Peninsula Pediatrics

02/04/2026

Not sure if your child should be taking a vitamin or supplement? The truth is, dietary supplements are not necessary for kids who eat a variety of foods and get all of the nutrients their bodies need. Children with dietary restrictions or certain health conditions may need to take a vitamin or supplement. However, it's important to talk to the pediatrician first. Learn more here! 💊

​This HealthyChildren.org article explores whether children need vitamins or supplements to support health and immunity. It explains that while a balanced diet is typically sufficient, certain kids—like picky eaters or those with limited diets—might benefit from supplements like vitamin D or m...

02/03/2026

It's not uncommon for kids to push back on accommodations they may need in school. Many of them fear looking different, worry about what their peers will think, or don't understand how their accommodations can help. Here's a guide sharing 9 reasons kids might refuse accommodations and what you can do to help.

"Kids who learn and think differently are used to school being difficult. Once they have accommodations in place that work well, they may start doing better. And that can be confusing. It might feel like the accommodation is doing the work for them, which can feel wrong. They may not yet understand that the accommodation is a tool that helps them show knowledge or get their work done."

Why would a child refuse to use accommodations? Explore common reasons why kids don’t use classroom accommodations, like feeling ashamed and not wanting to stand out.

01/29/2026

Do you have concerns about your teen staying up late or not getting enough sleep because of social media and screen devices? If so, you're not alone. It's a common struggle in a lot of families. Here are 3 tips for setting tech boundaries at bedtime! 💤

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01/28/2026

Online gambling has made gambling easier and more accessible to teens. 🎮 Platforms like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings, which run ads 24/7, invite young users to participate. But it's not just the loss of money that's at risk. These games can affect kids' mental health and potentially lead to depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.

Here's what families need to know about how online gambling affects adolescents and how you can have open conversations with your child to avoid unhealthy gambling or gaming behaviors.

Online betting opens new doors for teen gambling, raising risks for addiction, depression and more. How to help your teen stay safe.

01/27/2026

As we're still in the midst of the sick season, your baby might experience a stuffy nose if they're ill. 🤧 Nasal congestion can keep a baby awake at night, which can be stressful for families. There are many ways to ease congestion, but it's also important to follow sleep safety guidelines to protect your baby. That includes having your baby sleep on their back without any inclination or use of pillows and bedding. 💤

Read here for tips on safety and congestion relief. 👇

Nasal congestion from colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID can make it harder for babies to breathe—and sleep at night. Pediatrician and safe sleep expert Dr. Rachel Moon explains why and suggests safe ways to help your baby sleep when they have a stuffy nose.​

01/22/2026

Vitamin D is essential for children’s bone health and immune systems. It is recommended that all children begin receiving vitamin D supplements shortly after birth. Babies younger than 12 months of age should receive 400 IU of vitamin D each day, and toddlers and older children should receive 600 IU. 💊

Learn more about vitamin D for babies, children, and teens here! 👇

Recent studies show that most children aren’t getting enough vitamin D. Find out why experts suggest increasing your child’s intake.

01/20/2026

Kratom is gaining popularity among many teens. Often marketed as "natural," it's sold in forms such as powders, capsules, and gummies. Even though it comes from a plant, that does not mean it's safe.

Many teens use Kratom as it can make people feel more energetic and alert. It can also cause a temporary feeling of happiness or euphoria. However, it can also increase blood pressure and cause a dry mouth. And in higher doses, it can lead to liver damage, hallucinations, and convulsions or seizures. Kratom has also caused or contributed to dozens of deaths in the U.S. in the past decade.

We recommend checking out this guide for more info on Kratom and what parents need to know. If you have any concerns about your child using Kratom or any other substance, contact our office. ☎️

Kratom: What Parents Need to Know About Risks, Safety​ and Teen Use

01/19/2026

Celebrating and honoring Martin Luther King Jr. ✊🏿

01/15/2026

Want your kids to improve their relationship with each other? Here are 6 things to share with your children to strengthen their sibling bond. 🫂

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01/14/2026

Protecting your home from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is important to keeping your family safe. Carbon monoxide poisoning is dangerous for everyone, but especially for children because they breathe faster and inhale more CO per pound of body weight. Follow the tips in this guide to keep your home safe. 🏠

"To protect against carbon monoxide poisoning or exposure, your home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor. If you have a battery-operated detector, remember to change the batteries every 6 months. Keep in mind that plug-in detectors might not go off if there is a carbon monoxide leak while your power is out.

If your detector alarm goes off, leave the house immediately, and call 911. If it is cold outside, you can wait at a neighbor's house or in your car until the fire department arrives. If you wait in a car, make sure it is parked outside, as carbon monoxide fumes from the car's exhaust can quickly fill up a garage, even if the garage door is open."

Although everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, it is particularly dangerous for children because they breathe faster and inhale more CO per pound of body weight.

01/13/2026

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. While not all birth defects are preventable, careful planning before and during pregnancy can decrease the risk. Here are 5 tips to follow! 🤰

"Consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day, starting at least one month before becoming pregnant and continuing throughout the pregnancy. This helps prevent serious defects in the baby's brain and spine.

Some foods are fortified or enriched with folic acid. But the simplest way to make sure you get enough is to take a vitamin that has folic acid every day."

​There are things you can do to ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects. Here are five! 

01/08/2026

Changing the direction your baby sleeps every night can prevent flat spots on the head and strengthen the neck muscles! 😴 But remember, babies should always sleep on their backs without any soft bedding or toys. This reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

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