Babies are Going Green

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/bringing-up-baby-organically

There is a rapidly growing movement among parents of newborns to "go green", not just with food, but also clothes, diapers, bedding, furniture, cleaning products, etc. In a recent survey conducted by Babycenter.com, a majority of women said having a baby made them want to be more environmentally conscious. Babycenter.com reports a recent increase of 211% in sales of eco-friendly products. 

The labeling of these products can be confusing or misleading. Especially with non-food items like bedding, clothes and diapers. Some manufacturers interchange "natural" and "organic". For example, bedding that is 100% cotton can be labeled as organic because it is made from a natural material even if it was grown using pesticides and processed with chemicals. 

While it seems like a good idea to use only natural products for your baby, there is still almost no evidence that there is any health advantages to using these products. There are, however, risks with not using them. Environmental compounds and toxins theoretically have negative consequences such as cell damage, cell death, cancer, and heart disease. Babies are even more sensitive to these chemicals than adults. So it may be smart to buy organic, but right now there is little scientific evidence to go on.

Diapering On The Go

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/diapering-a-baby-9/diaper-bag

The only thing you absolutely can't get by without when traveling with your baby is diapers. It is also helpful to have baby wipes, changing pads and plastic bags. Diaper bags make traveling more convenient and can also be used to store other items such as food, toys, bib, etc..

When diapering your baby in public, a changing pad comes in handy. It is a good idea to use one on changing tables, which are often less than sanitary. If there is no changing table available, you can improvise. A stroller, car seat, or even the trunk of your car will do for a quick change.

In a public indoor area, don't throw dirty diapers in the trash. It is not courteous to others. When you are in a mall, restaurant, or other indoor spot and need to change your baby, take dirty diapers and wipes out with you in a plastic bag and dispose of them at home. 

Crying Baby - "Natural High" for Some Moms

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25987709-29277,00.html

A study seeking causes of maternal neglect found that some mothers experience a "natural high" when they see their baby crying, while this sparks feelings of disgust in other moms. The study suggests that these reactions are caused by how the mother was treated as a child. 

30 first-time moms had their brains scanned as they were shown photos of their baby with various facial expressions, and had their blood tested before, during and after interacting with their child. They were also assessed on how "secure" their attachment to their parents was. 

For mothers who had a secure attachment to their parents, both happy and sad infant faces produced a reward signal in their brain. They also had a greater release of oxytocin in their bloodstream after interacting with their child. This hormone is important in childbirth, breast feeding, and maternal care. For mothers who had an insecure attachment to their parents, seeing their baby's crying face activated the insula, a brain region associated with unfairness, pain and disgust. 

This research may help to explain why sometimes the maternal-infant bond goes wrong, leading to child neglect or abuse. 

Toys 'R' Us Launches Cash for Cribs

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/08/toys-r-us-launches-cash-for-clunkers-babystyle.html

In a new program modeled after the government's "cash for clunkers" program, Toys 'R' Us will accept used cribs, car seats, and other children's items in exchange for a store discount. This 3- week program begins August 28 and ends September 20. There is no limit to the number of products that can be traded in for 20% off selected items. 

This event was started as a response to the numerous recalls on baby products. Missed safety recalls and changing safety standards can pose a hazard to children. When people sell secondhand baby and kid's products, they may unknowingly be passing on a dangerous product. 

Too Much Time in Car Seat Dangerous

http://www.examiner.com/x-18897-Pittsburgh-Baby--Toddler-Gear-Examiner~y2009m8d25-Study-finds-too-much-time-in-car-seat-dangerous-to-baby

A study published by Pediatrics has revealed that too much time spent in a car seat can lead to low oxygen levels and breathing problems in infants. This study was conducted on 200 healthy 2 day old babies. After an hour strapped in a car seat, they had lower average oxygen levels than infants laying in hospital cribs. 

While car seats are essential to babies' safety in a vehicle, they should not be used as a crib replacement. A car seat secures the child in an upright position, which is best in the event of a car accident. That position, according to the study, can also compress an infant's chest and restrict his or her airway if they are left there for too long. 

