Dr. Amy Falk, MD

05/16/2026

Not every cough is a cold—and this time of year, it usually isn’t.

If your child has a lingering cough but no fever and seems otherwise okay…
there’s a good chance it’s allergies, not an infection.

Here’s what’s happening:
Post-nasal drip—mucus from the nose dripping down the throat—can trigger a cough reflex.

Clues it’s allergies:
Worse at night or early morning
Comes with sneezing or itchy eyes
No fever
Lasts for weeks, not days

So what helps?
Nasal saline rinses
Allergy medications (if needed)
Showering after outdoor play
Keeping windows closed during high pollen days

What doesn’t help?
Antibiotics. This is not a bacterial infection.

If the cough is disrupting sleep, worsening, or you’re unsure—get it checked out.
But don’t panic if your child has “the spring cough.”

This is one of the most common things we see this time of year.

Understanding the cause helps you treat it the right way.

05/11/2026

Melatonin is everywhere right now—but here’s what most parents aren’t being told.

Melatonin isn’t actually a sleep medication. It’s a hormone your body already makes to help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

And here’s the key point: for most kids, sleep problems aren’t caused by a lack of melatonin.

They’re usually related to things like inconsistent bedtimes, too much screen time in the evening, or a routine that isn’t signaling to the brain that it’s time to wind down.

So when we give melatonin without addressing those habits, we’re often just putting a band-aid on the real issue.

Now, there are situations where melatonin can be helpful. Some children—especially those on the autism spectrum or with certain neurodevelopmental differences—may benefit from it when used thoughtfully and with guidance.

But for many families, there are other options worth considering before jumping straight to melatonin. Some parents find that supplements like magnesium glycinate or L-theanine can support relaxation and help ease the transition to sleep, especially when paired with good sleep habits.

That said, supplements aren’t a substitute for a solid routine.

What I recommend instead is focusing on building a strong sleep foundation. That means a consistent bedtime routine, turning off screens well before bed, and keeping sleep and wake times predictable—even on weekends.

Melatonin can be a useful tool in specific cases, but it’s not a shortcut to healthy sleep.

If your child is struggling, it’s worth stepping back and asking: what’s really getting in the way of good sleep?

Because that’s what we need to fix first.

Send a message to learn more

05/07/2026

Tick season is here in Wisconsin…which means yes, your kids are probably going to come inside with ticks attached at some point. 🫠

As a pediatrician in WI, I see tick anxiety ALL the time. And while Lyme disease is real and important to recognize, it also doesn’t need to cause panic every single time you find a tick.

A few important things to know:

-Ticks are incredibly common here. Daily tick checks matter more than avoiding the outdoors.

-Not every tick carries Lyme disease.

-Even when a tick *does* carry Lyme disease, it generally needs to be attached, embedded, and feeding for about 36–48 hours before transmission occurs. That’s why checking kids daily after playing outside is such a big deal.

If you find a tick:
• Use tweezers
• Grab close to the skin
• Pull straight out

That’s it. No burning. No nail polish. No petroleum jelly. (These can actually stress the tick and potentially increase transmission risk.)

If a tiny piece stays behind? Usually not an emergency. The skin will typically push it out naturally over time. You do not need to rush to urgent care because “the head is still in there.”

What SHOULD families watch for after a tick bite?

⚠️ Expanding rash (especially a bullseye-type rash)
⚠️ Fever
⚠️ Headache
⚠️ Joint swelling/pain (especially a swollen knee)
⚠️ Facial drooping/weakness

What is *not* usually helpful?
❌ Panicking over vague fatigue alone days later
❌ Testing every tick bite immediately
❌ Assuming every bite = Lyme disease

Bottom line:
Kids should still hike, camp, fish, explore the woods, and get dirty. We just pair outdoor life in Wisconsin with good tick habits, especially daily checks.

Send a message to learn more

04/30/2026

If your child says they’re too big for a booster seat… they might be wrong.

One of the most common questions parents ask is: “When can my kid stop using a booster seat?”

And the answer is later than most people think.

Booster seats are designed to make sure the seat belt fits properly, because adult seat belts are made for adult bodies.

Most kids need a booster until they’re about 4 feet 9 inches tall, which typically happens somewhere between ages 8 and 12.

Without a booster, the lap belt often rides up onto the abdomen instead of the hips, which can cause serious internal injuries in a crash.

The shoulder belt should cross the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.

A quick way to check if your child is ready is the 5-step seat belt test:

Their back sits all the way against the vehicle seat

Knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat

Lap belt stays low on the hips

Shoulder belt crosses the chest and shoulder

They can stay seated like that the whole ride

If any of those fail, they still need a booster.

Also important: booster seat laws vary by state, so make sure to check your state’s specific requirements and recommendations.

And remember, the safest place for kids under 13 is the back seat, even if they’ve graduated from a booster.

Because being “big enough” isn’t about age—
it’s about how the seat belt actually fits.

04/26/2026

If your kid’s allergies seem worse inside the house than outside, dust might be the reason.

Spring allergy season is starting in many parts of the country, and pollen gets most of the blame.

But inside the home, dust mites are often the bigger problem.

Dust mites live in bedding, carpets, stuffed animals, and upholstered furniture, and they thrive in warm, humid environments.

The goal isn’t eliminating them completely—that’s impossible—but reducing exposure can make a big difference for kids with allergies or asthma.

Here are a few things that actually help:

First: Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
Hot water kills dust mites.

Second: Use dust-mite–proof covers on pillows and mattresses. These zippered covers can dramatically reduce exposure while kids sleep.

Third: Limit stuffed animals in bed, or wash them regularly.

Fourth: Vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible. Regular vacuums can actually blow allergens back into the air.

