Positional Plagiocephaly Passage through the birth canal often makes a newborn’s head appear pointy or elongated for a short time. It’s normal for a baby’s skull, which is made up of several separate bones that will eventually fuse (or blend) together, to be slightly misshapen during the few days or weeks after birth. But if you’ve noticed [...] Write a Comment! »

Diaper Rashes You start to change your baby’s diaper, and there it is, a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby’s bottom. Don’t panic. What you’re seeing is most likely diaper rash, a common form of inflamed skin (dermatitis). Most infants develop a diaper rash at some time or another; some even arrive home from the [...] Write a Comment! »

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It’s so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Respiratory syncytial virus can also infect adults. In adults and older, healthy children, the signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus typically mimic the [...] Write a Comment! »

Temperature Taking Tips What’s the best way to take your child’s temperature? What kind of thermometer should you use? Here are the answers. Fever is nothing to fool around with in young children. If your child feels warm or seems under the weather, you probably should take his or her temperature. Sounds simple enough, but if you’re new [...] Write a Comment! »

Less urgent situations It’s normal for babies to get sick now and then, but if their signs and symptoms gradually worsen or simply persist over a couple of days, do not hesitate to contact the doctor. Below are signs and symptoms that require medical attention: Changes in your baby’s appetite. If your baby refuses two consecutive feedings, contact [...] Write a Comment! »

Medical Checkups Regular doctor visits aren’t just for babies. It’s important to track growth, screen for disease and address health and parenting issues affecting older kids, too. A vital part of keeping your child healthy is staying up-to-date on his or her physical exams. Learn more about how often children should be checked and what happens at [...] Write a Comment! »

Solid Foods If you’re eager to expand your baby’s diet, take care not to move too fast. Follow these pointers for choosing and introducing the right foods. Does your baby reach for food at the dinner table? Is he or she still hungry after regular feedings? These may be signs that your baby is ready to start [...] Write a Comment! »

Whole Milk for 1st B-Day There’s nothing like a cold glass of milk with a slice of birthday cake. That works out great for babies because, in general, parents should stop the formula and introduce milk around the time of a baby’s first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breast-fed for at least 12 months and [...] Write a Comment! »

Formula The most common sources of protein in infants’ formulas are either cow’s milk or soybeans. If the mother cannot or chooses not to breast-feed, normal, full-term infants should get a conventional cow’s-milk-based formula, according to John N. Udall Jr., M.D., chief of nutrition and gastroenterology at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. For a healthy, full-term [...] Write a Comment! »

Medical Appointments Regular doctor visits aren’t just for babies. It’s important to track growth, screen for disease and address health and parenting issues affecting older kids, too. A vital part of keeping your child healthy is staying up-to-date on his or her physical exams. Learn more about how often children should be checked and what happens at [...] Write a Comment! »