Many teens are eager to try the latest skincare trends, but not all products are designed for young, sensitive skin.

The best skincare routines and products are simple and gentle. Look for non-comedogenic products (which won’t clog pores), fragrance-free options to reduce irritation, and daily use of SPF even in winter months. A good cleanser and light moisturizer are often all a teen needs to start.

We recommend products such as Cerave SA and Cetaphil for a gentle wash and their moisturizing products as well.

If your teen is struggling with acne or sensitive skin, we can help create a skin care routine that is specifically tailored to their skin type. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Iron is essential for brain development, and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency due to their rapid growth, especially around age one when their iron stores from birth begin to deplete.

Signs of iron deficiency can include low energy or fatigue, pale skin, brittle nails, poor appetite, picky eating, or frequent infections.

You can help boost iron levels with foods like beef, spinach, beans, and iron-fortified cereals, and pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges improves absorption.

At your toddler’s 1-year checkup, we typically screen for iron levels with a quick finger prick. If your child is at risk or shows signs of deficiency, we’ll guide you through safe supplementation and dietary adjustments to get them back on track.

Don’t forget to call our office today to schedule your child’s next wellness visit.

Sleep training can be helpful for some families, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach and not every baby is ready at the same time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports sleep training as a safe and effective method for improving infant sleep when done appropriately and developmentally. The AAP recognizes behavioral sleep training techniques like graduated extinction (letting the baby cry for gradually longer intervals before responding) and bedtime fading (adjusting bedtime to match natural sleepiness) as safe and effective for infants over 6 months.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to let your baby "cry it out" if that doesn’t feel right for your family. Remember, sleep challenges are common during the baby phase.

As a Tamalpais Pediatrics family, you have free access to webinars hosted by local Certified Infant Sleep Specialist Sarah Healy. Please see the webinar schedule on our website by clicking the "Events" link in the menu at the top of the page. You can also visit Sarah`s website at https://www.sarahhealysleep.com

We’re also always here to talk through different options, whether gentle, gradual, or more structured so you can find a path to better sleep that works for your baby and your family’s needs.

Did you know that 1 in 7 women experiences postpartum depression (PPD)?

It’s more than just “baby blues”--it can include intense mood swings, sadness or hopelessness, difficulty bonding with your baby, or changes in sleep, appetite, and energy. Some parents also experience feelings of guilt or emotional disconnection.

At pediatric visits, we don’t just check on your baby, we check on you, too. That’s why we screen for postpartum depression regularly at your baby’s well visits through 15 months of age by using a validated questionnaire that may be completed online or in person.

We are lucky to have our very own therapist here at Tamalpais Pediatrics, Danielle Mendoza, who is certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International, specializing in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

If you are struggling, please reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment with Danielle or so we can provide other community resources you may find helpful.

Flu season can be rough for kids, but a quick annual shot can help prevent serious illness, missed school days, and trips to the ER.

The flu vaccine is safe, updated each year, and available for children 6 months and older. It takes 2-4 weeks to become fully effective, so early fall is the perfect time to schedule.

Saturday walk-in flu clinics will begin on September 27th in our Larkspur office from 9am - 12pm. They will be held in alternating offices every Saturday until November 22nd.

Flu shots are also available in the office during any appointment type (unless your child is sick), or you can call to schedule a flu shot-only appointment.

Did you know Hispanic and Latino communities represent over 60 million people in the U.S. - with vibrant traditions like Día de los Niños, posadas, and quinceañeras?

Día de los Niños (Children’s Day) is celebrated in many Latin American countries to honor and cherish children. In Mexico, it’s often marked with school parties, games, music, and special treats—focusing on joy, learning, and making kids feel valued.

Posadas are traditional celebrations in the nine days before Christmas, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Families and friends gather for processions, singing, prayer, and breaking star-shaped piñatas filled with candy, symbolizing joy and the triumph of good over evil.

Quinceañeras mark a girl’s fifteenth birthday and her transition from childhood to young womanhood. This milestone is often celebrated with a religious ceremony, followed by a lively party with dancing, food, and symbolic traditions such as changing from flats to high heels or presenting a “last doll.”

These traditions celebrate the importance of family, community, and milestones in a child’s life.

Share your favorite tradition with us in the comments!

Wishing all our hardworking families a safe and restful Labor Day!

Our team is here to support you in the clinic before and after the long weekend. We understand kids get sick over holidays so do not forget we have an after hours team ready to answer your calls.

To reach us during the holiday weekend, call our main number at 415.461.0440 and our After Hours nurses will be happy to assist you and your family.

Before heading to urgent care, call Tamalpais Pediatrics.

We know your child’s health history, can often get you in quickly, and may save you time and expense. Many common illnesses can be managed in our office and we’ll follow up to make sure your child is on the mend.

Is your child sick after normal business hours? Call our number to speak to one of our pediatric-trained After Hours nurses to see if your child needs treatment before the office opens.

415.461.0440
tamalpaispediatrics.com

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