Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
Research found a significant increase in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and SIDS rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in 2021. The study suggests a link between infection, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SUID, highlighting the importance of safe sleep practices despite infections.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that over 80% of women are iron deficient by the third trimester of pregnancy. Despite being considered a high-resource setting, the study revealed alarming rates of iron deficiency among healthy pregnant women. This finding emphasizes the importance of routin...
A recent cohort study found that prenatal exposure to COVID-19 during pregnancy did not increase the risk of autism screening in toddlers. The research suggests that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-related exposure had no significant impact on autism positivity rates.
A new study analyzing 44 years of FBI data reveals that family members are the most common perpetrators of infant and child homicides in the US. The research found a sustained increase in firearm-related homicides among children and adolescents, with Black pediatric victims experiencing disproportionate burdens.
New research suggests that toddlers can track and prefer people with more resources, tracking this preference until around 13 months of age. This bias towards wealth is thought to be driven by negative assessments of those with less, rather than positive evaluations of the wealthy.
Researchers argue that placental pathology is underutilized clinically and deserves routine obstetric and neonatal care, as well as more research attention.
A new study found that neighborhoods with fewer opportunities are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, particularly among Black and Hispanic infants. The study suggests that structural racism and discriminatory practices contribute to this racial gap in preterm birth outcomes.
Newborns with atypical metabolite patterns are 14 times more likely to die of SIDS, according to a recent NIH-funded study. The researchers believe that checking for this pattern could provide a way to estimate SIDS risk and inform efforts to reduce its risk.
New research reveals Scotland's care system is taking years to find permanent homes for over 1,800 vulnerable children, with 91% experiencing maltreatment before being taken into care. Many children have no contact with their siblings, and crucial information is often missing from administrative data.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) during infancy is associated with lower economic earnings in adulthood. The association was strongest in the Midwest and South, where an increase in PM2.5 exposure by one microgram per cubic meter was linked t...
Researchers at UCSF identified signals in the metabolic system of infants who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), finding associations between lower C-3 levels and elevated C-14OH. Elevated biomarkers also led to reduced risk of SIDS, but further research is needed to validate these findings.
A case-control study found an association between abnormal birth metabolic analytes and sudden infant death syndrome, suggesting potential early risk identification. The study's findings could inform future research and clinical efforts focused on monitoring and preventing SIDS.
Researchers developed an AI model to detect lung disease in premature babies by analyzing their breathing patterns while sleeping. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model achieved 96% accuracy in classifying flow values as belonging to a patient with BPD or not, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
A new study has found a natural probiotic in the microbiomes of UK newborns, which could be used to develop personalized infant therapeutic probiotics. The researchers analyzed stool samples from 1,288 healthy infants and found that one of the pioneer bacteria was genetically adapted to utilize breast milk nutrients and block pathogens.
Researchers will analyze hMPV infection rates among infants and young children to understand its impact across different age groups. The study aims to provide critical insights into changing landscape of pediatric respiratory infections.
A recent Science study reveals that bat population decline led to a significant increase in pesticide use by farmers, resulting in more than 1,000 infant deaths. The study found a 31% rise in pesticide use and an 8% increase in infant mortality rate, highlighting the potential harm of pesticide misuse on human health.
A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...
A study by Dr. Pumpki Lei Su and colleagues analyzed over 300 children's home recordings to find that infants form patterns in their sound clusters, producing three categories of sounds. The researchers found significant clustering patterns in typically developing children and those later diagnosed with autism, suggesting a more sponta...
A recent study found that 60 percent of infant and toddler foods sold in top US grocery chains fail to meet nutritional recommendations, while none meet World Health Organization guidelines. The study also exposed widespread misleading marketing practices, including prohibited claims on packaging.
Inhalation of live Lactobacilli bacteria attenuates pulmonary inflammation, improves lung function, and structure for COPD and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The treatment reduces neutrophilic inflammation, MMP-9, and pro-inflammatory markers.
