Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that cystic fibrosis disrupts the maturation of the gut microbiome in infants, leading to a depletion of health-associated bacteria and potentially poor health outcomes. The study found that the microbiomes of infants with CF remained stunted or delayed in their development compared to healthy infants.
A study found that US states adopting abortion bans experienced significant increases in infant mortality, especially for deaths caused by congenital conditions. These increased mortality rates were disproportionately high among already vulnerable populations, such as Black infants and residents of Southern states.
A new study by Cornell researchers discovered that caregivers simplify their speech in response to babies' babbling, creating a feedback loop that drives learning. This effect is observed across multiple languages and cultures, suggesting that babies actively shape the conditions for language development.
A study across 19 Latin American countries found that excessive toddler screen time is associated with poorer language skills. On the other hand, incorporating educational content and screen use accompanied by adults may mitigate this effect, according to the research.
A cross-sectional study in Ecuador found high exposure to breast milk substitute (BMS) marketing, with over 91% of mothers and healthcare professionals affected. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations and education strategies to protect maternal and infant health.
Research from RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences found that infant gut bacteria are associated with food sensitivities and allergies, particularly to eggs. The study suggests that probiotic supplements, such as Bifidobacterium, may help prevent food allergies in at-risk infants.
Researchers discovered higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in preterm placenta compared to term births. The findings suggest that plastic accumulation may contribute to the risk of preterm birth.
The book provides a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of the Pyramid Model Practices for infants and toddlers from birth to 3 years old. It offers research-based practices to support early social-emotional development and language development in young children.
New research from VCU and Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU shows a decline in infant mortality rates by 24.2% between 1999 and 2022. However, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) mortality rates have risen significantly, with the highest rates among Black, Native Hawaiian, and Native American infants.
A large proportion of preterm babies experience pain, but healthcare professionals report only 45% experiencing pain. The study suggests undertreatment may be a factor, with the smallest and most premature babies receiving lower doses of morphine.
A recent study found that infant mortality from sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) has increased significantly in the US, affecting Black infants disproportionately. The analysis suggests possible explanations for this trend, including COVID-19 and maternal opioid use.
A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that child mortality in England has increased since the pandemic lifted, with a temporary decrease in deaths during lockdowns. The research found that children from non-white backgrounds faced higher rates of death compared to white children, highlighting existing healthcare inequalities.
A Swedish study found a significant decrease in infant mortality and morbidity among babies born after 41 weeks of gestation. The study showed a 47% reduction in stillbirths or infant deaths within four weeks, with researchers attributing the improvement to routine induction practices.
The BiliSG app uses machine learning to analyze skin color and predict bilirubin levels in newborns, offering a convenient alternative to traditional testing methods. With 100% sensitivity, the app has shown promising results in monitoring neonatal jaundice and reducing the risk of brain damage.
Researchers document five cases of parvovirus B19-induced myocarditis in preschoolers from northern Greece, highlighting the virus's unique impact on endothelial cells. The study emphasizes the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in children.
A cross-sectional study found that maternal use of certain antidepressants and anti-inflammatory medications can lower protein and fat levels in breast milk. This may impose health risks on infants who are breastfed by mothers taking these medications, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the clinical implications.
Researchers provide comprehensive review of RSV's virology, clinical impact, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for effective vaccines to mitigate this critical health need. The review highlights RSV's severe impact on infants, children, and older adults, as well as its potential effects on multiple organs and systems.
Researchers found that delivering at 39 weeks provides the optimal balance between stillbirth risk and infant health issues, making it an ideal time frame for safest births. The study used a large-scale data set to provide evidence-driven recommendations for delivery timing among women with chronic hypertension.
Research found that infants given milk cereal drinks after six months old experience early rapid weight gain but not higher body mass index or waist-to-height ratio. Early rapid weight gain is predictive of later adiposity, regardless of supplement consumption.
Researchers found that babies' first vocalizations and attempts at forming words coincide with fluctuations in their heart rate. This discovery may indicate that successful speech development depends on predictable ranges of autonomic activity during infancy.
