Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A study published in JAMA found that early low-dose hydrocortisone treatment in very preterm infants did not result in adverse effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age. The researchers analyzed data from the PREMILOC trial and found no significant differences in patients with or without neurodevelopmental impairment.
A study published in Pediatrics found that maternal Tdap vaccination during pregnancy reduced pertussis risk for infants by an estimated 91% within the first two months, and 69% for the entire first year. This research supports current recommendations to administer Tdap vaccine to pregnant women during each pregnancy.
New research by the University of Warwick found that babies in the UK, Canada, and Italy cry more than those in other countries. On average, babies around the world cry for 2 hours per day in the first two weeks, peaking at 2 hours 15 minutes at six weeks.
A Tel Aviv University study found that infants fed thiamine-deficient formula suffered from severe motor function difficulties, with long-term consequences for their health. The researchers emphasize the critical role of vitamin B1 in child development and stress the need for regulatory control of breast milk substitutes.
Very premature babies benefit from corticosteroids given to mothers at risk of preterm delivery. Exposure to antenatal corticosteroids reduces mortality and morbidity rates, especially among infants born at the lowest gestations.
Research finds that mothers with a history of mental health disorders have decreased perceptions of their infant well-being and readiness for transition home. Enhanced transition services are needed to support this unmet need.
The article reviews workplace policies that affect breastfeeding and recommends key elements of a successful policy, including breaks for pumping, storage facilities, and education. Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in promoting continued breastfeeding after returning to work.
Researchers found that premature infants exhibited decreased responses to light touch compared to full-term infants when discharged from the NICU. However, providing more 'supportive touch' experiences, such as skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding, strengthened their brains' response to light touch.
Researchers found that treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia did not improve cognitive outcomes in children through five years. The findings support current ACOG recommendations against universal thyroid screening during pregnancy.
The study estimates that there were 69 perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among infants born in the US in 2013. Maternal and infant factors associated with infant HIV infection include late maternal diagnosis and lack of antiretroviral treatment and prophylaxis.
A recent study published in PNAS found that adult humans' subcortex can process numbers at the same level as infants and other lower-order species. The researchers used a stereoscope to present visual stimuli to one eye or both eyes and observed that numerical judgments were better when the quantities differed greatly.
Research by Jillian Trabulsi and Julie Mennella investigates the effects of infant formula on infant weight gain. The study found that babies fed cow's milk formula gained weight faster than those fed hydrolyzed protein formula or breastfed, highlighting the importance of choosing a suitable formula for infants.
Researchers found that preterm babies' brain responses to gentle touch are reduced compared to full-term infants. Positive touch experiences in the NICU enhance brain response to touch, while painful procedures can affect sensory development.
A study found that many toddlers diagnosed with autism at two years of age had a substantially greater amount of extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid at six and 12 months of age, before diagnosis was possible. The more CSF at six months, the more severe the autism symptoms were at two years of age.
Researchers found that state-level Medicaid payment reform led to a 14% reduction in early elective deliveries and improved gestational age and birthweight for infants. The impact was particularly significant for minority patients, with increased health disparities addressed through this policy change.
Researchers found that altered CSF distribution in high-risk infants can predict ASD, with 70% accuracy. Increased subarachnoid CSF at six months is associated with more severe autism symptoms.
Researchers propose that infant-directed song, lullabies and play songs for babies and toddlers, may have deep evolutionary roots as a way for parents to signal their children's needs while freeing up time for other tasks. The theory suggests that this type of music developed as an 'arms race' between parents and infants over attention.
A study by Norwegian researchers has found that young children in childcare exhibit increased stress hormone cortisol levels on childcare days, compared to days at home. The study also revealed a correlation between the length of childcare days and cortisol levels, with longer days linked to higher cortisol levels.
Zika virus exposure in utero may lead to a range of health issues, including abnormal reflexes, limb abnormalities, and brain defects such as microcephaly. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for Zika-affected children, involving both clinical treatment and research strategies.
A new study by Northeastern University psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett found that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in human bonding. The research, which used a novel technology to scan mothers' brains while interacting with their infants, showed that strong social relationships can improve outcomes for individuals w...
Research from UM Frost School of Music found that infant-directed singing fosters a strong bond between mothers and infants. Engaging infants through song stimulates their attention, while also benefiting the mother by providing a distraction from negative emotions and thoughts associated with postpartum depression.
A new study uses magnetic resonance imaging to identify infants at high risk for developing autism by age two, with over 90% accuracy. The research found that rapid growth of the brain's surface area is a key indicator of autism risk.
A study published in Nature used MRI scans to identify infants at high risk of developing autism as toddlers. The researchers found that brain overgrowth in the first year of life was linked to increased growth rate of overall brain volume in the second year, and this was associated with emerging autistic social deficits.
Researchers found that survival rates increased from 30% to 36% among over 4,000 extremely preterm infants born between 2000 and 2011. Additionally, the proportion of survivors without neurological impairment rose from 16% to 20%. The authors attribute these improvements to advances in prenatal care and antenatal steroids.
A new study led by Duke Health has found that babies born at 23-24 weeks of pregnancy are showing small but measurable improvements in survival rates and neurodevelopment. The study analyzed the records of over 4,200 infants and found a larger percentage developing into toddlers without cognitive or motor delays.
A study published in Nature found that brain imaging biomarkers at 6 and 12 months can accurately predict which infants will develop autism spectrum disorder by 24 months. The predictive power of the findings may inform the development of a diagnostic tool for ASD, potentially intervening earlier to improve outcomes.
A new study published in Childhood Obesity reveals a strong association between early antibiotic exposure and an increased risk of childhood obesity in Latino infants. The research found that antibiotic use before 6 months of age was linked to rapid weight gain and obesity at 2 years of age.
Researchers used MRI to identify differences in brain development among high-risk infants, finding that those with autism showed faster brain growth rates between 6-12 months. These early brain changes can help predict autism diagnosis at age 2 years.
A recent NICU study found that preemies are exposed to noise levels higher than recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, while also lacking essential language stimulation. The researchers recommend engaging parents in providing sensory exposures to promote healthy development.
A new study found that high-quality early education programs improve language and social skills in low-income infants and toddlers. Children who attended a comprehensive program called Educare showed better outcomes than those who did not attend.
A new study published in Genetics in Medicine found that non-invasive cell-free DNA prenatal testing can be effectively and appropriately offered to all pregnant women through primary obstetrical care providers. The test has been shown to be highly effective in screening for Down syndrome and similar chromosome abnormalities.
A recent study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that immigration raids can have a negative impact on the health of Latino newborns. Infants born to US-born and immigrant Latina mothers had a 24% greater risk of low birth weight compared to the previous year.
A systematic review of 23 studies found associations between food insecurity and adverse childhood developmental-behavioral outcomes in infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. Food insecurity is linked to impaired cognitive development, academic performance, mental health symptoms, and behavioral problems.
Research at Princeton University finds that premature babies don't use sensory-prediction brain process to shape their brains like full-term babies do. This lack of processing is linked to higher risks of developmental delays as they grow.
Research found that babies with more diarrhea as infants had shorter telomeres in adulthood, associated with a higher burden of disease. Telomere length may be an important determinant of susceptibility to diarrheal infections and overall health outcomes.
A new study by University of Utah researchers found that a state-wide screening program led to increased early identification of infants with hearing loss due to congenital CMV. The law also provided funds for educational campaigns, which is important given the virus's prevalence.
Babies with flat head syndrome are at heightened risk of motor, language, and cognitive delays. Early and prompt assessment and intervention are crucial to mitigate these delays.
Pediatric experts warn that consumer-use baby monitors may cause undue alarm to parents and have no evidence of medical benefits for healthy babies. The devices, marketed aggressively to parents, promise peace of mind about their child's cardiorespiratory health but have been shown to be inaccurate and potentially harmful.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that all NYC toddlers studied had flame retardants on their hands, with mothers having lower levels. The researchers detected a higher concentration of flame retardants in toddler hand wipes compared to their mothers.
Researchers mapped premature infant brains using MRI scans to predict future disabilities. A greater volume of white matter injury was linked to movement and thinking problems at 18 months.
