Dr. Nicole Baldwin

Confessions of a "Type A" Dr. Mom

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  • Parenting,  Wellness

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

    October 11, 2018 /

    Parenting is freaking HARD! It’s stressful, emotional and downright exhausting! And it seems like all day, every day you are bombarded with messages telling you to “enjoy the journey” and “this too shall pass.” Let me be the first to say that I GET IT!! Not only have I been IN your shoes, but I see parents daily that seem like they are just holding it together by a thin, wispy, ready-to-break-at-any-moment thread. The perception that parents are more stressed than the average Joe is not imagined. A 2017 Gallup poll showed that 79% of Americans feel that on a daily basis they frequently or at least sometimes encounter stress!…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Playdates and COVID-19

    May 26, 2020

    Change Your Life in 3 Easy Steps

    September 12, 2018

    6 Tips For Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child

    October 3, 2018
  • Parenting

    6 Tips For Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child

    October 3, 2018 /

    Whining and crying and tantrums, OH MY! Parenting a strong-willed child can be exhausting, disheartening, overwhelming and extremely frustrating!! Trust me – I have been in your shoes! My daughter has been extremely strong willed from day one (a trait she inherited from her mama). I like to joke with her that she was in time out “40 times per day” between the age of 2-4 years…and then FINALLY between 4-5 years, things settled down. Now don’t get me wrong…she is incredibly opinionated, occasionally argumentative, and very driven – but her constant fighting and arguing have improved after years of discipline, consistency and a bit of “creative” parenting.   When…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Swimming Pools and COVID-19

    May 25, 2020

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

    September 13, 2018

    Summer Camp and COVID-19

    May 30, 2020
  • Parenting

    E-cigarettes: What Every Parent Needs To Know

    September 26, 2018 /

    I’m about to admit something kind of embarrassing. Until last spring, I didn’t really know that e-cigarette use was a huge deal and I had NO idea what a “JUUL” was or that “juuling” was something I should be concerned about as a parent and a pediatrician. As a routine, I always ask my teenage patients about their substance abuse habits (in Peds we often refer to these as the “Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll” questions): Do you smoke cigarettes? Do you use marijuana or other drugs? Do you drink alcohol? etc. I’m going to be honest here – I live under a bit of a rock and don’t read…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Be a Flu Fighter

    September 16, 2018

    Halloween Safety 101

    October 27, 2018

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

    September 13, 2018
  • Parenting

    Tales of a Toxic Sideline Parent

    September 18, 2018 /

    I have a confession to make. You know that parent on the sideline of the soccer game. The one who is super loud and likes to shout at her kid to “HUSTLE!!!” The one who doesn’t care what the coach TOLD her kid to do, she’s going to instruct them to do something completely different. That was me. I am embarrassed and ashamed to admit this about myself, but I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I am a recovering toxic sideline parent (the first step is to admit you have a problem, am I right?). What exactly IS a “toxic sideline parent?” I tried to find…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Halloween Safety 101

    October 27, 2018

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

    September 13, 2018

    Daycare and COVID-19

    May 29, 2020
  • Wellness

    Be a Flu Fighter

    September 16, 2018 /

    As a pediatrician, one of my most important jobs is preventing illness in my patients – and one of the most effective tools that I have at my disposal to perform that job is vaccination. Every year at this time, I feel like a broken record: “Did you get your flu vaccine yet?” “It’s that time of year for your flu vaccine!” “You’re not sure about the flu vaccine? Let’s talk about some reasons why I strongly urge you to get your child vaccinated.” I could go on…but I won’t. If you’ve ever wondered WHY your pediatrician seems so “pushy” about the flu vaccine this time of year, here are…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Playdates and COVID-19

    May 26, 2020

    Swimming Pools and COVID-19

    May 25, 2020

    Tales of a Toxic Sideline Parent

    September 18, 2018
  • Parenting

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

    September 13, 2018 /

    It’s that time of year again – flu clinic time. Every fall the sounds of crying children fill the halls of my office as they come in for their flu vaccines. So often I see or overhear parents trying their hardest to do what is best for their child, but making some pretty common mistakes. Here is a list of my most common DO’s and DON’Ts for parents when your child is getting a vaccine: DON’TS DON’T TELL YOUR KIDS THAT SHOTS DON’T HURT. That is a lie. Shots DO hurt. Getting a shot consists of a needle breaking the skin. It’s not a pleasant sensation. When parents tell children…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

