Learn more about head injuries (head trauma).
Animal bites and scratches, even minor ones, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body, regardless of whether the animal is a family pet or a wild animal.
A buckle or torus fracture is a type of broken bone. One side of the bone bends, raising a little buckle, without breaking the other side of the bone.
Most bug bites and stings are just annoying. But some can cause infections and allergic reactions. It's important to know what to watch for, and when to get medical attention.
Burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Minor burns often can be safely treated at home, but more serious burns require medical care.
Cardiac arrest is when changes in the normal electrical activity of the heart make it suddenly stop beating. Quick medical care is essential.
Choking is an emergency, so it's important to recognize the signs of choking and know what to do if happens.
A comminuted fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone is broken into more than two pieces.
Concussions are serious injuries that can be even more serious if kids don't get the time and rest needed to heal them completely.
People who have a coronavirus (COVID-19) infection or are around someone who has it should stay home to prevent spreading the virus. Here's how to prepare to quarantine or isolate at home.
Every parent should know how and when to administer CPR. Done correctly, CPR can save a child's life by restoring breathing and circulation until medical personnel arrive.
Find out how to handle minor cuts at home - and when to get medical care for a more serious injury.
Sometimes kids lose fluids and salts through fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Here are some tips on preventing or treating dehydration.
Fevers happen when the body's internal "thermostat" raises the body temperature above normal. This is often the body's way of fighting infections.
Find out how to prevent - and be ready for - a fire in your home.
Choking can be a life-threatening emergency. Follow these steps if your child is choking.
Most childhood poisonings happen in the home. They usually can be treated at home with advice from the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing kids in layers, making sure they come indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal.
Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful.
A greenstick fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone cracks on one side only, not all the way through the bone.
Head injuries can be external or internal. Learn more about both kinds, how to prevent them, and what to do if your child is injured.
Active kids can be at risk for heat illness, which can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Learn how to prevent and treat heat illness.
Kids with hemophilia can bleed easily or longer than normal. So it's important for parents to know how to handle bleeding when it happens.
The best way to take a temperature in infants and young children is by taking a rectal temperature. Here's how to do it.
The axillary (armpit) method is a convenient way to take a child's temperature, especially for kids who can't hold a thermometer in their mouths. Here's how to do it.
Taking an oral temperature is easy in an older, cooperative child. Most kids can have their temperature taken this way when they’re about 4–5 years old. Here's how to do it.
Need to check your child's heart rate? Follow our guide and check with your doctor if you have questions.
A nosebleed can be scary, but it's rarely cause for alarm. Here's how to handle one at home.
Eye injuries in kids can lead to serious vision problems, even blindness. Wearing protective eyewear can prevent most eye injuries.
Kids with severe allergies can be at risk for a sudden, serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The good news is that when treated properly, anaphylaxis can be managed.
All kids get a fever from time to time. Find out about taking your child's temperature, safely and accurately.
Teaching your child how to use 911 in an emergency could be one of the simplest - and most important - lessons you'll ever share.
Most vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis, and usually isn't serious. These home-care tips can help prevent dehydration.
A medical record is a history of someone’s health. Most hospitals and doctor’s offices use electronic health records.
An AED (automated external defibrillator) helps treat an abnormal heartbeat when someone has sudden cardiac arrest. Learn about this easy-to-use medical device.
Narcan is a medicine that can save someone from a heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid medicine overdose. Narcan is the brand name for naloxone.
In an emergency, it's hard to think clearly about your kids' health information. Here's what important medical information you should have handy, just in case.
Should you head to the ER when your child is hurt or ill? What about an urgent care center? Different problems need different levels of care, and you have many options.
Within a few days of a concussion, most students are ready return to school. Here's how parents can help.
After a concussion, athletes often ask how soon they can start playing again. Usually, they can return to sports when all symptoms are gone and a health care provider gives the OK.
It's important to know when a cut might need medical care or even a few stitches. Here's what to look for.
How well a wound heals depends on where it is on the body and what caused it. Good home care is an important part of healing.
Most allergic reactions aren't serious, but severe reactions can be life-threatening and need medical care right away.
Animal bites and scratches that break the skin can cause infection. Rarely, animal bites can cause rabies, a dangerous, life-threatening disease.
During a flare-up or attack, it's hard to breathe. While some flare-ups are mild, others can be life threatening, so it's important to deal with them right away.
