Pediatrics of Arlington

Pediatrics of Arlington Arlington's finest pediatric primary care, over 60 years in practice! Board-certified pediatricians We provide comprehensive care from birth through 20 years.

General pediatric practice serving Arlington, VA for over 60+ years. We have seven board-certified pediatricians, excellent nursing staff, and partnership with a neuropsychologist (Ph.D.) and registered dietitian with over 20+ years of experience!

It's one of the most common questions parents ask: "When will my baby sleep through the night?" The answer may not be wh...
08/06/2026

It's one of the most common questions parents ask: "When will my baby sleep through the night?"

The answer may not be what you expect. While some babies begin sleeping longer stretches by 4–6 months, many healthy infants continue to wake during the night well into their first year.

Part of the confusion comes from the phrase "sleeping through the night." In pediatrics, this often means sleeping 6–8 hours at a time, not necessarily from bedtime until morning.

Sleep patterns are influenced by age, feeding needs, growth spurts, illness, teething, developmental milestones, and temperament.

By around:
- 2 months: many babies sleep 3–5 hour stretches
- 4 months: some babies sleep 4–6 hour stretches
- 6 months: many babies can sleep 6–8 hours
- 9–12 months: some babies sleep 10–12 hours, while others still wake occasionally

Remember, night waking does not mean you're doing anything wrong. Infant sleep is developmental, and there is a wide range of normal.

How old was your baby when they started sleeping longer stretches?

Share your experience in the comments. Sometimes it helps new parents to see just how different every baby's sleep journey can be.

Many children go through phases of picky eating, but some school-age children have an extremely limited diet and seem to...
08/04/2026

Many children go through phases of picky eating, but some school-age children have an extremely limited diet and seem to eat the same few foods day after day.

While this can be frustrating for parents, it's important to remember that pressure, bribing, or forcing bites often backfires.

Continue offering a variety of foods alongside familiar favorites and try to keep mealtimes positive and low-pressure. It can take 10–15 or more exposures before a child is willing to try a new food. Involving children in grocery shopping, meal planning, and food preparation can also increase interest in new foods.

However, if your child's food choices are becoming increasingly limited, causing nutritional concerns, affecting growth, or leading to significant stress around meals, it may be more than typical picky eating. Some children may benefit from further evaluation for feeding difficulties, sensory concerns, anxiety, or conditions such as ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

Have questions about your school-age child’s nutrition, growth, or mealtime struggles, call our office.

The doctors at Pediatrics of Arlington can help determine whether additional support or feeding therapy may be beneficial.

Dr. Geoffrey Broadbent is a pediatrician who completed his undergraduate education at St. Bonaventure University before ...
07/24/2026

Dr. Geoffrey Broadbent is a pediatrician who completed his undergraduate education at St. Bonaventure University before earning his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He completed his pediatric residency at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, where he trained in the Primary Care Track.

Dr. Broadbent enjoys caring for children of all ages and has particular interests in mental and behavioral health as well as adolescent medicine. He values partnering with families to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and helping children thrive from infancy through young adulthood.

Outside of work, Dr. Broadbent enjoys traveling, playing sports, attending concerts, and exploring the DC area with his partner.

📅 Schedule your appointment today!
📞 703-522-7300


Arlington Now
Northern Virginia Magazine

As children get older, car safety continues to be extremely important. Many school-age children still need a booster sea...
07/21/2026

As children get older, car safety continues to be extremely important. Many school-age children still need a booster seat to help the seat belt fit correctly and provide proper protection during a crash.

A properly fitted seat belt should rest across the upper thighs—not the stomach—and the shoulder belt should lie across the chest and shoulder, not under the arm or behind the back. Children should also continue riding in the back seat as long as possible, since it is the safest place for kids under 13 years old.

Common mistakes include moving out of a booster seat too early, allowing children to sit in the front seat before they are ready, or using seat belts incorrectly for comfort.

If you are unsure whether your child still needs a booster seat or if the seat belt fits properly, contact Pediatrics of Arlington or schedule a certified car seat safety check for guidance.

Many infants can enjoy short periods of swimming or water play once families feel comfortable, but safety and supervisio...
07/15/2026

Many infants can enjoy short periods of swimming or water play once families feel comfortable, but safety and supervision are essential.

Babies can lose body heat quickly, so water that feels comfortable to adults may still be too cold for infants. If a baby begins shivering, develops blue lips, or seems uncomfortable, it is time to get out and warm up.

Swim diapers can help contain accidents but do not prevent leaks or protect against germs in the water, so frequent diaper checks are still important.

Sun protection is also important for infants. Shade, hats, lightweight protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours can help reduce sun exposure. For babies older than 6 months, sunscreen may also be used on exposed skin.

Most importantly, infants should always have close, hands-on supervision around any water, including pools, splash pads, bathtubs, and beaches.

If you have questions about water safety, sun protection, or swimming with your baby, call today for guidance before summer activities begin.

Flying with an infant can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can make travel smoother for both parents and babi...
07/06/2026

Flying with an infant can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can make travel smoother for both parents and babies.

Feeding during takeoff and landing, whether breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or using a pacifier, may help reduce ear pressure changes during the flight.

Pack more diapers, wipes, clothing changes, and feeding supplies than you think you will need in case of delays. Keeping a small bag with easy-to-access essentials can also make diaper changes and feedings less stressful while traveling.

It is also helpful to keep sleep expectations realistic. Travel days and new environments can temporarily disrupt routines, and many babies need time to adjust after travel.

During travel, continue following safe sleep recommendations whenever possible. Babies should sleep on a flat, firm surface without loose blankets, pillows, or soft items.

What is your best travel tip for flying with a baby? Share below to help other parents preparing for trips.

There are many sunscreen myths that can lead to accidental sunburns and skin damage during the summer months.Myth: Highe...
07/02/2026

There are many sunscreen myths that can lead to accidental sunburns and skin damage during the summer months.

Myth: Higher SPF means you only need to apply it once.
Fact: No sunscreen lasts all day. Sunscreen should be reapplied about every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

Myth: You cannot get sunburned on cloudy days.
Fact: UV rays still reach the skin through clouds, so sun protection is important even when it is overcast.

Myth: Spray sunscreen works instantly with a quick spray.
Fact: Spray sunscreen should be applied generously and rubbed in evenly to ensure full coverage and reduce missed areas.

Myth: One bad sunburn is no big deal.
Fact: Sunburns during childhood can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer later in life.

If you have questions about sunscreen choices, sensitive skin, or sun protection for your child, contact us for guidance.

Summer schedules can easily shift with later nights and more flexible routines, but keeping sleep on track can help chil...
06/26/2026

Summer schedules can easily shift with later nights and more flexible routines, but keeping sleep on track can help children feel their best. A consistent wake time each day is one of the most important ways to support a healthy sleep schedule, even during breaks.

Creating a screen-free wind-down routine before bed can help signal to the body that it is time to sleep.

Exposure to natural light in the morning and limiting bright light at night can also help regulate sleep patterns.

As the school year approaches, making gradual adjustments to bedtime and wake time over a few weeks can make the transition smoother.

If your child is struggling with sleep or routines feel off track, contact Pediatrics of Arlington to discuss strategies that work for your family.

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but safe driving habits are important from the very beginning. A few simple ...
06/23/2026

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but safe driving habits are important from the very beginning.

A few simple reminders can help teens stay safer on the road.

1) Put phones away while driving. Even a quick glance at a text can be dangerous.

2) Wear a seatbelt every single trip, no matter how short the drive is.

3) Limit distractions in the car, including loud music, eating, or too many passengers.

4) Follow speed limits and adjust driving for weather, traffic, and road conditions.

5) If you ever feel unsafe, tired, distracted, or uncomfortable driving, call a parent or trusted adult for help.

Safe driving skills take practice, patience, and good decision-making over time.

What driving advice would you give a new teen driver? Share below.

Let’s play a quick game of Two Truths and a Lie about pool safety:1) Floaties are a safe substitute for life jackets.2) ...
06/19/2026

Let’s play a quick game of Two Truths and a Lie about pool safety:

1) Floaties are a safe substitute for life jackets.

2) Drowning is often silent and can happen quickly.

3) A fence with a self-latching gate helps prevent unsupervised pool access.

Can you spot the false statement?

The lie is #1. Floaties are not a safe substitute for a properly fitted, Coast Guard–approved life jacket.
Drowning is often silent, which is why constant, close adult supervision is essential. Barriers like pool fences with self-latching gates help reduce risk, and swim lessons and water safety skills add another important layer of protection.

Water safety depends on multiple layers working together to keep children safe around pools and open water.

If you have questions about swim readiness, life jacket fit, or water safety for your child’s age, give our office a call. We’re happy to help your family prepare for a safer summer around the water.

Address

1635 N George Mason Drive, Ste 185
Arlington, VA
22205

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30am - 12pm

Telephone

+17035227300

Website

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