Opal Court Pediatrics

04/20/2026

Introducing common food allergens is an important step when babies begin eating solid foods. Foods such as peanut, egg, dairy, wheat, soy, and fish are often introduced during the first year of life. Current guidance supports introducing these foods once a baby is developmentally ready for solids, typically around 4–6 months.

When introducing a new allergen, offer it in a safe form and when your baby is healthy and you can closely supervise.

For example, peanut can be mixed as a small amount of smooth peanut butter thinned into a puree the baby has already tolerated. After introducing a new allergen, watch for signs of a reaction such as hives, swelling, vomiting, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

If your baby has severe eczema, known food allergies, or a family history of allergies, it may be helpful to discuss introduction plans with your provider.

Do you have questions about introducing allergenic foods? Contact Opal Court Pediatrics for individualized guidance.

04/19/2026

Choosing sunscreen doesn’t have to be confusing!

Look for SPF 30 or higher, apply generously, and reapply every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating. Mineral sunscreens are often well tolerated for sensitive skin.

Remember to pair sunscreen with hats, shade, and protective clothing for the best coverage.

For infants younger than 6 months, consult with your provider prior to using any sunscreen products.

Questions about sunscreen or skin sensitivity? Give Opal Court Pediatrics a call so we can help keep your child’s skin safe.

Opal Court Pediatrics.
301-791-6666

04/14/2026

Has your child got a runny, itchy nose?

For children with allergies or asthma, the bedroom is an important place to reduce exposure to common allergens. Dust mites, pet dander, and other irritants can build up in bedding, carpets, and stuffed animals and may worsen nighttime symptoms.

Simple steps can help create a lower allergen environment. Washing bedding weekly in hot water, using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, and keeping pets off the bed can make a difference. Limiting stuffed animals on the bed and vacuuming or dusting regularly may also help reduce allergen exposure.

If your child has ongoing allergy symptoms, contact our office to discuss evaluation and management options.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666

04/02/2026

03/30/2026

Happy Doctors’ Day to an incredible part of our team! 👩‍⚕️💜

Today we’re celebrating one of our own, Dr. Rao. Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and the genuine care you show every patient who walks through our doors. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have you.

You make a difference every single day!

03/27/2026

Having one medical home means your child’s care stays connected.

We coordinate well visits, sick visits, chronic condition management, school forms, mental health follow-ups, and specialist referrals all within our practice at Opal Court Pediatrics.

When everything runs through one team, we can see the full picture, track patterns over time, reduce duplicate testing, and communicate clearly with outside providers.
This continuity improves safety, strengthens relationships, and makes care more convenient for families.

Have questions about coordinating your child’s care? Call our office or speak with your provider at your next visit to keep everything streamlined.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/25/2026

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.

Call to schedule your child’s next follow up.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666

03/23/2026

Difficulty focusing doesn’t automatically mean ADHD.

Many factors can affect attention in teens, including poor sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, heavy screen use, learning differences, or substance use.

ADHD is typically characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity that interfere with school, relationships, or daily functioning, and symptoms are usually present for years, not just a few weeks.

An evaluation may be helpful when focus problems are ongoing, affecting grades, causing frustration, or impacting home life. Proper assessment includes input from parents, teachers, and the teen, not online quizzes or quick assumptions.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s attention or behaviors, schedule an appointment for a full evaluation with one of our pediatric trained providers.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/21/2026

Today we celebrate and honor individuals with Down syndrome and the families who support them.

World Down Syndrome Day was created to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome and to make sure they have the same freedoms and opportunities as everybody else.

21st March (21/3) matches the 3 copies of chromosome 21. This is unique to people with Down syndrome.

Around 1 in 800 babies is born with Down syndrome. It is the most common chromosomal disorder.

Children with Down syndrome thrive when they receive consistent healthcare. Annual wellness visits are especially important to monitor growth and development, review hearing and vision, screen for thyroid and cardiac concerns, support learning and behavior, and coordinate recommended labs and referrals. Regular visits allow us to partner closely with families, anticipate needs, and adjust care plans as children grow.

301-791-6666

03/18/2026

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us with a successful RunFest!

03/16/2026

Tinea corporis, commonly called ringworm, is a common fungal skin infection, not a worm.

It often appears as a round or ring-shaped rash with a raised, scaly edge and clearer skin in the center. It can be itchy and may spread through close contact, shared towels, clothing, or sports equipment.

Many cases improve with antifungal creams, but some rashes need prescription treatment or further evaluation especially if they’re spreading, not improving, or located on the scalp or face.

Not sure if a rash could be a ringworm? Call our office so we can guide you on treatment and next steps.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/11/2026

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. Remember we are available 24-7.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.