The Baby Manual

Dr. Carole Keim is a pediatrician, mom, and author who helps new parents all over the world understand their babies and navigate the challenges that arise daily. The first year of a baby’s life is the focus of Season 1 of this podcast, ages one to three is the focus of Season 2, and holistic and supportive care is the focus of Season 3. Now Dr. Keim welcomes listeners to Season 4 where she will focus on talking about baby items that are actually needed. She will guide listeners in sorting through pregnancy, baby, and toddler items that are useful versus those that are a waste of time and money. 

In this first episode, Dr. Carole Keim shares a list of items that should be bought while they’re on sale. Black Friday is just around the corner and sales tend to pop up close to major holidays. These items are divided into categories from things for pregnant moms, items useful to have before a baby is born, items for toddlers, and general household items. Dr. Keim takes listeners through the basics to let us know which things should be purchased when they’re on sale, which things to get secondhand, which things to buy new, and which things the brand actually matters. 

In this episode:

Pregnant mom items: 

• Elvie breast pump | Willow breast pump
• Hands-free pumping bra
• Breastfeeding bras / shirts 
• Lila delivery gown 
• Pregnancy pillow
• Compression socks
• Bamboobies 
• Spanx
• Bombas socks
• Packages of services - maternity/birth/newborn photos, prenatal massages
• The Baby Manual

Expecting baby items (stuff for your baby, if you’re still pregnant)

• Crib (3 in 1)
• Crib mattress
• Snoo
• Changing table
• Glider
• Doona Car seat and stroller
• Diaper bag
• High chair
• Baby food maker/processor
• Formula maker (Baby Brezza)
• Hatch sound machine
• Ubbi diaper pail
• Nipples, bottles
• Diaper covers (cloth diapers)
• Baby carrier (ring sling)
• Pack n Play
• Travel bassinet clamshell
• Electric nasal sucker 
• Mamaroo

Toddler items (stuff for your baby, if your baby is already born and under 1 year old)

• Silicone plates, cups, bibs
• Plasticware
• Toddler car seat (Graco 4ever Extend2Fit) or rotating car seat
• LifeVac
• TushBaby carrier
• Nugget couch
• Montessori climbing gym
• RideSafer vest
• Kiwi Crates
• Holistic Mamas Handbook

General household items (that will help the whole family and/or spouse gift ideas)

• Dyson vacuum
• Roomba 
• TV
• Bug-A-Salt
• FitBit
• Tushy bidet / toto washlet / other bidet system 
• The Meater thermometer
• KicKee Pants / primary pajamas
• Mini fridge 
• Heated vest
• AirPods Pro (noise cancelling)
• Loop earplugs
• Baby carrier shirts
• New cookware 
• Exergen thermometer
• Air fryer

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 the all-important subject of sleep in this episode. Sleep is a frustrating thing as a new parent which is why there is so much sleep advice and so many sleep books available. Dr. Keim will break down what sleep patterns are normal at different ages and give information on different ways to help babies (and parents, by extension) sleep well. 

All babies are different and what works for one baby’s sleep may not work for another. But there are normal sleep patterns for different ages and Dr. Keim clears up confusion around those necessary patterns. She explains why babies crave the rocking and contact of being held as opposed to being laid in a bed to sleep and offers advice on how to slowly get them accustomed to the change. From night feeding to sleep positions to not using your phone in your baby’s room to all the different alternative healing modalities that have been shown to be helpful in promoting sleep, Dr. Keim gives the key information parents need on the topic of sleep. 

