The Pediatric Center

08/08/2025

😁Healthy Smiles Start Early! 😁

Good dental habits in childhood set the stage for a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles — and they’re about more than just teeth! Poor oral health can affect sleep, speech, nutrition, and even self-esteem in kids and teens.

✅ Start brushing twice a day as soon as that first tooth appears
✅ Floss daily once teeth begin to touch
✅ Avoid sugary snacks and drinks
✅ Keep up with regular dental checkups

And don’t forget — your child’s pediatrician can be a great first stop for questions about oral health, especially in early years.

08/07/2025

🌟 We’re Welcoming New Patients! 🌟
Looking for a pediatric practice that puts your child first? Come see why families love us!

From first visits to same-day sick care, our team is here for your family—every step of the way. Call 301-662-0133 today to schedule a visit or share this post with someone who’s looking for a trusted pediatric home! 💙👶👧👦

08/07/2025

Sharing a local opportunity to participate in a paid study testing an educational video about how to use an inhaler. Details below ⬇️

08/07/2025

Saw this helpful infographic from the American Academy of Pediatrics

08/07/2025

🛍️ Heads up, parents! Maryland’s Tax-Free Week is just around the corner - perfect timing for back-to-school shopping!

📅 August 10–16, 2025
✅ Clothing & shoes priced $100 or less = no sales tax
🎒 First $40 of a backpack purchase = tax-free

Even online orders qualify, as long as they’re placed during the week and ship right away!
Start making those shopping lists and take advantage of the savings.

For more information visit the Comptroller of MD website here:
https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/about/comptroller/programs.html

08/06/2025

🎒Are your kids experiencing back to school jitters? ✏️

The first day back can bring big feelings — for kids and parents! Whether it’s butterflies in the belly, a few tears, or some extra clinginess, it’s all part of the transition.

Here are a few tips to help ease those first-day nerves:
✅ Talk about what to expect in a calm, positive way
✅ Visit the school or drive by before the big day
✅ Validate feelings - “It’s okay to feel nervous” goes a long way
✅ Keep goodbyes short, sweet, and confident

You've got this - and so do they! 💪

08/05/2025

🩺 August is National Immunization Awareness Month! 💉

At The Pediatric Center, we believe protecting your child’s health starts with prevention - and immunizations are a powerful tool.

Vaccines help shield your child from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and meningitis - and they also help protect others in your community, especially those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

✅ Up to date on your child’s vaccines?
📅 Back-to-school physical coming up?
Let us help make sure your child is fully protected for the year ahead!

💬 Have questions about your child’s immunization schedule? We’re here to help. Call us or ask at your next visit!

08/05/2025

Hard to believe the first day of school is in a couple of weeks. Do you have a little one starting kindergarten? Here are some book suggestions

Help young readers get ready for kindergarten with this Scholastic book list featuring The Kissing Hand, No, David!, Clifford, and more.

08/05/2025

A question we often hear from parents: Should I be concerned about side effects from vaccines?

Dr. Chaitovitz sits down with Dr. Jim Campbell, Division Head of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, to talk about what parents really need to know.

08/04/2025

Have your kids reached the point of summer where they're in a slump and you're hearing a lot of "I'm bored!"?

Boredom doesn't have to be a bad thing- it gives kids a chance to stretch their imagination, build independence, and explore new interests. Encourage them to create, move, build, or read… and resist the urge to entertain them every minute.

Looking for low-effort, screen-light ways to beat summer boredom?
Try these simple ideas:

👶 Toddlers: Sensory bins, water play, stacking games
👧 Preschoolers: Sidewalk chalk obstacle courses, DIY puppet shows
🧒 School-Age: Scavenger hunts, cooking projects, board games
👦 Teens: Journaling, volunteering, trying a new sport or hobby

08/04/2025

08/03/2025

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Did you know that vision problems can often go unnoticed in kids — especially if they don’t know how to describe what they’re experiencing?

Healthy eyes are essential for learning, playing, and exploring the world around them. Here’s how you can help protect your child’s vision:

✅ Schedule regular vision screenings (starting as early as age 3)
✅ Watch for signs of trouble: squinting, headaches, or holding things very close
✅ Make sure kids wear protective eyewear during sports or outdoor play
✅ Limit screen time and encourage regular “eye breaks”

Clear vision helps kids succeed — in school and beyond. Have questions or need a referral for an eye exam? We’re here to help! 👓💙