Babies are the true miracle of life. But they require a lot of protection when they are new to the world. When babies are born, their immune system is still not fully developed and even a simple cold can be life-threatening to them. It is always recommended to get their babies vaccinated. Some vaccines are administered as soon as 24 hours after birth. While this is an exciting time in a parent's life to have a new life around them, their vaccinations can save them from unknowing diseases that may creep into their systems that could exist in the mother’s body and get passed down to the child’s body.

Hepatitis B (HepB)

Hepatitis B is an infectious and potentially serious disease that can cause liver damage and even liver cancer. There is no cure for Hepatitis B. Sometimes mothers can unknowingly pass the hepatitis B virus to their babies, and to counter this, the first dose of the Hepatitis B virus has to be administered within 24 hours. If the parent knows they have Hepatitis B then the first dose can be done after 12 hours of birth along with additional medicines that will give your child an extra shield of protection from Hepatitis B Immune Globin (HBIG). This basically gives the child a boost to fight the virus as soon as it is born.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

This is a common and severe respiratory illness in infants and young children. If your child contracts this, you will see them struggling to breathe and eat, you may also need to go to respiratory support at the hospital. Your child will also need hydration as during this time your child can get severely dehydrated. The counter product of RSV uses monoclonal antibodies that immunize your child against RSV disease. If your child is below eight months during the RSV season, then you must get at least one shot to protect them. The following shot should be given shortly after.

DTaP for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough

There's a special shot called DTaP that protects against three very serious illnesses: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. These diseases can be dangerous for anyone, but especially for babies. Getting the DTaP shot is the best way to stay safe from them.

Haemophilus influenzae type b disease

There's a germ called Hib that can make babies and young children very sick. It can cause serious problems like brain infections, lung problems, and even death. Doctors recommend getting your child vaccinated with the Hib vaccine to protect them from this dangerous germ. Depending on the type of vaccine, your child might need 3 or 4 doses.

Pneumococcal disease

This can cause serious infections, including pneumonia. It's called pneumococcal bacteria. Luckily, there's a vaccine called the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that helps protect against these infections.

Polio

Polio is a serious illness that can make it hard to walk or even move at all. It's caused by a germ called poliovirus and mostly affects young children. Thanks to vaccines, polio has been eliminated in the United States, meaning we don't have to worry about it anymore.

Rotavirus

This virus called rotavirus makes babies and young children very sick, sometimes even causing death. To protect them, doctors recommend getting the Rotavirus vaccine. Depending on the type of vaccine, your child might need 2 or 3 doses.

Vaccine aftercare

You must pay extra attention to your child following the vaccine administration. If you are a new parent, do not feel shy about contacting your doctor if you see something concerning. Your doctor will give you a ‘Vaccine Information Sheet’ that will help you see the side effects that your baby may experience. If you feel slightly concerned you can check the sheet and cross-check the rest with your healthcare provider.

Your child may also need more energy after the vaccination, so make sure to feed them more during this time. They tend not to eat after getting vaccines so make this a priority.

If your child is having a mild reaction to the vaccine then you do not need to worry, these are normal reactions and will soon go away. Use a cool, damp cloth to help reduce redness and swelling from the injection. If your baby is experiencing a fever from the injection, then dab them with a cool sponge bath. You can ask the doctor to give you a baby non-aspirin pain reliever.

Doctors across the UK are raising the alarm over what they describe as mounting evidence of serious health harms linked to excessive screen time and unrestricted access to digital content among children and young people.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), which represents 23 medical royal colleges and faculties, says frontline clinicians are witnessing deeply concerning patterns across the NHS. According to the academy, doctors working in primary care, hospitals and community settings have shared firsthand accounts of what they describe as “horrific cases” affecting both physical and mental health.

Evidence From the Frontline

The academy has now launched a formal evidence-gathering exercise to better understand the harms clinicians are repeatedly encountering and whether these can be attributed to technology use and digital devices.

Its aim is twofold. First, to shine a light on risks that often go unnoticed, including prolonged screen time and exposure to harmful online content. Second, to develop guidance for healthcare professionals on how to identify, address and manage these issues in clinical practice.

In a statement, the AoMRC said it already has evidence pointing to significant impacts on children’s wellbeing, ranging from physical concerns to mental health challenges linked to both excessive device use and harmful online material. The work is expected to be completed within three months.

A Public Health Emergency?

Dr Jeanette Dickson, chair of the academy, said the scale of the problem is becoming impossible to ignore. Speaking to The Sunday Times, she warned that clinicians may be witnessing the early stages of a public health emergency.

“Everywhere we look, we see children and adults glued to their screens,” she said. “I really worry for children, some of whom are self-evidently imprisoned in a digital bubble.”

Copies of the academy’s letter outlining these concerns have been sent to Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, as well as Lucy Chappell, chief executive of the National Institute for Health Research, and the government’s chief medical adviser, Sir Chris Whitty.

Government Action and Global Trends

The warnings come as the UK government prepares to consult on possible restrictions on social media use for under-16s. Options under consideration range from a complete ban to more targeted measures such as time limits and tighter controls on algorithms.

Recent government research has already linked screen time to poorer speech development in children under five. Internationally, the debate is gaining pace. Australia introduced a ban on under-16s holding social media accounts in December, while countries including France, Denmark, Norway and Malaysia are weighing similar steps.

Why Some Groups Oppose a Blanket Ban

Not everyone agrees that an outright ban is the answer. A joint statement signed by 43 child protection charities and online safety groups, including the NSPCC and the Molly Rose Foundation, warns that blanket bans could backfire.

Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said parents and policymakers are being offered a false choice. “It’s being framed as either a total ban or the current appalling status quo,” he said. “Those aren’t the only options.”

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, echoed the concern, pointing out that for many children, the internet provides vital support. “A blanket ban would take those spaces away overnight,” he said, “and risks pushing teenagers into darker, unregulated corners of the internet.”

Both organizations argue that the focus should shift to holding tech companies accountable for harmful design choices, unsafe algorithms and failures to protect young users.

As winter sets in, conversations around health often shift to immunity, joint pain, and seasonal illnesses. But can colder weather also influence fertility? According to experts, cold weather does not directly cause infertility, but it can quietly affect hormones and reproductive health through lifestyle and biological changes.

Dr Geeta Jain, HOD of Obstetrics, Gynecology and IVF, and Co-founder of Maccure Hospital and Aastha Hospital, explains that fertility is rarely impacted by temperature alone. “Cold weather does not directly cause infertility, but it can have an indirect impact on fertility and hormonal balance,” she says.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Hormones

One of the most significant winter-related changes is reduced exposure to sunlight. Shorter days and limited sun can influence the body’s hormonal rhythm, particularly melatonin and vitamin D levels. These hormones are closely linked to reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

“Lower sunlight levels can affect the secretion of melatonin and vitamin D, both of which play an important role in reproductive health,” Dr Jain explains. Vitamin D deficiency, which is more common during winter months, has been associated with irregular menstrual cycles, ovulatory issues, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). All of these factors can make conception more challenging.

Menstrual Changes During Winter

Some women notice changes in their menstrual cycles during colder months, including delayed periods, increased cramps, or irregular ovulation. However, temperature is not the main culprit.

“These changes are often linked to lifestyle factors rather than cold weather itself,” says Dr Jain. Reduced physical activity, weight gain, changes in diet, and increased consumption of high-calorie comfort foods during winter can disrupt insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance. Over time, this may indirectly affect ovulation and fertility.

Stress, Mood, and Fertility

Mental health also plays a critical role in reproductive health, especially during winter. Shorter days and less outdoor activity can contribute to seasonal mood changes, anxiety, or even depression. These emotional shifts can elevate cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.

“Elevated cortisol can interfere with the normal functioning of reproductive hormones,” Dr Jain notes. If stress becomes chronic, it may affect ovulation and fertility over time, even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Does Cold Weather Permanently Affect Fertility?

The good news is that winter-related hormonal changes are usually temporary. “Cold weather does not permanently harm fertility,” Dr Jain reassures. Most seasonal shifts can be reversed by adopting healthy habits.

Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, staying physically active indoors or outdoors, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake can help support hormonal balance throughout the colder months.

When couples plan a pregnancy, conversations usually revolve around ovulation, sperm count, and the health of the uterus. What often goes unnoticed is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that quietly influences all of this: the thyroid. According to Dr Swati Rai, Consultant Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, checking thyroid health before trying to conceive is not optional. It is essential.

Why thyroid testing matters before pregnancy

The thyroid controls many vital processes in the body, including metabolism, energy levels, and hormone balance. Even a mild thyroid imbalance can interfere with fertility, yet many couples are unaware of this connection. Dr Rai explains that untreated thyroid problems can make it harder to conceive and may also affect the ability to sustain a pregnancy. This is why both partners, especially women, should undergo thyroid testing before planning a baby.

In many cases, couples spend months focusing on reproductive organs while the real issue lies elsewhere. A poorly functioning thyroid can quietly disrupt the body’s reproductive rhythm without obvious warning signs.

The thyroid and menstrual health

Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation. When thyroid levels are low, a condition known as hypothyroidism, periods may become irregular or infrequent. Ovulation can be delayed, and eggs may not mature properly. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, where hormone levels are too high, can cause unpredictable cycles, making it difficult to time conception.

These disruptions often lead to confusion and frustration, especially when routine fertility tests appear normal. As Dr Rai points out, thyroid imbalance is frequently the missing link in unexplained fertility issues.

How thyroid health affects the womb

The thyroid does not just influence ovulation. It also affects the womb itself. Healthy thyroid hormone levels support the growth of a thick, healthy uterine lining that is needed for implantation. If hormone levels are slightly off, the lining may not be able to support a fertilized egg, increasing the risk of early miscarriage.

Thyroid imbalance can also reduce progesterone levels after ovulation. Progesterone is crucial for sustaining pregnancy, and low levels may lead to difficulty maintaining it even after conception. Additionally, some women have thyroid antibodies despite having normal hormone levels. These antibodies can cause inflammation that interferes with implantation and early pregnancy development.

Symptoms that are easy to miss

Many women experience fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair fall, or mood changes but do not associate these symptoms with fertility problems. Factors such as stress, poor diet, iodine deficiency, and low iron levels can further disrupt thyroid function. Without testing, these issues often go undetected.

Taking the right steps early

Dr Rai advises women to undergo a complete thyroid evaluation before pregnancy, not just a basic TSH test. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve fertility outcomes and support a healthier pregnancy.

She also recommends following a balanced diet rich in iodine, iron, selenium, and protein, managing stress through yoga or meditation, and reporting symptoms like irregular periods or persistent fatigue to a doctor without delay. If pregnancy does not occur despite normal reports, seeking medical advice early is crucial.

Prioritizing thyroid health is a simple but powerful step. Addressing it in time can make the journey to pregnancy smoother, safer, and far less stressful for couples hoping to conceive.