Your toddler is probably saying a few first words now, but you may not be able to understand them all. Learn about how your child is communicating.

Your baby is learning to communicate through facial expressions like smiling or frowning as well as crying, squealing, babbling, and laughing. And those sounds are early attempts to speak!

Teens spend much of the day outside the home, but it's important that you take time every day to talk with your teen to share opinions, ideas, and information.

Communicating with a child is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Learn how to connect with your 2- to 3-year-old.

Communicating with our kids is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding parts of parenting. Learn how to connect with your 4- to 5-year-old.

Your baby's range of sounds and facial expressions continues to grow, and your baby is also imitating sounds, which are the first attempts at speaking.

Communicating with a child is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Learn how to connect with your 6- to 12-year-old.

Babies this age might be about to say their first words, and communicate using body language. Read more about communicating with your baby.

From birth, your newborn has been communicating with you. Crying may seem like a foreign language, but soon you'll know what your baby needs - a diaper change, a feeding, or your touch.

Knowing how speech and language develop can help you figure out if you should be concerned or if your child is right on schedule.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Hearing aids are the main treatment for a type of hearing loss called sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). They work by making sounds louder.

Kids who have hearing loss, or hearing impairment, have trouble hearing or understanding some or all sounds. It’s best to catch hearing problems right away, because treatment is more successful if it starts early.

Learn how to encourage good behavior, handle tantrums, and keep your cool when parenting your toddler.

We build almost all our bone density when we're kids and teens. Kids with strong bones have a better chance of avoiding bone weakness later in life. Here's how parents can help.

Kids who eat unusually large amounts of food - and feel guilty or secretive about it - could be struggling with binge eating disorder.

Here are answers to common questions about getting started with breastfeeding.

Here's info about how often to breastfeed your baby, how long it takes to nurse, and much more.

Here are answers to some common questions about going out in public as a breastfeeding mom - from how to do it discreetly to taming sneaky leaks.

Here are answers to some common questions about preventing and reducing breastfeeding discomfort, such as nipple and breast pain.

Here are answers to some common questions about pumping your breast milk - from buying a pump to making the process a little easier.

Here are answers to some common questions about how to keep breast milk and how to clean and sterilize supplies, from bottles to nipples to breast pump parts.

Here are answers to some common questions about breastfed babies and sleep - from where they should snooze to when they'll finally start sleeping through the night.

Here are answers to some common supplemental feeding questions - from when to introduce solids to offering breastfed babies formula.

Here are answers to some questions about common breastfeeding concerns - from biting to spitting up.

Here are answers to some common questions about your milk supply - from having too much to having too little.

Here are answers to some common questions about what breastfeeding moms should and shouldn't eat and drink.

Making a decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is a personal one. There are some points to consider to help you decide which option is best for you and your baby.

Caffeine is in many foods and drinks, but it's wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids. Here's why.

Milk and other calcium-rich foods help build strong, healthy bones. But most kids and teens don't get enough calcium. Here's how to make sure that yours do.

Carbs are the body's most important and readily available source of energy. The key is to eat healthy ones, like whole grains, and avoid foods with added sugar.

Babies born with a cleft may need some feeding help from special bottle systems. Find out what's available and how they work.

Helping your child manage an egg allergy means reading food labels carefully, being aware of what he or she eats, and carrying the right medicines in case of an allergic reaction.

Some fats are good for kids and an important part of a healthy diet. Here's what parents should know.

Toddlers have little tummies, so serve foods that are packed with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong, and limit the sweets and empty calories.

Whether you've chosen to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, your infant will let you know when it's time to eat.

Is your baby is ready for solid foods? Learn how and when to get started.

At this age, babies start to explore table foods.

Everyone needs enough healthy food, but many people can't get it all the time. Here are programs that can help.

These guidelines on breastfeeding and bottle feeding can help you know what's right for you and your baby.

Many appetizing foods are also good sources of fiber - from fruits to whole-grain cereals. Here are ways to help kids get more fiber in their everyday diets.

Keeping kids' teeth healthy requires more than just daily brushing. Learn about fluoride, a substance found naturally in water that plays an important role in healthy teeth.

Food allergies can cause serious and even deadly reactions in kids, so it's important to know how to feed a child with food allergies and to prevent reactions.

Shopping for formula-feeding supplies can be daunting. Here are answers to some common questions about formula feeding.

Get answers to some common formula-feeding inquiries, from how much newborns eat to what their diapers might look like.

Check out these formula-feeding bottle basics, from how to mix bottles to how to store them safely.

Read about how to manage common formula-feeding concerns, from spitting up and fussiness to gas and milk allergies.

Find answers to common inquiries about introducing solids and whole milk to formula-fed babies.

Iron is an important ingredient needed to make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying part of every red blood cell.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal problem that can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Certain foods can trigger these problems. So can anxiety, stress, and infections.

