Articles tagged with Infants
Research reveals maternal stress alters fetal brain structure, immune function, and developmental programming. Maternal anxiety during pregnancy can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, and emotional dysregulation in children.
A new study published in The BMJ found that restricting sugar intake during early life is associated with lower risks of heart conditions in adulthood. People exposed to sugar rationing in utero and during their first two years had a 20% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as slower onset of heart problems.
Longitudinal research found that severe stress caused by family structure changes like divorce or separation during infancy triples the risk of developing psoriasis. The study, published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, emphasizes the need to protect young children from stressful life factors.
A new study found that babies born between 8 to 10 weeks early can be safely fed with milk through a tube in their stomach, eliminating the need for intravenous nutrition. This breakthrough means fewer painful medical procedures and reduced intensive care time for these premature infants.
The team achieved rapid genomic sequencing and interpretation within hours, setting a Guinness World Records milestone. This breakthrough has the potential to expedite precise treatments for critically ill babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), reducing waiting times from days to hours.
A new study led by Northwestern University found that introducing peanut-containing foods to infants can cut peanut allergy risk by more than 80%. Pediatrician training and electronic health record prompts significantly improved adherence to guidelines, with guideline-based care seen in 84% of low-risk infants.
A cross-sectional study found that high nurse workload and shift-level staffing ratios exert direct effects on reliable care delivery in neonatal intensive care units. High staffing ratios above 2 infants per nurse are recommended targets for workload reduction.
Pertussis in young infants can be life-threatening, with high white blood cell counts and apnea being common symptoms. Vaccination of mothers during pregnancy is critical to protect newborns against this potentially fatal illness.
A decision analytical model study estimates COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy will continue to yield meaningful benefits, especially in reducing infant hospitalizations. COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to be safe for pregnant individuals.
A global study found that children under 14 years old lose nearly 8.45 million years of healthy life due to second-hand smoke exposure. The study, presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress, highlights the disproportionate burden on low-socio-economic regions.
New Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines protect against severe lung infections in high-risk groups. Vaccination with RSV prefusion vaccines reduces lower respiratory tract disease by 77% in older adults, while pregnant people's children benefit from reduced hospitalization risk by 54%.
A new Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines reduce the risk of infection in vulnerable groups, including older adults and infants. Vaccination also significantly reduces severe disease and hospitalization rates.
A new study found that infant mortality rates in Massachusetts were significantly higher among babies whose mother experienced a pregnancy-associated death, with rates 14-22 times higher than when the mother survived. Nonpremature infants who survived after their mother’s pregnancy-associated death were also more likely to be hospitali...
A new study confirms that testing for congenital CMV using the routine dried blood spot (DBS) method is a reliable and effective way to identify newborns at risk for long-term developmental challenges. The test detects over 90% of symptomatic CMV cases, effectively identifying babies in need of early interventions.
A new study found that three in five US children enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by age 18. The researchers used a microsimulation model to track childhood insurance coverage over 18 years, estimating cumulative insurance outcomes under policy conditions similar to those between 2015 and 2019.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a deadly malformation of the lungs and diaphragm that causes underdeveloped lungs, leading to high mortality rates. Researchers discovered increased numbers of inflammatory cells in human lung tissue, both before and after birth, which may influence lung structure development.
Children born with an accelerated growth trajectory are more than 4 times likely to be overweight or obese as two-year-olds. Maternal metabolic factors significantly contribute to this increased risk of childhood obesity.
Researchers at DTU have discovered a way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by nourishing special bifidobacteria that is naturally occurring in the gut. Special lactic acids produced by bifidobacteria play a key role in keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria at bay.
A national study reveals gaps in healthcare screenings, lack of family networks, and insufficient paid leave for caregivers with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The study calls for a coordinated effort to strengthen community resources and advance workplace and healthcare policy to support perinatal mental health care.
A University of East Anglia study found that trauma-focused CBT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation in children with multiple traumas. The therapy was effective and safe, even for those with complex and severe symptoms.
