FAQs

Understanding Reflux in Babies and How to Treat It

Gastroesophageal reflux, or GER, is common in babies, especially during their first few months. It’s estimated that up to 50% of babies experience reflux to some degree during their first year. It occurs when the contents of the baby’s stomach are regurgitated back into the esophagus and sometimes even up into the mouth. Although reflux […]

Your Child Has a Fever. Now What?

Fevers are a normal body response that is a red flag of sorts. It happens to signal that there is a problem somewhere in the body. A fever is usually a sign of an infection, but there are other causes too. For example, checking a child’s temperature when they are all bundled up in blankets […]

The COVID-19 Updated Booster is Now Available for Kids 5+

The CDC recently announced that it authorized an improved COVID-19 booster by Pfizer for use in individuals ages 5 and up. Here’s what you need to know. How is the updated COVID-19 Booster Different? The primary vaccine authorized for children is monovalent, containing only the original COVID-19 vaccine. The updated booster is bivalent, which means […]

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 […]

The Importance of Vitamin K Shots for Newborns

When babies are first born, it’s essential to perform various tests and procedural exams to ensure they are healthy. Many of these tests are intuitive, such as weighing and measuring your baby, checking their vital signs, and counting their fingers and toes. But some newborn procedures might seem less intuitive–like giving your baby a vitamin […]

How to Tell the Difference Between RSV, COVID-19, and the Flu

After two years of managing our lives around the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been easy to forget that other viruses like RSV and the flu can still get passed around. While social distancing and mask-wearing have decreased the transmission of these other viruses, we are now starting to see a resurgence as restrictions continue to […]

Where Should You Take Your Child: Urgent Care or the Pediatrician?

When your child is sick, anxiety is usually a given. And depending on the severity of symptoms, time of day, and day of the week, parents often wonder if it is appropriate to take their child to urgent care or the pediatrician. The walk-in clinic model of urgent care centers can be an attractive option […]

What Parents Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Young Children

COVID-19 vaccine approval for children ages 5-11 has been much anticipated. And now that it is here, parents are scrambling to get their children vaccinated. But some have very valid questions that we felt important to address. As of last week, there was approximately 107,000 new child COVID-19-19 cases reported. This number is up from […]

Understanding the Difference Between RSV and COVID-19

We are all on heightened alert amid the outbreak of the delta variant of COVID-19. Cases are on the rise, and while those who have been vaccinated are less likely to result in severe illness and hospitalization, parents are more cautious – and wisely so—especially parents of children not yet able to receive the vaccine. […]

Let Us Partner with Your Child in Monitoring and Treating Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is one of those unfortunate disorders that not only causes the potential for a variety of lifelong complications but which also disproportionately affects certain minority groups who live in the United States. And, while the signs and symptoms of the disease usually appear around 5 months of age, its treatment and management […]

What’s Causing My Child to Act Out? What You Need to Know

While we all prefer to focus on our children’s positive qualities – their personalities, accomplishments, and milestones – we, as parents, know that they’re still developing the tools to deal with disappointments, stress, uncertainties, and fears. Sometimes, they argue or show aggression. Other times, their moods quickly shift, and they become quiet, distant, or even […]

What is Colic? Strategies for Calming a Screaming Baby

Newborn babies have a lot to process. Everything’s new, so they have very few strategies in place when it comes to coping with issues like hunger, discomfort, pain, stress, and other unknown stimuli. So, they cry. This is when we as parents spring to attention. In doing so, we strive to comfort our babies through […]

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 […]

Allergy or Cold? Relief for Seasonal Allergies

The longer, warmer days of spring have a way of drawing even the most screen-focused children to the out of doors. Yet, when the seemingly fresh air regularly leads to itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing, it can feel like game over for some kids. Sadly, while the budding trees and blooming flowers do add […]

Five Common Conditions Seen in Newborns

After all that waiting, your baby is finally here. They are your whole heart, and you want nothing more than to keep them safe and healthy. Knowing what to watch out for can help you navigate this very new and exciting time. Here are five of the most common conditions seen in newborns. Gas Imagine […]

The Pediatrician Will See You Now

Across the nation, pediatricians have experienced a significant decrease in the number of patients they see each day. Despite illnesses such as RSV, flu, cold, and strep throat, many people are avoiding the pediatrician (and other healthcare providers’) offices unless a visit is necessary. Not going to the pediatrician means kids aren’t receiving the vaccinations […]

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 […]

Six Tips to Help You Safely Introduce Solid Food to Babies

Your baby is the apple of your eye, and when it comes time to introduce solid foods, you have a lot of questions. The desire to help your kids get off to the right start nutritionally is priority one. After months of super nutritious breastmilk (or formula), the idea of introducing solids is exciting…and scary. […]

Five Breastfeeding Challenges You Can Conquer

More women are coming forward to share their personal experiences and struggles with breastfeeding. At Rainbow Pediatrics, we believe that breastfeeding is the best way to nourish a growing baby. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their life. […]