Kelsie Oatmen MD Casas Pediatrics Tucson AZ

Kelsie Oatmen MD  Casas Pediatrics Tucson AZ Current Board Certified Pediatrician, Former University of Arizona Chief Pediatric Resident, Wife, and Mother Serving the Tucson AZ Community

Have your kiddos been a little backed up? Constipation is one of the most common concerns I discuss with families in cli...
08/13/2025

Have your kiddos been a little backed up? Constipation is one of the most common concerns I discuss with families in clinic. If your child is not having at least 3-4 soft, easy to pass bowel movements a week they may be constipated. Other symptoms can include blood with bowel movements, abdominal pain, and urinary accidents.

There are some medical conditions that cause constipation. However, most constipation in kids is "functional constipation" which is much more behavioral or diet related.

Babies and children can develop functional constipation when they change formulas, start solids, have a diet low in fiber and high in starchy foods, have a change in routine, or are toilet training.

Here are some things you can try at home to get things moving!
-High fiber foods: think berries, whole grains, leafy greens and legumes. For babies, adding a tsp of ground flaxseed to purees or cereals can add great fiber.
-Water and Juice: Increase water and have your kiddo carry a water bottle. Daily or as needed "P" juices such as apple, pear, prune, and pineapple can get things moving. Most babies less than 9 months old should not be getting regular water or juice. HOWEVER, 2-4 ounces of water or juice daily for babies as young as 4 months old can help significantly with constipation
-Regular exercise: Daily activity is vital!

If these aren't working, or your baby has constipation in the first few weeks of life, then come into the office and we can chat more. We will decide if we need to look for any underlying medical conditions causing and/or start medications to keep your kiddo regular.

If you are looking for a pediatrician, we would love to welcome you to our practice. I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your family’s questions and pediatric needs, more information:
https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

Casual Friday = Theme Day! It was "sports theme" today at Casas Pediatrics. The docs and staff (including our amazing MA...
08/02/2025

Casual Friday = Theme Day! It was "sports theme" today at Casas Pediatrics. The docs and staff (including our amazing MAs) like to have fun every once in a while!

If you are looking for a pediatrician, we would love to welcome you to our practice. I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your family’s questions and pediatric needs, more information:
https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

Summer is coming to an end and, for many of you, the kids are returning to school next week! This is a great time to ref...
07/30/2025

Summer is coming to an end and, for many of you, the kids are returning to school next week! This is a great time to refocus your kiddos and get back into healthy routines with sleep, screen time, activity, and family dinners.

Here are a few things to consider this school year
-Sleep: 8-10 hours a night for teens, 9-12 hours for school age kids
-Screen time: I recommend no more than 30 min daily during the school year
-Activity: get your kiddos involved in a sport or club to keep them moving and help them build friendships, confidence and character
-Family dinner: we know regular family dinners (most nights of the week) foster healthy family relationships and regular communication between parents and children. This is especially important for kids who may need more assistance staying on track academically and teens who are becoming more reclusive

Enjoy those last days of summer vacation! I hope your kids enjoyed summer as much as mine!

If you are looking for a pediatrician, we would love to welcome you to our practice. I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your family’s questions and pediatric needs, more information:
https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

Well, we just did some sleep training with my 2.5 year old after a sleep regression. To all of you out there trying to m...
07/19/2025

Well, we just did some sleep training with my 2.5 year old after a sleep regression. To all of you out there trying to manage toddler sleep, you know it is NO JOKE! We committed to a method and had our peaceful evenings back in only 5 days.

Good sleep is so important for your toddler's physical and mental development. In addition, a tired child is more likely to have poor behavior during the day. Below are some methods you can look into for sleep training. Remember, the number one key to success in CONSISTENCY. Toddlers tend to take longer to sleep train than babies because they are smart and very strong willed...

-Ferber/Gradual Extinction
-Cry it out
-Fading
-Pick up, put down
-Ticket method
-Ignore method
-Red light, Green Light

There are so many more options! If you want to talk about sleep training I would love to see you in the office. Lets dive into your kiddos sleep and come up with a tailored plan to get everyone (including you) sleeping their best!

If you are looking for a pediatrician, we would love to welcome you to our practice. I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your family’s questions and pediatric needs, more information:
https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

Calling all parents of young athletes! Is your child ready for sports this school year? Organized sports are the perfect...
07/13/2025

Calling all parents of young athletes! Is your child ready for sports this school year?

Organized sports are the perfect way to help your child build their physical health, mental health, and social skills while learning life lessons and building character. Now is the perfect time to schedule their sports physical before the hectic school year begins!

At Casas Pediatrics, we're here to help ensure your child is healthy and safe to play. To make their visit as thorough as possible, please come prepared with: A detailed injury history (any past sprains, fractures, concussions, etc.), your family's cardiac history (any heart conditions in close relatives), and any history of asthma or breathing issues.

You can prepare in advance for your appointment by printing off and filling out the parent portion of the AIA 2025-2026 sports physical form. You can find it here: https://aiaonline.org/students/physical-forms

Didn't have time to get the form? No worries! We have copies in the office ready for you to fill out. Call us now to schedule!

If you are looking for a pediatrician, we would love to welcome you to our practice. I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your family’s questions and pediatric needs, more information:

https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

As we move into the heat of the summer it is common to see an increase in Enterovirus cases in Tucson.   Enteroviruses a...
07/08/2025

As we move into the heat of the summer it is common to see an increase in Enterovirus cases in Tucson. Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that are very common during warmer months, you may already be familiar with some of them, as they are responsible for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.

