27 Walmart Skincare Products To Consider If You're Rehauling Your Routine
A hydrating sunscreen, a face oil that actually absorbs, and a body scrub that won't wreck your skin barrier — your routine glow-up starts now.
1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil if you're tired of seeing traces of makeup post-removal. While alternatives can involve aggressive scrubbing, a cleansing oil is a much gentler, more luxurious experience, IMHO. Made with antioxidant-rich olive oil, this one effortlessly dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while nourishing your skin (aka, no stripped or tight feeling afterward). Unlike some cleansing oils that leave behind a filmy residue, this one rinses off completely with water. Just massage it onto dry skin, add a little water to emulsify, and rinse.
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Note: While this cleansing oil doesn't require a double-cleanse to fully wash away the residue, I always follow up with a regular face wash to prevent breakouts.
2. Hero Cosmetics Post-Blemish Recovery Cream, which is either witchcraft or simple color theory. While the green tint blurs blotchiness and blemishes, the peptides and antioxidants help address the irritation and dryness that tend to follow a breakout. Think of it as a little tube of damage control for when your skin needs extra TLC.
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Promising review:"This stuff works amazingly! I'm always on the hunt for products to even out my skin tone and reduce redness, and this one works wonders—plus, it's budget-friendly! I've layered it under a full face of makeup, but it also works great on its own, which I LOVE. I don't always want to wear makeup, but I often do because I feel self-conscious about my facial redness. This gives me an even skin tone without needing any other makeup products. LOVE!" — MJ
3. Neutrogena Collagen Bank Facial Moisturizer that's basically an investment in your future face. Collagen helps keep things pinchably plump, bouncy, and glowy, which is great. But the real power player in this cream is the bakuchiol — an active ingredient which can boost cell turnover and smooth skin texture — which is basically retinol's less dramatic cousin.
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No joke, this study suggests that bakuchiol is just as effective as retinol while being way less likely to cause irritation. So basically, you get all the glow with none of the drama. It's a win-win.
Promising review:"The Neutrogena Collagen Bank moisturizer is making my skin feel smoother. It does not irritate my skin, and I really like the dispenser. I plan to keep using it." — Serendipity
4. Honest Glow On Body Oil, which is marketed to pregnant people, but hear me out!!! I went down a serious body oil rabbit hole and was shocked at how many are packed with filler oils. But this one? Nothing but the good stuff. It's loaded with organic sunflower, jojoba, coconut, olive, and avocado oils, plus chamomile and vitamin E for extra skin-loving goodness. That's it — seven ingredients. Whether you're growing a baby or just want silky, nourished skin, this is the oil to reach for.
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Oh, btw, this pick is for anyone who hates putting on lotion because it makes you itchy. Body oils sink in faster and feel lighter on the skin, so you won't get those icky tingles that happen when you slather on the thicc stuff.
Promising review:"This was my favorite body oil when I was pregnant and even after giving birth. I used this oil religiously and I am happily 2 months postpartum with no stretch marks. I tried many oils during my pregnancy and this was my favorite. I put it on wet skin after showering then lightly dabbed off the excess. It absorbs well. A little goes a long way." — sarah
5. Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment to rescue your lips when they feel like they've survived a tundra. With a powerhouse blend of shea butter, beeswax, vitamin E, and chamomile, this ultra-soothing balm helps restore moisture, calms irritation, and keeps flakes at bay. Stop peeling and start slathering.
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6. Or NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil for a hydration boost that also gives your lips a juicy shine. With lots of moisturizing and antioxidant-rich ingredients, this lip oil is protective, long-lasting, and nonsticky. The gorg hint of color and lovely scent are just icing on the cake.
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Promising review:"Lovely consistency. Not too sticky. Very hydrating. Smell is pleasant and not overpowering. A fraction of the price of the Dior lip oil." — Amy
7. RoC Retinol Correxion because beauty sleep is great, but retinol works overtime while you snooze. This powerhouse formula helps smooth fine lines, fade dark spots, and give your skin that 'I got eight hours' glow — even if you didn't. With pure, stabilized retinol, it can help boost cell turnover without feeling heavy or greasy. Think of it as a reset button for your face, helping you wake up looking a little fresher every day.
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8. A spray bottle of E.l.f. Skin Suntouchable!, so you can reapply SPF every two hours like your derm keeps hassling you to — without ruining the makeup you spent an hour perfecting. This genius mist actually doubles as a setting spray, meaning each spritz locks in your look instead of melting it off.
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Promising review:"I participate in an outdoor sport later in the afternoon, and I was concerned that the sunscreen I'd applied in the morning wasn't providing me any protection later in the day when I most needed it. Cue the e.l.f. sunscreen spray! I just give myself a few spritzes before heading out to my sport, and my face is more protected from the late-day rays. This definitely does not take the place of cream sunscreen, but it's a great option for renewed protection when you already have a full face of makeup." — Anne
9. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum to give your parched skin that dewy, I-drink-eight-glasses-of-water-a-day look. Just a couple of drops of this ultra-lightweight serum act as a moisture magnet, helping draw in water and keep it there.
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Promising review:"I bought this product because my skin was very dry, and I was struggling to bring it back to life. Ever since I started using it, my skin has changed. I have little to no breakouts, and it feels amazing!" — espy
10. Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask because clay masks shouldn't leave your skin feeling like a raisin. This formula balances out the vacuum-like kaolin clay with soothing colloidal oatmeal and moisture-boosting collagen, so you get that deep clean feeling without the dreaded post-mask tightness.
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11. Billie Women's Moonbeam Razor Kit for those of us who can't seem to get a shave in without risking razor burn. With five ultra-sharp blades, this razor gets an effortlessly close shave while minimizing tugging and ingrown hairs. The built-in aloe shave bar ensures a smooth, irritation-free glide, and the magnetic holder keeps it dry and rust-free. Oh, and the glow-in-the-dark handle? That's just for fun. ✨
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Promising review:"Absolutely love this razor!! It glides smoothly and definitely gives a good close shave. I have nerve damage in one of my legs, and this glides easily over the leg without causing discomfort.. because I don't have to press down so hard. Great on the puts, too!! *Bonus is the magnetic shower hanger .. two seconds to stick to the shower wall, and you're good to go. Haven't had an issue with it falling, it's a strong little bugger. Definitely recommend!!" — Amy
12. A 24-pack of Invisible+ Mighty Patches if you're still smearing toothpaste on your zits. These super-stealthy hydrocolloid patches slurp up all the gunk and can protect your pimples from exposure to the outside world so they can heal in peace. They blend in seamlessly and hide well under makeup, so you can heal those lil' horrors that cropped up overnight without calling attention to them.
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Promising review:"I love these patches and have purchased them several times. They are great for blemishes and especially for the wounds you may create while picking at the aforementioned blemishes. I know you aren't supposed to pick, but I always do. And these patches have saved my hide many times. I was nervous about using them in the beginning because I have very sensitive skin and am allergic to a lot of acne medicines. But these patches are non-medicated and non-adhesive." — Autumn
13. Cerave Hydrating Toner
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Hot tip: Apply it by hand instead of by cotton pad so you're taking full advantage of every single drop.
14.
Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream packed with soothing ingredients — and comes from a brand that is laser-focused on sustainability. This ultra-lightweight, nongreasy moisturizer is beloved among oily and combo skin types, delivering hydration without the heaviness.
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15. Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion if you feel like you're constantly scratching your skin raw. It uses pramoxine hydrochloride to gently numb irritation, so you get fast relief without the sting of harsher anti-itch treatments. Meanwhile, glycerin and shea butter step in to help hydrate and repair dry, sensitive skin — because what's the point of stopping the itch if your skin is still miserable? Plus, it's fragrance-free, steroid-free, and paraben-free, making it a safe bet for eczema, dermatitis, or just skin that throws a fit over everything.
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Promising review:"I've tried them ALL and no other lotion gave me the relief of soft smooth skin as Sarna Sensitive lotion! It's an excellent soothing lotion that immediately relieves itching! I've suffered with hives most my life and now at age 56, dermatitis and eczema. Three years ago at a visit to my allergists office, they used Sarna Sensitive on me after an allergy test, I'd reacted to quite a few tested items so my back was excruciatingly itchy! The nurse rubbed Sarna Sensitive on my back and it was such an instant relief, I went out and bought 3 bottles that day! I highly recommend Sarna Sensitive for soothing any skin irritation and itching. It also absorbs and never feels greasy." — HonestJoe68
16. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser because sometimes, keeping it simple is the way to go. Lightweight and formulated with glycerin, it cleans effectively while keeping your skin barrier happy, making it a true crowd-pleaser. It's designed for normal to oily skin, but it's such a gentle formula that even people with dry or sensitive skin swear by it.
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Promising review:"Amazing. Doesn't irritate my skin and works perfectly. Usually, when I try new cleansers, some irritate my skin—but not this one. It works perfectly and cleanses my face quite well." — Janie
17. A Lightning Wand from Hero Cosmetics to 🪄swish and flick🪄 away acne scars, old and new. This brightening serum-in-a-stick gently exfoliates, evens skin tone, and lightly tints to help fade dark spots while giving instant coverage.
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Promising review:"I have been using the lightning wand for years now. I can't recommend it enough. It worked to correct old acne scars I had and when I get a breakout now it drastically reduces the full recovery time. I will always purchase this product." — Sana
18. Peach Slices Snail Rescue Jelly Mask, because sometimes your skin just needs a reset. This lightweight, bouncy gel mask is packed with 95% snail mucin (which sounds gross but feels incredible) which helps hydrate, soothe, and visibly plump tired or irritated skin. Unlike heavy creams, this formula absorbs fast and feels refreshing, making it perfect for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin.
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Promising review:"This is my new favorite mask. I have hypersensitive, combo, middle aged skin. This mask seems to do it all and my skin absolutely loves it. It's soothing, moisturizing, brightens my skin, cleans my pores, and balances my dry/oily spots. My skin feels soooo comfortable after using this. The price is incredible for what it does. The jar will last awhile. I highly recommend!!" — Sara
19. Bubble Skincare Float on Soothing Facial Oil Serum chock full of luxurious plant-based ingredients without the luxury price tag. This lightweight blend of safflower, neem, prickly pear, and buriti oils works overtime to help strengthen your skin barrier, calm irritation, and keep oil production in check. Besides making packaging that's cute enough to keep on your bedroom counter, Bubble makes skincare accessible, even going as far as to color-code their products according to skin concerns.
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Promising review:"I praise its lightweight texture, hydrating properties, and calming effect on the skin. The oil helped to reduce redness and irritation. I have found it to be effective in balancing sebum production. Overall, the Bubble Skincare Float On Soothing Facial Oil seems to be a well-regarded product for those looking for a gentle and nourishing facial oil." — Debbies
20. Dove Acne Clear Body Wash for a salicylic acid treatment that's gentler than most — and a whole lot more pleasant to use. Dove has always been known for its deeply moisturizing formulas, and this one is no exception. It balances the exfoliating power of salicylic acid with hydrating glycerin and skin-soothing bamboo extract, so you can get clearer skin without the tight, stripped feeling.
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21. e.l.f. Suntouchable, because the only way we're actually committing to wearing sunscreen everyday is if it multitasks like a pro. In addition to SPF 30 protection, it doubles as a hydrating makeup primer and leaves behind a subtle, dewy glow — no chalky cast, no greasy feel, just effortless sun protection with perks.
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Promising review:"Great product! Not oily or slimy, blends well, and helps keep my makeup in place! LOVE!" — Brook
Price: $4.97
22. L'Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Tinted Serum for those mornings when rolling out of bed feels like a major accomplishment. This multitasking gem combines hydration with lightweight coverage, so you can skip the extra steps and still look fresh-faced.
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Promising review:"A coworker recommended this to me. I'm 38 with combination skin and do very little in terms of self-care—I don't even wash my face every day sometimes (yeah, I know, gross). I have cyclic adult acne, crow's feet, and freckles that have turned into full-on sun/age spots. I rarely wear foundation anymore, but I thought I'd give this a shot to even out my skin tone. I love how this feels (or rather, how it doesn't feel!). It doesn't settle into my crow's feet, has a great finish, and has even seemed to help my acne. Will 100% buy again." — Nicole
Price: $14.97+ (available in 14 shades)
23. Two Equate Beauty Skin Scrubbers (one for the shower and one for the sink) because you won't believe how much cleaner your skin feels after using them. I have something similar, and the difference is wild — the silicone bristles provide gentle exfoliation that somehow makes my face wash feel twice as effective. Plus, unlike washcloths or loofahs, silicone is super easy to keep clean (you can even toss it on the top rack of your dishwasher!) so there are no worries about bacteria buildup.
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Promising review:"I like this little facial scrubber. I feel it works better than some face scrubs I've tried. Happy with this purchase." — Walmart Customer
Price: $8.38
24. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub to buff away dull, rough skin, so you're left smoother, softer, and glowier. Unlike scrubs that feel like straight-up gravel, this one pairs sugar granules with hydrating oils to exfoliate without wrecking your skin barrier.
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Promising review:"Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Moroccan Rose is a delightful addition to any skincare routine, offering a luxurious exfoliating experience with a divine fragrance.
Quality: This scrub is made with high-quality ingredients, including shea butter, natural oils, and sugar granules. The combination of these ingredients provides excellent exfoliation without being too harsh on the skin. It leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
Texture: The texture of this scrub is perfect — thick and gritty enough to exfoliate effectively but not so rough that it irritates the skin. It spreads easily over the skin and dissolves nicely as you scrub, providing a satisfying exfoliating experience.
Scent: The Moroccan Rose scent is absolutely heavenly. It's a beautiful floral fragrance that lingers on the skin without being overpowering. The scent adds a touch of luxury to your skincare routine, making it feel like a spa experience at home.
Moisturizing: In addition to exfoliating, this scrub is also very moisturizing. The shea butter and natural oils in the formula help hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished after use. There's no need to apply lotion afterward, as your skin will already feel deeply moisturized.
Ease of Use: The 18-oz jar is easy to handle and provides a generous amount of product. The scrub is easy to scoop out and apply, and it rinses off cleanly without leaving any residue. The jar's wide opening makes it convenient to use in the shower.
