Choosing how to feed your baby is an important decision that has life-long effects for your baby and for you.
Finding good daycare for your child doesn't have to be difficult, if you follow this advice.
Home trampolines are popular and seem like lots of fun, but they're also dangerous. They cause thousands of injuries every year in the U.S.
When wetting happens in a child who is old enough to control his or her bladder, it’s known as enuresis. Here's what you need to know.
As a new parent, you may find tub time" a bit scary. Here are some suggestions on how to make it less stressful."
Studies indicate that almost all children report having fears. Some of the most common fears are of bugs or ghosts, and studies have shown that kids are afraid of pretty much the same things no matter where they live in the world.
few mothers- and fathers-to-be receive training for the much more challenging and long-term tasks: becoming good parents and remaining close and loving partners in the face of new stresses and strains as their family grows.
Most headaches in kids are caused by tension, not disease. Your pediatrician can determine what kind of headache your child has.
Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teens taking drugs may display emotional extremes with irritability, anger, and changes in sleep patterns.
Research shows that adolescents who grow up with high self-esteem are far less likely to abuse drugs or drink, compared with children who grow up without much sense of self-worth.
Studies show that about half of U.S. teens have had sex by age 18. Read on for helpful tips about educating your kids about sex.
You can help keep your children safe by following these precautions.
The prospect of new experiences away from parents or other loved ones can be quite frightening, especially for younger children. These worries are a normal part of development for all children.
The sports that cause the most injuries are basketball, baseball, pool sports, and racket sports. But any sport that involves a projectile is considered hazardous to the eyes.
Research shows that reading regularly to young children, especially those between ages 6 months and 5 years, is central to their overall growth and development.
How can you get your kids into the handwashing habit? We've got a few tips for you below.
A look at why kids get carsick, with helpful tips for prevention—and what to do if it occurs.
Remember that terrible twos" phase of a child's life also can be the "terrific twos." Watching your children grow and learn is an enriching experience."
It seems everyone has an opinion about pacifiers. That's because there are both advantages and disadvantages to using them. Get the full facts so you can make the right choice for your baby.
As part of your preparation for your new baby, you probably got an infant safety seat for the car. But do you know how to make sure it’s installed properly? And when do you switch to a child safety seat? Learn the ins and outs of safe car travel for your little one.
While being a new Mom brings lots of joy, it also brings stress - something a crying baby can make worse. A better understanding of why your baby cries can help you deal with this stress in a healthy way and help you avoid the most common form of child abuse: Shaken baby syndrome.
For a parent who needs to take an infant's or child's temperature, there are now 4 digital thermometer choices.
Although lead poisoning is often associated with the paint of older homes, children may be exposed to lead if the soldering on water pipes is new. In fact, lead may be found in many parts of a home, including soil, food or even the air.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine now say that strength training is fine for kids, as long as they are supervised and don't try to lift too much weight.
Sports is the leading cause of school-age children's eye injuries, but most of those injuries are preventable.
Street hockey is popular because it's cheaper than regular hockey and can be played anywhere there is a hard surface.
Read on for tips to help keep your children from smoking.
Anger, fear, separation anxiety, a sense of abandonment, self-blame, sadness and embarrassment are common reactions to divorce for most children.
Binge drinkers are most likely found on college campuses, where many students consider a big game or fraternity party an excuse to drink all weekend.
Young children often suck on their thumbs. It's perfectly normal. But some parents worry about it.
There are no set rules on when children can wear contact lenses. Much depends on the responsibility level of the child.
You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking him or her by about 12 months at the latest. The dentist can provide or recommend preventative information regarding baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, mouth cleaning, teething, pacifier habits and finger-sucking habits.
When you're looking for a babysitter, give yourself enough time to be selective.
Detailed information on bicycle, in-line skating, skateboarding, and scooter safety
Make a potty available, show your toddler how it works, then offer gentle encouragement.
Talking with your child about drugs, alcohol and tobacco is hard. But you can't afford to ignore these topics. Kids learn about these substances and feel pressure to use them at a very young age.
