Because measles is an evolving situation we will continue to provide updates when it is appropriate to do so. There is now a confirmed case of measles in Austin-Travis County. Austin Public Health reported this news on Friday, Feb 28. The patient is an infant, too young to be vaccinated, who likely acquired measles while…
Flu Vaccine —Children ages 6 months and up are eligible to receive a flu vaccine injection. —Children under 9 years of age receiving flu vaccine for the first time need 2 doses, given at least 4 weeks apart for optimal protection. —Healthy people, non-pregnant people ages 2 years—49 years old can receive Flumist nasal spray….
Although goat milk-based infant formula has been used for decades worldwide, it is new to the US infant formula market. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated their guidelines to acknowledge that infant formulas using cow, goat, or soy protein as a base and meet all FDA requirements and the US Infant Formula Act for…
As you may have heard, there is a significant shortage of the much-anticipated RSV monoclonal antibody shot (Beyfortus) for infants from 0-8 months of age. The manufacturer has a limited supply for this year’s RSV season (occurring now through April) and is unable to produce additional shots. Our practice has been able to obtain a…
Dr Ari Brown, author of Baby 411, now has a Sleeping Through The Night online class. Learn secrets and tips on how to establish healthy sleep habits and how to undo unhealthy ones, so everyone gets a better night’s sleep! Learn 5 ways to soothe a newborn, Safe Sleep and SIDS prevention, 3 sleep products…
Toxic Metals Found in Baby Food! Oh my! As if the winter storms and the pandemic wasn’t enough, the media had to find some new click-bait to keep us reading/watching/rolling our eyes and wondering when this dystopian nightmare will finally end. And now we (particularly pediatricians) have to deal with the Great Toxic Metal Baby…
Hi 411 Families! We are adding lots of helpful educational content (as well as some fun office photos) on our social media and Instagram seems to be the most happening place to house this info. We will occasionally post new videos and blogs on our website home, but please follow us on IG and let…
A major manufacturer of the acid reflux preparation ranitidine is voluntarily recalling the liquid preparation due to contamination concerns. For more info read release here. Please contact our office if your child is taking one of these medications to discuss alternative treatment options.
The latest edition of Baby 411 is here–completely updated with more helpful tips and info on breastfeeding, sleep, starting solid food, all those new ingredients in baby formulas– including the European ones. At Amazon and bookstores everywhere!
Terrorism, school shootings, bombs. There have been so many recent tragedies, unfortunately parents have had ample opportunity to tackle this conversation topic. But, for Austin parents now this is suddenly real… So, how do we reassure our kids and make them feel safe playing outside, walking on the sidewalk, or picking up a package on…
After looking at the data, the nation’s most highly regarded OB/GYN organization (ACOG) has released new guidelines on the right time to clamp and cut the umbilical cord after delivery. Studies show that both premature and full term infants benefit from the extra blood flowing from placenta to newborn for 30-60 seconds after delivery. So,…
Skip the fancy crib bedding and choose ‘room sharing’ over ‘bed sharing’ for at least the baby’s first six months, says the AAPs latest safe sleep guidance for babies. The reason for the new guidelines is simple — reduce sleep-related tragedies among babies (often called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). About 3,500 infants die each year…
A mixture of Halloween candy, spooky decorations and a later bedtime sounds like a recipe for a meltdown. But, it is possible to have a tantrum-free evening of trick-or-treating with your baby and toddler with a little planning. Here are 4 tips for a more stress-free Halloween. Talk about Halloween early. Discuss what to expect,…
The season of wheezing, sneezing and runny noses has just kicked off. Living in Austin, we have the (unlucky) privilege of having a long allergy season lasting through to April. How can you tell if it is a cold or allergy? And at what age can seasonal allergies begin? Having practiced in Austin for more…
If you have a child under the age of five chances are you’ve gone through a few rounds of stomach bugs. After respiratory illness, the “stomach flu” is the second most common illness among kids. These stomach illnesses are most often caused by a virus and have no relationship to flu (so a flu shot…
