Seeing your little one coughing or sniffly can be heartbreaking. Not to mention exhausting for both of you. So, whether you’re already battling a cold around your house or want to be prepared for the next bout of illness, here are 10 parent-proven ways to soothe and comfort your sick baby. As always, consult your pediatrician about these and other remedies.

1. Get to know your nasal aspirator.
As parents, we have to do gross things. It’s inevitable. And when your baby has a ridiculously runny or stuffy nose but can’t blow it, we have to step in and clear that stuff out ourselves. Whether you use a snot sucker like a bulb aspirator, the NoseFrida, or an electronic nasal aspirator like the NoseBot to do the dirty work, you’ll be glad you did when your baby can breathe (and sleep!) easily again.

2. Treat congestion with saline.
Saline has been known to work wonders against congestion. Lay your little one down on his/her back and tilt the chin back just slightly. You can then gently spray two or three drops of saline into each nostril. It works best when followed by a nasal aspirator. Yep, you can't get away from that step.

3. Steam it up!
When your baby is congested, sleep is almost impossible. (For you and your babe.) One way of easing the congestion is by making things hot and steamy. Running a hot shower and hanging out in the steamy bathroom for a while can give you relief.

4. Run a cool-mist humidifier.
If steam isn’t your thing, a cool-mist humidifier can take some dryness out of the air. With the heat running in the house and the dry winter air, stuffiness is almost certain. Run the humidifier while your baby sleeps to offer some much-needed relief.

5. Oatmeal. It’s not just for breakfast.
With dry winter air, dry skin is not far behind. If your little one has red, dry, itchy skin, try a soothing oatmeal bath. Grind up some oatmeal in a blender or food processor and sprinkle a half cup of the powder into the bath as the water is running. Be sure to mix it all up and let your baby get a good soak. Around 15 minutes is the most they’ll likely need. Be careful: The oatmeal tends to make the bath pretty slippery.

6. Cuddles & more cuddles.
There’s nothing quite like a long snuggle with a parent when a little one has a cold. Even better when it can be skin-to-skin. In fact, being placed directly on a parent's skin is thought to help lower a fever. Get your baby down to the diaper, cover up with a blanket, and settle in for a nice, long cuddle.

7. Fluids. Fluids. Fluids.
Preventing dehydration when your baby has a cold is critical. If your baby is under 8 months, breastmilk and formula are the best options for fluids. Offer them often to help with dehydration; plus it gives that extra comfort sick babies need. For older babes, water tops the list.

8. Lukewarm baths.
If your baby feels warm or has a slight fever, putting them in a tepid or lukewarm bath can help. Join your baby in the bath to make it extra comforting. Just be mindful of the temperature of the water. Keep it even and avoid too much heat or cold for best results.

9. Try a little sweet & sour.
For babies over a year old, honey & lemon help with a sore throat or cough. Lemon is known to dry up congestion, and honey offers a soothing coating for their throats. But this is only safe if your baby is over one year old. If they’ve passed that stage, mix the ingredients and warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave. Once it has cooled to a lukewarm temperature, give your little one a teaspoon to drink.

10. Get out into the cool air.
There’s nothing like fresh, cool air to cure what ails you. Believe it or not, a walk in cold, fresh air can help relieve the swelling and congestion your little one gets from a cough. So bundle everyone up and get outside! You could also use the distraction of a nice walk.

It’s better late than never when it comes to getting vaccinated for the flu

If you’ve been wondering whether to get your flu shot, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it with a resounding yes. Even though the weather is still warm and you’re probably not thinking about the flu yet, experts at both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that adults and children over six months old should get the new 2022-2023 vaccine to prevent the spread of influenza.

The CDC has released all the info you need to know about this year’s specific influenza virus strands and when you should make your appointment to get vaccinated.

CDC/Unsplash

Why should people get vaccinated against flu?

With Covid-19 dominating our lives for the past few years, its easy to see how Influenza took a backseat––but it can still be deadly. The flu leads to hospitalizations and death for thousands of people every year from complications like bacterial pneumonia and chronic health issues like diabetes and congestive heart failure.

