foxchasepediatrics

Prioritizing your child's well visits

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:04:06 GMT

Give your child the best start in life by prioritizing their well-child visits! �� These essential check-ups ensure your

Give your child the best start in life by prioritizing their well-child visits! �� These essential check-ups ensure your child gets vital preventive care and allow us to monitor their health and developmental progress. We're here to track milestones and answer your questions! ✨ Follow our recommended schedule—your child's optimal health depends on it. Call us TODAY to book your appointment at 215-728-7711! �� https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visits #BestStart #ChildWellness #CheckUpTime #HealthyKids

Posted 4/5/2026

Cough and Cold season is in full swing!

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:04:03 GMT

�� Cold season is in full swing! If your child has a cough, know that it's one of the most common symptoms of viral

�� Cold season is in full swing! If your child has a cough, know that it's one of the most common symptoms of viral bronchitis (colds affecting the lower airway). Most coughs are the body's way of protecting the lungs by clearing mucus and irritants. While coughs can be uncomfortable, they're usually doing important work! Home remedies like honey (for kids over 1 year), warm fluids, and a humidifier can help ease symptoms and loosen mucus. Remember, yellow or green phlegm is a normal part of healing from a viral infection and doesn't necessarily mean antibiotics are needed. However, call us right away if your child has trouble breathing, wheezing, a high fever, or if the cough lasts more than 2 weeks. We're here to help you determine when a cough needs medical attention! �� Learn more: https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Cough-0-12-Months #ColdSeason #Cough #Pediatrics #SickKids

Posted 3/15/2026

What’s Going Around? Stay Informed

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:04:01 GMT

Stay informed by visiting our “What’s Going Around?” resource page to see what illnesses and conditions we’re

Stay informed by visiting our “What’s Going Around?” resource page to see what illnesses and conditions we’re currently seeing in our office. Being informed helps you know when to call a doctor, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to keep your family healthy! ��
�� https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Resources/What-s-Going-Around #WhatsGoingAround #StayHealthy #PediatricCare #ParentResources #HealthyKids

Posted 1/10/2026

The sun doesn't take a break

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:54:50 GMT

☀️ Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean the sun takes a break! �� Protect your kids with

☀️ Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean the sun takes a break! �� Protect your kids with sunscreen, keep them hydrated ��, and enjoy worry-free outdoor fun. Healthy kids, happy memories! �� https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Resources/Medical-Library/Safety/Fun-in-the-Sun-Keep-Your-Family-Safe #SunSafety #HealthyKids #ParentingTips #FamilyWellness

Posted 12/1/2025

Well-child visits are essential

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:54:48 GMT

Well-child visits are essential for tracking your child's growth, developmental milestones, and staying

Well-child visits are essential for tracking your child's growth, developmental milestones, and staying up to date on important vaccinations. �� From those first newborn checkups to the teenage years, we're here to ensure your child stays healthy and thriving. �� Learn more about our comprehensive well-child services today. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visits #PediatricCare #HealthyKids #GrowingUpHealthy

Posted 10/12/2025

Vaccines are a powerful tool to keep kids safe

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:54:45 GMT

Vaccines are a powerful tool to keep kids safe from serious diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough.

Vaccines are a powerful tool to keep kids safe from serious diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough. By vaccinating your child, you're not just protecting them — you're helping to protect your entire community. Stay informed, and stay protected! �� https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Resources/Medical-Library/Immunizations #HealthyKids #Immunization

Posted 9/21/2025

Schedule a well-child visit now

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:54:42 GMT

Regular well-child visits are key to staying on top of their growth, development, and overall health. From

Regular well-child visits are key to staying on top of their growth, development, and overall health. From tracking milestones �� to staying current on vaccines ��, these check-ups help build a healthy future for your child. �� Don't wait! Schedule your next appointment today by calling 215-728-7711. �� https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visits #WellChildVisits #HealthyKids #GrowingStrong

