Bringing Up Babies, Toddlers and Children in India

A guide to bringing up a toddler in India, from health matters to childcare…

India is a fascinating and exciting country for young children. And it’s a very child-friendly country – children are accepted everywhere and at any time of the day. However, it can be a difficult place to live in with a toddler due to health risks and a lack of a developed playground culture. But the growing economy is bringing fast-paced changes to traditional family life and changing the environment for children.

Toddler Health

Most middle-class parents in India have a paediatrician or a local doctor to look after their child’s general health. Word-of-mouth recommendations from locals or other expats is the best way to find a good doctor. The recommended vaccination schedule for toddlers is:

Age Vaccination
12 months Chickenpox
15 months MMR
HIB (booster)
DTP (1st booster)
18–24 months OPV (6th dose) – 1st booster
Optional vaccine: IPV (Injectable polio vaccine) booster dose
Two years Hepatitis A (1st dose)
Meningococcal meningitis
Typhoid
Two and half years Hepatitis A (2nd dose)

Malaria is a risk in many parts of the country, so it is wise to protect against this by using mosquito nets, repellent and repellent plug-ins.

Diarrhoea and stomach bugs are common in small children. Eating in reputable restaurants and washing all fruit and vegetables thoroughly is advised.