It's Flu Season!
It is flu season! Protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza this year!
Shoreline Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized care for infants, children & teens in Muskegon MI.
Dr. Maureen DeWitt, Dr. Gina Ramirez, and Dr. Jennifer Hubbard
News & Social Media
Tantrums are a normal part of toddlerhood. They happen because little ones are still learning to manage big emotions, communicate needs, and cope with frustration.
Toddlers might have tantrums when they’re tired, hungry, overwhelmed, or when things don’t go their way. As challenging as they can be, tantrums are not a reflection of bad parenting, they’re a sign your child is growing and learning.
Parents can help by staying calm, offering comfort, and setting gentle but consistent boundaries. Validating your child’s feelings (“I see you’re upset”) while guiding them to use words or calm-down strategies can make a big difference. Remember, patience, consistency, and empathy go a long way in helping your toddler navigate big emotions.
Need some more tips on tackling tantrums? Our pediatric providers at Shoreline Pediatrics are ready to offer tips and support.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
Celebrate love AND learning this Valentine’s Day with easy, safe sensory play for your baby. Sensory activities help little ones explore textures, colors, and shapes all while having fun with you.
Valentine’s Day Sensory Ideas:
Textured Touch: Introduce heart-shaped fabric scraps, soft felt, or fuzzy socks for tactile exploration.
Color Exploration: Use red, pink, and white toys or scarves to engage your baby visually.
Music & Movement: Sing Valentine’s songs while letting your baby clap, bounce, or swish scarves in the air.
Remember: Always supervise sensory play, and avoid small objects that could be a choking hazard.
Which Valentine’s sensory activity will you try with your baby this week? Share your ideas or photos to inspire other parents.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
Keeping your baby safe while they sleep is one of the most important things you can do in the first year.
For newborns, always place your baby on their back in a firm, flat sleep surface with no pillows, blankets, toys, or bumper pads. A fitted sheet in a crib, bassinet, or play yard is safest.
As your baby begins to roll over on their own, usually around 4–6 months, continue placing them on their back to start each sleep. Once they can roll both ways independently, it’s okay to let them find their own position, but keep the sleep area clear and safe.
Other tips:
- Room-sharing without bed-sharing can reduce the risk of sleep-related accidents.
- Keep the sleep space smoke-free.
- Offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime if your baby is receptive.
Do you need help with creating a safe sleep environment for your baby? We are here to help!
Call today to schedule an appointment.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
Happy Valentine’s Day from Shoreline Pediatrics!
Showing love goes beyond candy and cards. Caring for your child’s heart includes active play, balanced meals, good sleep, and time together.
Even small habits build strong hearts over time.
How is your family showing love today and keeping those hearts healthy? Share in the comments.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
Winter can bring more sniffles, coughs, and sick days, but a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping kids healthy.
Focus on good handwashing (especially before meals and after school), keeping up with recommended vaccines, and making sure kids get enough sleep even when schedules get busy.
Offer plenty of fluids, include fruits and veggies when you can, and don’t forget fresh air and movement, even on colder days. If your child is sick, keeping them home helps protect classmates and teachers too.
Has your family been protected from the flu this season? If not, call our office to schedule a nurse visit to get up to date on the flu vaccine.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
Before vaccines, diphtheria was a leading cause of childhood death. It caused severe throat infection and a thick membrane that could block breathing earning the name “the strangling angel.”
The diphtheria vaccine, now part of the routine DTaP series, dramatically reduced cases and is safe, well-studied, and closely monitored. Most side effects are mild, like arm or leg soreness or low-grade fever.
Why don’t we hear about diphtheria anymore? Because vaccines work so well, but the bacteria still exists. If vaccination rates drop, diphtheria can return, putting children and vulnerable people at risk.
Call our office today to ensure your child is up to date on their DTaP vaccine.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
There’s no quick fix to “boost” immunity.
Vaccines, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, handwashing, and managing stress are the real immune supporters. Supplements alone can’t replace these basics.
While it’s normal for young children to get frequent colds, signs that may suggest a weakened immune system include unusually frequent or severe infections, infections that are hard to clear, poor growth, or needing repeated courses of antibiotics.
Do you have concerns about your child’s immune system? Our pediatric trained providers are here to help.
Call today to schedule an appointment.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
Why do we need fluoride?
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. When used correctly, fluoride toothpaste and treatments are safe and effective for children.
The AAP recommends using a smear or grain-of-rice–sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day when the first tooth appears and until age 3 years. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used once they turn 3.
Bring your dental questions to your child’s next visit. We are happy to help.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
Small habits, strong hearts.
Heart health starts early. Daily active play, limiting sugary drinks, choosing fruits and veggies, and keeping homes smoke-free all support growing hearts. These habits add up over time.
Dr. Hubbard says caregivers play such a vital role in teaching their children healthy habits such as a well rounded diet and daily exercise. Instilling these important things in our children at a young age can ensure the healthy habits follow them into adulthood.
231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com