Value for Money: Considering the high quality and effectiveness of this scrub, it offers great value for the price. A little goes a long way, so the 18oz jar lasts a good amount of time, even with regular use.
Overall, Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Moroccan Rose is an outstanding product that delivers on its promises. It provides effective exfoliation, deep hydration, and a luxurious scent that makes your skincare routine feel indulgent. Highly recommended for anyone looking to pamper their skin!" — Diamond
Price: $7.97
25. Aveeno Skin Relief Repairing Hand Mask for Dry Skin for when your hands are so chapped that your regular hand cream just isn't cutting it. This intensely moisturizing treatment is packed with oat extract, shea butter, and glycerin to help soothe, soften, and repair dry, cracked skin. Plus, salicylic acid gently exfoliates rough patches, making it a game-changer for hands that have been through way too much (looking at you, endless hand washing and winter air).
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Promising review:"i suffer from eczema on my hands. When they're extra super sore, this is my go-to product! The hand masks are soothing and leave my hands feeling hydrated and pain free." — Courtney
Price: $3.72 (originally $5.94)
26. RoC Retinol Correxion Capsules, because skincare doesn't have to be a guessing game. Each pre-measured capsule delivers a fresh, potent dose of retinol to help boost collagen, even skin tone, and smooth texture. The lightweight, silky formula absorbs quickly. That means no greasy residue or irritation; just firmer, glowier skin by morning. Plus, the capsule format keeps the retinol stable, so it stays powerful from start to finish.
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Promising review:"I love this product. It feels so good, and after use, your skin feels soft and fewer lines." — pam
Price: $24.97
27. A 24-pack of Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks, because concealer can only hide so much. Each color option uses different combos for different purposes: illuminating, energizing, or hydrating. For a refreshing pick-me-up, stow them in the fridge for a cooling, de-puffing effect. Your unnecessarily honest coworker'll never accuse you of looking tired again.
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Promising review:"Absolutely love how they reduce the puffiness under my eyes!" — anonymous
Price: $7.58+ (originally $30.95; available in three colors)
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24 Underrated Pet Products Actually Worth Purchasing
An allergy supplement to give your pup probiotics and other nutrients that help improve their immune system, aid digestion, and even promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. If your pooch suffers from unavoidable allergies making them itchy, this could provide them with some much-needed relief. Promising review: "I never write reviews but this one deserves it. My dog was compulsively licking herself and losing her hair. I had tried several other brands before Zesty Paws and none of them helped at all. Took her to the vet and after several hundred dollars of testing they had no idea what it could be. They didn't feel allergies could be THAT bad in a dog but all bloodwork and testing came back perfect. They told me to just keep watching her and hoped as the seasons changed so would the problem if it actually was allergies. Three seasons later and nothing had changed, it was actually getting worse. Finally tried these and WOW! She's been on these for a month and her hair is coming back and she isn't licking herself at all now. The first product to actually help! As others have said it does take a few weeks for a change to be noticeable, but when that change happens you won't be disappointed. Would definitely recommend when all else has failed!! Will be keeping her on these long term." —hgbGet a pack of 90 from Amazon for $32.97 (available in lamb, peanut butter, and salmon). A length-adjustable broom for pet hair that might end up replacing your vacuum (just kidding, you'll still want to vacuum because of dirt, dust, and surface pet hair), but its rubber bristles will remove all the embedded pet hair your vacuum misses. Just look at those pet-sized piles of hair in the photos! 😭 Promising review: "Nothing else would take pet hair off of my outdoor porch furniture cushions. This broom took it all off easily. One of the best brooms I have ever had for pet hair removal on floors and furniture." —Kelli ThompsonGet it from Amazon for $ out our FURemover broom review for more satisfying before and after photos! A simple stuffed duck because reviewers swear this plush dog toy holds up to even the fiercest of puppy teeth. So much so that your pup may even go from tough love to building a fur-ever friendship with it. If you need even more convincing, here's a review by BuzzFeed contributor AnaMaria Glavan on why the Multipet yellow duck toy is the best $8 she's ever spent (plus, cute photos of her pup!)Promising review: "My dog Hazel LOVES this duck! She has had it for nine months now, and it's still intact! It somehow made it through her teething as a puppy. She rips and tears apart all of her toys, but this one still looks decent!" —Emily AnnGet it from Amazon for $5.39. A bestselling stain and odor eliminator that's created with an enzymatic formula, so it goes beyond erasing the dirt of the stain to *literally* eating up the smell-causing compounds, too. If you have a pet or child and have to deal bodily messes (read: blood, vomit, urine, etc.), an enzyme cleaner like this one is the best choice to banish them — preserving your carpet, furniture, and upholstery, so you don't have to replace it completely. Basically, this will be your new secret weapon. A cardboard box with refill scratch pads for any cat whose favorite hobby is tearing up furniture and bodies with their claws — this simple form of entertainment will keep them busy and satisfied, and both of you will be oh, so grateful for it. An automatic pet feeder, so you can leave the house, participate in a meeting, or actually sleep until your alarm goes off because it'll feed your pet for you at a specific time. No more huffing or howling because it's dinner time and you can't look away from Big Brother for a single second. You can store up to 12 meals in this feeder depending on portion size (1/8 to 4 cups). Promising reviews: "This is the best, most reliable feeder I have tried. Worth every penny for the peace of mind knowing that if you are running late (or want to sleep in on the weekend), the cats will be fed and content." —Karen Demont"Our cat is fat. Her life is pretty much driven by food and the only way we've been able to keep her at a moderately sustainable weight is by giving her healthy food she hates and this pet feeder. Every time we come back from a trip, there are a few more claw and bite marks on it, but it holds strong. She's even tried to sit on it, but it's done nothing more than presumably horrify it a little. I would recommend this for anyone who has a cat who is consumed with eating and getting food. Her persistence has defeated every other one we have tried. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is absolutely worth it." —BMoneyGet it from Amazon for $94.95. The ChomChom — it's a reusable pet hair remover that you simply push back and forth to collect all the hair and lint from clothes, furniture, car seats, cat towers, etc., into a chamber. Then all you have to do is remove and throw all that hair away. Over 140,000 reviewers have rated it 5 stars, and we agree: If a member of your family happens to have four legs and a ton of hair, this is a must-buy. Promising review: "This thing is aahhhh-mazing! I've had several kinds of cat hair removers — adhesive strips, sticky rollers, rubber nubby gloves. Nothing else works as well and as quickly. Easy to clean out, too. I bought one handheld and a bigger one on a long handle for carpet and area rugs. Love them! They even clean the hair off the stupid red velvet drapes that came with the house when we bought it." —M. BauerGet it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three colors). A cozy window cat hammock, so your feline king can survey the lands from his perch like his Egyptian ancestors before him, watching all the birds, neighborhood drama, squirrel politics, and whatever else happens on your street. Promising review: "Our cats love their new sun beds! Perfect for snoozing, spying on the neighbors, and squirrel watching! Easy to assemble, sturdy, and attractive." —26.2 MamaGet it from Amazon for $24.99. Some calming bites designed for soothing high-energy or anxious pets without having any drowsy side effects. These are perfect if you want to settle your pup before a long road trip or deter them from getting up to any late-night shenanigans while you snooze. Promising review: "Our senior dog Allie has always been anxiety ridden — she came to us from an abusive situation. In her old age, almost everything seems to make her nervous. We got a new microwave, and she is terrified of it. We give her one of these every day with her other meds, and she is so much better. I like that it is NOT a benzodiazepine and it's not sedating. She is able to enjoy life without being stoned. I didn't expect much, but it works great for us." —Shawn MurphyGet it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in four flavors). A pack of matatabi chew sticks — they make a perfect treat if your cat turns their nose up at regular catnip. This alternative is made with Silvervine for a delectable treat that also helps keep their teeth gleaming. Promising review: "I have two young Siamese mix cats who chew wires, shoes, wooden spoons. These chew sticks are perfect for them. They sniff the sticks, rub on them, and then start chewing. My two cats who are over 10 years old just rub on them but don't enjoy chewing them. If you have a very active cat who does destructive chewing, these are a great substitute." —JEM4612Get them from Amazon for $ Janes is a small business based in New Jersey that specializes in catnip and catnip alternatives (if the name didn't spoil it for you). 