Baby Mall Online Website Revamped

https://www.babymallonline.com/

The primary sponsor of Newborn News Corner, Baby Mall Online, has a new look. Check out the great products and prices at BabyMallOnline.com. 

Rare Surgery Saves Baby's Life

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health1/rare-brain-surgery-helps-month-old-baby-live_100237191.html

Doctors at Artemis Health Institute in Gurgaon, outside of New Delhi have successfully operated on an infant born premature and suffering from a rare brain condition. This surgery was performed on August 24th, on month-old Dev Yadav, whose chances of survival were almost zero at birth. 

The baby weighed only 800 grams, had poor immunity, and his organs and skin were not fully formed. He suffered from a condition where cerebro-spinal fluid in the brain increases, compressing the brain and decreasing brain activity. The chance of an infant suffering from this condition is 1%. 

To save his life, a 45 cm long shunt was put in place connecting the brain with the abdominal cavity, where cerebro-spinal fluid was drained and absorbed. This was a high-risk operation, but Dev is now recovering well and has been discharged.

Baby Name Wizard Offers Advanced Tools

http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/08/24/baby-name-wizard-dazzles-both-the-expecting-and-the-curious/

There are an abundance of baby name websites, but the tools available on the Baby Name Wizard website are far more advanced than the average. One such tool is called Name Voyager, which shows the popularity of a name throughout history.  Another interesting tool on Baby Name Wizard breaks down name popularity by geographic location. With this accessory, you can track the prevalence of a name in different areas at different periods of time. Choosing a name for your child can be a difficult task, but Baby Name Wizard provides parents with lots of information to help make their decision. 

CDC May Recommend Circumcision to Curb HIV

http://www.examiner.com/x-1146-Seattle-Eastside-Family-Examiners~y2009m8d24-CDC-may-recommend-circumcision-for-all-baby-boys-to-help-curb-HIV

The Centers for Disease Control are debating about whether or not to recommend that all newborn boys in the US be circumcised, with the belief that this will prevent HIV infections. This comes after a study confirmed that men who are circumcised are less likely to be infected. The study was based on men having sex with HIV positive women, not men. In studies of men and HIV positive men, the rate of infection does not differ.

Circumcision has always been a controversial issue. Less than 40% of male newborns in the US were circumcised in 2007. Most other countries do not practice circumcision. Many parents in the US are opposed to it, because they feel that it is unnecessary and inhumane. Many others believe that it is more hygienic and has health benefits, such as prevention of urinary tract infections. While the CDC may recommend circumcision, it will not be mandatory. Whether to circumcise or not remains a personal decision for parents to make for themselves and for their child.

Mobile Health Centers Provide Primary Care for Gulf Coast

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=PRNI2&STORY=/www/story/08-24-2009/0005081635&EDATE=

4 years after the 2005 hurricanes devastated the gulf coast, 4 March of Dimes Mom and Baby Mobile Health Centers serve as the primary health care providers for thousands of pregnant women, teenagers and children in the area. This service began as an emergency response to the destruction that caused many hospitals and health care facilities. Many have still not reopened. 

These 4 centers have provided more than 7,800 patient visits since 2007 in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Services provided include ultrasound, prenatal visits, pregnancy tests, preconception counseling, referrals to remaining hospitals in the area for women who require specialized care, and postpartum checkups.

The Mom and Baby Mobile Health Care Centers are funded through the March of Dimes Hurricane Assistance Fund. They are staffed by the Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans, Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center and Coastal Family Health Center. 

Baby Skin Care

http://children.webmd.com/slideshow-baby-skin-care

It is common for babies to experience skin irritation in the first few months after birth. Most rashes are nothing to worry about and will go away by themselves. 

Diaper rash is very common, usually caused by diapers that are too tight or wet diapers left on too long. Avoid diaper rash by keeping the diaper area open to air for as long as possible, changing the diaper immediately after it is wet, washing your baby with a warm cloth, and applying zinc oxide cream. 

