American Academy of Pediatrics

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a new federal rule that prohibits state Medicaid plans and CHIP funds from covering gender-affirming hormone therapies and procedures for minors. The rules define such care to include puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical operations. Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asserted serious risks, many leading medical associations affirm the safety of this type of care.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a federal rule that prohibits state Medicaid and CHIP plans from covering gender-affirming procedures, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, for minors under age 18. The policy takes effect on October 13, though state plans may receive continued federal funding for up to six months for current patients. This move faces opposition from leading medical associations who affirm the safety of gender-affirming care.

Donald Trump signed an executive order advising doctors to separate the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine from a single MMR shot into three vaccinations given at separate appointments. The order also directs federal officials to improve vaccine research, while medical experts warned that such changes could inject uncertainty and fear, citing potential increased risk of illness before subsequent shots.

Traveling internationally with babies requires preparation regarding amenities like cribs and high chairs, as well as safety protocols for lodging and travel. For air travel, children under two should be secured in their own certified safety seats, and medically necessary liquids such as formula are not subject to standard TSA limits. The article provides tips covering everything from choosing suitable transportation methods to packing diapers and wipes.

Pediatricians and health departments are avoiding the CDC's vaccine guidance due to changes under the Trump administration, including the replacement of the CDC's vaccine advisory board with anti-vaccine appointees. The CDC removed several vaccines from the recommended schedule, prompting legal challenges and confusion among healthcare providers and the public.

Heavy school backpacks filled with digital devices, textbooks, and other items can strain children's bodies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Experts warn that excessive weight may lead to difficulty walking or injury risks, advising caregivers to prioritize lightweight essentials over non-essential items.

Heavy school backpacks containing digital devices, textbooks, and other items can strain children's bodies. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that excessive weight may cause difficulty walking or leaning forward, and experts advise keeping backpacks as light as possible. Teachers recommend prioritizing essential classroom supplies over non-essential items to reduce physical strain.

Heavy school backpacks containing digital devices, textbooks, and other items can strain children's bodies. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that signs of excessive weight include leaning forward or difficulty walking. Teachers recommend focusing on essential supplies to reduce unnecessary load.

Measles cases in the U.S. have reached a 35-year high, with 93% of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals. Doctors urge families to ensure children are up to date on MMR vaccinations before school starts, as measles remains highly contagious and can lead to severe complications including hospitalization and death.

Four out of five toddler foods in the US are ultraprocessed, with nearly half failing World Health Organization nutritional benchmarks. These products often contain high levels of sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, despite guidelines prohibiting added sugars and artificial sweeteners for children under 36 months.

The 2026 measles outbreak has surpassed the 2025 case count, with 2,318 cases reported by the CDC as of now. Cases are concentrated in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona, with outbreaks in 45 jurisdictions. Public health officials warn the U.S. risks losing its measles-free status due to declining vaccination rates below the 95% threshold.

Advocates and public health experts urge Congress to delay a Republican-backed law requiring states to share costs for SNAP benefits starting October 2027. The law, signed by President Trump, mandates states with high SNAP error rates to cover some program costs, shifting funding from federal to state responsibility. Over 4.5 million people, including 1.5 million children, have lost food assistance since eligibility changes were enacted.

Advocates and public health experts urge Congress to delay a Republican-backed law requiring states to share costs for SNAP benefits, which will go into effect in October 2027. The law, signed by President Donald Trump, mandates states with high SNAP error rates to cover some program costs, leading to a reduction of 4.5 million beneficiaries, including 1.5 million children. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the changes will reduce federal spending by $190 billion over 10 years.

Advocates and public health experts urge Republicans in Congress to delay a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act requiring states to share costs of SNAP benefits starting October 2027. The law, signed by President Donald Trump in 2026, could result in over 4.5 million people losing food assistance, including 1.5 million children, as states take on financial responsibility for SNAP error rates.

Advocates and public health experts urge Congress to delay a Republican-backed law requiring states to share Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs, arguing it will reduce access to food assistance for millions, including 1.5 million children. The law, signed by President Trump, mandates states with high SNAP error rates begin covering some costs starting October 2027, projected to cut federal spending by $190 billion over ten years.

The Trump administration reinstated a 'public charge' policy that considers immigrants' use of Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP when evaluating green card eligibility. The policy could deter immigrant families from accessing health and food assistance programs, potentially increasing emergency room visits and health disparities.

An Infant Safe Sleep Ambassador training is scheduled for July 21 in Pasadena to educate caregivers on preventing sleep-related infant deaths. The event, hosted at Elizabeth House, will cover practices like placing babies on their backs to sleep and avoiding soft bedding in cribs.

The CDC revised its 2026 vaccine schedule, reducing recommended vaccines for children and teens from 17 to 11 diseases, while the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) opposes this change, advocating for a more comprehensive schedule. A court order temporarily blocks the CDC’s updates due to a lawsuit by the AAP, causing confusion among parents and healthcare providers. Disagreements between the CDC and AAP coincide with rising cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles.

A Louisiana-based study found that bariatric surgery for adolescents and young adults with severe obesity resulted in significant weight loss and health improvements. The research, conducted by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, FMOL Health, and the Metamor Institute, showed 29%-32% average weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes in 94% of patients, with low complication rates.

A federal appeals court has allowed Florida to resume a lawsuit against the American Academy of Pediatrics, alleging the organization misled the public about the safety of gender-transition treatments for minors. The decision paused a lower court injunction that had previously blocked the case.