    You May Also Like

    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
  • Wellness

    Change Your Life in 3 Easy Steps

    September 12, 2018 /

    Catchy title, right? I bet you’re thinking – sure, whatever…changing my life can’t be that easy. I’m here to tell you that it CAN! There is no magic pill you need to take or book to read. 3 simple steps taken DAILY can change your life forever. First a quick background story on why I’m claiming to have the “secret” to changing your life for the better. I have always been what you would typically describe as “Type A.” I liked to be in control of my surroundings AT ALL TIMES. This lead me down the road of daily frustration and anxiety (because NEWS FLASH – you can’t control all…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    E-cigarettes: What Every Parent Needs To Know

    September 26, 2018

    Be a Flu Fighter

    September 16, 2018

    Summer Camp and COVID-19

    May 30, 2020
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?
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  • Daycare and COVID-19
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  • Playdates and COVID-19

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dr.nicolebaldwin

We’ve been getting SOOOOO many questions about w We’ve been getting SOOOOO many questions about when we would be back for #masksofflive - so here you go!

Join us Wednesday, 2/8/23 at 8e/7c 

We will have a SPECIAL SURPRISE GUEST with us (and no doubt the yellow legal pad will make an appearance as well).

Drop your ?’s in the comments or shoot us a DM 👇👇👇

#parenting #pediatrician @grantswolfpack
2023…the year of no BS!! Who’s with me?!?! 2023…the year of no BS!!

Who’s with me?!?!
Took my girl to NYC. We were pretty much as touris Took my girl to NYC. We were pretty much as touristy as tourists can be…and it was an AMAZING trip!! 🎄🍎✨🎤

#nyc  #broadway #phantomoftheopera #astrangeloop #funnygirlbroadway #rockafellercenter #911memorial #hudsonyardsnyc #momdaughtertrip #joespizzanyc #stardustdinernyc #topoftherocknyc #timessquarenyc #centralparknyc #theedgenyc #macysnyc #madametussaudsnewyork
🎄Traditions🎄 This little lady happened to h 🎄Traditions🎄

This little lady happened to have her FIRST visit with me when I was decked out for an Ugly Christmas Sweater competition at work and she was in a sweet little Christmas outfit…so we got a photo together. Now every year we take a picture (and I hope even when she’s 18 she still takes a Christmas photo with me ❤️🎄). 

Swipe to see our past photos (I *may* have checked our photos to make sure I didn’t duplicate my outfit when I knew she was coming in for a visit 😅). 

*posted with permission*

#pediatrician #pediatrics #bestjobever
It’s always so fun to be the destroyer of holida It’s always so fun to be the destroyer of holidays 😩

If your child has a fever today - please stay home tomorrow. Ibuprofen won’t make them not contagious even if it takes the fever away. 

We (pediatricians) are DROWNING right now and knowing that families are getting ready to gather and spread illness even further is the stuff of our nightmares. 

I know - it sucks to have a sick kid. It sucks to miss out on celebrations with family (especially after the past few years). But please, for the love, STAY HOME if you or your kids are sick. 

And also - get your #fluvaccine ASAP!!

#vaccinessavelives #getyourflushot #drbaldwinsays
Fever…what’s a parent to do??? And let’s be Fever…what’s a parent to do??? And let’s be real - fevers can be scary! 

First, let me be clear - a fever is a temperature above 100.4 (no matter WHAT your child’s “normal” temperature is…even the kiddo who lives at 97.7 still doesn’t have a “fever” until 100.4). 

With so many illnesses going around right now we’re seeing LOTS of kids with fever. So when should you worry and when should you ride it out?

‼️Fever in a child 2 mos. of age or younger can be an emergency and your doctor should be notified right away. 

‼️Fever in a child who is immunocompromised or receiving immune suppressing medications (like oral steroids) also needs immediate attention. 

❗️Fever for more than 72 hours (or 24-48 hrs in kids under 2 years) should be evaluated. 

