Dr. Nicole Baldwin

Confessions of a "Type A" Dr. Mom

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  • Parenting
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    Parenting,  Safety

    Should I Send My Child Back to In-Person School in the Fall?

    July 14, 2020 / No Comments

    It’s that time of year again. Time that parents start thinking about back-to-school preparations. THIS year, however, parents are facing VERY DIFFERENT decisions than in years past (oh, to be back to the days when picking out a new outfit or backpack was the most stressful decision that we had to make with our children at this time of year). And it’s not just parents that are grappling with the decision about what is best for their child this fall…schools, governments, and pediatricians everywhere are trying to figure this out as well. So while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some things that I think each family should consider…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Tik Tok…BOOM

    March 5, 2020

    Change Your Life in 3 Easy Steps

    September 12, 2018

    Do’s and Don’ts When Talking To Your Kids About Shots

    September 13, 2018
  • Safety

    Summer Camp and COVID-19

    May 30, 2020 / No Comments

    Summer camp is a rite of passage for so many young children. I know many kids that have been going to the same camps year after year and each year they look forward to seeing their friends from across the country. As parents, we have already had to deal with so much disappointment from our children over missed activities, vacations, and time away from school and friends, that the decision of whether or not to take summer camp away is hard. Summer camps pose a unique risk for transmission of SARS-CoV2 as traditionally large groups of children from different communities gather and play together, share meals together, and often sleep…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Don’t Raise a Grumpy Jerk (or How to Teach Your Children to Have an Attitude of Gratitude)

    November 3, 2018

    6 Tips For Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child

    October 3, 2018

    Self-care ISN’T Selfish: How to Fill Your Cup to Help Your Family THRIVE

    October 11, 2018
  • Safety

    Daycare and COVID-19

    May 29, 2020 / 1 Comment

    Whether you’ve still been working outside of the home or your work is virtual – having little ones “stuck” at home is HARD right now…I get it! The #1 question I’ve been getting in the office is whether or not parents should send their kids back to daycare. Beyond just the need for childcare, daycare provides socialization for our little ones and a much needed respite for parents. I’ve heard concerns from parents that even their 2 and 3 year olds are saying they “miss their friends.” As with everything else, whether or not to send your child back to daycare during this pandemic remains an individual family decision. While…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Do’s and Don’ts When Talking To Your Kids About Shots

    September 13, 2018

    Self-care ISN’T Selfish: How to Fill Your Cup to Help Your Family THRIVE

    October 11, 2018

    Summer Camp and COVID-19

    May 30, 2020
  • Safety

    Summer Vacation and COVID-19

    May 27, 2020 / 1 Comment

    For many families, summer vacation is a tradition that they look forward to for months and months. This year, many of you have had to cancel or change plans due to COVID-19 and others are still wondering IF they should travel at all this summer.  As I’ve said before – home is the safest place to be right now, however for those considering traveling, it’s important to consider the risks before making your final decision: Are you or anyone you are traveling with considered high risk for COVID-19? If the answer is YES, it’s probably better to forgo vacation for the time being. What is the prevalence of COVID-19 in…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Halloween Safety 101

    October 27, 2018

    E-cigarettes: What Every Parent Needs To Know

    September 26, 2018

    6 Tips For Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child

    October 3, 2018
  • Safety

    Playdates and COVID-19

    May 26, 2020 / No Comments

    I KNOW kids are going stir crazy. Most of them haven’t been in school for 2 months. They haven’t seen their friends in person in that length of time either. And let’s face it, most parents are running out of ideas to keep kids entertained while staying safe at home.  So the million dollar question on parents’ minds is: Are playdates safe right now?  This is a REALLY hard question to answer! 2 months ago it was easy – no way. Hopefully 2 months from now it will be easy as well. Right now we are in a transition period and so I will say “it depends.” Most states are…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Swimming Pools and COVID-19

    May 25, 2020

    Got milk? A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Milk for Your Child

    October 14, 2018

    Don’t Raise a Grumpy Jerk (or How to Teach Your Children to Have an Attitude of Gratitude)

