Avoid the Uh-ohs When the Grandkids Visit

Charlotte C. Cowan, M.D., special contributor to the Boca Grande Health Clinic

Few things are more joyful — or more unpredictable — than a grandchild’s visit. Children inevitably bring with them both fun and minor chaos! And, as every grandparent knows, the best memories often come with a few “uh-ohs” along the way.

This month’s Ask a Doc welcomes guest contributor Charlotte Cowan, M.D., a retired pediatrician who practiced and taught at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston and now calls Boca Grande home for part of the year.

Dr. Cowan is the author of five children’s books, known collectively as the “Dr. Hippo” series, which help children understand and feel more comfortable when they’re sick. Her stories, told with gentle humor and warmth, reflect the same compassion she brought to her medical practice.

A Smart First-Aid Kit

A well-stocked pediatric first-aid kit doesn’t need to be fancy: colorful adhesive bandages (they really do stop tears fast!), petroleum jelly instead of antibiotic ointment, an oral digital thermometer, tweezers for splinters, and a child-sized cold pack for bumps and bruises are plenty. Pedialyte® now comes in convenient powdered packets you just mix with water — handy for travel, too. Include children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen (strength and dosing confirmed with parents), and you’ll be ready for anything from scrapes to grand adventures.

Before the visit, ask your children to jot down your grandchild’s allergies (EpiPen® required?) and prescribed medications — and make sure you know how to use that EpiPen. Have emergency numbers — parents, pediatrician, poison control, and nearby urgent care or clinic — taped to your fridge before the whirlwind arrives! A copy of the child’s insurance card belongs there, too — right next to that drawing s/he colored just for you.

When to Call the Doctor

Even experienced grandparents can feel unsure when a child gets sick away from home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should call the pediatrician if your grandchild has a fever over 102°F or any fever lasting more than two days, a fever of 100.4°F or higher in a baby under three months, trouble breathing, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration (such as few wet diapers, a dry mouth, or no tears), a rash with fever, unusual drowsiness, or severe pain that seems to be getting worse.

If you’re unsure, please call! Children can become very sick, very quickly — and pediatric offices expect and welcome questions. While the Boca Grande Health Clinic doesn’t have pediatricians on staff, its physicians are trained in urgent care and can see children over one year of age. They can also coordinate care with your grandchild’s regular pediatrician or a nearby children’s hospital if needed.

Sun Safety Made Simple: Help to Avoid the Dermatologist!

Children’s skin burns fast — faster than ours.  The AAP recommends a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are excellent for young skin. Apply to all exposed skin 15–30 minutes before heading out and every two hours or after swimming.

For babies under six months, please skip sunscreen and rely on shade, lightweight clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat — preferably one that stays put!

Water Safety: Rules That Save Lives

Water play is irresistible — and potentially dangerous. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in U.S. children ages 1–4. Always keep an adult within arm’s reach when children are in or near water, even in a bathtub or small wading pool.

The beach and outdoor pools pose a special risk to young children who can wander into the water without understanding its danger. Even for those who can swim, it’s imperative that an adult be with and watching them! No cell phones by the pool — drowning is silent and swift. On boats or docks, every child should wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket that fits snugly. Grandparents and parents can model this behavior — a simple but effective idea because, of course, you are the bee’s knees!

With a little planning, you’ll be ready for the challenges and charms of your grandchild’s visit — filled with laughter and fun.  Enjoy every minute!