Abbott Formula Recall

Abbott formula has announced a voluntary recall of 2 fl. oz bottles of ready-to-feed formula.
Here is some information and a flyer that needs to be posted on our website.

Abbott is initiating a proactive voluntary recall on certain lots of 2 fl oz ready-to-feed liquid infant formula, including the following brands:

Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Similac 360 Total Care
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
Similac Special Care 24
Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution

They are recalling for the potential for compromised seal integrity in a small percentage of recalled lots, which could result in spoilage. If spoilage is consumed gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea could result.

Cotton Swabs

Cotton-tipped swabs are not meant to be placed in ears. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the best thing to do with earwax is leave it alone. Trying to remove earwax can cause problems.

Putting cotton-tipped swabs into the ear canal pushes wax further into the ear. It can cause damages, dizziness, and balance problems. A child whose earwax is blocking the ear may have ringing or fullness, ear pain, itching, discharge, odor, and cough. Swabs also may tear or rupture the eardrum causing pain, bleeding, and permanent hearing loss.

For more information on earwax, please visit the HealthChildren.org.

Fever Medication

Every year hundreds of infants receive more than the recommended dose of  Tylenol for age. Rarely, these overdoses can cause liver failure or death. The overdoses are most likely related to dosing too frequently- that is more than every 6 hours AND from parents using two products that BOTH contain acetaminophen

e American Academy of Pediatrics does NOT recommend cough or cold medications for children under the age of two unless they are ordered by a physician.

Do not use codeine, tramadol in children: FDA

by Melissa Jenco · News Content Editor American Academy of Pediatrics News

Codeine and tramadol should not be used to treat pain or cough in children younger than 12 years as they could be fatal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Thursday.
The FDA unveiled several changes to the labels of the medications to protect children, adolescents and infants being breastfed.

“We are requiring these changes because we know that some children who received codeine or tramadol have experienced life-threatening respiratory depression and death because they metabolize (or break down) these medicines much faster than usual (called ultra-rapid metabolism), causing dangerously high levels of active drug in their bodies,” Douglas Throckmorton, M.D., deputy center director for regulatory programs in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.

The FDA is adding the following new restrictions to the warning labels of codeine and tramadol:

  • Codeine is contraindicated to treat pain or cough, and tramadol is contraindicated for treating pain in children under 12.
  • Tramadol is contraindicated for treating pain after surgery to remove tonsils and/or adenoids for children under 18. Use of codeine for this purpose was placed under the same restriction in 2013.
  • Codeine and tramadol are not recommended for use in adolescents ages 12-18 who are obese or have conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or severe lung disease.
  • Mothers should not breastfeed when taking codeine or tramadol.

Since 1969, codeine has been linked to 64 cases of serious breathing problems, including 24 deaths in children and adolescents. Tramadol is not approved for pediatric use but has been tied to nine cases of serious breathing problems, including three deaths in children and adolescents, according to the FDA. There also have been cases of breathing problems in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking codeine.

In September 2016, the Academy released a clinical report Codeine: Time to Say “No” that expressed concerns about the dangers of codeine use in children and called for more formal restrictions.
The FDA recommends physicians use other medications for treating cough and pain. Officials also encouraged parents to pay close attention to the ingredients in medication they give their children and seek immediate medical attention if children taking the restricted medications experience difficulty breathing, confusion, unusual sleepiness, trouble breastfeeding or limpness.

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FDA Drug Safety Communication http://bit.ly/2or5PHZ
FDA Q&A on the use of codeine and tramadol in breastfeeding women, http://bit.ly/2pjylz2
Consumer Update: Codeine and Tramadol Can Cause Breathing Problems for Children, http://bit.ly/2pWK2b8
Healthychildren.org information for parents on the use of codeine, http://bit.ly/2ovoQrL
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Hungry or Bored?

Children sometimes use food for reasons other than hunger to satisfy themselves.  These reasons may be in response to their emotions or feelings.  Many things can trigger hunger such as:

  • boredom
  • depression
  • stress
  • frustration
  • insecurity
  • loneliness
  • fatigue

One way to keep your child from eating out of boredom is to steer them towards activities that keep them busy.  Also make sure your child eats three well-balanced meals and one snack each day.

A few things to do instead of eating would be:

  • walk the dog
  • walk around the neighborhood
  • kicking a ball around
  • painting a picture
  • running through sprinklers

Safe Sleeping

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Parents of newborn babies are presented with so much information during their brief hospital stay, it may be hard to absorb and remember it all. One of the topics usually discussed is safe sleeping for babies. We thought it would be a good idea to review that subject briefly since it is so important to your infant’s well being.

Though rare, “crib death”, or Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) as it is now called, continues to occur, causing unspeakable tragedy for the families involved. This terrible occurrence is not completely preventable, but the risk can be significantly reduced with the tips presented below.

The list of suggestions was developed by the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Center and reflects the latest scientific research on what works to reduce a baby’s risk of dying in his/her sleep. If you have questions on this subject, feel free to bring them up during your next wellness appointment.
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  • The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a room with you, but in his own safety-approved crib or bassinet.
  • Do not allow adults or other children to share a bed with a baby.

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  • Cribs should be approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
  • The space between bars should be less than 2 3/4 inches(about the width of a soda can).
  • A crib should have a firm mattress and a snug-fitting bottom sheet.
  • Do not place stuffed animals, soft bedding, pillows, bumper pads, or wedges in the crib.
  • Place the crib in an area that is always smoke-free.
  • Be sure any secondhand crib has not been recalled. Visit www.recalls.gov. Make sure any crib has all its parts.
  • Do not allow your baby to sleep in a car seat if it’s not in a vehicle.
  • Do not use bouncy seats, sofas/chairs as a sleeping arrangement for your baby.

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  • Side sleeping is not safe and is not advised.
  • Babies sleep comfortably on their backs.
  • Babies are less likely to choke when they sleep on their backs.
  • Babies need adult-supervised “tummy time” when they are awake. This helps them develop normally and helps prevent flat spots on their heads.

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  • Overheating is a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
  • Dress the baby in the type of clothes you would be comfortable wearing.
  • Blankets can become loses and end up on the infants face. Instead of using blankets, dress your baby in a wearable “sleep sack”.

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  • Breast-feed.
  • Get all recommended immunizations.
  • Keep the baby away from cigarette and other smoke.

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Choosing an Insect Repellent

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Insect repellents come in many forms, including aerosols, sprays, liquids, creams, and sticks. Some are made from chemicals and some have natural ingredients.

Insect repellents prevent bites from biting insects but not stinging insects. Biting insects include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and biting flies. Stinging insects include bees, hornets, and wasps.
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[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]How Well It Works[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]How Long it Protects[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Special Precautions

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[av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]Chemical repellents with DEET
(N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide)[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Considered the best defense against biting insects. [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]About 2 to 5 hours depending on the concentration of DEET in the product.

[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Caution should be used when applying DEET to children.

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[av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]Picaridin[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]In April 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended other repellents that may work as well as DEET: repellents with picaridin and repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus or 2% soybean oil. Currently these products have a duration of action that is comparable to that of about 10% DEET.[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]About 3 to 8 hours depending on the concentration.[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Although these products are considered safe when used as recommended, long-term follow-up studies are not available. Also, more studies need to be done to see how well they repel ticks.

Allergic reactions are rare, but can occur when using repellents made from essential oils.[/av_cell][/av_row]
[av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]Repellents made from essential oils found in plants such as citronella, cedar, eucalyptus, and soybean[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]In April 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended other repellents that may work as well as DEET: repellents with picaridin and repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus or 2% soybean oil. Currently these products have a duration of action that is comparable to that of about 10% DEET.[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Usually less than 2 hours.[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Although these products are considered safe when used as recommended, long-term follow-up studies are not available. Also, more studies need to be done to see how well they repel ticks.

Allergic reactions are rare, but can occur when using repellents made from essential oils.[/av_cell][/av_row]
[av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]Chemical repellents with permethrin [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]These repellents kill ticks on contact.

[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]When applied to clothing, it lasts even after several washings. [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Should only be applied to clothing, not directly to skin. May be applied to outdoor equipment such as sleeping bags or tents

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Read more about types of repellents and the dos and donts for children.
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Dog Bite Prevention Week

May 15-22, 2016 is Dog Bite Prevention Week®.

Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the US are bitten by dogs. Of the 800,000 who seek medication attention, half are children.

Since most dog bites involve familiar animals, prevention starts at the home.

The American Pediatric Association gives the following tips on preventing dog bites:

  • Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention. For children, the injuries are more likely to be serious. Parents should be aware of some simple steps that can prevent dog bites.
  • Never leave a small child and a dog alone together, no matter if it is the family dog, a dog that is known to you, or a dog that you have been assured is well behaved. Any dog can bite.
  • Do not allow your child to play aggressive games with a dog, such as tug-of-war or wrestling, as this can lead to bites.
  • Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog.
  • Let a dog sniff you or your child before petting, and stay away from the face or tail. Pet the dog gently, and avoid eye contact, particularly at first.
  • Never bother a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Dogs in these situations are more likely to respond aggressively, even with a person who is familiar to them.
  • Do not allow your child to run past a dog, because dogs may be tempted to pursue the child.
  • Teach your child that if a dog is behaving in a threatening manner—for example, growling and barking—to remain calm, avoid eye contact with the dog, and back away slowly until the dog loses interest and leaves.
  • If you or your child is knocked over by a dog, curl up in a ball and protect the eyes and face with arms and fists.

For more information and what to do if a dog bites your child, visit healthychildren.org.

Liquid Medication Safety

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The American Academy of Pediatrics gives the following tips for liquid medication safety.

  1. Always read the label to make sure the medicine is safe for infants and toddlers.
  2. Check the dosage chart to assure you are giving the correct amount based on child’s weight.
  3. Do not mix measuring devices from other products.
  4. Keep all medication up and away from children’s reach.
  5. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions.

Also remember… ALWAYS use a correct measuring device to give medicine to children. Utensil spoons do not accurately measure medication.
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Infant Safety Classes

Unfortunately, babies do not come with directions! It is our job as parents to keep them safe. The Children’s Clinic would like to see how many parents would be interested in a child safety class that include topics such as:  CPR, sleeping positions, SIDS, and car seat safety.

If interested, please fill out the form below. You will be contact should we decide to offer a class like this.