Dr Aleksandra Gajecka - Pediatrician in Malta, Sliema (2026)

18/05/2026

☀️👶 Is Sunscreen Necessary for My Baby During Spring in Malta?

Many parents think sunscreen is only important during hot summer months — but in sunny countries like Malta, UV exposure can already be significant in spring 🌿☀️

🧠 Why does it matter?

A baby’s skin is:

thinner

more delicate

less able to protect itself from UV radiation

Even mild sunburn in early childhood increases the risk of skin damage later in life.

🌞 Does spring sun still expose babies to UV rays?

👉 Yes.In Malta, UV levels can already be quite high in spring, especially during midday hours.

👶 What do pediatric guidelines recommend?

✔️ Babies under 6 months:

avoid direct sun exposure when possible

use shade, hats, lightweight clothing, stroller covers

✔️ For older infants:

sunscreen can be used on exposed skin when shade and clothing are not enough

choose a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), preferably SPF 30–50

⚠️ Important:

Even with sunscreen, babies should not stay in direct strong sunlight for prolonged periods.

✨ The key messageSpring sun may feel gentle — but a baby’s skin is extremely sensitive to UV radiation.

💙 Sun protection in childhood is an investment in healthy skin for the future.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

12/05/2026

👂🧡 What Is Earwax — And Why Shouldn’t We Clean Children’s Ears with Cotton Swabs?

Many parents feel that earwax should be removed regularly — but in reality, earwax is normal, healthy, and important 💛

🧠 What is earwax?

Earwax (cerumen) is a natural substance produced inside the ear canal.

It helps:
✔️ protect the ear from dust and bacteria
✔️ moisturize the skin inside the ear
✔️ trap dirt and small particles
✔️ naturally clean the ear canal

👉 Ears are usually self-cleaning.

⚠️ Why are cotton swabs not recommended?

Using cotton swabs inside a child’s ear can:

* push wax deeper into the ear canal
* cause wax impaction
* irritate or injure the delicate skin
* increase the risk of infection
* in rare cases, damage the eardrum

🛁 How should parents clean a child’s ears?

✔️ Clean only the outer ear with a soft cloth
✔️ Let the ear naturally remove excess wax on its own

🩺 When should you see a doctor?

Consult your pediatrician if your child has:

* ear pain
* hearing difficulties
* discharge from the ear
* excessive wax causing blockage or discomfort

✨ The key message
Earwax is not dirt — it is part of the ear’s natural protection system.

💙 Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is… leave the ear alone.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

05/05/2026

🩺👶 Type 1 Diabetes in Young Children — Early Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

Recently, I had a young patient whose symptoms at first seemed quite common… but the diagnosis turned out to be type 1 diabetes.
This is why awareness is so important 💛

🧠 What is type 1 diabetes?

It is an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin.
Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and cannot be used properly by the body.

⚠️ Early warning signs in small children

Symptoms can develop quickly and may be subtle at first:

💧 Increased thirst (asking for water frequently, even at night)
🚽 Frequent urination (including bedwetting in a previously dry child)
🍽️ Increased appetite with weight loss
😴 Fatigue and low energy
👶 Irritability or behavioral changes
🧻 In babies: very wet diapers or “sticky” urine

🚨 When to act urgently

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice:

* rapid breathing
* vomiting
* abdominal pain
* fruity (acetone-like) breath
* extreme sleepiness

These may be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition requiring urgent care.

✨ The key message

Type 1 diabetes can appear suddenly, even in previously healthy children.
Recognizing early symptoms can prevent serious complications and save lives.

💙 If something feels unusual — trust your intuition and seek medical advice.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

29/04/2026

🐾👶 Childhood with a Pet — More Than Just Companionship

Growing up with a pet is something many children cherish — but beyond joy and play, it brings real developmental benefits 💛

🧠 Emotional development

Children who grow up with animals often show:

* greater empathy and sensitivity
* better understanding of emotions
* stronger ability to care for others

❤️ Sense of responsibility

Even simple daily routines — feeding, gentle care — help children learn:

* responsibility
* consistency
* respect for living beings

🛡️ Sense of safety and comfort

Pets can provide emotional security, especially in stressful moments.
For many children, a pet becomes a quiet companion who is always present.

🧬 Health benefits

Research suggests that early exposure to pets may:

* support immune system development
* reduce the risk of some allergies
* encourage more physical activity

🤫 Unique nonverbal communication

Young children and animals share something special —
👉 a natural ability to communicate without words.

Through touch, eye contact, tone of voice, and body language, children learn:

* how to read subtle signals
* how to respond with gentleness
* how to build connection beyond language

This kind of communication supports both emotional intelligence and social skills.

⸻

✨ The key message
A pet is not just a playmate — it can be a powerful partner in a child’s emotional and social development.

