Babies & Toddlers Too! | The Best Blog for Black Young Children

African-American Mothers and Postpartum Depression

2008-02-20T15:39:00.001-05:00

Newswise -- Poor women in Iowa are much more likely to suffer from postpartum depression than their wealthier counterparts, a new University of Iowa study shows.

In the study of 4,332 new mothers from four Iowa counties, UI psychologist Lisa Segre found that 40 percent of Iowa mothers with a household income less than $20,000 suffered from clinically significant postpartum depression. In contrast, only 13 percent of new mothers with a household income of $80,000 or more were considered clinically depressed.

The study was recently published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. The mothers completed the Inventory to Diagnose Depression and sociodemographic interviews in the late 1990s; on average, participants had given birth 4.6 months prior to the survey.

"Forty percent of Iowa's lowest-income mothers are facing the double burden of being depressed and being poor,"said Segre, adjunct assistant professor and research scientist in psychology, a department in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

"Women who are poor already have a lot of stress, ranging from poor living conditions to concerns about paying the bills. The birth of an infant can represent additional financial and emotional stress, and depression negatively impacts the woman's ability to cope with these already difficult circumstances."

In a second study on race and postpartum emotions in Iowa, Segre found that African-American mothers are more likely than white mothers to experience depressed moods immediately after giving birth, but Latina mothers are less likely to experience depressed moods.

Love This! The Case Crib

2008-02-18T12:56:00.002-05:00

Case Crib
The Case Group from NettoCollection combines natural light oak and white lacquer veneers for a clean, contemporary design. Picture your nursery with a stylish Case Crib, with an adjustable mattress platform, fixed side rails and a sliding shelf underneath for extra storage. Plus, a daybed conversion kit helps the bed grow with your child for a stylish toddler bedroom!

*Linen storage boxes sold separately

Eco-Clothes for Tots: Sprout

2008-02-15T08:17:00.005-05:00

Want eco-friendly clothes for your growing toddler? Sprout Kids Clothing are made with 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. They're machine washable and made to last! Sprout uses low impact dyes and all of their bamboo t-shirts and bamboo children's clothes are made of unbleached bamboo and unbleached organic cotton, which is gentle to little sprouts' sensitive skin. The amazing fabric has a fantastic cashmere feel and also protects against harmful UV Rays.

We love this tee for tots. So cute!

On the Net: www.sproutkidsclothing.com

Health Care Disparity in Minority Children Persists

2008-02-07T08:16:00.001-05:00

New research published in the journal Pediatrics says minority children are least likely to have health insurance and are significantly less likely than whites to have visited a physician in the past year.

"Greater attention needs to be paid to disparities in minority children, not just because of their striking frequency and magnitude, but also because of their potential to become disparities in adults," said Dr. Glenn Flores, professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern and lead author of the study. "Conservative estimates indicate that minorities will comprise half of U.S. children by 2040. In Texas, more than 62 percent of children currently are non-white. Although increasing attention is being paid to racial and ethnic disparities in health care, very little attention is directed toward children."

According to the study there are several disparities between minority and white children such as:

Asthma was significantly more prevalent among African-American, Native Americans and multiracial children;

Native American children had a higher prevalence of hearing and vision problems and diabetes;

Behavior problems were especially prevalent in African-American and multiracial children;

Digestive allergies were significantly more likely in multiracial children, while skin allergies were more frequent in African-American children; and

Multiracial, Native American and African-American children also had higher odds of not receiving all needed dental care.

Children and Cholesterol Screening

2008-02-06T07:50:00.001-05:00

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia says children as young as two should get annual screenings for high cholesterol because the risk for heart disease can start in young bodies even if children are not overweight.

If a child has a family history of high cholesterol, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recommends children undergo a cholesterol profile after overnight fasting.

"Although the most common reasons for high cholesterol are poor diet, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise, some apparently healthy children inherit high cholesterol levels from their parents," said Julie Brothers, M.D., medical director of the Lipid Heart Clinic at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Overall, we’ve noticed an increase in children’s cholesterol levels the past several years and this is a disturbing trend."

More physical activity coupled with a nutritious diet can lead to lower cholesterol levels in both children and adults. It is imperative to get any high cholesterol under control in order to avoid early heart disease and heart injury.

Harmful Baby Powders and Lotions

2008-02-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics says baby products such as powders and lotions have harmful amounts of phthalates, chemicals suspected of impairing male reproductive function.

Phthalates, man-made chemicals used in lubricants and cosmetics, were found in all 163 infants whose urine was examined. Doctors say babies do not need powders and lotions on their skin because at this stage it is perfect. Avoiding these potentially harmful consumer products will lessen the likelihood that these chemicals will be found in youngsters' bodies.

