On Call With Dr. Anselm Anyoha

Episode-80--Why Diaper Rash Happens—and How Parents Can Treat and Prevent It

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we tackle diaper rash in babies, one of the most common and frustrating concerns for new parents. Diaper rash can appear just days after birth and may recur throughout infancy, even when parents are doing everything “right.”
Dr. Anyoha explains why diaper rash is so common, highlighting the role of sensitive infant skin, constant moisture, friction, and frequent exposure to urine and stool. Parents learn that diaper rash is not a single condition, but often falls into three main categories: stool-related irritation, allergic or contact reactions to diapers or wipes, and fungal (yeast) diaper rash.
The episode walks parents through safe and effective home management, including frequent diaper changes, barrier ointments like zinc oxide and petroleum jelly, and keeping the diaper area clean and dry. Dr. Anyoha also explains when diaper rash may signal a sensitivity to products, what fungal rashes look like, and when to call the pediatrician for prescription treatment.
Most importantly, parents are reassured that diaper rash is common, manageable, and not a sign of poor parenting. With simple preventive steps—gentle care, fragrance-free products, protective ointments, and occasional diaper-free time—most rashes resolve quickly, allowing babies to stay comfortable and parents to feel confident.

Episode-81-Scaly Scalp in Newborns? A Pediatrician Explains Cradle Cap

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we break down cradle cap in babies, a common skin condition that often looks alarming but is almost always harmless. Cradle cap—also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis—appears as scaly, crusty, sometimes greasy patches on a baby’s scalp and can show up within the first few weeks of life.
Dr. Anyoha explains what cradle cap is and what it is not, reassuring parents that it is not painful, not contagious, not caused by poor hygiene, and not a sign of neglect or illness. Parents learn why cradle cap happens, including the role of overactive oil glands, naturally occurring yeast on the skin, and temporary hormonal influences from pregnancy.
The episode walks parents through safe, gentle home care, such as softening scales with oil, washing with mild baby shampoo, and gently loosening flakes with a soft brush—without scraping or force. Dr. Anyoha also explains when pediatricians step in, what medical treatments may be recommended for persistent or inflamed cases, and when parents should seek medical advice to rule out other skin conditions.
The key takeaway: cradle cap is a cosmetic issue, not a medical emergency. With patience, reassurance, and gentle care, most babies outgrow it within weeks to months, and the scalp returns to normal.

Episode-80-Why Is My Baby Yellow? A Pediatrician Explains Newborn Jaundice

In this episode of Encore with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we break down one of the most common—and anxiety-provoking—newborn conditions: jaundice in newborns.
Jaundice causes a yellow discoloration of a baby’s skin and eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin, a natural by-product of red blood cell breakdown. Dr. Anyoha explains why newborns are especially prone to jaundice, highlighting the combination of increased bilirubin production and an immature liver that is still learning how to clear it efficiently.
The episode walks parents through the difference between physiologic (normal) jaundice and pathologic jaundice, explaining when jaundice is harmless and when it can become dangerous. Dr. Anyoha discusses how pediatricians decide when treatment is needed, using factors such as the baby’s age in hours, bilirubin level, gestational age, rate of rise, and underlying causes like ABO or Rh incompatibility.
Parents also learn what to expect from phototherapy, how long hospital stays usually last, what happens after discharge, and why close follow-up matters. Common concerns about breastfeeding and breast milk jaundice are addressed, with reassurance that breastfeeding should usually continue.
The key takeaway is clear: jaundice is common and usually manageable. With vigilant monitoring, good feeding, and timely treatment when needed, most babies recover fully and thrive.

Episode-79-Why Won’t My Baby Stop Crying? A Pediatrician Explains Infantile Colic

n this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we take a clear, compassionate look at infantile colic, one of the most frustrating and exhausting challenges in early infancy.
Colic is defined as prolonged, inconsolable crying in otherwise healthy babies, typically beginning around three weeks of age and resolving by three to four months. Dr. Anyoha explains how colic differs from normal crying, including its classic pattern of intense, often evening-time episodes that persist despite feeding, diaper changes, and soothing.
The episode walks parents through what colic looks like in real life, what families commonly try before seeking medical care—such as gripe water, formula changes, and soothing techniques—and how pediatricians carefully evaluate crying babies to rule out illness, infection, feeding problems, or gastrointestinal conditions.
Dr. Anyoha also addresses the most common question parents ask: What causes colic? While the exact cause remains uncertain, possible contributors include digestive immaturity and heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Importantly, parents are reassured that colic is benign, does not harm brain development, and resolves on its own.
Practical coping strategies are emphasized, along with emotional support for overwhelmed caregivers. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: colic is temporary, parents are not to blame, and seeking support is essential during this demanding phase of early parenting.

