Healthy Beginnings Podcast

Can you vaccinate your child when they’re sick? What happens if you miss a vaccine? And when should you worry about fever after vaccines?These are some of the most common—and most important—questions parents ask.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba breaks down real-life vaccine concerns that families face every day. From mild illness and missed doses to fever after vaccination, this episode gives you clear, practical answers grounded in evidence.In this episode we discuss: Whether it’s safe to vaccinate a child with a cold, cough, or fever  What to do if your child has missed vaccines—and how catch-up schedules work  Why vaccinated children can still get sick  Fever after vaccines—what’s normal and when to seek medical help Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children—but knowing how to navigate real-life situations can make all the difference.Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

Are childhood vaccines really necessary? Are they safe? And are babies getting too many too soon?In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba answers the most important—and most difficult—questions parents have about early childhood vaccines.Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine, preventing millions of deaths every year. But confusion, fear, and misinformation continue to shape how parents think about them.This episode breaks down the science clearly, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.In this episode we discuss: What vaccines actually do and why they matter  Which vaccines are most important in early childhood  Whether babies receive too many vaccines too soon  The truth about vaccine safety and side effects  Common myths—including vaccines and autism  Why timing matters in the vaccine schedule This episode is designed to give parents clear, evidence-based understanding—without fear or confusion.Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

Is my baby too fat?It’s a question many parents quietly worry about—especially when their baby looks bigger than others.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains how to understand baby weight and growth in a healthy and balanced way. From growth charts to feeding patterns, this episode helps parents separate normal variation from real concerns.Many babies go through periods of rapid weight gain, and what may look like “too much” is often part of normal development. Understanding this can reduce anxiety and help you focus on what truly matters.In this episode we discuss: What healthy weight looks like in babies  Why “chubby” babies are often normal  How growth charts are used—and their limitations  When weight gain may be a concern  Feeding patterns and common misconceptions This episode is designed to help parents understand growth without fear, and to approach their child’s health with clarity and confidence.Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

My child refuses to eat. Is this normal?Fussy eating—also known as picky eating—is one of the most common concerns parents face. It can be frustrating, stressful, and sometimes worrying.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains why some children become picky eaters, what is actually happening during this stage of development, and what parents can do to support healthy eating habits.Many feeding struggles are not about the food itself—but about development, behavior, and environment. Understanding this can change how you respond.In this episode we discuss: Why children become picky or fussy eaters  What is normal (and what is not)  Common mistakes parents make during mealtimes  Practical strategies to encourage healthy eating  When to be concerned about your child’s nutrition Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

When should you start weaning your baby—and how do you do it properly?Weaning is one of the biggest transitions in early childhood, and many parents feel unsure about when to begin, what foods to introduce, and how to do it safely.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains how to approach weaning with clarity and confidence. From timing and nutrition to common mistakes and misconceptions, this episode breaks down what parents really need to know.Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

When can I give my baby cow’s milk? It’s a common question—and getting it wrong can affect your child’s nutrition and health.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains when it is safe to introduce cow’s milk, why timing matters, and what parents should understand about infant nutrition in the first year of life.Many families introduce cow’s milk too early, not realizing the risks. This episode breaks down the science clearly, helping you make confident and informed decisions for your child.In this episode we discuss: When babies can safely start drinking cow’s milk  Why cow’s milk is not recommended in early infancy  The nutritional differences between breast milk, formula, and cow’s milk  Risks of introducing cow’s milk too earlyHealthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

I’ve chosen to give my baby formula. Does that make me a bad mother? Few topics in parenting carry as much pressure, judgment, and confusion as feeding decisions.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explores the realities of breastfeeding and formula feeding—what the science says, what matters most for your child, and how parents can make informed decisions without guilt.Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

My baby keeps coughing. Should I give antibiotics?It’s one of the most common questions parents ask when their child has a persistent cough.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains what a cough in babies and young children actually means, what causes it, and when antibiotics may—or may not—help.Many childhood coughs are caused by viral infections, meaning antibiotics won’t work and can sometimes do more harm than good. Understanding the difference can help parents make safer and more confident decisions.Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

Is my child growing normally? It’s one of the most common—and most worrying—questions parents ask.In this episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explains how to understand your child’s growth beyond the chart. From height and weight to nutrition, development, and environment, we explore what healthy growth really looks like—and when to be concerned.This episode is designed to help parents and caregivers understand growth clearly, without anxiety—grounded in science and real-life context. Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media

Health decisions don’t start in hospitals—they start at home.In this first episode of Healthy Beginnings, Dr. Edgar Kalimba explores what a truly healthy start in life means for children and families. From early childhood development and prevention, this episode lays the foundation for lifelong health.Healthy Beginnings offers clear and evidence-based conversations about children’s health, family wellbeing, and the systems that shape our lives. New episodes every Monday Have a question? Email: [email protected] by LF Media