If your child is allergic to nuts or peanuts, it's essential to learn what foods might contain them and how to avoid them.

While growth slows somewhat during the toddler years, it's a new era where kids will eat and drink more independently.

Weaning is when children make the transition from breast milk to other sources of nourishment. Here's how to make this change easier on you and your child.

You've lived through 2 AM feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the back-to-school blues. So why is the word "teenager" causing you so much anxiety?

Kids who have these spells hold their breath until they pass out. Although upsetting to watch, the spells are not harmful and do not pose any serious, long-term health risks.

Colic is common in babies - but that doesn't make it easier for parents to handle. Learn what colic is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

Reeling in your active little one can be tough. But setting limits now helps prevent bigger problems down the road.

Learn how to encourage good behavior, handle tantrums, and keep your cool when parenting your toddler.

Most period problems are common and normal. But some might be a sign that there's something else going on.

Get tips and advice on helping your child make the switch from diapers to big-kid underwear — for good!

Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. Consider your child's age, personality, and abilities to help make sports fun.

Kids reaching puberty should already know what's going to happen to their bodies. Here are some tips for talking to your daughter about menstruation.

Talking to kids about puberty is an important job for parents, especially because kids often hear about sex and relationships from unreliable sources. Here are some tips.

Teaching kids about their bodies and what is private can help them develop healthy feelings about their bodies in age-appropriate ways.

Teething can be a tough time for babies and parents. Here are the facts on teething, including tips for baby teeth hygiene and relieving pain.

Puberty was awkward enough when you were the one going through it. So how can you help your kids through all the changes?

Premature infants, known as preemies, come into the world earlier than full-term infants. They can have many special needs that make their care different from that of other babies.

Along with obvious changes in physical appearance that come with puberty, your child’s voice will start sounding a whole lot different too.

From the moment parents greet their newborn, they watch the baby's progress eagerly. But how can they tell if their child is growing properly?

Failure to thrive refers to a child's inability to gain weight and grow as expected for kids of the same age and gender. Most diagnoses are made in the first few years of life.

Doctors use body mass index (BMI) measurements to assess a child's physical growth in relation to other kids the same age. Here's how to calculate BMI and understand what the numbers mean.

Puberty usually begins in girls 8-14, and in boys 9-15. If kids pass this normal age range without showing any signs of body changes, it's called delayed puberty.

Dwarfism is a condition that is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, and people of short stature lead healthy, active lives.

Most kids grow well but some have ”failure to thrive.” This means they don't gain weight as expected and may not grow as tall as they should.

Most babies and toddlers have flat feet. As they grow, an arch usually develops. But some kids have flat feet for life.

Growing pains are leg pains and soreness that happen to kids at night, usually when they're 3 to 12 years old.

You're in for a year of changes! Midway through this year, most babies are walking and starting to lose that "baby" look.

Kids entering puberty will undergo many changes in their developing bodies. Find out more about what to expect.

During the third year of life, toddlers are extremely active and mobile, and are learning in very physical ways.

Kids who are 4 to 5 years old continue to learn in a very physical way, but are more focused than when they were younger.

As kids grow from grade-schoolers to preteens, there continues to be a wide range of "normal" as far as height, weight, and shape.

Doctors use growth charts to figure out whether kids' height and weight measurements are "normal" and whether they're developing on track. Here are some facts about growth charts.

Put away those newborn clothes. This month your baby will grow at a surprising rate!

Your baby continues to grow quickly. All this activity and the foods your baby eats affect growth and weight.

Your baby continues to grow quickly. All this activity and the foods your baby eats affect growth and weight.

Your baby is almost a toddler! Here's what to expect with your little one's growth and weight this month.

Your baby continues to grow at a rapid pace. Here's what to expect this month.

This month, your baby will continue to grow quickly. Find out what to expect.

Your baby is growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

Your baby continues to grow in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, and may even be crawling or cruising. Here's what to expect this month.

Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Here's what to expect this month.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some kids gain skills earlier or later than others. Here's what to expect as your child grows.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here's what your baby may do this month.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing this month.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing this month.

Doctors use milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. Here are some things your little one might be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby may be doing.

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. Here are some things your baby might be doing this month.

A newborn's growth and development is measured from the moment of birth. Find out if your baby's size is normal, and what to expect as your baby grows.

Kids do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. These early years of schooling are an important time for parents to be informed and supportive about their child's education.

As students grow more independent during middle school, it can be challenging for parents to know how to stay involved. Here are 10 tips.

Even though teens are seeking independence, parental involvement is still an important ingredient for academic achievement.

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.

It may take a little flexibility and prep work, but time in the kitchen with your preschooler can be a culinary adventure you'll both enjoy.

About 6% of all U.S. K-12 students are considered academically gifted. Here are some ways to tell the difference between bright students and gifted students.

