Diet & Nutrition

Red Dye No. 3: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

Humans are attracted to foods that are vibrant in color. The bright red color synonymous with popsicles, candy, cereal, and even some medications like cough syrup and gummy vitamins has been banned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many parents worry about what past use of products containing red dye No. 3 means […]

Baby-led Weaning: What is it, and Should I Try It?

Is your baby ready to begin trying solid foods? One approach that has gained a lot of attention veers away from the traditional introduction of mushy baby foods found in jars and welcomes the baby as a part of the meal the entire family is enjoying. Baby-led weaning is a great way to allow your […]

Healthy and Fun Pediatrician-Approved School Lunch Ideas for Kids

As we all know, packing a healthy and delicious lunch for our kids can sometimes be challenging and time-consuming. At Rainbow Pediatrics, we understand the importance of providing kids with nutritious meals that energize them throughout the day. That’s why we’ve put together some fantastic healthy lunch ideas that your kids will love. 1. Wrap […]

Childhood Nutrition: Promoting Healthy Eating Habits for Your Child’s Growth and Development

As a pediatrician, I am passionate about providing the best care for your child’s overall well-being. One crucial aspect is childhood nutrition. The food your child consumes plays a significant role in their growth and development, making it essential to promote healthy eating habits from an early age. The early years of a child’s life […]

How to Safely Change Baby Formula

As a new parent, you may wonder when and how to change your baby’s formula. Whether you are considering switching to a different brand or type of formula or adjusting the concentration of the formula, it’s essential to make changes safely and with your baby’s health in mind. Here are some tips to help you […]

Eating Disorders Among Young Males Increased by over 400 Percent

Eating disorders among young males have become a growing concern in recent years. A recent study published by JAMA Network Open found that hospitalizations due to eating disorders among young males increased 416 percent between April 2002 and the close of March 2020. In addition, hospitalizations among males aged 12 to 14 increased 196 percent […]

Pediatric Bariatric Surgery on the Rise – What You Need to Know

Chubby babies are cute. Who doesn’t love rolls and folds on a baby? But when those rolls and folds follow children as they age, they can become a big problem accompanying long-term health risks. Obesity in children is a growing problem, with some of the blame being placed on overly processed foods. COVID-19 didn’t help […]

Your Child’s Health is Linked to How Much Water They Drink

“But it has no flavor.” “I hate water.” Whatever the reason your child gives for not drinking enough water, you should know that if you want to focus on improving their health – pay attention to how much water they drink daily. Children who do not drink water on a given day consume twice the […]

The Skinny on Pediatric Obesity

Every visit to the pediatrician results in a check of some critical factors for health – specifically your child’s weight and height. This information is checked to monitor their growth and as a glimpse into their overall health. Pediatric obesity is a significant problem in North Carolina – a problem that we are addressing head-on […]

Childhood Obesity is a Growing Problem in North Carolina

There is a growing plague impacting children across the country. And one of the most prevalent places it can be found is in North Carolina. Childhood obesity is a significant problem in the US. The stigmas and prejudices placed on children with obesity are only a part of the problem. The bigger concern is the […]

How Your Child’s Sugar Cravings Are Making Them Sick

Does your child have a sweet tooth? Do their sugar cravings create issues with mealtime? If you’re trying to instill good health habits in them by encouraging them to play sports, eat their veggies, and drink water, then don’t let their desire to eat sweets undermine those efforts. This year is already becoming a doozy […]

Navigating the Baby Formula Shortage: Resources for Parents and Caregivers

The current baby formula shortage has created a lot of stress and concern for our families. To help provide the most up-to-date information and resources available, we put together this article which includes information and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the NC Department of Health and Human Services. We hope you […]

Rainbow Pediatrics Opens Strong Kids Nutrition Clinic in Fayetteville, NC

Make Food Your Strength, Not Your Weakness. As parents and caregivers, we want the very best for our children. But there is a rising number of children who are overweight or obese in North Carolina, and that number has been growing steadily since 2012. The latest data shows that 19.8% of youth ages 10 to […]

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Kids and How You Can Help

We want our kids to be healthy and strong. However, some are prone to stomach issues. While almost every child will get a stomachache, constipation, or diarrhea, kids with irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS get it more often. What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? IBS is a digestive disorder that can happen in […]

Heavy Metals in Baby Food – Is Your Baby Safe?

When it comes to feeding your baby, it’s essential to make sure you’re giving them healthy food that will help them grow. Throughout recent years, we’ve learned that many leading brands of prepackaged baby food contain high levels of heavy metals—including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. This isn’t what you want for your baby. As […]

Boobies for All! How Breastfeeding Benefits Everyone

If you’re reading this, you are probably a new mom, expecting, or are just curious. Depending on where you are in this, you may have heard that breastfeeding is good for the baby. But breastfeeding isn’t just good for the infant; it is good for the mother too. In honor of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, […]

The Signs of Formula Intolerance and What to Do About It

When breastfeeding your baby is not an option for you, mothers can often rely on formula to keep their babies adequately fed, hydrated, developing, and growing both naturally and nutritionally. Yet, for an estimated 2 to 15 percent of babies, formula intolerance can make feeding time difficult – at least until the causes are identified […]

Helping Your Kids Eat Healthier, Combat Pediatric Obesity During a Pandemic

As we reach the one-year anniversary of our lives being significantly disrupted by COVID-19, it’s important to recognize the significant impact pandemic-related lifestyle changes have had on our children. From stay-at-home orders and school closings to, for many, limited access to nutritious food and regular exercise, the pandemic has likely exacerbated another epidemic that our […]

The Significance of the First Five Years for Healthy Pediatric Development

As parents, you want what is best for your child. Health and happiness are at the top of virtually every parents’ wish list. Did you know that the first five years of your child’s life are critical for setting the foundation for healthy growth and pediatric development? This article will discuss three foundational elements you […]

Understanding Diabetes in Children

You’ve undoubtedly heard that our body uses the food we eat as energy. That’s why it is so important to eat the right foods – so we have sustained energy and the nutrients needed to fuel our activities. But what about in a body that has diabetes and more specifically, diabetes in children? Diabetes is […]