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Sniffles and Sneezes: A Parent’s Guide to Colds and Respiratory Infections
As kids head back to school here in Katy, it seems like the “common cold” is always making its rounds. When your little one starts coughing or feeling congested, it’s
Infant Sleep: What to Expect at Every Stage
One of the most common questions new parents ask is, when will my baby sleep through the night? The truth is that newborn sleep looks nothing like adult sleep, and
5 Fun Ways Cooking with Your Child Can Build Healthy Eating Habits
If getting your little one to try new foods feels like a daily negotiation, you are far from alone. Cooking together is so much more than getting a meal on
Car Seat Safety: What Every Parent Should Know
If you’ve ever stood in the car seat aisle (or scrolled reviews at midnight) wondering whether it’s finally time to switch stages, you’re in good company. With so many seat
Why Sleep Might Be the Most Underrated Part of Your Child’s Health
Between homework, activities, and everyone’s different schedules, sleep is often the first thing to get squeezed. We get it, but sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. It plays a huge
Does My Child Need Vitamins?
If you’ve ever stood in the vitamin aisle wondering whether your little one needs a daily gummy or drop, you’re not alone. It’s one of the questions we hear most
How Do I Know If My Child Is Allergic? Starting Solids and Food Allergens
If you’re gearing up to start solids with your baby, there’s a good chance one topic is on your mind more than any other: food allergies. It’s one of the
Reflux in Babies: What’s Normal and When to Call Us
If your little one seems to spit up after every single feeding, you are far from alone. Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, is incredibly common in babies, affecting nearly 80% of
Keeping the Bugs at Bay
Summer is finally here, and while we’re all excited to get our kids away from the screens and out into the fresh air, more time outdoors naturally means a lot
Awesome Summer Reading Programs with Sweet Rewards
Keeping Young Minds Active This Summer (With a Few Sweet Perks!) School is officially out for the summer! While we are all looking forward to endless pool days, backyard BBQs,
Water safety for all ages!
Water Safety For All Ages! As we head into the summer months, it’s the perfect time to talk about something that hits close to home for all of us: water
Honey: a natural cough reliever
Many parents are surprised to learn that a natural food like honey can be dangerous for infants. While it is a wonderful remedy for older children, it requires a “safety
How to Manage a Tantrum in the Moment
When a tantrum involves “low-risk” behavior (crying or screaming without danger), the best initial strategy is planned ignoring (also known as extinction). During the Tantrum Avoid Engagement: Do not negotiate,
What’s Actually Causing Those Sniffles?
Seasonal allergies happen when your child’s immune system gets a little too protective. It starts overreacting to harmless things in the air—mostly pollen and mold spores. The body treats these
Sniffles and Sneezes: A Parent’s Guide to Colds and Respiratory Infections
As kids head back to school here in Katy, it seems like the “common cold” is always making its rounds. When your little one starts coughing or feeling congested, it’s natural to have questions. Is it just a cold? Does it need treatment? When is it time to call the doctor?
At our practice, we want to empower you with the facts so you can manage these symptoms with confidence. Here’s what you need to know about navigating the cold season.
A “cold” is actually a catch-all term for a group of viruses that cause congestion, coughing, and sometimes a fever. You might also hear us use the term Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). This simply means the congestion is localized in the upper airways, like the nose and throat, rather than down in the lungs.
While there are tests (viral panels) that can identify a specific virus, they are often expensive and usually unnecessary, since the treatment remains the same regardless of which virus is causing the illness.
The most important thing to remember is that antibiotics treat bacteria, not viruses. Because colds are viral, treatment is focused on “symptomatic relief,” keeping your child comfortable while their body fights the virus.
Except for specific cases like flu or COVID-19 in high-risk patients over age 12, there are no antivirals for the common cold.
Home Care Tips by Age
● Saline & Suction: Saline drops are recommended for all ages. For younger children who can’t blow their own noses yet, using a suction tool to clear the nostrils can be very helpful.
● Honey: For children over 12 months of age, a spoonful of honey is highly recommended. Studies have actually shown that honey can be more effective at calming a cough in kids than over-the-counter medications.
● Humidity: Using a humidifier in the room helps keep mucus loose and easier to clear.
● Hydration: Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids. Increased mouth breathing and congestion can lead to dehydration, and staying hydrated helps keep mucus thin and easier to expel.
● A Note on Cough Meds: For children under age 12, over-the-counter cold and cough medications are generally not recommended and have not been shown to be effective.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
While most colds resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are times when a professional evaluation is necessary. Please reach out to us or seek care if you notice:
● Breathing Difficulties: Any signs of labored breathing or respiratory distress.
● Fever Milestones: Any fever in infants under 2 months old, a fever lasting more than 24 hours in a nonverbal child, or a fever lasting more than 48 hours in older children.
● Pain or Timing: If your child seems to be in significant pain, or if they develop a new fever about a week after their symptoms first started.
A note for Katy parents: we know how tough it is to see your child under the weather. Whether it’s a simple sniffle or something that needs a closer look, we are here to support your family’s health every step of the way.
If your little one is feeling under the weather, give us a call at (832) 844-1470 and we’ll get you taken care of. Walk-ins are always welcome, no appointment needed, and we’re conveniently located at 1430 W. Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494, easy to reach from anywhere in the area.
We’re open Monday through Wednesday until 7:30 PM, Thursday and Friday until 5 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. And even after we close, our after-hours line connects you straight to one of our doctors, because kids don’t always get sick on a schedule.
Written by Dr. Yasmine Monib
Infant Sleep: What to Expect at Every Stage
One of the most common questions new parents ask is, when will my baby sleep through the night? The truth is that newborn sleep looks nothing like adult sleep, and it takes time for healthy patterns to develop. Here is what to expect at each stage, so you know what is normal and when good sleep is likely on the way.
The Big Picture
During the first few months, babies do not have regular sleep patterns and need to wake frequently for feedings. Around 4 months, many babies begin sleeping longer stretches, though it is also common to hit a temporary sleep regression around this same age as their brains and sleep cycles mature. Breastfed babies often wake more frequently overnight since breast milk digests faster than formula, and that is completely normal. As babies grow, their shorter sleep cycles gradually become more organized, and their total sleep needs keep changing all the way through toddlerhood.
Every stage brings new milestones and, yes, some exhausting nights, but they are temporary. Give yourself grace and know you are doing an amazing job.
Newborn to 6 Weeks
- Frequent waking is normal. Newborns commonly wake every 2 to 3 hours to eat, day and night.
- Feeding drives the sleep cycle. Babies cycle through eating, sleeping, and diaper changes, which interrupts sleep.
- Weight gain comes first. In the first 10 to 14 days, babies are working to regain their birth weight, so parents may need to wake them for feeds.
- Longer stretches come gradually. Once birth weight is regained, most babies no longer need to be woken overnight, though breastfed babies often keep waking every 3 to 4 hours to eat.
- Newborns do not yet know day from night, their internal clock is still developing.
- Help build healthy habits by keeping daytime bright and active, making nighttime calm and dark, and putting your baby down drowsy but still awake to encourage self-soothing.
A Note on Safe Sleep
Always place your infant on their back on a firm, flat mattress, free of pillows, comforters, or bumper pads. Discontinue swaddling or arms-in sleep sacks as soon as your baby starts learning to roll over, typically between 2 and 4 months. Sofas, recliners, swings, and bouncers are not safe places for infants to sleep, if your baby falls asleep in a swing or bouncer, move them to their bassinet or crib.
6 Weeks to 4 Months
- Babies become more alert. Around 6 to 8 weeks, infants stay awake longer and enjoy more interaction.
- Sleep needs gradually decrease. Many babies drop one daytime nap.
- Longer nighttime stretches develop as sleep cycles mature.
- No need to wake for feedings unless your pediatrician has advised otherwise, let your baby sleep through these longer stretches.
- Keep placing your baby in the crib drowsy but still awake.
The Famous 4-Month Sleep Regression
Around 4 months, many babies start waking more often after previously sleeping longer stretches. This is a great time to start a bedtime routine if you have not already, since consistency helps babies build healthy sleep habits. Daytime naps may also become shorter or less predictable during this phase. This regression is not a setback, it is a normal sign of brain and sleep development, and better sleep typically returns as your baby adjusts.
4 to 8 Months
- Night wakings can still happen, some babies continue to wake once or more, and that is a normal variation.
- Naps consolidate. Around 6 to 8 months, many babies shift to 2 to 3 naps a day.
- Every baby develops on their own timeline, some reach these milestones earlier or later than others.
- Separation anxiety often develops around 6 to 8 months, which can bring on another sleep regression if your baby wakes and realizes you are not there. Try soothing back to sleep without a feeding, unless your pediatrician has recommended continuing nighttime feeds.
9 to 12 Months
- Sleep routines are usually well established by 9 months, with a consistent daytime and nighttime schedule.
- Most babies take a morning and afternoon nap.
