Shoreline Pediatrics

08/26/2026

If your baby was in the breech position during the third trimester or at delivery, your pediatrician may recommend a hip ultrasound even if the newborn exam is completely normal.

That's because breech babies have a higher risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly.
A hip ultrasound is a safe, painless imaging study that allows us to look at how the hip joint is forming.

Detecting hip dysplasia early is important because treatment is often simpler and more effective when started during infancy. Many babies who undergo screening have completely normal results, but the ultrasound helps us identify the few who may need additional monitoring or treatment.

This recommendation applies whether your baby was delivered vaginally or by C-section—the risk is related to the baby's position, not the type of delivery.

Was your baby breech? Chat with one of our pediatric providers at your baby’s newborn visit about the ultrasound. The ultrasound will be scheduled once your baby is 6-8 weeks old.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

08/24/2026

Bringing home a new baby is exciting, and family and friends are often eager to visit.

While those visits can be special, it's important to remember that newborns have immature immune systems and are more vulnerable to infections during the first few months of life.

It's okay to set boundaries that help keep your baby healthy. Consider asking visitors to wash their hands before holding the baby, postpone visits if they're feeling sick, avoid kissing the baby's face or hands, and stay up to date on recommended vaccines such as Tdap and flu. Limiting large gatherings during the newborn period may also help reduce exposure to illness.

Remember, setting boundaries isn't rude, it's part of protecting your baby.

What boundary was most important to your family when welcoming a new baby? Share your thoughts or advice in the comments for other new parents!

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

08/21/2026

One of the best ways to help protect a newborn from whooping cough (pertussis) is through vaccination.

The Tdap vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, to allow protective antibodies to pass from mom to baby before birth. These antibodies help protect infants during the first few months of life, when they are most vulnerable and too young to be fully vaccinated themselves.

It's also important for family members and caregivers who will be around the baby to be up to date on their Tdap vaccine. This strategy, known as "cocooning," helps create a circle of protection around newborns by reducing their exposure to pertussis.

Whooping cough can cause serious illness in young infants, including difficulty breathing, hospitalization, and in some cases, death.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe disease.

Expecting a baby? Talk with your OB provider about receiving your Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, and encourage family members and caregivers to check that their vaccines are up to date before the baby arrives.

Also, call us to schedule a meet and greet to see if our office is a good fit for your growing family.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

08/19/2026

Summer schedules can be fun, but late nights and sleeping in can make the first weeks of school a challenge.

The good news?

A gradual sleep reset can help make the transition smoother for the whole family.

About 2 weeks before school starts, begin moving bedtime and wake-up time earlier by 10–15 minutes every few days until your child is waking up at their school-year schedule.

Consistent wake times are often more important than bedtime when it comes to resetting the body's internal clock.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends:
- Preschoolers (3–5 years): 10–13 hours
- School-age children (6–12 years): 9–12 hours
- Teenagers (13–18 years): 8–10 hours

A well-rested child is more likely to have better attention, mood, learning, and behavior in the classroom.

If your child struggles with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up for school, bring it up at their next visit. The providers at Shoreline Pediatrics are here to assist.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

08/18/2026

We continue to protect your children the same way we always have, following the AAP's vaccination schedule.

MDHHS is encouraging residents to get up to date on recommended vaccines before the start of the school year, as Michigan continues to follow evidence-based vaccine guidance outlined in the Standing Recommendation.

MDHHS continually reviews evidence regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness, and there is no new data to support changes to the vaccine schedule at this time. Combination vaccines, including the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, have a long history of safety and effectiveness and can reduce the number of injections that children need.

With Michigan children set to return to school over the next few weeks, and U.S. measles cases reaching a 35-year high while Michigan records increases in measles, whooping cough and other vaccine-preventable diseases, now is the time for parents and caregivers to make sure that their children are up to date on vaccinations.

Get the details in the MDHHS newsroom: https://bit.ly/3S0tstX.

08/17/2026

Before the development of modern vaccines, meningitis was one of the most feared childhood illnesses.

Bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord, could cause severe complications including hearing loss, brain injury, developmental delays, limb loss, and even death. Families often had little warning, as children could become critically ill within hours.

Fortunately, vaccines have dramatically changed the story. Immunizations against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal disease, and meningococcal disease have led to a significant decrease in cases of bacterial meningitis in the United States.

Many parents have never seen a child with bacterial meningitis because vaccines have been so successful. That's one of public health's greatest success stories and a reminder of why staying up to date on vaccines matters.

If you're unsure whether your child is up to date on vaccines, give our office a call. We can review their immunization record and help ensure they have the protection they need.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

08/14/2026

Every child develops at their own pace, but milestones help us track how children are growing and learning over time.

While a delay doesn't always mean there is a problem, recognizing concerns early can help children access support and services when they need them most.

Some signs that may warrant a conversation with your pediatrician include:
- Not smiling by 2 months
- Not sitting independently by 9 months
- Not babbling by 9 months
- Not using single words by 15 months
- Not walking by 18 months
- Loss of previously acquired skills at any age
- Limited eye contact or social interaction
- Difficulty understanding simple directions

Remember, milestones are guidelines, not deadlines. Some children simply develop at a different pace. However, when concerns arise, early intervention can make a significant difference in a child's long-term development.

One of the reasons well visits are so important is that developmental screening is built into routine pediatric care. These screenings help identify concerns early and ensure children receive the support they need as soon as possible.

If you've ever thought, "Something just seems different," trust your instincts and give Shoreline Pediatrics a call. We can evaluate your child's development and, if needed, connect your family with early intervention services and specialists.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

08/12/2026

Food insecurity affects many families and can happen to anyone. Rising food costs, unexpected expenses, job changes, or medical bills can make it difficult to keep healthy food on the table. If you're struggling, please know that you are not alone, and resources are available to help.

Local organizations, food pantries, school meal programs, and community assistance programs can provide support for families in need. Many children may also qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school, even if their family has never used assistance programs before.

As your child's healthcare team, we understand that access to nutritious food is an important part of overall health and development.

If your family is having difficulty accessing food, please let Shoreline Pediatrics know. We can help connect you with local resources, food assistance programs, and community organizations that may be able to help.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

08/10/2026

When your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know where to go for care.
The good news?

Many childhood illnesses can be safely managed by your pediatrician, while some symptoms require immediate emergency care.

When you're not sure, start by calling your pediatrician. We know your child's medical history and can often help determine the most appropriate place for care, potentially saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Save our office number in your phone today. We offer after-hours access through our main office number, so help is available even when the office is closed. We can help guide your decision if your child needs to be seen in the ER or can wait to be seen in our office.

Remember, for emergencies such as choking, changes in level of consciousness, or other life threatening problems, call 911 or seek immediate ER care.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

08/07/2026

Many children with special healthcare needs may require diapers, pull-ups, or other continence supplies beyond the toddler years. Conditions that affect mobility, development, muscle control, or toileting skills can make these supplies medically necessary, not simply a matter of age or readiness.

The good news is that some insurance plans, including many Medicaid programs, may help cover the cost of diapers and continence supplies when certain medical criteria are met. Your child's healthcare team can help provide the documentation needed to determine eligibility.

No family should feel embarrassed about needing support. Every child develops differently, and the goal is to provide the tools they need to stay healthy, comfortable, and engaged in daily life.

If your child has special healthcare needs and requires diapers or continence supplies, call our office or ask at your child’s wellness visit.

We can help determine what documentation may be needed and assist with completing medical necessity forms when appropriate.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com