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

What can I give my child for COVID?

You can give your child medication to keep them comfortable. Tylenol or motrin for fever and body aches. If they are over one year old you can give them a tsp on honey every 4 READ MORE
You can give your child medication to keep them comfortable. Tylenol or motrin for fever and body aches. If they are over one year old you can give them a tsp on honey every 4 hours for cough or sore throat. If they are over 4 years old you can give the over the counter cough and cold medicine. Make sure they drink plenty of fluids and rest.

How do you treat a UTI in a child naturally?

A true bacterial urinary tract infection needs to be treated with antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading to the kidneys. If he has symptoms of burning with urination READ MORE
A true bacterial urinary tract infection needs to be treated with antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading to the kidneys. If he has symptoms of burning with urination but no bacteria in his urine you can make sure he drinks a lot of water so his urine is more dilute. Cranberry juice does not work so don't make him drink that. If he is on an antihistamine like claritin or zyrtec that can cause urinary pain. If he has fever and pain persists take him to his doctor.

What can you give a child for constipation?

It depends on the age of the patient and the cause of constipation. If your child is an infant make sure she is drinking plenty of fluids and if she is over 4 months she can have READ MORE
It depends on the age of the patient and the cause of constipation. If your child is an infant make sure she is drinking plenty of fluids and if she is over 4 months she can have 2 ounces of prune juice for mild constipation. If your child is over one year old and has occasional constipation then 4 ounces of prune juice may help. If your child has chronic constipation the best treatment is Miralax. Consult your pediatrician if constipation continues

Can hearing loss be reversed in kids?

Immediately after a middle ear infection it may take 3 to 6 weeks for the fluid in the middle ear to completely resolve. If hearing has not returned by 6 weeks you need to consult READ MORE
Immediately after a middle ear infection it may take 3 to 6 weeks for the fluid in the middle ear to completely resolve. If hearing has not returned by 6 weeks you need to consult your doctor.

How do you fight childhood obesity?

The recommendations are simple. Following through is hard. Basically you want to encourage your daughter to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Limit sugary beverages READ MORE
The recommendations are simple. Following through is hard. Basically you want to encourage your daughter to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Limit sugary beverages to special treat. Help her learn to drink 32 ounces of water a day and more when she is exercising. Help her minimize sedentary behavior (tv, video games) encourage her to walk as many steps as possible a day. Try to get her involved in activities that will keep her active and engaged so she doesn't eat out of boredom. Prepare food at home avoid fast food. Put food on her plate for her so you can monitor portions. You can find lots more helpful information at HealthyChildren.org

Should you massage your baby's back every day?

If your infant enjoys being massaged then massage them. If it makes them irritable to be massaged then don't massage them. They are all different.

Do colic babies have trouble sleeping?

Babies with colic have problems self soothing so they do indeed have problems sleeping. Try the 5 S's (swaddle them, hold them in your arms on their side, swing back and forth READ MORE
Babies with colic have problems self soothing so they do indeed have problems sleeping. Try the 5 S's (swaddle them, hold them in your arms on their side, swing back and forth with them in your arms, shush them, and give them a paci to suck.) You can go on YouTube and look up this procedure, it should help.

How do I know if my child has covid?

Covid may present with just runny nose and congestion. It may present with a cough or vomiting or diarrhea. If your child has had exposure to anyone with covid and has any symptoms READ MORE
Covid may present with just runny nose and congestion. It may present with a cough or vomiting or diarrhea. If your child has had exposure to anyone with covid and has any symptoms they should be tested. If they have no exposures and mild symptoms testing is probably not necessary. Consult your pediatrician for more specific advice.

What are the most effective antibiotics for children?

Antibiotics are chosen based on the age of the child and the type of infection. In addition, each community publishes information for providers on the resistance patterns in that READ MORE
Antibiotics are chosen based on the age of the child and the type of infection. In addition, each community publishes information for providers on the resistance patterns in that particular community. For instance, in some communities, there is very high resistance to azithromycin. Other communities may have low resistance so azithromycin is a good choice. The current recommendation is that Ear Infections be treated first the Amoxicillin at a high dose of 80mg per kg in two divided doses. Skin infections may be treated with cephalexin or
trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Other common antibiotics are Augmentin and Omnicef. If you have questions about why your provider is choosing a particular antibiotic for your child, ask them. Understanding the risks and benefits of treatments is your right as a parent.

