Savvy Science Mom

What is the safest sunscreen for my child?

2011-06-02T13:33:00.004-04:00

The strong summer sun has arrived. It is that time of year to be even more diligent about slathering sunscreen on our children to protect them from the sun's harmful cancer-causing rays.

Deciding which sunscreen to use is challenging given the many options on the market and discussions about the harmful ingredients that some of them contain.

One extremely useful resource is Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Guide, which has a recently updated section dedicated to sunscreen. Their top-rated products are broad-spectrum, protecting against both UVA and UVB sun radiation (see my post that explains the different types of sun radiation). Additionally, all of the top sunscreens contain the minerals zinc or titanium, which offer the best UVA protection without harmful chemicals considered to be hormone disruptors. Finally, none contain oxybenzone or vitamin A (see my post on Vitamin A in sunscreen).

What is your favorite sunscreen for your child? Did it make EWG's top list?

Are 3D movies safe for children's eyes?

2011-05-03T21:09:00.005-04:00

When a reader expressed concern over her children watching 3D movies, I thought for sure I would learn that 3D is harmful to children's eyes. I was shocked to discover that it does not hurt children's eyes and can actually be extremely beneficial in detecting several types of eye disorders and diseases. For example, amblyopia (lazy eye) may be more easily diagnosed and treated if parents seek care for children who have difficulty viewing 3D media.

The American Optometric Association (AOA)--the acknowledged leader and authority on eye and vision care in the world--has partnered with industry experts from the 3D@Home Consortium on an educational website all about 3D eye concerns: http://www.3deyehealth.org/. They explain how 3D media can help alert parents to problems their children have with binocular vision.

Binocular vision is the ability to align and focus both eyes on an object and then combine the images from each eye into one clear three dimensional image. If the eyes are unable to work together or one eye becomes fatigued, an individual will have difficulty seeing in 3D.

Symptoms to watch out for include headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and dizziness. The best way for parents to find out if there is a problem is to ask lots of questions and observe your children's behavior. When you take your children to a 3D movie or they are playing a 3D video game, make sure to ask them if their eyes are bothering them or if they experience any of the other above symptoms.

A key to a identifying binocular vision problem is if children are not experiencing the 3D visual like everyone else because they can only see in 2D. You can test their ability to see the 3D picture by asking questions about what they are watching. Did they see the butterfly pop out of the screen? Do the images look clear or blurry? If anything seems out of the ordinary, contact your pediatrician or schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.

For more information on children's eye health, please see my post from December 2010.

Why is my child no longer napping?

2011-03-08T22:30:00.005-05:00

I have a very good reason why you have not heard from me in awhile...not only has my toddler stopped napping, but he is also getting up much earlier in the morning. These changes in his sleeping pattern have completely shifted my daily schedule. I used to have a couple hours of quite time every afternoon to sit down at my computer to write and get other tasks done. I also was able to get up before my son did to get a few things done. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, and many days I feel like I am living with the Energizer Bunny.

A year ago, I posted an article about the importance of napping and how it can even make your child smarter. Naps are critical for both physical and mental development of a growing child. I am a huge proponent of the nap, which makes it extra difficult for me to accept that my son no longer needs/desires one.

How much sleep do children need? WebMD outlines some helpful guidelines for the amount of sleep a child typically needs based on age. These guidelines indicate that when children turn 3, they tend to lose their nap. However, one sleep expert says that at age 4 more than 50 percent of children still nap and at age 5 about 30 percent of children still nap.

If you are a parent of a child under 3 who has decided to stop napping on a daily basis, you know as well as I that guidelines in this area are not necessarily scientific, and there are many factors at play that affect the child's sleep routine. Each child is an individual with his/her own unique internal clock. As long as a child is getting the total amount of sleep necessary in a given day, there is nothing to be concerned about (except maybe your own sanity and energy level). It just means a major shift in the daily routine. One way to maintain a break in the middle of the day is to institute "quiet time" in which the child plays quitely or relaxes while listening to some music in his/her bedroom.

If you are not ready to let go of the precious nap, you can try the following tips to keep your toddler napping.

I welcome your feedback and advice on this big transition.

Is organic milk healthier?

2011-02-06T15:14:00.005-05:00

Many parents have switched to organic milk for their children to avoid the potentially harmful artificial growth hormones in conventional milk. A recent study out of Britain's Newcastle University gives us another reason to make the switch: organic milk contains healthier fats than regular milk.

During the study, twenty-two brands of whole milk bought over a two-year period were tested; roughly half were organic. Researchers concluded that because organic cattle eat a fresh grass diet, the milk they produce contains less saturated fat and more good fatty acids than milk produced at intensive commercial dairy farms.

The organic milk contained 30 to 50 percent less saturated fat and had more healthy fats. Levels of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fat that helps boost heart health, were 57 percent higher on average. In addition, amounts of conjugated linolenic acid, linked to reducing eczema in children, were a third higher in the organic milk.

Have you switched to organic milk yet? If not, will this new information make you think twice next time you are in the milk aisle?

Should kids drink bottled or tap water?

2011-01-22T14:56:00.006-05:00

Drinking water is at the center of an ongoing debate and an important question for parents as consumers have drastically shifted to drinking bottled water. Bottled water sales have more than quadrupled in the last 20 years. According to the International Bottled Water Association, bottled water was the second most popular beverage in the United States in 2005 after soda. Americans consume more than 7.5 million gallons of bottled water, or an average of 26 gallons per person. Just between 2004 and 2009, U.S. consumption of bottled water rose by 24 percent.

