Find an Episode

Are vaccines safe? Can shots overwhelm a baby’s immune system? And what about creating your own immunization schedule? If you’ve asked these questions, you’re not alone—many parents feel hesitant about vaccines.

Vaccine hesitancy is fueled by myths, misinformation, and fear—not science. The truth is that vaccines are some of the most tested medical products in history. In this episode, we break down the most common vaccine worries and separate facts from fiction so you can make the best, most i...

Are vapes and nicotine pouches like Zyn safer than cigarettes? The tobacco industry has spent decades perfecting addiction, and now they’re targeting a new generation with sleek vape pens and smokeless nicotine. Dr. Wendy reveals how nicotine rewires young brains, increasing addiction risk and leading to lifelong problems. Learn the science behind nicotine addiction, the hidden dangers of vaping and Zyn, and how to protect your kids from Big Tobacco’s big tricks!

Send your questions to hello@pe...

Is your social media feed full of gut health advice? From food sensitivity testing to “leaky gut”, there's a lot of misinformation out there! Dr. Wendy busts the biggest gut health myths and shares real, science-backed tips for keeping your microbiome happy. Learn what actually helps (and what doesn’t) when it comes to cleanses, diets, probiotics, fermented foods, and keeping your gut and your kids’ gut healthy.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhu...

If your child isn’t sleeping well, you’re not alone! The good news? There are plenty of resources to help—from books and websites to online courses and certified sleep consultants. In this bonus episode, we’ll guide you through the best options so you can find the right sleep solution for your family.

Resources:

Consult a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant: The Good Night Nurse

Find a solution to your child’s sleep problem at babysleep.com

Read:

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

The Happ...

If your baby isn’t sleeping, you aren’t either! Even when kids do sleep, many parents still struggle with their own rest. What if understanding how sleep cycles work could help everyone in the family get better sleep? In this episode, Brittany Hefetz, NP —also known as the Good Night Nurse—shares tips for teaching babies to fall asleep, stay asleep longer, and even helps adults improve their rest. Plus, she reveals the secret to getting stubborn toddlers to sleep!

Let The Good Night Nurse help ...

How do you explain IVF and surrogacy to your child when you’re not sure yourself? In this episode, we’ll break it down in a simple, caring way to help your child understand the amazing ways families are created. We’ll also explore the ethical questions surrounding these technologies and how to answer your child’s big questions with honesty and warmth.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As a...

In Part 2 of our 100th episode special, we’re sharing 50 more expert-approved parenting tips to make family life easier, happier, and more connected. From strengthening family bonds and boosting creativity to managing screen time and social skills, these practical hacks will help you navigate parenting. Whether you’re raising toddlers, tweens, or teens, these tips will help you create a happy, balanced family life.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwend...

Celebrate the 100th episode with a list of tried-and-true parenting tips we've collected from you! From clever organization hacks to navigating daily life, handling discipline with ease, and ensuring safety, this episode is filled with practical advice every parent will love.

As promised....COMMAND HOOKS!

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qua...

Why won’t that cough go away? Dr. Wendy dives into the science of coughing—what causes it, how long it’s normal to last, and when it’s time to see a doctor. She shares practical tips to soothe and treat a stubborn cough. And what about the flu? Do you really need the flu vaccine? Discover why influenza is such a tricky virus. how pandemics start, and how the flu vaccine works.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the sho...

Where are the most dangerous places in your house? Learn how to safety proof your home and avoid trips to the ER with tips from emergency medicine physician Darria Long Gillespie, MD.

Find Dr. Darria at NoPanicParenting.com

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.

More from The Pediatrician Next Door:

Website: drwendyhunter.c...

Eating isn’t just about nutrition—it’s also a social skill. As parents, it’s your job to help kids feel confident about eating in social settings. How can you tell if your child has an unhealthy relationship with food? Adolescent Medicine specialist Dr. Maya Kumar shares how to spot the signs and guide your child toward normal, balanced eating habits. She breaks down the risks of fad diets, the importance of “celebration eating,” and why teaching kids to have a healthy relationship with food is ...

Start the new year with a look back at the most popular and helpful topics from The Pediatrician Next Door in 2024! In this special "best of" episode, Dr. Wendy revisits listener favorites, including how to handle fevers, the pros and cons of plant-based versus cow’s milk, and the hidden dangers of forever chemicals. These are the parenting conversations you won’t find anywhere else—designed to help you make informed, confident decisions for your family’s health.

Send your questions to hello@pe...

A doctor’s words can shape how kids feel about their body. In this episode, Adolescent Medicine pediatrician Dr. Maya Kumar shares how doctors can approach weight conversations with care and compassion. Learn how to focus on health, while addressing weight-related issues.

Find Maya Kumar, MD at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As an Ama...

Kids won’t come out and say, “I don’t like my body,” but their feelings about themselves can show in other ways. What shapes how kids see their bodies? Do sports or dance help or hurt their self-esteem? In this episode, Adolescent Medicine specialist Dr. Maya Kumar shares the key signs of poor body image and practical ways to support your child in loving and accepting themselves.

Find Maya Kumar, MD at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego

Send your questions to hello@pediatricia...

How can you teach your children the joy of giving, the art of receiving with grace, and the deeper meaning behind holiday traditions? Join Dr. Wendy as she shares thoughtful tips to help your family embrace the season’s magic while navigating the lessons and emotions that come with gift-giving.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purc...

Want your kids to be kind and grow up to be happy, caring adults? It starts with empathy! Empathy is something we’re born with but also something we can learn. In this episode, Dr. Wendy shares her top tips on how empathy develops, why it’s important, and easy ways you can help your kids become more compassionate every day.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn c...

Ever wonder why toddlers seem to whine about everything? Step into their little shoes as Dr. Wendy reveals the 6 principles shaping how toddlers see the world. Learn how to decode their behaviors, connect on their level, and rediscover the joy in parenting—because understanding your toddler's world makes all the difference!

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn c...

Want to make mealtime healthier and yummier? You know that avocado oil, fish, and kale are packed with nutrients—but getting kids to actually eat them? That’s the tricky part! In this episode, Chef Kelly Senyei reveals her top secret ingredient—one that’s affordable, boosts protein and calcium, and works in everything from pancakes to bolognese. Tune in for her tips on making healthy foods fun and delicious for kids!

Serenity Kids Salmon and other pouches

The Best Creamy Coconut Rice Recipe at...

Cooking together isn’t just fun—it’s packed with benefits! From learning healthy habits to boosting confidence, getting kids in the kitchen is a win. Dr. Wendy shares holiday gift ideas to spark your kids’ inner foodie, with kid-friendly tools and fun recipe kits. Plus, special guest Kelly Senyei, creator of Justataste.com, joins us to share ways to make cooking (and eating!) a family adventure.

Kids’ Cooking Supplies:

Foldable Kitchen Stepper

Kids Knife Set

Finger Guards for cutting

Cookin...

What if you could get your kids to actually enjoy healthy foods like sardines, beans, and mushrooms? If that sounds impossible, we’ve got the perfect guest! Chef Kelly Senyei from Justataste.com joins us with simple, tasty tips to sneak these powerhouse ingredients into meals even the pickiest eaters might love. From fun recipes to creative kitchen hacks, this episode is all about making healthy food family-friendly. Give it a listen—you may just find your next family favorite!

The Secret Ingre...

Does dairy really cause acne? Can what you eat trigger eczema? Dr. Wendy dives into how the food on your plate can affect common skin problems like acne, rosacea, eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis. While some foods can make things worse, others can help your skin look its best. Check out Dr. Wendy’s easy tips on what to eat to keep your skin healthy—small changes can make a big difference!

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products f...

Boo! Ever wondered if losing weight could turn into a real-life horror story? In this spooky Halloween episode, we’ve got two eerie medical tales that’ll make you think twice before shedding those pounds. Forget about being thin—this Halloween, embrace your candy stash like your life depends on it! Find out why losing your "protective padding" could be scarier than a haunted house. Don’t let the scale haunt you—enjoy those treats and stay safe from the real fright night lurking in the world of w...

Reduce fear and stress, while helping your child build confidence for handling other challenges with these 4 easy steps to make your child's next vaccine a breeze! Stefan Friedrichsdorf, MD from the UCSF Stad Center shares his expert tips to calm nerves and turn the experience into a positive one.

Use Numbing Cream: Buy Aspercreme 4% or any generic works fine

Distract with fun toys

Don’t hold the child down

Give Sugar Water or Breastfeed: make your own sucrose solution by mixing one packet o...

Evan and Kevin from The Dumb Dad Podcast join forces with Dr. Wendy to explore the mysteries of modern medicine. Dr. Wendy helps the dads make sense of kids' quirks and figure out what happens behind the scenes at a hospital. Dr. Wendy joins in the Dumb Dads’ weekly ritual of sharing a "dumb" parenting moment.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from...