😸 Or a wall-mounted catnip toy featuring four all-natural flavored balls with catnip, silvervine, gall fruit, and cat sugar that will have them licking the walls instead of bouncing of of 'em! Plus, it helps improve your kitty's oral health by reducing dental plaque and bad breath as they nosh on the rotating balls! Promising review: "I have never seen my cat so happy! He really liked his flavor explorer toy! It has very good adhesion, and you can place it where you prefer, even on the floor. I think it is an excellent purchase to see my cat super happy!" —Karla VillafuerteGet it from Amazon for $9.98 (also available as singles not on the board). A ridged slow feeder bowl to help your pup eat their meals a lot slower. If they usually inhale their kibble and leave an empty bowl before you even make it out of the room, this is *definitely* a must. This bowl can also help improve their digestion, reduce bloating, and even provide a little mental stimulation as they navigate the grooves! Promising review: "We adopted a sweet three-legged 50-pound Dutch shepherd from the Humane Society recently. Her former two homes were bad, and she had to fight for her food. Because of this, she has food aggression and inhales her food in a regular bowl. A friend recommended this bowl to us and it is FAB-U-LOUS! We mix up some homemade dog food (wet) along with grain-free kibble and spread it around the bowl. Our girl takes FAR longer to eat now. I'm guessing around five to seven minutes? The bowl works best on a smooth, noncarpeted surface as it has grip on the bottom. This ensures that the bowl doesn't slide around. It is also heavy-duty, durable plastic that can go in the dishwasher (if I hand clean it, I soak in soapy water and scour with kitchen scrubber). Great product! I highly recommend this bowl for your fur baby too." —Shan the PainterGet it from Amazon for $7.39+ (available in two sizes and seven designs). A Wobble Wag Giggle ball — it boasts a battery-free noisemaker on the inside to keep your pup engaged and entertained, not to mention there are six pockets so they can easily grab and hold it with their mouth! Promising review: "WE FOUND IT! A play ball that can stand up to our 14-week-old part black Lab, part shark. We have tried several toys that would stand up to the extremely sharp teeth. Nothing has worked for over 15 minutes of intensive playtime. We heard about this ball from a fellow puppy owner and ordered immediately. Added bonus: She is exhausted after chasing this thing around, so nap time comes quickly." —james BennettGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles and a two-pack). A creamy paw butter for dry paws and snouts that features moisturizing and soothing ingredients including shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. Plus, it's completely safe if your furbaby licks or swallows some of it! Promising review: "I love this paw butter. For so long my Aussie had the driest, most cracked paws. I would cry and stress out because nothing worked. I tried shea butter and coconut oil but it wasn't enough so one night I ended up buying this paw butter and tried it on my dog. First off it smells amazing — so good that my Aussie licks his paws for an hour after applying the product, so I had to put regular baby socks on his paws to stop him from licking. I'm almost done with the product and my dog's paws have improved enormously. He no longer has super-dried-up, cracked paws. They are soft and pink how a dog's paws should be! I love this products. It saved my dog's paws and I use it every other day, sometimes twice a day. Lifesaver!" —Juliet BetancourtGet it from Amazon for $9.69+ (available in oatmeal or coconut and two sizes). Orrrr forget balms and try out a pack of paw-cleaning tablets formulated with tea tree oil and aloe to offer relief to itchy, irritated paws. Give your pup a spa(w) day and let them enjoy a nice warm soak that will leave their paws hydrated and feeling so much better! Promising review: "This worked great! I have an itchy Boston, so itchy it was said that it would probably be better to put him down by a vet. Defective dog or not, this was not going to happen. Many weeks of trying to figure out what was causing his itches, CHICKEN! Took that out of his diet and no more itches! Wow, rocket science, right. Nonetheless, left my Boston with the in-laws for two days and came back to a flared-out, itchy dog. He didn't sleep, I didn't sleep. He was digging at his paws so bad they were swollen. I looked on Amazon and saw this item, tried it, and within an hour of the five-minute paw soak, no more itch!" —geniphreGet 12 tablets from Amazon for $19.99 (also available as a pack of 30, 75, or 300). An automatic water fountain to help your cat stay hydrated since some cats simply hate drinking still water (apparently, it's a defense mechanism), so running water might just be the solution! Promising review: "Cats aren't prone to drinking enough water, and they also abhor getting their whiskers wet. This fountain, recommended by a friend, was a huge hit from the moment I set it up and solved both of those problems. My kitty now guzzles water any time she wishes, which is definitely more than before (and yay, I don't have to turn the sink on for her now, which was the only way she'd drink water). This is fantastic!" —HermitGet it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two styles). A wood polish for when you need to cover up those scratches on your wood floor or doors from your pet's nails. My pup likes to "dig" before settling down, so this is definitely going in my cart. Promising review: "I honestly can't believe how well this stuff works. Like magic it restored pet claw- AND pet water bowl-damaged wood all over my house. I am amazed at the results. Thank you!" —Nicole ThomasGet it from Amazon for $11.48. Earth Rated's grooming wipes if you've got a pup with a fluffy butt that gets seriously nasty on a 💩 walk. Instead of using rough paper towels on your pooch's most sensitive area, these plant-based, odor-controlling wipes are perfect for keeping your pup clean without having to give them a bath. A fruit tart pet bed because your furry friend deserves an ultra-comfy and adorable place to snooze, so you can take hundreds of photos of them sleeping. Plus, the pieces of fruit are removable cushions — if your pet isn't Instagram or TikTok famous yet, this bed will rake in the likes! Check out my colleague's review of the fruit tart bed for more deets and some seriously cute photos of her cats enjoying review: "This bed is adorable! I saw a lot of the reviews that stated that it was a bit small, so I went with the larger size option, which I would say is plenty big enough for an average-size cat. My cats are both relatively small and can fit inside with room to spare, and they love it! The fruit bits are very cute too. I've only had this for about two days, and I've already found the strawberry batted halfway across the house. It seems the cats like fruit toys just as much as the crust pillow! Honestly, I've been eyeing this bed since before I even decided to adopt another cat, and it's definitely living up to my expectations! Can definitely recommend." —TaylorGet it from Amazon for $31.99 (also available in a bread design). An easy-to-use dental powder packed with probiotics and nutrients to support gum health, that you just sprinkle in your pet's food to help protect their teeth from plaque and eliminate foul breath. Promising review: "My smaller dog unfortunately has pretty bad breath (not your typical dog breath, much worse). Brushing her teeth regularly helps somewhat alleviate the problem, as do dental foams and rinses, but nothing has worked as noticeably as this powder. She has no issues eating it (although, she'd eat anything) and it lasts a while considering that she only goes through one teaspoon a day. I would definitely recommend giving it a try if nothing else is working and medical reasons have been ruled out." —DGGet it from Amazon for $23. A food tracker in case your feline companion has become a mastermind at conning you and your housemates out of a second lunch and third dinner. Your cat may get a little grumpy with the results, but no more overfeeding on our watch! There's also a "Did you feed the dog?" option in black and a medication tracker version for dogs. Promising reviews: "If your cats are manipulative little jerks like mine, you need this in your life. No more will they trick members of your household into giving them second breakfast!" —Stephanie"My husband and I usually work opposite shifts and slowly came to the realization that the cats were getting double fed during the day. This keeps us both updated on the feeding schedule!" —VanessaGet it from Amazon for $9.61. An under-$5 interactive flier cat toy if your cat is shockingly high-energy and they need somewhere to put it, or else they'll transform into the