Acne and dry skin also affect many newborns. Acne is caused by the mom's hormones while the baby is still in the womb. Dry skin usually affects babies who were born a little late. Both are generally not serious and will clear up by themselves within a few weeks. 

There are a large variety of skin problems that can affect newborns. Most are not serious, but if you are concerned, ask your doctor.

New Requirements for Children's Products

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09306.html

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is enforcing new requirements for children's products effective August 14. These new standards limit lead content in products and surface coating materials of products intended for kids. Permanent tracking labels are now required on any consumer products intended for children 12 or younger. Advertisements for certain toys and games intended for children ages 3-6 must now have warnings about potential choking hazards to children younger than 3. Stricter civil penalties are being enforced to discourage violation of these and other requirements for children's products. 

Choosing a Baby Carrier

http://www.examiner.com/x-17929-Denver-Attachment-Parenting--Examiner~y2009m8d16-Babywearing-101-What-kinds-of-baby-carriers-and-slings-are-available

There are many benefits of using a carrier to travel with your baby. It keeps your baby close to you while leaving your hands free. The baby is also more engaged with the world around them than if they were in a stroller.

There are a variety of carriers to choose from. Ring Slings are very versatile. They can adjust to accommodate infants, older babies and toddlers. Pouches are a simpler alternative. They do not adjust, but may be a good choice for a first-time mom. Wraps offer an almost endless possibility of positions. They can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, they are very useful. 

Finding the right carrier can improve traveling for you and for your child. 

Baby Sleep Tips

http://www.examiner.com/x-19031-Philadelphia-New-Moms-Examiner~y2009m8d17-Sleeping-baby-happy-momma

Sleep deprivation is a common problem for new mothers, and it can contribute to post-partum depression, mood disorders, and other ailments. Adhering to a regular sleep schedule and creating a distinct separation between napping and night-time sleeping can help your baby fall asleep more easily and sleep through the night. 

For night-time sleep, the baby should be put to bed in the same room every night. The atmosphere should be dark and quiet. For day-time napping, baby should sleep in a different area, such as a play pen. During the day the baby's environment should remain active, so leave blinds open, music on, etc. 

Having a night-time routine before bed will also help baby fall asleep because they will realize that bed-time is coming soon. A popular one is to bathe and feed the baby before bed. Put baby to bed after the night-time routine even if still awake, and ignore crying unless there is a serious problem. This will teach the child to fall asleep on their own.

Ads Show Unsafe Sleep Positions

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2009/08/17/2009-08-17_babies_should_sleep_on_their_backs_but_magazine_ads_rarely_depict_them_that_way_.html

A study published in the journal "Pediatrics" points out that many parenting magazines may be sending the wrong message to parents about what sleep positions are safe for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns sleep on their backs, with no loose bedding, soft sleeping surfaces, or bed sharing. Following these guidelines helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, which is the leading cause of infant deaths. 

The study found that over one third of publications targeted toward women ages 20-40 depict infants in unsafe sleeping positions. Many ads for baby products show babies curled up on their sides, sleeping face-down, or with other hazards in their sleep environment such as pillows, stuffed animals and loose blankets. New parents viewing these ads may get the impression that this environment is safe for an infant. 

Advertisers claim that they are just trying to show their products in the most aesthetically pleasing way, and it is the parent's responsibility to know what is safe and age-appropriate for their child. Parents are encouraged to refer to the safe infant sleeping guidelines, published by the AAP for advice on safe sleeping practices for their child. 

Help for Post-Partum Depression

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6575047.html

A tragic incident in which a San Antonio mother decapitated her infant son has brought new awareness to the effects of post-partum depression. Over 80% of mothers experience post-partum blues and more than 1 in 1000 are affected by a more serious condition, post-partum psychosis. 

Maria Zeitz, a nurse and psychotherapist from San Antonio has formed a monthly class for pregnant women and their partners on recognizing and dealing with the signs of post-partum depression. The meetings educate women about this issue, and also give them a venue to share their thoughts and concerns and know that they are not alone. 

