Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Sexual Development

  Big physical and emotional changes happen during puberty and the teen years. These articles can help you become a source of information, comfort, and support for your kids.

• Birth Control: Abstinence

  Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs.

• Birth Control: Birth Control Rings

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• Birth Control: Cervical Caps

  The cervical cap covers the cervix so sperm can't get in and fertilize an egg. It's not usually recommended for most young women and teens because it can be very hard to insert correctly.

• Birth Control: Condoms

  Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms.

• Birth Control: Diaphragms

  A diaphragm may be a birth control good option for young women who can take responsibility in advance. Find out more.

• Birth Control: Emergency Contraception

  Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex; for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex.

• Birth Control: Fertility Awareness

  Fertility awareness is a way to try to prevent pregnancy by not having sex around the time of ovulation. It is not a reliable birth control method for most people.

• Birth Control: IUDs

  An IUD is a piece of T-shaped plastic placed inside the uterus. It's a good birth control option because it lasts for many years, needs no daily care, and is very effective at preventing pregnancy.

• Birth Control: Implantable Contraception

  Learn what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

• Birth Control: Spermicide

  Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm. They be used alone but are not very effective that way.

• Birth Control: The Birth Control Shot

  The birth control shot is an injection a female gets every 3 months to help prevent pregnancy. Find out more.

• Birth Control: The Patch

  Find out about this method of birth control, including how well it works and possible side effects.

• Birth Control: The Pill

  Discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD. The birth control pill (also called "the Pill") is a daily pill that is taken to prevent pregnancy.

• Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know

  Talking to your kids about sex can be a challenge. But discussing issues like birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD.

• Birth Control: Withdrawal

  Even for people who think they are doing it correctly, withdrawal is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy.

• Communication and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old

  Teens spend much of the day outside the home, but it's important that you take time every day to talk with your teen to share opinions, ideas, and information.

• Communication and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old

  Communicating with our kids is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding parts of parenting. Learn how to connect with your 4- to 5-year-old.

• Communication and Your 6- to 12-Year-Old

  Communicating with a child is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Learn how to connect with your 6- to 12-year-old.

• Assistive Devices: Positioning Aids (Slideshow)

  Kids with special needs have many options when it comes to supportive seats. View this slideshow to see what's available.

• Assistive Devices: Walking and Mobility (Slideshow)

  Kids who have trouble walking have many options when it comes to getting around. View the slideshow below to learn more.

• Learning, Play, and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old

  Your baby is learning more about the world through play and is beginning to use words. Keep those toys and games coming!

• Your Child’s Development: 2 Years (24 Months)

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: 2.5 Years (30 Months)

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: 3 Years

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing.

• Growth and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old

  Kids who are 4 to 5 years old continue to learn in a very physical way, but are more focused than when they were younger.

• Growth and Your 6- to 12-Year-Old

  As kids grow from grade-schoolers to preteens, there continues to be a wide range of "normal" as far as height, weight, and shape.

• Your Child’s Development (Birth to 5 Years Old)

  Doctors use milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some kids gain skills earlier or later than others. Here's what to expect as your child grows.

• Your Child’s Development: 1.5 Years (18 Months)

  Doctors use milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: 15 Months

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

• Growth and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old

  Kids entering puberty will undergo many changes in their developing bodies. Find out more about what to expect.

• Colic

  Colic is common in babies - but that doesn't make it easier for parents to handle. Learn what colic is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

• Understanding Puberty

  Puberty was awkward enough when you were the one going through it. So how can you help your kids through all the changes?

• Your Child’s Checkup: 19 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 19.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Years (24 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the second year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2.5 Years (30 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing at this age.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 20 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 20.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 21 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 21.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 3 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the third year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 4 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the fourth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 5 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the fifth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 6 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the sixth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 7 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the seventh year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 8 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the eighth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 9 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 9 months old.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 9 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the ninth year.

• Your Child’s Checkups

  These age-specific guides can help you be prepared for and keep track of your well-child visits.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Year (12 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first birthday.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1.5 Years (18 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 18 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 10 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by age 10.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 11 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 11.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 12 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 12.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 13 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your teen is 13.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 14 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your teen is 14.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 15 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 15 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 15 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 15.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 16 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 16.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 17 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 17.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 18 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 18.

• Medical Care and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old

  Regular visits help your teen's doctor keep track of changes in physical, mental, and social development. The doctor can also help your teen understand the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle.

• Medical Care and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old

  Regular well-child exams are essential to keeping kids healthy and up-to-date with immunizations against dangerous diseases. Here's what to expect at the doctor's office.

• Medical Care and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old

  Regular well-child exams are an important part of keeping kids healthy and up to date on immunizations against serious diseases. Find out what to expect at the doctor's office.

• Medical Care and Your 6- to 12-Year-Old

  Regular well-child exams are essential to keep kids healthy and up-to-date with immunizations. Find out what to expect at the doctor's office.

• Rainy Day Fun

  Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained and off the couch when the weather's bad? These quick-and-easy ideas will keep them happy and busy.

