Pediatric Advice
Expert guidance and practical advice for parents, written by our experienced pediatricians to help you navigate your child's health and development.
Fever Facts
Important information about fevers in children and when to seek medical attention.
Medication Guidelines:
- Each dose of Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) can be expected to bring down the fever 1-1.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- You do NOT need to keep treating a fever until the temperature returns to normal. The goal is to treat the fever until your child is more comfortable.
- Although a fever itself does not require treatment, we often treat fevers if they cause discomfort to the child.
- It can take 45-60 minutes to see the full effect of each dose of Tylenol or Motrin. If your child still needs additional treatment, it is ok to then give the other medication. Just make sure to keep track of the time you administer every dose of each medication to prevent from accidentally giving too much too soon.
- See our website for Tylenol and Motrin dosing guidelines.
Important Reminders:
- Keep a log of when you give each dose of medication to prevent from accidentally administering the next dose too soon.
- You do not need to wake your child up from sleep overnight to check their temperature.
- Monitor your child's comfort level and activity rather than focusing solely on the temperature number.
Need More Information?
Our nurses are available during office hours to answer your questions about fever management.
Quick Reference Guide
Emergency Signs:
- Temperature 100.4°F+ in infants under 3 months
- Fever above 105°F at any age
- Lethargy or difficulty waking
Schedule a Visit For:
- Fever lasting 5+ days
- Suspected bacterial infection
Treatment Tips
Key Points:
- Treat for comfort, not just temperature
- Log medication doses and times
- No need to wake for temperature checks
- Monitor your child's comfort level and activity
- If your child is not improving, seek medical attention
Common Childhood Illnesses
Information about frequently encountered childhood conditions, their symptoms, and when to seek medical care.
Common Cold
Viral respiratory infection with symptoms including:
- Runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
- Cough, mild fever, and decreased appetite
- Usually lasts 7-10 days
When to call:
Call if symptoms last more than 10 days, fever above 100.4°F, or breathing difficulties.
Ear Infections
Common in young children, especially after colds:
- Ear pain, tugging at ears, irritability
- Fever, trouble sleeping, fluid drainage
- May require antibiotics if bacterial
When to call:
Call for severe ear pain, symptoms in a child under 6 months, or high fever.
Strep Throat
Bacterial infection requiring treatment:
- Sore throat, painful swallowing
- Fever, swollen tonsils with white patches
- Requires antibiotics and testing
When to call:
Call for sore throat with fever, swollen glands, or rash, especially with no cold symptoms.
Asthma & Respiratory Issues
Common respiratory concerns:
- Wheezing, persistent cough, shortness of breath
- May worsen with colds, allergies, or exercise
- May require inhalers or other treatments
When to call:
Call immediately for severe breathing difficulties, blue lips, or inability to speak in full sentences.
Stomach Bugs & Gastroenteritis
Viral infections of the digestive system:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Fever, decreased appetite, dehydration risk
- Usually resolves in 2-3 days
When to call:
Call for signs of dehydration, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting for more than 24 hours.
Seasonal Allergies
Common allergic reactions to environmental triggers:
- Runny nose, sneezing, congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes and throat
- Common in spring and fall, can be managed with medications
When to call:
Call if symptoms interfere with daily activities, sleep, or don't respond to over-the-counter treatments.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many childhood illnesses resolve on their own, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Fever above 100.4°F in infants under 3 months
- Persistent fever for more than 3-5 days
- Decreased fluid intake or urination
Seek Emergency Care If:
- Difficulty breathing or blue lips
- Unresponsiveness or extreme lethargy
- Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
Developmental Milestones
A guide to your child's growth and development through the early years. Remember that every child develops at their own pace.
2-4 Months
- Begins to smile at people and recognize familiar faces
- Turns head toward sounds and begins to babble
- Begins to follow objects with eyes and recognize people at a distance
- Holds head up and begins to push up when lying on tummy
- Brings hands to mouth and can hold a toy when placed in hand
6-9 Months
- Responds to own name and recognizes familiar faces
- Makes many different sounds like "mamamama" and "bababababa"
- Sits without support and may start to crawl
- Plays peek-a-boo and looks for things they see you hide
- Transfers objects from one hand to the other
9-12 Months
- May be shy around strangers and clings to familiar adults
- Understands "no" and simple instructions
- Says "mama" and "dada" with meaning
- Pulls to stand and walks holding onto furniture
- Points at things with index finger
- Puts objects in containers and finds hidden objects
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
Contact us if your infant is not meeting these milestones, or if you notice your baby has lost skills they once had. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Behavioral Health Resources
Recommended websites, books, and resources to support your child's mental health journey
Anxiety Resources
Recommended Websites
Recommended Apps
- Mindshift App
- Panic Shield
- Fear Tools
Recommended Books
For School-age Children (6-13)
- "What to Do When You Worry Too Much" by Dawn Huebner (ages 6-10)
- "Outsmarting Worry: An Older Kid's Guide to Managing Anxiety" by Dawn Huebner (ages 9-13)
For Parents
- "Freeing Your Child From Anxiety" by Tamar Chansky
- "Growing Up Brave" by Donna Pincus
ADHD Resources
Recommended Resources
- CHADD.org
- "Taking Charge of ADHD" by Russell Barkley
- "30 Essential Ideas for Parents" (Russell Barkley YouTube video)
Executive Function Resources
- "Smart but Scattered" by Guare and Dawson
- "Smart but Scattered Teens" by Guare and Dawson
Additional Mental Health Resources
Mindfulness Apps
- Calm
- Headspace
- SmilingMind
Mood Tracking
- Daylio
- MoodTools
- MindDoc
Crisis Resources
Have More Questions?
Our pediatricians are here to provide expert guidance for your child's health needs. Contact us today to schedule a visit.