Most kids generate a little chaos and disorganization. But if you'd like yours to be more organized and to stay focused on tasks, such as homework, here are 3 steps that make it possible.

Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.

Kids go from babies to toddlers during this time, from first steps to walking well. They also make major strides in language and communication.

After learning to recognize your voice, your face, and your touch, your baby will start responding more to you during these months and even give you a smile!

Your infant will learn to sit during this time, and in the next few months will begin exploring by reaching out for objects, grasping and inspecting them.

Your baby is learning more about the world through play and is beginning to use words. Keep those toys and games coming!

Play is the primary way that infants learn how to move, communicate, socialize, and understand their surroundings. And during the first month of life, your baby will learn by interacting with you.

Learn how to encourage good behavior, handle tantrums, and keep your cool when parenting your toddler.

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained and off the couch when the weather's bad? These quick-and-easy ideas will keep them happy and busy.

Reading aloud to your baby stimulates developing senses, and builds listening and memory skills that can help your baby grow up to be a reader.

Kids ages 3-5 have tons of energy and are eager to walk, run, dance, and play. It's a great age for exploration too.

Toddlers are learning to talk, to walk and run, and to assert their independence. For many in this age group, "outside" and "play" are common requests.

From kindergarten through third grade, kids' ability to read will grow by leaps and bounds. Although teachers provide lots of help, parents continue to play a role in a child's reading life.

An age-wise guide on play and the toys that encourage learning, promote motor skill development, and spark imagination.

Reading aloud to your preschooler is a great way to encourage learning development and to help prepare your child for independent reading down the line.

Learn why play is so important during the preschool years, and what you can do to foster your child's imagination.

Reading to toddlers lays the foundation for their independent reading later on. Here are some tips.

It might look like just child's play, but toddlers are hard at work learning important physical skills as they gain muscle control, balance, and coordination.

Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful.

Health screening tests are routine tests that check for problems before signs show up. When problems are found early, the care is often simpler and may work better.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Which vaccines does your child need and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference.

The toddler months might continue to bring colds, bruises, and other minor emergencies, but you'll also find yourself dealing with your toddler's emerging independence.

You probably have lots of questions about your baby's health. When should you call the doctor, and what medical care should you expect for your baby at this age?

Regular visits help your teen's doctor keep track of changes in physical, mental, and social development. The doctor can also help your teen understand the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle.

Regular well-child exams are essential to keeping kids healthy and up-to-date with immunizations against dangerous diseases. Here's what to expect at the doctor's office.

Regular well-child exams are an important part of keeping kids healthy and up to date on immunizations against serious diseases. Find out what to expect at the doctor's office.

Because your baby begins to show his or her personality during these months, your questions may move from simple sleeping and eating concerns to those about physical and social development.

Regular well-child exams are essential to keep kids healthy and up-to-date with immunizations. Find out what to expect at the doctor's office.

As your baby becomes more independent, you may have questions about how to prevent bumps and bruises. Here are some other topics you'll cover with your doctor.

By the time you hold your new baby for the first time, you've probably chosen your little one's doctor. Learn about your newborn's medical care.

Occupational therapy can help improve kids' cognitive, physical, and motor skills and build their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

Doctors often recommend physical therapy for kids who have been injured or have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability. Learn more about PT.

School-based health centers provide a range of services to meet kids' and teens' health care needs. Centers usually are inside a school building or right next door.

Working with a certified speech-language pathologist can help a child with speech or language difficulties.

Building a relationship with your child's doctor requires communication and reasonable expectations.

Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.

PCPs are health care providers that offer routine checkups, vaccines, and non-emergency medical care. Learn more about PCPs and how to choose a great one.

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.

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.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first month.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first birthday.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 18 months.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by age 10.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 11.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 12.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your teen is 13.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your teen is 14.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 15 months.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 15.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 16.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 17.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 18.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 19.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the second month.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the second year.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing at this age.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 20.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 21.

Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve a few days after your baby is born.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the third year.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the fourth month.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the fourth year.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the fifth year.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 6 months.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the sixth year.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the seventh year.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the eighth year.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 9 months old.

Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the ninth year.

Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve after your baby arrives.

These age-specific guides can help you be prepared for and keep track of your well-child visits.

The idea of going to the gynecologist may make your daughter feel nervous. Here's how to make her feel more comfortable about a well-woman visit.

Kids with special needs have many options when it comes to supportive seats. View this slideshow to see what's available.

Kids who have trouble walking have many options when it comes to getting around. View the slideshow below to learn more.

In-toeing is when feet point inward while walking. It happens in a lot of kids who are learning to walk. Sometimes people call it walking "pigeon-toed."

Kids often have knock knees (when knees touch but the ankles are apart). They usually go away without on their own by the time a child is 7 or 8 years old.

