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Cierra - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | Educator | Mom

@bitesizedpeds

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Confidently care for babies & kids
Baby + Child CPR, First Aid | Care | Solids
⤵️Learn with us + Resources
💌[email protected]

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Same mission. Bigger vision. New name.

We are officially Bite Sized Peds!!!! 🥳🥳🥳

If you’ve been here for a while, thank you!!

You’ve been part of building something that has grown beyond what I ever imagined.

And it was time the name caught up to the mission.

If you’re new here, welcome! I am so glad you’re here!

You found us at exactly the right moment.

I’m Cierra — a pediatric nurse practitioner with 12+ years of pediatric experience in pediatric intensive care, pediatric surgery, obesity medicine, and public health. I’m an assistant adjunct professor. Community educator. A mom of three. And someone who has spent over a decade watching kids get sick from things that didn’t have to happen.

But it was becoming a parent that truly opened my eyes to what families actually need.

That’s why I created this.

The health foundations we lay in infancy and early childhood have the power to shape our children’s long-term health outcomes for life.

What we feed them, how we support their development, how we help them grow strong,
healthy bodies and minds.

But true health goes beyond diet and lifestyle. It’s also about being the parent who knows HOW to lay those foundations.

And how to respond when things don’t go as planned…

when they get sick, when emergencies happen, when you need to know whether to rush to the ER or handle it at home.

More importantly having ACCESS to the resources you need to care for your little one’s health

Every class, consult, and resource I create is
designed to help you feel equipped and CONFIDENT.

Because raising healthy, thriving kids is about prevention, being prepared, informed, and confident enough to trust yourself.

You are their greatest advocate and first responder!

And to the nurses and pediatric healthcare professionals in our community …. I see you.
Something is coming for you, too. Stay close. 👀

Swipe to see everything that’s new — and
everything that’s staying exactly the same. ➡️

P.S. Branded merch coming soon too!!

Keep your eyes on this page. 👀

Confident care for babies and kids — from first
bites to first aid and everything in between.

So glad you’re here. Come and stay awhile. 🫶🏻 by @bitesizedpeds

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6 months ago

‼️The squish test ‼️

An old post but I had several questions in my last Baby Safety Class so I thought this was important to share!

If you can’t squish it between your fingers, it’s not safe for your baby!

This simple test helps you check if food is soft enough for your little one—whether you’re doing baby-led weaning or just starting finger foods.

What to know:
✨6-9 months: Soft, squishable wedges (bigger = safer!)
✨9+ months: Small pieces for pincer grasp practice

✅If it squishes between your fingers, it’s likely soft enough for them to chew safely!
⚠️If it doesn’t, it means you should modify it.
❌Round, hard, slippery, airway-sized foods = choking risk. Always modify!

And not all choking hazards or foreign body ingestions are created equal.

Comment SOLIDS for a full list of resources to help you get started on your solids journey! From a mom who’s been where you are..

Hi, I’m Cierra — a pediatric NP, adjunct assistant professor, community educator, mom of 3 and founder of @bitesizedpeds

Starting solids and raising healthy babies shouldn’t feel this hard.

We’re here to give you confidence in caring for your babies and kids from first bites to first aid and everything in between…. Without the fear mongering 😉 by @bitesizedpeds

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4 months ago

Here’s how we’re making Easter safer and healthier without ruining it.

First follow along here so you don’t miss all the baby and toddler health, safety, and feeding tips!

SKIP:
🚫 Jelly beans
🚫 Peeps
🚫 Milk Duds & caramels
🚫 Hard candies & lollipops
🚫 Gummy bears & worms
🚫 Items with whole nuts in them
🚫 Whole, solid, round chocolate eggs

SWAP FOR:
✅ @eatcerebelly pouches
✅ @amarababyfood Yogurt Melts
✅ Freeze dried fruit
✅ Solely fruit jerky
✅ Fruit bars
✅ @unreal.snacks peanut butter cups eggs or other flat soft chocolate
✅ @onceuponafarm puffs or pouches

Not to mention littles under 2, its recommended by the AAP to avoid added sugar. So don’t feel bad about swapping for other food or non food items.

Comment SAFE and I’ll send you my full free choking first aid guide with everything you need to know about choking hazards, food modification, and how to respond in an emergency.

🙋🏼‍♀️Hi I’m Cierra! Pediatric nurse practitioner, assistant adjunct professor, and mom of 3! I’m here to help give you confidence in this parenting journey- from first bites to first aid and everything in between!