In this episode:

Sleep  (00:27)

• Intro: helping babies sleep at night is one of the most difficult and frustrating things as a new parent.  All babies are different.  What’s normal at different ages: 
  • Newborns cluster feed and wake at least once every 2-3 hours 
  • For the first 2 months of life, a baby can’t sleep more than 4 hours 
  • From 2-6 months it’s ok to let them sleep longer, but most still wake 2-3x at night to feed
  • From 6-9 months, allowed to sleep as long as they want, typically wake 1-2x per night, worse when teething
  • From 9-12 months, can start offering water at night. Feeding higher fat/protein meals at dinner time can help them sleep better.
  • After 12 months, they don’t need milk at night, only water if they wake up, and reassure for night waking.  Cosleeping will make you both get worse sleep, and remember a thin blanket is ok, but no thick blankets and no pillows til age 2. Sleeping with a tight shirt can help curb breastfeeding at night.  
• Western -  graduated or progressive extinction method.  “Cry it out” is not recommended due to emotional trauma.  Melatonin is not recommended on a regular basis; can be used intermittently when traveling (jet lag) but not more than 2-3 days.  Also a consistent bedtime routine helps - run/play, brush teeth, bath, reading/singing, low lighting, avoid screens x 2h before bed.  
• TCM - pediatric acupuncture (shonishin) and Chinese herbs can both help with sleep.  Speak to a pediatric acupuncturist for specific recommendations.
• Chiro - pediatric chiropractic and craniosacral therapy can help your baby or child sleep better.  Chiropractic is built around relaxing and resetting the nervous system, so regular adjustments tend to be really helpful for sleep.  
• Nutrition/supplements - Eating a dinner high in fat and protein and low in sugar at least 2 hours before bedtime, magnesium supplements (check with a doctor for dosing), chamomile tea over age 1 or for breastfeeding moms; can give a spoonful of chamomile tea under age 1 (no honey!) 
• Homeopathy - aconitum napellus, arsenicum album, belladonna, china officinalis, chamomilla, calcarea carbonica, and pulsatilla.  Note: not supported by western science; speak to a CCH for specific recommendations.  
• Aromatherapy - Can diffuse oils or dilute in a carrier oil and rub onto baby’s back and feet.  The best oils for sleep are Roman chamomile, German chamomile, neroli, tangerine, pettigrain, and lavender.  Lavender can be stimulating in children; if this seems to be the case, try chamomile oil instead.

End of season; stay tuned for more in the future!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, which can be ordered here. Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of your baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• There is more information like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook.  You can order the Holistic Mamas Handbook on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon
• Dr. Keim’s Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim talks about baby’s skin today, specifically baby acne and diaper rash. She explains what causes each irritation as well as how they typically present. She then goes through Western and alternative medicines that offer relief or healing. 

Baby acne often starts in the first month or so of a baby’s life. There are several causes for baby acne and it will typically cover the face and upper chest. There are ways to soothe it or help it heal faster but, as Dr. Keim says, it’s “self-limited” and goes away on its own. Diaper rash is extremely common and there isn’t just one type that babies can get. The redness and irritation can get colonized with yeast or it may be one of two types of bacterial infections worsening the rash. Dr. Keim details what to look for with each type of diaper rash, when to contact a doctor, and all of the prevention and curative measures offered by healing modalities.

In this episode:

Baby Acne (00:45)

• Symptoms: pimples on face and upper chest. Caused by a combination of hormones, dryness, and irritation.  Hormones cause increased oil production, dryness causes sebaceous glands to produce more oil to moisturize skin, oil gets trapped in the pores and becomes acne.  Being overheated or sweaty will do the same thing.  Dirt, too much lotion, and regurgitated milk can irritate the skin and block the pores, making acne flare up more.  
• Western -  typically no treatment; keep baby clean but don’t wash too often (1-2x per week) so skin doesn’t get too dry.  Keep room temp 68-72 degrees so they don’t overheat.  No need to change diet.  Call your doctor if your baby has pimples that are larger than 2mm across, if the lesions are filled with clear fluid or yellow pus, if the pimples are in clusters, or if you aren’t sure if it’s baby acne or something else.
• Acu/traditional Chinese medicine - acupuncture doesn’t specifically treat baby acne, but can decrease overall inflammation, and someone certified in Chinese herbalism may be able to recommend topical treatments
• Chiro - n/a
• Nutrition/supplements - can put breastmilk on baby’s skin 
• Homeopathy - calendula cream topically; no oral remedies 
• Aromatherapy - Calendula oil, lavender oil, oregano oil, and tea tree oil may be mixed into a carrier oil and applied topically 

