Struggling with your child’s health and behavior? Learn what Indian parents often get wrong—from food habits to screen time—and how to raise healthier, happier children.

I’m not here to sugarcoat anything. I’m a parent too—and like you, I’ve googled symptoms at 2 a.m., battled mealtime meltdowns, and wrestled with screen time guilt. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: we’re all doing our best, but sometimes, our best needs better information.

Recently, I listened to a powerful podcast by Dr. Arpit Gupta, a top pediatrician in India. What he shared hit home. It wasn’t just about coughs and colds—it was about the silent parenting crisis brewing in Indian homes. We're unknowingly feeding our kids into obesity, virtual autism, and weakened immunity. We're trying hard, but many of us are getting critical things wrong.

Let me walk you through the hard truths, the eye-openers, and, most importantly, the simple, life-changing tips you can start using today.

The Real Health Crisis Among Indian Kids: Cough, Obesity & More

Let’s begin with the most common pediatric complaint: recurrent cough. Sounds innocent, right? But behind that harmless cough could be Reactive Airway Disease (RAD), triggered by pollution, allergens, or second-hand smoke. It affects millions of Indian kids—sometimes even misdiagnosed as asthma.

But the bigger silent killer? Childhood obesity.

Fact Check: India has over 15 million obese children. We’re second only to the U.S.

You read that right. And it’s not just a “chubby phase.” Obesity in children means a lifetime risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health disorders. What’s worse? It's preventable—and we, the parents, are often the cause.

Feeding Problems: From Gutthi to Junk Food

It’s heartbreaking how well-meaning parents make deadly feeding mistakes, especially with newborns.

Here are some of the most shocking practices still seen in Indian homes:

• Honey to newborns: Sounds traditional, but it can cause infant botulism, a rare yet fatal bacterial infection.
• Gutthi and Kajal: Passed down through generations but potentially harmful—gutthi affects gut flora, kajal can block tear ducts or carry lead.
• Overfeeding milk (>600 ml/day after age 1): Causes iron deficiency, constipation, and ruins appetite for real food.

And let’s not forget the classic, “At least he ate something,” when offering chips or biscuits.
No. That something might be everything wrong with the diet.

Instead, here’s what works:

• Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
• Homemade purées (from 6 months), finger foods by 9 months.
• Iron supplementation from 6 months to 2 years.

Pro tip: Avoid all processed baby food before 1 year. It alters taste buds and raises obesity risk.

Virtual Autism: The Screen Time Monster

You may not want to hear this—but screens are destroying our children’s minds.

Dr. Arpit Gupta calls it “Virtual Autism,” and it's real. Symptoms include:

• Speech delay
• Social withdrawal
• Poor eye contact
• Dopamine-driven tantrums

Stat: 1 in every 64 children in India is affected by virtual autism.

Screen exposure under age 2 has now been strongly linked to neurodevelopmental delays. And the scary part? We give them the phone thinking it's harmless.

✅ Screen Time Guidelines:

• Under 2 years: ZERO screen time. No exceptions.
• 2–5 years: Max 1 hour/day, with parental co-viewing.
• No screens during meals or sleep time (disrupts appetite and melatonin).

Stress in Toddlers Is Real—and Deadly

We assume toddlers are too small to feel stress. Wrong. They can’t say, “I’m anxious,” but their body screams it through:

• Tantrums
• Hyperactivity
• Mood swings
• Poor sleep

Chronic stress in toddlers damages their immune system and sets the stage for lifelong anxiety or depression. So what’s stressing them out?

• Parental fights
• Neglect due to screen distraction
• Over-scheduling
• Lack of physical affection or quality time

✨ Your solution? A calm, secure, emotionally rich environment. You're their safe space.

Passive Smoking: The Silent Threat

Even if you don’t smoke around your child, residue from cigarettes (on clothes, furniture) harms them. It causes:

• Reactive Airway Disease
• Asthma
• Weak lungs
• Frequent infections

There’s no safe level of exposure. So if anyone in your family smokes—it’s time to stop.

Breastfeeding & Alcohol: What Every New Mom Must Know

We get it—motherhood is stressful, and the occasional glass of wine may feel like relief. But if you’re breastfeeding, know this:

• Alcohol passes into your breast milk.
• It may cause drowsiness, developmental delays, or even accidental injury (dropping the baby while intoxicated).

Rule of Thumb:

• Avoid alcohol entirely in the first 6 months.
• After that, if you must drink, wait 2–3 hours before breastfeeding.

⚠️ Pica: When Kids Start Eating Soil or Paper

If your child starts eating mud, chalk, or cloth—don’t panic. But don’t ignore it either.

Cause: 9 out of 10 cases are due to iron deficiency.

In India, nearly 64% of kids are iron deficient. Iron is essential for brain development, energy, and immunity. And yes, it can make kids eat soil.

Your pediatrician may prescribe supplements or iron-rich foods like:

• Spinach
• Dates
• Ragi
• Chicken or eggs (if non-vegetarian)

Parental Mental Health: The Elephant in the Nursery

We don’t talk about this enough: Postpartum depression is real. And no, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent.

Indian mothers are under massive pressure—cultural, emotional, physical—and yet, support is minimal.

Fathers, listen up: Your presence isn’t just “helpful,” it’s essential.

Take turns. Change diapers. Cook. Be there. It strengthens your child’s development and your relationship.

Be the Parent You Needed as a Child

If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this:

Your child watches everything you do.

Eat healthy, put the phone down, move more, laugh often. Be the model, not the monitor. Raising a healthy child in today’s India isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, awareness, and action.

❓FAQ: Raising Healthy Kids in India (2025)

1. What’s the #1 health issue Indian kids face today?

Recurrent cough due to Reactive Airway Disease, often triggered by pollution, allergens, or passive smoking.

2. How much milk is too much for a toddler?

Anything above 600 ml per day after age 1 is excessive and may cause anemia or constipation.

3. Is screen time safe for kids under 2?

No. Absolutely no screen time is advised under age 2 due to the risk of virtual autism.

4. What foods should I avoid giving to babies under 1 year?

Avoid honey, added salt/sugar, processed foods, and cow’s milk in large quantities.

5. What are signs of stress in toddlers?

Tantrums, hyperactivity, sleep issues, and clinginess can all be signs of toddler stress.

6. Can breastfeeding moms drink alcohol?

Avoid alcohol in the first 6 months. Post that, wait 2–3 hours after drinking before nursing.

7. My child eats soil—what should I do?

Check for iron deficiency; consult a pediatrician for blood tests and supplements if needed.

8. How much physical activity should kids get daily?

At least 1 hour of active play—sports, running, yoga, or dancing—to boost immunity and health.

9. Is passive smoking harmful even if it's not directly in front of the child?

Yes. Smoke particles on clothes, walls, and air linger and harm the child’s lungs.

10. What is virtual autism and can it be reversed?

It’s a speech and social delay caused by excess screen time. Reducing screen exposure and increasing real-world interaction can help reverse symptoms in many cases.

So, what are you changing today?
Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent. Just one who’s aware, evolving, and emotionally present.

Let’s raise the next generation right—one healthy habit at a time. ❤️

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is based on insights shared in the YouTube video "India’s TOP Child Doctor Shares Parenting Secrets | Dr. Arpit Gupta." It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for any health-related concerns.