A complete guide for parents — India's recommended immunisation schedule, age-by-age nutrition tips, growth milestones, and red flag symptoms that need immediate medical attention.
Preventive care in the first 5 years of a child's life has a lifelong impact. Vaccinations alone prevent 4–5 million deaths globally each year. This guide helps parents stay ahead of their child's health needs.
India's National Immunisation Schedule (NIS)
At birth:
- BCG (Tuberculosis)
- OPV-0 (Oral Polio)
- Hepatitis B (HBV-1)
6 weeks:
- OPV-1, IPV-1, DPT-1 (Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus)
- HBV-2, Hib-1, PCV-1 (Pneumococcal)
- Rotavirus-1
14 weeks:
- OPV-3, IPV-3, DPT-3, Hib-3, PCV-3, Rotavirus-3
9 months:
- MR (Measles-Rubella)
- JE-1 (Japanese Encephalitis — in endemic areas)
- Vitamin A first dose
15–18 months:
- MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella)
- DPT booster, OPV booster, Hib booster
- PCV booster
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
4–6 years:
- DPT second booster
- OPV booster
- MMR-2
Keep a vaccination card or digital record for every dose. Missing a dose reduces protection significantly — it is never too late to catch up. Ask your paediatrician about additional private market vaccines (Typhoid, Hepatitis A, HPV, Meningococcal).
Nutrition by Age
0–6 months — Exclusive breastfeeding:
- Breast milk provides complete nutrition and immunity
- No water, juice, or other fluids needed
- Feed on demand, 8–12 times per day
6–12 months — Introducing solids:
- Start with smooth purees (vegetables, fruits, cereals)
- Introduce one food at a time, wait 3–5 days before the next
- Iron-rich foods are crucial: dal water, mashed meat, fortified cereal
- Continue breastfeeding alongside solids
1–5 years — Diverse diet:
- 3 meals + 2 snacks per day
- Include all food groups: grains, protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits
- Limit sugar, salt, and ultra-processed snacks
- Adequate calcium: milk, curd, paneer, ragi
- Vitamin D: outdoor play (15–20 min sunlight) daily
Growth Milestones to Track
- Birth weight doubles by 5 months, triples by 12 months
- 2 months: social smile, tracks objects
- 6 months: sits with support, babbles
- 12 months: stands with support, says 2 words
- 18 months: walks alone, 10+ words
- 2 years: runs, 2-word phrases
- 3 years: climbs stairs, simple sentences
Red Flag Symptoms — Seek Care Immediately
In children under 2, see a doctor for:
- Fever above 38°C in a baby under 3 months
- Fever above 39°C in any infant
- Not feeding / persistent refusal to eat
- Lethargy, unresponsiveness, or floppy tone
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea with signs of dehydration
- Difficulty breathing, rapid or laboured breathing
- Seizures / convulsions
- Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on head)