    November 3, 2018
  • Safety

    Swimming Pools and COVID-19

    May 25, 2020 / No Comments

    As the weather gets warmer and parents search for activities to keep their kids (and themselves) from going completely bonkers, I have been getting questions from parents about whether or not they should take their kids to the pool this summer in the midst of a pandemic. First of all, no activity is 100% safe – each family must weigh risks vs. benefits. Also note that these recommendations are based on what we CURRENTLY know about SARS-CoV-2 (as of 5/25/2020) and may change as we get more data.  According to the CDC there is currently no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through water, so just the function of being…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

    You May Also Like

    Don’t Raise a Grumpy Jerk (or How to Teach Your Children to Have an Attitude of Gratitude)

    November 3, 2018

    Self-care ISN’T Selfish: How to Fill Your Cup to Help Your Family THRIVE

    October 11, 2018

    Change Your Life in 3 Easy Steps

    September 12, 2018
  • Reality Check,  Uncategorized

    Tik Tok…BOOM

    March 5, 2020 / 2 Comments

    January 10th, 2020 was a Friday. Two days before I had posted my FIRST video to a social media app called Tik Tok. For those who don’t know, Tik Tok is a video-sharing social network where users (primarily adolescents) share short form (15 – 60 second) videos typically lip syncing and dancing to popular music. I had decided to join Tik Tok so that I could reach more adolescents with messages about their health and wellness than I was able to reach on my other social media platforms.  Back to Friday – 1/10/2020. I arrived early to work with an idea for a couple of videos that I wanted to…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Change Your Life in 3 Easy Steps

    September 12, 2018

    Do’s and Don’ts When Talking To Your Kids About Shots

    September 13, 2018

    Be a Flu Fighter

    September 16, 2018
  • Parenting,  Wellness

    Don’t Raise a Grumpy Jerk (or How to Teach Your Children to Have an Attitude of Gratitude)

    November 3, 2018 / 2 Comments

    I know that using the work “jerk” is not very kind or PC or whatever – and when I first started writing this post, I was going for the positive, heartwarming feelings about gratitude and how to foster that in our kids. But let’s be real – no one wants to raise a kid that is grumpy all of the time or that others perceive as rude or ungrateful. I think most parents can agree that we want to raise kind, loving, compassionate children who live happy and fulfilled lives (aka NOT grumpy jerks) but we don’t always know how to go about it. Stick with me – I’m here to…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Tik Tok…BOOM

    March 5, 2020

    Daycare and COVID-19

    May 29, 2020

    6 Tips For Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child

    October 3, 2018
  • Safety

    Halloween Safety 101

    October 27, 2018 / 1 Comment

    Halloween is a fun and exciting time of year for many children – I mean, what other time do you get to dress up and pretend to be something or someone completely different AND people give you free candy…SCORE!! I LOVE Halloween…like, LOVE it!! Not the scary, creepy stuff – but the pumpkin carving, candy passing out, dressing up part is the BEST in my mind.  Since she was young, my daughter and I have been dressing up together – and it is one of my favorite things to do with her (although sadly now that she is in high school, our “couples” costume days may be ending). That doesn’t…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Summer Camp and COVID-19

    May 30, 2020

    Tales of a Toxic Sideline Parent

    September 18, 2018

    Summer Vacation and COVID-19

    May 27, 2020
  • Nutrition

    Got milk? A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Milk for Your Child

    October 14, 2018 / 3 Comments

    We’ve all heard it said…milk, it does a body good. But what exactly makes milk so great? Regular consumption of milk in childhood and adolescence helps prevent osteoporosis.  Diets high in milk and dairy products have been shown to reduce childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and facilitate weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. Drinking low fat milk products reduces risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Milk may even protect against certain types of cancers. There are lots of different types of milk on the shelf and it can be confusing to know which one is best for your family (even as a pediatrician). After researching the current data…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Tik Tok…BOOM

    March 5, 2020

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    October 3, 2018

    Halloween Safety 101

    October 27, 2018
12

Meet Dr. Baldwin

Dr. Nicole Baldwin is a pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has worked in primary care pediatrics since completing her residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 2006. Dr. Baldwin is a wife and mother of 2 amazing children. She draws on her experience as a mom and a pediatrician to bring readers relevant, up-to-date information about parenting, child health and general wellness.

