Baby Development How to Keep Babies Cool in the Summer Heat
| Baby Health Breastfed Babies Weaned Later than Formula Fed Babies By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistIt is recommended by experts across the globe to hold off on starting an infant on solids until at least 4 to 6 months of age; with some experts claiming no sooner than 6 months. Ideally, an infant should be exclusively breastfed for the 6 months of life, but statistically many women to not reach that goal. Does the type of infant feeding method dictate how soon a baby is started on solid foods? A new study attempts to find the answer to that very question.Published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, the study spans 5 European countries and includes over 1500 infants. As it turns out, mother who breastfeed are more likely to follow the recommendation of delayed solid food introduction. On average, formula fed babies were given solid foods 2 weeks earlier than breastfed babies along with being twice as likely to start on solids prior to 4 months of age. Only about 16% of breastfed babied had solids prior to 4 months of age compared to about 37% of formula fed babies.The study also revealed the timing of introduction of solids also varied between countries. Regardless of breast or bottle feeding, Belgian mothers were more likely to start babies on solids before 4 months of age; whereas mothers in Germany did not. Although expert recommendations between countries as to when to introduce solids are the same, the differences suggest that there are social, cultural, and parental influences that dictate the timing of weaning. In addition, formula fed babies were more likely to be given commercially prepared foods than their formula fed counterparts. As lead study author Sonia Schiess of Dr. von Haunersches Childrens hospital in Munich explains: It seems that breastfeeding mothers prefer normal foods to commercially prepared or semi-prepared products; whereas mothers who feed their babies formula and, hence, are already using a commercial product, may have a lower threshold for introducing other commercial products into the infants diet. Almost all countries, including UNICEF, are unanimous about feeding recommendations including exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Early introduction of solids has been associated with childhood obesity as well as a main contributor to food allergies. Waiting to introduce solids to your babys diet also allows time for their digestive systems to mature improving overall immunity while making the transition into a solid food diet much easier for both baby and mother. |
| Baby Health Brain Maturation in Preemies May Be Delayed by Iron Deficiency in Womb By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistIron is critical for healthy brain development and is one of the main components of prenatal vitamins. During pregnancy, daily iron needs double from 18mg to 27mg not only to support the increased blood supply in an expecting mother’s body, but also to support the growing baby and placenta. A new study found that delayed brain maturation in preemies may be the result of iron deficiency in utero.Within the womb, iron plays a large in fetal brain development. The study, by the University of Rochester Medical Center, shows an iron deficiency can slow the development of the auditory nervous system in premature infants. Affecting babies ability to process sound, this delay could hinder language development in early childhood.Study author Dr. Sanjiv Amin explains: Sound isn’t transmitted as well through the immature auditory pathway in the brains of premature babies who are deficient in iron as compared to premature babies who have enough iron, . Dr. Amin went on to explain that if the auditory system is affected during the developmental phase, then iron deficiency could be affecting other parts as well. The study examined 80 infants for over 18 months testing umbilical cord blood iron levels in addition to a non-invasive tool to measure the brains auditory nervous system maturity soon after birth. Results of the study revealed that low blood iron levels did indeed correlate with abnormal maturation of auditory system. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can result in anemia, a condition denoted by a lack of sufficent red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia during pregnancy often results in fatigue or exhaustion but can also result in serious problems like low birth weights or preterm labor. Many doctors are unaware that iron deficiency can result in language problems. The study authors confirm that more research is needed to fully grasp what this delayed maturation means, but most certainly reaffirms the need to monitor a womans iron levels throughout pregnancy. |
| Baby Development How to Keep Babies Cool in the Summer Heat By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistAlthough it feels like it took forever, summer is finally here and so is the hot weather. With Independence Day right around the corner, families are planning fun activities that are more than likely outdoors. Adults and even little children can tell when you when they are hot or need some water but what about babies? Babies are sensitive to extreme temperatures too and can have difficulty falling asleep when it is warm just like their parents. This doesn’t mean these tiny tots need to remain indoors all summer, just that parents need to be extra mindful on hot summer days. Here are a few ways keep your baby cool in the summer heat.SunshineThe delicate skin of infants makes them more prone to sunburn. Babies under 6 months of age should not use sun block thus it is important they remain in the shade. If you are heading for a day at the beach, be sure to bring an umbrella, a sun hat, and even a light blanket to protect babies skin. After 6 months of age, look for an organic infant sunscreen like Soleo Organics or California Baby. Some sun blocks, especially those marketed for adults, can contain harmful chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation. HydrationJust