Because every flu season is different, getting the vaccine gives everyone the best possible chance to fight the flu. Even though you may still contract the virus, vaccines have been shown to lessen the severity of symptoms and side effects which means less time missing work and school.

How do flu vaccines work?

Your body needs antibodies to help provide protection against influenza, and vaccines help them to develop as soon as two weeks after getting the jab. Seasonal flu vaccines are specifically designed to fight certain flu strands projected to be the most common in the U.S and fight against four viruses: an influenza A(H1N1) virus, an influenza A(H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses.

When should I get vaccinated?

Don’t wait until your friends and family start dropping like flies from the flu. September and October are great times to get vaccinated for anyone six months and older. Most flu vaccines will become available starting in September, and while you shouldn’t wait until the season is in full force, even getting vaccinated in November and later is a good choice. With flu season peaking in February, the earlier you can protect yourself, the better.

Adults 65 years and older should not get vaccinated too early, to ensure proper protection during the entire flu season. On the flip side, children can get vaccinated as early as July or August. If you’re pregnant, be sure to check with your physical on getting immunized during your third trimester.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

As mentioned above, each flu season is unique and annual vaccines are developed to combat the specific strands prevalent that year. Getting a flu shot every year also offers protection for waning immunization from the year prior.

Does flu vaccine work right away?

Immunization reaches optimal protection levels two weeks after vaccination. This is why it’s of utmost importance to get your flu shot before everyone in your community starts spreading the virus.

 

You can read more about this year’s influenza season and vaccines on the CDC website.

 

The CDC is reporting higher than normal flu activity, and although February is typically peak flu season, they predict it will continue to be elevated for several weeks.

With all the media focus on the Omicron variant, I have had a lot of parents reaching out wanting to know if it is too late for a flu shot. As a pediatrician, I know the importance of protecting ourselves against influenza, but as a mother, I dread the tears and drama from vaccinations. Of course, if we are going to put our children and ourselves through the stress of “the flu shot” we want to know—is it worth it?

It has been reported that the flu vaccine is only 30% effective against the flu, with such low efficiency, is it even worth putting my child through a flu shot?

I believe that some protection is better than no protection. Influenza is most dangerous for the younger population and the elderly. There are many dangerous and even fatal complications from the influenza virus, so getting your child vaccinated is the best way to protect them from getting the flu, or to help lessen the severity of the flu symptoms.

Does the flu vaccine protect against H3N2?

During the last flu seasons, it was determined that the flu vaccine’s effectiveness against the H3N2 strain was approximately 32%. However, this year’s vaccine has been found to be a mismatch for the H3N2 strain, meaning it’s much less effective than in prior years. Nevertheless, getting the flu shot means you’ll be less likely to become seriously ill.

Is it too late to get the flu vaccine?

No, not at all. It takes an average of two weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective. Even though flu season is estimated to peak in late January, flu season is not officially over until May. Getting your child vaccinated now will help protect them against the flu season’s second peak in early spring.

Is there a vaccine in the form of a nasal spray?

Unfortunately, the CDC found that the nasal spray didn’t prevent cases of the flu between 2013 and 2016. Therefore, it is no longer recommended or available in the form of a nasal spray.

If my child is allergic to eggs, can he still get the influenza vaccine?

Health experts say that the amount of egg allergen in the vaccine is so tiny that it is safe even for kids with a severe egg allergy. I recommend that if your child has an egg allergy, you should get the flu shot in a doctor’s office with appropriate supervision, not at a supermarket or drugstore.

