Connecticut Children's Blog

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 […]

By: Alyssa Nycz, MD We all know sleep is a necessary part of life, especially at a younger age. Kids need sleep for healthy growth, development, behavior and overall success in society. But, did you know? Children 6 to 12 years old need between nine and twelve hours of sleep a day— naps and nighttime […]

Updated March 1, 2022 for additional recalled Similac specialty product (Originally published on February 22, 2022) The Food & Drug Administration recently issued a widespread recall of powdered formula brands Similac, Alimentum and EleCare after several infants were hospitalized with bacterial infections, now including two deaths. As of February 28, the CDC announced another illness […]

When your young child has big feelings in their little body, they may not know what to do about it. To help, you can work with them on a coping toolbox, mindfulness exercises or quick resets. Or, if you’re into wellness apps, you can turn to your phone: There are a growing number of apps […]

Grades, friends, sports, extracurricular interests – teens have a lot on their plates. All of these obligations can quickly go from fulfilling to overwhelming, especially during times of transition or in the midst of ongoing stressors like the pandemic. Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Vanessa R. Laurent, PhD, has tips.   Want more articles like this […]

As a parent, you’re often told to “model calm.” But in life, and especially over the past couple years of the pandemic, it can be exhausting for parents to constantly keep it together – and it’s not necessarily healthy for their kids, either. How do you manage stress, fear, sadness, and other negative emotions when […]

Everyone, at every age, deserves healthy, positive relationships. For teens who are just starting out, it’s not always easy to know what that means. Dr. Preeti Sandhu, pediatric psychologist, shares ways to help your teen navigate the dating world and be their own advocate for healthy, fulfilling relationships. 1. Talk openly about healthy relationships. Dating […]

For most of their lives, kids and teens are told exactly where they’ll be and what they’ll be doing in the year to come. Their teachers and families prepare them for the transition from one grade to the next, and for the move from elementary to middle to high school. Then, at the end of […]

Kids are resilient, and able to overcome a parental separation or divorce. But it’s a big transition. How can you support your child through these changes? Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH, shares advice. How to Tell Your Child About Your Divorce or Separation Children take cues from their parents. If you […]

TikTok dares. Drug and alcohol abuse. Bullying. Peer pressure can lead to a lot of difficult and dangerous situations for kids and teens. It’s hard for your child to know how to handle that, especially in the moment. But you can help them understand what to watch out for, and even practice how to respond. […]