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Vaccinations spark a lot of debate in the parenting community. Anti-vaccination advocates assert that vaccinating children exposes them to harmful ingredients that can cause grave side effects, most notably autism. However, the recent measles outbreak has many parents reconsidering their stance against vaccination. The media has played a tremendous role in molding society’s perception of […]

Bringing home a newborn baby is a joyous occasion for the parents, but what about for your other children? Sibling rivalry and jealousy is common when introducing a new brother or sister into the family. Children age two to six are most likely to go through these emotions. Your goal should be to carefully transition […]

  Photo courtesy of Alec Couros / Flickr Creative Commons The birth of a first child is an exciting time for new parents. Once he or she starts to become mobile, you’ll want to make sure your home is as safe as possible. Childproofing your home is essential to protect your child from unforeseen dangers […]

  According the American Heart Association, one in three children and teenagers in the United States are overweight or obese. With childhood obesity becoming a top health concern, emphasizing the consumption of green vegetables and other colorful foods in your household is more important than ever.  Be sure to monitor your child’s eating patterns and […]

    A child’s manners and behavior can affect his or her social development. Therefore, parents should start teaching their child proper behavior from an early age. Teaching your child how to behave appropriately is just as essential as teaching them how to read and write. Thankfully, you don’t have to wait until your child […]

Childhood diabetes can be overwhelming for a family. Since it is a chronic disease that requires constant care and attention, it might be unsettling sending your child away to school for hours or dropping them off at soccer practice. Managing your child’s diabetes is achievable as long as you keep these tips in mind. Consult […]

Remember what it’s like to get a full night of uninterrupted sleep? If you have a newborn chances are a full night’s rest is a thing of the past. Many infants have difficulties sleeping and force parents to stay awake with them. The most important thing to remember as a new parent is you are […]

Teaching your child about health and hygiene can be challenging. Chances are he or she would rather spend their time playing outside or watching cartoons, not learning about the importance of washing hands or brushing teeth. Here are some of our tips to ensure your child practices proper hygiene starting at a young age: Tip […]

Developing social skills in children is as equally important as developing physical skills. Unfortunately, unlike physical skills, social skills are not as easy to identify. While physical growth is visible, social development requires close observation and monitoring. It’s important to remember that every child develops social skills at a different rate. Whether you’re a new […]

Everyone is pretty familiar with signs of allergies: sniffling, sneezing, skin irritation. Although these symptoms appear to be minor in nature, allergies should always be properly addressed by a pediatrician. If left untreated, allergies can become much more serious and contribute to other health conditions. To avoid potential complications related to untreated allergies, it is […]

Introducing your baby to solid foods is an exciting milestone for the whole family. It can also be a very nerve wracking and confusing time for new parents. When is the right time to start your baby on solid foods? What kind of food should you start with? How do I know my baby is […]

When it comes to the health and wellbeing of our children, nothing poses as much of a threat as childhood obesity.  According to the American Heart Association, the number one health concern of parents in the United States is childhood obesity, which tops both drug abuse and smoking.  At such a young age, it’s important […]

Bullying has always been a prevalent issue but its seriousness isn’t always handled properly.  Anyone, at any age, can become a victim of bullying. This type of abuse leads to more than just a black eye.  Bullying extends beyond physical aggression and reaches mental and emotional abuse.  The scars that that bullying leaves can affect […]

There are many reasons why it is important to limit a child’s use of electronic devices. However, many parents aren’t sure how to go about limiting their child’s screen time – especially when it comes to video games. Parents should be aware of the risks involved when their child plays video games and set rules […]

Chickenpox is one of the most common diseases among children – particularly among those under age 12. Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, chickenpox is a highly contagious illness that appears as itchy rashes that look like blisters all over the body and is accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, […]

At times, it can be difficult for parents to ensure that their child is happy and healthy.  Bumps and bruises are easy enough to tend to. However, with the rise of technology, raising a child in a safe environment now comes with even more hurdles. More and more children and adolescents see computers, smart phones, […]

Summer is just around the corner and if you’re a kid that only means one thing – summer vacation! As parents, summer means more time spent with the family – on vacations, camping trips, swimming pools, beach trips and more. Despite the fun that comes with the sunny weather, parents should keep in mind the […]

Caring for your child becomes a number one priority for new parents. Whether it’s protecting them from the cold by adding extra layers, or tending to scrapes and bruises after a day at the playground – a parent’s work is never done. Caring for your child sometimes requires the assistance of a doctor to administer […]

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one size fits all approach to toilet training your child. What works for one child, may not work for another. The toilet training process takes time and patience as your child undertakes learning this brand new skill. Even if you’re an experienced parent, toilet training can present unique challenges to both […]

Every parent, new or seasoned, has experienced the woes of a teething baby. Teething occurs when the teeth begin to emerge through the gums. The teething process can cause discomfort, restlessness, and frustration for both parents and children. Knowing what to expect and how to make the teething process easier for your little one can […]

Helicopter parenting has sparked much debate over the years. The term “helicopter parent” is defined as a parent who is overly involved in the life of his or her child. Simply put, helicopter parents are overprotective. While many believe that this type of parenting can be harmful, others write it off as media hype created […]

The amount of hours children spend watching television is growing at an alarming rate. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that children under age 6 watch an average of about 2 hours of television a day, while children and teens ages 8 to 18 watch nearly 4 hours of television a day. […]

Does your newborn or young child have red-rimmed, itchy and swelling eyes? He or she could be suffering from conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, which is very common in children. There are several types of pinkeye, some more serious than others, and the infection can have various causes. Pinkeye is often caused by a viral infection, usually […]

An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by bacteria. It occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Anyone can get an ear infection, but they are incredibly common in children. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly 75 percent of children will have at least […]

It’s very common and important for children to participate in physical activity while in school. If your child will be participating in school sports this academic year, be sure to schedule a comprehensive sports physical for your child. The sports physical is not just an annual check-up to participate in school athletics. It’s also a […]

As your new baby begins to develop, it’s important to know the milestones he or she will experience. From newborn to 12 months, your baby will progress quickly. If you notice your baby doesn’t hit these milestones it’s important to talk to your Oviedo pediatrician about it. Keep in mind some children do develop later […]

One of your main goals as a parent is to make sure your child is protected. You know about the importance of car seats, baby gates, and other ways to keep them safe. But did you know that one of the best ways to protect your child is to make sure they have all of […]

The next time your child brings home a note from school regarding the latest lice infestation, don’t panic. Having lice can be a common and pesky situation for our children. Every year, more than 6 million children are infected with these harmless yet annoying parasites. Parents hate the idea of their kids having lice. They’re […]

Your baby is due in the next few weeks, and you begin to worry. You ask yourself, what will I do if my child has a fever? Who can I rely on for advice? Finding the right pediatrician for your child can be a tricky subject and usually requires a very extensive search. Family First Pediatrics provides you with 5 helpful things to look for when choosing your Pediatrician.