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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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What is sextortion and how are online predators targeting teens?216017Sextortion scams typically target teens, with devastating effects. Here's what parents need to know about these online blackmail scams, and tips to help prevent teens from falling victim.6/20/2025 6:40:23 PM6/20/2025 6:40:23 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://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{A3740B7C-3CDC-4D2B-A93B-1491A90E5F6A}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Is baby formula safe? Does it contain anything that could be harmful?121725Here's what parents need to know about baby formula safety. Find answers to questions about heavy metals and other contaminants, ingredients in infant formula and rules to keep baby formula safe.6/18/2025 9:19:13 PM6/18/2025 9:19:13 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors The goal is to keep the STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{55963AFF-FF11-4458-83E4-7B43C44C3515}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Does measles affect your immune system?120333Measles can cause immune amnesia and other problems years after a measles infection. Learn why the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent severe illness and long-term problems.5/30/2025 1:59:18 AM5/30/2025 1:59:18 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors Yes, and not in a good STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{4136AA13-9EFA-4105-BC2A-33D46E760410}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Can vitamin A prevent or cure measles?52794Vitamin A treatment for measles can only help if a child is already sick. It doesn't help when used instead of the vaccine and can be toxic if a child gets too much of this vitamin. Learn more here.4/14/2025 5:42:45 PM4/14/2025 5:42:45 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors It is given for just 2 STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{983A7EA4-BEE5-4302-9162-760DEE5DC750}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
With the baby formula shortage, what should I do if I can't find any?120642ask-the-pediatrician~Shortages of infant formulas due to COVID 19 have occurred in some stores, mostly due to people stockpiling it. Here are tips for families struggling to find infant formula during the COVID-19 outbreak4/11/2025 7:19:04 PM4/11/2025 7:19:04 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors What is the best way to STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{28CBF245-2779-4F8F-93C6-4264532E5C58}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
My baby has a stuffy nose. How can I help them sleep safely?216093While it may seem harmless to prop up your baby on towels or pillows or incline their mattress to help them breathe when they are congested, it is NOT safe. Here are safer ways to help your baby sleep when they have a stuffy nose.3/6/2025 11:35:57 PM3/6/2025 11:35:57 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors That can cause a bend in STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{23DE5267-E019-4126-812F-4147255586DE}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Can cytomegalovirus (CMV) cause hearing changes in infants?43628ask-the-pediatrician~Here's what you need to know about cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy and what to expect if your baby is born with congenital CMV.2/18/2025 7:23:04 PM2/18/2025 7:23:04 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors How likely is it that a STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{90669112-4F78-4C45-A8F3-D0E3A4E5DFDC}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
My teen is having trouble falling asleep at night. How can I help?216056ask-the-pediatrician~Teens are reporting more difficulty concentrating at school and daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Here’s how to help. Here’s how to help.1/22/2025 5:59:06 PM1/22/2025 5:59:06 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors Kids of all ages need to STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{EC209939-653C-4F31-A5BB-6F138C080667}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How do I keep my children safe and warm during winter power outages?216065If the power fails in your home during winter, extreme cold may put younger children—especially infants—are at risk for hypothermia. But alternative sources of heat can be hazardous. So how do parents keep their kids warm…and safe? Learn more here.1/22/2025 1:47:14 PM1/22/2025 1:47:14 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors So how can you keep your STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{93FD73E8-405D-4081-B2A3-6B98E0222792}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How should we feed our baby if we’re running low on money?215956ask-the-pediatrician Lost jobs and business can make it hard for families to pay for groceries, including infant formula. Here are some tips to help families when they are unable to afford infant formula.1/8/2025 9:33:52 PM1/8/2025 9:33:52 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors It is best to stick to STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{2CA95F62-1E1B-467F-94BD-A678A75E1832}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Why is my baby always getting diaper rashes?216036ask-the-pediatrician~Reasons why your baby may still be getting diaper rashes―despite your best efforts to keep their bottom clean and dry.12/18/2024 10:50:09 PM12/18/2024 10:50:09 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://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{F7FBF2F1-E40A-4F2A-BAF5-99CE52BB9723}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
When should I introduce wheat into my baby’s diet?216032ask-the-pediatrician~The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains why there is no evidence for waiting to introduce or limiting allergy-causing foods such as wheat or other gluten-containing grains in baby's diets.12/13/2024 11:06:03 PM12/13/2024 11:06:03 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors No need to wait or delay STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{6A0C2DF4-1CFE-4F69-BFD3-2C0FA7B480EF}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Should I let my child watch scary movies?216062Scary movies that contain violence or adult content can have harmful effects on young viewers' behavior and mental health.10/30/2024 8:24:41 PM10/30/2024 8:24:41 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors A movie rated "G" or "PG STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{97A760F6-FE56-47EB-AA55-864CA2E642AE}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What should I know about recalled baby formula?216024ask-the-pediatrician~Certain baby formulas have been affected by recalls for possible bacterial contamination and other concerns. Here's what to know.8/16/2024 7:00:55 PM8/16/2024 7:00:55 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors What should I do if my STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{AFEB67E4-84DE-489E-BC97-D0890824D834}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What's the best way to protect kids’ skin from sunburn?216027Roughly a quarter of lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood and adolescence. Kids spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the summer, so its important to build some sun-safe habits that don't take away from the fun of outside play.8/9/2024 11:04:00 PM8/9/2024 11:04:00 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors As the mom of two boys STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx0https://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{04EFA70D-F5C9-4686-8E4A-8AEA75580024}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js

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