Shoreline Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized care for infants, children & teens in Muskegon MI.

April Fool’s Day is a great time for a little harmless family fun.

Kids often enjoy planning silly pranks, and when they are gentle and safe, they can create great memories and lots of laughter.

Simple ideas might include switching cereal bags inside the boxes, placing googly eyes on items in the refrigerator, or serving “dessert” that turns out to be fruit instead.

The goal is to keep pranks kind, age-appropriate, and easy for everyone to laugh about so the day stays fun for the whole family.

What is your family’s favorite kid-friendly prank? Share your ideas in the comments.

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Please note that today (3/31) was the last day of our walk-in clinic until next cold/flu season. Please call us to schedule a same-day sick appointment as we have daily availability for urgent matters! 231-777-2732

A well check is meant to focus on preventive care like growth, development, routine screenings, and age-based guidance.

Sometimes a child also has a new concern that needs a separate evaluation during that same appointment. Examples might include an ear infection, a rash that needs a diagnosis and treatment plan, wheezing, a prolonged cough, abdominal pain, or a mental health concern that requires additional history and decision-making.

When a significant new problem is evaluated and managed at the well visit, it may be billed as both:

1) the preventive visit (the well check), and

2) an additional problem-focused visit (often listed as a sick visit)

This is not about charging twice for the same care. It reflects that two different types of services were provided in one appointment.

If you have questions about a bill from Shoreline Pediatrics, call our billing team at 231-777-2732. We are happy to walk through the charges, how your insurance processed the visit, and what applies to your copay or deductible.

A well check is meant to focus on preventive care like growth, development, routine screenings, and age-based guidance.

Sometimes a child also has a new concern that needs a separate evaluation during that same appointment. Examples might include an ear infection, a rash that needs a diagnosis and treatment plan, wheezing, a prolonged cough, abdominal pain, or a mental health concern that requires additional history and decision-making.

When a significant new problem is evaluated and managed at the well visit, it may be billed as both:

1) the preventive visit (the well check), and

2) an additional problem-focused visit (often listed as a sick visit)

This is not about charging twice for the same care. It reflects that two different types of services were provided in one appointment.

If you have questions about a bill from Shoreline Pediatrics, call our billing team at 231-777-2732. We are happy to walk through the charges, how your insurance processed the visit, and what applies to your copay or deductible.

Got asthma? Routine follow ups are important.

Asthma care doesn’t stop after an urgent visit. Regular follow-ups allow us to review symptoms, adjust inhalers, update asthma action plans, and check inhaler technique to prevent future flare-ups.

In general, children with stable persistent asthma should be seen about every three months, while those with stable intermittent asthma are typically followed every six months. Both should be evaluated sooner if there is an exacerbation or worsening of symptoms.

Routine visits help reduce emergency visits and keep kids active and breathing well.

Shoreline Pediatrics makes it easy to schedule an appointment. Call 231-777-2732 or send a request through the portal to schedule your child’s next follow up.

Is your toddler a picky eater?

Picky eating is very common in toddlers and often part of normal development. Many children need multiple exposures to a new food before they’re willing to try it.

Eating together as a family, offering the same meal for everyone (with at least one “safe” food), and letting your child decide whether and how much to eat can help build healthier habits over time.

Try to avoid pressure, bargaining, or forcing bites as these strategies often increase resistance rather than reduce it.

If you’re worried about your toddler’s growth, nutrition, or food variety, schedule a visit so we can review patterns and offer tips and tricks to help.

Toddlers are still learning balance and coordination, so minor falls and bumps are very common, especially as they climb, run, and explore.

Most small tumbles are harmless and don’t require medical care.

However, call your provider or seek care if you notice red flags such as repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, confusion, behavior changes, loss of consciousness, severe headache, or difficulty walking.

Trust your instincts. Parents often know when something doesn’t feel right.

If you’re ever unsure after a fall, give our office a call. 231-777-2732. Remember we are available 24-7.

Newborns are born with low levels of vitamin K, which is needed for normal blood clotting.

The vitamin K shot helps prevent rare but serious bleeding that can occur in the brain or other organs during the first weeks and months of life.

This protection is especially important because babies don’t get enough vitamin K from breast milk alone at birth. The injection has been used safely for decades and is strongly recommended by pediatric experts.

Questions about vitamin K?

Schedule a meet and greet with one of our pediatric trained providers at Shoreline Pediatrics before you deliver. We are happy to answer all of your questions.

Spring is the perfect time to get outside together.

Simple activities like family walks, park play, bike rides, or a nature scavenger hunt help kids move their bodies, support better sleep, and strengthen family connection. Even short bursts of outdoor time can boost mood and reduce stress for kids and adults alike.

One of our favorite spring time activities to do with our families is going on nature walks and seeing all the new flowers and plants bloom…and her favorite season is Spring!

What’s your family’s favorite way to enjoy the outdoors in spring? Share your go-to activity in the comments!