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Dr. Nicole Baldwin
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Tag: do’s and don’ts

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

September 13, 2018 Dr. Nicole Baldwin 3 Comments

It’s that time of year again – flu clinic time. Every fall the sounds of crying children fill the halls…

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Posted in: Parenting Filed under: anxiety, do's and don'ts, needle phobia, parenting, shots, vaccines

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.

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𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦?⁣ ⁣ This is a question on many parents’ minds these days. Talking with our children about racism and racial bias is not a one time conversation. As parents, it’s important to maintain a dialogue with our kids starting at a very young age. ⁣ ⁣ When talking with kids about race and racism, it’s important to discuss at their developmental level and realize that we all come at this conversation from our own lens of our race, our experiences and our culture:⁣ ⁣ 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 - Don’t shame or hush children when they notice differences. Use that as an opportunity to discuss how we are all different and those differences make us unique. Talk about how we are all valuable no matter how we look.⁣ ⁣ 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 - This is an important time to discuss racial bias, diversity and racism openly. If your children see or experience racism, ask them “How does that make you feel?” and problem solve “What can you do to make sure everyone is treated with respect?” Use teachable moments to discuss inherent bias, structural racism and tolerance.⁣ ⁣ 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬/𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 - This is a time when it’s OK (and necessary) to have hard discussions. You can use media messages as a springboard for discussions about bias, fairness, and anti-racism. Know that it’s never too late to have these discussions, even if you have never talked about race or racism before. ⁣ ⁣ Most importantly DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK. Conversations surrounding race and racism are often uncomfortable, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. It’s important as parents that we address our OWN emotions and inherent biases surrounding race and we lead by example for our children.⁣ ⁣ I will put links in my bio for more resources to help you have open discussions with your kids about race and racism.⁣
Taking time today to listen, learn and amplify ant Taking time today to listen, learn and amplify anti-racism messages. #blackouttuesday #theshowmustbepaused
As parents, we look forward to the day when we can As parents, we look forward to the day when we can pass the chore of mowing the lawn off to one of our children. ⁣ ⁣ While giving children chores and teaching responsibility is important, lawnmowers can be very dangerous. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐦𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫, the most devastating of which can be amputation or death, so it’s extremely important to follow these safety tips (for both your children AND yourself):⁣ ⁣ 🔸Children should be at least 12 years old before using push mowers and 16 years old for ride-on mowers.⁣ ⁣ 🔸Always wear closed toe shoes and eye protection when mowing.⁣ ⁣ 🔸Be sure to clear the lawn of debris before mowing.⁣ ⁣ 🔸Don’t mow backward if possible and always look for small children prior to backing up.⁣ ⁣ 🔸Do not allow small children to play in areas where you are mowing.⁣ ⁣ 🔸Children should never ride on mowers as passengers.⁣ ⁣ 🔸Only use push mowers with a safety control that stops the blade when released. ⁣ ⁣ 🔸When mowing a slope, mow up and down with ride-on mowers and across the slope with push mowers.⁣ ⁣ 🔸Always allow blade to stop completely prior to crossing roads/gravel paths, removing grass catcher, or unclogging discharge chute.⁣ ⁣ 🔸Do not allow children to play on lawnmowers, even when not in use.⁣ ⁣ Hope these tips are helpful. Stay tuned this week for more summer safety info! ☀️⁣ #safety #summer #summersafety #lawnmower #lawnmowers #pediatrics #pediatrician #drbaldwinsays #parenting #safetytips
COVID-19 or no COVID-19, summertime brings risks f COVID-19 or no COVID-19, summertime brings risks for our kids.⁣ ⁣ 𝘐𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴, 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴...𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸. ⁣ ⁣ This week I will be starting a new series about summertime safety. Stay tuned!
