Monarch Pediatrics

02/13/2026

Happy Valentine's Day!

02/07/2026

Croup is a common viral illness in the winter months. It is common in young children between the ages of 3months to 5yrs of age. Children affected with croup have the classic "bark cough" that is dry sounding and deep cough. If your child was diagnosed with croup, there are several things you can do to help at home:

👉 Keep your child calm as much as possible
👉 May use fever reducers for any temperature over 100.4F
👉 Lots of liquids to keep your child hydrated
👉 Exposure to cold air or the use of a cool mist humidifier in the bedroom may be helpful

When to seek medical care:

👉 Babies younger than 6 months with a barky cough
👉 Poor oral intake
👉 Worsening wheezing especially if your child has underlying asthma
👉 Excessively drooling
👉 Coughing so severe that your child wakes up several times at night
👉 Fast breathing/unable to speak in sentences because of fast breathing
👉 Bluish lips/fingernails

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Croup-Treatment.aspx

Croup is a common illness in young children. It can be scary for parents as well as children. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about croup, including types, causes, symptoms, and treatments. 

02/02/2026

If you are a parent preparing for the arrival of your newborn, then getting baby's car seat properly installed is hopefully on top of your checklist. It is estimated that upto 75% of newborn car seats are installed incorrectly! Go over the instruction manual of the car seat as well as the car manual to help with a proper installation. Once installed, you can get your car seat installation checked by a certified child passenger seat technician (CPST).

Most fire stations usually have one at their facility, here is a link with our local inspection stations:

https://events.safekids.org/coalition-56016-safe-kids-oakland-county/stations

NHTSA rear facing car seat installation guide:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/how-install-rear-facing-only-infant-car-seat

Installation checklist for car seat base:

1. Install car seat rear facing
2. The safest spot is the middle seat in the second row
3. The base should not mover more than 1 inch from side to side or front-back
4. Use the built in bubble indicator to make sure the incline is accurate
5. Use the vehicle seat belt or lower anchors. Never both

Safety Events & Inspection Station Locator

01/31/2026

01/30/2026

We're still giving flu shots! Remember, flu season in Michigan lasts until May! (or sometimes even later) The flu shot is effective in preventing severe complications and hospitalizations from the influenza virus in young children. Give us a call to schedule a vaccine-only visit

📞248-609-1800

01/29/2026

Facebook tells me that today is National Pediatrician day! I didn't even know this existed but I am grateful to be doing what I do. I get asked by med students frequently as to why I chose pediatrics and the answer is always the same. I love watching kids grow, be their advocate, and help them stay healthy. Kids are incredibly resilient— when they fall sick, they always find a way to bounce back. Children are our future, and I’m truly grateful for the privilege of caring for them. The bonds that I have with families are truly incredible and I thank you all for your support. Happy National Pediatrician day to all my mentors and wonderful teachers and to my own kids' Pediatrician 💙👶🩺

01/28/2026

Children with long standing constipation often fall into a painful cycle of holding stool, the fear of pain leads further retention causing harder stools and more painful bowel movements. Some things that can be done to help are
1. Frequent potty times
2. Reward the times when they have a bowel movement
3. Adequate hydration
4. Adequate fiber intake
5. Stool softeners in consultation with your pediatrician
6. Behavior therapy if needed

Constipation is a common problem in childhood. A family history along with imbalance in diet can make be two major contributing factors. Bring up your concerns with your pediatrician to formulate a plan that suits your child.

📞248-609-1800

01/27/2026

Preventing hypothermia and frostbite during winter:

Make sure your child is dressed in layers
Hats, mittens, socks and gloves (waterproof when playing in the snow)
Change clothing that gets wet immediately
Take frequent breaks to warm up
If you suspect hypothermia: confusion, slurring of speech, shivering, call 911
Warm up their little fingers and toes slowly with warm water. Avoid hot water or vigorous rubbing.

01/25/2026

We hope that you are all staying warm during this storm. Please drive carefully and follow these tips to make sure your little ones are safe during the car ride. The office will remain open tomorrow, but we are giving patients the option to reschedule their well visits, if not urgent.

📞 Call us if you need us 248-609-1800

01/25/2026

Warming centers are open across Michigan to keep you safe and warm in the extremely cold temperatures this weekend.

If you need help finding a warm place near you, call 2-1-1 or visit https://mi211.org to search for a local warming center and check out the resources below.

Metro Detroit/Southeast Michigan:
https://cbsn.ws/3NZvJmu
https://bit.ly/4rdAwPS
West Michigan:
https://bit.ly/45oTcDQ
Mid-Michigan:
https://bit.ly/3tAVay1
https://bit.ly/49FEMBO
Southwest Michigan:
https://bit.ly/49BuG3q
https://bit.ly/4pYa8bD
Northern Michigan:
https://bit.ly/3Lw1lQ9
https://bit.ly/4r8fu51
https://bit.ly/4sTsgGc

01/19/2026

The time is always right to do what is right
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

01/16/2026

With the amount of snow and ice, school closures and slippery roads, we have rescheduled most of our patients coming in for physicals. Please stay off the roads and if you must venture out, make sure you have enough emergency supplies, at least half tank of gas, fully charged phone and a warm blanket. Here is a little guide by the National Weather Service

We are open for sick visits if needed. 248-609-1800