cdffa9a51f57a26b2

Bath Time 101: Safe & Soothing Tips for New Parents

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:08:47 GMT

Bath time can be one of the sweetest bonding moments in early parenthood—but for new parents, it can also feel a little nerve-wracking. Slippery babies, water temperature worries, and endless “am I doing this right?” thoughts are totally normal. The good news? With a few simple tips, bath time can become a calm, comforting part of your infant's care routine.

When to Start Bathing Your Baby

In the first weeks of life, sponge baths are usually recommended until the umbilical cord stump falls off and heals. Once your pediatrician gives the green light, you can transition to tub baths. Remember, babies don’t need daily baths—2–3 times a week is plenty to keep them clean without drying out their delicate skin.

Create a Safe Bath Setup

Safety always comes first in infant care, especially around water. Before you start:

Gather everything you need (towel, soap, clean diaper, clothes) within arm’s reach
Use a baby bathtub or sink insert designed for infants
Never leave your baby unattended, even for a second

Keeping one hand on your baby at all times helps prevent slips and gives them a sense of security.

Get the Water Temperature Just Right

Babies are sensitive to temperature changes. Fill the tub with just 2–3 inches of water and aim for warm—not hot—water. A good rule of thumb is around 100°F, or test it with your wrist or elbow. If it feels comfortably warm to you, it’s likely perfect for your baby.

Choose Gentle, Baby-Safe Products

Less is more when it comes to infant care products. Use mild, fragrance-free baby soap and shampoo, and avoid scrubbing. A soft washcloth and gentle strokes are all you need to cleanse their skin while protecting their natural moisture barrier.

Keep Bath Time Calm & Comforting

Talk softly, sing, or smile to help your baby feel relaxed. Some babies love the water right away; others need time to adjust. Keep baths short—5 to 10 minutes is ideal—so your baby stays warm and comfortable.

After the Bath: Cozy & Calm

Wrap your baby in a soft towel immediately after bath time and gently pat them dry. Pay extra attention to skin folds to prevent moisture buildup. This is a great time for a gentle baby massage with a pediatrician-approved moisturizer, reinforcing bath time as a soothing part of your infant care routine.

Compassionate Infant Care You Can Trust

Every parent learns through experience, and no one gets it perfect on day one. With patience and practice, bath time will soon feel less like a challenge and more like a cherished daily ritual.

If at any point you feel your baby might need a check-up, depend on the compassionate team at Summit Pediatrics. Based in Niagara Falls and Lewiston, we’re honored to offer exceptional infant care to families in and around the Buffalo, Cambria, Grand Island, Lockport, North Tonawanda, Pendleton, Ransomville, Wheatfield, Wilson, and Youngstown, NY communities. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, reach out to our team today!

What to Expect During Your Prenatal Visits

Wed, 14 May 2025 16:20:57 GMT

Welcoming a new life into the world is an exciting and life-changing experience. For expectant parents, prenatal visits are a crucial step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and smooth transition into parenthood. At Summit Pediatrics, we are committed to helping expectant families prepare for this special chapter through compassionate care and expert guidance.

But what exactly happens during prenatal visits, and why are they so important? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Prenatal Visits?

Prenatal visits are regular check-ups during pregnancy, designed to monitor the health of the mother and baby. These appointments ensure any potential risks or complications are addressed early on, providing peace of mind for expectant parents. They also offer valuable opportunities to ask questions, learn about infant care , and prepare for a safe and healthy delivery. These visits also allow parents to become familiar with a pediatrician, as well as nurses and office staff, so you can begin to build trust and comfort with those who will be caring for your child after birth.

Why Are Prenatal Visits Important?

The main benefits of prenatal visits with a pediatrician are to develop familiarity and build comfort with the pediatrician who will be caring for your child after birth and, potentially, for years to come. Prenatal visits are a way to build the relationship between the pediatrician and parents of a child on the way. Prenatal visits are also a great way for expectant parents to learn about the pediatric services offered by a particular pediatric doctor. A pediatrician would be happy to answer questions about the pediatric care you can expect in his or her practice. If you are expecting a child, you are more than welcome to schedule a prenatal visit at Summit Pediatrics to get to know your new pediatrician, while the pediatrician becomes familiar with you as well. You can also begin developing a plan for newborn care and general pediatric care later on after your baby is born.

