infant health
Baby formula claims part of “scare” agenda: experts
An environmental activist group has claimed popular Australian baby formulas contain “needle-like” nanoparticles that are toxic to cells, inciting pressure for recalls Friends of the Earth says it has found …
Birth defects increase with maternal weight
Risks of major birth defects during the first year of life progressively increase with a mother’s overweight and obesity severity The results of a BMJ study suggest that efforts should be made …
Omega-3 supplements in premature babies questioned
A research project questions the benefits of omega-3 fats in premature infants The study, ‘N3RO’, the largest of its type, was a collaboration between 13 major hospitals in Australia, New …
Organised support helps women keep breastfeeding
More support could help women keep breastfeeding for longer, according to a large international review Researchers looked at 73 studies with a total of almost 75,000 women and found that …
TGA not good enough on homeopathic teething products
A range of homeopathic teething products is still available in Australian pharmacies despite being linked to the deaths of 10 infants in the US The fact that the products, which …
Barriers to pertussis jabs in pregnancy: study
A new study has shown the need for better patient information to combat the low uptake of whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy in New Zealand The research1 from University of Otago …
Early egg, peanut introduction could reduce allergy risk
Introducing egg or peanut to infants’ diet early is associated with a lower risk of developing an allergy to these foods, new study finds In a study appearing in the …
Microcephaly case-control study confirms Zika virus causality
Preliminary findings from 32 cases confirm causality but the true size of the effect will only be available following the full analysis of all 200 cases and 400 controls. The …
Health Check: should kids be given antibiotics in their first year?
Health Check: should kids be given antibiotics in their first year? Penelope Bryant, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Two-thirds of children have already received antibiotics by the time they are one …
Parents ignoring SIDS guidlines to avoid flat head syndrome
Parents are ignoring SIDS prevention guidelines in a bid to avoid flat head syndrome, new research has shown. A study published in Child: Care, Health and Development revealed parents are …
Proof Zika causes birth defects
The Brazilian Zika virus strain can cross the placenta and cause growth restriction — including signs of microcephaly — in mice, according to findings published in Nature this week. These …
Clinical tips: New parents explained
During the roller coaster ride that’s becoming a parent, new mums and dads may need more help than they’re keen to admit, writes Karalyn Huxhagen Becoming a new parent is …