When mothers initially feed their babies, they make them lie on their laps, however, the same position may not be safe when the baby is feeding off the bottle.

It is important to feed your baby through the bottle in a semi-upright position and support their head. Do not feed them lying down, as formula or the milk from the bottle can flow into the middle ear, and cause infection. Also, unlike breast and its nipple, the bottle does not have the mechanism to ensure that milk is being overflowed. Also, in order to prevent your little ones from swallowing air as they suck, tilt the bottle so that the formula fills the neck of the bottles and covers the nipple.

How can you choose the right bottle for you?

While some babies happily drink from any bottle, some are much pickier. Yes, you read it right, babies need different bottles, based on how their bodies react after being fed.

If you have a baby with gas, it is best to try a bottle with a venting system. Now, this allows your baby to avoid air in the milk while feeding. Such bottles mimic the shape and feel of a breast or an actual nipple. Bottles with fewer parts are also easier to clean, which could be great during the middle-of-the-night feedings.

For new moms, it is also a great advice to start with a slow-flow nipple to avoid overwhelming your baby and switch to a faster flow when they seem to hold the bottle themselves and can finish milk in less time.

What should you follow when you bottle feed your baby?

As per the National Health Scheme (UK), NHS UK, it is important to be prepared to experiment well with the kind of bottles that suits your baby the best. Thee is no evidence that only one type of teat or bottle is better than any other.

It is always best to ensure that you screw the top tightly into the bottle before you feed your baby.

Bottle Feeding and The Right Positions

Bottle feeding is more than just feeding and nourishing your baby, it is also an opportunity to bond with your babies. Babies also feel secure when their caregivers are feeding. This is why it is important that even before you start bottle feeding, you first find a comfortable spot to sit with your baby close to you. Look at them and gently hold the and talk as you feed.

Hold your baby in a semi-upright position during bottle feeds, with their head supported. This ensures they can breathe and swallow comfortably. Brush the teat gently against their lips, and when they open their mouth wide, let them draw the teat in.

Take your time—babies feed at their own pace, so be patient and allow them plenty of time to enjoy their meal.

Do not leave your baby un-monitored

Always supervise your baby during feeding sessions. Do not prop the bottle or leave them alone with it. This can also cause choking hazard, or the milk could pool in their mouth which could increase ear infections.

The bottle's position matters as much as baby's position. When feeding, hold the bottle in a horizontal position, tipping it slightly. This helps the milk flow steadily and reduces the amount of air your baby may swallow. If the teat flattens, gently pull the corner of your baby’s mouth to release the suction. Should the teat become blocked, replace it with a fresh, sterile one.

Childhood myopia is emerging as a major public health concern in India, and is beyond the need for spectacles, said health experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

Myopia or nearsightedness is a common vision condition where close-up objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurry.

Recent estimates suggest that by 2050, nearly half of the global population may be affected by myopia. In India, prevalence rates among school-going children have risen sharply over the years, with urban studies indicating nearly 14 per cent prevalence, while rural regions have witnessed a rise from 4.6 per cent to 6.8 per cent over the past decade.

“Childhood myopia is no longer just about children needing spectacles earlier in life; it is increasingly becoming a serious long-term eye health concern," said Dr Jeewan Singh Titiyal, President of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot (AIIMS Rajkot).

High myopia can:

• permanently alter the structure of the eye,
• significantly increase the risk of retinal detachment,
• lead to glaucoma,
• cause cataract,
• lead to irreversible vision loss later in life.

“Combating childhood myopia requires a collective effort involving families, schools, healthcare systems, and policymakers. School environments must encourage outdoor exposure and healthier visual habits, while parents need to monitor screen dependency and ensure balanced lifestyles,” said Dr Rohit Saxena, Senior Pediatric Ophthalmologist, RP Singh AIIMS, New Delhi.

New Myopia Prevention Guidelines

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In response to the alarming rise in childhood myopia across India and globally, the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) has released a comprehensive Consensus Guideline on “Prevention and Management of Childhood Myopia” as part of World Myopia Week 2026, held from May 18 to 24.

Dr Rohit, who is also the Program Director – Myopia Guideline, urged ensuring that adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity are not compromised.

“Early diagnosis and timely management can significantly improve outcomes and help protect children from avoidable visual impairment and future sight-threatening complications,” he said.

Dr Jeewan, also the President of AIOS, added that, unfortunately, many children fail to report blurred vision because they do not realize what normal sight should feel like.

The experts attribute the surge in childhood myopia to lifestyle changes accelerated over recent years, including prolonged screen exposure, increasing academic pressure, reduced outdoor activity, and extended periods of near work.

The transition toward digital learning environments has further contributed to children spending 4–6 hours or more daily on screens, often with inadequate visual hygiene practices.

The AIOS Guidelines And The 20-20-20 Rule

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The new recommendations reinforce the importance of the widely advocated 20-20-20 rule, encouraging children to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.

The newly released AIOS guidelines also strongly emphasize preventive strategies, including:

• annual eye examinations,
• school vision screenings,
• limiting recreational screen time,
• maintaining appropriate reading distance,
• ensuring adequate lighting during study,
• encouraging children to spend at least two hours outdoors daily.

“The prevention and management of childhood myopia require a shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Environmental factors such as prolonged near work, excessive digital exposure, and reduced outdoor time are modifiable risks that demand immediate societal attention," said Dr Namrata Sharma, Professor of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.