Child abuse can happen in any family and in any neighborhood. Studies have shown that child abuse crosses all boundaries of income, race, ethnic heritage and religious faith.
Hepatitis B is a highly contagious, sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. It can possibly cause lifelong liver infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, and death.
A tonsillectomy may be recommended if your child has throat infections that keep coming back. Adenoidectomy is recommended if your child has a lot of trouble breathing through the nose. Often the tonsils and adenoids are removed at the same time.
Suicide is when a teen causes his or her own death on purpose. Before trying to take his or her own life, a teen may have thoughts of wanting to die. Read on to learn how to recognize the warning signs, and how to get your teen help.
Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It causes a red, blotchy rash. It’s a very contagious illness.
For years, routine hearing tests took place only when children entered school. But hearing loss can cause serious problems much earlier.
Learning about grief and how it affects your family can help you get through the difficult times together. It may even help your family grow stronger.
Where can you as a parent turn to for the facts about vaccine safety? The first place to go is your child's healthcare provider.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. SIDS is sometimes called crib death because the death may happen when a baby is sleeping in a crib. It’s one of the leading causes of death in babies from ages 1 month to 1 year. It happens most often between 2 and 4 months old.
Quality time should be woven into our lives. As our children get older and slip away, we need to stop worrying about the extraordinary and think more about the ordinary."
On college campuses across the U.S., many students ages 18 to 24 are taking part in a dangerous activity called binge drinking. This means drinking alcohol to the point of getting drunk. Read on to learn more about the risks.
Knowing about marijuana can help you tell if your child or someone else is using it, and help them to get treatment.
Your challenge is to find toys that your children will enjoy and that you know are safe.
Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce mind-altering effects. Knowing the facts about inhalants can help you protect your children.
Healthcare providers who specialize in children's eye care say children usually become near- or farsighted between ages 6 and 12. But even infants can wear glasses if they need help to see well.
Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns.
Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught to children at a young age.
You want to help a child with cold symptoms feel better, but choosing among countless over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can be daunting. Here are some guidelines that can help.
During the teen years, peer pressure can be very strong. It can push kids to do things that they don't really want to do. This pressure can come from friends or other kids at school. But parents can counter it, if they're ready to help.
A medical error can occur when something that was planned for medical care doesn't work, or when the wrong plan was used in the first place.
DXM is a common ingredient in many cough and cold remedies. It's also become a popular substance to abuse by teens searching for a cheap, easy high. Here's what you should know.
Having a child with diabetes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a team of experts can guide you now and in the years to come.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older.
Before your teens leave home, teach them to make their own healthcare decisions. One way is to provide information and include them in their own self-care from an early age.
Some babies cry for long stretches at 3 and 12 weeks of age during steps in development when their sleep is less settled.
Even the best-prepared parents may be surprised by a few things that are quite normal in newborns.
Learn more about GHB, a dangerous and addictive drug that was banned by the FDA. GHB produces a feeling of euphoria and hallucinations. It is popular with teens who go to all-night dance parties.
Some children grow more slowly than others. Height in the low normal range is still normal, healthcare providers say.
OTC drugs have information on the bottle or box. Always read this information before using the medicine.
Small toys or toys with small removal parts are not appropriate for children ages 3 and younger.
Teen girls who are athletes face unique obstacles when it comes to their bodies and how well they perform.
Putting babies to sleep on their backs has dramatically reduced the incidence of SIDS. One unexpected side effect: Many infants now have a flattened head.
Power tools make yard work easier, from mowing the lawn to trimming the bushes. These tools, however, also pose a threat to children if precautions aren't taken.
These fits of rage - the stomping, screaming, and falling on the floor - are a normal part of childhood development. Temper tantrums often happen only with a parent. They are a way for the child to communicate his or her feelings.
If you're pregnant with twins, you'll want to carefully consider this advice. It can help increase your chances for a full-term pregnancy.
