Children's Health Features

As Child Melatonin Use Soars, Experts Urge Caution
- Rare Disease Families Advocate For Change
Kasey and Doug Woleben joined other families to establish the all-volunteer Cure Mito Foundation to help find a cure or treatment for Leigh syndrome.
- Why Some Groups Hesitate on Vaccination
Misinformation could lead to widening vaccine disparities in babies and toddlers. Here’s what parents need to know to protect their kids.
- Lead Exposure Is Still a Problem for Kids, and the Pandemic Has Made It Worse
Even low levels of lead exposure can lower cognitive performance, cause learning difficulties, and prompt behavior issues. And we’ve stopped testing for it.
- For Trans Kids, Bathroom Choice Matters
Bathroom bans put trans kids’ health at risk. A doctor explains why it matters where kids pee.
- A lot of children are about to be born in Ukraine. Will the war affect them for life?
Some of the most horrific images from the war so far have come from a maternity hospital in Mariupol bombed by Russian troops in mid-March. The upheaval spurs a troubling question: Could the stress and condition of war affect a fetus?
- Talking About Your Child’s SMA Needs at School
If your child has SMA Type 3, going to school can pose additional challenges. Here’s how to best advocate for them so they can thrive.
- The Genetic Roots of Pompe Disease
Learn about the genetics of Pompe disease. People who have it inherit a mutated gene from each of their parents.
- Treatment for Pompe Disease
Learn about treatments that will help manage your child's Pompe disease.
- Diagnosing Pompe Disease
It isn't always easy to get a diagnosis of Pompe disease. Learn what your doctor will to do determine if you have it.
- Our Lives With Pompe Disease
The father of a child with Pompe disease shares his family’s experience. Find out what it's like to live with this rare genetic disorder.
- Sepsis in Children
Children are very susceptible to sepsis, which is caused by a bacterial infection that can be deadly. Doctors are hoping to cut down on deaths by educating themselves and parents about the symptoms.
- Helping Your Child With Central Precocious Puberty
If your child has central precocious puberty, they’ll need plenty of support from you. Learn the best ways to give that support.
- Mom’s Warning About RSV Is Personal
After a contagious illness sent her baby to intensive care, a New Jersey mom says “keep your mouths/breaths away from a baby's face, hands, and feet” to cut the chances of spreading respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- 'Sesame Street' Welcomes a Foster Child Character
There’s a new Muppet in town on Sesame Street. Her name is Karli, and she’s a little girl who lives with a foster family.
- This Spirited Toddler Has Rare Brittle Bone Disease
Three-year-old Byron Baxter has bones that break easily, sometimes with just a wave of his hand, his parents say. But he’s inspiring social media fans with his fighting spirit and cheerfulness in videos and pics his family posts online.
- Talk to Your College-Bound Teen About Meningitis
Worried about meningitis outbreaks on college campuses? Get tips on what your college-bound kid needs to know to stay safe.
- Parents, Be Warned About Button Batteries: Doctor
When a doctor in the Netherlands tweeted this stark X-ray shot of a “button” or “disk” battery lodged in a child’s esophagus, people took notice. Her post has been retweeted more than 8,000 times since early January.
- Viral X-Ray Photo Shows Dangers of Eating Grapes for Kids
An Australian blogger posted a photo on Facebook that apparently shows an X-ray of a grape lodged in a child's airway.
- Help Your Child Use a Nebulizer
If your child has asthma, their doctor may recommend a device called a nebulizer. Learn how the nebulizer works, and get tips and tricks from a parent and experts.
- Make Shots Less Painful for Your Baby
Tips to soothe your little one and ease your stress during vaccinations.
- Does Your Kid Reach for Cookies or Fruit First?
For school-age kids, maintaining a healthy weight is as important as earning good grades -- maybe more so.
- Is Your Kid Sick or Just Faking It?
Many kids pretend to be ill to skip school, but some symptoms you just can’t hide. We tell you how to know if your kid is sick or faking it.
