Connecticut Children's Blog

We’re all concerned about getting sick right now. But if your child has an intense fear of germs, and trouble functioning at school or at home because of it, they may be dealing with some degree of germ phobia (aka “germaphobia”). During this coronavirus pandemic when we’re all feeling afraid of germs, how can you […]

If your child is an athlete, it’s important to talk to them about concussions. Pediatric Sports Medicine expert Imran Hafeez, MD, shares what you need to know. 1. Concussions are common in sports. Falls and collisions during sports can cause concussions, a kind of brain injury that can be mild to more significant. Football and […]

You ask, we answer. In each edition of “Ask a Pediatrician,” Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts respond to a question from our community. This week, infectious disease pediatrician John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH, tackles a popular topic for this back-to-school season. My child has a runny nose but no fever, and I’m sure it’s just a […]

It’s stressful enough when your child is sick or injured. It’s even more stressful if you’re not sure where to take them – the emergency room, urgent care center or pediatrician. Here’s a list to break it down. Go to the Emergency Department right away for anything that could be life-threatening. You should immediately bring […]

Here’s a familiar scene: Your pediatrician’s office just closed for the day when you discover your child has a mysterious rash, twisted ankle, fever or another health surprise. This doesn’t quite call for a trip to the hospital, but your child needs care. What do you do? Now, you can visit the pediatric experts you […]

Kids need help calming down sometimes. But if you’re a teacher or daycare provider during the coronavirus pandemic, or a parent looking after kids as part of an at-home learning cohort, COVID-19 social distancing rules have taken away one powerful calming method: appropriate physical contact. Until hugs are back on the table, developmental pediatrician Robert D. […]

As we kick off a new school year during the coronavirus pandemic, there’s a good chance that screen-based instruction is part of your child’s lesson plan. All that screen-time could lead to eye strain – but luckily, some simple precautions can help. Connecticut Children’s pediatric ophthalmologist Janine Collinge, MD, shares tips. Want more resources? Check out […]

When 5-year-old Sofia Cortese hears she won’t be going into school today – whether from a doctor’s appointment, school holiday or because classes will be online this week – she has a predictable reaction. “She’ll say, ‘But my friends are going to miss me!’” says mom Renata. And she’s right. Everyone in Sofia’s school building […]

Norma Moreira was returning home from work when she received the phone call: Her 6-year-old son, Fernando, was hit by a car while crossing the street in their East Hartford neighborhood. The car had been going very fast. Fernando might not survive. Fernando was raced to Connecticut Children’s, where the trauma, critical care, general surgery […]

Imagine: You are a star football player walking onto the field for the first game of your senior year. It is Friday night, and the stands are packed. You’ve already racked up three all-conference and two all-state selections in your first three years of high school; you’ve been offered multiple scholarships to play college football […]

Here at Connecticut Children’s, we’re huge fans of everything baby-related. That includes making a big deal when there’s a new baby on the way! The pandemic has changed the playbook for a traditional shower – no more huddling over one diaper-decorating station or squeezing onto the same couch for games. But you can still organize […]

This is a hectic back-to-school season for many families – but don’t be tempted to put off your child’s flu shot. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to get kids vaccinated for the flu as soon as possible. Physician-in-Chief Juan Salazar, MD, MPH shares why you should call your child’s pediatrician today to schedule. […]

Whether your child is headed to the classroom or staying home for virtual learning, try following these tips for a great morning – right down to packing a backpack the night before. Why? In addition to keeping everyone organized, routines like these signal “tomorrow is a school day,” no matter where your child’s learning is […]

By Amy Watkins, MPH It’s back to school time, and that means school buses, crowded drop-offs and bicycling or walking along busy roads. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, so it’s important to talk to your child now about being safe around buses and cars.  Amy […]

By: Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP, CCRP Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a tough time adjusting to change – so they’ll need additional guidance and support to succeed in school during COVID-19. Connecticut Children’s autism specialist Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP shares tips. Create a visual calendar for your child’s school schedule (especially for hybrid […]

By: Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP, CCRP As the new school year rapidly approaches, families are gearing up for changes in schedules, procedures, and rules. If your child has special needs, you may want to reach out to their teaching team for extra support helping them adjust. Connecticut Children’s autism specialist Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP, shares […]

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. […]

If needed, even the tiniest babies and those with the most severe heart problems can undergo heart surgery at Connecticut Children’s – including via minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or VATS. Helping lead the way is congenital cardiac surgeon Raina Sinha, MD, MPH, FACC, one of just 18 female pediatric cardiac surgeons practicing […]

If it might be an emergency, don’t wait! Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department (ED) is open and safe, and our Urgent Care center provides after-hours care from pediatric experts you know and trust. Pack a “go-bag” now, so it’s ready when you need it. > Related: Emergency Room, Urgent Care or Video Visit? When Your Child Needs Care, […]