Fairhope Pediatrics

03/13/2026

Is it a cold or allergies? The symptoms can look similar.

It can be hard to tell the difference between a cold and allergies especially in kids.

A few key clues can help:

1) Colds often come with fever, body aches, sore throat, and symptoms that worsen over a few days and then improve within 7–10 days.

2) Allergies usually cause itchy eyes, sneezing, clear runny nose, and symptoms that linger or return with seasonal triggers without fever.

If symptoms last longer than expected, interfere with sleep or school, or keep coming back, it’s time to check in. Avoid starting new allergy or cold medicines without guidance, as some treatments aren’t appropriate for all ages or conditions.

Not sure which one your child is dealing with? Give our office a call or send a message through the portal. We're here to help you decide next steps.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

03/11/2026

At our practice, we want to make getting forms easy and stress-free.

You can request forms through our patient portal, by calling the office, during an in-person visit, or through our website if the form is available online. To give our team enough time to complete your request carefully, please allow at least 72 hours before your deadline.

Planning ahead helps ensure your forms are ready when you need them, whether it’s for school, sports, or camp.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

03/10/2026

💜 You don’t have to navigate the special needs journey alone. Join the 5th Annual Special Needs Expo at 3Circle Church, Fairhope Campus, on March 20 at 5:30pm. Connect with local resources and other parents who truly get it.

Grab a friend and make plans to be there! ✨
Learn more at https://3circlechurch.com/
and sign up today 🙌

03/10/2026

We would love to see you there!

Mark your calendars for March 20th at 5:30pm.

💜 You don’t have to navigate the special needs journey alone. Join the 5th Annual Special Needs Expo at 3Circle Church, Fairhope Campus, on March 20 at 5:30pm. Connect with local resources and other parents who truly get it.

Grab a friend and make plans to be there! ✨
Learn more at https://3circlechurch.com/
and sign up today 🙌

03/09/2026

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month reminds us how important early support can be.

Therapies like speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy can help children build skills and confidence when started early.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, trust your instincts and bring them up. We’re happy to help guide next steps and set up referrals when needed.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

03/06/2026

March is National Nutrition Month, and snacks can play a big role in fueling growing bodies.

For toddlers, think soft fruits, yogurt, or cheese. School-age kids often do well with combos like apple slices and peanut butter or hummus and crackers.

Teens may need heartier snacks like trail mix or smoothies.
Balance matters more than perfection, and all foods can fit.

What are your go-to kid-friendly snacks? Share below.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

03/04/2026

Springing forward can be tough on sleep routines.

A few days before the time changes, try moving bedtime earlier by 10–15 minutes each night. Morning sunlight and keeping routines consistent can also help kids adjust.

Temporary sleep disruption is normal, and most children settle back in within a week.

If sleep struggles linger, let us know and we are happy to help.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

03/02/2026

Let’s clear the air: you are enough.

Your kids don’t need a perfect mom, they need you.

You are irreplaceable, even on the days you’re tired, overwhelmed, or serving cereal for dinner. Moms are human, which means we make mistakes, have hard days, and sometimes question ourselves…and that’s normal.

And a quick reminder: “Instagram moms” aren’t real life. Filters, curated moments, and quiet houses don’t tell the full story. Real motherhood is messy, loud, loving, and imperfect, and that’s exactly what makes it meaningful.

Take a deep breath. You’re doing better than you think.

What’s one thing you need to give yourself grace for today?

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

02/27/2026

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.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

02/25/2026

Myth: There’s one thing you can take to “boost” your child’s immune system.
Fact: Immunity is built through everyday habits, not a single product.

Myth: If a child gets sick a lot, their immune system must be weak.
Fact: It’s normal for kids to catch frequent colds, especially in daycare or school, because their immune system is still learning.

Myth: Supplements can replace the basics.
Fact: The biggest immune helpers are consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, vaccines, handwashing, movement, and stress support. Supplements may be helpful in specific situations, but they are not a shortcut.

There are times when frequent illness can be a red flag, like unusually severe infections, infections that are hard to clear, poor growth, or needing antibiotics over and over. If you’re worried, it’s worth talking with a pediatric provider.
If your pediatrician’s office is closed and you have questions, Fairhope Pediatrics has you covered. Book an appointment and speak to a pediatrician from home.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

02/23/2026

We know how stressful it can be when your little one gets sick, and we do our best to see all sick kids on the same day.

If you do call after 3 PM, we may need to schedule your child for the following morning, but don’t worry because our after-hours line is always available if you need guidance or assistance overnight.

Planning ahead and calling early in the day helps us make sure everyone gets the care they need as quickly as possible, but we understand that you cannot control when your child gets sick.

Did you know we also offer walk-in appointment slots? Walk-in hours can change so call our office to inquire.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com

02/20/2026

Pityriasis rosea is a common, harmless skin rash that often appears in children, teens, and young adults. It usually starts with a single larger patch called a “herald patch,” followed days to weeks later by smaller oval-shaped spots on the chest, back, or abdomen. The rash can look alarming but is not contagious and typically isn’t caused by an allergy or poor hygiene.

Most cases resolve on their own within 6–8 weeks. Treatment focuses on comfort, such as moisturizing lotions, gentle soaps, and managing itch if present. While it can take time to fade, pityriasis rosea doesn’t leave scars and doesn’t cause long-term problems.

If you’re unsure about a skin change, reach out to our pediatric providers for guidance or save this post for reference.

251-928-5568
fairhopepeds.com