What's your philosophy on sleep training? At what age do you start that conversation?
I usually start this conversation at 3 months and it's definitely not a one size fits all approach. I generally start with advising parents work toward a bedtime routine (even before 3 months) and focus on minimizing sleep associations when they initially put them down at night. The goal being to have their baby be awake and aware when they are initially put to sleep so that they develop the skills to self-soothe rather than rely on being rocked or fed to sleep. The approach after that is much more individualized to each family.
What's your overall philosophy on infant feeding? As a pediatrician, what kind of support can you offer families as they learn what works best for them and their baby?
I believe that infant feeding is personal journey, and my goal is to support families in whatever approach works best for them. While breast milk is wonderful nutrition for a baby, I also recognize that breastfeeding doesn’t always go as planned. There can be challenges with latch, milk supply, returning to work, a baby’s feeding needs, or simply how a parent is feeling physically and emotionally.
Those challenges are real, and families shouldn’t feel guilty when things look different than they originally imagined. As a pediatrician, my job is to make sure the baby is growing, developing, and getting the nutrition they need, while also supporting the parent along the way. Babies can thrive with breast milk, formula, or a combination of both. I want parents to feel comfortable coming to me with questions, concerns, or even just reassurance that they’re doing a good job. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding, and I’m here to help families find what feels right for them and their baby.
What's your view on breastfeeding "goals" or timelines?
I think it’s completely okay to have breastfeeding goals, but I also think it’s important to give yourself permission to be flexible. Every family's experience is different. What works beautifully for one family may not work for another, and even what works in the first few weeks may need to change as the baby grows.
The newborn period can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. If breastfeeding is becoming so difficult that it’s affecting a mother’s mental health or her ability to enjoy those early days with her baby, I think it’s important to pause and reassess. Changing the plan or choosing to supplement does not mean you’ve failed. It means you’re paying attention to what you and your baby need. I find that parents often have the best experience when they go into the newborn phase with an open mind, realistic expectations, and the understanding that it’s okay to adjust along the way.
My hope is that families feel supported rather than pressured, and that they can focus on what matters most: a healthy, growing baby and a healthy, supported parent.
How do you approach introducing solids—do you have a preferred method or timeline?
My families typically wait until around 6 months to start solids, but I tend to start the conversation at 4 months. We discuss readiness, and the importance of early allergen introduction in reducing allergies. I also spend time talking about what to watch for when it comes to food allergies as this is a common concern. I think a combination of purees and baby led weaning is the most realistic approach. I encourage families to have fun and try not to stress too much as, in some ways, we have overcomplicated this very natural process. I love Solid Starts as a resource for families that need a bit more guidance.
What's your approach to potty training?
Do not force it, playfully introduce and wait for readiness. I find letting kids be naked for a couple days or a long weekend can help seal the deal. I suggest playful games for kids that are struggling with things like pooping in the potty.
What behavioral concerns in toddlers do you take seriously vs. tell parents are a phase?
I try to take everything seriously if it's an actual concern, but can often normalize things by sharing a story about another patient or my own kid. If the behaviors are interfering with their general well being, health, ability to succeed in school, etc. that's when it's more relevant even if within the realm of "normal".
How do you approach early signs of autism or sensory processing differences? What does your screening process look like?
There are routine screenings we do at 18 and 24 months for autism, but often there are warning signs before that. Perhaps, delayed speech, poor eye contact, toe walking, or disinterest in other kids so if I am noticing this, usually the parent has as well and we start the conversation about early intervention.
What should a parent do if they just think "something is off with my baby" but can't quite articulate what?
I think they should voice their concerns with their pediatrician and open the conversation and keep voicing if it continues. As pediatricians we don't always have the answer, or solution, but listening and not dismissing is very important and can be the start in figuring out what might be off.