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I know this video may be difficult to watch, but I’m sharing it because many parents don’t realize what’s happening when it occurs. This child is experiencing a breath-holding spell—a reflex (not something they do on purpose) that typically happens between 6 months and 6 years of age. These episodes often follow moments of anger, fear, frustration, or pain, like during a tantrum or after an injury. What it can look like: ⚠️ A few cries, then sudden silence ⚠️ Lips and face turning blue or pale ⚠

I know this video may be difficult to watch, but I’m sharing it because many parents don’t realize what’s happening when it occurs. This child is experiencing a breath-holding spell—a reflex (not something they do on purpose) that typically happens between 6 months and 6 years of age. These episodes often follow moments of anger, fear, frustration, or pain, like during a tantrum or after an injury. What it can look like: ⚠️ A few cries, then sudden silence ⚠️ Lips and face turning blue or pale ⚠

642K views7 months ago

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It can be so upsetting to spend all that time breastfeeding, pumping, or prepping a bottle only to see all that milk come right back up minutes later. 🥲 The truth is, most babies experience some degree of spit-up. Often it’s due to an immature muscle at the top of the stomach, extra air swallowed during feeds, an imperfect latch, or even tension in the neck (like torticollis). Many of these babies are what we call “happy spitters.” They spit up often, but it doesn’t bother them, and they’re sti

It can be so upsetting to spend all that time breastfeeding, pumping, or prepping a bottle only to see all that milk come right back up minutes later. 🥲 The truth is, most babies experience some degree of spit-up. Often it’s due to an immature muscle at the top of the stomach, extra air swallowed during feeds, an imperfect latch, or even tension in the neck (like torticollis). Many of these babies are what we call “happy spitters.” They spit up often, but it doesn’t bother them, and they’re sti

6.3K views7 months ago

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It’s a familiar story for so many parents: the once adventurous eater who suddenly turns into a picky toddler overnight. 🥴 It can feel confusing (and frustrating!), but this phase is so common. Babies start out curious about flavors and textures, but as they grow, their preferences and independence kick in—and so does pickiness. The good news? Most toddlers won’t waste away, even if they seem to survive on goldfish, chicken nuggets, and the occasional perfectly ripe banana. 🍌 With patience, ro

It’s a familiar story for so many parents: the once adventurous eater who suddenly turns into a picky toddler overnight. 🥴 It can feel confusing (and frustrating!), but this phase is so common. Babies start out curious about flavors and textures, but as they grow, their preferences and independence kick in—and so does pickiness. The good news? Most toddlers won’t waste away, even if they seem to survive on goldfish, chicken nuggets, and the occasional perfectly ripe banana. 🍌 With patience, ro

31.8K views6 months ago

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Parents know the drill - kids get sick, and it feels constant some weeks. As both a mom and pediatrician, I see it all the time. But here’s something that may surprise you: not every red or watery eye needs antibiotic drops. Viral pink eye (which looks like watery, red eyes with some light crust) is one of the most over-treated conditions in kids. Antibiotics won’t help because it’s viral, not bacterial. Most cases clear on their own with a little patience, while good hand washing helps stop the

Parents know the drill - kids get sick, and it feels constant some weeks. As both a mom and pediatrician, I see it all the time. But here’s something that may surprise you: not every red or watery eye needs antibiotic drops. Viral pink eye (which looks like watery, red eyes with some light crust) is one of the most over-treated conditions in kids. Antibiotics won’t help because it’s viral, not bacterial. Most cases clear on their own with a little patience, while good hand washing helps stop the

1.4K views8 months ago

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Before I became a mom, I thought the best way to support new parents was by giving them things for the baby. Yes, babies need the basics: clothes, diapers, a car seat, a stroller. But what I didn’t realize at first is that new parents need support just as much. 🍲 Warm meals 🧺 Help with household tasks 👧 Taking an older sibling for a day so parents can focus on the baby One thing I’ve learned is to make statements instead of asking open-ended questions. For example: “Hey, I’m going to make you

