Articles tagged with Infants
Research by Swedish and US researchers reveals that mothers who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with low Apgar scores, indicating an oxygen deficit at birth. The study suggests that preventing women from becoming overweight or obese during reproductive age could improve perinatal health.
A new UT Dallas study explores how infants process degraded speech with cochlear implants, revealing they need more complete speech information to maximize communication outcomes. Infants can distinguish between familiar and new sounds, but require less distortion and more frequency information than older children and adults.
A new study suggests that genes play a key role in the risk of brain injury for premature babies. Variation in genes associated with schizophrenia and fat metabolism has been linked to increased risk of brain injury on MRI scans.
A study published by JAMA found that vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy can improve measures of lung function for newborns and decrease the incidence of wheezing in infants up to 1 year. This intervention may help minimize the harmful effects of maternal smoking on respiratory health.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that male circumcision is associated with a low rate of adverse events. The study suggests that male circumcision carries minimal risk and can be performed safely without compromising the child's long-term health outcomes.
Research at the University of Chicago found that community doulas significantly improved breastfeeding rates and infant development in young mothers from low-income African American families. The study showed that doulas who were similar to the mothers they supported had a more positive impact on their relationships with their babies.
A recent study found that low-income communities and WIC participants in Arizona face significant barriers when using cash value vouchers for purchasing nutrient-dense foods. These barriers include negative interactions with cashiers and lack of training, which can lead to frustration and decreased access to healthy food options.
A study found that pregnant women who watched TV during meals were five times more likely to expose their infants to TV during feeding. Younger mothers and those not exclusively breastfeeding also faced this increased risk. The study suggests that reducing mealtime TV viewing during pregnancy may help prevent childhood obesity.
A new study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that nearly three-quarters of heavily breastfed infants in the US do not receive adequate dietary diversity until age 2. The researchers suggest that better education on introducing multiple food groups may be necessary to address this issue.
Despite recommendations for safer sleeping, infant deaths continue to occur due to bed sharing and prone sleeping. A study found that 18% of parents share a bed with their infants, with black families at higher risk.
A recent study found that supine sleeping, which reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is less common among preterm infants than full-term babies. Only about two-thirds of term infants nationwide are placed on their backs to sleep, and this rate is even lower for preterm infants.
A recent study by pediatricians found that children who played non-educational games on touch-screen devices had lower verbal scores upon testing. In contrast, playing educational games showed no significant difference in developmental scores.
Infants with biliary atresia who received high-dose steroid therapy following surgery showed a small clinical benefit, while those without steroids experienced improved survival and reduced serious adverse events
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that steroids after surgery do not improve bile flow in infants with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease. The study also revealed that survival rates were nearly the same for both groups, but infants on steroids experienced more serious adverse events.
A recent study published in JAMA found that the antifungal medication fluconazole did not significantly reduce the risk of death or invasive candidiasis in extremely low birth-weight infants. The study included 361 infants from 32 NICUs and randomly assigned them to receive either fluconazole or placebo for six weeks.
A study of over 1,000 mothers found that many families are not following recommended safe infant sleep practices, including high-risk behaviors like bed sharing and stomach sleeping. The rates were highest among black and Hispanic families, highlighting a need for targeted interventions to reduce infant mortality.
A study published in JAMA found that corticosteroids do not improve bile flow in infants with biliary atresia six months after surgery. Infants who received steroids experienced more surgical complications and infections than those receiving a placebo.
The study found no significant increase in adverse events for mothers or infants who received the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Infants born to vaccinated mothers had higher concentrations of pertussis antibodies, a key finding that could help prevent infant pertussis.
Researchers found that babies can learn about a toy from a photograph well before their first birthday. The study used high-quality images and showed that infants formed a mental idea of the object after a brief exposure to the picture, even when it was out of sight.
By 9 months, babies can recognize a picture of an object and act on it when presented with the actual object, suggesting they form mental images of objects through pictures. This ability strengthens their ideas of an object even after it disappears from view.
A recent NHANES analysis reveals that children aged 1-3 years do not consume adequate amounts of key nutrients. The study recommends increasing the intake of potatoes as a rich source of potassium and dietary fiber to address these nutrient gaps.
Oxytocin increases facial gestures associated with social interactions in infant rhesus monkeys, promoting communication and social interest. The hormone also lowers cortisol levels, indicating a possible role in diminishing anxiety.
Researchers found that oxytocin increased two facial gestures associated with social interactions in infant rhesus monkeys. The hormone promoted more communicative behavior, including lip smacking and standing close to caregivers, in strong imitators, suggesting its potential as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers used functional near infra-red spectroscopy to track infant brain development and cognitive function in Africa. The study found similar responses in African and Western infants, enabling the use of a new technique to monitor brain activity from birth.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that probiotic use for infant colic did not reduce crying or fussing. However, adding lactase to milk can help alleviate symptoms by breaking down lactose. This alternative approach has shown promise in reducing hours of crying.
A recent modeling study reveals that fish consumption advisories are ineffective in reducing infant exposure to long-lived pollutants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs), with estimates suggesting only a 10-15% reduction in child exposure even for mothers who stop eating fish before pregnancy.
A study from the University of Liverpool found that showing toddlers similar but distinct actions helped them understand what a verb refers to. This new insight sheds light on how children progress throughout preschool and school years.
Researchers found that holding babies on their mother's abdomen or chest immediately after birth does not compromise delayed cord clamping. This could lead to improved uptake and reduced risk of infant iron deficiency. The study suggests a more comfortable and bonding-friendly approach for hospitals.
A study using infant hair from rhesus monkeys found higher levels of cortisone and estrone in babies born to young mothers, suggesting a link between prenatal hormones and development. The findings raise questions about the impact on gender differences and chronic disease risk.
A novel screening process for early identification of infants at risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental learning delay (DLD) has been developed. The study uses biomarkers such as abrupt head circumference acceleration and absence of head tilt reflex to identify infants at risk by 9 months.
A study found that women with higher body mass index (BMI) before or in early pregnancy have an increased risk of fetal death, stillbirth, and infant death. Women who are severely obese face the greatest risk, with a two- to three-fold increase compared to those with a BMI of 20.
A study found that 15-month-old babies value fairness unless they see a person of the same race receiving an unfair benefit. In such cases, babies are more tolerant of unfairness. The researchers also discovered that infants integrate information about race and social history when choosing a playmate.
Infants who nap are better able to apply lessons learned, while preschoolers retain knowledge after napping. Sleep enables babies and young children to learn language over time by reactivating memories during sleep.
Researchers found that infants as young as a few months old can distinguish between word-like and non-word-like sounds, indicating a fundamental knowledge of language. This discovery challenges the traditional view that language is shaped by environment and experience.
A case report documents a 27-week-old premature infant's cardiopulmonary arrest after receiving Cyclomydril eyedrops during retinopathy of prematurity screening. Pediatric ophthalmologists should be equipped to handle such emergencies, as the eyedrops can cause serious side effects due to systemic absorption.
A new University of Illinois study found that nearly three in four low-income families have cut back on food to afford essential non-food items. Food pantry clients often make difficult choices between feeding their children and accessing basic household products.
Research published in Psychological Science found that infants' heart rate slows in response to medium-velocity touch, indicating sensitivity to pleasant touch. The findings suggest a link between caregiver sensitivity to touch and infant responses, potentially supporting both nurture and nature explanations.
Researchers discovered that new crib mattresses release four times more VOCs than old ones, with body heat increasing emissions. The study highlights the importance of understanding infant sleep environments to reduce exposure to indoor pollutants.
New study finds infant circumcision reduces risk of adverse medical conditions by over 100 to 1, with benefits including protection against urinary tract infections and foreskin-related diseases. The procedure is also shown to be cost-saving and promote access for poor families.
