Regulating Surrogacy

http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/the-baby-market/?emc=eta1

As surrogacy becomes more common, it raises questions about whether the process should be regulated, or if it is a reproductive right that should remain private. Disputes can become more complicated when there is a lack of governance over surrogacy. Money complicates the situation even more. The fee for a surrogate can be well over $50,000. Because of this, poor women in other countries are carrying babies for Americans for less, with most of that money going to brokers or agents.

There is little screening for those seeking surrogates or wanting to act as a surrogate. There are no guidelines for what happens if the baby is born with a defect or problem. When money is the main motive for bearing a child, it is important to protect the interests of that child.

There have been heartbreaking results in surrogacy situations, but many people and families have benefitted from it. It has given people the opportunity to have children that they share a genetic connection with. Many people would otherwise not have this opportunity. It is difficult to regulate something so personal, but it may be necessary to protect the children involved.

Baby Car Seat Carriers Recalled

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/18/us/politics/AP-US-Baby-Car-Seats-Recall.html?scp=22&sq=baby&st=cse

Dorel Juvenile Group Inc., of Columbus, Ind, issued a recall on December 18th of about 447,000 of it's infant car seat carriers after receiving 77 reports of the child restraint handle fully or partially coming off the products. The recall involves Safety 1st, Cosco, Eddie Bauer and Disney branded car seat carriers with certain model numbers. They were sold at department and children's product stores nationwide from January 2008 through this month.

Consumers should not use the handle until a repair kit has been installed. A free repair kit can be ordered by contacting Dorel Juvenile Group at 866-762-3316 or visiting http://www.djgusa.com/safety.

New Registration Rules for Makers of Baby Products

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/24/us/politics/AP-US-Infant-Products-Registration.html?scp=26&sq=baby&st=cse

New government regulations are requiring the manufacturers of products for infants and toddlers to create programs for keeping in touch with people who certain items. Manufacturers will have to provide postage-paid registration forms with these infant and toddler products and keep records of those who register. Each product will also have to include the manufacturer's name and contact information, the product's model name, number and date of manufacture. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, these new requirements will improve the speed of distributing information about product recalls.

The requirements apply to 18 categories of products: full-size and nonfull-sized cribs; toddler beds; high chairs, booster chairs, and hook-on chairs; bath seats; gates and other enclosures for confining a child; play yards; stationary activity centers; infant carriers; strollers; walkers; swings; bassinets and cradles; children's folding chairs; changing tables; infant bouncers; infant bathtubs; portable toddler bed rails; and infant slings.

The new rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register this week. The rules will go into effect for 12 of the products categories 180 days after publication. For the remaining 6 categories: children's folding chairs, changing tables, infant bouncers, infant bathtubs, portable toddler bed rails and infant slings, the rules will go into effect 1 year after publication.

11 Baby Deaths Linked to Simplicity Cribs

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/17/us/politics/AP-US-Crib-Deaths.html?scp=25&sq=baby&st=cse

There have been several recalls and warnings regarding Simplicity cribs, starting in December 2005, but despite this, the number of reported baby deaths due to defective Simplicity cribs has risen to 11. Most recently, a 7-month-old in Princeton, Ky., became entrapped in the crib when a part of it broke, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency said it is aware of 25 other incidents involving drop-side parts detaching from Simplicity cribs.

More than 2 million Simplicity drop-side cribs have been recalled so far. Some of the recalled cribs have the Graco logo and Winnie Pooh motif. The crib's hardware can break or deform, causing the drop side to detach. This creates a space between the drop side and crib mattress that babies can roll into and become entrapped, leading to suffocation risk.

The agency's announcement on this month that 11 babies have died was a big jump from the 4 deaths reported in earlier recall announcements. The agency announced the new death tally with another reminder to parents about the dangers of Simplicity cribs.

Best Toys for Newborns

http://www.babycenter.com/0_toys-for-newborns_817.bc

In the first months, before she can grab an object or sit up, your baby will most appreciate things she can look at and listen to. Objects that move slowly and produce a gentle sound are more interesting to her than those that are fixed and silent.

