Cleveland Clinic Children's

02/20/2026

The accuracy of a thermometer is largely affected by your child’s ability to allow for the use of the right tool for the job.

With all sorts of thermometers to choose from, which one is right for your child? A pediatric nurse practitioner breaks down the different types of thermometers, how to use them and which one is right for your child.

02/20/2026

Higher doses of caffeine, particularly in children with preexisting heart conditions, could lead to dangerous and life-threatening outcomes.

From a hot mocha-java to a frozen frou-frou concoction to a zippy energy soda, caffeine tempts our kids at every turn. But is caffeine safe for kids? A pediatric endocrinologist and sleep-medicine physician explain.

02/20/2026

The postpartum period is a time of adjustment and transition. People don’t talk very much about the postpartum period, and it might leave you feeling lonely or unprepared. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone! While pregnancy seems to get more attention, the postpartum period is just as important. You’re learning how to deal with lots of physical and emotional changes, as well as trying to adjust to life with a newborn.

Some symptoms in postpartum are expected and nothing to worry about, while others can be signs that something else is going on. Be kind to yourself while you adjust, prioritize your well-being as much as you can and reach out for support from your healthcare provider if necessary. Even if you feel OK, it’s important to attend all your postpartum checkups. This is where you can ask questions and where your provider can spot potential problems.

02/20/2026

Many cosmetic products can cause poisoning and chemical burns.

You know to keep dangerous products like medications and cleaning products away from your curious kids. But are you clued into other dangers within reach? An emergency medicine physician explains which products to keep locked up and away from grabby hands.

02/20/2026

When baby teeth get damaged, these procedures can relieve pain and save space for adult teeth.

Pulpotomies and pulpectomies are dental procedures to save damaged baby teeth. Here’s how they work and why when they’re recommended.

02/19/2026

Newborn lip blisters can be caused by how your baby feeds or sucks their thumb, or they can be due to an infection. The treatment for each of these is different, so it’s important to know what’s what.

Out of tiny baby lips come gentle coos, sleepy yawns and needy cries. But wait ... what’s that blister on baby’s lip? Should you worry? That depends on what the blister looks like. A pediatrician explains.

02/19/2026

Lead with empathy, involve other caregivers, and teach them how insulin helps them live a long and healthy life.

Getting a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes as a child can be really overwhelming. A pediatric diabetes educator explains why it’s so important to keep life as normal as possible while making small, everyday adjustments.

02/19/2026

Cradle cap doesn’t indicate a health issue, isn’t contagious and tends to clear up on its own. But some babies can have cradle cap for months or the entire first year of life.

If your baby has yellow or white scales on their scalp, it’s probably cradle cap. It doesn’t bother them. But if it bothers you, try this.

02/19/2026

It’s good to understand basic vital signs. But rest assured that unless your pediatrician has said otherwise, there’s usually no need to closely monitor your child’s vitals.

Heart rate, temperature, blood pressure and breathing rate in infants, toddlers and children — what they mean and what to watch for.

02/18/2026

Here’s a general guide for when kids lose their teeth.

Prepping for a first visit from the Tooth Fairy? A pediatric dentist shares when most kids start losing teeth and in what order.

02/18/2026

Don’t get too accustomed to your newborn’s eye color … because it might change!

As babies get older and are exposed to more light, their eyes can start to change, from deepening in hue to changing color altogether. An ophthalmologist explains why — and when you can expect their final eye color.

02/18/2026

Before you reach for that bottle of cough and cold medicine for kids, take a step back for a second. Coughing it out might actually be just what your kid needs. It’s hard to see your child feeling sick. But cough medicine isn’t always the right choice.

Kids cold and cough medicines can cause dangerous side effects in kids under the age of 4, like:
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fast heart rate
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Headaches
• Agitation

And even in older kids, cold and cough medications can have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and more. If you do choose to try cough medicine, watch your child for side effects. You may just be trading one uncomfortable symptom for another.

If cough medicine isn’t the answer, then what is? Even if a cough can be a natural and beneficial symptom, you still don’t want to see your child miserable (or risk them sharing their germs). Give these home remedies a try:

• Nasal saline spray
• Nasal suction, a bulb syringe or other nasal aspirator
• Lozenges or cough drops
• A cool-mist humidifier in their room
• Steam therapy, like a warm bath or shower
• Warm beverages, like decaffeinated tea or water with lemon (only for kids over age 1)
• Honey (but again, never give honey to babies under 1 year old)
• Plenty of rest and fluids

Know there are other ways to calm the cough, and talk with a children’s healthcare provider if you’re worried about their symptoms.