New Canaan Pediatrics

02/26/2026

Chronic snoring could indicate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
When your child snores more than two nights a week, wakes up with a headache, or has difficulty concentrating, call New Canaan.
We may recommend sleep hygiene interventions or perhaps consider a referral to an ears, nose, and throat specialist to relieve OSA.
Left untreated, this condition can impact your child’s cardiovascular health, their metabolism, brain development and behavior.

02/24/2026

Occasional snoring is normal when your child is congested, but chronic snoring happens when there is a narrowing or blockage in their nose, mouth or throat, perhaps caused by swollen tonsils or adenoids, being overweight, allergies, or their own unique anatomy.
If your child is sleepy during the day, or gasps or seems to have difficulty breathing while sleeping, make an appointment with New Canaan Pediatrics for an evaluation.

02/19/2026

Because HSV-1 virus is extremely contagious throughout the cold sore outbreak, make sure your child is washing hands frequently and not sharing cups, straws or eating utensils. Wash towels, sheets and pillowcases in hot water.
The virus is dangerous for babies under 6 months old, so keep anyone with an active infection away from infants.
Remind your child not to touch or pick the sores, as the virus can spread to the eyes, causing an eye infection.
Message your New Canaan Pediatrics provider if you have any questions.

02/17/2026

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and can appear on your child’s lips, mouth, gums, chin, cheeks or nose.
They may have a fever, sore throat or swollen lymph glands - or no other symptoms at all.
Cold sores usually heal on their own within 2 weeks. Relieve pain by using a cold pack. We know it can hurt to drink, so give your child a straw to make sure they stay hydrated.
If your child’s sores aren’t improving within a week, call our office for an evaluation.

02/12/2026

Precocious puberty can happen when the brain, ovaries or te**es prematurely release the hormones that begin puberty. It can also be caused by being overweight, genetic conditions and other disorders or trauma.
When caught early, precocious puberty can be properly evaluated, diagnosed and treated.
While precocious puberty is not common, if you notice signs of puberty or an unusual growth spurt in your child under the age of 8, call New Canaan for an appointment.

02/10/2026

Puberty is always challenging, but when it begins too early, it can have serious implications if not promptly treated.
If you notice these symptoms of precocious puberty, contact us for an evaluation; girls who begin developing breasts or p***c or underarm hair before the age of 8, and boys under 9 whose voices are deepening, getting facial, underarm or p***c hair, or an enlargement of the p***s and testicles.
Without treatment, precocious puberty can lead to stunted height because kids stop growing when puberty is complete.

02/05/2026

Diarrhea and vomiting are reasons to stay home from school or daycare, no other symptoms needed. Keep kids home until they haven’t thrown up for 24 hours.
Red, pink or crusty eyes? Keep them home and call our office for an urgent appointment.
Whenever you are in doubt about your child’s health, your New Canaan Pediatrics provider is just a phone call away!

02/03/2026

It’s sick season but it’s also school season, and we know parents are struggling with “do I send them or keep them home?”
Is your child feeling a little warm? If their temperature is under 100˚, send them if they don’t have other symptoms, such as lethargy or fatigue. If the temperature is above 100˚, even with no other symptoms, keep them home until temperature is under 100 for 24 hours.
A runny nose? If it’s mild, give them a packet of tissues, remind them to wash their hands frequently and send them.

01/29/2026

Snowmobiling can be a blast, but take proper precautions to make sure everyone arrives home safely.
Kids under 16 should ride along with an adult and snowmobilers should always have a buddy on another vehicle in case of a breakdown. Wear safety certified helmets and face masks.
Drive on marked trails only, staying under 40 mph, and come to a complete stop at crossroads. Wear a life vest when riding on lakes and rivers and avoid them entirely when you can see water nearby or under the ice.

01/27/2026

There’s plenty of snow on the ground for winter fun!
Whether you’ll be skating, sledding, boarding or snowmobiling, make sure your kids are dressed in layers, with a windproof layer on top.
Hats, water-resistant gloves or mittens and waterproof, lined boots are a must.
Skates should fit snugly and be firmly strapped or tied.
A scarf or mask protects little cheeks and noses from frostbite.
Sunglasses or goggles protect your child’s eyes from snow’s glare.

01/26/2026

Does your toddler hold books or toys right up to their nose? Do they squint when looking a things across the room? They could need a vision screening. Learn more:

Your 3-year-old holds toys or books very close to their face, or scrunches their eyes when looking at things across the room. Perhaps they cover one eye, tilt their head or rub their eyes frequently. While vision problems are relatively rare in children under 5, your child could need glasses. At New...

01/22/2026

Your child fighting the flu needs plenty of fluids. If they are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, urge liquids with electrolytes such as Pedialyte®.
Settle them in bed or on the couch under a blanket that can be easily added or removed as needed.
Provide quiet activities such as books, coloring pages or a movie to encourage rest. Run a cool-mist humidifier to ease cough and runny or stuffy noses.
If your child does not improve within a few days or symptoms worsen, call our office.