PeaPod Pediatrics Blog

Sun & Bug Protection for Kids

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:14:43 GMT

Pediatrician approved sunscreen and bug spray tips for happy outdoor play.

The warm weather is here in full force, which means more time outside enjoying sunshine and fresh air. It also means it’s time to think about protecting your child’s skin from two common concerns: sun exposure and bug bites.

As a pediatrician, I get a lot of questions this time of year about what products are actually safe and effective for kids. The good news is that you don’t need a complicated routine, and just a few smart choices can go a long way.

Sun Protection
When it comes to sunscreen, I recommend sticking with mineral-based options, also called physical sunscreens. These use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens do. They’re generally better tolerated by sensitive skin and are a great choice for babies and children starting at 6 months of age.

One detail that often gets overlooked is water resistance. Sunscreens are labeled as either water resistant (40 minutes) or very water resistant (80 minutes). This doesn’t mean your child is fully protected for that entire time, it just means the sunscreen maintains its SPF level while in water or sweating for that duration.

Look for:

Broad-spectrum
SPF 30 or higher
Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Water resistant if sweating or swimming

And don’t forget the commonly missed spots: ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and along the hairline.

When should you reapply?

Every 2 hours during regular outdoor play
After swimming or heavy sweating
Immediately after towel drying

You can also add an extra layer of protection with sun-protective clothing. Lightweight long sleeves, wide-brim hats, and clothing with built-in UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) can significantly reduce sun exposure. Consider sun protective clothing especially for kids who are in and out of the water or may not keep sunscreen on consistently.

Bug Protection

Warm weather also brings out the bugs, and protecting your child from bites is about more than comfort as it can help prevent insect-borne illnesses. The two ingredients I recommend for children are DEET or Picaridin . These are the most well-studied and proven to be both safe and effective when used as directed.

A few practical tips:

Apply to exposed skin and clothing, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth
Wash it off once your child is back indoors
Avoid repellents in babies under 2 months
Avoid combination products and apply sunscreen first

With a little preparation, your family can spend more time outside safely and comfortably. If you ever have questions about what products are right for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

Dr. Sarah Wiersma is the owner of PeaPod Pediatrics and a board certified pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist. Schedule a Meet & Greet to meet Dr. Wiersma and find out how pediatric direct primary care can support your family.

Seasonal Allergies in Kids

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 16:00:24 GMT

What parents should watch for and how to help.

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and for many families, seasonal allergies. If your child seems sniffly, itchy, or more uncomfortable this time of year, you are not alone. Seasonal allergies are common in children and can usually be managed with a few simple steps.

Allergies or a Cold?

Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system reacts to allergens in the air such as pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. These allergens are most common in the spring and fall, which is why symptoms often appear around the same time each year.

Seasonal allergies can look similar to a cold, which can make them confusing for parents. Symptoms often include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and sometimes frequent throat clearing. Unlike a cold, allergies usually do not cause a fever and tend to last for weeks rather than days. If your child seems to have symptoms that linger or return every year, allergies may be the cause.

Helping Your Child Feel Better

There are several ways to reduce allergy symptoms and help your child feel more comfortable. Limiting pollen exposure can make a big difference. Keeping windows closed on high pollen days, having your child wash their hands and face after outdoor play and bathe before bed, and changing clothes when they come inside can all help.

Saline nasal sprays or rinses can be useful for clearing pollen from the nose, especially before bedtime. Some children may benefit from allergy medications, but it is important to talk with your pediatrician before starting any treatment to be sure it is safe and appropriate for your child’s age and symptoms.

 When to Reach Out to Your Pediatrician

It is a good idea to contact your pediatrician if your child’s symptoms are severe, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or do not improve with simple measures. We can help determine whether symptoms are due to allergies or something else and create a plan that works best for your child. Although seasonal allergies can be frustrating, with the right approach most children can get through spring feeling much better.

