healthystepspediatrics

Babysitter Tips

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:31:38 GMT

Before leaving your child with a babysitter be sure they have the following information:

Your full name, address, home phone, cell phone and work phone
Each child’s name, age, height, weight, and a list of ALLERGIES
Emergency contact numbers including 911 and Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
Where you will be and when you are expected to return home
People to call if you can’t be reached
Any special instructions (bedtime rituals, favorite activities or snack)

The American Red Cross provides a Babysitter Training Course that includes First Aid. Know whom you are leaving your children with and their skill level. You want someone who is mature, responsible and able to think through situations with good reasoning skills and without panic.

Call the office for Lice Advice and treatment options!

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:29:13 GMT

678-384-3480

When to call us?

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:27:19 GMT

Whenever you are concerned, have questions or your child has any of

these symptoms.

1. Whenever you are concerned or have questions

2. Fever:

… Rectal temperature >100.4 in an infant 3 months of age or under

… Temperature >103.5

… Temperature > 4 days

… Fever that doesn’t respond to Ibuprofen or Tylenol within one hour of administration

3. Any signs of increased work of breathing, including wheezing, rapid breathing, a seesaw action to the chest with breathing, coughing that leads to vomiting

4. Vomiting and Diarrhea that is persistent.

5. Aches and injuries

6. Lingering stomach aches.

7. School concerns

8. IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD IS NOT GETTING BETTER AS EXPECTED

OFFICE NUMBER: 678-384-3480

Quick Care Walk-in Clinic

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:24:41 GMT

No Appointment Necessary!

Monday - Friday

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Available to all children for a quick care evaluation of those early morning sore throats, ear aches, cold symptoms or concerns. Early morning care to get you back to your busy lives with less interruption.

Find Help in Your Area

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:50:51 GMT

Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs in your area, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enter your zip code, to find assistance in your area for:

Food
Housing
Goods
Transit
Health
Money
Care
Education
Work
Legal

Visit FindHelp.org to get started!

This curated database of resources is provided by Aunt Bertha, a Public Benefit Corporation.

Welcome To Our Practice News

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:00:47 GMT

Hello, parents, caregivers, and all those invested in the well-being of our little ones! We are thrilled to provide Practice News on our website. We understand the unique joys and challenges that come with raising healthy, happy kids. Through our news section, we aim to provide valuable insights, practical tips, and advice to empower parents in making informed decisions about their children's health and well-being.

With years of experience in pediatric medicine and a dedication to promoting child wellness, we are here to guide you through every stage of your child's development.

Teen Dating Violence

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 19:21:34 GMT

Dating is an important part of growth and development for teenagers. It molds emotional health, identity and self-worth and helps to prepare a teen for future relationships. Healthy relationships can have a positive impact on development and unhealthy relationships can negatively impact a teen’s entire future. Learning to communicate effectively, appropriately managing uncomfortable feelings, such as jealously or anger, and treating others with respect are learned tools of healthy relationships. Dating violence is a widespread problem crossing the boundaries of age, gender, ethnicity and financial status. Research indicates one of 3 teens experiences dating violence and two of every three victims tell no one it has occurred. Many fail to report abuse due to embarrassment, fear, and the notion that the violence will never occur again. Dating violence has long-term and short-term effects on its victims. Knowing what to look for and early intervention can help safeguard your teen.

What is Teen Dating Violence?

Teen dating violence is defined as the physical (pinching, hitting, shoving, slapping, or kicking), sexual (forcing a sexual act without consent – can be physical or nonphysical through threatening to spread rumors or stop dating the partner), psychological or emotional (harming his or her sense of self-worth via bullying, shaming, intentionally embarrassing or other such behaviors) violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. It can occur in person or electronically and might occur between a current or former dating partner. Youth who experience teen dating violence are more likely to experience dating violence during college and later. Being the victim of dating violence often leads to symptoms of depression and anxiety and potentially could result in abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and/or drugs. Antisocial behaviors, including avoiding typical activities, skipping school, and isolating oneself with or without the dating partner, and thoughts of suicide are much more common among victims of dating violence.

Ramifications of Teen Dating Violence

Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications by placing the victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and further domestic violence. While researchers are still trying to define the problem and how big the problem is, it is estimated that half of the youth who have been victims of dating violence attempt suicide, as depression is a common reality for them. It has been determined that teen girls who have been sexually or physically abused are six times more likely to get pregnant and twice as likely to have recurrent sexually transmitted diseases from high risk sexual behavior.

How to Stop Dating Violence

The ultimate goal is to stop dating violence before it begins. Again, it is vital to lead by example and promote healthy relationships. Help your teen work through case scenarios to strengthen their self-worth. This will also train him or her arming him or her with the ability to appropriately and rapidly respond in an unhealthy relationship. Communicate that you are your child’s most staunch defender; that no matter the circumstances you will do your very best to protect him or her, as long as there is an open dialogue between the two of you.

As it turns out, getting a little one to sleep through the night and to use the potty may have been easier parenting jobs than protecting teens from themselves and others. While they search for the own identity, it is important that we give them enough space to explore but stay close enough to continue to protect and guide them. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to grow healthy children one step at a time. Call today if you need teen guidance or any other pediatric need. 678-384-3480 .

Protecting Our Most Precious Resource –Our Children

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 19:18:24 GMT

We have all passed that adorable child in the park or the mall that refuses to acknowledge our friendly banter or smile. That is a child that likely has been educated to avoid contact with strangers, as a way to protect the child. Parents naturally want their children to feel safe, secure, and valued and part of a parent’s responsibility is to teach them the skills which will keep them safe from harm.

Most importantly, your home must be a place of trust and support by your taking an active interest in your children’s day-to-day lives and listening to them intently. Building a child’s confidence and self-esteem will equip him with the ability to assert himself in potentially any dangerous situation, rather than simply identifying strangers to avoid. Statistics repeatedly point out that most perpetrators are known to the child or family. Identifying a bad guy will not be a particularly helpful skill.

