It is fine to treat your child with medication if they seem like they are uncomfortable, or have a fever or pain. But wait and see how they do. And if you can, hold off on giving it until at least 4 hours after the dose.

Both vaccines are effective, and the FDA and CDC/ACIP voted unanimously that the benefits of vaccination outweighed any concerns or risks for children 6 months and up.

If you look on Google, it seems like everything can be a symptom of teething, which makes things super confusing for a parent who is dealing with sleep changes or new fussiness. The truth is that teething gets unfairly blamed for many routine infant behaviors.

We recommend only breastmilk or formula before the age of 1 because these are the most nutritionally dense options. But after a year of age, our goal is for our toddlers to get the majority of their nutrition from solid food. 

Cow’s milk is a good source of fat and protein, but those are relatively easy to make up with other foods. The calcium and vitamin D, on the other hand, may require more thought.

Many children transition to cow’s milk around a year of age. Cow’s milk provides a number of essential nutrients, which are important for healthy bones and teeth, immunity, brain development and growth. Like most things, moderation is key. Too much cow’s milk can also lead to health issues.

Dehydration is a math problem. Dehydration can happen because of illness, over-exertion, or the environment.

Talk through what might happen during a fire with your children as matter-of-factly as possible. They may be woken up by the alarm, and they should not panic. Tell them that they should stay low to the ground, and check the door to see if it is hot. They should pick the safest, smoke-free route out. If the door is hot, KEEP IT CLOSED, place a wet towel under the door and choose the alternate route for escape. 

When you think of children and holiday decorations, you have to be sure that everything is as safe as possible. Children have a way of finding trouble. What is the best way to childproof your holiday set-up without sacrificing the magic of your decorations? Here are some pediatrician-approved tips.

In most cases, you will also get to meet the anesthesiologist before your child’s procedure (sometimes for a pre-op visit a few days before, and always in the pre-operative area). This is a good opportunity to discuss risks and what you can do to keep your child comfortable before, during and after the procedure.

Learning to ride a bike is an important milestone and staying active is obviously something pediatricians encourage. But a recent study from the University of Michigan found that nearly 1 in 5 parents admit to not enforcing helmet-wearing when their children are on their bikes.