10 Common Myths About Pediatric Care—Debunked by Experts

 When it comes to pediatric care, every parent wants what’s best for their child. Yet, despite all the accessible medical information today, countless myths about children's healthcare continue to thrive. These misconceptions can delay treatment, increase anxiety, and even lead to poor decisions about a child’s wellbeing.

That’s why we reached out to the best paediatrician in Kurukshetra at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital—to bust the most common myths and give parents the clarity they truly need.

1. Myth: Children Should Visit a Doctor Only When They're Sick

Truth: Regular check-ups are vital—even when your child appears perfectly healthy.

Pediatricians recommend routine wellness visits to track growth, monitor developmental milestones, and administer timely vaccinations. These visits help catch subtle signs of conditions early on. Think of these check-ups as your child’s health blueprint.

"Preventive care is the backbone of pediatric medicine," says Dr. Meena Sharma, senior pediatric consultant at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital. "It allows us to intervene before small concerns become serious problems."

2. Myth: Vaccines Can Cause Autism

Truth: This has been extensively studied and debunked by global health authorities.

The myth originated from a fraudulent study in the 1990s, which has since been retracted. There is no scientific link between vaccines and autism. Vaccinations protect children from dangerous illnesses like measles, polio, and whooping cough—diseases that once claimed countless lives.

At Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital, we emphasize vaccine education for new parents to prevent fear-based delays.

3. Myth: A Chubby Baby Is a Healthy Baby

Truth: Weight alone is not a sign of good health.

Many parents associate baby fat with health and strength. While some fat is natural in infancy, consistent weight gain outside growth chart percentiles can signal metabolic issues or overfeeding. Pediatricians assess a child’s overall growth, development, and activity—not just chubbiness.

"We look at the whole picture—height, weight, head circumference, and behavior," explains Dr. Rajiv Suri, child nutrition expert at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital.

4. Myth: Teething Causes High Fever and Diarrhea

Truth: While teething may cause mild symptoms like irritability and drooling, high fever or diarrhea is not normal and shouldn’t be attributed to teething.

Blaming teething can lead to overlooking actual infections like viral fevers or gastroenteritis. If your baby has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), consult a pediatrician immediately.

5. Myth: Kids Don’t Need Sunscreen

Truth: Children’s skin is more sensitive to UV damage than adults'.

Sunburns in childhood increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), even on cloudy days. Apply 15–30 minutes before outdoor exposure and reapply every two hours.

At Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital, pediatric dermatology experts guide families on age-appropriate sun care for kids and toddlers.

6. Myth: Antibiotics Work for Colds and Viral Infections

Truth: Antibiotics do not treat viruses.

The common cold, flu, and most coughs are viral. Overuse of antibiotics can cause resistance, making bacteria harder to treat in the future. Pediatricians only prescribe antibiotics when there’s a confirmed bacterial infection like strep throat or pneumonia.

"We educate parents to trust the healing process," says Dr. Nisha Malhotra. "Not every illness needs a pill."

7. Myth: Breastfed Babies Don’t Need Any Other Supplements

Truth: While breast milk is ideal, pediatricians often recommend vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants.

Breast milk is naturally low in vitamin D, which helps develop strong bones and prevents rickets. Iron supplements may also be necessary after six months. Always follow your child’s doctor’s nutritional advice to avoid deficiencies.

8. Myth: It's Normal for Children to Snore Loudly

Truth: Chronic loud snoring isn’t normal in children.

It could signal obstructive sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, or nasal blockages. Left untreated, these conditions can impact sleep quality, behavior, and even cognitive development. A pediatric ENT evaluation is crucial if snoring persists.

"Sleep is not just rest—it's essential for brain growth and learning," warns Dr. Tarun Grover, pediatric ENT at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital.

9. Myth: Mental Health Issues Only Affect Adults

Truth: Children experience emotional and psychological challenges too.

Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism can begin in early childhood. Ignoring signs like withdrawal, aggression, or poor concentration can delay support. The best pediatric hospitals, including ours in Kurukshetra, offer child psychology assessments and family counseling services.

The earlier the intervention, the better the long-term outcomes.

10. Myth: Pediatric Care Is Just Miniature Adult Medicine

Truth: Children are not small adults.

Their anatomy, metabolism, and immune systems function differently. Pediatricians undergo specialized training to understand these differences and manage age-specific conditions, growth patterns, and emotional needs.

"We treat children with a lens of compassion and precision," says Dr. Neha Kapoor. "Pediatric care is a unique science."

Why Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital Is the Trusted Name for Pediatric Care in Kurukshetra

When it comes to children’s health, experience, compassion, and evidence-based care matter most. At Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital, we offer:

  • 24x7 pediatric emergency services

  • Neonatal ICU (NICU) and Pediatric ICU (PICU)

  • Growth and developmental clinics

  • Pediatric specialists for ENT, dermatology, neurology, and more

  • Child-friendly infrastructure and support staff

We believe in building long-term, trust-based relationships with families to support every stage of childhood.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Myths Steer Your Parenting Decisions

Being a parent comes with endless questions and concerns. In a world of internet overload, it’s easy to fall for well-intentioned yet misleading advice. But when your child’s health is on the line, facts matter more than hearsay.

By busting these 10 pediatric myths, we hope you feel more informed and empowered to make the best choices for your little one. And remember, the best paediatricians in Kurukshetra are just a call away at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital—where your child’s well-being comes first.

Book a consultation today and get clarity backed by science, compassion, and experience.

Location: Behind Old Bus Stand, Jyoti Nagar, Kurukshetra, Haryana 136118, India

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