Healthy Kids Zone

When your baby feels warm, it does not always mean they have a fever. A baby's age and how you take their temperature matter more than you think. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why certain thermometers are more reliable than others, when to use rectal vs temporal scans, and how to interpret different readings depending on your child's age.

Newborns cannot blow their noses, and they are not great at breathing through their mouths either—so even a little mucus can sound dramatic. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares what is normal when it comes to newborn sneezing and snorting, how to use saline and suction safely, and when to check in with your pediatrician.

Potty training is a milestone that can feel overwhelming—but when done patiently and positively, it becomes a manageable and rewarding phase. With support and consistency, most kids transition out of daytime diapers by the time they start school. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, offers clear, evidence-based strategies parents can use to guide their child toward bathroom independence.

Bedwetting affects millions of children and is more common—and more misunderstood—than most parents realize. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks the silence around nighttime accidents and explores why they happen and what you can do to help your child. Learn when to wait, when to see your pediatrician, and when it might be time to consider medical treatment—all while helping your child feel safe, empowered, and understood.

Newborn jaundice is common, but not all cases are created equal. Learn why your baby's skin and eyes might be turning yellow, what it means for their health, and how you can help at home. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down the types of jaundice, when to act, and what treatment looks like—so you are not left guessing in those first fragile days.

Ear infections are common in childhood—but when they keep coming back, they can affect sleep, hearing, and quality of life. While some factors are beyond your control, pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares practical tips to help reduce your child's risk of frequent ear infections. From bottle feeding technique to vaccine protection, learn what works, what to watch for, and when it is time to see a specialist about your child's ear infection.

Wondering about your newborn's pooping habits? Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD, demystifies what is normal—from frequent poops to the occasional blowout. Learn when to relax and when to worry about your baby's digestive health. Discover the signs that indicate normal processes and those that might require a visit to the emergency room.

Bedtime battles are common, but a consistent sleep routine can make a world of difference. From infants to teenagers, children thrive on structure, and getting enough rest is key to their focus, mood, and academic success. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about why sleep schedules matter, how to handle common bedtime struggles, and when to seek medical advice for your child's sleep issues.

Is your infant vomiting or spitting up? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down the sometimes-confusing differences with practical advice and explains the mechanics behind each response. She also outlines clear signs of when spitting up might be symptomatic of something more serious like pathologic reflux or anatomical issues, guiding parents on how to respond effectively.

Hand washing is one of the best ways to keep kids healthy, but getting them to do it—and do it right—can be a challenge. But with the right tricks, you can turn this daily task into something your child enjoys. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares creative ways to make hand washing fun, help kids kill the germs they cannot see, and build healthy habits that stick.

Newborns often do not have the perfect skin we expect. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains some of the common skin conditions that newborns face, including seborrhea—often referred to as cradle cap—and newborn acne. Both conditions are usually temporary and part of normal development. Learn what causes these conditions and why frequent bathing is not recommended for newborns.

Parents often ask about blood tests during routine pediatric visits, but pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, clarifies that healthy children rarely need them. She shares some of the criteria for screenings in young patients and how insurance factors into decision-making. Learn more about the focused approach pediatricians take to evaluate your child's health and why it may be different than adult screenings.

New parents often wait for their baby to cry before feeding, but earlier signs can be spotted. Cindy Gellner, MD, pediatrician at University of Utah Health, discusses common signs of hunger in your baby, including rooting, hand sucking, and lip movements. Understanding these signals can help you more effectively address your baby's needs and enhance feeding times.

Learn about the nurturing impact of skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, with insights from pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD. This gentle practice helps stabilize a baby's vital signs and fosters deeper bonds between parent and child. Find out more about potential benefits, from enhancing premature babies' weight gain to improving sleep patterns and emotional connectivity.

Is your child often irritable or prone to temper outbursts? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, clarifies the distinctions between bipolar disorder and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis in childhood mood disorders. Learn about the characteristics of DMDD, how it differs from other mood disorders, and the therapeutic approaches that can significantly improve outcomes for affected children.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is highly contagious and can be quite dangerous to infants and newborns. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, discusses how early immunization can keep your kids safe, along with the signs of whooping cough, when to seek timely treatment, and why it is crucial to stay up to date with vaccinations.

Seasonal changes can profoundly affect children's mental health, especially in winter as days become shorter and it gets too cold to play outside. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains how seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can impact children, causing significant changes in their mood and behavior. Learn the biological underpinnings of SAD, its effects on serotonin and melatonin levels, and various treatment strategies from natural light exposure to clinical interventions.

Traveling by airplane with children can be a daunting task. But with the right preparation, it does not have to be stressful. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares essential tips for making air travel with your little ones just a little bit easier. From choosing between lap seating and purchasing an extra seat to navigating airport layovers and handling in-flight needs, get expert advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for the whole family.

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) can be alarming for new parents—but does your child's tongue actually need to be clipped? Cindy Gellner, MD, addresses the myths and facts about a frenotomy, from the diagnosis of tongue-tie to the actual procedure. Learn how to assess if your baby really needs treatment and the factors that should influence your decision.

Is your child's screen time causing more tantrums? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, reveals how excessive digital exposure can lead to emotional challenges in kids. Discover strategies to mitigate anger issues and promote healthier emotional development without resorting to tablets and smartphones.

Teens are spending more time on social media than ever before, and it is taking a toll on their mental and physical health. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, addresses the urgent concerns surrounding excessive social media use among teenagers, the rising rates of depression, self-harm, and obesity linked to screen time, and how parents can step in to make a difference.

Children do not learn very well or get much out of school when they are sick. It is in your child's and their classmates' best interest to keep them home from school when they are not feeling well. But what body temperature is a stay-home-from-school temperature? What if your child only has a mild cough? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about how to know when to keep your child home from school, and when it is safe for them to return to school after recovering from an illness.

Most teenagers do not get enough sleep as it is, and starting school before 8 a.m. can hurt their natural sleep cycles. Research shows they do better in school if they have later start times. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about why this is and how you can get involved to delay the start time of your teenager's school day so she can be more alert in class.

What if your child's back pain is not about posture, but something more? Scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways, often appears during a child's growth spurt and affects more kids than you might think. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, goes over the signs to watch for, and the steps to take if scoliosis is detected. Learn how to spot early symptoms, understand potential causes, and explore the range of treatment options available to help your child maintain a healthy spine.

One of the most important parts of school registration is getting your child up-to-date on vaccinations. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, walks us through the required vaccinations and the ages they should be given. She gives details about vaccine exemptions and the best way to keep track of the boosters your child receives through the years.

Marijuana use among teens is often viewed as a low-risk behavior, but pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, introduces us to the potential risks associated with its frequent use. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a serious condition characterized by persistent vomiting and severe dehydration, is on the rise among young marijuana users. Learn about the triggers, symptoms, and long-term effects of CHS, and why stopping marijuana use is crucial for recovery.

Bronchiolitis, primarily caused by RSV, is a serious respiratory condition in infants that can lead to severe mucus build-up and breathing difficulties. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD explains how bronchiolitis starts, its peak crisis period, and effective home remedies like humidity therapy and nasal suctioning. Learn when hospital care is necessary and how to prevent virus spread among young children.

Does your child have strep throat, or is it just a common cold? It's challenging but important for parents to understand the differences in throat infections in kids. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down how to identify strep throat in children, discussing everything from palatal petechiae to the implications of scarlet fever. Learn why accurate diagnosis through strep testing is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of further issues.

Learn how to handle mosquito bites effectively to ensure your child's comfort during the summer season. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, discusses typical reactions to mosquito bites and rare allergies like Skeeter syndrome while providing a comprehensive guide to at-home treatments and preventive measures to protect your little ones from pesky mosquito bites.

Asthma can be a daunting diagnosis for parents, but it can be managed effectively with the right knowledge and tools. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, discusses how asthma affects the airways and makes it difficult to breathe while outlining the medications used to treat and manage the condition. Learn how to recognize asthma symptoms, the importance of treatment adherence, and strategies to prevent exacerbations.

Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often prescribed stimulant medications to help manage the condition. But parents may worry about how these medications might change or impact their kid's health. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, says stimulant medications for ADHD actually claim the highest positive response rate for any mental health diagnosis. Learn what research has shown about how these medications work, why they work, as well as some common side effects and risks for children.

Diagnoses of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) among teenagers is on the rise. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the symptoms of POTS, how it differs from other conditions like anxiety or dehydration, and the role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating blood pressure and heart rate. Learn about the diagnostic process involving neurologists and the supportive treatments available.

Learning that your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a lot to take in. You will want answers to questions including: “What causes ADHD?” “What can I do to help control the disorder?” and “Why my child?” The piles of information can be overwhelming. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about how to process all the information and what you and your family can do to provide the support your child needs to be successful with ADHD.

Asthma causes shortness of breath, wheezing, or repeated coughing episodes, and it is commonly diagnosed at a young age. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, discusses the signs and symptoms of asthma in children and what can trigger an asthma attack. Dr. Gellner also addresses the popular questions of whether asthma is related to allergies and if it can be cured.

In the battle against your child's acne, parents often wonder about the efficacy of treatments. Does washing the face help prevent acne? Will popping pimples make them go away faster? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, addresses five realities and misconceptions surrounding treating childhood and teenage acne.

Many parents have heard traditional beliefs or old wives' tales surrounding raising children, but are any of them true? Will wearing shoes accelerate a toddler's ability to walk? Does teething make your child sick? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about the veracity of these toddler tales, providing clarity on what holds true, and what remains a myth in the realm of child development.

Noses can be pretty gross snot factories, creating mucus of all colors and consistencies. When should you be concerned? What if it's green? What if it's red? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, takes a look at four old wives' tales about children's snot.

Is your child's teething causing their ear infections? Will they catch a cold if you let them go outside with wet hair? What about if you leave a window open while they're sleeping? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, set the record straight on three of the more common old wives' tales about colds and ear infections.

Marijuana use may not be quite as risk-free as previously believed—especially for teens. Cindy Gellner, MD, explains recent research into the rise in teen marijuana use. Learn more about its association with serious health issues like temporary psychosis and the increased risk of developing disorders like schizophrenia and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.

Winter air inversion affects kids differently than adults, especially kids with breathing problems such as asthma. On a day with heavy inversion, is it safe for your child to play outside? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, defines what inversions are and why children are more at risk during periods of bad air quality. Dr. Gellner also discusses how to decide whether the air quality is good enough for your child to be out during recess at school and what to do if it's not.

Is regular exercise the key to managing ADHD, anxiety, and depression in children? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, examines recent evidence that shows how increased physical activity can significantly improve mental health conditions in kids. Also, learn practical strategies that parents can use to integrate more exercise into their children's daily routines.

If your child comes down with the flu, there is not much you can do except make them comfortable and wait for the virus to run its course. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares advice for making the flu as bearable as possible for your little ones. Dr. Gellner discusses the foods your child should eat, how much water they should drink, their medications, and when they are able to go back to school.