like grown ups, babies sweat in the heat. However, since babies are so small they have a limited ability to retain extra fluids and lose fluids through perspiration at a much faster rate. For mothers who are breastfeeding, it is very important that you stay hydrated because baby is getting her fluids from you. Also, you can breastfeed more frequently on hot days to ensure adequate fluid intake. For formula fed babies, do not add additional liquids to the formula because this reduces the nutrient content which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Instead, in between feedings, you can offer him a small amount of cool, purified or distilled water. Be sure to consult your physician for additional information or if suspect your child is not getting adequate fluids. Remain diligent for signs of dehydration which include:Refusal to eat or drinkFewer wet diapersCrying or irritabilityHot and dry skinElevated body temperatureVomiting or diarrheaDry mouthTired or lethargicStaying CoolFans can help circulate the air in the room, but should not be pointed directly at the child. Stick to fabrics like cotton both for their bodies and bedding as this helps absorb sweat to avoid a heat rash. Nap times can be tough if it is too warm for him to fall asleep so let him sleep in the coolest part of the house where there is a breeze. Also, never ever leave a child or infant in the car alone during any type of weather. Other cooling tips:A sponge bath or bath in lukewarm waterHang wet towels over chairs or windows to cool the airBe sure the air in the room and around her is circulating: prams may block the airflow and so does additional bedding like crib pads. |
| Child Development ABC Reports Mattel Fined $2.3 Million for Toy Hazards By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistJust when parents thought toy shopping got a little safer. Over the past year, great strides have been made in keeping harmful chemicals out of the hands of children, including providing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) with additional funds to crack down on safety violations. The CPSC is apparently working more efficiently as they recently reported Mattel knowingly ignored safety standards.Toymakers Mattel Inc. and its Fischer Price subsidiary will be paying a $2.3 million civil penalty for selling and importing toys containing excessive amounts of lead. It wasnt a new regulation Mattel violated, but a 30 year old federal ban on lead paint in toys and, as the CPSC announced, did so knowingly. The toy company denies purposefully violating the ban, yet this is not their first time in the hot seat. During the 2007 holiday shopping season, Fisher-Price and Mattel were among many other toymakers who had millions of China-made toys pulled from shelves.This is first fine for the commission, who hopes this will serve as a notice to other toymakers that the CSPC is committed to child safety. The 2007 toy recalls were highly publicized, which the commission feels helped spawn congressional legislative action. One big change that arrived last summer, the Consumer Product Safety Act, restricts lead amounts in childrens products. We were able to effectively minimize any potential concerns by launching a fast-track recall of the affected product in conjunction with the CPSC and other global regulatory agencies, and by taking several steps to enhance our product compliance protocols and procedures to confirm that every Mattel toy is safe for children to enjoy ; Mattel responded to the CPSC announcement. Lead poisoning is a serious matter for children as it can lead to delayed physical and mental development, learning deficiencies, and neurological damage. |
| Baby Health St. Josephs University Study Finds Parental Presence at Bedtime may Result in Sleep Difficulties By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistTo avoid stumbling down the hall half asleep in the middle of night, many parents keep new babies in their bedrooms to sleep during the first few months of life. Some parents even allow their infants to sleep in bed with them to provide a midnight feeding and let them drift of to sleep without having to move them. A recent study found this practice may be disruptive to an infants sleep. According to the St. Josephs University in Philadelphia study, parental presence at bedtime has a negative impact on infant sleep; even more so than co-sleeping. The study examined data from the parents of 29,287 toddlers and infants from Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, United States, Hong Kong, India, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Lead researcher Jodi A. Mindell, PhD explains that previous studies of parents sharing a bed with their baby were associated with sleep problems including more night wake-ups. Mindell states: It is likely that it is not the bed sharing or room sharing per se that leads to increased sleep issues rather, most young children who sleep in a separate room fall asleep independently of their parents. These children are able to return to sleep on their own when they naturally awaken during the night, and thus have fewer sleep problems. Children who sleep in the same room as their parents usually have a parent helping them to fall asleep at bedtime, and will need that help again throughout the night. Parents completed an extensive sleep questionnaire and co-sleeping was defined as sharing a bed, room sharing in a separate bed, or sleeping in another room. The results revealed that children who slept in a separate room got more sleep, awoke less frequently in the night, fell asleep faster, had less difficulty at bedtimes, and were perceived as having fewer problems. The clinically significant differences were mainly found in predominantly Caucasian countries, where 11.8% of parents reported bedsharing and 22% reported sharing a room. Predominantly Asian countries reported much larger rates of co-sleeping with 64.7% and 86.5% respectively. Study authors were surprised to find that in countries of predominate Asian descent; most parents were present at their childs bedtime. |