New Baby Essentials

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 04:17:23 GMT

A pediatrician mom’s guide on preparing for life with a newborn.

I’m often asked by new parents for my recommendations on the best baby products. With so many options and advertisements out there, it can be hard to know which swaddle, pacifier, or gadget is actually worth purchasing. When I was pregnant with my first, I was right there too, deep in research mode and carefully building our baby registry so we’d feel prepared to bring a tiny human home.

However, after having my own children, I’ve learned that having the right gear matters far less than having a plan for support. The first few months are hard, and you aren’t meant to do this alone. Talk through plans with your partner, if you have one, and reach out to your network of family and friends ahead of time to line up help.

When visitors come to see the baby, their role should be to support you by bringing food, helping with household tasks, or running errands, not just holding the newborn. It’s also important to plan ahead so that each parent gets at least 4 to 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night. Many families do this by taking shifts between partners or by bringing in outside support.

As for the gear you truly need to bring your baby home, the list is actually quite short: a safe sleep space labeled “crib” or “bassinet,” a car seat, diapers and wipes, and a few onesies. Other items, like a baby carrier, stroller, swing, or diaper bag, can be very helpful for many families but aren’t essential right away. Also, most parents find specific gadgets like wipe warmers and bottle sterilizers unnecessary, so I’d recommend leaving them off your list.

Proper Helmet Use

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:16:10 GMT

How to know if your kid is wearing it properly to prevent serious head injuries.

I love to see kids wearing helmets when riding bikes, scooters, or anything with wheels. However, I cringe thinking about how many of those helmets might not protect the wearer properly in a crash.

The most important part of riding safety is putting a helmet on every time . If your kids are already doing that, then we just need a little tweaking to keep their heads safe!

The main issues I see with helmet use are improper fit, placement, or strap tightness.

Fit:

A bike or skateboard helmet should be the right size so it doesn't slip out of place easily. Measure your kid's head to buy an appropriately sized helmet, then adjust the fit by either adding pads or tightening dials to make sure it’s comfortably snug.

Placement:

Most kids wear their helmets pushed too far back on their heads. This leaves their foreheads exposed in a crash, which could cause a serious injury. Proper placement is achieved by tipping the helmet forward until there is only space for two finger-widths between the top of the eyebrows and the front of the helmet.

Straps:

Kids hate having a tight strap under their chins, and they hate getting pinched by buckles even more. That’s why having the straps loose under the chin is probably the most common helmet-wearing error I see. To keep the helmet in the right place during a crash, use your two fingers again and tighten the chin strap until only your fingers will fit between the strap and your child's skin.

Transitioning to a Toddler Bed

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 20:57:56 GMT

Advice from a pediatrician on when to transition and how to keep your little one safe.

Kids are most ready to transition from a crib to a toddler bed between two and three years old. However, for safety reasons, some children need to make the transition sooner if they’re climbing out of the crib. You can try to keep them in the crib a bit longer by using sleep sacks, which may help prevent climbing.

Many parents worry about how to keep kids in their new bed. Some older toddlers can understand stoplight-style red–yellow–green alarm clocks that help them learn when it’s time to stay in bed and when it’s okay to get up. If your child is too young or can’t follow directions yet, your goal should be to keep them safely in their room. As long as the room is childproofed, you may need to consider latching the door so they aren’t wandering the house at night. If they fall asleep on the floor instead of their bed, that’s okay. As long as everyone is getting sleep and your child is safe, that’s a win!

When making the transition to a bed, there are a few main safety tips to keep in mind. It’s important to be sure the room is safe for your child to be in unsupervised. Think of childproofing the room as turning it into one big crib. Consider electrical cords, window blinds, and anything they may climb on or pull down onto themselves.

