Metro Pediatrics, PC

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

09/05/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"Pros and Cons of Introducing a Pacifier To Your Breastfed Baby"Should you give your bre...
09/05/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"Pros and Cons of Introducing a Pacifier To Your Breastfed Baby"

Should you give your breastfed baby a pacifier? Learn what experts say about when to introduce a pacifier, plus the pros and cons of pacifier use.

Nursing parents often wonder when to introduce a pacifier to their breastfed baby—or if it's even OK to offer them a pacifier at all. With all the opinions and conflicting information about pacifier use, their concerns are understandable.

Fortunately, there's not sufficient evidence to suggest that pacifier use is bad for breastfeeding babies. In fact, using a pacifier may even be beneficial, as long as you pay attention to some key factors.

Ultimately, whether you offer your baby a pacifier is a personal decision—and there's no right or wrong answer. Check out these pros and cons that may help you decide if and when pacifiers are right for your baby.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/breastfeeding-and-pacifiers-431786

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"How to Use the 3-Day Potty Training Method"Did you know it’s possible to potty train yo...
09/04/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"How to Use the 3-Day Potty Training Method"

Did you know it’s possible to potty train your toddler over a long weekend? Get the facts on the three-day potty training method, with tips for easing the transition from diapers to toilets.

Potty training doesn't have to be an overwhelming, months-long process. The three-day potty training method offers a focused approach that helps toddlers quickly transition from diapers to using the potty. "Toilet training takes a weekend," says Ari Brown, MD, co-author of Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice For Your Baby's First Year. "You just have to pick the right weekend."

Discover the essentials of the three-day potty training method, including the signs your child is ready, how to prepare in advance, and how to use the method with your toddler.

What Is the 3-Day Potty Training Method?
While there are many variations, at its core, the three-day potty training method is an expedited process for teaching toddlers how to transition from using diapers to peeing and pooping in the toilet. It's done by staying home and having the child go diaper-free (and often pants-free) for three full days while learning to use the potty.

Proponents of the three-day potty training method say it's more doable for kids than gradual approaches, which can confuse them. Instead, the crash course helps little ones better grasp what it feels like to have to go.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/potty-training/basics/potty-training-boot-camp/

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"How To Survive Parenting When You're Sick"If you're like most parents, you can't neglec...
09/03/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"How To Survive Parenting When You're Sick"

If you're like most parents, you can't neglect your parenting duties when you're sick. Instead, you probably power through only to wind up worse off. But as it turns out, the number-one rule when you’re sick is simple: Take it easy.

So, the key to parenting while sick is to let go of your standards and guilt. Tell your kids, “I'm really sick today,” and help them grasp that you need their cooperation to get rest. “We try to be superheroes and hide how bad we feel,” says Marcie Beigel, EdD, a child behavior expert in New York City. “We don’t think young children understand, but you’d be surprised.”

I spoke to parents who’ve mastered the art of doing the bare minimum while keeping their kids safe, fed, and calm to get their secrets to sick-day success. Here's how to survive parenting when you're sick—and get better sooner.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/a-how-to-guide-for-half-ass-parenting-when-youre-sick/

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"Ear Infection Symptoms in Babies and Toddlers"From fever to drainage, learn the signs o...
09/02/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"Ear Infection Symptoms in Babies and Toddlers"

From fever to drainage, learn the signs of an ear infection in toddlers and infants so you can get your child on the route to recovery.

Despite what you may have heard, ear tugging is not a reliable sign, according to experts. So what should parents be on alert for?

"In general, a fever above 102 degrees is one of the hallmarks of an ear infection in a nonverbal child," says Max M. April, M.D., a pediatric otolaryngologist in New York City and chair of the committee on pediatric otolaryngology for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

The following signs also may indicate your child has an ear infection.

Pain in the ear
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ear infections are painful, so your infant or toddler's tears or increased irritability may be a symptom. Also, if your baby becomes more upset when they're lying down, an ear infection may be to blame, because that position puts pressure on the eustachian tubes.

Please click here for more information: https://www.parents.com/baby/health/ear-infection/how-to-tell-if-its-an-ear-infection/

🎉 Happy Birthday to all our amazing Patients and Friends celebrating in September! Wishing you a day filled with blessin...
09/01/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday to all our amazing Patients and Friends celebrating in September! Wishing you a day filled with blessings and joy. Enjoy your special day! 🎈

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:"9 Baby Teething Symptoms To Know"A baby's first tooth usually appears anytime between 6...
09/01/2025

Metro Pediatrics Tip of The Day:

"9 Baby Teething Symptoms To Know"

A baby's first tooth usually appears anytime between 6 to 10 months, and their baby teeth will continue to come in until just before age 3. These chompers help your child talk and eat solid foods, says Tanny Josen, DDS, a pediatric dentist at Kid Island Dental in Long Island, New York.

Although cutting teeth is an important developmental milestone, teething can be painful for babies and their caregivers. Here, experts break down the teething process from timing to teething symptoms in order to help you recognize the signs that your baby is about to have some new pearly whites.

Please click here for more information:https://www.parents.com/baby/health/baby-teeth/baby-teething-timeline/

In observance of Labor Day Weekend, our office will be officially closed to allow our team to celebrate and enjoy the ho...
09/01/2025

In observance of Labor Day Weekend, our office will be officially closed to allow our team to celebrate and enjoy the holiday. Please note that our office will be closed on Friday, August 29th, and will reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd. We encourage everyone to take this time to relax, reflect, and spend quality moments with loved ones. Wishing you a safe, happy, and blessed Labor Day!

Address

401 Valley Avenue
Birmingham, AL
35209

Opening Hours

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.