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Child not quite ready for a smartphone? Consider smartwatch instead
Consumer Reports has the low-down on the high-tech watches that might be the perfect solution for parents who aren't ready to hand over a smartphone just yet.
Warning for parents: Transitioning your childโs car seat too soon can be deadly
A new AAA analysis of five years of government crash data reveals a concerning trend: child seat and booster use declines after a child turns 3, despite the continued need for these safety devices.
Surgeon general issues advisory declaring parental stress as significant public health concern
The U.S. surgeon general recently issued an advisory declaring โparental stressโ as a major public health concern.
Baby starting day care? Consumer Reports shares tips to make the transition smoother
Sending your baby to daycare for the first time is an emotional milestone for many parents. It is often filled with anxiety and a touch of guilt. As Consumer Reports explains, there are some easy ways to make the transition smoother for you and your little one.
How newborn specialists are helping new moms navigate early days of motherhood
More than 3.5 million babies will be born this year. That means 3 million new moms will be navigating the world of endless diaper changes, feedings and sleepless nights.
SJSO warns about โdangerousโ social media trend where teenagers seek out, confront sexual predators
The St. Johns County Sheriffโs Office is sending an urgent warning to parents after deputies confirmed theyโre investigating two separate cases involving a potentially dangerous social media trend.
Helping students transition back to school: What experts say to do right now & after classes start
Putting away the bathing suits and packing the bookbags may feel different for each student, and experts say preparing for it now can help.
Safe & affordable: Safety groups reveal best used cars for your teen drivers
Two safety groups -- Consumer Reports and the IIHS -- share their top picks and features so you know what to look for when buying a used car for your young driver.
4th of July was deadliest holiday weekend last year for children killed in frontover, backover crashes
Last year, the Fourth of July was the deadliest holiday weekend for children killed in backover and frontover crashes, according to data from Kids and Car Safety.
Are you sure you know whatโs in your babyโs lotion? Consumer Reportsโ investigation might surprise you
Consumer Reports looks closely at whatโs in some popular baby lotions, and the results might surprise you.
Want to keep your child busy without screen time? Hereโs a pediatricianโs guide to summer activities
Schoolโs out for the summer, and children now have a lot of free time on their hands. So, what are some ideas to keep them entertained?
Consumer Reports investigation finds baby wipes ingredients that might pose risk to children, planet
If you have small children, thereโs a good chance you have baby wipes stashed just about everywhere. Whether youโre using wipes for diaper changes, removing makeup, or cleaning sticky fingers, you want them to be safe for people and the planet.
Jacksonville children enjoy reading, fun activities at โRiver City Readers Summer Kickoffโ event
Dozens of parents and their children visited Ed Austin Regional Park Saturday morning for the River City Readers Summer Kickoff event.
Latest drowning report shows 12% increase in child deaths
Deadly drownings for children under age 15 increased by 12% in 2021 compared to the previous year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) annual drowning and submersion report.
AAA sends warning at the start of summer: The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers
Memorial Day has come and gone, and this week marks the start of the โ100 deadliest days for teen drivers.โ AAA reports an average of seven people will die, every day, in crashes involving teen drivers between now and Labor Day.
Swimming safety tips to keep in mind as pools reopen for summer
Many pools will be reopening this Memorial Day. And if youโre planning to take your little ones swimming, there are some safety tips parents should keep in mind.
Parenting with purpose: Talking to your kids about sex
May is Sex Education Month. According to Planned Parenthood, kids and teens who have regular conversations with their parents about sex are less likely to take risks with their sexual health. But these talks can be awkward for both parties. Itโs a tough topic, but one that shouldnโt be ignored.
Expert: 1 in 8 couples struggles with infertility, but the answer might be simpler than you think
For National Infertility Awareness Week, a local couple shares their battle to overcome infertility, and a local fertility specialist offers advice for couples struggling to conceive.
Cyber safety: Protect your child from predators online
From homework to staying in touch with friends and family, the internet is a valuable tool for kids to learn and stay connected. But a recent presentation from Meta platforms details that their algorithm may connect minors with sexual predators.
What to do when your kids want what others have
If you're the parent of a tween or teen, you've probably been asked at some point to buy them whatever is popular at school, like the latest name brand tumbler, skincare, or smartphone. But, what if the item is too pricey or you donโt think they need it?
Consumer Reports: 3 baby formula makers tested didnโt work effectively
Newer gadgets called infant formula makers are claiming to make precisely measured, warm, ready-to-drink bottles. But before you buy, you need to know what Consumer Reportsโ safety experts found in their investigation.
How to help children overcome perfectionism
Perfectionism is defined as a "personality trait" when a person sets "unreasonably high standards" and has "unrealistic expectations" for themselves. It's often coupled with "intense self-criticism."
Dying to be pregnant: Toxic stress plays a role in maternal deaths
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,200 women died of maternal causes in 2021, compared to 861 in 2020 and 754 in 2019.
How to combat social media addiction in children, teens
In a multi-state lawsuit against Meta, the states claim that the social media company has harmed young peopleโs mental health and promoted addiction. But just how harmful is social media for children and teens?
Florida bill to keep children under 16 off social media moves forward amid debate on governmentโs role, parental rights
Amid a debate about the role of government and parental rights, the Florida Senate on Thursday passed a bill that seeks to keep children under the age of 16 off social media platforms.
DCPS adds permission slip policy for students to participate in any school-related event or activity
Some parents and teachers are not happy about a new policy for Duval County Public Schools that requires students to have a permission slip to participate in any school-related activity.
Florida Senate likely to pass high-profile bill blocking children under 16 from social media
The Florida Senate is ready Thursday to pass a high-profile bill that seeks to prevent children under age 16 from creating accounts on what lawmakers say are โaddictiveโ social-media platforms.
โMom guiltโ: Why itโs real and how to deal with it
Yes, moms, it's a real emotion when you feel bad about taking time for yourself. But health experts are giving you the green light and saying lose the guilt and embrace some "me time."
Warning for parents: Screen time delays your childโs development
Mobile devices are everywhere โ and even babies seem to enjoy the technology. But a new study shows too much screen time could negatively affect a little oneโs development.
New federal safety standards now in effect for child car seats
New federal standards for child car seats took effect Monday to address side-impact crash tests, minimum child weight labels, school bus-specific restraint requirements and more.
Facebook and Instagram roll out new tools to help parents keep their teens safe online
Online stranger danger is a real concern on social media. As a result, Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has rolled out new tools for parents that will limit messages with kids. This, as state lawmakers want to ban minors from using social media altogether.
New study shows child care costs are more than in-state college tuition in Florida
New numbers from care.com show most parents spend 24% of their household income on child care. Half of parents surveyed spent more than $18,000 in 2023.
The FTC wants to hear from you about childrenโs online privacy
The FTC wants to hear from you about the protections the agency is considering when it comes to what information websites can collect from children and how they use and share that information.
Don't be tempted by tech. These last-minute toys cost less, have more benefits
If you are looking for things that will improve language and learning, the American Speech Language and Hearing Association recommends considering non-tech options.
Tragedy drives family to help protect others with first-of-its-kind safety demonstration home
Charlieโs House is the nationโs first safety demonstration home -- designed from the ground up -- and dedicated to reducing at-home accidents and injuries.
Health Alert: Why you should NOT buy weighted sleep products for babies
A warning for any parent or caregiver: Stop using weighted sleep products for babies! Consumer Reports gives us the update on these dangerous products that are still currently for sale.
Scary toxic Halloween hazards to watch out for
Halloween is right around the corner, and with over 44 million children gearing up to transform into witches, wizards, pirates, and princesses, it's important for parents to be aware of some crucial safety measures. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and happy Halloween.
What features to look for when buying nanny cams or baby monitors
With so many different baby monitor and nanny cam products on the market at different price points, itโs important to know the ones that are recommended and what to look for -- based on how you plan to use them.
DCPS and the FBI team up to talk to parents about their kids and smartphone dangers
FBI Jacksonville and the Duval County Public Schoolsโ Parent Academy is hosting the โBe Smart with your Kidsโ Smartphoneโ program for the fall semester.
How to tell if your child is struggling with anxiety or depression
Tuesday was World Mental Health Day, and itโs a good reminder for parents to talk to their kids about mental health to recognize if theyโre struggling with something like anxiety or depression.
โThey are not safeโ: Consumer Reports warns parents to dump water beads immediately
Consumer Reports is sounding the alarm about a popular product for kids that can hurt or even kill younger children.
โThis is happening every weekโ: 125 children left alone in vehicle that was then stolen, nonprofitโs data shows
Since the beginning of the year, 125 children have been left alone in a vehicle that was then stolen, according to a national nonprofit car safety organization that is warning parents and caregivers about the risk.
Why you should add your childโs bike helmet to your back-to-school checklist
As you're going through your checklist for back to school, if you have kids who will be riding their bikes, the experts at Consumer Reports say itโs important to know if they need a new bike helmet.
Which vaccines are required for schoolchildren in Florida? A reminder ahead of the new year
As a new school year inches closer, some students must get their shots. The sooner you get them, the better.
โNot only preventable, theyโre predictableโ: Safety experts explain reasons children are left in hot cars
Approximately 87% of children who die in hot cars are age 3 or younger and the majority (56%) were unknowingly left by an otherwise loving, responsible parent or caregiver.
Prenatal supplements: Whatโs safe & which nutrients are most important?
Since thereโs no one-size-fits-all when it comes to prenatal supplements, we turned to the experts at Consumer Reports to help break down whatโs inside the bottles so you can buy the right one for you.
Access to subsidized childrenโs health insurance expands to more working-class Florida families
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed 10 bills, including a measure that will expand eligibility for the KidCare subsidized health insurance program.
How much screen time should be allowed during summer?
Kids may think they can spend as much time as they want on their screens once summer break arrives. But a Cleveland Clinic pediatrician advises parents to keep some restrictions in place.
1 in 3 parents gives unnecessary fever-reducing meds. Why doctors want you to stop.
All right parents let's be honest. When you feel your child's forehead and it's warm, do you immediately reach for the meds? Pediatricians say giving them a fever-reducing medication isnโt always the right thing to do โ but why?
Fentanyl deaths spiking for children under 5 years old, study finds
Two alarming studies show more deadly drug overdoses are claiming the lives of young children. In some situations, the victims can be as young as infants.
How to cut back on screen time for children
Between cellphones, tablets and TVs โ itโs no doubt children are getting more screen time. But how does too much screen time impact a child's health, and what steps can parents take to cut back on it?