The Environmental Working Group just released its 2011 Bottled Water Scorecard, which analyzes the labels and websites of 173 bottled water products to determine if the industry is disclosing enough information about its products to the public. EWG specifically looked at whether a company identified the source, treatment methods, and purity testing of the water. Overall, 18 percent of bottled water products fail to list the source, and 32 percent do not disclose anything about the treatment or purity of the water.

EWG recommends that the public drink filtered tap water to ensure the safest water possible. In addition, this will save consumers money and reduce plastic waste.

Part of the problem is that the federal government does not mandate that bottled water be safer than tap water. While tap water suppliers are required to publish their water quality tests, bottled water companies are not, leaving the public in the dark. There is also a difference in how EPA regulates tap water and FDA regulates bottled water. According to the Sierra Club, EPA inspects municipal water plants 100 or more times per month, while FDA performs inspections of bottled water companies as few as four times a month.

Erik Olson, director of advocacy for the National Resources Defense Council, explained in a medicinenet.com article that most municipal water tends to be quite similar to bottled water in terms of contaminants and other health and safety issues.

The main message here is that parents are able to learn more about the quality of their tap water than bottled water. Therefore, it makes more sense to choose the water that you have more information about and control over.

In order to provide the safest drinking water to your children, you can:

Read your annual tap water quality report. Look up your city’s water in EWG’s National Tap Water Atlas.
Use filtered tap water. If your water is not fluoridated, you can use a carbon filter. If it is, use a reverse osmosis filter to remove the fluoride because fluoridated water can damage a child’s developing teeth by creating fluorosis, or white spots.
Fill your filtered tap water in safe containers to avoid leaching of harmful chemicals from plastics including bisphenol-A (BPA). Carry stainless steel or other BPA-free containers. You will also be reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our landfills.
Review EWG’s Bottled Water Scorecard so you know which brands of bottled water are safe to drink in case you are unable to use your filtered tap water.

Is the age difference between siblings linked to autism?

2011-01-10T22:45:00.006-05:00

A study released today in the journal Pediatrics presents some surprising evidence that a small spacing between siblings--less than two years apart--may increase the chance that the second child will develop autism.

With women getting married and having their first child later, there has been a rise in the number of closely spaced births. In 1995, 11 percent of births were less than two years apart. By 2002, the number jumped to 18 percent.

Study Approach

The researchers looked at more than half a million births in California from 1992 to 2002. They analyzed data on second-born children whose older sibling did not have autism. Of the 662,730 second-born children reviewed, 3,137 were diagnosed with autism. Of the 156,034 children conceived less than a year after the birth of their older siblings, 1,188 had an autism diagnosis--a higher rate.

Key Findings

Children conceived before their older sibling's first birthday were three times more likely to have autism than children spaced at least three years apart. In addition, the sooner the second child was conceived, the greater the likelihood of that child being diagnosed with autism. The pattern was found for parents of all ages. The researchers also took into account other risk factors for autism and still saw the effect of birth spacing.

For researchers, a major breakthrough with this study is that it confirms that prenatal environmental factors--not just genetics--play a role in the development of autism.

Possible Reasons for the Link

Scientists are not yet sure what is causing the birth spacing link, but some theories have been presented:

There may be a biological reason. Pregnancy depletes nutrients in a woman's body, including folate and vitamin B, which are important for the development of a healthy fetus. If a woman quickly has another baby, her body might not have time to restore the necessary nutrients.
Parents may be more likely to notice developmental problems when siblings are so close in age since they can easily compare the children.
There could be a combination of factors at play.

Next Steps

It is critical that the research community duplicate the results of this study to ensure its validity. They will need to review data from more states and expand the total number of children they analyze. If additional research confirms the consistency of this link, women may be recommended to have children over two years apart to reduce the risk of autism.

Stay tuned for more information. Remember, if you have concerns about your child's development, speak to your pediatrician as soon as possible. Early intervention of autism has proven effective in many cases. Visit the following websites to learn more about autism: http://www.autismtoday.com/, http://www.autismspeaks.org/, and http://www.autism-society.org/.

Should children have caffeine?

2011-01-09T22:13:00.008-05:00

I was shocked to find out from a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics that about 75 percent of children are consuming caffeine daily. When I grew up, soda and coffee were off limits for my brother and me. These days, children are loading up on soft drinks and other caffeinated products to the point that it is ruining their chances of a good night's sleep.

Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center surveyed parents of more than 200 children between the ages of 5 and 12. The parents were asked about the types and amounts of snacks that their children ate on a daily basis. Children between the ages of 8 and 12 took in an average of 109 milligrams of caffeine per day--the equivalent of three 12-ounce cans of soda. Younger children consumed less caffeine, but some as young as 5 years old had the equivalent of one can of soda a day. The study showed that the more caffeine a child consumed, the less they slept.

Caffeine is a stimulant--and known to be the most popular and easily accessible drug in the world. Although it is safe to consume in moderation, it is addictive and has no nutritional value. It enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine, causing a stimulating effect as soon as 15 minutes after it is consumed. Once in the body, caffeine can last for several hours. It takes about 6 hours for just half of the caffeine to be eliminated.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, caffeine is not recommended for children. It impacts a child's sleep and may negatively affect a child's nutrition by replacing nutrient-rich foods such as milk. A child may also eat less because caffeine suppresses one's appetite.

