In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association changed the recommendation of when to start fluoride containing toothpaste. Now, it is recommended to start using a fluoride toothpaste at the time of first tooth eruption. A smear the size of a grain of rice should be used until your child turns 3 and then after your child should use a pea sized dollop. This has been shown to help prevent dental caries (cavities). For more information …
Read More »

At the annual American Academics of Pediatrics (AAP) meeting this October, the AAP along with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced a change to the vaccination schedule for the HPV vaccine. Previously all children over 9 years of age were recommended to receive 3 doses of the vaccines over six months. After careful study, it was discovered that children who complete the vaccine series prior to his or her fifteenth birthday only need two doses of the vaccine 6 …
Read More »

We feel your pain! Waking up at three o’clock in the morning to a screaming infant is never fun. And while tooth eruption can be painful to your infant, many of the over the counter teething relief products can be very harmful to your infant. A few years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended against the use of benzocaine containing oral gels (found in Oragel, Anbesol, Orabase and Hurricaine). It was found that in children under two the …
Read More »

Previously, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) would have said no. And now the answer is maybe… Recently the AAP, updated its guidelines for media exposure in infants (children < two years). The AAP has found that media can be a useful tool. Facetime with parents and or grandparents may be beneficial in fostering bonds when the parent or grandparent is not local. Interactive e-books and apps can help foster language, such as teaching letters and colors and numbers as …
Read More »

Let’s start by staying Back to Sleep is important. Your infant should always be placed on his or her back when is not being directly observed by an adult. By placing your infant Back to Sleep, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has been reduced by 70%. Nevertheless, Tummy Time is developmentally import for your infant and can start in the hospital shortly after birth. Tummy time includes chest to chest bonding, as well as placing your infant on a firm surface. …
Read More »

The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its safe sleep recommendations to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep related deaths. What has not changed is that all infants should be placed on their back to sleep on a firm sleeping surface up till his or her first birthday. What is new is that infants should sleep in their own bed in their parents’ room until 6 months of age. Infants should sleep in a bassinet, crib …
Read More »

In short yes! In 2015, Illinois began requiring all seniors to have a second meningitis vaccine if they had not received a meningitis vaccine within the past five years. Your teenager should have received a meningitis vaccine to cover meningococcal meningitis going into 6th grade (ages 11 and 12). This vaccine covers the four most common strains (A, C, Y and W) of the meningococcal bacterial in the United States. Because this vaccine’s protection wanes after five years, the Center …
Read More »

Did you know that 3 out of 4 children are not as secure as they could be in their car seats? Children should be kept rear facing as long as they are comfortable even beyond the age of two. Forward facing harness seats should then be used until your child is 40-65 lbs (depending on car seat). Then booster seats should be used until your child reaches 4’9”. Booster seats are important because they help position the seat belt in …
Read More »

Annually all persons over 6 months of age should receive the annual seasonal flu vaccination. While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the flu vaccine should be received shortly after it becomes available, if possible in October, vaccination should and does continue throughout the flu season. Each year the Flu Season varies, starting as early as November and often continues into April with the peak being January and February. Therefore, vaccination in December and even January can be …
Read More »