Babies give cues during feeding that show how hungry they are. Pay attention to these cues to help know when your baby has had enough to eat. A baby who is hungry will latch on to the breast or bottle and suck continuously. A baby who is getting full during a feeding will take longer pauses between sucking. A baby who...

Keep pets in good health All pets, whether they are kept indoors or outside, should be in good health, show no signs of disease, and be friendly toward children. These tips can help protect both your pet and your child from getting sick or hurt. Immunize cats and dogs. Use flea-, tick-, and worm-control programs. Keep...

Hospitals can be big, confusing places, especially if you've never been a patient in one before. But by taking the time to learn about how hospitals work and what you can expect, you may be able to lower your stress and concentrate on what's important: feeling better.

The sunlight that reaches the earth has ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UVA and UVB) rays. These ultraviolet rays are the main causes of damage to the skin from the sun. UVA and UVB rays affect the skin's sensitivity to sun exposure in different ways. UVA Can pass through window glass Is not affected by a change in...

What rashes and skin conditions are common in newborns? It's very common for newborns to have rashes or other skin conditions. Some of them have long names that are hard to say and sound scary. But most are harmless and will go away on their own in a few days or weeks. Here are some of the things you may notice about...

Sleeping patterns vary by child and evolve over the first year. Most newborns sleep for about 18 hours each day and are awake for short periods every 2 to 3 hours. By 3 months, most babies sleep up to 7 to 8 hours during the night. Some need more sleep than others. Bedtime tips You can help your baby—and yourself—sleep...

As children grow and develop, the safety of the home needs to be continually checked. Accidental injuries are one of the leading causes of death in children younger than age 5. The following questions can help you determine how your child's skills can affect his or her safety in the home: How quickly and how far can the...

Many drowning and nonfatal drowning accidents occur in the bathtub and can be prevented by following these recommendations. Never leave a baby alone in the bathtub, even for a moment. Always keep the baby within arm's reach. Never leave children in charge of watching their younger siblings while bathing, even if they...

The purpose of physical therapy is to decrease your pain and help you slowly return to your normal activities. It may reduce pain in the soft tissues, such as your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It may also improve function and build muscle strength. A physical therapist provides these treatments. Treatments may...

To a baby's eyes, your home is one big playground. They see a lot of things to crawl under, climb on top of, pull down, touch, taste, and smell. It can be fun to watch your baby discover new things as your baby learns to crawl and walk. But it can also be scary to think about what your baby might get into around the...

Experts recommend that newborns be fed on demand. This means that you breastfeed or bottle-feed your infant whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than setting a strict schedule. Newborns follow their feelings of hunger. They eat when they are hungry and stop eating when they are full. In the first few days after...

Playgrounds are fun places, but they may have hazards that can cause injury. Following some basic safety measures can help your child have fun and play safely. Find playgrounds that have safe equipment. Make sure there's a soft surface under play equipment, such as sand, wood chips, or rubber matting. Check the surface...

What is gastroesophageal reflux in babies and children? Gastroesophageal reflux is a backflow (reflux or regurgitation) of food and stomach acid into the esophagus. This is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. When reflux irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes burning pain, difficulty eating...

Explores how to help your child learn to manage stress. Provides tips for reducing stress and building positive coping skills.

Parenting a teenager can be both challenging and rewarding. Many teens have conflicting feelings about growing up and aren't yet able to gracefully manage these emotions. They can be inconsistent with their affections, argumentative, and at times even hurtful. As your teen struggles with becoming independent, it is...

There are lots of ways you can help your newborn learn and communicate. Learn your newborn's cues. You can recognize when your baby is most alert and receptive. Newborn communication can be subtle. Look for signs—such as bright eyes and wiggling arms and legs—that your baby is happy and eager to interact. Pay attention...