Caffeine can also act as a poison. A recent article in Parents Magazine pointed out that the American Association of Poison Control Centers receives about 4,000 calls each year about exposure to caffeine in children. Around 1,200 of those are for children aged 6 and under. The main complaints are headaches, irritability, nausea and sleep issues.

What Can You Do?

Avoid serving your children caffeinated beverages--soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and caffeinated water.
Watch out for chocolate. Cookies, candy, ice cream and other desserts with chocolate contain caffeine that can affect your child.
If your child does consume some caffeine, make sure it is earlier in the day and not near bedtime.
Carefully read labels since some products surprisingly contain caffeine.
Contact your pediatrician or the poison control hotline if your child exhibits worrisome symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or insomia after consuming caffeine.

How do I keep my child’s eyes healthy?

2010-12-15T21:40:00.006-05:00

I recently went through the traumatic experience of having two retinal tears in my right eye that required outpatient laser surgery to keep the retina from getting worse and detaching (which can lead to blindness). The health of my eyes has been an issue since first grade, when I got my first pair of glasses. Being so near-sighted, I was tagged as high risk for retinal problems. I never expected to face this issue in my early 30's, but I am truly grateful to have been getting routine eye exams by a fabulous doctor who caught the problem early on.

This experience got me thinking...how many parents are focusing on their children's eye health?

According to http://www.preventblindness.org/, vision problems affect one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-age children. It is very important that parents know how to recognize eye problems and make sure their children receive proper eye care. Untreated eye problems can get worse over time, potentially leading to more serious medical problems and even affecting learning and personality.

Signs There Could Be a Problem

Here are some possible signs that it is time to call the doctor. Visit http://www.preventblindness.org/ and http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/vision.html for a more complete list.

Eyes appear crossed or do not line up
Eyes are watery or red
Extreme light sensitivity
Rubbing eyes often
Squinting
Closing or covering one eye
Complains about not being able to see or that things appear blurry or double

Eye Exams

Below are some general guidelines about eye screening by age. Be sure to ask your pediatrician about these tests during your visit.

Year 1: Infants should be screened for eye health during regular checkups with their pediatrician.
3-4: Eye health screenings and visual acuity tests (that measure sharpness of vision) by pediatrician.
5: Vision and eye alignment should be evaluated by pediatrician. Those who fail either test should be referred to an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist depending on the issue).
After 5: Further routine screenings should be done at school or the doctor's office, or after a problem is identified. Children who wear corrective lenses should have annual checkups to screen for any changes in vision.

Can a peanut allergy form before a child is born?

2010-12-06T15:19:00.005-05:00

Even if your child does not have a peanut allergy, you probably have had to deal with warnings about it in your child’s classroom to make sure you do not send in any food that contains peanuts.

About one percent of Americans are allergic to peanuts and products that contain even the smallest amount of peanuts. This allergy has gotten much of attention in recent years because the number of people who have been diagnosed with it has doubled over the past decade. It can be a pretty serious allergy, potentially leading to difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and even death.

A recent study at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center found that babies born to mothers who eat peanuts during pregnancy appear to have a greater chance of developing a peanut allergy. Infants whose mothers reported eating peanuts at least twice a week during pregnancy were nearly three times more likely than other infants to have levels of peanut antibodies high enough to suggest a possible peanut allergy.

Although the research does not show a direct cause and effect relationship between a mother’s peanut consumption and her baby’s allergy, the findings suggest that eating peanuts may trigger a peanut allergy in a developing child.

Therefore, pregnant women should refrain from eating peanuts, especially if there is a family history of food allergies. Why increase the risk?

The following resources contain a wealth of information about children’s peanut allergies:
www.drgreene.com/azguide/peanut-allergy
www.allergicchild.com/peanut_allergy.htm
www.peanutallergykids.com/

Could reusable grocery bags be harmful to your kids?

2010-11-15T23:36:00.006-05:00

Who would have thought? Here you are trying to do something good for the environment by using reusable bags, and now a study comes out saying that many of these bags contain harmful levels of lead that can hurt our children.

The Tampa Tribune just released the findings of its investigative research on several reusable bags sold by popular grocery store chains in Florida. Some bags contained enough lead that at least one county in Florida would consider the bags hazardous if thrown out with household trash. Other bags had lead levels that exceeded federal limits for paint and the new rules going into effect soon for children's toys.

Fortunately, the tests found that the lead is in a form that can not be easily extracted or leached. In other words, it would be unlikely for the lead to rub off on food just by touching the bag. However, as bags are worn down the paint can begin to fall off, which could release lead.

The study also found that bags with more elaborate designs printed on them were more likely to contain higher levels of lead. A good tip is that yellow and green paint on the bags tend to contain more lead.

For more details on the study, view a news clip that synthesizes perspectives on lead in reusable bags from Tampa Bay Online, WCBS, and The New York Times.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, lead can cause a number of health effects including behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and even death. Children six years and under are most at risk. Visit EPA’s lead site for an abundance of information about this toxin. You can also learn about lead poison prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

What do you think about this new information? Do you know of any studies on lead in bags in your local area?

When is a child’s head injury serious?

