Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A small study found that premature babies who avoid eye contact in early infancy are less likely to display symptoms of autism at age 2 compared to those who maintain eye contact. The researchers suggest that preemies may avert their gazes as a coping mechanism, signaling an inability to handle stressors.
A technique called cord milking increases blood flow from the umbilical cord to the infant's circulatory system, improving blood pressure and red blood cell levels in preterm infants delivered by Cesarean section. This study found benefits only in Cesarean-delivered infants, while vaginal births showed no difference.
A new study found that simple changes to oral rehydration salt (ORS) packaging designs increased caregivers' willingness to provide treatment to their children. The new packaging features smaller sachets, brighter pictures, and added flavor to make ORS more acceptable to infants.
A study found that chimpanzees are sensitive to behaviors towards infants and react emotionally to violations of social norms within their own group. They show a 'bystander effect' when an infant from another group is harmed, but not otherwise.
Early screening echocardiography for patent ductus arteriosus among extremely preterm infants reduced in-hospital mortality and pulmonary hemorrhage rates. The study found no significant differences in severe complications like necrotizing enterocolitis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
A team of University of Iowa researchers analyzed over 200 YouTube videos to understand toddler tablet use. They found that by age two, most children can moderate their ability to use a tablet, while younger toddlers require more guidance.
A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that male mountain gorillas' relationships with infants are influenced by their social rank, not paternity. Dominant males tend to be more nurturing and have stronger relationships with infants in the troop.
Pediatricians may do more harm than good by prescribing acid-reducing medications to children with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. The study found a seven-fold increase in C. diff. infection risk among children who used these drugs.
A large study of over 5,000 extremely preterm infants found that those enrolled in randomized clinical trials had similar in-hospital outcomes to those who were not enrolled. The primary outcome of death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and severe brain injury did not differ significantly between groups.
Researchers have discovered that infants with superior perception skills are more likely to develop autism symptoms later in life. The study found that enhanced visual searching ability at 9 months old predicted more emergent autism symptoms at 15 months and 2 years of age.
Researchers at Concordia University found that 18-month-old toddlers can distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate emotional responses, demonstrating an understanding of stoicism and the importance of emotional expressions in building trust. Toddlers showed greater empathy towards individuals who expressed sadness after a negat...
A systematic review suggests that Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation can reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and facilitate enteral nutrition in premature infants. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A new study found that infants who can resettle themselves after waking up are more likely to sleep for prolonged periods at night. By three months of age, most infants develop this ability, which is associated with longer sleep durations and reduced crying at night.
Research reveals that nearly a third of low-risk pregnancies experience unexpected complications requiring non-routine obstetric or neonatal care. The study analyzed data from over 10 million birth certificates and found that women without prenatal risk factors may still face unexpected complications during delivery or postpartum.
The grant will support research in perinatal biology, including studies of fetal and newborn development, placental biology, and reproductive diseases. The center aims to understand the effects of environmental disturbances during critical developmental periods on health and disease throughout life.
Researchers developed a questionnaire to assess home affordances and found that toys, appliances, and even furniture can impact infant motor skills. The AHEMD-IS tool can help parents evaluate toys for motor skill development and improve their child's fine and gross motor skills.
A study of 3.8 million pregnancies found a possible association between antidepressant use and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, but the absolute risk was small. The risk increase appears more modest than previously reported, with SSRI use linked to a slightly higher risk.
A large cohort study found a modest increase in risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) associated with maternal antidepressant use late in pregnancy. The absolute risk was small, and no significant association was found with non-SSRI antidepressants.
Recurrent febrile seizures warrant urgent assessment and consideration of antiepileptic drugs. The new report provides expert opinion-based recommendations until further studies consolidate higher evidence-based data.
Dr. Gary Frishman's editorial in Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology suggests that second-look laparoscopy may not be the best approach due to its risks and high cost. The procedure, which involves a repeat surgery to check for adhesions after a previous treatment, is questioned by Dr. Frishman as a model for responsible healthcare.
Researchers found that infants as young as 7 months old can understand the abstract relation of sameness and difference between two things. This ability is present from birth and does not require language skills. Infants exhibit similar patterns of learning as older children and adults, highlighting a fundamental human skill.
