Pediatrics Episodes

For years, parents were told to delay introducing allergenic foods like peanuts and eggs. Now, the advice is the complete opposite—and your families are confused, anxious, and looking to you for answers. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carina Venter—one of the world’s leading experts in pediatric food allergies. Together, we unpack the science, the guidelines, and the practical “how-to” steps clinicians need to confidently guide parents through early allergen introduction. From maternal die...

When formula shelves went empty in 2022, clinicians scrambled. Desperate parents, unfamiliar brands, and European imports raised more questions than answers. Since January 2024, one name kept coming up: Kabrita. Is goat milk-based formula just a trend—or is it a clinically sound option you can recommend with confidence? In this episode, sponsored by Kabrita, I’m joined by Dr. Ari Brown, board-certified pediatrician, bestselling author of the Baby 411 series, and Kabrita’s Chief Medical Advisor...

Ever skip the food label convo because it feels too complicated—or let’s be honest, you’re short on time? In this episode, I’m sharing a few clips from this month’s Nutrition Grand Rounds that’ll help you decode the label and teach it in a way your patients actually understand. We’ll cover what patients are really looking at, how to explain percent daily value, and why front-of-package claims like “multi-grain” or “no added sugar” can be totally misleading. Join Nutrition Grand Rounds here M...

Confused about what to tell parents when they ask, “Is oat milk okay?” or “How much juice is too much?” You’re not alone—it's confusing. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Lott, MPH, RDN, Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research. Megan walks us through the first-ever unified beverage guidelines for kids—developed by leading organizations like the AAP, AND, and AHA. We cover what to encourage, what to limit, and what to avoid based on the latest research. What to Drink: Daily water intake ...

Colleen sits down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to break down the essential 6-question screening tool designed to help providers confidently assess feeding challenges in minutes. You'll learn how to spot red flags early, make informed referrals, and better support families while they wait for specialized care. What You’ll Learn: ✅ The 4 Domains of PFD and why they matter in clinical care ✅ Red Flags that indicate when “picky eating” is more than a phase ✅ The 6-Question Screenin...

Send Colleen a Text Message If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out how to expand your child’s diet without resorting to begging, bribing, or full-on dinnertime drama, you are not alone. In this episode, we’re discussing: Why those adventurous infant eaters turn into selective terrors at age 2. Why forcing or bribing kids to eat never works—and what you can suggest parents do instead. Simple ways to bring fun back to the dinner table (spoiler alert: it might involve capes or breakfast ...

Send Colleen a Text Message Brittyn Coleman, a Registered Dietitian and Autism expert joins Colleen to discuss practical, research-backed approaches that clinicians can integrate into patient care to support children with autism. Brittyn shares practical ways to navigate picky eating and tips for helping parents integrate dietary changes at home with less stress and more ease. Whether you're a pediatrician, dietitian, or general practitioner, this episode provides actionable guidance to support...

Send Colleen a Text Message Ever had a parent tell you they’re at their wits' end with their child’s picky eating? Or maybe you’ve said the phrase, "Don’t worry, they’ll eat when they’re hungry," and wondered if that’s really the best advice. In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind picky eating and why forcing kids to eat might do more harm than good. I sit down with pediatric feeding expert, Thalia Prum, who shares some fresh strategies for addressing picky eating in ways that actual...

Send Colleen a Text Message In this episode of Exam Room Nutrition, we discuss infant feeding challenges that many clinicians encounter in practice. Pediatric providers frequently hear concerns from parents about bottle-feeding, nipple confusion, and difficulties at the breast—and we’ve got you covered with expert insights. Today, we’re joined by infant feeding specialist Mallory, who shares actionable advice on how to support families struggling with bottle and breast-feeding. Grab the free Gr...

Send Colleen a Text Message Does coffee stunt growth? This common misconception may have come from some clever advertising in the 1900s or from decades old research linking caffeine to osteoporosis. Whatever the source, many people are curious whether coffee is safe for kids. In under 15 minutes you'll learn the science behind caffeine and growth, the health benefits and harms of caffeine, and safe limits for children so you can adequately guide your patients. Resources: What is Proffee? by Co...

Send Colleen a Text Message Get the FREE guide to interpreting Growth Charts here: In this episode, we dive deep into the world of pediatric growth charts with Kat, the Failure to Thrive Dietitian. We explore how to effectively use growth charts, identify red flags, and provide sensitive and practical advice to families dealing with underweight and overweight children. Key Takeaways: Understanding Growth Trends:Focus on trends over time rather than single data points. Significant changes in p...

Send Colleen a Text Message Have you ever been in the formula room in your clinic? Do you ever feel like it's a sea of names and, if you're being honest, you have no idea what you're looking at? I completely understand. When I first started in pediatrics, I felt the same way. On today's episode, we are simplifying the world of infant formulas. You'll understand the science behind standard infant formula, why there are so many different types, and how to choose a formula that's best for your pat...

