Baines Specialist Children's Clinic

Baines Specialist Children's Clinic Specialist Paediatrician/ Child Specialist

Recognising Dehydration in Children 💧Children can become dehydrated quickly — especially with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea...
25/08/2026

Recognising Dehydration in Children 💧

Children can become dehydrated quickly — especially with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or hot weather. Knowing the warning signs early can make all the difference.

Common causes:
🔹 Diarrhoea and vomiting (from illness or infection)
🔹 Fever and excessive sweating
🔹 Not drinking enough fluids, especially when unwell
🔹 Hot weather and increased physical activity

🚩 Warning signs to watch for:
✔️ Dry mouth, lips, or tongue
✔️ Fewer wet nappies or less frequent urination
✔️ Sunken eyes or, in infants, a sunken soft spot
✔️ Unusual tiredness, irritability, or low energy
✔️ Crying with little or no tears
✔️ Cool, dry skin that doesn't bounce back when gently pinched

Keeping your child well hydrated:
💧 Offer water or oral rehydration solutions regularly, especially during illness
💧 Encourage small, frequent sips rather than large amounts at once
💧 Continue breastfeeding for infants, as advised
💧 Seek medical care promptly if symptoms worsen or don't improve

If you're ever unsure, it's always better to have your child checked. 🩺

📞 +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare
🌐 www.drlawsonchikara.org

Keeping Children's Immunisations Up to Date 💉Routine vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to protect your ...
24/08/2026

Keeping Children's Immunisations Up to Date 💉

Routine vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to protect your child from serious, preventable diseases — and staying on schedule matters more than many parents realise.

Why immunisations matter:
✔️ They protect your child from diseases like measles, polio, whooping cough, and more
✔️ They help build "herd immunity," protecting babies and children who are too young or too vulnerable to be vaccinated
✔️ Missed or delayed doses can leave gaps in protection at the times children need it most
✔️ Vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness

A few reminders for parents:
🔹 Keep your child's vaccination card/record up to date and bring it to every visit
🔹 If a dose was missed, it's not too late — catch-up schedules are available
🔹 Mild side effects like a sore arm or slight fever are normal and temporary
🔹 Unsure what's due next? Ask us at your next appointment

Protecting your child starts with a simple, on-time visit. 🩺

📞 +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare
🌐 www.drlawsonchikara.org

Recognising Dehydration in Children💧 Did you know children can become dehydrated faster than adults?Whether it's a hot d...
18/08/2026

Recognising Dehydration in Children

💧 Did you know children can become dehydrated faster than adults?

Whether it's a hot day, a tummy bug, or a fever, dehydration can sneak up quickly in little ones. Here's how to spot it early:

⚠️ Common Causes

Vomiting or diarrhoea
Fever and excessive sweating
Not drinking enough fluids
Hot weather and outdoor play

🔍 Warning Signs to Watch For

Dry mouth and lips
Fewer wet nappies or less frequent urination
Sunken eyes
Tiredness, irritability, or unusual sleepiness
Crying with little or no tears

🥤 Keeping Your Child Hydrated

Offer water regularly, don't wait until they ask
Include water-rich foods (watermelon, cucumbers, oranges)
Use oral rehydration solutions if there's vomiting or diarrhoea
Watch fluid intake closely during illness or hot weather

If your child shows signs of moderate to severe dehydration, don't wait — early treatment makes all the difference.

👨‍⚕️ When in doubt, bring them in. Dr Chikara is here to help.

📞 +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare
🌐 www.drlawsonchikara.org

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD)🦠 Is it just a cold... or could it be Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD)?HFMD is a commo...
17/08/2026

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD)

🦠 Is it just a cold... or could it be Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

HFMD is a common viral infection in young children, especially those in daycare or preschool. Here's what every parent should know:

✅ Signs & Symptoms

Fever and sore throat
Small blisters or sores in the mouth
Rash or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks
Reduced appetite and fussiness

🧼 Prevention Tips

Frequent handwashing (for kids AND caregivers)
Disinfect shared toys and surfaces
Avoid close contact with infected children
Keep sick children home until symptoms clear

🚨 When to See a Paediatrician

Fever lasting more than 3 days
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet nappies)
Your child refuses to eat or drink due to mouth sores
Symptoms seem to worsen instead of improve

HFMD usually clears up on its own within 7–10 days, but if you're ever unsure, it's always best to have your child checked.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Chikara is here for your child's health, every step of the way.

📞 +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare
🌐 www.drlawsonchikara.org

🇿🇼 Happy Heroes Day Holiday 🇿🇼As we commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Zimbabwe's heroes, Baines Specialist Childr...
10/08/2026

🇿🇼 Happy Heroes Day Holiday 🇿🇼

As we commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Zimbabwe's heroes, Baines Specialist Children's Clinic wishes you and your family a safe and meaningful Heroes Day holiday.

Please take note of our holiday working hours:

🩺 Saturday, 8 August: 09:00 – 14:00
🩺 Monday, 10 August: 09:00 – 14:00
🩺 Tuesday, 11 August: 09:00 – 14:00

Our team remains committed for your little ones throughout the holiday period.

📞 Appointments: +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare

Thank you for trusting us with your child's health. Wishing everyone a peaceful and safe Heroes Day holiday.

