Photo: Dr. Dina Kulik
 
It?s funny: Parents always think their concerns are novel, affecting only their child and their family?not so! Easily half of my day is predictable, and your problems and worries are the same as those of the parents booked right after you. So to put your mind at ease, here?s a sampling of the most common questions I field.

1. Is it normal that my baby has green poo"
I answer this one many times a day?that?s a lot of poo talk. Breastfed or formula fed, all babies fill their diapers with poo that ranges in colour and texture. It can vary from day to day, poop to poop; it can be yellow, orange, brown or green, and as long as it?s not black or red, I?m not typically concerned. Ensure your baby is hydrated and gaining weight well. If your little one has excessive vomiting, vomit that is green or bloody, or a bloated stomach, see your doctor. 2. Are ear infections caused by swimming"
Yes and no. There are two main types of ear infections: middle ear and external ear (also known as swimmer?s ear). Middle-ear infections occur when a child has a cold or is congested and fluid moves into the ear, just as it does into the sinuses. Where there is fluid, bacteria can grow, triggering an infection. Swimming does not cause middle-ear infections, because pool water cannot pass into the ear canal. But external-ear infections can result when water collects in the outer ear, which leaves it open to bacteria. These irritations are most common among kids ...