Before I became a mom, I thought the best way to support new parents was by giving them things for the baby. Yes, babies need the basics: clothes, diapers, a car seat, a stroller. But what I didn’t realize at first is that new parents need support just as much. 🍲 Warm meals 🧺 Help with household tasks 👧 Taking an older sibling for a day so parents can focus on the baby One thing I’ve learned is to make statements instead of asking open-ended questions. For example: “Hey, I’m going to make you

4.7K views7 months ago

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SAVE AND SHARE IF YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL Setting boundaries doesn’t make you a “mean parent.” It makes you a safe one. Permissive parenting often comes from love-we want to keep the peace, avoid meltdowns, or soften the “no.” But when limits shift with every protest, kids feel less secure, not more. I see many parents overextend gentle parenting to become permissive and this can lead to more struggle. Firm boundaries aren’t about control, they’re about predictability. They say: “You can be upset,

SAVE AND SHARE IF YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL Setting boundaries doesn’t make you a “mean parent.” It makes you a safe one. Permissive parenting often comes from love-we want to keep the peace, avoid meltdowns, or soften the “no.” But when limits shift with every protest, kids feel less secure, not more. I see many parents overextend gentle parenting to become permissive and this can lead to more struggle. Firm boundaries aren’t about control, they’re about predictability. They say: “You can be upset,

6.7K views6 months ago

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It’s tough seeing your child scared—but how we respond shapes how they handle fear long-term. Dismissing their worries, using fear to control behavior, or even over-comforting can backfire. Instead, we can validate their feelings, help them face fears gradually, and model emotional regulation. The goal isn’t to eliminate fear—it’s to teach them they can handle it. 💪 Imagine if you were scared during turbulence and your partner said "C'mon! It's just turbulence. It's not a big deal!" That wouldn

It’s tough seeing your child scared—but how we respond shapes how they handle fear long-term. Dismissing their worries, using fear to control behavior, or even over-comforting can backfire. Instead, we can validate their feelings, help them face fears gradually, and model emotional regulation. The goal isn’t to eliminate fear—it’s to teach them they can handle it. 💪 Imagine if you were scared during turbulence and your partner said "C'mon! It's just turbulence. It's not a big deal!" That wouldn

8.9K views4 months ago

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Who’s cutting onions?! 😭✨ Some days, parenting feels like a paradox. You’re exhausted, touched out, answering the same question for the hundredth time. You long for just a moment of quiet, a little space to breathe. And then—just as quickly—you catch a glimpse of their tiny hands, their sleepy face nestled against you, their giggle that still has a trace of baby in it…and your heart aches in the best way. It’s hard. And it’s beautiful. And it’s both at the same time. I miss the newborn scrunche

834.3K views5 months ago

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Let’s be real—toddlers test us. And sometimes? We react before we reflect. But here’s the thing: how we respond in those charged moments teaches them what’s normal, what’s safe, and how to handle big emotions. Pulling your toddler’s hair back to “show how it feels” may seem instinctive, but it doesn’t teach what we hope. Toddlers don’t learn from mimicry—they learn from modeling. When we stay grounded, even when they’re dysregulated, we’re not just stopping a behavior—we’re teaching what to do i

746 viewsApr 22, 2025

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If you’ve ever watched your child struggle and felt that pull to jump in right away, you’re not alone. Our instinct is to fix, help, smooth it out. But some of the strongest confidence builders happen in those small moments when we pause, watch, and let them try. In this week’s Follow Up PedsDocTalk Podcast episode, I’m breaking down a principle I’ve used for years in my own home and in practice. It’s the Independence/Intervention Principle, and it helps you know when to step back, when to step

1.7K views5 months ago

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When kids get physical during a meltdown, it is not a moral failure. It is a brain under construction. And clearly this struck a nerve. This video came in at number TWO of our most popular videos of 2025 on instagram AND was the most shared video of the year, with 175K shares and 11.6 million views. Because honestly, who has not felt completely shocked when their usually sweet-as-sugar toddler suddenly slaps, throws something, or comes at you out of nowhere? The emotional part of the brain is on

