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Community
This week the AAP published formal recommendations encouraging pediatricians to talk with their patients about reading to babies. We could not agree more! http://aapnews.aappublications.org/content/early/2014/06/24/aapnews.20140624-2...
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Blog
Along with being a Bundoo Pediatrician, Dr. Justin Morgan is a full-time pediatric hospitalist in Louisville, Kentucky. After graduating from Georgetown College in Kentucky, Morgan received his medical degree from the University of Louisville...
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Baby
The term “diaper rash” is used to describe a skin irritation or rash that occurs on your baby’s bottom. It is a common condition that typically affects babies 8-10 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates that more than...
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Parenting
To spank or not to spank? There’s no denying children can test parents’ patience, and finding ways to effectively discipline them can be a challenge. Studies have shown that up to 90 percent of parents have spanked their children at least once. But...
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Parenting
While you may not always realize it, discipline for your child begins as early as infancy. Having your child follow a routine for sleep-wake cycle and feeding is a form of discipline that comforts your child and provides you with some sleep. But as...
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Health
Choosing a doctor for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. You can find many guides to finding a pediatrician online, in addition to talking to other parents and people in your area. Here’s how to scout out a good...
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Baby
Nitrates are naturally occurring compounds that are used throughout the food and agriculture industries as food preservatives and fertilizers. They are also present in groundwater, and even some vegetables have naturally occurring nitrites. No...
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Health
It used to be common practice that if a child suffered from an ear infection, antibiotics were given to clear it up. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently changed its position on the treatment of acute otitis media (the medical term...
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Toddler
Chiropractors are the most commonly used alternative medicine providers for kids, and their popularity is growing. But is chiropractic care safe for kids? Does it work? Should families spend their money on chiropractic care as treatment for common...
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Parenting
Every parent makes mistakes (we’re all human, right?), but some mistakes and behaviors have longer-term repercussions than others on your child. You are the most important person in your child’s life, so what you say and do has a huge impact on...
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Baby
In an ideal world, all mothers and their infants would begin their new lives together effortlessly breastfeeding with no complications and no interruptions. Unfortunately, the realities of life often interfere. Some well-intentioned moms begin to...
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Baby
Binky or no binky? It’s no surprise to parents that babies love to suck on things, including fingers, thumbs, hands, or pacifiers. Sucking that’s done outside of feeding time is known as “non-nutritive” sucking, and...
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Health
Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers. While they can be downright messy at times, most nosebleeds are not a cause for concern. The nose has lots of vessels that provide a rich blood supply. When the lining of the nasal passage breaks down and...
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Blog
On May 2, 2015, at approximately 6 a.m. local time, the Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to the Lindo Wing of Saint Mary’s Hospital after going into labor. At 8:34 a.m., the Duke and Duchess welcomed a baby girl, Charlotte Elizabeth Diana,...
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Blog
This month, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a Policy Statement entitled “AAP Principles Concerning Retail-Based Clinics” in its journal Pediatrics. According to the AAP, parents should stay away from these common clinics. In short, the...
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Blog
We know infants exposed to solid foods prior to 4 months have an increased risk for chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, eczema, celiac disease, and wheezing. In the last 10-15 years, much has been learned in terms of infant and child...
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Blog
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a program developed in the 1990s by the World Health Organization to improve breastfeeding rates worldwide. Nowadays, it’s quite common to hear of hospitals refer to themselves as “baby-friendly,”...
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Blog
Pediatricians are not generally known for being outspoken politically. For the most part, our work focuses on children locally and child wellness and safety globally more than on federal policy. According to the American Board of Pediatrics, the...
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Blog
An increasing amount of parents are choosing to delay or spread out vaccines for their infants and toddlers. Dr. Allison Kempe and her colleagues at the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that in a typical month, 93 percent of...
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Toddler
Over the past few years, a wealth of research has uncovered the many benefits of vitamin D for adults, ranging from improving bone health to boosting the immune system and protecting against a variety of diseases. But is vitamin D safe—or even...
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Health
In November 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published an article discussing gastrointestinal problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of the article was to discuss how common or uncommon GI disease was in...
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Parenting
It’s the 21st century version of the trusted neighborly reference: the online rating. Whether it’s reviews of services or products, people are increasingly relying on online rating systems and reviews to make purchasing decisions. According to a...
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Baby
There has been much attention regarding milk allergies in infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breast milk over formula because true allergies to breast milk are extremely rare. However, not all families are able to...
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Baby
Parents anxiously await the moment their baby takes that first wobbly step. This step — halting, uncertain, and likely followed by a short fall back to a sitting position — signals a new era in your house. It will only be weeks before your baby is...
