Car Seat Safety

Mum Mum’s focus this month is on product safety, thus we are following up on our crib guide with another pivotal parental purchase – car seats.  Parents have the daunting task of shopping in an inundated market for a product critical for safely carrying their most precious cargo.  To help parents along is a car seat shopping guide as seen on HealthyChildren.org; a website for families run by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This is the AAP’s most up to date information on how to purchase a safe car seat:

Time to Buckle Up the Right Way

Every parent knows never to let a child ride in a car without buckling up in an approved car safety seat. But are you aware that some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of car safety seats are used incorrectly? That means four out of every five children are riding in improperly installed, poorly fitting and/or damaged seats that may not protect them as designed in the event of a crash.

Even more shocking is the fact that many parents are completely unaware that their child is among those at risk. Before you drive another mile with your kids in the car, review these tips for selecting, installing, and using car safety seats.

Good, Better or Best?

No one seat is “best” or “safest.” When choosing a car safety seat, remember:

Cost is not an indicator of quality. All car safety seats available for purchase in the United States must meet very strict safety standards established and maintained by the federal government.Fit is key. Before you buy, put your child in the seat and adjust the harnesses and buckles. Also, try installing the seat in your car to ensure it fits properly and securely.

New Is Better

Avoid a used car safety seat, especially one from a yard sale or thrift shop, because there is no way to know the seat’s history. Most manufacturers recommend that car safety seats only be used for a certain number of years. Car safety seats wear out over time, and older seats may be missing important parts, labels, or instructions. Secondhand seats may have damage that you cannot see, or may have been recalled.

Size Matters

Your baby should ride rear-facing until she has reached at least one year of age and weighs at least 20 pounds. At that point, she can face forward; however, it’s best for her to ride rear-facing as long as possible. Convertible seats and some infant-only seats have rear-facing weight limits of 30 to 35 pounds and height limits of at least 32 to 36 inches. Once your baby has outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for her seat, she should ride in a forward-facing seat until she outgrows it. If you have used your convertible seat rear-facing, you will need to make some adjustments before using it forward-facing. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When she has outgrown her harness-style seat (check the instructions for the forward-facing height and weight limits), she should ride in a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly. This means that the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her knees bent without slouching and can stay in this position comfortably throughout the trip. This is usually when the child reaches about 4’9” and is between 8 and 12 years of age.

Tight Is Right

When installing any car safety seat, remember: The seat must be buckled tightly into your vehicle and your child must be buckled snugly into the seat. If you can pinch any harness webbing between your fingers, and/or the seat can be moved more than one inch from side to side or toward the front of the car, then you need to tighten it up.

Read Up on Safety

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which outline proper installation and usage. If you don’t have the instructions, contact the manufacturer for a replacement copy.

Back Seat Is Best

The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat. It is especially important never to place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.

Call for Help

Still puzzled? A Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician can answer questions and help install your car safety seat.

Healthy Toddler Snacks

Is your child too busy playing to stop and eat? When he does slow down for a snack, does he take only 2 bites and race back to what he was doing? If you answered yes to these questions, you are probably the parent of a toddler. With such erratic eating habits, it is important you provide healthy, nutritious snacks for your toddler.

Nutrient Density

A general rule of thumb when it comes to healthy toddler snacks is to aim for nutrient density and avoid empty calories.  Nutrient density is the ratio of nutrients to calories and essentially means getting the greatest amount of nutrients in the least amount of calories. Calorie restriction is not recommended for toddlers; however, you can get more bang for your buck when it comes to food choices. Empty calories are those foods high in calories, but providing very little to no nutrients – sugary drinks or soda are examples.

Keep in mind, as stated in the toddler feeding guide, your child may only want to eat crackers for several days. This is perfectly normal so just keep offering other food options and eventually she will want something else.  If you are still nursing 3-4 times per day, know that she is getting plenty of nutrients from breast milk. If you have weaned her off the breast, limit milk to 2-3 cups per day as this may replace her desire to eat other foods. 

