Pediatrician's Guide to a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season for Families

World Health Day 2025 focuses on "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," emphasizing improved maternal and newborn health. Head2Toe Pediatrics supports this initiative through comprehensive concierge pediatric care that extends from newborns to maternal postpartum support. Our services include personalized care strategies, early intervention screenings, and educational programs to ensure both immediate and long-term health benefits for families.

Welcoming a newborn is a joyful yet challenging journey filled with new experiences and emotions. This guide provides practical advice to help you navigate the early days with confidence, offering support for understanding your baby's needs and fostering their growth and well-being. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and cherish these fleeting moments—your love and care are exactly what your baby needs most.

With multiple viruses circulating this season, many families are navigating flu, RSV, norovirus, and even COVID-19. Some children may even experience overlapping infections, which can lead to more severe symptoms and longer recovery times. Here’s what you need to know about each virus, how simultaneous illnesses may present, and what you can do to support your child’s recovery.

I want to share some of the safety rules we follow in our home to keep our little ones safe. From avoiding choking hazards to being mindful of hidden dangers like button batteries and water beads, these simple precautions help protect our kids from preventable injuries. While we can't fully childproof the world, these tips have helped me feel more at ease in our safe space, and I hope you find them helpful as you prioritize your family's health and safety.

This month's blog post offers strategies to help children emotionally heal from the aftermath of a hurricane. It highlights the significance of maintaining open communication, keeping consistent routines, and involving kids in therapeutic activities to nurture their recovery.

October marks Fall Wellness Month at Head2Toe, where we focus on personalized healthcare with biannual checks tailored for seasonal readiness and overall health, including nutrition, sleep, and bowel habits. Our latest blog post offers a glimpse into our distinctive approach, sharing practical tips to seamlessly incorporate health into daily family life, aiming for consistency and long-term well-being.

Watching your kids battle coughs and runny noses is never easy, and the mood swings and sleepless nights that follow are incredibly draining. As a pediatrician and a parent right in the thick of it, I’ve picked up a few helpful tips to make this season of parenting easier for both our kids and us.

Ensuring our children have nutritious meals is crucial for their ability to concentrate, learn, and stay active, and as a parent, I know firsthand how daunting this task can be. Balancing convenience with nutrition while keeping meals exciting and appealing is a constant challenge. That's why I'm here to share some tips!

With our move to a new home and the non-stop energy of a 9-month-old and a 2.5-year-old, I've been focused on baby-proofing more than ever. It’s easy to overlook until a scare prompts us to reassess our home’s safety, but I’m a big advocate for being proactive rather than reactive. ‍In this post, I'll walk you through each room, providing useful tips and pointing out areas that might easily be missed.

I’ve rounded up the top 5 reasons pediatricians get those frantic summer calls. As a parent, getting a heads-up on these will arm you with the know-how to spot trouble early, along with my pro tips for preventative measures that’ll keep those summer bummers at bay. But wait, there’s more! I’ve also packed this toolkit with my absolute must-haves for your summer bag. These essentials are game-changers, ensuring your kids stay healthy and happy, while you maintain your cool through the summer saga.

Instead of waiting for "the right time" to focus on myself—a time that rarely came because I was too exhausted and just wanted to grab whatever sleep I could—I began to weave little moments for myself into our everyday life. Yes, motherhood is incredibly demanding, and naturally, our children often take priority, but we shouldn't overlook our own needs.

Navigating the challenges of spring allergies in children can be daunting, especially when trying to distinguish between symptoms of allergies and signs of illness. Understanding these differences is crucial for providing the appropriate care, whether it involves allergy management or treating an infection.

The recent news about a measles outbreak at a Broward County elementary school has naturally raised some concerns among our community, especially considering how quickly this virus can spread. As a pediatrician, I'm dedicated to ensuring families are well-informed and equipped to tackle health issues such as measles.

With Christmas having come and gone, and a bounty of gifts now part of our homes, it's an opportune time to sort through them, particularly from a safety perspective. As both a pediatrician and a parent, I recognize the challenge in navigating gift choices, especially when they're given with love. However, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children is crucial.

I'm eager to pass on a beloved tradition from our home to yours. It may seem a little predictable, but it's a cornerstone of our holiday joy. When the holidays roll around, it's elf time at our house, and it's a total giggle fest! Every morning, we're on the lookout for what funny stuff our elf has done next. So if you want to join in on the elf game and need ideas, I've got five to share. They're fun, easy, and the kids will love them. Let's make some merry elf magic!

Navigating the complexities of breastfeeding while pregnant, this post delves into the personal journey of Dr. Lastra as a soon to be mother of two. A heartfelt account for National Breastfeeding Month, it's a testament to the unique paths every mother treads, regardless of how they choose to feed their child.

Allow me to shed some light on why, as a pediatrician, I decided to take the expressway to the ER with my daughters injury, bypassing the exits for an urgent care center or a regular pediatric check-up. I’m also going to tell you what we did to prepare for our outing to the ER and how I handled this as a mommy!

Traveling with children can be an exhilarating adventure. As both a pediatrician and a mother, I've compiled a list of essential tips to help make your travel experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Head2Toe Pediatrics provides personalized care with 24/7 physician access, unlimited appointments, and individualized pediatric care. Families pay a monthly flat fee on top of their insurance coverage for these specialized services. Our proactive care and timely interventions save families money and reduce healthcare stress, with the added convenience of at-home care.

Pediatric house calls for kids in Tampa Bay by Board-Certified Pediatricians at Head2Toe Pediatrics! We're all about personalized, top-notch care that's tailored to meet your family’s needs. So say goodbye to busy waiting rooms and hello to the doctor knocking on your door! 

Introducing your new pediatrician, Head2Toe Pediatrics! With our amazing personalized care, flexible scheduling, and 24/7 access to the doctor, you won't be able to resist our services. Once you try us, you won't want pediatric care any other way!

As a parent, it can be challenging to find snacks that your toddler will love and that are also packed with nutrients. That's why I've rounded up three easy and nutritious snack ideas that your little ones are sure to enjoy!

At Head2Toe Pediatrics, we understand that the safety and comfort of your child is your top priority, and it's ours too. That's why we offer families in the Tampa Bay area medical-grade ear piercing services from a trusted provider with extensive experience, ensuring the highest level of safety and care for our patients.

It’s hard to navigate the never-ending products for baby. Dr. Lastra narrows it down for you.