A broken bone needs emergency medical care. Here's what to do if you think your child fractured a bone.
Scald burns from hot water and other liquids are the most common type of burn young kids get. Here's what to do if your child is burned.
Chest pain can be caused by many things, but it is rarely a sign of heart trouble in children. Here's what to do about it.
Chickenpox (varicella) has become less common in the U.S. due to the chickenpox vaccine, but it can easily spread from one person to another.
Choking can be a life-threatening emergency. Follow these steps if your child is choking.
Kids can get up to eight colds a year - or more. The common cold sends more kids to the doctor than any other illness.
Kids can become dehydrated when their bodies lose very large amounts of fluids. It's important to replenish fluid losses as quickly as possible.
Diaper rash is a common skin condition in babies. In most cases, the condition clears up quickly with a few simple changes.
A dislocation happens when two connected bones are separated. These injuries require emergency medical care to avoid further damage.
Some eye injuries can be treated at home, while others require a visit to the doctor or emergency room. Find out what to do if your child has eye pain.
Fainting is a loss of consciousness that can be caused by many things. Here's what to do if your child faints or is about to faint.
Although most result in mild bumps and bruises, some falls can cause serious injuries that need medical attention.
Febrile seizures are convulsions that happen in some children with fevers. They usually stop on their own after a few minutes and don't cause any other health problems.
Exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite, a serious condition that requires emergency care. Here's what to do if your child has frostbite.
Learn about the different types of head injuries, and find out what to do if your child is seriously injuried.
Lice commonly spread from kid to kid. They're not dangerous - but they are creepy and annoying. Here's what to do about them.
Being stung by a bug is often just irritating and doesn't require medical treatment. But kids who are highly allergic to stings may need emergency medical care.
Although they can be serious, nosebleeds are common in children ages 3 to 10 years and most stop on their own.
Pinkeye is an inflammation of the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. Although some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, others require treatment.
Mild rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants can be treated at home. But severe and widespread rashes require medical treatment.
Most childhood poisonings happen in the home. They usually can be treated at home with advice from the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Sometimes rashes are only a minor annoyance. Other times, they are more serious and require medical treatment. Here's what to do if your child has a rash.
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin. Here's what to do if your child has ringworm.
Although seizures can be frightening, usually they last only a few minutes, stop on their own, and are almost never life-threatening.
Most spider bites cause mild reactions, but some can cause serious illness or allergic reactions. Here's what to do if you think your child was bitten by a spider.
Taking a splinter out as soon as you spot it helps prevent infection and makes removal easier.
Here's what to do if you think your child has pulled or torn a muscle, ligament, or tendon.
If your child loses a baby tooth, there's no need to replace it. But if a permanent tooth is dislodged, it's a dental emergency. Here's what to do.
Telltale signs of the flu include a sore throat, body aches and fever. Here's what to do if your child has the flu.
Some ticks carry harmful germs that can cause disease. Find out what to do if your child is bitten by a tick.
From minor injuries to medical emergencies, these guides help you deal with common childhood mishaps.
Coughing is a healthy reflex that helps clear the airways. Many coughs are caused by viruses that just need to run their course.
Here's what to do if your child complains of ear pain.
Constipation is when a child has fewer bowel movements than usual. Ease constipation with the three Fs: fluid, fiber, and fitness.
In hot weather, a child's internal temperature can rise and cause heat exhaustion, which can progress to heatstroke if not treated quickly.
When it hurts to pee, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually to blame. But there are other causes. Here's what to do.
You can treat mild sunburn at home. But severe sunburn needs medical attention. Here's what to do.
Vomiting can be caused by many things, most commonly gastroenteritis (the "stomach flu"). Here's what to do when your child throws up.
Fevers are usually not cause for alarm - they're the body's way of fighting infection. Here's what to do if your child has a fever.
Sore throats are usually caused by viruses. Here's what to do if your child has a sore throat.
A stiff neck is usually nothing to worry about. In rare cases, it can be a sign of something serious. Here's what to do about a stiff neck.
Croup is a viral infection that causes a telltake "barking" cough. Find out what to do if your child has croup and when to call the doctor.
Most cuts can be safely treated at home. But deeper cuts - or any wounds that won't stop bleeding - need emergency medical treatment.
Diarrhea is common and usually not a sign of something serious. Find out what to do if your child has diarrhea.