Here are five things parents need to know before their child gets a flu shot:

  1. Flu Shots for Babies: Children under the age of 6 months can not get the flu shot, however, they have the highest risk of complications if they get sick with the flu. So, if you have other children in the house that go to school, it is imperative you get them vaccinated to prevent them from giving it to your infant. In addition, research shows that infants get some protection from the flu if their mothers get a flu shot while they are pregnant.
  2. Multiple Doses: If your child has never gotten the flu shot before and is under the age of nine, they are going to need to receive two separate shots of the vaccine.
  3. Call Ahead: If you going to go to your pediatrician to get the flu shot, call ahead and see if you can make a nursing appointment, or make your appointment the first available appointment of the day. I can’t tell you how many children go to the doctor to get their flu shot and catch something else while they are waiting to be seen.
  4. Your Child Can Still Get the Flu: Depending upon the vaccine you are giving, you are protected against 3 to 4 strains of the influenza virus. Therefore, although the vaccine lowers your chance of getting the virus and probably lessens the severity of the symptoms, it does not guarantee that you will not get the flu. If your child has gotten the flu shot, but still shows symptoms of the flu, have them evaluated by their pediatrician.
  5. The Unavoidable Ouchie: The injection itself can cause a lot of tenderness to the area where the shot was given. You can lightly massage the area for an hour after the injection. It significantly decreases the pain to that area.  Also, don’t be too alarmed: your child might experience mild flu-like symptoms after receiving the vaccination.

I hope this helps you as you brave what’s shaping up to be a historic flu season.

(And as always, check with your own healthcare provider before taking any medical advice you might read here.)

 

 

RELATED STORIES:

Twindemic Tips: How to Handle the Winter Flu & COVID

14 Mom-Tested Home Remedies to Fight Colds & Flu

I Think My Kid Has the Flu—Now What?

 

Dr. Katie Friedman
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

My name is Dr. Katie Friedman and I am a board certified pediatrician, wife, mother of two and a sister to three siblings. Along with my sisters, I co-founded Forever Freckled, a website dedicated to helping people with pets, children and everyday lifest‌yle. Come join us in our journey! 

 

 

 

If you are lucky, there is a grandparent just waiting to get their hands on your little one for a night or two. Making sure Grandma's house is safe, stocked and ready to go for a visit is your key to regular date nights! We have some suggestions to make visits to Grandma's house as fun and stress-free as possible for everyone involved. 

4Moms

1. A Place to Sleep & Play
Your little one needs safe spots to nap, sleep and play at Grandma's house! The good news is you don't need to take over their home and set up a separate nursery and playroom for your tiny tot to feel like they are at home. Get a great travel crib, like the 4Moms Breeze Plus above, you can use for overnights with the grandparents (and when you travel farther away). As a test run, let your little one spend some time, or even nap, in the travel crib at your place so they are not adjusting to both that and sleeping in new surroundings. If you don't already have one at home, check out a service like BabyQuip that will deliver one right to Grandma's front door. 

2. Baby Gate
Babies who are mobile, including crawlers, need baby gates on stairs to keep them safe. But there is no need to drill holes in the walls. Pressure-mounted baby gates will work on most stairs. This type of baby gate does not require any permanent hardware to be installed to be used safely. Instead, tension keeps these gates in place. That means you can remove them when you head home. To cut down on expenses, use the same gate in your home and bring it with you when you visit. 

3. Cabinet & Door Locks
Just like at home, it's important to keep little ones away from sharp objects, cleaning supplies, medications and other everyday household items that could pose a threat to baby's safety. Adhesive, magnetic cabinet and door locks are a great solution. These locks from Eco-Baby do not require any drilling to install, and they can be activated or de-activated with built-in latches. That means grandparents can babyproof her cabinets and drawers only when their favorite little person is over for a visit and open them freely when their house is a baby-free zone.

4. Outlet Covers
Once a baby starts crawling and for many years afterward, outlet covers are a must. These are small, unobtrusive, inexpensive, only need to be installed once, and are easy to remove. Just arrive at Grandma's house with a box and this babyproofing item can be knocked off your list in under 10 minutes! 

Motorola

5. Baby Monitor
Grandma and Grandpa will need to keep an ear open for when baby wakes up from a nap or emits middle-of-the-night cries of hunger. Functionality and ease is the name of the game when it comes to a grandparent-friendly baby monitor. The Motorola Touch Connect has a large touchscreen for viewing, two-way communication and comes with pre-loaded lullabies. Plus, if Grandma accidentally wanders out of range with it, an alarm will go off.   

