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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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Are Baby Neck Floats Safe to Use in the Tub or Pool?222219Are baby neck floats safe? A pediatrician explains how they can be dangerous for infants.5/13/2026 3:06:37 AM5/13/2026 3:06:37 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhttps://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{F3DA3893-3C0A-417D-85DC-9FAC0E6BD701}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Is it normal to feel completely overwhelmed after having a baby?2199185/1/2026 5:30:50 PM5/1/2026 5:30:50 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors STS_ListItem_850https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhttps://www.healthychildren.orghtmlFalseaspxhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician{EC038516-6B3A-44D8-BC6C-C21A5B6494C5}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How old should our children be before we adopt a pet?215953ask-the-pediatrician~The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses a child's age and other factors parents should consider before getting a family pet.4/22/2026 3:58:56 PM4/22/2026 3:58:56 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{59B9E202-B7DE-466B-9ADE-87F49098E3BB}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How long can baby bottles sit out at room temperature?2159482/25/2026 3:14:11 PM2/25/2026 3:14:11 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{995A020C-3A2F-4311-BB76-57C8EC9ECD0A}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What is the difference between the AAP immunization recommendations and other vaccine schedules?48383Learn the key differences between the AAP recommended immunization schedule and the new federal vaccine guidelines. Find out what changed, why pediatricians still advise the full schedule and how it impacts your child’s health.1/30/2026 5:15:48 PM1/30/2026 5:15:48 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{680783F7-0997-4467-BBBB-740EE8E19FD4}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How can I keep my children safe and warm during a winter power outage?216065How to keep kids warm and safe during a winter power outage, including layering tips, when to seek alternate shelter and how to avoid carbon monoxide hazards from generators, stoves & other heat sources.1/23/2026 3:17:56 PM1/23/2026 3:17:56 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{93FD73E8-405D-4081-B2A3-6B98E0222792}~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.12/16/2025 6:25:38 PM12/16/2025 6:25:38 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{23DE5267-E019-4126-812F-4147255586DE}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What should I know about recalled baby formula?216024ask-the-pediatrician~Learn why it's important to stay up-to-date about baby formula recalls.12/15/2025 6:01:03 PM12/15/2025 6:01:03 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{AFEB67E4-84DE-489E-BC97-D0890824D834}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Are Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) Safe for Children?21598012/2/2025 8:45:43 PM12/2/2025 8:45:43 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{00358C09-DFED-4765-8F90-9542F1B8FB5D}~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.11/5/2025 8:18:48 PM11/5/2025 8:18:48 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{2CA95F62-1E1B-467F-94BD-A678A75E1832}~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.10/24/2025 5:27:04 PM10/24/2025 5:27:04 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{97A760F6-FE56-47EB-AA55-864CA2E642AE}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
My 11-year-old loves to watch horror videos and true-crime serial killer shows on YouTube. Should I be concerned?84536Why kids are drawn to horror and true-crime content—and what parents should know about media habits, emotional impact and safety.10/23/2025 10:31:20 PM10/23/2025 10:31:20 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{F6E9A459-32B9-45B2-861A-9AAF697D4A79}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How can I help my autistic child take part in telehealth visits?215941ask-the-pediatrician~Telehealth visits can be a helpful part of your child’s ongoing medical care. There are many ways you can make it easier for your child to participate and ensure the visit goes smoothly.10/3/2025 8:36:18 PM10/3/2025 8:36:18 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{68E247B4-CFE8-416D-8A8D-7F74877D83E2}~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.9/12/2025 1:52:49 PM9/12/2025 1:52:49 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{4136AA13-9EFA-4105-BC2A-33D46E760410}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Is the carnivore diet safe for babies?183288Carnivore Diet for Babies? - American Academy of Pediatrics A top pediatrician and nutrition expert explains why babies need a rich variety of foods—NOT just protein—for brain and body health.8/26/2025 7:41:59 PM8/26/2025 7:41:59 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Donate 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{EBC60EE2-523A-430D-BB68-6CF96B6C73A3}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js