The Common Cold (Upper Respiratory Infections) The common cold is an upper respiratory infection that inflames the lining of the nose and throat. For five to ten days your child’s nose may be runny or stuffy and his eyes may be red and watery. He may sneeze, cough, experience aches, pains, or have a mild [...]

Caring for your children’s teeth Birth to 12 months • Good dental habits should begin before the first tooth appears. After feedings, gently brush your baby’s gums using water on a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles, or wipe them with a clean washcloth. • Ask about fluoride. After the first tooth appears, ask your [...]

Winter Safety Tips What to Wear • Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. • The rule of thumb [...]

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Symptoms of swine flu in children Classically, children with influenza have a sudden onset of high fever, chills, and respiratory symptoms. Children will develop mild nasal congestion and cough. Older children may complain of headache, scratchy or sore throat, and muscle aches. Influenza is very different from the common cold or [...]

ALLERGIES Identifying Allergies • Some allergies are easy to identify by the pattern of symptoms that invariably follows exposure to a particular substance. But others are more subtle and may masquerade as other conditions. Here are some common clues that could lead you to suspect your child may have an allergy. • Recurrent red, itchy, [...]