Every state and U.S. territory routinely screens newborns for certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal and functional disorders. Most of these birth defects have no immediate visible effects on a baby but, unless detected and treated early, can cause physical problems, mental retardation and, in some cases, death. We have four articles that provide parents with detailed information on these newborn tests

Throughout the first year, infants grow at a tremendously fast rate. In fact, by the end of the first year they will have tripled in birth weight. Length can be expected to double. By their first birthday, most infants will be crawling and even may be taking a timid first step! The most essential ingredient in infant care is a warm, responsive, and dependable parent. Spend lots of time holding, cuddling, and playing with your newborn. Mom and dad will be richly rewarded with babbles, smiles, and squeals of laughter.

Many grandparents today are raising their grandchildren. Others are caring for grandchildren while their baby's parents are at work. As a grandparent today, it is almost certain that, at some time, you will be taking care of your infant grandchild while he or she is sleeping. What a lot of grandparents do not know is that the guidelines for safe sleeping have changed since their children were babies. When you first see your grandchild sleeping, he or she will be on their backs, not their stomachs. It is important to know why the rules have changed

One in 110 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, including 1 in 70 boys. That makes autism the fastest growing developmental disability in this country. Chances are that you or someone in your family will go to school or work with someone with autism at some point in your lives.

At birth, boys have skin that covers the end of the penis, called the foreskin. Circumcision surgically removes the foreskin, exposing the tip of the penis. Circumcision is usually performed by a doctor in the first few days of life. An infant must be stable and healthy to safely be circumcised. Scientific studies show some medical benefits of circumcision. However, these benefits are not sufficient for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to recommend that all infant boys be circumcised.

At birth, boys have skin that covers the end of the penis, called the foreskin. Circumcision surgically removes the foreskin, exposing the tip of the penis. Circumcision is usually performed by a doctor in the first few days of life. An infant must be stable and healthy to safely be circumcised. Scientific studies show some medical benefits of circumcision. However, these benefits are not sufficient for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to recommend that all infant boys be circumcised. Because circumcision is not essential to a child's health, parents should choose what is best for their child by looking at the benefits and risks. Circumcision may be more risky if done later in life, so parents should decide before or soon after their son is born if they want it done.

The reported incidence of infant pertussis (whooping cough) in the United States has tripled since the 1980s. It is estimated that up to 3.3 million cases of pertussis occur each year in adults and adolescents.In 2010 alone, more than 27,550 cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).If you thought pertussis was behind us, think again. It's the only vaccine-preventable disease that has been on the rise.

Before families head to the beach or pool as the weather warns, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated guidance on water safety and drowning prevention. In its updated policy, the AAP has revised its guidance on swimming lessons and highlights new drowning risks – including large, inexpensive, portable and inflatable pools – that have emerged in the past few years.

Injury is the #1 cause of death among children. We've made progress in keeping kids safe and the number of children dying from injury dropped nearly 30% over the last decade. However, more than 9,000 children died from unintentional injuries in the United States in 2009.

Meconium is a word expectant parents will hear either during their pregnancy or shortly after the birth of their baby. The term is used to describe the earliest stools of an infant. Unlike later feces, meconium is composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus. It is viscous and sticky like tar, and has no odor. Meconium should be completely passed by the end of the first few days of life, with the stools progressing toward yellow (digested milk).

Winter brings winter colds, and the average child can suffer anywhere from six to 10 a year. Weaker immune systems and close contact with other children in school and day care centers increase the odds of your little one sniffling and sneezing. While the infection is mild, the symptoms bring misery. A cold can last from one to two weeks, bringing with it fever, fatigue, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, headaches and muscle aches

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention are listed in this timely article

Test your knowledge about first aid by taking our short quiz.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) discussed and approved multiple changes in the 2011 immunization charts for both children and adults. See if these changes affect your child.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.