Should I Replace My Baby's Finger Sucking with a Pacifier?
I'm sorry, but I need content to translate. Please provide My baby was born on December 10, 1994. Recently, I noticed that my baby loves to suck on their fingers. It seems that they are not just sucking on them, but rather enjoying putting their fingers in their mouth or und...
Dr. Lin Huizhen Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Huizhen of the Pediatric Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: It is common for children at this age to have habits such as thumb-sucking or using a pacifier. Mothers can use teething toys, playthings, or edible items to divert their a...[Read More] Should I Replace My Baby's Finger Sucking with a Pacifier?
Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy: Impact on Infant Intelligence and Growth
Hypothyroidism? Low intelligence? I would like to ask the doctor: I gave birth to my first son on January 31 last year, and when he was about 5 months old, I became pregnant again (while breastfeeding). At that time, I had a cold shortly after becoming pregnant, and soon after, m...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! From the detailed records, it is clear that you are very attentive to your baby's growth and development. Here is an overview of congenital hypothyroidism: 1. According to the Department of Health, the incidence is approximately 1 in 2,800. Most cases are due to under...[Read More] Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy: Impact on Infant Intelligence and Growth
Understanding Pediatric Cold Symptoms: Cough, Stomach Pain, and Rashes
Symptoms of a cold include cough, runny nose, abdominal cramping, and the presence of a rash? Last week, my eldest child had symptoms of a cold, including coughing, runny nose, and a slight fever. However, after taking medication, the runny nose improved somewhat, and the coughin...
Dr. Zhang Wenwang Reply:
Hello Song: You have described many symptoms, and since I haven't seen the child in person, I recommend taking them to a pediatric specialist for further evaluation and examination. Wishing for a speedy recovery. Zhang Wenwang[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Cold Symptoms: Cough, Stomach Pain, and Rashes
Addressing Speech Concerns in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
Language pronunciation Hello Dr. Chang, my daughter is now 3 years old, going on 4 in traditional age, and she is in preschool. However, since she started speaking, she has been rolling her tongue, and people say that she speaks with a "twisted tongue" in Taiwanese. Wha...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen Reply:
Dear Dr. Zhang Guozhen of Pediatrics, Regarding the case of a three-year-old child who is not speaking clearly and shows signs of delay, there may indeed be an issue. It is possible that the pronunciation will improve over time; however, if there is no improvement by the age of ...[Read More] Addressing Speech Concerns in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
Is Your 7-Month-Old Getting Enough Nutrition? Tips for Parents
Is the baby's nutrition sufficient? 1. My baby is currently over 7 months old and refuses to eat solid foods. I’ve noticed that it’s not that my baby doesn’t want to eat, but rather that my baby is afraid to swallow. I’m considering waiting until 8 months to try introducing ...
Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
1. The letter mentions concerns about the baby's nutrition. When introducing solid foods, it is essential for the baby to first adapt to using a spoon. Additionally, initial chewing requires repeated practice. Most babies tend to refuse the spoon at first due to fear. For yo...[Read More] Is Your 7-Month-Old Getting Enough Nutrition? Tips for Parents
Understanding Feeding Challenges in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
Dislike eating, forcing oneself to swallow, and sometimes ends up vomiting..? Hello, my daughter is one year and ten months old and was born at 36 weeks as part of a set of twins. She weighed only 1306 grams at birth and has had difficulty with breastfeeding since she was little,...
Dr. Zhang Peixin Reply:
Hello: Mom, thank you for your hard work. Please first check if the height, weight, and head circumference growth are normal or if there are signs of growth delay. If it's the latter, you should seek medical attention promptly. If necessary, you can go to a medical center to...[Read More] Understanding Feeding Challenges in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
Do Kids Need Tongue Tie Surgery for W-Shaped Tongue?
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, I have a question: My child's tongue extends out in a W shape, but they can still reach their lower lip with it. Does this mean the frenulum needs to be clipped? Also, the baby's face is slightl...
Dr. Lin Huizhen Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Huizhen, Director of Pediatrics at the Department of Health, Executive Yuan: The language development of children is influenced by multiple factors. The impact of a short frenulum is relatively minor; while clear speech does require tongue mobility, if the child can...[Read More] Do Kids Need Tongue Tie Surgery for W-Shaped Tongue?
Is Your Baby's Soft Muscle a Concern? Pediatric Insights and Tips
The baby's muscles are soft? My baby is exclusively breastfed and is now ten and a half months old. Since there are no breastfeeding mothers around to consult, I started introducing solid foods when he was six months old, using various types of porridge and rice cereal. Howe...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian Reply:
Dear Mom Long, Congratulations on your commitment to breastfeeding exclusively for such a long time, and for introducing complementary foods at six months. It seems your baby is encountering some difficulties with the introduction of solid foods. Attached are the principles for ...[Read More] Is Your Baby's Soft Muscle a Concern? Pediatric Insights and Tips
Addressing Tongue Rolling Issues in Children: What Parents Should Know
Cannot roll the tongue? Hello, doctor. My son is now 5 years old and is in preschool. Two years ago, he underwent a frenectomy at Taipei Medical University Hospital. However, he still cannot produce the rolled "r" sound. Because he cannot roll his tongue, his pronunciat...
Dr. Cai Zhengxian Reply:
Hello, Xiaoke's mother: A tight or thick frenulum can restrict tongue movement, potentially causing difficulties for infants in breastfeeding, licking their lips, and certain speech sounds. The speech issues primarily affect sounds that require tongue curling or flapping, su...[Read More] Addressing Tongue Rolling Issues in Children: What Parents Should Know
Is Your 9-Month-Old Refusing Milk? Nutritional Tips for Parents
Not drinking milk? The child is 9 months old and drinks breast milk twice a day (about 300cc). Recently, he refuses to drink cow's milk completely, and when we try to give it to him while he is asleep, he just spits it out. We are making porridge from brown rice and adding b...
Dr. Yi Zonghong Reply:
Dr. Tsai Cheng-Hsien, attending physician of the pediatrics department at Tainan City Hospital, responds: Dear concerned mother, babies who are breastfed indeed need to start introducing complementary foods and prepare for weaning at this stage. The process typically begins with ...[Read More] Is Your 9-Month-Old Refusing Milk? Nutritional Tips for Parents
Understanding Your Baby's Dark Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Baby tongue issues (urgent) My baby is almost five months old. This past week, I noticed that my baby's tongue coating is blackish-purple. I took him to the doctor, who said there is no major concern and insisted that my baby must have ingested something with pigments. Howev...
Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
The letter mentions that over the past week, the baby has developed a blackish-purple coating on the tongue. From a medical perspective, there is a condition known as black hairy tongue. This condition is clinically characterized by a deep discoloration on the dorsal surface of t...[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Dark Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Developmental Delays in Toddlers: Key Signs to Watch For
Developmental delay Hello Doctor: I have a three-year-old son who is active and has good language development, but he often experiences peeling of the tongue coating and has poor appetite, primarily subsisting on milk (180cc each time, four times a day). His current weight is 11....
Dr. Liang Zhaoxuan Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that your child may have geographic tongue. Children with geographic tongue often prefer not to consume hot beverages and foods, as hot items can irritate the condition. However, there is no need to worry, as geographic tongue typically does no...[Read More] Understanding Developmental Delays in Toddlers: Key Signs to Watch For
Is My Baby's Frequent Spitting Up a Cause for Concern?
Is this pathological? Hello! My baby is less than 3 months old and is exclusively breastfed. Since he was less than a month old, he has been spitting up frequently, sometimes several times a day, and even vomited bile the day before yesterday. I follow the principle of feeding sm...
Dr. Zhang Peixin Reply:
Hello: The phenomenon of baby regurgitation, based on the mother's description, is still related to spitting up. If the baby's growth (weight being the most sensitive indicator) is normal, then the spitting up should improve as the baby grows and spends more time sittin...[Read More] Is My Baby's Frequent Spitting Up a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Tongue-Tie in Children: When to Seek Treatment
Frenulum of the tongue The child is over one year old and has started to make sounds. Recently, it has been noticed that the tongue cannot fully extend. A visit to a general clinic revealed that the issue is due to the frenulum under the tongue being too tight. The doctor suggest...