Diaper Rash (08:19)

• Symptoms: caused by moisture + friction; most babies will have one at some point. Starts with redness/irritation of skin but can get colonized / super infected with yeast or bacteria.  Candida rash (yeast) has satellite lesions.  Bacterial has boils.  Strep butt (perianal strep infection) is a bright red circle around the anus and happens in older children.  
• Western -  prevention (decreased likelihood, sometimes you can’t prevent it!) involves changing diaper as soon as it’s wet/poopy, use water wipes after each poop, apply diaper cream (zinc oxide based vs petroleum), air it out, don’t use baby powder.  If not improving within 2-3 days with these treatments, it might be colonized/infected.  Nystatin cream for candida, mupirocin for bacterial - both are used 3x per day; use regular cream in between.  Oral amoxicillin for perianal strep.  
• Acu/TCM - acupuncture doesn’t treat diaper rash; chinese herbs may be helpful, check with a pediatric acupuncturist
• Chiro - n/a
• Nutrition/supplements - acidic foods make it worse (strawberries, citrus, tomatoes).  Probiotics can help.  
• Homeopathy - calendula cream topically; borax veneta, calendula officinalis, cantharis, merc sol, nitric acid, and sulphur can be given by mouth, or dissolved in water and applied topically.  
• Aromatherapy - nothing for regular/irritant rash.  For candida, can use oregano, geranium, or tea tree in a carrier oil.  For bacterial, can use tea tree or lemongrass in an oil on the boils.  

Also in the Holistic Mamas Handbook: ringworm, cradle cap 

Refer to last week’s episode about eczema 

Next week: Sleep!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, which can be ordered here. Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of your baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• There is more information like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook.  You can order the Holistic Mamas Handbook on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon
• Dr. Keim’s Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim explores the topics of allergies and eczema in this episode. She defines what each disease is and what typically causes their appearance. All your questions about what symptoms to look for in your infant or child as well as how you can treat allergies and eczema when discovered will be answered by Dr. Keim.  

Allergies, eczema, and asthma are called atopic diseases and tend to run in families. So if there’s a family member that has either allergies or eczema or asthma, or multiples of these, your child is at higher risk of developing them. Dr. Keim explains the science behind the reactions and symptoms before detailing exactly what types of medicines or interventions are safe and effective. While there are many Western medicine treatments available, holistic alternatives do exist and Dr. Keim explains which are safest to pursue.

In this episode:

Allergies (01:10)

• Symptoms: allergic cascade: antigen binds to IgE (produced by B cells which are white blood cells), IgE binds to mast cells, and mast cells degranulate and release histamine and other cytokines (cellular chemicals) that cause blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid into surrounding tissue, which causes symptoms of nasal congestion, watery eyes, runny nose, and mucus in airways / cough; histamine also causes itching, rashes/hives, and spasm of airways causing wheezing. Severe allergic reactions can make the blood pressure drop dangerously low from the blood vessels dilating and can cause severe airway spasm and swelling - this is known as anaphylaxis.  Parents who have allergies/asthma/eczema (atopic diseases) are more likely to have a child with allergies, but it’s often to different things than the parents are allergic to.
• Western - avoid allergen (keep the house clean, use HEPA filters, avoid pets, wash off after being outside, avoid foods and medications you’re allergic to); we work backwards / up the allergic cascade: antihistamines, steroids, mast cell stabilizers, anti-IgE injections, allergy shots (which contain small amounts of what your child is allergic to and are gradually increased to retrain the immune system into recognizing it as ok); epinephrine for anaphylaxis to reverse the vasodilation and bronchospasm
• Acu - decreases overall inflammation, great for environmental allergies 
• Chiropractic - can help with overall wellness and inflammation, but doesn’t specifically treat allergies.  
• Nutrition/supplements -  none in the US other than avoiding foods you’re allergic to (nuts, fish, and shellfish will cross-react with others in the same group, and milk will cross-react with soy); outside the US they do sublingual immune therapy which is kind of like allergy shots but the antigen is given orally, but this has a risk for anaphylaxis. 
• Homeopathy - whatever the allergen is 
• Oils - eucalyptus/peppermint in a diffuser, lavender and tea tree topically (anti-inflammatory) 

