Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
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.
A new study found that contingent responsive parenting can strengthen a baby's capacity for emotional regulation and reduce the likelihood of developing emotional difficulties. The study followed 51 mother-infant pairs and found that early parenting influences the baby's brain activity, supporting their emotional and social behavior.
Researchers found that extending nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants beyond usual care significantly improves lung growth and development, leading to better respiratory health. This study suggests a simple non-pharmacologic intervention that can be applied globally to improve lifelong lung function.
A recent study in Ghana highlights key factors influencing maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices, revealing food insecurity and economic constraints as significant challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs of young mothers.
Two studies found concerning levels of phthalates, flame retardants, and UV-filters in bedroom air around children's beds, linked to neurological and reproductive problems. The researchers call for stronger regulations on the use of these chemicals in children's mattresses and recommend parents take actions to reduce exposure.
Researchers at the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment have found that behavior at 9 months old can indicate a 1-year-old's likelihood of being at risk for autism. Parent surveys reported fussiness, irritability, and difficulty calming down were associated with early signs of autism by 12 months.
A new study suggests that CT scans could account for 5% of all cancer cases each year, primarily due to radiation exposure. The largest risk is among infants, followed by children and adolescents. To mitigate this risk, reducing the number of scans and doses per scan can help save lives.
A newly-published Cochrane review found significant gaps in clinical rating scales used to assess pain in newborn babies. The review of 79 studies involving over 7,000 infants across 26 countries revealed that none of the available scales are backed by high-quality evidence.
Severe RSV disease among children is more likely those aged 2 or older with pulmonary or neurologic conditions. Younger children under 6 months and prematurity are high-risk factors for severe RSV in younger kids.
Research suggests that massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud are being pulled apart by the Large Magellanic Cloud. The discovery reveals a new pattern in stellar motion, which could transform our understanding of galaxy evolution and interactions.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation on primary care interventions to support breastfeeding, citing established associations between breastfeeding and child health benefits. As of 2021, 59.8% of infants at 6 months are breastfed, while 27.2% are exclusively breastfed.
A clinical study confirms that early treatment with fosdenopterin/rcPMP significantly reduces the risk of early death and promotes healthy brain development in infants with MoCD type A. The therapy restores the missing molybdenum cofactor, leading to improved developmental milestones.
A pioneering study analyzing nationwide hospital records from five European countries has revealed key trends and patterns in child physical abuse hospitalisations. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers to safeguard children across Europe and inform intergovernmental efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against chi...
A research group has uncovered a potential mechanism linking maternal inflammation to delayed neurodevelopment in infants. CD11c-positive microglia, crucial for myelination, play a key role in this process.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that 85% of postpartum-initiated lactation in ICUs aligns with national averages. Limited documentation and delays during mechanical ventilation are identified as barriers to lactation. The research team is developing an algorithm and guideline to support patients' lactation goals.
A new report calls for the integration of play into children's healthcare, highlighting its benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving psychological health. The study synthesizes evidence from over 120 studies and suggests that embedding play in healthcare settings could improve long-term outcomes for children.
Professor Karen Adolph, a leading researcher in infant motor development, has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow. Her work focuses on understanding how infants adapt to changes in their bodies and environments through observable motor behaviors and technologies.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found a significant link between maternal diet's glycemic index and risk for mental health disorders in offspring. The study suggests that nutrition during the third trimester may impact infant temperament and behavioral trajectories.
Research in mice suggests that antibiotics during infancy can stunt insulin-producing cell growth and boost diabetes risk. Specific microorganisms, such as Candida dubliniensis, may help promote pancreatic cell development and improve metabolic function.
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that breast milk from mothers with gestational diabetes has a unique composition that benefits their infant children. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes experience faster linear growth, lower fat percentages, and reduced weight gain.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus identified significant mitochondrial dysfunction in lymphoblast cell lines from children with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. The findings suggest that mitochondrial defects play a role in the metabolic dysfunction observed in Dravet syndrome.
