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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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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 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.3/6/2025 5:01:47 PM3/6/2025 5:01:47 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
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
Is it OK to need a break from my kids?216109Taking time for yourself is not only good for you, but also good for your kids. It's a lot easier to support them when you're refreshed after a little mental and physical break. Learn more here.7/18/2024 9:10:38 PM7/18/2024 9:10:38 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors If time is short, even 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{E7D8C3AA-44A6-47E4-97A7-45306C420F86}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
What should I do if my child or teen is thinking about suicide?216022Learn what parents should know about suicidal thoughts and ideation, how to talk with your teen about their mental health.7/16/2024 9:33:16 PM7/16/2024 9:33:16 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors How can I tell 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{DF3B7DFD-F439-4D88-A4A2-63C6D1CFE0EB}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How do I help my picky eater try more healthy foods?215945Recognizing that pickiness is normal and usually short-lived in children can make mealtimes more enjoyable. A low-key approach to picky eating can help kids come around and try a wider variety of foods. Here are some basic strategies to try.6/21/2024 9:28:00 PM6/21/2024 9:28:00 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors It can cause a lot of 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{35527563-0E17-4A43-8ADD-3C3D6038BFF5}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js
How can I help ensure my child will be safe in and around the water at summer camp?215942​​​Swimming and other water activities are a fun part of many youth camp programs. Be sure to choose a camp that take steps to keep kids safe in and around pools​, lakes, and other bodies of water. Read on for some important questions to ask.5/8/2024 7:44:56 PM5/8/2024 7:44:56 PMOur Sponsors Log in | Register Menu Log in | Register Home Our Sponsors If it is, check if there 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{EC8AAA49-EE79-4EF1-8CC7-04C42D2007BD}~sitecollection/_catalogs/masterpage/Display Templates/Search/Item_Default.js

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