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Using Human-centered Design to Innovate Healthy Spaces for Families in Hartford By Annika Anderson: Article
Help Kids Manage Stress in 4 Steps By Kelly Ann Maynes, PsyD: This article was originally published in April 2020. Updated in December 2023 to reflect current events. Kids are resilient and can bounce back stronger than ever from many of life's challenges. Even when they’re sad, stressed or frustrated, kids can learn to trust that they’ll
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12 Calming Exercises to Teach Your Child This article was originally written in April 2020. Updated in December 2023. Just like adults, it’s easy for kids to get lost in troubling thoughts, and overwhelmed by the physical sensations that accompany stress. But kids can learn to calm themselves by focusing on what’s
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8 Tips to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen, By Age By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: This article was originally published in May 2020 and updated in December 2023 for relevance. Cooking together is a great way to get your child interested in healthy eating, and teach them important skills. Where to start? Haley Duscha, a pediatric dietitian in the Division of
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How to Calm a Crying Infant... And Yourself This article was originally published in April 2020. Updated in December 2023. Parenting is stressful and a crying infant can be particularly distressing. Our pediatric experts share ways to safely cope with a crying baby.
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Surviving Newborn Colic: A Guide for Parents By Andrew Carlson, MD: Is your baby crying a lot, especially in the late afternoon or evening? Colic might be the reason, and we know it's tough for parents. But don't worry, our expert, Andrew J. Carlson, Medical Director of Primary Care at Connecticut Children’s, is here to help you understand why
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Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine Is Now Authorized for Ages 12 and Up. Here’s What Parents Need to Know By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: This post was last updated November 4, 2021. In June 2021, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12 to 15. Connecticut Children’s Physician-in-Chief Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, answers common questions about
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Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Linked to Heart Problems Like Myocarditis and Pericarditis in Young People? By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: This post was last updated on December 16, 2021. During the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the CDC has kept a close eye on rare reports of heart problems in vaccinated young people. In addition to being rare, almost all of the cases have been mild. And COVID-19 infection remains a
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Are You Doing Tummy Time Correctly With Your Baby? 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
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4 Things to Know About Heart Murmurs in Children By Seth Lapuk, MD: Up to three out of four kids will have a heart murmur at some point in childhood, but in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. To explain more, Connecticut Children’s pediatric cardiologist (and American Heart Association leader!) Seth Lapuk, MD, joins the blog. 1. Most heart
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Is Your Baby on Track for Motor Milestones? If They’re Under 6 Months Old, Here’s How to Help By Kim Hrapchak, PT, MSPT: Babies are changing by the day, and every new “motor milestone” is a thrill – like the first time they hold a toy, roll, sit up alone, and crawl. These milestones depend on lots of factors, including some that aren’t under anyone’s control. But there are a few ways to help your
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10 Healthy Holiday Traditions to Start With Your Family Holidays go hand in hand with a big meal, several kinds of dessert, and an afternoon nap. We get it! No need to give up all your usual traditions – but how about sneaking some healthy ones into the mix? These ideas will keep your child entertained and engaged all day, and might
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8 Ways to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month With Kids November is National Native American Heritage Month, a chance to honor the history and continuing culture of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Get your kids involved! Here are family-friendly ideas to celebrate and learn about Indigenous peoples of the
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How to Prepare Younger Kids for the COVID-19 Vaccine This post was last updated November 4, 2021. Parents and caregivers, this is an exciting time: A COVID-19 vaccine is now available for ages 5 to 11. Since kids in this age group might be a little more nervous about needles or doctor’s visits, Connecticut Children’s Child Life