Mother and Child

Two- to five-year-olds may be small, but they're growing and that means they need a lot of energy (calories) for their size. If your child is underweight, it's crucial they get their energy from a healthy and balanced diet. If you’re concerned that ...

Two- to five-year-olds may be small, but they're g...

Is it true that you can't get pregnant while you're breastfeeding? I'm currently breastfeeding my baby and my husband and I aren't using any sort of protection. Thanks! - Marisol Breastfeeding naturally suppresses the hormones needed for ovulation, s...

Is it true that you can't get pregnant while you'r...

I know that doctors recommend breastfeeding over formula, but I’m having a hard time with it. I've worked with a lactation consultant, but it’s still not happening. I feel like a failure and am afraid to admit that I’ve been giving my baby formula! W...

I know that doctors recommend breastfeeding over f...

I'm a new mom and have just started breastfeeding. If I avoid certain foods during this time, can I lesson my daughter's chances of developing food allergies? - Chemera At this time, doctors do not recommend that you avoid certain foods while breastf...

I'm a new mom and have just started breastfeeding....

My 5-month-old seems to be interested in trying new foods. I’d like to offer him juice, but I’m not sure if he's ready and, if he is, what type of juice drinks to give him. Any suggestions? - Michelle It's best to wait until after babies reach 6 mont...

My 5-month-old seems to be interested in trying ne...

I've heard that I shouldn't feed my baby honey. Is this true? - Kathy It's true that honey should not be fed to infants younger than 1 year old. Clostridium bacteria that cause infant botulism usually thrive in soil and dust. However, they can also c...

I've heard that I shouldn't feed my baby honey. Is...

Many toddlers become attached to their bottles. They have them with them much of the time, so besides providing nourishment, bottles also mean comfort and security. But it's important for parents to start weaning babies from bottles around the end of...

Many toddlers become attached to their bottles. Th...

My 2½-year-old daughter seems to talk less than her sister did at this age. I know that kids develop language skills at different times, but I'm still concerned. What's "normal" for her age? - Nina As you mention, all children (yes, even siblings!) d...

My 2½-year-old daughter seems to talk less than he...

A friend of mine just started giving her 3-month-old applesauce and rice cereal. My son is just 2 weeks younger than hers, and I am wondering if I should be introducing solids soon, too. What do you think? - Taylor Wait a bit longer. Most babies are ...

A friend of mine just started giving her 3-month-o...

Any suggestions on how to wean a 2-year-old? Both Mom and Dad are emotionally ready to wean, but the child doesn’t seem to be. - Kathleen and Jim Breast milk is the food of choice for infants. However, long before age 2, children should be eating a d...

Any suggestions on how to wean a 2-year-old? Both ...

At what age can babies switch from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk? - Tamika Infants younger than 1 year old need the nutrients in breast milk or formula. Breastfed babies over 1 year may continue to nurse, if desired, but at that point you can ...

At what age can babies switch from breast milk or ...

Weaning is when a baby transitions from breast milk to other sources of nourishment. When to wean is a personal decision. Moms may be influenced by a return to work, her health or the baby's, or simply a feeling that the time is right. Weaning a baby...

Weaning is when a baby transitions from breast mil...

Every minute that they're awake awake, babies take in the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the world around them. Although it may take a while to understand what all this information means, your infant can still find joy and comfort in the familia...

Every minute that they're awake awake, babies take...

Babies this age are maturing rapidly, and so is their understanding of the surrounding world. As they grow, they'll be seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching things that are all new. Sight Between 1 and 2 years old, your baby's sight will c...

Babies this age are maturing rapidly, and so is th...

During the first weeks of life your newborn may seem to do little more than eat, sleep, cry, and generate dirty diapers. But in reality, all senses are functioning as your infant takes in the sights, sounds, and smells of this new world. It's hard fo...

During the first weeks of life your newborn may se...

Your baby is learning to roll over, starting to sit up, and grabbing toys and other interesting objects. While most of their energy now is spent developing motor skills, babies this age also are honing all five senses, understanding and anticipating ...

Your baby is learning to roll over, starting to si...

Along with increased mobility, your baby is continuing to develop an understanding of the world through the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures in the environment. Take the necessary precautions to ensure safety, but also provide your baby w...

Along with increased mobility, your baby is contin...

Though the benefits of taking folic acid supplements to prevent certain birth defects is firmly established, a study from several years ago found that women who took a multivitamin containing 800 micrograms of folic acid before and during early pregn...

Though the benefits of taking folic acid supplemen...

If you're thinking of having a baby, you've likely heard about how important it is for you to take folic acid supplements everyday. It's already known that folic acid helps prevent certain birth defects, and now a new study shows it might also help r...

If you're thinking of having a baby, you've likely...

Traditionally, doctors haven't liked to see pregnant women lose weight, even if the women are obese. Indeed, the 1990 guidelines of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggest that obese women should gain 15 to 25 pounds over the course of a pregnancy. Y...

Traditionally, doctors haven't liked to see pregna...

Although the role of folic acid in preventing certain birth defects is established, many women of childbearing age don't seem to be heeding the message before they conceive, a new poll suggests. Why? Their doctors aren't routinely telling them to tak...

Although the role of folic acid in preventing cert...