- Another regression is common between 8 and 10 months as babies hit major developmental milestones.
- Teething, crawling, pulling up to stand, and new skills can temporarily disrupt sleep or shorten naps.
- Staying consistent with bedtime routines helps babies bounce back to their normal patterns faster.
Toddler Sleep: 12 to 24 Months
- Sleep routines may need adjusting now that you have an active toddler on your hands.
- Naps often reduce from two to one longer midday nap.
- Increased difficulty settling at bedtime can be a sign it is time to drop that second nap.
Toddler Bedtime Tips
A calming, consistent bedtime routine helps your child recognize it is time to sleep. Choose quiet activities beforehand, like reading a favorite story, listening to soft music, or taking a warm bath, and avoid active play right before bed since it can make it harder to settle down. Aim for the same bedtime each night. A favorite comfort item, like a stuffed animal or special blanket, can also help your toddler feel secure and fall back asleep if they wake overnight, just be sure it is free of choking hazards like loose buttons, ribbons, strings, or removable stuffing.
Average Sleep by Age
Age | Avg. total sleep/day | Avg. # of naps | Avg. daytime sleep |
0-2 months | 15-16+ hours | 3-5 naps | 7-8 hours |
3-5 months | 14-16 hours | 3-4 naps | 4-6 hours |
6-8 months | 14 hours | 2-3 naps | 3-4 hours |
9-12 months | 14 hours | 2 naps | 3-4 hours |
12-18 months | 11-14 hours | 1-2 naps | 2-3 hours |
18-24 months | 11-14 hours | 1 nap | 2 hours |
Every baby’s sleep journey looks a little different, and that is completely normal. If you ever have questions about your little one’s sleep, growth, or anything in between, we would love to see you, no appointment needed to be seen.
Give us a call at (832) 844-1470, or stop by our easy to reach, fully accessible location at 1430 W. Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494. Our hours are built around when your family needs us most, Monday through Wednesday until 7:30 PM, Thursday and Friday until 5 PM, and Saturdays 9 AM to 4 PM. Even after we close, our after hours line connects you straight to one of our doctors, because little ones do not only need us during office hours.
Written by NP Rebecca
5 Fun Ways Cooking with Your Child Can Build Healthy Eating Habits
If getting your little one to try new foods feels like a daily negotiation, you are far from alone. Cooking together is so much more than getting a meal on the table, it is a chance to encourage healthy eating, build confidence, teach valuable life skills, and create memories your family will hold onto for years. Check out our Healthy Living page at springtimepediatrics.com for recipe ideas to try together.
Here are five simple ways to make cooking a fun, rewarding experience while helping your child become a more adventurous eater.
Encourage Food Exploration Through All the Senses
For some children, especially picky eaters, trying a new food can feel like a big ask. Instead of focusing only on tasting, let your child explore food with all of their senses first. Simple activities like:
- Kneading dough
- Rinsing fruits and vegetables
- Tearing lettuce
- Stirring ingredients
- Smelling fresh herbs and spices
help kids get familiar with new textures, colors, and smells in a pressure free way. Since so much of the flavor we experience actually comes from our sense of smell, encouraging your child to smell a new food before tasting it can build comfort and curiosity over time.
Turn Cooking Into a Learning Experience
The kitchen is one of the best classrooms in your home, and every recipe is a chance to learn while having fun. Cooking naturally teaches:
- Math skills through counting, measuring, and working with fractions
- Science concepts by observing how heat changes food and talking about how nutritious foods help our bodies grow strong
- Language development through new vocabulary for flavors, textures, colors, and techniques
- Planning and organization by following a recipe step by step from start to finish
These everyday lessons build confidence both in and out of the kitchen.
Make Cooking Part of Your Family Traditions
Preparing meals together is a wonderful way to strengthen family bonds. Whether you are making a treasured family recipe or trying something brand new, cooking creates space to connect and make meaningful memories. Consider:
- Sharing recipes that have been passed down through your family
- Trying seasonal fruits and vegetables together
- Creating a family cookbook filled with favorite meals
- Establishing a weekly family cooking night
When children regularly take part in meal prep, they learn that healthy eating is simply a normal, enjoyable part of everyday life.
Keep Kitchen Safety a Priority
Cooking with children should always be fun and safe. Assign tasks that match your child’s age and developmental stage, with close supervision throughout.
