Compassionate pediatric care for every stage of growth
Caring for Kids, Teens & Healthy Futures
Years of Experience
At Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare, we provide trusted medical care for children from birth through young adulthood.
Get to Know Our Practice
Welcome to Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare
Founded in 2006 by Dr. Byron Cotton, Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare has been proudly serving families in Decatur and the surrounding communities for nearly two decades.
Recognized as one of Atlanta’s Top Doctors, Dr. Cotton and his team are committed to building lasting relationships with families while delivering exceptional medical care in a warm, welcoming environment.
Why Families Choose Us
Our Comprehensive Pediatric Services
Care for Every Age and Stage
From newborns to young adults, our services are designed to support lifelong health. Whether your child needs a routine checkup or specialized care, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Regular well child visits are the foundation of lifelong health. At Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare, we provide thorough checkups to monitor your child’s growth, development, and overall well-being from birth through adolescence. During each visit, we review nutrition, sleep, behavior, school progress, and preventive care to help your child stay on track physically, emotionally, and socially.
Following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, our care team ensures that every visit includes the appropriate screenings, immunizations, and developmental assessments. We encourage families to schedule well visits in advance, especially during busy seasons, to keep your child’s care consistent and worry-free.
BABIES
Your baby’s first visits are all about growth, bonding, and reassurance. We’ll discuss feeding, sleep patterns, and developmental milestones while measuring height, weight, and head circumference. Each visit includes a gentle physical exam, growth chart review, and recommended immunizations according to the AAP schedule.
CHILDREN
As your child grows, we focus on physical health, emotional well-being, and school performance. We check measurements, blood pressure, and BMI; perform hearing and vision screenings; and conduct age-appropriate tests such as anemia or urinalysis. These visits are an opportunity to address nutrition, behavior, and any parental concerns.
TEENS
For adolescents, we combine health education with compassionate guidance. We talk openly about school, stress, social issues, and risk behaviors. Teens receive privacy to share their questions, along with physical exams, immunizations, and screenings that support healthy transitions into adulthood.
Who Can Benefit
- Newborns and Infants: Establishing early care ensures your baby meets key growth and developmental milestones.
- Children (Ages 2–10): Regular checkups track progress, promote healthy habits, and address concerns early.
- Pre-teens & Teens (Ages 11–21): Encourages independence in managing health, vaccinations, and lifestyle choices.
- Parents & Caregivers: Gain personalized guidance on nutrition, behavior, and preventive care to support your child’s well-being.
When your child isn’t feeling well, prompt and compassionate care makes all the difference. At Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare, we provide same-day and walk-in sick visits to help your child recover quickly and safely. Our experienced care team treats acute illnesses, minor injuries, and symptoms that require immediate attention — all in a warm, family-friendly environment.
We offer flexible scheduling, daily appointment slots reserved for urgent needs, and a mini-clinic for quick assessments and nurse visits. Whether it’s a fever, sore throat, earache, or injury, our team is here to guide you on the best next step for your child’s health.
Same-Day Sick Visits
We keep dedicated time in our schedule each day for sick visits. If your child wakes up unwell, calling our office at 8:00 AM is the best way to secure an appointment. During busy times, such as flu season, we expand our same-day availability to meet demand.
If your child’s condition doesn’t require a full physician evaluation, our mini-clinic provides convenient nurse visits for services such as throat cultures, urine specimens, or follow-up tests.
Walk-In Sick Visits
We accept walk-ins Monday through Friday, as availability allows. Walk-ins are intended for sick patients only, and we do our best to see each child promptly.
If our schedule is full, the clinical team will triage your child’s symptoms to determine if same-day care is needed or if the visit can be safely scheduled for another day. Patients with urgent symptoms are always prioritized.
Injury Assessments
If your child experiences an injury, our team can help determine whether an office visit or an emergency room trip is most appropriate. Please let our front office staff know if your child has had an acute injury, so we can ensure they receive the proper care right away.
Who Can Benefit
- Children with sudden illnesses like fever, sore throat, earache, or stomach pain
- Children with mild injuries who may need same-day evaluation or advice
- Parents unsure of what level of care is needed — our clinical staff can help you decide whether to come in or seek emergency care
- Children needing follow-up or recheck visits for recovery and continued care
- Busy families who appreciate flexible, same-day access and nurse-led mini-clinic options
The teenage years are a time of growth, independence, and important health decisions. At Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare, we provide compassionate, confidential care tailored to adolescents and young adults. Our goal is to help teens make healthy choices, understand their bodies, and develop lifelong habits that support their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
In a supportive environment, we discuss topics that matter most to teens — from relationships and body image to mental health, substance use, and sexual education. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical guidelines and ensure that every visit empowers teens to take an active role in their health while keeping parents informed and involved.
