The Pediatrician Next Door - Simple Advice on Parenting and Family Health

Start the new year with a look back at the most popular and helpful topics from The Pediatrician Next Door in 2024! In this special "best of" episode, Dr. Wendy revisits listener favorites, including how to handle fevers, the pros and cons of plant-based versus cow’s milk, and the hidden dangers of forever chemicals. These are the parenting conversations you won’t find anywhere else—designed to he...

A doctor’s words can shape how kids feel about their body. In this episode, Adolescent Medicine pediatrician Dr. Maya Kumar shares how doctors can approach weight conversations with care and compassion. Learn how to focus on health, while addressing weight-related issues.     Find Maya Kumar, MD at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego  Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdo...

Kids won’t come out and say, “I don’t like my body,” but their feelings about themselves can show in other ways. What shapes how kids see their bodies? Do sports or dance help or hurt their self-esteem? In this episode, Adolescent Medicine specialist Dr. Maya Kumar shares the key signs of poor body image and practical ways to support your child in loving and accepting themselves.     Find Maya Kum...

How can you teach your children the joy of giving, the art of receiving with grace, and the deeper meaning behind holiday traditions? Join Dr. Wendy as she shares thoughtful tips to help your family embrace the season’s magic while navigating the lessons and emotions that come with gift-giving.       Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find...

Want your kids to be kind and grow up to be happy, caring adults? It starts with empathy! Empathy is something we’re born with but also something we can learn. In this episode, Dr. Wendy shares her top tips on how empathy develops, why it’s important, and easy ways you can help your kids become more compassionate every day.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit...

Ever wonder why toddlers seem to whine about everything? Step into their little shoes as Dr. Wendy reveals the 6 principles shaping how toddlers see the world. Learn how to decode their behaviors, connect on their level, and rediscover the joy in parenting—because understanding your toddler's world makes all the difference!    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit...

Want to make mealtime healthier and yummier? You know that avocado oil, fish, and kale are packed with nutrients—but getting kids to actually eat them? That’s the tricky part! In this episode, Chef Kelly Senyei reveals her top secret ingredient—one that’s affordable, boosts protein and calcium, and works in everything from pancakes to bolognese. Tune in for her tips on making healthy foods fun and...

Cooking together isn’t just fun—it’s packed with benefits! From learning healthy habits to boosting confidence, getting kids in the kitchen is a win. Dr. Wendy shares holiday gift ideas to spark your kids’ inner foodie, with kid-friendly tools and fun recipe kits. Plus, special guest Kelly Senyei, creator of Justataste.com, joins us to share ways to make cooking (and eating!) a family adventure. ...

What if you could get your kids to actually enjoy healthy foods like sardines, beans, and mushrooms? If that sounds impossible, we’ve got the perfect guest! Chef Kelly Senyei from Justataste.com joins us with simple, tasty tips to sneak these powerhouse ingredients into meals even the pickiest eaters might love. From fun recipes to creative kitchen hacks, this episode is all about making healthy f...

Does dairy really cause acne? Can what you eat trigger eczema? Dr. Wendy dives into how the food on your plate can affect common skin problems like acne, rosacea, eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis. While some foods can make things worse, others can help your skin look its best. Check out Dr. Wendy’s easy tips on what to eat to keep your skin healthy—small changes can make a big difference!    Send y...

Boo! Ever wondered if losing weight could turn into a real-life horror story? In this spooky Halloween episode, we’ve got two eerie medical tales that’ll make you think twice before shedding those pounds. Forget about being thin—this Halloween, embrace your candy stash like your life depends on it! Find out why losing your "protective padding" could be scarier than a haunted house. Don’t let the s...

Reduce fear and stress, while helping your child build confidence for handling other challenges with these 4 easy steps to make your child's next vaccine a breeze! Stefan Friedrichsdorf, MD from the UCSF Stad Center shares his expert tips to calm nerves and turn the experience into a positive one.   Use Numbing Cream: Buy Aspercreme 4% or any generic works fine  Distract with fun toys  Don’t hold...

Evan and Kevin from The Dumb Dad Podcast join forces with Dr. Wendy to explore the mysteries of modern medicine. Dr. Wendy helps the dads make sense of kids' quirks and figure out what happens behind the scenes at a hospital. Dr. Wendy joins in the Dumb Dads’ weekly ritual of sharing a "dumb" parenting moment.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunt...