It’s a loud world we live in. From video games to surround-sound at home, from music through our ear buds to live music (which is constant in our great city), from construction to traffic (also constant but not great). Noise is everywhere. Collectively, all these loud noises can damage our hearing. The idea of hearing…
A recent study involving videos of sleeping infants found that most parents placed babies in unsafe sleep environments. So, where is the safest place for babies to sleep? And why is it so important to follow the rules? Dr. Cacey Adams answered these and other questions on KVUE-TV. (See the interview here.) Below are some of…
It’s the start germ-y season. This time of year usually commences with back-to-school, just when kids return to their daycare and classrooms. Sigh. On average, kids get up to eight colds a year. For babies and toddlers, it might be many more and include some other fun diseases like Hand-Foot-and-Mouth or Fifth’s Disease. And it’s…
Three days a week I’m a pediatrician. I help newborns through teenagers with their illnesses and injuries, general wellness and anything else that comes up related to kids’ health. All the time, I’m a mom. With two little ones under the age of four, I get what a lot of my patient families are going…
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Cacey Adams will be joining 411 Pediatrics at the end of July 2016. Dr. Adams has spent the last several years in training, working, and training future pediatricians at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. She is excited to be relocating to Austin with her family and joining our…
Great news! We will resume Sunday after hours care beginning on June 5, 2016. We are back on the regular schedule of 9a-1p both on Saturdays and Sundays. Due to summer vacations, there are a few dates that we will be closing at 5pm in June: June 15, June 16, and June 23. Thanks for…
Please welcome Dr Shubha Adeni, pediatrician for over 25 years, who is helping out in our practice and after hours care. Dr. Adeni has practiced in both the Rollingwood and Lakeway areas so you may already know her! If you don’t, take a moment to read her bio here.
RSV is here. Officially, it stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. But, if you are a parent with an RSV infected child, you might think it stands for Really Stinky Virus. What is it? And, what can you do about it? ‘Tis the season for Wheezin’…RSV is a very common winter viral respiratory infection. It’s…
Baby 411 makes Chelsea Clinton’s Required Reading list in US Weekly! “This is my go-to reference so I don’t bother Charlotte’s pediatrician!” What a fun surprise to find out that Chelsea Clinton found Baby 411 to be her favorite resource for babycare advice. Now that Charlotte has celebrated her first birthday, we hope her mom…
From all of us at 411 Pediatrics, we wish you a happy and safe Halloween! Yolanda and Megan (aka Rainbow Fish and Ariel) won our staff costume contest. We thought they had the most timely costumes since Austin was literally underwater today! Here are a few tips to keep your trick or treaters safe and…
Hey Everyone, I just wanted to let you know that Amazon is officially sold out of Baby 411 6th edition and the new Baby 411 7th edition (the one with the cool new cover!) is available for pre-order. It should be shipping in the next few weeks. Please let your friends know! Highlights of the…
Hand Foot and Mouth. This is the bug of the week! The official name of the virus causing this unpleasant malady is Coxsackievirus. So what is it? Hand foot and mouth (coxsackievirus) is a very common virus that makes its appearance every spring and summer. It is spread through saliva, so little kids who like…
Welcome to Oak Allergy Season in Austin! Austin is covered in a lovely blanket of yellow this week as the oak trees have turned their reproductive instincts into high gear. Those oak trees will be happily making lots of acorns. Meanwhile, we humans are suffering the consequences! About 40% of kids (usually age five and…
RSV is here. Officially, it stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. But, if you are a parent with an RSV infected child, you might think it stands for Really Stinky Virus. What is it? And, what can you do about it? ‘Tis the season for Wheezin’…RSV is a very common winter viral respiratory infection. It’s…
Over the course of my 20-year career in pediatrics, I have cared for all types of families. And, I have learned that there are many ways to be a good parent. There are a few golden rules for parents. Love your child unconditionally. Give him a nurturing and safe environment to thrive. And, treat your…