🇿🇼 Heroes Day Holiday Notice 🇿🇼As we commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Zimbabwe's heroes, Baines Specialist Child...
07/08/2026

🇿🇼 Heroes Day Holiday Notice 🇿🇼

As we commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Zimbabwe's heroes, Baines Specialist Children's Clinic wishes you and your family a safe and meaningful Heroes Day holiday.

Please take note of our holiday working hours:

🩺 Saturday, 8 August: 09:00 – 14:00
🩺 Monday, 10 August: 09:00 – 14:00
🩺 Tuesday, 11 August: 09:00 – 14:00

Our team remains committed for your little ones throughout the holiday period.

📞 Appointments: +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare

Thank you for trusting us with your child's health. Wishing everyone a peaceful and safe Heroes Day holiday.

❄️ Common Winter Illnesses Still Affecting ChildrenAlthough we're nearing the end of winter, many children are still bei...
04/08/2026

❄️ Common Winter Illnesses Still Affecting Children

Although we're nearing the end of winter, many children are still being affected by seasonal illnesses. Knowing what to look out for can help parents seek treatment early and prevent complications.

Here are some of the most common winter illnesses:

🤧 Common Cold
Symptoms may include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, and a low-grade fever. Most colds improve with rest, fluids, and supportive care.

🤒 Influenza (Flu)
The flu often comes on suddenly with a high fever, body aches, chills, headache, fatigue, and a persistent cough. Children may appear more unwell than they would with a common cold.

🫁 Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that may cause difficulty breathing, fast breathing, chest pain, persistent fever, severe cough, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness. It requires prompt medical assessment.

👶 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common viral infection, particularly in babies and young children. It may begin like a cold but can progress to wheezing, difficulty breathing, poor feeding, or dehydration in some children.

🚨 Seek immediate medical attention if your child has:
* Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
* Blue lips or fingertips.
* A high fever that persists or keeps returning.
* Refusal to feed or drink fluids.
* Extreme drowsiness, difficulty waking, or unusual behaviour.
* Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or fewer wet nappies.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference to your child's recovery. If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, don't wait—have them assessed by a healthcare professional.

📞 +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare
🌐 www.drlawsonchikara.org

🏖️ Keeping Children Healthy During the School HolidaysSchool holidays are a wonderful opportunity for children to rest, ...
03/08/2026

🏖️ Keeping Children Healthy During the School Holidays

School holidays are a wonderful opportunity for children to rest, play, and spend quality time with family. While routines may become more relaxed, maintaining healthy habits can help your child stay happy, active, and ready for the new school term.

Here are a few simple tips:

✅ Encourage at least an hour of active play each day, whether it's riding a bike, playing football, skipping, or enjoying outdoor games.

🥗 Offer balanced meals and healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, yoghurt, and plenty of water. Try to limit sugary drinks and excessive junk food.

😴 Keep a consistent sleep routine. Children still need enough sleep during the holidays to support healthy growth, learning, and a strong immune system.

📱 Set reasonable limits on screen time and encourage activities like reading, puzzles, drawing, or family games.

🧼 Continue practising good hygiene by washing hands regularly, especially before meals and after playing outside.

💙 Most importantly, make time to connect with your children. Shared meals, conversations, and family activities all contribute to their emotional well-being.

A healthy holiday doesn't have to be complicated—it starts with small, consistent habits that help children grow, thrive, and enjoy their break safely.

If you have any concerns about your child's health or development, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation.

📞 +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare
🌐 www.drlawsonchikara.org

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?Sleep is not simply "rest"—it's an essential part of your child's physical and mental...
29/07/2026

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

Sleep is not simply "rest"—it's an essential part of your child's physical and mental development.

While your child sleeps, their body is busy:
🌱 Building strong bones and muscles
🧠 Strengthening memory and learning
🛡️ Fighting infections
❤️ Restoring energy for the next day

Children who don't get enough sleep may experience:
❌ Difficulty concentrating
❌ Irritability
❌ Frequent illness
❌ Poor school performance

Help your child develop healthy sleep habits by keeping a consistent bedtime and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.

Healthy sleep today builds a healthier future.

📞 +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare
🌐 www.drlawsonchikara.org

🟡 World Hepatitis Day | Protecting Your Baby Starts at BirthA healthy future begins with prevention. One of the most eff...
28/07/2026

🟡 World Hepatitis Day | Protecting Your Baby Starts at Birth

A healthy future begins with prevention. One of the most effective ways to protect your baby's liver is through timely Hepatitis B vaccination.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can affect the liver and may lead to serious long-term health problems if left untreated. Babies who become infected at birth or in early childhood are at a higher risk of developing chronic liver disease later in life.

💛 The good news? Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination.

How you can protect your child:

👶 Ensure your baby receives the Hepatitis B vaccine according to the recommended immunization schedule.
🩺 Attend all routine child wellness and vaccination appointments.
📋 Keep your child's immunization record up to date.
❤️ Speak to your paediatrician if you have any questions about Hepatitis B or your child's vaccines.

Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious infectious diseases and support lifelong liver health.

This World Hepatitis Day, let's work together to give every child the healthiest start in life.

📞 +263 78 861 6590
📍 53 Baines Avenue, Harare
🌐 www.drlawsonchikara.org

Address

53 Baines Avenue
Harare
00263

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:29
Thursday 08:00 - 17:30
Friday 08:00 - 17:29
Saturday 08:00 - 14:00

Telephone

+263788616590

Website

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