A new study suggests that infants who experience near-death events (ALTEs) have abnormal regulation of esophageal and airway function. The research found that these infants are more likely to have pauses in breathing, gasping breaths, and difficulty coordinating swallowing and respiratory interactions.
Researchers discovered a less invasive technique for treating vulvar cancer, removing only the sentinel lymph node to decrease complications while maintaining low recurrence rates. The study, published at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists meeting, included 73 women and found a 5.2% recurrence rate.
A study of 300 children's gut microbiota found that breastfeeding impacts the composition of gut flora. The research suggests that the gut microbiota is not fully established until after 18 months, indicating a need for supplementation or probiotics to promote healthy gut health.
Researchers characterized the gut bacteria of premature infants who developed sepsis, suggesting a new approach to early detection and prevention. Genetic matches were found between bacteria in stool samples and those in blood samples, indicating that gut bacteria are responsible for these infections.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found three types of potentially harmful gut microbes in preterm babies who developed late-onset sepsis: E. coli, group B strep, and S. marcescens. These findings suggest new strategies to detect and prevent severe bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
A new study found that many parents, regardless of their race or ethnicity, engage in
A recent NIH study found that contact lenses are safer and just as effective as permanent lenses for infants under seven months old after cataract surgery. The study showed more post-surgical complications and repeat surgeries in the IOL group compared to the contact lens group.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection can be life-threatening in pregnant women, with associated mortality rates of 30-50%. Dr. Brenna Anderson provides recommendations for rapid diagnosis and treatment of GAS infections in pregnant and postpartum women.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that infants can use known verbs to learn new nouns by paying attention to how words are used in sentences. This suggests that word learning occurs naturally and can be facilitated by everyday conversations.
A study reveals that military fathers returning from combat deployment struggle to reconnect with their young children, who may not remember them. The researchers emphasize the need for support and resources to help these families rebuild their relationships.
A recent study found that reproductive coercion and co-occurring intimate partner violence are prevalent among women in this demographic. The study's results suggest that healthcare providers should address reproductive coercion with their patients, tailoring family planning discussions and recommendations accordingly.
Researchers at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found no evidence that baby media products teach reading skills to infants. However, the study did reveal an undeniable effect on parents - their increased confidence in their children's vocabulary development
According to a national survey study, the US obesity prevalence has remained high, affecting approximately one-third of adults and 17% of children. The prevalence of obesity among youth and adults showed no significant change from 2003-2004 through 2011-2012.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder experience significant mental health problems, including self-harm, substance abuse, and complications during delivery. Researchers emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to mitigate these risks.
Research published in Pediatrics shows that premature babies who hear more adult talk in the NICU have higher language and cognitive scores at 18 months. The study found that every increase in adult word count per hour during the recording period was associated with a two-point increase in the language score.
Researchers have developed a biologic drug that prevents the production of HE4 protein, allowing ovarian cancer cells to grow aggressively and resist chemotherapy. The novel biologic has shown promising results in cell and animal models, increasing the potential for improved treatment and survival rates for women with ovarian cancer.
Loyola researchers have identified a marker to predict necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening condition affecting up to 10% of extremely low birth weight infants. Simple changes to blood transfusion practices and feeding patterns may significantly reduce NEC incidence.
Studies reveal that infants with a heartier appetite grow more rapidly, potentially putting them at increased risk for obesity. Additionally, children with lower satiety responsiveness are more likely to have genetic predisposition to obesity, highlighting potential targets for pharmacological and behavioral interventions.
Research at The University of Manchester found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption in early pregnancy can reduce cell growth in the placenta. Drinking levels equivalent to half or one standard drink did not have a harmful effect, but reduced taurine transport from mother to baby was observed.
Research by Anne Fernald shows a significant gap in language development between rich and poor children emerges during infancy, with child-directed speech playing a crucial role. Infants who hear more child-directed speech develop greater efficiency in language processing and learn new words faster.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an immune signature that predicts poor flu outcomes in patients, who are more likely to develop severe symptoms and suffer from complications. The findings also explain why infants and toddlers are at elevated risk for flu-related issues.