Check out my latest posts

  • schoolShould I Send My Child Back to In-Person School in the Fall?
  • Summer Camp and COVID-19
  • Daycare and COVID-19
  • Summer Vacation and COVID-19
  • Playdates and COVID-19

Follow me

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  • July 2020
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  • March 2020
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018

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dr.nicolebaldwin

You know how I always tell you guys how much I LOV You know how I always tell you guys how much I LOVE being a Pediatrician…

I love being a mom even more 😍

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there (especially mine).

#mothersday
I’m still here(ish). Working on getting back t I’m still here(ish). 

Working on getting back to my primary reasons for being on this platform…

Drop your parenting/health/wellness questions below 👇🏼

Oh - and be kind to yourself & to each other 😘

#choosekindness #choosejoy #drbaldwinsays #pediatrician #parenting
Hello friends! The INTERNATIONAL SENSATION that i Hello friends!

The INTERNATIONAL SENSATION that is #masksofflive is back this week and we’re here to answer your questions about ALL THE THINGS!

Drop your burning questions below 👇🏼 👇🏼 and don’t forget to set a reminder to join us LIVE on Wednesday 4/13 @ 8e/7c (because let’s be real…it’s way more fun LIVE 😘).
You know those books that take your breath away… You know those books that take your breath away…

I didn’t think I could get through this one. It begins on March 13, 2020 & is set during the pandemic…

Several pages into the story the memories, fear and overwhelm that I felt in those early days (and throughout much of the past two years) came FLOODING back. My heart WAS NOT ready for that. Enough time hasn’t passed. It’s not over. I wasn’t prepared to face those emotions yet again. 

And then just like she always does, @jodipicoult sucked me in and I cried the cathartic tears that I’ve been holding in for the past 743 days. 

So I wanted to hop back on to say that I’m still here, gang. I know I’ve been fairly absent lately - and that’s intentional. 

I need a break for my mental health. I need to read, binge Netflix, do laundry, clean my house, play with my puppy & enjoy my daughter’s last few months at home.

I’ll be back - at some point. And I’m sure I’ll sprinkle in tidbits here & there when the mood strikes. 

In the meantime - take care of yourself & be kind to each other. 

And if you’re in the mood for a good book (and mentally prepared to relive 2020), give this one a chance 😘.
POP QUIZ!! Do you know what ACEs are, what diseas POP QUIZ!!

Do you know what ACEs are, what diseases they are associated with, and how common they can be?

Do you know how YOU can play a role in preventing ACEs?

👉🏼 If NOT - watch this video and check out other resources about ACEs from @ameracadpeds @healthychildrenaap and @cdcgov 

#sponsored This post is made possible with support from the American Academy of Pediatrics through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All opinions are my own. 

#findyour3 #preventACEs #drbaldwinsays
My girl turns 18 years old this week!! She is cur My girl turns 18 years old this week!!

She is currently participating with @teamsquashcancer_lls to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Did you know that one person in the US is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma every 3 minutes!! Thankfully survival rates of these cancers have been improving thanks to research into new therapies.

@llsusa is the largest nonprofit dedicated to creating a world without blood cancers. They have invested more than $1.5 billion in cancer research since 1949.

Help me celebrate my baby's birthday by donating to LLS through the link in my bio.

#endcancer #leukemiaawareness #lymphomaaawareness @kendal_108
Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this one is a 3 parter that truly went OFF THE RAILS!!

