Encouraging Early Literacy: Sharing Books With Your Baby

Curious about when to start reading to your baby? The answer is simple—it’s never too early! Even newborns benefit from the bonding and brain-boosting power of books. While your baby might not understand words just yet, they're already absorbing the sounds, tones, and rhythm of language, all of which play a vital role in early brain development and future language skills.

Sharing books with your little one also creates special moments that strengthen your bond. It fosters a sense of comfort and security that supports healthy emotional development. Reading together isn’t just about learning words—it’s about spending meaningful time with their first and most important teacher—you!

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests reading to your baby from birth. To help you get started, here are some age-appropriate tips for introducing the joys of reading during your baby's first year:

Making Books Part of Your Baby’s Routine

Incorporating a few quiet minutes of reading into your baby's nap or bedtime routine can create a familiar rhythm that helps them settle down. Establishing consistent bedtime habits early on can also help prevent future sleep challenges. Teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own by putting them to bed when they’re sleepy, but still awake, encourages better sleep patterns down the line.

Birth to 6 Months

What your baby might do:

• React with excitement—eyes wide, legs kicking—when you share a book.

• Reach out to touch the book.

• Focus best on objects 6 to 10 inches from their face.

• Babble and mimic sounds.

• Signal they're ready for a break by looking away, arching their back, or fussing. It’s okay if you don’t finish the book—reading should be enjoyable, not pressured.

What you can do:

• Find a quiet, cozy spot to hold your baby in your lap.

• Maintain eye contact and let them see your facial expressions.

• Use different voices and sounds as you read.

• Point to pictures in the book.

• Choose books with simple rhymes and bold images, but remember that your voice and cuddles are the most important elements.

6 to 8 Months

What your baby might do:

• Hold onto a book and pat the pictures.

• Explore by mouthing the book (a normal part of development).

• Smile at the sound of your voice.

• Start mimicking some sounds and expressions.

• Focus on a book for a few minutes.

What you can do:

• Point out and name the pictures that interest your baby.

• Help your baby turn the pages.

• Try sturdy board books or soft fabric books with textures they can touch.

• Animate the story using your face, hands, and voice.

• Copy your baby’s actions to create playful interactions.

9 to 11 Months

What your baby might do:

• Choose between two books you offer.

• Hold and explore books, including interactive features like mirrors and flaps.

• Mimic some of your sounds and expressions.

• Pay attention to a book for a few minutes at a time.

What you can do:

• Look for books with pictures of familiar objects, like toys and animals.

• Point to the pictures your baby touches and name them: “Look, it’s a dog. The dog is rolling the ball.”

• Follow your baby’s lead—they don’t have to read every page or finish the story.

• Embrace repetition; babies love hearing the same books over and over.

• Ask simple questions as you read, like “Where’s the bird?” or “What sound does the cat make?” This introduces the concept of conversation, which will support their future language development.

RSV, Flu, and COVID: What Makes These Respiratory Illnesses Different?

When your child has a stuffy nose, cough, and fever, it can be hard to know if they’re dealing with the flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Each of these common childhood illnesses shares symptoms, but there are differences to be aware of. Here's a guide to help you recognize the symptoms and understand when to call the doctor.

What Are the Differences?

Many viral infections like COVID, the flu, the common cold, and RSV cause overlapping symptoms. However, there are ways to differentiate them:

• RSV: Symptoms of RSV can include a fever, cough, fatigue, stuffy nose, shortness of breath, sneezing, and fast or short breaths. You might notice flaring nostrils, wheezing, grunting, and poor feeding or loss of appetite. A telltale sign of RSV is head bobbing or chest caving in between the ribs when breathing. Symptoms typically worsen between days 3 and 5 and can last for 7 to 14 days.

• Flu: Flu symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, body aches, dry cough, fatigue, stuffy nose, and sore throat. Some children may also experience vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after being exposed to the flu virus.

• COVID-19: Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, shortness of breath, sore throat, and headache. In some cases, children may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of taste and smell. Symptoms generally appear between 2 to 14 days after infection.

• Common Cold: The common cold may cause a mild fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose. Colds are usually upper respiratory infections that children can get multiple times a year.

When Should You Call the Pediatrician?

If your child shows any of the following signs, it's important to contact your pediatrician:

• Rapid breathing, wheezing, or nostrils flaring

• Chest caving in with each breath

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Vomiting for more than 24 hours

• Bloody diarrhea

• High fever (above 104°F) in older children or above 100.4°F in infants under 2 months old

• Poor feeding or signs of dehydration

• Severe drowsiness or illness

Can Children Have Multiple Infections at Once?

Yes, it's possible for children to be infected with more than one virus simultaneously, such as having both the flu and COVID-19. Secondary infections like bronchiolitis, pneumonia, ear infections, or sinus infections may also develop. Testing may be necessary to confirm the exact cause of the illness.

Prevention Tips During Virus Season

Vaccinations are a crucial way to protect your child from serious illnesses. Staying current on immunizations helps protect both your child and others who are at higher risk for complications.

• Flu Vaccine: Recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Getting vaccinated early ensures protection throughout the flu season.

• COVID Vaccine: The updated vaccine is recommended for children 6 months and older. Ask your pediatrician when your child should receive their next dose.

• RSV Immunizations: Nirsevimab is recommended for infants under 8 months during their first RSV season, as well as some older high-risk children. Pregnant individuals may also receive the RSVpreF vaccine to protect their newborns.

Teach children good hygiene habits, like covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and washing hands frequently. Wearing a mask in public spaces can also help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Remember
If your child shows any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician for advice. Keeping up with routine immunizations and regular checkups is vital to ensuring your child’s overall health.

Hurricanes & Floods: Caring for Your Family’s Well-Being

When hurricanes or floods strike, families face numerous challenges. Here are practical steps to help you protect your children and ensure their well-being during and after these natural disasters.

Evacuate When Advised by Authorities

Preparation is key if your area is at risk for hurricanes. Make a disaster supply kit that includes extra food, water, and necessary medications. Secure your home by boarding windows and storing outdoor furniture to minimize storm damage. Always heed evacuation warnings from officials—when in doubt, it's safer to get out.

Return Home Only When Safe

Wait until authorities confirm it's safe to return, especially if utilities like water and electricity aren’t restored. Without these essentials, caring for your children will be difficult, and services like hospitals, pharmacies, and grocery stores may be closed or limited.

Ensure Your Home is Safe Before Bringing Children Back

Children should not participate in clean-up efforts, as floodwaters can contain harmful chemicals, sewage, or dangerous debris. Make sure all floodwaters are cleared and follow CDC guidelines for mold prevention and safe clean-up practices. If using a generator, keep it outdoors and far from your home to avoid carbon monoxide risks.

Check for Hazards in and Around Your Home

Inspect your home and neighborhood for sharp debris, wild animals, or downed electrical wires. Floodwaters can attract mosquitoes that spread illnesses, so take precautions to protect your family. Ensure your children stay out of extreme weather conditions and avoid playing in unfamiliar or unsafe areas.

Provide Routine and Supervision for Your Children

Schools and playgrounds may be closed, and your usual support network may be unavailable. Establish routines at home to create a sense of normalcy. Set regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and make sure your children know where you'll be and when you’ll return if you need to leave.

Acknowledge That Familiar Places May Have Changed

Returning home might be comforting, but children could be upset by damage to their surroundings. Be prepared for changes to your neighborhood, like missing landmarks, closed businesses, or friends who have moved away. These losses may be hard for children to process.

Talk Openly About What Happened

Avoid keeping quiet about the disaster. Children need the opportunity to express their feelings and ask questions. Provide simple, age-appropriate explanations about what happened and how the community is working to recover. Reassure them about the steps taken to keep everyone safe.

Limit Exposure to Media

While it’s important to stay informed, constant media exposure can heighten anxiety, especially for younger children. Encourage family activities away from screens and be present to answer questions and provide comfort if children are exposed to distressing news.

Watch for Behavioral Changes

Stress can manifest in children in various ways, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, social withdrawal, or physical complaints like headaches. Be patient and reach out to a pediatrician if these symptoms persist or worsen over time.

Share Coping Strategies with Your Children

Model healthy ways to handle emotions. Whether you talk to friends, exercise, or engage in creative outlets like art or journaling, sharing these techniques can help your children develop their own coping skills.

Take Care of Yourself

Children look to the adults around them for reassurance and stability. Ensure you manage your own stress and seek support when needed so you can provide the care and comfort your children require.

Offer Comfort During Grief

If your family has experienced a loss, help your children through their grieving process. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a home, or a friend who has moved away, be present and provide age-appropriate ways for them to express their feelings.

Encourage Helping Others

Involving your children in community recovery efforts, even in small ways, can give them a sense of purpose and control. Helping others can ease feelings of helplessness and foster resilience.

Remember, Recovery is a Process

Rebuilding a home takes time, and emotional recovery can take even longer. Expect ups and downs, and seek support when needed. Keeping communication open with your child’s school and pediatrician will ensure your family has the tools they need to heal.

Understanding Cardiomyopathy in Children and Teens: A Guide for Families

Cardiomyopathy, a rare and often overlooked condition, is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in individuals under 18. Because it can be asymptomatic, early awareness is crucial—especially for families with a history of heart disease or sudden deaths before age 50.

Here’s what parents and caregivers need to know about this heart condition affecting children, teens, and young adults.

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a chronic condition where the heart muscle (myocardium) deteriorates, leading to abnormal thickening, stiffening, or enlargement. As the disease progresses, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases.

