Dr. Carole Keim welcomes Dr. Jason Bronstein, a pediatric pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, to The Baby Manual. Dr. Bronstein shares his journey from general pediatrics to specializing in childhood asthma, sleep apnea in children, and other pediatric breathing issues. He explains the types of cases referred to a pulmonologist, such as persistent chronic cough, difficulty breathing, or repeated respiratory infections. Dr. Keim and Dr. Bronstein discuss how conditions like asthma or congenital lung disorders are diagnosed, and Dr. Bronstein also highlights how environmental asthma triggers, such as smoke, mould, and allergens, can affect a child's lung health. 

Dr. Keim and Dr. Bronstein explore how pediatric sleep studies are used to evaluate children for obstructive sleep apnea, especially those with snoring, ADHD-like symptoms, or conditions like Down syndrome or autism. Dr. Bronstein describes what to expect during a sleep study and outlines when it's appropriate. They also cover safe and effective cough remedies for children, including honey for cough, saline nebulizers, and tips for using humidifiers without causing mould exposure. This episode is all about actionable advice for parents concerned about their child’s breathing, sleep quality, or lung function. 

Dr. Jason Bronstein, MD:

Jason Bronstein, MD, is the Medical Director of the Mount Sinai Pediatric Sleep Medicine Program and Director of the Mount Sinai Children's Integrative Sleep Center.

He received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and he completed his Pediatrics Residency at Northwell Health, Cohen Children's Medical Center. Dr. Bronstein completed his Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at Nemours, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. He completed fellowship in Sleep Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and jointly at the University of Pennsylvania.

He treats sleep disorders across the age spectrum, including obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and other pulmonary, neurologic, and behavioral conditions of sleep. He performs advanced interpretation of polysomnography and associated sleep study testing.

Dr. Bronstein is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. His professional activities include clinical care, graduate medical education, and research. He also treats general respiratory disorders in children in the Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, delivers multidisciplinary care of children with complex medical disorders via various special programs, and works with the adult sleep medicine and adult sleep laboratory programs in the Department of Medicine.

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

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Contact Dr. Carole Keim MD

linktree | tiktok | instagram

Contact Dr. Jason Bronstein, MD

website

Dr. Carole Keim welcomes Dr. David Tegay, DO, to The Baby Manual to talk about genetics, the different types of testing and screening involved in genetics, and how it’s a key part of pediatric medicine. Dr. Tegay was in residency when he encountered a patient who required a consult from a clinical geneticist from Mount Sinai, and the experience fascinated him so much that he moved from his internal medicine residency to a fellowship in genetics. He discusses all aspects of his field with Dr. Keim. 

One of the first things Dr. Tegay explains about genetic testing is that most genetic tests are no different than other routine laboratory testing, using a blood sample or even a non-invasive cheek swab or saliva sample to do the testing. It’s the results that are different from other testing. He and Dr. Keim discuss how prenatal genetic testing has developed, what kind of screening might occur during pregnancy, and the types of conditions a geneticist may be looking for. Dr. Tegay sheds light on the truth of birth defects, or congenital anomalies, and how frequently they may occur, including how many are not necessarily significant. The conversation exploring DNA, genetics, and exome sequencing, and the diseases or conditions such testing may reveal, is both enlightening and informative, explaining methodology and treatment for fetal and newborn ailments.

Dr. David Tegay, DO, FACMG, FACOI:

Dr. David Tegay, DO, is a clinical geneticist in Great Neck, NY and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He specializes in the areas of Clinical Genetics and Genomics & Internal Medicine. Dr. Tegay graduated from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1997. He is affiliated with the medical facilities North Shore University Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital Amsterdam.

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

__

Contact Dr. Carole Keim MD

linktree | tiktok | instagram

Contact Dr. David Tegay, DO, FACMG, FACOI

linkedin

Dr. Carole Keim welcomes Dr. Lauren Kanner, MD, to The Baby Manual to discuss the wide-ranging field of pediatric endocrinology. Dr. Kanner is the Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, and she shares how she got into the specialty before discussing the conditions she treats. She offers information and insights into thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, early and delayed puberty, and Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in children based on her knowledge and years of experience. 

Dr. Keim and Dr. Kanner talk about the signs and symptoms of diabetes in children, detailing what to look for, and Dr. Kanner explains how blood sugar testing and insulin therapy play crucial roles in treatment. Throughout the conversation, the doctors exchange practical insights for parents into childhood nutrition and normal growth patterns. Dr. Kanner addresses the challenges of toddlers with picky eating habits and emphasizes healthy routines such as reducing sugar-sweetened drinks and increasing physical activity, or ‘joyful movement’ as she calls it. The emphasis is on fostering positive eating habits and imparting information on the variety of conditions a pediatric endocrinologist can diagnose and treat.

Dr. Lauren Kanner, MD:

Dr. Lauren Kanner is the Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Kanner completed her medical school at Rush Medical College of Rush University in Chicago, IL, before continuing her training in pediatrics at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System Cohen Children's Hospital. Dr Kanner completed a pediatric endocrinology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin and is currently part of the University of Iowa Endocrinology and Diabetes team. 

Dr Kanner has interests in both diabetes and care of endocrine conditions, with a special interest in female, adolescent endocrinology and quality improvement. She has recently joined the Member Board of Directors for the North American Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG).

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

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Contact Dr. Carole Keim MD:

linktree | tiktok | instagram

Contact Dr. Lauren Kanner, MD:

linktree | website

Dr. Carole Keim talks with Dr. Victoria Martin, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist, a specialist who focuses on everything related to the stomach and intestines in babies. Dr. Martin trained in pediatrics and became interested in what happens in baby intestines, especially early on, during training. She talks with Dr. Keim about things like blood in a baby’s stool, protein allergies, signs of food allergies in children, and what to look for at home for signs of intestinal distress. She differentiates between what might be cause for concern versus what is normal for infants regarding reflux, breastfeeding, constipation, and more.

Dr. Martin explains normal reflux in babies and what to try at home before getting to a doctor’s appointment in regards to concerns about too much spitting up. She and Dr. Keim discuss food allergies in infants, common concerns over what allergens are transferred from a mother’s breastmilk, and why there are things to consider before immediately eliminating foods from a mother’s diet if an allergy is suspected. Food allergies, causes, and substitute formulas are discussed, and Dr. Martin shares insights into possibilities for preventing the development of allergies, when to introduce solid foods, and what a baby’s poop reveals about the baby’s health. It’s an episode full of practical advice and in-depth knowledge from Dr. Martin about babies’ intestinal functions.    

About Dr. Victoria Martin, MD, MPH:

Dr. Martin graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Biology. She completed her medical school and residency training in Pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She then completed her fellowship training at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in the division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, during which she was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award by the pediatric housestaff. She also completed a Master's degree in Public Health in Clinical Effectiveness at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Dr. Martin's clinical and research interests include the developing infant microbiome and its potential role in gastrointestinal food allergic diseases, including allergic proctocolitis and eosinophilic esophagitis.

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

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Contact Dr. Carole Keim MD

Linktree: linktr.ee/drkeim

Tiktok: @dr.keim

Instagram: @doctoratyourdoor

Contact Dr. Victoria Martin, MD, MPH

Workplace: Mass General Brigham for Children

LinkedIn: Victoria-Mackenzie-Martin-644337102

Dr. Carole Keim discusses baby apps and electronics in this episode, exploring what is helpful and what isn’t necessary. Dr. Keim says that not much is really needed in terms of electronics for babies. The things she recommends include baby trackers, baby monitors, white noise machines, Kindle for mom, and aromatherapy diffusers to aid with sleep. She details what each app or electronic item does and highlights specific brands and best use practices.

Baby tracker apps are helpful because they track how many times babies are eating, peeing, and pooping to ensure they’re doing enough. Useful apps for moms include a Kindle or audiobook, so reading can be done while feeding. Dr. Keim breaks down all the types of baby monitors and sorts through the best to use in terms of convenience, expense, and video versus audio. She also explores electronic bulb suckers and why they can be more helpful than manual versions and the benefits of essentail oil diffusers. There are not a lot of electronics needed, which makes this episode so useful in sorting through the myriad of ads and options available.

In this episode:

Apps

• Baby tracker - feeding, peeing, pooping
• Wonder weeks
• Solid starts app for baby led weaning 
• Kindle app for mom 
• Audiobooks or podcasts for mom 

Don’t need: owlet 

Electronics

• Baby monitor with 2 parent units for sound / video baby monitor
• White noise machine - Hatch sound machine + rest go, or any portable white noise machine
• Electric bulb sucker
• Mobile for over the changing table
• Diffuser for essential oils (listen to season 3 for specifics on oils)

Don’t need: special music for baby, humidifier, video monitor (though it can be nice to have in addition to a regular monitor), snoo bassinet 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. She is pulling on the knowledge of hundreds of thousands of new parents, other pediatricians, doctor moms, the Academy of Pediatrics, and breaking pediatrics news sites. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments can be found in her book Holistic Mamas Handbook, and her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of a baby’s life. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. Join The Baby Manual podcast for next season, Season 5, which will feature interviews with specialists.

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon
• Your Parenting Mojo podcast

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim talks all about teething and feeding needs for babies in this episode. Teething usually happens at around six months of age, but teeth can appear any time in the first 0 to 18 months of life. Dr. Keim shares all the best teething information to prepare new parents. She goes through everything from what to feed babies and when they start eating certain foods to high chairs, covering all the feeding needs.

Dr. Keim explains what Orajel and Anbesol teething ointments do, what type of toothbrush a baby needs, and shares advice on everything from teething crackers to drool rashes. She talks about when to use toothpaste and what kind of products are safest for teething babies to chew on. Once babies are six months old, they can start having foods, and Dr. Keim details what to start them on and how to feed it to them. Bibs, high chairs, plates, everything useful for feeding a baby (and some things that aren’t) are in this episode.

In this episode:

Teething

• orajel or topical teething ointment
• Toothbrush with soft bristles
• After 1 year of age, fluoride toothpaste (grain of rice amount at a time)
• Teething toys - banana toothbrush, silicone toys
  • Giraffe teething toy | horse | turtle | mushroom | teething tubes
• Bandana bib for drool
• Aquaphor / Vaseline for drool rash; could consider antifungal cream if rash is spotty (has satellite lesions) and not going away 
• Teething crackers 

Don’t need: homeopathic teething tablets, baby toothbrush, finger toothbrush, practice toothpaste (fluoride-free), dental floss, mouthwash, wooden teething toys, teething mitt, amber teething necklace 

Feeding

• bowl with suction on the back
• plate/placemat in one
• high chair
• spoons/forks for baby | nuby spoons
• Water bottle
• Sippy cups - 360 kind, munchkin one 
• Bibs

Don’t need: plastic bowls/plates/cups, kid-sized plastic utensils, pouches, baby food, rice/oat cereal 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. She is pulling on the knowledge of hundreds of thousands of new parents, other pediatricians, doctor moms, the Academy of Pediatrics, and breaking pediatrics news sites. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments can be found in her book Holistic Mamas Handbook, and her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of a baby’s life. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. 

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

__

Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim addresses health and hygiene products in this episode. She details which hygiene items are actually necessary for newborn babies and then explains medications to keep on hand for newborns. She also recommends some medications useful to have for babies over 6 months of age. With each item Dr. Keim offers insight and advice, as well as identifying certain popular products not actually required for babies. 

Dr. Keim offers tips to help make cutting baby fingernails a less daunting task, what items make bathing babies easier, and explains why baby powder is no longer used. What medications are safe for babies and what is actually useful and necessary? Dr. Keim highlights exactly what vitamins and dosages to look for, what it is that antifungal creams treat and how to identify whether or not a baby’s diaper rash is fungal, and has practical teething advice and pain management options. This episode ensures parents have all key health information on hand for their infants.

In this episode:

Newborn items

• Nasal bulb sucker | bulb sucker w/ oral aspirator | electric bulb sucker
• Nail clippers
• Nail file 
• q tips
• baby bathtub
• baby wash
• body lotion
• washcloths
• thermometer
• Baby hairbrush / comb
• Unscented and dye-free laundry detergent and dryer sheets

Don’t need: shampoo/conditioner (the baby wash works as shampoo), baby towel, baby washcloths, scented products, baby q tips, baby nail clippers, baby powder 

Medications to keep on hand

• Saline drops
• Children’s acetaminophen
• Dosing syringe
• Vitamin D drops
• infant tri-vitamins
• Antifungal cream (clotrimazole and/or terbinafine)
• Hydrocortisone cream 1%
• Neosporin / bacitracin ointment 
• Oragel | Anbseol
• Vicks vapor rub or essential oils for breathing 

Don’t need: gripe water, benadryl, infant’s acetaminophen, homeopathic medications, baby vicks  

Ages 6 months and up 

• ibuprofen
• iron
• multivitamin
• liquid claritin / zyrtec

Don’t need - infant ibuprofen, baby aspirin 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. She is pulling on the knowledge of hundreds of thousands of new parents, other pediatricians, doctor moms, the Academy of Pediatrics, and breaking pediatrics news sites. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments can be found in her book Holistic Mamas Handbook, and her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of a baby’s life. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. 

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim explores how to travel with your baby in this episode. What is best for going out and about or abroad with your baby? Dr. Keim starts right from the first trip of your baby’s life - going home from the hospital - and covers everything from safely riding in the car, diaper bag supplies, and longer-term travel necessities. There is a lot out there so Dr. Keim carefully narrows down all the products to highlight the most important items. 

Dr. Keim shares what to look for in a car seat and what your baby should and should not wear under the strap to ensure a secure fit. She covers how to keep an eye on your baby in the back seat, when to use blankets, and what exactly should be packed in a diaper bag to ensure you’re prepared for your baby’s needs while out of the house. She talks about different baby carriers, what to pack in a travel suitcase versus what to leave home and just buy on location, and also touches on travel vaccines. This episode will give parents peace of mind about heading out on adventures with a new baby.

In this episode:

Hospital go-bag: 

• Check out Episode 4|04

For the car: 

• Car seat and base - Doona: https://amzn.to/3CiOlZq | Evenflo (cheaper option, separate car seat and stroller) https://amzn.to/4hunybB
• Stroller 
• Mirror to see baby
• Seat protector (when they are walking) 
• Don’t need: all-in-one car seat, screen for child to look at, car seat cover, blanket, NO puffy jackets in car seats 

Diaper bag: 

• Diapers 
• Cream - Desitin: https://amzn.to/4aqXBat | Aquaphor: https://amzn.to/4hKRekX
• Wipes
• Ziplock bags (gallon size)
• Baby clothes
• Extra shirt for mom
• Burp cloth
• Changing pad / muslin blanket
• Pacifier
• Baby toys / teething toys
• Hand sanitizer
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Bandaids
• Change purse / money
• Pen
• Chapstick
• Water bottle

Travel: 

• When it’s safe to travel 
  • Breastfed babies - after the first round of vaccines
  • Formula-fed babies - 6 mos after the primary series is complete and they have flu/covid vaccines 
  • in a car - any age, but remember car seats are not designed for safe sleep so you need to plan very frequent stops
• Clothes: 1.5 outfits per day, socks, sleep sack (kaiya baby)
• Feeding supplies: bottles, silicone bowl with suction back
• Carriers - ring sling, clip carrier, boba wrap, carrier shirt - For mom: https://amzn.to/3EjucCX | For dad: https://amzn.to/3Wv1pBY
• Travel vaccines, closed bottle of liquid medicine (tylenol/ibuprofen), vitamins (infant tri-vitamins, Emergen-C)  
• Don’t need: playpen (most hotels have them), high chair, too many consumables like diapers/formula/snacks, toiletries 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. She is pulling on the knowledge of hundreds of thousands of new parents, other pediatricians, doctor moms, the Academy of Pediatrics, and breaking pediatrics news sites. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments can be found in her book Holistic Mamas Handbook, and her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of a baby’s life. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers.   

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Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim talks about diapers and potty training your babies and toddlers in this episode. She discusses disposable versus cloth diapers, and the benefits of both in terms of convenience, expense, and sustainability. She shares practical advice on potty training by highlighting which items are most useful in assisting your baby in the transition from diapers to the potty. The best things to buy are highlighted here for new parents.

Dr. Keim explains, in a quick summary, that the stuff that you'll need for diapering and pottying are probably some disposable diapers, some cloth diaper insides and outsides if you're using cloth, a diaper pail, some diaper creams, and then some potty training supplies. She details the best of each item, what to look for, and why it’s helpful. She also explains different kinds of diaper rash and how to treat and prevent rashes. Any questions you have will be answered here or discussed in depth in previous seasons of The Baby Manual.

In this episode:

Disposable: 

• Disposable diapers
• Water wipes
• Diaper pail - diaper genie
• Don’t need: wipe warmer, peepee teepee  

Cloth: 

• Diaper outsides
• Diaper insides (diaper service)
• Diaper pail - Ubbi
• Don’t need: Petroleum-based creams are the enemy of cloth diapers 

Diaper creams: 

• Petroleum based (Vaseline, Aquaphor, A&D ointment)
• Zinc-oxide based (Desitin)
• Calendula creams - can be used instead of petroleum for cloth diapering 
• Antifungal creams/ointments - clotrimazole, terbinafine, nystatin  
• Antibacterial ointments - bacitracin, neosporin, mupirocin 
• Diaper cream spatula

Potty training: 

• Potty chair for floor (for each room)
• Potty seat adapter
• Step stool 
• Padded underwear (tinyundies) 
• Info in my book The Baby Manual
• Don’t need: sticker charts, a floor potty for the bathroom 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. She is pulling on the knowledge of hundreds of thousands of new parents, other pediatricians, doctor moms, the Academy of Pediatrics, and breaking pediatrics news sites. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments can be found in her book Holistic Mamas Handbook, and her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of a baby’s life. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim talks about breast and bottle feeding and what works to make both types of feeding more comfortable and efficient. She recommends listening to the information on both types of feeding even if one or the other method has already been decided on because babies can have a preference. Pumping is a good option to pursue in addition to breastfeeding so the baby can get used to bottle feeding in the first four months. It opens the option of going back to work or leaving the baby with a relative if needed.

Dr. Keim explains what works best for accessible clothing, breast pads, nipple covers, and nipple cream and what items aren’t really needed. She highlights the different kinds of pumps available and which options work best in which scenario. Her advice is focused on the products that truly help and make life with a new baby easier so time and money are not wasted on items that aren’t as useful overall. She shares practical tips with each product. This episode is a must for new and expecting parents.

In this episode:

Breastfeeding

• Nursing bras
• Nursing tank tops
• Nursing shirts
• Pajamas that button or are 2-piece or have a low neckline - they don’t need to be breastfeeding specific, you just have to be able to get a breast out
• Gel breast pads
• Bamboobies or other absorbent breast pads
• Nipple covers
• Nipple cream Lanisoh | Motherlove
• Don’t necessarily need: nipple shield, that vacuum thing that makes your nipples stick out, hakaa, breastfeeding cover
  • Nipple suction device
  • Nipple shield for breastfeeding
  • Hakaa 
  • breastfeeding cover

Pumping

• Electric breast pump
• Wearable breast pump
  • Elvie
  • Willow
  • MomCozy
• Hands-free pumping bra
• Breast milk storage bags
• Breast pump accessories
• Don’t need: manual breast pump, pump part sterilizer

Bottle Feeding (breast milk or formula)

• Bottles
  • Glass
  • Plastic
• nipples
• burp cloths
• regular infant formula
• don’t need: bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, baby brezza formula maker, that drying rack that looks like grass

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. She is pulling on the knowledge of hundreds of thousands of new parents, other pediatricians, doctor moms, the Academy of Pediatrics, and breaking pediatrics news sites. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments can be found in her book Holistic Mamas Handbook, and her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of a baby’s life. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram