Atlantic Children’s Practice

Atlantic Children’s Practice A multidisciplinary paediatric practice. Bringing Big Care to Little People

02/09/2026

Every mom asks why didn’t I know this before?! Here are the facts about why we need to treat eczema early and effectively and why eczema makes babies more likely to develop food allergies.
It’s all about the immune system: the immune system in the skin is programmed to fight because it’s our main barrier, and anything that gets in is viewed as a foreign invader. And the immune system in the gut is programmed to ignore whatever comes in there because we are meant to put foreign things in our gut!
Eczema allows food particles to pass through the barrier and so the immune system assumes this food is a foreign invader and will launch an attack… ultimately resulting in an allergy…
Is there anything else you’ve learned along the way that you wish you’d known sooner?
Share with us in the comments ✨

28/08/2026

Protecting your newborn isn’t just about avoiding germs.🩵

The first few weeks with your baby can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to protect them from illness. The good news? You don’t need to keep your newborn in a bubble.

There are simple, evidence-based steps you can take to help reduce their risk of infection👇

🤰 Stay up to date with vaccinations during pregnancy, and encourage partners to do the same where recommended.

💉 Keep your baby’s routine vaccinations on schedule.

👨‍👩‍👧 Limit visitors during the first six weeks, especially if they’re feeling unwell.

🦘 When you’re out and about, using a baby carrier can help reduce unnecessary handling by others.

🧼 And of course, good hand hygiene remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

Remember, babies need love, cuddles and connection, you don’t need to live in fear of every germ. A few practical precautions can go a long way in protecting your little one during their most vulnerable months. 🫶

What does your baby’s p**p colour mean? 💩New parents often find themselves checking every nappy, and that’s completely n...
25/08/2026

What does your baby’s p**p colour mean? 💩

New parents often find themselves checking every nappy, and that’s completely normal! The good news is that baby p**p comes in a wide range of colours, and many of them are perfectly healthy.

Here’s a quick guide to what you might see👇

🖤 Black: During the first day or two after birth, babies pass meconium, a thick, dark green-black, sticky stool that’s completely normal. After those first few days, however, black, tarry, foul-smelling stools should always be assessed.

💛 Yellow: Mustard-yellow stools with little white “seeds” are typical for breastfed babies and are a sign that everything is working as it should.

💚 Green: Green stools are often completely normal, particularly in formula-fed babies. They can also occur with iron supplements or sometimes if a breastfed baby is getting more foremilk. A small amount of mucus can also be normal, especially if your baby has a viral illness.

🤎 Brown: Brown stools are simply another normal variation, particularly as babies grow and start solids.

⚪ White or pale grey: This is never normal and should be assessed urgently, as it may indicate a liver or bile duct problem.

🔴 Red: Fresh blood in a baby’s stool should always be checked by your healthcare provider.

As your little one grows, you may also notice pieces of food, especially foods like corn, raisins or other high-fibre foods, in toddler p**p. This is usually completely normal.

If you’re ever unsure about your baby’s stool, or notice persistent mucus, blood, white stools or black stools after the newborn period, don’t hesitate to contact your paediatrician.🐳

20/08/2026

Could your child’s symptoms be caused by a food allergy? 🥛

When most people think of food allergies, they picture hives, swelling or a reaction that happens straight after eating. While these are signs of an immediate food allergy, they’re not the only way allergies can present.

In babies, delayed food allergies are actually quite common, and the symptoms can look very different.

These may include:
• Persistent reflux
• Feeding difficulties
• Excessive crying or discomfort
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Eczema
• Ongoing nasal congestion

Some delayed allergies can also cause more significant symptoms, including severe vomiting, weakness or blood in the stool.

One of the most common triggers during infancy is cow’s milk protein, which can sometimes cross-react with soya.

It’s important to remember that not every unsettled baby has a food allergy, and these symptoms can have many different causes. That’s why an evidence-based assessment is so important before making any dietary changes.

If your baby’s symptoms are persistent or you’re concerned something isn’t quite right, trust your instincts and speak to your healthcare provider.🌊

18/08/2026

If your child often says, “My tummy hurts,” this is for you.🚨

Tummy pain is one of the most common reasons children visit a paediatrician, and while it’s often caused by something minor, it’s not always easy to know when it’s time to seek help.

One of the most common causes of tummy pain we see is constipation. In fact, many children are constipated without parents even realising it.

Another common misconception is that tummy pain is usually caused by a food allergy. While allergies can sometimes cause abdominal symptoms, they’re far less common than many people think.

Parents also often wonder whether anxiety is the cause. Although anxiety can contribute to tummy pain, medical causes must be properly assessed and ruled out first.

So when should you have your child assessed?

🚩 Severe or persistent pain
🚩 Fever or repeated vomiting
🚩 Blood in the stool
🚩 Weight loss or poor growth
🚩 Your child seems unusually sleepy, lethargic or generally unwell

Most tummy aches aren’t emergencies, but persistent symptoms should never be ignored.

And as always, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, we’d much rather assess your child and provide reassurance than have you worry at home.🌊

13/08/2026

Constipation is one of the most common concerns we see in children, and it doesn’t always look the way parents expect.💩🚽👀

Many people assume constipation means not going to the toilet, but some children can have bowel movements every day and still be constipated if they’re not emptying properly.

Constipation can cause tummy pain, straining, bloating and toilet avoidance, and it often becomes a frustrating cycle for both children and parents.

The good news is that there are practical ways to support healthy bowel habits, and most families are not alone in navigating this challenge.🐙

If your child is experiencing persistent constipation or you’re concerned about their bowel habits, contact Atlantic Children’s Practice for support and guidance. Book an appointment via the link in our bio 🐳

Is your baby teething… or is it something else?🦷 Teething is one of the biggest milestones of your baby’s first years, b...
11/08/2026

Is your baby teething… or is it something else?🦷

Teething is one of the biggest milestones of your baby’s first years, but it doesn’t look the same for every little one. Some babies cut their first tooth at just 4 months, while others don’t get one until after their first birthday, and both can be completely normal.

As those tiny teeth begin to appear, you may notice:
💧 Drooling
😴 Poor sleep
😣 Irritability
🌡️ A mild temperature
❤️ A small rash around the mouth from drooling

Many babies also prefer softer foods during this time, but they should still be happy to drink. If your baby is refusing all feeds, it’s important to have them assessed.

Remember, teething should never be blamed for a high fever (above 38°C), a widespread rash or diarrhoea without first ruling out other causes.

Don’t forget, oral care starts with the very first tooth! Use a soft cloth or baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to help build healthy habits from day one.

Every baby teethes differently, but if you’re ever unsure whether it’s teething or something more, we’re here to help.🐳

Something exciting is coming… 👀📱Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but what if trusted paediatric guidance was always...
04/08/2026

Something exciting is coming… 👀📱

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but what if trusted paediatric guidance was always within reach?

We’re excited to introduce PediCheck 💙🐢

Designed to help parents feel more confident, informed and supported, PediCheck is a brand-new app created with families in mind.

Link to join the waitlist coming soon

We can’t wait to share what’s coming next! 🌊

Address

Beach Road
Cape Town

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Monday 08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday 08:15 - 17:30
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Friday 08:00 - 17:30
Saturday 08:00 - 17:30

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+27827000097

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