Headaches are rarely a sign of something serious. Here's what to do if your child has a headache.
Stomachaches are common in childhood, and often caused by gas, constipation or viruses. Find out when a stomachache requires a trip to the doctor.
Warts are common skin infections. They generally don't cause any serious problems, so usually don't need to be removed.
ATVs are off-road vehicles often used for recreation. But kids 16 and younger shouldn't ride them. Find out why, and more, here.
Find out what the experts have to say.
Bee, wasp, and ant stings can cause temporary discomfort and pain, but most don’t lead to serious or lasting health problems.
Most bug bites and stings are just annoying. But some can cause infections and allergic reactions. It's important to know what to watch for, and when to get medical attention.
Winter isn't a time to just stay indoors and wait for spring. Follow these tips to keep safe outdoors in cold weather.
Drowning is a leading cause of death in children and teens. It happens fast and is usually silent. Here's how parents can help prevent drowning.
Before your family celebrates a holiday, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.
Being stung by a bug is often just irritating and doesn't require medical treatment. But kids who are highly allergic to stings may need emergency medical care.
Mild rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants can be treated at home. But severe and widespread rashes require medical treatment.
Most spider bites cause mild reactions, but some can cause serious illness or allergic reactions. Here's what to do if you think your child was bitten by a spider.
Some ticks carry harmful germs that can cause disease. Find out what to do if your child is bitten by a tick.
You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing kids in layers, making sure they come indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal.
For health-conscious parents, Halloween can be tricky. Do you set limits? Do you let kids decide how much to eat? There isn't just one right answer.
From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time. But it can pose dangers to young revelers. For a trick-free treat, follow these simple safety tips.
Find out what the experts say.
With all the options out there, choosing a sunscreen for your kids can be tricky. Here's what you need to know.
In hot weather, a child's internal temperature can rise and cause heat exhaustion, which can progress to heatstroke if not treated quickly.
You can treat mild sunburn at home. But severe sunburn needs medical attention. Here's what to do.
Ocean dips are a cool part of summer, but jellyfish can spoil the fun. Here's how to handle a sting from by one of these mysterious sea creatures.
Learn how to protect kids by properly using car seats and booster seats.
Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. Here are some tips based on the type of water.
Following these safety guidelines can make neighborhood playgrounds entertaining and safe for your kids.
Most people get a reaction to poison ivy. Check out this article for tips on what to do and how to avoid poison ivy.
Having a pool, pond, spa, or hot tub on your property is a huge responsibility when it comes to safety. Here’s how can you keep kids – yours and others – safe.
It's important to teach your kids to be cautious without filling them with fear or anxiety. Here are ways to lessen the chances that your child will be abducted.
Teaching kids a few basic dog manners will help them enjoy safe encounters with Fido.
If a scorpion stings someone, the area of the sting will hurt and may get swollen or red, depending on the type of scorpion.
Spiders rarely bite people. When they do, it’s usually in self-defense because they’re being crushed by a human. Usually, their venom is not strong enough to hurt humans.
By teaching kids how to enjoy fun in the sun safely, parents can reduce their risk for developing skin cancer.
When a tick bites, the person won’t feel it happen. Always check your kids (and yourself) for ticks after spending time in the woods.
Boy, your child's freckles really stand out in the sun — yikes, that one is actually a tick! What should you do?
Water parks are a lot of fun and a great way to spend time outside. Here's how kids can enjoy them safely.
Kids need constant supervision around water — whether the water is in a bathtub, pool, the sea, or a water park. Here's how to keep them safe.
The threat of West Nile virus has made getting a mosquito bite a cause for concern. What is West Nile virus, and what can you do to prevent it?
ATVs are off-road vehicles often used for recreation. But kids 16 and younger shouldn't ride them. Find out why, and more, here.
Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and share time as a family. But there's an important factor that you need to consider - safety.
Learn about bruises, why they happen, how to make them go away faster, and why they change colors.
Drowning is a leading cause of death in children and teens. It happens fast and is usually silent. Here's how parents can help prevent drowning.
Kids with type 1 diabetes can play sports and exercise at the same level as other kids.
Diabetes doesn't have to get in the way of exercise and sports competition. Like anyone else, kids with diabetes are healthier if they get plenty of exercise.
Concussions are serious injuries. Here's how to help protect kids and teens from them.