The 2025 Childhood Obesity Conference, hosted by Pennington Biomedical's Greaux Health initiative, aims to educate healthcare providers and promote healthier futures for Louisiana's children through cutting-edge research and evidence-based strategies. Participants can earn up to 7.5 CMEs and gain practical tools to support healthier fu...
A federally funded study found children with leukemia who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy had a higher risk of death. The study, published in Cancers, examined over 800 children and showed pesticide exposure increased child mortality by up to 60%.
Researchers found that breast milk components like melatonin and cortisol vary over the course of the day. Labeling expressed milk as 'morning,' 'afternoon,' or 'evening' could help align feeding times with circadian signals, supporting infant sleep and immune development.
The NIH Baby Toolbox is a new nationally standardized assessment tool for infants aged 16-42 months, measuring cognitive, language, motor and social-emotional skill development. The tool uses video-based assessments to engage infants in tasks, overcoming previous limitations in measuring young children.
Researchers suggest that phototherapy for newborn jaundice may require adjustments based on a baby's skin tone. The study found that darker-skinned infants may receive up to 5.7 times less effective light dose under identical settings, leading to predicted bilirubin reductions of about 40.8 percent compared to lighter-skinned infants.
A large-scale study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between early life antibiotic exposure and the development of autoimmune diseases in children. Researchers analyzed data from over 4 million Korean children and discovered no increased risk of Type 1 diabetes, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions.
Research follows 8,795 Wisconsin children from birth to third grade, finding early foster care placement linked to improved reading skills and lower absenteeism. However, findings also reveal racial disparities, with limited benefits for white children, emphasizing the need for targeted support and resources.
Researchers recommend modifications to powdered infant formula preparation instructions to ensure safety against rare Cronobacter bacteria. By following specific guidelines, caregivers can significantly reduce the risk of severe infections and death among vulnerable babies.
A new study finds that up to 18% of women are advised to stop breastfeeding due to medication, while chronic illness increases this number to 58%. The research highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about medication safety during breastfeeding.
A new study found that kids of obese parents are more likely to have obesity due to inheriting related genes. The study suggests that a mother's BMI may be particularly important in determining a child's weight, both through direct genetic inheritance and indirect nurture effects.
A nationwide observational study found significant regional differences in antibiotic use among newborns in Sweden, with the goal of treating no more than one percent of infants while maintaining low sepsis prevalence. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and improved practices to reduce overuse of antibiotics.
A new study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found a potential link between growth problems among infants and high levels of toxic metals and other elements in the breast milk of Mayan women in Guatemala's Lake Atitlán watershed region. High concentrations of arsenic, barium, beryllium, and lead were associated with impaire...
A study using AI language models analyzed sentiments and emotions expressed by almost 400 pediatric patients on social media, finding that 94% of comments were negative, with sadness and fear prevalent. The study highlights the need for integrated care approaches to support vulnerable young patients managing complex medical conditions.
A study published in Science Advances found that higher childhood lead levels are significantly associated with a faster rate of forgetting, even at low median blood lead levels. Additionally, older children and those with higher maternal IQs showed better memory retention.
A new Swedish twin study found that genetics largely determine an infant's crying duration, with 50% of variation explained by genes at 2 months and 70% by 5 months. Environmental factors also play a role in infants' ability to settle during the first months of life.
The study reveals that many people are unaware of two crucial facts that can help reduce SIDS deaths: putting babies on their backs to sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke in the home. The survey found that only 65% know that a baby should be put to sleep on its back, highlighting a need for increased education and awareness.
A new study from Aarhus University challenges the widespread belief that women can hear baby crying more easily than men. Despite minimal differences in sound sensitivity, mothers still perform three times more nighttime care than fathers, according to researchers who point to social factors rather than biological differences.
A study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that newborn babies and patients with Alzheimer's disease share elevated levels of phosphorylated tau, specifically p-tau217. In newborns, this protein reflects a healthy mechanism for brain development, while in Alzheimer's patients, it indicates disease progression.
A new study found that babies are born with the ability to sense physical pain but lack the cognitive understanding of it. The research, led by UCL researchers, used brain imaging data from infants and adults to map the development of pain-processing networks in the brain.
