Ask Dr.Mom on KCRA 3

I’m thrilled to announce that yesterday, I completed my first TV segment with Deirdre Fitzpatrick on KCRA, my 58. This is a Ask Dr.Mom segment in which viewers can submit their burning pediatric questions to Deirdre on her facebook site, or on the KCRA-3 facebook site.

Yesterday, I answered three questions from viewers regarding picky eaters, sunscreen safety, and kids getting their heads stuck in small places (really).

Click on the link below to see my segment, then read on to get more information about each topic, in my “nutshell” recap.

http://www.kcra.com/video/28476060/detail.html

I hope you find these helpful and if you have a question you would like to be featured, please submit it to Deirdre via KCRA-3.

• Very common, it truly is a phase.
• Do your part. Offer variety of healthy foods. Rest is up to your child.
• Put a favorite food on your child’s plate, then encourage to “taste” everything else.
• Give choices between two healthy options.
• Involve child in food preparation whenever possible.
• No battles, make mealtimes as peaceful as possible.
• Be silly. Peas can be called “green power balls”.
• Make it relevant to them. Talk to them about their body needing the protein, fiber, and vitamins found in healthy food options to grow, run, jump, and kick a soccer ball.
• Big picture. Try not dissect each meal but rather what your child ate over the course of the week.
• Give a multivitamin to fill in the gaps and put your mind at ease.
• Relax. Your child will thrive and grow through this picky eating phase. She will.
• Read these related posts: The Picky Eaters Club and Picky Little Eater

Sunscreen

• Sunscreen is essential part of sun protection package. Don’t skip it.
• Children’s skin is more sensitive and permeable to lotions and chemicals, so do choose wisely.
• Choose one that is broad spectrum (UVA/UVB coverage), PABA free, and fragrance free.
• Should have SPF of at least 15. SPF 30 or 45 is ideal. Above that is overkill.
• Choose non-chemical sunscreens for your child. Those that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are best.
• Many sunscreens contain chemicals such as retinyl palmitate or oxybenzone, that have not been proven harmful, however, they have not been proven safe either.
• Check the Environmental Working Group website www.ewg.org to see how your sunscreen measures up.
• See these related posts: Sunscreen Safety Tips and Keeping Baby Safe in the Sun.

What is your burning pediatric question?