Folic Acid May Help Prevent Premature Births

2008-02-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

We've long known that folic acid is essential to preventing birth defects. Now researchers say the miracle B vitamin can also prevent premature births, a pregnancy concern that plagues black mothers in increasing numbers.

According to the Washington Post a study of 40,000 women who took folic acid supplements for a year or longer before conception had a 70 percent decreased risk of preterm birth between 20 and 28 weeks of gestation.

Here's more about folic acid from the March of Dimes

Folic acid, a B vitamin, helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord when taken very early in pregnancy. It is available in most multivitamins, as a folic acid-only supplement and in some foods.

The March of Dimes encourages all women of childbearing age to take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, as part of a healthy diet. Most multivitamins have this amount, but check the label to be sure. A healthy diet includes foods that contain folate, the natural form of the vitamin. Such foods include fortified breakfast cereals, beans, leafy green vegetables and orange juice.

Pure Baby Clothes

2008-01-30T11:08:00.000-05:00

We love this generation we're in! Companies have really started to make clothes that are not only cute for babies, but good for their sensitive skin and great for the environment.

BabyBam Collection (www.babybamcollection.com) is a new "green" clothing company offering eco-friendly natural bamboo baby clothing and accessories.

All products are made from bamboo for infants 0 to 9 months and are naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, odor free, and made with zero dyes, chemicals or pesticides. BabyBam clothing is softer than Pima cotton -- more like cashmere to the touch. Even their "Little Lathers" baby soap is 100% natural and handmade with bamboo powder. Products range from $9 to $42 U.S.

Black Infant Mortality Rates Unchanged Since Civil War

2008-01-27T08:50:00.001-05:00

It's a shocking fact: black infant mortality rates have not changed since the Civil War. But Dr. Jack Turman, an associate professor from the University of Southern California says it is indeed true. In fact, he says black babies have been dying at twice the rate of white babies since the 1860s.

"I am disgusted this has lasted for 150 years," Turman said.

One of the reasons experts and researchers say black babies die so readily is because black women face a lot of stress and cannot adequately nurture healthy babies. "Black women have much higher levels of stress than women of other ethnic groups," Turman said. "That high stress level has a negative effect on their babies once they become pregnant."

(Source: Tallahassee Democrat)

Prematurity is a silent crisis in America. The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign is a five-year, $75 million research, awareness and education campaign to help families have healthier babies. Help us save babies – donate today.

Expert Advice for Newborn Screening

2008-01-26T09:16:00.000-05:00

Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, is a guest on the weekly podcast called Pregtastic, a series by and for pregnant women, which began on Monday, October 2nd.

In the first episode of this new forum, Dr. Howse discussed newborn screening and why it's important that every newborn receive 29 recommended tests.

Great advances are being made in newborn screening. More and more states are now screening for 21 of the 29 disorders that can be successfully managed or treated if diagnosed early. More than 71 percent of all babies born in the U.S., now are screened, over twice as many as last year.

The show is casual, informative and fun. The hosts are "real" pregnant women who have the same concerns and joys as their listeners.

New Finds at Giggle.com

2008-01-25T12:17:00.000-05:00

We love these plush, whimsical toys for tots from Giggle. Retails for $14.00

Two-Dees Dog

Two-Dees Bunny

The EveryBaby Page

2008-01-23T17:45:00.000-05:00

The March of Dimes is about all babies...those born healthy and those that need our help to survive. One out of eight babies is born prematurely in the United States, but there is something you can do to help. Visit The EveryBaby page.

Using the latest in web technology, tell your baby's story in the timeless style of a scrapbook page. You can add text, video or pictures and invite friends to view, add comments or just browse our interactive Story Map. Plus your donations will help fund your local NICUs. With your help and support, we can make sure every baby's story is a happy one. Every baby has a story, tell us yours. Visit The EveryBaby page.

Baby Buys

2008-01-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

Free Shipping on Select Items at BabiesRUs.com

Buy 3 Baby Closeouts Get 1 FREE!

New Boden Baby Collection for Winter. Get 10% Off + Free Delivery and Free Returns. Shop Now >>

Great Prices On Everything For Baby at Walmart.com

Cough and Cold Medicine Off Limits for Babies, Toddlers

2008-01-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration called again for parents to cease giving over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under the age of two-years-old because of life-threatening side effects.

Studies show these medications are ineffective in treating colds and may cause

"It is critically important for parents to receive clear information about the risks and lack of benefit from these drugs, and ways to help take care of children suffering from colds and coughs," said Renee Jenkins, M.D., FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "We urge FDA to continue its analysis of the existing data on these medicines intended for children over age 2 and take appropriate action, including initiation of immediate, rigorous scientific studies as needed to determine the drugs' safety and efficacy."

