Cottonwood Pediatrics

12/19/2025

12/18/2025

Remember, no thick winter coats under the harness of your child's car seat. After your young one is safely secured, you can put their coat over them, with the inside of the coat facing the child. Learn more at the link below.

Wearing winter coats in the car during the colder months can be dangerous for babies and young kids. If you get into an accident, the fluffy padding in a coat immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness and putting children at risk of being thrown from their seat. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3c2iQ4V

12/18/2025

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a recall on YCXXKJ baby bath seats. The bath seats violate the mandatory standard for infant bath seats because they are unstable and can tip over while in use, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to drowning.

The product was sold online at Amazon.com from May 2024 through October 2025 for between $34 and $40.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bath seats and contact BenTalk to request a full refund. Consumers should send two photos of the recalled bath seats to BenTalk at bentalkhere@outlook.com. The first photo should have “Recalled” written on the front of the bath seat in permanent marker. The second photo should show the bath seat disassembled with the components removed.

For more information, visit the CPSC website at https://bit.ly/baby-bath-seats-recall

12/17/2025

Though RSV and the common cold share similar symptoms, RSV can cause severe illness in young babies in particular, making it hard for them to breathe. The best way to help your baby build resistance to RSV this winter is through immunization – the RSV shot provides crucial antibodies that help your baby’s immune system recognize and resist the virus, keeping them safe, healthy and growing.
Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions about RSV this winter.
https://bit.ly/46Q4uSH

12/16/2025

It's not too late to get your child's flu vaccine. The worst months for flu generally begin with January.

In addition, don't forget to WASH YOUR HANDS frequently. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing (or at least cough into your elbow). Keep your child at home if they are sick, and stay home yourself if you are sick. And WASH YOUR HANDS!

A new CDC report reveals that pediatric flu deaths in the 2024-’25 season tied a record high. A newly reported death from last season brings the 2024-’25 total to 288, which is higher than any other regular flu season since tracking started in 2004. Last season’s pediatric deaths include at least 21 children who had a rare but severe neurological complication from the flu.

The first child death has also been reported for the current season. The death occurred in late November and was associated with influenza A, according to the CDC report. Read more in AAP News: https://bit.ly/494O6i5

12/15/2025

Patients who grow up at Cottonwood Pediatrics receive an age-appropriate book at each well child checkup from birth to age 5.

Thanks to the United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties, you can also sign up your child for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program (sign up online here: https://tinyurl.com/4adskru6). And the Newton Public Library has lots of books, and lots of baby, toddler and children's activities.

Why aren’t more parents reading to their kids?

A new article from The74 says it’s not just time, it’s also tech. Screens are everywhere. For many young parents, reading feels like school, not fun.

"When we introduce screen time very young, and we don’t manage the amount of time children are spending on screens, … it can be difficult for children to transition from such an exciting medium to a medium like a book that may initially feel not as exciting" - Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director of Programs, ZERO TOTHREE

But when kids miss out on daily reading, they miss out on a lot: vocabulary, focus, social skills. Read the article: https://bit.ly/4rD4EVR

12/12/2025

Many sources are saying that if mom tests negative for hepatitis B, then baby does not need the birth dose of the hepB vaccine. Hepatitis B virus can survive on surfaces up to 7 days - that means baby can be exposed during labor, or shortly after coming home, by any number of people who might not know they have hepatitis B. The birth dose is critical to preventing chronic hepatitis B later in life.

12/11/2025

Last week, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which provides the CDC with guidance on vaccines, voted to downgrade its recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine. However, any parent that wishes to have their child immunized will still be able to do so. This vaccine provides critical immunity against hepatitis B at a time when your child is most vulnerable.

If you have any questions about the hepatitis B vaccine, reach out to your pediatric health care provider. They can provide guidance and support to help you make the best decisions for your child.

12/10/2025

Kids learn by watching adults! The tech habits you role model will be considered “normal” by your child. We know that parenting can be exhausting and devices can provide a needed “break,” but it’s important to balance media use with unplugged time spent with the people who matter to you the most. Here are some tips to help you set screen time boundaries and model a healthy relationship with technology to your child. Learn more: https://bit.ly/493RE4x

12/09/2025

Kids can have a lot of fun playing with their toys. However, it's important to keep in mind that safety should always come first. Each year thousands of children are injured by toys. For the top ten tips for buying safe toys: https://tinyurl.com/mrwnjk5h

12/08/2025

Last week was . Good hand hygiene is the easiest and best way to stop the spread of germs. So wash your hands often during the day, especially before handling food and after using the bathroom. And remember to turn off the water while you are soaping and scrubbing - save water!

12/05/2025

The childhood vaccine schedule is not something someone just made up. It is the result of decades of research and testing. It is continually reviewed and updated. If you have any questions about vaccines, reach out to your child's pediatric health care provider - the person who wants what best for your child and has the training to know.