predator lurking within. It might only be a few paper rolls bouncing at the end of a 30-inch steel wire, but you can literally sit on the couch holding it in one hand while scrolling your phone with the other, and your feline friend will still have an absolute BLAST. Promising review: "Simply the best cat toy you can buy. My cats go wild as soon as I pull this out. Nothing else gets them up and moving like this toy now that they're getting older. Seems silly that they love a simple wire with a cardboard tip, but there's something about it that's irresistible. Buy it. Your cats will love it." —A customerrrGet it from Amazon for $3.99. A set of stainless-steel elevated pet bowls just perfect for your spoiled four-legged housemate, so they can enjoy their meals without straining their neck or having their whiskers overstimulated thanks to the wide, deep design. Promising review: "I have always had a problem with my one cat vomiting undigested food. My vet told me she was probably eating too fast. I stumbled upon an ad on Facebook stating the bowl position was the reason for cats vomiting; bowls resting on the floor put their neck at an odd angle and can cause acid reflux. I've used them for about two weeks and my cat has not vomited once! It was almost a daily occurrence prior to purchasing these! I did have to rest their old bowls inside these to get them to eat. But after a few days I could put the food directly into these bowls and they did not complain." —kindlefire09-8Get it from Amazon for $23.99. A set of recordable answer buzzers in case you want to train your pet to "talk" to you like the snarky cats and dogs on TikTok. You can record your voice and set up any phrases or responses, so you can actually *know* when your pup needs to go out and do their business or if they're just trying to sunbathe! Promising review: "We're using these to give my dog a voice. I've recorded 'potty outside,' 'water please,' and 'treat' into these buttons and put them around the house for her to use. Now when she needs to use the restroom she says 'potty outside.' When she comes back in, she goes straight to 'treat' and asks for her reward. When her bowl is empty she lets me know by pushing 'water, please.' She is a 9-pound Chihuahua with arthritis in her front paw and has no problems pushing the buttons down to make them speak. Great purchase. I want to buy more and add more phrases. (Phrases like 'play,' 'car ride,' 'bedtime,' and 'cuddles!') I am 100% happy!" —Tye RannosaurusGet it from Amazon for $22.20.
CNN
a day ago
- CNN
How pediatricians are quietly preparing immigrant families for the unthinkable: leaving their children behind
Immigration Children's health Federal agenciesFacebookTweetLink Follow On a warm June day in Nashville, Briana cradled her one-year-old son in the pediatrician's waiting room. She was there for his routine checkup, expecting to talk about vaccines and growth charts. Instead, as Briana bounced her baby on her lap in the exam room, Dr. Linda Powell leaned in and asked a question that stopped her cold: If you were taken away, who would take care of your baby? It was a conversation Briana never imagined having in a doctor's office even though as an undocumented immigrant, the concern hit close to home. Just weeks earlier, her husband — the family's breadwinner — had gone to Walmart to buy sugar. He never came home. The next time she heard his voice, he was calling from a Louisiana immigration detention facility. Briana, 32, had no warning. She learned later he had been swept up in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in Nashville, part of a broader campaign of mass arrests across the country. Within a month, he was on a plane back to Guatemala, recounted Briana, who requested use of a pseudonym due to concerns about retaliation. The life they had built together – modest but steady – fell apart overnight. Suddenly alone with no income, no transportation and no family nearby, Briana began taking whatever work she could find — selling ice cream on the street, cleaning homes. Her toddler missed his father so much he refused to eat, pushing away food for days afterwards, she told CNN. And Briana lived with a gnawing fear: that she, too, could be detained by ICE, leaving her US-born baby boy alone. So when her pediatrician – who has cared for the boy since birth – gently suggested she create a legal guardianship plan, Briana listened. The doctor explained Briana could draft a simple document allowing a trusted friend to care for her son if she were detained. She connected Briana with a local nonprofit that helps immigrant families prepare guardianship paperwork – a legal arrangement to ensure her son wouldn't end up in foster care if she were also detained. Briana made an appointment, determined to put something in writing. But the only person she could think to name as guardian was an undocumented friend she'd met just months earlier. It was a choice made out of desperation. She fought back tears as she explained, 'I'm worried, I'm scared because they (ICE) keep grabbing people outside. But I have a lot of faith in God.' Briana's predicament is far from unique. She is one of millions of parents facing the possibility of sudden separation from their children. Briana's son is one of an estimated 4.7 million US citizen children living with at least one undocumented parent, according to a 2025 Brookings Institution report. And about 4% of all citizen children in the US are at risk of losing both parents to deportation – sometimes without a chance to say goodbye. Mass deportations under President Donald Trump's second term have created an unlikely new responsibility for pediatricians — protectors of those children's futures. Long trusted by parents to safeguard children and trained to navigate sensitive topics, pediatricians are quietly initiating some of the hardest conversations of their careers: If you're detained, who will care for your child? Many of the people who spoke with CNN for this story requested use of pseudonyms out of concern for their safety and privacy amid widespread immigration raids. In exam rooms from California to Tennessee to New York, pediatricians shared with CNN how they are privately helping parents think through guardianship options – sometimes in hushed tones after the children have left the room. They connect families with legal aid nonprofits, explain options like caregiver affidavits and power of attorney and urge parents to make arrangements before an emergency. 'These people (immigrants) are being scooped up and taken without any warning,' said Powell, who is using a pseudonym out of concern for potential retaliation against the patients at her practice. 'This poses a significant risk to these kids. One in terms of just the psychological trauma of your parents being taken without notice and not knowing when you will see or talk to them again, but also just in terms of the safety and health of these kids.' Every day before school, a 10-year-old boy in San Francisco asks his mother the same question: Will we see each other again? The boy's mother, originally from Guatemala and seeking asylum in the US, says she tries to reassure him, but she's anxious too. She had received deportation notices in her mailbox, she later revealed to his pediatrician. During a routine food insecurity screening, Dr. Raul Gutierrez, former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Immigrant Child and Family Health and pediatrician at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, discovered the family was surviving on food bank donations rather than enrolling in the state's CalFresh benefits. The reason: the mother feared that applying could bring unwanted attention from immigration authorities. For over 20 years, Gutierrez has been helping families like hers create 'preparedness plans' in case of separation. He likens them to earthquake drills. 'As much as we can clarify and support families in these really hard decisions, the better we can try to mitigate some of these fears and anxieties,' said Gutierrez, who is using his real name. For doctors like Gutierrez, protecting children from the chaos outside the clinic walls is as wrenching as it is necessary. 'Health care workers are in a very unique and opportune position … to support families in guidance, to do it with compassion and to really advocate for safeguarding children and to help families navigate this uncertainty,' Gutierrez said. Often, these conversations begin when a parent's anxiety surfaces during a routine screening. Like other pediatricians who see families regularly and know their histories, Gutierrez has built relationships with parents who will share details they would never tell a stranger – like fears about applying for food assistance or hesitation to run daily errands during weeks of raids. His process is methodical – he walks parents through a step-by-step handout from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and asks direct but sensitive questions: Who are the trusted people around you? What kinds of decisions do you want to make about your child? Will they stay here in the US, or join you if you're deported? How can we ensure you're reunited? Even for families with relatives nearby, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. In California, one in five children are part of mixed-status families, according to a 2024 report from child health equity advocacy group the Children's Partnership. Chronic stress from the threat of separation can harm those children's mental and physical health, according to Gutierrez. For children with complex medical needs, the stakes are even higher. Losing a parent who manages appointments, insurance and medications can disrupt treatment and trigger lasting harm. It can mean missed therapies, disrupted medication regimens and long-term emotional scars. 