For further reading: Safe Cough and Cold Remedies for Children

It's Official: Kids Hate Clowns

2008-01-16T11:36:00.000-05:00

Ever since I watched Stephen King's "It" and saw the clown pull the son under the bed in "Poltergeist" I marked clowns off my list of desirables in permanent magic marker. I am certainly no fan of them. Now, I'm happy to to know I'm not alone.

A study published in the Nursing Standard magazine found children between the ages of four and sixteen preferred hospital wards not use clown decor and who's to blame them? No one wants a crazy, maniacal, bushy-haired person staring at them all of the time, right?

"As adults we make assumptions about what works for children," said Penny Curtis, a senior lecturer in research at the university.

"We found that clowns are universally disliked by children. Some found them quite frightening and unknowable."

Maternal Stress Heightens Kids' Asthma Risk

2008-01-15T07:54:00.000-05:00

Did you know that if you are depressed or stressed out your baby or toddler has a heightened risk of developing asthma? We know; where's the correlation?

Researchers in Canada looked at 14,000 children's medical records and discovered those children who were routinely admitted into hospital care for asthma also had mothers who showed maternal distress recorded by physicians or were prescribed depression medication.

Although researchers admit the correlation between maternal stress and asthma in children is difficult to determine they have pinpointed a few maternal stressors that are known causes of asthma.

Depressed mothers are more likely to smoke and least likely to breastfeed. Research also shows depressed mothers are also least likely to bond and interact with their babies. Animal studies have shown maternal rejection and little contact between mother and child weakens a baby's immune system.

Online Reading Resources for Postpartum Depression

Depression during and after pregnancy from Women's Health

Postpartum depression from the Mayo Clinic

Political Tees for Babies, Kids

2008-01-14T07:40:00.000-05:00

We love these political tees for tikes from Babesta.com! If you're looking for off-beat, hip clothes for your kids be sure to keep Babesta.com on your lists on online favorites.

We are blatantly pro-Barack Obama here. And now that BET founder Bob Johnson spewed hate towards Barack over the weekend, we're even more in his corner. Now, your kids can be, too.

Barack Obama tee or onesie
$20.00

If you love Hillary, you're in luck, too. Your kids can don a Hillary Clinton for President as well. This tee also retails for $20.00.

Secure Attachment Can Prevent Nightmares in Preschoolers

2008-01-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

Do you have a child who has frequent nightmares and restless sleep? Chances are she showed signs of restlessness and uncontrollable crying as early as five months old. Researchers have defined a link between preschoolers who have nightmares and their temperament during infancy. Canadian researchers followed 987 children from infancy to 6 years. Most of the children had an occasional nightmare, but those who had nightmares more frequently were considered "anxious" or difficult babies by their mothers.

"In this study, "bad dreams" as early as the age of 2.5 were predicted by signs of anxiety at the ages of 5 months and 17 months, explained Dr. Tore Nielsen, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Montreal."

This study raises the age-old advice to calm crying babies to make them feel more secure and bonded with their caregiver. Nielsen suggests forging an early bonding atmosphere of "secure" attachment during infancy.

New Vaccine for Babies Protects Against Meningococcal Disease

2008-01-10T10:31:00.000-05:00

Infants and children are already given a series of immunizations to protect them against serious childhood diseases. Now, a British team of researchers has developed a vaccine that protects children against meningococcal disease, a disease that affects between 1400 -2000 babies each year in the United States.

The new vaccine was given to 421 healthy babies and produced immunity against four strains of meningococcal disease and was well tolerated by the babies' bodies.

What do you think about this new vaccine?

Backyardigans Mania

2008-01-09T07:16:00.001-05:00

If you have a little one who loves The Backyardigans they will definitely love the coming weeks and months because Nickeoldeon is rolling out a CD, a T.V. movie and a national live 50-city tour that begins in March. Here's the rundown:

"Tale of the Mighty Knights," premiering Monday, Jan. 14 (7 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET/PT

In "Tale of the Mighty Knights," royal knights Uniqua and Tyrone are ready to do mighty deeds in service to their King (Pablo). It seems like a pretty simple task until the King asks them to babysit an egg, which grows legs and runs away! A rock opera soundtrack moves the action along as the knights pursue their egg in Goblin Land and encounter a grabbing goblin (Austin), through Fairyland where they meet a tiny and mischievous fairy (Tasha), and finally to Dragon Mountain where they face a mighty baby dragon (Adam Pascal). Will the knights conquer their greatest challenge yet?

Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights: Starting March 28, 2008

During Backyardigans Live!, Pablo, Uniqua, Tasha, Tyrone and Austin will need the audience's help as they face a mighty dragon and return the egg to the king. The stage show will have the entire family singing, dancing and laughing along to songs from the rock opera.

Other scheduled tour stops include: New York, NY; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Baltimore, Maryland; Camden, New Jersey; Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Tampa, Florida, San Antonio, Texas; and Houston, Texas. For schedule information visit www.nickjr.com.

