Intelihealth: Childhood Conditions

About this site: Comprehensive is the key word here. This section of the Intelihealth site lists more than 60 childhood ailments, offering short explanations of each and advice on what to do and when to call a doctor. (http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=6024)
Pluses: All information is reviewed by medical experts at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and Health System.
Minuses: You need to search for more information; there aren't any links to follow.
Best feature: Can link to Intelihealth's Drug Database for information on specific medications.

HealthWorld Online: Children's Health: Natural & Alternative Approaches

About this site: Learn about integrative, homeopathic, and naturopathic treatment and prevention methods for everything from colic and constipation to headaches and hyperactivity at this section of the HealthWorld site. (http://www.healthy.net/clinic/FamilyHealthCenter/Children/index.html)
Pluses: Evaluates conventional and alternative vaccines for such ills as measles and chicken pox.
Minuses: Must click through several tables of content pages before reaching information.
Best feature: The Medical Self-Care section provides quick advice on how to handle common ailments, including when to call the doctor.

KidsHealth.org: Childhood Infections

About this site: This section of KidsHealth.org provides a complete catalog of common--and not-so-common--childhood illnesses. (http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/index.html#sick)
Pluses: Each illness entry outlines symptoms, prevention, home treatment, professional treatment, and contagiousness.
Minuses: The site offers little interactivity.
Best feature: Laboratory Tests and Other Diagnostic Medical Tests lets parents know why doctors take blood or ask for x-rays.



Dr. Greene's HouseCalls

About this site: Think house calls are a thing of the past? Then check out this award-winning site. Pediatrician Alan Greene answers a wide range of childhood illness questions and participates in live chats, bringing clear and useful health information right to your home computer. (http://www.drgreene.com/)
Pluses: Questions are answered thoroughly and in great detail.
Minuses: The case-by-case nature of questions and answers may obscure general childhood illness information.
Best feature: Dr. Greene holds live chats each day.