A Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Treat for Families
Looking for a healthier Valentine’s treat? These sweet potato brownies are kid-friendly, heart-healthy and perfect for celebrating with family.
What to Know About Baby Sleep Regression
If your baby’s sleep suddenly changes, you’re not alone. Learn what sleep regressions are, what helps and when to check…
ATV Safety: 8 Golden Rules to Ride Smart
Learn about ATV safety before you head out riding one.
Create a Gratitude Chain This Season
Celebrate gratitude this season! Create a family gratitude chain that teaches thankfulness, strengthens bonds and inspires spiritual reflection.
Whooping Cough: What Parents Need to Know
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is on the rise in Louisiana and Mississippi. This preventable illness is making a…
Well Visits vs. Sick Visits: Know What to Expect
From a high fever to a routine check-up, your child’s pediatrician is your first call. But did you know there’s…
Healthy Easter Treats and Crafts to Celebrate Together
Easter is a time of joy and renewal, a celebration of hope, faith and togetherness. While chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks are part of the fun, Easter doesn’t have to mean a sugar overload. With a little creativity, you can whip up healthier treats and make a festive craft to enjoy as a family. Ready…
Skip the Drive-Thru: Quick, Healthy Meals Made Simple
Would you believe that the most commonly used kitchen appliance for family meals isn’t the stove, oven or even the…
Supporting Children Through Grief
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and it’s one many children must face. The impact of childhood grief in our region is staggering. In Mississippi, 1 in 8 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before turning 18. In Louisiana, the number is nearly as high, with 1 in 9 children facing…
Your Essential Babysitter Checklist for Stress-Free Childcare
Leaving your kids with a babysitter for the first time — or even the tenth — can be a nerve-wracking experience. As you walk out the door, a million questions might run through your mind: Did I remember to mention the allergy medication? What if there’s an emergency? Will the kids stick to their bedtime…
Essential Kitchen Safety for Kids and Families
In addition to family parties with grilling and camping trips with fires, summer months may mean tweens and teens spend more time home alone and making their own meals. All come with burn risks, but prevention is key. Rachel Stutes, PA, with Our Lady of Lourdes Burn Center, shares expert advice in this ParentingU ExtraCredit…
New Moms, Take Care of Your Mental Health
Bringing a new life into this world is a remarkable journey, filled with joy, wonder and its fair share of challenges. For new moms, one of the most significant concerns often revolves around ensuring your little one receives the best nutrition possible. Breastfeeding, touted as nature’s perfect food, is a path many moms embark upon…
When Can Kids Start Safely Using Adult Medicine?
Headaches, fevers and allergies – oh my! Little kids’ symptoms can sometimes feel very big, but when is it appropriate for a child to start taking the grown-up version of common medicines? Jericho Bell, MD, St. Dominic’s pediatrician, provides answers to parents’ questions about managing over-the-counter medication to ensure their children receive safe and effective…
Navigating Tough Times: 3 Tips to Help Kids Cope if They Witness Trauma
Resilience is your capacity to rise above tough circumstances, and helping our kids become more resilient is an important part…
Create Memories in the Kitchen: Easy Pie Recipes for Families
Healthy family habits can also include room for life’s sweet moments – and what could be sweeter than pie? In honor of Pi Day, March 14, we’ve collected a few recipes to test out with your kids in the kitchen. Pull out the aprons, roll up your sleeves and get ready for a pie-making adventure…
Exercise for Teenagers: What Parents Should Know
Exercise for teenagers is a great way to help your children become healthy adults. However, your kids may not need to exercise as long as you think to get the full benefit. New research claims it doesn’t take long for teens to get the physical activity they need. They just have to be willing to…
Mardi Gras: Six Top Tips for Parading as a Parent
Mardi Gras is a special time of year for Louisianians. Whether you love the parades, are a king cake fanatic, or just enjoy the extra days off work and school, Carnival season has something to offer everyone. For parents, Mardi Gras can bring up some additional obstacles to address. We’ve gathered some tips for a…
Kid-Approved Game Day Snack Ideas
When you’re gearing up to watch the big game on the big screen, you’ll want to have some yummy noshes on hand. These healthier snack options are easy to eat when tuned into a game, whether the Super Bowl, the Puppy Bowl or even just watching the ads. Even better — they’ll fuel your whole…
Toy Safety for Little Kids
Keeping little ones safe is a never-ending task, and it’s important to consider toy safety all year round. But with the onslaught of Christmas gifts, parents should take a look at the toys their little ones receive around the holiday. The biggest risk is choking, which can cause severe lack of oxygen, or asphyxia. We’ve…
Gift Ideas for New Parents
Diapers and wipes are a no-brainer gift for new parents. But if you’re looking for pediatrician-approved presents, ParentingU’s got you covered. Grant Clinkingbeard, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health in Covington, shares his top picks for gifts for new parents. Diaper Cream Spatula Almost all new parents inevitably will have to manage…
Gift Ideas for Young Children
Christmas is almost here, but choosing the best, safest gifts for little ones can be a year-round challenge. Grant Clinkingbeard, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health in Covington, shares his top picks for presents to give young children. Ages 1-2: Books, Blocks and Mobility Toys Reading to children is one of the…
ParentingU Podcast: Choosing a Pediatrician Before Your Baby Is Born
One of your first decisions as a parent—choosing your baby’s pediatrician—is also one of the most important. It’s key that you establish that relationship prior to being admitted to the hospital for your baby’s birth. Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital’s Evie Robison, RN, pregnancy nurse navigator, and Ashley Conner, RN, BSN, pediatric…
ParentingU Podcast: Through All Maternity – Preparing for Delivery
Getting ready for the birth of a new baby can feel overwhelming, but there are things parents-to-be can do to prepare. Evie Robison, RN, pregnancy navigator at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Lafayette, shares her tips to help expecting parents plan for the big day in this ParentingU podcast episode. As…
ParentingU Podcast: Breastfeeding in the NICU
No one plans for a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), but families who are experiencing that reality can still meet their breastfeeding goals with support. Becca Miller, SLP, speech language pathologist and official lactation consultant at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, helps tackle some fears those parents may be…
ParentingU Podcast: Pumping Breast Milk
Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and a single approach won’t work for all moms. Gregory J. Gelpi, MD, FAAP, IBCLC,…
Breast Milk Storage Tips
Whether a breastfeeding mom is returning to work or expressing milk so others can feed baby, knowing how to safely store her milk is important for baby’s health. How the milk is stored will depend on how soon it needs to be used. These general guidelines for storing milk at different temperatures, but other factors…
ParentingU Podcast: Breastfeeding 101
Breastfeeding is natural, but it can be challenging, especially in the beginning. Being prepared can make all the difference. Gregory…
The Growing Athlete
Learn what you can do to help your young athlete continue to play their sport of choice safely and successfully.
