700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posted by: Jennifer Kosla, PCPNP, DNP on Aug 01, 2025

Bug bites are not just annoying—they can be harmful too. Some bugs carry germs that can make people sick. Using insect repellent helps keep bugs away, so your child can play safely.

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs and Alcohol

It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed, as early as age 9.

A smiling baby lies on their stomach facing the mother, as they engage in joyful eye contact and interaction. The baby wears a striped outfit and the woman leans close with a loving expression, highlighting a moment of bonding and early communication.
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Baby Talk vs Parentese: How to Talk with Your Baby

Your baby is already learning to talk just by listening to you! Discover the difference between baby talk and parentese, and get expert tips for building your baby's language skills through everyday moments, songs, gestures, and fun interactions.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

Poison Center

Poison Center: The Number Your Smartphone's Personal Assistant Needs to Know

Jul 30, 2025

Poison Centers all over the country have specially-trained nurses or pharmacists at the ready to take your call, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. But, would you know the phone number of your local Poison Center in the event of an emergency? Read More

Teenager with Addiction

Is Your Child Using Drugs or Alcohol?

Jul 30, 2025

How can parents help their children make healthy decisions in their lives? Family discussions about the negative consequences of alcohol and other drug use should occur early in childhood. Read More

image of a teen girl standing and a boy sitting in a wheelchair next to a school bus

Back to School: How to Prepare for a Healthy Year of Learning

Jul 29, 2025

Back-to-school season is here! Help your child start the year strong with simple, practical tips for healthy sleep, eating, emotional well-being, and hygiene. A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth and successful transition. Read More

A provider is holding a young patient's hand, while his father holds him. There is a sign for flu shots in the background.

Sickle Cell Treatment: What Does It Mean for Patients?

Jul 28, 2025

Something exciting happened in December 2023, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a gene therapy for the treatment of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older who require regular red blood cell transfusions. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of a handful of facilities in the United States that is certified to have the advanced facilities and specially trained staff which are needed for the administration of the therapy. Read More

What Is a PED?

Jul 25, 2025

PED is defined as any substance taken in non-pharmacologic doses specifically for purposes of improving sports performance. The more common ones that you hear of are anabolic steroids, testosterone, Human growth hormone, creatine, and ephedrine. Read More

Bicycle Riders

Fitting a Person to a Bicycle: Keeping Kids Safe on Two Wheels

Jul 24, 2025

Considering your child’s skill level, as well as their size when buying or fitting their bike will make cycling less scary and make riding more enjoyable. Read More

Child smiling at the dentist's office, while the dentist holds tools for cleaning teeth to the child's face

Silver Diamine Fluoride: Is It Right for Your Child?

Jul 23, 2025

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a liquid that dental providers paint on the teeth to stop the growth of cavities. It can also be used to reduce sensitivity of the teeth. Your dentist may recommend SDF as one part of an overall dental plan. Read More

Household items

Building Fine Motor and Play Skills with Household Materials

Jul 22, 2025

No need to buy new toys, your home is full of fun! Discover how to transform everyday items like containers, paper rolls, and tissue boxes into creative, hands-on activities that build fine motor skills, imagination, and more. Read More