Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
Researchers studied 67 families whose infants underwent osteopathic manipulative treatment to improve head shape, with positive results in reducing pressure on the skull and improving feeding, fussiness, and sleep. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated, offering a gentle and non-invasive alternative to helmets.
A new study from Aarhus University shows that heel-prick blood samples can measure antibodies against Group B Streptococcus in newborns, providing important insights into protection against serious infections. The method could contribute to the development of vaccines designed to protect infants against serious infections.
The study found a 24-fold increase in new GLP-1 prescriptions among new mothers, with women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes showing the highest rates. Prescribing increased fastest among those diagnosed as obese or overweight before pregnancy.
A European study across eight countries confirms that screening for type 1 diabetes can be effectively implemented in children, with early detection associated with clinical benefits including reduced risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. The study's findings support the integration of screening for early-stage T1D in standard medical care ac...
A new study has found that very low carbohydrate diets may be associated with improved health benefits in children with type 1 diabetes, including better blood sugar control and reduced insulin needs, without negatively impacting growth or increasing acute complications. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal carbohy...
A study by Charité researchers found that triple therapy restored CFTR channel function to 90% in children with cystic fibrosis, with effects more pronounced in younger children. The therapy improved lung function and quality of life in children as young as 2 years old, offering hope for early treatment in childhood.
Researchers investigating Group B Streptococcus colonization in the birth canal may lead to improved preventative measures for neonatal meningitis. The study aims to understand how GBS attaches to and stays in the vaginal tract, potentially reducing cases of meningitis in newborns.
A study found that infants expect caregivers to comfort crying babies, and that this expectation is associated with the mental health of mothers. Infants as young as 6 months old showed surprise when caregivers ignored their crying, but not when they were comforted.
Researchers created normative growth charts for infant motor development using the MAIJU smart jumpsuit, providing a more detailed picture of how early development proceeds. The study found that motor skills do not appear in sudden jumps, but rather as a gradual shift towards a growing repertoire of skills.
Dr. Emily Flanagan's five-year NIH grant will investigate how energy intake and expenditure influence infant growth and future obesity risk. The study aims to improve energy-intake standards for infants and identify critical periods for interventions promoting healthy growth.
A study by Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing and listening skills in children with severe hearing loss, even at younger ages. The study showed that most children experienced meaningful improvements within a year after receiving a cochlear implant.
Analysis of UK baby food pouches found they often contain high sugar and low nutrient levels, failing to meet guidelines for complementary foods. Only a small percentage met the desired criteria, raising concerns about the suitability of these products for young children.
A new study at Boston Medical Center found that a trauma-informed clinical guideline can reduce reflexive Child Protective Services reporting by 50% without compromising child safety. The study analyzed birth hospitalizations involving infants exposed prenatally to opioids and compared reporting rates to 17 other hospitals.
A recent study found that early engagement with WIC services, including nutrition education and breastfeeding support, is associated with increased likelihood of remaining in the program during a child's first year. Families who enrolled earlier in pregnancy and fully used food benefits were more likely to continue participating.
Teaching children emotional regulation and healthy friendships can provide a crucial buffer against social media's risks to mental health and self-worth. Strong childhood friendships are better equipped to navigate digital spaces, reducing the likelihood of online validation-based identity and self-worth issues.
Research investigates how bioactive molecules in human milk shape infant metabolism and informs formula development.
After COVID-19 pandemic restrictions relaxed, Kawasaki disease incidence rebounded in Japan, with distinct age-dependent patterns. Nonpharmaceutical interventions may have contributed to the observed greater rebound in older children, while infants showed minimal changes, suggesting different exposure pathways.
A randomized clinical trial found that dexamethasone eye drops reduced the progression of retinopathy of prematurity to severe disease requiring invasive treatment in preterm infants. However, no differences in adverse events were observed.
The review challenges common misconceptions about early milk production and breast pumps. It found that colostrum is sufficient for newborn needs and pacifier use does not interfere with breastfeeding. The study's findings suggest 'small changes' to support breastfeeding success in hospitals.
Archaeic human parents likely had to provide constant parental care due to deformed head shapes in fossilized humans. Human babies are born less developed than other great apes, requiring specialized care, and this helps explain the origins of cooperative social behaviors.
A cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital-backed maternal health startups identified significant gaps in pregnancy care delivery, particularly for low-income populations. The study found that while startups have the potential to facilitate innovation, few address health equity concerns.
Clesrovimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, demonstrates safety and efficacy in reducing severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in high-risk infants over two RSV seasons. The study supports the use of clesrovimab in children at increased risk for severe RSV disease during their second season.
A landmark study tracks preterm babies from birth to middle adulthood, identifying early cognitive development as the strongest predictor of who flourishes and struggles. Childhood IQ at age 8 is linked to adult outcomes, with a 15-point increase associated with a 79% reduction in poor economic and social functioning.
A study found that children born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England had lower executive function skills, including difficulty focusing and regulating emotions. Overall language scores were at or above expected levels, but expressive language skills were below average.
A new study by University of Notre Dame economist Santosh Kumar Gautam found that India's universal immunization programme significantly reduced infant and under-five mortality rates. However, the programme had mixed effects on educational attainment, with some regions seeing increased primary school completion while others experienced...
A new study by researchers at UCL and GOSH found that the infant airway itself ramps up the immune response, causing damage to lungs. The team tested antiviral drugs, finding that RSV604 calmed the overactive immune response, reducing inflammation levels.
A cohort study in Sweden found that infants without vitamin K prophylaxis at birth have a significantly higher risk of bleeding episodes, including intracranial hemorrhages. The study highlights the importance of intramuscular vitamin K administration to prevent such episodes and the need for continued education on its significance.
Researchers found that infants use spatial cues to track speakers, despite having immature brains, and exhibit more confined activity in the cortex compared to adults. This ability emerges early in life, suggesting a key finding for understanding infant cognition.
A study found that measles-containing vaccines were administered to only 15% of children in this age group between 2015 and 2025. This proportion remained stable over time, but disparities in vaccine uptake existed among minoritized racial and ethnic groups.
This cohort study of 38,535 singletons found that birth weight decile was associated with early-life growth patterns. The use of birth weight decile group may help identify high-risk children missed by conventional thresholds.
A study of over 3 million NHS births found that one-size-fits-all charts often misclassify babies, leading to missed cases and unnecessary interventions. Customized GROW charts provide more accurate data, improving safety for mothers and babies.
The NUTRITION 2026 meeting will present over 1,650 scientific presentations on topics including food additives, GLP-1 therapies, and ultra-processed foods. Experts will discuss the latest research on potential risks and clinical considerations of these substances.
Researchers found that babies' brains can process music from as young as three months of age, but spontaneous movements to music emerge later in the first year. Infants show enhanced auditory responses to 'music' compared to 'shuffled music', with significant movement increases seen at 12 months.
Researchers found that only back stroking calmed infant movements, while in mouse pups, it slowed heart rate and blunted stress hormone surge. In mice raised without mothers, the response didn't develop, suggesting a need for contact with the mother to build this calming effect.
Babies born with low birth weight are at higher risk for heart, lung, and metabolic diseases later in life due to the overexpression of axon guidance proteins. These proteins play a key role in developing neurons and organs, and their increased levels are associated with poorer lung function in adulthood.
A new study published in PLOS One found that slower maternal vocal responses at 12 months may predict later childhood behavior disorders such as ADHD. The study analyzed data from 158 mother-infant pairs and found associations between slow maternal responses and increased odds of psychiatric diagnoses by age seven.
Researchers at University of Toyama found three risk factors for mother-infant bonding disorders: difficulty holding a fussy baby, low happiness about pregnancy, and lack of social support. These factors predict increased risks of developmental delays and child abuse.
Researchers are developing a new gene therapy to treat CTLA-4 insufficiency, a life-limiting inherited immune disorder. The treatment involves replacing a faulty gene in a patient's own immune cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
A new study analyzing 86,000 Norwegian children found that the association between parental body mass index (BMI) and childhood BMI is largely explained by shared genetics. Genetic effects accounted for an estimated 79% of the statistical association between a mother's BMI and her child's BMI at age 8.
