- Parents can’t help but to have endless health questions about their children’s rashes and runny noses, but a personal doctor isn’t always available to respond.
- That’s why following pediatricians on Instagram who share health tips and answer everyday questions can be invaluable for parents.
- From how to tell the difference between the flu and a cold, to surviving toddler tantrums, there are a number of reputable pediatric influencers to help address almost every parenting issue.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
The days of only being able to consult a parenting book when your child isn’t sleeping at night or when your newborn goes on a feeding strike are over. Now, parents can also turn to pediatricians on Instagram for immediate answers to pressing parenting questions.
In their informative and easy-to-read posts, social-media-savvy pediatricians offer up tips ranging from remedies for a sore throat to how to encourage a toddler to eat his vegetables.
But verifying that the information is backed by science is where it could get tricky. Before taking advice from an expert on social media, always make sure it’s coming from a licensed medical professional.
Keep reading to learn about 14 helpful pediatrician Instagram accounts to follow in 2020.
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B4n7qeUgb-W
Instagram:@drwendysueswanson
Followers: 3.5K
Wisconsin-based pediatrician Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson has built a following around her science-based health tips for parents. Swanson, who has been giving advice on topics ranging from vaccines to trick-or-treating safety since she started blogging in 2009, is also a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Zulma Laracuente (Dr. Lara), pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B7PbPX7I4vx
Instagram: @drlaramd
Followers: 6.6K
In addition to having a children's health blog, Dr. Zulma Laracuente, also known as Dr. Lara, provides advice for parents on her Instagram account, where she covers issues related to respiratory infections to how to start a conversation with your child about vaping.
Dr. Kelly Fradin, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B7WtRPiB-mU
Instagram: @adviceigivemyfriends
Followers: 2K
From breastfeeding tips, to sharing what every household should have in their emergency kit, New York-based pediatrician Dr. Kelly Fradin covers the gamut of pediatric health issues. She also links to other helpful accounts in her Instagram stories.
Dr. David Stukus, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B24SbFCpKld
Instagram: @allergykidsdoc
Followers: 3.6K
For parents of children with allergies, and those who want to be safer around their child's friends and classmates, Dr. David Stukus, an Ohio-based pediatric allergy and asthma specialist, is an invaluable resource. Should you use a humidifier to alleviate allergies? How can your child with severe food allergies trick-or-treat safely? Dr. Stukus covers those topics and more on his Instagram account.
Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B7RKnqZJFeq
Instagram: @thedoctoryami
Followers: 2.4K
Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster, a vegan pediatrician, is a useful source for all things food-related. But the Washington-based doctor doesn't only post about food issues. She also writes posts about insulin resistance and how to prevent allergies. You can find more in-depth health information on the health podcast she hosts, called "Veggie Doctor Radio."
Dr. Mona Amin, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B45OsENlGrj
Instagram: @pedsdoctalk
Followers: 25.3K
Pediatrician and new mom Dr. Mona Amin is an expert on newborn health and safety. The Florida-based doctor has posted about gauging child brain development, identifying blocked tear ducts, and how to choose a car seat. She also has a pediatric health podcast in the works.
Dr. Diane Arnaout, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B7T8ORmH-1a
Instagram: @drdianearnaout
Followers: 2.8K
A Texas-based pediatrician and mom, Dr. Diane Arnaout posts a range of content, from relatable parent memes to photo guides to help parents better understand common rashes. Her Facebook page is another reliable place to find reference guides and science-backed articles.
Dr. Justin Smith, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B654TMgnWzR
Instagram: @thedocsmitty_pediatrician_dad
Followers: 4K
Dr. Justin Smith, a Texas pediatrician and dad, offers advice for parents of newborns to teenagers. Another good source for all your parenting concerns is Dr. Smith's podcast, "Today's Most Interesting Question with The Doc Smitty." He records one- to two-minute episodes about a variety of pediatric health topics, including teething and when to take your child to see an allergist.
Dr. Carina Saunders, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B7S_9kJHvu9
Instagram: @dr.carinasaunders
Followers: 10.2K
Dr. Carina Saunders, a Norwegian pediatrician, has some of the most aesthetically pleasing posts on Instagram - thanks to her own illustration skills. She covers children's health with a focus on new mothers, addressing issues like breastfeeding myths, why some women eat their placenta, and the stigma that can come with being a new mom when you're older than 35.
Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B7aGVwHhaQA
Instagram: @drtanyaaltmann
Followers: 6.7K
The founder of the Calabasas Pediatrics & Wellness Center in California, a parenting author, medical consultant, and mom, Dr. Tanya Altman might be one of the busiest pediatricians out there. Check out her account for advice for parents of school-aged children and newborns. You'll also glimpse into what it's like to work on camera.
Dr. Samantha Dallefeld, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B5n1n8xBllw
Instagram: @samdeemd
Followers: 3.2K
Learning styles, ADHD guidelines, and drowning prevention - Dr. Samantha Dallefeld, who specializes in pediatric critical care, covers a number of pressing pediatric issues. She's discussed whether Tamiflu can be a substitute for a vaccine and how to effectively prevent falls. In addition to offering expert information, Dallefeld also shares a behind-the-scenes look into how both demanding and rewarding life in pediatric critical care can be.
Dr. Nadia Sabri
http://instagr.am/p/B7eqDd-hb-s
Instagram: @themindfulmdmom
Followers: 2K
A pediatrician, yoga instructor, and mom, Dr. Nadia Sabri brings several interesting perspectives to the pediatric community. Dr. Sabri, who practices in Texas, understands how stressful it can be to be a parent, which is why she also offers tips on mindfulness, along with photos of her own meditation practice.
Dr. Natasha Burgert, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B2E9YeQpo3G
Instagram: @kckidsdoc
Followers: 2.6K
Trying to pick a car seat or not sure how and when to talk to your kids about sex? Kansas-based pediatrician Dr. Natasha Burgert has advice on that and other critical questions every parent faces. She also runs a pediatric health blog called KC Kids Doc.
Dr. Stephanie Liu, pediatrician
http://instagr.am/p/B6n8TpbhU2r
Instagram: @lifeofdrmom
Followers: 8.3K
Dr. Stephanie Liu, or Dr. Mom as she sometimes calls herself, categorizes each of her posts, so followers can immediately find the information they're looking for. Cradle cap, cold medicines to avoid, and how to dress your baby for winter are just a few of the topics the Georgia-based doctor has covered recently.
- Read more:
- I'm a pediatrician and a mom and these are the 9 things I have in my emergency kit at home - and 2 things I don't
- I have a PhD in immunology and this is how I keep my daughter from getting sick during the winter
- A baby died after being left to sleep in a car seat at daycare. His parents are speaking out to help protect other families.
- There's evidence that high levels of screen time in preschoolers may hinder brain development