Other worrisome signs:
⚠️Dehydration (dry mouth/lips/decreased wet diapers)
⚠️Stiff neck
⚠️Severe headache
⚠️Severe sore throat
⚠️Very ill appearing or drowsy (esp. when fever is controlled)
⚠️Repeated vomiting/diarrhea

PLEASE don’t be afraid to give your child fever reducing medications (like ibuprofen if over 6 mos of age and acetaminophen) before calling your pediatrician and ESPECIALLY before bringing them in to the office. We don’t need to “see” the fever - I promise, we believe you 😘. It’s much easier for us to assess the severity of your child’s illness when they are fever free. 

For more info about fever, check out @healthychildrenaap online 

As always: this post is for general education and does not constitute medical advice. Please contact your pediatrician with questions or concerns.

#fever #pediatrician #pediatrics #drbaldwinsays #illness #childhoodillness
My kids watched WAAYYY too much TV when they were My kids watched WAAYYY too much TV when they were younger…

So to all the parents who are struggling to make it through the day and just need to sit down with their kids while they watch Disney Channel…I see you, I feel you, I WAS you. #nojudgement 

#parenting #parentingishard #offergrace
Happy 1st Birthday, Holland Rose! You definitely Happy 1st Birthday, Holland Rose!

You definitely bring the crazy AND the cute to our family 💗

#dogmom #australianlabradoodle #australianlabradoodlesofinstagram @gooddaydoodles
It’s a fake it till you make it kind of day… It’s a fake it till you make it kind of day…

#pediatrics #pediatrician #unicorn #sparkles #mentalhealth
“Smile for the camera” Isn’t that what we d “Smile for the camera”

Isn’t that what we do so often? Put on a fake smile just to make it through the day. 

Time to be real…I’ve been struggling lately. I’m just not the same bubbly, optimistic person I once was. Truth be told, this has been a long time coming. I have good days and bad days - like most people - but lately I would say I have mostly “meh” days. 

Why am I sharing this? Because my guess is that I’m not alone. And as a pediatrician who counsels kids who are struggling with their mental health, I know a thing or two about how to recognize when you’re in the weeds and the interventions that can help pull you out. 

So - I’m planning to walk the walk and practice what I preach about lifestyle interventions that can improve mental health…and I’m sharing this because maybe someone else is feeling this way too.

For the month of November I’m challenging myself to restart my daily morning meditation practice and start a nightly gratitude journal. Yes, I know, it’s cliche to do a gratitude practice in November 🙄 but I’m going to do it anyway! I’m also planning to up my exercise game to consistently get in 4 days per week of some heart pumping movement. 

I will share (intermittently) how the journey is going and I’d love for you to let me know if you’re walking this road with me. Honestly I think we can ALL benefit from a little more gratitude and mindfulness (no matter HOW we’re feeling at baseline).

Please note, I do have a PCP that I can reach out to if needed and I don’t feel that I’m in a place (yet) where I need medical intervention. That’s the whole point of why I’m doing what I’m doing (and sharing with you). I always say to patients that it’s a lot easier to step out of a 2’ hole than climb out of a 6’ hole so I’m doing this work NOW to hopefully not end up in that 6’ hole. 

Note: I’m not a psychiatrist and this does not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self harm - PLEASE reach out to your doctor or dial 988 for help. 

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #drbaldwinsays #meditation #gratitude #vulnerability
Happy Halloween 🎃 #pediatrician #pediatrics # Happy Halloween 🎃 

#pediatrician #pediatrics #halloween #happyhalloween #halloweencostume #disneyvillain #disneyvillains
Lots of crap we CAN’T prevent (looking at you, R Lots of crap we CAN’T prevent (looking at you, RSV)…but some things we CAN prevent!!

If your family hasn’t gotten their flu vaccine yet - please #getvaccinated ASAP!!

Call your pediatrician, visit your local pharmacy or health department to get flu shots. 

Pediatric hospitals are BUSTING at the seams right now…protecting your kiddos can help ease that burden!!

Give me a ❤️ if your family is protected 👇
It’s time… Get that #fluvaccine to help prote It’s time…

Get that #fluvaccine to help protect your kids (and you) from influenza this winter!!

Thanks to my amazing patients (you know who you are) for one of my favorite mugs 🤣🤣

#getyourflushot #flushot #vaccinessavelives #drbaldwinsays
Did you know that simply eating meals together as Did you know that simply eating meals together as a family can do the following for your children:

⬇️ risk of substance use
⬇️ feelings of depression
⬇️ disordered eating

⬆️ self-esteem
⬆️ academic performance 

Studies have shown that the more frequently families have meals together, the more benefit is seen in adolescent behaviors. 

