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June is here, and that means pools are opening. Families across Baltimore County are heading to beaches. While Summer water activities bring so much joy, they also come with serious risks. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and it can happen quickly and silently — often in just a few seconds and in as little as two inches of water. The good news is that drowning is preventable. Here is what every family should know before heading into the w

Summer is almost here, and many families are planning trips to the pool, the beach, or just spending time in the backyard. While it is important for children to get fresh air and play outside, too much sun can be harmful. Protecting your child’s skin early in life matters, because a large portion of a person’s lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood and adolescence. Sun Safety for Babies Under 6 Months The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies younge

May is National Bike Safety Month. As the weather warms up, many children across Baltimore County will be heading outside to ride bikes on local trails and neighborhood sidewalks. Before your child hops on their bike, make sure they have a properly fitting helmet. A helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety gear your child can wear. It can reduce the risk of head injury by at least 45% and brain injury by 33%. But a helmet only works if it fits correctly. How to Fi

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and children’s mental health is a growing concern. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in children, affecting up to 1 in 5 kids and adolescents. They often begin during the elementary school years, and early recognition is the key to getting help. Feeling worried or nervous sometimes is a normal part of growing up. A child might feel anxious before a big test, on the first day of school, or when meeting new

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. We know that when a new baby arrives, all the attention goes to the little one. But it is just as important to check in on how mom is doing. Most people are familiar with the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. The fourth trimester refers to the first 12 weeks after a baby is born. This period is a time of major physical, emotional, and hormonal change for the new mother. Understanding what is normal and what may ne

We are excited to announce that the official transition from Dr. Nina Pediatrics to Pediatric Providers is now underway. This is a meaningful milestone for our practice and for every family we serve. While the name is changing, our commitment to compassionate, high-quality pediatric care remains the same. For families who have been with us for years and for those who joined more recently, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect during this transition and what ste

What is Every Kid Healthy Week? Every year during the last full week of April, schools, families, and communities across the country come together for Every Kid Healthy™ Week — a national observance created by Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) to celebrate the health and wellness achievements of children everywhere. This year, it runs from April 20–24, 2026. Launched in 2013, the week shines a daily spotlight on the powerful link between nutrition, physical activity, mental heal

April is Autism Acceptance Month. Many resources exist for children with autism in Baltimore County, but navigating them can feel daunting. It is first important to know what causes autism. While family history and genetics plays a key role in the cause, for most children, it cannot be linked to one medical or genetic condition. Environmental factors also play a role, but this is not fully understood yet. What we do know is that many trusted studies in the last few decades

Insurance apps on your phone can be a great help in managing your child’s healthcare if used correctly. Some ways you can use it include: Digital ID cards: Sometimes we forget our insurance card and don’t realize it until we are standing at the front desk before our appointment. The Digital ID card removes this as a risk of you not being seen that day. Finding a Provider: Whether it is a specialist or primary care provider, you can find one that meets your needs. You can filt

My name is Hibah Mahwish Askari, and I'm honored to introduce myself as the owner of Pediatric Providers — the practice that will continue caring for patients from Dr. Nina Pediatrics. For the past three years, I have worked closely with Dr. Nina and have had the privilege of caring for many of your children. I am deeply grateful for the trust your families have placed in this practice. As many of you may know, Dr. Nina Kashtelyan has announced her retirement after 30 remarka

Spring break for Baltimore County Public Schools begins on March 30. Summer break is not too far away either. Many families will be traveling near and far, and we want to help you be ready. International Travel Traveling to another country can feel stressful, but these tips can help make the trip easier. Car seats and boosters: Even if another country does not require them, we strongly suggest using a car seat or booster. Most airlines let you bring your own for free. Rental

March is National Nutrition Month. Most kids should eat three meals and one to three snacks each day. Many parents know how to make a healthy meal, but snacks can be harder. Let’s focus on how to make snack time easier and healthier. After a long day, it can be tempting to give chips, cookies, or candy. When kids get upset about healthier choices, snack time can turn into a fight. The good news is there are simple ways to make healthy snacks easier for everyone. How to Make a

Allergies can have many names, like seasonal allergies or hay fever. In the spring, they are very common. Common spring allergy triggers include pollen from trees, flowers, grass, weeds, and mold in the air. Areas like Baltimore and Washington, DC are ranked among the top 100 Allergy Capitals in 2025. This means many children and adults feel allergy symptoms here. Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies Common Symptoms Runny or Stuffy Nose Sneezing Dry Throat Itchy, runny eyes Sneezin

Daylight saving time starts next week. If you are not ready, it can be hard for kids and parents. We still change the clocks here in Maryland, so it helps to plan ahead. Good sleep habits will make the adjustment easier, so here are some tips for good sleep hygiene. Good sleep habits can make this change easier. Here are some simple tips for healthy sleep. No screens before bed: Turn off phones, tablets, and TVs at least one hour before bedtime. The blue light from screens c

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month ! This is a great time to learn how to take care of your child’s teeth—starting at a very young age. Healthy habits now can help your child smile for life. When to Go to the Dentist Your child should see a dentist within 6 months of getting their first tooth . Early visits help find problems early and teach good habits. Daily Oral Hygiene From the first tooth until age 3: Brush two times a day using a smear of fluoride to

February is American Heart Month . It is a great time to talk about how to keep children’s hearts strong and healthy. Even when the weather is cold and kids cannot play outside as much, there are many ways to protect heart health. Eat heart-healthy foods every day. A healthy heart starts with healthy food. Try to fill your child’s plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, and low-fat dairy. These foods give the heart what it needs to work well. Try to cu