Hand-held toys will be appreciated even though she can't hold them yet. She likes anything that can be moved into her line of sight (she is still very nearsighted). A tape played or music box will entertain and soothe your baby. Play a variety of music to see how she responds. Mobiles, particularly ones that play music are attractive to babies this age. Just remember to keep it out of baby's reach. An unbreakable mirror that you can fasten to the side of the crib or near a changing table will fascinate your baby. By 3 months old, your baby may begin smiling at her own reflection. Buy soft books with high-contrast patterns that are easy for baby to see. Even at this age, reading to her is a good idea. Sensory toys, sock and wrist rattles, and wind chimes are other ideas to excite, entertain, or soothe your newborn to 3-month-old baby.

How to Make Holiday Decorations Safe for Baby

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/12/23/holiday.safety/index.html?iref=allsearch

To make sure that holiday decorations around your home are safe for your baby, follow these tips. If you have an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled "fire resistant". If you get a live tree, make sure you pick a fresh, green one, and do a tap test- if a lot of needles fall when you tap the tree on the ground, don't get it. Keep live trees well-watered, and away from the fireplace, radiator, or heater. Never use lighted candles on or near the tree, wreaths or any evergreens. If possible, secure the tree to a wall.

Make sure all lights (indoor or outdoor) are in good condition with no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections. For decorations, use flame-resistant, nonbreakable ornaments, and hang them out of baby's reach. Skip tinsel, heirloom ornaments and any decorations resembling candy or food.

Never leave your baby unattended near the tree. Sweep the floor regularly to pick up tree needles, ornament hooks, and anything else your baby shouldn't put in his or her mouth. Amaryllis, mistletoe, and holly are toxic, display them out of baby's reach.

Christmas Miracle Baby

http://www.krdo.com/Global/story.asp?S=11740077

A holiday "miracle" happened for one Colorado Springs family on Christmas Eve. Tracy Hermanstorfer's water broke at 5:00 am on Christmas Eve, several weeks early. She was planning to have a natural birth, but that changed when she went into cardiac arrest.

With no time for anestheshia, she underwent an emergency C-section. According to doctors at Memorial Hospital, this type of condition during birth is rare, but when it happens this is hardly ever a positive outcome.

Once Tracy and her baby were stable, doctors examined Tracy, trying to determine what went wrong and how she and her baby managed to pull through. They were unable to find a reason.

Designer Baby Ground Rules

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/us/13surrogacy.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

There's been a lot of discussion in recent years about the limitations of genetically designing your baby and the ethical questions attached to whether parents should be able to decide eye color, athletic ability or height. Frequently overlooked is the fact that even if you can't customize your baby like a luxury car purchase, many states currently allow prospective parents to skew the probabilities if they're willing to pay for the arrangements.

Surrogate laws in many states, combined with fertility clinics who oversee the arrangements, already allow for the selection of an egg donor who matches desirable criteria, selection of a sperm donor who meets the same, and a surrogate who meets with the approval of the buyer. The arrangement carries a variety of costs, and different laws in different states can result in different outcomes if someone along the way decides not to fully honor the contract, but the result is still a baby that is far more customized than most of us or our parents ever were.

With valid arguments made daily in regards to trying to achieve the healthiest life and best chance of a positive outcome for the child carry a certain weight, many people still feel a level of uneasiness with allowing parents to determine genetic traits affecting appearance, athleticism or intelligence.

So dear readers, where do you think the line should be drawn?

Heinz Canada Recalls Baby Cereal

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/heinz-recalls-baby-cereal/article1396757/

Heinz Canada is recalled a baby cereal because it may contain elevated levels of Ochratoxin A, a secondary metabolite of mould associated with grains. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as a possible human carcinogen.

Joan Patterson, a Heinz spokeswoman, said the recall affects "a very limited amount" of the cereal, but didn't say how many boxes were affected. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said the baby cereal has been distributed nationally. No illnesses have been reported.

The CFIA says that if the cereal has been consumed, there is no need for further action because even the highest levels of Ochratoxin A found in the product are not high enough to pose a health risk when consumed as part of a normal diet over the short term.

The product affected by the recall is 227 gram packages of Heinz Mixed Cereal, stage 2, from 6 months, with best before date codes of BB/MA 10 DE 26 and BB/MA 10 DE 29. The UPC code is 0 57000 02516 8.

