Helpful External Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
The AAP is a professional organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Their consumer-facing website, HealthyChildren.org, provides extensive, up-to-date, and evidence-based information on child health, development, nutrition, safety, and parenting from birth through adolescence.
Why it's legit: The AAP is composed of medical doctors specializing in children's health, and their recommendations and information are based on rigorous scientific research and clinical consensus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Parents Section
The CDC is a leading national public health agency, and their "Parents" section offers a wealth of evidence-based information on child development, milestones, health, and safety. They provide practical tips, articles, and resources that are grounded in scientific research.
Why it's legit: It's a federal agency with a mission to protect public health, and their information is rigorously vetted.
UNICEF Parenting
UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to child rights and well-being. Their "UNICEF Parenting" platform brings together insights from leading experts worldwide to provide science-backed information on child development, health, and positive parenting practices. They offer mini-master classes and resources on a wide range of topics.
Why it's legit: As a UN agency, UNICEF's information is global in scope and based on extensive research and expertise in child development and welfare.
Zero to Three
This national non-profit organization is dedicated to ensuring that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. They provide comprehensive, research-based information on early childhood development, including topics like social-emotional development, brain development, and early learning. Their resources are often used by professionals and are highly valuable for parents.
Why it's legit: Zero to Three focuses exclusively on the critical early years of development and their content is developed by experts in the field.
American Psychological Association (APA) - Parenting Resources
The APA offers valuable resources for parents on child and adolescent behavioral science. Their website, particularly through initiatives like "Infoaboutkids.org" and "Effectivechildtherapy.org" (developed in partnership with APA divisions), provides information on common parenting concerns, child mental health, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Why it's legit: The APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, and their resources are reviewed by psychologists to ensure they are research-based and bias-free.