Baby Center Medical Reference
- Baby Ear Pain Symptoms
It's common for babies to get ear infections before age 1. Find out the signs of ear pain, what can trigger it, and when it’s time to call the doctor.
- Pediatrician or Family Doctor? How to Decide
Which type of doctor is right for your child? Think about these things to help you make that choice for your family.
- What Is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)?
SIDS is the leading cause of death for babies under 1. Get the facts and learn how to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.
- New Mom’s Guide to Nutrition After Childbirth
Even if you’re no longer “eating for two,” your diet still matters. Get the right nutrients for better recovery and more energy as you care for your baby.
- Is My New Baby Eating Enough?
Worried you’re not giving the “right” amount of breast milk or formula? Don’t forget: Your baby’s an expert on the subject and will let you know.
- Hydrocele
If your newborn son has swelling in his scrotum, it may be a common condition called hydrocele.
- What Is Mastitis?
A breast infection that feels like the flu, mastitis isn't just for breastfeeding mothers.
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
How to spot and stop shaken baby syndrome before it starts.
- A Day in the Life of Your Newborn
From naps to diapers to playtime, here’s what you can expect from your new baby, morning to night.
- Spina Bifida: Causes, Types, and Treatment
Several types of spina bifida can affect an infant’s spine. Find out more about them as well as the symptoms, causes, and treatments.
- What Is Pyloric Stenosis?
If your newborn is projectile vomiting, it could be a sign of pyloric stenosis. Learn what causes this condition and why you need to get your baby treated right away.
- Vaginal Delivery Recovery
You're focused on your newborn, but your body is changing after a vaginal delivery. Here's what to expect, from vaginal soreness to afterpains to mood swings.
- What Is a Premature Baby?
Learn about the complications that preterm babies can get and the kind of care they need, including treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- Milestones for Your Baby's First Year
Find out what kind of changes your baby will go through in the first year of her life.
- When Should I Call My Newborn’s Doctor?
If you’re a new parent, the health of your newborn is probably your top concern. WebMD guides you on when you should call your pediatrician.
- If Your Baby Has Group B Strep
Group B Strep is an infection that can be dangerous to newborns. Learn how to prevent it, and what to do if your baby gets sick.
- What Is an Undescended Testicle?
An undescended testicle can lead to problems with fertility, make cancer more likely, and raise the odds of injury. Learn what to look for, what it can cause, and how it’s treated.
- Tay-Sachs Disease
Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, fatal disorder in babies. Learn what causes this inherited disease and what steps parents can take if their child has it.
- What Is Torticollis?
Does your baby’s head seem tilted? It could be a condition called torticollis. Learn what causes it and how to treat it.
- Umbilical Hernia
When the hole around your baby’s umbilical cord doesn’t close right, it can turn into an umbilical hernia. Most kids are fine without treatment, but some need surgery. WebMD explains what you need to do about this common condition.
- Umbilical Cord Care
After your baby’s umbilical cord is cut, a small stump will be left on his belly. How do you know it’s healing normally? WebMD explains what you need to know about your infant’s umbilical cord.
- What Is Cat Eye Syndrome?
Find out more about this chromosomal disorder that affects several parts of the body.
- What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious disease of the intestines that affects premature babies. WebMD explains the symptoms and treatment for this condition.
- What Is Biliary Atresia?
Liver conditions don't just affect adults -- they can also affect the smallest among us. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for biliary atresia.
- What Is Prader-Willi Syndrome?
Find out more about this rare, complicated condition that affects many parts of your body.
- What Is Truncus Arteriosus?
Find out more about this defect that can cause serious lung and heart problems in infants.
- What Is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome?
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a rare and complex heart defect. But babies born with it can be treated.
- What is Hypospadias?
Hypospadias: Learn about this common male birth defect and how it’s treated.
- Microtia
Some babies are born with a very small or missing ear. Learn what causes microtia/anotia and how doctors treat it.
- How to Soothe Your Child's Stomachache
All young kids have stomachaches, and they're usually not cause for alarm. Find out what may be causing it, what you can do. and when to call the doctor.
- Teething
Signs of teething and practical solutions to help your baby feel better.
- Is It Teething, or Is Your Baby Sick?
Your baby is crying, has a little fever, and isn't eating a lot. Are they sick, or is teething the issue? Learn how to tell the difference.
- What Is Microcephaly?
Microcephaly means "small head." It happens when a baby's brain stops growing or developing. Gene problems may be to blame, but alcohol, drugs, and infections can also be a cause.
- Baby Feeding Schedule
How often should you feed your baby? Of course, you’ll do it when your little one is hungry. But how often should you expect that to happen?
- Late Preterm Birth: What You Need to Know
Having your baby 3 to 6 weeks early may have a few health risks for you and your child. But you can take steps to help your infant stay healthy and grow normally after an early birth.
- Infant Nutrition: The First 6 Months
Find out the proteins, fats, and vitamins your baby needs in the first 6 months.
- How to Treat Crying and Colic in Babies
Colic is common, but that doesn't make it any easier. Here's how to help your fussy crying baby.
- Handling Unsolicited Parenting Advice
For parents who get a lot of unwanted parenting advice from others, WebMD has tips to politely handle the situation.
- Getting Baby to Sleep Through the Night
WebMD discusses tips for helping baby to sleep through the night at four months and explains what to expect from your growing child.
- Introducing Finger Foods
WebMD explains which finger foods to offer to babies around 8 months of age and what other developmental milestones to look for.
- Starting Solid Foods
Your baby is 4 months old and probably ready for solid foods. WebMD offers tips for introducing the world beyond milk.
- Should I Let My Baby Cry?
WebMD explains how to determine why baby is crying, what changes are happening to your baby at 3 months, and if you should let a baby continue crying.
- Is My Baby On Track? Spotting Developmental Delays
Learn from WebMD how to tell if your baby is on track or if he or she might be experiencing developmental delays.
- Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
WebMD offers tips for getting your baby to sleep - and helping him develop good sleep habits.
- Caring for Your Baby's Teeth
WebMD explains the care of your baby's new teeth.
- My Baby's Here! Now What Do I Do?
Now that you've delivered your baby, find out what to expect during the first week in the hospital and/or at home.
- Baby Developmental Milestones: By 8 to 12 Months
Learn more from WebMD about your baby's growth and development from 8-12 months old.
- Baby's 12-Month Checkup: What to Expect
Find out from WebMD what to expect during your baby's 12-month checkup.
- Baby's 18-Month Checkup: What to Expect
Find out from WebMD what to expect during your toddler's 18-month checkup: what your pediatrician will look for and questions you'll want to ask.
- Baby's 6-Month Checkup: What to Expect
It's your baby's 6-month checkup! WebMD tells you what your pediatrician will look for and questions you'll want to ask.