Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
Researchers at UConn Health have developed a non-invasive biomarker panel for diagnosing and monitoring infant urinary tract obstruction. The panel of five proteins can detect UPJO in infants and toddlers, reducing the need for expensive and invasive tests.
A randomized trial found that IV indomethacin was more effective in successfully closing hemodynamically significant PDAs in very low birth weight infants. The study showed a success rate of 55% for IV indomethacin versus 6% for IV acetaminophen.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, shows that toddlers may experience and deal with uncertainty in decision making like older children and adults. Toddlers gather information before making decisions, taking extra time on difficult trials, and exhibiting behaviors that suggest they can respond to uncertain situations.
The range of commercial baby foods has grown rapidly in recent years, with 84% more brands and double the products compared to 2013. However, researchers found that many products are still high in sugar, with sweet snack foods showing a significant increase in sugar content.
Infants who are fed in the absence of hunger or beyond fullness may develop skewed perceptions of hunger and fullness, increasing their risk of obesity. Caregiver-infant interactions during feeding can shape infants' self-regulation of energy intake, with feeding responsiveness to cues being linked to obesity.
A recent Canadian study found that DHA supplements have no effect on bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants born before the 29th week of pregnancy. The study involved 461 breastfeeding mothers who received either a daily supplement or a placebo, and the results showed no improvement in respiratory conditions by 36 weeks.
A recent study reports evidence of intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to infant, highlighting the importance of protecting pregnant women from COVID-19. The findings suggest that infection can occur during pregnancy, and researchers emphasize the need for further research into mechanisms and risk factors.
A new study found that living close to green space can mitigate changes in infant gut bacteria associated with formula feeding. Formula-fed babies living near natural environments had a gut microbiome more similar to breastfed babies, with increased presence of Proteobacteria.
A recent study found that breast feeding during infancy reduces lower limb fracture risk, while maternal smoking increases upper limb fracture risk in young adulthood. Exposures during fetal development and early life have lasting effects on bone health.
A study of 212 newborns found that higher proportions of Bacteroidetes bacteria in meconium were associated with later obesity. The infant's microbiome before birth may play a role in their weight status.
A new NIH study found that infants exposed to iodine in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at higher risk for developing congenital hypothyroidism. Infants with this condition often require thyroid hormone therapy within four weeks of birth, and permanent intellectual disability may result if treatment is delayed.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found the Apgar score effective in assessing health of preterm infants, with lower scores associated with increased mortality risk. A higher Apgar score significantly increases the chance of survival for premature babies, highlighting its importance regardless of gestational age.
A new study from the University of Turku found that prenatal stress is associated with changes in infant gut microbiota composition, specifically with increased abundances of Proteobacteria and decreased abundances of Akkermansia. The study also discovered a link between low cortisol concentrations and increased Lactobacillus bacteria ...
Infants under 90 days old who tested positive for COVID-19 mostly experience mild symptoms, with fever being the primary symptom. High viral loads were found in young infants despite mild clinical illness. The decision to admit to hospital is based on age, need for preemptive treatment and clinical assessment.
According to a new Stanford-led study, California's most vulnerable premature babies are now healthier when they go home from the hospital. The proportion of infants who survived without major complications increased from 62% to 67%, while those with major complications had fewer of them.
Researchers found that individuals born small for gestational age have a lower IQ throughout development, but differences can narrow by adulthood. Additional factors like socioeconomic status and parent-infant relationship also influence cognitive performance.
The study found that siblings of infants who died suddenly and unexpectedly are at a 10-fold increased risk of suffering a similar death, with rates nearly 4 times higher than the general population. Modifiable risk factors for SUDI include smoking, mental health issues, unsafe sleeping, and child abuse/neglect.
A study published in Cognition found that 14-month-old infants expect to communicate with others who speak the same language, and that their environment influences these expectations. Infants from bilingual environments were more likely to predict successful communication across languages.
Researchers found that six-month-old infants could discriminate between major and minor musical tones with eye movements and visual stimuli. This capacity is similar to adults, with approximately 30% of infants able to distinguish the difference and 70% unable to.
