How To Prevent Forgetting Baby In The Car

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/automobiles/30HEAT.html?scp=7&sq=baby&st=cse

Infants or young children left inside a vehicle can die or hyperthermia in a few hours, even when the temperature outside is not especially hot. This is a tragedy that kills about 30 children a year.

Many times, this is a result of forgetfulness rather than neglect, when otherwise responsible parents become distracted and inadvertently leave a child in the car. Now that children ride in the back seat, it is easier to forget that they are there.

Janette Fennell, founder and president of KidsAndCars.org, a safety advocacy group based in Leawood, Kan., that focuses on issues involving children and automobiles, says that carmakers must develop reminder devices to warn drivers if a child is left behind. The organization campaigned for such a requirement to be written into the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2008, but it was not.

As a result, Kids and Cars is proposing that a requirement for safety belt latching reminders for all seating positions be attached to the next Transportation Department reauthorization bill. The proposed regulation would also mandate a child-left behind warning.

Automakers said they have conducted research into warning systems, but none provided specifics. A solution to this tragic issue is in the works, but still seems to be a way off.

Mothers Turn To Alternative Sources of Breast Milk

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/06/16/others-milk.html

Many mothers with physical barriers to supplying milk to their child, such as adoptive parents or women who have undergone mastectomies, are turning to other sources of human milk rather than using infant formula.

Milk banks are one place parents can obtain supplemental milk. Banks take donation from mothers who have pumped extra milk, and combine and pasteurize it to provide milk for babies in need. The banks screen donors because human milk can transmit diseases.

The demand for donor milk is far greater than the supply, and shipping and screening milk is expensive, making the cost too high for many parents. Prices can reach more than $3 an ounce. An infant may drink 30 ounces a day.

Neighborhood moms' groups, friends and online parenting forum are another place parents are turning to for human milk donations. On the Milk Share website, mothers post notices offering their milk (free donation only), and those looking for milk post requests. Milk Share encourages parents to follow the same safety procedures as milk banks, but not all do.

Most lactation consultants won't recommend milk sharing because of the risks involved. Nancy Morbacher, a board-certified lactation consultant believes improving institutional support, such as free postpartum health care and paid maternity leave is the best solution for getting safe milk to all children.

WHO Creates Database on Use of Child Medicines

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37778244/ns/health/

The World Health Organization has issued it's first-ever guidance on how to use more than 240 essential medicines for children under 13.

This data provides information on use, dosage, side-effects and interactions of medicines as well as warnings about which children should not take them.

"Without a global guide, many health care professionals have had to prescribe medicines based on very limited evidence," said WHO's Dr. Hans Hogerzeil. Some countries have developed their own instructions for giving medicines to children, but there are no universal standards.

Around 8.8 million children under 5 die every year, many from diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia that could be avoided with the correct use of medicines, according to WHO.

Bacteria Differs From Babies Born By C-Section Vs. Vaginally

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128147405

A new study shows that the bacteria found on babies delivered by cesarean section are drastically different from the bacteria found on babies delivered vaginally. Previous research has shown that babies delivered via C-section may be more prone to potential health issues, such as asthma and allergies.

Stanford researcher Elizabeth Costello cautions against jumping to any conclusions. "Those theories relate to the hygiene hypothesis, which posits that the more we restrict our exposure to microbes, the less our immune system understands how to deal with them appropriately."

Costello, one of the lead authors of the study says that her research simply shows a difference between the microbes babies are exposed to in the first moments of life, depending on the method by which they were delivered. "Whether or not those differences contribute later on is something that further studies will have to address."

The researchers found that babies born via vaginal delivery are essentially coated in bacteria that babies born by C-section skip. Costello won't speculate on whether there are benefits to being exposed to this vaginal bacteria. But, she says, "if further studies do demonstrate that there's a beneficial effect of being exposed to particular kinds of bacteria from the vagina, then one could imagine a future scenario where babies born by a C-section are exposed to a particular kind of probiotic in order to facilitate that exposure."

Over 2 Million Cribs Recalled

http://newsfuzion.com/2010/06/27/recall-of-baby-cribs-issued-by-u-s-consumer-product-safety-commission/

A recall was issued on June 24 of over 2 million cribs made by 7 different companies. This recall targets cribs with drop down and movable sides. The sides may become unattached from the crib, due to hardware failure or incorrect assembly. This creates a space where the baby's head could become lodged or trapped in the open gap, which could result in strangulation or suffocation.

