Next Step Pediatrics

10/13/2025

Please join us in welcoming Kimberly, our new office manager to our team!

09/29/2025

Help kids learn how to prevent the spread of germs!
Important tips include:
-coughing into a tissue or sleeve
-Washing hands for 20 seconds
-avoid sharing cups/utensils/toothbrushes
-handle food safely

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Germ-Prevention-Strategies.aspx

09/17/2025

Protect your child from RSV with the RSV immunization. Immunizations for babies have been shown to be about 80-90% effective in preventing infant hospitalization due to RSV!

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends RSV immunization for infants

09/03/2025

FLU SHOTS!
It is that time of year again. Protect your child against the flu!
The AAP recommends flu vaccines for all healthy people age 6 months and above!

Please call the office to schedule your child for their flu shot!

Click the link below for AAP 2025-2026 flu shot updates!

​The AAP recommends that children and teens receive an annual influenza vaccine this fall to keep them healthy and active in the classroom as they begin a new school year. An AAP policy statement, "Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2025–2026," advises that al...

08/29/2025

What are we seeing this week? STREP THROAT
WHAT IS IT?- Bacterial illness caused by Group A Strep. Symptoms can include fevers, sore throat, abdominal pain, headaches and rashes.
INCUBATION- Typically 2-5 days after being exposed
HOW IS IT TESTED?- We perform a throat swab in the office to test for the bacteria.
HOW IS IT TREATED?- Strep requires antibiotics, so if you are concerned we recommend an in-person appointment so we can evaluate.
WHEN CAN MY CHILD RETURN TO SCHOOL?- Fever free x 24 hours and at least 12-24 hours on medication.

08/25/2025

Happy first day of school! Hoping for a great school year for all of our patients!

08/22/2025

Nightmares/Night terrors can be scary!

Nightmares tend to peak between 3-12. They happen during REM sleep so normally later in the night and your child may wake up feeling afraid and have trouble falling asleep.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? You should console them and reassure them they are safe!

Night terrors typically occur during the deepest stages of sleep which is earlier in the night. This is most common in toddlers and preschoolers. Episodes can last 10-45 minutes, and your child can be very upset, and difficult to console. They are not awake and will not remember it happened!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?- You should stay calm and make sure your child can't hurt themselves.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Nightmares-and-Night-Terrors.aspx

08/21/2025

Car seat safety is so important! Make sure you are keeping your child safe in the car
-All children less than 2 years of age should be rear facing in the back seat of your car (the goal is as long as possible or until they reach the car seat max weight/height limits).
-Your child should then be restrained in a front facing 5-point harness until at least 5 years of age (or max height/weight limits of car seat)
-Once your child outgrows their car seat they should be buckled with the seat belt in a booster seat.
**Maryland State law requires a car seat or booster if less than 8 years old and under 4ft 9 inches tall.
-Children no longer need a booster seat when the seat belt fits them correctly. This means the lap belt is across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt is across the center of the shoulder and chest (not across neck or face). This is typically around 10-12 years of age for most children.
-All children less than 13 years of age should be restrained in the back seat of the car.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx?bcsi_scan_466F0C48B84B72D2=0&bcsi_scan_filename=carseatsafety.cfm

08/13/2025

Screenshot this post about the "rule of 4s" breastmilk storage to save for the newborn stage!

08/06/2025

What are we seeing this week? POISON IVY
WHAT IS IT?- An itchy rash caused by an allergic reaction to the oils of various plants such as poison ivy, poison sumac or poison oak
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?- Itchy, red and swollen streaks on the skin that can blister. It can take a few hours to a few days for the rash to appear.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT-Most cases can be managed at home with calamine lotion, hydrocortisone ointment, and cool compresses. Severe cases involving the face or ge****ls should be seen in the office as sometimes prescription steroid ointments and oral medications are necessary.
HOW CAN I PREVENT THIS INFECTION?- If your child has been in contact with poison ivy you should wash their skin with soap or a dishwashing detergent and rinse with cold water. Do not scrub as scrubbing the skin can spread the plant's oil. Make sure to wash any clothing or objects that were in contact with the oils as well!

08/04/2025

Back to school month! Don't forget to schedule your child's wellness visit/physical. We follow the AAP periodicity schedule for health maintenance which recommends wellness visits at least annually (more often for babies!)

Follow the link to learn when you can expect at each visit. Give us a call if you are unsure when your child was last seen or if they are due!

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/Pages/Well-Child-Care-A-Check-Up-for-Success.aspx

07/28/2025

What are we seeing this week? OTITIS EXTERNA (SWIMMER'S EAR)
WHAT IS IT?- An infection of the skin inside the ear canal or outer ear
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?- Mild symptoms may just be itchiness or fullness to the ear. More severe symptoms include constant and intense ear pain, significant swelling to the ear canal and some discharge from the ear
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT- Tylenol or Motrin for pain control. Most cases require antibiotic drops to treat, so we recommend calling the office for evaluation.
HOW CAN I PREVENT THIS INFECTION?-There's no need to try to prevent swimmer's ear unless your child has had this infection frequently or very recently. If they have, limit their stays in the water, usually to less than an hour. Then, when they come out, remove the excess water from their ear with the corner of a towel, or have them shake their head. Follow the link to find a swimmer's ear remedy you can make at home!

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/swimmers-ear-in-children.aspx