1.4M views4 months ago

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Throwback to a solo parenting day when things got a little extra silly to help us through. 💃😂 When I danced with her at the table, it wasn’t to distract her from eating, it was to make mealtime fun and social. And honestly? She loved it (and so did I). Sometimes those small, goofy moments are the ones that stick the most. 💕 Parents - what’s your favorite silly thing you’ve done to get through a long day? 👇 | pedsdoctalk

4K views7 months ago

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Parenting can sometimes feel like trying to reason with a tiny, very determined lawyer. 😅 When your child seems to have a knack for ignoring directions, it’s easy to feel frustrated or defeated, but boundaries are what help kids feel safe and secure. Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying no, it’s about clarity and consistency: ✔️ Get eye level and make sure they’re listening. ✔️ State the boundary clearly (“We don’t hit when we’re mad.”). ✔️ Explain what happens if they don’t follow it. ✔️

51.2K views6 months ago

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Ah yes, the great parenting paradox: Let them stay up late, and they’ll wake up the same time or even earlier—fully recharged like they just left a spa. Meanwhile, I’m running on fumes and regret. 😂☕ Does this happen to your kids too, or are mine just built different? Drop your sleep struggles in the comments! ⬇️ | pedsdoctalk

4.1K views4 months ago

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Fear can make a child pause for a moment, but it won’t teach them how to handle life. That’s the real issue with fear-based discipline. It can feel faster, easier, or even familiar if that’s how you grew up, but over time it leaves kids without the skills we actually want to build. Limits themselves are not the problem. Limits teach kids what to expect, what they can count on, and they reduce frustration in the long run. What feels tough is the emotion that comes with a limit. Kids cry, kids pro

2.3K views5 months ago

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SAVE AND SHARE because I know there are MANY parents dealing with this. Ya’ll this was the #1 requested topic I’ve received over the last month, so here we go! Let’s talk about kids touching their private parts. Here’s the truth-some exploration is totally normal. Babies and toddlers discover their bodies the same way they discover their toes or ears. It’s sensory, it’s comforting, and it’s not sexual. The key is how we respond: calmly, without shame, and with gentle teaching about privacy. What

70.4K views6 months ago

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What is the legacy you want your kids to carry? Parenting is not just routines and rules. It is values. Kids learn what matters by watching how we talk, who we respect, and who we dismiss. If our beliefs about other people are rooted in hate or exclusion, that does not stay private. It gets passed down. So this is a gut check. How do you treat people who do not look like you, live like you, or vote like you? Is that the behavior you want your kids to copy? Because they will. And this matters rig

19.2K views3 months ago

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Love this question - it comes up all the time! Before 6 months, babies should stick with breast milk or formula only. These already have the perfect balance of water and nutrients for growth. Extra water isn’t just unnecessary, it can actually be dangerous in large amounts, leading to water intoxication or electrolyte imbalances. After 6 months, you can slowly introduce water in a small open cup at mealtimes. Keep offering the same amount of breast milk or formula on schedule, and let water be m

8.6K views7 months ago

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Let’s stop making sleep sound scary. Your child isn’t “going unconscious.” They’re just… sleeping. Their brain isn’t shutting down-it’s clocking in for the night shift. Sorting memories, balancing hormones, and doing all the behind-the-scenes work that helps them grow. Sleep isn’t something to fear- it’s something that signals safety. And yes, comfort and independence can go hand in hand. “Crying it out” doesn’t equal trauma when it’s paired with calm check-ins and connection during the day. The

16.8K views6 months ago

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It’s common for people unfamiliar with BLW (baby-led weaning) to question its safety. Many of us grew up hearing that babies should only start with purees so when they see little ones gnawing on mango pits 🥭 or toast, it can feel surprising! Here’s the truth: both chewable foods and purees have their own pros. There’s no one “best” way to start solids because every baby is different. Some thrive with purees, others prefer self-feeding. The important thing is that you know your child best and ca