Controversy Surrounds New Breastfeeding Doll

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32314995/ns/today-parenting_and_family/

A new doll introduced by Bebe Gloton has stirred up significant controversy for parents. The doll, which has been said by the manufacturers to promote breastfeeding, makes sucking sounds when held up to a breast. I just worry about what’s next,” TODAY’s Kathie Lee Gifford said after watching a video clip showing a young girl wearing a vest with daisies where her breasts would be.

The Spanish manufacturers of Bebe Gloton — “Baby Glutton” in English — say the doll is meant to promote nurturing in young girls and to encourage breast-feeding, since it has many health benefits. Others argue that this may be too much, too soon.

Prenatal Exercise Proves Beneficial

http://pregnancyandbaby.sheknows.com/blog/pregnancy-health/news-flash-exercise-during-pregnancy-is-healthy/

A new study showcased in the August 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) relates some new benefits of prenatal exercise that all mothers should consider.

According to the new research, exercise during pregnancy can strengthen and improve overall musculoskeletal and physiologic health as well as pregnancy related symptoms. Smart and safe exercies for new mothers include aerobics, impact and non impact activities, resistance training and swimming. These cardio excercises can ease back pain, lower blood pressure, reduce pregnancy swelling, and improve post-partum mood, including sadness.

Marlene DeMaio, M.D., M.C., U.S.N. states that according to research, pregnant woman’s body can compensate for the changes with no harm to the fetus during low to moderate intensity exercise. DeMaio notes,

It is important to remember that pregnancy is a temporary condition, not a disease, and that the musculoskeletal and physiologic changes that happen are normal in the majority of patients.

Power Foods for Breastfeeding Moms

http://pregnancyandbaby.sheknows.com/blog/pregnancy-news/three-power-foods-for-breastfeeding-mamas/

Breastfeeding is a challenge for many moms whose babies require more milk than one can produce. It has been said that breastfeeding is an overall better practice than formulas due to the natural vitamins and nutrients that breast milk provides. Below are the top three foods to increase breastfeeding success:

1. Blueberries - loaded with antioxidants and a strong provider of healthy carbohydrates and energy
2. Brown Rice - gives you energy you need to produce more milk and healthier than other carbohydrates
3. Salmon - packed with DHA, a type of fat that is absolutely essential to your baby’s nervous system development

Training Pant Sales Decline Due to Tough Economy

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32201460/ns/today-parenting_and_family/

When disposable training pants were introduced roughly 20 years ago, parents were excited. The training pants provided a diaper-like reliability but were able to be taken on and off with ease. With the tough economic times, the sales for training pants has dropped significantly. Parents are realizing that they can do without the convenience of these training pants.

Darcy Forsell had spent so much on diapers in her daughter's early years — at least $1,500 by her estimate — that when the time came for 3-year-old Liz to potty-train, Forsell decided to skip the training pants. "It didn't seem like a good investment in terms of time and money," Forsell said.

Sales of disposable training pants declined 3.2 percent to $731.2 million for the 52 weeks ending June 13 and the number of training pants sold is down 10 percent, according to data from The Nielsen Co. That's despite the fact that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, U.S. births rose 3 percent in 2006 and 1 percent in 2007.

Circo Booster Seats Recalled

http://babyproducts.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=babyproducts&cdn=parenting&tm=73&f=00&su=p946.1.250.ip_p284.9.336.ip_p504.1.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09302.html

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Circo Booster Seats

Units: About 43,000

Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The booster seat restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, allowing a child to fall from the chair and be injured.

Incidents/Injuries: Target has received eight reports of the booster seat buckles opening unexpectedly, including three reports of bruises.

Description: This recall involves Circo booster seats with manufacture date codes XJ0811, XJ0812, XJ0901, and XJ0902. The plastic booster seat is blue with green trim and has white straps. The manufacture date code is printed on the backside of the seat next to the consumer warning information. “Circo” can be found on a label located in the front of the seat.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from December 2008 through June 2009 for about $13.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the booster seat and return the item to the nearest Target store to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx