When it comes to masks, what’s best for adults isn’t always safe for kids. Because there is still a lot we don’t know about how safe N95 and KN95 masks are for kids, it’s best to leave those masks for the adults. Are N95 or KN95 Masks Safe for Kids? While N95 masks are ideal for adults, the FDA does not recommend them for children. The data on N95 use in children is inconsistent thus far....

Parents of newborns especially who have been holed up in the house for weeks might find themselves going stir-crazy, desperate to get outside and do something like go to the movies, but what happens when you’ve got a newborn baby in tow? Is it OK to take your weeks-old baby to the movies? Overview Yes, it can be safe to take your baby to the movies—and it’ll be good for you, too!...

If your baby is used to you warming their formula bottles, they protest at first if it’s served at a cooler temperature. However, other babies may not be bothered at all. So, you can certainly give it a try if you like. Besides, not having to warm the bottles of the formula is much more convenient. Reasons to Heat Formula While there are no nutritional or health advantages to drinking heated formula, some babies do show a preference for drinking it that way....

“A victim mentality relates to the way an individual perceives their relationship with the world and circumstances,” says Julia M. Chamberlain, MS, INHC, LMHC, a holistic therapist and private practitioner in Massachusetts. “[It] refers to the state of believing that one is a victim and they have no control over their circumstances.” Having a victim mindset won’t serve your child well in life and can lead to a negative self-image, self-sabotage, resentment, and a lack of accountability, says Chamberlain....

Hula hoops Jump ropes Pool noodles (no pool necessary) Sidewalk chalk Cardboard boxes Or, if you have a dog, make it a project to teach him a new trick!

What Is a Subchorionic Hemorrhage? A subchorionic hemorrhage, also called a subchorionic hematoma, is bleeding between the amniotic sac and the uterine wall. This can occur from the placenta disconnecting from the original site of implantation, resulting in bleeding of the chorionic membranes—the outer layer of the amniotic sac. Many people, hearing the word “hemorrhage,” imagine pools of blood and worst-case scenarios. But a subchorionic hemorrhage is usually not quite as drastic as it sounds....

Making the Switch to Milk The rule of thumb is that you should not consider making the switch from infant formula to whole cow’s milk until your baby is 12 months old. While it generally is no concern to wait a little longer to make the switch, do not switch before your baby has hit their first birthday. Before age 1, babies have greater difficulty digesting cow’s milk proteins. While babies 6 to 12 months old can tolerate dairy products like yogurt and cheese, they can have trouble with the large amount of cow’s milk proteins found in milk....

A child who is naturally shy or introverted may benefit from knowing and practicing greetings so they can demonstrate them with confidence. An extroverted child may need structure to be more patient and appropriate rather than abrupt with greetings. Why Greetings Matter How a child presents themselves to others upon meeting them says a lot about how well-mannered they are. Proper hellos also serve as the beginning to basic conversation skills and inform what other people think and remember about your child....

Some tweens are afraid of using tampons, and if your child is one of them, try not to push the subject. They’ll decide if and when they want to use them. If they ask about using tampons, they might be ready to give them a try. Tampons vs. Other Period Products Tampons are cylinder-shaped or oblong and are made of compacted, soft, cotton-like material. Tampons are used internally and once inserted, the vaginal walls hold the tampon in place....

There are many GPS trackers out there with a variety of designs, including watches, phones, and small plastic tags you can drop inside a backpack or attach to a shoelace. Depending on your stance on technology for kids, you will want to consider the age-appropriateness of the device, how long the battery lasts, whether it’s simple enough for your child to use, and the monthly cost. “A simple tracker is better than a phone because it’s easy to carry and can be stored more conveniently,” cybersecurity specialist Naj Ahmed, tells Verywell Family....

“A mobile stimulates [a baby’s] motor and visual development and gives them something to focus on while lying down,” says Lyndsey Garbi, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Blueberry Pediatrics. “While they can be fun and decorative, a mobile should not be overstimulating or placed within a child’s reach as small pieces can pose a choking hazard,” says Dr. Garbi. When purchasing a mobile, you should consider its features, size and weight, and how easy it is to install and use....

“At six, most kids have started to build an ability to follow rules, so [they] can benefit [from] games with a mild increase in complexity and that requires an understanding of following steps as laid out by the rules,” according to Justin Schreiber, DO, MPH, board-certified pediatrician and child psychiatrist of Pennsylvania. He adds that the best toys for this age group offer “opportunities [for] imaginative play with peers,” are more complex and challenging, and offer opportunities to practice reading....

Check the manufacturer’s age recommendation to ensure your little one plays safely in the tub. Additionally, consider bath toys that are easy to clean and won’t trap mold. We carefully considered age recommendations, design, value, and toy safety when reviewing products. Here are the best bath toys for kids. Price at time of publication: $10 Perfect for ages 9 months and older, the cups can even help teach hand-eye coordination, numbers, and colors....

Consider Mom’s lifestyle, interests, and preferences in order to get a better idea of what she loves. Look into gifts that can be personalized and admired for the years to come while keeping in mind the usefulness of the gift and your budget. We carefully considered various lifestyles, designs, ease of use, ease of cleaning, size, personalization, and value when reviewing products. From kitchen gadgets to stylish apparel, here are the best Christmas gifts for Mom....

When and why do kids need deodorant? One of the signs of puberty is increased perspiration and related odors, but when it starts depends on each child. “Children can begin to develop body odor around the time of puberty, generally between ages 9 and 14,” Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, pediatrician, and chief medical officer for SpoonfulONE, tells Verywell Family. “However, some children do start developing body odor earlier....

This article describes some of the common pregnancy discomforts, tips to help you through them, and when to call the doctor. Nausea and Vomiting Nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness, is one of the most common pregnancy complaints, especially during the first three months. Doctors aren’t exactly sure why pregnancy causes nausea and vomiting, but they believe it has to do with the rise in pregnancy hormones. Morning sickness can range from a little queasiness when your stomach is empty to more severe nausea and vomiting....

There’s conflicting information out there about gonorrhea during pregnancy being linked to miscarriage. Some research has linked untreated infections to an increased incidence of miscarriage, and at least one study has found that having untreated gonorrhea can be linked to increased risk of a preterm birth. Having an untreated infection while giving birth can cause life-threatening complications for the baby, and untreated gonorrhea before pregnancy can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy....

Here are some simple tips that can help: Planning Your Trip While people have become more accustomed to booking air travel online, you may be better served to call the airline reservation desk to ensure you give and get all of the information you need. Among the considerations: When making your reservation, provide the ages of all of the passengers and ask if there are any limitations or regulations you should know about....