It’s an endless debate about whether dummies (or pacifiers) are good or bad for your baby. There are a few hard and fast rules, but other than that, it’s up to you. In the first few weeks, there's evidence that dummies can bring breastfeeding to a close early, as the baby is just getting used to the sucking action needed for feeding and the mom’s milk supply. Once breastfeeding is established, the general advice is that dummies can be introduced, as it doesn’t cause the same disruption. Let’s talk you through the pros and cons of dummies.

Colic - a small word with a big impact! You may wonder, as you try every technique under the sun to soothe your crying newborn, why you haven’t heard of this word much before, why someone didn’t explain exactly what to do. But you’re here now and are not alone: 1 in 10 babies suffer from colic. As a doctor and a mother, I’ll talk you through what it is, what you can do about it, and how long it will last.

It can be difficult as a parent to know how to approach the difficult task of cutting your child's nails. As children get older, they can think of much better things to be doing than sitting still and being groomed – and it might feel like a daunting task to pin them down and overcome your built-up fears. While it's tempting to leave the nails alone, any scratches or marks serve as a reminder that the job can't be ignored forever. There's the additional concern, as they get older, of long nails being a warm, moist haven for bacteria. This puts them at risk of infected skin if they get itchy conditions like eczema, and short nails reduce the chance of nail-biting habits. Toenails in children can often become ingrown, and the sides of fingernails can get bacterial infections if bitten or pulled off. We've put together some tips from our own experience to help get the job done.

The US COVID-19 vaccine program has been extended to include all children aged 6 months and over. This has been carefully debated and analyzed as to any potential risks and benefits, and how this affects both each individual child and the wider community. It remains up to parents to consent for any child (the definition of child varies by state), and they must weigh what’s best for their child. Whatever your final decision, let’s give you the facts as we understand them to help you on the way. The US has been later than some countries to offer this to children, which gives us the advantage of their experience, so we now have worldwide data from tens of millions of children, along with lab data and that from the millions of adults vaccinated.

Constipation can occur in all ages but is particularly common in children. Here are some of the frequent questions parents often ask pediatricians.

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva: the clear tissue covering the eye's white part and the eyelids' inside. This condition can be caused by several factors, including bacterial infections and allergic reactions, leading to different types of conjunctivitis. Understanding the differences between bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis is crucial for individuals in the US, where pollen levels can be high, and bacteria can spread quickly in close-contact environments like schools and workplaces. This knowledge helps ensure proper treatment, reduces the risk of spreading infections, and allows for more effective management of symptoms.

You may think that you don’t need to worry about your baby’s teeth until they have a full set of pearly whites, but it’s important to start early to set the foundation and tone. You may be surprised to know that you can begin cleaning your baby’s gums twice a day from birth.

Projectile vomiting is when vomit flies out of a baby’s mouth forcefully. It will project like an arc several feet back, and looks quite different from the undramatic dribble of spitting up or possetting. One important cause of projectile vomiting is pyloric stenosis, which affects 2-4 in 1,000 newborn babies. Pyloric stenosis occurs when there is a progressive thickening of the lower aspect of the stomach, causing a tightening or narrowing of the outlet of the stomach where it goes into the small intestine. This tightening means food can’t leave the stomach, causing an obstruction, and it requires immediate medical attention and treatment. The symptoms often occur in the first 5 weeks of life. It is more common in children whose parents had pyloric stenosis as a child, and in first-born males.

Colic - a small word with a big impact! You may be wondering, as you try every technique under the sun to soothe your crying newborn, why you haven’t heard of it before now. And why someone didn’t explain exactly what to do. But you’re here now and are not alone: 1 in 5 babies suffer from colic. Colic is the word used for when babies cry for a consistent period of time without any obvious cause. It’s poorly understood, and there’s no consensus on the cause. One theory is that a baby’s gut is underdeveloped early on, making it harder for them to digest food and causing some temporary distress. Another theory is that it occurs with an overactive letdown of the milk supply when breastfeeding. How long does it last? Colic typically starts in the first six weeks of life. It fits the diagnosis if a baby cries for more than three hours a day, for at least three days a week. Most babies suffer from colic in the evening, but it can happen at any time of the day. Colic usually goes away by itself after three to four months. But, of course, every baby is different: you may feel relieved if it’s short-lived, or you could be unlucky, and it lasts for six months or so.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. Teenagers face unique challenges, including hormonal shifts, social pressures, school stress, and identity development. While feeling stressed or anxious occasionally is normal, ongoing mental health struggles can affect daily life, relationships, and school performance. Understanding teenage mental health helps parents, caregivers, and teens themselves identify problems early and access support. This article covers common mental health issues, their causes, signs to watch for, and strategies to help teens maintain emotional well-being. What is Teenage Mental Health? Teenage mental health refers to a teen's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how they think, feel, and interact with others. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant development, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Common mental health issues include: Anxiety Depression Body image concerns Low self-esteem Persistent or severe mental health problems can affect confidence, academic performance, and relationships. Recognizing the signs early is key to practical support and intervention.

A tonsillectomy is a surgery to remove your tonsils, which are two small glands at the back of your throat. Doctors usually do this surgery if you have lots of throat infections, trouble breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea), or problems swallowing.

Teething is a natural developmental process where an infant’s first set of teeth, known as primary or baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gums. This usually starts between 4 and 7 months of age, although it varies. Some babies might begin teething as early as three months, while others may not start until closer to their first birthday. The teething process can last until the child is about three, as the full set of baby teeth gradually emerges. Teething is an important milestone, but it can also be challenging for babies and parents. The discomfort associated with teeth breaking through the gums can lead to various symptoms, some of which may cause concern for caregivers. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for identifying what is expected during teething and what might indicate another issue, such as an illness that could cause a fever.