http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/infant's_health/ Learn valuable parenting tips and information on babies. Read the latest medical research on infant health and development. en-us Sat, 25 May 2013 10:00:39 EDT Sat, 25 May 2013 10:00:39 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/infant's_health/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522131236.htm Research shows that clinical obesity at 24 months of age strongly traces back to infant feeding patterns. Wed, 22 May 2013 13:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522131236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130521132116.htm Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke in early childhood are more likely to grow up to physically aggressive and antisocial, regardless of whether they were exposed during pregnancy or their parents have a history of being antisocial. Tue, 21 May 2013 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130521132116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520185430.htm Women who smoke during pregnancy increase the risk of both obesity and gestational diabetes, in their daughters. Mon, 20 May 2013 18:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520185430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520185422.htm Parents who share a bed with their breastfed baby could face a fivefold increase in the risk of crib death, even if the parents do not smoke, according to a new study. Mon, 20 May 2013 18:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520185422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520154249.htm Researchers have for the first time used a novel form of MRI to identify crucial developmental processes in the brain that are vulnerable to the effects of premature birth. This new study shows that disruption of these specific processes can have an impact on cognitive function. Mon, 20 May 2013 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520154249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520142747.htm Living near a major roadway during the prenatal period is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infection developing in children by the age of 3, according to a new study. Mon, 20 May 2013 14:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520142747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514190641.htm A new study has found massage therapy that involved moderate pressure and stroking of the soft tissues followed by flexing and extending the joints of the arms and legs increased heart rate variability in male, but not in female preterm infants. Tue, 14 May 2013 19:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514190641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130513082837.htm Recent public health efforts have focused extensively on reducing the amount of formula babies are given in the hospital after birth. But in the first randomized trial of its kind, researchers have found that giving small amounts of formula in the first few days of life to infants experiencing high levels of early weight loss actually can increase the length of time their mothers end up breastfeeding. Mon, 13 May 2013 08:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130513082837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130512140606.htm Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, one type of “blue baby” syndrome, is a potentially deadly congenital disorder that occurs when pulmonary veins don’t connect normally to the left atrium of the heart. TAPVC babies are born cyanotic from lack of oxygen. Semaphorin 3d guides the development of endothelial cells and is crucial for normal development of pulmonary veins. Mutations in Sema3d cause embryonic blood vessels to hook up in the wrong way. Sun, 12 May 2013 14:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130512140606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509091213.htm The composition of gut microbiota in a new-born baby's gut has been linked to the rate of early infant growth. The findings support the assertion that the early development of "microbiota" -- the body's microbial ecosystem -- in an infant can influence growth and thereby the likelihood of obesity. Thu, 09 May 2013 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509091213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509090847.htm Toddlers living in socially-deprived areas are at the greatest risk of suffering a scald in the home, researchers at have found. Thu, 09 May 2013 09:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509090847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130508213107.htm Low-income women who chose to deliver their baby at a birthing center under the care of a certified nurse-midwife had the same or better birthing experience as women under traditional care with a hospital-based obstetrician, according to a new study. Wed, 08 May 2013 21:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130508213107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130508131827.htm A common nutritional supplement may be part of the magic in improving the survival rates of babies born with heart defects, researchers report. Wed, 08 May 2013 13:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130508131827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507195809.htm Women with unintended pregnancy are four times more likely to suffer from postpartum depression at twelve months postpartum, suggests a new study. Tue, 07 May 2013 19:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507195809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507164244.htm Excessive weight gain during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of lacerations during vaginal childbirth, according to a new study. Among more than 1,000 women who participated in the study, 126 experienced a significant increase in their body mass index (BMI), both +1 and +2 category changes, according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Of those women, 85.5 percent experienced lacerations compared to 69 percent with no change in BMI category. Tue, 07 May 2013 16:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507164244.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507103144.htm Allergies are very common in industrialized countries. It has been suggested that exposure to harmless bacteria during infancy may be protective against the development of allergy. However, it has been difficult to pinpoint which bacteria a baby should be exposed to, and at what time and by which route this exposure should ideally occur. Tue, 07 May 2013 10:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507103144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506181616.htm An ingredient that naturally occurs in breast milk might be used to prevent premature babies from developing a deadly intestinal condition that currently is largely incurable, according to researchers. Mon, 06 May 2013 18:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506181616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130505145813.htm In a randomized trial performed to help resolve the uncertainty about the optimal oxygen saturation therapy in extremely preterm infants, researchers found that targeting saturations of 85 percent to 89 percent compared with 91 percent to 95 percent had no significant effect on the rate of death or disability at 18 months. Sun, 05 May 2013 14:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130505145813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130505073736.htm Preterm infants may need to be given 800 international units of vitamin D a day to ensure they develop strong bones, according to a new study. Sun, 05 May 2013 07:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130505073736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130504163306.htm Pregnant women are advised not to smoke during pregnancy because it can harm the baby's lungs and lead to wheezing and asthma, among other problems. If a woman absolutely can't kick the habit, taking vitamin C during pregnancy may improve her newborn's lung function and prevent wheezing in the first year of life, according to a new study. Sat, 04 May 2013 16:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130504163306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130502081741.htm The biggest study of fetal growth and autism to date has reported that babies whose growth is at either extreme in the womb, either very big or very small, are at greater risk of developing autism.  