Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Pediatric Health

What to Know About Tylenol

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As a parent, you’ve likely reached for Tylenol (the brand name for acetaminophen) at some point, whether to ease your baby’s fever or soothe teething pain. Recently, some headlines and social media posts have raised questions about whether acetaminophen could be linked to autism or other developmental conditions. Understandably, this has caused concern for many families. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Tylenol is safe for children when used as directed, and there is no link between acetaminophen use and autism.

Decades of studies have shown that acetaminophen, when taken in the correct dose, is an effective and safe way to relieve pain and reduce fever in children. Millions of families have used it for more than 70 years, and it remains one of the most trusted medications in pediatric care.

Some recent claims online have suggested a possible connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy or early childhood and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, according to the AAP, these claims are not supported by credible scientific evidence. The research cited in those claims is inconsistent and does not demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship. In fact, when experts have reviewed all available data, the conclusion is clear: acetaminophen does not cause autism.

When a child is sick, comfort and safety are a parent’s top priorities. Acetaminophen remains one of the safest options for managing fever and pain relief, especially compared to other alternatives. It can be used for children of all ages, including infants, as long as the correct dose is given based on the child’s weight and age.

Here’s what parents can keep in mind for safe use: 

  •     Always follow dosing directions carefully. The right dose depends on your child’s weight, not just their age. Your pediatrician or the medication label can help guide you.
  •     Use the right measuring device. Household spoons are not accurate. Use the syringe or cup that comes with the medication.
  •     Keep track of timing and doses. Avoid giving more than the recommended amount within 24 hours.
  •     Consult your pediatrician if your child’s fever lasts more than a few days or if you’re unsure about dosing.

 

When used as directed, acetaminophen can safely relieve discomfort from teething, colds, ear infections, or even post-vaccine soreness. It’s also a recommended fever reducer for infants under 6 months old (since ibuprofen is not yet safe for that age group).

Some parents have also asked whether taking acetaminophen during pregnancy could affect a baby’s development. The AAP notes that current research does not prove a link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to discuss all medications with their healthcare provider, but acetaminophen remains one of the few pain and fever relievers considered safe to use when needed.

It’s easy for misinformation to spread quickly online, especially when it comes to children’s health. The AAP continues to closely review new studies, and its guidance is based on a careful scientific review, not trends or headlines. Your pediatrician is also here to help you navigate these questions and ensure your child gets the care they need. If you have questions about medications, dosing, or managing fever and pain at home, please contact our office. 

Why Vaccines Matter

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As parents and caregivers, we want to keep our children healthy and safe from illnesses, especially life-threatening ones. Although there’s been a lot of recent noise about vaccine safety, medical science and pediatric experts remain clear that vaccination is safe and the most effective way to protect kids from serious illnesses. Extensive studies on vaccines and their potential risks find that recommended vaccines are safe for children and adolescents and are not associated with diabetes, infertility, autism, or any other developmental delay. Large-scale studies conducted in multiple countries over many years have found no credible link between life-saving childhood vaccines and autism. The original study that claimed a connection was retracted due to faulty data. 

Scientific evidence also shows that vaccines do not cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While many vaccines are given at ages when SIDS risk is naturally higher, research confirms there is no causal relationship. In fact, some data suggest vaccines may even help reduce the risk of SIDS. Every vaccine undergoes strict testing before it’s offered to children. After approval, it continues to be monitored closely for safety through systems like the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This ongoing surveillance helps catch rare side effects and ensures ongoing confidence in vaccine safety. It’s also important to remember that mild side effects, such as a sore arm or low-grade fever, are normal signs that the body is building protection. More serious adverse events are extremely rare, and pediatricians are trained to respond quickly if they occur.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages following the recommended immunization schedule for children, which is based on the most recent scientific data. Starting with newborns, it’s recommended to give your infant their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine before leaving the hospital, to protect against a virus that can lead to serious liver disease. Over their first six months, your baby will begin receiving additional vaccines, often around the 2-month checkup, including vaccines for rotavirus, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), polio (IPV), and pneumococcal disease. These early doses are critical because they protect infants during a time when their immune systems are still catching up. During this same window, babies can also receive medication to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of hospitalization in infants. Parents who are pregnant during RSV season may receive a vaccine to help protect their baby after birth. 