Most children who get an enterovirus infection will have mild symptoms, or even no symptoms at all! If symptoms do appear, they often resemble a common cold or flu or small, spotted rashes on the hands, feet and mouth. Sores in the back of the mouth with sore throat are very common. Infants and children with weakened immune systems, or underlying conditions like asthma, are at higher risk for complications like difficulty breathing, wheezing, severe headache with stiff neck (meningitis), and signs of dehydration. Please come see us if any of these occur.

Treatment focuses on supportive care like plenty of rest, fluids, and fever/discomfort medication. Like all of your pediatric healthcare needs, Casas Pediatrics is ready to provide diagnosis, symptom management, and ensure your child receives the appropriate care.

If you are looking for a pediatrician, we would love to welcome you to our practice. I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your family’s questions and pediatric needs, more information:

https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

Happy July 4th Weekend Tucson!
07/06/2025

Happy July 4th Weekend Tucson!

Need Medical Grade Kid's Ear Piercings? Myself and the Casas Pediatrics team are supplied and trained to provide safe an...
06/21/2025

Need Medical Grade Kid's Ear Piercings? Myself and the Casas Pediatrics team are supplied and trained to provide safe and high quality results that your family will love!

We partner with Blomdahl for training, equipment, and earrings made of pure medical titanium or plastic. We provide a positive and safe experience along side our medical knowledge to get your family looking its best!

All inclusive service (includes first earrings) for only $42, call today for appointment.

Blomdahl Piercing System Website
https://www.blomdahl.com/en/piercing/ear-piercing

More Information:
https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

While our kids are out exploring this summer, they are likely to experience the occasional bite or sting. Lets focus on ...
06/13/2025

While our kids are out exploring this summer, they are likely to experience the occasional bite or sting. Lets focus on bee stings, when do you have to worry? Most kids will experience only pain at the site and some mild redness or swelling. If the stinger is easily removed, pull with tweezers or scrap away with a credit card. If it seems embedded, bring them into the office so we can help.

It is possible to have a fairly large local reaction. But the import thing to remember is that it is local, there is no concern for a full body allergic reaction. This can look like a large red, warm, hot, itchy or painful area of the skin around the sting. Treat with Benadryl, ice packs, and ibuprofen. This reaction looks very similar to a skin infection, or cellulitis, so if you aren't sure bring your kiddo in for a look.

The most concerning reaction is anaphylaxis, a life threatening full body allergic reaction. This is almost always accompanied by hives, a very itchy, red, elevated, and widespread rash. Remember that hives are very common, and when there are no other symptoms, are likely not a severe allergic reaction. However, we are concerned about anaphylaxis when there is also vomiting, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or altered mental status. While Benadryl will help with the hives, it will not treat the other life threatening symptoms. If are are concerned your child is having an anaphylactic reaction bring them to an ER or call an ambulance.

If you are looking for a pediatrician we would love to welcome you to our practice. I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your family's questions and pediatric needs, more information:
https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

Our lobby has a refresh! My kiddos spent some time exploring the new decor, books, and toys this weekend. We hope you fi...
06/02/2025

Our lobby has a refresh! My kiddos spent some time exploring the new decor, books, and toys this weekend. We hope you find our clinic inviting and kid friendly for all ages. If you haven't stopped by in a while come check out the lobby before your well child visit or a sports physical!

If you are looking for a pediatrician we would love to welcome you to our practice. I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your families questions and pediatric needs, more information:
https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

It's starting to heat up in Tucson! Keep your kiddos safe with proper sun protection. Keep babies less than 6 months old...
05/27/2025

It's starting to heat up in Tucson! Keep your kiddos safe with proper sun protection. Keep babies less than 6 months old covered in light weight, full length clothes and hats. Babies and children older than 6 months old can be slathered in sun screen! I recommend a mineral based sunscreen SPF 30-50 and remember to regularly reapply. My daughter is great at wearing hats and loves to wear her fashion sunglasses! My son, not so much, so we need to apply a lot of sunscreen to the top of his fair little head! Rash guard bathing suits are great protection for a long day in the pool.

Do your best to avoid peak hours in the heat. Strollers with sun shades and parks with shaded areas for breaks are perfect. Bring lots of water and encourage your kids to drink regularly.

Have fun this summer, and stay safe!

I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your families questions and pediatric needs, more information:

https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

Are you starting to think about potty training your little one? It's a big milestone, and every child is ready at their ...
05/16/2025

Are you starting to think about potty training your little one? It's a big milestone, and every child is ready at their own pace, but generally, look for signs of readiness between 18 months and 3 years. These can include showing interest in the toilet, staying dry for longer periods, and communicating when they've gone in their diaper.

Here are a few favorite techniques to start:

The "Potty Time" Routine: Establish regular, short times to sit on the potty, even if they don't go. Make it a fun, no-pressure experience!

Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate successes (even small ones!) with praise and maybe a special sticker, song, or favorite activity. Avoid scolding for accidents.

Let Them Lead: Follow your child's cues. If they're resistant, take a break and try again later.

Looking for some helpful reading material for toddlers? We love these books to introduce the concept in a fun and engaging way:

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
Potty Time with Elmo (Sesame Street)
Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel

Remember, consistency and patience are key! If you have any specific questions or concerns about your child's development and readiness for potty training, don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We're here to support you every step of the way!

I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your families questions and pediatric needs, more information:

https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675

Address

1925 W. Orange Grove, Ste. 109
Tucson, AZ
85704

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm

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