Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Sepsis

  Sepsis is a serious infection usually caused when bacteria make toxins that cause the immune system to attack the body's own organs and tissues.

• A to Z: Colic

  Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks.

• Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis) in Infants

  This harmless condition - the infant form of dandruff - causes rough, scaly patches on a baby's skin.

• Oral Thrush

  Oral thrush, a very common infection in infants that causes irritation in and around the baby's mouth, often goes away on its own without medical treatment.

• Diaper Rash

  Diaper rash is a very common infection that can cause a baby's skin to become sore, red, scaly, and tender. In most cases, it clears up with simple changes in diapering.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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?

• 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.

• Spina Bifida Occulta

  In spina bifida occulta, a baby is born with a gap in the spine's bones, but the spinal cord and its covering do not push through it.

• Myelomeningocele

  Myelomeningocele is a type of spina bifida in which a baby is born with a gap in the bones of the spine.

• Meningocele

  Some babies are born with a meningocele, which is a sac that pushes through the gap in the spine. With surgery to fix the problem, most babies with a meningocele live a healthy, normal life.

• Goldenhar Syndrome

  Goldenhar syndrome can cause incomplete development of bones in the face, affecting the ear, nose, soft palate, lip, and jaw. A cleft and craniofacial care team can help kids born with the condition.

• Craniosynostosis

  Craniosynostosis is when seams between bones in the skull close too soon. When this happens, the skull can’t expand grow as it should, and it develops an unusual shape.

• Orofacial Clefts

  A cleft is when tissues of the mouth or lip don't form properly when a baby is developing in the womb. The good news is that orofacial clefts are treatable.

• Cleft Palate With Cleft Lip

  A cleft palate with a cleft lip is when a baby's lip and palate (roof of mouth) don't form properly during pregnancy. Most kids with cleft lip and palate are treated successfully with no lasting problems.

• Cleft Palate

  A cleft palate is when a baby is born with a cleft (gap) in the roof of the mouth. Most kids can have surgery to repair them early in life.

• Cleft Lip

  A cleft lip is when a baby's lip doesn't form properly during pregnancy. Most kids can have surgery to repair one early in life.

• Ebstein Anomaly

  Ebstein anomaly is a rare heart defect that affects the tricuspid valve. It can cause problems that range from very mild to very serious.

• Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome)

  Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. It happens when someone shakes an infant.

• Umbilical Hernias

  An umbilical hernia shows up as a bump under the belly button. If a hernia doesn't go away by age 4 or 5 or causes problems, doctors may recommend surgery.

• Treating Gastroschisis – Gastroschisis Silo (Video)

  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. A gastroschisis silo allow the intestines to slowly move into the belly.

• Laryngomalacia

  Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants.

• Intestinal Malrotation

  Malrotation is a type of obstruction caused by abnormal development of the intestines while a fetus is in the womb. Find out more about this condition and the complications it can cause.

• Fetal Abdominal Cyst

  A fetal abdominal cyst is a bubble of fluid in a balloon-like bag in the belly of an unborn baby.

• Constipation

  Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go.

• Phenylketonuria (PKU)

  Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder caused by a defect in the enzyme that breaks down an amino acid. PKU is treatable when it is found early.

• Maple Syrup Urine Disease

  Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare metabolic disorder that some babies are born with.

• Galactosemia

  Some babies are born with the metabolic disorder glactosemia. They must drink soy-based formula instead of breast milk or a cow's milk-based formula.

• Congenital Hypothyroidism

  Some babies are born with a thyroid gland that didn't develop correctly or doesn't work as it should. This is called congenital hypothyroidism.