Children's mental health is as important as their physical health. Read on for helpful answers to common questions that can help you protect your child's mental health.
You can help your child by being prepared and preventing injuries from happening. It is important to take charge of your child's health and follow a program designed to help you and your family stay healthy and safe.
Without enough shut-eye, children are more likely to struggle with their school studies, do poorly on the playing field, and suffer depression.
Teen dating violence is worrisome. But it's not inevitable. Here's how you and your teen can avoid possibly unsafe situations and reduce the risk for problems.
Nausea and vomiting can make you feel miserable. But it's important to remember that these are not diseases. Rather, they are symptoms of many illnesses.
Most youngsters learn the basics of pedaling, steering and braking on a tricycle or big wheel" cycle
Detailed information on the most common types of ringworm, including diagnosis and treatment
With childhood obesity on the rise, should parents worry about the weight of their babies?
Parents need to realize the rational part of a teen's brain isn't fully developed and won't be until he or she is 25 years old or so.
Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes nausea and diarrhea. It is the leading cause of severe infectious diarrhea in children.
Children who have ADHD are often given medicine as part of their treatment plan. The type of medicine most often chosen is a psychostimulant. Read on to learn more.
Scrapes and sprains are a fact of life for most children, so it's good to know what to do when they come home with a minor injury.
Symptoms of eye problems in children include crossed eyes, redness in the eyes, squinting, and excessive tearing.
A good guideline to follow is that a medical emergency is any time your child has an injury or illness you believe threatens his or her health or may cause permanent harm.
You may be wondering what questions the healthcare provider will ask, or what tests and exams your child will need. Read on to learn what you and your child can expect.
Do you want to gain better control over your asthma? Put it in writing!
Many young people take prescription medicines because they believe they are safer than street drugs. But they can be just as dangerous if taken improperly. Read on to learn more.
Most children rely on backpacks to carry books and supplies to and from school and activities. But a backpack that's too heavy or doesn't fit right can cause harm.
If you have toys that have been recalled, don't throw them out. Take them back to the store where they came from.
Bullying can happen in school, on the playground - and now even on the Internet through social networking sites. Here are some warning signs to watch for, and information on how to help your child.
For parents of a newborn, first-time parents, or any anxious mom or dad, it may be hard to tell a true health threat that needs a healthcare provider's attention from a frightening, yet simple, illness that doesn't need medical treatment. Most sniffles, sneezes, and stomachaches don't need medical attention. But how do you know when it's time to call the healthcare provider?
At least some anger is necessary for survival. Frequent or intense episodes of anger, however, aren't good for you or the people around you. If you find yourself boiling mad more often than not, try some of these tips to keep your temper in check.
Moving your child from the crib to a first bed is a milestone event. But more than the bittersweet emotional concerns, your priorities will be safety and a healthy sleep routine.
Drug addiction and alcohol addiction are chronic diseases that can be treated as successfully as many other chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes.
You may think of heart disease as a problem for adults, not your young children. But diet and exercise habits started in childhood can begin a lifetime of heart health, or a lifetime of heart damage.
Organized sports for children offer obvious benefits such as physical fitness and sportsmanship, but did you know that a musical education program has many of the same benefits? Music education and participation in sports are both great ways to prepare your child for future success.
Farming seems to be the most dangerous job. Teens also get hurt in restaurants, supermarkets, retail stores, and other places where they find after-school and summer work.
Activity can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and stroke. It can also lessen feelings of depression, and boost confidence. As children get older, they often reduce their physical activity. Because of this, making activity a family priority is key.
Any blow to the head can cause a concussion. Some of the symptoms may fade quickly, but others can linger. Your child may have trouble sleeping or thinking.
There are many fun, low-cost activities to help families make memories and enjoy each other's company on a budget.
If your child is allergic to peanuts, here's what you need to know.
Major health concerns have been raised about e-cigarettes. Here's what you need to know.
Many grandparents end up in a position they never expected: raising their grandchildren. Fortunately, state and federal programs are available to help you and your grandfamily.