Safety At An Early Age

Talking about safety with your child should begin at an early age. Discuss safety in an open, matter-of-fact, and calm manner. This will teach your child that safety is part of reality and will be less likely to induce stress. Young children can be taught safety rules. Preschoolers are concrete thinkers who are very much focused on themselves. A preschooler can quickly and easily identify his name and his parents’ names. Making up a song can assist teaching them addresses and telephone numbers.

Check First

They can also be taught to CHECK FIRST. They should check first before going outside to play. They should check first before leaving the area to go to the restroom. They should check first before accepting anything from anyone. Finally, preschoolers should be taught it is OK to SAY NO if someone does anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or bad.

Elementary Age

Elementary aged children are generally eager to please and cooperative, which can make them vulnerable in dangerous situations. Children this age learn better through role-playing a wide variety of situations and through repetition. Be sure the child knows his full name, his parents’ names, address, telephone, and even driving directions to his home. Make a plan for addressing phone calls or doorbells. Continue to reiterate the need to CHECK FIRST and it is OK to SAY NO. Teach your elementary-aged child the NO-GO-TELL system. First, the child should say NO if someone is trying to do something that makes one feel scared, uncomfortable, or bad. Second, the child should GO away from the situation quickly. Finally, the child should TELL an adult – someone that you and your child have established as trustworthy and reliable.

Middle and High School

Middle and high school children benefit from on-going discussions and open dialogues. Discussing real-life situations provides opportunities to problem-solve and practicing saying NO should a situation of peer pressure arise. Practicing standing one’s ground against bad choices makes for a confident youngster. Encourage teens to never go out alone, as there is safety in numbers. If your child is old enough to go out alone, demand to know the three W’s – Who he is with, Where he will be and When he will return home. Communicate with your teen that it is incredibly smart of them to let someone know who, where and when.

Let Us Help

Although talking to your child about safety can be unpleasant to downright daunting, it will pay off in prevention. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to grow healthy children one step at a time. If you need advice teaching your child to be smart, strong, and safe, call 678-384-3480 .

Probiotics and How They Help

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 19:16:30 GMT

In the human body, one can find more than 500 types and more than 100 trillion bacteria living throughout the digestive, urinary and genital systems. The predominant bacteria are considered “friendly” and necessary to maintain good health. Friendly bacteria aid in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and fighting off harmful overgrowth of “unfriendly” bacteria. Maintaining a balance is essential to good health but the typical American diet includes many processed foods, resulting in the intake of fewer natural probiotics. Probiotics have been commonly used in other developed countries for decades – added to beverages, foods and through supplements – and now the US seems to be catching on.

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms similar to “friendly” bacteria that will benefit its host. The first intentional use of probiotics was to prevent spoilage in food preparation. Probiotics are naturally found in yogurt and cheese, as well as fermented foods, including sauerkraut. Through the demonstrated safety of food preparation, probiotic use has evolved and research is demonstrating the many, many benefits of probiotic intake on health.

Nature’s Mighty MICRO-Minerals

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 19:14:57 GMT

Last month, the benefits and necessity of macro-minerals were discussed at length. To review, minerals are necessary for the production of vitamins, enzymes and hormones; the maintenance of healthy blood circulation; efficient nerve conduction; muscle growth and contraction; and for the metabolic processes that turn the food we eat into energy. Macro-minerals are necessary in larger amounts and include calcium, iron, magnesium phosphorus, and zinc. Micro-minerals, also called trace minerals, are needed in much smaller amounts but are still very necessary for good health. Micro-minerals include manganese, copper, iodine, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.

Common Micro-minerals

Manganese , in addition to calcium and phosphorus, is critical in the formation of bone. It is also necessary in muscle contraction and the proper function of the nervous system. Manganese has also been found essential for enzyme reactions, especially those involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates and cholesterol. A deficiency of manganese could result in glucose intolerance leading to increased risk of diabetes or poor healing in the skeletal and cartilaginous systems. Manganese can be found in whole grains, nuts, berries, legumes, vegetables and tea. This micro-mineral can easily be lost in the processing of foods, making fresh foods a much better choice for manganese intake.

Copper acts as an antioxidant, which prevents chemical reactions that can damage tissues within multiple organ systems in the body. Copper, along with iron, is necessary to the production of red blood cells, helping to preserve one’s energy level. While copper is most concentrated in the liver and the brain, it is important for healthy cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems. Whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and shellfish are great sources of copper.

Iodine is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones. The thyroid regulates one’s metabolism, as well as growth and development of the brain and body, making it extremely important during the fetal period and infancy. The good news is that iodine is extremely easy to obtain. Most of the salt available for resale is iodized. Milk contains iodine because it is used in the sterilization of equipment. Iodine is also found in shellfish, seafood and seaweed. The bad news is that very large of amounts of iodine can result in breathing difficulties or skin irritations for anyone with sensitivities or allergies. A typical diet provides for more than adequate iodine intake.

Cobalt is required for the formation of red blood cells and the proper functioning of some enzymes and the composition of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for good health in our DNA and blood. Cobalt can be obtained from liver, kidney, meats and dairy products. Toxic levels of cobalt would be extremely difficult to obtain through dietary intake.

Fluoride is well known for strengthening the enamel on teeth. Too much fluoride can cause permanent spots on the teeth, called fluorosis. Too little fluoride increases the likelihood of cavity formation and tooth decay. For these reasons, pediatric dentists and healthcare providers recommended the intake of tap water or bottled water fortified with fluoride beginning in infancy, as well as a small pea -sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on toothbrushes for those over two years old. Fluoride helps new bone formation or in maintaining healthy bones. Fluoride can be found in seafood and tea, in addition to toothpaste and fortified waters.

Selenium has been discovered to work, in conjunction with vitamin E, as a powerful antioxidant, reducing the risk of abnormal cell growth. It also boosts the immune system, which fights against viruses and destructive bacteria. Selenium is required for healthy heart and thyroid function. Selenium has also been found to be a natural chelation agent, binding with toxic heavy metals, including lead and mercury, and rendering them harmless. Rich sources of selenium include cereals, meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and brazil nuts. Selenium is becoming increasingly uncommon in soil, making legumes, fruits, and vegetables less likely to contain selenium. Too much of a good thing isn’t so good. Toxic levels of selenium cause hair loss, skin changes, nausea and nerve damage. If taking a supplement, limit the intake to 200mcg a day.