Most toddlers this age are walking and gaining even more control over their hands and fingers. Give your child lots of fun (and safe) things to do to encourage this development.

The reflexes they had just after birth start to disappear as babies this age gain more control over movements and interact more with their environment.

At this age, kids are learning to roll over, reach out to get what they want, and sit up. Provide a safe place to practice moving and lots of interesting objects to reach for.

From scooting to crawling to cruising, during these months, babies are learning how to get around.

It may seem like all babies do is sleep, eat, and cry, but their little bodies are making many movements, some of which are reflexes.

Out-toeing is when feet point outward while walking. It happens to a lot of kids when they are learning to walk.

Toe walking is when kids walk on the balls of their feet, with their heels off the ground. Most children stop toe walking on their own by age 2.

Tummy time helps babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles and prepare them for crawling. Here's how to do it.

Your baby is experiencing the first sights, sounds, and smells of the world through all five senses. What are your baby's responses to light, noise, touch, and familiar faces?

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Your baby experiences sights, sounds, and smells with the five senses. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 2 months.

Your baby experiences sights, sounds, and smells with the five senses. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 3 months.

Your baby is working on all five senses, understanding and anticipating more and more. How can you stimulate your baby's senses?

Your baby is working on all five senses, understanding and anticipating more and more. How can you stimulate your baby's senses?

Your baby is working on all five senses, understanding and anticipating more and more. How can you stimulate your baby's senses?

The senses help your baby learn about the world. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 7 months.

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

Your newborn is taking in first sights, sounds, and smells while learning to explore the world through the senses. What are your baby's responses to light, noise, and touch?

Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs.

Talking to your kids about sex can be a challenge. But discussing issues like birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD.

Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms.

Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex; for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex.

Learn what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm. They be used alone but are not very effective that way.

Find out about this method of birth control, including how well it works and possible side effects.

Discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD. The birth control pill (also called "the Pill") is a daily pill that is taken to prevent pregnancy.

Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

The cervical cap covers the cervix so sperm can't get in and fertilize an egg. It's not usually recommended for most young women and teens because it can be very hard to insert correctly.

A diaphragm may be a birth control good option for young women who can take responsibility in advance. Find out more.

An IUD is a piece of T-shaped plastic placed inside the uterus. It's a good birth control option because it lasts for many years, needs no daily care, and is very effective at preventing pregnancy.

Even for people who think they are doing it correctly, withdrawal is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy.

Puberty usually begins in girls 8-14, and in boys 9-15. If kids pass this normal age range without showing any signs of body changes, it's called delayed puberty.

Learning about the female reproductive system, what it does, and the problems that can affect it can help you better understand your daughter's reproductive health.

Fertility awareness is a way to try to prevent pregnancy by not having sex around the time of ovulation. It is not a reliable birth control method for most people.

Big physical and emotional changes happen during puberty and the teen years. These articles can help you become a source of information, comfort, and support for your kids.

During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. It takes time for many kids to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person's sexual feelings and attractions.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Your kids need to understand how STDs spread and how to protect themselves. Here's how to talk to them about sexually transmitted diseases.

The birth control shot is an injection a female gets every 3 months to help prevent pregnancy. Find out more.

Find out what the experts say.

Babies can develop a flat spot on the back of their heads, usually from sleeping in the same position too long. Alternating your baby's sleep position and providing lots of "tummy time" can help.

Getting enough sleep can be a problem for children of any age. Here's how to know if your kids get enough sleep.

A good nap can keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but might make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.

A night terror seems similar to a nightmare, but it's far more dramatic. Night terrors can be alarming, but aren't usually cause for concern or a sign of a medical issue.

Nightmares aren't totally preventable, but parents can help kids feel better when they have one and ease their transition back to sleep.

Nighttime feedings may be a thing of the past, but in this second year of life your tot might be rising for other reasons. Learn more.

At this age, babies generally have their days and nights straightened out. Many infants even "sleep through the night," which means 5 or 6 hours at a time.

By this age, your baby should be on the way to having a regular sleep pattern, sleeping longer at night, and taking 2 or 3 naps during the day.

Sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby's first year. It's best to respond to your baby's needs with the right balance of concern and consistency.

Newborn babies don’t yet have a sense of day and night. They wake often to eat – no matter what time it is.

Preschoolers sleep about 10 to 13 hours during each 24-hour period, and it's important to help them develop good habits for getting to sleep.

School-age kids need 9–12 hours of sleep a night. If they don't get it, they may be cranky or moody, hyper, and have behavior problems.

Teens need about 8–10 hours of sleep a night, but many don't get it. Keeping these tips in mind can help your teen get a good night’s sleep.

Although it can be unnerving to see, sleepwalking is actually very common in kids. Here's how to keep your young sleepwalker safe.

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 month to 1 year old. Though SIDS remains unpredictable, you can help reduce your infant's risk.