700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Mike Patrick, MD

Posted by: Mike Patrick, MD on Jul 24, 2026

First published May 2015 Updated July 2026 Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know Few words strike fear into parents quite like “head lice”.

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Homemade Baby Food: Is It Worth the Effort?
Homemade baby food can save money and offer fresh variety—but it isn’t necessarily healthier than store-bought options. Learn when babies are ready for solids, how to safely prepare homemade foods, and current recommendations for introducing allergens and different feeding approaches.
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Enterovirus Infections in Children
First published September 2014 Updated June 2026 If your child comes down with a fever, runny nose, sore throat, rash, or upset stomach during the summer or fall, an enterovirus may be the cause.

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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

Homemade Baby Food: The Danger of Botulism

May 27, 2026

Botulism is a disease caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria produces a substance called botulinum toxin, which works at the cellular level, causing muscle paralysis. Read More

Homemade Baby Food: The Danger of Nitrates

Apr 16, 2026

Many parents want to make homemade baby food. And why not? But danger lurks in that good-looking meal, primarily in the form of nitrate contamination and botulism. Read More

young boy laying in bed

Why Is My Child Screaming at Night? Understanding Night Terrors

Apr 01, 2026

First published October 2013 Updated April 2026 Few things are more unsettling for parents than being awakened in the middle of the night by a child who is screaming, thrashing, or sitting upright in bed with wide eyes that seem to look right through you. Read More

Blog Functional Movement Disorder

Functional Movement Disorder in Teens: Understanding Sudden Involuntary Movements

Mar 20, 2026

Health care providers are seeing an interesting trend as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Functional movement disorder is on the rise in teenagers. The cause? Some experts say screen time habits may play a part, but more research is needed to determine the exact reason. Read More

Why Your Toddler is Biting and Hitting

Mar 11, 2026

First published November 2011 Updated March 2026 Biting and hitting are common problems during the toddler years, and whether your child is on the giving or receiving end, your goal is the same: to have the behavior stop. Read More

How to Choose an Urgent Care

Jan 27, 2026

Middle-of-the-night earache? Weekend sports injury? Not every illness or accident needs the ER—but not every urgent care is right for kids, either. Learn how to tell what’s an emergency, what can wait, and how to choose an urgent care center with true pediatric expertise, including options from Nationwide Children’s in Central Ohio. Read More

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When Kids Go Missing: What Parents Need to Know

Jan 14, 2026

Worried about how to explain stranger safety without causing anxiety? These expert-backed tips can help you guide the conversation with clarity, compassion and confidence. Read More

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Safe Charging of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Dec 15, 2025

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day, from smartphones to electric scooters. When handled incorrectly, these batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. Learn practical tips for safe charging, storage, and disposal to keep your family and home protected. Read More