Posted 6/23/2025

Key Developmental Milestones for Babies

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:54:40 GMT

Your baby’s first steps are just the beginning! ��‍♀️✨ Get ready for the big moment and learn about key

our baby’s first steps are just the beginning! ��‍♀️✨ Get ready for the big moment and learn about key developmental milestones. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Your-Child-s-Growth-Developmental-Milestones #DevelopmentalMilestones #ParenthoodJourney #GrowingUpFast

Posted 5/18/2025

Tips to Understanding Your Teen’s Journey

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:41:12 GMT

Adolescence is a transformative phase with physical and emotional changes. Discover tips on understanding your

Adolescence is a transformative phase with physical and emotional changes. Discover tips on understanding your teen’s journey to adulthood. �� https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Next-Stop-Adulthood-Tips-for-Parents #ParentingTips #AdolescentHealth #TeenTalk

Posted 5/18/2025

Metro Philly Best

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:41:09 GMT

Click here to vote for Fox Chase Pediatrics!

Click here to vote for Fox Chase Pediatrics!

Scroll down to Pediatrician. Vote once a day until August 8.

Posted 5/18/2025

Prioritize your child's wellness

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:41:05 GMT

Prioritize your child's wellness by ensuring they receive regular health check-ups! Schedule their visit today to

Prioritize your child's wellness by ensuring they receive regular health check-ups! Schedule their visit today to keep them happy and healthy. �� https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visits #ChildHealth #WellnessCheck #ParentingTips #HealthyKids #PediatricCare

Posted 3/22/2025

Sick Child Tool

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:41:02 GMT

Woke up to a crying baby with a fever? �� Or a child with a sore throat? Use our "Is Your Child Sick" tool for tips on

Woke up to a crying baby with a fever? �� Or a child with a sore throat? Use our "Is Your Child Sick" tool for tips on common health issues and remedies. Call us if a visit is needed! �� https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Resources/Is-Your-Child-Sick #ParentingTips #ChildHealth #PeaceOfMind

Posted 12/22/2024

Medical Resources

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:35:43 GMT

Check out our comprehensive medical library! �� We cover a wide range of topics from breastfeeding and infant

Check out our comprehensive medical library! �� We cover a wide range of topics from breastfeeding and infant care to teen health and everything in between. Our resources are designed to provide valuable information for every stage of life. �� For more detailed insights, visit: https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Resources/Medical-Library #MedicalResources #HealthInfo

Posted 11/2/2024

Schedule a Well Visit

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:35:40 GMT

�� Don’t delay scheduling your child's well visits! �� These preventive care appointments are crucial for

�� Don’t delay scheduling your child's well visits! �� These preventive care appointments are crucial for ensuring healthy growth and development. ��‍⚕️ During well child visits, you have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child's health and well-being, from nutritional advice to developmental milestones. It's an ideal time to ensure your child is on track and to catch any potential issues early. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visits #ChildHealth #PreventiveCare #WellVisits

Posted 9/29/2024

Treating Anxiety Attacks

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:35:38 GMT

Anxiety attacks affect around 1-2% of people and they strike during the teenage years or early adulthood. Life

Anxiety attacks affect around 1-2% of people and they strike during the teenage years or early adulthood. Life stressors are common triggers, making attacks unexpected. Each episode typically lasts 20-30 minutes and there is no set pattern to their frequency. At Fox Chase Pediatrics , our medical professionals are trained to treat children and adolescents who experience these symptoms. Learn more about anxiety: here #AnxietyAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheStigma

Posted 8/15/2024

Choking Prevention Tips

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:35:34 GMT

Parents, did you know that choking is a serious risk for children under 5? Food or small objects can easily block their

Parents, did you know that choking is a serious risk for children under 5? Food or small objects can easily block their airways, preventing oxygen from reaching their lungs and brain. Balloons, balls, marbles, toys, and certain foods are the biggest culprits. Stay informed and protect your little ones by reading more about choking prevention and first aid. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/CPR #ChildSafety #ChokingHazards #KeepKidsSafe