Partner with Summit Pediatrics for Your Prenatal Care

Prenatal visits aren't just about monitoring health; they’re about building confidence, answering questions, and preparing you for the incredible experience of parenthood. At Summit Pediatrics, we treat every family with care and compassion, ensuring you feel supported from your first visit to your baby’s first smile.

Are you ready to take the next step in your pregnancy care? Schedule your first prenatal visit with Summit Pediatrics today and experience the difference of personalized, family-focused care. Contact us to learn more about our pediatric care treatments and become familiar with our pediatric doctor. We welcome expectant parents in Niagara Falls, NY ; Lewiston, NY ; and all over Western New York to trust us for a prenatal visit.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Pediatric Doctor

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:15:31 GMT

Choosing a pediatric doctor is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child's health and well-being. Pediatric doctors specialize in the physical, mental, and emotional health of children from birth through adolescence. Their expertise is indispensable in providing specialized care, monitoring growth and development, and addressing any health concerns unique to children. Ensuring the right pediatric doctor is chosen can set the foundation for your child's long-term health.

Why the Right Pediatric Doctor Matters

Expertise in Child-Specific Needs

Unlike general practitioners, pediatric doctors possess in-depth knowledge of health conditions and developmental milestones specific to children. They have specialized training in diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses, both common and complex, ensuring your child receives the best possible care.

Building Trust & Comfort

A pediatric doctor isn’t just a doctor; they’re a partner in your child’s care. The right pediatrician builds a sense of trust and comfort for both you and your child. A welcoming and approachable pediatric doctor can ease the anxiety children often feel during medical visits, making healthcare experiences more positive.

Proactive Guidance on Growth & Development

Children grow quickly, and their developmental needs evolve. A skilled pediatric doctor closely monitors physical milestones, behavioral health, and cognitive growth, offering proactive advice and interventions when necessary.

Timely Diagnosis & Treatment

Choosing a pediatric doctor with a proven record of attention to detail can lead to earlier detection of potential health concerns. Whether it’s nutritional deficiencies, developmental delays, or more serious medical issues, early diagnosis often enables better outcomes.

Resource for Parental Support

Your pediatric doctor is not just there for your child’s medical needs; they’re also an invaluable resource for you as a parent. From offering advice on sleep schedules and feeding practices to discussing behavioral challenges, the right pediatrician can provide expert guidance every step of the way.

How to Find the Right Pediatric Doctor

Finding the right pediatric doctor begins with careful evaluation. Here are several steps to help you make the best choice:

1. Check Their Credentials

Ensure the pediatric doctor is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). This certification guarantees that they have met rigorous education and training requirements specific to pediatrics.

2. Ask for Recommendations

Talk to friends, family members, or other parents in your community. Personal recommendations often shed light on qualities like bedside manner and office policies that you might not find in online profiles alone.

3. Consider Accessibility

Location matters, especially when it comes to regular check-ups or emergencies. Choose a pediatric doctor conveniently located to your home or workplace. Flexible office hours are another factor to consider, particularly for working parents.

4. Meet the Doctor

Before making your choice, schedule a preliminary consultation. Ask about their approach to preventive care, how they handle emergencies, and their philosophy on parenting and health topics. This meeting will help you assess whether their values align with yours.

4. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts. Your child’s comfort and your level of trust in the pediatric doctor should play a significant role in your decision-making process.

Make an Informed Choice for Your Child

Take the first step toward safeguarding your child's health today by carefully evaluating and selecting a pediatric doctor you trust at Summit Pediatrics. We understand that your child deserves nothing less than quality care, meaning we will do our best to provide that. For years, our pediatric doctors have proudly served patients throughout Wheatfield, Lewiston, Niagara Falls, Lockport, North Tonawanda, Grand Island, Ransomville, Youngstown, Pendleton, Wilson, Cambria, Buffalo, NY and the nearby communities. Contact our office to book an appointment for your child. We look forward to meeting you!

