Health

By Rae Pica

Besides the fact that they were built to do so, there are a great many reasons why infants need to move. The truth is, even though their movement capabilities are extremely limited when compared with even those of a toddler, movement experiences may be more important for infants than for children of any other age group. And it’s not all about motor development either. (more…)

By Kristy Shreve Powers

What will you and your new baby need? The baby gear checklists you find online seem ludicrously thorough: Will a wipes warmer really be necessary, or a special diaper pail with custom liners? Whether you’re concerned about the environment, your wallet, or turning your home into a wasteland of bright plastic, you may want to limit your baby purchases to the essentials. What follows is an alternative to the usual checklist, for new parents choosing a simpler lifestyle. (more…)

Researchers suspect lavender, tea tree oil disrupt hormonal balance
AP Article on MSNBC, Jan 31, 2007

BOSTON - Lavender and tea tree oils found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions can temporarily leave boys with enlarged breasts in rare cases, apparently by disrupting their hormonal balance, a preliminary study suggests.

While advising parents to consider the possible risk, several hormone experts emphasized that the problem appears to happen infrequently and clears up when the oils are no longer used. None of those interviewed called for a ban on sales. (more…)

Deaths and Emergency Department Visits Linked to Overdoses, CDC Report Shows

By Kathleen Doheny, WebMD Medical News
Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD, Thursday, January 11, 2007

Jan. 11, 2007 — Giving cough and cold medications to children under 2 years old can be dangerous, even deadly, according to a new investigation conducted by the CDC.

Three infants, all aged 6 months or younger, died in the U.S. in 2005 after receiving cough and cold medicines, according to the report, published in the Jan. 12 issue of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (more…)

By Jason Rickard

Baby colic is one of the most common conditions for week-old to 3-month-old infants. Definitive causes of the ailment have not yet been identified, however, it is not a matter of serious concern. Babies outgrow colic by the time they reach the age of 6 months. (more…)

There’s no doubt that infant car seats, when used as intended, are life-savers. But according to a brief report in the British Medical Journal, leaving an infant sleeping unattended in those car seats can be life-threatening. (more…)

By Christine Climer

Congestion, wheezing, coughing and sneezing are definitely not on your child’s wish list — but somehow, they always seem to be delivered just in time for Christmas. Holiday decorating can be a huge challenge if your child suffers from respiratory allergies. The good news is that you can deck the halls and still avoid allergy triggers this Christmas. (more…)