What is pediatric oral allergy syndrome?

Most food allergies manifest themselves with non life-threatening reactions such as facial swelling or hives. That being said, it’s important to let the doctor know if your child has had an allergic reaction to a food. This will not only reduce the possibility of a...

Switching your child to low-fat milk

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for the first year. Most mothers are unable to breastfeed their babies for the entire year because of work or family situations. This is perfectly acceptable. If breast milk is unavailable, babies...

Weaning babies from formula and bottles

Babies are traditionally weaned from formula after their first birthday. Although you can wean them from bottles when they are older, transitioning them to cups at the same time you discontinue formula is preferable for two reasons. First, it’s better for a...

Make sure your kids eat sitting down

It is well known that young children are more likely to choke on food than older people. There are two things you can do to reduce the risk of choking in your children. First, avoid foods such as hot dogs and peanuts that are associated with choking. Second, make sure...

What To Do If Your Child Has Hiccups

Hiccups are caused by a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, which draws air rapidly into the esophagus. The characteristic squeak occurs because the epiglottis closes rapidly shutting off the influx of air. Young babies frequently get hiccups after a feeding. In most...

Why do toddlers eat less than babies?

One of the most common concerns I hear during the second and third years of life is that children become picky eaters. There are a number of reasons why this occurs: • Children gain less weight in the second and third year and therefore need fewer calories to sustain...