Parenting Advice From Your Physicians at Kaiser Permanente

Weird Movements Babies Make: Understanding Newborn Reflexes

In the first few days at home with your new baby, you may see them make some unusual-looking movements. They might suddenly spread their arms wide, grab tightly onto your finger, or throw one arm out to the side. If you rub their cheek with your finger, they turn and seem to be frantically looking for it! What’s going on? Much of what a baby... READ MORE

3 Important Treatments Your Baby Receives After Birth

Meeting your baby for the first time—and holding them skin to skin after an uncomplicated delivery—is truly magical. These first moments are not only deeply meaningful, they also begin your baby’s journey of bonding, comfort, and learning how to feed. During this special time, your healthcare team will also quietly begin caring for your newborn. A nurse will gently dry and clean your baby, and a pediatrician will perform a... READ MORE

Summer Sun Safety: 10 Tips Every Parent Should Know

No matter the shade of your skin, sun exposure is a risk for skin cancer. Most skin cancers are caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) light from years of sun exposure. Prevention of skin cancer starts in childhood. As a pediatrician, I remind families that sun safety isn’t just for pool days or vacations; just like brushing your teeth, it’s part of everyday healthy habits.... READ MORE

Understanding Hives

When a rash shows up on their child’s skin, parents tend to worry. And that’s understandable because rashes can look serious – especially hives READ MORE

Is Your Child Feeling Anxious?

My colleagues and I have seen an increase in the number of anxious children coming through our doors in recent years. These kids have faced stress from the effects of COVID-19 on their families, friends, school routines, and social activities. They’ve heard news coverage of traumatic events such as wildfires, elections, and racial injustice. Their anxiety is understandable. Stress and anxiety is rising in kids... READ MORE

Gun Safety

A gun in a home with a curious child is a dangerous, and possibly lethal, combination. Since 2020, firearm injuries have been the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the U.S. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to reduce the risks our children encounter. This includes safely storing any firearms we have, monitoring the environments our children visit, and preventing exposure... READ MORE

Your Baby’s Head – Soft Spots and Flat Areas?

Most babies aren’t born with nice round-shaped heads. Rather than looking like the cartoon characters Boss Baby or Jack Jack, real babies have skulls with lumps, bumps, and soft spots. It can look a bit concerning if you don’t know what you are looking at! READ MORE

Does My Child Need to Take a Vitamin?

Does giving your child vitamins help keep them healthy? Or, as a friend put it, does it “just make them have expensive pee?” READ MORE