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FAQs: The COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids 6 Months And Older By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: The FDA authorized Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years, and experts for the CDC unanimously approved the use of both vaccines – a moment that parents, pediatricians and health leaders are celebrating. Connecticut Children’s

FAQs: The COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Ages 5 to 11 By John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH: This post was last updated May 18, 2022 Children aged 5 to 11 can get the Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine because experts for the CDC unanimously approved its use. Connecticut Children’s infectious disease expert John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH , answers common questions about the

From Your Couch to a 5K: Tips to Get Active and Reduce Childhood Obesity By Melissa Santos, PhD: September marks the beginning of autumn, painting trees in bright reds and oranges with bright blue and sunny skies. That makes it the perfect time for families to break out their walking shoes, because it’s a scientific fact that beautiful scenery can boost feel-good hormones

How to Prepare Kids for the End of Daylight Saving Time This November By Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD: Daylight Saving Time ends the first Sunday of November in most states, including Connecticut. That means on Nov. 7, 2021, clocks “fall back” an hour: Instead of 2 am, it’ll be 1 am. That extra hour can cause problems around bedtime (even if your child already has a great bedtime

18 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained on Road Trips This article was originally published in September 2021 and updated in December 2023. If you’re getting out of town, there’s a good chance it’s in the family car. The trick is keeping your child occupied for all that time on the road. Here are ideas that boost imagination and

7 Ways to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month With Kids From September 15 to October 15, the U.S. celebrates the cultures and contributions of Americans who identify as Hispanic or Latinx. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to teach kids about the histories and traditions behind these cultures, try new traditions, and

Melatonin Poisoning in Kids: What Parents Should Know By John Brancato, MD: All parents can agree—a good night’s sleep is one of the most amazing feelings—and even more so when our children sleep well. It’s not always easy, though, and sometimes kids need a little help getting into a healthy sleeping routine. Melatonin has become a popular, over-the

Beyond Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): Kiki’s Story A week after baby Kikiolaoluwa was born, her doctors in Nigeria found a hole in her heart. At first, they told Kiki’s parents – mom Moninuola and dad Oladapo – to wait and see if the hole closed on its own. But several months later, everything was worse. Kiki was losing weight

Going Beyond Clinical Care: Improving Housing Conditions and Health Outcomes Fredrik was two months old when he started struggling to keep down food. No matter what parents Marie and Josh Pinheiro tried, “he was spitting up and vomiting at all hours of the day,” says Marie. “Nothing helped.” Two months later, the wheezing and coughing started. At an age

Answers to 5 Questions About Scoliosis By Mark C. Lee, MD: Growing up, many of us parents can remember required school scoliosis checks. What’s important to know nowadays about scoliosis? What are your child’s options if they have scoliosis? Dr. Mark Lee, Division Head of Orthopedics at Connecticut Children’s, and Dr. Jeffrey Thompson

Grow Hopeful: Joseph’s Story “Nothing can prepare you for the moment when you realize you will not be able to hold your newborn,” says Marisol Casado. But there it was: Just 20 weeks into pregnancy, a routine ultrasound showed an abnormality in her baby’s heart.

Kids in the Kitchen: Essential Cooking Skills for the Whole Family By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: Cooking can be an important part of eating healthy and finding variety in your meals, so it’s a good idea to get your child involved in the kitchen at an early age. But cooking skills aren’t just about how you mix ingredients. They also include how set up your kitchen – and any

Reasons Your Child Should See a Pediatric Dietitian By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: A pediatric dietitian – also known as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) – can be a great resource for your child and family. These experts take time to learn about food’s impact on your child, and can be a guiding hand in any nutrition concerns. Here’s why you may want to

Grow Active: Finn’s Story If it races, rolls or jumps, 8-year-old Finnbar Prenty has probably mastered it – from skis to scooters to skateboarding. But not long ago, this kind of activity was out of the question. Finn began his health journey at another hospital in the state, where he was diagnosed with

5 Tips for Healthy (and Realistic) Meal Planning – Including Travel and Dining Out By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: Do you plan your child’s meals and snacks in advance, or wait till it’s almost time to eat? A little bit of planning can help your whole family choose healthy options, save money, have more home-cooked meals… and not spend all day in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to kick-start