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Healthy Children > Tips & Tools > Ask the Pediatrician

Ask the Pediatrician

 Real Questions. Answers You Can Trust.

 


 

​​Dr. Jennifer Shu and her team of pediatricians and pediatric specialists answer parents' commonly asked health questions.​​


 

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How old should my children be before we adopt a pet?158487ask-the-pediatrician~The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses a child's age and other factors parents should consider before getting a family pet.4/21/2021 9:42:39 PM4/21/2021 9:42:39 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors Having a cat or dog can STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{59B9E202-B7DE-466B-9ADE-87F49098E3BB}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
I’m pregnant and want to sing and read to my unborn baby. When will she be able to hear me?1602424/21/2021 9:31:20 PM4/21/2021 9:31:20 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At 27 to 29 weeks (6 to STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{AD54D1DE-FC41-40CA-8A52-DF67E6495B3B}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
When do babies first smile?1602414/21/2021 8:54:05 PM4/21/2021 8:54:05 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors What if it seems like my STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{686CECCB-723D-4145-AD99-A6C4EBCA2533}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
When can children get the COVID-19 vaccine?90049ask-the-pediatrician~Clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines for children need to be expanded now in hopes we can have a vaccine for at least some younger age groups before the next school year.4/20/2021 10:07:31 PM4/20/2021 10:07:31 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{DF150568-1493-40CF-BA9D-711965CD201C}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
My kids are worried that their sports seasons may be on hold again because of COVID. How can I help them cope?1590134/17/2021 9:03:54 AM4/17/2021 9:03:54 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors Here are 10 tips to get STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{3F591DC4-02CC-4625-BCFC-84D32613D358}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Is it safe to get a flu shot if I am pregnant?790474/17/2021 9:03:52 AM4/17/2021 9:03:52 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors But it can also lead to STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{FC160C92-ABDC-4652-BCB0-AAED53F8AD05}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
My baby is turning a year old this month. Should she be talking by now?1425144/17/2021 9:03:50 AM4/17/2021 9:03:50 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At around 6 or 7 months STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{3A0349DC-EEF1-4A1D-991B-133608E47009}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What is the safest way to keep my children warm when the power goes out at home during the winter?996554/17/2021 9:03:49 AM4/17/2021 9:03:49 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors You may be able to use a STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{93FD73E8-405D-4081-B2A3-6B98E0222792}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How can I help my child avoid eye and back strain from being on the computer?1562304/17/2021 9:03:47 AM4/17/2021 9:03:47 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors If a laptop is the only STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{692C344C-CCF7-4E9C-A599-EB430E9A3853}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What is the safest sleep solution for my baby with reflux?188814/17/2021 9:03:45 AM4/17/2021 9:03:45 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors And if your baby is one STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{91D85FFB-B98E-419A-85DF-A70F421C4D39}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
My daughter is extremely shy and anxious around strangers. How can I help her?188724/17/2021 9:03:43 AM4/17/2021 9:03:43 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{11A01A0E-10B7-4B54-B68B-CA103CA2E803}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How can I help my child, who has a developmental disability, cope during COVID-19?139416ask-the-pediatrician~Learn about ways to help children with disabilities understand and adjust to changes and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. 4/16/2021 7:39:17 PM4/16/2021 7:39:17 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors This is also a good time STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{8E4B4859-671D-437E-84DE-7E21FBE37642}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
When will it be safe for my kids to hug their grandparents once they get the COVID-19 vaccine?33691ask-the-pediatrician~If grandparents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for at least two weeks, then it is probably safe for in-person visits – and long overdue hugs—begin again.3/27/2021 9:03:54 AM3/27/2021 9:03:54 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors If you or your child are STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{F7D43C26-A1AA-4AE8-AEEF-DA37FC3E657A}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Is it OK to make my own baby food?158930ask-the-pediatrician~​There can be several benefits to making your own baby food, such as lower cost. If you're interested in trying it, keep these tips in mind to ensure homemade food is nutritious and safe for your baby.3/20/2021 9:04:15 AM3/20/2021 9:04:15 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors Think of each bite as a STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{FDB6AB04-9FA8-46AD-B031-64C85D911DCE}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Is it safe to put a bag of rice on a baby’s tummy to help them sleep?142517ask-the-pediatrician~Leaving a bag of rice on a sleeping baby's tummy or chest in hopes of helping them sleep is unsafe, even if it's tucked inside a swaddling blanket.3/6/2021 10:03:36 AM3/6/2021 10:03:36 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors Why it's not a good idea STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://hc-2019.aap.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{2C45AEBE-5E3E-4D0F-82CB-2216D5F16356}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js

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