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...

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...

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...

Adolescent thinking tends to be focused on the present. But adolescents and teens are rapidly learning new skills related to complex reasoning, inductive and deductive reasoning, sensitivity toward others, flexibility, and problem solving. Remind...

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...

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...

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...

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

Babies usually cry for a reason. For example, your baby may be letting you know they're hungry, tired, too hot or cold, or need a diaper change. Over time, you'll learn the difference in your baby's cries. Then you can take care of your baby's needs, and the crying will usually stop. Some babies have a fussy time of...

Discusses radon, a tasteless and odorless cancer-causing gas. Covers how to prevent exposure to radon gas. Covers health risks. Discusses radon test kits and what results mean. Offers telephone and website contact info for EPA radon help.

Provides information on common hernias, including abdominal, incisional, and umbilical hernias. Briefly covers symptoms and treatment with surgery.

Although communicating with your teen can be challenging, it is important to continually make the effort. This is especially important when your child acts out with problem behaviors or seems troubled in some way. When attempting to talk with your teen about problems or concerns, schedule a "date" in a private and quiet...