Health and Safety Information

An informed parent can make better decisions about their child's care. Learn about the latest topics in children's health.

Our Latest Posts on Children and Teens Health Topics

Empowering Families Facing a Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) Diagnosis

April 03, 2026 – If you have a child or adult family member with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, or BWS, then you know just how challenging it can be. To provide patients with BWS and their families with medical and emotional support, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital began hosting the Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) Patient & Family Conference.

How to Handle Tantrums: Practical Tips for Managing Meltdowns

March 26, 2026

Tantrums are a normal part of childhood, especially in busy households, and the good news is they usually ease as kids get older, often around age four. When emotions run high, staying calm and responding with patience can make these tough moments much easier to manage.

Baby’s First Bites: When and How to Introduce Solid Foods

March 19, 2026

Parents want their babies to grow up healthy, strong and thriving. It’s no surprise, then, that many of my patients’ parents ask when and how they should begin transitioning their babies to solid foods. While breast milk or formula provides essential nutrition during the first few months of life, it won’t be long before you’ll start introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet.

When Your Child’s Pain Isn’t Just Growing Pains

March 18, 2026

Rheumatic diseases may not get the same attention as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, but they affect far more than the joints—often impacting tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles as well. They’re also remarkably common: approximately 300,000 children in the United States are living with a rheumatic disease.

Why Would a Child Need Pediatric Endoscopy and What to Expect

March 16, 2026

If your child’s doctor recommends an endoscopy, it’s completely natural to feel a little anxious. The good news is that endoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is typically quick and well tolerated by children.

Healthy Hydration Habits for Growing Kids

March 11, 2026

Proper hydration is essential at every stage of life, but it plays an especially important role during childhood and adolescence. As children grow and develop — both physically and mentally — their bodies rely on adequate fluids to support proper function of the circulatory and nervous systems.

Sprains vs. Strains: Decoding Your Child's Injury

February 24, 2026

For active children, sprains and strains are among the most common injuries. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different types of injuries, and understanding the distinction can help parents recognize what may be going on.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Does Your Child Have an Eating Disorder?

February 17, 2026

It’s estimated that 22 percent of children and adolescents worldwide have some form of disordered eating.* Could your child be one of those affected?

How much sleep should my child be getting?

February 09, 2026

Children have different sleep needs than adults. The quality and quantity of their children’s sleep are a common concern for many parents. This concern is well founded, as sleep plays a critical role in their growth and development. In fact, sleep is just as important to a child’s well-being as physical activity and proper nutrition.

Why is My Baby Crying?

February 03, 2026

When it comes to newborn crying, parents face a common dilemma. You know it’s normal — crying is your baby’s first language — yet it’s hard to resist the instinct to soothe right away. The key is learning what each cry means and how to comfort in ways that support both your baby’s well-being and your peace of mind.

The Growing Role of Pediatric Primary Care in Supporting Children’s Mental Health

January 23, 2026

Pediatric clinicians are entrusted with providing parents and caregivers with the latest guidance to support them in raising happy and healthy children. It’s a role we take seriously. To ensure we align with evidence-based best practices, we continuously look to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for updates in clinical care recommendations.

New Nicklaus Children’s Imaging Technology a ‘Game Changer’ for Children with IBD

May 06, 2025 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is at the forefront of adoption of IUS to support the diagnosis and management of IBD. It is the only hospital in Florida and one of only four children’s hospitals nationwide to offer intestinal ultrasound (IUS) for pediatric IBD patients.

IB-STIM: A Groundbreaking Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

April 16, 2025 – IB-STIM is an exciting treatment that is helping change the lives of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and their families.

A Routine Sore Throat or Something More Serious?

March 03, 2025 – To help you understand your child’s sore throat and determine whether it’s nothing to worry about or worthy of a trip to the pediatrician, we compiled some of the common signs and symptoms to look for.

Proper Care and Treatment for Brachial Plexus Injuries

October 15, 2024 – Struggling with a brachial plexus injury can be a confusing and challenging experience for both a child and their parents. At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Program, we focus on the highest quality care and treatments for children with these injuries.

Understanding and Managing Childhood Eczema

October 11, 2024 – While eczema is common, that doesn’t make it any easier for parents trying to comfort a child who is itchy, in pain, or feeling self-conscious about their rashes. Fortunately, the good news is that childhood eczema is highly treatable. With the guidance of a doctor and an effective treatment plan, most cases can be well-managed.

What Parents Should Know about Childhood Obesity

September 24, 2024 – Parents naturally worry about their children’s health and happiness but addressing weight concerns can be tricky. Luckily, there are positive strategies you can implement to help your child maintain a healthy weight.

Swimmer’s ear. What is it?

July 31, 2024

Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal. If your child sticks a finger in their ear and it hurts, they might have swimmer's ear. This type of ear infection differs from the more common middle ear infection, otitis media, which often comes with a cold.

Pool Safety for Children

July 29, 2024

As summer heats up, I want to take a moment to talk about a crucial topic: pool safety for our children. Having a pool, spa, or hot tub on your property is a huge responsibility. And whether you have a pool at home or visiting a community pool, understanding and practicing water safety can prevent tragic accidents and ensure that your kids have a fun and safe swimming experience.

Steps to Help Prevent Drowning in Children

July 26, 2024

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in young children, but with the right precautions, it can be prevented. Let's discuss some key steps to keep your children safe around water.