700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Mike Patrick, MD

Posted by: Mike Patrick, MD on Sep 01, 2026

Red, watery or crusty eyes can have several causes—and not every case of pink eye needs antibiotics. Learn how to recognize common types of conjunctivitis, ease your child’s symptoms, prevent spreading infection, and know when eye symptoms need medical attention.

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Mother and her little sons hiking. They are taking a break and sitting on the old stairs. Examining map.
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Step Outside — Your Next Adventure Awaits!

You don’t need expensive gear or a weekend getaway to have an adventure. Explore simple outdoor activities that encourage movement, spark curiosity, and help families connect, right outside your front door.

Brown bottles on table with flowers.
Blog

Are Essential Oils Safe for Kids?
Essential oils may smell soothing, but “natural” doesn’t always mean safe—especially for kids. Learn what research says about aromatherapy, the risks of essential oils for children, and how to use these highly concentrated products more safely.

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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

Child playing with slime

The Joys and Dangers of Slime

Aug 10, 2026

At home, daycare and camp, kids (and adults) are clamoring to create and play with slime. Of course, slime is not new. Read More

young girl coughing into her arm

All About Croup

Aug 05, 2026

What causes croup? What other symptoms are present? How do we treat croup, and can it be prevented? Let’s take a closer look. Read More

Young girl having hair combed through for lice check.

Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know

Jul 24, 2026

Head lice are common, frustrating, and completely treatable. Learn how to recognize an active infestation, choose the right treatment, clean your home without overdoing it, and know when it's time to contact your child's healthcare provider. Read More

3 jars of baby food on a blue table

Homemade Baby Food: Is It Worth the Effort?

Jun 29, 2026

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. Read More

Adult with oxygen mask placed on their face

Enterovirus Infections in Children

Jun 19, 2026

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. Read More

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