Micro-minerals Help

Minerals help the body grow, develop, and stay healthy. A wide variety in a healthy diet is always the best place to start for mineral acquisition but a high quality supplement can make up for what may be lacking. Be sure to check with your child’s healthcare provider if you are considering a supplement. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to grow healthy children one step at a time. Call 678-384-3480 for your child’s nutrition assessment today.

Increasing Threats in the Lunchroom

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 19:12:39 GMT

Several years ago, when it was recommended to wait until two years of age to introduce peanuts, I reviewed the guidelines with a mother who was eager to give her two-year old son a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As this is her favorite food, she made a big event out the situation – checkered tablecloths, fancy napkins and cutting off the crusts. The first bite made John smile and the second bite made him vomit twice (including two doses of antihistamine), turn blue, start with heavily labored breathing, and finally, left him on the floor unconscious. All of this occurred within 8 minutes of his first ingestion of peanut butter. After a panicked call to me, I told his mother to hang up and dial 911. EMS arrived quickly, gave him epinephrine and breathing treatments, and transported him to the hospital, where he stayed for awhile. This mother still tells me it was the worst day of her life. She was frightened by what occurred and felt utterly helpless watching her child nearly pass away before her.

Facts To Know About Food Allergies

More than 50 million Americans are estimated to have some kind of food allergy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 4-6 % of children are affected by some food allergy. An allergy is a hypersensitivity response triggered by the immune system. It can be as mild as a temporary stomachache or as severe as an anaphylactic reaction – which can be life-threatening, and at times even fatal. The response can occur with the first exposure or the thirty-first exposure and it can illicit different symptoms and/or a different severity of symptoms with each exposure. While food allergies tend to run in families, it is impossible to predict whether a child will inherit a parent’s food allergy or whether siblings will have a similar hypersensitivity response. It is more likely that having two parents with food allergies predisposes the child to developing food allergies.

What Food Allergies Do To The Body

WebMD provides a great description of food allergies and the toll it takes on one’s body. Food fragments responsible for allergic reactions are proteins within the food that usually are not broken down by cooking or by digestion, allowing them to survive and cross the gastrointestinal lining, enter the bloodstream, and migrate to target organs. “The complex process of digestion affects the timing and location of an allergic reaction.” The first symptom experienced may by “itching in the mouth as one starts to eat the food. After the food is digested in the stomach, abdominal symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or pain may start. When the food allergens enter and travel through the bloodstream, the can cause a drop in blood pressure. As the allergens reach the skin, they can induce hives, or when they reach the lungs, they may cause bronchospasm, which is wheezing or constriction of the airways.” Any and all of these symptoms can result in anaphylaxis and typically occur within moments or up to an hour after ingestion. Scientists are currently trying to determine why food allergies have become so frequent and prominent in the last decade and what is the best way to prevent or manage them. Eggs, milk, soy, and peanuts are the most common food allergies in children and unlike adults, children can outgrow some of their allergies through avoidance of the offending agents. The exceptions are peanuts, fish and shellfish.

When Is A Food Allergy Happening

Food allergies can be particularly tricky. A cross-reactivity food allergy can occur when one is highly allergic to birch pollen and has an itchy mouth after eating the peel of an apple or one is allergic to latex and simply cannot eat bananas. This is called “oral allergy syndrome.” Food allergies have to be differentiated from possible food poisoning; histamine toxicity, which is common in some cheeses, wines or large fish; lactose or gluten intolerance; sulfite intolerance, from some foods and preservatives and naturally occur during wine fermentation; and there are even cases of unpleasant events in a person’s life resembling an allergic reaction

Ways To Diagnose Food Allergies

Fortunately, there are a few ways to diagnose food allergies. First, one’s healthcare provider should take a thorough history, which may include detailing a food diary of what was eaten, lists of ingredients, and symptoms. An elimination diet may also be suggested in the hopes of removing the offending food or foods and the symptoms resolve. A second way to diagnose food allergies is through skin prick testing. Skin tests are rapid, simple and relatively safe. The downside to skin testing is that anaphylactic reactions should not be skin tested because it could be very dangerous. Secondly, patients with extensive eczema are not good candidates for skin testing as well. Finally, skin testing may reveal more positive reactions that the patient is not responding to. For that reason, determining true allergies relies on testing results and a patient’s food ingestion/reaction history. The third way to diagnose food allergies is to consent to RAST or ELISA testing of the blood, which measures the presence of food-specific IgE in the patient’s blood. This testing can also pick up cross-reactivity or positive results for which patients do not have symptoms. This too should be interpreted, along with the patient’s food ingestion/reaction history. These tests can come back in 1 -7 days depending upon the lab used.

Stay Tuned For Treatments

Next month, I will detail treatment for food allergies. Given that some are severe and life threatening, I feel the more prepared everyone, including the general public, is, the safer our children and families will be. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to GROW healthy children one step at a time. If you have questions or concerns about possible allergies and your children, call 678-384-3480 for an appointment today.

How To Stop The Summer Slide

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 19:10:18 GMT

Summers bring water parks and beach trips, picnics and barbecues, and hopefully, rest and relaxation. For children, it can also bring the “summer slide.” This is name given to the period of time that little brains sit idle in the summer. According to the National Summer Learning Association, “A conservative estimate of lost instructional time is approximately two months of the school year…It’s common for teachers to spend a least a month re-teaching” the forgotten material at the start of the next school year. Families are children’s most important teachers and there are some great ways to keep your children reading, and thus retaining, during the summer.