Posted 6/22/2024

Ear piercing services is available

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:21:29 GMT

Ear piercing service is available for established patients aged 4 months and older. Patients must be up-to-date

Ear piercing service is available for established patients aged 4 months and older. Patients must be up-to-date on their well visits for safety. Appointments are required, and the service is limited to ear lobes to ensure a comfortable experience. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Other-Services #EarPiercing #MedicalService #HealthyEars

Posted 4/22/2024

Schedule a well-child visit

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:21:27 GMT

Remember, proactive care is key to promoting and fostering a foundation of lifelong wellness.

�� Ensuring the health of your child is paramount! Regular well-child visits play a vital role in maintaining their overall well-being. These visits provide an opportunity to address any concerns you may have and track your child's growth and development. Remember, proactive care is key to promoting and fostering a foundation of lifelong wellness. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visits �� #WellnessVisits

Posted 3/29/2024

Respiratory viruses

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:17:27 GMT

Respiratory viruses cause colds, resulting in symptoms like nasal congestion, ear congestion, hoarse

Respiratory viruses cause colds, resulting in symptoms like nasal congestion, ear congestion, hoarse voice, poor appetite, and red, watery eyes. On average, healthy children have around 6 colds per year. Read about at-home treatment, contagiousness, and the expected course of a common cold. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Colds-and-Upper-Respiratory-Infections #StayHealthy #PreventionIsKey

Posted 1/28/2024

Keeping up with your child’s preventative care

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:14:54 GMT

Keeping up with your child’s preventative care is important. We offer well-child visits at regular intervals

Keeping up with your child’s preventative care is important. We offer well-child visits at regular intervals. These visits allow us the opportunity to ensure your child is growing and developing as expected, administer any needed immunizations, and answer questions you or your child may have. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visits #ChildHealth #PreventativeCare #Parenting #Pediatrics

Posted 1/3/2024

Sports & Exercise Guidance

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:12:04 GMT

Whether your child loves ballet or water polo (or anything in between), we've got you covered! Check out our Medical

Whether your child loves ballet or water polo (or anything in between), we've got you covered! Check out our Medical Library's Sports & Exercise section for expert guidance on caring for your young athlete. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Resources/Medical-Library/Sports-Exercise #ParentingTips #Sports #AthleteCare

Posted 11/22/2023

Schedule a Flu Shot!

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:41:57 GMT

Flu shots are now available! Schedule your child's flu vaccine today to protect them from the flu. Remember,

Flu shots are now available! Schedule your child's flu vaccine today to protect them from the flu. Remember, #PreventionIsKey! Give us a call at 215-728-7711 to ensure their health and well-being. Together, we can #StopTheSpread of the flu! #StayHealthy #FluSeason

Posted 9/13/2023

Building a Child's Healthy Self-Esteem

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:34:26 GMT

Self-esteem is how we perceive ourselves and it plays a central role in a child’s motivation and achievements in

Self-esteem is how we perceive ourselves and it plays a central role in a child’s motivation and achievements in school, socially, and in resilience. Learn 12 traits your child needs to build healthy self-esteem. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Helping-Your-Child-Develop-A-Healthy-Sense-of-Self-Esteem.aspx

Posted 8/16/2023

Schedule a Wellness Check

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:31:27 GMT

Wellness checks are one of the most important things you can do to ensure your child is healthy and growing and

Wellness checks are one of the most important things you can do to ensure your child is healthy and growing and developing as they should. Check our well-care schedule and give us a call to set an appointment for the date and time that works best for your family’s schedule. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visits

Posted 7/18/2023

Use Our Mobile App

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:18:50 GMT

Our mobile app is a free and easy way to access your information.

Our mobile app is a free and easy way to ensure you have access to all of your family’s important medical information including specific medical content, emergency information, and contact numbers. Follow these steps to download our app and take us with you wherever the day takes you! https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Contact-Us/Download-Our-App

Posted 6/14/2023

Tips for Picky Eaters

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:38:30 GMT

Learn creative ways to serve breakfast and lunch, tips for picky eaters, and how to make healthy

Click here to learn creative ways to serve breakfast and lunch, tips for picky eaters, and how to make healthy fast-food choices.

Posted 5/15/2023

Schedule a Wellness Check

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:14:49 GMT

Wellness checks are one of the most important things you can do to ensure your child is healthy, growing, and

Wellness checks are one of the most important things you can do to ensure your child is healthy, growing, and developing as they should. Check our well care schedule and give us a call to set an appointment for the date and time that works best for your family’s schedule. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Services/Well-Child-Visit

Safe Medication Dosages for Children

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:04:29 GMT

Take a look at our Medicine Dosages resource to learn about recommended dosages of OTC

With lots of illnesses still circulating in our communities, you need to know what dosage of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine is appropriate for your child’s age and weight. Take a look at our Medicine Dosages resource to learn about recommended dosages of OTC medicines for your child. https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Resources/Medicine-Dosages

Posted 4/2/2023

Meet Dr. Timothy Flynn

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:56:36 GMT

Dr. Flynn received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical

Dr. Flynn received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree from Temple University. Prior to joining Fox Chase Pediatrics, he served in the United States Military for more than 10 years! Read more about Dr. Flynn and our other exceptional providers now!

https://foxchasepediatrics.com/About-Us/Our-Providers/Timothy-J-Flynn,-M-D

Posted 2/7/2023

Learn more about RSV Symptoms

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:52:20 GMT

We are currently seeing cases of bronchiolitis, a viral illness (sometimes caused by RSV -- "respiratory syncytial

We are currently seeing cases of bronchiolitis, a viral illness (sometimes caused by RSV -- "respiratory syncytial virus") that occurs most often in children under age 2.

Learn more about symptoms and when to call us.

https://foxchasepediatrics.com/Bronchiolitis-and-RSV

Posted 1/4/2023

Schedule a Flu Shot

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:46:37 GMT

Don’t let the flu stop your family from getting a healthy start to the New Year. We are still administering flu vaccine. Give us a call to schedule today! 215-728-7711

Posted 12/29/2022

Milk and Milk Alternatives

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:06:27 GMT

Most of us know milk is an important part of a child’s diet because it provides high quality protein, fats, and necessary

Most of us know milk is an important part of a child’s diet because it provides high quality protein, fats, and necessary vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D for bone development. Young children, ages 1-2 years, in particular benefit from whole milk which offers a high fat content for brain development. Switching to a lower fat or non-fat milk can be considered for most children after age 2 if their growth is steady.

What is a family to do when their child doesn’t “like” milk? This is a common topic at well child visits. The good news is there are many milk alternatives.

Soy milk is the closest alternative milk to whole cow’s milk. It has similar protein, fat, calcium and Vitamin D levels.
Ripple kids milk is a pea based protein milk that is 100% vegan and also has similar protein, fat, calcium and Vitamin D levels. Ripple milk is an excellent choice for a child with severe milk allergy, this choice should be discussed with their allergist.
Lactaid milk is considered an alternate milk for a child with lactose intolerance.
There are other alternative milks like Rice, Coconut, Almond, Oat and Hemp milk but they do not contain the same level protein or fat necessary for young children. These milks maybe appropriate for an older child who doesn’t require the same amount of fat for development and has other sources of protein in their diet.

If considering an alternate to cow’s milk be sure to check labels carefully. Many alternative milks have added sugars to enhance flavoring. Extra sugars can add to unnecessary weight gain.

If your child will simply not drink any milk they can get their calcium and Vitamin D from other sources. They can get calcium and Vitamin D from fortified orange juice, fortified breads and cereals. Calcium is found in eggs, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, kale, tofu, beans, figs, prunes, hummus, almond butter. Vitamin D is naturally made by the body in response to sun exposure, supplements maybe considered for some children.