Confidential & Supportive Care
Teen visits offer a safe, private space for open conversations. Teens are encouraged to ask questions and share concerns they might not feel comfortable discussing elsewhere. We listen without judgment and provide accurate, evidence-based information to help them make informed decisions.
Comprehensive Health Discussions
Our providers address key topics that impact adolescent health, including:
- Mental and emotional wellness
- Nutrition, exercise, and body image
- Peer pressure and decision-making
- Substance use, alcohol, and smoking
- Relationships and sexual health
- Stress management and school performance
Each visit includes a complete physical exam, preventive screenings, and age-appropriate vaccinations.
Parent Involvement & Consent
Before a teen’s first visit, parents review and sign a Minor Consent Form explaining our role as healthcare providers and outlining confidentiality laws for minors ages 11–17. This ensures families understand how care is shared and how privacy supports honest, effective communication between teens and their care team.
Who Can Benefit
- Pre-teens and teens (ages 11–21) are beginning to take charge of their own health and choices
- Parents and guardians who want expert support in navigating sensitive adolescent topics
- Teens facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges who need guidance in a trusted, non-judgmental setting
- Young adults transitioning to adulthood who benefit from preventive education and long-term wellness planning
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s greatest joys — and biggest adjustments. At Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare, we provide compassionate, expert care to help parents navigate the first few days, weeks, and months with confidence. From feeding and sleep guidance to monitoring growth, jaundice, and early development, our care team is here to support both you and your baby every step of the way.
We understand that every newborn is unique. Our goal is to ensure your baby is healthy, thriving, and gaining weight appropriately while giving parents the reassurance and education they need to feel comfortable at home.
In the First Few Weeks
Newborns grow and change quickly. You’ll notice new behaviors every day as you get to know your baby’s temperament and needs. Babies rely completely on their caregivers — they need warmth, feeding, and love around the clock. Crying is normal and can mean many things: hunger, tiredness, discomfort, or overstimulation. With time, you’ll learn how best to soothe and understand your baby’s cues.
Feeding Guidance
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, newborns eat frequently — often every 2 to 4 hours. It’s normal for babies to lose a little weight after birth, then regain it by about two weeks of age. Regular feeding, wet diapers, and bowel movements are signs your baby is doing well. Our team will help monitor your baby’s weight and feeding progress closely at each visit.
Jaundice Awareness
A mild yellowing of the skin, called jaundice, is common in newborns and usually harmless. It occurs as your baby’s liver matures. We carefully check for jaundice and, if needed, may monitor bilirubin levels or recommend light therapy to ensure your baby stays safe and healthy.
Office Visits & Follow-Up
We see newborns frequently in the first few weeks to ensure healthy weight gain and answer any questions you may have. If you have concerns between visits, our nurse advice line is available during office hours — and you can call us anytime for urgent newborn issues.
Practical Care Tips
- Umbilical Cord: Let the cord heal naturally; it usually falls off in 1–2 weeks. A small amount of bleeding or “yucky” appearance is normal.
- Bathing: Wait until the cord and circumcision heal before immersing your baby in water. Clean the diaper area and face gently with warm water as needed.
- Diaper Rash: Use barrier creams such as Desitin, Cetaphil, or Aquaphor to prevent irritation. Frequent diaper changes and mild wipes help protect your baby’s skin.
- Stooling Patterns: Stool frequency varies — some babies go often, others once every few days. What matters most is that stools are soft and your baby seems comfortable.
- Nasal Congestion: Newborn noses can sound stuffy. A cool mist humidifier or saline drops can ease dryness.
- Spitting Up: Mild spitting up is normal and common. If your baby is feeding well, growing, and not choking or vomiting forcefully, there’s usually no cause for concern.
- Sleep: Each baby has a different rhythm. Most newborns need to feed during the night. In around six months, many can sleep longer stretches. Helping your baby learn to self-soothe early can support healthy sleep patterns later.
- Visitors: Limit visitors during the first few months to protect your baby’s developing immune system. Encourage good handwashing before anyone holds your newborn.
Illness Concerns
Babies make many noises — grunts, squeaks, hiccups — and most are normal. The best signs of good health are regular feeding and normal sleep. However, if your baby has a rectal temperature over 100.4°F in the first three months, call us immediately. Always contact our office if your baby is excessively irritable, lethargic, vomiting green or yellow fluid, or refusing to feed.
At Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare, our goal is to help prevent and reduce childhood obesity by supporting healthy eating habits, daily physical activity, and overall wellness. Children who struggle with excess weight may face increased risks for medical conditions, making early education and intervention essential. We work closely with families to promote healthy food choices, limit less nutritious options, and create lifelong habits that support long-term health.
Understanding Childhood Obesity
Most children naturally gain weight as they grow. However, when weight increases beyond what is appropriate for a child’s age and height, it may lead to childhood obesity. This condition is serious and can increase the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol—conditions that can significantly affect a child’s health.
Eating Habits & Healthy Weight Skills
- Start healthy habits early
- Avoid using food as a reward, punishment, or bribe
- imit juice intake
- Offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables
- Avoid purchasing “problem foods” that encourage overeating
- Model healthy eating as a caregiver
- Build a home environment that encourages nutritious choices and physical activity
Physical Activity & Sedentary Behavior
Increasing physical activity is often the most effective way to support healthy weight in children. Research from the CDC shows obesity is more common among children who watch several hours of TV per day and is lowest among those who watch one hour or less.
Today, many kids spend long periods on computers, tablets, and phones—activities that involve little to no movement. This lack of physical activity has a direct impact on weight. Encouraging active play, regular exercise, and limits on screen time can make a significant difference.
Behavior & Emotional Health
Children struggling with obesity may experience negative feelings about themselves, leading to poor self-esteem, emotional eating, or difficulty understanding how others perceive them. Food may become a coping mechanism.
Consistent support, positive reinforcement, and healthy communication are essential. In some cases, professional counseling can help children build confidence, develop coping strategies, and adopt healthier behaviors.
Most parents have concerns about their ability to understand their children at different ages and about providing the right amount of structure and discipline. Many wonder what is considered normal behavior, asking questions like:
“Is he just being a boy? Do all children talk back? Why won’t my child use the potty? Is she supposed to cry every time I leave? My child started middle school—what happened?”
What Is Adolescence?
Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and young adulthood. It does not begin at a specific age—every child develops at their own pace.
- Some kids mature early.
- Others develop more slowly.
A wide range of development is considered normal.
Every Child Is Different
There is no one-size-fits-all instruction manual for parenting. Each child has a unique temperament and personality.
- Some temperaments resemble one or both parents.
- Other times, parents may wonder where certain behaviors come from.
As a parent, the challenge is to understand age-appropriate behavior and adjust your parenting style to fit your child’s individual needs.
Puberty vs. Adolescence
It’s important to understand the difference:
- Puberty refers to physical changes like breast development, menstrual periods, pubic hair, and facial hair.
- Adolescence includes emotional, social, and cognitive changes that aren’t visible from the outside.
Children between ages 8 and 14 may experience both—each child’s timeline is unique.
Behavioral Changes During Adolescence
Some kids show the beginning of adolescence through sudden behavior changes around their parents.
- They may seek more independence.
- They become more aware of how peers perceive them.
- Fitting in becomes increasingly important.
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways that carry air to the lungs. These airways become inflamed, swollen, and sometimes narrowed, producing excess mucus. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma can affect children of all ages, including infants and adolescents, and often runs in families.
Understanding Asthma Flare-Ups
Many children with asthma breathe normally between flare-ups, which can sometimes seem sudden. In reality, flare-ups develop gradually as the airways become more obstructed. During a flare-up, three main changes occur in the airways:
- Swelling of the airway lining
- Excess mucus production, which can form “plugs.”
- Bronchoconstriction, or tightening of the airway muscles
Together, these changes narrow the airways, making it harder to breathe—like trying to breathe through a straw.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely and may be mild or severe, occurring sporadically or daily. Common signs include:
- Coughing, especially at night or with a cold
- Wheezing or whistling sounds when exhaling
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or congestion
- Trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath with exercise or play
Causes and Triggers
Asthma triggers differ for each child but often include:
- Respiratory infections and colds
- Allergens: dust, pollen, mold, pet dander
- Irritants: smoke, scented sprays, air pollution, paint fumes
- Exercise: running, sports, or physical activity
- Other factors: stress, strong emotions
Causes and Triggers
Asthma triggers differ for each child but often include:
- Respiratory infections and colds
- Allergens: dust, pollen, mold, pet dander
- Irritants: smoke, scented sprays, air pollution, paint fumes
- Exercise: running, sports, or physical activity
- Other factors: stress, strong emotions
Managing Asthma
Start prescribed medications at the first sign of symptoms. Some children may also use a steroid or nebulizer at home. If symptoms persist despite treatment, contact your pediatrician immediately.
