Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Your Child’s Immunizations

  Immunizations protect kids from many dangerous diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.

• Your Child’s Checkup: Newborn

  Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve after your baby arrives.

• Your Baby’s Care Team in the NICU

  If your baby is getting medical care in you NICU, find out who will be caring for your baby and how they can help.

• Questions to Ask When Your Baby’s in the NICU

  Having a newborn in the NICU can be a stressful time. Often, parents forget to ask important questions. This list can help you prepare for the next time you talk to your baby's care team.

• Trimming Your Baby’s Nails

  Cutting your little one's nails can be a bit scary. Here's how to do it safely.

• Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)

  Shortly before birth, a boy's testicles usually descend into the scrotum. When a testicle doesn't make the move, this is called cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles.

• When Your Baby’s in the NICU

  Learn what a NICU visit will be like for your little one, what you can do to help, and how to find support for yourself.

• Why Do Newborns Need a Vitamin K Shot?

  Why do newborns need a dose of vitamin K at birth? Find out what the experts have to say.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Month

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

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Months

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

• Your Child’s Checkup: 3 to 5 Days

  Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve a few days after your baby is born.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 4 Months

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

• Your Child’s Checkup: 6 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 6 months.

• Medical Care and Your Newborn

  You'll see your baby's doctor often during your little one's first year. Here's what to expect right after your baby arrives.

• Medical Care and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old

  The toddler months might continue to bring colds, bruises, and other minor emergencies, but you'll also find yourself dealing with your toddler's emerging independence.

• Medical Care and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

  You probably have lots of questions about your baby's health. When should you call the doctor, and what medical care should you expect for your baby at this age?

• Medical Care and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old

  Because your baby begins to show their personality during these months, your questions might focus on physical and social development.

• Medical Care and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old

  As your baby becomes more independent, you may have questions about how to prevent bumps and bruises. Here are some other topics you'll cover with your doctor.

• Omphalocele

  A baby born with an omphalocele has an opening where the umbilical cord goes into the belly. Some openings close on their own, but many need treatment, including surgery.

• Prenatal Test: Multiple Marker Test

  The multiple marker test is a blood test done to screen for neural tube defects and chromosomal disorders.

• Common Questions About Vaccines

  Vaccines protect kids from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about what they are, how they work, and what they do.

• Laundering Your Baby’s Clothes

  Once a baby arrives, it can seem as if the laundry doubles! Many parents think they need to use baby detergent to clean their baby's clothes, but in most cases, this isn't necessary.

• Jaundice in Newborns

  Jaundice is when a baby has yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Most types of jaundice go away on their own.

• Immunization Schedule

  Which vaccines does your child need and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference.

• How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Health Screening Tests

  Health screening tests are routine tests that check for problems before signs show up. When problems are found early, the care is often simpler and may work better.

• Getting to Know Your Newborn

  When you first meet your newborn, you may be surprised by what you see. Here's what to expect.

• Getting the Most From a Doctor’s Visit

  Here are tips on the best ways to communicate with your child's doctor and get the most information during a visit.

• First Aid: Diaper Rash

  Diaper rash is a common skin condition in babies. In most cases, the condition clears up quickly with a few simple changes.

• Erythema Toxicum

  Erythema toxicum is a common rash seen in full-term newborns. No treatment is needed and it goes away on its own.

• Diapering Your Baby

  Babies may use up to 10 diapers a day! Get the basics on how to diaper like a pro.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Protect Babies and Toddlers

  Here's how parents can help protect their babies and toddlers from coronavirus (COVID-19).

• Circumcision

  You have a decision to make before you take your newborn son home: whether to circumcise him. Before deciding, talk to your doctor and consider the issues.

• Choosing a Pediatrician for Your New Baby

  Along with considering baby names and buying a crib, choosing the right health care provider should be on your to-do list when you're expecting.