6. First Aid Kit
Buy a baby first aid kit to send to Grandma's house or make one of your own. If you go the DIY route, include some basic first aid and grooming items. A nasal aspirator, baby pain reliever and a thermometer are a must. Because no one likes getting scratched by little nails, try a grandma-friendly bbluv electric nail trimmer, which uses tiny emery boards rather than clippers to get the job done. To add a little humor to baby's stay, an Oh Sh*t Kit Max from Rafi Nova contains a variety of everyday essentials and hacks to make sure Grandma is prepared for (almost) any situation. Consider including a form that allows grandparents to consent to medical treatment in case of emergency. 

7. Make Grandma's Life Easier
Once baby starts solids, a couple of hacks can make a visit easier: Pack a variety of baby- or toddler-size portions of foods in a Bentgo box that Grandma can use for feedings at home or on the go. Make clean-up easier with the gift of a cordless wet-dry floor cleaner like a SLYDE. If more than one grandchild will be visiting, label everything with stickers from Mabel's Labels that are waterproof and nearly indestructible. 

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured photo: iStock

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The sniffles, a bug, a common cold—no matter what you call it, being sick is a pain, and seeing your tiny human under the weather is tough on parents. While you may not be able to fully prevent your little one from catching a virus, there are some steps you can take to help your odds and ways to make things easier on your family when you have a child feeling out of sorts.

We talked to Dr. Amna Husain, a board-certified pediatrician at Pure Direct Pediatrics in Malrboro, New Jersey and mom of one, about her tips for making cold and cough season a little easier on her young patients. Read on for her ten tips to survive cold and cough season:

This post is sponsored by Children’s Delsym, the #1 pediatrician recommended children’s 12-hour cough suppressant* as well as the most recommended children’s cough medication by pharmacists.**

The Common Cold Is Very Common

Ermolaev Alexander via Shutterstock

We’ll start with some tough news: your kid will likely get sick. “It is really normal to have a cold. The common cold is caused by a lot of different viruses,” says Dr. Husain. “There’s tons of viruses out there, and it’s very normal for a child to get eight to twelve colds a year.” The good news: The sniffles are usually not something to stress about, and the average cold will last three to seven days—so you don’t have to worry about them being under the weather for too long.

Remember the Basics

You already know the easiest way to prevent illness, and you child probably does too. “It really goes back to the mainstay of things that we’ve heard so commonly like wash your hands and cover your cough,” says Dr. Husain. Remind little ones to wash their hands when they leave the bathroom, before they eat, when they come in from being outside and after they sneeze, to name a few. Now is also a great time to refresh your kid’s memory about coughing and sneezing into their elbow or into a tissue, when possible.

Sanitize Smartly

As a mom herself, Dr. Husain knows the importance of on-the-go options: “Nothing will ever replace soap and water, but hand sanitizer is incredibly convenient.” If you’re using hand sanitizer, Dr. Husain says to look for a sanitizer that is at least seventy percent alcohol, which will be listed on the back of the bottle. It’s also important to use hand sanitizer correctly, which means rubbing it onto your hands until it dries naturally, as opposed to wiping off excess.

Know What to Look For

fizkes via Shutterstock

Each child and each sickness will look a little different, but there are a few things you’ll want to check no matter what.

Fever: Kids can be sick with or without a fever, but if they are running a temp, Dr. Husain says the main thing to look for is that the fever is going away, either on its own or with proper dosing of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If fever is not going down with the appropriate dosing of antipyretic medications or persists beyond 3 to 5 days, contact their pediatrician.

Hydration: When your little one is sick, there’s a good chance they won’t want to eat. Rather than focusing on appetite, Dr. Husain suggests closely monitoring their hydration. “When your child doesn’t get enough hydrating fluids and, they can get tired, lose energy and even begin to appear sick are much faster,” she says. If you have a young child, Dr. Husain says the number of diapers they put out is a good indicator—three to five wet diapers is ideal. With older kids, checking the color of their urine can let you know if they’re hydrated. 