'There are plans in place to make sure that that child is supported by some other adult: someone who is given the authority to make decisions about school and medical care,' Gutierrez said. 'We really want to make sure that kids don't fall victim to being in a place of instability or to lose access to their care.' When the undocumented father of a 2-year-old girl with Down syndrome was asked by her pediatrician who could take care of her in his absence, he replied bluntly: 'Everyone else around us is the same.' She understood instantly – everyone he trusted was also undocumented. Choosing a guardian felt impossible. Dr. Nancy Fernández, who has treated immigrant families in New York City for five years, says the relationships she builds with patients are key to having these conversations. 'People just know that you care about them because you've shown up in many other situations over the years,' said Fernández, who is using a pseudonym to protect her patients from possible retaliation. In her practice, where 90% of her clients are immigrants, Fernández avoids asking directly if someone is undocumented; instead, she asks if they've been affected by recent ICE raids. She assures them the conversation won't be documented in their medical records or impact medical care. But the fear in her patient population is still palpable. One teenager at the clinic overdosed on Tylenol after panicking that her father would be deported. A 10-year-old boy began asking his mother if his dad should stop taking the subway to avoid detection. 'What should I say to my kid?' the mother asked Fernández. In those moments, Fernández said she realized how much of the burden children of undocumented parents are quietly carrying. Doctors in Fernández's network once hoped letters documenting the medical harm separation could cause would persuade ICE to exercise leniency. But after writing many such letters, Fernández hasn't seen evidence they work nor has she received any responses. 'We're trying to do something to help our families, but I'm not sure that it's really that helpful in this moment in time,' she said. In the Bronx, sign-up rates for guardianship workshops at nonprofit Terra Firma National were so low that they forced the organization to incorporate the topic into broader immigrant rights sessions. 'With our families, there's been a lot of trepidation, a lot of anxiety in even thinking about this concept of having a family separation due to ICE taking a parent away,' said Dr. Alan Shapiro, Terra Firma's co-founder and chief strategy officer. Shapiro is identified by his real name. Daniel, a 58-year-old undocumented hotel worker who has lived in the US for nearly 30 years, stopped sleeping at night when ICE raids began in Nashville this spring. Instead, he said he would toss and turn in his bed, kept awake by thoughts of being separated from his family and kicked out of his home with just one knock on his door. For the first time in his life, the Guatemalan-born father of four said he began experiencing anxiety so crippling that he needed medication. 'I feel something like a void inside of you, like a vacuum that's sucking you somewhere,' said Daniel, who requested a pseudonym out of concern for possible retaliation. Daniel's life before the raids had been steady: cleaning offices at Belmont University, then working at a hotel for the last 12 years. He and his wife raised their children with weekend trips to parks, beaches and aquariums. But after the first arrests, even grocery shopping became something only his children would do. And Daniel prayed daily he'd be able to return home from work. 'If it was just me, it would be one thing, but I have a family and kids and their well-being is in jeopardy, and that's terrifying,' Daniel said. With his wife also being undocumented, the question of who would care for his youngest son, 11, haunted Daniel. In early May, more than 100 people were detained in a joint operation between ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The fear that rippled through the city's immigrant neighborhoods in the weeks that followed had noticeable impacts: At Nashville's Siloam Health, where Daniel is a patient, cancellations surged to 40% — mostly from patients afraid to drive to the clinic. And at Powell's clinic, which serves mostly Hispanic immigrant families, appointment attendance dropped by half during the surge in raids. That means missed vaccines, delayed newborn checkups and untreated illnesses. 'There's always been barriers for those families in terms of navigating a health care system in a country that is unfamiliar to you and in a language that you're trying to learn,' Powell said. 'What's going on with ICE has just added another layer of difficulty, because now we have families that are just truly scared.' The Tennessee crackdown is part of ICE raids that have intensified across the country since January: parents are being detained at home, at work and even during routine traffic stops. Often, they have no chance to say goodbye to their children or arrange child care, pediatricians told CNN. Without a plan, children can be placed in foster care or with unfamiliar guardians chosen by the state. CNN has reached out to ICE for comment. 'For every 10 people that are deported, there may be 20 American children that are dependent on that adult,' Powell said she has observed at her practice and throughout the Nashville area. When Daniel confided in his doctor at Siloam Health about his fears, he was given a 'know your rights' card and advised to complete custody paperwork. He and his wife signed a power of attorney naming their 28-year-old daughter as guardian for their youngest son. But for many others, just imagining separation is overwhelming. Dr. Jule West, chief medical officer at Siloam Health, says she can often see her patients' fear manifest physically in real time the moment the topic arises: 'You can see their bodies tense up. You can see their respiratory rate go up a little. They become more agitated,' said West, who is using her real name. 'I see in people's eyes that it's very overwhelming, and they're already concerned with their safety, their family's safety, their children's safety.' That visible fear is often enough to stall the conversation before it begins. West says that for many of her patients, even talking about guardianship plans feels unbearable because it forces them to imagine a sudden and traumatic separation from their children. Some parents say they don't have anyone with legal status to name as a guardian. Others have options but feel paralyzed by the idea of entrusting their child to someone else. Despite the urgency, many parents don't formalize custody arrangements. The thought of preparing for separation feels like inviting it. For others, logistical barriers — like long wait times at overburdened nonprofits — stand in the way. And efforts by doctors to advocate more broadly – such as distributing 'know your rights' cards, mailing supportive letters to families or hosting informational sessions – are sometimes blocked by hospital leadership wary of political backlash, some pediatricians told CNN. Still, pediatricians persist – some after witnessing the consequences of family separation firsthand. Shapiro shared a case involving one of his patients during Trump's first term. He said an 8-year-old boy with a severe learning disability was placed in foster care after his mother was deported to Guatemala. When he called her for her son's medical history, she broke down, unsure if she'd ever see her son again. 'It was probably one of the most heartbreaking moments in my 35-year career as a pediatrician,' he said. The boy was eventually reunited with extended family in the Midwest, Shapiro said, but he worries about the long-term impact on both mother and child. Now, he discusses guardianship planning in the same breath as diet and exercise guidance, marking a profound shift in what anticipatory guidance means. He often has the child wait outside the room with a book as he privately asks parents a question that is now as routine as asking about car seats, smoke alarms or safe sleep. Shapiro reflects on the shift: 'I never thought anticipatory guidance would include anything like this … where we have to have parents prepared for their deportation and for their children to be placed with other family members.' For families like Briana's and Daniel's, those conversations could be the difference between a child finding safety in familiar arms or facing the chaos of the foster system. Daniel takes some comfort knowing his daughter will care for his youngest. 'Thank God, it is a relief to know of the well-being of my youngest kid,' Daniel said. But the future remains uncertain for Briana, who still hasn't completed her son's guardianship paperwork. After hours of waiting, she left the legal aid office to make it to work. If deported, she plans to take her baby with her to Guatemala. But she is still working to get her son a passport. For now, she pushes forward, faith in one hand and her baby in the other. 'Every day I go outside with faith in God,' she said in Spanish. 'And I just go out to work to make money for my son.' CNN's Caroll Alvarado and Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report.
CNN
a day ago
- CNN
How pediatricians are quietly preparing immigrant families for the unthinkable: leaving their children behind
On a warm June day in Nashville, Briana cradled her one-year-old son in the pediatrician's waiting room. She was there for his routine checkup, expecting to talk about vaccines and growth charts. Instead, as Briana bounced her baby on her lap in the exam room, Dr. Linda Powell leaned in and asked a question that stopped her cold: If you were taken away, who would take care of your baby? It was a conversation Briana never imagined having in a doctor's office even though as an undocumented immigrant, the concern hit close to home. Just weeks earlier, her husband — the family's breadwinner — had gone to Walmart to buy sugar. He never came home. The next time she heard his voice, he was calling from a Louisiana immigration detention facility. Briana, 32, had no warning. She learned later he had been swept up in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in Nashville, part of a broader campaign of mass arrests across the country. Within a month, he was on a plane back to Guatemala, recounted Briana, who requested use of a pseudonym due to concerns about retaliation. The life they had built together – modest but steady – fell apart overnight. Suddenly alone with no income, no transportation and no family nearby, Briana began taking whatever work she could find — selling ice cream on the street, cleaning homes. Her toddler missed his father so much he refused to eat, pushing away food for days afterwards, she told CNN. And Briana lived with a gnawing fear: that she, too, could be detained by ICE, leaving her US-born baby boy alone. So when her pediatrician – who has cared for the boy since birth – gently suggested she create a legal guardianship plan, Briana listened. The doctor explained Briana could draft a simple document allowing a trusted friend to care for her son if she were detained. She connected Briana with a local nonprofit that helps immigrant families prepare guardianship paperwork – a legal arrangement to ensure her son wouldn't end up in foster care if she were also detained. Briana made an appointment, determined to put something in writing. But the only person she could think to name as guardian was an undocumented friend she'd met just months earlier. It was a choice made out of desperation. She fought back tears as she explained, 'I'm worried, I'm scared because they (ICE) keep grabbing people outside. But I have a lot of faith in God.' Briana's predicament is far from unique. She is one of millions of parents facing the possibility of sudden separation from their children. Briana's son is one of an estimated 4.7 million US citizen children living with at least one undocumented parent, according to a 2025 Brookings Institution report. And about 4% of all citizen children in the US are at risk of losing both parents to deportation – sometimes without a chance to say goodbye. Mass deportations under President Donald Trump's second term have created an unlikely new responsibility for pediatricians — protectors of those children's futures. Long trusted by parents to safeguard children and trained to navigate sensitive topics, pediatricians are quietly initiating some of the hardest conversations of their careers: If you're detained, who will care for your child? Many of the people who spoke with CNN for this story requested use of pseudonyms out of concern for their safety and privacy amid widespread immigration raids. In exam rooms from California to Tennessee to New York, pediatricians shared with CNN how they are privately helping parents think through guardianship options – sometimes in hushed tones after the children have left the room. They connect families with legal aid nonprofits, explain options like caregiver affidavits and power of attorney and urge parents to make arrangements before an emergency. 'These people (immigrants) are being scooped up and taken without any warning,' said Powell, who is using a pseudonym out of concern for potential retaliation against the patients at her practice. 'This poses a significant risk to these kids. One in terms of just the psychological trauma of your parents being taken without notice and not knowing when you will see or talk to them again, but also just in terms of the safety and health of these kids.' Every day before school, a 10-year-old boy in San Francisco asks his mother the same question: Will we see each other again? The boy's mother, originally from Guatemala and seeking asylum in the US, says she tries to reassure him, but she's anxious too. She had received deportation notices in her mailbox, she later revealed to his pediatrician. During a routine food insecurity screening, Dr. Raul Gutierrez, former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Immigrant Child and Family Health and pediatrician at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, discovered the family was surviving on food bank donations rather than enrolling in the state's CalFresh benefits. The reason: the mother feared that applying could bring unwanted attention from immigration authorities. For over 20 years, Gutierrez has been helping families like hers create 'preparedness plans' in case of separation. He likens them to earthquake drills. 'As much as we can clarify and support families in these really hard decisions, the better we can try to mitigate some of these fears and anxieties,' said Gutierrez, who is using his real name. For doctors like Gutierrez, protecting children from the chaos outside the clinic walls is as wrenching as it is necessary. 'Health care workers are in a very unique and opportune position … to support families in guidance, to do it with compassion and to really advocate for safeguarding children and to help families navigate this uncertainty,' Gutierrez said. Often, these conversations begin when a parent's anxiety surfaces during a routine screening. Like other pediatricians who see families regularly and know their histories, Gutierrez has built relationships with parents who will share details they would never tell a stranger – like fears about applying for food assistance or hesitation to run daily errands during weeks of raids. His process is methodical – he walks parents through a step-by-step handout from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and asks direct but sensitive questions: Who are the trusted people around you? What kinds of decisions do you want to make about your child? Will they stay here in the US, or join you if you're deported? How can we ensure you're reunited? Even for families with relatives nearby, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. In California, one in five children are part of mixed-status families, according to a 2024 report from child health equity advocacy group the Children's Partnership. Chronic stress from the threat of separation can harm those children's mental and physical health, according to Gutierrez. For children with complex medical needs, the stakes are even higher. Losing a parent who manages appointments, insurance and medications can disrupt treatment and trigger lasting harm. It can mean missed therapies, disrupted medication regimens and long-term emotional scars. 'There are plans in place to make sure that that child is supported by some other adult: someone who is given the authority to make decisions about school and medical care,' Gutierrez said. 'We really want to make sure that kids don't fall victim to being in a place of instability or to lose access to their care.' When the undocumented father of a 2-year-old girl with Down syndrome was asked by her pediatrician who could take care of her in his absence, he replied bluntly: 'Everyone else around us is the same.' She understood instantly – everyone he trusted was also undocumented. Choosing a guardian felt impossible. Dr. Nancy Fernández, who has treated immigrant families in New York City for five years, says the relationships she builds with patients are key to having these conversations. 