healthy snacks
by Dr. Amanda Penny Like many parents, I frequently struggle to provide healthy snack options. As a working mom whose kids seem to have endless after-school activities, I need snacks that are quick and convenient. I’ve challenged myself to seek...
cdc updates covid guidance for schools, quarantine/isolation for public
Melissa Jenco, News Content Editor Editor’s note: For the latest news on COVID-19, visit http://bit.ly/AAPNewsCOVID19. Schools are no longer recommended to use cohorts, quarantines and screening testing in most situations, under updated COVID-19...
What is monkeypox?
David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP The United States is among several countries where cases of monkeypox infections have been reported. The virus causes a rash that can look like chickenpox (varicella) or molluscum. The current...
Cow’s Milk Alternatives: Parent FAQs
By: Anthony Porto, MD, MPH, FAAP & Rachel Drake, MS, RD, CSO, CSP, CDN Milk is a grocery list staple for many families. But some avoid it because of milk protein allergies or other health concerns. Some kids simply don't like the taste. These families may...
What parents should know about drowning and Dry Drowning
Drowning is a common and preventable cause of death in children. Children aged 1 to 4 years carry the highest risk, followed by adolescents. A common concern raised to pediatricians and on every parent’s mind is water safety. The definition of drowning is when...
With the baby formula shortage, what should I do if I can’t find any?
Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP Answer: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been significant shortages of infant formulas nationwide. Current shortages have been largely caused by supply chain issues and the recent recall of several baby...
Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know
Learning to swim should be a priority for every family. It's an important life skill that can play a key role in helping to prevent drowning―a top cause of death among children. Children, and their parents, need to learn how to swim to help keep time in the water safe...
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel...
6 Actions to Improve Your Kids’ Mental Health
Constance Scharff Ph.D. KEY POINTS Children are suffering a mental health crisis. Actions now can improve mental health outcomes and overall well-being.Families play a critical role in creating opportunities for support and healing for children experiencing mental...
What Is a Tongue Tie?
M. Elise Graham, MD A tongue tie is a band of tissue underneath the tongue that may make it difficult for the tongue to move. However, every person has a band under the tongue that can be seen or felt and it does not always cause problems. Tongue ties may make it...
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can affect a child's social skills, communication, and behavior. Because most children with ASD will sit, crawl, and walk on time, you may not notice delays in social and communication skills right in...
What doctors wish patients knew about wearing sunscreen
Sara Berg, MS Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age. But more often than not, people are not wearing—or reapplying—sunscreen properly. Knowing what type to buy and how to properly apply sunscreen are key...
Your Baby’s Head
By Laura Jana, MD, FAAP & Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP Many parents have been mistakenly led to believe that all newborns are born picture-perfect, with pretty little round heads. Let us just say that for anyone who has gone through or will experience vaginal delivery,...
Update in Developmental Milestones
Darren T. Scoggin, MDChildren’s Medical Group Jackson, MS Pediatrics is a unique medical specialty because we have the privilege of watching our patients grow from infancy through childhood into adolescence and early adulthood. We as pediatricians are trained through...
FDA issues warning for potentially contaminated infant formula
Federal health officials are warning families not to use certain lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula while they investigate complaints of bacterial infections. The warning comes after reports of four infants in three states becoming ill...
Study: COVID hospitalizations lower among infants whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy
Infants whose mothers were vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy were 61% less likely to be hospitalized with the virus than those whose mothers were not vaccinated while pregnant, according to a new study. “I cannot emphasize enough how today’s findings...