There’s a new sunscreen on the block: Here’s what to know.
Families/Kids General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
While that’s exciting (especially for sunscreen nerds), it doesn’t change what we already know: sun safety habits over time matter more than having one more product on a shelf. When I joined Those Nerdy Girls two years ago, sun safety was a topic I was excited to cover. A few years earlier, I’d had skin Read more…
June 15, 2026
What are the 3 most important sun-safe habits your skin will thank you for?
Families/Kids General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Sun safety requires a combination of everyday protective measures. These include covering up, using sunscreen, and being sensible about sun exposure. 🌞 🌞 Be sure to look out for our post coming tomorrow: “There’s a new sunscreen on the block: Here’s what to know.” (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the Read more…
June 12, 2026
Is leucovorin an effective treatment for autism?
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
While probably not harmful, there is not enough evidence that leucovorin is an effective treatment for autism. Demand for the drug among parents of children with autism recently skyrocketed after a press conference last fall in which federal health officials claimed, with little evidence, that the drug is a promising treatment for autism. You may Read more…
June 8, 2026
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Those Nerdy Girls
Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life jackets Read more…
May 26, 2026
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation about Applied Behavior Analysis
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Guest Author Priscilla Corson, LCSW-C
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation with Priscilla Corson, AuDHDer and therapist Hosted by MK Haber, Executive Director, Those Nerdy Girls &+ Recorded April 17, 2026 A note before we begin: In February, Those Nerdy Girls published a post on therapies for autism spectrum disorder. Our goal was Read more…
April 21, 2026
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 16, 2026
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 23, 2024.) A recent study showed that Read more…
February 10, 2026
What are febrile seizures?
Families/Kids General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
January 27, 2026
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
While that’s exciting (especially for sunscreen nerds), it doesn’t change what we already know: sun safety habits over time matter more than having one more product on a shelf. When I joined Those Nerdy Girls two years ago, sun safety was a topic I was excited to cover. A few years earlier, I’d had skin Read more…
What are the 3 most important sun-safe habits your skin will thank you for?
Families/Kids General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Sun safety requires a combination of everyday protective measures. These include covering up, using sunscreen, and being sensible about sun exposure. 🌞 🌞 Be sure to look out for our post coming tomorrow: “There’s a new sunscreen on the block: Here’s what to know.” (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the Read more…
June 12, 2026
Is leucovorin an effective treatment for autism?
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
While probably not harmful, there is not enough evidence that leucovorin is an effective treatment for autism. Demand for the drug among parents of children with autism recently skyrocketed after a press conference last fall in which federal health officials claimed, with little evidence, that the drug is a promising treatment for autism. You may Read more…
June 8, 2026
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Those Nerdy Girls
Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life jackets Read more…
May 26, 2026
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation about Applied Behavior Analysis
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Guest Author Priscilla Corson, LCSW-C
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation with Priscilla Corson, AuDHDer and therapist Hosted by MK Haber, Executive Director, Those Nerdy Girls &+ Recorded April 17, 2026 A note before we begin: In February, Those Nerdy Girls published a post on therapies for autism spectrum disorder. Our goal was Read more…
April 21, 2026
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 16, 2026
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 23, 2024.) A recent study showed that Read more…
February 10, 2026
What are febrile seizures?
Families/Kids General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
January 27, 2026
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Sun safety requires a combination of everyday protective measures. These include covering up, using sunscreen, and being sensible about sun exposure. 🌞 🌞 Be sure to look out for our post coming tomorrow: “There’s a new sunscreen on the block: Here’s what to know.” (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the Read more…
Is leucovorin an effective treatment for autism?
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
While probably not harmful, there is not enough evidence that leucovorin is an effective treatment for autism. Demand for the drug among parents of children with autism recently skyrocketed after a press conference last fall in which federal health officials claimed, with little evidence, that the drug is a promising treatment for autism. You may Read more…
June 8, 2026
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Those Nerdy Girls
Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life jackets Read more…
May 26, 2026
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation about Applied Behavior Analysis
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Guest Author Priscilla Corson, LCSW-C
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation with Priscilla Corson, AuDHDer and therapist Hosted by MK Haber, Executive Director, Those Nerdy Girls &+ Recorded April 17, 2026 A note before we begin: In February, Those Nerdy Girls published a post on therapies for autism spectrum disorder. Our goal was Read more…
April 21, 2026
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 16, 2026
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 23, 2024.) A recent study showed that Read more…
February 10, 2026
What are febrile seizures?
