Every parent hopes to instill generosity in the hearts of their children and the holiday season is a great reminder of this. Here are a few tips from the experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Include your children in giving back to those less fortunate this holiday season
  • Consider involving your little ones in selecting a toy to donate to children in need
    • New, unopened, and unwrapped toy donations can be brought to local children’s hospitals
    • New or gently used toys can be donated to shelters

• Children learn by example, so show them!
  • Discuss with your children how and why you give back to others and allow them to see your generosity
    • Include your little ones in giving back when appropriate
      • Allow them to help collect cans for a food drive, spend time with or help deliver food to the elderly, participate in a park or beach clean-up, etc.

Fostering generosity and the importance of giving to those less fortunate is something every parent endeavors to do. Here are some helpful links regarding giving back:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Community/Pages/How-to-Inspire-Generosity-in-Children.aspx

https://www.radyfoundation.org/toys

With the holiday season upon us, we are inundated with advertisements for the latest and greatest gadgets and toys for little ones. The American Academy of Pediatrics has toy buying tips for young children to help guide thoughtful gift-giving this holiday season.

• The best toys are those that match your little one’s developmental stage and encourage learning
  • Safety first!
    • Ensure toys are appropriate and safe for your children and be aware of safety recalls
  • Seek out gifts in these main categories:
    • Pretend/Imagination: dress-up items, play kitchen with utensils, train set, etc.
    • Fine motor/manipulatives: blocks, puzzles, legos, etc.
    • Art: coloring books, markers/crayons/pencils, paint set, stickers, etc.
      • There is no need to purchase expensive art products as many “art supplies” can be found right at home
    • Language: books, toy letters, card and board games, etc.
      • Consider board, card, and activity games the entire family can participate in together
    • Gross motor: tricycles, balls of various sizes, child-sized basketball hoop or bowling set, etc.

• Be mindful of the amount of time your child spends in front of screens
  • While many electronics such as tablets and laptops are highly desired and may claim to be “educational”, excessive screen time has long-term consequences for neurodevelopment
  • The AAP recommends no or very limited screen time for children under the age of 2 years and no more than 2 hours per day for children over the age of 2
  • When allowing screen time, always ensure it is supervised

This holiday season, keep in mind these tips from the experts when selecting gifts for your little ones to help them grow and thrive! If you have any questions or concerns regarding appropriate toys for your children, please contact your pediatrician. Here are some helpful links:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/What-to-Look-for-in-a-Toy.aspx

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/143/1/e20183348

https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/1076-tips-for-choosing-toys-for-toddlers

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help them have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Costumes tips:
• • Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags to increase visibility.
  • Make sure costumes fit well and are short enough to prevent tripping and entanglement.
  • Avoid masks that can limit or block eyesight.
• Pumpkin safety tips:
• • Small children should draw on pumpkins rather than carving them.
  • Consider using a glow stick or flashlight instead of a candle to light pumpkins and make your Halloween decorations safe!
• Trick-or-Treating safety tips:
• • Bring a cell phone for quick communication.
  • Give each little trick-or-treater a glow stick or flashlight to carry.
  • Hold your child’s hand when walking from house to house.
  • Only go to homes with a porch light on and remain in well-lit areas.
  • Remind children not to eat candy until it has been inspected by an adult.
    • Check all candy for openings in the wrapper, allergens, and appropriateness for your child’s age.

As always, if you have questions about keeping your little one’s safe this Halloween consult your pediatrician. For more information, visit this helpful link:
https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx

An exciting part of the toddler years is the transition from dependent to more independent! Here are some tips from the experts on fostering this independence in your little one.