Eczema  (23:01)

Symptoms: dry skin, rash, itching; more common on surfaces that rub (cheeks and extensor surfaces in babies, flexor surfaces in older children) 

• Western - keep skin moisturized (emollients like vaseline or aquaphor for dry skin, unscented lotion on a daily basis), avoid scented lotions/soaps/detergents, wash new clothes before wearing them, steroid cream
• Acu - decreases overall inflammation and can help 
• Chiropractic -  can help with overall wellness and inflammation, but doesn’t specifically treat eczema 
• Nutrition/supplements -  avoid allergenic foods (wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts, fish), consider hydrolyzed formula, limit sugar in older children, add more fresh fruit/veggies/fiber to decrease inflammation, vitamin C, Vitamin D.  
• Homeopathy -  calendula cream, pine tar soap, antimonium crudum, graphites, sulphur 
• Oils -  can try topical oils in a carrier - lavender, chamomile, oregano, tea tree - sometimes topical oils or the carrier oil will make eczema worse 

Also in Holistic Mamas Handbook: asthma, nosebleeds (can be related to allergies) 

Next week: baby acne and diaper rash! 

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, which can be ordered here. Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of your baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• More like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook.  You can order the Holistic Mamas Handbook here: https://amzn.to/3rlXhb7
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon
• Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim talks about constipation and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in this episode. Dr. Keim details how to tell if your infant or child is truly constipated and what can be done to help alleviate the discomfort, as well as what to look for if you suspect a UTI. Her advice includes all holistic options that are applicable to alternative care.  

The rate of true constipation in infants under a year old is very rare, roughly 3% of babies. But that changes when children are older than a year. Constipation can become a lot more common as children age. Dr. Keim explains all the science, medical information, and care options for constipation and she also explains that children who are constipated are more likely to also get UTIs, which is why this episode is about both topics. UTIs tend to be more common in summer and in girls, but Dr. Keim explains that they can happen throughout the year and to boys as well. The information in this episode will ensure you are prepared to assist your child through either condition, should they arise.

In this episode:

Constipation (00:32)

• Symptoms: poorly defined; decreased number of poops with harder texture. Pellets in the diaper.  Note: discoordinate stooling happens at 4-6 weeks of age and is a normal phase they go through; your baby isn’t constipated at this age!  
• Western - in first 6 months just increase amount of feeds (don’t add water until they are eating foods) and talk to your doctor about possible food allergy/intolerance; when they start solids start offering 1oz of water for each 1oz of food; avoid milk at 1 year of age; increase water intake in children 6 months and older, prune juice as a medicine, increase fiber, P foods (pears, plums, peaches), polyethylene glycol (miralax), belly massage, tummy time, warm compresses to abdomen.  
• Acu - acupuncture and herbs can help 
• Chiro - yes 
• Nutrition/supplements - high fiber foods, fiber supplements, psyllium, dried apricots, prebiotics, probiotics 
• Homeopathy - speak with a CCH, they need to look at the constellation of symptoms 
• Aromatherapy - Ginger, fennel, peppermint, rosemary, lemon, and lavender oil may help - in a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed onto the abdomen.  Also any of these, or castor oil on a warm wet washcloth on the abdomen can help.  Don’t give EOs or castor oil by mouth; EOs are potentially poisonous and castor oil is very irritating to the gut and no longer recommended.
• Yoga can also help with constipation - check out videos on youtube! 

UTI  (21:00)

• Symptoms: urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria (pain with urination), bed wetting in a potty trained child, fever in infants (warrants immediate medical intervention). There shouldn’t be blood; if there is blood in the urine that also warrants immediate medical check.  Test is urinalysis.  Constipation can lead to UTIs in children; also being in a wet diaper or swimsuit too long, tight clothing/sweating in the summer, and bubble baths.  
• Western -  antibiotics, increase fluids, phenazopyridine / pyridium / AZO in older children, plain water baths 
• Acu - acupuncture and herbs can help 
• Chiro - no 
• Nutrition/supplements - limit sugar and dairy, low acidity foods (limit citrus and tomatoes), cranberry juice or supplements, probiotics 
• Homeopathy - not recommended
• Aromatherapy - not recommended

Also in Holistic Mamas Handbook: pinworms (the most common cause of itchy butt in children!)

