Dr Soo Child Specialist

Dr Soo Child Specialist Healthy kids, happy futures
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09/04/2026

Is your child exposed to BPA? 🤔

What is BPA?
BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical used in some plastics and the lining of canned foods. It’s commonly found in plastic bottles, sippy cups, food containers, and canned drinks.

It makes plastics strong and durable—but the concern is that BPA can leach into food and drinks, especially when plastic is heated, scratched, or worn out.

Why is BPA a concern for children?
BPA can act like a hormone in the body by mimicking estrogen. In young children, whose bodies are still developing, this may affect:
🧠 Brain development
⚖️ Hormone balance
📏 Growth patterns

Some studies also suggest links to:
• Behavioural changes (e.g. hyperactivity, anxiety)
• Learning and memory issues
• Increased risk of obesity and metabolic problems

Why are children more vulnerable?
Children are more sensitive because their organs and hormones are still developing. On top of that, their smaller body size means the same exposure can have a bigger effect.

What can parents do?
✔️ Choose BPA-free bottles and containers
✔️ Avoid heating food in plastic
✔️ Use glass or stainless steel when possible
✔️ Reduce use of canned foods

💛 Small changes today can make a big difference to your child’s long-term health.

Dr Soo | Follow for more child health & parenting tips 👶

⚠️ Hidden Chemical Risk: Why Children Should Not Play with ReceiptsThermal paper receipts may seem harmless 🧾, but many ...
03/04/2026

⚠️ Hidden Chemical Risk: Why Children Should Not Play with Receipts

Thermal paper receipts may seem harmless 🧾, but many contain BPA (bisphenol A) — a chemical that can be absorbed through the skin.

Why are we concerned about BPA?
BPA is an endocrine disruptor ⚖️, meaning it can interfere with hormones in the body.
In children, this has been associated with:
• 🧠 effects on brain and behavioural development
• 📉 possible impact on hormone balance and growth
• 🧬 links to metabolic and immune-related conditions with long-term exposure

While a single exposure is small, repeated contact is something we try to minimise — especially in growing children 👶

What parents can do:
• 🚫 Avoid letting children play with receipts
• 🧼 Wash hands after handling receipts, especially before eating
• 📦 Keep receipts out of reach of young children
• 📱 Opt for e-receipts when possible — safer and more environmentally friendly 🌱

Small habits can make a big difference 💛

Today is World Autism Awareness Day 💙As a pediatrician and a mum, I often meet parents who feel worried, confused… and s...
02/04/2026

Today is World Autism Awareness Day 💙

As a pediatrician and a mum, I often meet parents who feel worried, confused… and sometimes even guilty when autism is mentioned.

So let’s understand this gently 🤍

Autism means a child’s brain develops in a different way.
They may communicate, play, and interact differently from other children.

Some children may have delayed speech, prefer to play on their own, avoid eye contact, or be very sensitive to sounds, touch, or changes in routine.

Every child with autism is different — some need more support, some less.
And many have their own unique strengths in ways we may not expect 💛

One important thing I always tell parents:
Autism is not caused by parenting.

What matters most is recognising early signs and supporting the child early — especially in communication, behaviour, and social skills.

With the right support, many children can learn, adapt, and thrive beautifully in their own way.

Let’s move beyond awareness —
and build understanding, patience, and acceptance for every child 💙

Hi mummies, Dr Soo here 👩‍⚕️💛I know we all want to give our babies the best—so it’s very common to wonder if mineral wat...
30/03/2026

Hi mummies, Dr Soo here 👩‍⚕️💛

I know we all want to give our babies the best—so it’s very common to wonder if mineral water is a “cleaner” or “better” choice for making formula.

But actually, I usually don’t recommend using mineral water for daily feeds.

Mineral water contains higher amounts of minerals like sodium, calcium and magnesium. For us adults, it’s fine—but for our little ones, their kidneys are still immature, so it can be a bit too heavy for them and may affect the balance of the formula.

Infant formula is already very carefully designed to meet your baby’s needs. When we add water with extra minerals, it can unintentionally change that balance.