- Adventures in Vomiting
We all vomit. But why does it happen? When should I see a doctor? How can I stay comfortable? We’ve got your answers.
- Strength Training Isn't Just for Adults
Kids can get started with light weights early for stronger muscles, bones, and bodies.
- Help Your Child Heal a Broken Bone
Get tips on how to take care of your child after he breaks a bone, including when to apply ice, what to do about itchy skin under a cast, and how to ease pain.
- Does My Child Need Surgery for a Broken Bone?
Learn some of the reasons why your child's doctor may suggest an operation to help heal his broken bone.
- 7 Serious Symptoms in Babies and Toddlers
Does your baby or toddler have a rash, a fever, or breathing problems? Learn when she should be seen by a doctor.
- How to Treat Your Baby’s Stuffy Nose
Learn some safe and effective strategies for clearing up your little one’s congestion. Know the signs when a stuffy nose may require a doctor’s care, too.
- Have a Healthy Vacation
Keep your kids infection-free at busy tourist destinations.
- What Is 'Dry Drowning'?
How to recognize the warning signs of "dry drowning" and "secondary drowning," which can happen hours after your child has left the pool.
- Living With a Severe Digestive Disorder
Tips to help parents of kids with digestive disorders get through the day. How to manage school, care for other siblings, work out transportation issues, arrange for ongoing care, monitor nutrition, and more.
- Watching Your Child’s Nutrition and Growth
When your child has a digestive disorder, it can be hard to make sure he's getting good nutrition. Get details on how much you kid should eat, whether or not he needs supplements, how to handle setbacks.
- Managing a Severe Food Allergy
How to avoid allergens, find hidden triggers, and give your child proper nutrition.
- 9 Childhood Illnesses: Get the Facts
The facts on 9 childhood illnesses you may not know about: RSV, fifth disease, croup, scarlet fever, impetigo, Kawasaki disease, Reye's syndrome, whooping cough, and hand, foot, and mouth disease.
- 5 Ways to Help Your Child With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss poses an extra challenge for kids. But it doesn't have to hold them back. You can help. Here’s how.
- Taking Care of Your Child's Fever
All kids get fevers. Learn how and when to treat them and when to go to your doctor for help.
- October Is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Learn the basics about this genetic condition -- and some of its biggest advocates for continued education and research.
- X-Rays, Scans, Radiation, and Kids
WebMD reports on radiation from X-rays and CT scans, and when children might not need these tests.
- How to Take Care of Your Kid if They've Got the Flu
Here's how to make your child more comfortable when sick with the flu.
- The Truth About Sensory Processing Disorder
Is SPD a real childhood crisis or just the latest trend in diagnoses?
- How to Teach Your Child Healthy Digestive Habits
Healthy digestive habits to teach your child every day.
- 5 Signs Your Child’s Digestive Health Needs Help
Signs that your child should see a digestive health specialist.
- A Nutritionist Speaks: How to Promote Your Child’s Digestive Health
Tips from a nutrition expert on how to promote good digestion for kids.
- Germs in the School Room
10 tips for parents to help their children avoid cold germs at school.
- What Can Parents Do About Antibiotic Overuse?
Learning which illnesses benefit from antibiotics (and which don't) is just the first step, our expert says.
- Is Poinsettia Really Poisonous?
Every holiday, parents worry about their little ones eating poinsettia leaves. But eating this plant isn't as bad as you might think.
- Q&A With Royal Pains' Mark Feuerstein
Actor Mark Feuerstein tells us about his TV doctor role, the real doctors who saved his daughter's life, and his parenting philosophy.
- Can Your Child's Sleep Habits Make Him Gain Weight?
New research shows that a lack of sleep in childhood can contribute to obesity later on.
- 5 Serious Symptoms in Children to Never Ignore
Wondering if your child’s condition is serious or not? WebMD discusses the possible signs of a serious health problem and what to do in case of a health emergency.