South Sound Pediatrics

South Sound Pediatrics South Sound Pediatrics is a pediatric medical home delivering high quality medical care to children in our community.

Trick-or-treating is exciting, whether your family goes door-to-door or participates in a local trunk-or-treat event. Bu...
10/30/2025

Trick-or-treating is exciting, whether your family goes door-to-door or participates in a local trunk-or-treat event. But before the first bite, take a few minutes to check your child’s candy.

Discard anything that’s unwrapped, has torn packaging, or looks unusual. For little ones, avoid hard candies, gum, or other choking hazards. If your child has a food allergy, make sure to read every label- sometimes treats can have different ingredients than expected.

Let us know your favorite candy to sneak from your kiddo's Halloween bag below!

Before your child heads out for trick-or-treating, keep these tips in mind:1) Bright & visible: Choose costumes with ref...
10/29/2025

Before your child heads out for trick-or-treating, keep these tips in mind:

1) Bright & visible: Choose costumes with reflective tape or give them a glow stick or flashlight.

2) Proper fit: Avoid long hems or oversized shoes that could cause tripping.

3) Comfortable mask: If a mask is part of the costume, make sure it doesn’t block vision or breathing.

4) Weather-ready: Dress in layers if it’s chilly outside.

What costume is your child wearing this year? Tell us below!

Safe sleep saves lives. Every nap and bedtime should follow these guidelines:- Back to sleep: Always place your baby on ...
10/24/2025

Safe sleep saves lives. Every nap and bedtime should follow these guidelines:

- Back to sleep: Always place your baby on their back.

- Bare crib: Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet—no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.

- Room share, don’t bed share: Keep the baby in your room but in their own sleep space for at least 6 months, but the best practice is until 12 months.

- Avoid overheating: Dress baby in a sleep sack instead of loose blankets.

Our providers recommend checking the safe sleep approval on all products prior to purchasing. For example, weighted sleep sacks are not approved for safe sleep so should be avoided. Check out this saferproducts.com to check products.

Have questions about your baby’s sleep setup? Bring a photo to your next visit so we can help make sure it’s safe.

Good health begins with good nutrition! 🍅🌽🍞Join us in supporting our friends  in their mission to feed our community. No...
10/23/2025

Good health begins with good nutrition! 🍅🌽🍞
Join us in supporting our friends in their mission to feed our community. Now through November 15th, we'll be collecting shelf-stable food (plus garlic and onions!) to help them make and share nutritious food to those who need it.
If you haven't heard of Souper Sunday or the Food Source Foundation, we hope you take the time to check them out and learn about the truly wonderful work they do in our community! 🍲

Handwashing is one of the simplest - and most powerful - ways to stop germs in their tracks. Teach your child to:- Wash ...
10/22/2025

Handwashing is one of the simplest - and most powerful - ways to stop germs in their tracks.

Teach your child to:
- Wash for at least 20 seconds (singing “Happy Birthday” twice works!)
- Scrub front, back, between fingers, and under fingernails
- Dry hands completely
- Wash before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing/sneezing

Make handwashing part of your child’s daily routine - ask us for tips at your next visit if it’s a struggle at home.

Did you know that up to 10–20% of children in the U.S. witness abuse of a parent or caregiver each year? This exposure c...
10/20/2025

Did you know that up to 10–20% of children in the U.S. witness abuse of a parent or caregiver each year?

This exposure can profoundly impact a child’s emotional, behavioral, and physical well-being, increasing risks for anxiety, school difficulties, and long-term health issues.

Children aren’t always directly involved, but hearing or sensing conflict at home still affects them deeply.

Your providers at South Sound Pediatrics can support you and your family by offering emotional health screenings, expert guidance, and connection to counseling or social services. If your home doesn’t feel safe or you’re concerned about your child’s well-being, reach out to us, we’re here to help guide and support your family.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, which can affect physical feature...
10/18/2025

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, which can affect physical features, growth, and learning.

Early intervention makes a big difference for children with Down syndrome. Physical therapy, speech therapy, and developmental support can help babies meet milestones and build independence over time.

