Dr. B's Blog, Parenting
Despite my confession, it used to drive me crazy to watch my kids gobble up pounds of candy every fall. My wife came up with a perfect solution to our dilemma.
Child Development, Dr. B's Blog
Newborns have a sucking reflex that enables them to nurse or bottle feed. This reflex involves opening their mouths and moving their tongues in and out to “milk” the nipple. When babies start solid foods around 6 months of age, they usually push food out of their...
Child Development, Dr. B's Blog
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...
Dr. B's Blog, Infant Care
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...
Dr. B's Blog, Infant Care, Parenting
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...
Child Development, Dr. B's Blog
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...