Heinz says it is taking action to remove the cereal from store shelves. It is recommending that parents throw out the affected product and contact the company for a refund.

CPSC Recalls Amby Baby Motion Beds

http://www.babychums.com/2009/12/us-and-canada-issue-recall-and-advisory-concerning-baby-hammock/

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall on Tuesday of almost 24,000 Amby Baby Motion Beds, made by Amby Baby U.S.A. of Minneapolis. This recall was prompted by 2 infant suffocation deaths - a four-month old Georgia girl in June, and a five-month-old Oregon boy in August. There were also 3 other non-lethal incidents with the hammock.

The commission said that the "side-to-side shifting or tilting of the hammock can cause the infant to roll and become entrapped or wedged against the hammock's fabric and/or mattress pad, resulting in a suffocation hazard." Health Canada, the country's public health department, went farther, saying that the Amby hammock "should be disassembled and disposed of in such a way that they cannot be used again."

Nancy Cowles, executive director of non-profit Kids In Danger, told the Associated Press: "There is currently no safety standard that would cover a hammock. And CPSC has recently recalled other (hammock) versions for entanglement hazards, so Kids In Danger would recommend parents not use these types of products until a safety standard is in place."

Baby's First Christmas Tips

http://www.timesofmalta.com/christmas/view/20091207/feel-the-spirit/babys-first-christmas

During the holidays, a newborn baby may get a lot of attention from family members, some of which may not be appreciated by the parents. It is okay to tell relatives that you would prefer that they don't kiss the baby's face or put his hands in their mouth. If the baby is a firstborn, the parents will most likely be given lots of unwarranted advice as well.

The holidays can be overwhelming for the parents and the baby. Not all babies take well to the increase in noise, smells and other factors of having several people gathered in one place.

One thing that may calm the baby during this time is feeding him. The temperature will rise in a room with several people present. Remember to dress the baby in layers. If he or she gets too hot, you can easily take off a layer. Strangers putting their faces too close to the baby may frighten him or her. If this happens, you or someone who the baby is comfortable with should give him or her some undivided attention.

Bayfront Baby Place Makes Birth More Comfortable

http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/bayfront-baby-place-gives-new-life-to-birth-basics/1056773

A new maternity ward in St. Petersburg, Florida, will make use of the latest medical thinking on labor and delivery when it opens early next year. The Bayfront Baby Place will use many childbirth concepts that are rooted in ancient wisdom, such as "kangaroo care". This concept allows the baby to be cradled on the mother's chest immediately after birth for calming and warming, instead of being taken away for weighing right after delivery. Another benefit of this facility is that the neonatal unit is only 3 floors above.

The facility has spa-like decor and amenities. Medical equipment is hidden behind sleek cabinets. There is plenty of room for women to walk around during labor or sit on big birthing balls to help the labor process. There are private feeding rooms for nursing, and the post-delivery rooms are designed for infants to stay with their mothers, complete with a baby-sized bathing sink with warming lights. There is a place for dads to spend to night too.

From the valet parking to flat screen televisions, the effect of the Baby Place is more like a hotel than a hospital, with an emphasis on keeping families together.

Munchkin, Inc. Introduces New Diaper Line

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/munchkin-inc-introduces-new-diaper-line-for-todays-parents-78675217.html

Munchkin, Inc., designer of infant and toddler products has announced the launch of it's first line of diapers, Munchkin Super Premium Diapers. Made from the highest quality materials, they are engineered to fit well and protect against leaks. The disposable diapers are offered in a variety of sizes to ensure comfort for all babies during both rest and active play.

Munchkin has seen rapid growth over the last few years, and consumers have requested that the company expand it's offering to new categories. Disposable diapers are one of the largest product segments that Munchkin had yet to enter. "We waited until we had a diaper that represented the Munchkin brand well in quality and features and that could stand up to the national brands at a great value," said Doug Gillespie, vice president of marketing.

Benefits of Infant Massage

http://www.silive.com/healthfit/advance/index.ssf?/base/living/126019531068990.xml&coll=1

Supporters of infant massage say it improves digestion, fosters weight gain, aids in sleeping and makes babies less fussy and colicky. The therapeutic techniques can be learned and practiced at infant massage classes.

Parents start by applying natural oils, such as olive, sunflower and shea butter, to their hands. Using natural oils helps the bonding process because the baby will pick up on the mother's scent instead perfumes that are used in other oils.

Each stroke has a rationale behind it. The "Sun Moon" is a stomach massage where the parent circles the baby's stomach in a clockwise motion. "It moves the gas bubbles and eases up the constipation," explains Jara Ferrante, an instructor in Staten Island.

Ferrante is one of more than 20,000 infant massage instructors in the United States who have been trained and certified through Infant Massage USA, an affiliate of the International Association of Infant Massage based in Sweden.

Prevention of Infant Mortality in the US

http://news.nurse.com/article/20091207/NATIONAL01/112070052/-1/frontpage

A study released in November points to prematurity in babies as the reason why the US has high infant mortality rates compared to other developed nations. About 1 in 8 babies is born before 37 weeks in the US, according to the March of Dimes.

There are many reasons for the high number of premature births including an increasing number of multiple births as a result of fertility treatments and delayed child bearing, a rising number of unnecessary cesarean sections and inductions, teenage pregnancy, and a large gap in economic, social, and health status between whites, blacks and other minority women, according to the March of Dimes.

Maternal-child health should be a team approach that includes dieticians, mental health providers, social workers, and nurses, with RNs taking a much more prominent role than they now do, says Michael Lu, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and public health at the University of California, Los Angeles. The healthcare system should focus on keeping women well through prevention and education long before they become pregnant, then healthy babies will follow.

More Women Choose Unassisted Births

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34225823/ns/health-womens_health/

A small but growing number of women are opting to deliver their babies at home, with no health professionals present. The number of home births that were not attended by a doctor or midwife rose by almost 10% between 2004 and 2006, from 7,607 to 8,347, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. In 2006, there were 25,000 home births, about 60% of which were attended by a midwife.

Unassisted births are considered dangerous by many doctors and midwives. "Most births are not complicated but when something goes wrong, everything happens very quickly and things can go downhill very fast," says Donna Strobino, a professor and deputy chair in the department of maternal and child health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.

Knowing that there are risks, some women still choose to have an unassisted birth. After giving birth to her first baby in a hospital, Shauna Schoenborn had her next four children at home, by herself. "My hospital births were very managed," she said. "I wanted privacy and to be free of internal exams. I wanted to give birth in an upright position and they want you to lie down. I feel birth is an instinctive process and in the hospital they treat woman like they're broken and birth like an illness."

Baby Book App for IPhone

http://www.babychums.com/2009/12/baby-book-app-for-iphone/

A new app for IPhone provides many features designed to make it easier to document your baby's milestones.

Some useful features:

• Add photos and notes for baby's family, friends, gifts, famous firsts, favorites and events like birthdays and holidays.

• Keep track of thank you notes for all of baby's gifts.

• Make a diary of feedings, sleep, and diaper changes.

• Create baby's health record by tracking weight, measurements, and immunizations.

• View baby's photos in easy to use viewer.

• Create books for multiple babies.

The app is available at the ITunes App Store for $4.99. For more information, visit the ITunes App Store or emmbook.com

Baby Planners Help New Parents

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579034,00.html

Many new parents are overwhelmed by all the choices of baby products out there, and find that they could use some help. This is why baby planning services are gaining popularity. They can help with everything from nursery planning and home baby-proofing to baby shower planning and shopping for maternity clothes.

The goal of these services is "to basically reduce the overwhelming feelings of stress and save time so you can spend quality time on what matter to you," said Melissa Moog, president of the National Baby Planner Association. Baby planners charge rates from around $50 to $150 per hour, or by packages, which can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Woman Smothers Baby While Breastfeeding

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2009/12/02/2009-12-02_breastfeeding_shouldnt_be_blamed_for_death_of_smothered_baby_on_board_united_fli.html

In a horrible accident, a woman nursing her baby on an airplane fell asleep, smothering her baby. A doctor on board tried to revive the child, but failed. There have been other similar incidents in the past of babies being smothered because the mother fell asleep during breastfeeding, bottle feeding, holding the baby, or sharing a bed with the baby.

Authorities want to stress that breastfeeding is safe and was not the reason for this baby's death. It could have happened while the mother was simply holding the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that co-sleeping is the most common cause of babies being smothered, and strongly advises against it.