A new study suggests treating all children under 5 with azithromycin in Africa can significantly reduce child mortality. Treating older kids protects younger children from respiratory and lethal infections.
A recent study published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology reveals that children born extremely preterm are at a higher risk of autism diagnosis. The screening test was effective in identifying autism in preterm children, with only a small percentage who screened positive later receiving no diagnosis.
The USPSTF finds that iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia during pregnancy, affecting approximately 18% of pregnant individuals. Routine screening and supplementation are not recommended to prevent adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.
A recent review by Imperial College London suggests that Nigeria's high infant mortality rate could be addressed through the adoption of existing scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. The review highlights several low-cost advances in neonatal care developed by Nigerian clinicians and researchers, including adaptive ...
A recent study found that C-section antibiotics have a subtle impact on the infant gut microbiome, whereas diet has a significant impact. The study analyzed data from 172 infant samples and found that feeding mode explained 12% of variation in overall infant gut microbiome composition.
Researchers found that babies form strong expectations for a robot's responses within 10 minutes of interaction. The study suggests that contingency, or caregivers' timely reactions, is key to foundational learning in early development.
A new study by top researchers reveals one in five children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are likely to be diagnosed with the disorder as well. The rate of autism recurrence is seven times higher in families with an autistic child compared to the general population.
Researchers found that adults prioritize cognitive cues over vocal signals when evaluating a child's intelligence or negative emotions, while vocal cues dominate for assessing happiness or helplessness. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics of caregiver-child interactions and their evolutionary roots.
Infants born to mothers with obesity are at higher risk of SUID due to a dose-dependent association between increasing maternal BMI and SUID risk. Research suggests that maternal obesity should be added to the list of known risk factors for SUID.
Researchers present 'evolutionary-developmental model' explaining infant resilience to SIDS. The model suggests vulnerability lies in imbalance between risk factors and protective capabilities acquired during development.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley reveals a significant increase in underweight and premature births among non-white women in the US after Trump's election. Black mothers had the largest increases, with about 3,783 fewer infants born underweight if Trump hadn't been elected.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified a key biological pathway, the JAK/STAT pathway, that RSV suppresses and prevents immune system igniters from activating. This discovery provides a promising new target for therapeutic immune restoration and could lead to significant impact in treating RSV infections.
A population-level study found no increase in neonatal and infant mortality rates during the initial COVID-19 pandemic period. However, social distancing measures were linked to higher preterm birth rates with a lag period.
A new study by researchers tracked how French infants aged four to 12 months use their mother's scent to perceive faces. The ability to perceive faces greatly improves between four and 12 months, with younger infants benefiting the most from the presence of their mother's odor.
A collaborative effort between The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and Reaching our Sisters Everywhere identified key components of a successful breastfeeding journey as defined by parents and families. The findings aim to inform research priorities and promote patient-centered outcomes in infant and young-child feeding.
A large study confirms that siblings of autistic children have a 20% chance of autism, with factors such as sex and number of autistic siblings influencing likelihood. The study also found racial and maternal education level differences in recurrence rates.
Yanomami children face the most severe nutritional deficit in Indigenous communities in the Americas, with 52.2% undernourished and 570 starved to death in four years. Malnutrition during infancy can have lifelong effects on health, increasing disease risk and mortality rates.
A study published in PNAS found that infants less than a year old can combine novel words describing quantities with familiar words to understand phrases. This ability helps them interpret language input and learn about the world, laying the foundation for human creativity.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that toddlers who use touch-screen games may struggle with early social skills. The research suggests that excessive screen time during critical developmental periods can have long-lasting effects on communication and interaction.
A large cohort study in Canada found an association between prenatal ambient PM2.5 exposure and increased cerebral palsy risk in offspring. Further research is needed to understand this association and potential biological pathways.