Energy: Parents know their children’s energy levels. When they’re sick but still playing, it likely means they’re fighting the virus off just fine. But if they’re truly lethargic and having difficulty waking from a nap, that’s when it can become worrisome. "As a pediatrician, that’s something I want to know about," says Dr. Husain. 

This post is sponsored by Children’s Delsym, the #1 pediatrician recommended children’s 12-hour cough suppressant* as well as the most recommended children’s cough medication by pharmacists.**

Check for Retractions

You remember contractions, but do you know about retractions? “If your child is really struggling to get air in, you can see their muscles working,” says Dr. Husain. “We call these retractions.” Retractions can look like their belly popping in and out, the muscles in between their rib cage pulling in and out or their clavicles poking in and out.  If you’re noticing retractions in your kiddo’s breathing, it may be a sign that they’re struggling to get air—and a reason to get in touch with your pediatrician.

Partner

Pick the Right Cough Syrup

kornnphoto via Shutterstock

If your kid is old enough, cough syrup can be a game changer on sick days. “I often tell parents you have to look at what’s in cough syrups because there is such a big variety,” says Dr. Husain. “You have to focus in on what you’re trying to treat.” If you’re using a cough syrup, first make sure that you are giving your child medication that is FDA approved for their age. Look for a cough medicine that covers the symptoms you’re trying to treat (cough, runny nose, nighttime relief) and double check the dosing.

Children’s Delsym® provides 12-hour cough relief and multi-symptom treatment just for kids. Children’s Delsym® has a single active ingredient, dextromethorphan, and is free from pain relievers, sulfites and alcohol—which some kids may be sensitive or allergic to. Whether your child has a cough, cold, or chest congestion, Children’s Delsym ® relieves their symptoms and helps little ones feel better. If you’re dealing with more than a cough, Delsym has Cough+ products for both adults and children with daytime and nighttime formulas. Plus, it comes in two flavors: orange and grape. 

Stop the Snot with Saline

No matter how many times they blow their nose, the snot still stays. “Saline helps to clear the nasal passages, which loosens the mucus and helps them to breathe a little easier,” says Dr. Husain. She suggests using saline nasal drops and suctioning or a saline spray after bath time (when steam has helped loosen everything up) or before they go down to sleep to prevent a post-nasal drip that may cause middle-of-the-night coughs.

Cuddles Could Be a Cure

Tomsickova Tatyana via Shutterstock

Sniffles mixed with exhaustion is a recipe for disaster. “If they’re in the safe age group, you can let them sleep near you,” says Dr. Husain. “That way you can keep an eye on them, and you’re able to comfort little ones.” A warm drink can also be your best friend before bed: think warm milk with honey, hot chocolate or tea.

This post is sponsored by Children’s Delsym, the #1 pediatrician recommended children’s 12-hour cough suppressant* as well as the most recommended children’s cough medication by pharmacists.**

Keep It Contained

What’s worse than a sick kid? Multiple sick kids. “The best thing you can do is make sure that your little one who is sick stays to their room, if possible,” says Dr. Husain. She also suggests designating their own bathroom apart from other kids and holding off on sharing toys, utensils and anything else for a few days.

If You’re Concerned, Call Your Pediatrician

As a parent, it’s stressful to wonder if it’s just the sniffles or potentially something more serious. “If you’re considering going to the emergency room or an urgent care, try to talk to your pediatrician before you make a decision go somewhere,” says Dr. Husain. Your pediatrician may be able to help you determine where to go next, if needed, and can help your little one get the care level they need.

 

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Dr. Syeda Amna Husain

Dr. Amna Husain is a board-certified concierge pediatrician providing quality pediatric care to children of all ages throughout Marlboro, NJ. At her private practice she offers a wide spectrum of services for young children including acute and non-acute sick and well-care visits, physical examinations, minor procedures, and lactation services for mothers.

* Based on the QuintilesIMS ProVoice Survey, 2016
** Based on Pharmacy Times’ OTC Guide 2016-2017

Even within the chaos of this pandemic, kids are still experiencing usual “kid stuff.” In my pediatric office, we are still seeing children for typical bumps, bruises, and bellyaches. It is also the time of year when kids are beginning to experience seasonal allergy symptoms. Different than previous allergy seasons, however, is that this year’s symptoms are causing more anxiety. Parents are (appropriately) worrying that any cough or sniffle is coronavirus. Now is the time to be reminded of the critical distinctions between viral illnesses and seasonal allergies.

If you can remember life just a few short weeks ago, you were calling your pediatrician when your child “looked sick.” And this shouldn’t change. We are expecting you to call our offices when you are worried. Things like sudden onset of fever, extreme fatigue, aches and pains, decreased eating, and trouble sleeping are signs concerning of a viral illness. Although children with coronavirus are typically experiencing milder symptoms than older individuals, a child with these symptoms should trigger a call to your child’s doctor for advice. 

The key difference between allergies versus viral illnesses is the absence of fever and the presence of itch. Kids with allergies will have itchy or swollen eyes, itching or runny nose, and sneezing. Some kids will even get a sore throat or cough when pollen counts get high. In short, allergy kids look uncomfortable, but they don’t “look sick.” To help your child feel better, you should feel comfortable and confident using simple modifications at home and over-the-counter medications.  

Here are a few other things to know about seasonal allergies: 

Babies and toddlers do not suffer from seasonal allergies. Since young children are exposed to trees, grasses, and flowers for only a few weeks each year, it takes many seasons to react to various types of pollen. Also, sneezing during the first weeks of life is a healthy way babies can clear mucous from their nose and throat. A baby sneeze is not an allergic sneeze. 

Parents underestimate the significance of untreated seasonal allergies in kids. Uncontrolled allergies can lead to inattention at home and school, poor academic performance, worsened athletic performance, and less quality sleep. If your child seems to more fatigued or having an unexpected lower performance at home, school, or after playing outside, consider seasonal allergies as a possible cause.

Great seasonal allergy control starts with keeping pollen outside of your house. When local pollen counts are high, a few changes to the daily routine can prevent sticky pollen from getting into the places children sleep and play. Changing your child’s clothes after spending time outside, washing her face and hair every night, and keeping the window closed (especially on windy days) will help to keep the pollen out. Don’t worry about air purifiers or gadgets that promise to reduce indoor pollen levels. The best practice is to keep pollen out of your house from the start. 

Not all over-the-counter medications work the same. Some allergy treatments can result in undesired drowsiness or “zombie”-like behavior during the waking hours. Nasal steroid sprays help nasal congestion and watery eyes but can take up to a week to work. For fast and effective control of intermittent seasonal allergy symptoms, doctors recommend long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamines like Children’s Allegra. These medications are safe and effective on sneezing, drippy noses, itching eyes, and lasts throughout the entire day.

Pediatricians around the country have made impressive changes in their offices to keep kids and parents safe, and most are willing to talk through action plans virtually. If you have any questions or worry about any symptoms your child is showing, please reach out. We are ready and willing to help. 

Dr. Natasha Burgert
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Dr. Natasha Burgert is a board-certified pediatrician, nationally recognized child health expert, writer, and mom of two. After completing pediatric training at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, she now lives in Kansas City. She provides full-time patient care at Pediatric Associates in Overland Park, KS and serves on the Board of Directors.

 

Once you start to plan out your “home for the holidays” travel, yo might forget to think about how you and your baby might be exposed to germs and viruses during air travel or visiting your family and their kiddos. 

The risk of a cold or flu to both mom and baby can be serious—with things like reduced milk production and a host of other issues—but there are many precautions that you can take so that you can travel and still feel safe and protected. 

Here are some general tips to keep you and baby healthy during the contagious holiday travel months. 

Make Hand Washing a Priority: Make sure your toddlers or school age children wash their hands with soap and water when they arrive home. Get into the habit of washing your hands thoroughly and using hand sanitizer before touching the baby.

Ask Your Sick Relatives to Wait Until They Are Better: It’s not rude to ask people to make sure they are healthy before they visit. For anyone that’s been recently sick, two weeks of symptom-free health before they get anywhere near you or your little one should be standard. 

Reduce Exposure: Young or school age children pose the highest risk exposure to viruses and bacteria. Change school-age kid’s clothes once they get home, and have them use a small amount of hand sanitizer before touching a newborn.

Avoid Stuffy Places: Mamas and infants should avoid stuffy, poorly ventilated places where other at-risk individuals gather. Pathogens are equally passed through airborne and touch, and no ventilation keeps the little buggers stuck in stuffy spaces

Consider a Flu Shot as Prevention: Often flu shots are covered by insurance. If you’ve had a good experience with flu shots in the past, consider it before the flu season starts.

Look for these early signs of fever or head cold symptoms: 

  • Nasal drainage
  • Cough
  • Difficulty feeding
  • Low urine output

If you or your baby have any of these above symptoms, head straight to your doctor to try and catch a sickness early while it can still be treated. 

Rather than feel a little stressed about the possibility of getting sick or arriving with a sick baby on your hip, you can feel a little better knowing that there are many things you can do during these weeks leading up to the festivities, to make sure your holidays are healthy and happy for everyone. You can also check out our in-house nurse Kelly’s useful tips on traveling with your baby and keeping both of you safe and comfortable. 

 

Linda M. Hanna, RNC, MSN/Ed., IBCLC, and co-founder of Mahmee, has been a registered nurse since 1978. She pioneered the Great Starts program at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, which was so successful it was adopted by Kaiser locations throughout the US. She also developed Cedars-Sinai's Lactation Education program. 

Every parent knows how distressing it is when their child requires immediate medical attention. Brave Care, a new pediatric urgent care, takes the panic out of childhood emergencies at their comforting clinic in northeast Portland. Their pediatric team works exclusively with kids and provides the best health care while making families feel at ease. Read on to learn more about this dream come true in your time of need.

Brave Care Is Just What the Doctor Ordered

It’s inevitable that every kid will experience the mishaps that are par for the course in youth—from middle-of-the-night fevers to broken bones. What’s no longer inevitable for Portland parents: a stress-laden visit to the emergency room. Thankfully, Brave Care has retooled the entire urgent care dynamic by offering friendly, reliable, affordable care in a setting designed to make kids feel at home.

The Doctors Are In… 7 Days a Week, Evenings Too

Accidents happen and illness strikes typically outside of normal doctor’s office hours. The last thing you want to figure out on the fly is where to take your little one for help.

The team at Brave Care is on call to greet walk-ins 7 days a week, 365 days a year at all times of day––whether it’s during your work hours, after-hours (they’re open until 10 p.m. on weeknights) and even on weekends. They know parents have busy schedules and that emergencies and sickness are unpredictable, so they offer flexible hours to better serve your family. Parents can walk-in or schedule appointments online.

A Picture of Health: Services Provided

When your kiddo is sick or injured, you don’t want to drag him or her on multiple trips to different locales for treatment––like having to leave urgent care to drive across town and wait hours to have a broken bone X-rayed! Brave Care is capable of treating a broad array of childhood illnesses and ailments. Some of their services include care for allergies, fevers, eye problems, UTIs, concussions, asthma, fracture care––and procedures including stitches, tissue glue for minor wounds, on-site X-rays, IV medications and fluids, laboratory services, mild nasal sedation for uncomfortable procedures and much more.

Good to know: Brave Care also offers sports physicals for back to school and treats adolescents in addition to little kids.

Payment Options in Plain Sight, No Hidden Costs

You have enough to worry about with regard to your kid’s well-being, so why add to your woes with confusing pricing and unpredictable billing? Brave Care offers expert pediatric medical services that are low-cost and convenient.

