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Pediatricians Sound Off
What Doctors Wish Parents of Small Children Would Worry About
By Katherine Bontrager
Another concern is parents who may unknowingly be putting their baby at risk for SIDS. "Co-sleeping or having loose, fluffy bedding can increase this risk," Dr. Shu says. "Parents may be so tired that they'll do anything possible to get a good night's sleep and safety may take a back seat. SIDS is the No. 1 cause of death in babies 1 month to 1 year."
"With the current obesity epidemic, it's crucial that parents be more vigilant about their child's nutrition and fitness," Dr. Shu says. "One in five are now overweight and at risk for problems like diabetes and heart disease. Roughly one in three children will develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime, and this generation of children may be the first not to outlive their parents. Children should get at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, and screen time should be limited to one to two hours per day (if over 2 years; no screen time at all for less than 2 years). Get the TV out of the bedroom, don't allow children to eat in front of the TV, bring back family meals, drink milk or water instead of sweetened beverages, watch portion sizes, eat for hunger and not for any other reason (such as boredom, habit, distraction, reward). Parents also need to be good role models when it comes to nutrition and fitness."
Dr. Shu's advice? Get back to the basics. "Eat healthy and exercise, teach children to wash hands, get the recommended vaccines, get plenty of sleep, read and limit TV/screen time."
But all in all, these doctors think you sould probably give yourself more credit. That entails taking a deep breath, patting yourself on the back for a job well done and then enjoying your child – while he or she is still a child.