Summer camp is a rite of passage for so many young Summer camp is a rite of passage for so many young children, however summer camps pose a unique risk for transmission of SARS-CoV2 as traditionally large groups of children from different communities gather & play together, share meals together, & often sleep in close quarters. ⁣ ⁣ 𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩:⁣ ⁣ 🔅If your child or anyone in your immediate family is considered high risk for COVID-19, then it is best to pass on summer camp this year.⁣ 🔅Day camps or overnight camps with campers from within your local community are preferred over camps that draw from a wider population.⁣ 🔅Camps with primarily outdoor activities preferred over indoor activities.⁣ 🔅Day camps are preferred over overnight camps.⁣ ⁣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐃𝐂 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬 & 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐒-𝐂𝐨𝐕𝟐:⁣ 𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤: Small groups of campers stay together all day, each day. Campers remain at least 6 feet apart & don’t share objects. Outdoor activities prioritized. All campers from the local geographic area.⁣ 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤: Campers mix between groups but remain at least 6 feet apart & don’t share objects. Outdoor activities prioritized. All campers from the local geographic area.⁣ 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤: Campers mix between groups & don’t remain spaced apart. All campers from the local geographic area.⁣ 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤:Campers mix between groups & don’t remain spaced apart. All campers are not from the local geographic area.⁣ ⁣ As a parent, I recommend you check with your child’s camp to find out what guidelines they have put in place & how they plan to monitor for illness. What do they plan to do if someone does show signs of COVID-19?⁣ ⁣ Note that with any activity we do outside of our home, there is risk. Each family must weigh the risks and benefits of their individual situation when deciding about whether or not to send their child to camp.⁣ For more info/links to CDC guidelines, ✅ link in bio. ⁣
This seems to be the #1 question I’ve gotten lat This seems to be the #1 question I’ve gotten lately.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ As with everything else, this is an individual family decision. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ If you or anyone in your home is high risk for COVID-19 (including your child) it is safer to keep them home with as few exposures as possible. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ 𝐈𝐅 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧-𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ If you don’t have the option to keep your child home, here are some questions to ask your daycare provider:⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ 👶What are the cleaning protocols?⁣⁣⁣ 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴/𝘵𝘰𝘺𝘴?⁣ 👶How many children will be in one room?⁣⁣⁣ 👶What’s the ratio of providers to children? Will providers always stay with the same group of children?⁣⁣⁣ 👶What’s the drop off/pick up strategy to minimize contact with other families?⁣⁣⁣ 👶Will they require cloth face coverings for staff & older children?⁣⁣⁣ 👶What’s the social distancing strategy?⁣⁣⁣ 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨?𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘨𝘦?⁣⁣⁣ 👶How will they monitor for illness?⁣⁣⁣ 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨/𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘖𝘝𝘐𝘋-𝟷𝟿?⁣⁣⁣ 👶Will the provider have multiple changes of clothes if their clothes become soiled with secretions?⁣⁣⁣ 👶How will meals be served?⁣⁣⁣ 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦?⁣⁣⁣ 👶Will playground equipment be used & if so how will it be sanitized between groups of children?⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ This list is not all inclusive, but definitely things to consider. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ If your child does become ill, please contact your pediatrician.
I’m interrupting my regularly scheduled posts to I’m interrupting my regularly scheduled posts to say something that needs to be said.⁣ ⁣ I am DEEPLY disturbed by the recent events in Minneapolis and New York. ⁣ ⁣ A black man was killed by a white police officer who knelt on his neck while he begged for air as 3 other officers stood by.⁣ ⁣ A white woman hysterically called 911 falsely accusing a black man of threatening her because he asked her to leash her dog. ⁣ ⁣ These instances of racism are not new - they were just captured on video for the world to witness. ⁣ ⁣ If this makes you uncomfortable- good. It SHOULD make you uncomfortable. ⁣ ⁣ If this makes you feel defensive, please consider this:⁣ ⁣ “...white privilege is not just the power to find what you need in a convenience store or to move through the world without your race defining your interactions. It’s not just the subconscious comfort of seeing a world that serves you as normal. It’s also the 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 in the face of racial inequity. It’s the 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝. It’s knowing that you and your humanity are safe.“ - Cory Collins, tolerance.org ⁣ ⁣ I have privilege because of the color of my skin. It’s not fair - but that doesn’t mean it’s not true. I have remained silent for too long. Speaking up may be uncomfortable, but speaking up is necessary.⁣ ⁣ #blacklivesmatter