Episode-79-Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: How Low Iron Affects Growth and Brain Development

In this episode of on call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we focus on anemia in babies and young children, with special attention to iron-deficiency anemia, the most common and preventable form worldwide.
Dr. Anyoha explains anemia in simple terms, highlighting how iron is essential for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the brain and body. When iron levels are low, children may experience fatigue, poor growth, delayed development, learning difficulties, and behavioral changes—sometimes without obvious symptoms.
The episode explores common causes of iron-deficiency anemia, including low iron intake, prematurity, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without supplementation, excessive cow’s milk consumption, and infections or parasitic diseases in resource-limited settings. Parents learn what signs to watch for, why anemia is often missed, and how routine screening during pediatric visits plays a critical role in early detection.
Dr. Anyoha also discusses diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, emphasizing iron supplementation, iron-rich foods, appropriate milk intake, and follow-up testing. The key message is clear: anemia is common, but early recognition and treatment protect brain development and help children reach their full potential

Episode-78--Your Baby Smiled at You! Why the Social Smile Is a Major Developmental Milestone

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we explore one of the most joyful and meaningful early milestones in infant development: the social smile.
Many parents notice early smiles in newborns and wonder whether they “count.” Dr. Anyoha explains the difference between reflex smiles and a true social smile, which typically begins around 6 to 8 weeks of age and becomes well established by 12 weeks. This social smile is a baby’s first intentional form of communication—an early sign of brain development, emotional awareness, and social engagement.
The episode discusses why social smiling matters, what it tells pediatricians about a baby’s vision, hearing, neurological function, and social-emotional development, and how everyday interactions—such as eye contact, talking, singing, and smiling back—help strengthen this milestone.
Dr. Anyoha also addresses common parental concerns, including what to do if a baby isn’t smiling yet, when to seek guidance from a pediatrician, and why evaluation does not mean panic. The episode closes by reminding parents that social smiling is more than a cute moment—it’s the beginning of communication, bonding, and lifelong relationships.

Episode-77-Leaving the Hospital and Seeing the Pediatrician: Your Baby’s First Visit Explained

Your baby’s first visit to the pediatrician is one of the earliest and most meaningful milestones of parenthood. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we walk parents through what happens at that first appointment, why it matters, and how it helps families feel confident during the earliest days of a newborn’s life.
Typically scheduled when a baby is three to five days old, this visit often marks the first time new parents leave the house with their newborn—car seat carefully buckled, questions swirling, and emotions running high. Dr. Anyoha explains that this visit is not just a medical checkup; it is the beginning of a long-term partnership between families and their pediatrician.
The episode explains what pediatricians assess during this visit, including weight, length, head circumference, and how those measurements help track healthy growth and early brain development. Parents learn why it is normal for newborns to lose some weight after birth and how pediatricians look for healthy trends rather than single numbers. A full newborn physical exam is also reviewed, including reflexes, muscle tone, hip stability, umbilical cord healing, and circumcision care when applicable.
A major focus is feeding guidance. Dr. Anyoha addresses common worries about breastfeeding and formula feeding, feeding frequency, vitamin D supplementation, and hunger cues. Parents are reminded that newborns typically feed every two to three hours, day and night, and that feeding on demand is key in the early weeks.
The episode also covers newborn sleep and crying, helping parents understand that irregular sleep patterns and frequent crying are normal forms of communication, not signs of failure. Gentle soothing strategies—skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, holding, and talking softly—are discussed as ways to comfort babies while strengthening bonding and emotional security.
Finally, Dr. Anyoha highlights warning signs pediatricians watch for, such as excessive weight loss, poor feeding, breathing difficulties, or signs of infection, and explains when parents should reach out for help. The episode closes with reassurance: most babies are healthy, most parents are doing far better than they realize, and confidence grows with time, guidance, and support.

