Connecticut Children's Blog

71,900 children in Connecticut have asthma and there has been a shortage of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution since October. Albuterol is a fast-acting medication used to treat asthma and other breathing issues. What do parents need to know about the continued albuterol shortage? Connecticut Children’s Melanie Sue Collins, MD, answers questions. Want more articles like […]

We all know that tantrums are normal behavior for toddlers, but that doesn’t change how upsetting they may feel for everyone in the household. That’s why it’s helpful to have strategies ready to keep your cool – and, of course, calm your child. For help with toddler tantrums, Laura Caneira, APRN, joins the blog. First things […]

By Kelly Muccino, Connecticut Children’s Child Life Specialist When it comes to teaching children about their own cancer diagnosis, a step-by-step approach can be helpful. Talk to your child about each step of the treatment process as it’s happening. Connecticut Children’s Child Life team explains…   Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? […]

By Connecticut Children’s Child Life Specialists  Books can be our greatest teachers, especially when families face a constantly changing world with ups, downs and challenges. This list of books, recommended by our Child Life team, will help kids of all ages and parents embrace change, build resilience, grieve, appreciate differences and power through adversity. Happy […]

Updated October 17, 2022 for additional recall of certain lots of Abbott 2 fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed liquid products for infants and children.   (Originally published on February 22, 2022 and updated on March 1, 2022 and again on August 16, 2022) October 17: Certain lots of the following products have been voluntarily […]

When your teen is nearing the end of high school, they’ll suddenly need to take control of lots of aspects of their lives, from meal planning to healthcare. That includes finances. As adults, we sometimes assume that once a teen is a certain age, they’ll naturally know how to manage money. For some, that may […]

There are lots of myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding, so we sat down with Silvana Michael, a lactation nurse at Connecticut Children’s, to get answers to the most common questions.  How long should moms breastfeed? When we hear this question from moms, we ask them: What is your goal? Our job is really to help […]

It’s 3 am and you caught your toddler trying to climb out of the crib! Or, maybe you’re just wondering when, how or why you should make the switch to a bed. We turned to Dr. Haviva Veler, Division Head of Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine team, for answers. Want more articles like […]

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 […]

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. […]

Families in Connecticut are mourning the death of a 13-year-old who overdosed on the painkiller fentanyl while at his Hartford school. It’s a tragic reminder of the dangers of drugs around kids. If you’re a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to know how to talk to your child about what happened, and how […]

By: Laura Nowacki, MD Your baby will see their pediatrician a lot during their first year of life – and that begins with their very first well-baby visit, just a few days after coming home from the hospital. The primary care providers in Connecticut Children’s Care Network lead these kinds of visits every day. Laura […]

By: Kim Hrapchak, PT, MSPT Do you dread tummy time? If your baby starts fussing the moment they’re belly-down, you might be tempted to cut it short, or skip it altogether. Stay strong! Tummy time is a really important exercise for your baby. Connecticut Children’s pediatric physical therapist Kim Hrapchak, PT, MSPT, explains why, and […]