Folic Acid Supplements and Pregnancy

According to the nurses from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of the McGill University Health Centre, up to 50 percent of all pregnancies are unplanned. This is why it is important for women of childbearing age, and especially women planning to have a baby, to take folic acid supplements.

Breastfeeding myths

Breast milk is the best food source for newborn babies. Some mothers have questions about whether to breastfeed or to formula feed their babies. The Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists of the Royal Victoria Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) can provide information to new mothers and help them make the best choice for their families.

Please! Don’t shake your baby

In recent years, health care professionals have begun to identify and recognize an injury to babies and young children. It’s referred to as ‘shaken baby syndrome’.

Safe Sleeping Environment

It’s naptime or bedtime. What position is your baby sleeping in? Should your baby sleep in your bed?

Children and Crying

Your baby cries all the time? Don't loose your temper, he is trying to tell you something. Instead, try to get the message.

Colic

Colic may be more harmful to worried and frustrated parents than it is to babies. A colicky baby cries a great deal typically more than 3 hours a day, and some babies with colic cry for much longer periods. What to do?

Fever in Infants and Young Children

A fever is a way for the body to fight infection. But it may also be a sign of a serious illness, especially in children younger than 3 months and children who haven't been immunized. Know when to seek medical care for your child.

Urinary tract infections and babies

Dr. Caroline Quach, pediatrician/microbiologist/infectious disease specialist with the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, at The Montreal Children’s Hospital, describes the causes and consequences of urinary tract infections in babies.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that affects the mouth. It causes creamy white patches to form on the tongue or inner cheeks. These patches can be painful and may bleed. Babies with thrush are often fussy and may have trouble feeding. Thrush is seldom serious in healthy children and adults

Cradle cap

Cradle cap is a condition that is characterized by oily, yellowish-reddish scales or crusts on babies' heads – on the scalp, behind the ears, on the eyebrows, and along the lash line -- and occasionally in the groin area. What to do?

Diaper Rash

The term "diaper rash" refers to any form of skin irritation that occurs in the area covered by an infant's diaper. 

Loose Hips in Infants

When you look at your baby, do you notice that one of the thighs has extra thigh folds, or that one leg seems shorter than the other? If so, your child may have a “loose” or dislocated hip caused by a shallow hip joint.

Your Child’s Hearing

It is never too early to test your child’s hearing if you think that there is a problem. Between one and six out of 1,000 newborns are born deaf and one in 10 children will develop a hearing problem sometime during childhood.

Childhood Immunizations: Get the Facts

If you are the parent of a young child, you may be confused about the safety of immunizations. You may have heard that vaccines cause life-threatening side effects or can lead to other diseases. Or you may have read that vaccines are not necessary anymore.

 

Choking in infants

Choking occurs when food or a small object blocks the airway. If the airway is completely blocked, oxygen can't reach the lungs, and brain damage or death can result. This is an extreme medical emergency. Knowing what to do can help save your baby's life.
 
Babies suffer head injuries from walkers; yet they’re in widespread use in Canada

Safe Kids Canada says baby walkers should be banned and destroyed. 

Wheeled activities for babies and toddlers (bicycle carriers, trailers and tricycles)

Here are a few to stay safe outdoors with your toddler.

 

Tips For Working Parents: Infants to 3 Years

When your child is a baby or preschooler, you may feel especially guilty about working. You may blame parenting troubles on your job and think, ‘‘If I weren’t working, Johnny would have walked sooner, or behave better.’’ But all parents feel certain concerns whether they’re working or not.