💙 Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen without words.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

27/04/2026

🌡️⚡ What Are Febrile Seizures?

Seeing your child have a seizure is one of the most frightening experiences for any parent. But it’s important to know: febrile seizures are usually harmless and quite common in young children 💛

🧠 What are febrile seizures?

They are seizures triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature, most often during a fever caused by a viral infection.

They typically occur in children between 6 months and 5 years of age.

👀 What do they look like?

* sudden loss of consciousness
* body stiffening or jerking movements
* eyes rolling back
* possible brief pause in breathing

Most seizures last a few seconds to a few minutes and stop on their own.

⚠️ Are they dangerous?

👉 In most cases — no
Simple febrile seizures:

* do not cause brain damage
* do not affect development
* do not mean your child has epilepsy

🚑 What should you do?

✔️ stay calm
✔️ place the child on their side
✔️ do not put anything in the child’s mouth
✔️ observe the duration

👉 Call emergency services if:

* the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
* it is the first seizure
* your child has breathing difficulties

🩺 When to consult a doctor?

Always seek medical evaluation after a first episode to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

✨ The key message

Febrile seizures look very alarming — but they are usually a benign response of the immature nervous system to fever.

💙 Knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and act safely.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

19/04/2026

👶💅 Infant Nails — What Is Normal and When to Worry?

Many parents are surprised by how delicate their baby’s nails look — and that’s completely normal 💛

🧠 Why do infant nails look so soft?

In newborns and young infants, the nail tissue is not yet fully developed.

👉 It easily absorbs water
👉 It may become soft, flexible, or slightly deformed

This can make nails look uneven or “bent” — this is normal and temporary.

✂️ When can you start trimming nails?

You can begin trimming your baby’s nails from the first weeks of life, if needed.

✔️ when nails become longer and sharp
✔️ when the baby starts scratching their face

Tips:

* use baby nail scissors or a file
* trim after a bath (nails are softer)
* choose a calm moment (e.g. during sleep)

⚠️ When should you consult a doctor?

Seek medical advice if you notice:

* redness, swelling, or signs of infection around the nail
* discharge (pus)
* persistent nail deformities that do not improve over time
* ingrown nails causing pain
* unusual discoloration of the nails

✨ The key message

Soft, flexible nails in infants are a normal stage of development.

💙 With gentle care and observation, they will gradually become stronger and more defined.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

16/04/2026

📺🧠 Do you know what the “missing second for image integration” method is in children’s cartoons?

Modern children’s content is designed to be highly engaging — but not always in a way that supports healthy brain development.

⚡ What is this “missing second” phenomenon?

In many fast-paced cartoons, scenes change very quickly, often before a child’s brain has enough time to fully process and “integrate” the image.

👉 The brain is constantly trying to catch up
👉 There is no natural pause for understanding or reflection

This creates a state of continuous sensory stimulation.

🧠 Why does it matter for a child’s brain?

In early childhood, the brain is still developing key abilities such as:
• attention
• language processing
• imagination
• executive functions

Excessively rapid visual input may:
• reduce the ability to focus on slower, real-life stimuli
• contribute to shorter attention span
• make everyday activities feel “boring” in comparison
• interfere with deep processing and learning

🚨 What do we observe in practice?

Some children exposed to very dynamic content may:
• become easily overstimulated
• struggle with concentration
• seek constant high-level stimulation

⚖️ Does this mean cartoons are harmful?

👉 Not all. The key is quality and pace.

Slower, calmer content with a clear storyline supports:
✔️ language development
✔️ imagination
✔️ emotional regulation

🧩 What can parents do?
• choose age-appropriate, slower-paced content
• limit screen time
• co-watch and talk about what you see
• prioritize real-world play and interaction

✨ The key message

A child’s brain needs time to process, connect, and understand — not just to react.

💙 Slowing down the input helps children grow, think, and imagine.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

15/04/2026

😷👶 “My child is still coughing after an infection. Is this normal?”

This is a very common concern — and in most cases, yes, it is completely normal 💛

🧠 Why does the cough last longer?

After a viral respiratory infection, the airways remain irritated and sensitive.

👉 This is called a post-infectious cough
👉 It can last up to 2–3 weeks, sometimes even a bit longer

The body is still recovering, even though the infection itself is gone.

🌬️ What does this cough look like?
• dry or slightly productive
• often worse at night or after activity
• no fever and overall good condition

💊 Do we need antibiotics?

👉 No.
In most cases, this cough is not caused by bacteria, so antibiotics will not help.

🏡 What can help?

✔️ adequate hydration
✔️ humidified air
✔️ gentle rest and time
✔️ patience — recovery takes time

⚠️ When should you see a doctor?

Consult your pediatrician if:
• the cough lasts longer than 3–4 weeks
• your child has fever, breathing difficulties, or wheezing
• the cough is worsening instead of improving
• your child is not eating, sleeping, or behaving normally

✨ The key message

A lingering cough after infection is usually a natural part of recovery, not a sign of a new illness.

💙 Sometimes the body just needs a little more time to fully heal.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

12/04/2026

☀️👶 Should I Supplement Vitamin D3 for My Infant?

This is one of the most common questions new parents ask — and according to current pediatric guidelines, the answer is yes 💛

🧠 Why is vitamin D important?

Vitamin D plays a key role in:
• bone development 🦴
• proper calcium and phosphate balance
• supporting the immune system

Infants grow rapidly, and their need for vitamin D is high.

🌥️ Why isn’t sunlight enough?

Although our bodies can produce vitamin D through sunlight, in infants:
• sun exposure should be limited for safety
• skin protection reduces vitamin D production
• geographic location and seasons also matter

👉 This is why supplementation is recommended.

💧 What do guidelines say?

Most pediatric societies recommend:

✔️ 400 IU of vitamin D daily for all infants from the first days of life
✔️ regardless of whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed (with some adjustments if large amounts of formula are consumed)

🍼 Why breastfed babies especially need it?

Breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby — but it naturally contains low levels of vitamin D.

⚠️ When to consult your pediatrician?
• if your baby was born prematurely
• if there are feeding concerns
• if you are unsure about the correct dose

✨ The key message

Vitamin D supplementation is a simple and safe way to support your baby’s healthy development.

💙 A small daily drop can make a big difference.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

06/04/2026

💉🧠 Is It Worth Getting Vaccinated Against Meningococcal Disease as an Adult?

Many people think meningococcal vaccination is only for children or teenagers — but recent events clearly show that adults can also be at risk.

🌍 Latest epidemiological data

Meningococcal disease remains rare but extremely dangerous:
• In the UK, there were ~378 cases in 2024–2025, showing a clear increase compared to pandemic years
• Around 300 cases of meningitis B occur annually, meaning the disease is still present

⚠️ Significant increase in cases in the UK in 2026

In March 2026, a serious outbreak in South-East England (Kent) raised major public health concern:
• 20–34 cases identified within days
• 2 deaths reported
• Mostly young people and students, linked to close-contact settings
• The spread was described as “rapid” and “unprecedented”

This outbreak showed how quickly meningococcal disease can re-emerge and spread even in developed countries.

🧬 Why is meningococcal disease so dangerous?
• can progress within hours
• may cause meningitis or sepsis
• carries risk of death or permanent complications (e.g. neurological damage, limb loss)

👩‍⚕️ Why consider vaccination as an adult?

Vaccination may be especially important if you:
• live or work in crowded environments
• travel frequently
• have close contact with large groups of people
• did not receive full protection earlier

🛡️ Are vaccines effective?

Yes — vaccines protect against key serogroups (A, B, C, W, Y) and have significantly reduced severe disease where widely used.

✨ The key message

Meningococcal disease is rare — but unpredictable and potentially fatal.
Recent increases in cases in the UK in 2026 remind us that this infection has not disappeared.

💙 Vaccination is not only for children — in certain situations, it is a responsible and preventive choice for adults as well.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

31/03/2026

💉👶 “Why does my baby need so many vaccines? Isn’t it too much?”

This is one of the most common concerns parents have — and it’s completely understandable 💛

🧠 Is it too much for the immune system?

👉 No.
A baby’s immune system is incredibly capable. From the first day of life, it is exposed to thousands of antigens (from the environment, skin, food, and bacteria).

The number of antigens in vaccines today is actually much lower than in the past — even though we protect against more diseases.

🛡️ Why so many vaccines early in life?

Infants are most vulnerable to serious complications from infectious diseases.

Vaccines are given early because they protect against illnesses that can cause:
• hospitalization
• long-term complications
• severe outcomes in the youngest children

⏱️ Why not delay vaccines?

Delaying vaccination means leaving your child unprotected during the most critical period.

The schedule is carefully designed to:
✔️ provide protection as early as possible
✔️ match how the immune system responds best
✔️ ensure long-lasting immunity

🔬 Is it safe to give multiple vaccines?

👉 Yes.
Extensive research shows that giving several vaccines at once is safe and effective.

The immune system can easily handle it — every day it manages far greater challenges.

✨ The key message:

Vaccinations are not a burden — they are protection tailored to your child’s biology and vulnerability.

💙 You are not overwhelming your baby’s immune system — you are supporting it.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

Dr Aleksandra Gajecka - Pediatrician in Malta

18/05/2026

12/05/2026

05/05/2026

29/04/2026

27/04/2026

19/04/2026

16/04/2026

15/04/2026

12/04/2026

06/04/2026

31/03/2026

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