Ask the Doctor

Question #1:

My newborn seems to need something to suck on when she’s not eating. Her mouth is in constant motion. Is it OK to give her a pacifier?

Answer:

Paige Frazer, MD, of CHKD Health System’s Pediatric Specialists, says: “You may give your baby a pacifier to satisfy her normal instinct for sucking. Sucking doesn’t necessarily mean hunger; your baby uses this reflex for security and satisfaction. Most infants will give up the pacifier during the early months of life. Any pacifier you give your child should be made from a single piece of rubber and have no parts that could loosen or get stuck in the baby’s throat. Never tie the pacifier or any other object on a cord around the baby’s neck. A cord could become entangled or even strangle your baby.”


All Questions

  1. My newborn seems to need something to suck on when she’s not eating. Her mouth is in constant motion. Is it OK to give her a pacifier?
  2. What’s an appropriate amount of television for a toddler to watch each day? I’m worried that my grandson is watching too much TV.
  3. Can weight lifting help overweight kids?
  4. My 8-year-old still sucks his thumb. I hate to pressure him to stop and don’t want to shame him, so what should I do?
  5. My teenage son received a paintball gun for his birthday, and I’m reluctant to let him play with it. Are paintball guns safe?
  6. I’m wondering when my child will be old enough to move from the crib to a single bed. Any guidelines I should know?
  7. Help! My teen keeps talking about getting her tongue pierced. What can I tell her to discourage her?
  8. My grandson was born with jaundice. Can you tell me what causes it and whether it’s serious?
  9. My 2-year-old can’t seem to get into a schedule of meals. She’s hardly ever hungry when it’s time for a meal, but other times she wants to eat all day long. I worry that her eating is too erratic and not healthy.
  10. Is it normal for my baby to hiccup a lot?
  11. What should I know about impetigo if my neighbor’s child has it and frequently plays with my child?
  12. My mother says that my 10-month-old daughter should wear hard-soled shoes to learn to walk. When should I start buying shoes for my baby, and what types are best?
  13. My child complains about sores in her mouth and our doctor says she has canker sores. What causes them?
  14. My teenage daughter thinks she’s fat, but she’s normal height and weight for her age. Should I be concerned she has an eating disorder?
  15. My teenage daughter has been told that cramps and nausea she gets after drinking milk or eating cheese or ice cream are due to lactose intolerance. Can you develop such a problem as you get older?
  16. When should my baby start seeing a dentist?