Vickyandjen.com -#104 Mommy Calls

Dr. Tanya's Fun Fact

Thumb sucking is a very common self-soothing behavior . . . You can't take the thumb away, but you can try introducing another lovey or comfort item such as a special toy or blanky. Applying adhesive strips, splints, or yucky-tasting solutions isn't very effective at this age. The best method of action is to ignore the behavior, take comfort in the fact that your toddler has a quiet method to soothe herself, and wait it out.

About the Book

Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents’ Top 101 Questions About Babies and Toddlers

Beginning in her residency and continuing throughout her years in practice, Dr. Altmann has kept track of the various questions asked by new and experienced parents. Mommy Calls represents what she considers to be the top 101 most common questions parents ask their pediatrician. Sample questions include:

• How can I be sure that my newborn is getting enough to eat?
• What should I do if I think my child swallowed a coin?
• Should I worry that my child has a fever after getting his shots today?
• She feels better – is it safe to play with other children now?
• Does his cut need stiches?
• And most importantly: How do I know when to call the pediatrician?

Organized by category and age group, Mommy Calls is filled with clever tips and fun facts, along with Pediatric Points designed to quickly and clearly communicate important recommendations in easy-to-understand language.

Chapters Include:

• Basic Baby Care
• Breastfeeding
• Formula Feeds
• Solids, Milk, and Other Feeding Issues
• Pooping
• Stomachaches and Vomiting
• Fever
• Illnesses
• Skin
• Ingestions, Injuries, and First Aid
• Growing Up
• Sleep

Get it on Amazon.

1. Toddler Vitamins: Normal, healthy children who eat a balanced diet typically do not need additional vitamin supplements. If you are concerned about your child's diet, talk to your pediatrician about a daily vitamin. Most over-the-counter vitamins are fine at the recommended amount. Remember to store the vitamins out of your child's reach. Even a child's vitamin can be dangerous if too many are taken at once.

2. Up the Nose: Kids love to put beads, peas and you name it up their nose or in their ears. Objects up the nose or in the mouth can be serious because if inhaled, they can interfere with breathing. It is less dangerous if an object is placed in the ear because the eardrum protects it from going too far. But whereever Sammy hid his veggies, they must be removed to avoid complications such as bleeding or infection. See your pediatrician as soon as possible.

3. Cough Keeping You Up: A nightime cough without fever or other symptoms may not be an infection. Cough, especially at night, is a common hallmark of asthma. Coughing can also indicate drainage from the nose or sinuses into the throat while lying down, which could be caused by allergies or infection (cold or sinus). A thorough history and examination by your pediatrician can usually determine the cause of the cough and treatment can be provided as needed.

Dr. Tanya's Television Appearances

See Dr. Tanya in action as she discusses:
(Click here to watch.)

• Bathing and Kids
• Food Additives and Hyperactivity in Kids
• Potty Training
• Vaccine Debate

Dr. Tanya: Parenting Expert

Dr. Tanya answer's parent questions on A Place Of Our Own:
(Get links to these topics here.)

• Infant Illness: Answers to Common Parent Questions
• Preparing a Baby and Toddler Bag
• First Aid Kit Essentials
• Infant Nutrition
• Calming a Cranky Baby
• The Dangers of Second Hand Smoke
• Caring for an Asthmatic Child
• Infant Brain Development