The FDA authorized Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years, and experts for the CDC unanimously approved the use of both vaccines – a moment that parents, pediatricians and health leaders are celebrating.  Connecticut Children’s Physician-in-Chief, Juan Salazar, MD, MPH, and Medical Director of Infection Control, John Schreiber, MD, […]

Connecticut Children’s is committed to making our patient care environment as welcoming and inclusive as possible for our patients and their families. As part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey, our organization celebrates the steps we are taking to ensure our patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and […]

All parents can agree—a good night’s sleep is one of the most amazing feelings—and even more so when our children sleep well. It’s not always easy, though, and sometimes kids need a little help getting into a healthy sleeping routine. Melatonin has become a popular, over-the-counter supplement to help kids sleep, but some of the […]

Growing up, many of us parents can remember required school scoliosis checks. What’s important to know nowadays about scoliosis? What are your child’s options if they have scoliosis? Dr. Mark Lee, Division Head of Orthopedics at Connecticut Children’s, and Dr. Jeffrey Thomson, Orthopedic Surgeon, have the answers. 1. What exactly is scoliosis, and how can […]

In 2019, a very pregnant Kristina Gisonde studied two dots on her latest ultrasound. The dots represented her baby’s kidneys, and they were different sizes – not a good sign. Her doctor recommended that, soon after birth, they see a specialist at Connecticut Children’s. Kristina and husband Matt had just moved to Fairfield County with […]

In New England, summer sneaks up after a long winter, which felt even longer as COVID-19 still looms. However, when the sun comes out, it’s out full force. Before you and the family head outside and “take back” summer, check out some summer sun safety tips to protect yourself and those you love against the […]

So your family is ready for a change of scenery, and the adults and older teens are fully vaccinated. But what if your younger child is still waiting on their COVID-19 vaccine? Before you make any spring or summer travel plans, Connecticut Children’s infectious disease expert John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH, has guidance.  (Originally published in May of […]

As news coverage about the May 24th shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas escalates, children will likely have many questions. In addition to seeing disturbing footage on the news and on social media they are also likely picking up on the stress and sadness from adults around them, regardless of their age. As […]

June is Pride Month in the United States, a time to celebrate and support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) community. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about the different ways that people can identify and love one another, and how to lift their own and others’ voices for […]

When Melina, at age 10, felt a shooting pain in her leg and suddenly couldn’t put weight on it, her family assumed it would mean physical therapy at worst. They never imagined it would mean emergency surgery so she could play sports, dance, or possibly just walk normally again. They started at the pediatrician’s office. […]

Heat-related illness like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can oftentimes send kids to the emergency room in the summer months. What should you look for and what should you do if your child is showing signs of any heat-related illness? Better yet, how can you help your child prevent these illnesses all together? Dr. John […]

This post was last updated May 17, 2022. You ask, we answer. In each edition of “Ask a Pediatrician,” Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts respond to a question from our community. The CDC and FDA authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine primary series and booster for anyone over the age of 5, and for the Moderna and […]

By: Chris Grindle, MD; Amy Hughes, MD and Katherine Kavanagh, MD Ah, summer—the time when our active kids jump right in the water for lots of swimming. Then, ouch. Or, double ouch. Sometime later, the ear pain sets in, maybe with some other unpleasant symptoms (more on that below)… Connecticut Children’s ear, nose and throat […]

Parents of infants everywhere are facing challenges with baby formula shortage following this year’s recall and supply chain issues—not to mention the never-ending COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut Children’s Clinical Nutrition Manager, Jennifer Zarrilli, shares advice on what to do if you’re having a hard time finding formula. Keep reading for more.    Want more articles like […]

Summer in New England is prime time for kids to be out and about in nature! But it’s also prime time for ticks. And many, like the deer tick, carry diseases. (In fact, the first-ever case of Lyme disease was found in Connecticut.) Before your family hits the trail, or enjoys a camping trip or […]

The Quintero family of Manchester, Connecticut is breathing much easier these days after the Building for Health program fixed hazards in their home and provided support for their daughter’s worsening asthma symptoms. Building for Health: The Quintero Family’s Experience The Quintero family connected to Building for Health through the State of Connecticut’s Putting on AIRS […]

As parents, we can’t deny that reading is one of the safest summer activities that exists. Long before the electronic era, everyone read books, heavily, every day. So, encourage your kids to take a digital detox and travel to space this summer with space-themed reads.  Here are some fun book recommendations from Dr. Robert Keder, […]

By: Kevin Borrup, Executive Director, Injury Prevention We all want our children to have a fun, memorable and active summer. Water play is a major part of making summer memories and many kids are eager to splash around, swim or attend pool or beach parties. However, we need to be mindful that water can be […]

By: Sonia Chaudhry, MD, FAAOS, and Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA Want to make sure your child’s time on the playground is as safe as it is fun? Follow these safety tips from orthopedic surgeon Sonia Chaudhry, MD, FAAOS and the Injury Prevention Center’s Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA. Playground injuries are common, but preventable. […]