Understanding Gross Motor Development Issues in Toddlers
Gross motor development issues Hello, Dr. Lin. My younger brother is currently one year and seven months old, and he is 85 cm tall and weighs 11.6 kg. I have a few questions to ask: (1) He walks with a slight outward toeing and sometimes shuffles his feet. When he runs, his hea...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Dr. Lin Wen-Hsien, the head of the pediatrics department at Tainan Hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded to DEAR Xueer: The situation you described in your letter can be considered normal. A child who is over one year and seven months old typically exhibits...[Read More] Understanding Gross Motor Development Issues in Toddlers
Is Your Baby's Skin Color Normal? Understanding Infant Skin Changes
Please ask again? Hello, my baby is currently five to six weeks old! He was born at 35 weeks and three days, weighing 2450 grams. Since I am in confinement, I have had little opportunity to bathe him. Recently, I noticed that the skin on the tips of his ten fingers is darker than...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Dr. Lin Wen-hsien, the Director of the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded regarding the DEAR sound: Based on what you described, it should be normal and is likely not significantly related to phototherapy. However, since onli...[Read More] Is Your Baby's Skin Color Normal? Understanding Infant Skin Changes
Concerns for My 5-Week-Old Baby: Vaccination and Feeding Issues
Please ask your question? My baby is currently five weeks old! He was born at thirty-five weeks and three days without the use of oxygen, as he was born in a clinic. There was no specific ophthalmological examination conducted. The pediatrician at the postpartum care center menti...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Dr. Lin Wen-Hsien, the head of the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded to DEAR Yinyin's mother: The ophthalmic examination suggested by the physician at the postpartum care center likely refers to checking for retinopa...[Read More] Concerns for My 5-Week-Old Baby: Vaccination and Feeding Issues
Allergy Testing and Dietary Changes for Infants: Key Questions Answered
Could you please provide more details about allergens and related issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you three questions: 1. For an 11-month-old baby, if allergy testing is to be conducted, is it done through a blood test? Where can I go to have this test done? 2. If ...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Dear May, Hello May: In Taiwan, with the advancement of civilization and industrialization, allergic issues among children have become increasingly common, becoming a focal point of concern for parents. I will address your questions in order. 1. Regarding the timing for allerge...[Read More] Allergy Testing and Dietary Changes for Infants: Key Questions Answered
Is the Quality of Private Five-in-One Vaccines Consistent Across Hospitals?
Pentavalent vaccine Is the quality of the self-paid pentavalent vaccine the same in every hospital? I would like to know how much your hospital charges for the self-paid pentavalent vaccine. Additionally, how can I tell if my baby has a cold? My daughter is currently 3 months and...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Judy, The pentavalent vaccine currently available in Taiwan is from GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), so all hospitals should be using vaccines imported from this manufacturer. Our hospital charges NT$1,725 for the pentavalent vaccine. Currently, there is a 10% discount on self-paid v...[Read More] Is the Quality of Private Five-in-One Vaccines Consistent Across Hospitals?
Understanding Congenital Hypothyroidism in Infants: Developmental Outcomes
Hypothyroidism My baby (2 months old) has congenital hypothyroidism and is currently undergoing medication treatment. Although she is receiving treatment, I am still concerned about her future cognitive development. Will the treatment ensure that my baby’s development is normal?
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Director Lin Wen-Hsien of the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded to DEAR Xin Xin: The thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid gland plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the body, metabolism, and cognitive function ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Hypothyroidism in Infants: Developmental Outcomes
Understanding Why Your Child Is Silent in Preschool: A Parent's Concern
Not speaking in kindergarten? My son is 3 years and 2 months old and started attending preschool (mixed-age class with 12 children) at the end of July this year. However, he has rarely spoken up or initiated conversations at school. According to his teachers, he mostly plays by h...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Mom of Little Li, Regarding the situation you described, it seems that your child has no issues with speaking and expressing themselves physically. At home, they communicate well and express themselves clearly, and their interaction with parents is good. However, it is conc...[Read More] Understanding Why Your Child Is Silent in Preschool: A Parent's Concern
Vaccination Schedule and Nutritional Concerns for Young Children
Vaccination 1. The child is currently one year and nine months old (male). He received the first dose of the influenza vaccine on October 6. However, he still needs to receive the diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) combination vaccine, the oral polio vaccine, and the varice...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Director Lin Wen-Hsien of the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, responds to Carol: Dear Parent, I would like to address your questions in order: A. Regarding the sequence of influenza vaccination and other vaccines: they can be administe...[Read More] Vaccination Schedule and Nutritional Concerns for Young Children
Understanding Shaking in Newborns: When to Seek Pediatric Advice
Newborn generalized tremors? Dear Doctor, My baby is a twin born at 37 weeks. Over the past week, my daughter has been experiencing noticeable tremors from her chin to her limbs and body while sleeping. Even when I hold her, the shaking frequency remains high, causing her to fre...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Director Lin Wen-Hsien of the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, responds to Ms. Hsiu-Hui: Hello, Ms. Hsiu-Hui. The issue of body shaking in infants is a common concern among parents visiting pediatric clinics. Typically, after a physician...[Read More] Understanding Shaking in Newborns: When to Seek Pediatric Advice
Understanding Croup in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
I would like to inquire about wheezing!!! Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about pediatric "croup" and have the following questions... 1. Common pathogens? 2. Causes of the disease? 3. Routes of infection? 4. Symptoms? 5. Treatment options? 6. Nursing measures? If ...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Director Lin Wen-Hsien of the Pediatric Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, replies: I believe the parent is inquiring about croup, which refers to a viral laryngotracheobronchitis, a common pediatric condition. Here are the details: 1. Common pathogen...[Read More] Understanding Croup in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Green Stool in Infants: Is It Time to Change Formula?
Green stool My baby is currently 2 months and 6 days old and has been drinking Abbott formula. His stools are green, very thick, and have a strong odor. He does not have a bowel movement every day. The pharmacy staff mentioned that the high iron content in Abbott formula could ca...
Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Director Lin Wen-hsien of the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded that the number of children being born to parents in Taiwan is decreasing, averaging less than two per family. As a result, each baby is cared for with grea...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool in Infants: Is It Time to Change Formula?