A new study suggests that taking extra choline supplements during pregnancy may mitigate the negative impact of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, on fetal brain development. Higher prenatal choline levels have been shown to protect the fetus's developing brain from the effects of virus infection.
Six-month-old infants recognized when adults imitated them and responded with longer gazes and approaches. The babies engaged in imitation games and showed testing behavior even when the researcher's emotions were neutral.
Very young children exposed to antibiotics from birth to 12 months are at higher risk of childhood obesity and increased adiposity. The study found that early life antibiotic exposure disrupts gut microbiota development, leading to weight gain and obesity.
Clinical trials of COVID-19 treatments have left pregnant and breastfeeding women without safety data, forcing a difficult decision between medication use and breastfeeding. The lack of research on drug transfer into breast milk poses a risk to infants.
Rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome have plateaued, with NAS per 1,000 live births stabilizing in 2016 after peaking in 2014. The study found significantly higher rates than 20 years ago, highlighting the need for continued action to improve outcomes.
A new study found that an individualized mosaic of microbial strains is transmitted from the maternal gut to the infant gut during birth, influencing the infant's metabolic disease susceptibility. Researchers used a 'fingerprint' method to track mothers' microbial strains inherited by infants.
New research suggests that sleep problems in babies may be associated with altered growth trajectory in the hippocampus, a key part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Infants who later develop autism were more likely to have difficulty falling asleep, which was linked to changes in the size of the hippocampus.
A world-first study led by Monash University demonstrates significant benefits to premature babies' heart and brain function when held by parents in skin-to-skin contact. One hour a day of kangaroo care significantly improved blood flow to the brain and cardiac function, compared to measurements done while in the incubator.
A new study of children under two found that parents who use an autonomy support approach can minimize behavioral problems during toddlerhood. The flexible method, which emphasizes the child taking the lead, was shown to be effective for easy babies who adapt easily to new experiences.
Marketing experts argue that current regulations do not effectively prevent potentially misleading claims about infant formula, which may carry health risks for vulnerable populations. The proposed solution includes premarket approval for changes to formula composition and higher scientific substantiation standards for claims.
A retrospective cohort study published in Pediatrics found that unplanned extubations in preterm infants were associated with worse in-patient outcomes, extended length of stay, and increased hospital costs. The study estimated direct hospital costs of about $60 million as a result of UEs in babies less than 28 weeks at birth.
Researchers at USF Health and Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by inhibiting the blood-clotting molecule thrombin with nanoparticles. The therapy, which was tested on newborn mice, showed promise in preventing NEC-like injury.
Experts at UTHealth report a breakthrough in treating severe COVID-19 cases in children, illustrating that the disease can be successfully managed despite its severity.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that low levels of the hormone vasopressin in infants' cerebrospinal fluid may predict an autism diagnosis. The findings suggest that early intervention could be beneficial for affected children.
Research identifies lower concentrations of neuropeptide arginine vasopressin in infant cerebrospinal fluid of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and prediction of the disorder.
A new study found that very low doses of Avastin are effective in preventing blindness in preterm infants. The treatment was tested on 59 preterm infants with type 1 ROP and showed success in improving vision with minimal side effects.
Regular dietary counselling from infancy leads to improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk factors, such as lower serum cholesterol levels and better insulin sensitivity. The intervention group continued to have a heart-healthy diet even after the counselling ended.
A study by CHOP researchers found that continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is being used in infants with bronchiolitis who do not require supplemental oxygen. The use of this practice varies widely among hospitals, with some institutions using it as a safety net despite national recommendations against it.
A long-term study found that infant behavioral inhibition is linked to a more reserved personality and higher levels of internalizing psychopathology in adulthood. The research also identified a neurophysiological marker, error-related negativity, as a potential predictor of risk for developing anxiety disorders.
A 25-year study found that infants with high behavioral inhibition exhibited introverted adulthood and lower social interactions. Infants with high infant BI also showed heightened brain activity in response to errors during adolescence, associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Researchers have characterized how the gut microbiome develops in the first hours of infancy, providing a critical baseline for understanding the impact on health and disease later in life. The study found that multiple strains of bacteria emerged early, influencing metabolite levels and protein consumption.
Research found that breastfeeding significantly influences viral populations in infant guts, providing a protective effect against pathogenic viruses. Even small amounts of breastmilk can reduce the risk of early gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers found that commercially available baby foods lack dark green vegetable content and flavor, making it difficult for young children to develop a liking for these vegetables. The study suggests that fruit puree dominates the taste and flavor profile of these products.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends keeping mothers and infants together, citing no evidence that separation improves outcomes. Separation may minimize virus transmission but can have negative consequences for both mother and infant, including disrupted breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
A study found that parents and infants both experience a slowed heart rate during hugs, while younger infants also show relaxation when their back is pressed by a parent's hand. The research suggests that hugs play an important role in early bonding between parents and children.
Researchers found that infants aged 12-15 months watched for longer when presented with incongruent speech patterns, suggesting they have formed expectations not only about infant-directed speech but also adult-directed speech. This study raises questions about the mechanisms of infants' expectations and social importance of different ...
A new study published in Science Advances used CT-scanning technology to view fossil skulls of Australopithecus afarensis and shed light on the evolution of brain organization and growth. The research reveals that while Lucy's species had an ape-like brain structure, the brain took longer to reach adult size.
A three-million-year-old brain imprint reveals that Australopithecus afarensis infants may have relied on caregivers for a prolonged period. The study found no evidence of human-like brain reorganization, but suggested protracted brain growth similar to modern humans.
At 15 months, infants take into account the efficiency of others' actions to identify rational individuals and predict preferences. They exhibit a preference for interacting with efficient over inefficient individuals.
A study found that infants who started on solid foods at or before three months of age showed changes in gut bacteria and bacterial byproducts, which may predispose them to being overweight later in childhood. The researchers also found a delayed impact of early solid food introduction on short-chain fatty acid concentrations.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University shows that kangaroo care improves infant brain development, particularly in full-term babies, through skin-to-skin touch and contact. The method also increases oxytocin levels in mothers and decreases stress reactivity.
Research reveals that infants from rural families display more negative emotions like anger and frustration compared to their urban peers. Urban moms tend to be better at responding to their babies' needs, leading to calmer and less upset infants.
Researchers found that infants with insecure-resistant attachment to parents are more than nine times more likely to receive an ASD diagnosis by age 3. Early recognition of this attachment pattern could lead to interventions to help infants form more secure social relationships.
At 8 months, babies demonstrate a grasp of grammatical concepts in French, recognizing function words such as articles and prepositions. They exhibit limited interest in new functors, suggesting an innate understanding of their mother tongue's linguistic structure.
A new study has validated a better way to stratify BPD risk in extremely preterm infants, using a longer duration of supplemental oxygen. The findings suggest that babies who require oxygen for over 120 days are at high risk of respiratory complications and should receive expanded ventilation before discharge.
Researchers found that baboon mothers in the wild carry dead infants for varying lengths of time, with an average duration of three to four days. The mother's age, infant cause of death, and climate conditions may influence the length of time a mother carries her dead infant.
Research shows that babies consuming infant rice cereals have higher intakes of key nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamin E. Baby cereal is associated with better nutrient status and a reduced risk of inadequate intakes of these essential nutrients.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found a clear relationship between infant sleep problems and emotional and behavioral problems in toddlers. Infants who experienced frequent night wakings, short sleep duration, or difficulty falling asleep were more likely to show emotional and behavioral problems by 24 months.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that leaving babies to 'cry it out' does not affect their behavior or attachment, but may actually help them learn self-regulation and reduce crying duration. Parents who adapt to their baby's needs and wait before intervening can provide a safe space for their child to develop.
Researchers found that premature babies can catch up with their immune systems after birth, equivalent to those born at term. The study suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame for immune development, and that early identification of infection risk can lead to improved outcomes.
A national paid maternity leave policy of at least 12 weeks can reduce postpartum depression, infant mortality, and improve mother-child interactions. Paid leave also has economic benefits, including increased breastfeeding duration and wage stability.