Read – Combine – Provide – Motivate

Read aloud to your children. Reading to an infant stimulates brain growth as the child listens, looks at the pictures and begins to turn the pages of board books. That brain growth continues for decades to come. The summer months provide extra time for read-alouds at the local library or special school functions. Read-alouds help stimulate the imagination and those themes will evolve into playtime. Once children are old enough to read for themselves, encourage them to read to you. This continues to strengthen interest and appreciation of reading.

Combine summer activities with book reading. Choose books about the beach or a baseball game. Discuss what you read about over the sand castle building or over hotdogs at the ballpark. Tell your child why you liked the book, what you learned from the book, or how the book helped you and then listen as they tell you the same.

Provide plenty of reading material. Storybooks are great for young readers but informational material may spark interest in constellations, underwater sea animals or dinosaurs. Older readers may be interested in magazines and newspapers. Books that teach children how to make or do something will do wonders to break the boredom. A weekly trip to the library will keep reading materials fresh.

Motivate your children to be active readers. Leading by example helps teach children the “skill and will” to learn. Reading for enjoyment can get lost among the job-related reports and journal articles but when nearly half of all young adults are not reading for pleasure, it is imperative to turn off the television and curl up with a good book.

A Real Book Does Wonders

A recent study published in The Reading Teacher revealed findings that are suggestive the E-Books may not be the best way for young readers to read. It seems that the multitude of features may be interfering with the comprehension of the text. Certain flourishes, including creatures that emit noise and move around the screen or birds that flutter and sounds playing in the background, cause comprehension to fragment. E-books can also lead to less time reading overall. Another study cited that children spent 43% of their e-book engagement time playing games embedded within the e-books rather than reading the text. It is imperative to review E-books for the best reading opportunities for your children.

Learning Is Fun!

Children who do not read over the summer will hit that “summer slide” and lose up to two months of learning. You and your children need to keep reading this summer and keep the learning fun. So, grab a good book and take it along to the beach, the pool, and the picnic. Enjoy! Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to grow healthy children one step at a time. Call 678-384-3840 to schedule your children’s summer check-ups.

Helping Children Deal With Grief

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:06:04 GMT

There is evidence all around us that children are not little adults. That is certainly noted in the grieving process. Most young children don’t understand, nor can explain death, but most young children are aware of it. Death and loss are all around them – cartoons, video games, and movies. Some are also aware of the death of a pet or the loss of a loved one. Death is often a confusing process for children but giving guidance through the process can equip children with the coping skills needed for healing.

We All Grieve Differently

Everyone grieves differently, especially children. Children express over 100 acknowledged symptoms of grief. Quick-changing moods are common in children and playing often helps children cope. Symptoms tend to come and go for children. A child that cries and then runs off to play doesn’t indicate the child is no longer sad. That can simply be a defense mechanism to prevent from feeling overwhelmed –overwhelmed by loss, lack of routine, fatigue, the number of people visiting or new people present in the home. Crying, lethargy, sadness, bargaining, anxiety, anger, numbness and denial are common symptoms of grief, as well as learning and attention issues, decreased performance in school or activities, behavioral problems including irritability, arguing, and fighting, and disengaging from friends and family.

Asking Questions

Children learn by asking questions. When a child asks questions about death, even the hard ones, it is important to provide sensitive, age appropriate answers. Avoid telling them un-truths to buffer them from the loss. Think about the age group you are talking with. Telling a preschooler that “Papa passed” or overhearing a mom tell someone “I lost my husband” may lead the child to believe the person will return or simply needs to be found. When a child questions what happened, use concrete words such as “died” instead of vague terms like “passed away.”

Stages of Grieving

Children grieve in stages as they grow and brain development occurs. Comprehension increases as thinking becomes more abstract. Younger brains tend to be more protective and may produce mild symptoms. Times of stress and hormone development can make children vulnerable to reviving grief and may lead to major symptoms.

Encouraging children to express whatever they are feeling is important. Sometimes, it easier for a child to express him or herself through drawings or through play. It is important to simply talk with children about the person who died. Share what you remember about the person and encourage the child to share memories as well. Talking about the person who died will give the child permission to share feelings and it will tell the child that you are hurting as well and you can provide comfort to each other. Listening without judgment is extremely important. Don’t try to fix or evaluate a child’s feelings and avoid phrases such as “it will get better,” or “I know how you feel.” This can quickly negate the child’s feelings. Validating their experiences and emotions through open-ended questions and reflections will help a child to regain a sense of safety, balance and control.

In Conclusion

Prepare a memory box with and/or for your child. Put photos, special items and keepsakes in the box and place it in a special place for your child. Write down your own memories and help to record the child’s memories for them to review later. Be available to go through it with the child as often as they like.

It is equally important that parents don’t ignore their own grief. It is imperative to discuss your own grief and emotions with your friends, family, and support groups as needed. Parents never intend to forget a child’s grief but it can easily happen, especially if they are grieving for a child or over an unexpected loss. School teachers, church leaders, friends, and extended family can all play a role in supporting and encouraging a child through the difficult times so don’t forget to ask for help.
The important thing is to recognize that no matter how or when it happens, grief will eventually hit and a child will need to experience it to heal. Be available to love, listen and role model for your child. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to GROW healthy children one step at a time. If you feel your child is suffering through the grieving process, call 678-384-3480 for a consultation today.

Good Nutrition In Childhood Improves Long-Term Health

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 19:01:00 GMT

Heather Morgan, a nutritionist, has been quoted as saying, “Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it.” Providing good nutrition for a child can be challenging at any age but time and again, is proven to lay the foundation for enduring good health. There are many opportunities to make a positive impact on a child’s health through their dietary habits and those habits formed during childhood will make a lasting impression. Your child is watching your every move. So of course, lead by example and eat a variety of nutrient rich foods for your health, as well. Lean proteins, dairy products, whole grains and fruits and vegetables are the keys to balanced nutrition.

Start At Infancy

Infancy is a wonderful time of exploration. Breast milk and baby formulas are necessary to provide enough calories, calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals to meet a rapidly growing child’s needs. Cow’s milk introduction should be delayed until the first birthday because early introduction of milk has been linked to gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia and diabetes.