Infant Care Tips for New Parents

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:05:33 GMT

1. Feeding Your Newborn

Proper nutrition is foundational to your baby’s growth and development. Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, here are some guidelines to help ensure your baby gets the nourishment they need.

Breastfeeding: Newborns typically need to breastfeed every 2-3 hours. Watch for hunger cues such as sucking motions, restlessness, or crying. Don’t worry if nursing takes a bit of time to establish; many parents need some practice, and lactation consultants can provide excellent support if challenges arise.

Formula Feeding : If you’re formula feeding, ensure you follow your pediatrician’s recommendations regarding the type and amount to give. Clean and sterilize bottles to maintain hygiene and follow a regular feeding schedule.

Feeding Patterns: Remember that every baby is different when it comes to feeding patterns. If you’re unsure about how much or how often your baby should eat, your pediatric doctor can provide guidance tailored to your child’s needs.

2. Establishing a Sleep Routine

Sleep is crucial for your infant’s health and your own well-being. While your newborn’s sleep patterns may seem unpredictable at first, a few tips can help promote restful sleep for everyone.

Keep Your Baby Safe: Follow the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Always place your baby on their back to sleep, use a firm mattress, and keep the sleep area free of loose blankets or toys.

Stick to a Calm Routine: Create a calming bedtime routine, such as gentle rocking, a warm bath, or soft lullabies.

Pay Attention: Watch for signs of tiredness, like rubbing eyes or yawning, and try to put your baby down for naps or bedtime before they become overtired.

Stay Patient: Patience is key, as newborns need time to develop consistent sleep habits. With time, you’ll find a rhythm that works best for your family.

3. Maintaining Hygiene

Keeping your baby clean and healthy is an important part of their care. Here are basics for infant hygiene you can incorporate into your daily routine to ensure comfort and good health:

Baths: Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, give your newborn sponge baths. Afterward, you can transition to a baby tub. Use mild, baby-safe soap, and bathe your infant 2-3 times a week unless they get messy from spit-ups or diaper accidents.

Diaper Changes: Check your baby’s diaper regularly to prevent rashes and irritation. Clean their skin gently with wipes or a damp cloth and use diaper cream as needed.

Nail Care : Trim your baby’s nails as they begin to grow to prevent accidental scratches. Use baby nail clippers or a file for safety.

4. Schedule Regular Checkups

Stay on top of your infant's health with regular visits to your pediatrician. These are absolutely critical during your baby's first year. These checkups allow your doctor to monitor developmental milestones, provide vaccinations, and address any concerns you may have.

Your Child's Doctor is Here for You

New parents will often have plenty of questions about infant care and need guidance about development changes with their newborn. Trust your pediatric doctor for the confidence and support you need to take care of your infant. Summit Pediatrics in Niagara F alls, NY is here to help you with infant care. Being a new parent is a rewarding but sometimes challenging experience. Trust a child doctor like Summit Pediatrics to provide top-notch pediatric care. We are dedicated to keeping little ones safe, healthy, and thriving.

If you have questions about caring for your baby or need to schedule a visit, don’t hesitate to contact us . Together, we can ensure your child’s first year is filled with good health and joyful moments.

Tips to Keep Your Baby Healthy this Holiday Season

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:32:05 GMT

1. Keeping Your Baby Healthy During Seasonal Illnesses

Unfortunately, the holiday season coincides with the peak of cold, flu, and RSV season. This makes babies and young children especially vulnerable due to their developing immune systems. Check out some tips to reduce seasonal illnesses below.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing is a simple but effective way to prevent germs from spreading. Encourage household members and visitors to clean their hands before holding or playing with your baby. When you’re out of the house, keep hand sanitizer within reach.

Limit Contact with Sick People: Don’t be afraid to set boundaries—ask friends or family members who are unwell to postpone their visits. As a parent, your baby’s health is a priority. While nobody wants to be the one to switch up holiday plans, your family and friends will understand and respect the request.