 A few simple rules for toddler snacking:

Kids love finger foodsAim for nutrient densityAvoid Empty CaloriesLet them grazeKeep in mind they have tiny tummies

 Power Packed Snacks

Although snacks are not meant to replace meals, they can be a good opportunity to provide the nutrients he might have missed when he refused to eat his lunch.  Here are some toddler snacks that are fun and healthy:

  Hit the Trail Mix: mix dried fruit and his favorite dried cerealBanana-sickles: stick ½ banana on a Popsicle stick, spread on some nut butter, and roll in cereal or granolaEggs-citing: eggs are a great source of iron and protein. Try a hard-boiled egg, an afternoon omelet, or egg salad in a mini pita pocketCheese Please: cheese is a great source of calcium, try cheese cubes or string cheese with some grapesSlice it up: you can’t go wrong with fresh fruit; try sliced apples, pears, or oranges. Serve with some nut butter to dipVeggie dip: try raw carrot or celery sticks, steamed broccoli or peapods with a side of ranch dressingSmooth Sailing: mix frozen berries, a splash of milk, ½ banana, and a few scoops of plain or vanilla yogurt

How to Choose Safe Baby and Toddler Products

For the month of September, Mum Mum’s will be focusing  our attention on the safety of the products that your child comes into contact with everyday.  We’ve already discussed choosing healthy baby and toddler foods, but what about non-food items? How do parents go about becoming child safety savvy? Here are 7 tips for shopping for safe baby and toddler products:

Choose age-appropriate:  as a basic rule, be sure that any products you buy (especially toys) are age appropriate to avoid any accidents, physical harm, or choking hazards.Keep up with recalls:  Stay on top of product recalls by both searching the web and visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CSPS) website for the most up to date child product recall information.Follow the guidelines: Follow the safety guidelines, also published by the CSPS, as well as individual product recommendations for assembly and use.Research and review: the internet can be a valuable place for new parents, especially before purchasing some of the bigger ticket items like cribs, highchairs, and car seats.  If you have a particular product in mind, search through blogs, opinions, or other review before you buy.Seek independence: look for independent reviews or testing/evaluation on a product provided by a third party company.  Consumer Reports is a great resource and has a whole section dedicated to babies and children. Go to the Source: the most reputable product manufacturers or even their vendors will provide public statements about product content, manufacturing procedures, materials, and quality assurance testing.Keep a watchful eye: the best way to keep kids safe is to keep an eye on them at all times.  In addition, periodically perform random product checks of your own on the items you or your child use frequently to make sure nothing is broken, poses a potential injury, or has any paint chipping off.

For Infant Sleep, Receptiveness is More Important than Routine

Sleep: the one thing constantly on the minds of new parents; of course with good reason.  Establishing a sleep schedule is imperative if anyone in the house is to get some sleep once the new baby arrives.  The best way to go about ensuring a good night’s sleep?  That has been a widely debated subject still without a ‘best practice’ conclusion.  However, parental receptiveness may be more poignant than a nighttime routine, according to a new study.

It was previously thought that too much parental attentiveness at bedtime only hindered a baby’s ability to fall (and stay) asleep on their own , yet the Penn State research team actually found the opposite to be true.  Published in the Journal of Family Psychology, the study reveals that parents who are emotionally receptive can help reduce sleep disruptions ultimately helping babies and toddlers get a better night’s sleep.

The study examined mothers’ behaviors during their infants’ bedtime; noting the parents who had the most success responded appropriately to their children’s’ cues.  These cues included gazing inquisitively at their parents’ face or showing disinterest in an activity.  For example, one mother responded promptly with reassuring words whenever her baby vocalized during breastfeeding.

In stark contrast, one mother in the study used “stern directives” while trying to read her child a bedtime story and was trying to force the child to remain engaged in the activity even though the child was clearly losing interest.  The same child got up and left the room several times before actually falling asleep.

Another key finding of the study was that little correlation was found between the amount of face time parents spent with their child before bed and sleep disruptions- essentially rebutting previous studies that tout otherwise. Study authors note that parents might find the results of this study a bit challenging because being emotionally available, or tuning into your child’s cues, is actually more effective than any specific bedtime behavior.  Also, as the authors note, emotions are the most fundamental means of parent-child communication.  This was the first study to use video cameras in both the parent and child’s room to capture direct behavioral observation.  There are many more studies to come as the research team plans to continue the study focusing on other areas including sleep disruption, parenting styles at bedtime, child’s temperament, and development.  Until then, we’ll sleep on it.

