Question 1

I gave my baby a bite of honey by mistake. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Don't blame yourself; infant botulism is rare. Watch for constipation, weak sucking, a weak cry or poor head control in the following days and call your pediatrician right away if you notice any of these. If your baby has trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911.

Question 2

My daughter is 2 and drinks 4 cups of milk a day. Is that too much?

Accepted Answer

It is more than recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests 2-3 cups a day from age 2, and the CDC notes that too much milk can leave a child less hungry for other nutritious foods. Offer milk with meals and water in between.

Question 3

My 9-month-old keeps grabbing my water glass. Can I let him drink?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From about 6 months, small sips of plain water from an open or straw cup are fine, up to 4-8 ounces a day. At this age the goal is practicing with a cup, not replacing breast milk or formula.

Question 4

When does separation anxiety go away?

Accepted Answer

For most children it eases after age 2 and is rare on a daily basis after the preschool years. It can return for a while during illness, a move or a new sibling. If it still disrupts daily life after age 6, talk to your pediatrician.

Question 5

My child doesn’t cry when my partner drops them off, only with me. Why?

Accepted Answer

Children often show their biggest feelings to the person they trust most. If both parents use the same goodbye routine, your child knows what to expect and adapts faster. For a while, the parent with the easier goodbye can do drop-off while you do pick-up.

Question 6

I feel guilty and heartbroken when my child cries. Is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Completely normal, and your child’s tears are a sign of a strong bond, not a sign you are doing something wrong. Try not to bring your worry into the goodbye; a calm voice and a quick farewell help you both. Talking about your feelings with a partner or friend can help as well.

Question 7

My 3-year-old cries at daycare drop-off every morning. How long until it stops?

Accepted Answer

Many children settle within a few weeks and start playing a few minutes after you leave. Keep the same short goodbye every day and tell your child who will pick them up and when. Asking the teacher how things went after you left can reassure you too.

Question 8

My 10-month-old cries even when I go to the kitchen. Is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is very common at this age. Your baby knows you exist but cannot yet predict when you will come back. Talking from the next room and returning quickly helps your baby learn that you leave and then return.

Question 9

How do I tell moderate from vigorous activity?

Accepted Answer

During moderate activity your child breathes faster but can still hold a conversation. During vigorous activity finishing a sentence becomes hard. Brisk walking is moderate; running and jumping rope are vigorous.

Question 10

How much activity does a baby need?

Accepted Answer

For babies under one, minutes are not the measure. Several short periods of floor-based play a day are recommended, including at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread across waking hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions(84 questions)