Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do we need to be seen with a prolonged cold?
In general, if a cold is getting worse on day 4, or no better by day 8, a child should be seen to determine if they have developed a secondary infection that may require
antibiotics.

2. Should we be giving the H1N1 Vaccine?
Yes. Even though we have had 117 positive cases of H1N1 in our office so far that have all been relatively mild, you never know who is going to have that rare serious or even fatal case. For this reason, even though the vaccine is new and had limited testing, preliminiary evidence shows that the vaccine seems to be safe and effective and so getting the vaccine seems to be the prudent move especially in high risk cases.

3. Are there any new effective treatments for ADD?
There are always new treatments for ADD ranging from Fish Oil to Herbal Remedies to Biofeedback which seem to work for some children. Unfortunately, the most effective treatment for true ADD cases remains one of the stimulant medications in the Ritalin family.

4. How high a fever is considered dangerous?
Fever itself is not usually dangerous until 107 degrees. In general, it is more important how a baby acts than the actual temperature. As a guideline however, if a fever hits 105 degrees, the child should be seen. It the fever won’t budge under 104 degrees with treatment or the fever lasts more than 3 days, the child should been seen.

5. Is it safe for a baby to sleep face down in a crib?
Even though most babies have been put to sleep on their stomach safely for many years, recent studies show the incidence of Crib Death is lowest when babies sleep on their back. That is why the Academy of Pediatrics recommends “Back to Sleep”.

6. Is there a connection between Vaccines and Autism?
There has been a lot of public speculation about a link since the increase in Autism does coincide with the increase in the number of recommended vaccines. However, no scientific study has proven the connection and there clearly are unvaccinated Autistic children. The cause of Autism appears to be complex with some environmental trigger in genetically susceptible children being one of the best explanations.

7. How quickly can one become antibiotic resistant?
Very quickly, but it’s really more that bacteria that normally live in your body can change and be resistant to the usual antibiotics we use. That is why we try to be as selective as possible about using antibiotics.

8. What foods are first recommended when a child begins a solid food diet?
Normally we start solid foods at 6 months of age with Rice Cereal first. Next we add Vegetables and then Fruits. However, we always wait 3 days before starting a new food in case there is an allergic reaction.

9. When will an Infant’s eyes reveal their true permanent color?
Usually by 6 months of age but occasionally eye color willchange even after 1 year of age.

10. Is it harmful for a 4 month old to be held in a standing position bearing weight on their legs?
No. Many people used to think was, but there is absolutely no evidence that early weight bearing is harmful
or will cause little legs to bow.