There are five main types of cardiomyopathy:

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

• Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM)

• Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)

• Left Ventricular Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy (LVNC)

Who is at Risk?

While cardiomyopathy is more common in adults, children can also be affected. According to the North American Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry, 1 to 1.5 out of every 100,000 children are diagnosed annually in the U.S. This number may be underreported since not all forms are included. Cardiomyopathy can affect children of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Causes of Cardiomyopathy in Children

The causes of pediatric cardiomyopathy vary, and in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. However, common causes include:

• Genetic inheritance

• Viral infections

• Congenital or acquired heart conditions

• Side effects of chemotherapy

• Metabolic or mitochondrial diseases

• Persistent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

• Exposure to toxins

Signs and Symptoms

Sometimes, the symptoms of cardiomyopathy in children are mistaken for common illnesses like a cold, flu, or asthma. Symptoms may vary, but some children experience:

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or fainting

• Rapid or irregular heartbeats

• Abdominal swelling

• Chest pain

• Extreme fatigue

Infants may also display poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, or excessive sweating.

Warning Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Early detection is critical. If your child shows any of the following symptoms, seek an evaluation from a pediatric cardiologist:

• Chest pain during physical activity

• Fainting or seizures during or after activity

• Excessive fatigue during exercise

• Rapid heart rate without a clear cause

Diagnosing Pediatric Cardiomyopathy

To diagnose cardiomyopathy, pediatric cardiologists typically use echocardiograms (echo) and electrocardiograms (EKG). In some cases, genetic testing may help identify underlying causes. Since this condition is rare, it’s best to seek care from a medical center experienced in pediatric cardiomyopathy.

Treatment Options

Although there is no cure for cardiomyopathy, treatment can manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Treatment plans vary based on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy and may include:

• Medications to improve heart function.

• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) for managing irregular heart rhythms.

• Surgery, such as myectomy, to relieve symptoms in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

• Ventricular assist devices or heart transplants for severe cases.

Genetic Screening and Family Impact

Since cardiomyopathy is often hereditary, genetic screening is important for families. A pediatric cardiologist and geneticist can help assess the risk and create a screening plan for family members.

Living with Cardiomyopathy

While living with cardiomyopathy may require certain lifestyle changes, many children can lead relatively normal lives with the right medical care. Regular checkups, daily medication, and possible dietary changes may be needed. In some cases, children may need to avoid competitive sports, but this decision should be made in collaboration with a specialist to ensure the best quality of life.

Being Prepared for Disasters: What Your Family Needs to Know

Disasters can happen without warning, but with the right preparation, your family can stay safe and reduce the stress that often accompanies these events.

By creating a disaster plan and assembling a preparedness kit tailored to your family’s specific needs, you’ll be better equipped to handle a variety of emergency situations. It’s important to make sure your plan is customized to your local environment.

For instance, where you live may expose you to certain natural disasters like wildfires, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Additionally, your location may influence your evacuation options. If your area is prone to flooding, for example, you’ll need to be aware of roads that may frequently close due to high water.

Common Natural Disasters in Your Area

Extreme weather events are among the most common types of natural disasters. Basic disaster readiness will help you in any emergency, but it’s beneficial to know which specific types of disasters are most likely to impact your family.

Resources for Natural Disasters by Region

You can use an interactive map from the American Red Cross to find out which natural disasters are common in your state or region.

To learn more about specific disaster types and how to prepare for them, visit Ready.gov:

• Wildfires: These can spread quickly from natural areas like forests or grasslands to communities.

• Floods: The most frequent natural disaster in the U.S., floods can develop gradually or suddenly in the form of flash floods.

• Tornadoes: These violent wind funnels can happen anywhere, destroying buildings, flipping vehicles, and creating flying debris.

• Severe Storms & Winter Weather: Every part of the country experiences severe weather, which can create hazardous conditions.

• Hurricanes: These storms can cause damaging winds, dangerous rip currents, and storm surges, which are the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the U.S.

• Tsunamis: Triggered by underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions, these massive waves can cause widespread destruction.

• Earthquakes: Though they can occur without warning, some areas are at a higher risk.

• Volcanic Eruptions: There are over 160 potentially active volcanoes in the U.S., which can release lava, debris, and ash over large areas.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provides region-specific advice on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This includes ongoing emergency situations.

Other Types of Disasters

Beyond natural disasters, there are other emergencies that may require your family to evacuate or take shelter. These could include acts of violence, such as a public shooting, or public health crises like pandemics. Industrial accidents, like chemical spills or explosions, are also possibilities.

Many of the same plans for natural disasters can be adapted to help your family stay safe in these situations as well.

As a parent, your top priority is keeping your family safe. While we all aim to provide a secure environment for our children, disasters can sometimes require us to turn to specialized resources to protect our loved ones. Being prepared can make all the difference when those moments arise.