Hartsdale Pediatrics

With the baby formula shortage, what should I do if I can't find any?
Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP
Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP
Answer

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been significant shortages of infant formulas in some stores. Current shortages have been largely caused by supply chain issues and a recall of several contaminated baby formula products. Check with your local stores or online retailers about availability.

To help ease the impact of shortages, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises buying no more than a 10-day to 2-week supply of formula.

What if baby formula is out of stock everywhere?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced it is taking steps to help improve supply of infant and specialty formula products. However, if you're struggling to find baby formula during the shortage, here are some tips that can help.

Keep in mind, this advice is strictly for URGENT situations. If you have any concerns about your baby's nutrition, please talk with your pediatrician.

Check smaller stores and drug stores, which may not be out of supply when the bigger stores are.

If you can afford it, buy formula online until store shortages ease. Purchase from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies rather than individually sold or auction sites. Do not import formula from overseas, since imported formula is not FDA-reviewed.

For most babies, it is OK to switch to any available formula, including store brands, unless your baby is on a specific extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula such as Elecare (no store brand exists). Ask your pediatrician about recommended specialty formula alternatives available for your baby.

Check social media groups. There are groups dedicated to infant feeding and formula, and members may have ideas for where to find formula. Make sure to check any advice with your pediatrician.
Is it OK to put more water in baby formula?
No. While it may be tempting to water down formula to stretch it out, it is not safe to do that. Always follow label instructions or those given to you by your pediatrician. Watering down formula is dangerous. It can cause nutritional imbalances in your baby and lead to serious health problems. Always mix formula as directed by the manufacturer.

Can I make my own baby formula?
The AAP strongly advises against homemade formula. Although recipes for homemade formulas circulating on the internet may seem healthy or less expensive, they are not safe and do not meet your baby's nutritional needs. Infant deaths have been reported from use of some homemade formulas.

Can toddler formula substitute for regular formula?
Toddler formulas are not recommended for infants. However, if you absolutely have no other choice, toddler formula is safe for a few days for babies who are close to a year of age.

Is cow's milk a safe alternative to baby formula?
This may be an option if your child is older than 6 months of age and is usually on regular formula (not a specialty product for allergies or other special health needs). In a pinch, you could feed them whole cow's milk for a brief period of time until the shortage is better. This is not ideal and should not become routine, but is a better option than diluting formula or making homemade formula. Although we don’t have a specific amount of cow milk that infants 6-12 months should drink in this situation, follow the limits of no more than 24 ounces a day for children over a year of age. See "Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 and Younger."

The most important concern with giving an infant over 6 months of age cow's milk is making sure they get enough iron to prevent anemia. Be sure to include plenty of iron-containing solid foods in their diet while you are using whole cow's milk. You may also talk with your pediatrician about giving your baby an iron supplement.

Can I use plant-based milk instead of baby formula if needed?
Milk alternatives are not recommended for babies under a year of age or infants with certain medical conditions requiring specialized formulas. Soy milk may be an option to give babies who are close to a year of age for a few days in an emergency, but always buy the kind that is fortified with protein and calcium. Make sure to change back to formula as soon as some is available. Be especially careful to avoid almond milk or other plant milks as these are often low in protein and minerals.

What is the shelf life of baby formula?
Check the "use by" date on infant formula, which is required by FDA regulations to be on each container. Until that declared date, the formula will contain no less than the amount of each nutrient on the product label and will otherwise be of acceptable quality.

Remember
Don't hesitate to talk with your pediatrician if you have any concerns you have about your baby's health and nutrition. If your child has special health needs, be sure to check with their doctor about medically appropriate and safe feeding alternatives.

More information
Ask the Pediatrician: What should I know about the infant formula recall?
How to Safely Prepare Formula with Water
Is Homemade Baby Formula Safe?
Ask the Pediatrician: Is it OK to buy imported formulas online?
How Much and How Often Should Your Baby Eat?
Relactation: Starting Over With Breastfeeding
Induced Lactation: Breastfeeding for Adoptive Parents
Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP
Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP
Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, he is past chair of the National Committee on Nutrition. Dr. Abrams also served on Dietary Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. You can follow him on Twitter at ​.

Updated AAP Guidance Recommends Masking As “Important Layer Of Protection” For Some Children
Healio (3/2) reports, “In light of new masking recommendations from the CDC, the AAP has updated its own masking guidance but says that masking is still an ‘important layer of protection’ for children.” AAP President Moira Szilagyi, MD, PhD, FAAP, “said in a statement that although the CDC’s new approach was ‘reasonable,’ masking would still be needed for some children.” Szilagyi said, “We encourage each family to make a plan that works best for them, while also modeling empathy and discouraging bullying of any child who chooses to mask to protect themselves and their family even when not required to do so.”

Some good news about the decreased incidence of oropharyngeal cancer is buried in this study from Journal of the American Medical Association...
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2787301?guestAccessKey=5b76fbfb-a143-4c5b-90b9-8f772fe3b316&utm_source=silverchair&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_alert-jamaotolaryngology&utm_content=olf&utm_term=121621 #:~:text=For%20the%20first%20time%20in%20several%20decades%2C%20OPC%20incidence%20has%20decreased%20in%20recent%20years%20among%20young%20non%2DHispanic%20white%20men%2C%20which%20may%20reflect%20the%20effect%20of%20HPV%20vaccination.

jamanetwork.com

https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/96174?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2021-12-14&eun=g1742038d0r&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Headlines%20Top%20Cat%20HeC%20%202021-12-14&utm_term=NL_Daily_DHE_dual-gmail-definition

www.medpagetoday.com

Climate Empowerment Picture Book

9 million SARS COVID-19 shots for 12-17 year-olds: here is a summary of the side effects....

consumer.healthday.com/8-2-after-nearly-9-million-covid-shots-for-u-s-teens-serious-side-effects-very-rare-cdc-2654297812.html

After Nearly 9 Million Pfizer Shots for U.S. Teens, Serious Side Effects Rare: CDC MONDAY, Aug. 2, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. health officials have some reassuring news about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in young people: Among millions of U.S. teens who've received Pfizer's shots, serious side effects have been rare.As of July 16, close to 9 million teens, aged 12 to 17,....

*** PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM TIPITINA'S, MAPLE LEAF BAR, & d.b.a. ***

Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf Bar, & d.b.a. to Require Vaccination Proof or Negative Covid-19 Test For Entry

The music industry in New Orleans is uniting once again in an effort to curb the rise in Covid-19 cases seen throughout the city.

Effective Friday, July 30, 2021, notable New Orleans venues will require all patrons who wish to attend performances featured at their establishment to provide a valid, complete Covid-19 vaccination card OR proof of a negative Covid-19 test performed within the previous 72 hours prior to entry onto the premises until further notice.

Guests will be required to provide proof of documentation along with a matching, valid ID for verification. Such documentation needs to be directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination or the negative Covid-19 test within the previous 72-hours. Such proof may be displayed on a smartphone or presented as a physical copy.

Masking of all attendees will also remain strongly encouraged consistent with CDC guidelines.

For more information on specific guidance or other venue requirements, please reach out directly to the respective business.

Due to the recent rise in Covid-19 infections across the city and throughout the country, other venues are encouraged to join in our mission to help slow the spread of this virus and variants that pose an imminent risk to the health and safety of our community.

We remain committed to providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere and livelihood for all performers, employees, and supporters of live entertainment and thank everyone for their contribution to these mitigation efforts at this time.

“Alexa, enable the MyPlate skill”

MyPlate nutrition information for babies and toddlers.
Introducing our newest bundle of joy: MyPlate on Alexa. Get MyPlate nutrition information for babies and toddlers straight to your home on an Amazon Alexa device or on your smartphone or tablet via the free Amazon Alexa app.

MyPlate on Alexa provides healthy eating tips for parents and caregivers on what and how to feed babies and toddlers based on their age (between 4 and 24 months – older ages coming soon!). Parents and caregivers can receive science-based food and nutrition advice to set their child up for lifelong healthy eating habits.

'TIME FOR LUNCH'
Having your kids sit down for 20 minutes instead of 10 minutes, increases their consumption of fruits and vegetables! Here's a link to the study explained by Phil Lempert - https://youtu.be/a5v6C1ro7BY.
The study was done in a school setting, but it got me to thinking that it is probably a good idea for families to set a minimum time at the dinner table. Not only for more veggies and fruits, but also time to talk and listen! Sometimes, a simple idea can have many unforeseen advantages!

Here’s A Way To Get Kids To Eat A Healthier Lunch School-age children ate more fruits and vegetables when they had to sit at the lunch table for 20 minutes versus half that long.Remember when you were a kid ...

It would be a great goal to add cauliflower to your child's vegetable list this summer! Cauliflower oatmeal - google it! - might be a good way to get more veggies in your child's diet!

The Versatile Vegetable: Cauliflower | KitchenAid Stories When it comes to adaptability, cauliflower can’t be beat. Learn the origins of this humble vegetable and how it can add nutrition to your favorite dishes.

Do Babies Really Need Vitamin D Supplements? Why vitamin D drops are important for baby’s health

Does my unvaccinated child still have to wear a mask when the rest of the family doesn't? ​​​​New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors in most cases. But we realize that families with children who are not yet old enough for a vaccine may find it dif...

I know kids love 'em, but...