With all the options out there, choosing a sunscreen for your kids can be tricky. Here's what you need to know.
Find out what the experts have to say.
Following these safety guidelines can make neighborhood playgrounds entertaining and safe for your kids.
Participation in sports can teach kids sportsmanship and discipline. But sports also carry the potential for injury. Here's how to protect your kids.
Baseball is by no means a dangerous sport. But it can present a very real risk of injuries from things like wild pitches, batted balls, and collisions in the field. These safety tips can help keep your kids safe on the diamond.
Basketball is fun - but it's also a contact sport, and injuries happen. To help your kids stay safe on the basketball court, take a look at these safety tips.
Football is a lot of fun, but injuries are common. To keep things as safe as possible on the gridiron, players should follow these tips.
As fun as it is, ice hockey carries a very real risk of injury. To keep your kids as safe as possible, follow these tips.
Ice skating is fun but injuries are a risk. Help your kids follow these safety tips to learn how to skate safely.
Lacrosse is a fast-moving, fun sport to play and watch. But injuries are bound to happen. Here's how to help players avoid them.
Injuries can be common, and runners should always be aware of their surroundings. These tips can help keep runners safe.
Skateboarding is undeniably cool, but it's also easy for riders to get hurt. Help your kids keep it safe with these safety tips.
Skiing is fun but also has some very real dangers. Make sure your kids follow these safety tips to learn how to stay safe on the slopes.
Sledding is a lot of fun, but can also cause injuries, some of them pretty serious. To keep your kids safe while sledding, make sure they follow these safety tips.
Snowboarding is a great way to have fun and get exercise, but it has some very real dangers. These safety tips can help keep your family safe on the slopes.
In wrestling, injuries are bound to happen sometimes. To keep things as safe as possible, wrestlers should follow these tips
Your tot's not a baby anymore! It's time for a big-kid booster seat. But how can you ensure that your child is still safe and secure in the car? Find out here.
Get the car seat know-how you need here.
Babies love and need close contact, and infant carriers are ideal for nestling them against their parents. Here's how to use one safely.
Regular infant seats simply allow young babies to sit up. Never substitute any type of infant seat for a child safety seat (car seat).
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and styles. When you're searching for that perfect stroller that's light and portable, keep safety in mind.
Find out what the experts have to say.
That weird ear-popping sensation is a normal part of air travel. Here's how to help equalize the air pressure in your child's ears to prevent or decrease ear pain.
Concussions are serious injuries. Here's how to help protect kids and teens from them.
Learn how to protect kids by properly using car seats and booster seats.
Use these tips to teach your kids how to stay safe when riding in a car or on a school bus.
When teens get their driver's license, parents should consider creating their own rules of the road beyond the relevant driving laws.
When you're traveling with your kids, there's a chance that someone might get sick. But early planning and smart packing can help ensure your family stays healthy and safe.
Safely securing kids in cars can be tricky. This video makes it easy to figure out which seat your child needs, and when.
Find out when kids can switch to using regular seatbelts.
Find out what the experts have to say.
Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your backyard and pool area. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.
Always supervise young kids in the bath to keep them safe. Here are other bathroom water safety tips.
Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your bathroom, garage, and laundry area. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.
Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your nursery, child's room, adult's bedroom. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.
You might think of babies and toddlers when you hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing," but unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and under.
Choking is an emergency, so it's important to recognize the signs of choking and know what to do if happens.
Choosing baby products can be confusing, but one consideration must never be compromised: your little one's safety.
Baby bathtubs give parents a safe way to wash a wet, slippery baby. Here's how to choose and use one.
Babies love and need close contact, and infant carriers are ideal for nestling them against their parents. Here's how to use one safely.
Babies can get hurt if they fall off changing tables, so they should always be watched closely. Here's what else to know.
When you choose a crib, check it carefully to make sure that your baby's sleep space is safe. Here's how.
Gates placed at the top of stairs or in doorways are used to keep toddlers away from hazardous areas of the home. Here's what to look for.
Regular infant seats simply allow young babies to sit up. Never substitute any type of infant seat for a child safety seat (car seat).
Playpens are popular because parents can put their baby in one knowing that their little one can't wander off. But they're no substitute for adult supervision.
All toys you select for your baby or toddler should meet safety standards. These tips can help you find safe toys for your little one.
Toys are a fun and important part of any child's development. And there's plenty you can do to make sure all toys are safe.
Is your 10-year-old crying for a pellet gun? How about that used scooter? For help figuring out what toys are safe and appropriate for older kids, read these tips.
How can you tell if a small toy poses a choking risk? What types of unsafe toys should you avoid for your baby, toddler, or preschooler? Find out here.
If you haven’t used a babysitter since your child was diagnosed with diabetes, you might have some questions about what to do. Here’s how to be prepared.
Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your heating and cooling elements, smoke detectors, and electrical systems. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.
Find out how to prevent - and be ready for - a fire in your home.
A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept in easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Learn where you should keep a kit and what to put in it.
Food safety is important. Here's how to be sure your kitchen and the foods you prepare in it are safe.
Guns are in many homes, so they're a very real danger to kids, whether you own one or not. Learn how to talk with your kids about gun safety.
For health-conscious parents, Halloween can be tricky. Do you set limits? Do you let kids decide how much to eat? There isn't just one right answer.
From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time. But it can pose dangers to young revelers. For a trick-free treat, follow these simple safety tips.
Washing your hands well and often is the best way to keep from getting sick. Here's how to teach this all-important habit to your kids.
Young kids love to explore their homes, but are unaware of the potential dangers. Learn how to protect them with our handy household safety checklists.
These small, shiny batteries are easy for babies and toddlers to swallow. Learn how to prevent injuries and know what to do if you think your child has swallowed one.
These simple safety tips can help protect kids from injuries due to electrical, heating, and cooling appliances and systems.
Burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Here's how to protect kids from burns.
Choking is usually caused by food, toys, and other small objects that can get stuck in a child's windpipe. Read about how to protect kids from choking hazards.
It's important to protect kids from sharp and dangerous items around and outside the home. Here are ways to prevent cuts and other injuries.
Here's how to help protect kids from a dangerous fall or a tumble into a sharp edge in your home.
Your baby will spend a lot of time in the crib, and it's your job to make sure it's always a safe environment. Here's how to ensure the safety of your littlest sleeper.
From fertilizer to antifreeze and medicines to makeup, poisonous items are throughout our homes. Here's how to protect your kids from ingesting a poisonous substance.
Kids can strangle or become entrapped in the most unexpected ways - even cords, strings on clothing, and infant furniture and accessories can be dangerous. Read how to prevent these dangers around your home.
Because babies aren't yet able to raise their heads, they need special protection from suffocation. But small children are at risk, too. Some simple rules can help you protect them.
Water safety is important at any age, but especially if you have babies or toddlers. Here's how to reduce drowning risks.
Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your kitchen. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.
Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in young kids, so it's important to find out whether your child might be at risk for lead exposure.
It's natural for parents to be a bit anxious when first leaving kids without supervision. But you can feel prepared and confident with some planning and a couple of trial runs.
Make the holidays fun and healthy by learning how to protect your kids from these common hazards.
Giving kids medicine safely can be complicated. Here's how you can help treat your child's illness while you prevent dangerous reactions.
Having a pool, pond, spa, or hot tub on your property is a huge responsibility when it comes to safety. Here’s how can you keep kids – yours and others – safe.
Teaching kids a few basic dog manners will help them enjoy safe encounters with Fido.
Take the time now to review fire safety facts and tips to prevent fires in your home.
Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your walls, floors, furniture, doors, windows, and stairways. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.
Kids need constant supervision around water — whether the water is in a bathtub, pool, the sea, or a water park. Here's how to keep them safe.
If your child’s school or daycare reported lead in their drinking water, here are some things to consider that can help you decide what to do.
Always supervise young kids in the bath to keep them safe. Here are other bathroom water safety tips.
Drowning is a leading cause of death in children and teens. It happens fast and is usually silent. Here's how parents can help prevent drowning.
Water safety is important at any age, but especially if you have babies or toddlers. Here's how to reduce drowning risks.
Ocean dips are a cool part of summer, but jellyfish can spoil the fun. Here's how to handle a sting from by one of these mysterious sea creatures.
Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. Here are some tips based on the type of water.
Having a pool, pond, spa, or hot tub on your property is a huge responsibility when it comes to safety. Here’s how can you keep kids – yours and others – safe.
Water parks are a lot of fun and a great way to spend time outside. Here's how kids can enjoy them safely.
Kids need constant supervision around water — whether the water is in a bathtub, pool, the sea, or a water park. Here's how to keep them safe.