Arbor Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in Southlake, TX.

Flu season is coming, and vaccination is one of the best ways to protect your family.

Children younger than 5, especially those under 2, and children with certain chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza.

The flu vaccine can reduce your child’s risk of getting sick and, importantly, reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications if they do get the flu. Fewer sick days can also mean fewer missed school and work days for the whole family.

And one myth worth clearing up: the flu shot cannot give you the flu. The injectable flu vaccine does not contain live influenza virus capable of causing flu illness.

Don’t wait until the flu is spreading through the classroom.

Ask about scheduling your family’s flu vaccines and help protect everyone before flu season gets into full swing.

Why do we ask so many questions about what your child can do?

Developmental screenings help us understand how your child is growing, learning, moving, communicating, and interacting with others.

These screenings are a routine part of pediatric care and help us recognize strengths while also identifying areas where a child may benefit from additional support. Finding developmental concerns early can help connect children with resources and services when they can make the biggest difference.

We encourage you to complete your child’s developmental screening before their well visit, and don’t hesitate to share any concerns you have. You know your child best.

Energy drinks may look like another flavored beverage, but they can contain large amounts of caffeine along with other stimulants.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that energy drinks should not be consumed by children or adolescents.

Too much caffeine can cause a racing or pounding heart, shakiness, headaches, stomach upset, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep. And that lost sleep can create a cycle: your teen is tired, reaches for more caffeine, sleeps poorly again, and needs another energy boost the next day.

Energy drinks can be especially concerning before or during sports. They are not the same as sports drinks and should not be used for hydration. Water is usually the best choice for routine activity.

Talk with your teen about what’s actually in their favorite energy drink.

When energy is running low, encourage the basics first: adequate sleep, regular meals, physical activity, and plenty of water.

If you think your teen is addicted to energy drinks, bring it up at their next visit so we can provide further education.

Standardized testing can bring extra nerves for kids and parents, but test week doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A few simple things at home can help your child walk into school feeling rested, fueled, and confident.

In the days leading up to testing, prioritize a consistent bedtime and plenty of sleep. Start the morning with a balanced breakfast, arrive at school on time, and keep the usual morning routine as normal as possible. Encourage your child to take their time, read directions carefully, and simply do their best.

Try to keep the pressure in check, too. Children often pick up on our anxiety and expectations. Remind them that a test measures how they performed on a particular set of questions on one particular day. It does not measure their kindness, creativity, effort, talents, or potential.

Are you worried your child may have more than just the normal worries when it comes to tests and school work? Call to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our pediatric trained providers.

Toddlers love independence, and mealtime is no exception.

Encourage self-feeding by offering small portions, toddler-safe utensils, and foods that are easy for little hands to manage.

Keep meals and snacks on a predictable schedule and offer simple choices, such as “Would you like strawberries or blueberries?”

Try to avoid pressure, bribing, or forcing “just one more bite.”

Parents decide what foods are offered, when meals happen, and where your child eats. Your toddler gets to decide whether to eat and how much. And yes, some mess is part of learning.

Not sure if your toddler is eating enough? Chat with your provider at their next visit. We would love to provide guidance.

Newborn skin is delicate and sensitive, and products with fragrances or dyes can sometimes cause dryness and irritation. When choosing soaps, wipes, and laundry detergent, look for gentle, fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin.

Remember, “unscented” isn’t always the same as “fragrance-free.” Unscented products may still contain fragrance ingredients used to mask other smells. Some of our favorite brands are Cerave, Aquaphor, and Eucerin.

Do you have questions about a product for your newborn? Call or send our phone nurse a message today. We are here to help.