The Pediatric Specialists Medical Group

04/23/2026

Iron is essential for your infant's growth and development. That is why all infant formulas are fortified with iron, and why it is recommended to supplement exclusively breastfed infants with iron drops starting at 4 months of age. Once your infant is 6 months of age you can start introducing iron-rich foods. This link gives great ideas for baby-friendly iron-rich foods and other foods to pair them with to increase the iron absorption. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron better so combining high iron foods or iron supplements with a vitamin C rich food will help the iron be more effective. Because cow's milk, goat's milk, and soy milk can block iron absorption, it is recommended to wait until after 12 months of age to introduce these drinks. We routinely will evaluate your child's iron level at their 9-month well child check.

Iron is a crucial micronutrient for baby's development. Make sure your baby is getting enough iron by checking out our list of the best high-iron foods for babies and toddlers.

04/16/2026

We talk a lot about limiting screen time here, but what’s more important than limiting to a specific time limit is to ensure that screen exposure does not interfere with doing better activities, especially activities that are creative, physical, or social.

Something interesting to consider is that schools that have significantly reduced screens as part of how they educate have generally seen higher academic performance in their students. Many of our patients who have traded screen time for other activities report being happier and sleeping better.

24 likes, 2 comments. "Why limiting kids' screen time isn't enough: Study | Morning in America"

04/09/2026

We’re in the heart of allergy season which means we’re seeing a lot of kids with runny noses and itchy eyes. This article gives good information about allergen avoidance and treatment of symptoms in children.

Does your child have seasonal allergies? Learn tips to minimize exposure to allergy triggers and how to keep your child comfortable during allergy season. For many kids, seasonal allergies are the pits. They can be unpleasant and difficult to manage. If this is your child, they are not alone. An est...

04/05/2026

Happy Easter to all of our patients who celebrate!

04/02/2026

There are few things more devastating than a parent losing their infant to unexplained death. 3000 infants die every year from SIDS or from what are often later found to be suffocation or accidental strangulation. Providing a safe sleep environment including babies sleeping on their backs, in their own crib or bassinet, on a firm flat surface, free from soft padded or cushioned objects. This article gives some good information regarding risk factors for SIDS and tips for prevention.

The American Academy of Pediatrics addresses common questions and concerns parents and caregivers may have about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

03/26/2026

We are always encouraging are patient families to live healthy, active lives. It sounds simple to say if you eat right, sleep right, exercise, and stay social that you will live a healthy life, but we all understand that those things are much easier said than done. This article provides some simple, practical tips in moving your family’s health in the right direction.

Parents often feel overwhelmed by the flood of advice they get about their children's health. They know first-hand the challenges of raising healthy, active children and teens who are mentally and physically healthy. Too often, the places they live make this even more difficult. With a newly updated...

03/19/2026

This camel seems quite proud! Dr. Pham congratulated her for breastfeeding her babies. Did you know camels generally nurse their babies for 10-18 months and some will continue until 2 years of age? Way to go camels!

Dr. Pham is an internationally certified lactation consultant, so she and our NP Amanda (who is also certified) are great resources for our patient moms experiencing challenges with breastfeeding.

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patty’s Day!

02/26/2026

Parents are frequently concerned about their child’s ear wax and want to know how to get rid of it. The good new is that you don’t need to nor should you get rid of ear wax. Ear wax is antiseptic, meaning it prevents infection, moisturizes the ear, and protects the ear drum from debris that has entered the ear canal. Some people will get ear wax impactions from time to time, but for most of us, if we’re hearing okay and are not having discomfort, we should let our wax be. This article has great information about ear wax if you want a more in-depth explanation.

Earwax, or cerumen, is a waxy substance found in your ears, but what does it do? Find out how earwax helps protect your ears from bacteria and other germs.

02/19/2026

Great information on why the back is best for sleeping infants.

When it comes to safe sleep practices, one fear we hear from parents is that if they put their baby on their back, they could choke if they spit up. It’s a scary thought, but understanding newborn physiology helps us see that babies are actually safer on their backs.

“When a baby is on their back, the windpipe (trachea) sits above the esophagus (the feeding tube),” explains WashU Medicine neonatologist Bryanne Colvin, MD. “If they spit up, gravity helps that fluid stay in the feeding tube or go back into the stomach, rather than pooling near the airway. On their stomach, that anatomy is reversed. When you combine this anatomical 'safety valve' with a baby's natural gag reflex, their body is remarkably well-equipped to keep their airway clear.”

While their anatomy provides protection, you can help your baby stay comfortable and manage spit-up with these safe habits:

The 20-Minute Rule: Hold your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after a feeding.

Burp Often: Take time to burp during and after feedings to reduce gas.

Stay Flat: Never use wedges or tilt the mattress. Propping a baby up can cause them to slide down, potentially compromising their breathing.

“It is completely natural to want to change your baby’s position when they seem uncomfortable,” says Dr. Colvin. “But you should feel confident that your baby's body is designed to stay safe on its back.”

02/19/2026

Ramadan Mubarak to all our patients who observe!

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day!