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Health
Autism screening is a valuable tool experts use to determine if a child is following typical development patterns and whether or not further testing for autism should be done. It’s important for parents to be informed about autism screening to know...
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Toddler
If you spend any amount of time searching online for health information, you will no doubt discover sites claiming that you have “hidden” food allergies or intolerances. Name your favorite chronic ailment, i.e. headaches, bloating, acne, even brain...
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Pregnancy
Welcome to Week 31! Just nine weeks to go, which means there’s still time to plan for some of those post-delivery things you’ll need to take care of, and better to take care of them now before the baby arrives when it’s easier to carve out time for...
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Parenting
Laundry detergent pods are plastic-packaged, single-use items you can throw in with your laundry without having to measure liquid or powder detergents. While they provide a convenient way to get your clothes clean, their colorful packaging can...
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Baby
Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding experience between you and your baby—it’s a time of calm closeness between Mom and baby. So even if it doesn’t seem like the most natural place for Dad to get involved, there are still ways to involve him in the...
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Baby
In a new study published in the October 2014 issue of Pediatrics, researchers examined data on infant deaths from 24 states and came to a startling conclusion: putting your baby to sleep on the sofa dramatically raises the risk of sudden infant...
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Baby
You might be dreading it, but there will come a day when your baby’s pacifier has to go. In general, experts recommend weaning your child from a pacifier between his or her first and second birthdays. By that time, toddlers can learn to use...
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Baby
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages exclusive breastfeeding for baby, but many families rely on formula feeding for various reasons. This makes it important to know which type of formula is best for your baby. All formulas offered...
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Health
Autism and the spectrum of disorders it involves can range from mild to very severe. Although children with autism can be affected in different ways and exhibit behaviors that are unique to them, there are some symptoms that are common among them....
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Baby
A blaring horn, the sounds of running water, or pounding footsteps of your toddler bounding through the house—there are a lot of noises that could disturb your baby’s slumber. That’s why infant sleep machines are marketed as an aid to parents whose...
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Parenting
Most parents would agree that young children should be secured safely in a car seat to protect them if they are in an accident. Studies have shown that a correctly used safety seat reduces the fatality risk by 71 percent and serious injury by 67...
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Baby
With its sleepless nights and frustration, every parent dreads colic. Fortunately, scientists have been hopeful that a specific probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri may help improve symptoms of colic in babies. The buzz started in 2014 when a study...
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Toddler
Most parents look forward to potty training with eager anticipation. After all, potty training means no more buying — or changing — diapers. But even after a toddler has successfully transitioned out of diapers and into underwear, bedwetting is...
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Parenting
Picture your evening: Grandma comes over to babysit, and as you head out the door, your normally even-tempered baby starts crying inconsolably, even though Grandma stops by a few times each week. The same thing starts to happen at daycare drop-off...
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Health
If you’re one of the millions of parents who have a child with food allergies, and you’re thinking about having another baby, you’re probably wondering, “Is there anything I can do to prevent allergies in my new baby?” The answer: yes and no. We...
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Health
Latino children are less likely to be diagnosed with autism than white children—and when they are diagnosed, they are significantly older, according to a study in the September 2013 issue of Pediatrics. Lead study author Katharine Zuckerman, MD,...
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Blog
Head lice may affect millions in the United States each year. They are not a health hazard or a sign of uncleanliness, though they are a source of embarrassment and are the cause for many lost days of school and millions of dollars spent on...
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Baby
A study recently published in the journal Social Science & Medicine reignited the debate over the benefits of breastfeeding (or breast milk feeding) versus formula feeding when it seemed to find that the benefits of breastfeeding are...
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Baby
Baby apps are nothing new to modern parents. Breastfeeding apps and apps that record stool and urine output have been helping parents track the first few weeks of a baby’s life for years. New to the market, however, are baby monitoring apps that...
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Health
Due to recent outbreaks covered in the news media, many parents have concerns about Adenovirus. With misunderstanding comes fear, so here is what you need to know to keep you informed and your children safe. Adenoviruses are a family of viruses...
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Parenting
Gun safety should be a priority in any home that has both children and firearms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of firearm deaths among children younger than 13 in the US remains 25 times higher than the...
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Baby
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for about the first 6 months of your baby’s life. But what about moms who work? Many women find themselves having to go back to work after just a few months with their...
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Health
If your child has to be admitted to the hospital, you may assume your own pediatrician will take care of him or her. Many people are surprised to find out this may not be the case. An increasing number of hospitals are hiring hospitalists to take...