All children need limits to feel safe. With the right methods, discipline can be a positive, loving, experience.
About 4.9 million children live in households headed by grandparents. These are commonly called "grandfamilies" or "second families." Two out of three of your fellow grandparents handling this responsibility are older than 50, and the children are often under age 6.
If you're a single parent, you may feel overwhelmed by everything you have to do each day. Here are some ideas on finding support.
Here are a few tips to make sure your kids continue to get sound sleep throughout the summer and get back into a routine once school starts.
Since 1977, health care providers in the U.S. have been using pediatric growth charts to see how kids stack up. It’s important to track a child’s growth rate over time, but keep in mind that no one number tells the whole story.
About 60 percent of newborn babies develop jaundice, but managing it is important because it can cause long-term health problems in rare cases. Here’s what you should know about this common and usually mild condition.
They may have a break from math class, but kids still do some adding over summer break. Problem is, what they tally is extra pounds.
A healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for helping kids thrive. But sometimes, this amazing system needs a little TLC. Whether you’re concerned about constipation, diarrhea, tummy aches, or just want to bolster your child’s digestive health to promote optimal overall health, these strategies can help.
The lazy days of summer are almost here. With the lure of long mornings of sleeping in and no schoolwork, it can be hard to keep teens and tweens mentally and physically active. Here are some ideas to help them stay busy through the summer months.
If an allergy-based condition of any kind runs in your family—be it hay fever, eczema, or asthma—your baby has an above-average chance of developing one. But you may be able to take steps to help prevent food allergies.
Nighttime bed-wetting is common among young children. In most instances, the problem will go away even if parents do nothing, so patience and support are the key ingredients to waiting out this problem. But parents can take steps to make things easier.
With some paint, construction paper, and a few other supplies, you can make a sailboat using your own foot!
Your toddler’s howling in the supermarket cookie aisle. Your teen told Aunt Betty she doesn’t like her birthday present. Your 10-year-old just let rip a swear word you didn’t even know he knew—in public. What now?
Today, nearly 50 percent of kids touch their first screen while still wearing diapers. About three-fourths of teens have smartphones. But how much screen time should children be exposed to?
Your pediatrician is your go-to person for questions about your child’s well-being or when your child gets sick. But sometimes, your child might have a problem that warrants a visit to a pediatric specialist.
No parent wants to see their child struggle in school or repeat a grade. If your child is having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, there are many ways you can help.
Deciding to let your child stay home alone is a process. It requires planning, teaching, and taking a realistic look at your child’s readiness.
Being a kid isn’t easy. Feeling pressure to get good grades, managing parent expectations and navigating social situations can take a toll. How can we help kids better manage stress? One way is to encourage exercise.
If you’re a mother-to-be whose pregnancy isn’t routine your doctor or midwife may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (MFM) for extra care. The focus of these high-risk pregnancy experts is keeping both of you healthy before, during, and after you give birth. Here’s what you should know about MFMs and the benefits of working with one.
While giving your child fruit juice may seem like a good idea—after all, it’s fruit!—the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting how much juice your child drinks. The AAP recently released a policy statement on the topic of kids and juice.
Parental disagreements about expectations, discipline, and other aspects of child-rearing can leave children feeling confused and insecure. The solution? Learn to parent as a team, despite your differences.
As a busy mom, you’re juggling it all―dashing from work to soccer practice to dance class, fitting in birthday parties, teacher conferences, and family dinners around the kitchen table. While it may feel tough to fit it all in, here’s something you don’t want to skip: well-child visits.
Being a kid can be tough. You can’t always protect kids from these challenges. But you can nurture your children’s resilience to help them respond to the challenges of adolescence and successfully navigate in adulthood.
Until recently, prescription cough and cold medicines that contained the opioids codeine and hydrocodone could be prescribed to children. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new labeling guidelines that limit the use of these medicines to adults only, citing safety concerns.