- Learn about asthma triggers and how to avoid them
- Keep an asthma diary to track symptoms
- Follow your asthma action plan closely
- Give medications as prescribed
- Use a peak flow meter at home to monitor breathing; a drop in readings signals worsening inflammation
Preventing Flare-Ups
- Encourage good hand hygiene to avoid colds and infections
- Avoid exposure to smoke
- Keep your child’s environment free from triggers, including allergens and strong scents
- Promote regular physical activity while monitoring symptoms
Early diagnosis and proper management of asthma can help children lead active, healthy lives.
Healthy habits start at home—and as a parent or caregiver, you play a powerful role in shaping your child’s relationship with food, movement, and overall wellness. Children watch what you eat, how you move, and the choices you make every day. You choose the groceries, prepare the meals, and model behaviors that influence your child’s lifelong health.
Understanding Asthma Flare-Ups
It’s important to understand the basics of good nutrition, portion sizes, food labels, and the role exercise plays in a healthy lifestyle. Ask yourself:
- Do I know how to choose balanced meals?
- Do I understand how much my child should be eating?
- Am I reading nutrition labels correctly?
- How much juice or soda should my child really have?
- What positive changes can I make to model healthier habits?
Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Tips
- Decrease portion sizes
- Reduce or eliminate fast food
- Limit or avoid soda and juice
- Keep a food and exercise journal
- Aim for 10,000 steps per day
- Incorporate physical activity at least 3 times per week
Become an Expert in Your Family’s Health
The first step toward improving your family’s nutrition is education. Explore the helpful resources we’ve provided—they’re fun, easy to navigate, and full of expert tips and ideas.
We encourage parents to talk with us at any visit. If you have specific concerns or want a personalised plan, we offer consult appointments where we can spend extra time tailoring guidance for you and your child.
At Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare, we offer safe, gentle ear piercing using a specialized technique and hypoallergenic medical-grade earrings. These earrings are designed to be both attractive and unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. The procedure is quick, easy, and causes minimal discomfort.
We provide ear piercings for children as young as 3 months old, as long as it has been at least one month since their first immunizations. Earrings may be replaced after 6–8 weeks, though many families choose to keep the original pair longer because we offer a variety of decorative, medical-grade options.
To schedule a piercing, please call our office to book an appointment.
We also sell hypoallergenic medical-grade earrings for children who already have pierced ears. Prices start at $35 per set. Our team can assist you with selecting the right pair.
FAQs About Our Ear Piercings
Are the earrings safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Many common earring materials can trigger nickel allergies, but our Medical Plastic earrings contain 0% nickel. We also offer titanium earrings, which bind nickel more effectively than any other metal, greatly reducing the risk of nickel exposure.
How should we care for a new piercing?
A fresh piercing should be kept clean, dry, and exposed to air. Follow these steps when cleaning:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Clean the pierced area with warm running water and mild soap.
- Gently pat dry with a clean towel.
Do the earrings need to be twisted during healing?
No. Twisting earrings is not recommended. Twisting without washing your hands and the piercing area first can introduce bacteria and may lead to infection.
How long should the earrings stay in?
We recommend keeping the starter earrings in for at least four weeks. Many caregivers choose to leave them in longer since we offer many decorative medical-grade options.
If you decide to change the earrings after the initial healing period:
- Clean your hands and the earrings first.
- Remove the earrings gently.
- Insert the new pair right away so the hole doesn’t shrink.
- Piercing holes can shrink easily during the first year if left without an earring.
Remember—we also carry a selection of safe, hypoallergenic earrings for already pierced ears.
In Office Lab Test:
Rapid Strep Test
Urinalysis
Hemoglobin (Finger Prick)
Glucose
Pregnancy Test
Cholesterol, Lipid Profile
RSV
Influenza
Mono
To The Lab:
Bilirubin
CBC
Mono Test
Blood Cultures
All Blood, Urine, and Stool Tests as Indicated
Procedures In the Office:
Nebulizer treatments
Pulse Oximetry
Suture Removal
I & D Abscess
Splinter Removal
Hearing
Vision
Ingrown Toenails
Minor Burns
Ear Wash
Foreign Body Removal
Scalp Scrapings
Simple Splints
All you need in one place
Patient Information
We’re Here For You!
Have a question or ready to schedule your child’s appointment? Contact us today and experience the caring difference at Kids & Teens Primary Healthcare.
Payment Options
We accept money orders, cash, or credit cards. We also offer a flexible payment plan. Please get in touch with us for more details. We are happy to file insurance for your reimbursement as long as you are free to choose your own pediatrician.
Office Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 9 am - 6 pm
- Wednesday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
- Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm (2nd Saturday of the month only)
- Sunday is Closed