In most cases, you will also get to meet the anesthesiologist before your child’s procedure (sometimes for a pre-op visit a few days before, and always in the pre-operative area). This is a good opportunity to discuss risks and what you can do to keep your child comfortable before, during and after the procedure.

Pick out a dedicated space for home school and organize it so your child has easy access to all the tools they need, along with reliable internet access and a clock. Ambiance and consistency are key. Let your child personalize it so they enjoy the space. Remove distractions. Plan a consistent routine for before and during the school day which allows for breaks and snacks.

The correct way to wear a mask is to cover your nose and mouth fully. It is not safe for children under 2 to wear a mask.

School decisions need to be made taking into account the local infection rates, adherence to public health guidelines such as masking and social distancing, and individual/family risk factors.

The literal translation of Raksha Bhandan in Sanskrit is “bond of protection” (Raksha: amulet of protection; Bhandan: verb, to tie).

Surgical masks or cloth masks with at least 3 layers are recommended by the World Health Organization.

COVID-19 is transmitted primarily by aerosols, or small droplets, that are ejected when speaking, singing, coughing and sneezing. People with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic and unaware that they are contagious. Wearing a mask protects those around you because it prevents those aerosols from being distributed in the air.

The return-to-school decision must be based on multiple factors, including local infection rates, testing capacity and turn-around, individual/family risk factors and student needs. It also needs to be reassessed frequently.

Whether schools should be offering in-person schooling is a separate question from whether any particular family should choose to return to school this fall.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solids when infants are developmentally ready, usually between 4 and 6 months of age. Signs of readiness include good head control, losing the tongue thrust reflex, and showing interest in the solid food! 

Learning to ride a bike is an important milestone and staying active is obviously something pediatricians encourage. But a recent study from the University of Michigan found that nearly 1 in 5 parents admit to not enforcing helmet-wearing when their children are on their bikes.