• Set limits and create reasonable routines
  • Make sure you take the time to discuss any rules you may have and why they are important to follow
    • Example: We always buckle up in the car so we can be safe and protected
  • Create a simple routine for the morning and evening that your child can reasonably accomplish on their own
    • Example: Morning routine: 1. Use the bathroom 2. Brush your teeth and hair 3. Get dressed 4. Put pajamas in the laundry bin
• Encourage your child to get involved in simple daily tasks
  • Assign reasonable responsibilities based on your child’s developmental stage
    • Remember this takes practice! Praise your little one for making an effort and offer assistance when needed until they get the hang of it.
  • Allow them to pick out their own clothing
    • This can be simplified by giving them a few different options to choose from
    • Ask your child to dress themselves as well!
  • Encourage your little one to participate in grooming
    • Let them brush their teeth and hair in the morning
    • Ask them to place their dirty laundry in the clothes bin
• Talk and Listen!
  • Talk: praise your little one’s successes and give support when they fall short
    • Share your own successes and failures with your one from when you were learning independence!
  • Listen: encourage your child to ask questions and assume more responsibility when they are ready
  • These discussions make children feel important, adult-like, and that their opinions and thoughts matter

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding fostering independence for your child, please contact your pediatrician. Here is a helpful link from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Growing-Independence-Tips-for-Parents-of-Young-Children.aspx

Unfortunately, hand, foot and mouth disease is a very common (and very contagious!) virus that impacts mostly little ones, especially during the fall and winter seasons. Luckily, it is not typically serious and resolves without treatment. Here’s what the experts from the AAP have to say:

• What are the signs and symptoms?
  • It takes 3-6 days after exposure for symptoms to appear
  • Generally starts with cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and runny nose followed by a rash with small blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks
  • Typically resolves within 1 week
  • Peeling of hands and feet may last up to 2 weeks, but is not contagious or harmful
• Is there a treatment?
  • There is no specific treatment apart from appropriately-dosed acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort
  • Your pediatrician may prescribe a pain-relieving mouthwash for oral sores causing discomfort
• Prevention:
  • WASH HANDS!
    • This is easier said than done with little ones who love to put everything in their mouths, but it is the single best way to prevent the spread of this virus
    • The virus can be spread both through the air, saliva, and stool, so be sure to disinfect hands thoroughly after each diaper change
  • Regularly disinfect surfaces and toys and discourage children from sharing utensils, cups, towels, etc.
• Other Notes:
  • If you suspect your child may have hand, foot and mouth disease, contact your pediatrician.
    • Once confirmed, alert your child’s daycare or preschool
  • Try to keep your child well-hydrated
  • Adults and older children can get it too, so be sure to encourage good hand hygiene for everyone

As always, if you have any concerns about your child’s health, please contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider. Here are some helpful links from the experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/infections/Pages/Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Hand-Foot-And-Mouth%20Disease%20(HFMD)

The sunshine of summer allows for fun times for the whole family, but we must put safety first! While prevention is always the best method, it is helpful to know what to do when a sunburn happens. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Prevention
  • Infants <6 months of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight, however, if they do experience a sunburn, cool compresses should be applied to the area
  • Everyone >6 months of age should wear sunscreen and protective clothing when spending time in the sun
    • See the post on sunscreen/sun protection for more information!
• Recognition & Treatment
  • The extent of the sunburn may not be evident until up to 12 hours after sun exposure and may appear as red, warm, and/or blistering skin
  • Other symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, and feeling ill
  • For treatment of mild/moderate sunburns apply cool compresses and bathe your child in cool water
  • Appropriately dosed acetaminophen (based on weight) can be used for pain associated with a sunburn
  • For severe burns, please contact your pediatrician immediately

Even when we do not burn, sun exposure without protection increases the risk for skin cancers. Prevention is key, but we hope these tips are helpful when a sunburn does occur. As always, if you have questions about preventing and caring for sunburns, please contact your pediatrician. For more information, visit these American Academy of Pediatrics links:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Sunburn-Treatment-and-Prevention.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety-and-Protection-Tips.aspx

Everyone’s heard of the “terrible 2’s”, but 3 can be just as challenging! Here are some tips from the experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics to help everyone get through it and enjoy this exciting season of your little one’s development.

• Monitor yourself
  • Take care of yourself first
    • Make sure to address your own needs before trying to address anyone else’s! You will be a more effective parent if you yourself are well
  • Yell less and love more
    • Minimize raising your voice and try to praise your child’s successes as often as possible
  • Give your undivided attention to each child in small, frequent doses
    • Time is always in short supply, but focusing small amounts of time on each child helps them to feel connected and important
  • Touch is important
    • Give your child lots of snuggles and hugs
      • Even when they are misbehaving to show them you love them no matter what
• Expectations
  • Set clear expectations for behavior
    • Write out a list of simple rules that apply to everyone in the household
    • Label behavior
      • Acknowledge and label each of your child’s behaviors
        • When their behavior does not meet expectations ask things like “Is that showing kindness?” or “Is this showing patience?”
    • Demonstrate good behavior and healthy coping mechanisms!
  • Be consistent
    • Consistency is key with expectations and discipline
      • Try to be on the same page with all of the caregivers in your child’s life in regards to rules, expectations, and discipline
  • Praise effort often
    • Be sure to praise your child’s successes large and small
      • Praise effort as well!
    • Consider a sticker/reward chart to create a visual for your child’s success!
      • Use it often and get your child involved in placing the stickers on their chart
• Anticipate and redirect
  • Whenever possible, try to anticipate situations in which your child might struggle with their behavior
    • Set clear expectations and start on a positive note
    • Get creative with redirecting your child when things appear to be heading in the wrong direction
• A word on discipline
  • Despite the best efforts and intentions, children will require discipline at times. Try to respond calmly and place them in time-out
    • • Designate a quiet place where your child can calm down and regain composure
        • Remember that this time alone to think helps to avoid the cycle of:

    Poor behavior + attention –> more poor behavior

    • Set a timer and be clear this is time for them to quietly think about their feelings and actions
      • Be like Elsa and let the (small things) go! After their time-out is complete, have a short discussion about what could have gone better and then move forward with a plan for success and a fresh start

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding getting through your child’s third year, please contact your pediatrician. Here are some helpful links from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Tips-to-Survive-the-Terrible-3s.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/How-to-Shape-Manage-Young-Child-Behavior.aspx

As we enjoy the sunshine this summer, many families will beat the heat by enjoying pools, beaches, lakes, and rivers. With safety being the number one concern, here are some important points to remember when taking little ones around water.

• Be prepared!
  • If possible, teach little ones to swim and float on their backs in a controlled swim environment prior to taking them to more chaotic swim places
  • Ensure each child has an appropriately fitted coast-guard approved life jacket prior to swimming and when around bodies of water
    • “Floaties” are not appropriate floatation devices
  • Create a safety plan before each swim to make sure each child is adequately supervised
    • Keep little ones within arm’s reach of a responsible adult while swimming
    • Only swim at beaches and pools with lifeguards on duty
    • If a child is missing from view, check pools and other water first!

Summertime water play is fun for the whole family! We hope these tips help to keep your family safe! As always, if you have questions about boating and water safety, please contact your pediatrician. For more information, visit these American Academy of Pediatrics links:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Life-Jackets-and-Life-Preservers.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Sun-and-Water-Safety.aspx

‘Tis the season for our insect friends to be out and about. Sometimes a bug bite is simply an itchy inconvenience, but when is it more concerning? Here is some helpful information from the experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Prevention:
  • Protective clothing is a great first-line of defense
    • Especially during sunrise and sunset when insects are most active!
  • Mosquito screens and nets can block insects
  • DEET-containing insect repellent is approved by the AAP for children over 2 months of age
    • Avoid around the eyes and mouth (and hands of little ones who put hands in their mouths)
    • Just be sure to wash clothes and rinse off skin before bed!
• General care for non-concerning bites:
  • Itch relief options:
    • Apply firm, direct, steady pressure on a bite for ~10 seconds to reduce the itch
    • 1% hydrocortisone cream can be applied to the bite up to 3x per day
      • If the itch persists, you can use age and weight-appropriate doses of an allergy medicine (eg. Benadryl)
  • Pain management:
    • Using a cool cloth with an ice cube in it can help ease pain
      • Can also help with itching!
    • Children can have age and weight-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they are experiencing pain due to an insect bite
      • Follow label and ask your pediatrician or pharmacist if you are unsure
  • Preventing infection:
    • Keep the area as clean as possible
      • Cleanse with soap and water
      • Place a bandage if child is touching or scratching at the bite
    • If the bite develops a scab or looks like it might be infected, use an antibiotic ointment
• When to call your pediatrician:
  • Your child complains of persistent pain (lasts more than 2 hours) after pain medicine
  • A bite appears infected and gets bigger after 48 hours despite antibiotic ointment
    • Look out for spreading redness or “streaks” of red
  • Your child is not acting like themselves or appears ill or is worsening