How long should a child take antibiotics?

Your child should take the antibiotics for the length of time prescribed by the provider. Different infections require different lengths of treatment. There are also differences READ MORE
Your child should take the antibiotics for the length of time prescribed by the provider. Different infections require different lengths of treatment. There are also differences in the antibiotics themselves. For example, ear infections are treated for 10 days with amoxicillin, but if the antibiotic prescribed is azithromycin it may be taken for 3 or 5 days depending on the dose and will remain in the child's system for ten days. Urinary tract infections may be treated for 3, 5, 7, or 10 days depending on the age of the child and the severity of the infection. Skin infections are typically treated for 7 days. Serious infections like bone infections may be treated for 4 to 6 weeks. Always give the antibiotics for the entire length of time they are prescribed. If you stop early, you may cause your child to acquire a resistant infection the next time.

I have slow adult development?

Good morning, In some families, male children may develop more slowly due to the genetics of the family. If you ask parents or grandparents, you would find that your dad or READ MORE
Good morning,

In some families, male children may develop more slowly due to the genetics of the family. If you ask parents or grandparents, you would find that your dad or uncles or great uncles did not reach full adult height until 23. In addition, the adult muscle pattern that makes you look like a grown man instead of a boy often takes one to two years after you reach your full adult height. There is nothing to worry about. Eat healthy get at least 8 hours of sleep per night (all height growth occurs during nighttime sleep) and exercise regularly. Do not smoke.

What can you give a toddler for a cold?

There is no oral medication that works or that is approved for colds in toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using Vicks Vapo Rub on the chest of children over READ MORE
There is no oral medication that works or that is approved for colds in toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using Vicks Vapo Rub on the chest of children over one and can also use vicks in the vaporizer. You can also use saline nose drops in the nose to keep it cleared.

When should I take my child to the doctor for congestion?

Good afternoon, You should take your child to their doctor if the nasal congestion lasts longer than 10 days or is accompanied by fever over 101.3, significant cough or if the READ MORE
Good afternoon,

You should take your child to their doctor if the nasal congestion lasts longer than 10 days or is accompanied by fever over 101.3, significant cough or if the nasal drainage has a bad odor. Over-the-counter oral medications for congestion do not help in young children and can have serious side effects. Using nasal saline drops to rinse out the nose may provide some relief. Vicks vaporub can be used on the chest of children over one year old and in vaporizers for younger kids.

What helps a toddler with a cough and cold?

Over-the-counter oral cough and cold medicines do not help and may have unacceptable side effects. Keeping the child comfortable and well hydrated helps them fight any infection. READ MORE
Over-the-counter oral cough and cold medicines do not help and may have unacceptable side effects. Keeping the child comfortable and well hydrated helps them fight any infection. If the nose is stuffy, then normal saline nose drops may help. If it is a dry, irritated cough and they are over one year old, a teaspoon of honey every few hours will help. Honey is a natural anti-oxidant, which will soothe inflammation in the throat. Vicks vaporub applied to the chest of toddlers over a year old will also help cough and congestion. Under one year, the Vicks can be used in a vaporizer.

How do I know what my baby is allergic to?

Babies are not born with allergies. If you have a history of allergies in your family your baby is more at risk for developing allergies. You will know that your baby has an allergy READ MORE
Babies are not born with allergies. If you have a history of allergies in your family your baby is more at risk for developing allergies. You will know that your baby has an allergy to a food if they start developing hives (a rash all over their body that looks like big mosquito bites.) Some foods like tomato sauce or ketchup are irritating to the skin and the area around the baby's mouth may turn red, but that is not a true allergy. If you are concerned about a particular food, then consult your pediatrician. Also more information on allergies in children may be found at Healthychildren.org, a website sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

My 2 year old has a rash?

Without seeing the rash, I cannot be completely sure. The most common rash that presents with blisters on palms of hands and/or soles of feet and/or diaper area is Hand Foot Mouth READ MORE
Without seeing the rash, I cannot be completely sure. The most common rash that presents with blisters on palms of hands and/or soles of feet and/or diaper area is Hand Foot Mouth Disease that is caused by coxsackie virus. Despite the name, it commonly occurs in the diaper area as well. It is contagious, but not dangerous. It may take weeks for the rash to completely fade, but it will eventually completely fade.