CT Children's December 2024

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Connecticut Children's Health Hub

We’re the ones parents trust. As the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to children, Connecticut Children’s offers care and knowledge that both kids and parents love.

5 Handwashing Facts That Might Surprise You

Most older kids know germs make them sick, and that it’s important to wash their hands to avoid getting sick. But handwashing is also a habit that’s easy to rush through or forget entirely.

growing healthy

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae in Kids: What to Know About this Bacteria

GROWING HEALTHY

Mycoplasma is on the rise right now in Connecticut, crowding emergency rooms, and parents have questions.

10 Healthy Holiday Traditions to Start With Your Family

GROWING HEALTHY

These ideas will keep your child entertained and engaged all day, and might just lead to a new family favorite.

Beyond Fetal Renal Failure: Josiah’s Story

growing healthy

When the pregnancy ultrasound showed fetal renal failure, Narina and Chris prayed for a miracle. They found it in the nation’s top fetal surgeon, and the innovative technology he’d created.

Stay Connected

Where to Find Us

Following Connecticut Children’s on social is about more than getting the latest news. Follow us for inspirational stories about our patients and our dedicated staff, health tips you might not expect, and special announcements about upcoming community engagements.

Visit us in Westport, Danbury or Shelton — and throughout the state — at one of our specialty care centers.

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The Conneticut Children's Podcast

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Episode 01

Meet Connecticut Children’s

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Episode 02

Navigating Childhood Illnesses

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Episode 03

The Importance of Vaccination

Recent Stories

Easy Access for you in Fairfield County

Timely orthopedic access

Same-day and walk-in orthopedic appointments for recent injuries. Convenient locations in Westport and Danbury.

20+ pediatric specialties near you

We have you covered from cardiology to urology, and everything in between.

3 pediatric specialty care centers

See us at our Westport, Shelton, or Danbury Specialty Care Centers.

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Danbury – Connecticut Children’s Speciality Care Center

105-A Newton Road Danbury, CT 06810

860.545.9000

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Westport – Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center

191 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880

860.545.9000

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Shelton – Connecticut Children’s Speciality Care Center

2 Ivy Brook Road, Suite 213 Shelton, CT 0648

860.545.9000

Learn more

Shelton – Connecticut Children’s Speciality Care Center

4 Corporate Drive, Suite 282 Shelton, CT 06484

860.545.9000

8 Tips for Choosing a Therapist for Your Child

growing healthy

As parents, we want the best for our children, and that includes getting them help when they need it. Here are 8 tips to guide you through the process of finding the right therapist for your child.

Head Lice: Stop the Spread and Get Rid of it For Good

growing healthy

Head lice infestations are manageable with the right knowledge and approach. This guide will equip you with the tools to effectively deal with head lice and keep your family louse-free.

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Home to over 1,000 pediatric experts… All 100% fluent in kid-speak. Our 41 locations of care mean less time driving… And 100% more riding in style to the OR. We're the ones parents trust with broken baby hearts, brain tumors, and breakthroughs.

Conneticut Children's: 100% Dedicated to Kids

Learn how expert neurosurgeons at Connecticut Children’s are transforming care for kids with hydrocephalus, offering advanced treatments to ensure brighter, healthier futures.

Care Beyond Imagination: Hydrocephalus

Experts in Adult Care

Mononucleosis: What College Students Need to Know

Improving Reproductive Health Communication Between Young Adult Oncology Patients and Clinicians

The early adult years are a time of newfound independence but also a time to continue healthy foundations formed in childhood. From managing mental health, navigating relationships, and establishing healthy habits to making key healthcare choices, parents remain a crucial support system. Our comprehensive care for young adults ensures their wellbeing as they transition into adulthood, helping you stay informed along the way.

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Experts in Teen Care

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for My Teen?

Adult Skincare Products are Not Safe for Kids. Here’s Why.

The teenage years: It’s the time your child craves the most independence while also needing a solid support system. Health topics become interwoven with social and athletic life. Sports, sex, drugs, alcohol, mental health — it can seem like a maze for parents to navigate. As the only health system in the state 100% dedicated to children, Connecticut Children’s cares for your teen just like you do. Let us keep you up to date on what you should know about their health and the challenges the next generation faces.

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Experts in Child Care

How Can I Tell if My Child Has the Flu or COVID-19?

Beyond Crohn’s Disease: Madeline’s Story

As our children mature, so does their health and development. Childhood is a time of wonder, when personalities crystalize and life-long memories begin to shape. As parents, it’s our job to support their personhood by providing the right balance of independence and supervision. Mental health and the onset of puberty are also burgeoning concerns. Connecticut Children’s pediatricians are there for the bone breaks, leg scrapes, and big questions your child may experience.

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Experts in Toddler Care

Whooping Cough is On the Rise. Here’s What Parents Should Know.

