700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Child Development

Posted by: Erin McTiernan, PsyD on Apr 17, 2026

Social media has fueled a growing trend known as looksmaxxing, which encourages individuals – especially boys and young men – to “optimize” their appearance.

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Mother breastfeeding her baby.
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Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding: Working Through the Challenges

Breast/chestfeeding offers powerful benefits for babies and parents—but the early weeks can come with real challenges. Learn what’s normal, when to get help for issues like latch pain or delayed milk, how often babies should feed, and why combination feeding can still provide meaningful benefits.

mom holding crying baby
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Why Growth Matters: Understanding Malnutrition and Growth Faltering
If your child isn’t gaining weight or growing as expected, it can be stressful and confusing. Learn the difference between malnutrition and growth faltering, what can cause slow growth, and how your child’s care team evaluates and supports healthy growth over time.

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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

Mother reading a book to her child on a bed

Reading and Relational Health: Investing in Your Child's Emotional World

Jul 18, 2025

When we read with children, we aren’t just teaching words—we’re offering connection, stability, and the kind of presence that helps them grow with confidence and trust. Read More

Woman playing guitar on the floor to children.

Music Therapy: Sounds of Love in Early Childhood

Jun 27, 2025

Singing to your baby can actually help development. Growing evidence shows that babies whose parents sing, read, or play with them to music have a greater chance of reaching developmental milestones on time. Read More

A smiling adult encourages a young girl learning to ride a bicycle in a park. The girl, wearing a helmet and a plaid dress, looks back at the adult with a joyful expression as they share a moment of support and connection.

Exercise as Medicine: What's Your Child's Dose?

Jun 26, 2025

What if a daily dose of movement could help your child fight anxiety, improve sleep, and prevent chronic disease? Good news: it can! Discover how to treat exercise like medicine, with simple steps to build a personalized fitness “prescription” for your family. Read More

Young girl hugging stuffed bear.

Imaginary Friends: Should You Worry?

Jun 04, 2025

Typically, imaginary friends appear in preschool and early childhood and most times come and go without concern. Here are a few guiding principles in embracing this fun expression of your child’s imagination. Read More

young boy with tears

Toxic Stress: How the Body's Response Can Harm a Child's Development

Jun 02, 2025

Toxic stress that children suffer not only shapes their emotional lives as adults, but also affects their physical health and longevity. Read More

Young man with an orange in his mouth smiling with his dad

Breakfast on the Brain: Why It Matters

May 27, 2025

As a parent, prioritizing breakfast in your household can help set your child up for success. Read More

Child with Separation Anxiety hugging parent.

Separation Anxiety: How to Ease Your Child's Mind

May 21, 2025

It’s important to understand the difference between anxiety that’s part of normal development and anxiety that’s excessive, so you can seek support for your child when needed to help ease these symptoms. Read More

child sitting in the fetal position with his head to his knees

When to Use Time-Out with Your Child

May 07, 2025

It is important to understand the purpose of Time-Out, to practice the strategy effectively. Read More