expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Sandra Baucom, MD

Pediatrician

Dr. Sandra Baucom is a pediatrician practicing in Smithfield, VA. Dr. Baucom is a doctor who specializes in the health care of children. As a pedicatrician, Dr. Baucom diagnoses and treats infections, injuries, diseases and other disorders in children. Pediatricians typically work with infants, children, teenagers and young adults up to age 21. They practice medical care as well as preventative health care. Dr. Baucom can oversee and manage the physical, mental and emotional health of their patients.
Dr. Sandra Baucom, MD
  • Chesapeake, VA
  • Wake Forest University
  • Accepting new patients

Accurate way to measure height at home?

When we are measuring heights in multiple individuals a day we use the method you described of the back against the wall because that is what was standardized across ages and populations READ MORE
When we are measuring heights in multiple individuals a day we use the method you described of the back against the wall because that is what was standardized across ages and populations so we can develop accurate charts of growth across time. When you are only comparing your height from one day to another it doesn't matter how you measure as long as you do it the same way every time.

My 3 year old has trouble eating?

I am very worried about your daughter. Vomiting with weight loss should be evaluated by a pediatrician urgently. You can keep her hydrated with Pedialyte but you need to call her READ MORE
I am very worried about your daughter. Vomiting with weight loss should be evaluated by a pediatrician urgently. You can keep her hydrated with Pedialyte but you need to call her doctor for an appointment right now.

How can I help my son?

It is safe for an 8 year old to take medication for nasal congestion but what works is sudafed which you have to request from the pharmacist who keeps it behind the counter. For READ MORE
It is safe for an 8 year old to take medication for nasal congestion but
what works is sudafed which you have to request from the pharmacist who
keeps it behind the counter. For an 8 year old you would need 15mg of
sudafed every four hours for congestion. You could also try vicks
vaporub on his chest.

How long does a fever last with a cough?

Good Morning. The length of the fever depends on what is causing the fever. If the fever and cough are caused by an upper respiratory virus the fever should go away in 48 to 72 READ MORE
Good Morning. The length of the fever depends on what is causing the fever. If the fever and cough are caused by an upper respiratory virus the fever should go away in 48 to 72 hours but the cough could last 10 to 14 days. If the fever and the cough are caused by an ear infection it will last until either the body fights off the ear infection or you get antibiotics from the doctor. The total length of fever can be 3 to 5 days. If fever and cough are caused by pneumonia the fever will not go away until pneumonia improves either on its own or with antibiotics so 3 to 5 days typically. Any fever lasting more than 5 days should be seen by a doctor because a prolonged fever can be a sign of a serious illness. If the child is lethargic or very irritable with decreased appetite and sleep or sleeping excessively they should be checked by the doctor whether they have a fever or not.

Is honey good for a baby with a cough?

It depends on the age of the infant. Infants under one year of age may not be able to adequately process raw honey and it is not recommended under one. Over a year of age, a tsp READ MORE
It depends on the age of the infant. Infants under one year of age may not be able to adequately process raw honey and it is not recommended under one. Over a year of age, a tsp (5ml) of honey every 3 hours may decrease cough and heal inflammation in the throat.

Sandra Baucom, MD, FAAP

How do you know if your child has a urinary tract infection?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary by age. In infants, the common signs are fever and irritability. In older children, the common signs are pain with urination, frequent READ MORE
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary by age. In infants, the common signs are fever and irritability. In older children, the common signs are pain with urination, frequent urination, and urgency, meaning that when they have the urge to go, they cannot wait and sometimes have accidents. If the infection is confined to the bladder, they won't typically have fever. If the infection has spread to the kidneys, they may have fever, vomiting, or back pain. Urinary tract infections are much more common in girls. If male infants are uncircumcised, they have a slightly higher risk that circumcised males.

My child's tummy pain?

He could have been having gas pains so that when he ate that made it worse and he vomited. If he is fine and vomiting does not recur then nothing to worry about. If he continues READ MORE
He could have been having gas pains so that when he ate that made it worse and he vomited. If he is fine and vomiting does not recur then nothing to worry about. If he continues to vomit or have pain you should contact your physician.

Penis problem?

You need to be checked by a doctor. You might have an infection in your bladder or you might have a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Recurring virus in 4 year old?

When young children have a severe cough that can trigger gastroesophageal reflux which can cause irritation in the esophagus so that they continue to have reflux and vomit even READ MORE
When young children have a severe cough that can trigger gastroesophageal reflux which can cause irritation in the esophagus so that they continue to have reflux and vomit even when the respiratory tract has healed. If it lasts longer than a few days you should have him seen by his pediatrician.

Side cramping?

If you had any recent new physical activity that may have caused muscle soreness that can lead to cramps like this. Rest for a day or 2 and if it doesn't improve go to see a doctor. READ MORE
If you had any recent new physical activity that may have caused muscle soreness that can lead to cramps like this. Rest for a day or 2 and if it doesn't improve go to see a doctor.

What causes long strings coming out of your butt?

Autistic children sometimes eat non food items so if he is swallowing shoe laces or pieces of cloth that can cause strings to come out. To keep his hands away from his feces you READ MORE
Autistic children sometimes eat non food items so if he is swallowing shoe laces or pieces of cloth that can cause strings to come out. To keep his hands away from his feces you could put a diaper on with a pain of underwear over it. You might try to find out if your doctor will do a video visit with you so he doesn't have to go into the office.

I have left leg pain?

If the pain resolves with rest then you can return to school. If you continue to have pain you should ask your parent or guardian to make an appointment with a doctor.

How can you make autism go away?

Unfortunately, autism doesn't go away. Your daughter will benefit from therapy such as applied behavioral analysis or ABA therapy to help her learn some social skills. Many people READ MORE
Unfortunately, autism doesn't go away. Your daughter will benefit from therapy such as applied behavioral analysis or ABA therapy to help her learn some social skills. Many people with Autism are quite successful. You should look up Temple Grandin, who is a motivational speaker with autism.

How can I prevent my daughter's obesity?

The best way to prevent obesity is to buy and prepare healthy, fresh, non-processed food for your entire family. Limit fast food to an occasional treat. Make sure she drinks plenty READ MORE
The best way to prevent obesity is to buy and prepare healthy, fresh, non-processed food for your entire family. Limit fast food to an occasional treat. Make sure she drinks plenty of water and don't buy sodas or sweetened beverages. Limit screen time (TV, video games, YouTube) to less than 2 hours per day. Get her involved in physical activity. The entire family should be doing all these things to stay healthy.

Is it normal for a child to talk in their sleep?

Sleep talking is very normal and nothing to worry about.

Can tonsilitis affect hearing?

The same viruses that cause tonsillitis cause fluid in the middle ear cavity that affects hearing.

How many drops of ofloxacin for an ear infection?

Pediatric dose is 5 drops twice a day for 10 days

Do kids outgrow their fluency speech problem?

Some children outgrow speech fluency problems and some need speech therapy. If your child is 5 years or older she may need speech therapy.

Do I need a booster shot?

You would need to consult your physician to find out which immunizations you have had and which ones you still need.

Can you treat sleep problems in children?

The best way to treat sleep problems in children of any age is good sleep hygiene. That means having a regular bedtime every night. Turning off any electronics 30 minutes before READ MORE
The best way to treat sleep problems in children of any age is good sleep hygiene. That means having a regular bedtime every night. Turning off any electronics 30 minutes before bedtime. Helping child transition to sleep by a routine of putting on pj's brushing teeth, listening to a story and lying down in their own bed in their own room with lights out and no tv or radio or phone. If you have tried this and your child is still having problems with sleep you should consult your pediatrician.