Welcome to Healthy Children: a podcast for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Each episode features interviews with leading experts on topics that will help you on your parenting journey, like social media and mental health, nutrition from infancy through adolescence, treating common illnesses, and sleep strategies for kids of all ages. Learn about the most important innovations in pediatrics and parenting from the people behind them. So whether you're looking for general information related to your child’s health or for more specific guidance on parenting issues, you've come to the right place! Get the inside scoop from pediatricians about how to help children and teens thrive.
AAP-American Academy of Pediatrics, with Pediatrician Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanc
Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to discuss the latest skincare craze among tweens and teens. She provides tips for safe skincare routines, products that should be avoided, choosing the right sunscreen, and common allergens in popular skincare products. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Krupa Playforth joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to discuss baby-led feeding. She provides tips for when to introduce solids, how to safely offer peanut butter and other common food allergens, what to do if your baby is a picky eater, and how to prevent choking. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Ari Brown joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to discuss the growing measles outbreaks in the United States. She provides tips for telling fact from fiction online, explains how measles impacts the immune system, and debunks a prominent myth about the link between the MMR vaccine and autism. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Michael Pistiner joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to discuss peanut allergies and the link between eczema and allergies. He shares tips about introducing new foods to infants and what to do if your child has a family history of peanut allergies.
Dr. Katie Giordano, a pediatric emergency physician, joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to explore what to do when your child gets injured. They discuss treating cuts and scrapes, head injuries after a fall, what to do if a tooth gets knocked out, assembling a first aid kit and what to look for when choosing a CPR class. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Ken Ginsburg joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to explore lighthouse parenting. They discuss building resilience, coping with failure, equipping children with the skills to become successful adults, and the importance of taking a balanced approach to parenting. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Natalie Kissoon joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to discuss shaken baby syndrome and other forms of abusive head trauma—the effects it can have, how challenging it is to care for a crying baby, getting support and how to choose a caregiver for your child. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Tracy McCallin, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor, joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to discuss essential water safety tips for parents. Learn steps you can take to prevent drowning, the riskiest water environments for children of different ages, and how to choose the best swim class for your child. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, joins host Dr. Bracho-Sanchez to talk about the return of measles outbreaks to the United States. He debunks popular myths about measles treatments, discusses the importance of the MMR vaccine and provides tips for concerned parents. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Jennifer Shu joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special “Ask the Pediatrician” episode. They answer questions submitted by listeners on topics including the immunization schedule, easing separation anxiety, the safety of swaddling, when to worry about a baby vomiting, how to store expressed breast milk, and when to schedule your baby's first dental appointment. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast
Dr. David J. Schonfeld joins host Dr. Edith Brancho-Sanchez to talk about strategies for helping children prepare for natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes and other catastrophic events. He discusses his family's evacuation from the Eaton Fire in California and suggests age-appropriate ways to talk to children facing a natural disaster. In the aftermath, children may experience grief but can also develop “post-traumatic growth.” For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Jeff Hutchinson joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about what to do when your family is stuck inside. He suggests activities for kids of all ages to beat cabin fever but also says parents should cut themselves some slack. Not every moment needs to be productive, he reminds us, so be open to moments of low-key connection, creativity, relaxation and memories made in the “in between.”
Dr. Sylvia Yoo joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about myopia or nearsightedness. They discuss why it is becoming more common, discuss screening tools your pediatrician uses, referrals to ophthalmologists and different kinds of glasses kids can wear. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dr. Christina Master joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about concussions. They look at what causes them, how pediatricians diagnose them, and what the latest science tells us kids need to do to recover. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Teresa Wright, MD, FAAD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about eczema or atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy rashes. They look at causes, treatments, tips to prevent flare-ups and whether the condition will improve as children get older.
Ari Brown, MD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about potty training. They look at timing, strategies and reasons for successes and setbacks. Hear why early potty training has nothing to do with how smart a child is and how there is no such thing as “failure.” For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
David Hill, MD, FAAP, cohost of the Pediatrics On Call podcast, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about New Year's resolutions. How can you guide your kids toward setting goals that are achievable while also improving their health and well-being? And what are some ways to approach healthy habits you can tackle as a family? Whether the goals are getting more sleep, exercise, trying more healthy foods or something else, hear tips to help kids commit to and reach them. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special episode celebrating 15 years of HealthyChildren.org. They talk about this pediatrician-produced website, it's thousands of articles, interactive parenting tools and other resources for anyone caring for infants, children, teens and young adults. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special “Ask the Pediatrician” episode. They answer questions submitted by listeners on topics that include preventing RSV, traveling with an infant, styles of crawling, preventing hitting, holiday treats overload and heating plastics. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Nicholas Chadi MD, MPH, FRCPC, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about the misuse of prescription medications. Some of the most commonly misused medications are those prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pain relief, anxiety or sleep problems. When kids share or use them in ways other than prescribed, it can be dangerous. Learn ways to help prevent medication misuse and keep your child safe.
Anna Esparham, MD, FAAP, DABMA, DABOIM, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about sleep. She explains how much sleep kids need from infancy through the teenage years. They discuss how to help kids fall and stay asleep, “wake windows,” ideal bedtimes, melatonin and more. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Trish Hutchison, MD, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez debunk myths about puberty. They talk about helping kids avoid stigma, teaching hygiene tips for acne and body odor, using correct names for body parts and explaining the biological wonders of menstruation. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Susanna Jain, MD, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about suspension and expulsion from school. The number of children being removed from classrooms is on the rise, and it's affecting not only their learning but also their long-term health. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about the value of reading aloud to children. Even infants can benefit from the relationship building that happens when a caregiver holds them and points at pictures, using funny voices to tell stories. These brief interactions support healthy mental development and learning skills as children get older. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Scott Hadland, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about using opioids responsibly. Ask your pediatrician about low-dose, short courses in combination with other therapies. Untreated pain in kids can have lasting effects—physically and mentally. The risk of addiction or overdose is low when the right precautions are taken. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Andrea Pappalardo, MD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about managing allergies and asthma outside the home. They focus on school policies, best practices for sports and other activities, and teaching children to advocate for themselves. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special “Ask the Pediatrician” episode. They answer questions submitted by listeners on topics ranging from eczema causes and treatments, anxiety around school, nutrition and healthy beverages for athletes, and how to turn perfectionism into a tool for helping others. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Scott Hadland, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about drugs and alcohol. They go over ways to counsel teens from a place of caring and concern rather than judgment, and they offer strategies for deterring substance use in teens. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Maneesha Agarwal, MD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about helmet use during sports and recreation. She offers strategies for choosing the appropriate helmet type, making sure it fits and persuading older tweens and teens to wear it. She also explains why advocacy is needed to make helmets more equitable. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about helping children grow into resilient adolescents and young adults. They debunk the myths about teens being rebellious, risky and self-centered. Instead they focus on the positives: rapid brain growth, idealism and a real desire for approval from their parents. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Joanna Parga-Belinkie, MD, IBCLC, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about the safety of products we bring home to make parenting easier. From inclined sleepers to unnecessary bedding to magnets to marbles, potentially dangerous goods flood the feeds of parents just trying to raise healthy children. Find out ways you can protect your family. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Melissa Stockwell, MD, MPH, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a look ahead to the fall respiratory virus season. They talk about flu and COVID and why it's important to get updated vaccines to help your child's immune system be ready for what's coming. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Jennifer Thomas, MD, MPH, IBCLC, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about ankyloglossia or tongue-tie and how it affects the breastfeeding journey. The pediatricians also offer tips to help new parents manage the emotions around newborn feeding. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Chris Renjilian MD, MBE, FAAP, CAQSM, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about the benefits of sports when it comes to mental health and development. They focus on learning, growth and making sure kids' efforts spark joy. (For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.)
In this episode Jennifer Thomas, MD, MPH, IBCLC, FAAP, describes a new clinical report about diagnosing and treating ankyloglossia or tongue-tie. Hosts David Hill, MD, FAAP, and Joanna Parga-Belinkie, MD, FAAP, also speak with Elizabeth Murray, DO, MBA, FAAP, about what to expect at the 2024 National Conference and Exhibition from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1. For resources go to aap.org/podcast.
In this episode Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez talks with Nathan T. Chomilo, MD, FAAP, about no parent's favorite topic: poop. They answer all the questions you might have about frequency, consistency, color and when to worry about constipation. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
In this episode Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez talks with Brian K. Reilly, MD, FACS, FAAP, a pediatric otolaryngolist or Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. They look at the prevalence of noise in our children's lives – from white noise machines, from fireworks, from headphones, and even from traffic and lawnmowers outside our windows. Dr. Reilly offers ways to limit the cumulative damage from exposure. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
In this episode Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez talks with Dr. Natalie Muth, a pediatrician and registered dietician. They look at which parenting style leads to the heathiest eating habits, but they also acknowledge that it's difficult to get it right every single day. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
In this episode Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez talks with Dr. Terese Wright about the dangers of sun exposure. The two pediatricians go over the different types of sunscreens, what SPF really means, how to persuade teens to protect their skin, and why all skin tones are susceptible to sunburn and damage. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
In this episode Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez talks with Dr. Kevin Osterhoudt about the dangers of lead and how to prevent exposure. The two pediatricians discuss places lead might hide in the home and in the products we buy. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
In this episode Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez interviews Dr. Rachel Moon, who wrote the AAP recommendations for safe sleep but also knows how difficult those recommendations can be. The two pediatricians (and moms) also discuss when and how to start sleep training. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
In this episode Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez talks with Dr. Megan Moreno, co-medical director of the AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. The two pediatricians (and moms) discuss strategies for treating social media as a tool rather something to be avoided. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
The most trusted voice in children's health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, is bringing its expert guidance straight to the ears of parents and other caregivers. Host Edith Bracho-Sanchez, MD, FAAP, will interview experts on topics like social media and mental health, nutrition from infancy through adolescence, treating common illnesses, and sleep strategies for kids of all ages. For more information, go to healthychildren.org/podcast.