2010-11-12T16:52:00.005-05:00

My husband recently fell off a ladder and smacked his head. It was the kind of injury that caused a lot of blood, and I knew that I needed to call 911 and get him to the hospital immediately. Children seem to be constantly falling and hitting their heads. When is a head injury alarming enough that we need to call the doctor or rush them to the emergency room?

Fortunately, when children fall and hit their head it usually results in injury to the scalp only. It is common for a large bump (also referred to as a goose egg) to form from the swelling of the broken blood vessels underneath the skin. These bumps pop up pretty quickly, but go down with ice and pressure.

A cut to the scalp causes a lot of blood because it is a very vascular area. It is important to remember that the large amount of blood that you see is more frightening than threatening.

These bumps and bleeds rarely indicate a brain injury, and do not necessarily call for a trip to the emergency room. Dr. Sears and the American Academy of Pediatrics have very useful information on head injuries, describing serious symptoms to look for and when to call the doctor or head to the hospital.

Of course, an internal head injury can be quite serious, causing internal bleeding or a concussion. If small blood vessels break between the skull and the brain or within the brain, bleeding occurs (called a hematoma) that can put pressure on the brain. A blow to the head can also cause a concussion, or a “shaking up” of the brain. For more about concussions, visit KidsHealth.

The good news is that given the number of times kids bang their heads, serious injury is very rare. Just keep an eye on your children to see if they show any of the signs that require medical attention. And make sure to take precautions, such as requiring them to wear a helmet while riding their bike and playing certain sports.

Is BPA in the canned food that I feed to my child?

2010-10-21T13:37:00.005-04:00

It has been awhile since I wrote about BPA (see my previous post about high chair trays). It is back in the news big time. Recent studies are showing how harmful BPA is as an endocrine disruptor that can affect fertility and development, and companies and other countries (e.g. Canada just became the first country to regulate BPA as a toxic substance) are starting to take action.

One of the key outstanding issues is that BPA remains in the lining of many canned food products. As I walk the aisles of the grocery store, I never know which cans contain BPA.

Fortunately, a report was just released by As You Sow, a corporate responsibility watchdog, which ranks companies’ efforts to remove BPA from their cans. The highest ranking companies have started using BPA-free can linings for certain products and are committed to removing the chemical from all of their packaging products.

This resource is extremely helpful to so many parents trying to make the healthiest food choices for their children. View the report to see which brands are safe. Hopefully, the cans will eventually be labeled BPA-free so consumers can easily recognize them on the grocery shelves.

Have you been avoiding canned foods due to the concerns about BPA? Will this new information affect how you shop for your family?

Could jaundice lead to autism?

2010-10-14T22:53:00.005-04:00

Breaking News: A study released this week from Denmark found an increased risk of autism in children who had jaundice in the first few days of life.

Researchers reviewed data from registries that included all Danish children born between 1994 and 2004--about 734,000 children. They found that newborn babies who developed serious jaundice were 67 percent more likely to be diagnosed with autism in early childhood.

The research also found a heightened autism risk for jaundiced children born in the fall and winter months (between October and March) or whose mothers had given birth before. Those children had a two to three times greater chance of developing autism.

View the full study published in Pediatrics.

What is Bilirubin?
Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile that is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. It is removed from the body through the stool.

When bilirubin levels are too high, the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow, causing jaundice. Too much bilirubin in a newborn baby can cause brain damage, hearing loss, problems with the muscles that move the eye, physical abnormalities, and even death.

More Questions
Since bilirubin can cause brain damage and other serious physical abnormalities, it sure seems feasible that it could be linked to autism as well. More research needs to be done to explore this possibility. Is there a similar pattern in the United States? Has there been an increase in the number of children who have high bilirubin levels over the same time frame as the increase in the cases of autism? It is also critical to explore the seasonal patterns that the study highlights. Is there a connection between sun exposure and Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant mothers and their children suffering from jaundice, and later autism?

I welcome your thoughts and questions on this very interesting research. Stay tuned for more developments.

Can children with an egg allergy get a flu vaccine?

2010-10-03T16:28:00.004-04:00

It’s that time of year again when we are bombarded with reminders to get a flu shot. But what if your child is allergic to eggs? The flu vaccine contains egg protein, so this is a major concern for some parents. (An estimated two to three percent of children in the United States have this allergy.)

According to pediatricians at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, most children with an egg allergy can be immunized safely if a few precautions are taken. They also emphasize that there is more of a risk to leave children unprotected against the flu, especially since many children with food allergies also have asthma, making them at even higher risk for complications from the flu.

Precautions to Take

If you are concerned that your child has an egg allergy, consult your pediatrician before having him/her immunized.
The child will likely need to see a pediatric allergist to receive a skin prick test using egg protein and/or the flu vaccine itself to determine if there is an allergic reaction.
Many children with an allergy can still be vaccinated, but should remain under supervision for several hours following the vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), serious allergic reactions to vaccines are extremely rare—only one or two cases per million vaccinations.
Children with known allergies can be given anti-allergy medications, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, before the vaccination to help prevent or minimize an allergic reaction.

What to Look For
Serious allergies typically cause immediate reactions within a few minutes to a few hours of a vaccination. Symptoms include breathing problems, increased heartbeat, wheezing, hoarseness, coughing, hives, swelling, low blood pressure, dizziness, paleness, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea, and they can lead to full-blown anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. On the other hand, reactions that occur days or weeks after a vaccination are generally benign and are rarely dangerous.

Is it safe for young children to eat soy products?