Surprising Dangers of Trampolines for Kids Consider other outdoor activities

When will children be eligible for CoViD19 vaccines?
Researchers Testing Safety And Efficacy Of Moderna Vaccine In Young Children
The Baltimore Sun (4/28) reports researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health are conducting a clinical trial testing “the safety and efficacy of the Moderna vaccine in young children.” Clinical trials like this one “could mean mass vaccinations begin in older children during the summer and in younger ones soon after school resumes in the fall.” Scientists say that children eventually need to be vaccinated for their own protection and to protect others from COVID-19. Dr. James Campbell, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the medical school, said it’s unclear right now what the best strategy will be to vaccinate children, but pediatricians will rely on advice from the CDC and AAP.

A statement from PEDIATRIC ANNALS about COVID-19 and teenagers.

'In a recent COVID-19 Town Hall, Dr. Sonja O'Leary, the Chair-Elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on School Health Executive Committee, expressed the following: (1) in one school in her network of 18 school-based health centers, 70% of high school seniors were not on track to graduate on time because of missed schoolwork; (2) some older teens are responsible for helping younger siblings with class work and may be holding jobs, even full time; (3) pediatricians should develop partnerships with schools and other community agencies, and advocate for increased funding for summer school and pre-college programs that help students graduate on time; (4) access to high school counselors is improved with in-person schooling.'

Somehow, kids need to get back to in-person learning.

Gotham Writers Workshop scholarship for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color) students...
If your teen is applying to college, you may be interested in this program from a premier creative and expressive writing organization. Their classes are great for adults, too.
https://www.writingclasses.com/community/bipoc-at-gotham

BIPOC at Gotham - Gotham Writers Workshop Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Gotham is creating opportunities to welcome more people of color into the world of writing.

Biden Administration Puts Forward One-Year, $120 Billion Plan Designed To Cut Child Poverty Nearly In Half
The Los Angeles Times (2/24) reports that this week, while “the House prepares...to approve a one-year move to fight child poverty as part of President Biden’s COVID-19 relief package, leading Democrats and advocacy groups have begun jockeying to make the policy permanent.” The Biden Administration “has put forward a one-year, $120 billion plan designed to cut child poverty nearly in half,” a proposal that “would revamp the existing federal child tax credit to provide $3,000 per child over age five – $3,600 for younger children – to all but the most affluent families.” The proposal would also “make the credit fully refundable, meaning that families with little or no income would get the money as a refund, potentially in monthly installments.” Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) stated, “To make this [proposal] permanent would be a game changer” for the US

Book of the week

P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever, by Raj Haldar, Chris Carpenter, and illustrator Maria Beddia is actually one of the greatest children’s books evuh! Many children get tired of spelling rules—P Is for Pterodactyl features words that break all the rules. You and your gleeful youngster will have a blast with this bizarrely educational book.

Keep paying attention to your kids' mental health in this pandemic The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on children's mental health, associated with an increase in suicide-related behaviors, experts say. There are preventive measures parents and guardians can take for kids who are seemingly faring OK or those in crisis.

Not Enough Adolescents Are Signing Up For Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Trial, Federal Official Says
USA Today (1/13) reports, “Not enough adolescents are signing up for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine trial, a federal official said this week, potentially delaying vaccine authorization for this age group.” On Tuesday, “Moncef Slaoui, the scientific head of Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine effort, said...that while a vaccine trial in adults is accruing 800 volunteers per day, the teen trial is getting only about 800 per month.” AAP president Dr. Lee Savio Beers said that “children and teens may not bear much of the burden of the infection, but they are ‘bearing a disproportionate burden of the overall pandemic impact,’” adding, “We should not forget that.” Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, chair of the committee on infectious diseases for the AAP, “said it’s crucial to get vaccine data for children of all ages.” Dr. Maldonado added, “Many of us want to see kids vaccinated – for their own safety of course, but also because it really reduces the chain of transmission.”

A lot of styes 'popped up' last week. I think it has something to do with children going back to virtual school, staring at computer screens too long. I say we need to institute some 'eyelid hygiene' measures - a warm compress (not too hot) to the eyelids twice a day with a gentle two wipe massage at the end of the period to help keep the glands open and the tear fluids flowing!

Children and teachers are doing a great job of keeping schools a safe place for everybody. Congratulations to schools and teachers.

...like and follow Hartsdale Pediatrics
WHEN ARE ANTIBIOTICS NEEDED?
https://twitter.com/CDC_eHealth/status/1329834149851648000?s=20

CDC_eHealth on Twitter “Do you know when are and aren’t needed? Test your knowledge about antibiotics by taking this quiz. https://t.co/Be46aa8zjW. ”

(Like and follow Hartsdale Pediatrics)
When to use different types of thermometers (from the academy)

Thermometers 101: How to check temperature during COVID-19 pandemic The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for nominations for the position of editor in chief for the journal Hospital Pediatrics.

...from Hartsdale Pediatrics (please like and follow)- Encouraging mask-wearing among children.

https://discoveries.childrenshospital.org/kids-masks-covid/

How to encourage your child to wear a mask for COVID-19 protection - Boston Children's Discoveries Your child will likely need wear a mask in public. Here's how to help your child get used to the idea while making it fun.

Halloween Sale USE CODE: ScaryGood30* at checkout*Not valid on subscription orders or gift cards

With the COVID-19 pandemic still going, it is more important than ever to protect your child from viruses like influenza. Getting your family vaccinated for the flu protects yourself, your children, and your community—including essential workers. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Prepare-Your-Family-for-Flu-Season.aspx

from Hartsdale Pediatrics...
Limited-Time Offer: Up to Three Months of Ni****ne Gum Free

For a limited time and while supplies last, we are offering up to three months of free ni****ne gum for those looking to quit smoking or va**ng. Shipping is included; most will qualify for the offer. We encourage as many traditional to***co and v**e-product users as possible to call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit nysmokefree.com and to share the message with their family and friends who smoke or v**e

...from Hartsdale Pediatrics. Like and follow Hartsdale Pediatrics to get more posts.

Summer Reading- I was going to put a link to pages that offer summer reading lists for your children. School starts in the Northeast in two weeks. Google - 'summer reading' and put in your town. If your child hasn't been reading a lot this summer, it is time for him/her/them to get back into it! Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Worth reading. Flu shots for all in September or October this year, please.

Antibiotic Prescriptions for Children: 10 Common Questions Answered The AAP answers parents' common questions about the use of antibiotics here. Using antibiotics when they are not the right medicine will not help and may even cause more harm than good.

AAP: grimaces and smiley faces...from Hartsdale Pediatrics, '_like_' and '_follow_' Hartsdale Pediatrics for more interesting posts about children's health.

The AAP has a diversity of positions. Opening schools in the fall 😕, and support of reproductive rights✔️.

It's too early to decide on opening schools in the fall (unsure why they came out with this position), but glad they are on target on reproductive rights!

AAP Statement on Supreme Court Decision Upholding Exemptions from ACA Contraception Mandate The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is disappointed in today's 7-2 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the administration’s broad exemption allowing employers to opt out of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) requirement to offer no-cost contraception to employees based on moral or rel...

Some say we should concentrate on getting kids back to school rather than getting other parts of the economy back on track!

Why kids should be in the classroom this fall -- and how to keep them safe there Millions of children and parents are desperate to know what the fall might look like in terms of school. Recently, a group of public health and pediatrics experts made the case that kids need to be in the classroom and not at home. William Brangham reports and talks to Sean O’Leary of the American...

Day Care - and COVID19 precautions... from Hartsdale Pediatrics. Please 'like' and 'follow' Hartsdale Pediatrics for more informative posts.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Is-it-safe-to-send-my-child-to-child-care-during-COVID-19.aspx

Is it safe to send my child to child care during COVID-19?

More things to do with children!

Buggy Ring Bling | Scarsdale Public Library Buggy Ring Bling by Karen Zielinski | Jun 24, 2020 | Children's, Crafts This weeks craft is Buggy Ring Bling! https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/MOVIE.mp4 You will need: 8 1/2 x 11 paper, colors of your choice. (I used pink and black), scissors, glue stick, ruler, marke...

Change the world...

How to talk with your teens about racial protests - Boston Children's Discoveries As racial protests continue to spead across the country, Boston Children's physchiatrist Dr. Kevin Simon offers advice for parents of teens

Cooking with kids...from Hartsdale Pediatrics. Please 'like' and 'follow' Hartsdale Pediatrics for quality posts. I often suggest that children cook with their parents, and they always seem excited by the prospect. ChopChop Magazine (available at my office) is a great resource to get children interested in food... healthy food! Bon appetit.

-Dr Rosenberg

Week 15 - Let's Get Cooking: ChopChop Kids Club We’re back with our weekly ChopChop Kids Club newsletter. (If you missed the last one, it’s here.) This week, we’re focusing on cucumbers. The cucumber is a versatile vegetable (or fruit, if we’re being technical) that can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, and even drinks. We love eating...

Poison Ivy and Ticks...from Hartsdale Pediatrics. 'Like' and 'Follow' Hartsdale Pediatrics for more posts about pediatrics.

The Weinberg Nature Center is a great place to lose yourself for an hour or two.

Take a hike in the woods and teach your children to identify poison ivy. Use bug spray to prevent tick bites, and check for ticks nightly to avoid lyme disease. here's a link from The Weinberg Nature Center with great tips about ticks, poison ivy and what to do for bites and exposures:http://www.weinbergnaturecenter.org/images/Poison_Ivy_and_Ticks.pdf .