Chances are you’ve never heard of Container Baby Syndrome.  That’s because in years past, we didn’t see it.  Container Baby Syndrome occurs when a baby is placed in a container (like a carseat) for an extended period of time.  The container may be a car seat, a stroller, a swing, a bouncer,etc.  This prolonged immobilization can cause developmental delays.  The baby may not sit up well, may be late to crawl or walk. Babies need time to wiggle and move.  They need supervised tummy time while awake and on a flat surface (where they cannot fall).  They need to be held and played with.

Babies need to sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  They do need to restrained while in a car: in a car seat, rear-facing and in the back seat until they outgrow the specifics for their car seat. 

Limit how much time your baby spends in any containers.  Use car seats ONLY for car rides.  Read more at:  https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/container-baby-syndrome

You can learn more about the measles outbreak in my latest article for the Tidewater Family Magazine.  This outbreak is shocking and frightening.  Get the facts!

Read more:

http://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/measles-outbreak

Hey guys!  I hope you will tune in on Tuesday June 25, 2019 to Channel 3 at 10am.  I’m a guest on the Coast Live to discuss the current outbreak of measles in the U.S.  See you then!

So yeah, my family loves their phones.  I do too.  It’s hard to compete with all the options available on the phone.  Still, we as parents must try to set the example.  We must put our own phones down and actually strike up a conversation with our children.  The more we speak to them, the better they can communicate. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommnds a Family Media Plan which can designate device-free zones in your home….like the dinner table or even the car.  I’ve had some of the best discussions with my kids in the car. Give it a try.  Let me know how it goes! 

Read more :  http://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/put-down-the-phone-and-talk

Okay folks, full disclosure….I love Starbucks.  Well, really any tea or coffee.  Iced tea, skinny lattes, hot tea, frozen fraps…..yum.  But as I sat in Starbucks after Pilates (yes, I go to Club Pilates), I noticed how many kids and teens were there.  Well, I started to think about what the AAP recommends for our kids related to caffiene and what I was seeing….so, long story short, here’s this month’s article in the Tidewater Family Magazine.  Take a look: http://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/are-your-kids-caffeinated

I’ve got to go now and reload my Starbucks app!

So, you go in to kiss your five-year-old child goodnight and the forehead is really hot.  You get the thermometer and it reads 102.5 degrees F!  You panic a little. Should you be concerned?  Of course.  Many parents fear the fever, when fever really is a friend.  Fever helps our bodies to fight the infection or disease.  Fever “turns up the oven” to cook the germs. Fever is helpful to the body.  Of course, there are exceptions.  Any fever in an infant less than two months of age is an emergency (go to the hospital or doctor’s office immediately).

Want to know what defines a fever?  Take a look at my article for the Tidewater Family Magazine for this month.  

Read more: http://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/dont-fear-the-fever 

7 million children over age 5 years wet the bed.  Is your child one of them?  If so, how frustrated are you?  Would it help to know that your child cannot control this.  After all, it happens while they are asleep.  There are several reasons why children wet the bed.  To find out more, read this month’s article: http://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/bedwetting-problems

One in three American children are overweight, and a third of those are obese. That amounts to 12.7 million obese children in America according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Why should you be concerned?  Because these children are projected to have shorter lifespans. Obesity is linked to hypertension (high blood pressure), joint problems, sleep apnea, respiratory issues and even cardiovascular (heart) related problems.

Is your child overweight or obese?  Be sure to check their Body Mass Index percentile (BMI%) at your child’s next well visit.

If the BMI% is less than the 5th%: they are underweight.

If the BMI% is between the 5th% and the 85th%: they are at a healthy weight for their height. 

If the BMI% is between the 85th% and 95th%: they are overweight. 

If the BMI% is over the 95th%: they are obese.

What can you do to help prevent pediatric obesity?  Read my article in this month’s Tidewater Family Magazine here: http://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/you-can-help-stop-childhood-obesity

There’s still time to get your child a flushot.  The CDC (Center for Disease) reported that 80% of the children who died from influenza during the 2017-2018 season had NOT received their flushot. A study in Pediatrics showed that influenza vaccination (flushot) was effective in preventing flu-related deaths in children.   The CDC notes that flu activity is elevated nationally.  It is recommended for everyone six months and older get an annual flushot.  The flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your child’s risk of influenza (the flu). The flumist is NOT recommended this year. Read more about the flushot in this article from the Tidewater family magazine: Don’t forget the flu shot.