Researchers have identified a link between tissue shrinkage and blood vessel stretching that contributes to intraventricular hemorrhage in premature newborns. Altering the activity of certain salt and water transporters may prevent this condition.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found no association between RSV vaccination during late pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth or poor outcomes. The research provides real-world evidence supporting the safety of Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine, offering reassurance to patients and clinicians.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that six-year-olds prefer smooth textures in their food, with a preference rate of 76% for lump-free options. Researchers suggest that this aversion may be linked to a protective mechanism against potentially poisonous foods or other dangers as children become more independent.
A new study reveals that parents use less redundant language with older children, highlighting the impact of perceived language proficiency on communication. The researchers employed an innovative method by quantifying redundancy in infant-directed speech using entropy rate.
A recent study investigated COVID-19 vaccine exposure in the first trimester and its potential impact on major structural birth defects. The results indicate that mRNA COVID-19 vaccine exposure during this period is not associated with an increased risk for selected birth defects among live births.
Nearly 20,000 US youth deaths could be avoided if US infant mortality rates matched those of 16 comparison countries. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and interventions to reduce US youth mortality rates.
Researchers found that lower adiponectin levels and higher leptin concentrations in parents during pregnancy may predict offspring mental health disorders. These biomarkers could enable early interventions for children at risk.
A new study suggests that baby-led weaning, a method of introducing solid foods to infants through self-feeding, can meet nutritional needs and promote healthy growth. The study found that baby-led weaning was associated with higher weight-for-age and weight-for-length scores compared to conventionally weaned infants.
Researchers found that caregivers' supportive responses can prevent emotional overeating by teaching children to regulate their emotions, while non-supportive responses may contribute to the behavior. The study suggests that parents should be aware of the complex factors influencing emotional overeating in young children.
New research suggests that neighborhoods with more educational and socioeconomic opportunities can improve infants' brain activity and cognitive development. Infants in such neighborhoods show greater brain function at six months of age and better cognition at 12 months old.
A new mathematical model suggests that male mammals' absence of breastfeeding may be an evolutionary strategy to limit the spread of harmful microbes. The theory proposes that maternal-only lactation acts as a sieve, retaining beneficial microbes and preventing their transmission through mammary milk.
Researchers found that WIC enrollment was associated with lower rates of gestational diabetes, preterm birth, blood transfusions, and ICU admissions. This suggests that programs like WIC can improve pregnancy health.
Research by the University of Texas at Austin found a 16% overall decrease in infants' speech input during real-world interactions when mothers used their phones. Phone use had stronger effects on speech during specific times of the day, highlighting the importance of parents being aware of their phone use's impact on caregiving.
Researchers found that starting resuscitation with high concentrations of oxygen (90% or greater) can increase survival chances for premature babies. The study examined over 1,000 premature babies and found a significant reduction in mortality rates by using higher oxygen levels.
A new study found that Texas' 2021 ban on abortion in early pregnancy was associated with unexpected increases in infant and neonatal deaths in Texas between 2021 and 2022. Congenital anomalies also surged in Texas, but not elsewhere in the US.
A new study by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing found that WIC staff need additional accommodations to provide inclusive care for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The research highlights the importance of accessible teaching materials and respectful communication to improve access and quality of services for the...
Researchers found that mono-canalicular Lacrijet stent insertion is a safe and effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children, with success rates unaffected by age or previous failed probing. The study suggests early assessments and stenting as an option for pediatric epiphora management.
Researchers found that many bacterial strains present in infants at 3 weeks, months, and 12 months originated from the father, not the mother. This discovery highlights the importance of physical and social interactions between newborns and their fathers, as well as with other family members.
The NEC Society is working to improve understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a leading cause of infant death. May 17 has been declared NEC Awareness Day in several states, aiming to generate more awareness and resources for a world without NEC.
Scientists at University of Galway create advanced computer models simulating newborn and infant metabolism. The digital babies can be personalized, enabling researchers to investigate individual infants' metabolism for precision medicine applications.