Dr. Sky Pittson

It’s the middle of summer, and your child can’t stop sneezing. Their nose is stuffy, their eyes are watery, and you’re wondering: is this a summer cold, or could it be allergies? You’re not alone — millions of families face this exact question every year. The symptoms of summer allergies and the common cold overlap

  Every parent has been there: it’s the middle of the night, your child has a fever, a cough, or a mysterious rash, and you’re wondering — do we need to go to the doctor, or can we ride this out at home? The good news is that most childhood illnesses are caused by common

In my two decades as a pediatrician, I’ve witnessed many changes in children’s health. But nothing has been quite as striking—or as urgent—as what we’ve seen with youth mental health since the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, depression, and eating disorder symptoms have become increasingly prevalent and severe among children and adolescents, prompting the American Academy of

After more than 20 years in pediatric practice, I’ve learned that every era has its own “big worry.” For earlier generations, it was junk food or too much TV. For others, it was stranger danger or the pressures of standardized testing. But the concern I hear about most from parents and grandparents today—something that comes

  What Is Sleep Consistency? Sleep consistency refers to going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time every day—including weekends. It supports the body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, which helps regulate when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. Disruptions to this rhythm, particularly from frequent changes

As a pediatrician, I often hear concerns from families about their child waking up crying, screaming, or completely inconsolable in the middle of the night. Sleep disruptions in children can be distressing for both kids and caregivers, especially when the cause isn’t clear. Two common culprits are nightmares vs night terrors in children, and while

Recently, you may have come across alarming headlines or social media posts claiming that fluoride in tap water causes reduced IQ, cancer, or other serious health concerns. As a pediatrician, I understand how unsettling these claims can be—especially when it comes to the health of our children. It is more important than ever to separate

One of the biggest topics parents ask me about is their baby’s sleep. It changes every month in the beginning and can cause a lot of stress. I reassure parents that understanding their baby’s sleep patterns is a normal part of navigating early childhood. Sleep is crucial for a baby’s growth and development, but it

The holidays can be a hectic time for families, with the stress of travel, family gatherings, and gift-giving often taking center stage. However, despite the chaos, the holidays also present some of the most powerful opportunities to model gratitude to your children.  By teaching our children to practicing gratitude, we can help them develop a

Spending time by the water is a favorite activity for many families when the weather is pleasant. Whether you’re at the ocean, a lake, or a river, it’s essential to ensure that your outing is safe and free from health hazards. Here are some tips to keep in mind for beach safety. Choose a Safe

Are you tired of mealtime battles with your picky eater? In this brief but informative article, an experienced pediatrician shares expert tips and advice to help parents of young children navigate the challenges of picky eating. Say goodbye to stress and frustration at the dinner table, and hello to happy, healthy eaters! Picky eating can

Here are some hotel safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for keeping your baby safe in and around your hotel room. Don’t relax safe sleep habits. Resist the temptation to put your baby in bed with you; use a portable crib or packable playard instead. Many hotels and vacation rentals have them