Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.
A new study reveals that breast milk contains a unique set of antibodies passed from mom to baby, which can vary significantly between mothers. This variability may explain why some infants develop life-threatening diseases like NEC, while others do not.
A study found that babies watching live music had higher heart rates and were more engaged than those watching recordings, even with identical audio. The researchers tracked the babies' responses using heart monitors and tablets, and noted that the live performance captured their attention for 72% of the show.
A new national study found whole genome sequencing to be nearly twice as effective as a targeted gene sequencing test at identifying genetic disorders in newborns and infants. The targeted panel missed 40% of diagnoses that WGS captured, while also revealing 134 new genetic diagnoses.
New studies show cow colostrum can reduce infant formula use and strengthen mother's milk in premature babies, providing essential nutrients like amino acids. Researchers hope to optimize cow colostrum product for critical first few weeks after birth.
Research from the University of Surrey and University of Birmingham finds detrimental effects of all severities of maternal dengue infections on birth outcomes, including increases in low, very low, and extremely low birth weights. Long-term consequences also include hospitalizations for children up to three years after birth.
A significant rise in caesarean sections in late labour has led to an increase in impacted fetal head (IFH) injuries, resulting in minor damage, lifelong consequences, or even death. New devices like the Tydeman tube and training approaches aim to improve management of this obstetric emergency.
A new study found that COVID-19 pandemic babies had communication skill gaps at age 2, with a larger proportion scoring below standardised cut-offs for developmental concern. Despite this, most developmental and behavioral outcomes were comparable to pre-pandemic born babies.
A new study calls for collaborative efforts to improve probiotic manufacturing standards for preterm infants. The authors propose five action areas to optimize the safety of probiotic products, including collaboration between clinicians, pharmacies, and manufacturers.
Research shows that households participating in both WIC and SNAP consume high amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages. Mothers with young children who rely on these programs drank SSBs 8.7 times/week, compared to 4.5 times/week for those not participating in either program.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have developed a non-invasive approach to predict retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. Nailbed capillaroscopy identifies high-risk patients, eliminating the need for invasive eye exams.
During the 2022 infant formula shortage, nearly half of parents used unsafe feeding practices, including watering down formula and sharing human milk. The study emphasizes the need for policy changes to provide families with access to safe alternatives and supports.
A review highlights the importance of supporting breastfeeding in India, where one-quarter of the world's children are born. The authors express concern that excessive concern about infant allergies may be undermining mother-infant bonding, breastfeeding, and child nutrition.
Widespread newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) has increased the five-year survival rate from 73% to 87%, with 92.5% of children surviving five years or more after treatment. The study, led by NIAID, demonstrates that early identification and prompt treatment have saved countless lives.
A McMaster University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for new mothers can lead to adaptive changes in infant brain functioning and reduce post-partum depression symptoms. The study tracked 73 pairs of mothers and babies undergoing PPD treatments between 2018 and 2020.
Researchers found that probiotics help preterm babies achieve a balanced gut microbiome and eradicate harmful bacteria. The study also shows that probiotic-supplemented preterm newborns have lower risk of carrying antimicrobial resistant bugs despite frequent antibiotic treatment.
Fathers play a significant role in breastfeeding initiation and safe infant sleep practices, with notable disparities between White and Black fathers. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to increase safe sleep practices in the Black community and for fathers' engagement in breastfeeding discussions.
The study found that fathers who supported their partners' breastfeeding goals had higher rates of successful breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Fathers were also more likely to implement safe sleep practices when they received guidance on infant sleep safety. However, racial disparities in safe sleep practices persist, with Bl...
Researchers found that vaginal microbiota seeding improved C-section babies' early development by colonizing their guts with maternal bacteria. This approach may reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and intellectual disabilities.
A case of echovirus 11-induced hepatitis in Italian male twins has been reported, showing a close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates. The study highlights the importance of rapid recognition and timely treatment to ensure survival, and suggests potential host genetic predisposition in male and twin categories.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that implementing a streamlined process for urgent cesarean deliveries improved infant Apgar scores, particularly for Black and Hispanic infants. The study reduced decision-to-incision time by 64% among all patients, with the largest improvements seen in Black and Hispanic patients.
