In May and June 2022, What to Expect surveyed 1,406 women who were either pregnant or had given birth within the last 12 months about their maternity care. Key findings:| What to Expect
Toddlers are often too busy playing and exploring to even notice they're thirsty, let alone stop for a water break. And it's not always easy to figure out that your little one needs a drink, especially when he doesn't yet have the words to tell you himself.| What to Expect
Your toddler won’t eat? You’re certainly not alone. Many a parent scratches her head when her former champion eater suddenly decides to turn her nose up at the dinner (and lunch!) menus. Truth: You could be dealing with a food strike, which occurs when your little one used to have a steady appetite, but now refuses to eat much of anything, including her favorite foods.| What to Expect
In a perfect world you'd never need to save your child's life. But accidents and emergencies happen, even with the most vigilant parent. Babies and toddlers can choke on pieces of food or small toys or even get tangled in curtain cords. Luckily, by taking classes on infant and children's CPR (short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation), you'll learn to handle many emergency situations yourself. | What to Expect
One fish, two fish, red fish — whose fish? Your toddler’s, that’s who! Fish can be just as entertaining on the plate as they are in the pages of a Dr. Seuss book (and no, you don’t always have to resort to fish sticks). | What to Expect
At your first prenatal visit, your health care provider likely talked with you about all the foods you should avoid during pregnancy — sushi, raw meat, deli meat and unpasteurized cheese — to prevent exposure to listeria.| What to Expect
Sure, shellfish might seem a little highbrow for someone who’s still learning to crawl or cruise. But because foods like lobster, crab and shrimp are common allergens, your pediatrician may recommend introducing shellfish to your baby sooner rather than later.| What to Expect
The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. © 2005-2025 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company.| What to Expect
Plant-based milks are popular alternatives to regular cow’s milk — and they can be great options for some adults, especially those who have lactose intolerance.| What to Expect
Is your toddler pumping enough iron — in her veins, that is? Iron is an essential mineral that your child needs to grow properly. And although most people in the United States get enough of it in their diets, some young children may be running low. In fact, research suggests that nearly 1 in 10 toddlers in the U.S. are deficient in iron.| What to Expect
The current baby formula shortage is making it incredibly stressful for many families to find the formula they need to feed their little ones. If you're struggling to find infant formula in stock, you may have come across homemade baby formula recipes online. But while these do-it-yourself concoctions might seem inexpensive or look like they contain harmless, basic ingredients, it's never a good idea to serve your baby homemade formula — and the risks are more significant than you may...| What to Expect
Finding the perfect baby formula for your little one can be challenging even under the best of circumstances. But the ongoing shortages caused by the Abbott formula recall and pre-existing pandemic supply chain issues have made things even more difficult than usual.| What to Expect
When it comes to babies, milk really does do a body good. But the best type of milk for your baby will vary depending on his age — and, until he’s a toddler, will likely change from year to year.| What to Expect
Toddlers aren't known for their table manners (food throwing, anyone?) and willingness to try new foods, but these years are prime time for introducing healthy eating habits. So get the lowdown on finding kid-friendly meal ideas, combatting picky eating and more.| What to Expect
You might think your newborn's favorite thing to look at is the colorful octopus mobile you put over her crib. But generally, neither colorful playthings, musical toys nor geometric shapes are as enticing to your baby as the human face. In fact, she’s not even picky about whose face it is — so an easy way to present this preferred view is to grab a mirror and let your baby gaze at her own! | What to Expect
Breastfeeding Essentials| What to Expect
In the first few sleep-deprived months of your baby’s life, you were probably pretty fixated on getting your little one to sleep through the night so that the whole house wasn’t awake at 2 a.m. (or worse, every hour on the hour).| What to Expect
Whoever coined the term "sleep like a baby" didn't seem to know much about them, because newborns are notoriously restless sleepers who are hungry every few hours and rarely, if ever, make it through the night without waking up.| What to Expect
No two babies are exactly alike, and the same is true of babies' sleep schedules. How long your little one naps and how often is just one more aspect of your baby's individuality.| What to Expect
When the weather gets really chilly or super toasty outside, it’s difficult to know where to set the thermostat. When it’s snowing or below freezing, how warm does it need to be in baby’s nursery? How cool should it be when it's the middle of summer and sweltering? And how can you tell if your little one is too cold or too hot?| What to Expect
A parent's reluctance to wake up a slumbering newborn baby is completely understandable. After all, your sweetie looks so peaceful when he's asleep. And considering the amount of time he spends awake and crying, it seems like a crime to not let your sleeping baby lie when you've got the chance. | What to Expect
Does it sometimes seem like your baby is having all-night parties and didn't invite you? While adults make a distinction between day and evening activities, to little ones, it’s all kind of a blur. | What to Expect
Dr. Gina Posner is a board-certified pediatrician practicing at MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California.| What to Expect
Dr. Florencia Segura is a board-certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) who works at Einstein Pediatrics in Vienna, Virginia.| What to Expect
Breastfeeding is healthy for moms and babies — but a lot more challenging than many women expect. That's one of the reasons why many women give up on breastfeeding in the first month. But experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing to breastfeed for at least the first year if you can. Trusted SourceAmerican Academy of PediatricsBaby's First Month: Feeding and NutritionSee All Sources [1]| What to Expect
Is your baby having problems latching on during breastfeeding? Is it painful when you breastfeed? If you're a rookie breastfeeding a newborn, the answers to both of these questions will probably be "yes, and yes."| What to Expect
If you’re struggling with breastfeeding — whether your baby is having a hard time latching or you’re dealing with soreness and pain — you may wonder if nipple shields could help.| What to Expect
So you think if you’ve seen one dirty diaper, you’ve seen them all? Far from it. The color and texture of baby poop can change from day to day — and bowel movement to bowel movement — causing even experienced parents to worry about what’s in their baby’s diaper. | What to Expect
You’re aware of so many of the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy — the weight gain, the increased need to pee, the exhaustion, the aches and pains.| What to Expect
Your prenatal care visits vary from month to month, but three things will remain constant: You'll be weighed, you'll pee in a cup and someone will take your blood pressure. And at some point during your pregnancy, your practitioner may tell you that your blood pressure reading is a bit elevated.| What to Expect
Breasts that leak, drip or even spray milk in the weeks (and sometimes even months) after delivery are a common and normal postpartum symptom. Here's what new moms need to know about leaking breasts in the postpartum period, plus ways to minimize the mess.| What to Expect
During your first week after giving birth, whether you're breastfeeding or not, your milk will come in and your breasts will likely swell, harden and become more tender.| What to Expect
Breastfeeding your newborn baby doesn't always come naturally or easily, especially in the beginning, and nursing can have its share of ups and downs. It can be an intensely loving, bonding experience or it can be filled with tears when nursing sessions don't go quite as planned.| What to Expect
Whether you plan to use a pump while you’re away from your baby or don't plan to pump at all, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s worth knowing about hand expression. | What to Expect
When new moms envision those first moments breastfeeding their newborns, no one imagines aching, sore breasts. But breastfeeding challenges like engorgement or pain from issues like clogged ducts or mastitis can be common, especially in the early postpartum days when your milk supply is still getting established.| What to Expect
Making milk might come naturally, but the delivery of it from breast to belly takes a little know-how and a lot of practice. For many new moms and babies, the first attempts at breastfeeding are haphazard and hapless, at best. But proper positioning is essential in helping your newborn latch on the right way, as well as preventing nipple soreness and other breastfeeding problems.| What to Expect
How to Get Breastfeeding Support| What to Expect
The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. © 2005-2025 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company.| What to Expect
We've all seen it: A grim-faced parent trying to buckle a howling toddler into a car seat, or the stubborn tot who wildly protests any attempts to get her into a restaurant booster chair. If these situations sound a little too familiar, you too may have a strong-willed toddler on your hands. | What to Expect
Breastfeeding can be stressful for new moms, especially if you’re worried about producing enough breast milk to keep baby happy and healthy. Unlike bottle-feeding, where you can tell exactly how much your baby is drinking, breastfeeding is “blind”; your breasts aren't see-through, so you can't know how much milk you have and how much your baby is taking.| What to Expect
