Dr. Nicole Baldwin

Confessions of a "Type A" Dr. Mom

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  • This is Me
  • Media
  • Home
  • Parenting
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  • This is Me
  • Media
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    Parenting,  Safety

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

    July 14, 2020 /

    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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    E-cigarettes: What Every Parent Needs To Know

    September 26, 2018

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

    September 13, 2018

    Tales of a Toxic Sideline Parent

    September 18, 2018
  • Safety

    Summer Camp and COVID-19

    May 30, 2020 /

    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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    school

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

    July 14, 2020

    Playdates and COVID-19

    May 26, 2020

    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 /

    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.Ā  According to the CDC there is currently no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through water, so just the function of being…

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    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    school

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

    July 14, 2020

    Tales of a Toxic Sideline Parent

    September 18, 2018

    Tik Tok…BOOM

    March 5, 2020
  • Parenting,  Wellness

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

    November 3, 2018 /

    I know that using the work ā€œjerkā€ 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.Ā 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

    You May Also Like

    E-cigarettes: What Every Parent Needs To Know

    September 26, 2018
    school

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

    July 14, 2020

    Be a Flu Fighter

    September 16, 2018
  • 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 ā€œJUULā€ was or that ā€œjuulingā€ 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 ā€œSex, Drugs and Rock n’ Rollā€ questions): Do you smoke cigarettes? Do you use marijuana or other drugs?Ā Do you drink alcohol? etc. I’m going to be honest here – I live under a bit of a rock and don’t read…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Summer Camp and COVID-19

    May 30, 2020

    Be a Flu Fighter

    September 16, 2018

    Tik Tok…BOOM

    March 5, 2020
  • 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 ā€œHUSTLE!!!ā€ 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…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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

    October 11, 2018

    Tik Tok…BOOM

    March 5, 2020

    E-cigarettes: What Every Parent Needs To Know

    September 26, 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…

    Read More
    Dr. Nicole Baldwin

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    Be a Flu Fighter

    September 16, 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

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

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The doctor is in…ish šŸ˜… Day 11 after my hip s The doctor is in…ish šŸ˜…

Day 11 after my hip surgery and I did a few telemedicine visits this morning to help offset the time I had to take off for recovery. Felt GREAT to flex my ā€œbrain musclesā€ a bit and to see a few of my patients’ parents today!

I will admit I don’t *love* telemedicine visits because I prefer the in person interaction without technology challenges AND I can’t really examine the child through the phone. That being said, I do like how convenient it is for all involved (esp. parents who are able to stay at work and just step away rather than taking that extra time off to drive to the office), not to mention that I could do this from home today when I’m technically still supposed to be ā€œoff work.ā€

I’d love to hear your thoughts about telemedicine visits for your kids…do you love them/hate them or somewhere in between? Drop your comments below šŸ‘‡

#pediatrician #pediatrics #telemedicine
#youwillbefound So many emotions today… I hon #youwillbefound 

So many emotions today…

I honestly can’t believe I’m posting this (because I don’t even like to cry in front of family/friends let alone thousands of strangers 🫣), but here goes. 

I’m having hip surgery in 2 days so today was my last opportunity to ride my @onepeloton for at least the next month. 

I couldn’t decide what ride I wanted to do - and then I found this @dearevanhansen ride for #mentalhealthawarenessmonth and I knew it would be just what I needed. 

And this song was just the warm up šŸ˜…

Sometimes even those that appear the strongest still break. This morning all of my fear and anxiety about what’s to come came out on my bike. And it felt SOOO DAMN GOOD!!

I’m still learning that vulnerability is actually a sign of strength and not weakness. So this is me - being vulnerable.

My hope is that by sharing my journey, you will know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE in your struggles, your fears and your anxiety. 

It may be hard, but it’s OK to reach out for help. Find your troop that will raise you up - and if you need to get on a bike, go for a run or a swim and just let the waterworks flow - go for it!!

✨If you’ve never listened to the soundtrack from Dear Evan Hansen - please do it…now! It’s soooo good!!

#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters @iamicaniwillido #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness #drbaldwinsays
It’s been a minute…but the international sensa It’s been a minute…but the international sensation is BACK!!

Wednesday - 4/26/23 - 8e/7c.

We’ll give y’all a life update, answer your questions and probably talk about some sciencey stuff too. 

Hope to see you LIVE!!

#masksofflive #science #medicalcommunicators
LIFE UPDATE šŸŒ¤ļø Some of you may have noticed LIFE UPDATE šŸŒ¤ļø

Some of you may have noticed that I’ve been absent from social for a bit. 

I’ve posted in the past about my mental health struggles and it came to a point that I really needed to focus on ME. 

I was feeling withdrawn and just down and posting smiley/happy content didn’t feel authentic. 

BUT the sun is starting to shine again (both literally and figuratively). I have a wonderful therapist who has been helping me tremendously and I’ve really been focusing on my sleep, my exercise, and getting out with my friends/family. 

ALSO - after years of chronic pain in my back/hip, I FINALLY have a diagnosis and I’m preparing for surgery in a few weeks. I’m a bit nervous but mostly REALLY excited to be able to get back to pain free days!!

Soooo - I’m still here and I’ll be back to posting regular content when I’m ready. Until then, take care of yourself and take breaks when you need to 😘

#mentalhealthmatters #takeabreak #mentalhealthawareness #drbaldwinsays
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 šŸ‘‡šŸ‘‡šŸ‘‡

#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!! šŸŽ„šŸŽāœØšŸŽ¤

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

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 ā¤ļøšŸŽ„). 

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 šŸ˜…). 

*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 ā€œnormalā€ temperature is…even the kiddo who lives at 97.7 still doesn’t have a ā€œfeverā€ 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?

ā€¼ļøFever in a child 2 mos. of age or younger can be an emergency and your doctor should be notified right away. 

ā€¼ļøFever in a child who is immunocompromised or receiving immune suppressing medications (like oral steroids) also needs immediate attention. 

ā—ļøFever for more than 72 hours (or 24-48 hrs in kids under 2 years) should be evaluated. 

Other worrisome signs:
āš ļøDehydration (dry mouth/lips/decreased wet diapers)
āš ļøStiff neck
āš ļøSevere headache
āš ļøSevere sore throat
āš ļøVery ill appearing or drowsy (esp. when fever is controlled)
āš ļø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 ā€œseeā€ 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 šŸ’—

#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
ā€œSmile for the cameraā€ Isn’t that what we d ā€œSmile for the cameraā€

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 ā€œmehā€ 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 šŸ™„ 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 šŸŽƒ #pediatrician #pediatrics # Happy Halloween šŸŽƒ 

#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 ā¤ļø if your family is protected šŸ‘‡
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:

ā¬‡ļø risk of substance use
ā¬‡ļø feelings of depression
ā¬‡ļø disordered eating

ā¬†ļø self-esteem
ā¬†ļø 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?

āœ… Plan ahead (what night or morning is everyone home at the same time)
āœ… Think outside the box (lunch on a weekend or breakfast each day still counts)
āœ… 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 ā€œLoving You Big,ā€ 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 ā€œthe moldā€ (whatever ā€œthe moldā€ 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 ā€œbratā€ or ā€œpoorly parentedā€ - 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 #į“ accinessavelives #influenza
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