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Health
Most babies have a strong sucking reflex. In fact, many babies in the womb suck their thumbs, fingers, or just make the motion with their mouths. The sucking reflex is Mother Nature’s way of preparing babies for nursing at the breast. But besides...
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Baby
The short answer is a qualified yes. You aren’t going to do any harm to your baby by providing a pacifier to help your child get to sleep. However, for the first month of life, your baby should not use a pacifier or any sucking device for...
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Baby
Although the final verdict is out regarding the safety of Bisphenol A, or BPA, in a young child’s diet, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently recommends minimizing children’s exposure to BPA. BPA is used to make hard plastics and to line...
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Baby
SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, strikes fear into the hearts of new parents. As the name implies, SIDS occurs when a baby dies without an obvious medical reason or explanation. This lack of warning and explanation is especially...
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Baby
There are very few reasons a mother cannot breastfeed her infant if she desires. Whenever possible, breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as the preferred exclusive feeding method for the first six months of life...
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Parenting
One in eight American children will be abused in some way, which translates into about 12 percent of kids, between birth and their 18th birthday. According to ChildHelp.org, a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. While even one abused...
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Pregnancy
Most OB/GYNs have long advised pregnant patients that it’s perfectly safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain, headaches, and fever. But while many will still give the green light to take it, you’ll likely start to hear some additional...
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Toddler
Today’s preschooler is at risk for gaining too much weight. About 13.9 percent of children aged 2-5 years are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How young children are fed, what they eat, and other lifestyle...
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Blog
There are few things more adorable than a tiny little one all wrapped up like a baby burrito. But it turns out that swaddling is much more than just cute—it’s a tried-and-true way to soothe and calm a baby during the first few months of life, and...
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Blog
Lifetime has an all-new “unscripted” series, “Born in the Wild,” which documents couples’ decisions to forgo birth in a hospital and instead give birth in nature on their own terms without assistance. “In this new series, families take one step...
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Health
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been worrying parents of young infants for decades. This infection has long been characterized as dangerous and even deadly. It can cause severe breathing difficulty and is one of the most common causes for...
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Baby
Premature infants are at risk for a variety of lung problems and diseases, in part because infants can survive birth at earlier ages than ever before. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, infants today “consistently” survive birth at...
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Health
How many times have you rushed your feverish infant to the doctor or clinic, only to be told there’s nothing they can do and you just have to wait and watch? If it’s happened even once, you’ve probably wondered, “When should I take my baby with a...
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Parenting
About every 8 minutes, a child under age 6 is given the wrong dose of medication, according to an October 2014 study in the journal Pediatrics. The medication mistakes typically involved younger children taking pain or cough medication. The...
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Health
It used to be the norm for toddlers to get tubes in their ears when they suffered frequent ear infections. Tubes, also called tympanostomy tubes, allow fluid that had built up behind the ear drum to drain, relieving pain and allowing a child to...
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Parenting
Most parents understand the importance of wearing a bike helmet and for good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a helmet decreases the chance of a serious brain injury by 88 percent. In addition to biking,...
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Blog
Everybody is unique. When it comes to your baby’s health, it’s important to get the kind of care that addresses his or her individual needs. In my San Francisco practice, GetzWell Pediatrics, we take an innovative approach to healthcare that...
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Health
When you walk into your pediatrician’s office, you expect to see a receptionist, nurses, and of course, a couple doctors. But many pediatricians also work closely with pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). These medical specialists are nurses who...
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Health
Marijuana, or cannabis, has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes for many years. Doctors prescribe medical marijuana to treat numerous symptoms and diseases, including seizure disorders, muscle spasms, nausea, cancer, weight loss, and poor...
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Baby
Pacifiers can be great parenting tools to help calm fussy babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics even recommends offering a pacifier in the first year of life. But not all pacifiers are created equal. Follow these tips for safe and effective...
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Health
Many young children love being swung by their arms, hanging between their parents, but this can be a dangerous game and potentially cause injury to a child’s elbow. How does it happen? Any forceful pulling of a child’s arm can cause the elbow to...
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Health
Everyone gets constipated at some point, even toddlers. When parents are juggling toilet training and picky or erratic eating, panic over a toddler not producing poo can set in. Don’t worry too much, though. A change in your toddler’s diet may be...
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Parenting
Disciplining your child is an integral part of effective parenting, but it can be hard for parents and children, particularly when it comes to using consistent behavior management strategies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends...
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Baby
Your baby is a cute and cuddly bundle of joy—it’s understandable that you want to keep him or her as close to you as possible. However, co-sleeping or bed-sharing with baby and parents has come under fire because it is linked with an increased risk...
