What happens at the first pediatrician appointment for autism?
If you have wondered whether your baby or child has autism, a first step is often an evaluation in the pediatrician’s office. Yes, it can be the same pediatrician that checks growth charts and treats ear infections. Many pediatricians do not formally diagnose autism (especially in one visit), but they can get the process started…
Breastfeeding and Mammograms: 3 Things to Know
If you’ve been advised to have a mammogram, what should you do if you’re breastfeeding? The short answer, according to the American College of Radiology is: The mammogram can still be done if someone is lactating or breastfeeding. This post covers a few common topics and misconceptions about mammograms and breastfeeding. The key points are…
Outdoor Play: 50 Statistics and Quick Facts
Kids need time outside to play. Just how essential is time in nature? What difference does outdoor play make? Today’s post is a collection of statistics and facts about outdoor play, health, and child development. Please note that some of the studies were quite small or observational, so take some of these statistics with a…
Should Your Baby Use an Amber Teething Anklet?
Teething can make some babies miserable! What’s a parent to do for those new teeth and sore gums? Talking to other parents and googling can lead to learning about amber jewelry, like amber teething anklets, bracelets, or necklaces. Those that sell the amber products often say that just wearing the amber-based jewelry can help calm…
Free Symptom Tracker Printable: The Best Way to Log Symptoms
If you or your child have ongoing health issues, just scheduling a doctor’s visit is stressful enough. Arriving and trying to explain everything is even harder. How can the appointment be a little less easier? Finding a way to organize and communicate your thoughts can help a lot. One of the best ways to keep track…
17 Gross Motor Activities for Your Infant (0-12 months)
Wondering what to do to help a baby’s physical development? A baby uses gross motor skills when they use their large muscle groups. Think arms, legs, and trunk. So, how can parents support a baby’s gross motor development? This post covers several gross motor “activities” that caregivers and infants can enjoy at home. Parents need…
Foot Pain at Night in Children: Growing Pains or a Reason to Worry?
It’s after bedtime. Everyone is tucked in and nearly asleep. Then, there’s a wail from a child’s room, “My foot hurts!” Why would a child complain about foot pain at night? There are many possibilities. Today I’ll review a few of the most common reasons a child’s feet may hurt at night. Then, I’ll list…
How much pumped breast milk does your baby need? (Free printable)
You’ve worked hard pumping breast milk. Whether you use an electric pump, a manual pump, or you’re hand expressing, it takes a lot of time and energy to express and store milk. When the times comes to leave your baby (and the milk) with someone else for a few hours, how do you know how much breast milk to…
Engaging Kids in Water Safety
What should parents know about water safety? Tragically, drowning is far too common among young children. We must remember that it is also preventable! There are a few proven ways to help time around water be safer. Although water safety is ultimately an adult responsibility, today I want to focus on a couple of things…