Following are questions I have received in the past and my responses to them. Scan this section for topics of interest, or e-mail me with your questions.

My child has "strawberry birthmarks." Will they disappear?

It depends on the type of birthmark. The small raised "strawberry" hemangioma usually disappears on its own after a few years. Some, though, do remain--especially the small ones. Flat "stork bites" that are usually present at birth over the middle of the forehead or nape of the neck usually fade, but can be seen when straining. Again, some do not go away. The small red dots -- spider nevi or telangectasiae -- that appears to occur as an insect bite or scratch in an older child usually disappear after months to years. Some remain and can be removed using a laser -- cosmetic reasons only. Other "birthmarks" usually appear as children get older. Brown "moles" are usually not significant in the older child, but do need to be monitored.

Good sun protection is a must.

My 5 month old child has been eating cereal and fruit twice a day. Where do I go from here?

You can start him on a 3 meal a day schedule now if you like, or advance to that point. Certainly would shift the night time feeding to dinner time. Shoot for meals similar to your own -

breakfast - cereal and fruit
lunch - fruit and vegetable
dinner - cereal, fruit and vegetable

I would lean toward orange vegetables now. Go easy on peas, spinach, beans etc. With vegetables, the skin can turn slightly orange from the carotene pigment - not jaundice.

The information supplied by Edward D. Lewis, M.D. is of a general nature and is designed for informational purposes only. As each situation is unique, do not rely on this information for diagnosis or treatment. Dr. Lewis recommends that you visit a qualified Health Care Professional for individual and personal attention.