Send Colleen a Text Message "My baby spits up a lot!" What the mom is actually saying to you as the clinician: "I'm really worried! Is something wrong with her?" and what the dad is saying, "Please, make it stop. I'm sick of being covered in vomit." Infant reflux is one of the most common concerns during routine well checks. Today I'm joined by Registered Dietitian and pediatric nutrition expert Kristen Gooch to help us navigate infant reflux. Key Takeaways: Understanding Reflux: Learn about th...

Send Colleen a Text Message Let's be real - getting a meal on the table after a long work day is so tough. Juggling an infant and a wiggly picky toddler makes the mealtime experience exhausting. But yet, study after study proves family meals are crucial to children's mental, physical and emotional heath. In today's episode, we're joined by Registered Dietitian Sarah Schlichter to explore practical tips for transforming family meals from stressful events into joyful experiences. Key Takeaways: I...

Send Colleen a Text Message More than 1 in 37 children under age 5 in the United States have a pediatric feeding disorder. Today, I'm joined by Bri, a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, to explore the common feeding challenges families face. We'll discuss the four domains of a pediatric feeding disorder and how one or all could be affecting a child's feeding skill. We also explain how to address gagging when introducing complementary foods and offer practica...

Send Colleen a Text Message "Oh by the way, he's really picky. What do I do?" Does your heart sink when you hear this question? If we're being honest, does it make you want to roll your eyes? Navigating picky eating is a massive topic and is such a challenge in the pediatric world. In this episode, pediatric nutrition experts Colleen and Amber equip you with solutions to help overwhelmed parents of picky eaters. You'll learn practical tips, strategies, and food recommendations to help pediatrici...

Send Colleen a Text Message 1 in 36 children have autism. If you work in pediatrics, I can guarantee that you are faced with questions about selective eating and mealtime meltdowns. For today's episode, I brought the expert in feeding neurodivergent kids back on the podcast. Breta Alstrom provides useful strategies to help even the most cautious eater learn to try new foods. In this episode, you'll learn: How sensory progressions and food chaining can be used to expand the child's food prefere...

Send Colleen a Text Message Do parents ask you for advice for their picky eater? Do your patients say "yuck, I don't like that" when you suggest they try some broccoli? How would you answer a mom who says, "my child only eats 10 foods, what do I do?" In this episode, Registered Dietitian, Veronica LaMarca, joins Colleen to discuss practical solutions for 5 of the most common nutrition challenges faced by parents and pediatricians dealing with picky eaters. Key Takeaways: Responding to "Yuck": D...

Send Colleen a Text Message 6 million children living in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD. Many parents want to know if there is any treatment outside of medication and behavior therapy. As a provider, you may be wondering, "is there an ADHD diet I should put them on?" "Should they cut out all sugary foods?" This episode will give you the nutrition information you need to confidently guide your patients in their child's ADHD management. Joined by an expert in the pediatric neurodivergent spa...

Send Colleen a Text Message In today's episode, we address the urgent link between childhood obesity and the looming threat of diabetes. Join host Colleen Sloan and esteemed guest Lucille Bessler, a seasoned Registered Dietitian, as they unpack the clinical pearls and practical strategies healthcare professionals need to reverse prediabetes and prevent diabetes in their young patients. Childhood obesity can be a delicate subject, but it's one we tackle head-on with compassion and actionable gui...

Send Colleen a Text Message Are mealtime battles with your picky eater driving your parents up the wall? I've got you! On today's episode, Colleen teams up with Kristen Smaldone to share the ABCs of winning over the littlest critics at your dinner table. Kristen, a pediatric Registered Dietitian, brings her kid-approved ABC method to the table, crafting a trifecta of appealing, balanced, and convenient meals that will have even the fussiest of eaters asking for seconds. Say goodbye to mealtime b...

Send Colleen a Text Message "My child won't eat any vegetables!" How many of your parents tell you that during a check up?! Parents feel like they're in a tug of war with their kids when it comes to veggies and they come to the pediatrician looking for answers. So today we're guiding you in the conversation about getting kids to eat their veggies. And no, it's not pressuring them to "just take a bite" and it's not bribing them with dessert. I am joined by Pediatric Registered Dietitian, Leah Hac...

Send Colleen a Text Message Today's chat is extra special because we're diving into the tiny yet mighty world of premature infant nutrition. You know, those little warriors who steal our hearts and ignite our passion for giving them the healthiest start possible. We've got a rockstar guest in the house – Lauren Seaman, a registered dietitian and preemie mama herself. Together, we're unpacking the nitty-gritty of neonatal nutrition, blending professional wisdom with real-life experiences. Key T...

Send Colleen a Text Message Do you work with children struggling with constipation? We've got answers. Join us for a riveting discussion with Emily Dollar, a certified registered nurse anesthetist and family nurse practitioner. Known as the "Enco Expert" on Instagram, Emily brings to the table a wealth of practical advice on tackling constipation in children. I know you're thinking, "Colleen, I already know how to manage constipation." But stay with me, because we're going beyond the typical rec...