The guidelines also provide insights into currently available myopia control interventions, including:

• atropine eye drops,
• specialized myopia control spectacles,
• orthokeratology,
• soft multifocal contact lenses.

There has been a significant rise in the number of children diagnosed with kidney stones, with some reporting a doubling or quadrupling in incidence over the last 15-20 years. Also, the number of surgical cases related to kidney stones has increased.

While kidney stones are typically associated with adults, they are now being diagnosed in younger children, including infants. The rise in kidney stones among children is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, including dietary changes, obesity, and possibly environmental factors.

What Is A Kidney Stone?

Kidney stones are deposits of different minerals that can accumulate in the urinary tract. They can travel from the kidney, down the urinary tract, to the bladder and eventually be urinated out.

Some cases require surgical intervention. If left untreated, kidney stones can cause damage to the kidney, serious infection of the urinary tract, and, over time, damage the function of the kidney.

Why Kidney Stones Are Rising?

A major contributor to this rise has been dietary changes like increased consumption of processed foods, high-sodium foods, and sugary drinks, coupled with lower water intake. Also, the growing prevalence of childhood obesity is another contributing factor.

Immobile patients are also more at risk due to decreased flow of urine that can lead to stasis and then to kidney stone formation. Antibiotic use (which can affect gut flora that metabolize oxalate), and potentially even climate change, leading to dehydration, may also play a role.

Some children may be predisposed to kidney stones due to inherited disorders that affect how their bodies process certain minerals.

Prevention Is Key

As always, prevention is better than a cure. So, as parents, there are a few things that can be done so that children can avoid developing stones.

Promote healthy diets: Encourage children to consume a balanced diet low in sodium, processed foods, and sugary drinks, while ensuring adequate calcium intake. Eating out less and cooking meals at home can make sure this happens.

Promote an active lifestyle: Encouraging children to go outdoors to play and exercise can play a big role in preventing childhood obesity, which can also be a contributing factor to stones.

Increase fluid intake: Encourage children to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Having a water bottle for kids to carry at school and using water drinking tracking apps to help keep them accountable and increase their water intake.

Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: Avoid unwarranted usage of antibiotics in children for minor ailments where they are not indicated.

Address underlying medical conditions: If a child has other medical conditions that increase the risk of kidney stones, these should be managed appropriately.

Monitor and manage: Early detection and management of kidney stones in children are crucial to prevent complications and recurrence.

To sum up, by promoting healthy habits and addressing underlying medical conditions, parents and healthcare professionals can help reduce the risk of kidney stones in children.

Pregnancy is probably one of the most important periods in a woman’s life during which her decisions regarding nutrition, exercise, and many other factors can directly affect the health of the fetus.

Today, doctors are paying more attention to the impact that modern lifestyle trends have on pregnant women and their babies, since improper nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, too much use of electronic devices, stress, and bad sleeping habits are causing various problems during pregnancy.

The Role Of Nutrition And Exercise In Pregnancy

A good diet that provides all the necessary nutrition is another vital factor in pregnancy. The development of the baby relies completely on the nutrients provided by the mother in terms of iron, calcium, folic acid, protein, and vitamins.

Inadequate nutrition can cause various issues such as poor body weight, anemia, delays in the process of development, and premature delivery. Excessive intake of processed food, sugar-filled drinks, and junk food can cause the development of gestational diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure in the course of pregnancy.

Exercise is also essential when it comes to sustaining a healthy pregnancy. Exercises such as walking, prenatal yoga, and stretching will aid women in improving their blood flow, managing their weight, reducing stress, and minimizing the chances of developing complications due to pregnancy.

However, it should be noted that pregnant women should not engage in rigorous exercise.

Why Managing Stress Is Key

Stress and mental health hold equal importance for pregnant women. Stressful situations may have a negative effect on the mother as well as the unborn child. Emotional stress, insomnia, anxiety, and occupational stress may result in hypertension, premature childbirth, and low birth weight.

Research indicates that prolonged maternal stress may even affect the neurodevelopment and behavior of the fetus. Thus, it becomes important to ensure the emotional stability of the pregnant woman through relaxation exercises and sufficient sleep.

The Importance of Sleep And Healthy Lifestyle Practices

Sleep is also an important yet underrated aspect that needs to be considered. Disrupted sleeping habits, working late into the night, and a lack of proper sleep may have adverse impacts on the hormonal balance of the body, thereby causing fatigue. Good sleep is essential for the body’s healing process, proper regulation of blood pressure, and the development of the fetus.

Some of the lifestyle practices may pose serious risks to the development of the fetus. The use of cigarettes, drinking alcoholic beverages, and drug abuse while being pregnant is linked to congenital anomalies, poor fetal growth, prematurity, and developmental problems. It should also be noted that secondhand smoke poses health risks to the baby.

A Healthy Pregnancy

Prenatal examinations are crucial in maintaining the well-being of the mother and fetus during the period of gestation. Early detection of possible problems through ultrasound, blood tests, immunization, and physician consultations can be achieved through regular prenatal examinations.

A healthy pregnancy does not merely involve avoiding diseases; it involves establishing an optimal environment for fetal growth and development. Healthy behaviors during pregnancy not only benefit the mother but also provide an excellent starting point for the health of her child in the future. With modern changes in lifestyle patterns, it is now more essential than ever before to be aware of and prevent any problems that might arise during pregnancy.