'People just know that you care about them because you've shown up in many other situations over the years,' said Fernández, who is using a pseudonym to protect her patients from possible retaliation. In her practice, where 90% of her clients are immigrants, Fernández avoids asking directly if someone is undocumented; instead, she asks if they've been affected by recent ICE raids. She assures them the conversation won't be documented in their medical records or impact medical care. But the fear in her patient population is still palpable. One teenager at the clinic overdosed on Tylenol after panicking that her father would be deported. A 10-year-old boy began asking his mother if his dad should stop taking the subway to avoid detection. 'What should I say to my kid?' the mother asked Fernández. In those moments, Fernández said she realized how much of the burden children of undocumented parents are quietly carrying. Doctors in Fernández's network once hoped letters documenting the medical harm separation could cause would persuade ICE to exercise leniency. But after writing many such letters, Fernández hasn't seen evidence they work nor has she received any responses. 'We're trying to do something to help our families, but I'm not sure that it's really that helpful in this moment in time,' she said. In the Bronx, sign-up rates for guardianship workshops at nonprofit Terra Firma National were so low that they forced the organization to incorporate the topic into broader immigrant rights sessions. 'With our families, there's been a lot of trepidation, a lot of anxiety in even thinking about this concept of having a family separation due to ICE taking a parent away,' said Dr. Alan Shapiro, Terra Firma's co-founder and chief strategy officer. Shapiro is identified by his real name. Daniel, a 58-year-old undocumented hotel worker who has lived in the US for nearly 30 years, stopped sleeping at night when ICE raids began in Nashville this spring. Instead, he said he would toss and turn in his bed, kept awake by thoughts of being separated from his family and kicked out of his home with just one knock on his door. For the first time in his life, the Guatemalan-born father of four said he began experiencing anxiety so crippling that he needed medication. 'I feel something like a void inside of you, like a vacuum that's sucking you somewhere,' said Daniel, who requested a pseudonym out of concern for possible retaliation. Daniel's life before the raids had been steady: cleaning offices at Belmont University, then working at a hotel for the last 12 years. He and his wife raised their children with weekend trips to parks, beaches and aquariums. But after the first arrests, even grocery shopping became something only his children would do. And Daniel prayed daily he'd be able to return home from work. 'If it was just me, it would be one thing, but I have a family and kids and their well-being is in jeopardy, and that's terrifying,' Daniel said. With his wife also being undocumented, the question of who would care for his youngest son, 11, haunted Daniel. In early May, more than 100 people were detained in a joint operation between ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The fear that rippled through the city's immigrant neighborhoods in the weeks that followed had noticeable impacts: At Nashville's Siloam Health, where Daniel is a patient, cancellations surged to 40% — mostly from patients afraid to drive to the clinic. And at Powell's clinic, which serves mostly Hispanic immigrant families, appointment attendance dropped by half during the surge in raids. That means missed vaccines, delayed newborn checkups and untreated illnesses. 'There's always been barriers for those families in terms of navigating a health care system in a country that is unfamiliar to you and in a language that you're trying to learn,' Powell said. 'What's going on with ICE has just added another layer of difficulty, because now we have families that are just truly scared.' The Tennessee crackdown is part of ICE raids that have intensified across the country since January: parents are being detained at home, at work and even during routine traffic stops. Often, they have no chance to say goodbye to their children or arrange child care, pediatricians told CNN. Without a plan, children can be placed in foster care or with unfamiliar guardians chosen by the state. CNN has reached out to ICE for comment. 'For every 10 people that are deported, there may be 20 American children that are dependent on that adult,' Powell said she has observed at her practice and throughout the Nashville area. When Daniel confided in his doctor at Siloam Health about his fears, he was given a 'know your rights' card and advised to complete custody paperwork. He and his wife signed a power of attorney naming their 28-year-old daughter as guardian for their youngest son. But for many others, just imagining separation is overwhelming. Dr. Jule West, chief medical officer at Siloam Health, says she can often see her patients' fear manifest physically in real time the moment the topic arises: 'You can see their bodies tense up. You can see their respiratory rate go up a little. They become more agitated,' said West, who is using her real name. 'I see in people's eyes that it's very overwhelming, and they're already concerned with their safety, their family's safety, their children's safety.' That visible fear is often enough to stall the conversation before it begins. West says that for many of her patients, even talking about guardianship plans feels unbearable because it forces them to imagine a sudden and traumatic separation from their children. Some parents say they don't have anyone with legal status to name as a guardian. Others have options but feel paralyzed by the idea of entrusting their child to someone else. Despite the urgency, many parents don't formalize custody arrangements. The thought of preparing for separation feels like inviting it. For others, logistical barriers — like long wait times at overburdened nonprofits — stand in the way. And efforts by doctors to advocate more broadly – such as distributing 'know your rights' cards, mailing supportive letters to families or hosting informational sessions – are sometimes blocked by hospital leadership wary of political backlash, some pediatricians told CNN. Still, pediatricians persist – some after witnessing the consequences of family separation firsthand. Shapiro shared a case involving one of his patients during Trump's first term. He said an 8-year-old boy with a severe learning disability was placed in foster care after his mother was deported to Guatemala. When he called her for her son's medical history, she broke down, unsure if she'd ever see her son again. 'It was probably one of the most heartbreaking moments in my 35-year career as a pediatrician,' he said. The boy was eventually reunited with extended family in the Midwest, Shapiro said, but he worries about the long-term impact on both mother and child. Now, he discusses guardianship planning in the same breath as diet and exercise guidance, marking a profound shift in what anticipatory guidance means. He often has the child wait outside the room with a book as he privately asks parents a question that is now as routine as asking about car seats, smoke alarms or safe sleep. Shapiro reflects on the shift: 'I never thought anticipatory guidance would include anything like this … where we have to have parents prepared for their deportation and for their children to be placed with other family members.' For families like Briana's and Daniel's, those conversations could be the difference between a child finding safety in familiar arms or facing the chaos of the foster system. Daniel takes some comfort knowing his daughter will care for his youngest. 'Thank God, it is a relief to know of the well-being of my youngest kid,' Daniel said. But the future remains uncertain for Briana, who still hasn't completed her son's guardianship paperwork. After hours of waiting, she left the legal aid office to make it to work. If deported, she plans to take her baby with her to Guatemala. But she is still working to get her son a passport. For now, she pushes forward, faith in one hand and her baby in the other. 'Every day I go outside with faith in God,' she said in Spanish. 'And I just go out to work to make money for my son.' CNN's Caroll Alvarado and Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report.