“Hello, this is CNN. We’d like you to speak with Hillary Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative next week. Can you come to New York for the day?” I don’t get phone calls like this too often…okay pretty much never. I replied, “Um, what do you want me to talk about?” The producer responded, “The…
Last week I was interviewed by MedPage Today about a study that found many pediatricians weren’t engaging in “the talk” with their pre-teen patients. Discussing sexuality with teens and tweens (a.k.a the birds and the bees) is a sensitive matter for the parent and the child. And setting the tone for a successful talk (trust…
Yes, toddler behaviors can be interesting and challenging—like those who prefer to be naked—at home and in public. Recently, a reader of the 411 book series I co-author emailed a question about her daughter undressing and refusing to put clothes on. I thought I’d share the question and response here in hopes that that the advice might…
Starting solids can be stressful for parents. Kids are fidgety, throw or spit up their food, refuse to eat, cry, make faces—creating a fun mealtime environment of high blood pressure! Let’s face it, we all worry…is my baby getting enough nutrients? Is she swallowing correctly? How do I keep her from becoming a picky eater?…
Eating peanuts during pregnancy seems to ignite so much controversy! Eating peanuts during pregnancy is a common question I get from pregnant (as well as breastfeeding patients). It’s understandable—parents are concerned about potential food allergies, which have been rising over the last decade and can be scary and life threatening if their child is diagnosed…
Encouraging your child to enjoy reading is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. The best way to build this is to read to them. Doing so will increase their vocabulary, their cognitive skills, their listening skills and their imagination. Kids whose parents read to them daily have better language skills and…
It’s one of the most monumental milestones of a toddler…potty training. Most parents are thrilled with the idea of not spending a small fortune each month on diapers. But the idea of preparing for potty training can also seem daunting. Before you dive into it, make sure your child is ready and most importantly, make…
Before jumping into your latest baby feeding questions, we posted an important Rule To Remember in our blog from last week (Feeding 411! Chewing, Swallowing: Baby’s Intro To Solid Food) that’s worth mentioning again… Rule #1 Introducing solids foods to your baby is a process. Have patience. Babies have been learning how to eat food for…
Nearly 24,000 children were treated for shopping cart-related injuries last year, according to a new pediatrics study. That’s essentially 66 children per day. Wow. The most common cause: falling from the shopping cart which accounted for about 70% of the injuries. It’s not just the number of injuries that’s concerning, it’s the type. About 78% were…
The National Health Information Resource Center recently honored Parents magazine for Dr. Ari Brown’s article on drowning. There’s still a chill in the air, but I know some kiddos are swimming this week, so it always better to get a head start on water safety. What you know now, can save a life later. We’ve made…
A Question about Organic Crib Mattresses Recently, a reader of the 411 book series I co-author emailed a question about organic crib mattresses and SIDS. I thought I’d share the question and response here in hopes that that the advice might help you, too! I just bought your Baby Bargainsebook and started reading it in conjunction with other…
A quiet family seated in the corner of restaurant for a meal. Parents engaged with their devices rather than with their children. This troubling and emerging trend of ‘distracted parenting’ has experts asking – how does this mobile device use affect parent-child interactions? The American Academy of Pediatrics already advises pediatricians to discuss screen time…
Five babies died in the last two months here in Austin. Health officials blame co-sleeping. The news breaks my heart. These are good parents, good people and now they will suffer a lifetime of sorrow. When it comes to best sleeping practices, the right answer is what works for all of you…as long as the baby…
It isn’t uncommon for little boys to go through a phase of guns and “shooting bad guys”. Looking around, it’s not that hard to understand why a child would be interested in this. Superheroes or cartoon characters use guns, slingshots, cannons to kill/destroy/eliminate the villains. The result is a growing fascination with “good guys” and…
