Next Step Pediatrics

12/15/2025

What are we seeing this week? INFLUENZA (FLU)
WHAT IS IT: s an illness caused by a respiratory virus. The flu can spread rapidly through communities, as the virus is passed person to person.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS: A sudden fever (usually above 100.4°F or 38°C), headache, body aches, and being a lot more tired than usual, sore throat, dry-hacking cough, stuffy, runny nose and some children may throw up (vomit) and have loose stools (diarrhea).
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT: Supportive care including treating your child's fever with tyelnol and motrin and drinking lots of fluids. *Antiviral therapy may be indicated for some children and requires a visit to the office and a prescription. This is started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning so please call the office to schedule an appointment if you think this is indicated.
HOW TO PREVENT THE FLU- The flu shot is the best defese against the flu and severe complications.

11/26/2025

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all of our patients!

We are closed tomorrow, 11/27 for the holiday. We will be open again on Friday, 11/28 in our TOWSON LOCATION ONLY for sick visits. This will be a reduced day, so please utilize our walk in hours from 815-930 or call for a same day sick appointment.
We will also be open on Saturday 11/29 at our TOWSON location (like usual).

11/24/2025

What are we seeing this week? ECZEMA
What is it?- Dry, itchy, patches on the skin. it is very common affecting 1 in 4 children.
What causes it?- Eczema is caused by a disruption in the skin barrier. Typically this runs in family and both genetics and environment play a role.
What does it look like: In babies, eczema usually starts on the scalp and face. Red, dry rashes may show up on the cheeks, forehead and around the mouth. In young school-aged children, the eczema rash is often in the elbow creases, on the backs of the knees, on the neck and around the eyes.
How is it treated: Use sensitive soaps, lotions and detergents. Apply a thick ointment moisturizer immediately after bathing. Sometimes topical steroids are prescribed in more severe cases.

Follow the link below for more tips to treating eczema!

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/how-to-treat-and-control-eczema-rashes-in-children.aspx

11/12/2025

***Important Recall of ByHeart Formula due to possible link to infant botulism cases. **
Slides from the American Academy of Pediatrics

11/10/2025

Cold weather is coming!
Friendly reminder that bulky coats and snowsuits should not be worn under the car seat harness. Tips for keeping your child warm:
-Keep the carrier part of the car seat in the house
-Get an early start
-Dress your child in thin layers
-Use a coat or blanket over the straps
-Use a car seat cover ONLY if it does not have a layer under the baby

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Winter-Car-Seat-Safety-Tips.aspx

11/05/2025

Resources for feeding your family during the Government Shutdown:
-Check your EBT card balance: if you have funds left over from last month they should still be available to use
-Find a local foodbank: Use the link Feedingamerica.org to find one near you
-Look for state or local emergency food help: you can use findhelp.org or 211.org food resource finder to search for these programs.
-If you are having trouble affording formula, please reach out to us or WIC. Kind reminder that it is not safe to water down formula or make homemade formula.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Community/Pages/feeding-your-family-during-the-government-shutdown-what-to-do-if-snap-benefits-are-delayed-or-reduced.aspx

11/03/2025

What are we seeing this week? IMPETIGO
WHAT IS IT?- Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection
WHAT CAUSES IT?- Impetigo starts when there is a break in the skin for example an insect bite, cut, or eczema. The break in the skin acts like an open door, allowing bacteria to move in and cause an infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS- The rash caused by impetigo can appear crusted. This is the most common rash and it starts as tiny blisters that burst and leave oozing patches that dry into yellow or honey-colored crusts and scabs. It can also appear blister like. In this case it starts with large bubbles filled with clear fluid that may burst open, leaving moist red sores and then dry crusts.
HOW IS IT TREATED?- Impetigo is treated with either oral or topical antibiotics. We recommend calling to schedule an appointment if you are concerned your child could have this rash so we can evaluate and treat appropriately.
HOW TO AVOID SPREAD?- Impetigo is very contagious. Wash hands well and avoid close contact with other children until the rash is cleared.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Impetigo.aspx?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=69654055&gbraid=0AAAAADyMpZHj1zWbIDiDXiZFGzWqF6cZ4&gclid=CjwKCAiAwqHIBhAEEiwAx9cTeYkN9fF6Mmdtco4Mg3Fzq3xG-N--TrrrPpCW4SNTmdlGYoKj7ynniRoCScoQAvD_BwE

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween!

10/29/2025

A few more last minute Halloween safety tips!
-Plan costumes that are bright and reflective
-Make sure your child's costume fits to prevent tripping
-Always go trick or treating with young children (and encourage older children to go in groups)
-Stay on well lit streets and on sidewalks
-Make sure your home is safe for trick or treaters- remove tripping hazards, rake leaves on sidewalk to prevent falls

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx

10/27/2025

Did you know 1 in 13 children have food allergies? Considering participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE? Place a teal-colored pumpkin outside on your porch or doorstep to signify that you have non-food or allergen-free treats in addition to or in place of traditional candy. If you're offering both, make sure to place the candy in a separate container.

Help make Halloween safe and fun for all trick or treaters!

The Teal Pumpkin Project is brought to you by FARE (Food Allergy Education & Research). Add your location to the Teal Pumpkin Project map and learn more at h...

10/24/2025

Halloween is one week away! Here are some tips for easing your baby or toddler into Halloween!
1. Allow plenty of time to freight prep- read books, practice dressing up, remind toddlers it is all pretend!
2. Play with pumpkins- allowing your child to play with the insides of a pumpkin is great sensory play
3. Go trick or treating before dark (if you can)
4. Watch for toddler tripping hazards- choose a costume that is not too long or bulky
5. Have a plan b costume- accidents happen
6. Be ready to back it in early if needed
7. Take precautions with added sugar
8. Beware of treats that can be a choking hazard.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Easing-Infants-Toddlers-into-Halloween-Fun.aspx

10/24/2025

WHAT ARE WE SEEING THIS WEEK? CROUP!
WHAT IS IT? Croup is a condition that causes a swelling of the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). The swelling causes the airway below the vocal cords to become narrow and makes breathing noisy and difficult.
WHO IS MORE AT RISK? Children ages 3 months to 5 years are more at risk for croup as they have smaller windpipes.
HOW CAN I TREAT IT AT HOME?- If croup is caused by a viral illness, your child may have fevers so you can treat the fever with Tylenol or Motrin. Cold air, steamy showers, and humidifiers may help with the cough as well.
WHEN SHOULD WE SEE THE DOCTOR?- f you are concerned that your child's croup is not improving, contact your child's doctor, local emergency department, or emergency medical services (911) even if it is the middle of the night. Consider calling if your child:
-Makes a whistling sound that gets louder with each breath
-Cannot speak or make verbal sounds for lack of breath
-Seems to be struggling to catch their breath
-Has bluish lips or fingernails
-Has stridor when resting
-Drools or has extreme difficulty swallowing saliva
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Croup-Treatment.aspx