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kidshealth library

health & safety topics

Your child's health and safety is our top priority. Please search our resource library for information on health, nutrition, fitness, injury prevention and other important topics.

Emergencies

Frostbite and Frostnip

You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing kids in layers, making sure they come indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal.

Going to the Emergency Room

Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful.

Greenstick Fractures

A greenstick fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone cracks on one side only, not all the way through the bone.

Head Injuries

Head injuries can be external or internal. Learn more about both kinds, how to prevent them, and what to do if your child is injured.

Heat Illness

Active kids can be at risk for heat illness, which can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Learn how to prevent and treat heat illness.

Hemophilia: Handling Bleeds

Kids with hemophilia can bleed easily or longer than normal. So it's important for parents to know how to handle bleeding when it happens.

How to Take a Rectal Temperature

The best way to take a temperature in infants and young children is by taking a rectal temperature. Here's how to do it.

How to Take an Axillary (Armpit) Temperature

The axillary (armpit) method is a convenient way to take a child's temperature, especially for kids who can't hold a thermometer in their mouths. Here's how to do it.

How to Take an Oral Temperature

Taking an oral temperature is easy in an older, cooperative child. Most kids can have their temperature taken this way when they’re about 4–5 years old. Here's how to do it.

How to Take Your Child's Pulse

Need to check your child's heart rate? Follow our guide and check with your doctor if you have questions.