Baby Steps. Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

Premature Birth Awareness Day
One in seven babies born in West Virginia, are born premature.

Ear Infection 101
Learn the signs and treatments for the common ear infection.

Time Management Tips
Get a busy mom's recipe for making every minute count.

Childrens' Health Month
A grass-roots movement aims to make cleaning products safer for your kids.

Swine Flu Questions
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about the swine flu.

Keeping Mom Healthy
It's especially important to take care of yourself after your baby is born. Here are a few tips for a healthy you.

Decoding Autism
A new genetic test is available that may help encode some of the mystery surrounding autism.

Teen Pressure
If you suspect your teenager is internalizing some school problems, try and get them to open up before the stress takes its toll.

Fall Allergies
Autumn weather means the onset of fall allergies.

Back to School, Back to Vaccinations
Maybe the most important back to school ritual is making sure the child in your house is properly immunized.

Pink Eye
Protect your kids at back to school time from the common infection of pink eye

Whooping Cough
August is national immunization awareness month. Here's a reminder about how to keep your child protected against whooping cough.

Back to School
The school bell is about to ring on a new school year. Here are some tips to get your kids on the right schedule as summer comes to an end.

Back to School Cool Gear
Before your kids hit the books, you'll be hitting the stores. Back to school shopping doesn't have to break your budget.

At-home Art Class
A pop artist gives families a recipe for fun and creativity, during summer break and beyond.

Sunscreen Time
Protect your baby's tender skin from the hot, summer sun by slathering on screen.

Can You Teach Your Baby to Read?
An expert says babies as young as three or four months old can be taught to read.An expert says babies as young as three or four months old can be taught to read.

Encephalitis
Some mosquitoes give you more than just a bite during the summertime. Be aware of the signs of encephalitis and which repellants to use.

Skating Shoe Safety
The shoes that double as skates give parents a double dose of safety worries.

Childproof Your Home
Kids get a variety of diseases and infections, but household accidents are a serious concern too.

Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is very common in our region. So it's no suprise doctors see a lot of cases this time of year.

Breast-Feeding/Formula Benefits
Breast-feeding may be good for baby and mother, formula is still a popular choice.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
The multiple symptoms of HFMD, such as rash, mouth ulcers, headache, stomach flu or cold, may make this virus hard to detect.

Swine Flu
Federal health officials are cautiously optimistic the swine flu isn't as dangerous as they first thought. But doctors are still asking you take precautions to keep germs from spreading.

Animal Bites
Warm weather is here and children are playing outside, but keep a watch over them. If an animal bites or scratches your child you need to take action immediately.

Spanking For Bad Behavior
Your parenting skills will be tested with growing children testing their boundaries. But should you turn to corporal punishment for bad behavior?

Wound Care
Your son or daughter may never have a cut that's deep enough to need stitches, but you should still have your first aid kit and a plan ready, just in case.

Burn Care
Thousands of children suffer burns every year and kids under the age of four are at the highest risk for that type of injury.

Spring Allergy Season
Spring allergies may get your son or daughter down this time of year. If you choose medicine to fight their symptoms, here are some common remedies.

Diagnose and Treat a Stye
One usually mild eye problem has the potential to get severe if it's not taken care of properly.

Height Predictions
You can use a mathematical formula to try and predict how tall your baby will grow... but there is one big factor that could make that calculation incorrect.

Height Prediction
Here's the tall and short of things when it comes to figuring out how tall your baby will grow.

Treating Warts
Explore the treatment options for your child's warts

Introducing Solid Foods
It's time to introduce solid foods to your baby

Pack A Healthy Lunch
Be a lunch box hero with these nutritious tips for your child

Toddler Exercise
The need to explore and learn makes your toddler be on-the-go every minute they're awake. But do they need an exercise routine too?

Preventing and Treating Diaper Rash
You know how to keep your baby's skin from getting chapped from the bitter cold winter air... but what about underneath those layers? How do you protect from diaper rash? We have tips that should keep your baby dry and rash free.

Get Baby Ready for Winter
In sub-zero degree temperatures, you may still have to go out and run errands with your baby in tow... here's some quick reminders on how safely take your little one along on the coldest of winter days and some common winter time health concerns.

The Terrible 2's
If you're noticing a change in your toddlers attitude, it may be due to the terrible 2's. Just arm yourself with the right technique to deal with the flair ups and you can both emerge happy from this time of growth.

Toy Choking Hazards
It's not just food that's a choking hazard for kids... small toys can pose a mound of trouble too.

Medicine Cabinet Cleaning
As different viruses make their way around your children's school or daycare, you'll want to be sure the medicine you reach for will be effective. Here's the low-down on when to toss old meds..

Winter Dry Skin Problems
One thing you may have in common with your baby this time of year, is dry skin. Learn how to combat dry skin effectively.

Keeping Sick Kids at Home
It's time for kids to come down with a variety of illnesses. Here's a guide on how long to keep your kids home so they can get better and not spread their germs.

Fun Foods for Healthy Kids
'Tis the season for big holiday meals, but the dinners aren't fun if your child's a picky eater. The Supernanny has some advice for a happy meal time.

Strep Throat 411
Strep throat can be a very serious illness. Here are some symptoms to look for if your child starts to complain of a sore throat.

Buckle up, Save a Child
Before you head out on the road for your holiday travels, remember these important safety seat tips. They could save a life

Need Milk?
Does your child need the added nutritional benefits of cow's milk?

Coping with Crisis
If the news of the sagging economy has your older child feeling anxious, there are ways to help cope and ease the tensions.

Just say "NO"
Learn how to say No to your toddler, mean it, and get results.

Tummy Time
Help stregthen your baby's mind and body with a little tummy time today.

Mold Allergies
Fall allergies are kicking in and may wreak havoc with your child's health. Sometimes mold can be an outdoor, or indoor agitator.

Sleep Schedules for kids of all ages
Get your child ready to learn in school with the gift of a good night's sleep.

Teenage School Anxiety
Now that school is in session, the pressure may be mounting on young nerves. The doctor offers a tip on what to ask to get your teen to talk.

Ear Infection 101
Ear infections come in the forms of inner and outer. The inner variety can really make life miserable for little ones. Here's some tips on how to cope.

School Anxiety
Get over the back to school blues with some helpful tips.

Whooping Cough Vaccinations
It's time to think about giving your kids a boost toward a healthy school year. The mother of a "High School Musical" star raises awareness about whooping cough vaccines.

Lunch Box Winner's
Back to school, means back to the cafeteria. Opt for healthier options from home that everyone can enjoy and have fun making.

Pink Eye
Protect your kids at back to school time from the common infection of pink eye.

Hand, Foot & Mouth disease
Foot and Mouth disease can strike kids of any age. You can't fight the virus, but you can treat a complication.

Indoor Swimming Concerns
A study shows concerns over indoor pool air quality.

Encephalitis Update
July to September are prime months for encephalitis. Here, we review the symptoms and cause of the virus.

Infant Sleep Patterns
New parents, take some time to establish sleep patterns and get some rest.

Sunscreen Safety
It's time to protect your kids from the harsh rays of the sun! Here are some sunscreen safety tips.

No More Motion Sickness
It's that queasy feeling that leads to nausea, and dizziness. Find out how to battle the back seat problem of motion sickness and help your kids during that next long car ride

Roller Shoe Safety
You'll recognize the shoe brand names of Heely's and Street Glider, but do you know if these stylish skaters are safe for your kids?

Rabies 411
Get ready for summer camp with some extra facts about rabies.

Guide To A Preemie Delivery
Sometimes, despite your best expectations and careful planning, mother's don't have storybook deliveries. Here is some advice on what to expect if your baby comes too early.

Baby's First Visit To The Doctor
The first visit you make to the pediatrician with your newborn, can be stressful. Here is some insight to help you know what to expect.

My Baby's Doctor
If you have a baby on the way, we have advice as you choose a pediatrician.

Get Stretching
Spring sports are in full gear. Keep your kids safe from muscle strains by using proper stretching techniques.

Walking Shoes
We'll put you on the right path for the shoes your toddler needs.