Two lawmakers urged the CDC to track vitamin K shot refusals for newborns after a ProPublica report highlighted preventable deaths linked to the refusal. The vitamin K shot, routine since 1961, is being declined by some families due to medical mistrust and misinformation, but federal and state agencies do not track refusal rates or related bleeding cases.

An Idaho woman, Andrea Shaw, faces two counts of first-degree murder after allegedly suffocating her 18-month-old twins in May 2025. She previously claimed the twins died after receiving vaccinations and appeared on an anti-vaccine group's show. Medical experts have stated the vaccines involved are safe and effective.

An Idaho mother, Andrea Shaw, faces two counts of first-degree murder after allegedly suffocating her 18-month-old twins in May 2025. She previously claimed the children died after vaccinations on an anti-vaccine group's show, which is linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Medical experts dispute her claims, stating the vaccines are safe. Shaw is also a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Doctors warn that child drownings in the U.S. have increased recently, with drowning being the top cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. A foundation started by Stew Leonard and his wife after their son's drowning in 1989 promotes swimming lessons and pool safety to prevent such tragedies.

Doctors warn that more U.S. children are drowning, emphasizing the critical importance of quick rescue and resuscitation. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and a top killer for ages 5 to 14, with racial disparities noted. A foundation started by Stew Leonard and his wife, inspired by their son Stewie’s drowning, promotes water safety and provides swimming lessons.

Doctors warn that more U.S. children are drowning in recent years, with quick rescue and resuscitation critical to preventing death or disability. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and a top killer for those 5 to 14, with rising death rates since 2019. A foundation started by Stew Leonard, whose son drowned in 1989, promotes water safety and swimming lessons.

Doctors warn that more U.S. children are drowning, with drowning being the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. The Stew Leonard family established a foundation after their son drowned in 1989, promoting water safety and swimming lessons. Child drowning deaths rose from 756 in 2019 to 865 in 2024, reversing earlier declines.

Doctors warn that more U.S. children are drowning, emphasizing the critical role of quick rescue and resuscitation. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and a top killer for 5-14-year-olds, with recent data showing a rise in child drowning deaths from 756 in 2019 to 865 in 2024. The article highlights the tragic case of Stewie Leonard, a 21-month-old who drowned in 1989, leading his parents to establish a foundation promoting water safety and swimming lessons.

Doctors warn that unintentional drowning is a leading cause of death for U.S. children, with recent years showing an increase in child drowning deaths. The article highlights the Stewie Leonard case, where a 21-month-old drowned in 1989, leading his parents to establish a foundation promoting water safety and swimming lessons.

A major UK review found that screen exposure before age two is linked to developmental concerns, including sleep problems, delayed language, and behavioral challenges. Over 70% of babies and toddlers use digital devices, with some spending hours daily on screens. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding most screen time for children under 18-24 months.

Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics is updating its drowning prevention recommendations.

Drowning deaths among children ages 1 to 4 increased by 28% from 2019 to 2022, prompting the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend multiple water safety measures, including four-sided pool fences and dedicated supervision. The rise is linked to pandemic disruptions and racial disparities in access to swim lessons and facilities.

A study found that increased social media use among children aged 9-11 correlates with higher odds of substance experimentation during their teenage years. Teens using social media for three or more hours daily had significantly higher risks of trying cannabis and tobacco compared to low-use peers. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to monitor content and foster healthy digital habits.

The Federal Trade Commission and four states sued the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), alleging deceptive claims about gender-affirming care for minors and profiting from them. WPATH claims its guidelines are individualized and previously blocked an FTC investigation, which a court supported. The FTC is also investigating the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society over similar allegations.

Taylor Mitchem, a Colorado mother, uses cannabis daily to manage parenting stress, calling herself a 'garden momma' and sharing her routine on TikTok with a large following. The trend includes 'coffee and coughy' rituals and raises concerns about child safety and federal cannabis laws, though mothers argue it helps them cope with isolation and demands of parenting.

Tennessee's government requires immigrant families to share personal information with immigration authorities to retain healthcare coverage for their disabled or critically ill children through the Children’s Special Services program, creating a June 30 deadline with no transition plan. Healthcare providers and advocates are scrambling to secure care for affected children, including those reliant on ventilators and chemotherapy.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces legal challenges over his efforts to limit vaccine eligibility and narrow immunization schedules, while a court case challenges childhood vaccine recommendations. Public trust in vaccines remains divided, with rising exemptions and political tensions influencing policy debates.

The Trump administration's immigration policies have led to a 10-fold increase in babies and toddlers held in ICE custody, with 25 on average daily in 2025-2026 compared to fewer than three under Biden. Parents report substandard conditions causing health and developmental issues, while experts warn detention harms young children.

A parent allows their 16-year-old daughter to sleep in and arrive late to school due to early start times conflicting with adolescent circadian rhythms. The school begins at 7:25 a.m., but the parent worries about preparing the teen for future responsibilities requiring early mornings, despite acknowledging the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation for 8:30 a.m. start times.

Research by Dr. Jacqueline Harding suggests laughter and play are crucial for children's brain development, emotional well-being, and social bonding. Laughter activates brain networks, reduces stress hormones, and increases 'happiness chemicals' like dopamine and serotonin, while fostering resilience and creativity.