Thu, 02 May 2013 08:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130502081741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130501193206.htm Fears that legalizing euthanasia for very sick newborns would prompt the start of a "slippery slope" and lead to abuse of the option have proved groundless, say experts. Wed, 01 May 2013 19:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130501193206.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430194039.htm Vitamin D is crucial to the growth of healthy bones. It is especially important that babies get enough of it during the first twelve months of their lives when their bones are growing rapidly. This is why health care providers frequently recommend that parents give their babies a daily vitamin D supplement. But how much vitamin D should babies be given? Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430194039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430131451.htm Children who did not receive enough iodine in the womb performed worse on literacy tests as 9-year-olds than their peers, according to a recent study. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430131451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430131112.htm Researchers have found a link between multivitamin use and alcohol consumption before pregnancy, uncovering a need for education about the importance of vitamin supplementation, particularly among women who drink alcohol during their childbearing years. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430131112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430105727.htm Scientists conducted a study to assess neurological and developmental outcome in extremely preterm (less than 27 gestational weeks) children at 2.5 years. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430105727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430105722.htm Among infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS; caused by in utero opioid exposure), variants in certain genes were associated with a shorter length of hospital stay and less need for treatment, preliminary findings that may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying NAS. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430105722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430092511.htm Most infants respond to a game of peek-a-boo with smiles at the very least, and, for those who find the activity particularly entertaining, gales of laughter. For infants with autism spectrum disorders, however, the game can be distressing rather than pleasant, and they'll do their best to tune out all aspects of it -- and that includes the people playing with them. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430092511.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429210917.htm Window blind cords pose a particular risk of accidental strangulation for young children, doctors have warned. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429210917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429164915.htm Pregnant women with mid to high levels of antibodies common in patients with celiac disease are at risk for having babies with reduced fetal weight and birth weight, according to a new study. The antibody tissue transglutaminase is most commonly found in patients with celiac disease. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429164915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429164627.htm A new study examines the relationship between medical interventions in early childhood and the increasing prevalence of later intellectual disability. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429164627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425091604.htm Researchers have figured out how to measure an infant's risk of developing autism by looking for abnormalities in his/her placenta at birth, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment for the developmental disorder. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425091604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423161855.htm Maternal use of valproate (a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy and other neuropsychological disorders) during pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of autism in offspring, according to a new study. The authors caution that these findings must be balanced against the treatment benefits for women who require valproate for epilepsy control. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423161855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130422111107.htm Four years ago, Janelly Martinez-Amador was confined to a bed, unable to move even an arm or lift her head. At age 3, the fragile toddler had the gross motor skills of a newborn and a ventilator kept her alive. She was born with thin, fragile bones, and by 3, she had no visible bones on X-rays. Initially, doctors weren't sure she would survive her first birthday. In May, Janelly will turn 7, and is developing bone with the help of an experimental drug therapy. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130422111107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130419160717.htm Parents know that crying babies usually calm down when they are picked up and carried, but why is that? In a study published today, researchers from the RIKEN Brain Science Institute show that human babies and mouse pups alike automatically and deeply relax when they are carried. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130419160717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418214051.htm The most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, respiratory syncytial virus, can be transferred during pregnancy to an unborn baby, according to new research. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418214051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418125756.htm A new study shows anesthesia is cost-effective in turning breech babies because it increases the likelihood the procedure will work. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418125756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418095947.htm There is a very good reason mothers often carry their crying babies, pacing the floor, to help them calm down. New research shows that infants experience an automatic calming reaction upon being carried, whether they are mouse or human babies. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418095947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130416214732.htm Light drinking during pregnancy is not linked to adverse behavioural or cognitive outcomes in childhood, suggests a new study. This study collated data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a national study of infants born in the UK between 2000-2002, to assess whether light drinking (up to two units of alcohol per week) in pregnancy was linked to unfavourable developmental outcomes in 7-year-old children. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130416214732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130416161839.htm In a study including children and adolescents six to 18 years of age, those who have experienced migraine headaches were more likely to have had colic as an infant, according to a new study. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130416161839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415204907.htm Researchers have discovered a biomarker that may help prevent a devastating intestinal disease that occurs in one of every 10 early preterm infants. The study may help prevent necrotizing enterocolitis, a condition primarily seen in preemies in which bowel tissue dies. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415204907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130412084539.htm Reanalysis of the World Health Organization’s  Antenatal Care Trial (WHOACT) shows that there is an increased risk of fetal death at between 32 and 36 weeks for women who have a reduced prenatal care package. Original analysis of the WHOACT concluded that reducing prenatal visits of low risk women from eight to four was not detrimental to their or their babies’ health and could cut costs. Based on this advice some countries have lowered the number of routine prenatal visits . However, in light of the 2010 Cochrane review, which suggested that reduced prenatal visits was in fact detrimental to health, the WHOACT data was reanalyzed by an international group of researchers. Once the data was adjusted for maternal risk (such as smoking, age, education) the group found that there was an increased risk of fetal death for the women who had reduced numbers of prenatal visits. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130412084539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410191605.htm A study to investigate whether a hospital-initiated behavioral therapy program conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit can reduce secondhand smoke in homes with infants at risk for pulmonary problems has been launched by UTHealth researchers. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410191605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131455.htm Baby marmoset monkeys that began eating solid food earlier than their peers were significantly more likely to be obese at one year of age, scientists have found. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408184636.htm A hospital-based quality improvement program showed an 83 percent decline in the rate of elective early term deliveries (inductions of labor and cesarean sections without a medical reason) among of 25 hospitals that implemented of a toolkit called "Elimination of Non-medically Indicated (Elective) Deliveries before 39 Weeks Gestational Age." The rate fell significantly from 27.8 percent to 4.8 percent during the one-year project period. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408184636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408184634.htm Newborn babies' immune system development and levels of vitamin D have been found to vary according to their month of birth, according to new research. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408184634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408152741.htm Exposure to the anesthetic agent isoflurane increases "programmed cell death" of specific types of cells in the newborn mouse brain, a new study reports. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408152741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408133917.htm Researchers have discovered that pregnant women living under continuous political and military stress have a 59 percent increased risk of miscarriage. The findings, based upon studies conducted on women in the Israeli town of Sderot, which is constantly under threat of rocket bombings from Gaza, demonstrate the importance of early intervention provided by health care professionals. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408133917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408123458.htm Researchers found that mice developed without the ATRX gene had problems in in the forebrain, the part of the brain associated with learning and memory, and in the anterior pituitary which has a direct effect on body growth and metabolism. The mice, unexpectedly, also displayed many of the symptoms associated with aging. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408123458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130407090835.htm Exposure of the developing fetus to excessive levels of stress hormones in the womb can cause mood disorders in later life and now, for the first time, researchers have found a mechanism that may underpin this process. Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130407090835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130404184446.htm Experts have revealed their findings from the most in-depth study ever to take place in the UK into the tragic instances of child killing by parents, known as filicide. The research found 37 per cent of parents and step-parents who killed their children were suffering from some form of mental illness and 12% had been in contact with mental health services within a year of the offense. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130404184446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130402124541.htm Women who have suffered a still birth or have medical conditions including varicose veins, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or heart disease are at greater risk of developing dangerous blood clots after giving birth, a study has revealed. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130402124541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130401104403.htm Calling gastroesophageal reflux a disease increases parents’ wish for medication, symptoms are frequently over-treated in infants, according to new research. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130401104403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130401090544.htm Kennedy Krieger Institute has announced a new, pilot initiative to help identify the red flags of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in infant siblings of children with ASD as early as possible. Research studies have found that for families who have one child with ASD, the chance of a subsequent sibling developing the disorder is one in five. The goal of this new initiative is to put a national spotlight on children most at risk -- infant siblings -- and to bring support and awareness to those families already affected by the disorder. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130401090544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130401074921.htm A new study shows that increasing numbers of premature and other low birth weight infants are the leading cause for the leveling off of infant mortality and neonatal mortality rates in the United States. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130401074921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130328075716.htm Prebiotic supplements in infant formula may help to prevent eczema, according to a systematic review. However, the review highlights a lack of high quality evidence for the effects of prebiotics in preventing allergies. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130328075716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130327133702.htm Pregnant women who experienced financial, emotional, or other personal stress in the year before their delivery had an increased chance of having a stillbirth, say researchers. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130327133702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130326194107.htm There is a link between vitamin D insufficiency and adverse health outcomes such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in mothers-to-be and low birth weight in newborns, suggests a new article. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130326194107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130325202556.htm Taking a long time to get pregnant may be linked to minor neurodevelopmental problems in the child, suggests a small study published online in the Fetal & Neonatal Edition of Archives of Disease in Childhood. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130325202556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130325160627.htm Pregnant women in Ghana who slept on their back (supine sleep) were at an increased risk of stillbirth compared to women who did not sleep on their back, according to new research. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130325160627.htm