A systematic review of 117 studies involving over 292,000 children worldwide found that excessive screen time is associated with socio-emotional problems like anxiety and aggression. Parents are advised to monitor their child's screen use and provide emotional support as needed.
The study reveals that white matter microstructure in infants' brains between 3-9 months predicts their emotional development. Infants with certain brain patterns are more likely to exhibit negative emotions or improved self-soothing abilities.
Children born to mothers with a BMI of 35 or higher are at heightened risk of being admitted to hospital for an infection. Maternal obesity is characterised by chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of a disordered immune system response and unfavourable changes to the gut microbiome.
A new study finds that fathers who ate healthier during their teenage years were more likely to encourage positive food habits in their children. The researchers also discovered that the children of these fathers were significantly more likely to meet dietary recommendations for fruits and vegetables.
A new study found that increasing infant-directed singing can improve infant mood and have a positive impact on caregivers' health. Researchers explored the effects of a simple music enrichment program, which encouraged parents to sing more frequently to their babies, on infant mood, stress, sleep quality, and music use.
Researchers identified unique symptom patterns and derived research indices for infants/toddlers and preschool-aged children, highlighting the need to characterize long COVID separately across age groups. The study provides new insights into the condition's progression in early childhood.
A new device, BLIPI, provides real-time insights into newborns' immune responses, enabling early detection of severe inflammatory conditions and timely interventions. The device requires only 0.05 ml of blood and delivers results within 15 minutes.
A new protocol has been developed to establish a safer standard for medication use during breastfeeding. The study focuses on the concentration of prednisolone and metformin in breast milk and infant plasma, addressing a significant knowledge gap in human lactation studies.
A new wearable device measures breast milk intake in real-time, providing clinical-grade monitoring of breastfed babies. The device eliminates uncertainty around milk consumption, reducing parental anxiety and improving clinical management for vulnerable babies in the NICU.
Research finds high levels of phthalates in mothers' urine associated with shorter anogenital distances in 3-year-old boys and girls, a marker of reproductive health and hormone disruption. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Researchers analyzed the genetic information of over 70,000 infants to discover 11 genetic markers that influence when babies take their first steps. This study suggests that genetics plays a significant role in determining when children start walking, with some kids naturally starting earlier or later due to their genetic propensity.
A University of California, Riverside-led research team adapted an intervention for childhood obesity prevention to better serve Latina mothers, non-maternal caregivers, and families of low-income backgrounds. The study emphasizes the importance of involving non-maternal caregivers in the adaptation process.
Monoclonal antibody nirsevimab provides strong real-world protection against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants. The analysis found that nirsevimab reduces hospitalization rates by 83% and intensive care admissions by 81% in children aged 12 months and younger.
A new study reveals a gap in how nature playspaces are designed and delivered across Australia, with no clear evidence-based guidelines to support children of all ages and capabilities. Researchers call for national, research-backed recommendations to ensure consistency and quality across the country.
A cohort study found maternal hypertension and preeclampsia independently associated with cognitive and language development delays in preterm infants. Recognizing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is crucial for targeted risk management strategies.
The CHLA team has demonstrated the possibility of using genetically engineered pig hearts as a 'bridge' to heart transplant for critically ill babies. Eight baboons have survived with a pig heart, with one living for nearly 21 months.
A cohort study of pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder found that buprenorphine treatment was associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes. The study highlights the need to improve access to treatment nationwide for these patients.
A new study from Thomas Jefferson University investigates the use of ondansetron to ease withdrawal symptoms in newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Researchers found that a specific concentration of ondansetron can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Researchers found that babies from insecure backgrounds can still follow social cues, sparking hope for their development. The study used eye movement measurements and interviewed parents to assess a child's background and circumstances, concluding that some skills are intact despite trauma.
A recent psychological study found that high levels of toxic metals in mothers and newborns are associated with early childhood development problems. Breastfeeding during the first six months is generally considered favourable to an infant’s health, but exposure to toxic metals reduces its intensity and duration.
Researchers discovered that infants at 15 months old can use conversational contexts to form initial representations of new words, which helps them later recognize the word when the object is visible. By 12 months, infants may not yet have enough familiarity with familiar words to begin forming a representation of a new word's meaning.