Disinfect Surfaces Regularly: Clean frequently touched areas like toys, doorknobs, and countertops to reduce germs in your home.

2. Handling Holiday Gatherings with a Baby

Holiday events are exciting but can feel overwhelming for both parents and babies. These tips can help to make family gatherings go smoother:

Designate a Calm Area: Loud and busy environments can overstimulate babies. Set aside a quiet space where you can retreat to soothe, feed, or lay your baby down for a nap.

Stick to Your Routine: While it’s important to be flexible, especially around the holidays, try to keep feeding and sleep schedules consistent to avoid excessive fussiness or complete meltdowns.

Check for Safety: If visiting family, look out for hazards like small decorations, exposed outlets, or wobbly furniture. It’s important to keep a close eye on your baby as they explore.

Bring the Essentials: Pack necessities like diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and comfort items to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

3. Dressing Your Baby for Cold Weather

Winter temperatures require extra care to keep your baby warm and comfortable, whether you’re indoors or outside.

Dress in Layers: Layering your baby’s clothing will help to regulate their temperature. Cotton is a breathable fabric, making it the perfect base layer. Next, add a sweater or fleece. Finally, top it all off with a warm coat or snowsuit depending on your plans. Don’t forget to grab hats, mittens, and socks to keep their extremities warm.

Car Seat Safety: Avoid putting on a thick coat while your baby is in their car seat, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the harness. For long car rides, dress the baby in lighter layers and add a blanket or car seat cover once they’re all buckled in.

Moisturize Their Skin: Your baby’s skin is delicate, meaning cold air and indoor heating can easily dry it out. Using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer daily will ensure their skin stays hydrated.

4. Tips for Holiday Travel with a Baby

Holiday travel can feel challenging, but proper preparation is key to a smooth journey.

Pack Thoughtfully: Create a checklist of essentials like diapers, wipes, clothing, and any special items your baby might need, such as a nasal aspirator during cold season.

Travel During Naps: Plan your trip around your baby’s nap schedule for a calmer journey. If flying, feed your baby during takeoff and landing to reduce ear discomfort.

Prepare a Travel Kit: Keep a small bag with essentials such as extra clothing, pacifiers, and comfort items—easily accessible to defuse any unexpected situations.

Your baby’s first holiday season is an exciting time. While it can be easy to get caught up in achieving the perfect experience, it’s important to focus on creating meaningful moments. At the end of the day, your baby isn’t going to remember the decorations or fancy dinner, but they will feel all of the love and joy in the air.

Contact Us for Quality Pediatric Care this Holiday Season

As always, if you’re in need of pediatric care before or after your holiday travels, rely on Summit Pediatrics. Our team provides treatment for all types of seasonal issues including stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, coughing, swollen lymph nodes, and much more. No matter your baby’s symptoms, we’re equipped with the proper tools to find the root of the problem and help them achieve relief.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact one of our locations to set up an appointment with one of our pediatric doctors or nurse practitioners. While we’re located in Niagara Falls and Lewiston, we’re proud to provide top-quality pediatric care to residents throughout Buffalo, Cambria, Grand Island, Lockport, North Tonawanda, Pendleton, Ransomville, Wheatfield, Wilson, and Youngstown, NY.

Milestones Your Pediatric Care Provider Will Be Asking About During Year One

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:56:38 GMT

Month to Month Milestones During the First Year of Life

There are so many exciting milestones that babies will reach in the first year of life. From holding their head up to learning to walk, the changes you will witness are astonishing. Here are some milestones that your pediatric care provider will be asking about during your baby’s first year of life.

0 to 3 Months:

The newborn phase of infancy is a period where a baby sets the foundation for the upcoming months. Your baby will learn to hold their head up by having tummy time regularly. Tummy time is important to ensure your baby gets strong neck muscles to hit other milestones in the future. Between 0 to 3 months your baby will also learn how to grasp things, start smiling, start to coo, and begin following people or objects with their eyes.

4 to 6 Months:

The 4 to 6-month period is typically the last stage of babies not crawling, but they can still move , so avoid leaving them unattended on beds. Your baby will start rolling and sitting up, which will help them grow strong enough to crawl. Your baby will also begin recognizing faces they see often and laughing regularly. It is also common for babies to talk more frequently , and start being more interested in exploring a variety of new objects between 4 and 6 months old. Your pediatric care provider will ask you if your baby is rolling and starting to sit up at doctor appointments as well.

7 to 9 Months:

Babies will make some major moves when it comes to physical development between 7 and 9 months old. During this stage babies will begin crawling or sometimes just pulling themselves up to walk with support. It is not a concern to most pediatric care providers when a baby skips crawling if they are progressing in development and getting stronger. It is common for babies to start copying sounds that you make and start getting fussy around unfamiliar people. Your baby will also learn to transfer objects from one hand to another and begin understanding object permanenc e during this stage. Object permanence is when a baby can recognize that objects, people, or situations continue to exist even when they are not directly visible, heard, or touched.

10 to 12 Months:

From 10 to 12 months, your baby will begin to learn some fundamental skills such as walking and feeding themselves. If your baby seems ready, you can introduce a spoon so they can start feeding themselves with something other than their hands. By 10 to 12 months old, pediatri c care providers like to see babies responding to their names, interacting with other babies or adults, and starting to respond to basic phrases or commands. As far as physical development, babies typically start walking along furniture or walking themselves during this stage.

Reasons to Vaccinate Your Child and Why It Matters

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 18:03:01 GMT

Why You Should Follow the Infant Care Vaccination Schedule Provided by Your Pediatrician

There is a vaccination schedule that pediatricians suggest you follow when you have a baby. However, vaccinations are not a requirement when it comes to infant care, so many people decide not to vaccinate their babies. But here are a few reasons why you should listen to your pediatrician and vaccinate your children.

Immunizations could save your child's life: The vaccination schedule that your pediatrician suggests starting at birth will give your baby more protection against infectious diseases that they can catch from other people. Not vaccinating your child leaves them more susceptible to catching sicknesses that could be life-threatening since they are so little.

Vaccinations are safe and effective: All vaccinations must go through several scientists and medical professionals before being approved to be administered to infants and young children. The vaccination evaluation process is very thorough to make sure that the vaccinations will not negatively affect the health of any child that receives them. If you have any questions about the standard infant care vaccination schedule, feel free to ask our pediatricians at Summit Pediatrics.

Immunization protects others: Not only will the vaccinations protect your baby or young child, but they will also prevent your child from spreading infectious diseases to any elderly or immune-compromised people they encounter. This is especially important because some immune compromised, sick, or elderly people are unable to get vaccinated because their bodies are too weak.

Immunizations can save your family time and money: The hospital bills, when a child gets sick with a life-threatening illness like Polio, Measles, Pertussis, or Chicken Pox, are not affordable for anyone. A way to significantly reduce the chances of your child getting sick is to vaccinate them based on the schedule provided by your pediatrician. If you feel there is an appointment with too many vaccinations your pediatrician can schedule additional appointments to fit them all in within the first couple years of your child’s life.

Contact Summit Pediatrics for more information about the vaccination schedule that will be followed when your child is born. Our pediatricians want to work with you to protect your child from all illnesses.

Why is Proper Newborn Care Essential?

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:05:35 GMT

To put it simply, proper newborn care is essential because a newborn can’t do anything for themselves. A newborn is completely dependent on their caregiver for the first few months of life. Failure to care properly for a newborn during their first few months and beyond can result in some serious developmental consequences. Here are a few benefits of a properly cared for newborn:

Early treatment - Being in tune with your newborn and how they are developing is crucial. If a newborn is missing milestones, then you should see a pediatrician right away. The earlier an issue can be identified, the better chance there is to resolve it or get ahead of it. Some babies that are developmentally delayed are not getting enough to eat, so they have a tongue or lip tie. This can be fixed with a small surgery, so visit a pediatrician with any concerns you have about your baby.

On track development - A newborn requires a lot of time and energy to develop properly. Be sure to give your baby proper attention throughout the first year of life and beyond to help them reach the appropriate milestones on time. At your monthly visits to see a pediatrician, they will talk with you about your baby’s development to make sure they are doing well.

