Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My Doctor said my child has RSV? What is that?
A: RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial (Sin-sish-al) Virus which can become very serious for children under the age of 2 years old. This is a virus that is common during the months of fall to spring. It seems like a cold where you see sneezing, stuffy/runny nose, sore throat and/or fever. However, it can become serious very quickly for young children. It is serious where you might see wheezing or coughing, trouble breathing, fast breathing, blue or gray skin color or trouble eating, drinking and sleeping. If you see any of these later signs or symptoms, call your Doctor. (Channing Bete Company, 2008)
Q: I went to drop off my child at Daycare and they said she couldn’t be here because she is sick. When do I know when to leave my child home?
A: Your child should never go to daycare if they have a fever of 101 degrees or more. They will be ready to go back to daycare when they do not have a fever for a full 24 hours WITHOUT the use of medicine that lowers the temperature (Tylenol or Motrin). They should also stay home if they have any of the following: Unusual spots or rashes, sore throat, dark tea-colored urine, grey or white bowel movement, stiff neck, vomiting, loss of appetite, earache, fussy or crying more than usual (Children’s Home Society of California, 2001)
Q: My Doctor said I was anemic and to eat foods with iron in them. What types of foods have iron in them?
A: Foods that have a very good amount of iron in them are: beef, pork, cooked beans, all WIC cearals, other cereals with added iron. Other foods with a good source of iron are: chicken, turkey, fish, canned tuna, tofu, corn or flour tortillas, enriched pasta or rice, enriched breads, leafy greens (spinach, chard, collards, parsley, cilantro, dried fruits, peas, snowpeas) (California Department of Health Services, WIC)
Q: What do I do if my baby gets into something they shouldn’t, like medicine?
A: A poison is anything you can breathe, touch or taste that might be harmful. If your child gets into anything that you are unsure about call the Poison Action Line at 1(800) 222-1222 to ask the poison experts (The Regents of the University of California, 2004)
Q: When should I start toilet training my baby?
A: The most important thing to consider about when to potty train is that the child is physically, intellectually, and emotionally ready. This typically occurs between the ages of 18-30 months old. (Children’s Home Society of California, 2010)
Q: What do I do if my child has an “accident” and doesn’t make it to the potty?
A: Treat accidents casually without making it a big deal. Never scold or criticize a child for unsuccessful attempts at potty training. It is important to note that day and night potty training may not be fully achieved until age 5. (Children’s Home Society of California, 2010)
Q: I was told by the day care staff that my child bites. What does this mean? And what should I do?
A: A child can bite for various reasons. It is usually related to the limited communication skills of toddler-aged children. Some common reasons include teething, expressing frustration, being territorial over toys, trying to get attention, or a sign of stress. You can decrease biting behavior by avoiding overstimulation and decreasing frustrating environments. It is also helpful to demonstrate words and phrases that children can use to better express their desires and feelings which will decrease their frustration making it less likely to lead to acting out behaviors. (Children’s Home Society of California, 2001)
Q; My child cries hysterically whenever I leave him at daycare. What can I do?
A: It is important to build trust with your child so that they know that when you leave you will be back. Build this trust using honesty by telling your child when you will be back to get them (ie: I will be back to get you when you are up from your nap). Never avoid this interaction by sneaking out because this will result in continued mistrust and further fuel the child’s anxiety. Also you can develop a special goodbye ritual that you do each time you separate from your child. It is important to talk to your child about the happy experiences he/she will have in the new situation. You can also allow your child to bring something from home with them that will provide comfort during the time you are away. This can include a “blankie”, a snuggly toy, or a family photo. It is also important to recognize your child’s individual expressions of this anxiety which might include such behaviors as wetting pants, thumb-sucking, or regressive behaviors. (Children’s Home Society of California, 2010)
Q: How much weight should I gain while I’m pregnant?
A: Most women are expected to gain 25 to 35 pounds throughout their pregnancy. This varies depending on whether you were overweight or underweight prior to becoming pregnant. (California Department of Public Health, 2007)
Q: Can I exercise while I’m pregnant?
A: Typically it is okay for pregnant women to do light exercise like walking, but you should consult your doctor about what is best for you.
(California Department of Public Health, 2007)
A: RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial (Sin-sish-al) Virus which can become very serious for children under the age of 2 years old. This is a virus that is common during the months of fall to spring. It seems like a cold where you see sneezing, stuffy/runny nose, sore throat and/or fever. However, it can become serious very quickly for young children. It is serious where you might see wheezing or coughing, trouble breathing, fast breathing, blue or gray skin color or trouble eating, drinking and sleeping. If you see any of these later signs or symptoms, call your Doctor. (Channing Bete Company, 2008)
Q: I went to drop off my child at Daycare and they said she couldn’t be here because she is sick. When do I know when to leave my child home?
A: Your child should never go to daycare if they have a fever of 101 degrees or more. They will be ready to go back to daycare when they do not have a fever for a full 24 hours WITHOUT the use of medicine that lowers the temperature (Tylenol or Motrin). They should also stay home if they have any of the following: Unusual spots or rashes, sore throat, dark tea-colored urine, grey or white bowel movement, stiff neck, vomiting, loss of appetite, earache, fussy or crying more than usual (Children’s Home Society of California, 2001)
Q: My Doctor said I was anemic and to eat foods with iron in them. What types of foods have iron in them?
A: Foods that have a very good amount of iron in them are: beef, pork, cooked beans, all WIC cearals, other cereals with added iron. Other foods with a good source of iron are: chicken, turkey, fish, canned tuna, tofu, corn or flour tortillas, enriched pasta or rice, enriched breads, leafy greens (spinach, chard, collards, parsley, cilantro, dried fruits, peas, snowpeas) (California Department of Health Services, WIC)
Q: What do I do if my baby gets into something they shouldn’t, like medicine?
A: A poison is anything you can breathe, touch or taste that might be harmful. If your child gets into anything that you are unsure about call the Poison Action Line at 1(800) 222-1222 to ask the poison experts (The Regents of the University of California, 2004)
Q: When should I start toilet training my baby?
A: The most important thing to consider about when to potty train is that the child is physically, intellectually, and emotionally ready. This typically occurs between the ages of 18-30 months old. (Children’s Home Society of California, 2010)
Q: What do I do if my child has an “accident” and doesn’t make it to the potty?
A: Treat accidents casually without making it a big deal. Never scold or criticize a child for unsuccessful attempts at potty training. It is important to note that day and night potty training may not be fully achieved until age 5. (Children’s Home Society of California, 2010)
Q: I was told by the day care staff that my child bites. What does this mean? And what should I do?
A: A child can bite for various reasons. It is usually related to the limited communication skills of toddler-aged children. Some common reasons include teething, expressing frustration, being territorial over toys, trying to get attention, or a sign of stress. You can decrease biting behavior by avoiding overstimulation and decreasing frustrating environments. It is also helpful to demonstrate words and phrases that children can use to better express their desires and feelings which will decrease their frustration making it less likely to lead to acting out behaviors. (Children’s Home Society of California, 2001)
Q; My child cries hysterically whenever I leave him at daycare. What can I do?
A: It is important to build trust with your child so that they know that when you leave you will be back. Build this trust using honesty by telling your child when you will be back to get them (ie: I will be back to get you when you are up from your nap). Never avoid this interaction by sneaking out because this will result in continued mistrust and further fuel the child’s anxiety. Also you can develop a special goodbye ritual that you do each time you separate from your child. It is important to talk to your child about the happy experiences he/she will have in the new situation. You can also allow your child to bring something from home with them that will provide comfort during the time you are away. This can include a “blankie”, a snuggly toy, or a family photo. It is also important to recognize your child’s individual expressions of this anxiety which might include such behaviors as wetting pants, thumb-sucking, or regressive behaviors. (Children’s Home Society of California, 2010)
Q: How much weight should I gain while I’m pregnant?
A: Most women are expected to gain 25 to 35 pounds throughout their pregnancy. This varies depending on whether you were overweight or underweight prior to becoming pregnant. (California Department of Public Health, 2007)
Q: Can I exercise while I’m pregnant?
A: Typically it is okay for pregnant women to do light exercise like walking, but you should consult your doctor about what is best for you.
(California Department of Public Health, 2007)