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Partnering for Family Support: Connecticut Newborn Screening Network and Alexion Charitable Foundation By Debra Ellis, NBS, RN: The Connecticut Newborn Screening Network (the Network), a program within the Office for Community Child Health , provides crucial support to families of infants who receive out-of-range newborn screening (NBS) results. Our goal is to ensure that every family—regardless of their

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

Start Strong This School Year with Food That Fuels By Stacy Chandna, MS, CIP: About the SCOR Program The Start Childhood Off Right (SCOR) program of Connecticut Children's Office for Community Child Health focuses on identifying and addressing food insecurity in the families we serve, while also promoting healthy eating and informed food choices. Here’s

Teaching Empathy in Action: The Meaning Behind Pajama Day As you settle into the new school year—organizing supplies, marking sports schedules, and syncing calendars—there’s one date worth circling now: the second Friday of December. That’s when students, teachers, and communities across Connecticut, and the region, come together for PJ

12 Pediatric Sports Injury Questions Every Parent Asks—Answered by a Pediatric Orthopedic Expert By Anthony Pastore, MS, PA-C: From fractures to lingering joint pain, activity- or sports-related injuries in kids are common. This past July, Anthony “Tony” Pastore, PA-C, pediatric orthopedic physician assistant, was featured in a live segment hosted by Westport Moms at Connecticut Children’s Pediatric

Mastermind Advisor Spotlight: Luis Rivera Research shows 90% of children’s health is driven by the complex interplay between social, behavioral, environmental, and genetic/epigenetic factors. Connecticut Children’s Childhood Prosperity Lab (the Lab) incubates and accelerates social innovations that address the social

Fresh Check Day Joins Connecticut Children’s to Expand Youth Mental Health Movement By Isabella Baldino: As youth mental health continues to demand urgent national attention, Connecticut Children’s Youth Suicide Prevention Center (the Center) is taking a major step forward by assuming management of Fresh Check Day —a nationally recognized, evidence-informed mental health promotion

A Life-Changing Screen: Jonah’s Story By Gyula Acsadi, MD: When Jonah Ferace was born in December 2023, he appeared to be a healthy, happy baby. At over 10 pounds, he was strong and alert, and his parents, Jaime and Marc, were thrilled to welcome their third child. Aside from a challenging first week as Jonah was treated for jaundice

Beyond Extreme Prematurity: Mikayla’s Story By Nicole Murray, MD: Delivered barely halfway through a typical pregnancy — at just 25 weeks and 6 days — she weighed less than a pound. Her lungs were severely underdeveloped. At the hospital where she was born, the doctors weren’t sure she’d survive the night. But Mikayla had other plans. Today

Discussing Racial Inequality and Social Justice With Children By Robert D. Keder, MD: Parents are constantly deciding how to talk to their children about racial inequality and social justice. To help families navigate these important conversations, developmental pediatrician Robert D. Keder, MD, shares tips.

Back-to-School Mental Health Tips for Parents, Teachers & School Staff By Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH: As the school year kicks off across Connecticut, families and educators alike are facing more than supply lists and bus schedules. Today’s students are managing emotions, navigating social pressures, and adjusting to academic demands — all while recovering from the disruptions of

Mastermind Advisor Spotlight: Scott Orsey Research shows 90% of children’s health is driven by the complex interplay between social, behavioral, environmental, and genetic/epigenetic factors. Connecticut Children’s Childhood Prosperity Lab (the Lab) incubates and accelerates social innovations that address the social

8 Childhood Symptoms Not to Ignore By Emily Vistica Sampino, MD: Knowing any early warning signs can help you rule out certain conditions, and get the early diagnosis and treatment your child needs. While many symptoms can be part of common childhood illnesses, look for anything persistent and unusual. Emily Vistica-Sampino, MD, pediatric

Mouth Breathing in Kids: When to Worry and What You Can Do By Amy Hughes, MD: If you've seen your child sleeping with their mouth open night after night, or even breathing through their mouth during the day, you might be wondering: Is this normal? Should I be worried? Occasional mouth breathing is common in children, especially during a cold or allergy

E-Bike Injuries Are Rising Fast—Here’s What Parents Need to Know By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: This article was published in July 2025 and was updated on August 11, 2025 to remove outdated timeframe references. Over the past few years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have exploded in popularity among kids and teens. But with that rise has come a sharp increase in serious injuries