Blogging Parent

Fan in Baby’s Room May Help Prevent SIDS

Isaak Kwok — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:49:05 +0000

A buzz was generated a couple of days ago in the US when a study was released to claim that having a fan in the baby’s room may reduce the risks of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, by up to 72%.

According the researchers, having a fan in the room helps improve air circulation and thus preventing the infant from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide, which can pool up in the space between the baby’s face and the mattress.

Though this might be interesting news, pediatricians still recommend that babies should be put to sleep on their backs as that is currently the most effective way to prevent SIDS.

(via Inside Motherhood)

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Babies Benefit in Child Care

Isaak Kwok — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:32:37 +0000

A Belgian professor, who specialises in early childhood education, has said that children who attend good childcare centres can reap social and employment benefits later in life.

I have got to agree with the professor. We put Matthew into infant care when he was 3 months old. And we can see that he’s much better in socialising and he knows how to interact with others. He learns how to share and communicate with his friends and teachers. Of course, he’ll still have the occasional tantrum, but which kid doesn’t. And we make sure that we communicate and spend time with him.

However, it must be noted that it is quite important to choose a quality childcare centre for your child. Otherwise, the kid might be picking up the wrong messages.

P.S.: Do read the comments in the news article. They are quite interesting and provide alternative views.

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Breastfeeding is Good for Mummy As Well

Isaak Kwok — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:23:21 +0000

Besides being good for the baby, breastfeeding can have healthy effects on the mother as well. In a recent study done by the World Cancer Research Fund, mothers who breastfeed for at least a year over the course of her life reduces the risk of breast cancer by up to 4.8%. However, the actual reduction is about 0.5% as one in nine women has a chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime.

So, mummies out there, go ahead and breastfeed your child. It’s good for both you and the baby.

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Infection Cause of Cot Death

Isaak Kwok — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:01:29 +0000

Previously, I talked about SIDS. But a recent study by The Women’s and Children’s Hospital in the UK and the University of Adelaide in Australia have found that bacterial infection could be the cause of some cases of cot death in the UK.

The researchers found that the babies who died without apparent reasons carried potentially harmful bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. And these bacteria could have triggered a chemical reaction that overwhelms the baby, resulting in sudden death.

It definitely sounds quite scary!

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A Little DIrt is Good for You

Isaak Kwok — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:52:18 +0000

Sometimes it’s good to have a little dirt in the house, according to a research that would be published in Nature soon.

The American scientists in the research found that mice living in a germ-free environment developed type-1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease.

So, having a totally sterile home is instead not too good for your kids. However, don’t go into the opposite extreme and have a super dirty house. The kids and you will have a different set of health problems then.

As for Matthew, we are not too particular about him getting a little dirty. And he has been a rather healthy kid so far other than the occasional flu, cough and fever.

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A baby’s smile is like a drug

Isaak Kwok — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:04:25 +0000

Now I know why my wife goes into a trance when Matthew smiles when he was a baby. Anyway, I’m just kidding about the trance part. But she’ll be totally engrossed.

Apparently, a new mother gets a high like a drug hit when her baby smiles back. And it can be as addictive as taking drugs. The research showed that the brain regions, called the substantia nigra, the striatum and the frontal lobe, light up when the mother looks at a photo of her smiling baby. These brain areas are also activated in experiments related to drug addiction.

Well, I’m sure the same applies to fathers as well. I know I get a high when Matthew smiles or when I look at his smiley photos. Maybe they should do a similar research on fathers.

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Pregnancy Stress Affects Child’s Development

Isaak Kwok — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:56:06 +0000

Most of us know that a mum’s postnatal depression causes babies to develop more slowly than other children. But a recent study shows that antenatal depression can have the same effect.

The research, reported in the BBC News article, says that antenatal depression can cause up to a third greater chance of cognitive or behavioral problems. In addition, a depressed mum-to-be is more likely to give birth prematurely.

So, for the fathers or soon-to-be fathers, do look out for signs of depression in your pregnant wives. If they do show symptoms of depression, it is critical to bring them to the doctor so that early treatment is sought.

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Your Child is What You Drink and Eat

Isaak Kwok — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:46:52 +0000

Recently, I came across two news articles that talked about the impact on a child from what the parents eat and drink.

In the first article from News.com.au, the emphasis was on putting across the idea that the drinking habits of dads and mums have the most impact on the future alcohol consumption of a child. I guess it’s a form of parental modeling by the child. As for us, we don’t drink that often. And even we do, it’s usually in moderation. So, hopefully this is something that Matthew will pick up from us.

And the second article from BBC News talks about the implications of a poor diet of a mother while pregnant or breastfeeding on the child. Research found that the offsprings of rats fed fatty processed food, such as junk food, had high levels of fat in their bloodstream and around the major organs. Even if the child has been eating healthily. The researchers have determined that the diet of the mother is extremely critical during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it has implications on a child’s long-term health. Hmmm … I guess it’s a good sign that Matthew doesn’t particularly crave fast food. But I think we’ll still need to watch his and our diet to ensure that we eat healthily and be healthy.

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Child’s Behaviour and Food

Isaak Kwok — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:11:30 +0000

The Food Intolerance Network says that a study that was reported in a recent issue of The Lancet says that food additives are causing children to suffer from asthma, rashes and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD).

Apparently, lots of food targeted at children in Australia such as snacks, sweets, ice cream and biscuits still contain additives that have been banned in the UK.

Just last week, the UK banned a controversial additive, sodium benzoate (or E211), that is found in Diet Coke. However, the additive is still present in the soft drink in Australia. Hmmm … will need to check if it is present in the Diet Coke sold in Singapore.

The Food Intolerance Network was founded by Sue and Howard Dengate to spread the awareness of food intolerance. The website (link above) provides many fact sheets, stories, recipes as well as research reports.

I think we’ll also need to monitor what Matthew is eats and drinks and ensure that he’s not consuming too much additives and preservatives. Anyway, like I always like to say, everything should be taken in moderation.

(via AdelaideNow)

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Dangerous to Give Water to Babies Under Six Months

Isaak Kwok — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:01:43 +0000

While water is essential for humans, researchers at John Hopkins Children’s Center in the States have reminded parents that babies below six months old should NEVER be given water to drink.

Research has shown that giving too much water to the babies can put them at risk of a potentially life-threatening condition known as water intoxication.

So, what is water intoxication? Basically, babies’ kidneys are not developed enough and thus giving them too much water would cause their bodies to release sodium along with excess water. And losing sodium can affect brain activity which leads to water intoxication. Early symptoms of water intoxication are irritability, drowsiness and other mental changes. Other symptoms include low body temperature (below 36.1˚C), and puffiness/swelling of the face. The more serious symptom would be seizures.

The researchers have indicated that besides water, babies should not be fed over-diluted formula milk or pediatric drinks containing electrolytes.

Even for older infants, it is not advisable to give too much water at a go. Small amounts of about 3-6ml can be given. However, it is always better to check with your child’s pediatrician before doing so.

Don’t remember if we gave Matthew any water when he was below six months old. But I know he loves drinking water now as well as all the other stuff that he’s a little too young to drink {and no … I’m not talking about alcoholic stuff :)} such as soft drinks.

(via Kids and Parenting - MSNBC.com)

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