It’s natural to worry when your baby doesn’t feel good, and most pediatricians encourage parents to call any time they’re unsure. But before you pick up the phone, take a few minutes to prepare so you can give the doctor the information he or she will need in order to give you proper medical advice.
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First, the good news: the number of Americans who smoke cigarettes has been declining for the past 25 years, with about one in five now saying they smoke¹. The bad news? Exposure to secondhand smoke can pose serious health risks to children, especially those under age two. If you or someone in your household smokes, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you quit. Babies who breathe secondhand smoke have higher risks of ear infections, upper respiratory infections, tooth decay and sudden baby death syndrome (SIDS)².

¹“U.S. Smoking Rate Still Coming Down,” by Lydia Saad, http://www.gallup.com/poll/109048/us-smoking-rate-still-coming-down.aspx, July 24, 2008.
² Parenting Corner Q&A: Secondhand Smoke, http://www.aap.org/publiced/ BR_SecondhandSmoke.htm, published online February 2007.

Toddlers love to imitate grown-ups¹, so old cell phones and toy versions are often big hits with little ones. But how soon should you give your child a real cell phone? An American Academy of Pediatrics expert says 11-12 years is the earliest. Kids who are busy talking, texting and playing games or music on their cell phones may spend less time interacting with other kids and family. Research says they also pay less attention to traffic and physical surroundings that could put them in danger.²

¹“Great Gifts for Two Year Olds,” http://www.babycenter.com/0_gifts-for-2-year-olds_5385.bc
² “Cell Phones Can Be Dangerously Distracting,” http://aapnews.aappublications.org /cgi/content/full/30/5/33-e