And if allergies are severe, consider removing carpet in the bedroom, since carpet can trap allergens.

Another simple trick during high pollen season:
Have kids change clothes and wash their hands and face after playing outside, so they’re not bringing pollen into bed.

If your child has persistent sneezing, itchy eyes, or nighttime coughing, talk with your pediatrician—sometimes medications or allergy testing may help.

Because controlling allergies often starts with something simple:

What’s in the air inside your home.

04/22/2026

Quick question—have you ever hesitated to call Poison Control because you were worried they’d make you go to the ER?

Here’s the truth: Poison Control’s main goal is to keep kids out of the emergency room whenever it’s safe to do so.

When you call, you’re connected to a real human—usually a pharmacist or nurse—who specializes in toxicology.

They’ll ask:

Your child’s age and weight

What was swallowed, touched, or inhaled

How much, and when

How your child is acting right now

And then they’ll tell you exactly what to do.
That might mean:

Watching at home

Giving fluids or food

Avoiding certain symptoms

Or, yes, going to the ER—but only when needed

This time of year, calls spike for things like:

Medications left out during travel or guests

Gummies and vitamins that look like candy

Cleaning products used more often during illness season

Calling Poison Control is free, confidential, and judgment-free. They’re not there to shame you—they’re there to help.

Save this number now: 1-800-222-1222.
It’s one of the most underused—and most helpful—resources for parents.

04/15/2026

What is appendicitis? And when do we start to think about it? Here are a few good tips!!

04/11/2026

If your child is sick, should you give water, sports drinks, juice… or something else?

Hydration advice online can get confusing fast. Let’s break down what actually works for kids.

First myth: Sports drinks are the best way to hydrate kids.

Not usually.

Sports drinks are designed for teen and adult athletes doing prolonged intense exercise. For most kids, they contain way more sugar than they need.

For everyday hydration, plain water is best.

Now when kids have vomiting or diarrhea, that’s different.

In that case, the best option is an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte or similar products. These have the right balance of salt and sugar to help the body absorb fluids better.

Second myth: If your child isn’t drinking a lot at once, they’re not hydrating enough.

Actually, small frequent sips work better, especially with stomach bugs.

Think teaspoons every few minutes rather than big drinks.

Third myth: Clear urine means perfect hydration.

Urine should be light yellow, not completely clear all the time. Completely clear urine can sometimes mean kids are over-hydrating.

Signs your child may be getting dehydrated include:

• Dry mouth
• Fewer wet diapers or bathroom trips
• No tears when crying
• Low energy or dizziness

And remember—hydration also comes from foods like fruit, soups, yogurt, and popsicles.

So the short version:

Water for everyday.
Electrolyte solutions for stomach illness.
And skip the sports drinks unless your kid is doing serious athletic training.

04/08/2026

Your kid just fell outside and now there’s blood everywhere. Do you need the ER… or just a bandage?”
Cuts and lacerations are one of the most common injuries in kids, especially this time of year when kids are outside more—bike riding, playing sports, climbing playgrounds.

The good news is many cuts can be treated at home.

If the cut is small, shallow, and the bleeding stops after about 10 minutes of firm pressure, you can usually manage it yourself.

Start by washing your hands, then rinse the wound with clean running water for a few minutes to remove dirt. Avoid hydrogen peroxide—it can actually slow healing.

After that, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage.

But there are times you should get medical help.

Come see us or go to urgent care if:

• The cut is deep or you can see fat or tissue
• The edges of the wound won’t close together
• Bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes of pressure
• The injury came from dirty metal, glass, or an animal bite
• The cut is on the face, lips, or over a joint
• Or your child might need a tetanus update

And here’s a tip many parents don’t know: stitches usually need to be placed within about 6–8 hours for the best healing.

If you’re unsure, that’s where having direct access to your pediatrician can really help—you can often send a photo and get guidance quickly.

Because sometimes all you need is a bandage…
and sometimes you need stitches.

03/18/2026

If your child has a runny nose, cough, and fever, should they get antibiotics? The answer might surprise you.

Antibiotics are powerful and lifesaving when used for bacterial infections.
But they do nothing for viruses.

Right now, most childhood illnesses going around; colds, flu, RSV, COVID—are viral.

Antibiotics can help with things like strep throat, certain ear infections (not all!!), bacterial pneumonia and some sinus infections (again, not all!).

But they don’t help with most cough and colds, bronchiolitis, flu and viral sore throats.

Using antibiotics when they’re not needed can cause diarrhea and rashes, allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat.

I know it’s frustrating to hear “this will just take time,” especially when your child feels miserable. But sometimes the best medicine is fluids, rest, fever control and close follow up.

A good pediatrician’s job isn’t to prescribe something—it’s to prescribe the right thing. And sometimes, that’s reassurance and a plan.

03/13/2026

Parents tell me their child is lethargic all the time, but here’s the thing: true lethargy is rare, and it looks very different than most people think.”

In medicine, lethargic doesn’t mean tired, grumpy, or sleeping in. It means a child is hard to wake, hard to engage, and not responding normally to the world around them.

A kid who’s watching TV on the couch, skipping soccer practice, or cranky with a fever? That’s usually fatigue, not lethargy.

True lethargy looks like:

Not waking fully when you try to rouse them

Poor eye contact or minimal response

Weak crying or difficulty staying awake

Little interest in drinking, eating, or interacting

This matters a lot during cold, flu, RSV, and COVID season—because lethargy can be a sign of serious illness or dehydration.

Here’s a helpful question to ask yourself:
“If my child’s favorite thing showed up right now—would they care?”

If the answer is clearly no, that’s when you should call your pediatrician or seek urgent care.

Trust your gut, but also know that not every tired child is lethargic. Knowing the difference can help you worry less and act fast when it truly matters.