Kid's First Pediatrics

11May2019

Healthy Sleep Habits for Children

Sleep is incredibly important for people of all ages but is especially vital for children who need sleep to grow and stay healthy. In infancy, children spend more time asleep than they do awake, but this changes by the age of two. Still, sleep remains incredibly important, and children of all ages require more sleep each night than adults do. If you are concerned that your child may not be sleeping as he should or that your child is not getting enough sleep, put these healthy sleep tips to work for you.

Create a Bedtime Routine

Nearly every child loves routines and thrives on days when things go much the same as they always do. A bedtime routine can help children know what to expect, can give them a sense of calm and can help them quiet down before the lights go out. What you choose to be a part of your bedtime routine is up to you. Just be sure that it is something that you can maintain longterm. For example, you may want to use bath time, reading time, singing or rocking as part of your child’s nightly routine.

Know How Much Sleep Your Child Needs

Sleep needs for children change as they grow. At a very young age, sleep needs are met through bedtime and one or more naps. By school age, children should be getting all of their necessary sleep at night.

Infants younger than three months need 14 to 17 hours of sleep daily.
Infants from 4 to 11 months require 12 to 15 hours of sleep.
Toddlers to the age of two need 11 to 14 hours.
Preschoolers under the age of five need 10 to 13 hours.
School-age children need 9 to 11 hours
Teenagers to the age of 17 need 8 to 10 hours.

Focus on Foods and Exercise

High quality sleep is about more than the time your child spends in bed. The foods and drinks he consumes and the activities he participates in during the day determine the quality of his sleep. Be sure to avoid products containing caffeine, including chocolate, in the afternoon and evening. In addition, daily exercise can help tire children out for bedtime.

Your child will be able to take these healthy sleeping habits into adulthood. Quality sleep can help with playtime, school time and work as your child grows.

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4May2019

All About the Measles Virus

With the recent news about the spread of measles in 22 states, parents may be worried about how this virus could affect them and their little ones. It is important that parents have the facts about measles and about the options for preventing this disease so that they can make the best choices.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a viral disease that quickly spreads. The virus can be passed from person to person through the air, such as when one coughs or sneezes. Because people are contagious days before they notice any symptoms in themselves, measles can spread particularly quickly.

A person who has measles may have some symptoms that appear similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose and cough. However, within the next few days, the individual will develop a low-grade fever along with a smattering of white spots in the mouth. This rash grows across the face, eventually spreading to the rest of the body. This disease can be particularly distressing in children because it can lead to such complications as pneumonia, encephalitis and permanent brain changes that could create permanent hearing loss or learning disabilities.

Why Is Measles Spreading Today?

While measles was once a typical childhood disease, today’s immunizations have made measles quite rare. In fact, most years see fewer than 100 cases in the United States. Sadly, misinformation about and fear over typical childhood immunizations has led to many parents withholding important immunizations from their children, which has led to an outbreak of measles infections in the U.S. Because larger percentages of people are unvaccinated today, measles is quickly spreading. It usually infects 90 percent of unvaccinated people.

How Can Measles Be Prevented?

Thankfully, there is a way for parents to ensure that their children do not get measles. The MMR vaccine is the best prevention because it is 97 percent effective against the virus. This vaccine is usually given at 12 months with a booster shot given around the time that children head to school. However, very young infants, as well as children who are unable to be vaccinated because of certain immune diseases, should stay far away from anyone who has measles.

At Kids 1st Pediatrics, our pediatricians provides vaccinations for children according to the CDC’s immunization schedule. Be sure to schedule an appointment for your children to stay up-to-date with current guidelines.