This is Part 3 👏🏼

Part 1 - Community rates, vaccines for littles, and when is it OK to go maskless 😳

Part 2 - New Developmental Milestone guidance (see @kckidsdoc get triggered), Similac recall, and learn why a “tepid pool of filth” is #selfcare 

Part 3 - AFTER HOURS…Curling, Disney secrets, and of course Hell No/Let’s Go

#masksofflive
Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this one is a 3 parter that truly went OFF THE RAILS!!

This is Part 2 👏🏼

Part 1 - Community rates, vaccines for littles, and when is it OK to go maskless 😳

Part 2 - New Developmental Milestone guidance (see @kckidsdoc get triggered), Similac recall, and learn why a “tepid pool of filth” is #selfcare 

Part 3 - AFTER HOURS…Curling, Disney secrets, and of course Hell No/Let’s Go

#masksofflive
Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this Prepare yourselves, Masks Off Live friends…this one is a 3 parter that truly went OFF THE RAILS!! 

This is Part 1 👏🏼

Part 1 - Community rates, vaccines for littles, and when is it OK to go maskless 😳

Part 2 - New Developmental Milestone guidance (see @kckidsdoc get triggered), Similac recall, and learn why a “tepid pool of filth” is #selfcare 

Part 3 - AFTER HOURS…Curling, Disney secrets, and of course Hell No/Let’s Go

#masksofflive
The amount of stress I'm feeling these days is pal The amount of stress I'm feeling these days is palpable - anyone else with me???

When I'm feeling like I'm about to blow - these are a few things I've found that help me:

Taking a deep breath. I know it sounds cliche but closing my eyes for 10 seconds and taking a few deep breaths can really help bring my stress level down quickly.

Changing my scenery (if possible). Going to another room in my house or stepping outside can do wonders for my mood.

Completing a mundane task. Starting a load of laundry, unloading the dishwasher, or sorting through the mail are easy enough that I don't need to use much brain power and I get a sense of accomplishment when the task is completed.

Making a list. When my brain is going a million miles a minute with all the tasks I need to complete and I can feel my heart starting to beat faster, making a list helps to ground my thoughts and allows me to prioritize what needs to get done ASAP and what can wait.

PUTTING DOWN MY PHONE. This one is hard but I would say my phone is a HUGE source of stress for me (between texts, emails, and social media notifications I feel like I'm CONSTANTLY on my phone and sometimes I want to chuck it at the wall). When I can feel myself becoming overwhelmed I will often put my phone down and just walk away for a few minutes. It's hard but SO worth it!

So those are just a few things I do when I'm feeling overwhelmed. 

I'm curious to know what you've found that works best for you???

***If you are having thoughts of self harm, please call the 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HELLO to 741741
Just a few quick thoughts about the news from Pfiz Just a few quick thoughts about the news from Pfizer/FDA today. 

I know so many of you are bummed. I am too. 

I’m trying to trust the process...and I’m encouraged that the FDA wants to make sure they have all the data necessary to make this decision for our littles. 

Of note - I’m not privy to ANY insider info or data so I’m a stunned by this news as everyone else. 

We will get through this! In the meantime, please vaccinate/boost those family members that are eligible, wear masks when in high risk situations and be like Dory (aka just keep swimming 😘). 

*As always, questions are welcomed but bullying or antivaxx comments aren’t and users will be blocked*
Masks Off Live - Super Bowl Edition - Part 2…the Masks Off Live - Super Bowl Edition - Part 2…the one where we get TROLLED!!!

We covered:
✅Football
✅Hell No/Let’s Go
✅How pharma companies REALLY make $ (hint…it’s not from vaccines)
✅Football
✅When we can party like it’s 1999
✅What we’re watching/reading/etc.
✅Football

With a special cameo from @kckidsdoc ‘s son!

Check out part 1 for info about masks/Disney/vaccines for littles & pregnant mamas…and more FOOTBALL!!!

#masksofflive
Masks Off Live - Super Bowl Edition - Part 1 We c Masks Off Live - Super Bowl Edition - Part 1

We covered:
✅Football
✅Disney
✅Masks
✅Vaccines for littles & pregnant mamas
✅ COVID Red Flags
✅Football

Check out part 2 for our first ever TROLL, and your favorite game - Hell No/Let’s Go

#masksofflive @kckidsdoc
#tbt (is that even a thing anymore 😏) - 2005 O #tbt (is that even a thing anymore 😏) - 2005

Once a @bengals family, always a Bengals family 🧡🖤

We’re just going to pretend that those jerseys have @joeyb_9 ‘s name on the back 😘

#whodey #whodeynation #superbowl
ICYMI - I’m here…at a conference in Orlando wi ICYMI - I’m here…at a conference in Orlando with my bestie…and we will be giving each other crap the ENTIRE week 😜

#whodey #whodeynation @kckidsdoc
It all comes down to this, friends... Will this It all comes down to this, friends... 

Will this be the last #masksofflive ?

Will the entire 2 hours just be us trash talking?

Will we remain friends after Sunday?

Tune in to find out…

Oh - and drop your questions in the comments 😘
Masks off live - exhaustion edition…Part 2 Hone Masks off live - exhaustion edition…Part 2

Honestly I’m too tired to even come up with a catchy caption 😴

Guess you’ll have to watch to find out what we talked about…

#masksofflive @kckidsdoc
New year, new puppy, same friends…perhaps a BIT New year, new puppy, same friends…perhaps a BIT more exhausted than last year 🥱

#masksofflive Part 1
This is my angry face. Today is my OFFICIAL firs This is my angry face. 

Today is my OFFICIAL first day out of isolation and stop # 1 is the grocery store. 

The number of people walking around the grocery without masks is ASTOUNDING to me. 

Don’t get me wrong - this is nothing new in my neck of the woods - and admittedly it does seem like MORE people are wearing masks - but FOR THE LOVE, people!!! Do you not see the news?!?!

Maybe I’m just highly sensitive after just spending the past 11 days in isolation (yep…11 days because your first day of symptoms is day ZERO)…but if ANYONE should feel OK not wearing a mask…it’s me…and here I am…rocking my KF94. 

And all the parents walking around with unmasked kids has me 🤬🤬🤬.

So yeah - you wonder why we are so pissed and burnt out in medicine. This is why. 

Please - WEAR YOUR FREAKING MASK PEOPLE!!

#wearamask #drbaldwinsays
Current situation - seeing patients from home and Current situation - seeing patients from home and helping our nurses with phone calls because I’m STILL COVID + 😩😩😩

Yesterday was my day #6 and according to the CDC isolation guidelines (as of yesterday morning) I COULD have returned to work WITHOUT testing as my symptoms were “resolving.” 

This, however, made me uncomfortable because I was STILL having mild symptoms and I didn’t want to risk possibly getting any patients or staff at my office ill so I chose to do a rapid antigen test which was positive. 

What does that mean? Well, it means I still have enough viral load in my nose to turn an antigen test positive. It may or may not mean that I’m still contagious BUT with a higher viral load, we do know that this increases transmissibility SO I have chosen to be safe and continue my isolation for the full 10 days. 

And wouldn’t you know it AFTER I took my test, the CDC clarified their guidelines discussing testing after day #5 (they still aren’t requiring a negative test to end isolation early - which personally I find irresponsible- BUT they did give guidance for those who have a positive test after 5 days). 

So here is one of my concerns with the CDC guidelines - “RESOLVING” is very subjective. People might still feel ill BUT if they are better than they were in the beginning, they may count that as “resolving” even though they may still be contagious. I’m still experiencing nasal congestion. That’s it. Otherwise I feel fine. Am I still contagious - not sure 🤷🏻‍♀️. Am I willing to take the risk of spreading COVID further - NOPE. 

So that’s where I am. If you’re a patient of mine who has had to reschedule - I’m SOOO sorry! To my nurses and front desk staff having to do all the rescheduling - THANK YOU, you are the best! To my colleagues who have had to pick up for me - I really appreciate your support in this crazy time. 

Stay well, friends and remember NOTHING is “just a cold” right now. If you have sore throat, congestion, or mild cough PLEASE take a test!!
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