As parents, we do everything we can to keep our families safe and healthy. We childproof our homes, make sure they eat well, and buy the best products for their overall well-being. But what about the air inside our homes?

While it’s easy to overlook, your indoor air quality can have a big impact on your kids’ health—just one more vital step in safeguarding their health!

We’ve broken down five surprising indoor allergies that could be affecting your family’s health and what you can do next to keep them protected.

5 Common Indoor Allergy Triggers You Might Not Know About

1. Dander

Despite common misconceptions, dander are tiny flecks of skin shed by both animals and people. Although you may think your cat or dog is a culprit, your child’s pet hamster or bird can also create dander. “Even your hairless cat can shed dander,” adds Gene Ehrbar, VP of Product at Molekule. And while hypoallergenic breeds exist, Ehrbar also warns that no animal is truly dander-free.

Dander often accumulates on your floors and furniture, and at times, it can become airborne and linger in the air, especially as you sweep or vacuum your house. Even if you don’t have pets, dander can make its way into your home on clothing or by visitors who have animals.

If you have any sensitive kiddos in your house, keep an eye out for sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, itchy, red, or watery eyes, or if they rub their nose a lot. For children with asthma, a dander allergy can also cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or a whistling or wheezing sound when they breathe out.

2. Volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be released into the air from household products, such as paints, cleaners, and air fresheners. They can cause short-term and long-term health effects, from headaches and nausea to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Ehrbar also urges parents to take caution with another household item you might not be aware of that releases VOCs: your gas stove. “You may have read in the news recently that gas stoves and the overall effects of cooking have an impact on indoor air quality,” says Ehrbar. “Inadequate ventilation can lead to unhealthy levels of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.”

And a recent Harvard study can confirm. Their recent study identified 21 VOCs alone from gas stoves that increase both children’s and adult’s risk for asthma, cancer, and other illnesses.

3. Dust mites

Dust mites are microscopic pests that live in the dust throughout our homes, as well as in the objects we use or come in contact with daily—we’re talking mattresses, pillows, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and even your kids’ stuffed animals. They thrive in warm, humid environments, and feed on dead skin flakes that we and our pets shed (yep, you read that right!).

Unfortunately, this common indoor allergen can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals, especially children. As kids typically spend most of their time playing indoors and on the ground, their developing lungs are more susceptible to ingesting dust and dirt.

“They inhale more air more rapidly in proportion to their size than adults do, which increases their exposure to air pollutants,” says Ehrbar. “They’re more likely to breathe through their mouth, meaning that pollutants bypass the body’s nasal filtration.”

4. Cockroach allergens

We hate to say it, but cockroaches are adaptable creatures that can survive in a wide range of environments. Sure, they commonly prefer more warm and humid environments, but they can survive just about anywhere there’s abundant food and shelter.

While you may not even have cockroaches in your home, there can still be cockroach allergens (a substance from cockroach saliva and droppings) lurking in your home. According to the American Lung Association, one in five homes that never had a cockroach problem still contain a significant amount of cockroach allergen in dust and fabrics.

These allergens, as you likely already guessed, are usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home where food is stored or prepared. They can worsen kids’ asthma symptoms and trigger asthma attacks, so be sure to keep your spaces clean and free of food debris.

5. Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that loves damp, humid environments. It spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air that can grow on your walls, ceilings, floors, and on furniture or carpet if they become damp. And it doesn’t take long for mold to take over; once a spore attaches to an item, mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours, and start to colonize anywhere from three to 12 days.

If you currently have any areas of your house with moisture issues, like the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and attic, it’s best to address it as soon as possible, as mold typically thrives in these spaces. Although some may be able to coexist with certain types of mold, kids’ respiratory systems are still developing.

This makes them more vulnerable to the effects of mold exposure, which can look like sneezing, a stuffy nose, itchy skin and rashes, recurring colds, or respiratory issues, such as coughing and chest tightness.

How to Control Indoor Allergies in Your Home

Reducing indoor allergies in your home can help create a healthier environment for your family. Here are some tips to help you minimize these five common allergens:

1. Upgrade your indoor air quality with Molekule’s air purifiers

Add an air purifier to rooms where your family spends the most time to ensure they’re breathing the cleanest air possible. Molekule’s Air Pro and Mini+ use a patented technology that goes beyond conventional filters to destroy allergens, pet dander, mold, bacteria, viruses, and odors.

The Air Pro is perfect for larger living spaces (like living rooms and family rooms), while the Mini+ is ideal for smaller areas like nurseries, playrooms, and bedrooms. Both air purifiers feature sensors that automatically adjust to air particle and chemical levels, ensuring that your air stays clean and fresh without any manual intervention. They’re also app-enabled and whisper-quiet, so you can control it from your smartphone and enjoy a peaceful environment.

2. Clean your home regularly

Although it now seems almost inevitable that you’ll come into contact with dust mites—four in five homes in the U.S. have dust mite allergens in at least one bed!—you can help reduce them by washing your bedding regularly in hot water and using allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. Be sure to also vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly to cut down on dust mites and dander, and remove shoes and outerwear before entering the home.

3. Remember: No crumbs left behind

Worried about cockroach allergens? Store food in airtight containers, and seal cracks and crevices where cockroaches can enter the home. Look to cockroach baits or traps, and keep, Molekule’s air purifier close by to further eliminate allergens.

4. Don’t forget pets need upkeep, too

Bathe and groom your pets regularly to reduce shedding, and wash their bedding and toys frequently. Try to designate pet-free zones in your home, especially in bedrooms, to help eliminate areas with pet dander.

5. Opt for natural cleaning products

Choose household products labeled as “low VOC” or “VOC-free,” and when using products like paints, cleaners, and air fresheners, do so in well-ventilated areas. Increase ventilation in your home by opening windows and using fans, and consider using natural alternatives to chemical-based products.

 

Improve your indoor air quality this spring by shopping for the Air Pro and Mini+ purifiers to help your family breathe easier!

Whether dispensing bandaids for boo-boos or aspirin for aches, parents take pride in helping kids through the scrapes and illnesses of childhood. When they’ve got a runny nose, we don’t rush to the ER; we clean them up and hope we don’t catch it. But when they’re feeling truly sick, children’s symptoms can be all over the place, making it hard to tell what the problem is.

We all want to give our little ones the best care possible, but how sick is too sick to stay home? When should you get your child medical help? Never fear. We asked two pediatricians for children’s symptoms parents shouldn’t ignore. 

A Blue Face

We’ve all heard the story about the parent who rushed their toddler to the ER with blue lips, only to find out the kid had eaten a lollipop. But this is a symptom where it’s better to be safe than sorry. According to pediatric ER physician Christina Johns, while there are many reasons for poor circulation, turning blue can signify a serious underlying problem and a cause for urgent evaluation. “Changes in color to the lips or face to purple or blue can indicate that they are not getting enough oxygen,” she says. 