A study examining umbilical cord clamping and neurodevelopment found that delayed cord clamping was associated with higher scores in fine-motor and social skills in children at age 4, especially in boys. The results suggest positive effects from delayed cord clamping without any adverse effects on overall IQ or behavior.
A four-year follow-up study of 263 children found that delayed cord clamping (DCC) was associated with improved fine motor skills, particularly in boys. The study did not find a significant impact on IQ or overall development.
A new 'flocked swab' tool improved diagnosis and treatment of deadly childhood diarrheal diseases, saving lives by pinpointing treatable pathogens. The innovative test-and-treat strategy led to significant health improvements, including reduced diarrhea recurrence and increased growth in children.
A study published by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that spinal anesthesia is safer than general anesthesia for infants undergoing hernia surgery. The research revealed that regional anesthesia reduces the risk of complications such as apnea, breathing difficulties, and developmental issues in young children.
The cost of treating babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has increased dramatically, with costs rising from $1.1 million in the first year to $1.8 million in the third year, a 15-16 fold increase compared to healthy infants. Proactive screening and treatment are recommended to address this growing public health concern.
A Swedish study of 98 infants found that C-section babies had a less similar gut microbiome to their mothers compared to vaginal births. The researchers also discovered that cessation of breastfeeding led to a shift in the infant's gut bacteria, with certain species more commonly seen in adults emerging.
A study found that public health advisories from the FDA and Health Canada led to a 45% relative reduction in codeine dispensing to postpartum women over four years. The reduction may reflect changes in prescribing patterns, including clinicians' adoption of safety recommendations.
Researchers found that 6-month-old infants prefer listening to infant sounds over adult sounds, which could aid in learning how to talk. This preference may also help infants develop their own voice, a crucial step in speech production.
Researchers at University of Nottingham launch new app BabyFace to collect images of newborn babies' feet, face, and ears for premature baby research. The app aims to improve survival rates in developing countries with smartphone technology.
Adult survivors of preterm births may have lung capacity resembling that of the healthy elderly or casual smokers by their early 20s. Premature infants are at increased risk for contracting bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic respiratory condition mainly affecting infants born less than 28 weeks of age.
A new study from Loyola University Medical Center found that female infants tend to do better than males when born prematurely, achieving independent oral feeding at 36 weeks and four days on average. Researchers also discovered that being born before 29 weeks of pregnancy negatively influences the ability to eat independently.
A new study found that childhood obesity has distinct causes depending on the age of the child. In toddlers, weight gain is largely influenced by parental factors, while adolescents experience weight gain across the entire age group, regardless of parentage. The study suggests that public health strategies may need to be tailored accor...
A study found that many magazine images and stock photos of infants show them sleeping on their stomachs or with soft objects, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Only about half of the stock photos and a third of magazine pictures depicted safe sleep environments according to AAP guidelines.
A recent study published in The Journal of Pediatrics reveals that improper use of infant sitting and carrying devices can lead to fatal accidents. The researchers analyzed records of 47 deaths associated with these devices, finding that two-thirds involved car seats and strangulation from straps was the leading cause of death.
Researchers found high levels of certain flame retardants in cats with hyperthyroidism, hinting at a possible link between the compounds and the hormonal disorder. The study suggests that exposure to these substances through dust accumulation on fur could be contributing factor for this condition.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that centre-based child care and multiple care arrangements in early years improve children's academic competencies. However, high-dose child care may lead to negative impacts on social-emotional, academic, and health outcomes.
A pioneering Oxford University study using MRI scans found that babies experience pain much like adults, with 18 of 20 brain regions active in adults also active in babies. The study suggests that infants may be more sensitive to pain than adults and highlights the need for improved pain relief guidelines.
A study of wild baboons in southern Kenya reveals that the size of a female's swollen rump doesn't matter as much as previously thought. Females with bigger backsides don't necessarily make better mothers, and males actually prefer females with more postpartum cycles over larger derriers.
Researchers found that early, high-quality caregiving can reduce risks associated with preterm birth and improve cognitive and social development. A new intervention program also showed promise in promoting sensitive parent-child interactions and enhancing parents' enthusiasm for their children.