To Spank, Or Not To Spank
A major decision for parents is whether to discipline by corporal punishment. Our insight can help make up your mind.

Spring Allergies
Sniffling, sneezing and itchy watery eyes. Fight the symptoms with OTC medicines.

Immunize for School
It's time to get your 5 year olds ready for school, so make sure they have the proper papers to enroll.

Language Development
Toddlers talk when they want to, but you can help jump start the new words.

Hypertension in Children
High BP in common in adults, but it can also show up in children, and as indicators of other health trouble.

Keep Sick Kids Home
Taking sick days from school, and work. What to expect.

Fighting the Flu 2
The nasty flu bug is hard on children, learn to fight the symptoms and prepare for complications.

Fighting the Flu
Protect your precious kids with a flu shot and learn about the virus' world trip.

HPV Vaccination For Girls
Parents can fight cancer in their daughters. Guardasil helps protect against the human papillomavirus.

Know Your Phone
Focus on your child's pearly whites.

National Children's Dental Health Month
Focus on your child's pearly whites.

Toss That Old Medicine
Many viruses are making the rounds, so make sure the medicine you give your kids is up to date.

Choking Hazards
Removing tiny toys from baby's reach may not be enough. Find out how to help a choking child.

New Year's Resolutions for Kids
From preschoolers to teens, think about setting goals for the new year.

Bundle Up For Baby's Sake
It's time to get your baby ready for winter's chill. Fight the cold, dry weather with these time honored tips.

Exercising Toddlers
Toddlers are active by nature, but do they need structured exercise programs?

When To Call The Doctor After Hours
When the doctor's office is closed, what illnesses do you call after hours for?

Food Allergies
Keep an eye on your kids as you head to the holiday buffet table.

Staying Healthy
It's cold and flu season. Tips to keep baby germ free.

Preemie Care
Families with premature babies face many obstacles in childhood. But their chances of survival are greater than ever.

No more 'no'
How to guide your toddler to independence in a gentle, yet effective way.

Security Item Issues
Thinks like pacifiers and blankets help children cope, but how do you give them up?

The time is right for a flu shot for your baby
It's time to roll up your sleeve... or get your baby's little leg ready for their flu shot. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control says flu season can begin as early as October and as late as May.

Medicine
Cough and cold medicine, not safe for children FDA says

Vision Checks For Children
A trip to the doctor for a well child check-up, will include an eye exam. Proceedures vary by age, but they are necessary to make sure your baby's, baby blues, stay focused.

Lead Esposure
Parents continue to ask doctors to perform lead testing.

Tummy Time for Baby
Play time is work for growing babies. Try Tummy time for an engaging round of exercise and learning, with your baby.

Chicken Pox Vaccine
Chickenpox usually isn't a serious condition in healthy children, but there is cause for concern about the virus. That's why the vaccine against it is helpful. But how effective?

Ear Infection
Get ready for ear infections with tips on how to beat the hurt when you can't get to the doctor.

Potty Training
Tips to potty train your toddler.

Fall Allergy Season
The season of sniffle's is here. Learn how to tell the difference between a cold and a case of allergies.

Need Milk?
What is your child drinking today? If it's milk at every meal and snack, you may want to rethink your choices.

Watching Out For Lice
These creepy little critters can make life miserable for your family. Tips on dealing with lice.

Winning The Lunch Box Battles
There can be a happy, healthy, middle ground to a nutritious school lunch that your child will love.

Back To School Schedule
It's time to get your family ready for back to school time.

Lead Poisoning
Take a look at the effects of lead poisoning as a major toy recall is announced.

Rabies Exposure
What to do if you suspect your child has been exposed to rabies.

Coping With Sleep Problems
From bad dreams to failed bed-time routines, how to cope with the most common issues.

Sleep Habits
Whether you rock your baby to sleep, or let them cry it out in the crib, parents face sleep issues every night.

Making Your Playground Safe
If you're thinking of swimming at an indoor pool, there could be a danger lurking for the smallest swimmers.

Indoor Pool Safety
If you're thinking of swimming at an indoor pool, there could be a danger lurking for the smallest swimmers.

Preventing Motion Sickness
Keep your vacation car rides smooth, with these tips on avoiding motion sickness.

Roller Shoe Dangers
Heely's and Street Gliders are names you might recognize-- they're the shoes with the wheels in the heels! But how safe are these new stylish skaters?

Adoption Considerations
Bringing home your newly adopted baby is exciting, but there are many health considerations.

Walkers Versus Exersaucers, The Safety Factor
Moms juggle household duties and babies everyday. But when you need a break, are exersaucers or walkers really the best equipment to choose?

Battling Obesity In Children
Doctors are seeing more overweight children and concerned parents. That problem welcomes a host of medical issues, but is easily corrected.

Stretching For Success
Spring and summer sports are starting and so are the injury reports. Stay safe with stretching.

Vaccination Update
On the heels of National Immunization Week, it's important to remember why parents opt for the shots.

Dealing With Crisis Situations With Your Children
Tough mommy decisions. Choosing what's best... breast milk or formula?

Bottle Feeding Versus Breast Feeding
Tough mommy decisions. Choosing what's best... breast milk or formula?

Our Developing Babies
Do our babies understand what we're saying. Decode the mystery!

Need Vitamins?
Nutrition beyond the dinner plate. Does your child need a vitamin?

Poison Prevention In Your Home
If you think you have baby proofed your home, think again. We have tips to prevent accidental poisoning

Taming Temper Tantrums
Are temper tantrums a rite of passage for kids, or avoidable outbursts?

Family Pets Meet The New Baby
It's time for a formal introduction. How to set the stage for fluffy and fido to meet the new baby.

Binky Anxiety
Eventually using a binky has to stop. Dr. Joe Matusic helps make the transition easier.

Salmonella Contamination's Cause Worry
Recent food recalls due to salmonella contamination may worry parents, but not all cases are deadly.

Language Development
Say MaMa! Your guide to decoding your baby's speech development.

Treating Your Little Sweetie For Valentines Day
It's time for Valentines and chocolate goodies, but are they really good for the tiny loves of your life?

A Child's Work
If you've got an inquisitive toddler on your hands you may want to start setting up play dates. But don't be surprised if the kids seem to ignore each other. Toddlers aren't antisocial, they're completely normal.

Insect Bites
Summertime is play time and it's also prime season for insects. You've got to protect your kids from them and the reactions they may get from a bite or sting. Dr. Joe Matusic helps us with some easy first aid tips.

Animal Bites
Every year millions of animals die from rabies. Only one person has ever survived the virus and every state except Hawaii, has reported cases. Dr. Joe Matusic has more on what to do if you suspect your child's been exposed.

Healthy Summertime Meals
Summertime is one of the busiest times for moms. The kids are home around the clock, and it's hard to find time to dish-up meals yet alone get the children to sit down together to eat. Former Olympic ice skater Nancy Kerrigan has some nutritious tips.

Playground Safety
Whether it's a backyard play set, or a park playground, accidents can happen anytime. Its important to check the equipment before you send your kids out to play. Dr. Joe Matusic helps with some playground safety tips.

Backyard Pools
The weather is getting warm, and its time to head to the pool. We take a look at the popular inflatable backyard pools, and the dangers to children associated with them.

Walkers
A big job for new moms is trying to juggle chores around the house, while keeping the baby occupied and safe. Many parents have used walkers over the years, but they're not usually recommended. Pediatrician Joe Matusic tells us why.

Dog Bites
The safety of your children around dogs is a priority this week. Dog Bite Prevention Week runs through Sunday, May 28, 2006. Teach your kids how to be safe around dogs.

Too Clean?
When it comes to keeping germs away from your children, can you be too clean? Learn whether all your scrubbing and bleaching is really necessary or even healthy.

Mumps
The mumps is making a comeback. We are experiencing its biggest outbreak in decades and it's been reported in West Virginia.

Allergies
Spring is in the air and so is all of the pollen that comes with it. It's allergy season. We've got tips on how you can help your little one through the season of sneezin.

Diabetes
Diabetes is a common problem for adults in West Virginia. But it's a condition which can strike children too.

Children's Athletics
Getting your child involved in sports helps them develop in many ways. There are physical and personal skills to be learned by being active in sports.