Parents often jokingly describe themselves as chauffeurs for their children, and that’s not too far off—between baseball practices, dance lessons, and after-school tutoring sessions, the modern kid has many obligations. If it all feels like a little too much, it just might be.
Cyberbullying, like its old-fashioned counterpart, feeds anxiety and depression. Here's how to cool it.
More than 170 million Americans celebrate Halloween. Tricks for making it a healthier holiday can benefit your children and those who come to your door.
If your child is among the nearly one in twelve American kids with ADHD, read on for four tips about the importance of follow-up care for you both.
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right? Well, it isn’t always quite that simple, especially when it comes to kids. Swallowing a pill or an unpleasant-tasting liquid can be scary for little ones, but here are four tips to make it easier.
While tragedies have always been a part of life, technology has made it easier than ever for kids to learn about bad things that are happening all over the world. If your instinct as a parent is to shelter them from all that’s grim, that’s understandable—but of course it’s impossible.
Even the most safety-conscious parents may miss this danger to children—a piece of furniture, a television, or an appliance tipping over when a child is climbing on it or another child pushes it over.
When your baby is howling from a sharp little incisor that’s just itching to break through the gum line, you understandably want to do whatever you can to stop the pain. But if your go-to has been homeopathic teething tablets and gels, you’ll want to switch up your strategy.
Simply put, body image is how you feel about your body. Believe it or not, problems with body image can begin as early as the preschool years. The good news is that you can do a lot to help your child develop a positive body image from a very young age.
Here are some guidelines on a few of childhood’s most common anxiety disorders. Learn how to help your young one through minor worries—and how to spot signs that more help may be needed:
The bond between mother and child is one of the most important connections humans can make. But the bond between father and child is just as vital.
The teen years present challenges for each family member. The key is learning what you can do to keep your teen’s emotions in balance.
Oh, dear! Your child is grumpy, has another fever, and isn’t eating well—again. Before you assume it’s just another cold or flu, watch for other symptoms. Your young one may have hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Here's how to make your own baby food at home.
There are lots of places kids and teens can learn about sexuality—TV, music, the internet—but hearing about it from you is the most important source of all. The biggest influence in teenagers’ decisions about sex is not their friends or the media, but their parents.
With crisp air and cozy days by the fire, winter can be a wonderful time of year. But with those chilly temperatures come safety concerns. Here’s how to keep your kids happy and healthy during the colder months.
Children start off life extremely attuned to details. They hyper-focus on the world around them, working intently to process what they’re seeing, hearing, tasting, touching. As they grow up and start to “go through the motions” of daily life, it can be helpful to teach them mindfulness.
Test your knowledge on kids' stuttering.
If you’re low on lunch-box ideas, sink your teeth into these.
The holidays are full of joy and excitement, especially for children. But each year, more than 300,000 children may end up in the emergency department (ED) for injuries caused by holiday decorations, toys, or burns from a fire.
As children become young adults, it’s time to start thinking about moving on to an adult doctor. Knowing what you can expect to happen during this transition can help it go more smoothly for everyone.
You encourage your kids to brush and floss their teeth, take them in for regular checkups, and make sure they don’t eat too much sugar. But even if you practice great dental hygiene, emergencies affecting the teeth and mouth sometimes happen.
No snow? No problem. You can still build a wintry friend using a leftover cardboard tube from toilet paper or paper towels.
In an attempt to keep your little one happy and catch some much needed shut-eye, it may be tempting to bring your baby into bed with you. But doing so can be extremely dangerous.
Inspect your house room by room, just like the pros, to look for health and safety threats.
Sick little ones at home? Be careful when you measure their medication. According to one study, approximately 85 percent of parents made at least one dosing mistake with liquid medicine.
In today’s digital world, kids and teens often sort out their identities online. And some social media platforms have a darker side—often hidden from parents’ view.
Separation anxiety is common and normal in the very young.
Older children need fewer checkups. But well-child visits are still important as children grow.
Whether you’re thinking about transitioning your family to plant-based cuisine exclusively or just a few days a week, you might be wondering if there’s anything special you need to consider for your youngest eaters.
