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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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What should I do if my child or teen is thinking about suicide?202145Learn what parents should know about suicidal thoughts and ideation, how to talk with your teen about their mental health.12/8/2023 6:20:57 PM12/8/2023 6:20:57 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{DF3B7DFD-F439-4D88-A4A2-63C6D1CFE0EB}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Should I worry about lead in my child’s cinnamon applesauce pouch?215339Recently, health officials warned people not to eat certain brands of cinnamon applesauce pouches because they had high levels of lead in them. Here's what parents need to know.12/1/2023 6:21:22 PM12/1/2023 6:21:22 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{0BA7A372-AEEC-4416-837E-CA2B750D6308}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Can I give my 5-year-old over-the-counter cough medicine?18846ask-the-pediatrician~The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses over-the-counter cough medicine and home remedies for the common cold. 11/30/2023 9:36:40 PM11/30/2023 9:36:40 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{5462F629-BFE6-4F7E-AF6A-F1E4FDDC8037}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Why are we seeing baby formula brands on the shelves from companies I haven’t heard of before?176401ask-the-pediatrician~To help ease the national shortage of baby formula, the U.S. government is importing several brands that weren't previously sold here. Here's what you need to know.11/27/2023 6:03:13 PM11/27/2023 6:03:13 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{87F73865-A02C-4891-8C2A-D2DF475E43F7}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Is it safe for my baby to travel in a car seat for hours at a time?164945ask-the-pediatrician~If you’re considering a road trip with your infant, here are some tips to help keep your baby safe and comfortable. ​11/22/2023 5:35:47 PM11/22/2023 5:35:47 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{11909A12-33CD-4771-BAD9-043CDB8E0AAA}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
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.11/13/2023 4:08:26 PM11/13/2023 4:08:26 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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
What do parents need to know about the COVID vaccine for babies and young kids?127155ask-the-pediatrician;COVID-19 vaccines are finally authorized for babies age 6 months through 4 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for children in this age group.11/11/2023 12:51:11 AM11/11/2023 12:51:11 AMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{53B919A0-791F-48BF-85BB-3217492D0E07}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Are some babies at higher risk for SIDS?124977As scientists continue to search for more information about how sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) happens, there are ways you can minimize risk factors as much as possible can help prevent these tragic deaths. Here’s what you should know.11/10/2023 11:02:37 PM11/10/2023 11:02:37 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{089E69CC-B0F3-4E23-9D0C-80118EEEC946}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Does my child need eye protection for sports?214983​Eye injuries are a major cause of vision loss in children, and many of these injuries occur while playing sports. Most of these eye injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear. Learn more here.11/10/2023 1:59:50 PM11/10/2023 1:59:50 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{666B9C32-70A1-4F7E-B8EC-E1BBDB77BE6A}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Is the RSV immunization available for infants?141270You may be hearing that hospitals and pediatrician offices in your area have a shortage or limited supply of the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization for infants. Here's the latest information you need to know about this new immunization.11/2/2023 7:59:00 PM11/2/2023 7:59:00 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{73A94EB8-BB18-49CA-80D9-3943CE3DE273}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Should I worry about marijuana edibles in my kids’ trick-or-treat candy haul on Halloween?214286Many marijuana (cannabis) edibles look very similar to regular candy and could easily be confused for Halloween treats. Learn more here.10/26/2023 1:35:35 PM10/26/2023 1:35:35 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{39A82642-48BA-43C4-BF30-29EC3946D879}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Should I let my child watch scary movies?213088Scary movies that contain violence or adult content can have harmful effects on young viewers' behavior and mental health.9/27/2023 8:55:05 PM9/27/2023 8:55:05 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{97A760F6-FE56-47EB-AA55-864CA2E642AE}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
Can my child get a COVID vaccine, flu vaccine and RSV shot at the same visit?152541ask-the-pediatrician~You may have heard of a recent rise in reported COVID cases in children. This confirms that children are not immune to the virus. Here is why the rise in cases may be happening, and what it means for going back to school.9/27/2023 4:43:26 PM9/27/2023 4:43:26 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{56BAD9F8-AABF-476E-AF96-B9FAB0CF4D9F}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What do teens need to know about "sextortion" & online predators?210529Sextortion 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.8/2/2023 5:56:33 PM8/2/2023 5:56:33 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{A3740B7C-3CDC-4D2B-A93B-1491A90E5F6A}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What is the best first sport for kids?208825Swimming should be the first sport a child learns. Beyond the fun and fitness it provides, swimming is an essential life skill that can help protect your child from drowning. Drowning is the #1 cause of death among children aged 1 to 4.6/22/2023 7:36:45 PM6/22/2023 7:36:45 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors At Play On The Go All 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{09C7FD8E-2984-4D6A-AFA4-5CB1B00EE6DB}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js

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