Shoreline Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized care for infants, children & teens in Muskegon MI.

If your newborn’s eye is watery or has a bit of discharge, it may be a blocked tear duct. A blocked tear duct is a common and usually harmless condition. Most clear up on their own by 12 months.

To care for the clogged tear duct, gentle pressure in the corner of the eye 2-3 times a day with a warm rag can help.

Signs of infection could include redness of the white part of your newborn’s eye or redness and swelling of the eyelid.

Unsure if your newborn has a normal clogged tear duct or if it is infected? Call Shoreline Pediatrics today to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric trained providers.

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Are you considering beginning the breastfeeding weaning process?

Weaning is a gradual process, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. You get to choose when to wean and how fast or slow you want to go.

No matter what you decide, keeping you comfortable is most important. If you develop pain due to engorgement, we recommend pumping to the point of relief, but not empty.

You can also use cold compresses (cabbage leaves if you want to smell like coleslaw 😆) between feedings, and gentle massage to reduce swelling and discomfort.

To wean, start by dropping one feeding session at a time, usually the least preferred or most inconvenient one. Replace it with a bottle or cup (depending on the age of your child), and offer extra cuddles for comfort. Over time, your body will adjust and your milk supply will decrease naturally.

Have questions about weaning or what’s best for your baby’s age? We’re here to help. Call us for guidance.

231-777-2732
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Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches, especially in young children. While it can be linked to allergies or sensitivities to foods, fabrics, or environmental triggers, not all cases of eczema are allergy-related.

To decrease the amount of eczema flares, keep the skin moisturized with fragrance-free ointments or creams (lotions not as beneficial), avoid long hot baths, and dress your child in soft, breathable fabrics. Identifying and avoiding triggers like certain soaps, foods, or allergens can help too.

Need help managing your child’s eczema? We can work with you to create a plan. Reach out to one of our nurses via the patient portal today to get the process started.

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Life gets busy and sometimes vaccines fall behind. The good news?

It’s easy to catch up utilizing the CDC’s vaccine catch up schedule. Whether you missed an annual visit or switched providers, we can help get everything back on track before school starts.

Call our office to schedule an appointment to discuss a catch up schedule for your child. If your child is up-to-date and just needs their vaccine record for school, check out their portal account to get a copy.

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A balanced lunch helps kids stay focused and energized throughout the school day. Aim to include a protein (like turkey, beans, or cheese), a fruit or vegetable, a whole grain, and a healthy fat.

Don’t forget a water bottle to stay hydrated. Small portions of treats are okay, but try to limit sugary drinks and processed snacks.

Here is a fun snack that you can include in your child’s lunchbox this school year:

No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
1) Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2) Stir until well mixed.
3) Roll into small 1-inch balls.
4) Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

These bites are packed with protein and fiber—perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks!

Allergy note: You can substitute sunflower seed butter or almond butter if needed.

Do you have a favorite healthy snack? Share with us below.

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shorelinepeds.com

Feeling nervous about the new school year is normal for both kids and parents.

Some worry is expected, but if your child experiences trouble sleeping, frequent tummy aches, or major clinginess, it could be anxiety. Start routines early, talk openly about their feelings, and validate their concerns. Small steps like visiting the school beforehand and letting them pick out fun items off their school list can make a big difference.

What’s your child most excited (or nervous) about for the new year? Or as the Shoreline Doctors call it “Nervcited” (nervous and excited at the same time).

Share below – we’d love to hear from you.

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As your child ages, the vaccines they received during infancy and toddlerhood begin to have decreased levels in their immune system so boosters are needed.

School-age kids need important boosters such as Tdap, MMR, and varicella. These vaccines prevent diseases like whooping cough and measles, which can still pose risks in school communities.

Staying up to date keeps everyone safe.

Call our office today to make sure your child is ready for the school year with all required vaccines or send us a message through the portal.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

Hepatitis A is a virus that spreads easily through food, water, or contact with contaminated surfaces and can cause liver inflammation.

The vaccine was created in 1996 and has shown great efficacy, decreasing cases of Hepatitis A in the US by 95%. The Hep A vaccine has an excellent safety profile. Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever. It is an inactivated (killed) virus vaccine, so it cannot cause Hepatitis A.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children starting at age 1. The vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart, and provides long-term protection.

Call our office today to schedule your child’s wellness visit to discuss their vaccination status.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vision screening begins in infancy as part of routine well-child visits. Starting around age 1, tools like photo screening help detect early problems. By age 4, most children should have a visual acuity test to check how well they can see at a distance. If any concerns come up, we may refer your child for a full eye exam with a pediatric eye specialist.

A few signs of vision issues could include frequent squinting, eye rubbing, or tilting the head to one side to see better.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, he may need to be seen for an eye exam. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com