If your child has a birth defect, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. But you’re not alone — about 120,000 babies are born in the United States each year with birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s important to know that many people and …
admin 
When Your Baby’s in the NICU
New parents eagerly look forward to bringing their baby home, so it can be frightening if your newborn needs to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). At first it may seem like a foreign place, but understanding the NICU and what goes on there can help ease …
When Your Child’s in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
It can be stressful whenever kids are in the hospital — and even more so when they’re admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). But a basic understanding of the people and equipment in the PICU can help you feel better prepared to help your child recover. What’s the …
Do My Kids Need Vaccines Before Traveling?
We’ll be taking a big family vacation in a couple of months. Do my kids need to get any special immunizations before we go? – Doriana If you plan to travel abroad or internationally it’s possible that your children — and you — will need additional vaccinations. Different countries have …
How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots?
My baby cries uncontrollably when she gets a shot. Is there anything I can do to make the experience less traumatic for her? – KateGetting shots can be tough on you and your child, but the benefits are worth the effort. Fortunately, you can do a few things to make …
Vaccines & Antibiotics: A Safe Combo?
I’ve heard that children who are taking antibiotics for an illness — like an ear infection — should not get a vaccine at the same time. Is this true? – Ishani Not usually. For the vast majority of kids, taking antibiotics for a mild illness (like an ear infection) shouldn’t …
Your Child’s Immunizations
Babies are born with protection against certain diseases because antibodies from their mothers were passed to them through the placenta. After birth, breastfed babies get the continued benefits of additional antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the protection is temporary. Immunization (vaccination) is a way of creating immunity …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Chickenpox Vaccine
The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox (varicella), a common and very contagious childhood viral illness. Immunization Schedule The varicella vaccine is given by injection when kids are between 12 and 15 months old. They receive a booster shot for further protection at 4 to 6 years of age. Kids who …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP)
The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine protects against: Diphtheria: a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing problems Tetanus (lockjaw): a nerve disease that can happen at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound Pertussis (whooping cough): a respiratory illness …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Hepatitis A Vaccine (HepA)
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, and can lead to community-wide epidemics. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks. Immunization Schedule The vaccine is recommended for children 12–23 months old, followed by a second dose 6–18 months later. The vaccine also is recommended for …