While your grandmother may have turned up her nose at pacifiers, we now know they have benefits for babies during the first six months of life, including reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 

But even babies can get too much of a good thing. It’s a good idea to wean your baby from the pacifier between 8 and 12 months and definitely by 2 years old. That’s when increased dental problems and ear infections caused by pacifiers start to outweigh advantages.

Topics: pacifier

For a lot of parents, the prospect of talking to their children about sex is among the most dreaded conversations. Plus, the timing of this conversation and what to say can be tricky. 

Topics: the birds and the bees, talking to kids about sex, parent-child sex talk

Before you have children, you’re aware there are items around the house that are dangerous—such as knives, scissors and household chemicals. After you have children, however, it’s easy for new parents to look around their house and see it as a baby death trap full of electricity and glass and sharp corners and small objects they can choke on. My advice to you is don’t panic —it’s probably not as bad as it seems — and to try to childproof your home to the best of your ability. 

Topics: childproofing your home, childproof

Parents can’t seem to help comparing their babies to others. And, of course, a whole chorus of well-meaning friends, relatives and complete strangers are always anxious to offer their opinions about what baby should be doing. 

Topics: developmental milestones for babies, child development

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently made changes to its guidelines for children’s checkups. One new addition is screening for depression in adolescents ages 11-21. While this might seem young to be screened for such a serious illness, it makes sense when you consider that a large number of teen deaths occur as a result of suicide, and frank talks about depression might have prevented some of these tragedies. 

Topics: depression in kids, adolescents and depression, teen depression, screening kids for depression

Being a tween can be difficult, as can parenting one. You want to protect them, but at the same time you’re trying to teach them valuable lessons about how to stand up for themselves, learn who they are and withstand peer pressure. A lot of good, concerned parents ask me for ideas about how they can help their tweens navigate peer pressure. Here are some of the things that I tell them.

Topics: peer pressure, tweens

If you’re standing in an aisle at a drugstore looking at thermometers because your child is sick, chances are you already have a lot on your mind. Trying to pick out something like a thermometer can be overwhelming in an already-stressful situation. Basically, there are three types of common thermometers: the digital multiuse thermometer, the temporal artery thermometer and the tympanic thermometer. Before you head to the store, it’s important to know how to use each kind, what they’re good for, and when to worry about your child’s temperature.

Topics: child thermometer, fever, temperature, when to worry about fever, digital thermometer, temporal artery thermometer, tympanic thermometec

As the weather heats up, many families will be spending more and more time outside with their children. While fresh air is good for you and your little one, make sure to protect them from the other things that come from being outside. Be prepared to prevent bug bites and sun exposure as the days get longer and you’re able to spend more time outside! 

Topics: bug spray, fire ant, insect bites, deet, bug bites, insect repellant, mosquito

Staying home with your baby during maternity leave can be one of the most rewarding and special times of your life. But when maternity leave is over, it can be difficult for you and your family once you return to work. Not only has your baby gotten used to having you home, but chances are, so has your significant other and any other children you may have. While this may take some getting used to, here are my six tips for easing your way back into the 9-to-5 life based on my own experience as a working mom.

Topics: working moms, going back to work after having a baby, childcare, maternity leave, child care

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affects about 27 percent of the female population ages 14 to 19, and 50 percent of the population ages 20 to 24. The virus has several different strands all of which carry varying degrees of risk. Basically, almost everyone will be exposed to it at some point.

Topics: HPV vaccination, HPV virus, HPV, penile cancers, teen vaccination, Human Papillomavirus, cervical cancers