Baby Food

Baby foods come in a rainbow of colors and flavors to peak the curiosity of the new palate. And of course, your baby is always watching what is being served at the table. The older infant will be eager to try some table food. Be careful to avoid honey because of the botulism risk. For all children 9 months to four years, be careful of the size and texture of foods to prevent choking hazards.

Common choking hazards include:

popcorn
peanuts
hotdogs
raw vegetables and fruits
including carrots and apples
whole grapes and hard candy.

Toddlerhood

Toddlerhood can be especially challenging during feeding times. Toddlers are known for asserting their independence and for the “Me do” mantra. A toddler’s growth is less robust than an infant’s, which explains the typical decrease in appetite and leaves no need for concern. According to the 2002 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study, the most commonly consumed vegetable in toddlerhood is french fries. The same study found toddlers don’t consume enough fiber, potassium or the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Small changes make for big results and can help to reverse this trend. You may have more success feeding a toddler if you involve them in the decision-making. Offer two or three healthy choices and allow them to choose.

Make mealtimes fun by offering interesting shapes and colors

Cut ripe apples, pears and even peaches into sticks to allow for self-feeding.
Offer sliced strawberries and grapes to dip in yogurt.
Cut cucumbers and potatoes into intriguing shapes with cookie cutters. Dress broccoli trees with cheese.
Julienne some vegetables into the macaroni and cheese or spaghetti or bake them into whole grain muffins and breads.

Preschoolers

When your children become preschoolers, it is easy and fun to get them involved in their own nutrition. Take them to the grocery store or farmer’s market and peruse the produce aisles. Explore new recipes and ask for their help preparing snacks and meals. Think about enrolling your child in a cooking class or grow a garden. Their excitement will be contagious.

School-agers

School-agers have similar nutritional needs but can come with their own challenges. School success improves with a balanced breakfast with protein. This leads to higher test scores, lasting energy and fewer complaints of headaches, dizziness and fatigue. School-agers are generally a very active group of children. Running from soccer to Boy Scouts and from swimming to ballet can easily lead to an excess of fast food, if there is no planning. Limit fast food to less than twice a week, make healthy choices and avoid sweetened beverages. Being prepared for hunger allows one to offer fresh food that isn’t processed and full of fat, preservatives and artificial ingredients. Be the parent at the soccer field that provides healthy alternatives and watch the children gravitate to your cooler.

Mealtime is a place and time to come together and enjoy food and loved ones. Bon appétit! Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to GROW healthy children one step at a time. Call for an appointment today so that we can get your family on the road to nutritional health.

Enough Is Enough!!!

Thu, 30 May 2019 18:49:39 GMT

The Effects Of Bullying

A 14-year-old hangs herself. A 19-year-old jumps off a bridge. A 13-year-old shoots himself. Another loads his backpack with stones and leaps into a river. Still another swallows her father’s prescription meds to get rid of the pain and humiliation. These are a few recent sickening headlines as a result of bullying. There are three components to bullying – the bully, the bullied and the bystander.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when it involves an imbalance of power. It can include verbal harassment, physical assault, coercion or intimidation. No one is safe from bullying and it may be directed towards particular victims based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, social class, one’s looks or abilities. Often those targeted are seen as passive, easily intimidated, smaller or younger, and have a harder time defending themselves.

What Makes Bullies Tick?

Bullies thrive on controlling or dominating others and have often been victims of bullying or abuse themselves. Some argue that a bully reflects a learned behavior from his close caregivers. Further studies have shown that envy and resentment may be motives for bullying – using bullying to conceal anxiety or shame. Bullying behavior often has its origin in childhood. As the bully ages, his or her behavior patterns become more sophisticated, engaging in less obvious, yet equally intimidating behaviors such as character assassination, sabotage, or humiliation. Male bullies are more likely to be physically aggressive – shoving, poking, slapping, choking, punching, kicking, beating, stabbing, pulling hair, scratching, biting, and pinching. Female bullies tend to favor exclusion and mockery – name calling, manipulation, gossip, lies, rumors, staring, giggling, laughing and saying trigger words to bring on recall of past events.

Understanding and What To Do

Being bullied is a common experience for many children and adolescents. Some surveys indicate as many as half of all children are bullied at some point during their school years. Individuals who are bullied experience true suffering that can interfere with sleep, appetite, school performance, social development including confidence, and emotional development. Researchers have proven many times that being bullied and/or excluded by peers is a strong predictor of depression and anxiety. In the long-term, bullying can lead to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and an inability to form relationships. Bullying also increases the risk of suicide. For some, the thought of suicide is easier to contemplate than to endure such harassment and punishment.

Another concern is the typical bystander. Often bullying takes place in the presence of a large group of relatively uninvolved bystanders. Bystanders often do not recognize the true cost of silence. Bullies like an audience and the lack of intervention by bystanders will not deter the “bully mentality.” Some bystanders will even tease the victim or encourage the bully. Many are faced with overwhelming fear that if they intervene, they will become the victim. However, research has shown that any form of intervention diminishes the chances of another event by 50%.
Enough is enough. It is time to get involved. Research has shown school administrators, church youth leaders and community leaders play a powerful role in bullying prevention. Leaders can inspire others and maintain a climate of respect and inclusion making students feel safer, parents worry less, and teachers focus on teaching. Students can take leadership roles, communicating with peers and helping to develop policies. Parents can volunteer and participate in the PTSA. Parents should also communicate with their children by asking questions about their day and listening to the answers. School staff can keep parents informed and treat them as partners in their child’s education and safety.

Getting Help

If you suspect your child is the bully, seek the help of your pediatric care provider and a child psychiatrist as soon as possible. Without intervention, bullying can lead to serious academic, social, emotional and legal difficulties. If you suspect your child is the bullied, provide a lot of opportunities for open dialogue between the two of you. Don’t encourage your child to fight back. Instead, help your child practice what he or she will say to the bully and help your child practice being assertive. When possible, have your child avoid unsupervised situations, like hallways and bathrooms, and encourage your child to be with friends and travel in groups, as bullies are less likely to pick on someone in a group. Seek assistance from your child’s adult supervisors, teachers, guidance counselors and principals.
Summer is coming to an end and another school year is getting ready to zoom by. We wish you a productive and healthy 2012-2013 school year. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to raise healthy children one step at a time. Please call 678-384-3480 if you have questions or concerns.