10 Reasons to See a Dietitian

September 29th, 2010 by Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

As if feeding yourself properly wasn’t difficult enough, now you have an additional little growing mouth (or mouths) to feed.  Finding balance for the whole family can be challenging from starting babies on solids and feeding toddlers; all the way to those unpredictable teenage years –each life cycle stage presents its own set of challenges.   So when you do call in the help of diet experts like registered dietitians (RD)? According the American Dietetic Association (ADA), here are 10 reasons to see or consult a dietitian:

1. You have diabetes, cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure. An RD serves as an integral part of your health-care team by helping you safely change your eating plan without compromising taste or nutrition.2. Your toddler is not growing properly or refuses to eat. Your pediatrician may suggest you see an RD or pediatric RD to make sure your child is getting enough of the nutrients needed for proper growth.You have digestive problems. A registered dietitian will work with your physician to help fine-tune your diet so you are not aggravating your condition with fried foods, too much caffeine or carbonation.You’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. A registered dietitian can help make sure you get nutrients like folate, especially during the first three months of pregnancy, lowering your newborn’s risk for neural tube or spinal cord defects.You need guidance and confidence for breastfeeding your baby. A registered dietitian can help make sure you’re getting enough iron, vitamin D, fluoride and B vitamins for you and your little one. Your teenager has issues with food and eating healthfully. A registered dietitian can assist with eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and overweight issues.You need to gain or lose weight. A registered dietitian can suggest additional calorie sources for healthy weight gain or a restricted-calorie eating plan plus regular physical activity for weight loss while still eating all your favorite foods.You’re caring for an aging parent. A registered dietitian can help with food or drug interaction, proper hydration, special diets for hypertension and changing taste buds as you age.You want to eat smarter. A registered dietitian can help you sort through misinformation; learn how to read labels at the supermarket; discover that healthy cooking is inexpensive, learn how to eat out without ruining your eating plan and how to resist workplace temptations.You want to improve your performance in sports. A registered dietitian can help you set goals to achieve results — whether you’re running a marathon, skiing or jogging with your dog.

Tags: dietitian, starting on solids, toddler feeding

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 29th, 2010 at 7:09 pm and is filed under Women's Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Packing Healthy School Lunches

Anticipated by many parents, school is back in session.  Whether it be packing a school lunch, an after school snack, or sending your little off to daycare with a meal in tow; the midday meal should pack a nutritional punch to help fuel those developing brains throughout the day. A healthy lunch is an important meal for kids and the days of plain sandwiches are long gone.  Start by using your A,B,C’s to help you pack a healthy school lunch:

Always add a fruit or veggie

Buy a reusable lunch bag, thermos, and ice packs to help keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot

Create a meal that contains a protein source, complex carbohydrate, calcium source, a quality fat, a fruit and/or veggie, and a hydrating drink such as water or juice that is clearly labeled 100% juice.

Don’t forget about last night’s leftovers- throw them in a thermos a yummy treat

Experience letting your kids help pack a lunch, it not only teaches them responsibility but they are also much more likely to eat it if they had a hand in helping prepare

Focus on finger foods: sliced apples dipped in nut butter or carrots sticks dipped in ranch dressing are fun ways to sneak in some nutrients

Get organized by planning ahead:  prepping veggies and washing or slicing fruit ahead of time, say on Sunday nights, can be a real time saver during the hectic weekdays and helps avoid the urge to use processed foods

Hop outside the lunchbox by thinking beyond the sandwich; mix things up with tortilla wraps, gluten free crackers and hummus, corn tortillas with black beans and cheese, or pile nitrate-free lunchmeat into a leaf of lettuce and roll it up

Imagine yourself as kid: all grown-ups were kids once, so think of what would have made your day as a kid.  A sticker, a fun napkin, or a little note from mom all add to the fun of a bagged lunch and help make lunchtime something your child will look forward to.

How to Choose Healthy Baby and Toddler Foods

As Mum Mum’s recently reported, a Canadian study found that baby and toddler foods were loaded with sugar.  It was essentially assumed that baby and toddler foods were immune to the over-processing of many adult oriented foods but alas this is not the case.  This left many mums wondering: how can we choose healthy baby and toddler foods?

Sugar
Regulations for “healthy? baby food are almost non-existent as calorie restriction is not appropriate for babies and toddlers because they are rapidly growing and developing. With regard to sugar, it is not a nutrient so again, label requirements are loose.  Bear in mind that babies acquire a taste for sugar; they are not born with it so the more sugar you give your baby in the first year of life may set the “sweetness? threshold too high running the risk of babies refusing foods that are not as sweet like vegetables and cereals. 

The caution with sugar is to be on the lookout for added sugars in the ingredients like corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, or other sweeteners. For example, fruit pureed in a jar of baby food can have a high sugar content but fruits contain natural sugars along with a great deal of vitamins as long as the fruit is the only ingredient listed.  

