Healthy Children
AAP-American Academy of Pediatrics, with Pediatrician Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanc
Welcome to Healthy Children: a podcast for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Each episode features interviews with leading experts on topics that will help you on your parenting journey, like social media and mental health, nutrition from infancy through adolescence, treating common illnesses, and sleep strategies for kids of all ages. Learn about the most important innovations in pediatrics and parenting from the people behind them. So whether you're looking for general information related to your child's health or for more specific guidance on parenting issues, you've come to the right place! Get the inside scoop from pediatricians about how to help children and teens thrive.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 9, 2026 • 21min
Are Ultra-Processed Foods Harming Your Child's Health? – Ep. 78
Dr. Natalie Muth joins guest host Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie to talk about ultra-processed foods. They break down what ultra-processed foods really are, how they can affect kids' health and why they're hard to avoid. The episode also offers practical strategies for cutting back, shopping local and empowering kids to make healthier food choices for themselves. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Apr 2, 2026 • 38min
Teen Dating: How Parents Can Support Healthy Relationships – Ep. 77
Dr. Liz Miller joins guest host Dr. Hailey Nelson to talk about teen dating and relationships. They explore when tweens and teens may begin expressing interest in dating and how parents can tell if they're ready. They also offer guidance on navigating online relationships, supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and having honest, age-appropriate conversations about sex. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Mar 26, 2026 • 12min
The Latest on Childhood Vaccines: Measles, Febrile Seizures and Newborn Shots – Ep. 76
Dr. Ari Brown joins guest host Dr. Jennifer Shu to talk about childhood vaccines. They share the latest update about the measles outbreaks in the U.S. and what they mean for the disease's elimination status. They also delve into shifting federal recommendations, the facts around febrile seizures and why the vitamin K shot remains essential for newborns. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Mar 5, 2026 • 35min
Teen Substance Use: What Parents Need to Know About Vaping, Weed & Fentanyl – Ep. 75
Dr. Deepa Camenga joins guest host Dr. Khadijia Tribié Reid to talk about teen substance use. They delve into the health effects of vaping and other popular tobacco and marijuana products and how they're marketed to young people. They also explore controlled substances like fentanyl and steps parents can take to protect their kids and the wider community. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Feb 26, 2026 • 33min
Preschool and Kindergarten Readiness: What to Know Before the First Day – Ep. 74
Dr. Nathaniel Beers joins guest host Dr. Molly O'Shea to talk about preschool and kindergarten readiness. They unpack the advantages of preschool attendance, what families should consider when selecting a program and practical ways to help children feel confident on their first day. They also explore the potential consequences of delaying kindergarten and how kids with developmental differences can adjust to a classroom environment. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Feb 19, 2026 • 20min
How Much Sleep Do Teens Really Need? Expert Advice for Parents – Ep. 73
Dr. Cora Breuner joins guest host Dr. Scott Hadland to talk about teen sleep habits. They explore why teenagers naturally stay up later, what happens when they don't get enough sleep and what research says about ideal school start times. They offer practical tips on building healthy bedtime routines and addressing common sleep challenges like insomnia. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Feb 12, 2026 • 33min
Understanding Autism: A Deep Dive with Dr. Tommy Martin – Ep. 72
Dr. Tommy Martin joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about autism. Together, they break down science behind the rising number of autism diagnoses, explore the neurological factors that might contribute to the condition and share practical tips for how parents can best help their autistic children thrive. Dr. Martin shares his personal story of his son's autism diagnosis and the wonderfully unique way his child sees the world. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Feb 5, 2026 • 22min
Body Positivity and Kids: How to Raise Confident, Healthy Children – Ep. 71
Dr. Whitney Casares joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to explore the foundations of body positivity. They talk about how kids can thrive at any size, the importance of body confidence and strategies for addressing body bullying. Dr. Caseres, author of the AAP book, "My One-of-a-Kind Body," shares tips on raising emotionally and physically healthy kids without falling into the traps of perfectionism or pressure. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Jan 29, 2026 • 13min
Ask the Pediatrician: Vaccine Recommendations, Screen Time for Babies, Sharing, Nosebleeds & More – Ep. 70
Dr. Jennifer Shu joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special "Ask the Pediatrician" episode. They dive into listener questions on topics ranging from AAP's 2026 vaccine recommendations and why they differ from the federal schedule, the developmental impact of screen time for babies, sharing struggles, nosebleed remedies, high-protein diets and more. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Jan 22, 2026 • 21min
What Summer Camp Teaches Kids—and How Parents Can Help– Ep. 69
Dr. Laura Blaisdell joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to discuss summer camp. They explain how it can be a big developmental milestone for kids, including those with special health needs, and skills it can help them build. Hear practical tips for picking the right camp, helping your child cope with homesickness and how to prepare kids to have a successful summer. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
