Florida Chapter of AAP

02/26/2026

The AAP’s newest version of its “screen time guidelines” emphasizes 2 new concepts that shape how digital media impacts children’s well-being:

* Socio-ecological systems and

* Child-centered design.

Learn more:

Learn how to implement the American Academy of Pediatrics’ new digital media guidelines with insights from Dr. Jenny Radesky. Discover how child-centered design and socio-ecological systems shape healthier screen use and social media habits for children and teens.

02/26/2026

The AAP’s newest version of its “screen time guidelines” focus on more than the amount of time children, teens, and parents spend on screens. The new guidelines emphasize two new concepts that shape how digital media impacts children’s well-being:

* Socio-ecological systems and

* Child-centered design.

Check out this article to unpack those concepts and learn how they relate to social media – including tips on what parents and youth can do.

https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/understanding-the-new-AAP-digital-media-guidelines/

Before you can see your baby’s teeth, they are there, hiding beneath the gums. Keep them healthy by wiping the gums after feeding and before bedtime.

02/24/2026

The 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule was released at the end of January. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your kids healthy this year.

Here's what to know about the recommended immunization schedule for children and teens. The schedule is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics and based on ongoing review of the most recent scientific data for each of the recommended vaccines and other immunizations. The schedule also recomm...

02/21/2026

It is National Children's Dental Health Month! Did you know that dental health is important for everyone – including newborns! Even if you can't see them yet, those tiny teeth are there—hiding just beneath the gums. Make sure to take care of them right from the start.

Before you can see your baby’s teeth, they are there, hiding beneath the gums. Keep them healthy by wiping the gums after feeding and before bedtime.

02/17/2026

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on the importance of protecting your heart health. ❤️

Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S., and more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside the hospital each year—a powerful reminder of why awareness matters for everyone.

No matter your background—educators, caregivers, community members, and professionals in every field—you can play a role in building healthier communities. Learning about prevention, recognizing hearthealth risks, and understanding CPR can empower anyone to help save lives.

Explore resources, tips, and hearthealthy education at the American Heart Association’s official page: https://www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month

Let’s work together to support heart health for all. ❤️

02/14/2026

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️ From little hearts learning big feelings to the caregivers and experts nurturing their wellbeing every day - thank you for all you do. Wishing you a day filled with kindness, connection, and moments that make your heart smile. 💕

02/14/2026

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions of Black leaders who continue to shape & strengthen our communities. We remain committed to advancing equity in health care so every kid in FL-regardless of race or background-can grow up happy, safe, & healthy.

02/12/2026

Have you seen ads featuring FLynn in your favorite grocery stores? They are popping up across the state throughout the month of February. Keep your eyes open the next time you’re out - and be sure to snap a selfie and share it with us on social!

02/12/2026

Last month was Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Lauren’s Kids Founder and CEO Lauren Book recently shared these three practical steps parents and caregivers can take right now to help keep kids safe in a Newsweek op-ed:

* Start conversations early and often. Age-appropriate discussions about boundaries, online safety, and trusted adults give children the language and confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

* Know what your child has access to. Take inventory of all devices, apps, games, and social media platforms — and stay engaged with your child’s digital world. Unmonitored access creates opportunity for exploitation.

* Watch for red flags. Sudden behavior changes, secrecy around devices, unexplained gifts, or withdrawal can signal something is wrong. Recognizing warning signs early can interrupt exploitation before it escalates.

Learn more about and access resources at https://laurenskids.org/.

Lauren's Kids was founded in 2007 with the goal of child sexual abuse prevention. They offer a wide variety of child sexual abuse education programs.

02/10/2026

February 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week. If your child has been diagnosed with a CHD, it is important to know that thanks to medical advances people with heart defects are living longer, healthier lives. Still, your child needs to continue to see a pediatric cardiologist who can catch any problems early and help keep your child healthy. Learn more about lifelong care for people with congenital heart defects here:

After a heart defect diagnosis, parents and caregivers must learn how to care for a child with special health care needs. This new world of surgeries, procedures, specialists, appointments, and medications can be overwhelming. It helps to remember that your family is not alone. Here are some resourc...

02/08/2026

You take your job to protect your children seriously. So does your pediatrician.

Talk to your pediatrician about all the ways you can help keep your child happy, safe, and healthy.

02/05/2026

Measles is highly contagious and hearing about the recent measles outbreaks can be concerning. Your pediatrician is trained to help you keep your children safe from infectious diseases like measles. Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns and how to best protect your kids.