The important take away is if your child is not drinking 16-20 oz of milk per day, consider alternative sources for calcium and Vitamin D as well as other protein sources to allow for healthy development.

Resources for more information:

By Julie Shubert, MSN, CRNP

Posted 3/20/2022

Talking With Kids About War

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:59:11 GMT

It is important to talk about these scary things in a supportive and age-appropriate manner. That way, we can help allay and manage their anxieties in healthy ways.

Earlier this week, one of my nine-year-old patients showed me a bracelet she had made herself. After some prodding from her mother, she revealed that she and her friends were making bracelets to raise money to help the people in Ukraine who were suffering the consequences of war. I was so touched by this sweet gesture, but also impressed and appreciative of her proud parents who encouraged her. Not only is she helping others, she is also learning a way to manage anxiety in a positive way when things seem so out of our control.

It is difficult to talk to our children about scary things like war that we really have little personal control over. At times, it may seem like avoiding these conversations is the easiest thing to do. Unfortunately, our children, big and small, will hear, see, and learn about upsetting world events in school, social media, television, and sometimes even overheard conversations at home. If they do not feel comfortable talking about them, they may suffer in silence; therefore, it is important to talk about these scary things in a supportive and age-appropriate manner. That way, we can help allay and manage their anxieties in healthy ways.

A good way to start the conversation is to simply ask them what they have seen and heard on tv/internet/social media/school. This should be done in a relaxed environment, like mealtime, where no one is feeling rushed or pressured. Parents should use language that is developmentally appropriate for the individual child or teen and remain calm. Kids easily pick up emotional cues of their parents like facial expressions, and body cues. Even if they reveal fears that are excessive, such as “We are all going to die,” parents should not minimize their fears, and should let them know that it is natural to worry when we see and hear upsetting things. In response, they should reassure them as much as possible that they are safe, and there are people all over the world working hard to settle the conflicts.

Sometimes, younger kids have a hard time differentiating visual images emotionally from their own reality. It is frequently best to limit exposure to these images as much as possible. If they have witnessed upsetting images and have questions, it can be difficult to explain war to children. It is best to keeping explanations simple like “sometimes country fight” and focus on all the people helping each other.

For older children and teens, it is ok for parents to not know all the answers. They can always let them know they will try to find them out later, or they can offer to work together with their children to do this. This can be used as a learning exercise to weed out misinformation and educate them about reliable websites and information resources.

Like my patient and her friends’ fundraiser, parents can help their kids to focus on positive things we can do to make the situation better, even in small ways. Discuss ways your family can help, and just spread kindness in the world. We should also emphasize to them that they should not feel guilty about living normal lives and having fun.

Occasionally, a child may start to show signs of severe mental distress triggered by upsetting world events. Some concerning signs include severe mood changes, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping or marked changes in appetite, physical manifestations such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue. If you are concerned this may be happening to your child, please call us to offer our support and help.

By Caren Kirschner, M.D.

Posted 3/20/2022

Are Store Brand Baby Formulas the Same As National Brands?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:46:54 GMT

The short answer is, yes. Store brand infant formulas are held to the same FDA standards for infant formula as national brands.

Are store brand baby formulas the same as national brands?

The short answer is, yes. Store brand infant formulas are held to the same FDA standards for infant formula as national brands. To be FDA-approved, all baby formulas must meet the same nutritional standards set by the U.S. National Academy of the Science-National Research Council and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The major difference is the price, with store brand equivalents often costing 50% less than the national brands. The reason for the price difference is marketing. Instead of spending extra money on advertising, store brand formulas pass on those savings directly to consumers.

How do I know which store brand formula to get?

Just like the national brands, store brand formulas are designed to address a variety of feeding needs. In addition to regular cow milk formulas, they are also available as gentle or sensitive, reduced lactose, soy, and hypoallergenic. Most store brand formulas will have a “Compare to” statement on every formula they manufacture. You might also find this quick reference helpful, which includes store-brand alternatives to the recently recalled Similac: https://www.perrigopediatrics.com/images/patient-resources/Formula-Alternatives.pdf

If you are not sure what kind of formula is best for your baby, please discuss this with us.