• Caring for Your Premature Baby at Home

  Here’s what you need to know about keeping your baby safe and healthy over the next few weeks.

• Bringing Your Premature Baby Home

  If you're about to begin caring for your preemie at home, try to relax. With some preparation and planning, you'll be ready.

• Prenatal Test: Ultrasound

  A prenatal ultrasound is a safe and painless test that shows a baby's shape and position. It can be done in the first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy.

• Prenatal Tests: FAQs

  Every parent-to-be hopes for a healthy baby, but it can be hard not to worry. Find out what tests can keep you informed of your health — and your baby's — throughout pregnancy.

• Prenatal Tests: Second Trimester

  Find out what tests may be offered to you during weeks 13 through 26 of pregnancy.

• Rh Incompatibility During Pregnancy

  If you just found out you're pregnant, one of the first tests you should expect is a blood-type test. This basic test determines your blood type and Rh factor, which may play an important role in your baby's health.

• Postpartum Depression

  It's important for new mothers – and those who love them – to understand the symptoms of postpartum depression and reach out to family, friends, and medical professionals for help.

• Medical Care During Pregnancy

  The sooner in pregnancy good care begins, the better for the health of both moms and their babies. Here's what to expect.

• I’m Pregnant. How Can I Avoid Having My Baby Early?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Cesarean Sections (C-Sections)

  Many babies are delivered via cesarean sections. Learn why and how C-sections are done.

• What Is the Apgar Score?

  The Apgar score is the very first test given to a newborn, done right after birth in the delivery or birthing room.

• Miscarriages

  Miscarriages are common, and in most cases aren't preventable. But you can take steps to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

• Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)

  For some newborns, the first few breaths of life may be faster and more labored than normal because of a lung condition called transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN).

• Fetal Lung Mass

  A fetal lung mass is an unusual lump that grows inside or next to an unborn baby’s lung. Some are treated before birth, while others are removed after the baby is born.

• Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Newborns

  An intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding in and around the brain’s ventricles. Most babies with a mild IVH do well.

• Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)

  Meconium aspiration can happen before, during, or after labor and delivery when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Although it can be serious, most cases are not.

• Respiratory Distress Syndrome

  Sometimes when babies are born premature, they have trouble breathing. This can be caused by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Learn what RDS is, and how babies can be helped.

• Apnea of Prematurity

  Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is a condition in which premature infants stop breathing for more than 15 to 20 seconds during sleep. AOP usually goes away on its own as a baby matures.

• Torticollis in Infants

  Babies with this condition have trouble turning their heads, due to muscle tightness. Simple stretching exercises and physical therapy can help babies get better.

• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

  Retinopathy of prematurity, which can happen in premature babies, causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Some children will need surgery to prevent vision loss or blindness.

• Congenital Cataracts

  A baby with congenital cataracts has clouding in one or both eyes. Doctors do surgery to treat them.

• Newborn Brachial Plexus Injuries

  During childbirth, a brachial plexus injury can happen if the baby's neck is stretched to one side.

• Pyloric Stenosis

  Pyloric stenosis can make a baby vomit forcefully and often. It can lead to serious problems like dehydration, and needs medical treatment right away.

• Necrotizing Enterocolitis

  Necrotizing enterocolitis is an intestinal disease that usually affects preemies. Medicines and therapy can help babies with NEC.

• Hernias

  Hernias are fairly common in kids, and hernia repair is one of the most common pediatric surgeries.

• Gastroschisis

  Gastroschisis is when a baby is born with the intestines, and sometimes other organs, sticking out through a hole in the belly wall near the umbilical cord.

• Newborn Screening Tests

  Newborn screening tests look for health conditions that aren't apparent at birth. Find out which tests are done.

• If Your Baby Has a Birth Defect

  If your child has a birth defect, you don't have to go it alone - many people and resources are available to help you.

• Birth Defects

  Some birth defects are minor and cause no problems. Others can be serious and require lifelong treatment.