

💉 Protect your children and yourself against flu (Influenza) this winter!

- What Parents Should Know

We have been admitting children with Flu , including Swine Flu , since March which means early vaccination is strongly recommended this year like every other year.

👉 Ideally, children should receive their flu vaccine from March to early April
👉 Protection develops about 2 weeks after vaccination, so timing matters

👶 What age can children receive the flu vaccine?

✔️ From 6 months of age and older

* Children under 6 months cannot be vaccinated
* They rely on protection from vaccinated parents, siblings, and caregivers

⭐ Which children are high priority?

While we recommend vaccination for all children, it is especially important for:

✔️ Children under 5 years (highest risk under 2 years)
✔️ Premature babies and ex-NICU patients
✔️ Children with chronic conditions:

* Asthma or recurrent wheezing
* Congenital heart disease
* Diabetes
* Neurological conditions
* Chronic lung disease

✔️ Immunocompromised children

These children are at higher risk of:

* Severe flu illness
* Hospitalisation
* Complications like pneumonia

🤧 Why vaccinate your child?

Influenza in children can present more severely than expected.

The flu vaccine:
✔️ Reduces the risk of severe illness
✔️ Decreases hospital admissions
✔️ Helps protect vulnerable siblings and family members
✔️ Reduces school absenteeism and spread in the community

⏰ When should you book?

✔️ Best time: March – early April
✔️ Vaccination later in the season still offers protection

Flu season typically peaks during winter months (May–August), but early cases are already being seen.

💬 From a paediatric perspective

Prevention is always better than treatment, especially in young children where flu can escalate quickly.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

08/04/2026

🥄 Starting Solids: A Gentle Guide for Parents

Starting solids is an exciting milestones, but it can also feel overwhelming. Here are some simple, evidence-based tips to guide you and your little one through this journey 👶✨

🕒 When is baby ready? (Readiness signs)
Look out for these signs before starting solids (usually around 4-6 months):
• Sitting with minimal support
• Good head and neck control
• Showing interest in your food
• Bringing hands or objects to their mouth
• Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex

🥛 Milk comes first
Breastmilk or formula remains your baby’s primary source of nutrition for the first 6 months of age.
👉 Always offer milk before solids in the early stages.

Remember: “Food from 4 months to 6 months is only to introduce the food allergens so that the baby’s immune system can develop tolerance instead of allergy.

🥕 How to introduce foods
• Start with one new food at a time
• Ideally wait 3-5 days before introducing another
• This helps you easily identify any allergies or sensitivities

⚠️ Allergy awareness
• Introduce common allergens (like egg, peanut, dairy) early but safely
• Always offer these foods during the day, not at night, so you can monitor reactions
• Watch for signs like rash, swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea or breathing difficulty

🍽️ Let them explore
Starting solids is not just about eating, it’s about learning!
• Let your baby touch, squish, and play with their food
• Mess is part of the process and helps with sensory development

🙅‍♀️ What if they refuse?
That’s completely normal!
• Don’t force or stress
• Keep offering the same food in a relaxed way
• It can take multiple exposures before a baby accepts a new taste

💛 Keep it positive
Mealtimes should feel calm and enjoyable. Your baby is learning a lifelong relationship with food, take it slow and follow their lead.

If you’re unsure or concerned about your baby’s feeding journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

Dr Willem Smit Paediatrician

12/08/2026

05/08/2026

20/05/2026

20/05/2026

29/04/2026

22/04/2026

21/04/2026

16/04/2026

13/04/2026

08/04/2026

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Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00