Does it matter if we get the store brand from Walmart or Target, is there a difference in quality among different retailers?

The majority of store brand baby formulas in the U.S. are made by a generic company called Perrigo Nutritionals, which is the largest supplier of store-brand infant formulas found in 47 retailers and more than 30,000 retail locations in the United States, including major retailers such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Target, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon.com (Mama Bear). All of these store brand formulas are made in the U.S. with milk from leading dairies and the production process undergoes the same level of inspection as national brands. Once the generic formula is made, it gets a store brand label for the retailer it is to be sold at, with no difference in the comparable product between different stores. So whether you buy a store brand formula from Walmart or Target, there is no difference in the quality of the product.

Posted on March 20, 2022 Categories Uncategorized Leave a commenton Are Store Brand Baby Formulas the Same As National Brands?

By Yuliya Bilan Yu, MSN, CRNP

Posted 3/20/2022

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:29:10 GMT

Even though summer is a few months away, it is not too early for some tips about keeping children’s skin safe in the sun!

Choose a sunscreen for your child that is labelled to be at least SPF 15 and protects against both UVA and UVB. For children with sensitive skin – or whose skin has reacted to sunscreen in the past – consider using a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Sunscreen products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are much less likely to cause an allergic reaction or irritation, although they can be harder to rub in.

For children younger than 6 months old, most of their sun protection should come from physical barriers such as clothing, hats, and shade. You should use sunscreen to protect areas of their body that are not covered by protective clothing (typically the hands, feet, neck, and sometimes face).

Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2 hours.

One last note…if your child has had a burn, significant cut, or stitches in the past year, take special care to protect that area from the sun from April through October, this will help minimize scarring.

By Timothy Flynn, M.D.

Posted 3/20/2022

Drowning is Not Only a Summertime Problem

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:25:44 GMT

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has highlighted new information on drowning prevention.

As pediatricians, part of our goal is to help prevent injuries and fatalities in our patients. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has highlighted new information on drowning prevention. I think it is important to review some of this information with our families.

Sadly, approximately 900 U.S. children die every year from drowning. Drowning is the single leading cause of injury-related deaths among children aged 1 through 4. It is the third leading cause of injury-related death in children aged 5 through 19. It is deadly because it happens quickly and silently.

Most drowning in babies and toddlers occur in bathtubs and buckets of water. Fifteen to 30% of careful caretakers report leaving their children younger than two for a period of one to five minutes alone in the bathtub. Children can never be unsupervised when in or around bathtubs or buckets even for a second. The caretaker should always be no farther than an arms-length away, and other children like siblings should not be left to supervise. In addition, bath seats and rings are problematic because they can tip over when suction cups fail and cause bodily entrapment which can lead to drowning.

During the toddler years, most drownings occur in swimming pools. All pools, whether inground and above ground, need to be surrounded by a four-sided fence. Barrier fences should not have accessible steps or ladders. Portable inflatable pools are particularly worrisome since they generally do not have fences around them and sometimes are filled with water for weeks at a time.

It is crucially important that all children learn how to swim. It has been demonstrated that children age 2 through 4 are able to acquire the skills for swimming and most children are developmentally ready at age 4.5 years. By age 5 to 6 most, children are capable of swimming front crawl. As you may recall from your child’s well-visit, this is an issue we feel is important to discuss.

When children are playing near water of any type, a “water watcher” should be assigned. This person pays constant attention to the children with absolutely no distractions like cell phones. Adults should take turns being the “water watcher.” Many times, parents overestimate their child’s swimming ability. It is important to note that “floaties” and “swimmies” are unreliable and can impart a false sense of security. They can easily fall off or malfunction. When children are in boats, they should always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. These have been proven to decrease the amount of boat related drownings.

By Caren Kirschner, M.D.

Posted 9/19/2021