Baby Center Medical Reference

Home care is often enough to treat a baby’s RSV infection, but serious cases may need IV fluids, oxygen, and other care at a hospital. Find out more.

Does your infant have a cold or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? Learn about the differences.

Basic preventive care at home may be enough to keep your baby healthy. But if your child has a higher risk of complications, consider RSV medications.

Most children get RSV before they turn 2 years old. Find out what you need to know about this common condition that can cause some babies to get very sick.

How can you tell if your infant has a food intolerance or a food allergy? Learn the difference, how doctors diagnose them, and more.

Learn more from WebMD about avoiding food allergies when starting your infant on solids, plus the top 8 allergenic foods.

When your baby has a milk intolerance or allergy, what are your formula options? Learn about hypoallergenic choices for feeding.

Postpartum ice packs are a common way to relieve pain after childbirth. Learn the different causes of postpartum pain, how to manage the pain, and how to use a postpartum ice pack.

Find out what you need to know about lactation cookies, and discover whether they really work, their health benefits, and how to make them yourself.

Postpartum numbing spray is used to offer pain relief to the vaginal area following labor and delivery. Learn more about how to use postpartum numbing spray and its effectiveness.

Find out what you need to know about baby bouncer seats and discover their benefits and safety and how to use them.

Baby slings are a great way to keep your hands free and your baby close, but they have risks if used improperly. Learn about the types of baby slings and how to keep your baby safe while using one.

Baby loungers are a popular piece of baby gear. Here’s what you need to know to keep your baby safe when using one.

Learn about kids' sunglasses, including whether they are effective and necessary.

Getting tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding can pose serious risks. Find out everything you need to know about these risks.

Pacifiers should be cleaned regularly to prevent germs from spreading. Learn how to clean your baby's pacifier with pacifier wipes and more.

Learn about the way your baby experiences breast milk. Discover how breast milk tastes.

Find out what you need to know about your postpartum checkup, including what to expect and more.

Find out what you need to know about the different types of infant formula and how to choose the right one.

A nursing supplementer is a tool to help parents breastfeed their babies. Here’s how it works.

Dream feeding involves feeding your baby while they're asleep or half awake. Learn more about the pros and cons of dream feeding and when you should do it.

If you’re a new parent looking for the perfect diaper for your little one, read our guide to find out about various types of diapers!

If you’re a new parent who is considering investing in a rocker or glider for your nursery, read our guide to see how to find the best fit!

Are you a new parent? Consider investing in a diaper pail to help with your baby’s dirty diapers!

Do teething toys for babies ease the pain? Find out everything about teething toys and some safe teething toys to make the right decision for your baby.

Find out everything you need to know about the vitamin K shot for newborns and learn how it can prevent catastrophic bleeding.

Find out what to know about neonatal hypoglycemia and discover the risks and side effects for a newborn with hypoglycemia.

Find out what you need to know about probiotics in baby formulas and discover the pros, cons, risks, and benefits.

Learn more about why the 6-week postpartum checkup is such an important appointment to attend even if you’re doing well after having your baby.

Learn about persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, including what causes it, treatment options, and more.

What to know about nursing pillows. Learn about how it can help you take care of your and your baby's health when laying down together.

Find out what you need to know about conjunctivitis in newborns and discover how it may affect their health.

Preparing a nursery? Choosing a crib mattress doesn't have to be complicated. Learn what you need to know to buy a safe mattress for your baby.

Find out what to do if your baby falls off the bed, and discover the signs of a serious fall injury and how it may affect health.

Learn about baby changing tables. Discover the different kinds of changing stations and how to use them safely.

Learn about screening tests given to newborns and their benefits.

Learn what a NICU nurse practitioner does to help your baby.

Learn what a lactation consultant is, how they can help you with breastfeeding and lactation, and sources to find lactation support.

Learn about factors to consider when looking for a safe high chair.

Find out why homemade baby formula poses dangerous health risks for infants.

Find out what you need to know about neonatal abstinence syndrome, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment.

A drool rash is common in babies and simple to treat. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for this condition.

A bassinet is your newborn baby’s first shelter. Learn about choosing one for your baby, how to use it safely, and the alternatives.

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is when a baby has rapid breathing soon after birth. Learn about the treatment and causes of rapid breathing.

Find out how to take your baby’s pulse. Learn about the normal pulse rate, and what your baby’s pulse can tell you about their health.

What are the benefits of giving probiotics to infants? Find out about safe probiotics for infants and infant probiotic side effects.

Find out what you need to know about using humidifiers and vaporizers safely for your baby.

Find out what you need to know about nipple confusion. Learn more about the condition, its symptoms, and how to fix it.

What causes Mongolian blue spots? Learn about these pigmented birthmarks and the most common ethnic groups who get them.