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

Around twelve months, many babies are becoming more mobile, interactive, and engaged with their surroundings.

While every child develops at their own pace, there are several common milestones parents may begin to notice during this stage.

Common twelve month milestones may include:
- Pulling to stand and cruising along furniture
- Taking first steps or beginning to walk
- Saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” with meaning
- Waving, clapping, or using simple gestures
- Following simple directions
- Showing interest in exploring objects and their environment

Remember that development can vary from child to child, and some skills may appear earlier or later than others.

If you have questions about your child’s development or milestones, bring to your child’s one year visit at Shoreline Pediatrics so progress can be reviewed together.

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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness in young children. It often starts with a fever and decreased appetite, followed by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the diaper area. The spots may look like small red bumps or blisters.

This illness is very contagious and spreads easily through saliva, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Good handwashing and keeping children home while they have fever or open sores can help reduce spread.

Most cases are mild and improve on their own within about a week. Focus is on comfort, including fluids and pain control, since mouth sores can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.

Call our office if your child is not drinking well, shows signs of dehydration, has persistent high fever, or if you have concerns about worsening symptoms.

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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to long-term complications such as chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids, and babies can be exposed at birth or early in life without obvious symptoms.

Before routine vaccination, many people developed chronic hepatitis B infections that lasted a lifetime. The introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine has significantly reduced infection rates, especially in children.

Vaccination helps protect babies from early exposure and provides long-term protection as children grow. Keeping vaccines up to date remains one of the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis B and its complications.

If you are unsure whether your child is up to date on vaccines, contact our office and we can review their immunization record with you.

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Pollen counts measure how much pollen is in the air and can help predict how likely allergy symptoms are on a given day.

Low pollen levels generally mean most people will have minimal or no symptoms. Moderate levels may cause symptoms in children who are sensitive to pollen. High pollen counts are more likely to trigger symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, or coughing in many children with allergies.

On higher pollen days, simple adjustments can help. Keeping windows closed, using air conditioning, showering after outdoor play, and changing clothes can reduce exposure.

Limiting outdoor activities during peak pollen times, especially in the morning, may also help.

If your child’s allergy symptoms are becoming more frequent or harder to manage, contact Shoreline Pediatrics so we can help.

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Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and caregivers who show up every day for their families. From the visible moments to the unseen work behind the scenes, your care, patience, and dedication make a lasting impact on your children’s lives.

Parenting comes with both joy and challenges, and the effort you put in each day matters more than perfection. Taking time to rest, recharge, and care for your own health is an important part of caring for your family.

Wishing you a day that recognizes all that you do and the difference you make.

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Eating disorders can affect teens of all backgrounds and may impact both physical and mental health. Early recognition is important for getting the right support and improving outcomes.

It is estimated that about 1 in 5 adolescents may struggle with disordered eating behaviors at some point.

Some warning signs to watch for include rapid weight changes, strict or rigid food rules, skipping meals, secrecy around eating, excessive focus on body image, frequent weighing, or increased exercise beyond normal routines.
Mood changes, withdrawal from friends or activities, and fatigue may also be present.

These behaviors are not simply a phase and often require support from a healthcare team.

If you are concerned about your teen’s eating habits, weight, or relationship with food, contact our office to discuss next steps and available resources with a provider.

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Mental health is an important part of overall health for children, teens, and parents.

Counseling is not only for times of crisis—it can also help with everyday challenges such as big emotions, behavior changes, stress, and life transitions. Talking with a trained professional provides support, tools, and strategies to help families navigate these experiences.

Normalizing conversations about mental health helps children and teens feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it.

Dr. Hubbard says mental health checkups are like oil changes for your car. We do not wait until the car breaks down to get the oil changed. We make sure we are changing the oil regularly to keep it running well. Mental health care works the same way, regular support can help prevent bigger concerns over time.

If you are interested in counseling or would like help finding local resources, contact Shoreline Pediatrics to discuss options available in your area.

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Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that give skin its color. While it is less common in children, early detection is important.

Regular skin checks can help parents notice changes over time. Keeping an eye on moles and new spots during routine care like bath time or getting dressed can make it easier to recognize anything unusual.

A few signs to watch for include moles that are changing in size, shape, or color, spots that look different from others, or any area that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal.

Trust your instincts if something looks unusual.

Sun protection also plays a key role in prevention. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting peak sun exposure can help protect your child’s skin over time.

If you notice any concerning skin changes, contact Shoreline Pediatrics to have it evaluated.

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Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children, especially during growth spurts. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repetitive stress, often from running and jumping in sports.

Children may complain of pain at the back or bottom of the heel, especially after activity. Some children may limp or avoid putting full weight on the affected foot.

Treatment usually focuses on reducing stress on the heel.

Rest from high-impact activities, wearing supportive shoes, stretching the calf muscles, and using ice after activity can help relieve symptoms. Most children improve as the growth plate matures.

If heel pain continues, causes limping, or interferes with normal activity, schedule a visit with one of our pediatric providers so the symptoms can be evaluated.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com