Children need time for unstructured play. Organized activities are fine in moderation, but children, especially small children, develop best when they engage in imaginative play and explore on their own. Children should have simple toys, and the toys should be adaptable and versatile. Toys with good play value include swings, blocks, farm and zoo animals, dolls, cars, and trucks, and balls.


Keeping your child busy by watching television is tempting, but children learn more from exploring and play and interaction with family and friends. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more that one to two hours per day of quality television, movies, or video games.


It can help your child's body fight infection. Fever is not necessarily a sign that your child needs an antibiotic. Except in the case of heat stroke, fever is not an illness, only a symptom of one. Look for other clues to understand your child's illness, increase liquids, and call our office for more guidance.


Most mild illnesses can be managed with increased fluids, rest, and fever reducing medications. Antibiotics are only effective for specific types of infection. We try to limit the use of antibiotics so that when children need antibiotics, their bodies won't be drug resistant.


Good sleep habits established early will prevent many learning and behavioral problems. Studies show that small but constant deficits in sleep over time tend to affect optimal brain function. The chart that follows gives daily sleep recommendations by age. Hours for infants to 3 years include daytime naps.

1-4 Weeks old 1-4 Months old 4-12 Months old 1-3 years old 3-6 years old 7 -12 years old 12-18 years old	15.5 - 16.5 hours per day 14.5 - 15.5 hours per day    14 - 15 hours per day 12 - 14 hours per day 11 - 13 hours per day 10 - 11 hours per day 8.2 - 9.5 hours per day