Safe Sleep

Jennifer Kalisvaart • June 11, 2025

Safe Sleep Rules

Everyone has heard of the Back to Sleep campaign. This has led to a significant reduction in SUID (formerly known as SIDS) cases, but there are many other aspects of safe sleep for your baby that also play a role in decreasing your baby's risk of SIDS or other sleep-related issues.

Leave the cutesy bedding at the store. We all have seen the photos of the beautifully decorated nursery cribs, but did you know the ONLY things that should be in your baby's sleep space (crib or bassinet) should be (1) a firm crib mattress and (2) a tightly-fitted crib sheet? Keep blankets, crib decor such as bumpers and stuffed animals out of the sleeping area. They will look just as cute on a rocking chair or in a basket.

To swaddle or not to swaddle. Babies have spent the last 9 months swaddled inside mom, so it is natural for them to feel secure and calm when swaddled. If you are swaddling your baby, be sure it is with either a lightweight, well-secured blanket or a special swaddle blanket. Once your baby shows signs of rolling which can start as young as 2 months, we want to get them out of the swaddle. A swaddle that is too tight around the hips can also lead to hip issues such as dysplasia. For a good resource on swaddling, check out HealthyChildren.org's article (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx).

Sleepsuits and other sleep "aids." We do NOT recommend weighted sleepsuits. These can put additional pressure on the baby's chest. Additionally, Boppy pillows and Dock-a-Tots should not be used for sleep. There has been evidence that the use of pacifiers can lower the risk of SUID.

A crib = a safe space. Babies should sleep in their own space whether that is a crib or bassinet. Co-sleeping carries with it significant risks of SUID and suffocation. We know how exhausting it can be to have a new baby and nodding off during a feeding session isn't unheard of. Set a timer on your phone to go off after about 10 minutes or so to alert you if you happen to doze off.

A few other tips. Keeping your baby upto date with vaccines and breastfeeding also have been linked with decreasing SUID.

Babies spend a huge chunk of their days sleeping, so let's keep that a safe time for them.

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What You Need to Know About Measles

September 2, 2025

As everyone has probably heard at this point, there are confirmed cases of measles in and around Spokane and all over the country. Our job as your family's pediatric provider is to provide accurate, scientific information about illnesses such as measles and ways in which you can keep your family and others protected. Measles is HIGHLY contagious . It will linger in a space for 2 hours after the infected person leaves. Often, we tell patients that you can do your best to avoid a sick-appearing person (maybe someone with a rash), but if you happen to step into a space in which a person with measles was within 2 hours of that person leaving, you are at-risk of contracting the virus. The MMR vaccines is highly effective. After the 1st dose, a person is 93% protected and with 2 doses on-board, the protection is 97%. We typically give the MMR at 1 year old and 4 years old; however, doses can be done as early as 6 months old* (especially if there is upcoming travel or concern for exposure during an outbreak). We can also give them closer together than 1 year and 4 years. We know there can be questions surrounding vaccines, especially the MMR. We are always happy to answer these questions, but in brief, there has been NO link between the MMR vaccine (or any vaccine for that matter) and autism. Someone who is immunocompromised is at great risk of serious complications of the measles virus, and since the MMR vaccine is a live-virus vaccine someone who has a suppressed immune system cannot get the vaccine themselves. 92-94% of the population needs to be immune to measles (by vaccination or history of infection) in order to limit/prevent spread of the illness. Some retro things are fun and cool... like My Little Pony, Lincoln Logs and Strawberry Shortcake, but one thing is for sure, and that is that measles is absolutely not. As a pediatric practice, we know how a successful vaccine can save the lives of so many, and we will continue to do our part to protect children. *A dose given at less than 1 year old does not qualify for the 2-dose series needed for school entry and confirmed immunity; however, it counts that you may protect your child against measles.

Bringing Home a Sibling

By Jennifer Kalisvaart • June 12, 2025

Some Tips to Make It As Smooth As Possible

Coming Soon -- Lactation!

By Jennifer Kalisvaart • March 4, 2025

Much like you get excited to announce your new baby's arrival, we have been keeping a little secret that we can't wait to share! We will soon be offering lactation services at our clinic with a certified IBCLC and RN -- Chelsea Wilhelm! She brings with her years of knowledge as a lactation specialist and postpartum nurse and an excitement for educating new families that is contagious. More details to come soon, but we couldn't hold the news in any longer!