New Canaan Pediatrics

08/06/2026

The AAP recommends exclusively breastfeeding your baby for at least 6 months after birth, but that can be a physical, mental and logistical struggle for some parents.
New Canaan Pediatrics is here for you!
Our providers and lactation consultants can work with parents to manage and solve breastfeeding challenges. We can help make latching on more comfortable and productive, get the most out of pumping, and work out strategies for incorporating breastfeeding into work and family schedules.

08/04/2026

It’s World Breastfeeding Week! Of course “Fed is Best,” but breastfeeding offers your newborn so many health benefits.
Human milk provides everything - nutrients, calories and fluids - needed for healthy brain development and to build and strengthen immunity.
Research confirms that breastfed babies have fewer ear, respiratory and gastro infections, and have a lower risk overall of developing asthma, obesity, diabetes and more.

07/30/2026

When you’re moving, even if it’s near your old home, encourage your child to ask questions. Give honest answers while validating their feelings about this major transition.
If moving farther away, remind your child that they can maintain existing friendships through video calls.
Give your child as much agency as possible while packing. Provide them their own boxes with markers and crayons and let them go wild decorating the outsides so their possessions are clearly marked.
Set aside a backpack to carry with you during the actual move, containing very special items such as lovies, favorite books or beloved toys.

07/28/2026

Are you moving to a different home this summer? Help your kids make the transition by getting them acquainted with all that’s new!
Show them photos of the new home. Explain which room will be theirs and brainstorm about where their toys and belongings can live.
Using a map, explore the neighborhood, finding the library, their new school, local parks and even ice cream shops.
Visit their new school’s website to look at the building, discover the teachers and review the clubs and extracurricular activities where they will build friendships.
If there’s a way to do this in real life, that’s even better!

07/23/2026

Gifted children typically experience and view the world in an entirely different way, and that can cause your child to feel set apart from their peers.
Parents and other adults may not be aware of these feelings and the social ramifications, so it’s important to ask open-ended questions such as “tell me what you talked about at lunch today” or “tell me about what games you played at recess” to understand if your child is developing friendships.
Involve your child in opportunities to socialize outside of school, classes or practice, such as volunteering and clubs.

07/21/2026

It’s Parenting Gifted Children Week!
Children can be gifted in a variety or ways; athletically, creatively, socially, emotionally or academically.
It’s important for parents to recognize and nurture the whole child.
Focus on and celebrate traits beyond test scores or touchdowns, encouraging your child to pursue a variety of interests and passions.
Your child should have a full identity beyond their area of talent to build their overall confidence, well-being and empowerment.

07/20/2026

When the weather heats up, New Canaan explains why you should keep your kids cool!

With weather experts warning that this summer will continue to be a season of record-breaking temperatures and scathing heat domes, enjoying summer outdoor fun means being extra careful, especially for your kids. As much fun as the warmth and sunshine offers, the human body can only take so much exp...

07/16/2026

Antibiotics work by wiping out bacteria in the body, but they take out the good bacteria along with the bad.
When your child is taking an antibiotic, the microbiome in their gut can become unbalanced, causing diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, cramping or gas.
When antibiotics are finished, your child’s microbiome will typically rebalance itself in a short time, but if digestive issues continue, talk to your New Canaan Pediatrics provider.
We may recommend your child increase their intake of probiotics naturally by eating yogurt, kefir and buttermilk and sourdough bread.

07/14/2026

Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that live within the body, help fight infections and play a significant role in our overall health.
Should your child take probiotics supplements?
Research suggests increasing probiotics naturally, through food and drink, may help if your child experiences digestive issues such as frequent diarrhea or constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Always check with your New Canaan Pediatrics provider before giving your child any supplement and do not give probiotics to infants under the age of one year.

07/09/2026

Keeping your baby’s bottom clean and dry is the best way to prevent diaper rash, so change their diaper frequently.
Gently clean with plain water or a mild soap - don’t use scented products or those containing alcohol.
Apply a thin layer petroleum jelly or zinc oxide after drying the area completely, and secure the diaper firmly but not tightly.
If possible, take off the diaper and let your baby enjoy tummy time on a large absorbent towel to give their bottom time in the open air.
If your child experiences frequent rashes, or rashes are pimply, bumpy, ooze, crack or bleed, call your New Canaan Pediatrics provider to discuss prescription or specialty treatments.