Healthy Kids Zone

Measles is on every parent's radar right now, but the disease is just one of many childhood rashes that can look alarming. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, details the most common viral rashes in kids—from measles and chickenpox to scarlet fever, roseola, and hand, foot, and mouth disease—and explains when to call your child's pediatrician.

Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down what is happening to cause the nasty cough. She suggests some at-home treatments, discusses how a pediatrician can help, and explains when it is time to go to the ER.

Straining, crying, and turning red without producing a bowel movement can leave parents worried that something is seriously wrong. But in many cases, it is a normal developmental phase called infant dyschezia. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why babies struggle with bowel movements and what parents should, and should not, do to help.

It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors—when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why a small percentage of children experience these and how you can help when it happens. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, learn to recognize signs that it may be something more serious, and when you should take your child to the doctor.

From rice cereal for better sleep to giving babies water on hot days, many feeding habits are rooted in outdated advice rather than current science. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, says while these practices may seem harmless, some can actually interfere with development or even pose health risks. Learn more about common baby feeding myths and what today's medical experts recommend instead.

Teen marijuana use is rising, especially through vaping, and many parents and teens may assume it is relatively harmless. But regular cannabis use during adolescence can affect brain development, academic performance, and mental health. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition that causes severe, repeated nausea and vomiting in frequent marijuana users. Recognizing the warning signs and understanding the health risks can help families address the issue early and seek medical care when needed.

If your child comes down with the flu, there is, unfortunately, not much you can do except make them comfortable and wait for the virus to run its course. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares advice for making the flu as bearable as possible for your little ones. Learn what foods your child should eat, how much water they should drink, their medications, and when they can go back to school.

Every flu season brings the same questions: Does the vaccine really work? Can it cause the flu? What if my child has an egg allergy? The evidence strongly supports annual immunization for nearly all children over six months of age. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains vaccination options, common side effects, and safety concerns to help parents make confident decisions. Learn what flu vaccine recommendations mean for your child and why skipping the shot could mean risking serious illness.

Many parents are unprepared for how intense newborn crying can become in the first few months of life. The Period of PURPLE Crying describes a normal developmental phase when babies cry more frequently, more unpredictably, and often in the evening hours. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what the Period of PURPLE Crying means, how to recognize when crying is normal versus concerning, and how to cope safely during one of the most exhausting stages of early parenthood.

Pacifiers can be a powerful soothing tool in infancy. But when comfort stretches into the toddler and preschool years, it can quietly create new problems. Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD, walks parents through when pacifier use stops helping, the age milestones that matter most, and realistic strategies to wean without turning bedtime into a battle. Learn how to help your child transition off the pacifier before it starts to impact sleep, speech, and long-term dental health.