Starting at 6 months, it is recommended that children get the annual flu vaccine, which is recommended for everyone over 6 months old. Even healthy kids can develop complications from influenza, and yearly vaccination helps reduce severe illness. The COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for children beginning at 6 months, as young children are at higher risk of hospitalization from COVID. Both vaccines are safe and effective, and they can often be given at the same visit as other scheduled vaccinations. 

As your child reaches 12 to 15 months, it is recommended that they receive vaccines to protect them from MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis A and get booster doses of earlier vaccines. These prevent illnesses that can cause serious complications, from pneumonia and brain swelling to liver disease. Before starting school, children should receive boosters for DTaP, polio, MMR, and varicella to keep their immunity strong. By this age, your child’s immune system has learned to fight off up to 16 preventable diseases, thanks to the vaccines they’ve received since birth. Staying on schedule not only protects your child but also helps prevent outbreaks in schools and communities.

Parents often wonder why vaccines are timed so specifically. The answer is that years of research show vaccines work best at certain ages and intervals. Following the schedule helps your child’s body build lasting protection during the periods when they are most at risk. Pediatricians keep careful track of each vaccine and can help you catch up if your child ever falls behind.

Hearing conflicting opinions about vaccines can be confusing. But your pediatrician is here to provide guidance and can talk you through the risks and benefits and help you make informed decisions that fit your family’s needs. If your child is behind on immunizations or if you have any questions about vaccines, please call our office. 

Caffeine & Energy Drinks: What Every Parent Should Know

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While a cup of coffee or tea can be healthy for most adults, it’s important to consider the effects of caffeine on your children’s development and growth. Caffeine affects kids differently than it does adults, and there are health risks that should be taken into consideration. Knowing how much caffeine is safe, what to watch out for, and how energy drinks factor in will help you guide your child toward healthier choices.

Caffeine is a stimulant found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao, and in some plants like guarana. It’s also added to many beverages and energy drinks. In children and teens, their bodies and brains are still developing, which means caffeine can have stronger effects. It can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, trigger rapid breathing, cause nausea, restlessness, or anxiety, and interfere with sleep. Even hours after consuming caffeine, children may feel its effects, and when it wears off, they might experience headaches, irritability, or tiredness.

Caffeine can also reduce appetite or lead to eating less nutritious foods. When children drink caffeinated beverages, they may be less likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and other important sources of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for healthy growth. Disrupted sleep, poor concentration, or mood changes often follow, and these can affect school performance, emotional well-being, and overall health.

It’s not just coffee and tea that have caffeine. Energy drinks also have caffeine and tend to have higher amounts, along with other stimulants, such as guarana, taurine, or taurine-like ingredients. In fact, most energy drinks contain more than 100mg of caffeine, which is more than the limit recommended for kids ages 12-18. Energy drinks often contain large amounts of added sugar as well, which can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and spikes in energy followed by crashes. Frequent consumption of energy drinks has been linked to symptoms such as nervousness, shaking hands, stomach problems, headaches, irregular heart rhythms, and sleep disturbances. Kids with underlying health conditions, like heart issues or anxiety, may be at even greater risk.

Many sodas also contain caffeine, although they have less than coffee, tea, and energy drinks. For example, Pepsi Zero has 38mg of caffeine, Diet Coke has 46mg, and Mountain Dew has 54mg. Caffeine can also be found in some foods, like chocolate. A 3.5-ounce dark chocolate bar could have anywhere from 50 to 150 mg of caffeine. Ice cream, protein bars, chocolate chips, energy bars, and chewing gum can also have hidden caffeine.

For children under the age of 12, it is recommended to limit caffeine as much as possible or avoid it altogether. For kids ages 12-18, staying at or under 100mg of caffeine per day is recommended. Pay close attention to labels on beverages your children drink, as caffeine can show up in unexpected places. It’s also important to be aware of caffeine pouches that can be appealing to teens. The caffeine in them is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, producing effects within minutes. These pouches can contain as much as 200mg of caffeine, leading to potentially dangerous doses for kids.

To help kids avoid caffeine, encourage them to drink water instead. Water is the best choice of drink for kids and the best way to stay hydrated. Some kids turn to caffeinated beverages like coffee to stay awake or concentrate in school. To discourage relying on caffeine, make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Caffeine may improve energy levels and alertness, but it is not a substitute for lost sleep.

If your child does overdose on caffeine, it’s important to get them medical help right away. Signs of caffeine overdose include a racing or irregular heartbeat, body shakes and tremors, anxiety, and hyperactivity. If you’re ever concerned about your child’s caffeine use or how it’s affecting their health, please call our office.