Healthy - The health of your newborn is completely contingent on how well the baby is fed. A baby must be fed formula or breastmilk often because it’s their only source of nutrients. Being fed enough will help them gain proper weight, which is directly tied to cognitive and physical development. Visit your pediatrician to get a recommendation for a lactation consultant if you need help getting your baby to latch or if you are worried that your baby is not getting enough milk.

Five Benefits of Visiting a Lactation Consultant

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:05:51 GMT

It is not a requirement to see a lactation consultant after giving birth, but it is highly recommended for any mom who wants to try breastfeeding. Many people don’t realize just how much work goes into breastfeeding and pumping for a newborn. Our lactation consultants at Summit Pediatrics are available to help you every step of the way throughout your breastfeeding journey. Here are some benefits of reaching out to our lactation consultant:

Get questions answered - There are so many unknowns when you start breastfeeding a baby, even for moms who have breastfed before. Every child is unique, so certain techniques that worked for one child may not work for the next one. Our lactation consultants can answer any questions you have regarding breastfeeding and milk supply.

Voice any concerns you have about breastfeeding - Cracked bleeding nipples, uncomfortable latching, clogged milk ducts, discomfort while nursing are all obstacles that breastfeeding moms face. Our lactation consultants can help you work through any difficulties you’re facing while breastfeeding. Not all breastfeeding positions are comfortable, so they have several different breastfeeding positions for you to try.

Milk supply - Your milk will not come in right away after having a baby, it usually takes about ten days. After that, your body will produce milk based on how frequently you pump or breastfeed your baby. Some moms have a strict schedule, while others breastfeed on demand because their schedules are more flexible. Either way, you should always offer both breasts to your baby, or pump both sides if you are pumping. This will keep both breasts producing a similar amount of milk. Our lactation consultants can answer any questions you have about what foods increase milk supply or anything else you need help with. If you are concerned about your baby’s latch, our location consultants can make sure your baby doesn’t have a lip or tongue tie because those can affect how well your baby latches.

Happy Holiday Parties with your Children

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 05:51:18 GMT

At Pediatric and Adolescent Urgent Care of WNY, we want you to enjoy this holiday season with family and friends. During this busy time of year, we would like to remind you to keep an even closer eye on the smallest family members. Children are naturally curious, and will get into just about anything. The holidays bring a variety of new experiences into your family’s life, especially if you have young children. There may be many more opportunities for children to get into dangerous items.

Here are a few quick things to remember:

Remind visiting family members to keep prescription medications hidden away from tiny hands.
Any alcoholic beverages should always be kept well away from the reach of your little ones.
Shiny ornaments and decorations on the Christmas tree are most inviting to little eyes, and close monitoring is required.
When visiting homes of family and friends, keep in mind that not every house is child-proof.

With close supervision of the little ones during this holiday season, you are sure to have a very Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Sue

Snowy Fun!

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

By klillis, Feb 6, 2015, 5:00PM

Tis the season for sledding, snowboarding, skiing, tubing, hockey, and all out snowy fun! Take the time to talk with your kids in regard to safety and make sure they are dressed appropriately for their cold adventure. If the activity entails high rates of speed - intentional or not - helmets are recommended.

Head injuries are common in this winter weather, and recent research shows that concussions can have lasting effects. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can include headache, confusion, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, memory loss, and trouble concentrating. Of most concern is loss of consciousness! If your child is displaying these symptoms, an evaluation by a medical professional is necessary. An evaluation at our Urgent Care will include a full neurological exam followed by possible imaging studies, medication, and observation. Any child with loss of consciousness will be observed every 15 minutes for at least 2 hours.

We include clear discharge instructions for at-home care and follow-up. It is common practice to limit a child from physical activity until they are cleared by their pediatrician. Dependent on the severity of the concussion, this could be for several weeks. A child who sustains a second concussion when not completely healed from the first concussion can have lifelong neurological changes.

If in doubt, get checked out!

- Dr. Kate