2010-09-29T11:32:00.008-04:00

Surprisingly, there is not much information available about the pros and cons of children eating soy food products. Most of the discussion is focused specifically on soy-based infant formula. As a parent of a toddler, I am curious about how much soy he should have in his diet.

This is important because of the recent jump in soy food consumption. Americans now consume over $4 billion of soy foods each year—a number that has grown dramatically since the early 1990s. This is due to the many benefits of soy, including being a good source of low fat protein, helping to maintain healthy blood lipid levels, preserving bone health, serving as an alternative to milk products for vegans and those with allergies, lowering cholesterol, and reducing the risk for certain types of breast and prostate cancer.

However, the main question is whether the phytoestrogens naturally found in soy products can mimic estrogen and cause premature puberty in children, reduce fertility in women, and disrupt development of fetuses and children.

Research
Recent research on mice shows that consuming large amounts of soy could have harmful effects on female fertility and reproductive development. Some scientists have concluded that the results of these studies can be applied to humans.

A Developmental biologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences said that the phytoestrogens found in soy may not be good for a developing child. Another scientist went as far as to compare the effects of genistein (one type of phytoestrogen found in soy) to Bisphenol A, also an estrogenic compound that is thought to cause various health problems. (See my previous post on BPA.)

Guidelines
In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed the current scientific data on the effects of soy formula on infants and determined that there is no decisive evidence that soy harms infant development, reproduction, or endocrine function.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences at the National Institutes of Health, an infant being fed only soy formula would have a diet consisting of 100 percent soy. This means that they would be exposed to much more soy than toddlers who consume a variety of foods.

Therefore, parents should not be too concerned about feeding some soy products to their children. Like most advice pertaining to health and diet, moderation is key. My son will be happy to be able to still enjoy some edamame on occasion.

What do you think? Do you incorporate soy into your child's diet?

Are there bugs in your infant's formula?

2010-09-23T11:26:00.004-04:00

Breaking News: Five million containers of powdered Similac infant formula are being recalled in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and some Caribbean countries because of possible insect contamination. The recall was initiated after an internal quality review of the production line detected the possibility that beetles got into some of the formula manufactured in one particular facility.

The FDA has reviewed the situation and determined that the formula containing the beetles poses no immediate health risk. However, the agency has advised parents to be on alert since there is the possibility that infants who consume the contaminated formula could experience gastrointestinal discomfort and might refuse to eat. This would result from small insect parts or larvae irritating the GI tract.

To determine if your formula is affected by this recall, visit www.similac.com/recall/lookup or call (800) 986-8850.

If your child has consumed any of the recalled lots of Similac formula and is experiencing stomach problems for a few days, please contact your pediatrician.

How concerned are you about this recall?

Is it okay for nursing mothers to drink alcohol?

2010-09-01T13:57:00.006-04:00

It seems like a lot of nursing mothers I know are enjoying more than an occasional glass of wine these days. This really surprised me because when I nursed only about two years ago, I barely drank a sip of alcohol during those months. I wanted to know if I was too cautious in my avoiding alcohol while nursing, and to see if drinking is at all harmful to the baby.

What is fascinating about my research is that the organization known to be the biggest proponent of breastfeeding, La Leche League, appeared to be the most supportive of nursing mothers being able to drink some alcohol, as to not put too many limitations on them and encourage them to nurse as long as possible. However, other key sources advise against nursing mothers consuming alcohol.

March of Dimes recommends that women do not drink alcohol while nursing since small amounts of alcohol accumulate in breast milk and are passed to the baby. The organization points to a study that found that breastfed babies of women who had one or more drinks per day were a little slower in acquiring motor skills (like crawling and walking) than babies who were not exposed to any alcohol.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that alcohol passes through a mother’s milk to the baby, so it is best for women to avoid habitual use while breastfeeding. AAP warns of possible side effects if too much alcohol is consumed, including: drowsiness, deep sleep, weakness, and abnormal weight gain in the infant, and the possibility of decreased milk-ejection reflex in the mother. AAP also explains that one alcoholic drink—the equivalent of a twelve-ounce beer, four-ounce glass of wine, or one ounce of hard liquor—will probably not harm a child, but there are concerns about long-term, repeated exposures of infants to alcohol via the mother’s breastmilk, so moderation is advised.

Kidshealth.org explains that it takes about 2 to 3 hours after consuming one drink for the alcohol to be metabolized and no longer be a concern for nursing. They advice mothers to not give a baby breast milk for at least 2 to 3 hours for every drink of alcohol consumed.

With all the possible physical and behavioral health issues that a child could have, why increase the risk by drinking alcohol while nursing? It just does not seem necessary to this mom. And there are no guarantees that all of the alcohol will be removed from a mother’s body by the time of the next feeding. I think it is better to be safe than sorry in this case and forego the drinks until the child has been weaned. What do you think?

Can children have bad breath?

2010-08-04T14:27:00.004-04:00

I never thought it was possible, but sometimes my toddler wakes up with bad “morning breath”. I was curious if this was common and what can be done about it.

According to Dr. Greene, it is not unusual for a child to wake up with bad breath, or halitosis. Throughout the day, saliva washes away unwanted food debris. As soon as a child falls asleep, saliva production decreases. Therefore, the longer a child sleeps, the more bacteria are produced in the mouth, causing bad breath. However, there are some cases in which bad breath can be a symptom of something more serious.

