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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

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July 27, 2026 No Comments

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

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July 10, 2026 No Comments

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

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June 15, 2026 No Comments

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

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June 5, 2026 No Comments

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,

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May 26, 2026 No Comments
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Your Child’s Cough: What Every Parent Should Know

Coughing is one of the most common symptoms children experience during viral and respiratory illnesses. While it can be uncomfortable and sometimes concerning for parents, a cough is usually a normal part of the body’s response to an infection. In most cases, it does not require antibiotics or steroids.

A cough is actually a protective reflex. Its purpose is to help clear mucus and other secretions from the respiratory tract. During a cold or respiratory infection, children often develop postnasal drainage. These secretions can travel down the back of the throat and trigger coughing. This is also one reason a child’s cough may seem worse at night, when postnasal secretions can collect and cause more throat irritation.

Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable

There are several simple measures that may help thin and clear secretions. Running a humidifier, allowing your child to breathe in steam from a warm bath or shower, and using nasal saline with suction can all help improve symptoms.

Parents often wonder whether an over-the-counter cough medicine will help. However, there are no over-the-counter remedies that have been proven more effective for children’s cough symptoms than honey in children over one year of age. In addition, there are no over-the-counter cough remedies that are FDA approved for children under six years old. Do not use over-the-counter cough suppressants in children younger than six.

For children older than one year, honey may help improve cough symptoms. Honey should never be given to a baby under 12 months of age, because it can cause infant botulism.

How Long Can a Cough Last?

One of the most important things for parents to know is that coughing is often the symptom that lasts the longest after a respiratory illness. Even after other symptoms improve, the cough may continue for weeks.

If your child has been coughing for four weeks or longer, it is a good idea to return to the clinic for an evaluation. You should also discuss the cough with your pediatrician if it has lasted more than four weeks without typical cold symptoms, or if your child regularly wakes during the night because of coughing.

Not every cough is caused by an infection. Children with allergies or reflux may also develop coughing even when they do not have symptoms of a respiratory illness.

When Should Your Child Be Evaluated?

A chest X-ray is not routinely required or recommended simply because a child has a cough. Your pediatrician can determine whether imaging is necessary based on your child’s symptoms and examination.

Most importantly, a child who is struggling to catch their breath between coughing fits should be evaluated by their pediatrician.

Although coughs can be frustrating—especially when they interrupt sleep—they are often part of the body’s normal process of clearing respiratory secretions. Supportive care, patience, and knowing when to check back with your pediatrician can help you manage your child’s symptoms with greater confidence.

If your child isn’t feeling well or you’d like us to take a closer look, call (832) 844-1470 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. You can find us at 1430 W. Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494.

We’re open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  If you need guidance after hours, our after-hours line connects you directly with one of our doctors, so support is still available when your child gets sick outside regular office hours.                                       

Written by Dr. El-Loubani

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