Once kids transition to a toddler bed, it’s considered safe to introduce a small, lightweight blanket and a small, firm pillow. Try to avoid additional loose bedding or stuffies, which can still pose an entrapment or suffocation risk for toddlers. It’s also important to position the bed so the sides are away from the wall, or eliminate any gaps between the mattress and the wall, to prevent your child from getting trapped during the night.

As with any transition, try to maintain consistency, and everyone will settle into the new routine.

Cutting Baby's Nails

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:05:05 GMT

Tips to keep your infant from scratching themself.

One of the most common questions I get from new parents is how to cut their baby’s nails. I usually joke that I may not be the best person to ask, since I’m now two for two on accidentally cutting my own kids’ fingers. That said, with that experience has come some helpful lessons on how to keep those tiny razor blades from scratching everything!

While in the womb, a baby’s skin tends to attach to the tip of very soft, flexible nails, which makes trimming them especially tricky at first. Most babies are born with fairly long, sharp nails and can easily scratch their faces. Thankfully, newborn skin heals pretty quickly.

Because the skin at the nail tip is often still attached early on, it’s easy to accidentally cut skin when using clippers or scissors for the first time. If you’re not feeling ready to tackle nail trimming just yet, the fold-over mitts found on many newborn outfits can help protect them from scratching.

When you’re ready to try that first trim, I recommend starting with filing. A glass nail file often works better for thin, bendable nails than other options. Most babies’ nails grow surprisingly fast, so touch-ups are often needed every couple of days. At that point, you can try safety nail clippers, nail scissors, or continue with the glass file. If you do use clippers or scissors, having a second adult help with holding can make things much easier. No matter which method you choose, try to avoid cutting too close to the fingertip.

Cold & Flu Prevention for Kids

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 19:49:37 GMT

Your family’s easy guide to staying healthy this winter.

Cold and flu season is here, so I’m sharing some simple habits that can help keep your kids healthy. The best part is that these strategies are easy to work into everyday life!

Handwashing Really Works

Hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness. Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice) or use alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Wash before eating, after the bathroom, after nose wiping, and when arriving home.

Sleep Strengthens the Immune System

A good night’s sleep helps kids fight off germs. Children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to catch respiratory infections. Tips that help: stick to a bedtime routine, limit screens before bed, keep bedrooms cool and calm, and avoid caffeine for teens.

Flu Shots: Still the Best Protection

All children 6 months and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. It’s the most effective way to prevent the flu and protect those around you.

What About Supplements?

There isn’t strong evidence that probiotics or other supplements prevent or treat cold symptoms in young children. Prevention through vaccination, sleep, and good hygiene remains the most reliable approach.

When Kids Get Sick

Even with excellent prevention, colds are part of childhood. Most don’t need special treatment, and over-the-counter cold medicines are not recommended for young children. For the flu, antiviral medications can help when started early, especially for children who are hospitalized, have underlying conditions, or have severe symptoms. Check in with your pediatrician within 48 hours of symptom onset if you think your child has the flu.

The Bottom Line

Three habits that make a real difference:

Practice good handwashing.
Make sleep a priority.
Get the annual flu vaccine.

We’re here to help your family stay healthy and thriving all season long. Stay well!

Holidays Away from Home

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 20:46:01 GMT

Tips from a pediatrician on how to manage the change in routines with kids.

The holidays can be fun yet stressful as a parent. Leaving the house with kids can be complicated, whether it’s overnight or just for the day. There are often different routines, new foods, lots of stimulation, and missed naps that can throw kids off and lead to meltdowns. No matter what happens, expect that everyone may be a bit out of sorts, but things will get better!

Sleep Routines

Holidays can be tricky to maintain routines, and most kids thrive on routines around sleep. Try to keep routines as normal as possible, but when it’s not possible due to travel or gatherings, know that it’ll take some consistency to get everyone sleeping well again. It may take a few days to a week back to your consistent regular routine to get your kid back on track. If you know that bedtime might be delayed or your kid will miss a nap, try to maximize sleep when you can with an early bedtime or an additional nap if possible.

Unfamiliar Foods

Traditional holiday dishes are often foods kids don’t eat regularly. As with any unfamiliar food, I recommend offering some on their plate but to not expect your kid to eat. If you know your kid is particular and likely won’t consume much of the meal, try offering a “safe” food from home alongside the unfamiliar foods. Often getting them some protein through a cheese stick, yogurt, or a nut butter pouch can be easy and provide some lasting energy to help prevent hangry meltdowns.

Family Expectations

If you’ll be visiting with friends or family who your kids don’t normally see, expect that it may take them some time to warm up. Also, most people’s expectations for kids are not realistic, especially if they don’t currently have young children. Most kids can’t sit for extended periods of time without wiggling and may not be interested in grown-up activities. Try to prepare your kids and any family members ahead of time about what to expect can help. Try not to take well-intentioned suggestions from family and friends to heart if they don’t work for you.

The key take-away for traveling with kids is to do what you can to keep routines on track while away from home. Remember that things may get a bit rough while away, but they should improve once you’re back to your regular schedule. Once you’ve returned home, keep as much consistency as possible, and most families find everyone’s back to normal within a week.

Swaddle to Sleep Sack

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:13:38 GMT

Helping your baby learn to sleep without the swaddle.

If your household had a rough night recently, you’re not alone. One of the most common sleep questions I get is, “How do I transition my baby out of the swaddle without total chaos?” The good news is that with some practice, most babies handle it better than we expect.

When to Start

If your baby is getting close to rolling or almost two months of age, this is the perfect time to start moving away from the swaddle. Otherwise, you may end up with a day where they roll unexpectedly and you have to stop the swaddle cold turkey, which is hard on everyone. Starting now gives you some wiggle room and makes everything feel more gradual.

Helpful Transitional Options

There are a few ways to give your baby a softer step down from the full swaddle. Some families like arms up swaddles, some do one arm out at a time, and others use something like the Zipadee Zip. These can soften the shift from that snug, womb-like feeling into the freedom of a sleep sack.

What if baby is already out for naps?

If your baby is doing naps in a sleep sack, then keep going! Even if naps are short, which is totally normal at this age, they’re practice sessions for learning to sleep without the swaddle. You can try starting the night in the sleep sack as well, with the option to revert to the swaddle and try again the next night if it’s not going well. It just takes babies a little time to get used to having their arms free. If your little one is already tolerating it during naps, they’re well on their way.

A Note on Night Wakings

If your baby has been giving you long stretches of sleep in the swaddle, that’s wonderful. Just keep in mind that most two-month-olds still wake at least two to three times overnight to feed. If you see a few extra wakings during the transition, it’s not a failure of the sleep sack. It may simply be a growth spurt or a perfectly normal developmental shift.

You’ve Got This!

The swaddle transition can feel like a big step, but most babies adjust faster than we expect. You’re doing all the right things by starting this now and giving your baby time to practice. Hang in there, and I’m hoping tonight goes a little smoother at your house.

Protein for Picky Toddlers

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 18:06:09 GMT

How to help your picky kid get the protein they need for optimal energy and growth.

I often hear from parents that it's hard to get their toddlers to eat enough protein. Protein is super important for growth and keeping energy levels up throughout the day.

However, many parents overestimate how much protein their child really needs. Usually getting protein in two meals a day gets your kids to their required intake.

Many parents also underestimate how much protein their kids are already getting. Protein doesn’t have to come from meat. Other good sources of kid friendly proteins include eggs, dairy, nut butters, or chickpeas. And for a toddler, a serving is smaller than you might expect. A serving of protein would be equivalent to an egg, a slice of deli meat, a cheese stick, a tablespoon of nut butter, or ½ cup of Greek yogurt or chickpeas.

When getting protein from non-meat or egg sources, we do want to be mindful that kids are getting enough iron to keep their energy levels up. For most kids, eating iron rich foods at least once a day gets them what they need. Good sources of iron include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans and lentils, fortified cereals and breads, tofu, and dark leafy greens. If you have a particularly picky toddler, you can consider cooking in cast iron or using an iron fish to add iron to the foods you’re already making. If you’re still not sure your kid is getting what they need, talk with your doctor!

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:42:46 GMT

How to keep your family safe while having fun this Halloween.

Halloween can be so exciting for kids. The costumes, the candy, and the community fun all make it a night to remember. With a little planning and some simple precautions, your family can enjoy all the spooky fun while staying safe. Here are some top safety tips to ensure your Halloween is more treat than trick!

1. Costume Safety

Costumes are at the heart of Halloween fun, but they should also be safe and practical.

Go Bright : Choose bright colors or add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes and treat bags.
Proper Fit : Make sure costumes aren’t too long to avoid tripping hazards.
Visibility : Masks can limit vision, so opt for face paint or makeup if possible.

2. Watch for Cars!

Pedestrian accidents are the biggest safety risk on Halloween often due to poor visibility at night.

Rules of the Road: Walk on sidewalks whenever possible and cross at crosswalks.
Bring Light: Bring a flashlight, glow sticks, or clip-on LED lights for you and your child.
Eye Contact: Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street even if you have the right of way.

3. Inspect Candy

Tempting as it is to dig into the candy bag right away, teach your child to wait until you’ve checked it. Offer a snack or dinner before heading out to prevent too much candy sampling on the go.

Wait for Home: It's safer and more fun to wait until you’re home and can go through the candy together.
Check Wrappers: Look for sealed, factory-wrapped treats. Discard any open, homemade, or suspicious-looking candy.
Food Allergies: Be extra cautious if your child has food allergies. Avoid treats without clear ingredient labels.

Remember that Halloween isn’t just about the candy, it’s about creating memories. If your child gets tired or overwhelmed, it’s okay to head home early and finish the night with a Halloween movie or a candy swap.

Dr. Wiersma's Letter to Parents

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:14:48 GMT

Dr. Wiersma Launches PeaPod Pediatrics!

Dear Parents,

I am excited to announce the launch of my new practice, PeaPod Pediatrics , opening October 1st !

I have loved caring for my patients and their families, and I’ve heard your frustrations with the system – large corporate practices and insurance hassles. I’m starting PeaPod Pediatrics as an alternative to the “system,” to provide convenience for your family and direct access to me.

As a member of the practice, you’ll be able to text or call me with your questions and hear back directly from me – not a nurse, not a scheduler. No phone trees, no lost messages.

PeaPod Pediatrics is a pediatric direct primary care practice. A membership-based model that feels concierge-like but without the high price tag. Your monthly fee includes all office visits, direct access to contact me through calls and texts, and most in-office procedures and testing with no co-pays or deductibles to worry about.

You’ll spend less time waiting on hold, sitting in the office, or traveling to appointments for things that can be handled over the phone or via text. At PeaPod Pediatrics, your appointments won’t feel rushed, so you’ll have the time you need to get your questions answered. And if something comes up after the visit, I’m only a text or call away!

We are now pre-enrolling for memberships starting October 1st. As a founding member, I’d like to offer you a waived enrollment fee and access to our lowest launch rates .

If you’d like to learn more, you can schedule a free, no-obligation meet and greet to see how PeaPod Pediatrics might work for your family.

And if you’re thinking, “Where do I sign up already?!” just send an email to hello@peapodpediatrics.com with your name, your child(ren)’s name(s) and date(s) of birth, and we’ll send you information on how to get pre-enrolled!

I hope to see you soon to continue caring for your family, watching your kids grow, and partnering with you to keep them healthy. With a smaller patient panel, I’ll have the time to dedicate to your family when you need it.