Next week: Allergies and eczema!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, which can be ordered here. Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of your baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• More like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook.  You can order the Holistic Mamas Handbook here: https://amzn.to/3rlXhb7
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon
• Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off
• Pediatric chiropractors: icpa4kids.com
• Dr. Keim’s juiceplus+ link

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim discusses vomiting and diarrhea in this episode, explaining the causes and symptoms of each. Beyond Western medicine treatment, Dr. Keim dives into alternative and holistic options for the treatment of both vomiting and diarrhea in babies and toddlers.  

Vomiting and diarrhea can often appear together, caused by viral infections, but vomiting alone can be a red flag for issues beyond infection, especially in older children. Dr. Keim details what to look for if your child is vomiting and how best to treat the symptoms. While the medical community isn’t fully in agreement on how to define diarrhea, it is essentially looser and more frequent stools. Dr. Keim explains the various colors that can appear in a baby’s stool and when they should see a doctor versus when holistic options may be useful.

In this episode:

Vomiting (02:38)

• Symptoms: Forceful expulsion of stomach contents; different than spitting up. Note: if vomit is green that indicates bile and may be a sign of obstruction and warrants immediate medical attention. 
• Western -  we typically don’t treat vomiting in children as it keeps the infection in longer; focus on liquids (small sips at a time - broth, tea, watered-down juice, oral rehydration solution), popsicles, smaller light meals of bland foods 
• Acu - acupuncture and herbs can help
• Chiro - can help with overall wellness and inflammation, but doesn’t specifically treat this. 
• Nutrition/supplements - ginger, small sips of liquids, bland foods; for viral infections, supplements such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Echinacea, Vitamin D, and Elderberry can help boost the immune system and heal the body faster.  
• Homeopathy - antimonium crudum 
• Aromatherapy - ginger, peppermint, lavender, fennel seed, lemon, rose - either in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed on the abdomen

Diarrhea (11:25)  

• Symptoms: poorly defined but more frequent and looser stools; poop that soaks into the diaper.  Note: normal baby poop is very loose and yellow or green but sits on top of the diaper lining.  
• Western -  typically no medications as this can make the infection worse; BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), bland foods, limit juices or only give watered-down juice
• Acu - acupuncture and herbs can help
• Chiro - can help with overall wellness and inflammation, but doesn’t specifically treat this.
• Nutrition/supplements - for babies with green poop can do block feeding (twice on one breast, twice on the other) or mix pumped milk in the fridge to get more hind milk and less fore milk; older children avoid dairy and sugar, avoid fruits, give probiotics; For viral infections, supplements such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Echinacea, Vitamin D, and Elderberry can help boost the immune system and heal the body faster.  
• Homeopathy - china officianalis, arsenicum album, podophyllum peltatum 
• Aromatherapy - anise, fennel, peppermint, coriander, lemon balm, cardamom, cinnamon - either in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed on the abdomen. 

Next week: constipation and UTI!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, launching on November 15, 2023. Pre-orders are available here. Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers the year one of baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• More like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook. Pre-order the Holistic Mamas Handbook, launch date 11/15/23
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon
• Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off
• Pediatric chiropractors: icpa4kids.com

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim talks about colic and reflux in this episode. She explains what they are and explores how different modalities can help alleviate your baby’s discomfort. There are supportive and alternative care options that Dr. Keim doesn’t often get a chance to address in the office but can present here.    

Dr. Keim defines a baby with true colic as one who cries for “three hours per day, three days per week, for three weeks”, or the rule of threes. The cause of colic is still largely unknown but common understanding links it to gas in the intestines. Dr. Keim lays out all the options for alleviating your baby’s colic distress. Reflux, or when stomach contents come up into the esophagus of young babies, is mainly treated with non-medicinal measures, a variety of which Dr. Keim explains.    