Fat
Babies need fat, especially during the first two years of life, for healthy brain development but not all fats are created equally. In fact, breast milk contains about 50% fat yet most women in America do not breastfeed for an entire year. Absolutely no trans fats should be given to babies, toddlers, or children. It is currently a labeling law that foods must print that the food contains trans fats but some companies do not. If one of the ingredients is “hydrogenated? or “partially hydrogenated oil? you know for sure that food contains trans fats even the label doesn’t say so. Fat should be good from sources like avocadoes, breast milk, whole milk dairy like yogurt or cheese, or infant formula.

Other Additives
As a general rule for buying healthy baby and toddler foods: less is more. Seek out the purest foods that you can reasonably afford. Introducing solids to your baby is a fun, wonderful experience and also sets the tone for their developing taste buds.  The more natural food you give your baby, the more their palette will appreciate and learn to love fresh, healthy, foods.  Added salt is unnecessary for infants and is often added to canned, jarred, or processed foods to increase shelf stability.  Watch out for other ingredients your baby doesn’t need like food colorings, additives, preservatives or other ingredients you don’t recognize.  If you can’t pronounce a food ingredient on a label- don’t give it your baby!

Study Finds Probiotic Use in Mothers Limits Eczema in their Babies

Eczema is a common term which includes a variety of different skin conditions.  Lots of kids develop some form of eczema in early childhood yet many will eventually outgrow the condition.  Eczema in infants is typically dry, itchy skin which can develop anywhere on their bodies.  Typically, eczema is treatable but nonetheless pretty uncomfortable for a baby.  What if mothers could help prevent it from even ocurring? A new study reveals expecting mums may be able to parlay the condition before a baby is even born. 

Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that mums who drank milk containing a probiotic supplement were able to cut the occurrence of eczema in their babies by half.  Following 415 pregnant women and their children until 2 years of age, researchers gave half of the women a probiotic boosted milk and the other half of the mothers a placebo- all unbeknownst to the mums as this was a double-blind study.

The women were given a glass of milk daily starting a 36 weeks until 3 months after birth.  The probiotic packed milk reduced the rate of eczema by 40%.  In addition, the probiotic packed babies who did have eczema had less severe cases than their non supplemented counterparts. 

Since the mothers in the study were delivered non-marked cartons of milk, researchers are leaving this study pretty convinced it was the probiotics alone that reduced the rate of eczema.  Previous studies have found that giving kids probiotics can help reduce eczema but this is the first study to show that mums can help prevent it.  Researchers also did a follow-up on the babies in the study to see if the probiotics had any effect on the incidence of asthma and allergies, only to find they did not.

What this Means for Mums

Yogurt loving mums rejoice! There are good amount of probiotics naturally occurring in cultured foods like yogurt and Kefir- just make sure the label says “contains active cultures”.  Probiotics are dubbed the ‘good bacteria’ as they already exist in the digestive tract aiding in digestion and absorption of nutrients.  Recent research has found that probiotics can also aid in regulating bowel movements, prevention/treatment of yeast and bladder infections, and prevention or reduction in the severity of colds- all troublesome things women typically encounter during pregnancy. Probiotic supplements are available, just be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy.

Useful Tips for Traveling with a Baby

August 5th, 2010 by Mick

Traveling with a baby this summer?  The key to successful traveling with a baby is preparation. Here are some useful tips to consider when traveling with your baby.

Always use a car seat when you take your baby or child in the car. If you are planning a long car trip (over an hour), here are some ways to keep your baby interested and occupied:

Use ribbon or yarn (no longer than 12 inches) to hang toys from the clothes hooks in the back seat.Tape some pictures facing your baby so she has something interesting to look at.Tie or hook some toys to the car seat. Your baby can enjoy the toys without requiring retrieval every 5 minutes.Take a break at least every 1 and 1/2 hours unless the baby is sleeping–then stop as soon as she wakes up.Babies don’t like the sun in their face any more than we do. Use either a wide brimmed hat or block the sun with a car window shade or a piece of cardboard attached to the car seat and/or window. (Make sure you can still see out of the car!)Keep a wet washcloth or towelettes in the car for sticky, sweaty baby hands and faces.Bring snack foods for your baby. Bagels are good for babies who are teething because they don’t make many crumbs.Bring snack foods for yourself and for older children in case your baby decides to sleep through scheduled dinner stops and you decide to make time rather than stop and wake the baby up.Always keep cold water in a thermos and bring disposable plastic cups.

Most airlines offer special discounts when booking a seat for children under 2. Children under the age of 2 years travel free on most airlines, but this means that they may have to sit on your lap if the plane is full. When you make your reservations, try to avoid a full flight. (Babies must be at least 7 days old to fly on any airline.)

There are FAA-approved car seats. Check on this when purchasing your car seat. It is best to let the airline know ahead of time that you will bring a car seat.A car seat is generally not counted as a carry-on item as long as your child is sitting in it. If you stow it in the overhead because your child is sitting on your lap, it’s counted as one of your carry-ons.If possible, reserve a bulkhead seat (just behind the bulkhead that separates coach and first class), since it has the most room. Ask the airline if they have bassinets that attach to the bulkhead wall.If you can, schedule your flight to avoid the busiest times of day at airports (8 to 10 a.m., 4 to 7 p.m.).Give yourself plenty of time–arrive at the airport and check in early so that you can get the baby settled before others board the plane.If you are traveling by yourself and won’t be met at your destination, a portable stroller is a lifesaver. You can generally fold it up and take it on board with you.If you have to change planes, be sure to schedule additional time for the connection.For takeoff and landing, put the seat belt just around you and hold your baby on your lap or put it in a front carrier. Don’t place the seat belt around the baby.Remember that your baby’s ears may plug up or hurt on takeoff or landing due to the change in cabin air pressure. Swallowing helps equalize the air pressure. You can help keep your baby’s ears clear by nursing or feeding when the plane is climbing and descending.Diapering can be a hassle on the plane. Try to double-diaper or use ultra-absorbent disposable diapers just before you board the plane, and then change in the airport bathroom after the flight arrives. (If you do change diapers on the plane and are using disposable diapers, you can use an airsickness bag to dispose of them.)The flight attendants can warm food and bottles for you. Be sure to also bring small snacks your baby can nibble on and play with (such as cereal, bagels, etc.).Be sure to clean up your seat area before you de-plane.Given all the equipment you have to carry when you travel with a baby, it is easiest to let other passengers de-plane before you.Car rental agencies generally have infant seats available with their cars. You need, however, to reserve the seat when you reserve the car. It is also wise to call ahead to the local agency where you will pick up the car to confirm that the car seat is available.

Traveling on a train is one of the safest modes of transportation. Because train travel is a slower form of travel, you’ll be able to take in sights and walk around with your baby.

Child safety seats are allowed on board if you reserve a seat. But there are no safety belts to secure the seat.Arrive at the station early–don’t rush to your train.Try to get seats facing each other, so you can put the baby in the seat across from you.Temperatures can change on the train, so dress your baby in layers of clothing and remove or add as necessary.Be sure to bring appropriate food. The train will probably have a dining or snack car but bringing snacks will prevent you from having to move throughout the train with your child, which is safer and more convenient.You may be able to have your baby food and bottles refrigerated and warmed.Have some toys that are reserved only for restaurants (make sure they are not too noisy).Let your older baby play with ice in an unbreakable cup.If your are breastfeeding, you can breastfeed most easily in a booth that is out of the main traffic flow.Put your baby in the high chair just when the food is served–that will help prevent her from becoming restless in case there is a long wait after you order.Unless you want your baby to eat the restaurant’s crackers, bring snacks for your baby to eat.Feed your baby before you go to the restaurant if possible.You may want to take a baby food grinder along to share some of your dinner with your baby.Babies generally make a mess–be sure that you clean up before you leave, and that you leave a larger tip than normal for the staff.Ask for a table by the window so baby can watch the sights outside.Avoid restaurant foods for your baby that spoil easily: cold meats, fish, eggs, foods with mayonnaise, etc. Order milk only if it comes in its own container.If your baby becomes disruptive in the high chair, take her for a stroll outside or to the restrooms or let her have some time on your lap. (This is a last resort, because once on your lap she may not want to go back to the high chair.)Pack electrical plug covers for outlets in the house or hotel room.Pack a few familiar items that the baby has in her crib at home (such as mirror, blankets, or stuffed animals).Reserve a crib at the hotel and ask if there is a family section. If not, ask for a more secluded section of the hotel so your baby will not disturb others if she cries at night.Ask for a non-smoking room on the lower level. This makes it easier when bringing in luggage and baby supplies.Ask if there is a refrigerator in the room. Some hotels will put a temporary refrigerator in your room for an extra charge.Find out where the nearest store is so you can buy diapers and snacks. Also find out if the hotel has a restaurant that has baby friendly foods.If you travel frequently, it may be wise to invest in a portable crib for your baby–that way you can confine the baby and you’ll sleep more easily.Move any dangerous objects in the room out of the way. Cover sharp corners with blankets.If you have been traveling all day, take time to do some activities with your baby before putting her to bed (such as swimming or bath time).Follow your baby’s normal eating, sleeping, and bedtime routine as much as possible.If your baby is used to sleeping in her own room, you may need to sit quietly in the bathroom or outside the door while your baby falls asleep. Bring a good book to read while you wait.