What to Do If Your Child Swallows or Ingests a Button Battery

Parents, stay sharp. Your toddler is mobile, talking, and learning at an incredible rate. Your job is to foster this development while managing their tantrums, potty training, and screen time. Knowing what’s right for your toddler isn’t always the easiest, but there are some general dos and don’ts that can help you establish a parenting style that works for you and your toddler. Most importantly, cut yourself some slack. Parent burnout is real. Do your best and let the pediatric experts at Connecticut Children’s help you manage this exciting time in your child’s life.

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Experts in Infant Care

Don’t Delay Your Child’s Vaccines – They’re More Important Than Ever

Beyond Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD): Lincoln’s Story

Ask any parent. The first year of your child’s life flies by. Staying present while encouraging your child’s rapid development is not easy, but with the right support, it’s possible. As your baby achieves milestones like first tooth, first solid food, and first crawl, Connecticut Children’s has answers when you need them. We provide key information on questions about immunizations, allergies, and how you can best support your child’s development. Let the Connecticut Children’s experts be your guide through your baby’s first year.

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Experts in Newborn Care

What Do NICU Levels Mean? Newborn Hospital Care, Explained.

Beyond Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Renny & Benny’s Story

Congratulations on the birth of your newborn! If you’re like most new parents, you’re probably swamped with questions — how often should I nurse? What’s a normal sleep pattern? When should I be concerned about my newborn’s health? Having questions is perfectly normal, but don’t worry. Connecticut Children’s is here to help. Discover answers for all your burning questions and get advice from Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts with the best up-to-date information on newborn health.

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Parenting Through The Ages

Infant

Newborn

Toddler

Child

Teen

Adult

Packing List

Comfort items for kids with sensory issues

Packing List

Cozy blanket or weighted blanket, if this helps your child relax at home

Small toy or stuffed animal

Favorite book or activity book

Sticker pack

Fidget gadget (like a fidget spinner, cube, or popper)

Stress ball, thinking putty, or slime (Great for squeezing if they get scared!)

Medical play kit, so they can follow along

A favorite app or handheld game (ideally, that they can play with one hand)

Download

Noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs

Comfort items for kids with sensory issues

Baseball cap

Sunglasses

Mints, lollipops, gum, or chocolate, to cancel out strong smells and tastes

Download

There are a few tried-and-true ways to prepare your child for a doctor’s visit: Talk about it ahead of time. Pretend through play. Best of all? Bring a few comfort items! This can help them feel more comfortable before and during their visit because they’ll know what to expect and feel more in control of their experience. Here are our top recommendations. Click on the labels to expand.

Must-pack items for your child's doctor appointments

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Fever: To Worry, or Not to Worry?

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Most of the time, fevers are a good thing. Sometimes, they need to be checked out. Read the Blog

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Slapped Cheek Syndrome: What is This!?

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It might look worse than it is. Learn more about this common, but annoying, virus. Read the Blog

Another Ear Infection? What Gives?

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Spinning your wheels with antibiotics? It might be time to ask about ear tubes. Read the Blog

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Making Sense Out of Concussion

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Concussions are common in sports. Heed these warning signs and more. Read the Blog

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“My Stomach Hurts!” What’s Going On?

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Repeated complaints about tummy troubles could be nerves, or something else. Read the Blog

Decode These 5 Common Illnesses

Rising temperatures, red rashes and everything in between. What does it all mean? Our pediatric experts are here to reassure you, so take a deep breath and explore these common, timely ailments. And as always, ask your doctor if you’re worried. Click on each flip card to reveal more.

Resources For Parents

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Hand Washing Placeholder

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Tell them why you’re setting rules

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Explain that every family has their own rules, so what you’re doing might be different than at a friend’s house.

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Be patient and see their side

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If they tantrum or get upset when you transition away from screen time to another activity, be patient and give them transition reminders like 5, 3, and 1-minute warnings.

Keep the screen(s) out in the open

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Keep the screens in a common area of the home like the living room. This way, you can keep an eye on what your child is watching.

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Set realistic, achievable goals

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Be kind to yourself—and to your child. If screen time has taken over life for a bit, take baby steps to reduce it.

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Dedicate a screen-free time each day

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Be clear with your family that there are certain times and places in the home where technology is off limits. Dinner is a good time to sit together and chat about the day.

7 Ways to Reduce Screen Time

‘Tis the season for staying cozy in front of the TV. If you’ve ever wondered if your child is spending too much time in front of screens, you’re not alone. Here are 7 expert-backed ways to help reduce screen time. Click on each flip card to reveal more.

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Get real with your own screen time

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When you’re spending time with your child, make an effort to put the phone, tablet or laptop down. Model the behavior you want to see.

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Get creative with different ideas

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Explore the option of screen-free audio boxes, STEAM toys and mind-building games like puzzles.