Episode-76-Separation, Trauma, and Resilience: Understanding the Child’s Experience

Separation from caregivers is one of the most powerful and painful experiences a child can endure. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we explore how caregiver separation affects children emotionally, psychologically, and developmentally—and why protecting the caregiver-child bond is essential for healthy growth.
Drawing on decades of pediatric practice and training in infant mental health and child development, Dr. Anyoha explains that children rely on caregivers not only for food and safety, but for emotional security and a sense of predictability. When separation occurs—whether due to divorce, illness, incarceration, immigration policies, war, or natural disasters—children often experience loss, confusion, and fear, regardless of the reason.
The episode examines how separation affects children at different developmental stages. Newborns and infants may struggle to form secure attachments. Toddlers may cry inconsolably or regress in skills. School-aged children may show behavioral or academic difficulties, while adolescents may withdraw, become depressed, or express distress through anger and risk-taking behaviors. Younger children are especially vulnerable, but no age group is immune.
Dr. Anyoha also discusses the psychological consequences of separation, including anxiety, aggression, depression, oppositional behavior, and long-term relational difficulties. Foundational work by John Bowlby on attachment and maternal deprivation is referenced, alongside modern neuroscience, confirming that prolonged separation can leave lasting emotional scars into adulthood.
Importantly, the episode emphasizes hope and recovery. Children are resilient, and healing is possible when protective factors are in place—early reunification when safe, consistent and nurturing substitute caregivers, stable routines, and access to mental health support such as play therapy. Pediatricians play a crucial role by identifying early signs of trauma, supporting families, and advocating for stability and reunification.
The episode concludes with a powerful message for parents, clinicians, and society: children need caregivers not only to survive, but to flourish. Minimizing unnecessary separation, responding quickly when it occurs, and ensuring every child has a dependable, loving adult is a shared responsibility.

Episode-75-Is It Gas or Something Serious? Understanding Abdominal Pain in Toddlers

Belly pain in toddlers—also called abdominal pain in young children—is one of the most common and most confusing concerns parents face. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we explore why tummy pain in toddlers is so difficult to interpret, how it often presents in subtle ways, and how parents and pediatricians work together to separate harmless causes from serious conditions.
Toddlers cannot clearly describe pain. Instead, belly pain may show up as sudden crying, pointing to the stomach, curling up, brief withdrawal from play, or nighttime discomfort. Dr. Anyoha explains why this developmental stage makes diagnosis challenging and why pediatric care relies heavily on parental observation, careful examination, and pattern recognition—part medicine, part listening, and part detective work.
The episode reviews common benign causes of belly pain in toddlers, including gas, constipation, dietary changes, and early diarrhea. These causes are frequent and usually resolve with simple measures such as hydration, fiber, and time. However, parents are also guided through red flag symptoms that should never be ignored, including persistent or worsening pain, vomiting, fever, abdominal swelling, blood in the stool, lethargy, or refusal to eat. Serious conditions such as intussusception and appendicitis, though less common, are discussed as important considerations.
Dr. Anyoha also explains how pediatricians evaluate belly pain even when toddlers resist examination—using play, observation, parental insight, and imaging like ultrasound when needed. Parents are emphasized as essential partners in diagnosis, often providing the most valuable clues about timing, triggers, diet, and symptom patterns.
The episode concludes with practical guidance on treatment and prevention, including dietary balance, regular bowel habits, hydration, and avoiding common myths or cultural practices that may delay proper care. Most importantly, parents are reminded to trust their instincts. While most toddler belly pain is harmless, pain that behaves unusually deserves medical attention. The goal is always the same: relieve discomfort, protect health, and help children return to play, growth, and joy.

Episode-75-Why Is My Child Crying and Pulling Their Ear? A Pediatrician Explains

Ear pain in children is one of the most common—and most stressful—reasons parents seek urgent medical care. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, we unpack why ear pain can appear suddenly, cause intense distress, and leave families feeling anxious, especially at night.
Dr. Anyoha explains that ear pain does not always mean an ear infection. While middle ear infections (otitis media) are common, ear pain in children can also be caused by fluid behind the eardrum, swimmer’s ear, teething, sore throat, sinus congestion, or even dental issues. That’s why pediatricians take a careful, step-by-step approach—listening to parents, examining the ear, and looking beyond it to find the real source of pain.
The episode walks parents through how pediatricians decide on treatment, emphasizing that not every ear infection needs antibiotics. Pain control, close monitoring, and targeted treatments—such as ear drops for outer ear infections—are often the best approach. Comfort matters, because children heal better when they feel better.
Finally, the conversation highlights practical ways parents can help prevent recurrent ear infections, including staying up to date on vaccinations, avoiding secondhand smoke, managing allergies, encouraging breastfeeding when possible, and avoiding bottle-feeding while a child is lying flat.
This episode reassures parents that seeking care is not overreacting—it’s advocating. With good communication and partnership between families and pediatricians, most children recover quickly and comfortably.