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Children’s Wellness

At Kaleidoscope Kids, we receive quite a few questions about child health & wellness. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, contact our Crandall, TX, office today.

FAQ

Why does my child need well-check exams?

Children require wellness examinations to check growth, ensure they are reaching developmental milestones, and to evaluate for early signs of disorders or delays. These visits are also when your children receive vaccines. Parents may use these visits to ask any questions or express concerns.

For older children and teens, wellness checks can include sports physicals, lab work, vaccines, and discussion of more sensitive topics. Teens will talk alone with the provider to discuss their concerns privately.

How should I treat a fever?

Fevers range from 100.4 to 104℉ are common with an infection and can last two to three days. Fevers do not cause harm until they reach 107℉.

Encourage your child to drink fluids to prevent dehydration, and only use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the fever is above 102℉ or if they are very uncomfortable. AVOID products containing aspirin.

What do I do about my infant with vomiting and diarrhea?

Advice by age:
Give bottle-fed infants half-strength formula. If vomiting continues, offer oral rehydration solutions (ORS), such as Pedialyte, for eight hours.

For breast-fed infants, provide smaller amounts of breast milk.

Children over 1-year-old should be offered clear fluids such as water, ice chips, half-strength lemon-lime soda, or popsicles.

All children should receive small amounts of fluids every 10 minutes. After four hours of no vomiting, increase the amount. After eight hours, try bland foods, such as saltines, white bread, rice, etc. Return to a normal diet in 24-48 hours.

If your child is only experiencing diarrhea, increase fluid intake. Avoid fruit juice or high sugar drinks. Starchy foods are absorbed best, so give bread, pasta, cereal, rice, etc.

For young children, ORS may be needed. Probiotics may also be given to help lessen diarrhea.

Call or go to the ER if your child has blood in the vomit or stool, has no urine in over 8 hours, severe abdominal pain that lasts more than 4 hours, or starts acting very sick.

What do I do for my child who has a cold and cough?

The FDA has warned against giving over-the-counter cold and cough medications to children under 2 years old due to reports of serious and life-threatening events. There is also no evidence that these medications help in this age group.

The FDA is reviewing research regarding the use of OTC medications for children aged 2-11 years.

Contact us for more information.

My child is drooling all the time, is this normal?

Infant drooling is completely normal. The salivary glands begin to kick in more between 2 to 4 months, and you may see an increase in saliva during this time. Drooling may increase when teeth begin to come in between 6 and 8 months of age. Use bibs to keep your child dry, and watch for drool collection in neck rolls. 

My baby is gassy all the time, is this normal?

Babies have immature G1 systems that are greatly evolving for the first year. Gas is normal as long as your baby has soft, regular stools and is not arching their back or having excessive fussiness.

My child is constipated. What can I do to help?

Children who suffer from constipation often see improved bowel movements with increased fluids and fiber such as fruits and veggies. Speak with your health care provider about your child’s constipation, and other treatment options will be discussed if appropriate.

What is the schedule for wellness exams?

Well-check exams follow this schedule:
Birth
2 weeks
1 month
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
2 years
2 ½ years
3 years
Annually until age 21

Can I alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce a fever?

This isn’t recommended. There is no added benefit, and alternating the meds can result in dosing errors and poisonings.

I think my baby has colic. How do I know?

Healthy babies may be considered colicky if they cry for at least three hours per day, three days in a row, for at least three weeks. Symptoms start during the child’s first three weeks of life, peak at six weeks, and usually diminish by 12 weeks.

Is it normal for a baby to spit up after feeding?

Your infant may spit up small amounts after feeding. This is not of concern unless the child appears in pain, such as arching back with fussing or slow weight gain/growth. 

Should I worry if my child is a picky eater?

Many children are picky with certain foods. Continue to offer various foods at each meal, even if it’s something the child has rejected in the past. The more exposure a child has to the food, the more likely they are to try it. Also, getting your child involved in meal prep (make it age-appropriate) is another great way to get exposure to new foods. 

What do I do if my baby isn’t latching well to the breast?

A good latch should not be painful once the baby has been at the breast for more than 1 minute. You should see your infant taking slow deep sucks with some swallows, and your baby should be gaining good weight: 15 to 30 gms or more per day in the beginning.

Is my baby getting enough milk at the breast?

Once your milk is in by day 5, babies should be nursing on both breast for a total combined time of 15 to 40 minutes. Your baby should be
satisfied and settle within 5 to 10 minutes after a feeding and have at least 6 or more heavy wet diapers per day. Your pediatrician will check for a good weight gain between 15 to 30 gms per days in the beginning

Medical Links

American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology 
This site provides educational resources, pollen counts and an allergy report which contains science-based findings on the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders.

American Academy of Pediatrics
This site provides current news from the AAP and it allows the user to search for various topics of interest in the general pediatric care of children.

Immunizations have been one of the single greatest advances in preventative medicine and an essential part of well-child care. Our practice follows the immunization guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

American Academy of Pediatrics – Car Seat Recommendations  

Visit the AAP™ Car Seat Safety Information page for guidance on choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child.

American Academy of Pediatrics – Parenting Site   

The AAP is committed to helping all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults achieve optimal physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing.

American Dental Association (ADA)
This site provides dental health information.

American Dietetic Association
This site assists parents with information regarding food, nutrition and tips for eating healthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC maintains several departments concerned with occupational safety and health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Traveling with Children 

Traveling with children requires special planning and preparation, especially when travelling abroad. There are many things parents should consider when traveling with children of any age.

Children’s Medical Center
An academic health care facility and Level I trauma center devoted to patients from birth through age 18.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – CHADD

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Visit this site frequently to ensure that the products your child is using have not been recalled by their manufacturer or the federal government: Consumer Product Safety

FDA Kids
Good site for kids to learn about health, nutrition, and immunizations.

KidsDoc Symptom Checker

Is your child sick? This tool can help you figure out what to do next, whether it is schedule an appointment with our office or provide treatments at home.

La Leche League 

This organization offers support to mothers worldwide through education, encouragement, and information.

 

Your Child’s Health

Blog coming soon!

Our Patients (And Their Parents) Are Talking…

“So grateful for Kaleidoscope Kids. Dr. Byington goes above and beyond to take care of our kids. She is so kind, patient and answers any and all questions.”
Natalie P.

“Dr. Byington, Jennifer, and Caitlyn are all outstanding physicians. We have been seeing them for 6+ years. I really appreciate their attention to detail. The wait time is almost always short and the front staff are always able to get the kids in when they are sick. Melissa and Naomi up at the front are great. We love all the nurses as well… Tanya and Courtney are their favs. 😊 Thanks for being so reliable and good to our kids.”
Grace T.

Riddle Me!
What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment, and never in one thousand years?
The letter M.

Call or contact us today.

Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Closed daily 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM for lunch

Address:
Kaleidoscope Kids
1025 US 175 Frontage Rd
Crandall, TX 75114

Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Closed daily 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM for lunch