Causes of Bad Breath

Poor dental hygiene—most common cause.
Mouth-breathing—it dries out the mouth and allows bacteria to grow. Children who consistently breathe through their mouths might have a cold, sinus infection, allergies, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids blocking the nasal passages.
Sucking—if a child sucks on fingers or a pacifier, the object may develop an odor from saliva and bacteria. A pacifier may also have food residue on it.
Tonsil stones—collections of food and bacteria that get stuck in the crevices of the tonsils.
Cavities or tartar buildup.
Sinus infection—other symptoms include a cough, fever, face swelling, or a thick yellow-green nasal discharge.
Pharyngitis (throat infection)—child would have a sore throat along with bad breath.
Seasonal allergies—cause postnasal drip. Other symptoms include a dry cough that gets worse at night, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
A foreign object shoved up a child’s nose—if the object is left there, it can rot and cause an infection. The odor will come from the nose and not the mouth.
Eating pungent foods like garlic and onions.

Tips for Preventing and Treating Bad Breath

Teeth should be brushed three times a day after meals using a soft-bristled toothbrush. The tongue should also be brushed.
Dental floss should be used everyday to reduce mouth odor. Young children will need help from parents.
Children should eat a good breakfast to stimulate the flow of saliva and reduce oral bacteria. Fibrous foods are highly recommended.
Have child rinse frequently with water and drink plenty of fluids to help reduce dry mouth.
Child should consume frequent drinks and snacks throughout the day to provide opportunities for bacteria to be moved around the mouth and flushed away.
Treat cold and allergy symptoms promptly to reduce post-nasal drip and prevent mouth breathing.
Make sure your child’s hands are washed frequently with soap and water if fingers or thumb are sucked.
Sterilize pacifiers or other sucking objects frequently by boiling or running them through the dishwasher.
Take your child for regular dental checkups to make sure that teeth are healthy and clean.

It is important to note that young children should not use alcohol-based mouthwash since it can dry out and damage the oral tissue and be poisonous if ingested improperly or in large amounts (young children tend to swallow mouthwash).

When to Call the Doctor or Dentist

If bad breath does not go away within five days after careful dental hygiene.
If bad breath is accompanied by a cough that lasts more than 10 days.
If bad breath is accompanied by a fever.
If there is heavy, green nasal discharge from one nostril—this could be a sign of infection from a foreign object lodged in the nose.
If there is bleeding around the gums, visible tooth decay, or a discolored tooth.

*Share your stories about how you dealt with your child's bad breath.

Should young children drink juice?

2010-07-22T15:10:00.004-04:00

With the recent scare about lead in fruit juice boxes, I have to step back and ask why parents are even letting their young children drink fruit juice in the first place.

It surprises me that about 90 percent of infants drink fruit juice by their first birthday. Except for special occasions like birthday parties, I follow my pediatrician’s recommendation to not give fruit juice until age five. That means that only 10 percent of parents agree with me, so I looked into what the authorities are saying about fruit juice.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that fruit juice not be given to infants under six months of age since it offers no nutritional benefit to babies. For children between six months and six years old, juice is not recommended. However, if juice is given, it should be limited to 4 to 6 ounces (120–180 ml) per day.

Keep in mind that plain water is a much healthier option--for a lifetime. I encourage parents to start the habit early and choose water over juice from the beginning.

PROBLEMS WITH JUICE
There are several reasons why juice is not a good choice for young children.

Tooth Decay
Cavities are linked to juice consumption since teeth are exposed to the sugars found in juice. The AAP and the American Academy of Pedodontics recommend that juice be offered to infants in a cup--not a bottle--since allowing children to carry juice around all day leads to excessive exposure of the teeth to sugar. In addition, infants should never be put to bed with a bottle in their mouth (see my recent post).

Obesity
It has been found that some children who drink too much juice have an increased risk of being overweight. If parents serve juice to their child, they should regulate the amount being consumed by offering it with food to slow down the rate at which it is absorbed and mix one-half juice with one-half water.

Poor Nutrition
Fruit juice offers no nutritional benefits over whole fruit. Most fruit juices do not contain any significant amount of protein, fat, minerals, or vitamins other than vitamin C. Therefore, children should be encouraged to eat whole fruits, instead of drinking juice, to meet the recommended daily fruit intake. Also, whole fruits provide fiber and other important nutrients.

Stomach Upset
If a child drinks too much juice, sometimes the juice will not be digested properly, leading to gas or diarrhea. Also, keep in mind that infants should never be given fruit juice to treat dehydration or diarrhea.

Illness Due to Harmful Pathogens
Children should not consume unpasteurized juice, which can contain harmful pathogens like Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium that can cause serious disease.

Can dirt be good for our kids?

2010-07-11T13:59:00.006-04:00

A new study shows that a bacteria commonly found in soil can help improve learning and reduce anxiety.

Professors Dorothy Matthews and Susan Jenks of The Sage Colleges in Troy, New York recently presented the findings of their study, Effect of Mycobacterium vaccae on Learning, at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego.

Research
The research involved feeding the bacteria to mice and seeing how they performed in a challenging maze. The mice who ate food with the bacteria on it were able to figure out the maze twice as fast as those in the control group. They also showed less anxious behavior. Even weeks after the mice stopped snacking on the live bacterium, they still knew how to get through the maze. Three weeks later, the effect seemed to taper off, but since mice only live for about two years, the results were still impressive to researchers.

