Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, affecting as many as 50 percent of all children before their first birthday, Boston University School of Medicine professor of pediatrics Jerome Klein reports on the UpToDate website.

If you're breastfeeding, you probably prefer to avoid taking unnecessary medications that could pass through your breast milk to your baby. If you develop an earache, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have an ear infection. Ear pain doesn't always indicate an ear infection, however.

The benefits of breastfeeding have been documented in thousands of studies. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that parents exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of their child's life and that they continue breastfeeding after introducing solid foods to their children.

Preemie babies have more trouble with constipation than full-term babies for several reasons. Decreased muscle tone, preemie formulas and a history of bowel infections can all contribute to problems with stools in premature babies, even after they come out of the hospital.

Breast-feeding has numerous proven health benefits for your baby, but in some cases you can't -- or don't want to -- continue breast-feeding.

Pregnancy causes a variety of new sensations, including pinching, pressure and pain in the abdomen. Because your baby's head is the largest part of her body, it's also the area most likely to cause noticeable pain.

If you've tried cuddling, feeding, rocking and other methods of baby soothing, but your newborn still complains, she might have stomach cramps. If your baby has a fever, stops gaining weight at a healthy rate or if she seems like she's in pain, consult your pediatrician to discuss possible causes.

Without a fully developed immune system, you newborn runs the risk of catching whatever bug is currently ailing you. Although spreading an illness to your infant is likely during close encounters such as feeding, bathing changing or simply rocking your little one, you can reduce the risk by taking a few basic steps.

As your baby gets older, you might be surprised to see her in constant motion, even before she can roll over or crawl. Babies learn about the world around them by moving their body and interacting with their environment. Your baby's arm movements can tell you important things about what she is experiencing.

Candy is a sweet treat that most toddlers are drawn to as often as someone is willing to give it to them. While an occasional piece of candy is unlikely to harm your toddler's overall health, regular consumption might be more damaging. Many types of candy also pose a choking hazard, and should be avoided altogether.

Pregnancy comes with wonderful surprises -- the first time you feel your baby move, for example. Some surprises, however, aren't so wonderful. You probably expected your back to ache and your ankles to swell, but rib pain and muscles spasms may be unexpected -- and unwelcome -- surprises.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant found in many plant- and animal-based foods. It's a fat-soluble vitamin, making it a natural complement to water-soluble vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant.