Nationally recognized pediatrician, author, parenting expert and medical correspondent.
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04/13/2026
Watery eye, yellow discharge, crusting after sleep…it may look like pink eye, but it might actually be a blocked tear duct, which is super common in babies.
What it looks like:
✔️ tearing
✔️ sticky discharge
✔️ crusting (especially after naps or overnight)
✔️ little to no redness
✔️ baby seems totally unbothered
What helps:
✔️ tear duct massage (gently press at the inner corner of the eye and massage downward toward the nose), aim for ~15 strokes, 3x/day
✔️ use a warm washcloth to clean away discharge
When to check in:
✔️ eye becomes very red, swollen, or painful
✔️ discharge is worsening
04/10/2026
Greece plans to ban social platforms for children under 15, joining countries like Australia, France, and Spain that are pushing for stricter rules amid growing concerns about anxiety, poor sleep, and how addictive these apps can be.
As a pediatrician, this is something I’m seeing play out every day in my office. More kids are struggling with sleep, constantly comparing themselves to others, and feeling like they always have to be connected. Late-night scrolling is becoming the norm and it’s impacting both mental and physical health.
Whether or not bans are easy to enforce, one thing is clear: kids need better boundaries around screens.
What can parents do now?�✔️ Hold off on social media as long as possible�✔️ Keep devices out of bedrooms at night�✔️ Set clear screen time limits�✔️ Encourage more offline time
This isn’t just about screens; it’s about protecting sleep, mental health, and healthy development.
04/08/2026
As a pediatrician, when I examine newborns, I’m not just checking weight or reflexes. I’m also thinking about what’s happening inside, especially their developing microbiome!
Today, 90% of babies in the U.S. are missing key beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacteria, that help guide immune development and support healthy growth from the very beginning. That’s why in my office, we talk about more than just feeding and sleep; we also focus on gut health and how to support it early on.
I often recommend a targeted synbiotic, like .bio designed specifically for infants to help restore those important microbes, plus added vitamin D for overall wellness. Because giving babies like Jett the best start from day one can make a lasting impact ✨
04/07/2026
A lot of what I’m seeing in the office right now is adenovirus. High fevers (often 103–105), sore red throats, and kids who just feel really miserable. It’s especially scary when those fevers spike at night.
The good news: this virus is common, and most kids recover just fine. Fevers can last up to ~5 days, and the sore throat may stick around a bit longer. You might also see cold symptoms, pink eye, swollen glands, or even some GI issues.
Important reminder: if your child has a high fever + sore throat without typical cold symptoms, it’s worth checking for things like strep or mono, since those are going around too. Treatment is mostly supportive: fluids, rest, fever reducers, and soothing options like popsicles.
Call your pediatrician if your child isn’t drinking well, seems dehydrated, has trouble breathing, has fevers lasting more than 5 days, going above 105, or still seems very uncomfortable even after medication.
04/06/2026
You may be hearing about a newer COVID variant nicknamed “cicada,” here’s what parents should know.
This variant (BA.3.2) has been detected in multiple places, but it still represents a small percentage of cases. Even though it has several mutations, symptoms so far look very similar to what we’ve already been seeing: cough, fever, fatigue, and congestion. We are not seeing increased severity, hospitalizations, or worse outcomes with this variant at this time.
Bottom line: if your child gets sick, treat it like any other viral illness: rest, fluids, and supportive care. Reach out to your pediatrician if symptoms are concerning, and continue to stay home when sick and test when needed to help prevent spread.
04/02/2026
Spring allergies are worsening right now because pollen is everywhere, but small habits can make a big difference!
Thank you to for having me on to discuss my recommended tips to prevent allergy symptoms this season.
Prevention really comes down to avoiding or reducing pollen exposure as much as possible:
1. Avoid outdoor activities in the morning – pollen is highest then. Go out later in the day.
2. Keep windows closed during allergy season.
3. Shower and change clothes after being outside.
4. Leave shoes by the door to avoid tracking pollen inside.
5. Wash your hair before bed so you’re not sleeping in pollen.
6. Wear sunglasses, a hat, or a mask to limit exposure outdoors.
7. Don’t forget pets can carry pollen in, so bathe them periodically too. �
04/01/2026
If your baby is fussy after feeds – arching, gagging, or crying – but not really spitting up, reflux could still be the cause.
