ProPaeds

06/09/2026

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus and one of the common causes of severe vomiting and diarrhoea in babies and young children.

Although many children recover well, rotavirus can sometimes cause significant dehydration — especially in babies, who can become unwell very quickly.

What symptoms should parents look out for?

Rotavirus commonly causes:
* Frequent watery diarrhoea
* Vomiting
* Fever
* Abdominal cramps
* Poor feeding
* Tiredness or irritability

Watch for signs of dehydration.

Please seek medical attention if your child:

* Is drinking or feeding poorly
* Has significantly fewer wet nappies or is urinating less than usual
* Has a very dry mouth or no tears when crying
* Is unusually sleepy , lethargic
* Is vomiting continuously
* Has blood in the stool

Babies and young children can dehydrate surprisingly quickly.

Prevention matters:
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect babies against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. The rotavirus vaccine is given orally during early infancy and helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

Good hand hygiene is also important, although rotavirus spreads extremely easily and can survive on surfaces for prolonged periods.

If your child has diarrhoea or vomiting:

The most important priority is maintaining hydration. Offer frequent small amounts of breast milk, formula or an appropriate oral rehydration solution.

A message from ProPaeds:

Most episodes of gastroenteritis are manageable, but parents should never hesitate to seek help when a baby or young child is not drinking, is vomiting repeatedly or appears dehydrated.

Early assessment can make a big difference: Contact us: 0137457179

ProPaeds Paediatricians
Caring for little people and the families who love them.

20/08/2026

GROWING BONES: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION

Did you know that childhood and adolescence are some of the most important years for building strong bones?

Healthy bones don't happen by accident. Three key factors help support normal bone growth and development:

CALCIUM – the building block of bones and teeth
VITAMIN D – helps the body absorb and use calcium
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – running, jumping and active play help strengthen growing bones

From milk and yoghurt to outdoor play, dancing, sport and jumping – everyday choices can make a difference.

And remember: active play counts! Children don't need a gym membership to build strong bones.

Swipe through our post to learn more about growing healthy bones.

Save this post as a reminder and share it with another parent!

14/08/2026

FROM “I’LL EAT ANYTHING!” TO “I DON’T LIKE IT!”

When your child suddenly stops eating — should you worry?

One day your child is happily eating everything you put in front of them. The next, they refuse their favourite meal, push away vegetables and announce that they “don’t like” foods they used to love.

Sound familiar?

Sudden changes in eating habits are common in children, particularly during the toddler and preschool years. As children grow, their appetite can naturally fluctuate, and becoming more independent can also mean becoming more opinionated about food.

But sometimes, a sudden change in eating can have another reason.

Why might a child suddenly eat less?

A reduced appetite can happen with something as simple as a minor illness, constipation, tiredness or a change in routine. Teething, mouth ulcers, sore throats or other discomfort can also make eating less appealing.

For some children, texture, smell, appearance or sensory sensitivity can play a role. Emotional changes, anxiety or stressful events can also affect appetite.

So, should you worry?

Not necessarily. If your child is otherwise active, well and growing normally, occasional fussy eating or days of eating less are usually not a reason for panic.

Try to avoid turning mealtimes into a battle. Offer regular meals and snacks, provide a variety of nutritious foods, and allow your child to decide how much they eat. Keep mealtimes relaxed and remember that children may need to be offered a food many times before accepting it.

When should you speak to your paediatrician?

A persistent or significant change in eating deserves attention if your child:

* Is losing weight or not growing as expected
* Has very limited foods or is becoming increasingly restrictive
* Frequently gags, chokes or struggles with certain textures
* Seems to have pain when eating
* Has ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
* Has noticeably reduced energy or seems unwell
* Refuses most foods or fluids for a prolonged period

The key is to look at the whole child — not just what is on the plate.

A picky phase can be completely normal, but a sudden and persistent change in eating is worth discussing with your paediatrician, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

At ProPaeds, we’re here to help you navigate the “Is this normal?” moments of childhood.

If you are concerned about your child's eating, appetite, growth or development, speak to your healthcare professional: https://propaeds.co.za/contact-us/

11/08/2026

Please join us in welcoming Madeleine van der Merwe to the Propaeds team!

Madeleine brings over 15 years of experience in customer care, client service, and team leadership. She spent the majority of her career at Imperial Health Sciences, where she progressed through multiple roles to become Manager: High Level Client Care, leading teams, driving service excellence, and improving customer experience.

Her achievements include receiving the Imperial Customer Service Award, serving as Second-in-Charge for the Contact Centre Senior Manager, and contributing to major business transformation projects, including SAP and system upgrades.

With a strong background in business management, customer service, and continuous learning, we're excited to have Madeleine on board and look forward to the knowledge, passion, and expertise she'll bring to Propaeds.

Welcome to the team, Madeleine!

03/08/2026

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK | 1–7 AUGUST

Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.”

As your little one grows into the toddler years, breastfeeding can continue to be part of their routine — while their nutritional needs increasingly come from a varied diet of family foods.

The toddler transition is about balance.

As your child begins eating more solids, focus on:
• A variety of nutritious foods
• Regular meals and healthy snacks
• Iron-rich foods such as meat, eggs, beans and lentils
• Plenty of opportunities to explore different tastes and textures
• Water as the main drink between meals
• Continuing breastfeeding for as long as it works for you and your child

Breastfeeding can remain a source of nutrition, comfort and connection, but toddlers also need a diverse diet to support their growing bodies and developing brains.

There is no single “right” way to transition. Every child and family is different.

If you’re unsure whether your toddler’s diet is meeting their nutritional needs, speak to your paediatrician.

ProPaeds Paediatricians
Supporting your child through every stage of their growth.

01/08/2026

Sleep isn’t just rest — it’s essential for growing, learning and thriving!

While your little one sleeps, their brain processes what they’ve learned, their body grows and develops, their mood resets, and their immune system gets stronger. 🌙✨

The good news? Small, consistent habits can make a big difference:

🕰️ Keep a consistent bedtime
📱 Switch off screens about an hour before bed
🌙 Keep their room cool and dark

Because better sleep means healthier, happier kids.

What’s your child’s bedtime routine like? Share your best sleep tip with us below!

29/07/2026

Healthy Sleep Habits: Why Quality Sleep Matters from Babies to Teenagers

Sleep is more than just rest—it plays a vital role in your child’s growth, learning, emotional wellbeing, and overall health. From newborns developing rapidly to teenagers navigating busy school schedules, good sleep habits are essential at every stage of childhood. Research shows that quality sleep supports brain development, memory, concentration, mood, and physical health.

Read our latest article for practical tips to help your child build healthy sleep habits and get the rest they need to thrive.

👉 Read the full article here: https://propaeds.co.za/2026/07/29/healthy-sleep-habits-why-quality-sleep-matters-from-babies-to-teenagers/ 



https://propaeds.co.za/2026/07/29/healthy-sleep-habits-why-quality-sleep-matters-from-babies-to-teenagers/

Brought to you by the team at ProPaeds Paediatricians

27/07/2026

Vitamin K at birth: What does the latest research tell us? Read more below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da730xMlvW5/?img_index=6&igsh=ZGd0cXJ4ZHp0OGY3

24/07/2026

Mornings set the tone for the day!

A simple routine can help children feel calm, confident, and ready to learn. Our printable Morning Checklist makes it easy to build healthy habits—one tick at a time.

Save this post, print it out, and place it where your child can see it every morning.

What is one morning habit that makes a big difference in your home? Tell us in the comments!

17/07/2026

📢 Position Filled – Thank You!

We are delighted to announce that this position has been filled.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to apply and showed interest in joining the ProPaeds team.

We wish all applicants every success in their future careers and look forward to connecting again when new opportunities arise.

Thank you for your support and interest in ProPaeds Paediatricians.