Also, not all mineral water is the same—some brands have quite high sodium, and it’s honestly not easy for parents to tell which one is suitable.

So what I usually tell parents (especially in our Malaysia setting) is:
✨ Stick to boiled tap filtered/drinking water (cooled appropriately)
✨ Or bottled water labeled suitable for infant feeding

If you’re travelling and have no choice, it’s okay—using normal drinking water is generally a better option than mineral water.

You’re already doing a great job caring for your little one 💛
Small details like this just help keep things safer and simpler.

– Dr Soo

🫁 TB & Children – What Every Parent Should KnowTuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and spreads...
25/02/2026

🫁 TB & Children – What Every Parent Should Know

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and spreads through the air when a person with active lung TB coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings.

👶 Why are children more at risk?
Children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to infection and severe complications. Most children who get TB are infected by close household contacts, such as parents, grandparents, or caregivers — not from brief or casual encounters.

🏠 How does TB spread?
TB transmission usually requires prolonged, repeated indoor exposure, such as:
• Living in the same house
• Sharing the same bedroom
• Spending many hours daily in a closed space

Short visits, brief contact, or outdoor exposure carry very low risk, especially in well-ventilated areas.

🌬️ Ventilation matters!
Good airflow — open windows, fans, cross ventilation — can reduce TB transmission risk by more than 50%. Simple steps at home make a big difference.

💉 What about the BCG vaccine?
The BCG vaccine does not fully prevent TB infection, but it plays a crucial role in protecting young children from severe and life-threatening forms of TB, such as TB meningitis and disseminated (miliary) TB.

🔍 Why early screening is important?
Children who have been exposed to TB should be screened early, even if they have no symptoms. Early detection allows timely treatment and prevents complications.

⚠️ Watch out for symptoms:
• Persistent cough (>2–3 weeks)
• Prolonged fever
• Poor weight gain or weight loss
• Night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes

✨ Key takeaway for parents:
TB spreads mainly through long, close indoor contact — not casual contact.
Ensure good ventilation, keep vaccinations up to date, and seek medical advice early if there is known exposure.

Saving this post may help protect your child ❤️

15/02/2026

Happy Chinese New Year! 🧨🧧
May this new year bring you good health, happiness, smooth journeys, and endless blessings ✨

祝大家新年快乐,身体健康,心想事成,平安喜乐!
#新年快乐 #恭喜发财 #好运连连 #感恩

🍼 Formula Milk vs 🥛 Fresh Milk – Which is better for toddlers?Once a child turns 1 year old, solid food becomes the main...
06/02/2026

🍼 Formula Milk vs 🥛 Fresh Milk – Which is better for toddlers?

Once a child turns 1 year old, solid food becomes the main source of nutrition.
Milk is now a supporting drink, not the main meal.

For most healthy toddlers:
👉 Fresh full-cream milk + balanced solid food = sufficient nutrition

Fresh milk provides:
• Protein – for growth
• Calcium – for strong bones & teeth
• Healthy fats – for brain development

What about toddler formula?
Toddler formulas are not necessary for most children who eat a balanced diet.
They may be useful only in selected cases, such as:
• Poor weight gain
• Very picky eating
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Medical conditions (as advised by doctor)

⚠ Too much milk (formula or fresh milk) can:
• Reduce appetite for solid food
• Increase risk of iron deficiency

Doctor’s tip:
Limit total milk intake to ~400–500 ml per day, and focus more on real foods 🥦🍗🍚

✨ Remember: Milk complements food — it should not replace it.

29/01/2026

Why do mosquitoes always choose the same child? 🦟😩
Parents ask this all the time — and no, it’s not sweet blood or poor hygiene.

Children breathe faster, move more, and give off more CO₂, heat, and motion, making them easier for mosquitoes to detect.
Some kids also attract more bites because of natural differences in skin scent & skin microbiome — and that’s completely normal.

The good news? 💡
Simple steps like the right clothing, age-appropriate repellents, and removing standing water can really help reduce bites and keep your child comfortable.

✨ Save this for prevention tips





11/01/2026

Protective and overprotective look similar — but they raise very different children.

Protective vs Overprotective Parenting

Both come from love.
But they don’t lead to the same outcome.

🛡️ Protective parenting
This is love that guides.
You keep your child safe while allowing them to grow.

You set boundaries with purpose.
You teach skills instead of taking control.
You slowly step back as your child becomes capable.

“I’ll protect you — and I trust you to grow.”

🚧 Overprotective parenting
This is love mixed with a parent’s fear, ego, or unmet emotional needs.

It often sounds like:
“I’m doing this for your own good.”

But sometimes, it shows up as:
– over-controlling to reduce the parent’s anxiety
– using guilt, comparison, or pressure
– limiting the child’s autonomy and voice

The child may be safe,
but not trusted.
Not heard.
Not free to grow.

🌱 The honest difference
Protective parenting serves the child’s growth.
Overprotective parenting often serves the parent’s fear.

Love is present in both.
But growth happens only when protection doesn’t turn into control.

🤍 Awareness — not guilt — is where healthier parenting begins.


🌞 Why Breakfast Matters for Growing ChildrenMornings can be rushed — but breakfast is more than just a routine 🍳🍞✅ Bette...
10/01/2026

🌞 Why Breakfast Matters for Growing Children

Mornings can be rushed — but breakfast is more than just a routine 🍳🍞

✅ Better focus & learning
Breakfast fuels the brain. Children concentrate better and learn more at school.

✅ Steady energy & mood
No breakfast = tired, cranky, hungry by mid-morning.

✅ Supports growth & immunity
Growing bodies need daily nutrients for height, muscles, bones, and a stronger immune system.

✅ Healthier eating habits
Kids who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat or snack on sugary foods later.

🥣 Good breakfast =
Protein + carbs + fruit
(Even something simple is better than nothing!)

💡 You don’t need a perfect breakfast — just a consistent one.

07/01/2026

🎒 School Is Starting — What Should Families Look Out For?

Happy New Year, everyone ✨
As school begins, it’s not just about uniforms and books. A smooth transition starts with your child’s health, routine, and emotions.

✔️ Sleep routine
Adjust bedtime early. Well-rested children focus better and fall sick less.

✔️ Nutrition & hydration
A balanced breakfast and enough water support energy, immunity, and learning.

✔️ Immunisation check
Ensure vaccinations are up to date before mixing with many children again.

✔️ Hygiene habits
Handwashing, not sharing bottles, and covering coughs matter more than constant sanitising.

✔️ Emotional readiness
Some children feel excited, others anxious. Listen, reassure, and keep mornings calm.

✔️ Screen time reset
Gradually reduce screen time to support attention and better sleep.

✨ A healthy start builds confidence, resilience, and a happier school year — for children and parents.

🧁🍪 MYTH vs FACT🎄 Just after Christmas, I know everyone enjoyed the celebrations — and probably ate lots of cookies!But d...
26/12/2025

🧁🍪 MYTH vs FACT

🎄 Just after Christmas, I know everyone enjoyed the celebrations — and probably ate lots of cookies!
But do biscuits/cookies cause sore throat?

❌ MYTH
Biscuits cause throat infection / tonsillitis

✅ FACT
Biscuits do NOT cause sore throat
👉 Most sore throats are viral

⚠️ BUT…
Eating too many biscuits may irritate the throat if:
• The throat is already inflamed
• Not drinking enough water
• High sugar intake
• Acid reflux tendency

💡 Parent tips:
✔ Drink water after biscuits
✔ Avoid biscuits when your child already has a sore throat
✔ Moderation is key

📌 Biscuits don’t cause sore throat — but they can make it feel worse.


Address

Firststep Child Specialist Clinic
Kuala Lumpur
50480

Opening Hours

Monday 14:00 - 20:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 14:00
Wednesday 14:00 - 20:30
Thursday 08:00 - 14:00
Friday 14:00 - 20:30
Saturday 08:00 - 14:00

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