While your baby grows and matures over nine months of pregnancy, there’s something else growing in your uterus too — and it’s responsible for keeping your baby alive. You’ve likely already heard of the placenta, but what does it do? Here’s what you need to know about your placenta to have a healthy pregnancy.| What to Expect
The lactation consultant, your new mom friends, the latest health news flash you read online — each one probably has a different take on vitamins and babies. So how can you make sense of all that conflicting advice? And, bottom line — does your baby really need a vitamin supplement? Well, the answer depends on whether you're breastfeeding or not.| What to Expect
You scrutinized every product label and ingredient list while you were pregnant. So do you need to keep up the caution while you’re breastfeeding or pumping?| What to Expect
Your baby’s umbilical cord stump is a funny little piece of skin that’s actually the last link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical cord is cut at birth, a bit remains still attached to his navel — and it’ll go through a metamorphosis during your baby’s early days.| What to Expect
Your first prenatal visit may be one of the longest you'll have during your pregnancy — and definitely the most comprehensive. Not only will there be tests and information-gathering, there will be lots of time spent on questions and answers. There will also be plenty of advice given, from what to eat (or not), what prenatal vitamins to take, and how much to exercise.| What to Expect
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that can lead to serious complications in babies and children. The good news: Early diagnosis and treatment can protect kids’ health so they can feel their best and do the things they love.| What to Expect
Your Baby| What to Expect
Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs can affect women at any age or stage — even during pregnancy. And since many STDs have no symptoms, plus you’re carrying a vulnerable baby on board, it’s critical that you get tested for these infections as soon as you realize you’re expecting.| What to Expect
If you’re a mom-to-be with your heart set on a vaginal birth, the news that your baby needs (or may need) to be delivered by C-section might feel disappointing. Visions of childbirth the way you've dreamed about can sometimes be replaced by worries about the surgery, the longer hospital stay, and the tougher recovery.| What to Expect
While premature babies often need state-of-the-art medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), there’s one special, simple service that only parents and caregivers can provide: kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin contact. This well-studied method of closely snuggling newborns offers multiple benefits to both premature and full-term infants — and it’s free!| What to Expect
As your baby leaves the dark, quiet comfort of your womb and enters the bright, noisy world around her, just what can she see?| What to Expect
You know calcium does your body good, but did you know that it’s crucial for your growing toddler, too? Here's everything parents need to know about calcium for kids, plus how to make sure your little one is getting enough.| What to Expect
Most people know that to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, you should eat calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt. But you might not know that vitamin D plays an equally important role — it's what enables your body to absorb and hold onto that calcium and other minerals you and your developing baby need.| What to Expect
This week, your baby is starting to look more like, well, a baby — your little one’s head is taking shape, while the cheeks, chin, and jaws are also beginning to form.| What to Expect
4 weeks pregnant is how many months?| What to Expect
Welcome to week 36 of pregnancy — officially the start of month 9.| What to Expect
These days, it's pretty much routine for pregnant women in their second trimester to be scheduled for a level 2 ultrasound, more commonly called the 20-week anatomy scan. That's because practitioners have found that this special pregnancy ultrasound is a great way to see how a baby is developing and offer reassurance that everything is going exactly the way it should be.| What to Expect
Feeling your baby kick, twist, wriggle, punch and hiccup is simply one of pregnancy's biggest thrills (and it sure beats heartburn, puffy feet and other hallmarks of these nine months). There may be no better proof that a brand new life is developing within you.| What to Expect
As a new parent, it's normal to be concerned about your baby getting everything she needs nutritionally. After all, babies grow at an astounding rate, doubling their birth weights within the first four to six months of life, and proper nutrition is key to proper growth. | What to Expect
The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. © 2005-2025 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company.| What to Expect
The fetal nervous system — i.e. your baby's brain, spinal cord and nerves — is one of the very first systems to develop. In fact, it's making big strides before you even know you're pregnant.| What to Expect