Researchers created an advanced computational model to optimize maternal vaccine design and protect high-risk populations. The model helps reveal which antibodies can pass through effectively and when, enabling the development of safer, more effective vaccines.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year, providing highly reliable maternity care to expectant parents and newborns. The hospital also excels in breastfeeding support, with nearly 90% of babies fed exclusively breast milk.
Researchers developed an interactive screening model called RITA-T, which improved early identification of high-risk toddlers from underserved areas. The study found that toddlers screened via RITA-T had shorter wait times and more accessible diagnostic services compared to those not using the model.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the rotavirus vaccine is safe for use in NICU babies, with a low risk of transmission and no clinical consequences. The study suggests that giving the vaccine to eligible infants during their hospitalization provides immune benefits that outweigh any risks.
A new study by UCL researchers found that mothers who regularly describe their child's thoughts and feelings have higher oxytocin levels in infants. The hormone oxytocin plays a crucial role in social relationships and bonding between parents and children.
The study found that irritability was the most common systemic reaction in children under 2 years, followed by fever and fatigue or sleepiness. Maternal vaccination is thought to be a factor in the higher prevalence of reactions after the first dose.
New Curtin University research reveals complex factors shaping child development beyond screen time. Parental mental health and the type of screen used are found to have an impact on infant development at 12 months.
A recent study suggests that iconic animal characters can influence children's theory of mind skills, with younger children performing better on tests featuring animal characters. The research also highlights the importance of adapting educational activities to incorporate both human and non-human characters for optimal development.
A new study found that a prenatal diet meeting USDA guidelines is linked to healthy birthweights, steady growth patterns, and potentially lower childhood obesity. Researchers also discovered mixed effects of low-inflammatory diets on infant growth.
A study published in Psychological Science found that 2-year-olds rely on grammatical information to understand the meaning of new words. The researchers used focus signals in sentences to manipulate children's responses, showing that young kids can absorb grammatical cues and leverage them to learn new words.
The Greenlight Plus trial found that technological interventions and policies can help prevent childhood obesity at an early age. The study suggests that targeted prevention efforts can reduce the risk of obesity in children, setting a promising foundation for future prevention strategies.
A cohort study found that a prenatal diet aligned with US Dietary Guidelines was linked to slower infant growth rates and lower obesity risk. The study suggests that improving prenatal nutrition may also benefit children's growth trajectory in the long term.
New research highlights additional therapies being tested for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns, including agents blocking glutamate receptor activation and antioxidant drugs. While therapeutic hypothermia is effective in high-income countries, its efficacy is uncertain in low- and middle-income nations.
Researchers observed distinct growth patterns in brain functional networks during the birth transition, with some areas showing minimal changes and others undergoing dramatic reorganization. The subcortical network was found to exhibit significant increases in communication efficiency at birth.
A new study reveals that infants exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in utero may not have as weighty of challenges as previously believed. GDM-exposed babies showed slower fat gain during their first year, suggesting a flexibility in early-life growth patterns.
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center explores the role of antibiotics in childhood asthma development. Researchers aim to identify a critical window for intervention and develop microbiome-based therapeutics to prevent asthma onset in children exposed to antibiotics early in life.
A new study found that standardized autism screening during pediatric well-child visits identifies more children with high autism likelihood at a younger age. The study used the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) and compared it to usual care.
Researchers at Mount Sinai trained an AI algorithm on over 16 million seconds of video footage from newborns in the NICU to predict sedation and cerebral dysfunction. The study shows promise for a minimally invasive, scalable method for continuous neurologic monitoring.
Researchers found that vaccinating earlier in pregnancy, closer to 32 weeks, could provide better protection against RSV for newborns. Maternal vaccination resulted in significantly higher and longer-lasting maternal and cord RSV antibody levels.
A recent study found that over a quarter of new mothers have fallen asleep while feeding their babies, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers are urging care providers to inform new moms about the potential risks and provide guidance on safe feeding practices.