A Japanese cohort study found that better maternal cardiovascular health during pregnancy is associated with lower risks of offspring developmental delay at age 4. The study suggests a potential protective effect of optimal maternal cardiovascular health on child development.
A new study by UCL researchers found that mothers with care proceedings in England are 21 times more likely to die within 10 years compared to other mothers. The study analyzed data from NHS hospitals and family court records, revealing a starkly higher risk of maternal mortality among mothers who experienced care proceedings.
A pilot study found that brief videos in the hospital nursery improved first-time fathers' knowledge of safe sleep and infant crying. However, gains were not fully sustained post-discharge, highlighting the need for at-home reinforcement.
Researchers at UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital have successfully treated a deadly childhood liver disease using mice with a healthy version of the VPS33B gene. The treatment, which specifically targeted liver cells, showed no harm and improved liver function in mice.
A recent study published in JAMA found that prone positioning in infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis receiving high-flow nasal cannula support did not significantly reduce escalation of care. The study suggests that further research is warranted due to the wide confidence interval around the observed odds ratio.
Leading child psychologist Dr. Barish argues that grandparents have a crucial role to play in helping children develop a sense of purpose beyond personal success and in providing emotional support. He recommends practices like volunteering together and frequent family conversations about kindness and understanding.
A study of 336 mother-infant pairs found that breast milk and infant urine contained over 50 different chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, which can interfere with hormones during baby's development. These chemicals were detected in breast milk and urine up to 6 months after birth.
A study by University College London found that physical punishment is associated with detrimental outcomes for children's development and wellbeing. Children who experienced physical punishment were more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have poorer educational attainment.
A new study reveals that climate change is actively worsening childhood stunting globally, particularly in rural areas with low service accessibility. Structural socioeconomic inequality also exacerbates the issue, with community-level inequality consistently linked to stunting rates.
A study found that implementing earlier egg introduction guidelines resulted in measurable decreases in egg allergy cases. The updated guidelines, based on randomized trial evidence, may contribute to a reduction in food allergy prevalence when effectively implemented.
A systematic review of 73 studies found that early diet may shape cognitive performance and academic outcomes in adolescents. Unhealthy dietary patterns in infancy have lasting consequences for intelligence in adolescence, according to the study.
A study finds that maternal RSV prefusion F vaccination protects against RSV-associated acute respiratory illness and lowers hospitalization rates among infants under 1 year. The findings support the effectiveness of this vaccine in preventing severe respiratory illnesses.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.
Two new international studies found that healthy lifestyles can have a protective effect on childhood cancer survivors, reducing the risk of chronic health problems. The studies suggest that physical activity, a healthy weight, and other lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the burden of disease in adulthood.
A recent study of over 1,800 infants in Sweden found that most young children have sufficient vitamin D levels, but intake was too low for some. The research also explored the climate impact of foods providing vitamin D, concluding that plant-based alternatives are a climate-friendly source.
A large cohort study found that antenatal opioid exposure was associated with impaired cerebral cortical folding in newborns. The extent of impairment differed based on the opioid type and presence of polysubstance exposure. Longitudinal assessments aim to inform early interventions for vulnerable populations.
A new study presents dual immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using RSVpreF and nirsevimab, showing reduced hospitalizations among infants in France. The study found that this combined approach demonstrates potential for enhanced RSV prevention and protection
A recent trial in Japan found community-based ultrasound screening detected 8.7% of infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, including those without clinical signs or known risk factors. The study suggests that comprehensive ultrasound screening could help catch missed cases without requiring hospital resources.
Infants learn to help through daily routines with their caregivers, with more helping behavior observed when caregivers model the required action. The study highlights the importance of interactive routines and caregiver-child interaction in shaping early helping behavior.
A small, wireless polygraph system can track multiple physiological signals to capture a real-time view of stress in the body. The device can help clinicians detect stress and potential discomfort in patients, including infants or the elderly who may be unable to communicate.
A study found that a prenatal and infant cash transfer program significantly reduced investigated allegations of maltreatment among infants. The program provided economic stability, which prevented child welfare system involvement.