Do You Have Spring Fever?

Wed, 29 May 2019 18:47:08 GMT

Spring is a lovely time of flowers blooming and birds singing. It also means your car, house, shoes and even your eyelashes will likely be covered in that yellow haze. Spring brings beautiful, comfortable weather, mood-enhancing sunshine and the itch to spend time outdoors tossing the ball or riding a bike. But Spring hay fever also arrives and for some it brings allergy misery.

Allergic Response

An allergic response starts when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance, such as pollen or pet dander, for a dangerous invader. Your body produces antibodies to protect you from the unwanted substances. With allergies, your body makes antibodies to particular allergens and the resulting reaction can inflame skin, sinuses, airways or the digestive system. The severity of the allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause congestion; runny nose; coughing due to post-nasal drip and irritation; itching in ears, nose and throat; and itchy, watery, swollen eyes. If one is prone to reactive airway disease or asthma, upper airway allergy irritation will irritate lower airways resulting in chest tightness and wheezing. Allergies and asthma account for more than 10 million lost work and school days a year and pose a very real and miserable problem.

Age is a risk factor for developing allergies. Although allergies can develop at any age, children are more likely to develop allergies. If one parent has allergies, there is a 40% chance of passing it on to the child. If both parents have allergies, there is a 90% chance of passing it on to their child. It is not uncommon for allergies to go away and then return in the future.

Another risk factor is having one type of allergy. It simply increases the risk of developing other allergies.

Common Complications

Common complications of allergies include eczema, sinusitis, ear infections or lung infections. Having an allergy makes one more prone to developing asthma. Symptom management becomes extremely important for the best health outcomes. It is helpful to identify what triggers you or your child may have. Consider keeping a symptom diary to help identify what the allergens may be in your environments. Also, primary care providers or allergists can help to identify allergens, through RAST testing or skin-prick testing, which allows for specific avoidance of the allergens.

How To Avoid It

Allergen avoidance is generally the most important step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms. Benadryl used to be the best treatment for hay fever, but it wears off in about 8 hours and generally causes sedation. The newer OTC second- generation antihistamines provide 24-hour coverage, are generally non-drowsy and have a great safety profile. Allergy eye drops provide immediate relief and last twelve hours when needed. For some patients, prescription nasal steroid sprays may be necessary to manage symptoms, in addition to the antihistamines.

When to get Help

For severe allergies or allergies not completely relieved by other treatment, immunotherapy via allergy shots or newer options may be necessary. An allergist can determine if you or your child is a candidate. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to grow healthy children one step at a time. If your child is suffering with allergies and you would like to know what to avoid and how to make him more comfortable, call 678-384-3480 .

Do You Discipline or Punish?

Thu, 16 May 2019 18:41:38 GMT

Punishment controls behavior by using pain or unpleasantness to end a wrong behavior. Thousands of studies show that punishment teaches fear, aggression, and avoidance. Punishment is typically carried out in anger, frustration or in an attempt to establish dominance and immediate obedience. If your goal is to change a negative behavior, punishment should be the last tactic you choose.

What is Obedience Worth?

A high value is placed on obedience. Discipline helps teach children a value system and the benefit of doing what is right. It builds self-esteem, teaches responsibility and helps to develop self-control.

When to Discipline

While it is very important to be swift and consistent in disciplining, try not to correct your child in front of others, including grandparents. This will embarrass your child and likely cause resentment, just as you wouldn’t want your boss to correct you in front of your peers.

You are The Example

As always, set a positive example. If it is not appropriate for your child to scream at his brother or call him names, don’t lead by bad example. If you find it appalling that your four year old slapped her friend because she took her red crayon, be sure she is not being slapped or spanked as a discipline method in your home.

A Great Tool For Obedience

Another tool to obedience is to teach and to practice. Children are not mind readers and were not born knowing how to clean their room, pick up their toys or clean off the table – especially to our particular liking. Tell your child why it is not acceptable, demonstrate the correct way to do the job and practice until they get it right. And of course, the power of praise will reinforce the great job that was done. Sometimes it is necessary to practice on your schedule and not theirs. Waking them at seven on a Saturday morning to practice cleaning their room can have more of an impact than 4 o’clock on a Thursday.

Children Want To Be Important Contributors

Children are more likely to choose positive behaviors and choices when they see themselves as capable individuals and responsible community members. Parents using positive language can help children build that self-perception. Name concrete, specific behaviors your child is displaying. “I was really proud when you gently took your sister’s hand and walked with her through the parking lot” is more effective than “Good work.” It is equally important to use a warm tone and avoid being over sentimental. “Thank you for inviting your brother to play the game with you” is more appropriate than “You are mommy’s good girl.” As a bonus, your language helps those within earshot form a positive perception of your child, which further enhances your child’s self-perception and promotes positive behavior.

Being a good parent is a full-time job. Rewards can come slowly in the trenches of daily life. It is easy to get overwhelmed and exhaustion can lead to poor choices resulting in punishment, instead of discipline. No change comes quickly but even small changes in your disciplining methods will result in big changes in your child’s obedience and self-worth. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to grow healthy children one step at a time. Call 678-384-3480 for your appointment today.

Children of Divorce – Collateral Damage

Sun, 12 May 2019 18:38:43 GMT

Each year more than one million children become collateral damage in their parent’s divorce. While I understand ending a marriage and dividing a family is a gut-wrenching decision, helping your children through the divorce and its aftermath MUST be top priority!

Take Care of You

Divorce is stressful and being a single parent can be overwhelming. Depression is common and it is necessary to minimize its effects by staying on routine, getting good rest, eating healthy and exercising regularly. Avoid pursuing mundane tasks, such as watching TV just to “zone out.” Seek counseling or medical advice as soon as possible as needed.