• School-Age Readers

  From kindergarten through third grade, kids' ability to read will grow by leaps and bounds. Although teachers provide lots of help, parents continue to play a role in a child's reading life.

• Story Time for Preschoolers

  Reading aloud to your preschooler is a great way to encourage learning development and to help prepare your child for independent reading down the line.

• Toddler Reading Time

  Reading to toddlers lays the foundation for their independent reading later on. Here are some tips.

• Talking to Your Child About Periods

  Kids reaching puberty should already know what's going to happen to their bodies. Here are some tips for talking to your daughter about menstruation.

• Talking to Your Child About Puberty

  Talking to kids about puberty is an important job for parents, especially because kids often hear about sex and relationships from unreliable sources. Here are some tips.

• Disciplining Your Toddler

  Reeling in your active little one can be tough. But setting limits now helps prevent bigger problems down the road.

• Smart Toys for Every Age

  An age-wise guide on play and the toys that encourage learning, promote motor skill development, and spark imagination.

• The Magic of Play: How It Inspires & Aids Early Development

  Learn why play is so important during the preschool years, and what you can do to foster your child's imagination.

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

  Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.

• School-Based Health Centers

  School-based health centers provide a range of services to meet kids' and teens' health care needs. Centers usually are inside a school building or right next door.

• Signing Kids Up for Sports

  Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. Consider your child's age, personality, and abilities to help make sports fun.

• Safe Exploring for Preschoolers

  Kids ages 3-5 have tons of energy and are eager to walk, run, dance, and play. It's a great age for exploration too.

• Safe Exploring for Toddlers

  Toddlers are learning to talk, to walk and run, and to assert their independence. For many in this age group, "outside" and "play" are common requests.

• Iron

  Iron is an important ingredient needed to make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying part of every red blood cell.

• Nutrition Guide for Toddlers

  While growth slows somewhat during the toddler years, it's a new era where kids will eat and drink more independently.

• Caffeine

  Caffeine is in many foods and drinks, but it's wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids. Here's why.

• Calcium

  Milk and other calcium-rich foods help build strong, healthy bones. But most kids and teens don't get enough calcium. Here's how to make sure that yours do.

• Carbohydrates and Sugar

  Carbs are the body's most important and readily available source of energy. The key is to eat healthy ones, like whole grains, and avoid foods with added sugar.

• Fats

  Some fats are good for kids and an important part of a healthy diet. Here's what parents should know.

• Feeding Your Family on a Tight Budget

  Everyone needs enough healthy food, but many people can't get it all the time. Here are programs that can help.

• Fiber

  Many appetizing foods are also good sources of fiber - from fruits to whole-grain cereals. Here are ways to help kids get more fiber in their everyday diets.

• Cooking With Preschoolers

  It may take a little flexibility and prep work, but time in the kitchen with your preschooler can be a culinary adventure you'll both enjoy.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

  Kids do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. These early years of schooling are an important time for parents to be informed and supportive about their child's education.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School

  As students grow more independent during middle school, it can be challenging for parents to know how to stay involved. Here are 10 tips.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School

  Even though teens are seeking independence, parental involvement is still an important ingredient for academic achievement.

• Gifted Education

  About 6% of all U.S. K-12 students are considered academically gifted. Here are some ways to tell the difference between bright students and gifted students.

• Help Your Child Get Organized

  Most kids generate a little chaos and disorganization. But if you'd like yours to be more organized and to stay focused on tasks, such as homework, here are 3 steps that make it possible.

• Using Deodorant for Kids and Teens

  For most kids, body odor is part of growing up. So parents might wonder if it’s time for their child to start using deodorant.

• When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist?

  Find out what the experts say.

• Teaching Kids About Their Bodies

  Teaching kids about their bodies and what is private can help them develop healthy feelings about their bodies in age-appropriate ways.

• Sexual Orientation

  During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. It takes time for many kids to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person's sexual feelings and attractions.

• Delayed Speech or Language Development

  Knowing how speech and language develop can help you figure out if you should be concerned or if your child is right on schedule.

• Breath-Holding Spells

  Kids who have these spells hold their breath until they pass out. Although upsetting to watch, the spells are not harmful and do not pose any serious, long-term health risks.

• Play & Learn Center

  This site helps parents promote active and imaginative play throughout all stages of childhood. Learn which activities inspire and motivate, and which toys are not only safer, but smarter, too.

• Should Girls Who Aren’t Sexually Active Be Vaccinated Against HPV?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Choosing Safe Toys

  Toys are a fun and important part of any child's development. And there's plenty you can do to make sure all toys are safe.

• Choosing Safe Toys for School-Age Kids

  Is your 10-year-old crying for a pellet gun? How about that used scooter? For help figuring out what toys are safe and appropriate for older kids, read these tips.

• Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

  How can you tell if a small toy poses a choking risk? What types of unsafe toys should you avoid for your baby, toddler, or preschooler? Find out here.

• Wound Healing and Care

  How well a wound heals depends on where it is on the body and what caused it. Good home care is an important part of healing.