A recent study of 106,000 births in New York City found that neighborhoods with healthier food options had lower rates of small for gestational age births. Higher densities of unhealthy food retail establishments were linked to increased risks of large or small-for-age birth weights.
The Shape Up! Keiki research study aims to create a better way to measure and describe health from body shape, focusing on identifying obesity risks in young children. Participants aged 5 years or younger will be compensated $200 for their time.
A global observational study found high mortality among infants with culture-positive sepsis, highlighting the need for effective antibiotics. The study developed tools to identify at-risk newborns and inform WHO guidelines on treatment.
Researchers developed a non-invasive diagnostic method that analyzes sebum for biomarkers of early-onset atopic dermatitis in infants. The study revealed distinct gene expression profiles associated with AD, allowing for early detection and potential treatment monitoring.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that pre-term and low birthweight infants have significantly fewer fractures in childhood compared to full-term and normal-weight newborns. The researchers suggest factors other than bone health may explain this difference, including reduced risk-taking behavior.
A team of researchers used MRI and audio recordings to demonstrate the association between caregiver speech and infant brain development. Infants who heard more words had slower-developing white matter, but eventually showed better linguistic performance when they began to talk.
The NEC Society has released a neonatal probiotics toolkit to guide clinicians in deciding whether to implement probiotics to prevent NEC. The toolkit encourages multidisciplinary teams, including NICU family advisors, to foster informed dialogue and inclusive conversations about patient-families' health.
A new study found that male infants make 10% more utterances in the first year compared to females, but this difference switches direction by the second year. The researchers suggest that male infants may have an evolutionary advantage due to their higher mortality rate in the first year.
A study of almost 65,000 children aged up to 5 found that nearly 27% are infected with malaria, with older under-five children and those from large families or rural areas being most vulnerable. Insecticide-treated bed nets and improved housing are promising means to prevent malaria infection among children.
Research found that low oxygen levels in infants due to sleep apnea can lead to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in high blood pressure. The study's findings may contribute to the development of novel therapies for patients with hypertension who do not respond well to treatment.
A study from Swansea University and the University of Cape Town tracked the movements of 13 chacma baboons in Cape Town, South Africa. The data revealed that female baboons stopped using urban space after giving birth, suggesting they adapt to reduce risks for their newborns.
Researchers found altered serotonin 2A/C receptor binding in brain stems of infants who died from SIDS, suggesting a biological basis for the condition. The study suggests that specific combinations of genetic vulnerability, external stressors, and critical developmental periods may contribute to SIDS.
A recent study has identified the specific gut bacteria that pose a threat to neonatal babies, particularly those with necrotising enterocolitis. Researchers analyzed genomic similarities in Clostridium perfringens and found a set of strains with lower disease-causing capacity, lacking genes responsible for toxin production.
A recent study has revealed how genetic and environmental factors interact to cause cleft lip or palate in a developing fetus. The research found that mutations in the e-cadherin gene combined with exposure to inflammatory risk factors during pregnancy can lead to cleft lip, which affects one in 700 live births.
A new study found that photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) provides sharper images and less image noise than dual-source CT (DSCT) in infants with suspected cardiac heart defects. The PCCT images had higher mean overall visual image quality ratings and were more than 97% diagnostic quality, compared to 77% for DSCT.
A new international clinical trial is evaluating new antibiotic combinations for newborn babies with sepsis, which affects up to 3 million babies globally. The NeoSep1 trial will assess the safety and efficacy of three new antibiotic treatments against existing standard regimens.
Researchers found that 78% of patients reported at least one social risk factor impacting their health. A chatbot was developed to provide follow-up outreach and deliver educational content to recently discharged birthing individuals.
A new study found that the gut microbiota of toddlers at 3.5 years old is predictive of body mass index (BMI) at age 5, with certain types of bacteria associated with a higher or lower risk of obesity. The research also suggests that changes in the gut microbiota begin in early childhood and can influence weight gain later in life.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that breastfeeding duration increased by an average of 18% among U.S. women during the pandemic, with white and high-income women experiencing the largest gains. The study suggests that a national paid family leave policy could improve breastfeeding rates and reduce health inequities.