Emotions Need To Be Expressed

Express your emotions with a peer of the same sex – not with your children. Aligning yourself with your children can develop an “us against the world” mentality and that will lead to hurt and trust issues. Expressing yourself to an opposite sex adult can be easily misinterpreted as a romantic interest instead of a caring ear. If you don’t have an adult you can go to for emotional support, consider a recovery support group.

Realistic Expectations

Set realistic expectations for yourself. You no longer have a partner to share the parenting load. Don’t try to do everything, just the important things. Take advantage of carpools, pick up a healthy meal and don’t over-extend your schedule.

Taking Care of Your Children

Many children think they had something to do with the divorce. It is extremely important to set the record straight. It may be necessary to give a kid-friendly explanation and to repeat why you chose divorce. Be truthful and respectful of your spouse, while avoiding blame. Tell your children that you love them and your feelings for them haven’t and will not change. It is extremely important that you be patient. Your children may seem to understand one day and be confused the next. Reassure them as often as you need too. Reassure them that both parents will be part of their lives and that things won’t always be easy but that they will work out.

Your children must learn to cope with their new and changing circumstances- where they will live, will they have to move, who they will be with on holidays, can they still go to gymnastics, etc. Listen to your children’s feelings and schedule regular time with your children to talk about how they are feeling. Put your own emotions aside to keep from losing site of theirs. This should simply be a time of listening and understanding.

Keep your word. Being a reliable and predictable parent will help to rebuild your children’s trust. Keep your promises and do your best to be on time. This is extremely important in lowering anxiety- theirs and yours.

Positivity and Being Nice

Taking time for positive touch –hugging, rocking, hand-holding, even cuddling in bed to read – can provide security and help to restore trust. Children don’t get spoiled by too many hugs or comforting words. Resist the urge to drop routines and lavish them with gifts or let them break rules. When life calms down, you may have great difficulty with unruly behavior.
Finally, be nice. If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing. Don’t put your children in the middle or use them to send messages back and forth. Communicate civilly with your ex and take negative discussions away from the children. If it is hard – work on it!! Remember, your children didn’t ask for this.

Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to GROW healthy children one step at a time. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about your growing and changing family.

Children Get Headaches, Too

Thu, 02 May 2019 18:36:03 GMT

Many parents worry that headaches in children are signs of brain tumors or other serious medical conditions. However, headaches in children are common and frequently are attributed to acute illness and infection, including sinus, throat, and ear infections, and often accompany fever. Children also suffer from headaches attributed to high levels of stress or anxiety, just like their parents. Good health is the best method of prevention.

Migraines In Children

It is estimated that 25% of adult migraine suffers started with migraines before their fifth birthday. It is also known that children exhibiting car or motion sickness, with a family history of migraines, will often develop migraine headaches later. Adult’s migraines usually start in the early morning, whereas a child’s may develop in late afternoon. In general, a child’s migraine occurs on both sides of the head instead of just one side in adults. Also, an adult’s migraine usually lasts at least four hours but a child’s may last less than four hours. In general, migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sensitivity to light and sound, throbbing or pounding pain and pain that worsens with exertion. Even small children may get migraines, resulting in unexplained crying or holding their head.

Tension Headaches In Children

Tension headaches are the most common headache in children, not associated with illness. Emotional factors are the most common cause of tension headaches. Stressful situations at school, competition, family or friend friction or excessive demands placed by the child or the parent can induce the diffuse pain described as a tight band squeezing the head. Tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to several days. These headaches are usually not associated with nausea or vomiting and do not worsen with exertion. Younger children may withdraw from play or want to sleep more.

Cluster Headaches In Children

Cluster headaches are not common in children under 12 years old. These headaches can occur in five or more episodes, ranging from one headache every other day to many headaches in a day. Sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the head lasting fifteen minutes to three hours is the hallmark of cluster headaches. These headaches are often accompanied by tearing, nasal congestion, restlessness or agitation.

Headache Breakdown

Most headaches aren’t serious but certain symptoms warrant further investigation. Any headache that wakes one from sleep, change’s one’s personality, includes vomiting more than once, follows a head injury, or is accompanied by fever and neck stiffness require immediate medical attention.

More typical headaches require individualized treatment, depending on the age and weight of the child and the frequency and severity of the pain. Reassuring the child that the headaches are the result of no serious abnormality generally reduces the number and severity of attacks. Regular sleep and eating habits do a lot to stave off headaches. Be sure your child stays well hydrated, especially in hot and humid weather. Caffeine and simple sugar intake should be restricted and monitor the time spent in front of a screen, whether it be a TV, computer or tablet.

Understanding Triggers

It is important to identify triggers of headaches and record them in a headache diary. The diary should include what took place or what was eaten at the time of the headache and what made the headache better or worse. Avoiding triggers is an important step in successfully treating headaches. Identifying stressors that trigger headaches and teaching coping skills are successful ways to treat tension headaches. OTC ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to provide relief and should be taken at the first sign of a headache. If headaches come monthly, are concerning or particularly distressing, or cause missed school days, seek guidance from your healthcare provider to determine if preventative therapy or counseling is necessary.

Like so many other conditions, practicing healthy behaviors, reducing stress and avoiding triggers are the best prevention for headaches. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to grow healthy children one step at a time. If your child suffers with headaches that need further evaluation, call 678-384-3480 .

A Child’s Anxiety

Wed, 01 May 2019 18:30:35 GMT

Anxiety is a normal part of life, even for children. Stress and mild anxiety are motivating. It helps one to meet deadlines, study for exams, and make goals. Anxiety comes in phases and the phases are generally temporary and harmless. Children who struggle with significant anxiety may experience fear, nervousness, or extreme shyness and may start to avoid people, places or activities. There are multiple types of anxiety disorders. If anxiety begins to take over your child, there are several strategies that can help improve their quality of life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is described as a condition of excessive worry about a large variety of things, such as grades, family issues, relationships, and performance in sports and /or extracurricular activities. A perfectionist, type A personality, someone that is his or her own worst critic, is most likely to experience GAD.

