South Sound Pediatrics

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

Keeping your baby safe while they sleep is one of the most important things you can do in the first year. For newborn...
02/11/2026

Keeping your baby safe while they sleep is one of the most important things you can do in the first year.



For newborns, always place your baby on their back in a firm, flat sleep surface with no pillows, blankets, toys, or bumper pads. A fitted sheet in a crib, bassinet, or play yard is safest!



As your baby begins to roll over on their own, usually around 4–6 months, continue placing them on their back to start each sleep. Once they can roll both ways independently, it’s okay to let them find their own position, but keep the sleep area clear and safe.



Other tips:

- Room-sharing without bed-sharing can reduce the risk of sleep-related accidents.

- Keep the sleep space smoke-free.

- Offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime if your baby is receptive.



Do you need help with creating a safe sleep environment for your baby? We are here to help!



Call today to schedule an appointment.



360-456-1600

southsoundpeds.com

Before vaccines, diphtheria was a leading cause of childhood death. It caused severe throat infection and a thick membra...
02/10/2026

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.



360-456-1600

southsoundpeds.com

This time of year can feel long and exhausting. Feeling worn down doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human. ...
02/05/2026

This time of year can feel long and exhausting. Feeling worn down doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human.



Small moments of rest matter. Make sure you are taking care of yourself so you can have the physical and mental energy to care for your family. And remember that asking for help does not mean you are failing, it just means you are human and strong enough to admit that you cannot do life alone. It takes a village.



Call our office today if you need help connecting with a counselor or community resources.



360-456-1600

southsoundpeds.com

There’s no quick fix to “boost” immunity. Vaccines, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, handwashing, and managing str...
02/05/2026

There’s no quick fix to “boost” immunity.



Vaccines, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, handwashing, and managing stress are the real immune supporters. Supplements alone can’t replace these basics.



While it’s normal for young children to get frequent colds, signs that may suggest a weakened immune system include unusually severe infections, infections that are hard to clear, poor growth, or needing repeated courses of antibiotics.



Do you have concerns about your child’s immune system? Our pediatric trained providers are here to help.



Call today to schedule an appointment.



360-456-1600

southsoundpeds.com

Why do we need fluoride? Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. When used correctly, fluoride ...
02/03/2026

Why do we need fluoride?



Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. When used correctly, fluoride toothpaste and treatments are safe and effective for children.



The AAP recommends using a smear or grain-of-rice–sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day when the first tooth appears and until age 3 years. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used once they turn 3.



Bring your dental questions to your child’s next visit. We are happy to help.



360-456-1600

southsoundpeds.com

If it feels like your toddler catches everything, you’re not imagining it!Little immune systems are still learning, and ...
01/27/2026

If it feels like your toddler catches everything, you’re not imagining it!

Little immune systems are still learning, and toddlers are great at sharing germs especially in daycare or group settings! It’s normal for young children to have 8–12 viral illnesses a year, especially during fall and winter.

Colds can also seem “back-to-back” because viruses stack or symptoms overlap.

The good news? Each illness strengthens their immune system, and most are short-lived and resolve with rest, fluids, and time!

If your child’s illnesses seem unusually severe, frequent, or they’re not bouncing back as expected, call our office so we can help determine what’s normal and what deserves a closer look!

Is your child struggling to read?Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how the brain processes written l...
01/26/2026

Is your child struggling to read?

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language, but it doesn’t reflect a child’s intelligence or effort!

Signs can include difficulty sounding out words, slow or labored reading, trouble with rhyming, mixing up letter order, or avoiding reading altogether.

Many children show early signs in kindergarten–2nd grade, but symptoms often become more noticeable as reading demands increase in later grades.

Early recognition is key, and with the right support, dyslexic learners thrive! Evidence-based interventions such as structured literacy programs like Orton-Gillingham, multi-sensory reading instruction, and targeted phonics support can significantly improve reading skills and help children build confidence.

If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your child’s reading progress, we can guide you toward screening, resources, and school-based evaluations.

Two months in, and your baby is starting to show off some adorable new skills!By 2 months old, babies are becoming more ...
01/22/2026

Two months in, and your baby is starting to show off some adorable new skills!

By 2 months old, babies are becoming more alert and social, and you may start to see big developmental changes from week to week.

Every baby grows at their own pace, but here are common milestones we look for around this age:

~ Smiling on purpose (social smiles in response to your voice or face)

~ Cooing and making early vowel sounds

~ Following objects with their eyes and turning toward familiar voices

~ Holding their head up briefly during tummy time

~ Moving arms and legs more smoothly compared to the newborn stage

~ Recognizing caregivers and calming with your voice, touch, or being held

We make it a priority to assess your baby’s milestones at every well visit. If your baby is not up to date, call today at 360-456-1600 to schedule an appointment!

Today we recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership in the Civil Rights Movement helped end legal segregatio...
01/19/2026

Today we recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership in the Civil Rights Movement helped end legal segregation and advance equal rights for all Americans!

His work reminds us of the importance of fairness, respect, and equitable access to care for every child and family we serve.

Wishing everyone a meaningful MLK Day!

RSV can cause serious illness in infants, especially those under 6 months. This season, families have extra protection a...
01/16/2026

RSV can cause serious illness in infants, especially those under 6 months. This season, families have extra protection available with the RSV immunization!

Babies can receive the RSV monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab), which helps reduce the risk of severe disease. Pregnant mothers may also receive a maternal RSV vaccine, which protects the baby after birth!

These RSV antibodies work much like the natural antibodies a mother passes to her baby during pregnancy offering protection before your baby’s own immune system is mature enough to fight infections on its own.

If you have questions about eligibility or scheduling RSV protection for your newborn or for you if you are expecting, call our office and we’ll walk you through the guidelines!

Running on coffee and cat naps? Your newborn probably is, too and that’s normal!There are many myths about newborn sleep...
01/13/2026

Running on coffee and cat naps?

Your newborn probably is, too and that’s normal!

There are many myths about newborn sleep... like the idea that babies should sleep through the night early on or follow strict schedules! In reality, most newborns sleep 14–17 hours in a 24-hour period, but in short stretches because their tummies are small and their brains are still developing.

Night waking is normal, and safe sleep practices matter far more than long stretches of sleep!

Your baby’s sleep will gradually consolidate over the first several months.

If you’re unsure whether your baby’s sleep patterns are typical, call our office - we’re happy to help guide expectations and discuss safe sleep tips!

We want to share this fantastic community resource!
01/12/2026

We want to share this fantastic community resource!

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

Website

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