The cribs affected by the recall are made by Evenflo, Delta Cribs, LaJobi, Million Dollar Baby, Jardine Enterprises, Simmons Juvenile Products, and Childcraft. For a list the model numbers being recalled, visit the CPSC website, http://www.cpsc.gov/.

If you believe you own one of the malfunctioning cribs, the CPSC has recommended that you stop using the crib immediately and contact the company that made your crib.

3.4 Million Ikea Window Shades Recalled

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37620745/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

After a child nearly strangled on a cord, Ikea is recalling 3.4 million window blinds and shades. This recall involves 3 styles of shades - Roman shades and roll-up blinds sold at Ikea stores nationwide for over 11 years, from January 1998 to June 2009, and roller blinds from that time period that don't have a tension device attached to the bead chain.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced this recall after receiving a report that a

1-year-old boy in Lowell, Mass nearly strangled earlier this year. The blinds are dangerous for young children because their necks can become entangled in the cords.

Ikea is adding it's name to the retailers joining the voluntary recall announced last year of all Roman shades and roll-up blinds. In that recall, millions of shades and blinds were recalled after the government received reports of at least 5 deaths and 16 near strangulations since 2006 from Roman shades and at least 3 deaths since 2001 from roll-up blinds.

The Ikea blinds being recalled were distributed by Ikea Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa., were made in India, Estonia, China or Poland. Ikea is asking consumers to stop using the blinds and shades and return them to their stores for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call 888-966-4532 or visit http://tinyurl.com/y9p8bh3 or http://www.cspc.gov.

Most Canned Food Contains BPA

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37592661/ns/health-food_safety/

For the past several years, there has been much concern and debate over the chemical Bisphenol A's effects, particularly on babies and young children. Many parents buy only BPA-free bottles and feeding items in an effort to protect their children from the chemical's possible harmful effects.

What many parents don't realize is that almost any food that comes out of a can contains BPA, including infant formula. BPA is the key compound in epoxy resin linings that keep food fresher for longer and prevent it from interacting with metal and altering the taste of food. It has been linked in some studies of rats and mice to cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

While trade groups for chemical and can manufacturers say they stand behind the chemical, the FDA expressed "some concern" about BPA in January propelled by recent independent scientific studies and mounting concern from the public and consumer groups. The agency said it would put $30 million towards studying the chemical's potential effects on the human body. The report, being done in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health is due in late 2011.

Dr. Hugh Taylor, a Yale University physician, professor and researcher, has shown that the chemical alters the way genes react to estrogen, and could open the door for infants in utero to develop cancer much later in life. "I tell my pregnant patients to avoid products containing it," he said. "Even a fleeting exposure in pregnancy can cause lasting damage."

Bill of Rights For Nannies

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/a-nanny-bill-of-rights/

The New York State Senate passed a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights last week. Once reconciled with the version already approved by the Assembly, would make it the first in the country to require new rights for nannies, housekeepers and other caregivers.

The relationship between employer and nanny is an unusual one, with many opportunities for complications to arise. While the minimum wage does apply to nannies, there are still many standard benefits that they are not guaranteed. The new law would change that, providing 6 paid holidays, seven sick days, 5 vacation days, and requiring a 14-day termination notice or severance pay and limiting the work week to 6 days. It would apply to all domestic workers in the state, documented or undocumented, working on the books or off.

Many parents post questions about how to treat their nannies on sites like Urban Baby. It is evident that many employers are trying to get this relationship right, but have no guidelines. While the Bill of Rights doesn't stipulate wages, it will provide some clarity.

Handmade Slings Recalled After Newborn Death

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5izBNIOSP4Xx7lRq8YE2qRi37czPwD9G3A3EO0

A recall of some handmade baby slings has been prompted by the death of a 10-day-old boy in Texas. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging parents to immediately stop using the infant slings from Sprout Stuff in Austin, Texas - saying the slings pose a suffocation risk.

About 40 of the Sprout Stuff infant ring slings were sold directly to consumers between October 2006 and May 2007. They are made of cloth that threads through a ring. "Sprout Stuff" is printed on the back side of the tail's hem.

The CPSC has investigated at least 13 deaths associated with the sling-style infant carriers over the last 20 years. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than 4 months.