Ready to Launch – Prep Teens for College
Whether moving across town or across the country, launching your teen to college is a huge milestone in your parenting…
Help Kids Cope with Tragedy in the News
During and after a tragedy, our thoughts as parents turn to protecting and helping our own children process and cope with the news. At ParentingU we’re here to support parents on their journey, including when the road is rough. Here are some tips to help support you and your children in the face of tragedy…
Stay Cool with a Hydrating Summer Snack
Cool off with a healthy popsicle treat anytime, even on the go! Try our recipe for sweet frozen treats that also provide hydration and nutrition for your little ones while tasting like an orange creamsicle. The Greek yogurt has protein, and if you add in some berries, you’ll also get fiber and additional sweetness. Frozen…
Keeping Kids Safe Through the Summer Months
School’s out for the summer, so safety considerations shift as kids spend more time at home, on their wheels and near the water. Read on for safety tips to make this your best—and safest—summer ever! Safety on Wheels With bikes, scooters, skates, skateboards and all-terrain vehicles, kids likely spend more time on wheels during…
Swimsuit Shopping and Other Water Safety Tips
Vibrant colors make your kids easier to spot in a crowd—and under water, too. Dressing your kids in bright, standout colors is a given when planning their outfits for events with large crowds of people. But color also matters when it comes to swimsuits. Good visibility is crucial when they’re in or around a pool…
How to Get Ready for Sleepaway Summer Camp
Many fond memories are built at overnight summer camp. It’s a rite of passage in some families, developing resilience and independence. With residential camps in full swing again this summer, we’ve collected some tips to make the experience safe and fun for your campers. 1. Make the Sleepaway Camp Decision How do you know if…
Navigate Childhood and Parenthood—Through the Growing Years
The grand adventure of parenting includes several changes along the journey. Kids experience incremental changes throughout childhood as they move…
Social Media Safety and Support for Families
A big part of parenting tweens and teens is educating ourselves about the latest social media apps and spotting potential pitfalls before our children get hurt. From simple embarrassment to much more dangerous situations, the risks of social media and other app use are real. Most teens use social media, and while there are good…
Stock Up Shopping List for After Pediatric Surgery
Take a few moments to consider some items you might be glad to have on hand following a pediatric surgery…
Healthy Resolutions for Families
Consider these healthy habits to integrate into your family’s routine in the new year.
Your Guide to a Healthier Halloween
Learn ways to help you and your little ones have a safer spooky season this Halloween and discover a new…
A Snapshot of Halloween Safety
This Halloween, make sure you and your loved knows know how to celebrate safely, whether you’re out trick or treating or celebrating at a holiday get together. More ParentingU Resources for Halloween Get your child ready for the festivities by connecting with one of our exceptional pediatric providers. Find a pediatric provider in Baton Rouge.…
Fall Activities for the Whole Family
October is usually an amazing month for our region, with cooler temperatures, lots of football to enjoy and of course everything the Halloween season brings leading up to trick-or-treat fun. Get your little ones in a joyful pumpkin mood with our list of seasonal activities. Story Time If you don’t keep your holiday-themed books separate, send your kids on a scavenger hunt to…
Celebrating Our Terrific Twos + Tips for Making Birthday Parties Safer
Learn what you can do, as a parent, to ensure your child has a happy and safe birthday while we…
Kid Strength Training: Weight or Wait?
Learn about the health risks associated with young athletes partaking in strength training and discover what parents can do to…
Tips and Tricks for Halloween Safety
Halloween is a great opportunity for the whole family to have fun together. But just like any major holiday, accidents, injuries and other mishaps can occur — whether it’s a scraped knee, a stomach ache from too much candy or having someone separated from your group. We have tips on how to avoid most Halloween…
What Does The Future Of Kids’ Birthday Parties Look Like
Learn how the pandemic will likely shape the future of kids’ birthday parties.
Preparing Your Teen for College in 2021
Learn how to prepare your teen for healthy first years of college in 2021.
Safely Leaving Your Child Home Alone
Learn some strategies to ensure your child is safe when they’re old enough to be left home alone.
Breastfeeding: A Bounty of Benefits
Learn about how your infant may benefit from breastfeeding.
Know Safety, No Injury. No Safety, Know Injury.
Learn about preventing accidents with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Trauma Program Manager.
Spring Allergies – When is a Cold Just a Cold?
Learn the differences between Spring allergies and a common cold.
Easy Lunch & Snacks for the Family
Learn about how simple snack swaps can have a positive benefit to your overall health.