This research is especially interesting because it shows how germs may play a role in reducing anxiety and enhancing learning, which seems so counter-intuitive to many parents who spend much of their time worrying about their children being exposed to dirt and germs.

What this Means for Parents

Mycobacterium vaccae is a type of bacteria found in soil that we tend to ingest or breathe in while spending time outdoors in the natural environment. Children do not need to actually eat the dirt to reap its benefits. Professor Matthews suggests that spending time outdoors and interacting with nature--taking a walk in the woods, playing or gardening--may improve the way children learn and help reduce their anxiety as well.

There has been alot of concern in recent years about children with "nature deficit disorder" (term coined by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods). This research is just another reminder (using scientific proof) that children should spend more time outside learning about and enjoying nature.

How do you incorporate nature and outdoor play into your child's routine?

Is it dangerous to cook a child's food in the microwave?

2010-07-05T14:14:00.004-04:00

I admit it…I cook or warm up my toddler’s food in the microwave almost daily. With about 90 percent of American households owning a microwave, I am sure that most mothers are nuking their kids’ meals in this very useful kitchen appliance. However, I often wonder if cooking in the microwave is safe. (Note: My concern in this post is the microwave radiation itself being harmful, not the type of container used to hold the food—that is for another entry.)

How Does a Microwave Work?
Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation—waves of electrical and magnetic energy moving together through space. Microwaves fall into the radio frequency band of electromagnetic radiation, and are much less powerful than x-rays. Microwaves are good for cooking because they are reflected by metal; pass through glass, paper, plastic, and similar materials; and are absorbed by food.

Radiation Guidelines
Because there are still some questions about exposure to low levels of microwave radiation, FDA continues to enforce radiation protection requirements. The agency believes that ovens that meet its standard and are used according to the manufacturer's instructions are safe.

FDA’s standard limits the amount of radiation that can leak from a microwave oven throughout its lifetime to 5 milliwatts (mW) per square centimeter at approximately 2 inches from the oven surface. This is far below the level known to harm people. Microwave energy also decreases dramatically as one moves away from the source of radiation. In addition, FDA requires all microwave ovens to have two independent interlock systems that stop the production of microwaves if the latch is released or door is opened.

Current Research on Radiation
Although additional research is needed, it has been found that high levels of radiation (much greater than FDA’s standard) from microwaves can cause burns, cataracts, and temporary sterility in men. Researchers are still trying to learn more about potential effects due to low levels of microwave radiation. Much research has been done with animals, but it is difficult to translate the effects of microwaves on animals to possible effects on humans.

Chemistry of Food
Another concern is whether microwaves can alter food in a harmful way. The Daily Green blogged about this topic, exploring both sides of the issue. On one hand, any type of cooking changes the chemistry of food, either increasing or decreasing nutrient levels. The site pointed out that the “prevailing view is that microwaves do not alter foods in ways that are any more deleterious or harmful than other types of cooking. In fact, some have argued that the faster cooking time may actually preserve more nutrients versus other methods.”

On the other hand, some experts are concerned that there is not enough information to confirm that microwaves do not damage food. Holistic health expert Dr. Andrew Weil has written about the possible dangers associated with microwaving food and whether it negatively alters protein chemistry. Also, Dr. Fumio Watanabe of Japan's Kochi Women's University found that heating samples milk in the microwave for six minutes degenerated 30-40% of vitamin B12. Finally, in the late 1980s Swiss scientists reported decreases in hemoglobin and white blood cells in rats that had eaten microwaved food.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not operate an oven if the door does not close firmly or is bent, warped, or otherwise damaged.
Never use an oven if it will continue to operate with the door open.
Do not stand directly against or in front of an oven for long periods of time while it is operating.

Please share your views. Do you use a microwave to heat your child's food? If not, what other cooking techniques do you use? Are you concerned about microwave radiation or altering the nutrients of the food?

What is the worst thing parents can do to their baby’s teeth?

2010-06-24T15:11:00.004-04:00

I was recently at the dentist’s office and the hygienist and I were talking about dental care for young children. The most important point that she made was: Never put your baby to bed with a bottle.

First of all, I would be concerned that a baby could choke if left sucking on a bottle unsupervised all night. Besides that, milk, formula, and juice contain sugar. If a baby is left sucking a bottle filled with these liquids, the sugar can cause tooth decay. According to Dr. Sears, when a baby falls asleep, saliva production slows down, allowing the teeth to soak in the sugar all night. This can lead to bacterial growth, plaque, and eventually painful tooth decay.

How to Recognize Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay symptoms are hard to recognize since they are not very obvious at first. Look for:

Fever from gum or tooth infection
Bleeding or red gums
Pain or irritability
White spots on teeth

If you are concerned, see your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist for further evaluation.

Breaking the Habit

If your infant is attached to a bottle in bed, only use water.
If you need to wean the child off of juice in the bottle at bedtime, water it down more and more each night until there is only water in the bottle. During this process, remove the bottle as soon as the baby falls asleep and brush his/her teeth right away in the morning.
Wipe a baby's gums with a washcloth after feedings.
Once a child has teeth, brush them with a soft child-sized toothbrush and infant toothpaste.
Begin dental checkups when the baby is 6-12 months old.
Teach a child to drink from a cup as soon as possible (as early as 6 months) since it reduces the chance of liquids pooling around teeth and gums.