Summer travel is different in 2020. Many have had Summer travel is different in 2020. Many have had to change plans due to COVID-19 & others are wondering IF they should travel at all. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ As I’ve said before - 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞, but if you’re still considering vacation it’s important to think about the risks before making a decision:⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🔸Are you/anyone you are traveling with high risk for COVID-19?⁣⁣ 🔸What’s the prevalence of COVID-19 in the area you are going?⁣⁣ 🔸What’s the prevalence of COVID-19 in your area? 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘖𝘛𝘏𝘌𝘙𝘚 𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬. 🔸Are there travel restrictions at your destination or in your hometown?⁣⁣ 🔸How are you planning to reach your destination? 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘴/𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 𝐈𝐅 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥, 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞:⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🔹Drive to your destination.⁣⁣ 🔹Bring hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes/masks⁣ 🔹Minimize stops by packing food/snacks⁣⁣ 🔹Opt to stay in rental homes over hotels. If you do stay in a hotel/condo, opt to stay on the first floor to minimize elevator trips.⁣⁣ 🔹Bring your own toys/games for kids rather than using any community/shared toys. ⁣⁣ 🔹Check with the local health dept. at your destination for any restrictions in the area.⁣⁣ 🔹Plan outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, golf, etc.) before you go. Contact each location to see if they are still operating.⁣⁣ 🔹If going to a beach, opt for smaller/secluded beaches rather than high tourist destinations.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 𝐈𝐅 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐥𝐲:⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ✈️Call the airline to review policies & safety measures.⁣⁣ ✈️Maintain social distancing/wear cloth face coverings while going through security. ⁣⁣ ✈️Bring sanitizing wipes for seats/tray tables/arm rests/seat belt.⁣⁣ ✈️Be aware that many airlines are requiring masks THROUGHOUT the duration of the flight.⁣⁣ ✈️Bring your own snacks and water bottles ⁣⁣ ✈️Arrange for transportation from the airport to your destination ahead of time⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ For more info, ✅ link in bio.⁣⁣
𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 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 lifting stay-at-home orders and families are venturing out of the bubble of their home - so it seems logical that Susie should get to have a few friends over to play.⁣ ⁣ Here’s the thing: young kids are not the best when it comes to social distancing. They like to play closely together, often roughhousing or just touching everything! ⁣ ⁣ What we know to date about SARS-CoV-2 is that children seem to have much milder illness than adults - so a child may not see or feel ill, but could still be contagious. This coupled with the fact that kids just have a hard time maintaining physical distance could be a recipe for disaster.⁣ ⁣ 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴:⁣ ⁣ 𝐀𝐆𝐄 of your children - older school age children and teenagers *should* be able to understand and maintain social distancing when getting together; toddlers and preschoolers, not so much.⁣ ⁣ 𝗪𝐇𝐎 are they playing with. Has the family been practicing social distancing? ⁣ ⁣ Are there 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐊 individuals in either family? If so, it’s best to forgo playdates for now.⁣ ⁣ 𝘚𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘮𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦... 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦?⁣ ⁣ 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄 is safer than inside⁣ ⁣ 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊 to kids beforehand about the importance of physical distancing⁣ ⁣ 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐙𝐄 hands frequently⁣ ⁣ 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍 activities like a hike or a bike ride to keep kids engaged, but distant⁣ ⁣ 𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐓 the number of children getting together - ideally only one other child; remember the more children that play together, the greater the risk ⁣ ⁣ As we begin to expand our circles, remember that the best way we can prevent SARS-CoV-2 from spreading is physical distancing, covering our cough/sneeze, & practicing good hand hygiene
