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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 Mealtime Habits to Start With Your Family Today By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: March is National Nutrition Month, and Connecticut Children’s pediatric dietitians are bringing your family the advice you need to eat well! Scroll to the bottom for more healthy eating resources. Here, we share three mealtime habits that are key to good nutrition.

Is There a Best Way for Young Athletes to Warm Up for Sports? A good warm-up prior to exercise is one of the best ways for young athletes to prevent sports injury and perform at their best, when done properly. Plus, if a child learns how to properly stretch and warm up for sports at a young age, there is a greater chance that they’ll carry