Please share your tips for how you broke the “bottle in bed” habit.

How often do young children need a bath?

2010-06-10T22:18:00.005-04:00

I have to admit, I only bathe my toddler every other day. So many of my friends stick to a daily bath routine and swear by it, saying that their child will not go to sleep without it. I began to wonder if I was doing something wrong, so I looked into the research and recommendations regarding how often to bathe a child.

First of all, there is plenty of information available about bathing newborns and infants, but I could not find any recommendations geared toward toddlers and older children from any authorities. Overall, there is no right answer when it comes to bathing frequency, but there are some important points to consider.

Recommendations for Newborns and Infants
According to many resources—including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Sears, and Babycenter—it is not necessary to bathe a baby everyday because they are not getting that dirty. Some say once or twice a week is enough for young babies.

Skin Problems
Bathing a child too often can dry out skin and even cause skin problems like eczema. A baby's skin provides natural protection through bodily oils that prevent infection and irritation caused by factors like dirt and clothing. Bathing too often will strip those oils and lead to increased irritation. This is especially important to keep in mind during cold, dry weather.

According to thefamilygp.com, the number of infants with skin conditions is on the rise due to parents obsessively over-bathing their children. A survey highlighted on the site indicates that 35 percent of babies today suffer from sore, flaking, itchy skin.

How to Keep a Baby Clean without a Daily Bath

It is most important to keep the diaper area clean, which can be done during regular diaper changes throughout the day.
Wash the face frequently and thoroughly. When a baby spits up, wipe the mouth area and around the neck. These areas, especially in the skin folds, should stay clean and dry to avoid fungal or yeast infections.
Do spot-cleaning in areas that get particularly sweaty, oily, or dirty, such as behind the ears, in the neck folds and in the creases of the groin.

Tips for Beyond the First Year
Since there are no specific recommendations for bathing children after the first year, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use common sense. If your child is visibly dirty, sweat a great deal during the day, or has an odor, it is time for a bath.
Prioritize—A good rule of thumb it to always bathe children after swimming or playing on the beach.
On days where there is no bath, make sure to wash the child's hands throughout the day, keep the diaper area clean, and wash the face as needed after meals.
Stay flexible. Sometimes we are too busy or tired to give a bath as planned. Our children will not be endangered if they miss a bath.

What do you think about these tips? How often do you give your child a bath?

Why is Vitamin A in sunscreen now a concern?

2010-06-03T14:56:00.007-04:00

For much of the country, summer is here or quickly approaching. It is now time to really think about the best—most effective and safest—sunscreen products for our children.

Sunscreen has been a very hot topic during the past week with Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) release of its 2010 Sunscreen Guide. The report raises many important points about sun protection (I recommend that everyone checks it out), but I find the news about Vitamin A especially interesting.

Why Is Vitamin A Used?
Vitamin A is used in sunscreen as an antioxidant to slow the skin’s aging process. Although it is a product geared toward adults, it is commonly found in many baby and children’s sunscreens.

FDA Data
EWG cites a recent study from FDA indicating that retinyl palmitate—a form of Vitamin A—can speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions when it is applied to skin exposed to sunlight. This indicates that vitamin A may be photocarcinogenic, meaning that in the presence of the sun's ultraviolet rays, both the chemical and skin undergo complex biochemical changes resulting in cancer. With 41 percent of sunscreens on the market containing retinyl palmitate, this news is cause for concern.

In FDA’s study, tumors and lesions developed up to 21 percent faster in lab animals coated in cream containing Vitamin A than in control animals treated with a vitamin-free cream. Both groups were exposed to the same amount of Florida sunshine each day for up to a year.

The data are preliminary, and FDA is scheduled to publish a more in-depth evaluation with conclusions in October 2010. If the data hold up in the final report, it is quite possible that it will be determined that some sunscreens may actually increase the risk of skin cancer. Talk about irony.

What Can Parents Do?

Choose sunscreens that do not contain Vitamin A. The chemicals to avoid include retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinyl acetate, and other retinyls.
Visit EWG’s Sunscreen Guide to view the list of the best sunscreens and to search for specific sunscreen products in the database to determine how they are ranked.
Stay on top of new developments from FDA and others regarding Vitamin A in sunscreens.

Can pesticides cause ADHD?

2010-05-21T21:22:00.005-04:00

A new study published in Pediatrics on May 17th concluded that children exposed to organophosphates--a type of pesticide--may have a higher risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Toxic to the nervous system, organophosphates were originally developed for chemical warfare. They are now typically used to kill insects by disrupting their brains and nervous systems. There are about 40 organophosphate pesticides registered in the U.S. including: malathion, methyl parathion, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dichlorvos, phosmet, tetrachlorvinphos, and azinphos methyl.

Researchers from Harvard, Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and University of Montreal examined the link between urinary concentrations of organophosphates and ADHD in 1,139 children 8 to 15 years old. Parents were interviewed to determine if a child was diagnosed with ADHD.

The research team found that the children with high levels of the chemical were almost twice as likely to develop ADHD as those with undetectable levels. The researchers also concluded that more specific studies are needed in the future, such as to determine exposure levels over time, before specific pesticides are banned.

How To Protect Your Child

Find out which insecticides are being sprayed in your home.
Wash produce. (See my previous post about produce wash to learn more.)
By organic produce.
Stay up-to-date on new research in this area.