A new study found that male baboons resort to infanticide and feticide when faced with scarcity, reducing their waiting time to breed. Researchers observed a spike in infant deaths and lost pregnancies after new males arrived in troops, targeting pregnant females and nursing infants.
Advances in telemedicine and anti-VEGF treatments offer new hope for patients with retinopathy of prematurity. New technologies are transforming the care of ROP patients, enabling more widespread treatment options.
A randomized clinical trial found that delayed umbilical cord clamping reduced anemia prevalence in infants at 8 and 12 months of age. The intervention, which involved waiting three or more minutes after birth, increased iron stores and improved hemoglobin levels.
A new study from Uppsala University found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by more than three minutes can prevent iron deficiency and anemia in infants up to six months of age. This method resulted in a nine percent reduction in anaemia incidence at eight months and an eight percent decrease at twelve months.
A study published in mSystems found identical bacterial strains in infants and their mothers, indicating vertical transmission of microbes. The researchers used novel computational techniques to track the transmission of microbes, revealing that mothers are sources of important microorganisms for infant gut development.
Researchers found a correlation between parents' and babies' vitamin levels, with water-soluble vitamins higher in infants and fat-soluble vitamins in parents, particularly mothers. The study suggests tears could be used to replace clinical tests, potentially improving access to nutritional assessments for at-risk populations.
A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology evaluated treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse, comparing surgery and pessary. The research found that women undergoing surgery experienced greater improvements in physical, social, emotional, and sexual functioning compared to those using a pessary.
Researchers at MIT used a modified MRI scanner to scan the brains of awake babies while watching movies, finding that brain regions responding to faces and scenes in adults are also active in infants. The study suggests that there may be a stronger biological predisposition for specific cortical regions to end up with specific functions.
A study found that only 55% of breastfed infants received the recommended daily vitamin D supplementation. Mothers preferred to supplement themselves, citing safety as their top concern. Higher doses of vitamin D could be incorporated into maternal supplementation routines to enrich breast milk and improve intakes in breastfed infants.
The National Commission on Prevention Priorities releases updated rankings of clinical preventive services, identifying high-impact services for improving population health. The top three services are immunizing children, tobacco-use screening and brief intervention, and alcohol misuse screening with brief intervention.
Researchers found altered brain circuitry in premature infants as early as 24 weeks gestation, which may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and cerebral palsy. The study suggests that factors contributing to early birth may impact brain development in the womb.
A new set of clinical guidelines aims to prevent the development of peanut allergy in infants by introducing peanut-containing foods early. The recommendations focus on high-risk infants, suggesting introduction between 4-6 months, and those with mild eczema, around 6 months.
The new position paper provides recommendations on the timing and content of introducing complementary foods, as well as methods of feeding and specific dietary practices. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring adequate iron intake from complementary foods for all infants, especially those on vegetarian diets.
A study from Northwestern University found that preterm infants establish a strong foundation for linking language and meaning, similar to their full-term counterparts. This discovery challenges previous obstacles in language and cognitive development observed in preterm infants.
New research reveals that low birth weight babies may develop motor and neurological deficits due to peripheral nerve defects. The study suggests delayed myelination of the peripheral nervous system as a contributing factor.
A global analysis of marketed complementary foods found a widespread lack of consistency in their nutritional content. Only 15% met benchmarks for fat content and under 25% met standards for iron and zinc.
A study found that women with a history of recovered acute kidney injury had an increased rate of preeclampsia and delivered infants earlier than those with normal kidney function. Infants born to these women were also at higher risk for small-for-gestational-age births.
The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry report finds that ECLS is becoming more widely available and frequently used globally. Adults with respiratory failure are the fastest-growing group of ECLS patients, while rates of survival to hospital discharge have improved for this age group. In contrast, newborns with re...
Research by Maria Gartstein and Sam Putnam found that toddler temperament differs significantly across cultures, with Chilean infants being the most active and Polish babies displaying sadness. The study suggests that parents' cultural values influence their children's behavior and overall temperament.
A Danish study found that mothers of infants with major congenital anomalies were at a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and other causes. The study also found an increased risk during the first decade after the child's birth.