Breathing Difficulties

“Any difficulty breathing may indicate a need for medication or respiratory support,” advises pediatrician Leah M. Alexander, M.D. FAAP. Typical signs in infants and toddlers are deep belly movements or rib ‘pulling’ with each breath. Parents may hear a hoarse sound (stridor) with each inspiration or a high-pitched sound (wheezing) with each expiration. Older children may also develop these breathing sounds, and these symptoms require intervention from a medical professional. 

Green or Yellow Vomit

Throwing up doesn’t always rate a trip to the ER. We love our kids more than life, but as any parent knows, they can be pint-sized puke machines. When should we worry? “Sometimes, there’s an underlying problem that might require surgery. In that case, the vomiting is often bile colored–or green/yellow,” Johns says. If your infant is vomiting forcefully, seek emergency help. Call your doctor if your infant has been vomiting for more than 12 hours or if your toddler has been vomiting for more than 24 hours. 

Sunken Eyes

If a child is going through a bout of diarrhea or vomiting, they may lose more fluids than they can replenish and become dehydrated. Dr Johns advises parents to look for signs of dehydration, which “include decreased urination or dark urine, a dry or sticky mouth, no tears when crying, and sunken eyes.” Infants under six months should always see a doctor if you suspect dehydration, but your pediatrician may advise you to begin treatment at home for older children.

An Abnormal Pulse Rate

Pay attention to whether their pulse rate is significantly outside the norm for their age,” Johns says. A sick kid with an elevated heart rate isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, call your doctor if your child’s pulse is outside the norm for their age or accompanied by dizziness, chest pains, or fainting. 

Rash

Some kiddos are more prone to rashes than others. While some (such as heat rash or diaper rash) can be cared for at home, others require medical intervention. “Rashes that are rapidly evolving or spreading should be evaluated. Swelling that is painful, rapidly growing, or at a joint and accompanied by fever should be evaluated urgently,” Johns says.

High Fever in Infants

“A true fever is 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher,” Alexander says. “This is particularly important for infants under three months, when a fever may indicate meningitis, sepsis, or a urinary tract infection. Parents should always call a doctor the moment a fever is detected.” 

Persistent Fever

The focus changes once children get a little older. “It is more important that the fever responds to measures taken to reduce it for older infants and children,” Alexander explains. “Lukewarm baths, cool fluids, and administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen (six months older) should lower the body temperature within 30 to 60 minutes. If not, parents should call a doctor. Keep in mind that sometimes kids develop fevers as high as 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and the child’s temperature may only drop by three to four degrees. Any fever that persists longer than three to five days should be evaluated.”

Worsening Cough

A couple of cough-filled days isn’t necessarily an emergency. However, according to Dr. Alexander, if the cough worsens, you should make an appointment to find out why. Any cough that lasts more than a week should also be checked. “Of course, if there is a suspected exposure to a communicable illness such as CoVID, strep throat, influenza, or bacterial pneumonia, testing, and a physical exam are important to prevent community spread of these infections,” she says. 

Inconsolable Crying

Babies cry… a lot. But an inconsolable child can’t be soothed. They won’t be distracted by food, cannot sleep for any length of time, and will not play. “If your child is inconsolable (crying nonstop) along with other symptoms of illness, this might be time to contact a medical professional,” Johns says. 

Mental Status Changes

For those of us who like solid symptoms, taking a child in because they’re ‘off’ can feel uncomfortably squishy. In reality, you may be reacting to more subtle symptoms. “Keep a close eye on how the child’s mind and behavior are doing. Are they responding to you, or are they difficult to arouse and not acting like themselves? There’s a difference between not feeling good and being ‘out of it.’ If they seem less responsive or unaware of their surroundings, it’s important to figure out why,” Johns says.

In the end, you know your child best. Listen to your gut if it’s telling you to take them to the doctor. Your medical professionals can help diagnose your children’s symptoms and help get them back to what matters most–growing into the wonderful person they’re meant to be.

 

It’s that time of year again. Runny noses. Coughing. Sneezing. Fevers. Fatigue. And that’s just us parents. Kiddos being sick is terrible, and little-little ones being under the weather is awful. The flu, RSV, COVID, and whatever other seasonal bugs are circulating. And while your first stop/phone call should most definitely be to your child’s health care provider, we have the sick baby essentials to keep your little ones as comfortable as possible while following doctor’s orders.

Caring for sick babies and toddlers is a little different from caring for our older kids. Aside from the fact that it’s absolutely heartbreaking to see your sweet baby not feeling well, there are different approaches, tips, and products that are specific to your littlest loves. Once you’ve gotten doctor’s instructions, there are lots of different solutions for soothing your little one while they’re on the mend. We’ve put together a bunch of sick baby essentials that are ideal for keeping on hand for sick days that we definitely couldn’t do without.

Editor’s Note: The products listed below are not intended as/as a replacement for professional medical advice. Please consult your child’s health care provider for guidance.

iHealth No Touch Digital Forehead Thermometer

iHealth

The last thing you want to do is wake a baby who's sleeping off a sick bug, so this touchless thermometer allows you to check in on them without waking them, thanks to the quiet design and touch-free digital read!

iHealth No Touch Digital Forehead Thermometer ($15.99)—Buy Now!

Little Remedies Sterile Saline Nasal Mist

Little Remedies

Easily flush the gunk from teeny noses with this mist. It's even safe for newborns!

Little Remedies Sterile Saline Nasal Mist ($4.73)—Buy Now!

Electric NoseFrida

Frida Baby

The nasal aspirator that moms have sworn by for years, now in an electric option! The NoseFrida is easy to use on babies and toddlers, plus includes a distraction light to calm squirmy kiddos.

Electric NoseFrida ($37.59)—Buy Now!

Munchkin TheraBurpee Colic & Fever Rescue Kit

Munchkin

This revolutionary set includes 100% cotton burp cloths that hold hot and cold packs for localized treatment depending on the ailment!

Munchkin TheraBurpee Colic & Fever Rescue Kit ($19.99)—Buy Now!

Safety1st Pacifier Medicine Dispenser

Safety1st

Easy to clean and easy to fill, this pacifier makes giving medicine (with the okay of the doctor, of course) much easier for little ones!

Safety1st Pacifier Medicine Dispenser ($3.49)—Buy Now!

The Honest Company Dream Team Duo

The Honest Company

If anyone needs a relaxing bath, it's a sick little one (and their mama, of course!). This soothing set includes 2-in-1 Cleaning Shampoo + Body Wash and Face + Body Lotion in a gentle lavender scent.

The Honest Company Dream Team Duo ($19.49)—Buy Now!

Maty's Baby Chest Rub

Matys

This chest rub doesn't have to be just for sick days! It's made with lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus that's gentle and menthol-free, so baby can breathe easier and relax into much-needed sleep. For babies 3 months and up.

Maty's Baby Chest Rub 4.5oz  ($11.99)—Buy Now!

CleanSmart Toy Disinfectant Spray

CleanSmart

When your babe is sick, keeping their toys clean is a must (although we'd argue it's pretty important all the time, which is why we love that CleanSmart is powerful but gentle enough to use every day)!

CleanSmart Toy Disinfectant Spray ($15.28)—Buy Now!

Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Air Humidifier

Pure Enrichment

This humidifier is whisper-quiet and offers up to 24 hours of mist to ease stuffy noses. It also doubles as a soft-glow nightlight!

Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Air Humidifier ($49.99)—Buy Now!

Pedialyte Freezer Pops 64pk

Pedialyte

Preventing dehydration in sick kiddos is imperative, and these freezer pops make it fun and help to relieve sore throats! (Use under doctor's supervision/recommendation.)

Pedialyte Freezer Pops 64pk ($18.92)—Buy Now!

Frida Baby Sick Day Prep Kit

Frida Baby

If you're looking for the one-and-done kit for traveling, diaper bag, or just keeping downstairs or upstairs so you're not running back and forth with a miserable little one, this prep kit from Frida Baby has it all: NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator, MediFrida Pacifier Medicine Dispenser, Breathefrida Vapor Chest Rub + Snot Wipes.

Frida Baby Sick Day Prep Kit ($24.49)—Buy Here!

Boogie Wipes

Amazon

Crusty noses? No thanks. These saline wipes help gently remove runny nose residue from little faces without having to scrub.

Boogie Wipes 3-Pack ($14.12)—Buy Now!

Cuckool Heated Tummy Wrap

Cuckool

The soft and gentle compression of this tummy wrap helps relieve upset bellies without medication!

Cuckool Heated Tummy Wrap ($14.99)—Buy Now!

Burt's Bees Baby 100% Organic Cotton Pajamas

Burt's Bees Baby

It's important to make sure to dress little ones in lightweight clothing when they're sick. Bundling them up can prevent a fever from coming down, or can even make it go higher! These jammies come in a ton of prints, too.

Burt's Bees Baby 100% Organic Cotton Pajamas ($8.97+)—Buy Now!

Dr. Fischer Cleansing Eye Wipes

Dr. Fischer

Gritty little eyes from congestion is a thing of the past with these extremely gentle wipes!

Dr. Fischer Cleansing Eye Wipes ($16.50)—Buy Now!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Whether you’re avoiding germs outside your home or you’re the one who’s sick, here’s how to help your baby stay healthy

A few weeks ago, my one-year-old and I flew to visit family out of state. The trip there was relatively smooth, save for a tricky leaky diaper situation, but a couple of days into our stay my throat started to feel like it was lined with sandpaper and I knew that my first cold of the season was officially here. There’s never a “good” time to have a cold, but I hated the prospect of a rockier return flight if my daughter caught it and had to suffer through congestion and painful ear pressure on the plane. As a nurse, I went into germ-prevention mode to avoid getting her sick—and with a lot of diligence (and a little luck), it worked! (As a reward, she treated me to an uneventful ride home.)

Since newborn immune systems aren’t completely mature, they’re especially vulnerable to becoming very ill with viruses that are annoying but otherwise harmless in older kids and adults. When it comes to keeping babies safe from the season’s nastiest respiratory viruses, the good news is you probably already learned some of the key advice when you brought yours home from the hospital: Wash your hands often, pop a bottle of hand sanitizer by the door for visitors, and don’t let anyone who’s ill hang with your baby. But what if you’re the one who’s sick and you still have to take care of them?

As a nurse and mom, I’ve seen how taking a few extra proactive steps can protect your little ones from colds and other respiratory viruses like RSV, COVID-19, and the flu, even as they age out of the danger zone. Whether the germs are inside or outside your house, here are some of the most common viruses and what I recommend to keep them at bay.

Canva

Which respiratory viruses are most common in babies?

Respiratory viruses are spread by droplets that are released into the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. We become sick when the virus enters our respiratory tract through either direct person-to-person contact, by breathing in infected droplets, or by touching a contaminated object and then touching the mucous membranes on our face such as our eyes, nose, and mouth.

Common Cold

Many cases of the common cold result from a rhinovirus infection. For babies, the symptoms of a cold and those of more serious illnesses can look the same at first. If your baby is less than 3 months old, cold symptoms or a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher warrants an immediate call to the pediatrician.
What to look for: Stuffy or runny nose, unusually fussy, fever.

COVID-19

COVID-19 spreads much more easily than other respiratory viruses like the cold or the flu. In addition to coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can also spread from talking or singing. While kids aren’t as likely as adults to become very ill with COVID-19, some do end up in the hospital with respiratory support from a ventilator.
What to look for: Fever, cough, extreme tiredness, nausea, diarrhea.

RSV

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus and is especially dangerous if your baby is less than 6 months old. This is because if they catch it, their first symptom may be apnea, which means they take long pauses in breathing, causing their oxygen level to drop. Babies with RSV are often hospitalized because they require medical care and oxygen support until the infection resolves.
What to look for: Apnea, runny nose, cough, and sometimes a fever.

Flu

The flu is caused by influenza viruses and, as with RSV, your newborn can become much sicker than if you or an older kid were to catch it. The flu increases newborns’ risk of developing more serious respiratory complications such as pneumonia or apnea.
What to look for: Cold symptoms like cough, fever, and runny or stuffy nose. Can also include sleepiness, vomiting, diarrhea, fussiness, and trouble consoling baby.

Remember, you are the expert on your baby’s behavior and disposition. With any illness, if you feel that something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include breathing much faster than usual, retractions (the muscles around their ribs pull in with each breath), wheezing, or lips or skin that is a bluish color.

a tired mom holding her baby who is looking at the camera
iStock

Tips for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses:

As your child gets older, getting sick becomes inevitable—especially when they start daycare. But if your baby is brand new, or you just want to try to limit how much your family is home sick this flu season, here are some things you can do to keep respiratory viruses at bay.

1. Practice a handwashing technique that gets the job done every time.

I like to think about giving my baby a bath when I’m washing my hands. If I simply dipped her in the tub, dabbed on some soap, and then rinsed her off, she’d still be kinda dirty. To effectively reduce the spread of germs, you’ll want to work up a good sudsy lather. Soap contains ingredients that lift dirt and disease-causing germs from your skin. These unwelcomed guests are then rinsed down the drain. Your goal is to create friction as you carefully clean all parts of your hands while singing “Happy Birthday” twice to yourself. This gives you the recommended time (20 seconds) to get your hands adequately clean. After a good rinse, be sure to dry your hands well because germs are transferred more easily if they are still damp.

Related: Nurse Shares 3 Signs That Your Sick Kid Needs to Go to the ER

If soap and water aren’t handy, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help prevent the spread of certain germs. Use enough to wet all surfaces of your hands and rub them together, again for 20 seconds, until they are dry. Good hand hygiene at the right time is crucial to preventing the spread of germs, especially after touching public surfaces or blowing your nose if you’re the one who’s ill. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your baby’s face around their eyes, nose, or mouth. Remember, respiratory viruses love those mucous membranes.

2. Stop the droplets however you can.

Avoiding sick people is a good idea in general, and if you’re the one who’s coughing and sneezing, you can reduce the spread of germs by containing your respiratory droplets with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. But let’s be honest: when you’re caring for an infant, you don’t always have a tissue or a free elbow. As a nurse working in the hospital pre-COVID-19 times, if you had the sniffles but were otherwise healthy enough to report to work, the expectation was to wear a mask when doing direct patient care. I did this with my recent cold to keep virus-containing droplets from landing on my baby while I was holding and feeding her. If another member of your household is sick, having them wear a mask at home can help protect your baby and others in your family, particularly if they are coughing and sneezing. With sick siblings, this can be a tall order, but do your best to encourage them to cover their mouths.

a baby getting their arm bandaged after having a vaccination like the new rsv vaccine
iStock

3. Take advantage of current vaccinations.

Unfortunately, there isn’t an effective vaccine against the common cold because there are over 100 different kinds of rhinoviruses and each one is constantly changing. But for other respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV, and influenza, there are vaccines available that are a great way to reduce the spread and protect those who have a higher risk of becoming severely ill. Mothers who have immunity against these illnesses, either from receiving vaccines or from actually getting sick during pregnancy, provide passive immunity to their newborns through the placenta or breastmilk. However, this passive immunity is temporary and protection decreases after a few weeks or months. Chat with your pediatrician to better understand the benefits and risks of each vaccine and recommendations for when you and your baby should get them.

Yes, navigating the real world while shielding your baby from so many seasonal viruses can be tricky. But when used in combination, these three strategies provide a powerful defense. Whether you’re at the pediatrician’s office for your newborn’s well-baby check-up, introducing your new arrival to family and friends, or traveling with your toddler, remember how respiratory viruses spread and practice these habits to lower the likelihood of your little one getting sick.

You’ve got a lot of things to worry about as a parent, but RSV shouldn’t be one of them—at least not anymore

On Sept. 22, the CDC recommended the first vaccine for pregnant people to protect their newborns from contracting RSV, a common respiratory virus that presents as a pesky cold for most people but can be dangerous for young babies. It also approved a new RSV treatment that can be given directly to infants to protect them during their first year if their parent didn’t receive the vaccination during pregnancy. This comes as a relief to concerned parents who lived through last year’s particularly rough RSV season.

But are these protective measures safe? Are the shots covered by insurance? And should you get them? Read on to find out what you need to know about the newly approved RSV vaccine for pregnant women and the related antibody treatment for babies.

National Cancer Institute via Unsplash

What is RSV and why do we need a vaccine?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory virus that generally starts circulating in the fall and peaks in the winter. For most people, it causes mild cold-like symptoms, but it can be serious for babies, immunocompromised people, and adults over 60.

The virus is so common that nearly all children are infected with it by the time they turn 2, with most cases causing a fever, runny nose, and cough. But for some babies in their first year, the illness can progress to pneumonia and respiratory distress, with an estimated 58,000 to 80,000 U.S. children under age 5—most of them infants under 6 months—hospitalized with RSV each year.

“Regular, healthy babies can get very sick with this virus,” said Ashlesha Kaushik, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “This is more than a simple common cold virus; it can lead to big problems. Little babies can get very sick.”

According to the AAP, as many as 300 children under 5 die from RSV in the United States each year. Globally, it is the second leading cause of death, behind malaria, during the first year of a child’s life.

Until now, there has been no way to prevent babies from getting the disease (besides isolating them from siblings, family members, and the public), which is why Kaushik calls the vaccine a “breakthrough.”

“For years, the research has been going in this direction,” Kaushik said. “Finally, we can prevent these babies from getting to the hospital.”

Freestocks via Unsplash

How is the RSV vaccine administered?

The new RSV vaccine, called Abrysvo and manufactured by Pfizer, is recommended for women who are 32 weeks to 36 weeks pregnant from September to January. This is so it can protect babies born during peak RSV season.

The shot, given as a one-dose injection, prompts the immune system to make its own RSV-fighting antibodies, which then pass to the baby via the placenta. This lifesaving protection lasts in babies’ immune systems from birth to about six months.

Abrysvo is the same drug that was approved in May for preventing RSV in adults over 60 who are at risk for severe RSV disease. Older adults also have the option of getting the Arexvy vaccine, a similar product made by GlaxoSmithKline, but this has not yet been recommended for use in pregnancy.

Is the Abrysvo vaccine safe?

Experts say yes. Similar to the flu or COVID vaccine, the most commonly reported side effects of Abrysvo were pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and nausea.

Kaushik said there is an “extremely small risk” of preterm birth from the vaccine, but that this risk can be mitigated by getting the injection after the 32nd week of pregnancy (as recommended). And while even the teeniest risk is enough to fray a parent’s nerves, Kaushik said the benefits of protecting yourself and your baby from RSV are worth the risk.

“If you have this protection available, just go ahead and do it,” she said. “Last season I saw how many admissions we had and it was crazy. The hospitals were full. We were in the RSV surge right after the COVID surge.”

CDC via Unsplash

Can babies get the RSV vaccine?

The maternal vaccine isn’t the only new tool to prevent RSV in babies. The CDC also recommended a treatment for newborns that can reduce the risk of severe RSV by about 75 percent. The treatment, called Nirsevimab (the brand name is Beyfortus), is produced by Sanofi and AstraZeneca and is meant to be given in the first eight months of life to protect babies when they’re most vulnerable.

To be clear, Nirsevimab isn’t a vaccine. Rather, it is called a “monoclonal antibody treatment,” which means the injection delivers antibodies directly to the immune system. Where a vaccine stimulates the immune system to provide protection in the future, monoclonal antibodies provide immediate and short-term protection. Still, according to the CDC, a Nirsevimab shot provides protection similar to that of a vaccine.

“This is another new tool we can use this fall and winter to help protect lives,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC Director, said in a press release. “I encourage parents to talk to their doctors about how to protect their little ones against serious RSV illness, using either a vaccine given during pregnancy or an RSV immunization given to your baby after birth.”

The CDC recommends Nirsevimab for:

  • All infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during RSV season or entering their first RSV season (October through March).
  • Children aged 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season (including children with cystic fibrosis or other lung diseases).

Note: Babies only need one layer of protection—either immunity via the maternal vaccine, or through the antibodies in Nirsevimab. They don’t need both.

Is Nirsevimab safe for babies?

The treatment was found to be safe and effective following three clinical trials. When compared to a placebo, the medication reduced the risk of contracting RSV by 70% in the first trial with 1,453 preterm infants. The second trial with 1,490 babies born at 35 weeks or more found the risk of severe infection reduced by 75%. The last trial looked at kids in their second RSV season who hadn’t contracted the virus and found that it provided added protection for babies with congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease.

A few side effects were noted: rash and injection site reactions. As with other IgG1 monoclonal antibodies, there is also a risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylaxis, so parents should consult their pediatricians to ensure that their babies don’t have existing allergies to any of the ingredients in Nirsevimab. Parents should also be cautious if their children have significant bleeding disorders.

Are the shots covered by insurance?

The amount you have to pay will depend on your insurance company, though most private insurers will cover the cost of either the vaccine or the antibody treatment since both were recommended by the CDC (if paying out of pocket, the vaccine can cost up to $295 and Nirsevimab can surpass $1,000). However, it may take a bit of time for insurance companies to get the immunizations on their list of covered vaccines, so it’s best to check with your insurance company beforehand.

In addition, people who are covered by the national Vaccines for Children program—a federally funded program that provides free vaccines to kids who may otherwise go unvaccinated because of financial hardship—should receive either the vaccine or the antibody treatment at no cost.

When will Abrysvo and Nirsevimab be available?

The maternal (Abrysvo) vaccine is already available at many pharmacies nationwide, with distribution set to become more robust as we charge into the RSV season. As for Nirsevimab, the AAP said the rollout should begin in early October.

Can you get the RSV vaccine alongside COVID and flu shots?

Kausik said it is safe to get all three vaccines during the same visit. And Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, a member of the board of directors for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, echoed her sentiment.

“If it’s now or never again, it’s best to get all the vaccines you’re eligible for to get the protection against as many diseases as possible,” Duchin told Reuters. “If you’ve got the luxury of returning for more than one visit, you can choose to space them out.”

Learn more:

For more information about the Abrysvo vaccine: Acog.org
For more information about the Nirsevimab monoclonal antibody treatment: CDC.gov
To learn more about RSV: AAP.org

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, many moms-to-be start to notice changes in their bodies. Morning sickness, thicker hair, even varicose veins are among the list of culprits that can show up and disappear. But what if they don’t? It turns out, your baby isn’t the only thing you’ll get from those nine grueling months—there are lots of body changes after pregnancy, too. These not-so-cuddly gifts may stick around long after your baby bump goes away. From wider hips to bigger feet, vision changes to sudden (or disappearing) allergies, many new moms will find these changes are part of their postpartum body.

something bodies changes after pregnancy include feet getting bigger like this woman holding feet wearing jeans and a white sweater
Imani Bahati via Unsplash

Your Feet Grow

Your baby’s not the only one who's going to need new shoes. Many new moms add half a shoe size—or more—after pregnancy. Blame the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments in your body to help prepare for birth (that pelvis has to widen, after all), which also causes the bones to spread in the feet.

Doctors say there is a chance your feet will go back to their old size after several months, but if your feet still feel cramped in your favorite shoes, it may be time to go shopping (as if you needed a better excuse).

Note: Call your doctor if your feet have swelled up suddenly, as this may be a sign of potentially dangerous preeclampsia or blood pressure changes.

Your Hips Get Wider

You know those glorious hips that widened to let your baby squeeze out into the world? They may never go back to the way they were (even if you had a C-section). Same goes for your rib cage, which also had to open up to make room for your growing child. For most women, these enlarged bones go back to their original place by about 18 weeks postpartum, but some women keep the extra girth permanently.

"My hips stayed permanently wider which was great for me because I had no shape before," said a Reddit user. "I was built like a teenaged boy, lol."

"My hips? Wider yes and not back to normal," said another mom. "But I have embraced it and now have a more hourglass figure with larger bust, slim waist and wide hips." 

"I hope my hips get wider during pregnancy. Wide hips are beauty beautiful," said another.

Related: 10 Things I Didn't Know about Pregnancy, Until I Was Pregnant

Your Breasts Shrink

While pregnancy’s powerful hormones will likely bump your bosom up a few cup sizes, once your milk-making machines dry up, you may end up with smaller breasts than you had before you were pregnant. “You lose a lot of breast elasticity,” Los Angeles–based OB-GYN Pari Ghodsi told Health magazine. “They’re not as full as they once were.”

That said, some women report larger breasts after pregnancy (even after nursing), so it's anyone's guess where your post-baby bust will be.

I was a C pre-pregnancy, was a DD in my second trimester," said a Reddit user. "I never measured postpartum but they were pornographic while I was pumping, and then once I stopped pumping they vanished into thin air and I’ve got A’s now."

“After nursing 6+ years with four kids, they didn't shrink......just deflated,” said another. “I can go out braless bc I can tuck them into my damn waistband.”

"Once my son was eating adult food they went back down to one cup size larger than they were pre-pregnancy," said another.

a woman with beach wavy hair, one of the possible body changes after pregnancy that can occur
Tim Mossholder via Unsplash

Your Hair Changes Color, Curl, or Texture

Pregnancy packs a wallop on your hormones, with these changes wreaking havoc on your body all the way to the tips of your strands. Some steadfastly straight-haired mamas get suddenly wavy locks post-baby, while some women with curls may suddenly go straight. (And this is in addition to losing the lustrous hair you likely grew while your baby was cooking.)

Sometimes, the hair goes back to the way it was months later; some women have changed tresses forever. Whatever your look, embrace it as your new Mama style.

"I'm Asian and had thick, pin-straight hair before pregnancy,” said one mom on Reddit. “After I gave birth, it went all frizzy/weird, curly but not actually curly; beachy waves, but not nice beachy waves. Like an insane lion that had a bomb go off next to his head.”

“Got my first grey eyebrow hair 7 months along,” said another mom. “Hair is def not the same.”

“My wife was blonde her entire life, and is now a brunette after giving birth to our son,” said another Reddit user. “It’s crazy!”

Your Periods Change

As if you didn’t endure enough down there, postpartum periods tend to be permanently heavier or more painful after pregnancy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these changes may relate to a larger uterine cavity causing more endometrium (mucous lining the uterus) to shed.

But it’s not all bad news. Some women actually experience lighter, easier periods after childbirth.

“The bottom line is that periods can change after having a baby,” OB-GYN Diane Young said in this article. “If you are concerned about your periods, make an appointment with your OB-GYN. There are medical therapies to help.”

a woman's pregnant belly, has stretch marks, body changes after pregnancy
Freestocks via Unsplash

That Dark Line that Points to Your Nether-Regions May Not Go Away

Pregnancy doesn’t just change your shape; it also changes your skin. Take the linea nigra: It’s the dark line that appears during pregnancy and runs from the middle of your belly to your pubic bone. A common hyperpigmentation that develops mid-pregnancy, it usually fades about three months after childbirth, but it can stick around permanently (as can darkened areolas, which also happens during pregnancy).

If the line bothers you, talk to your doctor. While it can’t be removed completely, there are skin-lightening creams and laser treatments that could make it less noticeable.  

Related: Is This Normal? Your Pregnancy Decoded

Your Allergies Disappear… or You Suddenly Have New Ones

Do you suddenly have a perpetually runny nose? Did your lifelong allergy to celery suddenly cease? Hormones are to blame for that, too. In fact, pregnancy can cause all sorts of changes in your immune system, which can alter your sensitivity to allergens. Experts say the most common newly occurring post-pregnancy allergies include seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, and PUPPP rash, a skin condition characterized by small pink itchy bumps on the abdomen. 

"Hormonal fluctuations impact your allergies because estrogen and progesterone have an impact on your mast cells (allergy cells)," allergist and immunologist Purvi Parikh of the Allergy and Asthma Network said in this Parents magazine article. 

Pregnancy isn’t the only dramatic hormonal shift that can trigger allergies, he added. “New allergies can emerge during periods of significant hormonal shifts, including puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.”  

You Have Stretch Marks…in Places You Never Thought You Would

Stretch marks on the belly are a veritable right of passage into mommyhood. But stretch marks on the thighs? Breasts? Buttox? Sorry, but it’s a thing. Stretch marks—which appear as red, pink, or black lines (their color depends on your skin)—are actually small scars that happen when sudden weight gain  (i.e. your little miracle) tears the fibers of the skin. Up to 90 percent of pregnant women get them, with most common areas affected being the belly, thighs, hips, butt, and breasts. They can even happen in the upper arms and back.

And while you can’t get rid of (or prevent) stretch marks completely, most fade significantly after several months. In addition, there are some treatments—including chemical peels, lasers, radiofrequency, microdermabrasion, and microneedling— that may make them less noticeable.

My stretch marks are all over my legs!” said one Reddit user on this thread. “Nobody talks about this...my calves, thighs and hips got ‘em for sure. Interesting how everybody’s different.”

“I got zero stretchmarks until after I gave birth,” said another. “And then suddenly they were everywhere! Even behind my knees, under my arms, and on my pubic bone!”

lit up restroom sign for men and women
Possessed Photography/ Unsplash

Your Pelvic Floor Muscles Weaken

Sorry, but sneezing may never be the same. The strain of pregnancy and childbirth can weaken your pelvic floor muscles (those are the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel). This can cause mild to severe urinary incontinence or other pelvic floor disorders including problems related to your bowel or sexual functioning.

The good news? There are exercises you can do to improve things, with daily Kegels being your best first step. If you’re noticing excessive leaking—more than just a little squirt with a sneeze or “Oops” on the trampoline—you may want to talk to your gynecologist about regular physical therapy to improve symptoms (Don’t worry; it’s less embarrassing than it sounds).

Related: The Best Hidden Exercise You Should Do Every Day

Your Vision Changes

Ah, hormones—Is there any part of the body you don’t control? Apparently not. If you’re not seeing your ABCs like you used to, you’re not alone. Up to 20 percent of women experience vision changes after pregnancy, Optometrist Dr. Arian Fartash said on her website. This s because pregnancy hormones cause water retention, which can cause swelling in the eyes. 

“Your feet don’t only swell, but your eyes can swell, too, and that makes your vision change,” Fartash said in her video blog, “Ask an Eye Doctor.” “These changes can stay until after you’re done breastfeeding—or it can stay until the rest of your life.” Consequently, Fartash recommends getting your eyes checked after pregnancy to see if you need a new prescription. 

phanton baby kicks are one of the permanent body changes after pregnancy for many women, baby's feet in white sheet
Gigin Krishnan via Unsplash

You Have Phantom Baby Kicks

Yes, phantom kicks are a thing. Your tummy may not be growing a baby anymore, but it’s not uncommon to feel those familiar baby flutters even long after childbirth. According to Texas OB-GYN Tiffany Woodus, phantom kicks are the perception of fetal movement in the abdomen weeks, months or years after pregnancy has ended. And it's experienced by more women than you'd think. 

Experts aren’t sure why women experience phantom kicks, but according to an online survey done in Australia, women who experience them do so for an average of 6.8 years postpartum, with one mom in the survey reporting phantom kicks up to 28 years later!

My daughter is 7 and I STILL get them!,” said a Mama in this thread.

It freaks me out every time. I'm so glad I saw this post, it's had me guessing a lot,” said another. “My son is nearly three and I've been getting them for the last 6 months. A part of me thinks it's my body teasing me because I do want a second now.”

“Same thing happens to me,” said another. “I even took a pregnancy test to confirm I'm not going crazy even though there was zero chance of pregnancy.”

Related: I Miss the Attention I Got When I Was Pregnant

Your Face Has Dark Spots All Over It

If your face looks splotchier than it did in your child-free days—or if you suddenly have a blanket of freckles all over your nose, you probably have melasma, a common condition caused by pregnancy hormones (it can also happen with the start of birth control pills). The condition, categorized by splotches or freckles of darker skin, usually occurs mainly on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. 

For some women, it goes away a few months after their baby is born (or after they stop taking the pill); for others, the change is permanent. But don’t despair: There are several treatments that may help, including lightening creams and laser light therapy. 

a mom and baby lay face to face in a bed laughing with baby's hands on mom's face

A Final Note

While it may seem daunting to learn about all the uncomfortable or potentially permanent side effects of pregnancy, try to keep things in perspective: After all, you just added a human to the world. Those are battle scars you're earning!

And anyway—stretch marks, vision changes, and splotchy skin equals new baby, plus a lifetime of love and purpose. We'll take it.

I lost my sense of smell for a year. This was back in 2013, long before the pandemic made its absence a harbinger of a devastating virus. Today, as the effects of long COVID become better understood and some people report continuing anosmia (loss of smell and taste), I’ve been remembering my life without smell, and how it distanced me from the people I love. 

I had caught a typical nasty cold. But along with the exhaustion, achiness and runny nose, my sense of smell disappeared. No big deal, I thought, it would come back when the cold cleared up. A full month passed and all my other symptoms had faded, but my sense of smell—and therefore taste—were AWOL.

Their departure meant the disappearance of easy and daily pleasures. A crisp piece of bread generously spread with butter and jam, the scent of woodsmoke from a fire, the earthy fragrance of autumn leaves on a forest floor. Those were basic joys that I had taken for granted. 

Worse were the subtle human connections I lost. I couldn’t catch my mother’s perfume when I hugged her. I missed the scent of toothpaste on my husband’s breath as he kissed me goodnight. Hardest of all, I couldn’t smell my four-year-old daughter’s little head after a bath or catch her sweet, slightly sour morning breath when she woke me for the day. As much as we deny it, we are just animals, and scent is a primal connector. This subtle, but vital, form of communication was now closed to me.

During my time with anosmia, I kept telling myself that it wasn’t a big deal. In the grand scheme of things, smell and taste are the lesser senses. They were so obviously secondary to sight, hearing and touch that I was almost embarrassed to raise my problem with healthcare professionals. 

And yet, as the months wore on and there was no improvement, I got sadder and sadder. My passion for cooking waned, since not only could I not taste anything, but I couldn’t even test what I was sauteing to ensure I was on the right track. My Monday Starbucks chai tea latte was no longer a delightful treat fortifying me for the week. Mostly I missed cuddling up to my little girl and breathing in her scent, connecting with her in an ineffable way I hadn’t realized I needed until it was gone. 

Most medical professionals couldn’t figure out what was wrong or provide a timeline for improvements. Only the allergist gave me an iota of hope, positing that maybe my “smeller nerve”—not the technical term—was inflamed and angry. Possibly, if I took antihistamines and waited, things might calm down. I grasped hold of his hesitant guesses, clinging to those shards of hope. 

After a full year without smell, I was depressed. I missed the scent of clover in springtime and the warm, sleepy odor of my child when I put her to bed. My daughter’s birthday came and went, and while I made her chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting, I couldn’t enjoy them or smell the shampoo I used to wash the icing from her hair later that night. 

That summer we went on a big trip to the UK. I tried not to be sad about missing out on the deep-fried Mars Bar or the smell of a salt-sprayed beach. While we were traveling in London, I started craving cigarettes. This was odd because I had never smoked. It was only after three days that I realized what was happening: I was smelling the cigarette smoke. I couldn’t believe it. 

Over the course of the next month, my anosmia faded away. The allergist had been right. My “smeller nerve” just needed to calm down. I was deeply grateful to taste chocolate and enjoy wine again, but more than that, I was thrilled to reconnect with the joys of my daughter’s life. I could smell the wax crayons of her drawings, the ranch dip for her beloved chicken nuggets and most importantly, her indescribable, squishy, unique self. 

The loss of smell and taste is just that, a real and devastating loss. It’s easy to dismiss the mental toll of its disappearance. After all, without smell you can still function normally: You can drive a car, feed your baby, create a PowerPoint presentation. But the truth is that without your sniffer, the world becomes less pleasurable, and human connections suffer. This is a loss to be fought against and mourned if it cannot be regained. 

Amy Tector is an archivist and novelist in Ottawa. Her debut novel, The Honeybee Emeralds, a lighthearted mystery set in Paris, is available in all bookstores. 

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What came first—the caregiver or the title of caregiver? One mom’s Tweet about how her child’s daycare continues to call her despite her husband being listed as the primary point of contact has kicked off quite the Twitterverse discussion about gender roles in parenting, instances of bias and how that bias, in turn, affects gender roles (not to mention careers).

Dr. Raina Brands took to Twitter to air her frustration about being the primary point of contact for her son’s daycare, despite filling out all the forms with her husband’s information. He drops her son at daycare, picks him up, has his name and number on all the contact-in-case-of forms, and yet Brands is the one who gets every call. Why? Because she’s the mom.

Since posting, Brands has received nearly 21k likes, plus hundreds of retweets and comments. Moms everywhere—and dads—have experienced a similar sort of gender stereotyping when it comes to childcare, despite their best efforts to clearly indicate which parent should be the primary contact.

Brands has a Ph.D. in management and is a professor at the UCL School of Management, where she directs an open-enrollment course on leading inclusively. BuzzFeed reached out to her after her Tweet went viral, and she had plenty of insight to share. “I research gender inequality in organizations, as well as teach and consult on this topic. We focus a lot on the major inequalities women face in their careers—the gender pay gap, the gender leadership gap, overt sexism, etc.,” she said. “But every day, women experience smaller inequalities as well, and these smaller inequalities add up over time. My daycare example is one of them.”

“One phone call isn’t a big deal,” she goes on. “But if every phone call goes to me, it means I am regularly being pulled away from my work to answer a query, arrange alternative care, pick him up, etc. The cumulative effect is an additional mental load and a time cost, not to mention … the potential to make me look unreliable and not seriously committed to my career. If they never call my partner, not only are we not sharing those costs, but it also means he gets sidelined as a parent.”

Not all responses to Dr. Brands’ Tweet were affirming. Like the one below, some people were offended that a mother—regardless of the structures she and her partner had put in place to best care for their child’s welfare, their individual careers and their family’s financial future—a mother! wouldn’t want to be called out of her workday to discuss her son’s runny nose, cranky mood, missing permission slip, etc., etc., etc.

According to Brands, “gender inequality is self-reinforcing” in parenting because when teachers, doctors, other parents and other temporary caregivers just assume that the mom is the primary caregiver, all decisions—logistical, permissions-related, medical, social—are funneled to her. So despite a mom’s best effort to shoulder (or defer) the parenting burden to her partner, she ends up bearing the brunt of it.

And any parent will tell naysayers that not having the bandwidth to manage the minutiae of daily decision-making is very, very different from not loving your child. It simply means that your family’s caregiver structure is organized in a way that works for your family—and it’s clear that our culture just isn’t ready to wrap their heads (or organize their point-of-contact calls) around roles that don’t follow gender stereotypes.

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Family game night is a great time to debut a new board game of the year might make their debut. But for those times when you’re looking for easy fun, keep a few tried-and-true games on hand. These classic board games have lasted for a reason: not only are they great for kids to play with other kids, but they are also well-suited to multi-generational play. The familiar rules make them quick to learn but tricky to win.


Candy Land

$12 BUY NOW

All the sweetness without the sugar crash! Go for the classic edition created to celebrate the game's 65th anniversary and experience sweet nostalgia when your primary-colored gingerbread man sets out on an adventure through the Gumdrop Mountains and Peppermint Stick Forest. It's a perfect first game, as it teaches little ones colors, counting and the fun of chasing ice cream floats. For ages 4 and up.


Chutes and Ladders

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Some things are so simple! Break the rules and slide down the chute, do a good deed and climb up the ladder. This classic board game is full of ups and downs which keeps things exciting, and any game dishing out rewards to the littles for good behavior gets a giant thumbs up in our book. Best for ages 3 to 7.


Jenga

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Great for hand-eye coordination (and developing patience) break out this old-school game of block stacking and crashing. As the tower grows so does the focus and anticipation. May the sturdiest (little) hand win. For ages 6 years and up.


Uno

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This family fave is essentially a color-coded version of Crazy 8s. It also may be one of the most popular games around. It's easy to learn and a blast to play. And whether your tiny tike playing for the first time, or a great-grandparent playing for the 100th time, the chance to scream UNO never gets old. For ages 5 and up.


Sorry!

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One of the first words kids learn (we hope!) to say is "sorry", and they'll get to practice their skills in this easy-to-learn and quick-to-master game. The goal is to slide, jump and collide your way around the board from start to finish, but get caught by an opponent and you'll be sorry! For ages 6 and up.


Monopoly (1980s Edition)

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No credit card machine, no "Stranger Things" edition, just the classic Monopoly you grew up with. The real question is, do you put money in the Free Parking spot?


Connect 4

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Connect Four is one of those low-key games that you can play with the kids even when you're tired (or they are). It's essentially just tic tac toe with a twist, making it a great early game for kids. The manufacturer recommends ages 6 and up but we think younger kids (3 and up) can enjoy it. 


Scrabble

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Learn critical thinking, strategy, and spelling with this classic board game. Best for kids 8 and up, but if you play with younger kids you can simplify by setting them up for easy words and giving second chances when words are misspelled. Keep a dictionary nearby just in case.


Battleship

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This basic guessing game lets each player become a commander of the high seas. The idea is to search for enemy ships and eliminate them one by one. Your kiddo will love the game's realistic naval crafts and action-packed gameplay. For ages 7 and up.


Mancala

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Up the coolness factor of this simple calculation bead game by telling your kiddo they're playing an ancient game that first popped up in Egypt and Africa. The object is basic—accumulate the most beads through a series of moves and captures—but winning is anything but. For ages 8 and up.

 


Checkers

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Before they start beating you at chess, give them a chance to take over with Checkers, one of the simplest and most enjoyable of the classic board games. 

 


Yahtzee!

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With 13 rounds per game and a whole lot of dice shaking, this game requires an investment in time beyond the 15 minutes games like Operation or Chutes and Ladders takes, but there's something deeply satisfying about shouting your victory. For ages 8 and up, this game is an excellent multi-generational game.

 


Hi-Ho! Cherry-O

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Get some at-home math fun with this fruit-pickin' classic board game. Spin the arrow, fill the "basket," and be the first one to clear the tree! For ages 4 and up.


Operation

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"Operate" on Cavity Sam with the tweezers and carefully remove the little pieces without touching the sides. It's harder than it looks! The game with an electrical charge isn't just funny, it helps kids learn fine motor skills. Ages 6 and up.

 


Clue (Retro Series 1986 Edition)

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There are several editions of Clue but if you want them to play the one you had when you were a kid, this is it. This classic game of "whodunit" allows kids to use the process of elimination to determine the weapon, location, and murderer. Ages 8 and up.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


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After a long and anxious wait, COVID-19 vaccines are now available for kids age 5 to 11. Getting young kids vaccinated is critical for protecting our communities, since this is a large age group, and taking this step will give millions of parents peace of mind. 

Paul Lewis, MD, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in infections in kids, says that as winter and the holidays approach, this is a good time to get kids vaccinated. He suggests using the COVID-19 vaccine authorization as an opportunity to get kids caught up on other vaccinations as well, since many people have fallen behind on regular appointments during the last 18 months. He also suggests that all children over 6 months old get their flu shot this year. Fortunately, he says, it’s no problem to get both shots at the same time.

We know parents, caregivers, and others may have questions about the safety of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. In this Q&A, Dr. Lewis answers common questions about it.

 

How well does the COVID-19 vaccine work for kids?

For kids under 12, the COVID-19 vaccine is incredibly effective. A recent study, affirmed by the Food and Drug Administration, that included more than 3,000 kids who got the pediatric dose of the vaccine found that it was more than 90% effective at preventing infection with symptoms.

 

How does the vaccine for children 5 to 11 differ from the vaccine for people 12 and older?

The pediatric vaccine is identical to the vaccine that’s used for older teenagers and adults, but the dose is one-third of the adult dose. That dosage was chosen because it was just as effective at providing protective antibodies but had a much lower rate of side effects.

What are the most common side effects?

Of the thousands of kids who were part of that recent study, zero had serious adverse events. Some kids get sore arms, redness or swelling, and a smaller percentage might get fatigue, muscle aches or fever. But they’re getting side effects at lower rates than teenagers and adults.

 

What is the risk of myocarditis?

Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, has occurred in young men who’ve been vaccinated but is pretty rare, with a handful of cases per million vaccination doses. Many cardiologists think that, since this is generally more common in teenagers than school-age kids, it’ll be less common after vaccination as well. 

If my child has underlying health conditions, should I go ahead with vaccination?

Studies on this are ongoing. We know that older adolescents and adults with immunocompromised conditions or on immunosuppressive medications respond less well to vaccination, but they do respond. We also know that if they get COVID-19, they’re more likely to have worse outcomes, including needing hospitalization and intensive care. If someone has an underlying condition, such as an immunosuppressive condition, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, we recommend getting an age-appropriate vaccine.

If my child is used to wearing a mask, can’t I just rely on that for prevention?

Social distancing and wearing masks are important layers of protection, but they are hard to continue day after day, especially for kids at recess or at lunch. So the vaccine is a big, thick layer of protection to help with all those other measures, and people should use them together. 

How should I prepare my child for a vaccination appointment?

I’ve never met a kid who wanted to get a shot, but kids are resilient. You can help by explaining that you’ve been vaccinated and, while it does hurt, the pain goes away quickly and you’re there for them. At Kaiser Permanente vaccination sites, there will be people who are used to dealing with children and who know that there is a lot of emotion and fear. Kaiser Permanente staff and parents can work together to make it a minor experience for kids.

To schedule a vaccination and learn more, visit kp.org/covidvaccine/nw.

Is there anything you can do to help reduce the pain that happens in the arm after getting the vaccine? Does heat or cold compresses work better?

I don’t know of any magic or comparison between heat and cold. My advice to parents would be to avoid focusing on it; it is not much different than any other injection- actually smaller in volume. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you normally would for the degree of pain.

My son keeps taking his mask off during recess at school, is he safe since he’s outside?

Different states and different school districts have varying policies on using masks outside. In general, the risk of getting COVID outside is MUCH less than in any indoor setting. Please try to follow the school’s rules—they are doing there best in a difficult situation and parents can help by being supportive

I know the CDC says it’s safe to get both the flu vaccine at the same time as the covid vaccine, but as a pediatrician would you recommend waiting a week or two in between those vaccines?

Simultaneous vaccines are recommended because it is hard for individuals and families to make multiple appointments or to fit multiple visits into their schedules. I got mine together last week!

Are there any over the counter medications that my child should or should not take right after getting the vaccine?


CDC recommends not taking OTCs unless you need them for symptom management.

I have a 17 year old son with a heart murmur and a left ventricular bundle branch block, is he at a higher risk for Myocarditis with the vaccine?

Hard question, but I would check with his cardiologist who knows his case the best.

I have a child with a compromised immune system; with the new variant heading to the US, should I consider homeschooling during the winter months?

We will know much more about the new variant by January. It is not yet widespread enough in the US to worry and when school starts again after New Years we should know more about the risk to vaccinated and unvaccinated kids.

Do you have an estimated timeline of when kids under 5 will be approved for the vaccine?

Hard to make a guarantee but hopefully by spring of 2022.