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The snow has come, and families and friends are heading out to enjoy it. Hitting the slopes, climbing a hill to slide down, or lacing up your skates are lots of fun. But, these winter safety tips for sledding, skating and skiing will help prevent injury and lessen your chances of having to visit the emergency department.

Finally, you’re going to have your little grandchild over to spend the day and make some memories. Before the big arrival, make sure you review our home safety checklist to help ensure you’re doing all you can to keep your little one out of danger. It’s best to get on the floor and look from the child’s point of view. What they see at their eye level may not be seen by yours.

Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. 

Are you guilty? Just a little? Do you sneak a peek? Only at stop signs or red lights? 

Do you really think you can safely drive 120 yards without looking? Think about the child running in the street after a ball. Or, the bicyclist riding next to you. Or, the driver in the oncoming car who is also texting. 

The other day, my oldest son said words every parent will hear at some point or another. “I don’t want to go to school.” But, as a dad, I could tell by the look in his eyes this wasn’t one of those days where he just wanted to stay home and watch TV or play with Legos instead of going to school. There was something more going on behind those eyes that he wasn’t telling me. I was concerned for this mental health. 

A birth defect, also called a congenital anomaly, is a problem that occurs when a baby is developing in the womb. An estimated one out of every 33 babies in the U.S. is born with a birth defect, of varying severity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

If you've ever been challenged about your right to breastfeed your child in a public place, it's important to know that the law in Massachusetts is on your side. 

In this state, you can breastfeed in most public places where you and your child are otherwise lawfully permitted to be. 

Breastfeeding is also exempt from public indecency laws in Massachusetts. 

The birth of a baby is often a joyous event. However, it can also result in something you, as a new mom, may not expect: depression. 

As many as 80% of birthing people experience what's called the "baby blues" within the first few days to two weeks following delivery. They cry more easily, feel irritable or like they're on an emotional roller coaster, and are fatigued. Fortunately, this is usually a relatively short and mild experience that generally lasts a few days and resolves on its own. 

Heading to the hospital with your child? Maybe they need an IV placed or need to stay as an inpatient for a few days? Both you and your child are probably pretty stressed about the whole thing. But help is on the way! Our Children's Medical Center has certified child life specialists to help your family cope with a potentially stressful health care experience.