Protecting a child from all hazards is impossible, but there is a lot we, as parents and their pediatric partners, can do to prevent many common injuries. The type and severity of injuries a baby may endure changes continually with age, meaning your safety efforts must constantly adjust as your baby grows. As your dedicated newborn baby pediatrician in the Greater Atlanta Area, we emphasize that proper car safety is one of the most vital layers of protection we provide for our patients in Alpharetta and Cumming.

Ensuring Proper Car Seat Installation is Key

A child should always be properly secured in a car seat when riding in a vehicle, without exception. To assist our patients in Roswell and Milton, we encourage checking the installation using local experts. The Georgia Child and Infant Car Seat Safety Inspection Stations have been set up throughout Georgia to help ensure your car seat is correctly installed. We urge all parents to visit their official website for a complete list of up-to-date car seat regulations.

Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Car

For families in Johns Creek and the surrounding areas, we cannot overstate the danger of leaving a baby alone in a car for any reason. Even on seemingly mild days, temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly to dangerous, even lethal, levels for a child. This is a critical safety point that we discuss during our newborn checkups to ensure all parents understand the risk.

Welcoming a newborn baby to the family is an exciting time filled with joy and new beginnings. As your trusted newborn baby pediatrician serving the Alpharetta, Roswell, and Cumming communities, our primary focus is ensuring your child has the healthiest start possible. Before you even leave the hospital, your baby will undergo several important, standard health checks. These mandatory hospital screenings are designed to identify potential health issues early, allowing us the best chance for immediate and effective treatment to prevent long-term complications.

The Importance of the Newborn Hearing Screening

Your baby receives a non-invasive newborn hearing screen prior to leaving the hospital. This early detection is vital because a baby with an unknown hearing problem may not be able to develop crucial language and communication skills efficiently. If your baby does not "pass" the initial screening, we will coordinate a referral for further, more comprehensive testing after you are home. This early follow-up is part of the comprehensive care we provide for families across Milton and Johns Creek.

What the Metabolic Screening Test Covers

The required heel prick test, sometimes referred to as PKU, is a single blood collection used to screen for up to 37 different metabolic conditions, as mandated by the state of Georgia. This comprehensive test includes screening for conditions like Cystic Fibrosis, Hypothyroidism, Sickle Cell, and various Amino Acid disorders. Diagnosing these diseases early allows for proper treatment, which can avoid or greatly reduce serious problems such as seizures and mental retardation, giving parents in the Greater Atlanta Area peace of mind.

We understand that a sick baby or child is stressful, and when you call our office, we want to help you as quickly and effectively as possible. Being prepared with certain information can significantly speed up the conversation and ensure our pediatrician gives you the most accurate advice and care. If your child exhibits symptoms of illness, please consider gathering the following details prior to calling us. Our goal is to provide timely and compassionate support to all families in the Greater Atlanta Area.

Tracking Symptoms and When They Began

Prior to your call, be ready to discuss what seems to be wrong, including all accompanying symptoms and a clear timeline of when these ailments or concerns started. A fever that started at 3 PM is different than one that began yesterday morning. This detailed preparation helps your pediatrician in Alpharetta quickly assess the situation.

Get an Accurate Temperature Reading

Please take an up-to-date temperature reading. Remember to use the correct method for your child’s age: rectal for newborns and infants; under the arm for toddlers; and under the arm or in the mouth for older kids. This crucial piece of information is vital to determining the appropriate next steps for care and for our patients in Cumming.

We know that welcoming a newborn is a truly joyous—and often overwhelming—experience. As local pediatric experts in the Greater Atlanta area, we are here to support your journey. Your input about trusting your instincts is spot-on; you are the one who will know your baby best. Our goal is to partner with you, offering professional guidance and reassurance to help those initial worries disappear as you confidently provide the proper care, warmth, and attention your little one needs to thrive.

Deciphering the Language of Cries and Fusses

All babies will sneeze, yawn, hiccup, cough, pass gas, and cry—these are perfectly normal, though sometimes confusing, behaviors. Hiccups are simply tiny muscle spasms, and a fuss or cry is their main way of communicating a need, whether they are tired, wet, hungry, too hot, or simply want to be held close. We encourage you to be patient; gradually, you will learn to understand precisely what your baby means when they vocalize.

Prioritizing a Healthy, Safe Sleep Environment

A safe sleep environment is paramount to your baby’s health. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines by recommending that your baby always sleep on their back in an uncluttered crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. This means keeping the sleeping area free of loose blankets, pillows, bumpers, and stuffed animals. A safe space allows everyone in the family to rest easier.

We understand that the health of your newborn is your top priority, and we know that the thought of RSV can be concerning for new parents. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can be particularly serious for infants. It is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in newborns in the U.S. Understanding the symptoms, and more importantly, the prevention options available, can provide you with peace of mind.

Recognizing the Symptoms of RSV in Babies

RSV symptoms can often mimic a typical cold at first. We see common signs like a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and coughing. However, what sets RSV apart is the worsening of these symptoms around days three to five, which can lead to more serious issues like wheezing and feeding difficulties. For the youngest babies, and those with chronic health conditions, these symptoms can escalate quickly and require medical intervention.

Understanding When Hospitalization is Needed

While most cases of RSV are mild, we want you to know when to seek more advanced care. If your baby is struggling to breathe, showing signs of dehydration, or has a high fever, hospitalization may be necessary. In a hospital setting, care is supportive and includes providing intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, supplemental oxygen to assist with breathing, and, in severe cases, a ventilator. The best approach is always prevention.

We know how much you want to protect your new baby, and we believe a critical first step in their health journey is understanding the importance of vaccinations. During the first year, a baby's immune system is still developing, making them especially vulnerable to serious illnesses. Timely vaccinations are a safe and effective way to build their immunity and protect them from preventable diseases, offering a strong foundation for their lifelong health.

The Science Behind Infant Immunity

When we administer a vaccine, we are introducing a weakened or inactive part of a specific germ. This safe exposure helps your baby’s immune system learn to recognize and fight off the actual disease without causing illness. The immune system then creates antibodies and a "memory" of the germ, so if they are exposed in the future, their body is prepared to fight it off quickly and effectively.

Creating a Protective Community

Vaccinations don't just protect your child; they also help protect the community around them. This concept, known as "herd immunity," is crucial for protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or people with compromised immune systems. When a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, it reduces the spread of diseases, creating a shield that keeps everyone safer.

What are the signs of strep throat in children of all ages? This common bacterial infection can present differently in various age groups, and knowing what to look for is crucial for your child's health. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications, ensuring your child can get back to their active, happy self. We're here to help you understand the signs and symptoms.

Strep Throat Signs in Younger Children

For our youngest patients—those less than three years old—strep throat can be tricky to identify. Unlike older children, they may not be able to articulate that their throat hurts. Instead, we look for a combination of symptoms like a prolonged runny nose, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and a persistent fever. If you notice these signs, we recommend scheduling an appointment for testing to get the correct diagnosis.

Symptoms to Watch for in Older Children

In older children, strep throat often presents more classically. We look for a sore throat, swollen tonsils, and enlarged lymph nodes. You may also notice white spots or patches on the tonsils. A distinctive "sandpaper-like" rash can appear on the body, which is a sign of scarlet fever, a related condition. It's important to note that a cough, runny nose, or eye discharge are typically not associated with strep throat in older children.