Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

Parenting News

RSV Cases on the Rise

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are on the rise nationally. Infectious diseases physician Juan Dumois, M.D., helps families understand how to prevent RSV, what the symptoms are, when to seek treatment and how milder cases of RSV can be treated at home.

Parenting in the COVID-19 Era

At the start of the pandemic, how stress, anxiety and fear have been generated in families during the COVID-19 pandemic had not been studied in great detail. Early research had suggested that children — observing how their parents reacted to various aspects of the pandemic — may have reacted in a similar manner. Looking for answers, Diana Kalpakian, Ph.D., joined Melissa Faith, Ph.D., and colleagues and conducted a study in May 2020, early in the pandemic. The results of their research were recently published.

New Parents and Newborns: Are Visitors OK?

The newborn period is a time like no other, and something that should be a celebration for you and your loved ones. Keeping your baby safe during this time is of utmost importance. Shannon Glenn-Otto, M.D., a general pediatrician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital shares some useful guidance for first-time parents when it comes to visitors.

What to Know about the COVID-19 Vaccine for 6 Months and Older

Allison Messina, M.D., chief of the Division of Infectious Disease at Johns Hopkins All Children’s, explains what families should know about the COVID-19 vaccine and other recent updates about the virus.

3 Things to Consider When Determining if Your Child has Allergies or COVID-19

Allergies and viral symptoms can be similar to COVID-19, which may cause concern for parents when their child develops sniffles. However, before assuming the symptoms are based on allergies, it’s strongly encouraged to speak with your child’s pediatrician. Learn more about some things to discuss with your child’s pediatrician so they can determine when COVID-19 testing is needed.

What Causes Pink Eye?

There can be several different causes of pink eye, a common childhood ailment. Emergency medicine physician Patrick Mularoni, M.D., talks about the different causes and how it is treated.

Identifying Speech and Language Concerns About your Child and When Should You Seek Help?

Therese Montanari, M.S., CCC-SLP, director of the Speech-Language and Feeding, discusses the most typical speech and language concerns that children may be experiencing.

Kids and Strep Throat

Sore throats in children are common, and parents may worry about strep throat. But more sore throats are caused by viruses or even post-nasal drip from allergies. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., medical director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Clinics, explains the difference between a sore throat and strep.

Dangers of Button Batteries and Kids

If a child swallows a button battery, it can cause severe damage if not removed promptly. Emergency medicine physician Ebony Hunter, M.D., shares what to do if your child ingests a button battery.

Common Types of Head Shape Abnormalities

Dr. Matthew D. Smyth, chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery, shares information with parents about various head shape abnormalities.

How to Get a Toddler to Listen

As children reach preschool age, they are looking to gain more autonomy and find more times to express this need for independence. Pediatric psychologist Alyssa Fritz, Ph.D., talks about toddler listening abilities and shares tips for communicating with your child.

What Causes Nosebleeds in Kids?

Many children get nosebleeds, and may even get them frequently, especially younger children. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., talks about what can cause them and what to do when your child has a nosebleed.

Keeping Kids Safe in the Sun

Unprotected exposure to the sun poses risks of skin damage, eye problems and other health concerns for children. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., provides tips for keeping kids safe in the sun.

The Benefits of Playing with your Child

Neonatologist Jennifer Arnold, M.D., talks about why play is important for babies and how it can help their cognitive development.

Teaching Your Child How to Swallow a Pill

Learning to swallow pills is a skill, just like learning to ride a bike or write your name for the first time. Child Life education specialist Katie Grabowski, M.S., CCLS, offers tips for parents on helping children learn to swallow a pill.

Dr. Jen Arnold’s Top Tips for New Parents

Sometimes it can feel scary being a new parent. Jennifer Arnold, M.D., neonatologist and medical director of the Center for Medical Simulation and Innovative Education, provides some tips for new parents.

Understanding Ear Infections in Children

Pediatrician Rachel Dawkins, M.D., talks about the signs and symptoms of an ear infection and when to seek treatment.

What Is ADHD?

Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, co-director for the Center for Behavioral Health, provides tips to help parents better understand attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

How to Know if Your Child Might Have Heart Issues

Ashish Shah, M.D., pediatric cardiologist, provides insight on what some of the indications are that your child may have a heart issue, and when to see a cardiologist.

Heart Defects in Babies

Congenital heart defects are caused by abnormal development in the heart or blood vessels around the heart. Michael Puchalski, M.D., co-director of the Heart Institute, shares information for families on some of the most common heart defects, and how families can find the right care for their babies.