Your baby's growth and development during the first year is both delightful (Those coos! Those cuddles!) and dizzying (with all the crying and feeding and diapering, you've got your hands full). Here's your guide to your baby's first year and all its major milestones (first smile, giggle, step, words), challenges (colic and teething and diaper rash, oh my!) and more.| What to Expect
The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. © 2005-2025 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company.| What to Expect
Infants have a variety of reactions to being placed face-down on the floor. Until they develop the muscles necessary to lift their heads from an awkward face-plant position, many babies hate tummy time (and squall indignantly to let you know it!). Others seem to love the view. And still others are indifferent, cooing happily no matter which end is up.| What to Expect
Does your newborn look more like an alien than a baby? Most babies aren’t born perfectly photogenic — especially if they’re delivered vaginally.| What to Expect
Underneath that soft, fuzzy surface, an infant's skull is like a set of shifting puzzle pieces that allow his head to grow. These malleable plates are great at protecting your little one's developing brain, but they can flatten when you put your baby down on his back (though some babies are born with mishapen heads from their position in the womb or trip through the birth canal).| What to Expect
As your baby develops head control, she’ll want to turn and look at the world all around her — at bright toys, towards silly sounds and into your adoring eyes. But sometimes, tight neck muscles can prevent baby from seeing the full picture. | What to Expect
While cradle cap definitely isn’t cute, happily it’s not permanent either. Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, this skin condition usually begins in the first three months of baby’s life and may linger through the first year (though more often, it runs its flaky course by the time baby is 6 months old).| What to Expect
Most new parents devote a lot of attention to the sleep their babies get, always hoping (fingers crossed!) that each overnight stretch gets a little longer. Of course, your little one will eventually get a full night of shut-eye, but newborn and baby sleep generally falls within a range and varies by age. And while it’s tempting to compare your babe with your friend’s, know that your cutie's sleep schedule is unique to her, just like her adorable nose. Trusted SourceNational Institutes o...| What to Expect
Your 3-month-old is constantly changing. Not only is he outgrowing diapers and onesies at a furious pace, but his sleep needs are evolving, too. At this age, you may be wondering if a sleep schedule can help your baby get the rest he needs.| What to Expect
Talk to experienced parents about baby sleep, and the one thing you’ll hear over and over is the importance of establishing an infant sleep schedule.| What to Expect
You've given birth and you're committed to giving your baby breast milk. But nursing doesn't always come naturally. The good news is with the right support, you can get past the first few days (or weeks, or sometimes even months) of breastfeeding fumbling.| What to Expect
For some new babies, the thrill of "open mouth, insert thumb" begins within weeks of birth. For others, thumb-sucking is a continuation of a habit perfected well before they were born — and the proof is in those adorable ultrasound pics.| What to Expect
If anyone ever deserved a break, it’s a nursing mom, so your desire to have your little one take a bottle so that you can go for a much-needed walk (or at least take a shower or a nap) is completely understandable, and in fact essential to your well-being. | What to Expect
Though there are many nipple shields on the market, What to Expect moms overwhelmingly recommend the Medela Contact Nipple Shield, saying this brand helped ease them into a better breastfeeding routine by teaching their babies how to latch while also protecting their nipples from pain. | What to Expect
Preemie babies are born weeks and sometimes months ahead of their actual due dates, often before their nervous systems and little bodies have fully developed. As a result, they can fall behind full-term babies for a while after they arrive. That doesn’t mean that premature babies won’t develop into perfectly normal and healthy kids, but it does mean that their timelines can be a little different.| What to Expect
If you’re faced with the possibility of giving birth very early, you’re likely filled with questions and concerns about fetal viability.| What to Expect
First, the good news: Advances in medical care mean the outcomes for preterm babies have improved in recent decades, and even the smallest of premature babies have a greater chance of surviving and living healthy lives.| What to Expect
No one plans on having their newborn spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), but roughly 78 out of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. each year stay in these specialized nurseries. Most of them are premature babies, as 1 in 10 newborns are born before 37 weeks in the U.S. So it’s worth learning about the place all preemies visit upon arrival. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect while your baby is there. | What to Expect
