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Minimally Invasive Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Game-Changer for Babies By Bethany Simonetti MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: Are you worried about your baby’s head shape and what it could mean? Flat spots, or plagiocephaly, tend to improve on their own, but if your doctor suspects craniosynostosis, which may require surgical repair, you naturally have lots of questions. Our pediatric neurosurgery team

Emergency Room or Urgent Care? When Your Child Needs Care, Here's Where to Go It’s stressful enough when you or your child is sick or injured. It’s even more stressful if you’re not sure where to go – the emergency room, urgent care center or your doctor. Here’s a list to break it down.

Caring for the Caregiver By Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH: At Connecticut Children’s Childhood Prosperity Lab, we believe improving child, youth, and family health requires a comprehensive approach. Recently, I was reminded just how critical this approach is in our ongoing work. Childhood Prosperity Lab, a program of the Office for

The Pressure to Win: Sports and Your Child’s Mental Health By Kelly Ann Maynes, PsyD: This article was originally published in July 2022 and was last updated in April 2025. In recent years, athletes have come forward to talk about the importance of mental health, along with the impact of sports and competition. Lots of young athletes can relate. A sport can all

Kids' Bones Are Different: The Importance of Pediatric Orthopedic Care By Donna M. Pacicca, MD: As kids grow, their bones, joints, and muscles go through many changes. Sometimes, parents wonder if their child’s growth patterns, pain, or injuries need special attention from a pediatric orthopedic specialist. Donna Pacicca, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, discusses when it

Newborn Screening: The Importance of Collaboration Across Healthcare Sectors By Debra Ellis, NBS, RN: Each year, approximately four million newborns in the United States are screened for a variety of rare but serious conditions shortly after birth. This quiet yet powerful public health achievement helps identify around 12,000 babies annually who have conditions that, if detected

Pitcher’s Elbow: What to Know About this Overuse Injury By Matthew Brown, MD: Baseball or softball season is ripe for overuse injuries, especially for pitchers. You’ve probably heard of “pitcher’s elbow, or Little Leaguer’s Elbow,” a common injury in athletes who throw overhand —not just baseball players. Matt Brown, MD, sports medicine physician and

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Kids: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Specialist By Sonia Chaudhry, MD, FAAOS: Sonia Chaudhry, MD, orthopedic surgeon, dives into what carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is, how it can affect kids, and when it’s time to see a pediatric orthopedic specialist.

Keeping Young Drivers Safe: The Fight Against Distracted Driving By Anna Stern, MPH: April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to reflect on how we can all make safer choices behind the wheel. The Injury Prevention Center (IPC), a program of Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health , is committed to promoting road

Beyond Esophageal Atresia: Marcus’ Story Minutes after Marcus was placed in his mother’s arms for the first time, the nurses gently lifted him away again. They’d heard something alarming in his cry. An X-ray confirmed it: esophageal atresia, a problem with the connection between his esophagus and stomach. He’d just been

Fitness Challenges to Keep Kids, Teens and Athletes Active By Allison E. Crepeau, MD: This article was last revised in April 2025 to reflect current times. It’s important for all kids to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for their heart health – and it’s important for athletes to stay active in order to prevent injury . So how about a fitness

Spring Cleaning Tips for a Healthier Home By Chris Corcoran: Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting your house in order—it’s about protecting your family’s health. As the weather warms up and we throw open the windows, it’s the perfect time to tackle the dust, clutter, and grime that have built up over the winter. But there’s more to

Mastermind Advisor Spotlight: Paul Dworkin, MD 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 social

Keeping Kids Safe from Ticks in Connecticut: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents By Andrew Carlson, MD: This article was last updated in April 2025 for accuracy. Getting kids outdoors is one of the best things you can do for their health. But time outside comes with risks—including ticks, which are more active than ever and spreading across Connecticut in new ways. Ticks can carry

Ask a Pediatrician: When Is it Safe for Kids to Start Wearing Deodorant or Antiperspirant? By Todd Palker, MD: Puberty comes with all sorts of changes to your child’s body, and sooner or later, that probably includes some new odors. If you and your child are thinking about trying a deodorant or antiperspirant, there are a dizzying array of products to choose from. To add to the confusion