Children Placing Objects in their Body

Joe Perno, M.D., talks about what parents should do if children put objects in places like their nose, mouth or ears, and when to go to the Emergency Center.

Cooking with Your Kids

Anita Jimenez, Culinary Nutrition Program Coordinator, offers tips on how to get the kids involved in menu selection and meal preparation.

Stages of Language Development and Other Speech Issues

Therese Montanari, director of the Speech-Language and Feeding program at Johns Hopkins All Children's, discusses pediatric speech-language issues and why early intervention is key.

Addiction to Electronic Devices

Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., talks about why it’s important to put limits on how often both you and your children use electronic devices, especially cell phones.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is the most common chronic condition in kids. Deanna Green, M.D., M.H.S., explains symptoms and treatment for asthma.

Tips for Traveling with Kids

COVID-19 makes holiday travel a dangerous idea, but if your family must travel, Ebony Hunter, M.D., offers tips for traveling with kids at this time.

Reducing Kids’ Stress during the Holidays

Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., director of psychology and neuropsychology, provides parents some tips to help the holidays go smoothly.

Common Pediatric Rashes

Rashes are a common reason for people to visit local Emergency Rooms. Many of these can easily be treated at home while others can be suggestive of true emergencies. Joe Perno, M.D., offers tips on which rashes you should be most concerned about.

What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Pediatric emergency medicine physician Ebony Hunter, M.D., explains what parents need to know about hand, foot and mouth disease.

When Do We Need Antibiotics: Myths and Facts

Pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. David Berman explains why antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections.

Common Cold in Kids: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Joe Perno, M.D., talks about what parents need to know about the common cold and viral respiratory infections.

When Parents Should Worry about Bumps and Bruises

Ebony Hunter, M.D., explains what to look for in things like insect bites and other bruises to know whether they’re mild or whether your child may need to see a health care provider.

Baby Constipation Symptoms

Rachel Dawkins, M.D., talks about what parents can do to help newborns and children if they’re constipated.

Safe Sleep Tips for Parents

October is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) awareness month. Prem Fort, M.D., explains how safe sleep practices can reduce a baby’s risk of SIDS.

When Is Stomach Pain an Emergency?

Joe Perno, M.D., explains some common causes of belly pain in children and signs that the pain might be an emergency.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Neonatologist Prem Fort, M.D., talks about why breastfeeding is beneficial for babies and shares some resources on breastfeeding for new moms.

Stresses of Being a New Parent during the COVID-19 Era

Neonatologist Prem Fort, M.D., talks about some things parents with newborns should keep in mind amid COVID-19.

Mental Health Strategies for Parents during COVID-19

Lacy Chavis, Psy.D., offers tips for parents and talks about the importance of things like making time for yourself and setting realistic expectations.

What You Should Know about Babies Teething?

Pediatrician Rachel Dawkins, M.D., provides tips for parents on easing the pain of teething.

On Call For All Kids: Disciplining Kids with Trust and Respect

Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., director of psychology and neuropsychology, advises parents about how to discipline kids with fairness and respect.

COVID-19: Symptoms in Kids, Returning to School, Doctor’s Visits and Play Dates

Juan Dumois, M.D., gives an update on the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Tampa Bay area, and top questions being asked by parents.

Stuck inside? Six screen-free ways to keep your kids moving.

Ideas to get the whole family up and moving, from Mallory Carteaux, exercise physiologist with Fit4Allkids at Johns Hopkins All Children’s.

Water safety: How to keep kids safe in and around water

Changes in routine and new distractions while families are home together can pose challenges in keeping kids safe from unintentional injuries. Petra Vybiralova, Safe Kids supervisor, provides water safety tips for families.

How Do Kids’ Sleeping Habits Affect their Health?

Sleep medicine physician Luis Ortiz, M.D., talks about why healthy sleeping habits are important for children and teens.

Tips for First-time Moms on Pre-pregnancy, Pregnancy and Postpartum

Sheila Devanesan, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist, gives moms-to-be advice on the importance of staying healthy and self-care during the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum stages.

Is Coffee Bad for Kids?

Are there grounds for saying no to your kids when it comes to drinking coffee? A Johns Hopkins Medicine nutritionist and researcher serves up some answers.

Four Tips for Researching Your Child’s Medical Condition

When researching your child’s medical condition, it’s important to turn to accurate, reliable sources that can help supplement the information you’re receiving from your child’s physician.

Potty Training Tips: Knowing When Your Toddler is Ready

Rachel Dawkins, M.D., shares helpful tips for parents on potty training timing and methods.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Children?

As essential oils have been growing in popularity, Harpreet Gujral, DNP, FNP-BC, and Rachel Dawkins, M.D., share insights on children and essential oil safety.