You may be surprised to learn that taking care of your baby’s teeth begins during pregnancy. How can you do that? By taking care of your own dental health.
Give a gift from the heart this Valentine’s Day. Make this card for someone you love. It’s a butterfly made of hearts!
Eating well and staying physically active are crucial to keeping a healthy heart. And it’s never too early to begin.
Spending time with your children is important, especially when you have the chance to teach them something new. When lunch and dinner roll around, why not have them help prepare some delicious and healthy meals?
If your teen wears contact lenses, watch out. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, six out of seven teens make hygiene mistakes that put them at risk for serious eye infections.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your grandkids safe so you can get back to what really matters: showering them with love and having plenty of fun along the way.
An allergy to peanuts—like other food allergies—usually develops early. Find out what factors boost a baby’s risk and how you might be able to prevent peanut allergies.
Deciding when to call the pediatrician and when to take your sick or injured child to urgent care can be a tough call.
Planning playdates may not be on your parenting to-do list anymore. But with preteens and teens, there’s something you still need to do: Make sure they’re vaccinated.
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you probably already know about the negative effects that alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy eating can have for you and your growing baby. But other things in your everyday life can affect your pregnancy, too.
Making slime is a great lesson in science and creativity, but is it safe?
Young children overheat more quickly than grownups. And cars can overheat to deadly levels in minutes.
What should be on your family’s back-to-school health checklist? Make time for these important health activities during the back-to-school season.
Take this important quiz for your child's health.
What if you’ve noticed your child is overweight? Here are three ways to help your son or daughter—without making your child feel self-conscious.
Parents and caregivers, it’s time to remove digital devices—TVs, cellphones, computers, tablets and video games—from kids’ and teens’ bedrooms to encourage a better night’s sleep.
Winter can be the season for indulging in cookies and hibernating on the couch. Or it can be the season for savoring a bowl of vegetable soup and taking a walk in your coziest jacket. The choice is yours. If you like the sound of the second option, here are some tips to help you stay on course.
Between jobs, school, homework, sports, and more, these five tweaks can help you strike a better balance while trying to juggle it all.
Test your knowledge of breastfeeding.
With these six homework-helping tips, you can learn how to support and encourage your child, while also giving him or her the needed space to complete homework on their own.
Get moving yourself! If you embrace exercise and make it enjoyable, your children are more likely to be active and stay active.
Heavy backpacks can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems.
Here are some key tips (and a few tricks) you can put into action to help keep the holiday fun and your little one safe.
You’re not powerless against lead. Here’s what you can do to keep your family safe.
Disposable diapers make up more than 1.5 percent of all the trash in this country. About 3.4 million tons of them end up in our landfills each year. So, are cloth diapers a better choice?
Fortunately, there are a variety of steps you can take to help clear up your baby’s congestion so you can all breathe easy again.
Frequent absenteeism puts kids at risk for poor grades, dropping out of school, and unhealthy behaviors as teens and young adults—such as smoking and not exercising—that could put their health on the line down the road.
It’s tough to know whether home remedies, such as rest and drinking plenty of fluids, are enough or if the situation warrants calling the doctor.
Top off your Halloween costume or freshen up your play wardrobe with a princess hat that’s one of a kind, just like you!
You can be a link between your nonverbal child and health care providers. Here are some helpful tips for both routine visits and sick-child appointments.
It’s exciting to watch your kid become an athletic star. But before you commit your child to intense training in his or her best sport, try putting multiple sports into play.
Kids are more likely to be active if they have the support of their families. Try these strategies to keep your kids moving this fall and winter.
Check this chart to tell when illness calls for an absence—and when your kid can safely head back to day care or the classroom.
Learn more about what to expect during pregnancy by matching the symptom to the trimester.
Many parents can easily ID the telltale signs that their child has an ear infection. All you have to do is call the pediatrician for an antibiotic, and your kid will soon be on the road to recovery, right? Not exactly.