The Backyardigans: Born to Play CD

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, Nickelodeon and Sony BMG release the ultimate playtime playlist as The Backyardigans: Born to Play CD hits retailers nationwide. The third CD from the hit series features 22 new tracks, including six songs from "Tale of the Mighty Knights." Joining the backyard gang in the studio are celebrity guest artists Alicia Keys, Cyndi Lauper and Adam Pascal. Alicia Keys lends her unique R&B vocals on "Almost Everything is Boinga." Cyndi Lauper reminds us to think pink on the jazz-tinged "Lady in Pink," and Adam Pascal powers the Zepellinesque rock-opera ballad "Not an Egg."

The Backyardigans airs regularly weekdays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET/PT on Nick Jr.
(Source)

Researchers Find Ear Tube Surgery Not Necessary In Most Cases

2008-01-08T04:40:00.000-05:00

A new study out of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine says children who receive ear tube operations because of fluid in the inner ear or ear infections typically do not need it.

Published in the January issue of Pediatrics, the study found that most of the children in New York who received ear tube operations in 2002 only had mild disease that should have been medically treated instead of operated on.

"Ear infection is the most common illness with which children present to the doctor," said Dr. Salomeh Keyhani, lead researcher of the study. "We found that many children are getting surgeries for minor disease and the typical child who gets ear tube surgery does not have disease severe enough to warrant the operation. If the study findings could be applied to rest of the country, it would be particularly troubling."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends ear tube operations for children who have experienced fluid in their inner ear for three to four months.

Updated Immunization Schedule for 2008

2008-01-07T07:54:00.000-05:00

The updated immunization schedule for children ages 0-6, ages 7 to 18, and children with late or incomplete immunization was released in the January issue of Pediatrics.

Schedule changes include:

a single dose of pneumoccoal conjugate vaccine for healthy children ages 24 to 59 months who are incompletely immunized
expansion of the age recommendations for the use of the live attenuated influenza vaccine to include healthy children as young as 2 years old
a reduced time interval for the administration of the second dose of live attenuated nasal influenza vaccine (when a second dose is required) from 6 to 4 weeks; and a single dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine for all adolescents 11-to-18 year olds, if not previously administered, and for 2-to-10 year-old children at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

The schedule reflects current recommendations for use of US Food and Drug Administration licensed vaccines. (Source)

FOR MOMS: Download the 2008 Immunization Schedule

Expert Advice for Lulling Your Baby to Sleep

2008-01-06T07:38:00.000-05:00

Dee Rule, Baby Nurse and Nanny to the Stars, says getting babies to sleep is doable if you establish a routine and keep it consistent. Here are a few of her tips:

1. There's a solid solution for getting a little one to sleep through the night: Patience, persistence, love, and imagination. Also back it up with daily timing of activities: baths and get-togethers.

2. Getting your newborn on a routine early is a huge key to success. Parents can feel less stress by doing what they love. The infant or child will pick-up or feel if you're depressed or down; and will communicate frustration with excessive cries.

3. Swaddling is a great feat for many parents but it's one key to many doors of restful sleep. A routine schedule and persistence will send a clear message to the toddler or child: it's sleep time!

Reading Resources

Your Organic Baby

2008-01-05T08:21:00.001-05:00

We know feeding your baby only organic food is important to some moms so we've decided to put together a list of our favorite organic baby food brands, plus share links to important resources you should know about.

We've tasted all of these baby foods, and although they tasted "bleh" to us -- it is baby food!-- they're all organic and that's all that matters!

Plum Organics

Earth's Best

Homemade Baby

Happy Baby Food

Baby Cubes

All of these brands are certified organic with the USDA and basically taste the same making it hard for us to really choose a clear winner. We highly recommend them all.

Important links:

Organic Trade Association

New Employment Alternative: Bringing Babies to Work

2008-01-04T00:37:00.000-05:00

As more women try to make work and motherhood mesh, innovative employment alternatives are popping up all the time that attempt to alleviate the stress of mothers going back to work after maternity leave.

In recent decades, mothers began using flexible hours to stay at home with her children at least part-time. Increasing numbers of corporate employers now offer on-site daycare. And, mothers who can't swing these options sometimes find themselves monitoring their children via a video feed from their child's care facility.

Now, working mothers are doing something unthinkable: taking their babies to work. An article on Time.com, Who's the Boss, talks about this growing trend. A brand-new institute, the Parenting in the Workplace Institute, has compiled a list of 70 American companies that allow mothers to bring their babies to the workplace.

Mary Secret, a social-work professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, found that babies in the workplace can actually raise moral among colleagues. "We have tended to have this myth of the separation between work and family," Secret says. "In reality, that never existed."

On the Net:

Parenting at Work Institute
Babies in the Workplace