Panic Disorder

Another form of anxiety that can be frightening and severe is called a Panic Disorder. A panic episode is sudden in onset and unexpected and involves symptoms of panic, difficulty breathing, feelings of dread or even demise. Two episodes must occur to be diagnosed with panic disorder and every episode is usually followed by an intense fear over having another attack or losing control.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder is defined as excessive anxiety when away from home or when separated from caregivers. Separation anxiety is common and normal between 9 months of age and three years of age. Separation Anxiety Disorder generally affects children ages 7-9 years of age and about 4% of the pediatric population.

Social Anxiety Disorder

An intense fear of social and performance situations, such as public speaking or being called on in class, is called Social Anxiety Disorder. This type of anxiety can interfere with your child’s attendance at school or sabotage his or her ability to develop and maintain personal relationships.

Selective Mutism

Children who refuse to speak in social situations where talking is expected or necessary may suffer from Selective Mutism. These children are typically 5 years old and may turn his or her head, avoid eye contact, chew or twirl hair, or withdraw into corner to avoid talking.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is described as unwanted and intrusive thoughts and the feeling that one must repeatedly perform rituals and routines in an attempt to ease anxiety, such as turning the lights on and off 3 times or stepping over every 6th tile. OCD can show itself in children as young as 2 years of age with most children suffering diagnosed around 10 years of age.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Those who directly witness a traumatic event, suffered mental health issues prior to the traumatic event, and those who lack a strong support system are at risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those who suffer PTSD may have intense fear and anxiety, may become easily irritable, or avoid places, people, or certain activities.

Strategy For Help

There are many strategies to help manage anxiety. For children, it is extremely important to maintain a schedule and routine. Wake them, feed them, bathe them and put them to bed on a regular schedule. Keeping a calendar on the refrigerator listing the day’s activities should be helpful in communicating and reducing the anxiety of simply not knowing what comes next. Other tips to teach your children to reduce anxiety include:

Eating a well-balanced meal: Keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand and don’t allow your child to skip meals.

Limit caffeine: Caffeine can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

Get enough sleep: When stressed, one’s body needs additional sleep and rest.

Exercise daily: For best benefits, alternate moderate and vigorous-intensity exercises at least every other day.

Take a time-out: Learn relaxation techniques and step back from the problem to clear one’s mind.

Take deep breaths and count to 10: Inhale and exhale slowly and count slowly. Repeat as necessary.

Do your best and maintain a positive attitude: Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of who and what you have.

Try to accept that you cannot control everything: Put your life and stresses in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?

Learn what your triggers are: Sometimes it is obvious and other times, it is not so obvious. Keep a journal and write when feelings of stress and anxiety arise and look for a pattern in your writing.

Talk to someone: Tell friends and family how you are feeling. Let them know when and how they can help you. It may be necessary to talk to a healthcare provider and/or a therapist for professional help.

Mild anxiety can be helpful, while moderate to severe anxiety can be detrimental to one’s health, well-being and relationships. The first goal is to recognize anxiety and the second goal is to overcome the anxiety to lead a confident and rewarding lifestyle. If you have concerns about your child’s anxiety, please call 678-384-3480 for an appointment. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to GROW healthy children one step at a time.

ADVICE FOR RAISING A HEALTHY NEWBORN

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 18:14:57 GMT

Life, in general, is full of advice. When you are pregnant, the advice is voluminous. Advice comes from pregnancy and childbirth magazines, books, family, friends and your obstetrician’s office. Not all advice is good advice and weeding through it all can be overwhelming.

Breastfeeding

So here’s more advice from a busy pediatric practice about your beautiful bundle of joy. First, breast is best. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Surgeon General, breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby. That said, breastfeeding is not an easy task. Like everything in life, practice makes perfect. New mothers need plenty of rest, good nutrition and water, as well as emotional support while learning to breastfeed. It takes approximately 6 weeks for mom and baby to find their rhythm. Mom will have good milk supply, the soreness should have diminished and mom will be better able to enjoy nursing her baby. The baby will become an efficient feeder in less time. Breast milk’s benefits for the baby include easier digestion, fewer allergy risks, less constipation, less obesity, less diaper rash, improved immunity and a stronger mother-baby relationship. The benefits for mother include lower cost, greater convenience, faster recovery, less post-partum depression, reduced risk for breast cancer and higher satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Breastfeeding is not the best situation for everybody and there should be no guilt in bottle-feeding. Babies thrive with commercially made formulas. Cow’s milk, soy, lactose-free and specialty formulas are available. Consult your pediatrician to find what formula works best for your little one. No matter the nutrition source, watch the baby for sucking on hands, rooting or crying to indicate readiness to feed and the relaxation that occurs with a full tummy.

Illness Prevention

Secondly, illness prevention is a must. In Kindergarten, we learned to wash our hands after using the restroom and before eating. In the daily care of a newborn, we should always wash our hands before handling them, feeding them and after changing them. Anyone who comes to visit must wash their hands before coming in contact with the baby. If they are sick with a fever or cough, they should not enter the home until they have been free of illness for at least 24 hours. Due to the lack of immunity, a fever and illness is a big concern in a newborn. If the baby feels warm, take a rectal temperature. It is the most accurate. If the temperature is above 100.4, the baby must be seen immediately at the pediatrician’s office or emergency care.

Sleeping

Finally, a baby should be put on their back to sleep. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics instituted the “Back to Sleep” program, there has been a significant decrease in the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies should sleep on a firm, well-fitted mattress with no pillow or fluffy stuffed animals in the crib. Co-sleeping is not recommended because of the fear of suffocation from being trapped in bedding or under a parent.

Newborns frequently have their days and nights mixed up. Caring for a newborn is exhausting. Arrange your day around your newborn’s sleep schedule and nap when he or she naps. The laundry and dishes will wait. As early as 2 months of age, sleeping patterns start to regulate. Feeding frequently during the day makes for a better sleeper at night.

Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to grow healthy children one step at a time. We look forward to helping you raise a healthy newborn. 678-384-3480