Every time your doctor measures your fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) beginning halfway through your pregnancy, they are estimating your baby’s size and weight.| What to Expect
Tired of explaining your preemie daughter’s size and age to passersby? Indeed, premature infants are smaller in terms of length and weight, but they do put on the ounces and pounds, just like their full-term peers. And keep in mind that the differences between on-time and premature babies are most pronounced in the first year, with the gaps generally closing by age 2 or 2 1/2.| What to Expect
As you watch your little one snooze (or listen in closely on the baby monitor), it’s easy to worry about every whine, whistle or wheeze you hear, and wonder whether or not it’s normal newborn breathing. Chances are, it is. Newborn breathing sounds very different than it does in older children. | What to Expect
If your newborn's beautiful skin has started turning a bit yellow, it could be jaundice. But your baby is in good company: Many infants experience this usually benign condition shortly after birth. Here are the basics on jaundice in newborn babies.| What to Expect
By your child’s third birthday, all 20 of her baby teeth (also called her primary teeth or milk teeth) should be up and in business. But within a few short years, her permanent teeth will start rearing their little white heads and gradually push out the primary teeth, eventually causing them to fall out one by one. Trusted SourceAmerican Dental Association (ADA)Eruption ChartsSee All Sources [1]| What to Expect
Does your little sweetie have a big taste for sweets? If so, you might be tempted to think that his adorable penchant for all things sugary is really no big deal. After all, how could a piece of birthday cake be a bad thing? Or those cookies at playgroup? Or the cupcakes from Grandma?| What to Expect
Dr. Michelle Kelman is a pediatric dentist in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to providing exceptional oral health care in a caring, positive and educational environment.| What to Expect
Whether your toddler has a mouth full of teeth or only a few poking through, it’s never too soon to start thinking about how to keep his adorable smile healthy. Sure, baby teeth don’t hang around forever (they generally start to fall out by age 6 or 7), but it’s still important to keep those tiny teeth — and gums — in tip-top shape while they’re saving the spots for grown-up teeth.| What to Expect
Toothbrushing is vital to your baby's dental care, but those precious pearly whites need more than just cleanings to stay healthy. Here are nine ways to keep your child's teeth in tip-top shape for life.| What to Expect
You might wonder why you should struggle to brush temporary baby teeth that will soon be replaced with permanent versions. But it's essential to take good care of your baby's teeth now — and not only because establishing healthy habits early on helps ensure a lifetime of good dental health. | What to Expect
Best Baby Finger Toothbrush| What to Expect
When a toddler’s coming along on a trip, you want to get to your destination fast — and traveling by train or car may not be quick enough for you. | What to Expect
Even if you’ve been on an airplane countless times before, flying with a baby or toddler might feel like foreign territory. Suddenly you’re faced with a list of questions longer than the number of delayed flights on the arrival board. The first one being: Should you bring your child's car seat on the plane?| What to Expect
As if you weren’t already juggling enough as a new parent! If you're planning a trip shortly after your little one arrives, you're likely scrambling to make travel arrangements and prepare for the experience of flying with a young baby. That’s enough to make any sleep-deprived, hormonal, not to mention still-recovering new parent cringe. After all, it can be hard enough to sneak a five-minute shower into your day, let alone double as your family’s travel agent.| What to Expect
As they grow, toddlers don’t need as much sleep as they used to, though they do still need to nap. Until around the 18-month-mark, most children log two to three solid hours of sleep during the day, split evenly between a morning nap and an after-lunch nap. Older tots usually ease into one longer afternoon sleep.| What to Expect
What to Expect may earn a commission from any purchases you make from these links. All prices are accurate at the time of publishing.| What to Expect
When the toddler years hit, some parents notice their tots’ appetites easing off, with some turning into rather picky eaters at mealtime. Other preschoolers have no problem cleaning their plates, leaving you to wonder what to make of your toddler’s appetite.| What to Expect
Babies and toddlers are plump by nature — those big, round cheeks and dimpled knees are the absolute sweetest! And experts say parents don’t need to worry about the weight of children younger than age 2. But as your child grows older, you may start to have more questions.| What to Expect
Is your formerly perfect sleeper suddenly waking up in the middle of the night or wailing every time you put her down at her regularly scheduled naptime? | What to Expect