In this episode:

Colic (00:52)

• Symptoms: Rule of 3s: 3 hours per day, 3 days per week, for 3 weeks. Peaks at 4-6 weeks of age.
• Western -  Nonmedical: burp baby every 5 minutes if breastfeeding or after each 1oz if bottle feeding, tummy time, bicycle legs / up and downs, belly massage (clockwise) or back massage (counterclockwise). Medicines: probiotics, simethicone (OTC).
• Acu - both acupuncture and chinese herbs can help with colic; check with a pediatric acupuncturist
• Chiro - helps with colic
• Nutrition/supplements - probiotics, prebiotics (increase fruit/veggies if breastfeeding; formula and breastmilk have prebiotics in them), gripe water (not FDA regulated), chamomile/licorice/ginger/mint tea (mom can consume if breastfeeding; can make it 1/2 to 1/4 strength and give a spoonful 1-2x per day to baby).
• Homeopathy - chamomilla vulgaris, colocynthis, and lycopodium clavatum
• Aromatherapy - can use fennel, star anise, marjoram, ginger, roman chamomile, rosemary, and/or bergamot topically - mix the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage in a clockwise direction on the abdomen. Breastfeeding moms can consume 2-5 drops of peppermint, ginger, or chamomile oil in water and drink it; don’t give oral essential oils to babies

Reflux (09:19)

• Symptoms: spitting up (sometimes through the nose too), arching the back.  GERD is when the reflux is so bad that it causes other problems like severe pain, inability to gain weight / weight loss, or aspiration (choking).  All babies have reflux for 6-12 mos as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) matures.
• Western -  Nonmedical approaches: burp often, keep upright for 20-30 mins after feeds, avoid swinging/rocking/laying baby flat/belly massage for those 20-30 mins.  Can consider thickening feeds; check with your doctor first.  Medicine: ranitidine will decrease the acidity of stomach contents but doesn’t stop the reflux from happening, so still use supportive measures.
• Acu - both acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help
• Chiro - can help with reflux and spit ups
• Nutrition/supplements - thickened feeds, breastfeeding moms can decrease acidity by eating less acidic foods and avoiding chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods; ginger tea, chamomile tea, (only a spoonful of dilute tea for babies less than 1 year, or mom can drink the tea if she’s breastfeeding and it will get into breastmilk; can allow children over 1 year with reflux to drink ginger or chamomile tea, can use honey or sugar to sweeten it over 1 year of age)
• Homeopathy - antimonium crudium, chelidonium majus, nux vomica
• Aromatherapy - ginger, chamomile - mix in carrier oil, apply topically for babies under 1 year, can give a few drops of diluted oil orally for children over 1 year

Next week: vomiting/diarrhea!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, launching on November 15, 2023. Pre-orders are available here. Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers the year one of baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. For additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers, follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• More like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook. Pre-order the Holistic Mamas Handbook, launch date 11/15/23
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon
• Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off
• Pediatric chiropractors: icpa4kids.com

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim talks about teething, a subject that comes up a lot and that parents have many questions about. She explains all about what to expect in terms of your baby’s teething discomfort and what modalities can help alleviate some of the pain.    

Teething happens to babies and then again to older children and is uncomfortable both times, though the experiences are slightly different. Dr. Keim discusses how teething can take place at varied intervals for each child, what sort of symptoms might show up in babies and younger children, and how Western medicine treats teething pain. She also explores what acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and nutrition and supplements have to offer your baby.  