A computer simulation model suggests that administering long-acting, injectable antibodies to infants can reduce HIV transmission and be cost-saving in high HIV burden settings. The study found that bNAbs could potentially prevent up to 42% of all new infant HIV infections.
Environmental factors such as rainfall and water availability before and during pregnancy predict future growth outcomes of children in Uganda. The study found that children born to mothers living in areas with high rainfall had a lower risk of malnutrition, while those born to mothers experiencing drought had a higher risk.
The review article examines the relationship between anemia and retinopathy of prematurity, focusing on iron deficiency and underlying molecular mechanisms. Anemia reduces oxygen delivery to the retina, exacerbating hypoxia and promoting pathological neovascularization.
New research strengthens evidence against bottle feeding in bed for toddlers, linking it to increased risk of dental cavities and overweight. Parents are advised to stop using bottles before naps and at bedtime by age 12 months to prevent these health issues.
Researchers identify how a balance of innate structure and flexible learning produces our remarkably organized visual brains. They found that regions in the ventral temporal cortex have distinct cellular organization and white matter connections from birth.
Researchers found that women who became pregnant after the start of the pandemic were more likely to experience preterm birth and low birth weight, regardless of COVID-19 infection severity. Moderate-to-severe infections during pregnancy also increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
A new study by UCL researchers found that the oxytocin system is affected in breastfeeding mothers with postnatal depression. Oxytocin levels in breast milk were reduced in mothers experiencing depression after using a nasal spray containing the hormone.
A new study has provided evidence for the safety and effectiveness of a meningococcal pentavalent vaccine in young children beginning at 9 months of age in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine protects against five strains of meningitis prevalent in the region, and its use could lead to a significant reduction in meningitis cases and deaths.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that babies born to teen mothers weigh less and are smaller for their gestational age. The study highlights the role of social, geographical, and educational factors in teen pregnancy prevention.
A new consensus report on anaphylaxis has been released, providing updated clinical criteria and guidelines for diagnosing and treating the condition. The report includes distinct infant findings to improve management in young children, addressing a significant burden on patients and caregivers worldwide.
A study from the University of Missouri found that rural first-time moms are more likely to stop breastfeeding due to a lack of practical knowledge, community support, and access to lactation consultants. The research aims to improve support and resources for new mothers in rural areas.
The Global Pediatric Pulmonary Alliance recommends prophylactic mAbs as the best available preventive measure against RSV. A single dose of long-acting mAbs can provide season-long protection to infants, with real-world evidence supporting this strategy.
A new mathematical model developed at the University of Waterloo can determine a baby's overall drug exposure when their mother is taking medication, specifically Levetiracetam. The probability of negative effects on a breastfeeding infant is very low for typically prescribed doses.
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that cooling treatment for preterm infants does not reduce the risk of disability or death from oxygen loss. The study evaluated 188 preterm infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and found a higher risk of death and disability in those who received the cooling treatment.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found a statistically significant relation between air lead concentration and infant mortality. Higher concentrations of lead in the air caused higher levels of infant mortality in infants' first month and first year, suggesting both in utero and environmental exposures matter.
Researchers found that cytomegalovirus infection significantly worsens necrotizing enterocolitis in mouse models, triggering inflammation and disrupting energy production. The study provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of NEC and may lead to the development of new treatments for this devastating condition.
A study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis reveals most US infant formulas contain primarily added sugars, rather than naturally occurring lactose. This contradicts medical recommendations for babies under 2 years old, who require a diet closest to human breast milk.
A nationwide Danish study found that newborns with seizures are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children and found that 20.4% of those with neonatal seizures developed epilepsy, compared to 1.15% of those without.
A new study reveals that asymptomatic neonatal HSV infections in mice can lead to persistent CNS infection and long-term cognitive decline. Maternal vaccination may prevent this cognitive impairment, suggesting a potential strategy for reducing neurological damage in infected offspring.