Finger Sucking in Children

Children will often stop finger sucking on their own between ages 2 and 4. For children that may need some help stopping, Jennifer Ziemak, M.S., CCC-SLP, rehabilitation regional manager, offers some helpful tips for families.

How to Put Baby to Sleep

Understanding safe sleep guidelines can help protect against sudden infant death syndrome. Find tips from our expert and create a safe sleep environment for your baby.

Kids and Sleep: When Should a Parent be Concerned?

Luis Ortiz, M.D., discusses how parents can help their children get enough sleep.

Dealing with Breastfeeding Challenges

Lactation consultant Megan Howard talks about how moms can find support if they face challenges with breastfeeding.

Bug Bites, Stings and Kids

Most bug bites from mosquitos or other insects don’t need treatment, but some bites can cause a more severe allergic reaction. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., explains how different kinds of bug bites can affect kids and what parents should look for.

Eat, Sleep, Poop – The Top 3 Things New Parents Need to Know

Having a newborn can be an exciting yet somewhat scary time, especially for first-time parents. While there’s no official guide that tells you what to do when you bring baby home from hospital, there are a few key areas new parents should focus on according to Johns Hopkins All Children’s experts—eating, sleeping and pooping.

Comprehensive Model for High-risk Pregnancies

Guiding expectant mothers through challenges and on to a successful birth often requires expertise and collaboration.

Early Birth, Extraordinary Care

Kassi was born prematurely at 31 weeks with Down syndrome and faced heart issues, breathing problems, kidney disease and feeding issues. The Johns Hopkins All Children’s Fetal, Maternal & Neonatal Institute managed and coordinated her early care, working to build her strength and size so she could thrive on her own.

Types of Hearing Losses and When to See a Doctor

The Johns Hopkins All Children’s audiology team shares five types of hearing losses and what they mean.

On Call for All Kids: Giving Your Child the Correct Medicine Dosage

From reading labels to proper storage, Rachel Dawkins, M.D., from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, shares tips for parents on ensuring children receive the right medicine dosages.

Do’s and Don’ts of Transitioning Baby to Solid Foods

Transitioning your baby to solids? Rachel Dawkins, M.D., medical director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, shares some helpful tips.

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever? The Truth about Medical Myths

Medical myths about how to best treat fever, fight colds or manage injuries are everywhere, sometimes handed down through generations. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital clarifies fact from fiction.

Car Seat Safety: How to Keep Your Child Safe

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines about kids in rear-facing car seats. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital explains the changes.

An All-in-One Destination to Treat a Rising Musculoskeletal Disorder

The Torticollis Clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital provides children who have an atypical head tilt with the swift evaluation and treatment they need to thrive.

Shaping a Child’s Future

From physical therapy to surgery and beyond, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Head Shape Clinic uses a wide range of care options to treat patients like Priscella.

Myths about Vaccines

Joe Perno, M.D., shares facts and addresses some common myths about vaccines.

Swaddle Bath for Baby

Neonatal nurses have adopted a way of bathing fragile newborns that makes for a safer and happier experience.

Kangaroo Care Creates Bond Between Baby and Parent

Kangaroo Care creates a bond between babies and their parents that has proven to have benefits for all involved.

Newborn Nectar

Mother’s own milk is proving to be the best medicine for low-weight preemies.

Pediatric Feeding Problems: When You Need an Expert and How to Make Eating Fun

Eating should be a happy time for kids and families, but sometimes there are obstacles or underlying medical issues that make it difficult to enjoy. At Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, there is a team of speech pathologists who are experts in identifying a feeding problem and implementing a course of action to correct it.

The Importance of Sleep for Kids

It’s important for everyone to get a good night’s rest but even more important for children. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital talks about the importance of sleep for kids.

Breastfeeding Tips for the First Year

Becoming a parent is very exciting and full of new experiences. Among the many decisions parents make is how they choose to feed their newborn. For those families who breastfeed, the experts at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital provide helpful tips and advice for the first year.

Advice for New Moms and Moms-to-Be

Becoming a first-time mom is often a time of utter joy, but with it comes new challenges and many questions. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., is the medical director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. We sat down with Dawkins for a Q & A to learn about the top five most commonly asked questions.

Safe Kids, Fire Rescue Offer Tips to Avoid Hot-Car Tragedies

The Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition, led by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and St. Petersburg Fire Rescue are warning families to look before you lock. It’s an ongoing message the organizations are spreading earlier this year after two incidents in 2017 where Florida children were left in a hot car and died from heatstroke...