In this episode:

Teething  (00:34)

• Symptoms: pain/fussiness/clinging/crying, drooling, diarrhea, low-grade fever, tooth buds (eruption cysts)
• Western - tylenol, ibuprofen (over 6 mos), orajel, frozen washcloths, frozen fruit in mesh teethers, teething toys (list in email series!) 
• Acu - acupuncture / acupressure points on hands and feet, herbs for teething
• Chiro - adjustments can help - upper neck (very gently with pinkies only) and/or skull bones (craniosacral therapy).  Soft tissue techniques - move swelling out of the jaw /neck 
• Nutrition/supplements - soft cold foods (yogurt, applesauce, jello, mashed fruit, pureed baby food), teething foods (teething crackers), calcium (dairy, soy, dark green veggies), vitamin D (sunlight, supplements), magnesium (green veggies, nuts, legumes), phosphorus (meat), Vit A (eggs, dairy, yellow/orange veggies), Vit C (citrus fruits, strawberries), fiber (fruit, veg) 
• Homeopathy - Hylands tablets - cautious
• Aromatherapy - lavender and chamomile oil on jawline (under 6 mos), 6-24 mos can use ginger oil on gums and marjoram on jawline, over 24 mos can use clove bud oil on gums 

Next week: colic/reflux!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, launching on November 15, 2023. Pre-orders are available here. Her book, The Baby Manual, covers the first year of baby life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. For additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers, follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Season 2 Episode 10: Supportive Care for Colds
• Pre-order the Holistic Mamas Handbook, launch date 11/15/23
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon
• Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim discusses ears and two main issues that your baby can experience. Ear infections, also called otitis media, and ear wax. Dr. Keim explains the many symptoms of an ear infection, what causes them, and explores the holistic options for treating the pain and infection. She also talks about how best to clear ear wax from a baby’s ears.   

While Dr. Keim doesn’t talk about swimmer’s ear in this episode, she covers it in the Holistic Mamas Handbook for those who want that info. But for ear infections and wax, you’re going to learn a lot in this episode. What do you look for in terms of ear infection symptoms in an infant? What modalities offer the most help? What supplements can be given to babies? Are Q-Tips really as bad as people say? Carole answers all these questions related and more.

In this episode:

Otitis media (ear infection)  01:09

• Symptoms: ear pain, sometimes also fever.  Pain is worse with pressure on canal and tragus, and a little worse with pulling on pinna.  Typically occurs along with (or just after) congestion/URI symptoms/allergies - anything that causes swelling in the nasopharynx.  More common in babies who lie down with a bottle and those who are formula fed.  If untreated, can cause ruptured eardrum, mastoiditis, and rarely meningitis.  Recurrent AOM can cause scarring of the eardrum, and persistent fluid can cause verbal delays.  
• Western - ibuprofen x 48h.  Antibiotics for bacterial AOM - high dose.  Ear tubes for recurrent AOM.  Decongestants for symptoms (ginger, steam, nasal saline, spicy foods), fluids, rest.  
• Chiro - neck adjustments and craniosacral therapy help fluid to drain; can treat the active infection and/or prevent future infections.  Definitely recommended for children at risk of needing ear tubes.
• Acu - acupuncture and/or herbs can help 
• Nutrition/supplements -  avoid sugar and dairy as these feed bacterial infection.  Can use immune boosting vitamins like vit C, vit D, zinc, echinacea, elderberry for viral infections.  Most AOM is viral.   
• Naturopathy - onion earmuffs / garlic oil, NAC or mucinex to thin secretions, eustachian tube massage / fascial manipulation, wet socks 
• Homeopathy - allium cepa, pulsatilla, belladona, calcarea carbonica
• Oils - 
  • Pain mix: 1/2 oz vegetable oil, 10 drops lavender, 5 drops german chamomile, 6 drops palmarosa, 3 drops cardamom; mix and put 1-2 drops into ear for pain. 
  • Infection mix 1: 1/2 oz vegetable oil, 3 drops thyme, 3 drops lavender, 10 drops roman chamomile, 3 drops palmarosa; mix and put 1-2 drops into affected ear.  
  • If the ear is very painful, you can wet a washcloth with warm water, put 1/2 teaspoon on the washcloth, and use as a warm compress outside the ear.  

Earwax  19:30

Symptoms: often asymptomatic, sometimes hearing loss / verbal delay, wax leaking from ears, sometimes discomfort.

• Western - q-tips / cotton swabs daily or for yellow wax (medical community is split on this, some recommend doing nothing); for brown wax use debrox, hydrogen peroxide, ear wash (irrigation) with warm water and dish soap, curette removal, baby oil, colace drops.  
• Chiro - n/a
• Acu - no acupuncture but chinese herbal drops, ear candling 
• Nutrition/supplements -  garlic mullein oil or olive oil drops in the ears can help break up wax and make it flush out more easily 
• Naturopathy - fish oil (po) (mom can take if breastfeeding), food intolerances if chronic, ear lavage with hydrogen peroxide (syringe with dull needle)
• Homeopathy - not really, would need to be as part of a constellation of symptoms 
• Oils - no EOs, can use olive oil or garlic mullein 

Check out Holistic Mamas Handbook for swimmer’s ear!  

Next week: teething!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, launching on November 15, 2023. Pre-orders are available here. Her book, The Baby Manual, covers the first year of baby life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. For additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers, follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Pre-order the Holistic Mamas Handbook, launch date 11/15/23
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon
• Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Dr. Carole Keim talks about two conditions that can affect your baby’s eyes. The first is lacrimal duct stenosis and the second is pinkeye. She explains what causes each condition, how they typically present in your child, and ways each modality of medicine can help with treatment. All this information will also be found in her new book, Holistic Mama’s Handbook.   

Lacrimal duct stenosis is often called a blocked tear duct but it’s not the tear duct that is blocked, it’s the lacrimal duct located in the corner of the eye on the bottom eyelid. Dr. Keim details what it looks like and how long it might last. Pinkeye can be caused by viruses or by bacteria. Viral infections are more common than bacterial ones. Dr. Keim outlines the differences in each, what symptoms to watch for, and how western and alternative medicines can help. 

In this episode:

Lacrimal duct stenosis  00:33

• Symptoms: watery discharge, light crusting on lashes, buildup of what can look like pus in the eyes but is just skin cells, whites of eyes stay white.  No long term effects, goes away typically before 1 year of age.  
• Western - massage the duct during diaper changes, wipe with clean washcloth, wait until 1st birthday, can consider surgical dilation. If eyes get infected, can add antibacterial eyedrops. 
• Acu - point near the lacrimal duct can be used and has shown great results in studies 
• Chiro - craniosacral / skull bones 
• Nutrition/supplements - none specifically.  
• Naturopathy - fascial manipulation, Can put breastmilk in eyes.
• homeopathy - Pulsatilla, Merc Sol, Apis Mellifica, or Stannum Met may be tried.
• Aromatherapy - none 

Pinkeye  06:27

• Symptoms: watery/purulent discharge, crusting, redness of the whites of the eyes. Viral bilateral, bacterial usually unilateral.  Viral is self-limited with the illness, can last 1-2 weeks, and can sometimes get a bacterial superinfection if kids rub eyes.  
• Western - Viral: supportive care, cool compresses to eyes, avoid rubbing/touching.  Bacterial: antibiotic eye drops 
• Acu - viral: treat underlying cause/imbalance.  Bacterial: n/a.
• Chiro - nonspecific but can help with overall wellness 
• Nutrition/supplements - viral: Vitamin C, Vit D, zinc, echinacea, elderberry.  None for bacterial.
• Naturopathy - breastmilk, topical eyedrops (western), some can make herbal tincture eyedrops (need to be sure it’s very sterile), wet socks 
• Homeopathy - There are homeopathic eye drops to help with symptoms of pinkeye.  Euphrasia can be used orally for viral conjunctivitis. Oral Pulsatilla and Calcarea Sulph may be tried for bacterial conjunctivitis, but you should see a doctor for antibiotic eyedrops if it’s not helping within a day.
• Aromatherapy - not recommended topically, but can use decongestant oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint in a diffuser 

More like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook. Next week: ears!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, launching on November 15, 2023. Pre-orders are available here. Her book, The Baby Manual, covers the first year of baby life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. For additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers, follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Pre-order the Holistic Mamas Handbook, launch date 11/15/23
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon
• Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram