The Baby Manual

Dr. Carole Keim sits down with neurologist and Mama Bird founder Dr. Mika Gupta for an insightful conversation about baby brain development and the critical role nutrition plays from preconception through early childhood. As both a physician and a mom, Dr. Gupta draws on personal experience and explains the concept of the “first 1,000 days”. She explains why this window is so important for building a strong foundation for a child’s lifelong brain health. Together, Dr. Keim and Dr. Gupta explore how thoughtful nutritional choices can support mom and baby during this period of rapid growth and development.

Dr. Carole Keim welcomes pediatric cardiologist Dr. Tal Gospin, MD, to The Baby Manual to talk about what pediatric cardiology is and how it differs from adult cardiology. Dr. Gospin explains how much of pediatric cardiology is concerned with congenital heart disease, abnormalities people are born with. She watches for the shape of an infant’s heart and the sounds it makes, even in utero, and discusses exactly what she looks for with Dr. Keim. They explore fetal echocardiograms, infant heart function, and what parents can watch for in newborns to see if a pediatric cardiologist needs to be consulted.

Dr. Carole Keim welcomes Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatric Rheumatology Dr. Cristina Saez, MD, to The Baby Manual to discuss what rheumatology is and how pediatric rheumatology works. She studies and has training in autoimmune diseases, specifically ones affecting bones, muscles, joints, or multiple organ systems, in children.

Dr. Carole Keim welcomes pediatric dentist Dr. Ian Kott, DDS, to The Baby Manual to talk about children’s oral hygiene, everything from brushing teeth to weaning kids off pacifiers. Dr. Kott explains when a child’s first dental visit should happen and what to expect from it, and gives tips on how to start brushing children’s teeth as soon as the teeth appear. Dr. Keim and Dr. Kott discuss cavity prevention, the importance of discouraging thumb sucking and pacifiers, and when to consider discontinuing bedtime bottle use.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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. Carole Keim talks about everything moms need in this episode. More specifically, everything that is needed for pregnancy, labor and delivery, the hospital, and post-partum. One of the most common questions asked is what to pack for the hospital. Dr. Keim answers that question, and many more, with insight, advice, and practical suggestions on which brands are the most useful to purchase. Expectant moms and new moms will find this episode invaluable, as will family members looking for purchases that can support moms.

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. In season four 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. The focus of today’s episode is baby clothing. What do you really need to clothe your baby and what is helpful? And what clothes are really just cute but not that functional or useful?

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.

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.