A study of 14,400 febrile infants found that SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces the prevalence of urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and bacterial meningitis, particularly among infants aged 29 to 60 days. These findings suggest alternative management strategies for certain febrile infants testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
A study of 390,000 infants found that those born to mothers with opioid use disorder or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome had a higher risk of postneonatal infant mortality. The study highlights the need for supportive interventions during and after pregnancy to reduce adverse outcomes.
A new study recommends using more positive and empathetic language to communicate fertility awareness, targeting both men and women. The review suggests five key changes to promote fertility awareness in a supportive way, including avoiding blame and stigma, emphasizing the choice of parenthood, and promoting healthy habits.
Researchers successfully performed the first in-utero surgery to repair a potentially deadly developmental condition called vein of Galen malformation. The procedure involved treating an aggressive vascular malformation before birth, resulting in improved cardiac output and no signs of negative effects on the brain after birth.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that preterm infants' gut microbiomes play a role in the development of dangerous bacterial bloodstream infections. The researchers found that the most common bacteria causing these infections are also commonly found in the gut, and that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of...
Researchers found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' (ESC) care approach is more effective than Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST) in assessing and managing opioid-exposed newborns. Newborns cared for with ESC were medically ready for discharge approximately 6.7 days earlier and 63% less likely to receive medication.
A new study reveals an association between poor air quality in India and impaired cognition in infants under two. The study found that air quality was poorer in homes that used solid cooking materials like cow dung cake, and that reducing cooking emissions could have benefits to infants' emerging cognitive abilities.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that children with larger vocabularies look quickly towards objects when learning new words, while those with smaller vocabularies take more time and look back and forth. The research team hopes to identify children at risk for language delay earlier and provide targeted support.
A recent Italian study has shed light on how the gut microbiota evolves in infants from birth to three months. The research found that the diversity of gut bacteria increases rapidly in the first few months, with some bacterial families exhibiting marked changes in abundance over time.
A recent study published in BMJ found that many infant formulas make unsubstantiated health claims, with only a small percentage supported by scientific research. The study examined 757 products from 15 countries and found that 90% of the investigations had high risk of biased research.
A landmark study by University of Cambridge researchers found no difference in psychological wellbeing or quality of family relationships between children born through assisted reproduction and those born naturally. However, mothers who disclosed their child's origins early on reported more positive relationships and lower anxiety and ...
This systematic review found associations between evictions and adverse birth outcomes, with childhood exposure linked to neurodevelopment harms. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing rental housing affordability crises and ongoing racial disparities in evictions.
A clinical study has shown that vaccination during pregnancy can effectively prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants. The vaccine was found to be well-tolerated and provided over 80% protection against RSV illness, with benefits expected for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Researchers found a therapy for babies with early autism signs can reduce long-term disability and associated costs, saving $10,695 per child by age 13. Early intervention may also alleviate strain on health, education, and family systems.
A 3-year-old girl was infected with M. marinum after being bitten by an iguana while on holiday in Costa Rica. The toddler developed a ganglion cyst and eventually responded to treatment with rifampin and clarithromycin.
Researchers found that a mother's vaginal microbiome composition does not significantly affect the infant stool microbiome in early life. Factors such as breast milk and antibiotic exposure play a larger role in shaping the baby's gut microbiome.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that maternal vaginal microbiome composition does not significantly influence the development of infants' stool microbiome during the first weeks and months of life. Instead, exposure to breast milk and environmental factors are believed to play a more significant role.
An international project aims to discover modifiable cellular and molecular pathways of the developing infant immune system to improve infant vaccine responsiveness and prevent respiratory disease. By analyzing infants' immune systems from birth to five years old, researchers hope to identify biomarkers that predict vaccine responsiven...
A study of over 65,000 Japanese infants found that those exposed to indoor pets during fetal development or early infancy had fewer food allergies. Children exposed to indoor dogs and cats were significantly less likely to experience specific allergies, while hamster exposure unexpectedly increased the incidence of nut allergies.