Metro Pediatrics, PC

Metro Pediatrics, PC More than 38 years of dedicated leadership and service in pediatric and adolescent health care.

10/31/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"Baby Skincare Basics All First-Time Parents Should Know"Skin, the human body's largest ...
10/31/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"Baby Skincare Basics All First-Time Parents Should Know"

Skin, the human body's largest organ, provides head-to-toe coverage for your newborn. And pediatric dermatologists agree that the way you care for your baby's skin is important to their health.

“How babies are exposed to the world through their skin matters,” says Wendy Sue Swanson, M.D., MBE, FAAP, a mom, pediatrician, and chief medical officer of SpoonfulONE, an allergen introduction product for babies.

"During critical periods of development, like infancy, what goes on our baby's skin can go into our baby's body and have an effect," she adds.

Many parents aren't aware that it can take two to four years for a child’s skin to undergo the full maturation process, says Latanya Benjamin, M.D., FAAP, FAAD, a pediatric dermatologist who owns a private medical practice in Coral Springs, Florida. During that time, infant skin is susceptible to disruption from external factors, such as weather, topical products, and other potential irritants.

Even parents' own routines can irritate their baby's skin, says Karan Lal, D.O., MS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona and member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. He tells his patients that everything from fragrant candles burning in the room to perfume or cologne lingering on their skin and clothes to habits like smoking can all potentially irritate a baby's skin or trigger an allergic reaction.

"Sometimes there are parents who are doing the absolute right thing [with baby], but it's what they're doing to their body and their skin that can influence their baby's health," Dr. Lal says.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/baby/care/skin/how-to-care-for-baby-skin/

🌟 WE FALL BACK! 🌟Just a friendly reminder to everyone that this Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time! Don’t forg...
10/31/2025

🌟 WE FALL BACK! 🌟

Just a friendly reminder to everyone that this Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time! Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep! 💤💤

Stay safe and cozy, and as always, we at Metro Pediatrics, PC are here for all your little ones' health needs! 💙

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"Baby-Safe First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes"Does your little one have a cut or scrape? Use...
10/30/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"Baby-Safe First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes"

Does your little one have a cut or scrape? Use these baby-safe first aid tips to learn what to put on baby cuts to heal their delicate skin in no time.

No matter how diligently you watch over your baby, occasional accidents and injuries are bound to happen, especially as they get more mobile. In fact, as your little one explores their environment, it's pretty much guaranteed.

These minor injuries, including cuts, scrapes, and bruises, often upset or worry parents, but a few small boo-boos are an inevitable part of childhood. As long as you administer baby-safe first aid and know what to put on baby cuts, they aren't likely to be dangerous or have long-lasting consequences.1
Cut, Scrape, or Bruise. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023.

Apply Pressure
Baby skin is very vascular, with lots of little blood vessels at the surface. This means baby cuts are likely to bleed, possibly heavily. "Hold firm pressure directly over the area for 15 minutes with a clean cloth," says Kristina Collins, MD, a dermatologist in Austin, Texas. If the bleeding does not stop at that point, contact a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Here you'll find a step-by-step breakdown of how to treat minor cuts and scrapes and tips from experts on what to put on baby cuts to heal them fast.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/baby/care/skin/baby-first-aid-for-cuts-and-scrapes/

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"Infant Car Seats vs. Convertible Car Seats"Many new parents wonder which newborn car se...
10/29/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"Infant Car Seats vs. Convertible Car Seats"

Many new parents wonder which newborn car seat to choose. Learn more about the pros and cons of an infant car seat versus a convertible car seat.

Choosing the right car seat for a newborn baby is an important safety decision. Parents have two options for newborns: rear-facing infant car seats and convertible car seats that can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, but both are safe for young babies.

The safest and most effective car seat for your baby will depend upon their size and weight. Remember that proper installation is more important than what type of car seat is purchased, but it's still important to make the best choice for your newborn. Read on for the pros and cons of each and how to choose one that's right for you.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/infant-car-seats-choosing-the-best-car-seat-8643837

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"29 Ways to Soothe a Fussy Newborn"Knowing how to soothe a newborn isn't always instinct...
10/28/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"29 Ways to Soothe a Fussy Newborn"

Knowing how to soothe a newborn isn't always instinctive. Here are a few calming techniques to try when you have a crying, fussy newborn.

The first time you hear your baby cry is a thrilling experience; it's a sign they entered the world healthy with a great set of lungs! But as the weeks go by, the thrill may quickly give way to concern and frustration. Newborns can be surprisingly loud, fussy, and hard to soothe. This is especially true when you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and still getting the knack of parenting. So, how do you soothe a fussy newborn?

Luckily, there are many effective tricks to try. At the top of the list is identifying why your baby is crying. If you know the reason for the tears, you may be able to solve the problem. But figuring out why a newborn is crying can be tricky—and the reason isn't always clear. Either way, there are a variety of tools you can employ for soothing a fussy baby, like movement, making them comfy, and soothing sounds.

While no single method works for all babies, you'll soon develop a repertoire of techniques that are perfect for your child. In the meantime, read on for some time-tested ideas to help your baby—and you—feel better.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/ways-to-soothe-fussy-newborn/

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"12 Tips for Surviving a Trip to the Store with Toddlers"You might dread having to bring...
10/27/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"12 Tips for Surviving a Trip to the Store with Toddlers"

You might dread having to bring your toddler to the grocery store, but you can avoid a tantrum or meltdown with these tips to help keep your child engaged through check out.

As a parent, is anything more terrifying than taking little kids along on a shopping trip to a big box store or supermarket? The toy aisle, the checkout line candy, the impossible-to-maneuver car carts—it's exhausting to even think about, and enough to make you order pizza for dinner…again.

But sometimes, shopping with your toddler in tow is simply unavoidable. And while it will probably never be an enjoyable experience, there are ways to head a retail-induced meltdown off at the pass. Keep reading for 12 tips on how to make a shopping experience with your toddler smooth sailing.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/shopping-with-toddlers-tips-for-surviving-a-trip-to-the-store/

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401 Valley Avenue
Birmingham, AL
35209

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Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 7:45am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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Metro Pediatrics P.C.

Derrol Dawkins, M.D.is board certified in Pediatrics. He is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a graduate of Ensley High School. He received his B.A. degree from Northwestern University and his Medical Doctorate degree from UAB School of Medicine in 1980. After a pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital and a year as Chief Resident, he established Metro Pediatrics in 1984.