#easterbasket #toddlertips #toddlermom #toddlersnacks #candy by @bitesizedpeds

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6 months ago

SAVE this and SHARE it with your parents/in laws who might need a refresher

you can warm your baby’s milk, or you genuinely don’t have to 🤷🏼‍♀️

breastmilk or formula is fine served cold or room temp, some of my babies could not care less, some are veryyyy particular (IYKYK)

one thing everyone agrees on, AAP included, skip the microwave, it heats unevenly and creates hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth. warm water works great or

this is the @grownsy portable bottle warmer, and it makes the particular busy and on the go days a lot easier... warm and feed from the same bottle, or transfer to whatever one baby prefers, real battery, precise temp, done.

comment WARM and I’ll send you the link and more info on safe warming and storage!

warm or cold... which camp is your baby in?👇🏻

#grownsybottlewarmer #grownsyportablebottlewarmer #babyregistry #grownsy by @bitesizedpeds

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2 days ago

SAVE this and share with another parent who needs the reminder…

Come on over and stay a while while I tell you this…..

YOU CANNOT MESS THIS UP

I know it feels like it… but You just got handed 10 different “rule books” while being sleep deprived and the internet yelling its opinions at you.

Baby-led weaning. Purées. A mix. Fruit first. Never fruit. Only bone marrow and bone stock…

And ONLY during a full moon…

It truly doesn’t make a meaningful difference long-term. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Here is where I would start
1. Trust my baby’s cues over the calendar. Readiness signs matter more than age.
2. Learn infant CPR and Choking response first to know the difference between gagging and choking and what to do with confidence
3. Start with iron and fatty rich foods
4. Know how to safely modify foods. All foods pass the squish test. No small, round, rubbery, hard, or sticky foods.
5. Plan for allergen introduction early and often. Starting when baby is ready for solids (**or sooner for high risk babes). Top 9 — peanut butter, tree nuts, eggs, sesame, dairy, wheat, fish, shellfish, soy.
6. HAVE REALISITIC EXPECTATIONS and DON’T COMPARE my baby to another. Most food will end up on the floor and it will be messy. Another baby may eat more or less than yours, and that is OKAY. Don’t let it steal your joy from the process.

if you comment SOLIDS on this post, my automation thing will send you my blog guide to introducing allergens, what to look for, and some other resources to get you started on your solids journey.

Follow along and stay awhile! 🫶🏻🫶🏻 by @bitesizedpeds

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2 months ago

SHARE this with anyone helping feed your baby and

Follow along @bitesizedpeds for more pediatric feeding, safety, first aid and care tips you actually wanna see

What if they’re buckled in and choke?? Shouldn’t I just leave them unbuckled then?

Totally fair worry… and one I hear a lot.

But babies are way more likely to fall out of a high chair than to choke in one. They stand up, lean over the side they’re too heavy cause their head weighs a lot… and that tray is not holding them in…

And let’s be real… nobody is at arm’s length for every second of every meal. I have 3 kids. Someone spills their milk, someone needs a napkin, someone is under the table for reasons unknown.

You’re right there in the room and it still only takes a second for an unbuckled baby to go over the side.

So buckle them in every single time… and know you can still get them out fast.
Tray off
Unbuckle
Out and into position for back blows and chest thrusts

You have time. Even with shaky hands.

🤍 Buckle them
🤍 Sit with them
🤍 Show grandma, the sitter, and anyone else who feeds your baby

Comment SAFE and I’ll send you my free guide on what choking looks like and exactly what to do. by @bitesizedpeds

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9 days ago

I’m a pediatric ER doctor, and I’ve treated my fair share of broken bones and sent plenty of kids home in casts. But then comes the question:
Now what?

Beyond “keep it dry,” here are 7 things to remember when caring for a child in a cast.

1. Don’t underestimate the sling.
Long-arm casts are HEAVY. A well-fitting sling can support the weight and make getting around much more comfortable.

2. Stay ahead of pain & swelling.
The first few days can be the toughest. Follow your child’s pain plan (often acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen) and elevate the injured limb to help with swelling.

3. The itch is real.
But NOTHING goes inside the cast—no pencils, rulers, lotions or powders. Try cool air from a hair dryer on the COOL setting or a small portable fan.

4. Protect the cast AND the skin.
Keep a non-waterproof cast dry. Cast edges can rub, too. Don’t pull out the padding or put anything inside—ask your care team about protecting irritated edges.

5. Cast off ≠ fully healed.
Kids may feel great before the bone is ready for everything. Your provider may recommend a splint for a while. Follow activity restrictions and ask when playgrounds, sports and other fall-risk activities are safe again.

6. Know when something isn’t right.
Increasing pain/swelling, numbness/tingling, cold or discolored fingers/toes, trouble moving them, drainage or a bad smell = call your care team.

7. Keep them moving AND entertained.
Think beanbag toss, balloon tapping, soft-ball games, dance parties or seated games. For downtime: LEGO, cards, puzzles, art, Play-Doh, audiobooks and podcasts.

The cast is temporary. Kids are remarkably good at figuring out how to keep being kids while wearing one.

Education only. Follow your child’s medical/orthopedic team’s instructions by @bitesizedpeds

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10 days ago

📌 SAVE this for when the daycare email hits and SHARE it with the mom friend

Comment HFM and I’ll send you my fave hydration tools and sick day must haves

✌🏻part two is here

if you guessed hand, foot and mouth yesterday... you’re right!

it usually starts like any other fever or viral illness

swipe through for: 🤍 what it is + what it looks like 🤍 the symptoms and how it starts 🤍 what to do at home 🤍 the red flags to know (if you see any of these SEEK CARE🚩🚩) 🤍 how it spreads + when they can go back to daycare or school

for most kids it’s miserable but mild, and they’re back to themselves in 7-10 days. But for some it can lead to dehydration and more severe but rare complications

The hardest part is usually getting them to drink when their mouth hurts... so hydration is our biggest focus

Popsicles, smoothies, cold juice/water/pedialyte.. whatever you can get them to drink (avoid citrus and acidic things), but the cooler the more soothing.

‼️‼️‼️babies under 1, only breast milk or formula unless told by your doctor

Follow along @bitesizedpeds for more pediatric feeding, safety, first aid, and care tips you actually wanna see… but without the fear mongering by @bitesizedpeds

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11 days ago

Do you know what this is?? ⤵️

if you haven’t been hit with a virus yet this season... SAVE this and SHARE it with your mom friends so we’re all ready if (and when) it hits our house 🫠

follow along @bitesizedpeds for part two in tomorrow’s post... I’m breaking down what it is, what causes it, what to do at home, and when they can go back to school and when you need to be concerned

did you guess it??

it’s hand, foot and mouth 👋🏻 🦶🏻👄

You don’t need to panic.. you can confidently handle it..

Well, not panic about the virus, but I relate to the panic of juggling work on top of it all

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 God speed parents.. I hope you know I see you and you’re doing a great job by @bitesizedpeds

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14 days ago

SAVE this in case you need a reminder to come back to as your feed you baby this week

Follow along @bitesizedpeds for more baby feeding, safety, first aid and care tips you actually wanna see!!… without the fear mongering!

Starting solids should not feel like a part time job with a PhD requirement.

But somehow every mom I talk to is drowning in conflicting advice, terrified of choking, second-guessing every bite, and convinced she’s already messing it up.

You’re not messing it up...actually, you CAN’T mess this up

You just got handed 47 different rulebooks and told to figure it out while sleep deprived.

Here’s what actually matters when starting solids:

✨Safety first.
✨Iron-rich and fat rich foods.
✨Texture progression.
✨Variety over time.

That’s it.

You don’t have to start with whipped bone marrow and only during a full moon…

Comment SOLIDS and I’ll send you some resources to get started so you can actually enjoy this stage instead of dreading every meal. by @bitesizedpeds

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17 days ago

Feeding your baby doesn’t have to feel stressful, even though the internet tells you it should.

You can choose one meal the whole family is eating and modify it in a way that feels good for you and your baby.

smooth purees, chunky textures, solid foods, or a mix of all three.. there’s no one perfect way to do this, as long as you’re progressing safely and remembering it’s okay if it doesn’t look the same way as another family.

this is the @grownsy baby food maker, and it can make the whole stage feel a little simpler... steam, blend, sanitize, done.

Comment FOOD and I’ll send you more info and some resources to help you get started!

what stage are you in right now... about to start, in the thick of it, finally finding your footing, tell me 👇🏻

#grownsybabyfoodmaker #teethinghacks by @bitesizedpeds

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18 days ago

You’ve planned the nursery, packed the bag, taken the birth class.

But do you feel confident in caring for your little one once you bring them home?

Well you deserve to! 🫶🏻

Hi I’m Cierra! Pediatric nurse practitioner, assistant professor, community educator and mom of 3 (all 6 and under) and founder of @bitesizedpeds

We’re here to give you confidence in caring for your babies and kids from first bites to first aid and everything in between…. Without the fear mongering 😉 come on over and stay awhile!

Follow along @bitesizedpeds for more pediatric feeding, first aid, safety and care tips you actually wanna see… without the fear mongering!

If you’re new here, we’ve got so many classes coming up we’d love to have you join us for! by @bitesizedpeds

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19 days ago