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SCHOOL

At this age, school becomes an important part of your child’s development of social, emotional, and academic milestones. And school is often where struggles in any of these areas are identified. School is also where help and support can be provided. Talk with your pediatrician and with your child’s school if you are concerned.


READ


SLEEP

Sleep

Dr. Maxwell’s Sleep Guide. Includes Infants, Toddlers, School-age, and Teenagers with sleep schedules, common problems, unique situations, helpful resources and recommendations.


DIET – HEALTHY EATING

Keep it simple:

  1. Protein
  2. Fiber
  3. Water

It’s much easier to find ways to add to what you are already eating, rather than to go on a diet and change everything you eat. Try to reduce soda and juice and drink more water. Give your kids options and allow them to learn to choose what they want to eat and the portions. Involve your kids in the planning, shopping, and preparation of meals. Help them develop a good relationship with food, their body image, and self-esteem.


DENTAL CARE (TEETH)

At this age, your child should be going to the dentist regularly

TOOTHPASTE

Toothpaste with Fluoride, Hydroxyapatite, and Xylitol are good choices

Happy Tooth – Hydroxyapatite
Created by a local Utah dentist, Dr. Hanks, this toothpaste is Hydroxyapatite based which is great for babies, toddlers, and kids because it is safe to swallow!
I reached out to them personally and they offered me a discount link and code!

Use code “JOSHMAX” or go directly by going to https://tryhappytooth.com/JOSHMAX

Alternatively, you can purchase on Amazon HERE

Unicorn Sparkle (Bubble Gum) – Fluoride
Fluoride based toothpaste that I typically buy for my kids

Tubby Todd – Xylitol
Xylitol option from a well-known pediatric brand


Don’t Forget to FLAUS!

This has been the only way I have been able to get my kids to FLOSS consistently! I use it for myself too! It vibrates for even more effective flossing compared to string or cheap flossers.
I like it so much, I reached out to FLAUS and they provided me with a discount link and code!


BATHROOM

Peri Bottle / Portable Bidet / Spray
If wiping gets tough, try rinsing instead!

BIDET
If you haven’t yet converted, you don’t know what you’re missing out on! My favorite brand is TUSHY


FEVER & DOSING

DO NOT give Ibuprofen (Motrin) to infants under 6 months of age
DO NOT give Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to infants under 2 months of age
(unless directed by your doctor)

Fever, whether from sickness or after vaccines, does not necessarily need to be treated. If your child is playful, happy, eating, and staying hydrated, you can likely let the fever run its course, but often kids feel uncomfortable and fussy. Medicine should be used to help them feel better, not just to break the fever. Also, if your child is uncomfortable and fussy without a fever, it is still ok to use medicine to help them feel better. Medications most commonly used are Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin).
It’s important to check with your doctor to ensure the fever is properly diagnosed and your child is given the correct dose based on their weight.

See below for a dosing reference guide:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

DO NOT give Acetaminophen to infants under 2 months of age
Acetaminophen DOES NOT cause Autism
Children’s vs Infant Acetaminophen is the SAME doing (160mg/5mL)

.


Ibuprofen (Motrin)

DO NOT give Ibuprofen to infants under 6 months of age
ONLY purchase CHILDREN’s IBUPROFEN (Infant ibuprofen may cause dosing errors)


FAQ’s


Helpful Items

Aquaphor Lotion Stick
My favorite lotion for all ages (including myself)

VITAMIN D
Discuss with your healthcare provider to ensure appropriate dosing for you or your child, which may be different if your child is breastfeeding vs formula feeding, or depending on the time of year and where you live.


Mommy’s Bliss Vitamin D Drops 400 IU
By far my favorite brand of Vitamin D. Easy to use dropper with about 100 doses per bottle. Suspended in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) which helps with absorption of the Vitamin D.
For healthy infants and children = 1 drop (400 IU)
For healthy older children and adults = 2 drops (800 IU)

Nasal Saline

Your go-to for everything! Not just for times when sick, but for dry air, allergies, smoke and pollution, and general hydration of the nasal passageways, and can be used for ALL AGES from infancy to adulthood with a variety of delivery mechanisms. I tested a multiple brands with my kids and wrote all the details in a separate post HERE, but my TOP recommendations are below:

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Social Media

Be sure to FOLLOW on Social Media for more content

AQUAPHOR LOTION STICK

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What’s Next?

9-11 Years: Pre-teen

Dr. Maxwell’s 9-11 Year Guide for Pre-Teens, including School, Mental Health, Sleep, Puberty, HPV and Vaccine resources, and more!

Read More

Mental Health

Dr. Maxwell’s Mental Health Resource Page – ADHD, Therapy, Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, LGBTQ+, and more

Disclaimers: The products, resources, and recommendations do NOT constitute medical advice. You should always speak with your doctor or medical provider for recommendations specific to you and/or your child. Links below may include both Amazon Associate and/or other brand-specific affiliate links. I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you!) which allows me to continue to keep this site active and provide honest, thorough, and high quality recommendations for you and your family!

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I’m Dr. Maxwell

Better known on TikTok as @drmaxwellmd, but you can also call me Dr. Josh
I’m a Pediatrician, dad, and kid at heart
Bilingual English/Español and Argentino de corazón
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