Recently, a reader of the 411 book series I co-author emailed a question about what they should pack when traveling with their baby. I thought I’d share the question and response here in hopes that that the advice might help you, too! Do you have a packing list for traveling on plane with a baby? My husband…
While kids are usually overjoyed when school is canceled due to cold weather, having the kids stuck at home can often be dreadfully dull and tough for parents…especially when the days pile up. This winter season is turning out to be one of the worst in years. And with the wintery mess brings closures of…
Have you noticed the abundance of convenience care clinics? These mini health clinics (e.g. Minute Clinics) are popping up inside of supermarkets and pharmacies in towns and cities across the U.S. It’s big business. While they offer conveniences like an easy way to get the flu shot or other vaccines, they are not a replacement…
Recall Summary Name of product: Go Gaga Squeeze & Teethe Coco the Monkey Hazard: The tail of the monkey can pose a choking hazard to young children. Consumer Contact: Infantino toll-free at (888) 808-3111 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.infantino.com and click on Recall Information on the home page. Recall Details Units: About 191,000…
Recently, a reader of the 411 book series I co-author emailed a question about her daughter’s skin irritation in her private area—how it was caused and what’s the proper way to treat it. I thought I’d share the question and response here in hopes that it might address some of your issues. My daughter is almost…
It’s confirmed. The recent sickness that prematurely ended the Royal Caribbean cruise two weeks ago was the norovirus. Last week there was another cruise ship (this one operated by Princess Cruise) that also ended early do to a widespread stomach sickness…possibly the norovirus. While all the buzz is about the norovirus on cruise ships, it’s actually…
The following announcement was posted on the Graco Baby website (www.GracoBaby.com). The company is recalling 3.8 million car seats due to because faulty buckles. Gracos Harness Buckle Recall – 2014 Announcement Potential Problem: As part of our continuous product testing and improvement process, Graco identified that food and dried liquids that can make some harness buckles…
Two studies published this week called attention to obesity and kids—when it starts and who is most at risk. The topic isn’t new but the discovery is…kids who are overweight in their kindergarten and pre-school years are more likely to be obese teenagers. In addition to the social effects, excess pounds have health implications that could extend…
Readers of my 411 book series often send me questions about parenting or children/baby health. These are issues we are regularly asked about at 411 Pediatrics so I share a handful here in hopes that the advice might help you, too! Please help! My toddler is 16 months and she’s very vocal meaning her favorite thing to…
Playtex is recalling 1.4 million pacifier holders because of concern that a small child could choke if a part of the clip were to break off. Message to consumers: Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. Recall date: JANUARY 22, 2014 Recall number: 14-084 Recall Summary Name of product: Playtex pacifier holder clips Hazard: The pacifier holder clips…
Colic is miserable. The excessive and inconsolable crying is a source of anxiety and stress for parents and is one of the more common baby issues that we see at 411 Pediatrics. As parents, we want to do anything to console our babies. Yet, despite many years of research, the million dollar question still remains…what…
A reader of the 411 book series I co-author sent me a question about how to get her newborn to sleep in the crib. I get this question a lot from 411 Pediatrics families—the sleep deprivation and crying is a hard time. I thought I’d share the question and response here in hopes that it might address…
Recently, a reader of the 411 book series I co-author emailed a question on the topic of constipation. It’s an issue that I address frequently with parents at 411 Pediatrics—no one wants to see their baby or toddler cry in pain. I thought I’d share the question and response here in hopes that it might address some…
High chair injuries are on the rise, said a recent study in the journal of Clinical Pediatrics. A 22% increase in the number of high chair-related injuries was reported from 2003 to 2010. Media headlines soon followed causing, naturally, anxiety among parents with young kids. (At first glance, the figure was startling to me, too.) Don’t be alarmed. We don’t believe that…