9.1K views7 months ago

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Your kiddo gets sick or injured… and suddenly you’re stuck asking: Where do we go? 🚗 🏥 Do we call the pediatrician? Head to urgent care? Or rush to the ER? The decision can feel overwhelming in the moment. Here’s a quick breakdown: 👩‍⚕️ See your child’s clinician for: ✅ Routine check-ups & vaccines ✅ Common minor illnesses (sore throat, ear pain, colds) ✅ Developmental or growth concerns ✅ Non-urgent issues (when you can safely wait for an appointment) 🏥 Urgent care is best for: ✅ Minor inju

6.2K views7 months ago

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Is this not the cutest thing?! 🥰 Babies can communicate long before they speak their first word! When we mimic our baby’s sounds or movements like babbling back or waving when they wave, we’re doing something so powerful. This back-and-forth play (called mimicry) helps babies learn the rhythm of communication, the skill of turn-taking, and the joy of connection. 💕 It’s also how babies start understanding social cues and language. When we copy them, they feel seen and that builds confidence and

4.4K views6 months ago

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Mistakes happen—they’re part of being human! 🙃 But as parents, it’s easy to get caught in the blame game: “Why can’t you be more careful?!” or “You made the mess, so you fix it!” While understandable, these reactions miss an opportunity to teach our kids skills they’ll carry for life. As you watch this video remember the goal is to remember overarching principles and not necessarily the exact script. Instead of assigning blame, let’s reframe mistakes as *teachable moments.* Whether it’s spilled

1.9K views5 months ago

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Kids are amazing, but there’s something extra special about the day they become your little helper. Whether it’s giving you a “massage” or safely grabbing something from upstairs… 🙌🏽 pure parenting gold. What’s the most helpful (or hilarious) thing your child has done for you lately? | pedsdoctalk

2.6K views7 months ago

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Car seats are one of the biggest day-to-day safety tools we have as parents-and yet, they’re also one of the most overlooked. Between tight installs, chest clip placement, and figuring out when it’s time to switch seats, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: once you understand the key rules for your seat and set up a simple routine to double-check, car seat safety gets a lot less stressful. That’s why this week I sat down with my longtime friend Michelle Pratt from @safeintheseat, a c

132.6K views7 months ago

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Every few years, there’s a new parenting label. Gentle, FAFO, conscious, attachment, tiger, helicopter, snowplow… it starts to feel less like parenting advice and more like alphabet soup. 🍲 To be honest-it’s all marketing: Authoritative parenting with different flavors. Here’s the thing: most parents just want to know… what actually works? Decades of research point to one clear answer: authoritative parenting. High warmth high expectations. Connection boundaries. The trouble is, the buzzwords o

12.1K views8 months ago

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Throwback to when I discovered the ultimate parenting hack for tired days with a crawling baby: the lioness and cub method. 🦁🐾 Just lay down, let them climb all over you, and suddenly you’re both entertained—you get a moment to rest, and they get to practice their moves. Win-win. 😅 Parents - what’s your go-to lazy-day play idea? 👇 | pedsdoctalk

2.8K views7 months ago

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We tend to focus so much on what we say but remember: your kids are also watching what you do and how you do it. So much of communication is non-speaking. So much of what they do is physically modeled by what we do. I was working out and my daughter was watching with my husband from a distance and about 20 minutes after I was done; we saw her starting to exercise on her own ❤️ Child development is incredibly fascinating and I’m here to teach you all about it. | pedsdoctalk

4.1K views3 months ago

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One of the best things we can do for our baby’s motor development? Give them the freedom to move! It’s easy to rely on baby gear or limit floor time (because, let’s be real, life gets busy!), but movement is key for building strength, coordination, and confidence. And you don't need fancy gear to cushion falls. Focus on childproofing and let them learn by trial and error and your guidance. The more babies can explore, stretch, and play, the more they develop essential motor skills for rolling, c

7.4K viewsMar 17, 2025

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One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is about the number of vaccines given at one time, and I get it. It can seem like a lot, especially when compared to how we’re told to introduce new foods slowly. But these are two very different situations. 💉✨ Allergic reactions to foods are much more common than serious vaccine reactions. That’s why we introduce foods gradually while vaccines have been carefully tested and shown to be safe, even when given together. And despite what some vid

13.5K views7 months ago

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