DoctorSchutt

12/02/2025

There have been a few things brought to my attention recently that I want to address. Many families have asked about my views on vaccines, alternative schedules, and holistic medicine. There have been some voices speaking for me, so I will take the time to speak for myself. Preventative care is one of my favorite parts of pediatrics, and my goal is simple: I want to keep your children healthy, and staying up-to-date on vaccinations is one of the most reliable and safe ways we have to do that.

There’s been a lot of discussion in the media over the last several months about vaccines, autism, and Tylenol use. Based on the scientific evidence available right now, vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools we have for protecting children. I fully support continued research in these areas, and I stay current on new findings, but I will continue to recommend the standard vaccine schedule with confidence.

Both of my children are fully vaccinated, not only for their own protection but also to help safeguard those who are more vulnerable and cannot be vaccinated. I would never recommend anything for your child that I would not trust for my own.

During my training, any baby under 28 days who came in with a fever underwent a full evaluation, including a lumbar puncture, because of the risk of serious infections like meningitis. Thanks to routine vaccinations, cases of bacterial meningitis dropped dramatically. In nearly ten years of practice, I’ve never seen a single case of bacterial meningitis. I worry that may change if vaccination rates continue to decline.

It’s disheartening to hear the idea that pediatricians make recommendations for any reason other than the well-being of the children we care for. I love what I do, and I care deeply for my patients. If I’m doing my job well, and with the grace of God, I hope that always shows.

11/25/2025

So proud of my friend Meggin Tallman who recently killed it at TEDx. She did amazing! She brings out some very important points about how we approach children with obesity. Give it a watch!

In rural Alabama, Meggin Tallman built a pediatric obesity clinic from the ground up. She shows how compassion, individualized care, and practical systems ca...

11/12/2025

Recalls for by heart formula. Please stop using immediately!

09/30/2025

When you bring your kids to see me, I want you to feel safe, heard, and supported. My job is to listen, answer your questions, and give the best evidence-based care I can.

Preventive care is how we keep kids healthy before problems start. Together, we can build a strong foundation for your child’s health and help them thrive now and in the future. 💙

Check out my Health Talk—https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/healthtalks/paducah-keeping-your-child-healthy

09/29/2025

Not All Formulas Are Created Equal…🍼

There are five main categories of baby formula, though within each group there are lots of different brands and variations. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the options:

1. Standard Infant Formulas
These are the most common formulas and work well for most babies who are growing normally without tummy issues. Examples include Similac Advance, Enfamil NeuroPro, Kendamil Infant, and Similac 360 Total Care. They provide complete nutrition for everyday growth and development.

2. Sensitive or “Gentle” Formulas
These are often marketed for gassy or fussy babies who may have trouble with lactose. They’re usually partially broken down and have less lactose (sometimes replaced with corn syrup solids or corn maltodextrin). Examples include Enfamil Gentlease, Ge**er Soothe, Similac Sensitive, and Similac Total Comfort.

3. Hypoallergenic Formulas
Think of these as “partially digested.” The proteins are broken down into much smaller pieces, making them easier for sensitive tummies to handle. They’re often used for babies with milk protein intolerance, allergies, colic, or more severe lactose issues. Examples include Ge**er Extensive HA, Alimentum, and Nutramigen. These are considered specialty formulas, can be very pricey, and may or may not be covered by WIC—so always talk with your pediatrician before starting one.

4. Amino Acid–Based Formulas
These are the most broken-down formulas—already in their simplest form. Because of that, they’re the easiest to digest. They’re usually used in more extreme cases like severe milk protein allergy, FPIES (Food Protein–Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome), or other absorption problems. Even though they’re very specialized, they still give babies all the nutrition they need.

5. Reflux Formulas
A common option here is Enfamil AR, which has added rice starch to thicken it. This helps formula stay in the stomach instead of coming back up, which is especially helpful for “mechanical reflux” (spit-ups from positioning or immature digestion in the early months). Sometimes, pediatricians may recommend adding rice cereal to standard formula for the same effect—but always under their guidance. Keep in mind that thickeners can sometimes cause constipation.

Alternative Protein Formulas

There are also soy- and goat milk–based formulas, which can be good options for babies who can’t tolerate cow’s milk protein. Just make sure they’re iron-fortified so your baby gets what they need for healthy growth.

—A Note on Switching Formulas—
If you’re trying a new formula, give it at least a week before switching again. Babies’ bellies need time to adjust, and it can take several days for irritation to settle down before you notice improvement.

**I share this information only to help parents feel more confident and informed when choosing what’s best for their baby. I’m not sponsored by any of the formula brands mentioned above—my goal is simply to give you clear, unbiased guidance so you can make the decision that feels right for your family.**

09/22/2025

Please consider dining or pickup with us TONIGHT at Texas Roadhouse-Paducah, KY!

Book for Hope will get 10% of proceeds that night, but you must show them this barcode for it to count towards our fundraising goal! Help our local families and eat some great food!

08/15/2025

Do you know why your child needs a sports physical to participate in competitive sports?

