The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the national public health agency of the United States. Its websites include free, research-based tools that many parents find useful, especially for tracking development, understanding infections and keeping kids safe. This page highlights CDC resources our families use most and explains how to use them alongside your child's pediatric care.
Developmental Milestones: "Learn the Signs. Act Early."
The CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program offers free milestone checklists for ages 2 months through 5 years, plus a free Milestone Tracker app. The checklists describe skills that most children (about 3 out of 4) have reached by a given age, such as smiling, babbling, walking and talking in sentences.
Fill out the checklist before your child's well visit and bring it with you. If your child is missing milestones or has lost skills they once had, tell us right away. Early support works best. Read our guide to developmental milestones from birth to age 5.
Vaccines and Vaccine Information Statements
Before each vaccine, families receive a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) explaining the vaccine's benefits and risks. Current VIS handouts are available on the CDC's VIS page in English and many other languages. Our practice follows the immunization schedule of the American Academy of Pediatrics; see our immunizations page for the current schedule.
Infections and Seasonal Illness
The CDC publishes plain-language information about common infections such as influenza, RSV, whooping cough, measles, norovirus and hand, foot and mouth disease, including how they spread and how to prevent them. During respiratory virus season (typically fall and winter), these pages can help you understand what is circulating. For guidance on your own child, read our articles on RSV, the flu and whooping cough.
Handwashing and Healthy Habits
Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs at home, school and child care. Teach children to wash before eating, after using the bathroom, after blowing their nose and after playing outside. Make it fun by singing "Happy Birthday" twice.
Safety and Injury Prevention
The CDC also provides child safety information on topics such as drowning prevention, poisoning, falls and concussions in sports (through its HEADS UP program). Our related articles cover concussion safety and preventing injuries at play.
Travel Health
Planning a trip abroad? The CDC's Travelers' Health site lists recommended vaccines and health precautions by destination. Schedule a visit with us at least a month before international travel. See our tips for traveling with children.
Use Online Resources Together With Your Pediatrician
Public health websites provide general guidance for the whole population. Your pediatrician knows your child's history and can tailor advice to your family. If something you read raises a question or concern, bring it to your next visit or contact our office.