For younger children, safe jobs include:
- Washing produce
- Mixing ingredients
- Tearing lettuce
- Setting the table
Older children may gradually take on:
- Measuring ingredients
- Using child-safe kitchen tools
- Stirring foods on the stove with supervision
- Practicing proper knife skills when they are developmentally ready
Teach children how to safely handle kitchen tools, use oven mitts, and understand heat safety. As their skills grow, so will their confidence.
Let Your Child Be Part of the Decision-Making
Children are often much more excited to eat a meal they helped create. Invite them into the process from planning all the way to serving. Encourage your child to:
- Help choose recipes
- Create the grocery list
- Pick out fruits and vegetables at the store
- Taste and suggest seasoning adjustments
- Set the table or help serve the meal
Talking through different flavors and preferences helps children develop an open mind about trying new foods, and makes mealtime feel like a shared family experience.
Growing Healthy Eaters, One Meal at a Time
Cooking together offers so much more than a delicious meal. It helps children build healthy eating habits, grow independence, strengthen family relationships, and pick up practical life skills they will carry for years to come. At Springtime Pediatrics, we encourage families to make cooking a regular part of their routine. Every meal prepared together is a chance to raise a confident, curious eater, and to create memories your family will cherish. Who knows, with enough practice, your child may soon be cooking a delicious meal for you!
Have questions about your child’s nutrition or growth? We are here for it, at every stage. Call us at (832) 844-1470 to schedule a visit at our fully accessible location, 1430 W. Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494. Our hours are built around when your family needs us most, Monday through Wednesday until 7:30 PM, Thursday and Friday until 5 PM, and Saturdays 9 AM to 4 PM. Even after we close, our after hours line connects you straight to one of our doctors, because kids do not only get sick during office hours.
Written by NP Rebecca
Car Seat Safety: What Every Parent Should Know
If you’ve ever stood in the car seat aisle (or scrolled reviews at midnight) wondering whether it’s finally time to switch stages, you’re in good company. With so many seat types and rules, it’s easy to feel unsure. Here’s a simple, down-to-earth guide to help you feel confident about what’s right for your child, at every age and stage.
The Right Seat for Every Stage
● Birth to 2 years: Rear-facing is safest. Keep your child rear-facing for as long as their seat allows. Many kids are safest staying this way past their second birthday.
● Ages 2 to 4: Once your child outgrows the rear-facing limits, it’s time for a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness. The longer they stay harnessed, the better.
● Ages 4 to 8: In Texas, kids need a car seat or booster until age 8 or 4’9″ tall, whichever comes first. Booster time comes once they’ve outgrown their harnessed seat.
● Ages 8 to 12: Ready for a seat belt alone? Run the 5-question fit test: back flat, shoulder belt centered, lap belt low on the hips, knees bent comfortably, feet flat. A ‘no’ to any of these means it’s booster time a little longer.
Quick Answers to the Questions We Hear Most
Are toys on the car seat handle safe? It’s best to skip aftermarket toys and accessories. In a crash, they can become projectiles. Some infant seats also need the handle in a specific position while driving, so it’s worth double-checking your manual.
Bulky coats in cold weather? Buckle your child in snugly first, then add a blanket over the harness instead of underneath it.
How snug should the harness be? Make sure the chest clip sits at armpit level, then try the pinch test at the shoulder. If you can’t pinch any extra webbing, you’ve got it just right.
Infant seat or convertible seat, which is safer? Both are great, safe choices when used correctly. What matters most is that your child fits within the seat’s height and weight limits, it’s installed correctly, and they’re buckled in every single ride.
My baby cries every car ride, could it be motion sickness? True motion sickness is uncommon before age 2. Many babies just need time adjusting. Try soothing music, a baby-safe mirror so they can see you, or having another adult ride in the back seat. Short trips that gradually get longer also help.
My toddler figured out how to unbuckle themselves, now what? First, check that the harness is snug, since a loose harness makes unbuckling easier. From there, praise them for staying buckled, keep rides short at first, and stay consistent. It’s a car safety rule with no exceptions, every time.
When in doubt, keep your child in their current stage a little longer rather than rushing to the next one. And if you’re ever unsure whether your car seat is installed correctly, it’s worth having it checked by a certified child passenger safety technician. Many local fire departments offer free car seat safety checks.
We’re here for your family well beyond the exam room. Find us Monday through Wednesday until 7:30 PM, Thursday and Friday until 5 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. And even after we close, our after-hours line connects you straight to one of our doctors.
Have questions about your child’s car seat stage? Give us a call at (832) 844-1470 or stop by 1430 W. Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494. We’d love to help you feel confident on every ride.
Written by NP Rebecca