A sports physical is different from a regular check-up. Just because your child has had a yearly physical doesn’t mean they’ve had a full sports participation exam.

What’s the difference?
A sports physical includes a more thorough cardiac and musculoskeletal exam, as well as a detailed family history. We’re looking for conditions that aren’t always visible from the outside — especially those affecting the heart.

In the history, I want to know if there’s been any central chest pain with vigorous activity or significant shortness of breath, beyond what would be expected from being deconditioned or experiencing a harmless “stitch” in the side.

Sudden cardiac death is one of the leading causes of death in teenagers, and my screening exam is aimed at identifying the underlying causes.

Some of the main heart concerns we’re screening for are:
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle)
• Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
• Long QT syndrome or other arrhythmias (electrical wiring issues)
• Valvular heart disease (trouble with the “doors” of the heart)
• Aortopathy (aortic root dilation) from connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome

If something concerning pops up during the exam or in the family history, your child may need further testing — like an EKG or echocardiogram — or a visit to a cardiologist before getting the all-clear to play.

Because as much as I love cheering kids on from the sidelines, I’d rather make sure their heart is truly ready for the game.

07/22/2025

Can my baby eat… 🍉🍓🫐 Summer Fruits?”

Ahh, summer—the season of sunshine, sprinklers, and sweet, juicy fruit! If you’re wondering whether your little one can join in on the fruity fun, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down by fruit so you can feel confident about what’s safe for your baby to munch, smash, or slurp.

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First things first: Is your baby ready to dive into solids?

Most babies start showing signs of readiness between 4–6 months old. These signs include good head and neck control and being able to sit up with support in a high chair (no slouching allowed in this food party!).

Whenever you introduce a new food, try one at a time and keep an eye out for anything unusual—like rashes or tummy troubles. A little redness around the mouth from acidic fruits? Totally normal. A big reaction? That’s your cue to chat with your pediatrician. And always keep your baby upright and within arm’s reach during mealtime to help prevent choking.

Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff…

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🍉 Watermelon (4+ months – SAFE in small, seedless pieces or puréed)

Sweet, hydrating, and oh-so-refreshing—watermelon is 92% water, making it the MVP of summer hydration. It’s also loaded with vitamin C (hello, immune boost!) and vitamin A for healthy skin and strong little teeth.
🚫 Skip the store-bought juices though—they’re loaded with sugar and not ideal for tiny tummies.

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🍓 Strawberries (4+ months – SAFE in tiny pieces or puréed)

These bright berries bring more than just flavor—they’re full of vitamin C, minerals, and carbs to support immunity and digestion.
⚠️ Don’t panic if those tiny seeds show up in a diaper later—just a little reminder of berry fun!

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🫐 Blueberries (6+ months – SAFE when smashed, puréed, or cut into small pieces)

Blueberries are mini nutrition bombs! Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, they’re a brain-boosting, body-loving snack. Just make sure they’re mashed or cut to avoid choking hazards.

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Remember: Every baby is unique, so check in with your pediatrician to decide when it’s the right time to start solids.

06/20/2025

If you guessed Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on the Guess that Summer Rash, then you got it right! So, let’s talk about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF):

It’s a serious illness caused by a bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii, and it’s spread through tick bites—mainly from the American dog tick (see picture below). RMSF is actually the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S., especially in the Southeast and South Central states.

At first, the symptoms can be really vague and might look just like a virus: fever, headache, and rash. That rash shows up in about 90% of cases, but it usually doesn’t appear right away. When it does, it often starts as flat spots on the wrists and ankles, then spreads inward. Later on, it can turn into a more serious rash that shows up on the palms and soles, which is a big clue something more is going on.

The tricky part is that these symptoms can look like other illnesses—things like sepsis, Kawasaki disease, or meningococcemia—so it’s important to get your child checked out quickly if they have these signs, especially after a known tick bite or being outside in tick-prone areas. Doctors usually start treatment right away if they suspect RMSF, even before any test results come back, because the illness can get worse fast. The good news? Antibiotics work really well when started early.

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So how do we prevent tick bites and RMSF?
Here are some simple steps to protect your child:
• Use tick repellent. Products with DEET, picaridin, or clothing treated with permethrin work best. These are all considered safe for kids 2 months and older when used the right way.
• Dress smart. Long pants tucked into socks and shirts tucked into pants can help keep ticks off the skin.
• Be careful with spray repellents. Don’t spray directly on your child’s face. Instead, spray your hands and gently apply it to their face—just avoid eyes and mouth.
• Skip the “natural” stuff. Things like citronella and botanical oils haven’t been proven to work as well on ticks.
• Check for ticks often. Especially after outdoor play, hiking, or time in grassy or wooded areas. If you find a tick, remove it right away.

As always, if you have any questions, send me a message or talk to your child’s pediatrician about your their needs!

•••Dr. Rachel Schutt is a pediatrician at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky, who loves caring for kids, encouraging parents, and sharing helpful tips along the way.•••