Dr. Shi Zhongxian Reply:
Dear Mr. Ahua, I apologize for the delay in my response due to various matters. I hope for your understanding! Regarding the issue of a short frenulum, our hospital's dental department (which is part of the oral medicine specialty) will handle it. You may come in to schedu...[Read More] Understanding Tongue-Tie in Children: When to Seek Treatment
Understanding Apple Disease: Red Rash in a 3-Year-Old Without Fever
A three-year-old female child presents with generalized erythematous patches, without fever, and mild localized pruritus? Dear Dr. Liang, I apologize for taking up your valuable time. My child experienced mild symptoms on September 26. On the evening of September 22, she had abd...
Dr. Liang Hongjian Reply:
The term "apple heat" you mentioned is not commonly found in standard textbooks, but many physicians simplify this term for better public understanding. "Apple heat" refers to a condition where many children experience flushing of the face or body due to fever...[Read More] Understanding Apple Disease: Red Rash in a 3-Year-Old Without Fever
Addressing Speech Delays in Children: Is Surgery an Option?
Language barrier Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you about my son who is already ten years old, but he still does not speak clearly. I have taken him to see a doctor before, and they said he would improve as he got older, but he is still the same. I have heard that there is ...
Dr. Huang Zheming Reply:
Any condition that causes brain injury or structural abnormalities in the oral and pharyngeal regions, leading to functional impairment, can affect speech disorders. For example, brain injury at birth due to hypoxia, abnormally high bilirubin levels, congenital hypothyroidism, da...[Read More] Addressing Speech Delays in Children: Is Surgery an Option?
Understanding Tongue Coating in Children: Causes and Vaccination Guidance
Tongue coating Hello Dr. Zhao, Could you please explain the causes of tongue coating in children? Aside from mouth pain, I am unsure if it has any other effects on the body. Is it safe to administer vaccinations? My child is one year and three months old. Should we prioritize t...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang Reply:
1. The tongue coating is primarily related to oral hygiene. Therefore, children should maintain good oral hygiene, as it does not significantly affect their overall health. 2. It is advisable to receive the Japanese encephalitis vaccine before administering other vaccines.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Coating in Children: Causes and Vaccination Guidance
Understanding Scarlet Fever in Children: Symptoms, Risks, and Care
Scarlet fever in children My eldest daughter has had a fever for about five days. The doctor said she needs to be hospitalized for treatment due to the risk of complications. The inflammation index is 13.6, which is very high, so I am quite worried. She has developed symptoms inc...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang Reply:
Hello Ms. Jing: If the physician recommends hospitalization, please proceed with inpatient treatment to facilitate further examinations and confirm the diagnosis. Scarlet fever is a disease caused by a streptococcal infection, which can be contagious in clinical settings and may ...[Read More] Understanding Scarlet Fever in Children: Symptoms, Risks, and Care
Best Hospitals in Kaohsiung for Pediatric Neurological Evaluations
Could you please provide more details regarding the BABY issue? Hello Dr. Zhao: Last time I consulted you about the issue of my baby sticking out his tongue, you mentioned the need to check for any neurological abnormalities. I would like to ask which hospital you would recommend...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang Reply:
Hello Ms. TT: 1. It is normal for infants to stick out their tongues during a certain period of development. 2. If you are concerned, you can take your child to Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital for an examination. 3. The examination includes a general physical check-up and a...[Read More] Best Hospitals in Kaohsiung for Pediatric Neurological Evaluations
Understanding Tongue Thrust in Infants: Causes and Solutions
Tongue The child is four months old, but I have noticed that their tongue often sticks out and their mouth is frequently open. I am unsure what the issue might be. I have heard that it may require a frenotomy; is this correct? Could you please advise on how to address this issue?...
Dr. Huang Zheming Reply:
1. For a four-month-old child, if the tongue can extend beyond the gum line, there is no need for a frenotomy. For detailed evaluation, please consult an otolaryngologist. If the tongue is short and thick, and the lips are also thick, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or ...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Thrust in Infants: Causes and Solutions