Families/Kids General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
January 27, 2026
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
While probably not harmful, there is not enough evidence that leucovorin is an effective treatment for autism. Demand for the drug among parents of children with autism recently skyrocketed after a press conference last fall in which federal health officials claimed, with little evidence, that the drug is a promising treatment for autism. You may Read more…
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Those Nerdy Girls
Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life jackets Read more…
May 26, 2026
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation about Applied Behavior Analysis
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Guest Author Priscilla Corson, LCSW-C
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation with Priscilla Corson, AuDHDer and therapist Hosted by MK Haber, Executive Director, Those Nerdy Girls &+ Recorded April 17, 2026 A note before we begin: In February, Those Nerdy Girls published a post on therapies for autism spectrum disorder. Our goal was Read more…
April 21, 2026
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 16, 2026
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 23, 2024.) A recent study showed that Read more…
February 10, 2026
What are febrile seizures?
Families/Kids General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
January 27, 2026
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life jackets Read more…
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation about Applied Behavior Analysis
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Guest Author Priscilla Corson, LCSW-C
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation with Priscilla Corson, AuDHDer and therapist Hosted by MK Haber, Executive Director, Those Nerdy Girls &+ Recorded April 17, 2026 A note before we begin: In February, Those Nerdy Girls published a post on therapies for autism spectrum disorder. Our goal was Read more…
April 21, 2026
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 16, 2026
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 23, 2024.) A recent study showed that Read more…
February 10, 2026
What are febrile seizures?
Families/Kids General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
January 27, 2026
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation with Priscilla Corson, AuDHDer and therapist Hosted by MK Haber, Executive Director, Those Nerdy Girls &+ Recorded April 17, 2026 A note before we begin: In February, Those Nerdy Girls published a post on therapies for autism spectrum disorder. Our goal was Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases VaccinesI’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 16, 2026
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 23, 2024.) A recent study showed that Read more…
February 10, 2026
What are febrile seizures?
Families/Kids General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
January 27, 2026
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 23, 2024.) A recent study showed that Read more…
February 10, 2026
What are febrile seizures?
Families/Kids General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
January 27, 2026
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 23, 2024.) A recent study showed that Read more…
What are febrile seizures?
Families/Kids General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
January 27, 2026
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Febrile seizures most commonly happen in a child between six months and five years old. Though it looks scary, febrile seizures are common and generally not a cause for major concern. A febrile seizure can happen in a child between the ages six months to five years old when they have a fever. A true Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids
Those Nerdy Girls
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
November 1, 2025
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. (NOTE: This post was originally published on November 8, 2023.) Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
October 22, 2025
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
October 2, 2025
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
What are the limitations of current studies on using Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy? Nerdy Girl and OB/GYN Dr. Katherine Cartwright breaks down the limitations of current studies on using acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) during pregnancy. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow Read more…
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
September 30, 2025
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
September 22, 2025
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
I asked a bunch of kids what a “healthy neighborhood” looks like to them.
Families/Kids Health Policy Nerdy Notes
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
September 15, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
September 5, 2025
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
🙋♀️🙋♂️Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! 💡 The hepatitis B vaccine is an important tool to protect infants and children from Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
July 2, 2025
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
June 27, 2025
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Scroll through the slides for some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. Link to Original Facebook Post Link to post originally published in July 2024
Can we prevent food allergies in young children?
Families/Kids General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…
While there is no miracle cure to prevent food allergies, it’s a good idea to introduce common food allergens like nuts and eggs frequently when starting solids, especially in infants with eczema or who have other food allergies. Every baby is different, so check with your pediatric clinician or lactation consultant to be sure your Read more…