Why did Dr. Wendy start this podcast and what does she secretly wish every parent knew? Find out when the tables are turned as comedy duo *The Dumb Dads* take over the show and put Dr. Wendy in the hot seat. Hosts of The Dumb Dad Podcast, Kevin and Evan, explore the highs and lows of raising kids from both the pediatrician’s office and the living room floor with tips you never knew you needed!   ...

Have you heard of torticollis or W-sitting? Pediatric physical therapists Jill Mall and Kris Fought explain common issues kids face, like toe-walking, in-toeing, and flat heads. You’ll learn how physical therapy helps treat these conditions and what parents can do at home to support their kids' development.     This episode was made possible by our sponsor Begin Health. Begin the journey to a happ...

What if your baby isn’t hitting their milestones or seems to walk a little funny? Dr. Wendy chats with pediatric physical therapists Jill Mall and Kris Fought about sitting up and rolling over. What should parents expect at a physical therapy evaluation and what happens during therapy. Plus, you’ll learn fun ways to play with your baby to help them stay on track!    This episode was made possible...

Dr. Wendy explores the heated debate over smartphone use in schools: should they be banned outright, or can students be trusted with an honor system? How should parents handle social media? Apps like YouTube and Instagram offer both connection and educational tools, but also poses risks like distraction and mental health challenges for teens. Experts weigh in on the pros and cons and what the late...

In this unfiltered episode, Dr. Wendy solves parenting’s biggest challenges with stay-at-home dad and comedian Evan Berger, co-host of The Dumb Dad podcast. From unraveling the mystery of why an 8-year-old has a pierced ear to using a YouTube video to fix a dislocated elbow, no challenge is too big when a pediatrician teams up with a “Dumb Dad.”      This episode was made possible by our sponsor B...

Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, the most important ingredient is love! We tackle the big questions new parents have: Is it normal for newborns to lose a little weight at first? We’ll talk about how long you can store milk, the right way to use a breast pump, and why pacifiers are actually awesome. And we’ll share tips on getting the perfect latch. Tune in for expert advice from Shelby Abram...

Create a more natural and satisfying feeding experience for your little one. We explore the benefits and uses of pacing baby’s bottle feeds using this method that closely mimics breastfeeding and helps babies feed at their own pace.     This episode was made possible by our sponsor Begin Health. Begin the journey to a happier and healthier future for your little one with Begin Health’s tasteless a...

From the moment your baby is born, what can you do to kickstart successful breastfeeding? In this episode, we chat with Shelby Abramson, FNP, IBCLC, who shares tips on triple feeds, reading a baby’s hunger cues and how to pump your way to more milk. Don’t miss these insider tricks to make breastfeeding a breeze!    Recommended gear: Hands-free Pump Bra    This episode was made possible by our spon...

Should school start later? Dr. Wendy and expert Kyla Wahlstrom discuss how early start times impact teens' health and grades. Plus, discover the unexpected benefits of lockdown drills with insights from Dr. Amanda Nickerson on how these drills can keep students safe when done right.     Find support for changing school start times at Startschoollater.net  Programs for School and Community Safety:...

Did you play hard this summer and now your kids have ear pain and weird rashes? Dr. Wendy shares insider tricks for diagnosing and treating common summer illnesses at home and while on vacation.    This episode was made possible by our sponsor Begin Health. Begin the journey to a happier and healthier future for your little one with Begin Health’s tasteless and textureless Daily Growing Up Prebiot...

Listeners sent in their questions, and I've answered them! In this episode, I share questions from parents and my responses, along with updates on their problem. Send me your questions on Instagram or email.   @the_pediatrician_next_door  Email: hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com    Products Mentioned in the Episode:  Echinoforce Junior - Echinacea chewable by A. Vogel company    A Parent's Gui...

Do food allergies always get worse with more exposure? Are peanut-free schools scientifically sound? Can honey really help with pollen allergies? And are dogs labeled as hypoallergenic really hypoallergenic? Get the facts and debunk these myths with Dr. Wendy as she talks to pediatric allergy specialist David Stukus, MD from Nationwide Children’s Hospital.    Visit David Stukus, MD at the Food All...