Etowah Pediatrics

10/31/2025

We hope your Halloween is everything “sweet” as candy! 🍬 Happy Halloween from everyone at Etowah Pediatrics!

10/30/2025

Trick-or-treating is exciting, but before the first bite, take a few minutes to check your child’s candy.

Discard anything that’s unwrapped, has torn packaging, or looks unusual. For little ones, avoid hard candies, gum, or other choking hazards. And if your child has a food allergy, read every label because sometimes treats can have different ingredients than the regular store-bought version.

What is your favorite candy to sneak from your kiddos Halloween bag?

Our providers’ favorite candies are sour patch kids, dark chocolate M&Ms, and Twix salted caramel!

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10/28/2025

Lauren has been an incredible nurse here at Etowah Pediatrics for 6 whole years - how lucky are we to have her on our team?! Lauren, thank you for your hard work, sweetness, and care taking care of our patients. Cheers to another fantastic year!

10/27/2025

It’s common for children to fall behind on vaccines due to illness, travel, or scheduling challenges.

Catching up ensures your child is protected against preventable diseases like measles, whooping cough, and flu. Our team reviews your child’s vaccine record and creates a safe, manageable plan to get them up to date.

Unsure if your child is due for vaccines? Call us to schedule a catch-up visit and keep their protection on track.

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10/24/2025

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, but the best practice is until 12 months.

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

Provider tip: Dr. Lovato 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.

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

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10/23/2025

We love this! 📚 💚💙

10/22/2025

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, which can affect physical features, growth, and learning.

Early intervention makes a big difference for children with Down syndrome. Physical therapy, speech therapy, and developmental support can help babies meet milestones and build independence over time.

At our practice, we follow the AAP Bright Futures care guidelines for children with Down syndrome, using them to guide recommended labs, specialty referrals, and developmental screenings at each well-child visit. Regular check-ups allow us to track progress, celebrate achievements, and address challenges early.

If your child has Down syndrome and you’d like guidance on early support services, give us a call so we can help connect you with local resources.

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10/20/2025

Cow’s milk protein allergy occurs when a baby’s immune system reacts negatively to proteins in cow’s milk.

Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or fussiness after feeding. Both breastfed and formula-fed babies can experience this allergy, so it’s important to monitor symptoms regardless of feeding method. While some babies outgrow it, others may need ongoing formula changes or breastfeeding modifications.

We follow evidence-based guidelines to identify symptoms, confirm diagnosis, and create a safe feeding plan for your baby.

If your baby shows signs of a possible allergy, send us a portal message to schedule an evaluation and discuss feeding options.

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10/17/2025

We’ve got three blind mice at our office this spooky season! Our nurses say “don’t be blind to the flu! Come get your flu vaccines at Etowah Pediatrics.” Call us today!

10/17/2025

An umbilical hernia appears as a small bulge near a baby’s belly button, caused when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles.

The good news is that most umbilical hernias are harmless and close on their own by age 1–2, so no treatment is usually needed. Old remedies like taping a coin over the bulge or tightly binding the belly don’t work—and can actually cause harm.

Seek medical attention if the bulge becomes hard, tender, red, or if your baby seems uncomfortable, as these could be signs of a complication.

At our practice, we monitor umbilical hernias during well visits and order referrals or imaging only if necessary.

Have questions about your baby’s belly button? Bring it up at your next check-up or send our phone nurses a message through your baby’s portal.

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10/15/2025

10/15/2025

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: Dr. Hester 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.

256-413-1467
etowahpediatrics.com