By PR@411Pediatrics.com December 23, 2013 Category: Current Events Tags: Reading Children’s Books Reading is a great way for parents to connect with their children. It also serves as learning time. The most active period of brain development is between birth and 3 years of age so even for the littlest ones, who can’t yet speak or read for…
Dr. Ava Gallagher was recently interviewed about head lice by KEYE-TV. It reminded us that it had been a while since we last revisited the 411 on head lice treatment and care. It makes me itchy just thinking about them. You too, probably. But learning about these little guys makes it a bit easier to tolerate when…
By PR@411Pediatrics.com December 09, 2013 Category: Medical Tags: Dr. Ari Brown HPV vaccine Vaccines are back in the news thanks to another high-profile celebrity. Last time it was Jenny McCarthy who triggered controversy suggesting an unfounded link between vaccines and autism. This time Katie Couric has fanned the flames of alarmists for the HPV vaccine. Shame on you…
Not every young child considers the big man in the red suit jolly. Some kids are flat out frightened of Santa. The reason for this is that young children cannot separate fantasy from reality and so have little understanding that a complete stranger dressed up in an odd way is going to make a great…
It’s impossible not to notice (retail stores have been preparing for months)…we are in the midst of the holiday season. This also means we’re approaching the biggest shopping period of the year. Many of you will be searching for children’s toys, which makes this a perfect time to bring up toy safety. Why should…
By PR@411Pediatrics.com November 21, 2013 Category: Medical Tags: Parenting Toddler Antibiotics infant This week, the CDC called for physicians and parents to ‘Get Smart’ about antibiotics. They are most concerned about the overuse of antibiotics, which can sometimes happen for upper respiratory ailments like earaches and sore throats. First things first…antibiotics are important and for many infections are the best treatment…
As much as you try to wash your kid’s hands, it’s inevitable…your little one will get a fever. The questions I’m most often asked from parents: How should we measure a fever? When should we call the doctor? I recently shared tips with the Austin American-Statesman and thought I’d pass them on to you. How should a…
By PR@411Pediatrics.com December 04, 2013 Category: Infants Tags: Infants Babies Parenting Not every young child considers the big man in the red suit jolly. Some kids are flat out frightened of Santa. The reason for this is that young children cannot separate fantasy from reality and so have little understanding that a complete stranger dressed up in an odd…
Kids’ screen time is no longer limited to the flat screens in our living rooms. There are iPads, iPhones, computers, and on these devices, Face Time, apps and the list goes on. So, what about interactive media? What’s proper media usage when it comes to kids? The topic took front and center at this…
Kids are eager to rush out on Halloween and pile as much candy as they can into their bag. Trick or treat, is how the phrase goes. Often kids get so many treats (and eat them along their trekking) that an inevitable sugar hangover effect sets in. The result is a grumpy, sometimes sick kiddo…
Kids can get injured or ill at anytime of day. Between after hours care, urgent care centers, retail clinics and free standing ERs…well, it’s a confusing maze of decisions for parents when their child has an emergency. So, where should parents go if their child is injured or ill? Dr. Ari Brown recently spoke to KXAN about…
By PR@411Pediatrics.com December 16, 2013 Category: Infants Tags: Dr. Ari Brown Raw Milk Unpasteurized milk Health warning AAP While legal in most U.S. states, raw milk (aka unpasteurized milk) and its products continue to be a source of serious and sometimes deadly bacterial infections.The health risks are especially high for pregnant women and young children. Despite these risks, about 1 to…
Health care for kids, when they need it Kids get sick at the most inconvenient times! And, with 70% of pediatrician’s offices open only during standard business hours, parents have had to turn to convenience care clinics and urgent care centers for treatment. But do parents sacrifice quality of care for convenience? Children are not…
Oh, the dreaded tantrum. While we tend to think of tantrums when kids are of pre-school age, they can actually begin much earlier. Dr. Ari Brown spoke to NewParent.com to share tips on how to prevent tantrums from occurring or taming them before they become full blown nightmares. (Read Help for Toddler Temper Tantrums) The average age for…