Should you venture to the pool this summer? Here a Should you venture to the pool this summer? Here are a few things to consider:⁣⁣⁣⁣ 𝘕𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝟷𝟶𝟶% 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 - each family must weigh risks vs. benefits. There is currently 𝘯𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through water, so just being IN a pool should be a “low risk” activity. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ MY concern is that children tend to congregate with friends, they may cough or sputter when swimming (potentially transmitting viral particles to those within 6 feet if they happen to be ill), and SARS-CoV-2 can live on surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 3 days. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ IF your community does allow for pools to be open this summer, consider the following:⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐥 - a backyard pool with one other family is likely safer than large public pools.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐚𝐲 - it’s better to go earlier/later in the day when crowds are smaller⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - choose outdoor pools over indoor pools due to better ventilation⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 - can they maintain physical distance? Can they avoid touching their mouth/nose and be trusted to sanitize prior to eating/applying sunscreen?⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚 - higher prevalence in your area increases the risk of any activities outside of your home⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬:⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣🔅Bring antibacterial wipes to clean any chairs, or bring your own chairs if possible.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 🔅Maintain physical distance of 6 feet from non family members as much as possible (both on pool deck & in water).⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 🔅Bring your own pool toys/towels; avoid using community pool toys/floats.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 🔅Bring hand sanitizer & sanitize before eating/before applying sunscreen on your child’s (or your) face.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 🔅AVOID eating or snacking while at the pool. If you do choose to eat, bring your own food & wash/sanitize hands prior to eating.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 🔅Try to go when crowds are low & keep trips short to minimize exposure to different groups of people.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 🔅Wear masks when not able to maintain social distancing. Face coverings SHOULD NOT be worn in the water.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ . . ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣✅link in bio for more
𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜.⁣ ⁣ Should I...send my child back to daycare?⁣ ⁣ Should I...let my child have play dates?⁣ ⁣ Should I...go on vacation with my family?⁣ ⁣ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 “𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈…” 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬.⁣ ⁣ If you have questions, please comment below and I’ll do my best to address them!⁣ ⁣ #parenting #pediatrics #pediatrician #drbaldwinsays #parentingduringcovid19 #momsofinstagram #dadsofinstagram
We’ve all made sacrifices over the past several We’ve all made sacrifices over the past several months, some MUCH bigger than others.⁣⁣ I would venture to guess that pretty much 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 is feeling a little stir crazy by now. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I got my nails done today and *no joke* I feel like ME again (please don’t judge - just being real). My salon required everyone to wear a mask, my temp was taken when I walked in the door and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. I was more than 6 feet from any other clients in the salon and there was a partition between me and the tech as she did my nails. While getting my nails done was important to me, I will not be going to retail stores or any restaurants/bars anytime soon because those things aren’t high on my list of priorities. To each her own. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ As states start to loosen stay-at-home orders and people start to venture out more, I wanted to give you MY thoughts about how to loosen restrictions for yourself.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥 - 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 - 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ If you DO choose to venture out (say to the nail/hair salon, retail stores, or your favorite restaurant), check their policy on the wearing of masks, social distancing, store capacity, reservations, etc.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Try to go at an 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 time to limit exposure to large groups. Carry hand sanitizer with you and 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 - ESPECIALLY before handling your mask, touching your face, or eating. Be considerate of others and do your best to 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝟔 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. ⁣⁣ Consider only going out if you REALLY need to (and let me just say - we all have different levels of “need” to maintain our mental health). I’m not judging you if walking through TJMaxx lights your soul on fire - I’m just asking that you do so responsibly. Know that each time you go out, you are accepting the risk of possibly contracting COVID-19, so you must weigh the risks vs. benefits.⁣⁣ Please stay safe friends. We will get through this TOGETHER!
I have been getting many questions from parents ab I have been getting many questions from parents about what activities they should allow their children to do now that states are beginning to loosen restrictions regarding stay-at-home orders.⁣ ⁣ Should you send your child back to daycare? Should you go to the pool this summer? Should you make that deposit for summer camp?⁣ ⁣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬...𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬.⁣ ⁣ Some things to consider when planning for summer activities:⁣ ⁣ 🦠 Can physical distancing be maintained during the activity?⁣ 🦠 Will your child wear a mask (when appropriate) and be able to practice appropriate hand hygiene during the activity?⁣ 🦠 What steps is the facility taking to keep your child safe?⁣ 🦠 What is the “necessity factor” for this activity?⁣ 🦠 Does your child have any conditions that put them at high risk from COVID (heart disease, compromised immune system, chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, diabetes, severe obesity, chronic liver or kidney disease)?⁣ 🦠 Is your child in contact regularly with anyone who has any of the above high risk conditions?⁣ 🦠 What is the prevalence of COVID19 in your area?⁣ ⁣ Each family will need to assess for themselves which activities they feel comfortable with and which they will continue to avoid. Of course I recommend you follow all local and state guidelines and monitor the news for any potential outbreaks in your area. ⁣ ⁣ If you have a specific question or concerns, you should discuss with your child’s healthcare provider to make the safest decision for your family.⁣ ⁣ #parenting #covid19 #parentingduringcovid19 #pediatrics #pediatrician #drbaldwinsays #summer #summercamp2020 #pandemic #pandemic2020
𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐲⁣ ⁣ A day that so many have looked forward to for years. ⁣ ⁣ A day that will look very different in 2020 than ever before.⁣ ⁣ 𝘛𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟶,⁣ First, let me say CONGRATULATIONS! The fact that you may not get to celebrate at a huge ceremony with family and friends doesn’t change the fact that you put in the hard work to get here! Even though you may not walk across a stage to accept a piece of paper doesn’t change the fact that this milestone is worth celebrating! Your life is still ahead of you - the dreams you have worked for and the goals you have set still remain. ⁣ ⁣ Let me also say THANK YOU! Because of all you have sacrificed - prom, senior trips, senior parties, graduation - you have saved lives. Let that sink in. By missing these experiences, you have kept this virus from getting out of control. You have saved the life of someone’s grandparent, teacher, mother, or best friend. When you look back on these days - I hope you look back not at what you have lost, but all that you have done to keep others safe.⁣ ⁣ So celebrate your accomplishment! Know that you are capable of amazing things and YOU are a hero in this fight!⁣ ⁣ Please tag a graduate or share this message so that all of our 2020 graduates know how much we appreciate their sacrifice and how proud we are of all they have accomplished! ⁣ ⁣ #graduation #graduate #classof2020 #classof2020strong #drbaldwinsays
As many states in the US start to relax their stay As many states in the US start to relax their stay-at-home guidelines, it is important that we all do our part to protect those around us from COVID-19. One of the ways we can do this is by wearing face coverings in public when physical distancing is challenging (like the grocery or other retail stores). The CDC recommends that adults and children wear cloth face coverings to help prevent spread of infection, however face coverings ARE NOT a replacement for hand hygiene or physical distancing. ⁣ ⁣ Face coverings pose unique challenges in children. They can be uncomfortable or frightening and they can lead to INCREASED touching of the face (which defeats the purpose).⁣ ⁣ Here are a few tips for cloth face coverings in kids:⁣ ⁣ 😷 Children under the age of 2 years should NOT wear face coverings as they can pose suffocation risks⁣ 😷 Children over age 2 years should wear face coverings IF they are able and IF it prevents them from touching their faces. If you find that your child touches their face MORE with a face covering on, it’s OK to forgo the face covering and try again the next time.⁣ 😷 Be sure to talk to kids about WHY we are wearing face coverings - they help prevent US from spreading infection to others. It’s a common courtesy like saying “please” and “thank you” or holding the door open for someone.⁣ 😷 Have kids practice wearing face coverings at home so they get used to how they feel and how they can breathe/talk with them on.⁣ 😷 Try finding a cloth face covering in a fun pattern or color or even have your older child help you make one.⁣ 😷 Talk to your children about the importance of NOT touching their face and teach them how to properly put the face covering on and off.⁣ 😷 Be sure to wash hands before putting the face covering on, after taking it off, and anytime you notice your child touching the front of the face covering.⁣ ⁣ For more tips about cloth face coverings in kids, visit the AAP’s website for parents HealthyChildren.org⁣ ⁣ What strategies have YOU found successful with your children?⁣ ⁣ #⁣pediatrics #pediatrician #facemask #drbaldwinsays #parenting #covid19