The Clinic eliminates the mystery of costs surrounding emergency medicine by offering clear, self-pay pricing (ranging from $150-$250 based on your child’s needs) that includes all necessary services and ensures that there are no surprises or outrageous charges for families who don’t have insurance or have limited insurance options. Brave Care also takes insurance and has a full list of accepted providers on their website.

First Aid

When accidents happen or childhood illness strikes, it’s a relief for Portland parents to know that Brave Care has got their back. Put this clinic on speed dial and when the need arises, schedule an appointment or stop in to see for yourself that being brave in your family’s hour of need has never been easier.

Brave Care Portland
6924 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR 97213
503-963-7963
Online: bravecare.com
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––Beth Shea

Editor’s note: Any medical advice presented here is expressly the views of the writer and Red Tricycle cannot verify any claims made. Please consult with your healthcare provider about what works best for you.

April showers MAY bring flowers, but along with those beautiful blooming flowers comes allergy season for many! As a South Florida native, where the pollination period is longer and stronger than the rest of the U.S., I have found there are some appropriate ways to get relief during this time of year. If you are a nursing mother who suffers from allergies, here are a few things to keep in mind while combating allergy season.

Medicinal Myths for Mothers
“Many mothers are inappropriately advised to discontinue breastfeeding or avoid taking essential medications because of fears of adverse effects on their infants,” according to a study by the Academy of American Pediatric (AAP).  This may be an overly cautious approach given that only a small proportion of medications are contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers or associated with adverse effects on their infants. However, it is important to not only take into consideration harmful side effects, but also how these medications may impact things like milk production, as some antihistamines might.  So, your first step before heading to your local pharmacy and taking any further action should be to contact your physician or baby’s pediatrician for additional information on which allergy medications are recommended and which are the few to definitely stay away from as a nursing mother.

If it turns out that you need to stay away from your normal allergy medicine, there are several over-the-counter options available for allergy sufferers that won’t hurt you, your baby, or require you to stop nursing. For example, saline nasal spray is usually considered to be a safe product for breastfeeding women. Either way, consulting with a doctor is how you can make better, well-informed decisions about your breastfeeding health this Spring and beyond!

Educate Yourself
It may seem silly, but another way to outsmart allergies is by quickly checking the day’s pollen count on any weather app already installed on your smartphone. I know what you’re thinking, but prevention is key for those mothers who may have asthma, eczema, or other hereditary conditions. If you’re willing to do the extra credit, quickly research the plants in your surroundings as you’ll discover which ones produce more pollen than others.

These tips will greatly minimize your exposure to pollen-related allergy symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, trouble sleeping and congestion– all of which are not fun to experience while breastfeeding or keeping a strict pumping schedule.

This post originally appeared on Imalac.
Rachael Sablotsky Kish
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Rachael Sablotsky Kish is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Imalac, a med-tech company which created Nurture, a hands-free breast massage system for nursing mothers that uses an attachable massage component to replicate hands-on pumping. Kish is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), educating and training women on breastfeeding.

For new parents struggling with postpartum depression—or any adult struggling with depression, for that matter—a new option for treatment has finally become available. The U.S Food & Drug Administration just approved a nasal spray antidepressant for adults.

The FDA just approved a Johnson & Johnson nasal spray antidepressant called esketamin, which will be sold under the brand name Spravato. The new drug is the first antidepressant to be approved in over 30 years and will be used specifically for patients who are resistant to other treatments for depression.

photo: Kendal James via Unsplash

Unlike other antidepressants that can take up to four weeks to take effect, this new spray acts much faster, with clinical trails showing response in just 24 hours. The FDA has placed the drug under restrictive use, however, because it is a chemical mirror image of the anesthetic ketamine, which is also known as “Special K,” when abused as a street drug. Patients will only be able to use the spray in their doctor’s office or at a medical facility to prevent such abuse.

“Spravato has the potential to change the treatment paradigm and offer new hope to the estimated one-third of people with major depressive disorder who have not responded to existing therapies,” said Mathai Mammen, global head of J&J’s Janssen Research & Development.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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