In March, the CPSC issued a general sling warning, saying that the sling's fabric can press against a baby's nose and mouth, suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Another danger involves slings where the baby is cradled in a curved "C-like" position that can cause a baby to flop it's head forward, restricting the infant's ability to breathe.

Sprout Stuff is trying to contact people who bought it's ring slings. Consumers can contact Sprout Stuff at 877-319-3103 to return the sling for a full refund.

Gestational Age Linked to Later Learning Difficulties

http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/06/10/gestational-age-correlates-with-later-learning-difficulties/14465.html

New research published this week in PLos Medicine shows that there is a correlation between newborns' gestational age at delivery and the risk of special education needs later in life. This finding has important implications for the timing of elective Caesarean deliveries.

It is already well known that babies born prematurely are more likely to have special education needs later in life than babies born at full term. However, the risks of special educational needs in later life for babies born across a wide range of gestation has not previously been investigated.

Daniel MacKay and colleagues at the University of Glasgow's Section of Public Health analyzed the birth history of more than 400,000 Scottish children. Compared with children born at 40 weeks, children born at 37 to 39 weeks of gestation were 1.16 times as likely to have special educational needs. Although the risk of special educational needs was much higher in preterm than in early-term babies, because many more children were born early-term, they make up a larger portion (5.5%) of special needs kids than children born preterm (3.6%).

These results show that even a baby born at 39 weeks, which is the normal timing for elective deliveries - has an increased risk of special education needs compared with a baby born just a week later.

10 Everyday Items That Make Great Infant Toys

http://www.babiestoday.com/articles/toys-and-playtime/10-items-that-make-great-infant-toys-631/3/

You can find plenty of items in your home that will occupy your baby's interest and stimulate their brain. Below are 10 such items.

1. Paper - A single sheet of paper can amuse an infant as they wave it around, laugh at the funny flapping noise it makes, or tear it into a hundred tiny pieces. This can help your baby practice their dexterity while becoming familiar with an everyday object. Infant's movements are not smooth enough for them to get paper cuts, just watch that they don't eat a torn off piece. Remember to only use plain paper, chemicals in ink can be hazardous.

2. Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls - Babies love these because they are shiny and reflective, they're fun to bang on, and they make an interesting noise when rattling against the ground.

3. Computer Keyboard - Give your baby an obsolete keyboard and watch them enjoy the clacking sounds as they pound on the keys. Just secure the loose cable to the back of the keyboard with duct tape before giving to your baby.

4. Piano - From the age of 5 months or so, your baby will probably love being placed on the bench, with you holding them, and given freedom to compose some music. This activity helps babies practice hand-eye coordination, learn about cause and effect, and develop an ear for music.

5. Balls - Any ball large enough not to be swallowed is an engaging toy for an infant. Plastic and rubber are best since they aren't dangerous to chew on.

6. Television Remote - Babies loves pressing buttons. If you have a remote with an LED that goes on when a button is pressed, you baby will be spellbound.

7. Empty Plastic Bottles - Small bottles are good for little hands to manipulate. Larger ones can be lots of fun too by being rolled back and forth or knocked ahead only to rotate back.

8. Used Toilet Paper Tubes - These are easy for little hands to grasp, and stiff so your baby won't destroy them in 5 minutes. They are an interesting cylindrical shape, and can be banged against other objects without harmful consequences.

9. Watches - The faces of most watches, along with the texture of their bands, and the metal buckles make them fascinating for infants.

10. You - You will always be your baby's favorite toy. When you think you are at a loss trying to entertain your baby, do an elevator walk, clap your hands under your knees, play peek-a-boo, sing and dance.. Just be silly! You may just be rewarded with some of those giggles you've come to live for.

Pregnancy Later in Life

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/27/late.pregnancy.risks/index.html?iref=allsearch

Actress Kelly Preston announced this month that she is pregnant at the age of 47, prompting discussions about the modern medicine that allowed her and husband John Travolta to have a baby so late in life.

Women are having babies even later than 47. Doctors say that these days it is not difficult to get pregnant in your late 40s, early 50s - as long as you have two things - someone else's eggs, and at least $16,000. Dr. Kreiner, a reproductive endocrinologist in New York, said that with the help of donor eggs, "theoretically, one would think theres no age limit, but it hasn't been tested."

Though pregnancy later in life is possible with assistance, doctors say that chances of getting pregnant naturally for someone over the age of 45 are slim to none. Chances of conceiving naturally at that age are less than 5 percent each month, and the miscarriage rate in the first trimester is 70 to 80 percent.

IVF using the patient's own eggs is also unlikely to work at that age. Using IVF and donor eggs has a much higher success rate - 70-75% for a woman in her mid to late 40s. This is an expensive option, but you can cut costs by using frozen instead of fresh eggs, or use the same egg donor as another woman.

Now that women have the option to have a baby later in life, the question comes up - is this a good idea? There are more health risks involved for the mother and baby. There is also the fact that being a parent later in life may limit the things you can do with your child, and the amount of energy you will have.

The Effects of Sperm and Egg Donation on Children Conceived

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/31/opinion/31douthat.html?scp=10&sq=baby&st=cse

If you want to adopt a child in the United States, you will face a series of bureaucratic roadblocks. The process of using donated sperm or eggs is much easier. The person selling you the right to bear and raise their biological child often does so anonymously, with no strings attached.

Sperm donations generate between 30,000 and 60,000 conceptions every year, and roughly 6000 children are conceived through egg donation annually. About 1 million American adults are the biological children of sperm donors.

A study by the Institute for American Values has revealed that people born through sperm donation are both grateful to the fertility industry and uneasy about the way they were conceived, supportive of assisted fertility, but disturbed by the idea that money was exchanged for their existence.

Americans conceived through sperm donation are more likely than their peers to support policies that encourage sperm and egg donations. At the same time, large minorities report being troubled by "the circumstances of my conception." They are more likely to oppose payments for sperm and eggs than most Americans.

They are more likely to feel alienated from their immediate family than biological or adopted children. They are twice as likely as adoptees to report envying peers who knew their biological parents, twice as likely to worry that their parents "might have lied to me about important matters."

The realities of commercialized reproduction - in which donors can father dozens of children by different mothers, creating networks of half siblings who will never know each other - weigh on them. This also creates worry that they may accidentally fall into a romantic relationship with a relative.

Some burdens are unavoidable in a process that replaces natural conception with scientific technique, but some could be eased with changes in the legal system. Many European nations have done much more than America to recognize that children as well as adults have an interest in the way assisted reproduction works. Britain, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland have banned anonymous sperm and egg donation, allowing children conceived through donors access to their family histories once they turn 18. Many countries have also limited the number of children a sperm donor can father to well below the 25 that the American Medical Association allows.

Changes like these would reduce the number of donors, and create longer waiting times for people wanting to conceive a child through a donor, but they may also ease the uncertainty than donor children find themselves born into.

How To Prepare Your Child For a New Baby

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/01/earlyshow/series/main6537768.shtml

It is important to prepare your child for the arrival of a new baby brother or sister. Talking to your child about the new baby and what to expect will help them adjust to this change.

If you are concerned about your child being jealous of the new baby, make sure to carve out special time for your older child. Even though you will be more tired, devoting just 10 minutes of uninterrupted time to your child will make them feel special and less threatened by the new baby.

Be prepared for some regression. If your child is toilet trained, he may all of a sudden start having accidents. If they were sucking their thumb and now they don't, they make go back to that. When we get stressed out, we tend to go back to old habits. Don't get angry at this, let them know it is ok, and it will go back to normal.

You will probably see more acting out behaviorally, especially with young kids. It will be easy to get frustrated when you are over tired, but it is important to let them have their feeling. Encourage them to use words and talk about how they're feeling.

Teach your child how to interact with their new sibling without being too aggressive. Get a baby doll and show them how to hold the baby and not to hit or throw things at the baby. Set rules so your child knows what to do when the baby comes.

Delaying Cutting Umbilical Cord May be Beneficial

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37342877/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

After birth, the umbilical cord is usually clamped within the first minute. Researchers are now saying that it may be beneficial to the baby's health to wait until the cord stops pulsing before clamping it.

The umbilical cord carriers nutrients and oxygen from a pregnant woman's placenta to the developing infant's abdomen. When the practice of immediate cord clamping began, the value of cord blood, especially it's stem cells, was not known. Common problems in newborns are usually related to their underdeveloped organs, which might be helped by the regenerative properties of stem cells.

Researchers have concluded that delaying cord clamping could reduce the infant's risk of many illnesses, including respiratory distress, chronic lung disease, brain hemorrhages, anemia, sepsis and eye disease. This potential benefit is especially significant for premature babies, and those born malnourished or suffering from other complications. Researchers also say that delaying cord clamping may be beneficial for healthy, full term babies as well.