Dover Pediatrics

10/29/2025

Before your child heads out for trick-or-treating, keep these tips in mind:

1) Bright & visible: Choose costumes with reflective tape or give them a glow stick or flashlight.

2) Proper fit: Avoid long hems or oversized shoes that could cause tripping.

3) Comfortable mask: If a mask is part of the costume, make sure it doesn’t block vision or breathing.

4) Weather-ready: Dress in layers if it’s chilly outside.

What costume is your child wearing this year? Tell us below!

10/28/2025

Our Covid vaccine supply is slowly improving. With our next flu clinic, we are able to offer Covid shots as well as flu shots! If you would like a flu shot, Covid shot, or both, please call to schedule. 603-742-4048.

10/27/2025

10/23/2025

Before heading to urgent care or the emergency room, calling your child’s pediatric office can save time and reduce stress.

Our team can help determine if your child needs immediate attention, provide home care guidance, or schedule a same-day visit. We know your child’s health history, which helps us make faster, safer decisions.

Remember, we have some limited appointments available after hours and on both Saturday and Sunday. Even on a weekend, call us first! We may be able to see you in the office, saving you the time, expense, and hassle of an emergency room visit.

Keep our number handy so we can be your first resource for questions and guidance.

603-742-4048
doverpediatrics.org

10/22/2025

Call to schedule your flu shot today! 603-742-4048.

Covid vaccine supply remains very low. We cannot guarantee availability of covid vaccine at this time.

10/21/2025

Heading out with your newborn for the first time can feel overwhelming.

Here’s a quick checklist:
- Diapers and wipes
- Extra outfit for baby (and a spare for yourself!)
- Blanket or swaddle
- Bottles or breast pump supplies
- Pacifier or comfort item
- Hand sanitizer for caregivers

We know it’s easy to forget something. If you’re at our office and realize you left diapers or wipes at home, don’t worry! Just ask one of our staff members, and we’ll make sure you have what you need.

10/20/2025

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development, but there are ways to help:

- Stay calm: Your reaction can help your child regulate emotions.

- Set limits consistently: Clear expectations reduce frustration.

- Offer choices: Giving toddlers small decisions helps them feel in control.

- Validate feelings: “I see you’re upset” helps them feel understood.

Provider Tip: Our behavioral health provider Gina Apgar reminds us that all emotions - big or small - are normal at every age.
Toddlers, however, often need extra guidance in learning how to express them appropriately. Caregivers play a crucial role in teaching healthy emotional expression, and toddlers learn most from observing us. Next time you feel frustrated or upset, try modeling a calm, healthy way to handle your emotions - it’s a lesson they’ll carry forward.

While tantrums are common, parents should talk with their child’s provider if tantrums are extremely frequent, last longer than 15–20 minutes, involve aggression that’s hard to manage, or significantly interfere with daily life.

603-742-4048
doverpediatrics.org

10/16/2025

Frequent tummy aches in school-age children are often caused by constipation, stress, dietary changes, or mild infections.

The location of the pain can give clues: upper stomach pain may be due to reflux or gastritis, central (near umbilicus) stomach pain can signal constipation, and around the belly button is often normal, especially in younger children.

Most of the time, these aches are not serious. However, seek medical attention if your child has severe pain, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss.

Keeping a diary of symptoms, meals, and school events can help identify triggers and guide treatment. Also, you can help by encouraging hydration, offering fiber-rich foods, promoting regular bathroom habits, and using relaxation techniques if stress may be a trigger.

Concerned about your child’s stomach pain? Schedule a visit so we can figure out the cause and give guidance on relief strategies.

603-742-4048
doverpediatrics.org

10/15/2025

Next flu clinics are open! Call 603-742-4048 to schedule.

We are still receiving only small amounts of Covid vaccine from the state. We cannot guarantee availability during these upcoming flu clinics.

10/15/2025

Safe sleep saves lives. Every nap and bedtime should follow these guidelines:

- Back to sleep: Always place your baby on their back.

- Bare crib: Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet—no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.

- Room share, don’t bed share: Keep the baby in your room but in their own sleep space for at least 6 months.

- Avoid overheating: Dress baby in a sleep sack instead of loose blankets.

Provider tip: Dr. Rich recommends checking the safe sleep approval on all products prior to purchasing. For example, weighted sleep sacks are not approved for safe sleep so should be avoided. Check out this saferproducts.com to check products.

Have questions about your baby’s sleep setup? Bring a photo to your next visit so we can help make sure it’s safe.

603-742-4048
doverpediatrics.org

10/10/2025

The next flu clinic dates are now available! Call during regular business hours to save your spot: 603-742-4048.

We do not have enough covid vaccine in stock to guarantee availability during flu clinics at this time.