Connecticut Children's Blog

By Jennifer Zarrilli, MS, RD How can you encourage kids to enjoy themselves to the fullest this season, but also stay healthy? It doesn’t have to be a challenge! Connecticut Children’s nutrition experts have ideas.   Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe 1. Color it up […]

By Jen Zarrilli, MS, RD If you’re looking for a fun activity with kids that doubles as a healthy habit, your kitchen is a great place to start. Making healthy recipes together is a way to get your child excited about nutrition, teach them important skills and share quality time – all while preparing a […]

By Christine Finck, MD, FACS, Surgeon-in-Chief and Michael Reiss, PsyD September is National Childhood Obesity Month—a time to raise awareness about this complex and challenging problem in our country. One in five kids in the U.S. is obese and childhood obesity can put kids at risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure […]

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 […]

Did you know kids’ bodies are 60-70% water? That may seem like a lot, but kids actually get dehydrated quickly because they lose more water through the skin when they sweat, compared to adults. So what are the best ways for us to make sure kids are taking in enough water as we face the […]

By: Pam Rosow, MS, RD and Jennifer Zarrilli, RD, CNSC An athlete’s body needs plenty of fuel, whether they’re just starting out or part of an elite team. All those sprints, drills and fitness challenges take a lot of energy! Luckily, some simple habits go a long way. Sports nutritionist Pam Rosow, MS, RD, and […]

Having an autistic child can bring many unique joys and challenges to your family. Sometimes children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) develop difficulties with feeding. Being able to feed your child is a top priority for all parents, so when feeding becomes challenging, a seemingly simple activity can suddenly feel daunting. In an effort to […]

By Shailendra Upadhyay, MD, CEPS, FHRS and Jennifer Zarrilli, MS, RD At Connecticut Children’s we focus on heart health and nutrition every day!   Dr. Shailendra Upadhyay, pediatric cardiologist and Jennifer Zarrilli, pediatric nutritionist, share five fun and educational ideas to engage the whole family in making excellent, heart-healthy choices. Want more articles like this […]

By: Jennifer Zarrilli, MS, RD Some days, figuring out what to feed your child is hard enough. Figuring out how much can seem downright impossible. The recommended portions for a child depend on their age and even gender – and unfortunately, the serving size listed on grocery store labels doesn’t have much to do with […]

By: Stacy Chandna, MS, CIP With the end of summer upon us, it’s time for the 100-meter dash to gather all the supplies your child needs for back to school. That includes the ever-important, but sometimes elusive, snack plan. Healthy snacks are a great way to keep your kids energized and boost their essential nutrient […]