A longitudinal cohort study found no significant associations between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and child neurodevelopment outcomes in the first two years of life. Follow-up research is needed to determine if these effects persist into later childhood.
A study of over 2.4 million individuals born in Canada found that preterm birth is associated with lower employment income, university enrollment, and educational attainment through age 28. The findings suggest that long-term supports are vital to mitigate the effects of preterm birth on socioeconomic outcomes.
A study reveals that infant gut microbiota succession is predictable and malleable, allowing for the shaping of gut health through birth mode and feeding practices. This research has significant implications for reducing childhood allergic diseases, overweight, and respiratory infections.
Research reveals that antenatal corticosteroids can lead to smaller volumes of key brain areas in preterm infants, affecting emotion processing and motor control. The study suggests a delicate balance between benefits for respiratory health and potential risks to neurological development.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are using a wearable device called LittleBeats to collect data on infant behavior in real-world settings. The first grant focuses on infant-parent interactions and emotional regulation, while the second grant explores infant sleep/wake patterns and health outcomes.
A UNC Greensboro study of 299 women and their infants found that obesogenic feeding practices, such as watching TV while feeding or formula-feeding, are strongly correlated with rapid infant weight gain. The researchers also found that mothers' prenatal psychological risk increases the likelihood they will engage in these unhealthy pra...
Researchers have successfully integrated genome sequencing into newborn screening to identify hundreds of rare genetic disorders. This approach allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, promoting health equity and reducing time to diagnosis.
A randomized controlled trial found that removing toddler screen time in the hour before bed leads to better sleep quality and more efficient nighttime sleep. The study suggests that limiting screen time before bed may be a useful strategy for improving toddler sleep.
A cohort study found no association between maternal COVID-19 exposure and abnormal neurodevelopmental screening results in children aged 24 months. Continued research is needed due to the developing fetal brain's sensitivity to maternal immune activation.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that folic acid supplementation may weaken the link between blood-lead levels and autistic-like behaviors in children. The study suggests that adequate folic acid supplementation mitigates the neurotoxic effects of lead, reducing the risk of autism.
The Northwestern Mental Health, Earlier Center will address the youth mental health crisis by targeting early signs of vulnerability to mental health problems in toddlers through routine pediatric care. The center aims to foster self-regulation skills and reduce mental health risk by promoting developmental health promotion frameworks.
The NEC Society, Cincinnati Children's, and UNC Children's will host the world's largest conference focused on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bringing together key stakeholders to unite the global community for a world without NEC. The event will feature over 20 educational sessions and world-renowned faculty.
A study from the University of Kansas found that parents trust AI-generated text, like ChatGPT, more than healthcare professionals' content. Parents rated ChatGPT as more trustworthy, accurate, and reliable in many cases, even when there were significant differences in ratings.
A microscopic study of milk teeth reveals that newborn Iberian infants died mainly from natural causes like birth complications or premature births. Researchers applied innovative methodology to analyze the neonatal line in baby teeth, identifying moments of birth and death with precision.
A study of 668 infants found a small decrease in birth weight for gestational age with every 1°C increase in average daily heat stress during the first trimester. Infants up to two years old exposed to high heat may have lower weights and heights for their age.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that UK toddlers obtain nearly half of their calories from ultra-processed foods, with this ratio increasing to 59% by the age of seven. The most common ultra-processed foods consumed were flavoured yoghurts and wholegrain breakfast cereals.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals the importance of foot movement in early infant development and interaction. By using machine and deep learning techniques, researchers found that AI can accurately classify five-second clips of 3D infant movements, with foot movements showing the highest accuracy rates.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.
A cross-sectional study found significant increases in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in SUID rates was linked to off-season resurgences of infectious pathogens, with RSV rates closely approximating this shift.
UNCG researchers aim to reduce rapid weight gain and obesity risk among Latine infants by supporting mothers in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding without supplementation during infancy correlates with less excess weight gain for the baby and a healthier weight throughout childhood.