So how can you fit family mealtimes into your busy schedules?

✅ Plan ahead (what night or morning is everyone home at the same time)
✅ Think outside the box (lunch on a weekend or breakfast each day still counts)
✅ Don’t stress about the food (even sitting around the table with your McDonald’s still counts)

Be sure to put screens AWAY, turn TV off, and take some time just to chat. 

What do you find the most challenging about family mealtimes???

#familytime #family #parenting #parentingtips #parentingteens #pediatrician #drbaldwinsays
Run…don’t walk…to the bookstore (or library) Run…don’t walk…to the bookstore (or library) to grab a copy of this AMAZING book (or sit and order it online…whatever works for you 😘). 

In “Loving You Big,” Leah Whitman Moore shares her experience raising a child with special needs. 

Leah’s daughter, Jordan, was born with a rare chromosomal disorder (cri du chat) and was told she may never speak or walk. 

Through vulnerability, raw emotion, and a bit of humor, Leah takes us on the journey with her as she has to navigate life, the medical system, and Target with a child who doesn’t fit “the mold” (whatever “the mold” really is). 

As a pediatrician, this is a MUST READ because it helped me understand just a bit more what many of my families are going through. 

As a parent this is a MUST READ to help us all teach our children how to be kind to those who are different than they are and to help better support families of children with special needs.

As a human, this is a MUST READ so we can understand why that child sitting in the middle of the toy aisle at Target losing their mind isn’t a “brat” or “poorly parented” - but may be struggling with emotional regulation and what they (and their parent) need is compassion and empathy - not judgement or unsolicited advice. 

And if you’re a parent of a special needs child - first of all, hugs to you - you may find this book comforting to know that you’re not alone in your challenges AND your joy. 

So, this is not an ad…just my honest opinion. I hope you check out LOVING YOU BIG and I hope you love it as much as I did!!

@lovingyoubig #parenting #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #specialneedskids #criduchat #drbaldwinsays #bookreview
Influenza is coming… Who am I kidding, influenz Influenza is coming…

Who am I kidding, influenza is HERE in many parts of the country!

If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet - NOW is the time! 

#pediatrician #getyourflushot #ᴠaccinessavelives #influenza
The INTERNATIONAL SENSATION is BACK, friends! Joi The INTERNATIONAL SENSATION is BACK, friends!

Join us on Wednesday 10/19 @ 8e/7c as we discuss:

• booster doses
• return of 2019 respiratory viral season
• all the new & exciting things Dr. Nicole learned at the AAP conference last week

Drop your ?’s in the comments 👇👇

#masksofflive #pediatrician #pediatrics
Just a few pics from my recent trip to Disneyland. Just a few pics from my recent trip to Disneyland.

Things I learned:
💞 90% of the joy I feel at Disney is being with my family. Going by myself was tough (I’m an extrovert, so standing in line for 90 min alone was TORTURE).

🚶‍♀️Disneyland is so much more walkable and easy to navigate than Disney World - but I still prefer the World any day!!

🏬 The Guardians of the Galaxy ride was 10X better than Tower of Terror (I rode it 3 times in 2 days)!!

🏰 Not sure I’ll venture to Disney alone again, but I’m glad I took the opportunity to visit while I was in CA!!

Which park do you prefer…Land or World???

#disneyland #disneyworld #disney
Something y’all may or may not know about me…I Something y’all may or may not know about me…I 🧡 crafts!! 

I don’t have a ton of time to actually DO many crafts, but I LOVE letting my creative juices flow. 

Today I took a spontaneous trip to At Home for some Halloween decor…which led me to Michael’s and then the Dollar Tree for all the supplies to make my fun new Halloween wreath. 

I’m super excited with how it turned out!!

Happy (almost) Halloween!!

#halloween #halloweendecor #halloweendecorations #diy
I LOVE Halloween and this year I’ve upped my dec I LOVE Halloween and this year I’ve upped my decor a bit (I was inspired by my recent trip to Disneyland and all the amazing decorations at the Haunted Mansion) 👻

I even MADE the wreath myself!

Drop a 🎃 in the comments if you love Halloween too!!

#halloween #halloweendecor #halloweendecorations
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