Every parent hopes their child will be healthy, but the reality is children get sick and sometimes need surgery, requiring an anesthetic. "We probably anesthetize 18,000 infants and children a year," says Dr. Larry Roy, chief of the Department of Anesthesia at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Children can need elective surgery for everything from heart issues to hernias–here's what you should know about your child's trip to the hospital.

Most little kids have better things to do than worry about whether their hands are clean or their teeth are brushed – and many wouldn’t pass the white glove test. It can be hard to convince kids that good hygiene is important, says Jennifer Kolari, a parent and child therapist in Toronto. “Kids think in the now, so a cavity six months from now doesn’t mean anything — and this is true right up to adolescence.” Here’s how to help small children take responsibility for “routine cleaning,” whether it’s their teeth, nails, hair or hands.

The bad news about your baby’s first cold? It won’t be her last – in fact, she may catch as many as 10 colds in her first year until her immune system gets up to speed. The good news? You can help her feel better, symptom by symptom. Here's what to do when your baby gets sick – and how to tell when it's time to call the doctor:

From heat stroke to bee stings, here are five common health hazards threatening to spoil your kids’ summer fun–and what you can do to prevent them.

Ear infections are very common in infants and toddlers and most children will have at least one ear infection before they reach three years old. Here’s how to tell if your infant’s ears are infected: