Ask the Pediatrician

Featured Questions

• My son has had a swollen lymph node for almost 2 months under his jaw. Is this normal?
• Should Tylenol be given before immunizations?
• Is blood work routine for a 9-month-old? Can I refuse it? It was traumatizing for me to hold my baby while she got blood drawn.
• I am an au pair for a 9-year-old child. How do I discipline her without phoning the parents every time she talks back or doesn't want to cooperate?
• My son cut his hand, but I don’t know if he needs stitches. What should I do?
• How can I reduce the need to use pesticides on my lawn and protect my child?
• Should I test for radon in my home?
• When visitors come to my home, they ask if they can smoke in another room. What should I tell them?
• How do I choose sunglasses for my child?
• How can I tell if a toy has lead paint or is made of lead?
• How many x-rays are safe for my child?
• Is there any kind of alcohol that is safe to drink during pregnancy?
• Can a father’s use of alcohol lead to FASDs?
• What are the concerns about cell phone use among pregnant women?
• Is it all right for my child or teenager to use a cell phone?
• What do I do if my CO detector alarms?
• Are over-the-counter herbs of any value in treating my child’s colds?
• Should I buy bottled water?
• Are the chemicals in swimming pools a health concern?
• If I smoke, should I breastfeed?
• Is it safe for a teen who is still growing to do manual labor with heavy equipment?
• Why isn't routine blood work always done at a child's yearly physical?
• Will it compromise my 6 month old's nutrition if I delay fruits from his diet to prevent him from getting a sweet tooth?
• What is the right age I can give my child a low fat milk instead of whole milk?
• When should I stop swaddling my infant?
• How can I tell if my 3-yr-old son with delayed speech is ready for potty training?
• When can I begin to switch my child from breast milk to whole milk?
• I’m concerned at the increase in teenage “sexting” via cell phones. How can I keep my children safe?
• I am pregnant with my first baby and confused about car safety seats. What do you suggest?
• How long does it take for baby acne to go away?
• How and when do I transition from bottle to cup?
• My baby spits up all the time. Is this normal? When should I worry?
• What are the best foods to relieve constipation in a 7 year old child? She already eats peaches and pears without much effect.
• My child is nine years old and his teeth have a yellow tint. I make sure that he brushes and we use whitening toothpaste. Please help!
• My 4-week-old only has a bowel movement once a day, but they are soft stools. She strains and screams a lot. Any suggestions on what to do?
• How do I know if my child's behavior is normal?
• My 6-year-old wants to play sports. Is he too young and how do I make sure he stays safe when playing a sport?
• How can I improve communications in my family?
• Now that our children are getting older, how do we know if we are doing a good job as parents?
• Why does my child need to be immunized?
• How do I know if my child is eating enough?
• When can my baby start eating solid foods?
• What is the best way to calm a fussy or colicky baby?
• Why do newborns need hearing screening?