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Frequently asked Questions
Tips & Advise from our Pediatricians


What is the recommended vaccine schedule for my child?



At Pediatric Services of Springfield

the health of your child is our priority.

Our practice follows the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommended vaccine schedule for children.
While the CDC issues general recommendations,
our providers believe the AAP
schedule remains the safest and most appropriate
standard of care for pediatric patients.

At your child's wellness appointment we will provide

education on each vaccine your child is due to

receive and answer questions and

concerns you may have. 

 

Does my child have a fever? How do I check my child's temperature?

  • How to take an oral temperature?

    Have your child sit or lay down as long as the thermometer is in his mouth. Gently insert the thermometer under your child's tongue as far as it will comfortably go. Hold it in place (or have your child hold it) until the reading is finished. Don't let your child talk or breathe through his mouth. Be sure the thermometer stays under the tongue by watching the angle of the thermometer. A correctly-placed thermometer should point up. A thermometer that has slipped out of place will be level or point down.

  • How to take an axillary (armpit) temperature?

    Have your child sit or lie down. Place the tip of the thermometer into the middle of the armpit, against the child's bare skin. (Don't do it through your child's t-shirt or nightgown.) Hold the thermometer in place with one hand. Keep your child's arm pressed firmly against his side with your other hand until the reading is taken.

  • How to take a rectal temperature?

    Hold the baby on his or her stomach across your lap. Let his or her legs hang down freely. Gently insert the thermometer about 1/2" into the baby's rectum. Hold the thermometer between two fingers as you lay the palm of your hand across the baby's buttocks. Don't leave the baby alone with the thermometer inserted. Leave the thermometer in for 3 minutes. Be sure to clean the thermometer well with soap and warm water after use.

  • How to take an ear (otic) temperature?

    Follow instructions that come with the thermometer. Remember that, to get an accurate reading, there must be a good seal around the tip of the thermometer, and the tip must be aimed straight toward the eardrum.

How do I care for my child with diarrhea and/or vomiting?

  • What causes vomiting and diarrhea?

    Vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (frequent, watery bowel movements) can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, foods that are hard to digest (such as too many sweets) and other things.

  • Can vomiting and diarrhea be dangerous for children?

    They can be. Vomiting and diarrhea can be harmful to children because they can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when too much fluid is lost from the body. Young babies can become dehydrated very quickly, but dehydration can occur in a child of any age. Signs of dehydration include:

    • Irritability
    • Not eating as well as usual
    • Weight loss
    • Not urinating (“peeing”) as often as usual
    • Urine that is darker than usual
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Dry mouth
    • Thirst (babies may show thirst by crying and being irritable and eager to drink when something is offered)
    • Sunken eyes
    • No tears when crying
    • Sunken soft spot in babies younger than 18 months
    • Skin that isn't as springy as usual

  • Should I feed my child during sickness?

    Yes. Even though eating may cause the amount of diarrhea to increase, your child will be able to get some nutrients from the food. This may prevent your child from losing too much weight and help your child get better quicker.

    • Breast-fed babies
    • Formula-fed babies
    • Children on food

    If your child has had diarrhea, dairy products are best avoided for three to seven days. Sometimes the BRAT diet (bland foods) are recommended for the first 24 hours. This include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and unsweetened cereals. If these foods don't bother your child, other foods can be added over the next 48 hours. Most children can return to normal eating habits in about three days after the vomiting and diarrhea stop.

  • Should I give my child medicine to stop diarrhea?

    This usually isn't needed. Diarrhea doesn't usually last long and is a way for the body to get rid of an infection. Giving medicines that stop diarrhea may interfere with the body's efforts to get rid of the infection. Please contact our triage nurses 413-525-1870 option 2 with any questions or concerns you have. 

  • How can I prevent dehydration?

    If your child has had several bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, he or she will need to drink fluids to replace those lost with vomiting and diarrhea. Encourage your child older than two years to drink water and other clear fluids. Ask your doctor about giving your baby or toddler oral rehydration solution (ORS), which contains the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium and other elements to help replace lost body fluids.

  • What can I give my older child to drink?

    Children older than two years can have drinks such as apple juice, chicken broth, sports drinks (Gatorade), ginger ale or tea. Plain water can cause problems, such as lowering the amount of salt or sugar in the blood.

  • Should I give my child ORS?

    If your child is younger than two years and you are worried that he or she is dehydrated, ask your doctor about using ORS. ORS comes as a powder that you mix with water, or a liquid that is already mixed and as frozen popsicles.


    Brands of ORS include Pedialyte, Rice-Lyte, Rehydralyte and the World Health Organization's Oral Rehydration Solution (WHO-ORS). Ask your doctor about which one to use.

  • When should I contact the office

    Please contact our office with any questions or concerns or if your child....

    • Is younger then 6 months
    • Is older than 6 months and has a fever higher than 101.4°F
    • Has signs of dehydration.
    • Has been vomiting longer than eight hours or is vomiting with great force.
    • Has stools that are bloody or slimy.
    • Has blood or green slime in the vomit.
    • Hasn't passed urine in eight hours. 
    • Could have swallowed something that could be poison.
    • Has a stiff neck.
    • Is listless or unusually sleepy.
    • Has had tummy pain for more than two hours.

     

Dosing Charts for Infants and Children

Below are pediatric dosing charts for Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Motrin (Ibuprofen).  This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact our office with questions or concerns  413-525-1870.


Tylenol (Acetaminophen):

Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed more than 5 doses in a 24 hour period. 


Motrin (Ibuprofen):

Do not use Ibuprofen under 6 months of age unless directed by your doctor.

Infants and children 6 months of age and over repeat every 6-8 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed more than 4 doses in 24 hour period.


Benadryl (diphenhydramine):

Do not use Benadryl (diphenhydramine) under 2 years of age.
Do not use Benadryl (diphenhydramine) ages 2-6 years of age unless directed by your doctor.

Children 2 years of age and over repeat every 6 hours if needed/as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed more than 4 doses in 24 hour period.