Take care,
Dr. Wiersma

Start Breastfeeding Right

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:34:50 GMT

What to Know and Expect Before Baby Arrives

Choosing to breastfeed your baby is a great way to provide optimal nutrition and immune benefits right from the start. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding until at least age two – but any amount of breast milk you provide is amazing! Set your own breastfeeding goals that feel right for your family, and plan to reassess as things go.

If you plan to nurse your baby, preparation with knowledge is your best way to set yourself up for success. You’ll feel more confident in knowing when things are going well, but you’ll also know when to seek help if you meet challenges along the way. Although nursing is natural , it doesn’t always feel natural or come easily to many parents.

As soon as possible, get your support team on board. This includes anyone who will support you in your breastfeeding goals and can include your partner, friends, family, and professionals like your pediatrician and lactation consultant. If this is your first time nursing a baby, take a breastfeeding class or meet with a lactation consultant to review expectations for the first days and months. If you weren’t able to reach your breastfeeding goals with a prior baby or have medical conditions that may affect nursing, schedule a prenatal appointment with a breastfeeding medicine physician.

As long as delivery goes as planned, your baby should be able to latch on right after birth and will often feed at the breast for a while. Take all the time that you need during this first hour or two while baby’s awake and alert. Most term infants and their parents will then take some time to sleep following this first feed. Try to wake baby to feed every few hours this first day, but don’t be discouraged if baby seems sleepy. However, after the first 24 hours, try to wake baby to feed at least every three hours, and if baby wakes up sooner then feed them!

If there are complications and you are separated from baby, advocate for yourself to hand express or pump within an hour of delivery and then every three hours until baby can return to the breast.

Babies have very small tummies and only take drops of milk with each feed the first day. The first milk is extra concentrated and nutritious, so it is the perfect nutrition for your baby during this time. We expect babies to lose some water weight initially after transitioning from a wet environment inside mom. Your team will keep an eye on baby’s weight, but often weight loss of up to around 10% of birth weight is normal within the first few days.

It can be tricky to get a sleepy baby to feed, so don’t give up! If you’re struggling with getting baby to latch to the breast, request lactation support. Nursing may feel new and may be a bit uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be painful. If you’re experiencing pain, get help with ensuring baby has a deep latch. A proper latch should provide relief to you, and will also help your baby to more effectively drink milk.

Remember, every nursing experience is new for both you and your baby. You’ve got this, and your team is here to help!

Do Kids Need Milk?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:51:12 GMT

What you need to know about milk and milk alternatives.

The transition from formula to regular milk usually occurs right after a baby’s first birthday. At that point, they should be getting much of their nutrition from the foods they eat and are no longer needing the extra vitamins and minerals added to formulas. Babies this age don’t actually “need” milk any longer, but milk is still a good source for calcium, vitamin D, protein, and fats. Babies who are nursing or drink pumped breast milk can continue taking breast milk as long as is mutually desired to both mom and baby. Breast milk contains the calcium, protein, and fats babies still need, but often is lacking in vitamin D. Since cow’s milk and many milk substitutes are fortified with vitamin D, it is recommended to supplement babies who are breast feeding or their moms with vitamin D as well.

Many parents ask about alternative options to switching to cow’s milk at a year of age. Cow’s milk is fine for most babies, but some babies have allergies or intolerances or the family has a preference to avoid cow’s milk for other reasons. Soy and nut milks have been the typical go-to dairy alternatives for most families. However, there are many other options available all with different nutritional profiles. Some popular cow’s milk alternatives include soy, nut (almond and cashew), rice, oat, hemp, goat, and yellow pea milks, so with so many options the choice can be confusing! Protein in soy and yellow pea (ie, Ripple brand) milks tends to be similar to cow’s milk while there isn’t much protein in nut and rice milks. Most milks are fortified with a similar amount of calcium and vitamin D, but make sure that the milk you are giving your kids is indeed fortified. Also, try to choose options that don’t have added sugars, which are often found in flavored milks.