At our practice, we follow the AAP Bright Futures care guidelines for children with Down syndrome, using them to guide recommended labs, specialty referrals, and developmental screenings at each well-child visit. Regular check-ups allow us to track progress, celebrate achievements, and address challenges early.

If your child has Down syndrome and you’d like guidance on early support services, give us a call so we can help connect you with local resources.

An umbilical hernia appears as a small bulge near a baby’s belly button, caused when a portion of the intestine or fatty...
10/16/2025

An umbilical hernia appears as a small bulge near a baby’s belly button, caused when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles.

The good news is that most umbilical hernias are harmless and close on their own by age 1–2, so no treatment is usually needed. Old remedies like taping a coin over the bulge or tightly binding the belly don’t work—and can actually cause harm.

Seek medical attention if the bulge becomes hard, tender, red, or if your baby seems uncomfortable, as these could be signs of a complication.

At our practice, we monitor umbilical hernias during well visits and order referrals or imaging only if necessary.

Have questions about your baby’s belly button? Bring it up at your next check-up or send our phone nurses a message through your baby’s portal.

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development, but there are ways to help:- Stay calm: Your reaction can help your c...
10/14/2025

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development, but there are ways to help:

- Stay calm: Your reaction can help your child regulate emotions.

- Set limits consistently: Clear expectations reduce frustration.

- Offer choices: Giving toddlers small decisions helps them feel in control.

- Validate feelings: “I see you’re upset” helps them feel understood.

All emotions - big or small - are normal at every age.
Toddlers, however, often need extra guidance in learning how to express them appropriately. Caregivers play a crucial role in teaching healthy emotional expression, and toddlers learn most from observing us. Next time you feel frustrated or upset, try modeling a calm, healthy way to handle your emotions - it’s a lesson they’ll carry forward.

While tantrums are common, parents should talk with their child’s provider if tantrums are extremely frequent, last longer than 15–20 minutes, involve aggression that’s hard to manage, or significantly interfere with daily life.

Frequent tummy aches in school-age children are often caused by constipation, stress, dietary changes, or mild infection...
10/10/2025

Frequent tummy aches in school-age children are often caused by constipation, stress, dietary changes, or mild infections.

The location of the pain can give clues: upper stomach pain may be due to reflux or gastritis, central (near umbilicus) stomach pain can signal constipation, and around the belly button is often normal, especially in younger children.

Most of the time, these aches are not serious. However, seek medical attention if your child has severe pain, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss.

Keeping a diary of symptoms, meals, and school events can help identify triggers and guide treatment. Also, you can help by encouraging hydration, offering fiber-rich foods, promoting regular bathroom habits, and using relaxation techniques if stress may be a trigger.

Concerned about your child’s stomach pain? Schedule a visit so we can figure out the cause and give guidance on relief strategies.

Helping children feel confident and capable sets the stage for success both in and out of the classroom. Praise effort a...
10/07/2025

Helping children feel confident and capable sets the stage for success both in and out of the classroom.

Praise effort as much as results and encourage hobbies or activities your child enjoys.

Modeling positive self-talk and teaching problem-solving skills helps them navigate challenges with resilience. Many communities offer programs, clubs, or sports teams focused on building character, teamwork, and self-esteem and participation can give children an extra boost of confidence.

Building self-esteem early gives children the tools to face setbacks with confidence and develop a healthy sense of self.

Want more ideas for boosting your child’s confidence? Or need help finding a good community program? Ask us at your next visit, we’re happy to help.

Many teens benefit from safe over-the-counter acne products:Benzoyl peroxide: reduces bacteria and inflammationSalicylic...
10/06/2025

Many teens benefit from safe over-the-counter acne products:

Benzoyl peroxide: reduces bacteria and inflammation

Salicylic acid: helps unclog pores

Differin gel: helps prevent new breakouts and treats inflammation

Gentle cleansers: avoid harsh scrubs that irritate skin

Always follow directions and start slowly to avoid dryness or irritation.

Have questions about the right product for your teen? Ask us during your next appointment, we can recommend what’s safe and effective.

Address

3516 12th Avenue NE
Olympia, WA
98506

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+13604561600

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