A new study comparing gene therapy to half-matched transplants for SCID-X1 reveals that gene therapy leads to faster immune development, fewer infections, and reduced hospitalizations. Gene therapy shows promise as a viable alternative treatment for infants with this rare immune disorder.
A Vanderbilt University study finds that pregnant women prescribed opioids are more likely to give birth to babies with drug withdrawal syndrome. The study highlights the dangers of overprescription and the need for state and federal policy makers to address the opioid epidemic's impact on mothers and infants.
Researchers used fMRI to analyze brain activity in response to speech in ASD toddlers, finding distinct neural substrates for good and poor language outcomes. The study's findings may lead to more individualized treatments for the heterogeneous condition.
Researchers found that neural activity in language-sensitive brain regions in infants and toddlers with ASD was similar to normal in those who developed good language ability, but nearly absent in those with poor outcomes. The study's results have the potential to predict later language outcome by early childhood.
Researchers found that a gene affecting breast milk production influences gut bacteria development in infants. Breast milk sugars nourish specific bacteria, shaping the infant's gut microbiota.
A genetic mutation combined with an urban environment increases the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in children. Children from urban middle-class families were eight times more likely to be hospitalized, a risk similar to extremely premature babies.
A new study found disruptions in brain connectivity among infants exposed to prenatal cocaine, potentially leading to arousal dysregulation. The research used MRI scans to investigate the impact of maternal drug use during pregnancy on newborn brain function.
A study published in Pediatrics found that 10% of online breast milk samples contained added cow's milk, a concerning discovery for parents relying on these sources. The research team also identified bacterial and viral contamination in over 75% of purchased samples, highlighting the risks associated with buying human milk online.
Infants learn more about surprising objects than predictable ones by harnessing core information they're born with. They test hypotheses about the object's behavior, indicating a deeper attempt to learn about unexpected aspects of the world.
Newborns and young infants with severe bacterial infections can be effectively treated outside hospital with simplified antibiotic regimens, reducing deaths and improving adherence. The Lancet study found that treatment failures were low in all three trials, and the risk of death was similar to infants who received hospital care.
Researchers found that simpler antibiotic regimens are as safe and effective as standard treatments, allowing more infants with severe infections to receive life-saving treatment at home. The study demonstrated that outpatient treatments with fewer injections can produce similar results to the traditional course of twice daily injections.
A new intervention teaches mothers to interpret and respond to subtle cues of premature infants, resulting in better weight gain and growth for the infants. The study also shows that infants who received this intervention developed muscle control needed for feeding more rapidly.
A new study by Nestlé reveals that 13% of younger children and 17% of 9-13 year olds skip lunch daily, leading to lower nutrient intakes. Skipping lunch even persists on weekends, highlighting the need for strategies to encourage healthy eating habits in children.
A new study found that children who received the 4CMenB vaccine in infancy showed waning immunity to serogroup B meningococcal disease by age 5, despite receiving a booster dose at 3.5 years old. The researchers also reported lower rates of fever compared to younger children.
Researchers found that infants' bodies play a role in connecting object names to objects, with consistent posture critical for successful mapping. The study's findings have implications for understanding cognition and memory in young children.
Anesthetics bind to and interfere with certain proteins in excitatory neurons, which are necessary for signal transmission involved in anesthesia and pain perception. This discovery may lead to more targeted and safer concentration levels of anesthetics.
Researchers developed a new technique to compare human milk and rhesus macaque monkey milk proteomes. The study identified 524 human milk proteins and 518 in macaque milk, revealing 88 common proteins at different levels. Human milk contains higher levels of proteins aiding fat digestion and increasing iron absorption.
Researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that infant BMI-childhood obesity relationship is strong in African-American children. A better understanding of infancy growth patterns can lead to more effective early efforts at obesity prevention.
A new blood-based test has been developed to diagnose autism in young males as early as one to two years old, outperforming existing behavioral and genetic screens. The test uses genomic biomarkers that differentiate ASD toddlers from typically developing children with high accuracy.
Researchers found that infants with a rare form of leukemia have surprisingly few genetic alterations beyond the MLL gene chromosomal rearrangement, suggesting targeting this abnormal protein may improve survival rates. The study also highlights the need for personalized treatments in pediatric cancer.