Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A new NYU study found that supporting parents with infants during pediatric check-ups leads to better academic skills in elementary school, particularly for families in poverty. The Smart Beginnings model combines play and reading activities to foster cognitive development.
A study published in the journal Children found that improving access to safe drinking water can reduce the odds of stunting by about 20%. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 children and found that clean water access had a stronger impact on child growth than sanitation.
A recent study published in JAMA found that initiating resuscitation of preterm infants with fraction of inspired oxygen levels of 0.6 versus 0.3 did not affect the risk of death or brain injury by 36 weeks' corrected gestational age.
A study published in JAMA found that expectant management resulted in higher survival rates compared to active treatment for patent ductus arteriosus in extremely preterm infants. The protocol-defined study showed no significant difference in mortality or bronchopulmonary dysplasia between the two groups.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a small, durable ventricular assist device (VAD) specifically designed for young children with heart failure. The PSU Child VAD aims to provide long-term support while waiting for a heart transplant, improving quality of life and outcomes.
A national survey of adults found that three-quarters support vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B, but Republicans are less likely to recommend the vaccine. The survey also found that most respondents believe the vaccine protects against liver disease, and there is little evidence justifying delaying vaccination.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute are developing tools to gather high-quality brain function data during infancy, enabling studies on brain development and potential risk factors for disorders. The study aims to capture real-time brain activity during natural social interactions.
Prof. Yassour's research explores the developing infant microbiome and its impact on pediatric health, with implications for understanding immune development and childhood disease. Her groundbreaking work has advanced our understanding of how early-life microbial development influences health trajectories.
A study by Concordia University found that language mixing in bilingual and multilingual homes does not harm a child's ability to learn words. In fact, parents who mix languages more often tend to use it as an intentional strategy to encourage language development.
Research found a heightened risk of preschool wheeze and school age asthma associated with maternal eating disorders. The study suggests including dedicated support for these disorders in maternal healthcare to improve respiratory health.
A new study by Nagoya University researchers found that laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces blood loss and improves jaundice recovery compared to traditional open surgery for treating biliary atresia. The study analyzed data from 356 children who had surgery at two months old, tracking their outcomes for an average of 13 years.
Researchers found that everyday routines in early infancy can shape later obesity risk. A new study from Penn State suggests that a handful of routines around feeding, sleep and play during the first two months of an infant's life can be linked to higher weight just a few months later. The EHL tool helps pediatricians identify specific...
A Nigerian survey found that 80% of children exposed to skin bleaching products were under 2 years old, with mothers citing aesthetic preferences and social benefits as primary reasons for use. The study highlights the need for policy interventions to safeguard children's health from the risks associated with skin lightening products.
A European study found that long-acting monoclonal antibody immunisation effectively prevented hospitalisation due to RSV infection among children under two years old. The overall immunisation effectiveness was 79%, with a decline in protection over time, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.
In response to rising RSV cases, ECDC advises policymakers and public health authorities on effective ways to mitigate the impact of RSV disease in infants. Immunisation interventions, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccines, can prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
Research finds infants with sensorineural hearing loss lack normal left-hemisphere language specialization. Early auditory stimulation and language exposure can help preserve brain development.
A researcher is exploring how maternal diet influences offspring food choices later in life, using cells called neuropods that send signals from the intestine to the brain. The goal is to create personalized diets that are more palatable and promote healthier eating habits.
A study analyzing US birth records found that a cap-and-trade initiative to reduce ozone pollution significantly improved infant health outcomes, including higher birth weight and lower rates of low birth weight and very preterm birth.
A new tool, WatDAT, measures vision equally precisely in younger toddlers by asking them to point out different shapes at progressively smaller sizes. This test can lead to earlier detection and treatment of vision problems in children under three, such as amblyopia or farsightedness.
A new study reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure impairs key brain cells and circuits, leading to cognitive inflexibility and increased risk of compulsive alcohol use. Researchers identified a specific brain cell affected by early alcohol exposure, providing a clear target for developing more effective treatments of FASD.
Research found that picture books often show boys experiencing more pain than girls, while girls are more likely to cry when faced with pain. The study also highlights the lack of representation of prosocial behavior, such as helping others in need.
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.