• Female Reproductive System

  Learning about the female reproductive system, what it does, and the problems that can affect it can help you better understand your daughter's reproductive health.

• Your Child’s Changing Voice

  Along with obvious changes in physical appearance that come with puberty, your child’s voice will start sounding a whole lot different too.

• Nutrition & Fitness Center

  You know the importance of exercising and eating nutritious foods, but do you know how to raise a healthy and active child? Get practical advice and tips.

• Teething Tots

  Teething can be a tough time for babies and parents. Here are the facts on teething, including tips for baby teeth hygiene and relieving pain.

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

  Doctors use body mass index (BMI) measurements to assess a child's physical growth in relation to other kids the same age. Here's how to calculate BMI and understand what the numbers mean.

• Occupational Therapy

  Occupational therapy can help improve kids' cognitive, physical, and motor skills and build their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

• Physical Therapy

  Doctors often recommend physical therapy for kids who have been injured or have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability. Learn more about PT.

• When and Where to Get Medical Care

  Should you head to the ER when your child is hurt or ill? What about an urgent care center? Different problems need different levels of care, and you have many options.

• Going to the Emergency Room

  Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful.

• Growing Pains

  Growing pains are leg pains and soreness that happen to kids at night, usually when they're 3 to 12 years old.

• Kids and Sleep

  Getting enough sleep can be a problem for children of any age. Here's how to know if your kids get enough sleep.

• Nightmares

  Nightmares aren't totally preventable, but parents can help kids feel better when they have one and ease their transition back to sleep.

• Sleep and Your Preschooler

  Preschoolers sleep about 10 to 13 hours during each 24-hour period, and it's important to help them develop good habits for getting to sleep.

• What’s a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

  PCPs are health care providers that offer routine checkups, vaccines, and non-emergency medical care. Learn more about PCPs and how to choose a great one.

• Your Child’s Growth

  From the moment parents greet their newborn, they watch the baby's progress eagerly. But how can they tell if their child is growing properly?

• Your Child’s Development: 9 Months

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: Newborn

  Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: 1 Year (12 Months)

  Doctors use milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. Here are some things your little one might be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: 3-5 Days

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing.

• Your Child’s Development: 4 Months

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.

• Your Newborn’s Growth

  A newborn's growth and development is measured from the moment of birth. Find out if your baby's size is normal, and what to expect as your baby grows.

• Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old

  Kids go from babies to toddlers during this time, from first steps to walking well. They also make major strides in language and communication.

• Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

  After learning to recognize your voice, your face, and your touch, your baby will start responding more to you during these months and even give you a smile!

• Learning, Play, and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old

  Your infant will learn to sit during this time, and in the next few months will begin exploring by reaching out for objects, grasping and inspecting them.

• Learning, Play, and Your Newborn

  Play is the primary way that infants learn how to move, communicate, socialize, and understand their surroundings. And during the first month of life, your baby will learn by interacting with you.

• Movement, Coordination, and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old

  Most toddlers this age are walking and gaining even more control over their hands and fingers. Give your child lots of fun (and safe) things to do to encourage this development.

• Movement, Coordination, and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

  The reflexes they had just after birth start to disappear as babies this age gain more control over movements and interact more with their environment.

• Movement, Coordination, and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old

  At this age, kids are learning to roll over, reach out to get what they want, and sit up. Provide a safe place to practice moving and lots of interesting objects to reach for.

• Movement, Coordination, and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old

  From scooting to crawling to cruising, during these months, babies are learning how to get around.

• Movement, Coordination, and Your Newborn

  It may seem like all babies do is sleep, eat, and cry, but their little bodies are making many movements, some of which are reflexes.

• Tummy Time

  Tummy time helps babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles and prepare them for crawling. Here's how to do it.

• When Your Baby’s Born Premature

  Premature infants, known as preemies, come into the world a few weeks earlier than full-term infants. They can have special needs that make their care different from that of other babies.

• Growth Charts

  Doctors use growth charts to figure out whether kids' height and weight measurements are "normal" and whether they're developing on track. Here are some facts about growth charts.

• Growth and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old

  You're in for a year of changes! Midway through this year, most babies are walking and starting to lose that "baby" look.

• Growth and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old

  During the third year of life, toddlers are extremely active and mobile, and are learning in very physical ways.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 1 Month

  Put away those newborn clothes. This month your baby will grow at a surprising rate!

• Your Baby’s Growth: 10 Months

  Your baby continues to grow quickly. All this activity and the foods your baby eats affect growth and weight.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 11 Months

  Your baby continues to grow quickly. All this activity and the foods your baby eats affect growth and weight.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 12 Months

  Your baby is almost a toddler! Here's what to expect with your little one's growth and weight this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 2 Months

  Your baby continues to grow at a rapid pace. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 3 Months

  This month, your baby will continue to grow quickly. Find out what to expect.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 4 Months

  Your baby is growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 5 Months

  Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 6 Months

  Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 7 Months

  Your baby continues to grow in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 8 Months

  Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, and may even be crawling or cruising. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 9 Months

  Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Here's what to expect this month.