Rotavirus
There are plenty of cases of rotavirus going around to keep pediatricians busy. But a new vaccine on the market could help prevent some of those cases in the future.

Baby Budget
Being a parent is a challenging job, and so is taking on the financial responsibility that comes with it. Take a look at the price of bringing up baby and some suggestions to stretch your budget.

Back To Sleep-SIDS
The campaign is called "Back to Sleep". It means put your baby to sleep on their back. The purpose is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

More Hearing Tests
Keeping your child healthy includes making sure they have their hearing checked. Learn how doctors make sure an older child's hearing problems don't go unnoticed.

Hearing Tests
As adults we rely on our ability to hear to help process informatin. But when babies have a hearing problem, their learning can be disrupted.

Healthy Eating
Being a parent is a rewarding, but sometimes tough job. Tough, that is when you're trying to get your kids to eat right! America's favorite "Supernanny" has advice about raising your child to be a healthy eater.

Babies And Dentists
It's a good time to talk about taking your baby to the dentist. It's Children's Dental Health Month. Learn when you need to get your bouncing baby into the dentists chair for the first time.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV is a common virus. And many kids are diagnosed with it by the time they're two. But as Dr. Joe Matusic explains, this respiratory virus has potentially serious side effects.

Dry Skin
Dry skin is a problem for kids of all ages this time of year. Learn about the problem and how to effectively treat it and avoid flare-ups.

Jaundice
One very important test newborns experience is for jaundice. Learn more about the newest early detection method for jaundice.

Warts
A wart is a virual infection that effects your skin. It's contageous, and your kids can get them anywhere. With several treatment options, pediatrician Joe Matusic explains what he thinks works the best.

Stomach Flu
Whether it's your co-worker who's out, or your child's best friend in school. One thing's for sure, you can probably blame it on the stomach flu.

Ear Infections
Few things stress a parent more, than knowing your child is sick. One common illness is the ear infection. Dr. Joe Matusic helps us distinguish symptoms of an ear infection.

Food Allergies
Whether you're hosting a party at home, or going to a neighborhood open house. Parties with lots of food and kids with food allergies may not mix, unless everyone knows what to watch for. So before you let your kids cruise the holiday buffet table without you, Dr. Matusic helps explain food allergies.

Strep Throat
Strep throat is one of those conditions doctor's have to treat to prevent complications. It's what an untreated case can lead to, that strikes a chord with parents.

DPT, Tetanus Shot
The replacement tetanus shot is here. The shot adults and adolescents get will also help protect babies from a serious virus.

Croup
Croup is a common childhood illness. Doctors are seeing plenty of cases of it right now. Dr. Joe Matusic helps answer your questions about what croup is, and how to treat it.

Bird Flu
There's worldwide fear over the bird flu. Parents are as concerned for their own health, as they are about their children's. But it is not too early to start taking precautions against this deadly strain.

New Siblings
There's a lot to prepare before you bring a baby home from the hospital. That includes getting your children at home ready for the lifestyle change.

Is It A Cold Or Flu?
During cold and flu season, keep close watch on your baby. So many germs are out there, and your baby can't tell you whats wrong when she gets sick. Dr. Joe Matusic talks about flu shots and spotting the symptoms.

Cold And Flu Season
In your baby's first year of life, he has a one in 25 chance of being hospitalized. Taking steps to cut down chances of exposure to germs during cold and flu season is as critical as who you let get close to your baby.

Birthmarks
When your baby's born you may notice she has a birthmark. Sometimes the mark is serious enough to need plastic surgery. But other times, the skin anomaly will be okay on its own. Dr. Joe Matusic helps explain.

Vaccination Myths
Some parents aren't convinced vaccinations are necessary. Dr. Joe Matusic helps dispel a couple of the most common vaccination myths.

Vision Screening
You love gazing into your baby's eyes. And you also want to make sure they can see you perfectly. That's why vision checks for children of all ages are important.

Active Or ADD?
School time may be the right time to diagnose a very mananable problem for children, attention deficit disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dr. Joe Matusic helps show you what to look for.