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Baby
From your diet to feeding issues, there are lots of reasons your baby might experience gas. Here are the top ten things you should know about infant gas (and a word of advice: don’t skip #9!).
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Baby
The market for human breast milk is booming on the Internet, but a recent study has shown that online breast milk might not always be safe for your baby. Websites offering the sale or donation of human breast milk are popping up everywhere,...
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Baby
It’s not uncommon to be anxious about starting your baby on solid foods, but there is a right way to approach this major eating milestone. A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that many parents are offering...
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Health
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, staphylococcus bacteria cause more than 90 percent of cases, while streptococcus bacteria cause most of the remainder of impetigo cases. Impetigo infection can...
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Health
You’ve probably heard that kids who go to daycare get sick more often—but is there a bright side to all the sniffles and colds? Does exposure to more kids at a young age actually help your child develop better immunity? At birth, a baby’s immune...
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Baby
Heart defects in newborns are among the most common birth defects in the United States. Heart defects occur during fetal development when the structures of the heart don’t develop normally. Alternatively, heart defects can occur after birth when...
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Baby
A neonatal intensive care unit, commonly referred to as a NICU, is a special unit in a hospital dedicated to caring for premature or ill newborns. If your baby is admitted to the NICU, depending on your baby’s health and complications,...
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Toddler
You probably hear it all the time that girls develop faster than boys. While this might be commonly accepted parenting wisdom, is it true? Is there really a developmental difference between boys and girls? Gender differences in development have...
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Health
Two out of three children aged 3 and under will get at least one ear infection. An ear infection occurs when the inner ear fills with fluid because of a previous bacterial or viral infection, such as a cold. It is difficult for the fluid to drain...
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Health
Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal condition that affects 1 in 2,500 newborn females. About half are diagnosed by a pediatrician within the first few months of life because of characteristic physical features. The other half are usually...
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Parenting
First-time parents often ask when their toddlers will start playing independently. The answer varies from child to child, but once your baby is crawling, standing, and starting to walk, he or she will be more interested in exploring and trying...
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Health
Acetaminophen is a medication used to reduce fever and pain in babies, children, and adults. It comes in liquid, chewable tablets, pills, and suppository forms. The medication is dosed according to your baby’s weight, so a baby who weighs 10 pounds...
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Parenting
You’ve done everything possible to babyproof your house: crawled around on the floor to look for dangers, plugged all the sockets, put cushions on sharp corners, and gated off dangerous areas. But when it comes to the bathroom—a room full of...
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Baby
Vomiting in infants, while upsetting, is common and usually does not signal a serious illness. After all, everyone gets an upset stomach once in a while, and vomiting is a common symptom of many childhood illnesses. However, there are some cases...
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Health
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), formerly referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is a term used to describe chronic forms of joint inflammation in children. JIA is the most common form of arthritis in children, causing joint pain,...
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Baby
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solid food to your baby that skips the step of traditional spoon-feeding. Throughout the US and Europe, BLW is becoming a popular “first food” approach to feeding babies. Baby-led weaning was...
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Baby
Have you noticed that your baby tilts her head while at rest? Does your little one have a hard time turning his head fully from one side to the other? If so, perhaps your baby has torticollis. Torticollis occurs when pressure is put on the large...
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Parenting
Whether you sing lullabies to your baby, play a classical music CD in the nursery or crank up your own favorite tunes on the radio, research shows that introducing your baby to music has long-term developmental benefits. In a 2013 study in the...
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Parenting
Baby wearing is the practice of carrying your baby in a cloth carrier or sling. This tradition has been practiced in many cultures for hundreds of years and has been adopted by many parents in the United States and Europe. Advantages of baby...
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Baby
Of all the congenital deformities affecting infants, abnormalities of the fingers and toes are among the most common. Congenital abnormalities of the fingers account for approximately 10% of all deformities. These are due to malformations that...
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Health
Children are notorious for getting bumps, cuts, and bruises. In rare cases, a serious infection of the underlying bone, known as osteomyelitis, can develop. There are two primary ways a bone can become infected: Direct infection. When a child has...
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Health
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The illness is caused by a virus and is most common during the fall and winter months. Every year, thousands of children are affected by influenza, especially...
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Baby
A baby with brachycephaly typically has a flat spot on the back of the skull, and the head appears to be widened. It is similar to plagiocephaly, which occurs when only one side of the baby’s head is flattened. There are several common causes of...
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Health
Helicobacter pylori is a common bacteria found in the stomachs of many children. In fact, some studies suggest that up to 50 percent of the world’s population carries this bacteria. In the industrialized world, however, the incidence is much lower....