Babies Having Soda and Cakes? Yes, according to new Australian research

So you have your newborn baby at her first outing to a birthday party, should you offer her a bit of your cake, or perhaps a sip of your soda?  Of course not, but if you think that nobody ever does that sort of thing anymore – think again.  A recent study found that an alarming number of babies have tried a variety sugar filled treats even before 2 months of age.

Renowned experts and ‘go to’ resources for maternal and infant health across the globe can agree on at least one universal recommendation: babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life.  Despite the global increase in advocacy for both breastfeeding rates and duration, it was made clear from this new study that there is a long way to go to improve our babies’ diets.

Published in Nutrition and Dietetics, the study revealed that some 4-week old babies had already been introduced to high salt, sugar, and fat foods.  Lead researcher Jane Scott explains:  “Almost one in four mothers had introduced fruit juice, biscuits and cakes to their infants by six months of age. This is a worry because eating habits developed early in life usually continue throughout a person’s lifetime — and an overweight child is much more likely to become an overweight adult.”

Scott and colleagues tracked 587 women from two Perth maternity hospitals for 12 months after birth via phone interviews as a means to understand how these new babies were being fed by their mums.  The information gathered also provided further evidence to delay introduction of solid foods to 6 months; as babies who were started early on solids or had 2 or more siblings had an increased chance of consuming salty, high fat, and sugary foods by their first birthday.

What this Means for Mums

Yes, we are just as shocked as you are but knowledge is power so this is an important topic to discuss.  Mum Mum’s reported just a few short months ago that many baby and toddler snack foods on the market were laden with fat and sugar; again encouraging babies to develop a ‘taste’ for salty or sweet foods.  Whether or not you chose to wait until your baby is 5-6 months old to introduce solids is up to you, but it is most important to start with natural foods like fruits and vegetables.  Babies, not even young children, do not need sweets, sodas, or snack type foods.  In fact, during the first year of life breast milk or formula provides all the nutrition your baby needs.  If you are unsure about how to feed your baby, please seek the assistance of a physician or a registered dietitian.

More Infants Should Receive Iron Supplements, Researchers Urge

Prior to the process of enrichment, or the addition of vitamins to processed foods, iron deficiency was a serious problem especially in babies and young children.  Efficient iron intake has improved immensely for kids but certainly has not disappeared.  A new study explains it may be beneficial to offer iron supplements to certain newborn babies. 

Iron plays an important role in the body as it is needed not only for proper brain development but also for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.  Recently it was discovered that nutritional supply and birth weight are risk factors for morbidity later in life, which became the basis of the study.

Due to the high nutrition requirements, low birth weight babies are at a greater risk of developing nutritional deficiencies with iron being no exception.  The study, to be published in the journal Pediatrics, found that giving iron supplements to marginally low birth weight babies (between 5 and 5 pounds 8 ounces) significantly reduced the risk of iron deficiency as well as anemia.  

Including 284 babies with marginally low birth weights, researchers divided the babies into three different groups giving varying amounts of iron drops including a placebo group.  Of those given the placebo (no iron), 36% had iron deficiency and 10% had iron deficiency anemia by the age of 6 months.  Yet of those babies who received the greatest amount of iron (2mg per kg of body weight daily) had only 4% iron deficiency and no anemia.  Those with the greatest risk were babies who were solely breastfeed at 6 weeks of age, as they had a 18% risk of getting iron deficiency anemia by 6 months if not given an iron supplement.

The study also found no ill effects of the iron supplementation.  Iron deficiency anemia, a condition that results from low iron, is a condition not uncommon with low birth weight or premature babies.  Iron deficiency is also associated with poor neurological development although researchers note they will continue to follow the infants in the study until age 7 where they will asses behavioral problems, attention deficit, and intellectual development- all symptoms associated with iron deficiency.