Audiology

Endocrinology

Ear, Nose & Throat

Nephrology

Occupational Therapy

Gastroenterology

Orthopedics

Physical Therapy

Speech-Language Pathology

Sports Medicine

Rheumatology

Adolescent Medicine

Connecticut Children’s pediatric audiology specialists evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in children of all ages. We perform in-depth testing to diagnose a range of hearing loss and vestibular disorders and to measure the severity of the condition. Using the latest tools and technologies, our goal is to help children have as much access to sound as possible and to communicate confidently and effectively. Schedule An Appointment with Audiology

Audiology

At Connecticut Children’s, our board-certified pediatric endocrinologists provide children and teens with world-class care for a broad range of endocrine diseases, metabolic abnormalities, and hormone conditions including: diabetes, obesity, and sexual development disorders. We offer many specialized programs to evaluate, diagnose, and treat children in a family-friendly environment. Our team is actively involved in a broad scope of research, from advancing new therapies for glycogen storage disease to leading the way in the research and treatment of rare bone diseases. Schedule An Appointment with Endocrinology

Endocrinology

At Connecticut Children’s, we treat both simple and complex ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in kids of all ages. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologists provide expertise across a range of specialties including aerodigestive conditions, swallowing disorders, hearing loss (including cochlear implants), sleep disorders, and Down’s syndrome. Schedule An Appointment with ENT

Ear, Nose, and Throat

From kidney stones to kidney transplants, our board-certified nephrologists at Connecticut Children’s work with social workers, child life specialists, and nutritionists to provide diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up kidney care to children of all ages. As leaders in pediatric nephrology services in the region, we provide special expertise in renal failure, complex urinary tract abnormalities, and dialysis and transplantation. Schedule An Appointment with Nephrology

Nephrology

From aquatic therapy and assistive technology to feeding issues and sports-related injuries, our occupational therapists provide personalized treatment plans that help children achieve increased independence. The team at Connecticut Children’s offers a range of therapeutic services to help children participate in normal activities, engage in play and sports, and return to their activities at both home and school. Schedule An Appointment with Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Whether it’s setting broken bones or treating congenital and neuromuscular conditions, our team of adolescent and pediatric orthopedic experts meet the specialized needs of children. We provide a wide range of orthopedic services using innovation, collaboration and research-driven decision-making to provide the best possible care for your child. We offer same-day appointments at our Westport and Danbury specialty care locations, Monday – Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. These appointments are reserved for recent injuries only. Schedule An Appointment with Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Our board-certified adolescent medicine physicians and nurse practitioners provide a broad range of care and servics to teen and young adult patients (ages 10 to 25) and their families. We collaborate with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for the specialized needs of adolescents. Schedule an appointment with Adolescent Medicine

Adolescent Medicine

We provide compassionate, evidence-based gastroenterology (GI) care for a broad range of pediatric digestive disorders, from the common to the complex. Our pediatric board-certified GI specialists work with highly skilled nurses, registered dietitians and other pediatric specialists to provide complete, coordinated care to children of all ages. Our active research programs put us at the forefront of new discoveries. Schedule an appointment with Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Connecticut Children’s physical therapy team provides comprehensive evaluation, consultation and diagnostic services to children of all ages. We focus on improving functional mobility and gross motor skills while providing pain management services, so children can succeed within their daily environment. We are experienced in caring for children with a wide range of conditions — from orthopedic and sports medicine injuries to chronic illnesses and disabilities. Schedule An Appointment with Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

At Connecticut Children’s, our pediatric speech-language pathologists specialize in assessing and treating children of all ages with a wide range of communication and swallowing conditions — from developmental, genetic and cognitive disorders to injuries and dysphagia. Our team of skilled clinicians works closely with developmental pediatricians and other specialists to provide comprehensive assessments for early detection and treatment. Schedule An Appointment with Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-Language Pathology

The Sports Medicine team at Connecticut Children’s specializes in treating a full range of sports-related conditions in children of all ages — from the youngest players to young adult athletes. We offer all the services athletes need, from onsite X-rays, to treatment of acute injuries and complex conditions. Our sports medicine experts were the first in Connecticut to perform the bridge-enhanced anterior cruciate ligament repair (BEAR) to repair anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. And with five convenient clinics across the state, we’re here when you need us. Schedule An Appointment with Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine

Our pediatric rheumatologists evaluate, diagnose and provide therapeutic services to children with a range of conditions affecting the joints and muscles. Depending on your child’s unique medical needs, our rheumatologists may consult with a variety of specialists from allergy and immunology, cancer and blood disorders, cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, nutrition, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, and pulmonary medicine. Schedule An Appointment with Rheumatology

Rheumatology

Your time counts, so we’ve made getting an appointment more convenient. We’re pleased to offer the option to book an appointment online in just a few clicks for the following 12 specialties. Learn more about each below. We look forward to seeing you soon in Westport or Danbury, should your child need our services. Click on the labels to expand.

12 Reasons Why We’re The Ones Parents Trust

INFORMATION FOR Patients & Families Community Members Researchers & Innovators Medical Professionals Pricing Transparency

HELPFUL LINKS Urgent Care Financial Services Blogs Newsroom Download Our Mobile App

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