Baby and child care
Age-appropriate products, safe-use limits and guidance from pediatric sources.
Pick a guide below. Each one explains what to look for and how to use the product safely. It also says when to ask a doctor or other expert first. Sources are listed at the end of every guide.
Guides in this section
Baby Sleep Sack: How to Choose a Safe Wearable Blanket
How to choose a baby sleep sack: warmth and fabric, fit, sleeves or sleeveless, swaddle vs sack, why weighted sleep…
Diaper Rash Cream: How to Choose Zinc, Ointment or Antifungal
Diaper rash cream explained: zinc oxide vs petroleum jelly, when an antifungal fits, ingredients to avoid, and when a…
More guides
Baby Lotion: Does Your Baby Need It and How to Choose One
Does a newborn need baby lotion? What dermatologists say about fragrance-free products, lotion vs cream vs ointment…
Antihistamine for Kids: Children's Zyrtec, Allegra and Xyzal
Children's allergy medicine compared from labels: Zyrtec, Allegra and Xyzal liquid doses by age, drowsiness, dosing…
Infant Gas Drops: Simethicone Dosing, Use and Colic Tips
Infant gas drops explained from the labels: simethicone 20 mg per 0.3 mL, dose by weight or age, 12 doses a day max…
Lice Treatment for Kids: Nix vs RID, Nit Combing and Retreatment
Head lice treatment for kids from CDC and drug labels: permethrin vs pyrethrins, age limits, nit combing, retreating…
Nasal Aspirator: Bulb Syringe vs Electric, and Age Labels
Nasal aspirators compared: what the FDA says about bulb syringes for babies, why many electric models are cleared for…
Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding: Lanolin, Balms and Sore Nipples
Nipple cream for breastfeeding explained: purified lanolin vs plant balms, how to apply, latch and other sore nipple…
Teething Gel: Why the FDA Warns Against It and What Helps Instead
Teething gels explained: why FDA warns benzocaine and lidocaine products can harm babies, methemoglobinemia signs, and…
Kids Electric Toothbrush: Ages, Brush Heads and CDC Tips
Kids electric toothbrushes explained: what a Cochrane review found on powered brushing, brush head ages, CDC toothpaste…
Pinworm Treatment: Pyrantel Dosing by Weight and Hygiene Steps
Pinworm treatment explained from the pyrantel label and CDC: dosing by weight, why the CDC repeats in two weeks…
Baby Gate Guide: Top of Stairs vs Pressure-Mounted, Safety Rule
How to choose a baby gate using CPSC guidance: hardware-mounted for stairs, pressure gates and wall cups, the federal…
Booster Seat Guide: When to Switch, High-Back vs Backless, Fit
NHTSA booster seat guidance: when a child is ready, high-back vs backless boosters, how the seat belt should fit, and…
Children's Tylenol vs Motrin: Dosing by Weight and Safety
Children's fever reducers compared from labels: Children's Tylenol (acetaminophen) vs Children's Motrin (ibuprofen)…
Convertible Car Seat Guide: Rear to Forward-Facing, Tether, Fit
NHTSA convertible car seat guidance: staying rear-facing longer, when to turn forward-facing, using the tether, harness…
Infant Car Seat Guide: Install, Harness Fit and When to Switch
NHTSA infant car seat guidance: rear-facing rules, seat belt vs lower anchor install, the 1-inch test, harness pinch…
Outlet Covers for Babyproofing: Caps vs Plates vs TR Outlets
Babyproofing outlets using CPSC and ESFI guidance: plastic caps vs sliding cover plates vs tamper-resistant…
Furniture Anchors: CPSC Anchor It Tips to Stop Tip-Overs
Furniture anchors and TV straps explained with CPSC Anchor It guidance: tip-over facts, the STURDY dresser rule, studs…
Window Guards and Window Stops: CPSC Tips to Prevent Falls
How to prevent child window falls with CPSC guidance: window guards vs window stops, the 4-inch rule, fire escape…
Cabinet Locks for Baby Proofing: Magnetic, Adhesive or Latch
Child cabinet locks compared: hidden magnetic locks, peel and stick adhesive locks, screw-in latches and strap latches…