| Delivery of Premature Infants Several decades ago, some experts proposed that elimination of the stresses of labor by delivering all preterm babies by cesarean would increase the newborn survival rate. The rationale was that reduced stress on the infant’s head would reduce the possibility of bleeding into the skull. This complication, called intraventricular hemorrhage, is another major cause of [.] |
| Down Syndrome in Babies More than half of the average American woman’s expected life span is spent between menarche(first menses) and menopause(last menses), a period of approximately 40 years. During this 40-year period, she must make many decisions regarding her reproductive health. Deciding if and when to have children, as well as how to prevent pregnancy when necessary, are [.] |
| Baby Development 5 Free Ways to Spoil Moms By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition Specialist May is a month for celebrating mothers, although honoring your mum or the mother of your children doesnt have to stop at mothers day. Being a mom is a 24-7 job without vacation time, sick pay, or lunch breaks so every mother appreciates a little appreciation. You dont have to spend a lot of money to show gratitude for moms either; in fact there are lots of free ways to show her you care. Many mums agree it is thought that counts. Dozens of women were asked what gifts they would like for mothers day and the majority response was the same: the gifts of I love you through thoughts and actions mean so much more than expensive gifts. So partners, brainstorm with your children for fun ways to show mom how much you care. To get you started, here are 5 free ways to spoil mums: 1. Queen for a day: Yes, we all secretly want to be queen for a day. Have the kids make her a crown she gets to wear all day and let the queen decide what she wants to do. Bringing breakfast in bed is a great way to start and if she wants to relax, take the down time to clean up the kitchen or prep for a dinner she wont have to cook. Most importantly, make sure the queen doesnt have to lift a finger for the whole day. 2. Alone time: Most women with young children rarely get time to themselves. Giving mom time to either get out of the house to go have tea with a good friend, shop, or go for a stroll in park; or taking the kids out of the house so she can sit on the couch and read a good book - both options result in mom getting some ‘me time to recharge herself.3. Moms little helper: Sit down as a family and write out all the chores mom doeson little strips of paper. On the other side of the chore, write the family members name down who is willing to do that chore. Put all the papers into a shoe box and present it to her so she will have little helpers as she needs them in the days to come - its the gift that keeps on giving!4. Create a home spa: Seat mom in a comfy chair and put on some relaxing music to create an in-home spa experience. Fill up a tub or bucket with warm water and some essential oils if you have any or even marbles at the bottom of the bucket to rub her feet across. While her feet are soaking you can use some lotion or olive oil to rub her hands. Have an aspiring aesthetician in the house? Let her give mom a manicure or paint her nails. Dry her feet off and finish with a foot rub. 5. Create coupons: Get out some construction paper and make coupons good for varying things moms love like 1 free hug, a kiss, dish duty, picking up toys, feeding the dog, or any other little thing that might make her day. This way she can ‘cash her coupon in on any day she needs a smile. |
| Baby Development TV Can Impair Speech Development in Young Children By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistSeveral months ago, reports surfaced stating that even the background noise of the TV being on, even if in another room, disrupted a young childs ability to concentrate. Very little was discussed in previous studies as to how TV affects parent child interaction, until now. A new study found this communication is so diminished it can lead to speech impairments in children. Published in this months issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the study found that when the TV is on, parents and children literally stop speaking to each other even if sitting in the same room. Specifically, parents spoke 770 less words per hour while in front of the TV, while the average adults speaks about 941 words an hour.It wasnt just the parents who fell silent, as children vocalized much less as well. This may explain results found in previous studies that babies who watch a lot of TV know fewer words. The study fitted 329 children aged two months to four years with business card sized digital devices for about 6 months. These devices included a speech recognition program that could differentiate human voices from TV content and counted the number of words spoken when the TV was on. The study shows that even though a parent and child feel as though they might be interacting with the TV on, quite the opposite is true. In certain cases, note researchers, parents simply zoned on while watching TV and others left the room while their child was perched in front of the television.This is the seventh study to suggest TV can impair a childs language development, yet clear results are yet to be found. In fact, some recent studies have found that TV neither helped nor harmed language acquisition. One thing is known, as the study authors point out, that TV watching is not helpful to a child as some popular baby videos might suggest. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV watching for babies under two years of age while older children should be limited to less than two hours per day. |
| This Blog is Moving - Visit Our New Blog Our new blog is now up and running!We’re really excited about the change because - as you’ll see - our new blog has LOTS of features that were missing from this one!Let’s not spend any more time here. instead, head on over to the new Homemade Baby Food Recipes. |