Pendleton Childrens Clinic

15/09/2026

"Your child isn't talking because of a tongue tie" — is this true? Not always. Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the tissue under the tongue is tighter than usual. It can affect breastfeeding in some babies, but most children with a tongue tie develop language completely normally. In a few cases, it may affect certain speech sounds like l, t, d, n, r. Even then, many kids master these without surgery. Concerned about feeding or speech? Skip the myths — get your child assessed by a speech therapist.

11/09/2026

Alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen does lower temperature faster than paracetamol alone — the evidence is real. But it only applies to the first 1–2 doses, and a lower number doesn't mean a more comfortable child. Fever is your child's body fighting infection, not an emergency on its own.

If you do alternate for a rough night, write down the time and dose of each medicine given. Mixing meds without tracking is one of the easiest ways to accidentally overdose. Watch your child, not just the thermometer — behaviour, feeding, and breathing tell you more than a number ever will.

07/09/2026

Diarrhoea may seem common, but in children it can quickly become serious. The biggest risks?Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and poor nutrition.
After seeing a doctor, most children can recover at home with ORS, zinc, continued breastfeeding and small, frequent healthy meals.
But watch closely for danger signs like sunken eyes, persistent vomiting, high fever, blood or mucus in the stool, severe stomach pain or unusual sleepiness.
And remember: don’t give medications unless prescribed by a doctor. Spot the signs early. Seek care quickly. Share this with a parent who needs to know.

04/09/2026

Speech development doesn't need fancy gadgets — everyday play works. Toy kitchen sets, blocks, dolls, animal figures, and board books all build vocabulary through repetition and shared attention. By age 2, most children say 50+ words; by age 3, strangers should understand about 75% of their speech. If you're concerned, a speech-language therapist can help. Swipe for 5 toys to try at home. 👶🗣️

02/09/2026

Why does your healthcare provider measure your baby’s head at every clinic visit?

Head circumference is an important way of monitoring brain growth during the first two years of life. It’s not just one measurement that matters—the pattern of growth over time is key. A head that grows too slowly, too quickly, or suddenly crosses growth-chart lines may need further assessment.

Regular growth monitoring helps healthcare professionals identify concerns early and make sure your child’s body and brain are developing as expected.

Don’t skip those routine clinic visits—they really do matter.

31/08/2026

Does your child cough, wheeze or become unusually breathless during or after exercise? 🏃‍♀️⚽🏊‍♂️

It may not simply be tiredness or being “unfit.” Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) causes temporary narrowing of the airways during vigorous activity and can affect children with asthma as well as otherwise healthy, active children. Symptoms often appear shortly after exercise and may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or early fatigue.

The good news? EIB can usually be managed very effectively with the right assessment, treatment and simple preventative strategies—helping children breathe easier, stay active and keep doing the activities they love.

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

‘Caring for a sick child is never just about treating the illness. So much of paediatrics is also about reassuring worried parents, counselling, explaining, and simply holding a family’s hand through what can be a very stressful time.’ Dr Emilia Marsden.

Receiving this beautiful orchid and such a thoughtful thank-you card was so touching. It is truly heartwarming when parents acknowledge not only the medical care, but also the compassion and support given along the way.

A beautiful reminder of why caring for children and their families is such a privilege. 💜🌸

24/08/2026

Cold or flu? It's not always easy to tell — but the difference matters. A cold builds gradually with a runny nose and mild symptoms, while flu often hits fast and hard: high fever, body aches, chills and exhaustion. Neither needs antibiotics (they're viral), but antivirals can help with flu if started early. Right now in Zambia, we're seeing more Influenza A in children as we move through peak season. If your child suddenly seems very unwell, don't wait it out — get them checked.