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding insect bite prevention or treatment, please consult your child’s pediatrician. For more information, visit these American Academy of Pediatrics links:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Mosquito%20Bite
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Spider%20Bite
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Tick+Bite

It can be difficult to determine if your child’s breathing is normal or something more concerning. While concerning breathing should always be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional, the American Academy of Pediatrics has some notes on what to look out for.

• What can noisy breathing mean?
  • Congestion
    • Significant nasal congestion can cause noisy breathing
  • Bronchiolitis
    • The most common cause of this under the age of 2 is RSV
  • Asthma
    • Recurrent episodes of wheezing
    • The main cause of noisy breathing after age 2
  • Foreign object
    • Sudden onset of noisy breathing, coughing, and/or choking
    • Peak age for this is 1 to 4 years of age
    • Seek medical attention right away!
• When to be concerned
  • Difficulty breathing, blue color of the lips and/or face, inability to cry
  • Sudden change in your child’s level of consciousness
  • If you are concerned your child may be choking on a foreign body (food/candy, a toy, etc.)

As always, if you have any concerns about your child’s breathing, please contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider right away. Here are some links from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Wheezing%20(Other%20Than%20Asthma)
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Noisy-Breathing-in-Children.aspx

• How to ease the discomfort
  • Chew toys: plastic or rubber to chew on can feel soothing for aching teeth
    • WARNING: teething necklaces and bracelets made of amber, wood, marble, or silicone are choking and strangulation hazards and the FDA warns against their use
  • Cool things:
    • Can help to numb the gums and ease inflammation
    • A damp washcloth (with a knot tied into one end) can be placed in the freezer
    • Note: avoid giving baby things that are frozen solid as these are too hard and cold for baby’s mouth
  • Massage:
    • Giving baby’s gums a gentle massage with your finger or knuckle can provide great relief
    • Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands prior to massaging baby’s gums
  • Medications:
    • If your baby’s teething pain is significant and unrelieved by the above comfort measures, discuss the possibility of giving baby weight-dosed Tylenol or similar medications

Teething can be an uncomfortable time for little ones, but there is hope for relief! As always, if you have questions or concerns regarding teething, please contact your pediatrician. Feel free to check out this link from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Teething-Pain.aspx

An exciting part of the toddler years is the transition from dependent to more independent! Here are some tips from the experts on fostering this independence in your little one.

• Set limits and create reasonable routines
  • Make sure you take the time to discuss any rules you may have and why they are important to follow
    • Example: We always buckle up in the car so we can be safe and protected
  • Create a simple routine for the morning and evening that your child can reasonably accomplish on their own
    • Example: Morning routine: 1. Use the bathroom 2. Brush your teeth and hair 3. Get dressed 4. Put pajamas in the laundry bin
• Encourage your child to get involved in simple daily tasks
  • Assign reasonable responsibilities based on your child’s developmental stage
    • Remember this takes practice! Praise your little one for making an effort and offer assistance when needed until they get the hang of it.
  • Allow them to pick out their own clothing
    • This can be simplified by giving them a few different options to choose from
    • Ask your child to dress themselves as well!
  • Encourage your little one to participate in grooming
    • Let them brush their teeth and hair in the morning
    • Ask them to place their dirty laundry in the clothes bin
• Talk and Listen!
  • Talk: praise your little one’s successes and give support when they fall short
    • Share your own successes and failures with your one from when you were learning independence!
  • Listen: encourage your child to ask questions and assume more responsibility when they are ready
  • These discussions make children feel important, adult-like, and that their opinions and thoughts matter

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding fostering independence for your child, please contact your pediatrician. Here is a helpful link from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Growing-Independence-Tips-for-Parents-of-Young-Children.aspx