⁣We can’t go back...we can only move forward. ⁣We can’t go back...we can only move forward. ⁣ ⁣ This photo is from one year ago today. Mother’s Day 2019 in my favorite place on earth (yes, we are THAT family).⁣ ⁣ What I wouldn’t give to be able to pick up and go back to that time. Back when I could hug my friends freely, hold babies in my office, and go shopping anytime I wanted. Back when there were no masks and no fear of this virus.⁣ ⁣ But I can’t. And dwelling on what I can’t have just leads to frustration and misery.⁣ ⁣ So I will choose to look at that photo with fond memories and look forward to the day when we will see the castle again. I will chose to live this day and this day alone - because who knows what tomorrow will bring. ⁣ ⁣ What are you holding onto from the past that is making you miserable? What do you need to release today? ⁣ ⁣ Control what you can control - and as my grandmother used to say to me (although I’m sure she’s not the first to say it)...⁣ ⁣ “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift...that’s why it’s called the present.”⁣ ⁣ What will you do with your present?⁣ ⁣ #motivation #inspiration #drbaldwinsays #positivevibes #disney #disneyworld #mothersday #family #keepmovingforward #enjoytoday #choosejoy
Peds really is the BEST. Got this along with a swe Peds really is the BEST. Got this along with a sweet card from one of my families today. . . . A kind word and a simple gesture go such a long way! If you have a healthcare worker that you appreciate, please take a moment to reach out to them. It really matters to us more than you would ever know 💗. . . . #pediatrics #pediatrician #doctor #kindnessmatters #lovemyjob #grateful
Motherhood doesn’t always happen as we plan or e Motherhood doesn’t always happen as we plan or expect. ⁣ ⁣ I became a mother at 18. Not how I would have written my life story when I was younger - but I wouldn’t change a thing. ⁣ ⁣ I lost 2 babies between my son and my daughter. Not a pain I would ever want to walk through again - but I wouldn’t change a thing. ⁣ ⁣ I got pregnant with my daughter my first month of intern year. Having a baby during residency was harder than having one at 18 (especially a baby that cried almost nonstop and didn’t sleep for the first 4 years of her life) - but I wouldn’t change a thing. ⁣ ⁣ Motherhood is hard yet wonderful. Beautiful and sometimes tragic. The most challenging yet most rewarding job I’ve ever had. ⁣ ⁣ To every mother out there - I see you. I see your joy and your pain. I see your struggles and your successes. I see your hope and your fear. ⁣ ⁣ To my children - thank you for coming into my life EXACTLY when I didn’t know I needed you. Thank you for the joy, the laughter and even the tears you have brought into my life.⁣ I wouldn’t be who I am today without you both. ⁣ To my mom - words will never adequately express how blessed I am to be your daughter. Thank you for showing me by example how to love unconditionally and find joy in every day. ⁣ ⁣ Today we celebrate motherhood and all that it entails. I hope you find joy and love today and everyday 💗
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you hardworking, ti Happy Mother’s Day to all of you hardworking, tireless, loving, amazing mamas out there!! Have a fabulous day! 💐 . . . . #mothersday #mom #momsofinstagram #parenting #parents
🛑 Warning: potentially anxiety triggering post 🛑 Warning: potentially anxiety triggering post ahead.⁣ ⁣ Are you prepared for someone to care for your child/children if you get sick with COVID-19 (or anything else)?⁣ ⁣ I was on a call today with pediatricians from across the country and the discussion was about where to place a child to be cared for in the situation where all caregivers were hospitalized due to COVID-19.⁣ ⁣ Wow - this thought honestly hadn’t crossed my mind! Perhaps because I tend to think very optimistically, perhaps because I have older children, or perhaps because I’ve just been busy thinking of other things.⁣ ⁣ Regardless - this is IMPERATIVE for parents to think about and discuss - right now - BEFORE you are potentially in this situation.⁣ ⁣ It’s not fun to think about and this may be very anxiety provoking for some people - but as parents sometimes we have to suck it up and be prepared - JUST IN CASE.⁣ ⁣ Look - chances are this will NOT happen in your life - but dang it, it’s better to be prepared than to be scrambling...or worse having someone else decide where your child stays while you are ill.⁣ ⁣ So, PLEASE, today - identify WHO would care for you child/children if you & your partner were ill/hospitalized. TALK TO THOSE PEOPLE. Make sure they are willing and able to provide temporary care for your family. Try to have a back-up for your back-up if possible. ⁣ ⁣ We don’t know how long this pandemic will last nor do we know what might happen with increasing exposure as states start to relax their stay-at-home orders. All we can do is control what we can control - and this is one of those times that we shouldn’t ignore and hope it just doesn’t happen to us. ⁣ ⁣ #⁣COVID19 #parenting #parents #beprepared #drbaldwinsays #pediatrics #childadvocacy
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