With “silent reflux,” milk comes up but goes back down, which can irritate their throat and make feeding uncomfortable. Babies may cough, choke, or seem upset during feeds.
✨ Try this:
✔️ Smaller, more frequent feeds
✔️ Pause to burp often
✔️ Keep baby upright after feeds
🚩 If symptoms feel severe or your baby isn’t gaining well, check in with your pediatrician.
03/30/2026
Parents, did you know iron is one of the most important nutrients for your baby when starting solids?
Around 6 months, your baby’s natural iron stores begin to drop and iron is essential for brain development, growth, and energy.
So what iron-rich foods should you feed your baby? Soft meats (beef, chicken, turkey), egg yolks, beans, lentils, tofu, and whole grain iron-fortified cereals are all great options. Animal sources are easiest to absorb, but plant-based options work well too, especially when paired with vitamin C (think berries, citrus, or bell peppers) to boost absorption.
And remember: iron-rich foods don’t have to stay puréed forever. As your baby is ready, you can move to soft pieces, mashes, or baby-led weaning styles, whatever works best and is developmentally safe.
03/27/2026
Cutting food like strawberries into super tiny pieces to prevent choking isn’t always necessary 🍓
For most babies and toddlers, thin slices or small, manageable chunks are just right. Some little ones can even hold a whole or halved strawberry and take bites.
For younger babies, mashed strawberries are a great option and can easily be mixed into oatmeal or yogurt!
The goal isn’t making food as tiny as possible, it’s preparing it in a way that matches your child’s age and chewing skills 👍
03/26/2026
The 2026 Dirty Dozen list is out, highlighting produce with higher pesticide residues when grown conventionally 🍓🥬
Produce like strawberries, spinach, apples, and grapes have been on the list before, but this year there are a few additions including potatoes.
So what does this all mean for your family?
This doesn’t mean these foods are unsafe, and it definitely doesn’t mean you should avoid fruits and vegetables; however, I always recommend:
• Buy organic when you can
• Wash produce well
• Aim for variety over perfection
Most kids aren’t getting enough fruits and veggies to begin with so the benefits of eating them far outweigh the risks.
03/25/2026
You bought the perfect “educational” toy…but your baby just wants the remote 😂 This is totally normal! Babies are drawn to everyday items because they watch you use them, they’re interactive (cause & effect), and they’re new and interesting. To them, anything unfamiliar can feel like a toy. Just be sure anything within reach is safe and free of choking hazards.
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A working mother and UCLA-trained pediatrician who practices in Southern California, Dr. Tanya Altmann is a best-selling author, network television parenting expert, and entertainment industry consultant. Dr. Tanya is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, approved by the national physician organization to communicate complicated medical issues into easily understood concepts.
As a child health expert for numerous news programs and talk shows, including Today (NBC), Fox News Channel, KTLA 5 Morning News (CW Los Angeles), and The Doctors, Dr. Tanya has discussed breaking medical news stories and controversial parenting issues.
Dr. Tanya has a broad understanding of the most recent medical developments. In addition to founding Calabasas Pediatrics, a new type of pediatric practice for today’s modern family, she is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA and is the Chief Medical Advisor for the Newborn Channel. Dr. Tanya’s recent book, What to Feed Your Baby a Veggie-Loving, No-Fuss, Healthy-Eating Kids was a best seller since it’s release. She is also the author of Mommy Calls, Dr. Tanya Answers Parents’ Top 101 Questions About Babies and Toddlers, Editor-in-Chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parenting book The Wonder Years and Associate Medical Editor of their best selling Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5.
When parenting questions arise, Dr. Tanya has the answers—she has been quoted in hundreds of periodicals, including Newsweek, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, People, and Parents magazine. Her popular parenting events help parents through day-to-day child rearing challenges, and she responds to concerned caregivers and blogs on controversial topics for a variety of health and parenting websites including TODAY Parents and Web MD. Entering the new era of social media, Dr. Tanya is on the Editorial Advisory Board for Sharecare, a new interactive healthcare website.
Dr. Tanya has served on the board of the National Association of Medical Communicators and the executive board of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Communications and Media. She completed her internship and residency at UCLA, received her medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Claremont McKenna College.
