Latest news with #pediatricians
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
5 Common Mistakes That Can Slow Baby Development And What to Do Instead
Small shifts in your daily routine can make a big difference in your baby's first year It's easy to overthink baby development. With so many toys, classes, and milestone trackers out there, it can feel like you need to follow every program or get everything 'just right.' But babies don't need perfection to thrive. What they need is the opportunity to move, explore, connect, and feel safe. That said, there are a few common habits that might unintentionally hold back their development. They're all fixable, and knowing what to tweak can help your baby grow with more confidence (and less pressure on you). 1. Relying too much on baby gear. Swings, bouncers, and loungers have their place, especially when you need two hands. But when babies spend too much time in gear, it limits their opportunities to build essential muscle strength in their neck, shoulders, and core. Those muscles are key for rolling, crawling, and eventually walking. What to try instead: Aim for short, frequent bursts of tummy time throughout the day. Start tummy time on your chest and or with a small rolled towel under your baby's chest if they're resistant at first. Use a floor mirror to encourage them to lift their head and engage their core. Try side-lying play as a bridge to rolling. Keep baby gear short and balanced. No more than 20-30 minutes at a time. 2. Skipping floor time and free movement. The floor is where development takes off. When babies have the space to move freely by reaching, scooting, and stretching, they're not just working on gross motor skills. They're building spatial awareness, coordination, and the ability to problem-solve through trial and error. Ways to boost their floor play: Place toys just out of reach to motivate rolling and reaching. Create a safe 'yes space' with soft mats and minimal barriers. Use high-contrast toys early on and gradually introduce textured items for sensory play. 3. Missing out on face-to-face interaction. Your face is your baby's favorite thing to look at. These moments of eye contact, silly expressions, and back-and-forth sounds are powerful. They lay the foundation for language, emotional intelligence, and connection. Simple ways to build in more connection: Talk through your everyday routines like diaper changes, feedings, and walks outside. Imitate your baby's coos and sounds to encourage back-and-forth communication. Play peek-a-boo or simple interactive games. Use exaggerated expressions. Babies love animated faces! 4. Focusing only on physical milestones. It's easy to zero in on when your baby rolls, crawls, or sits up, but emotional development matters just as much. From the beginning, babies learn about trust, safety, and connection through how we respond to their cues. Every moment of comfort, eye contact, and gentle tone helps build a sense of emotional security. Try these emotionally supportive strategies: Babywearing and skin-to-skin contact for closeness and comfort. Predictable routines that help your baby feel secure. Reading books with emotional expressions and varied tones of voice. Singing, humming, or simply talking to your baby. They're drawn to your voice. Offering a calm, reassuring presence during fussier moments. There's no one 'right' way to connect. What matters most is being responsive in a way that feels natural for both of you. 5. Using screens too early. When you're home with a baby, screen time can be tempting. But for babies under one year, passive viewing doesn't offer the same developmental benefits as real-life interaction. It can also take time away from essential activities like movement, play, and connection. Alternatives to screen time: Play music and have a little dance party–babies love rhythm and movement. Offer sensory bins or safe household items to explore different textures. Read interactive books with flaps, mirrors, or bold images. Let your baby watch you go about your day while narrating what you're doing. Video chatting with loved ones is the exception; it's interactive and can help strengthen social bonds. The key is keeping screen time purposeful and limited in the early months. What to dive deeper into screen time and how it affects development? Check out this PedsDocTalk YouTube video that explains more. Final thoughts You don't need to be perfect or follow a strict plan to support your baby's development. What matters most is being present, tuned in, and offering opportunities for connection and movement throughout the day. By making a few small adjustments, like limiting baby gear, encouraging floor time, and reading books together, you're helping your baby build the foundation for lifelong skills. These small shifts add up. Development in the first year isn't about hitting every milestone early; it's about creating an environment where your baby feels safe, supported, and ready to explore at their own pace. Curious about which milestones to watch for in your baby's first year? Check out the free PedsDocTalk Milestones to Monitor guide. It offers a clear, supportive look at what to expect and when to check in with your child's pediatrician, without the pressure.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'I'm an ER Doctor—Here's the One Activity I Would Never, Ever Let My Kids Do'
'I'm an ER Doctor—Here's the One Activity I Would Never, Ever Let My Kids Do' originally appeared on Parade. When you're a parent, your child's happiness is everything to you. You wish you could give your kids everything they want—and have the most fun in the world—but you also want to keep them safe. Unfortunately, during the warm, school-free summer months, there's more potential for kids to be injured during to Johns Hopkins Medicine, kids' injuries are more common during summer due to more free time and outdoor activities. Certainly, part of the joy of summer as a kid is the many hours spent playing outside or in the pool, diving onto Slip N Slides, jumping off of diving boards and chasing fireflies. It's a blast, and it creates so many wonderful memories for us to look back on when we're that in mind, there's one very specific, very popular outdoor activity ER doctors and pediatricians warn against. Are you kids or grandkids doing it? Read on to find out.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 The Recreational Activity for Kids Doctors Warn Against We talked to ER physicians and pediatricians, and they are in agreement that trampolines are dangerous for kids of all ages, and they warn against them. 'According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, trampolines are associated with over 100,000 injuries each year in the U.S. alone,' says Dr. Alicia Bazzano, MD, MPH, an emergency room doctor with MedStar 3 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Don't Eat Enough FiberDr. Somya Dunn, MD, a pediatrician with MedStar Health, agrees. 'Trampolines are a classic backyard fixture—and also a classic cause of emergency room visits. We wouldn't call trampolines safe, especially without close supervision and some structure. They combine height, velocity and unpredictable landings, which is a dangerous trio for a growing body,' she Christopher Gaw, MD, MPH, MBE, an emergency room doctor with Nationwide Children's, says that he's seen his fair share of trampoline-related injuries. 'We have good data from several studies that describe how trampolines can be dangerous to children. Between 2009 and 2018, there were over 800,000 trampoline-related injuries involving children across the US,' he explains, adding that injuries can occur even with safety nets, padding and adult of the high number of injuries caused by trampolines, Dr. Gaw says that the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly warns against recreational trampoline use for kids of all ages. 'This recommendation covers both home trampolines as well as sport or commercial trampoline parks,' he adds. Deanna Lynn Bridge Najera, PA-C, a physician's assistant with MedStar Health, says that some of the injuries that can occur from trampoline use are minor, such as abrasions from sliding across the material or cuts from the spring or frame. But other types of injuries are more serious. 'Fractures can happen from landing awkwardly, falling off the trampoline and even from becoming tangled in safety netting. Head injuries from colliding with other people or falling can result in concussions or other brain trauma. Even more dangerous are neck injuries, both the spinal cord and the arteries of the neck can be affected from landing or whiplash-type movements,' Najera Dr. Bazzano and Dr. Dunn say that the most common trampoline injuries are head and neck injuries, dislocations, dental trauma and concussions. Dr. Joshua R. Resa, MD, a pediatrician with Hoag Medical Group, adds to this, saying that trampolines are one of the leading causes of accidental injury in the home environment and can lead to sprain, fracture, dislocation or head explains that the type of trampolines causing the aforementioned injuries are different from trampolines used for gymnastics, diving or figure skating training, which are likely safer than ones often found in people's backyards. 'On the other hand, public recreational trampoline parks include larger, bouncier surfaces, with many jumpers using the mats at the same time. This results in more collisions, higher jumps and harder landings,' he adds. Tips for Safe Trampoline Use If you want to allow your child to jump on a trampoline, there are ways to minimize the risk of injury. All of the doctors say to limit use to one child at a time. 'More than three-quarters of injuries occur when multiple children are jumping at the same time,' Dr. Resa explains. All of the doctors also recommend using a safety net enclosure and making sure it's installed properly. They also warn against doing somersaults or flips. 'This is a major cause of spinal injuries.' Dr. Bazzano says. Related: When using the trampoline, Najera says that all the jumping should occur on the trampoline; it shouldn't be used to jump off of, onto the ground or into a pool. Along those lines, Dr. Gaw says that kids should not jump off of other objects (like a roof) onto a also recommend adult supervision anytime a child of any age is using a trampoline.'If taking your child to a trampoline park, the jumping surfaces may be designed differently than backyard trampolines,' Dr. Gaw says. He recommends kids test out a surface before trying any big jumps. 'Since trampoline parks often allow multiple jumpers at a time, families should try to avoid peak hours at trampoline parks to reduce the risk of collision-related injuries,' he adds. If you are going to let your child jump on a trampoline, it's important to know the risks. 'Trampolines aren't evil, but they're not harmless either,' Dr. Dunn says. 'As with all recreational activities, parents should weigh the pros and cons, know the statistics and make an informed choice,' she says. And as with any recreational activity with a high risk for injury, adult supervision is a must. Up Next: Sources Dr. Alicia Bazzano, MD, MPH, emergency room doctor with MedStar Health Dr. Somya Dunn, MD, pediatrician with MedStar Health Dr. Christopher Gaw, MD, MPH, MBE, emergency room doctor with Nationwide Children's Dr. Joshua R. Resa, MD, pediatrician at Hoag Medical Group Deanna Lynn Bridge Najera, PA-C, physician's assistant with MedStar Health 'I'm an ER Doctor—Here's the One Activity I Would Never, Ever Let My Kids Do' first appeared on Parade on Jul 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
15-07-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Kennedy Claims Doctors Profit Off Vaccines. In Fact, Many Lose Money on Them.
Dr. Stacey Bartell wanted to offer vaccines to her patients. But at her small family medicine practice in a Detroit suburb, she could not find a way to make the finances work. Stocking enough vaccines for her patients would cost thousands of dollars upfront, with no guarantee the sum would be recouped. She employed just one nurse practitioner, and would have to hire additional staff to manage the inventory and stay on top of insurance billing. And the special refrigerators required to store vaccines would cost another $1,000. She knew how much vaccines mattered to her patients' health. But it was money her practice, which was already operating on thin margins, couldn't afford to spend. 'We just haven't been able to shore it up here,' Dr. Bartell said. Instead she has to send her patients to pharmacies and the county health department for their shots — a concession that 'hurts my heart,' she said. So a few weeks ago, when Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services secretary, claimed in an interview with Tucker Carlson that vaccine profits created 'perverse incentives' for pediatricians to push immunizations, Dr. Bartell was confused. Doctors widely consider vaccines to be a money pit. Research shows that most pediatricians either break even or lose money on shots. One 2017 study found that nearly a quarter of family medicine providers and 12 percent of pediatricians stopped purchasing vaccines because of prohibitive costs. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Health Line
08-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Why Is Your Baby Arching Their Back?
Babies arch their backs for many reasons. Back or spine arching, like a bow or doing the cat pose in yoga, is common in babies. Babies arch their backs. Sometimes, this indicates pain, and other times, it's just a way for them to move. In some cases, an arched back, along with other symptoms, can signal a health condition. If your baby arches their back without any other symptoms, chances are they're just a natural at yoga. Let your baby's pediatrician know about the back arching, just to be on the safe side. Here's what to look for and what your baby might be trying to tell you. What may cause a baby to arch their back? There are many things that can cause a baby to arch their back, including discomfort, pain, or upset. Here are a few more common causes: Gassiness Gas can be a painful and common occurrence for babies. Your baby might arch their back when they have gas or an upset stomach. This could be because arching the back stretches the stomach a bit and might make them feel a little better. You might notice that your baby arches their back after feeding, when trying to poop, and even while lying down. Colic Some babies experience bouts of fussiness that last for several days or weeks. This is sometimes labeled generically as colic. Colic can start when your baby is only 4 to 6 weeks old and cause crying for hours at a time. Your baby may arch their back and cry out. Babies usually outgrow colic by the time they're 4 months old. Baby reflux Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, is common in babies right from birth to around 12 months to 18 months old. Reflux happens in babies because the round muscles that pinch both ends of the stomach closed don't yet work properly in these new little humans. If your baby is premature, they might have more reflux. A healthy baby can have reflux several times a day. But sometimes, if your baby is spitting up and seems to have other symptoms, they may also arch their back. Similar to when babies have colic, they might arch their backs because it helps reduce the pain of reflux. You might notice this during and after feeding, while your baby is lying down, and even while they're fast asleep. Body language Sometimes your baby might arch their back because they don't want to be held or fed. This kind of body stiffening could be a sign to put them down or change their position. Some babies have strong back muscles, and this may be the easiest way — other than crying — for their body to tell you what they want. Your little independent one may use the 'back arch method' to get out of unwanted cuddles up to the age of 2 years. Startle reflex Most babies have a startle reflex (also called the Moro reflex) when they hear a sudden or loud noise. It might also happen if they feel like they're falling or if they're moved suddenly. Startling may cause a baby to suddenly straighten its legs forward and throw back its arms. The baby's head may also jerk backward, causing its back to arch. The startle reflex usually goes away by the time the baby is 2 to 4 months old. Rollover attempts As your little one gets used to tummy time, they're also building stronger back and neck muscles. They've learned to lift their head and realize that the more they can move, the more they can look around. Your baby may arch their back during tummy time or while they're lying down on their side or back to get into a better position to explore. Some babies arch their backs when they're trying to roll over or move forward. Temper tantrums Some babies arch their backs and throw their heads back when they're upset or frustrated. This can happen while they're lying down, sitting down, standing, or even cradled in your arms. A baby in the heat of a tantrum may also cry, whine, and thrash about. Many things might set off a tantrum. They may be hungry, finished feeding, want to go play, or frustrated because they can't express their needs to you. If your little one gets into the habit of this, look for warning signs like crying or being upset first, so you might be able to stop a tantrum in the early stages. Seizure-like movements Although it sounds serious, your baby may have seizure-like movements and behaviors that might be mistaken for seizures beginning in the first week of life. At this time, your baby's nervous system is still developing, so they may have uncoordinated or jerky movements. It can happen at any time, usually when your baby is awake or just drifting off to sleep. Nerve injury during delivery Though it's rare, a baby's delicate neck and back can get sprained or strained during a difficult delivery. Sometimes, the nerves between the neck and shoulders can be injured, which is called a brachial plexus injury. This may cause back arching in your baby because they can move their back muscles and other strong muscles better than their neck muscles – especially if they are recovering from a birth injury. Cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy is a group of muscle control conditions. It usually happens when there is brain damage while your baby is still in the womb. About 1 in 345 children worldwide have a type of cerebral palsy. Signs of this condition might show up while your little one is a baby or toddler. Signs include muscle floppiness, strong reflexes, and stiffening (like arching the back). Babies with cerebral palsy may also have trouble swallowing and moving their eyes. Some babies with this condition may also be more likely to have seizures. Sandifer syndrome Sandifer syndrome is a rare movement condition almost always associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It starts in babies or small children. Once the baby is treated for GERD (or it goes away on its own), this condition goes away. Sandifer syndrome causes serious back arching in babies that can last for up to 3 minutes. It causes a frozen kind of back arching that can sometimes be mistaken for a baby seizure. Back arching from this syndrome can happen about 10 times a day, usually after your baby has eaten. During back arching, your baby will also stretch their legs out backward and be very stiff. Other symptoms of Sandifer syndrome include: tilting the head to one side nodding head movements poor feeding vomiting difficulties with eye movements Is there a link between back arching and autism? Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically show several signs. This sometimes includes repetitive motions like back arching, but remember that back arching is much more often due to other causes. Autistic children may show symptoms around the time they are a year old (or earlier), but most kids aren't diagnosed until they're 3 to 4 years old. A newborn or a baby that is only a few weeks to a few months old will likely not show signs of this condition. If your child is on the autism spectrum, they'll likely have several other signs along with back arching. By the end of the first year, an autistic baby may show characteristic traits that are more common, like: not smiling spontaneously at parents or caregivers not using eye contact to communicate not gesturing (waving or pointing) on their own Later on, your child may show other repetitive motions, such as: stiffening their arms flapping their hands walking on their toes Solutions and treatments for back arching in babies In most cases, your baby's back arching will go away on its own as they learn to roll over and control their body better, outgrow the startle reflex, and get more comfortable with people around them. If there's a health problem that's making your little one arch their back, treating the underlying condition will solve the back arching. For example, treating common baby problems like gas and acid reflux will take care of the back arching. For typical gasiness and baby reflux, you can try simple, low risk home remedies like: holding or propping your baby upright after feeding avoiding overfeeding giving smaller feeds more often using a smaller bottle and nipple size to stop air-gulping if this seems to be an issue thickening breast milk or formula with a tiny bit of infant cereal (check with your pediatrician first, as this can have risks) If your baby is throwing their head backward and arching their back in a toddler temper tantrum, gentle behavior training may help stop this. Teaching your child how to express themselves in a less dramatic way might help. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations. When to call a doctor Sometimes gassiness and fussiness can start to be accompanied by other symptoms that won't go away, and acid reflux might be a sign of a more serious health condition. Call your child's pediatrician urgently if your baby: is crying for 3 hours or longer is arching their back and showing other signs of pain throws up every time you feed them is irritable during feeding refuses to feed isn't gaining weight or has lost weight isn't wetting their diaper Look for symptoms of brain or nerve problems along with back arching. Contact your child's doctor or go to urgent or emergency care right away if your baby experiences: sudden difficulty latching or feeding weak sucking difficulty swallowing high-pitched cry seizures bulging or swollen soft spots on the head stiffness floppiness strange head or neck posture jerking movements muscle spasms »FIND CARE: Find a pediatrician in your area today. The takeaway If your baby's got back (arching), you probably don't have to worry. Babies arch their backs for many reasons — or for no reason at all. In a happy, comfortable, healthy baby, back arching likely has no cause and is just one of those things they do. This common baby movement can also be a sign of other underlying health problems — sometimes serious. If you notice your baby arching their back, look for other symptoms. Let your pediatrician know what you notice. Make sure you take your new bundle of joy to all their regular check-ups.
France 24
07-07-2025
- Health
- France 24
Medical groups sue US health secretary over Covid-19 vaccine change
At the end of May, Kennedy announced via social media that federal authorities would no longer recommend Covid-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, resulting in blowback from health experts. In the lawsuit, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians (ACP) and other leading medical groups are calling on the court to stop Kennedy's "unilateral, unscientific" directive and restore the Covid-19 vaccine to immunization schedules. "It is really unconscionable to take away a parent's ability and choice to protect their children through vaccination," said Tina Tan, a pediatrician and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, one of the plaintiffs. Since taking office, Kennedy -- who spent decades spreading vaccine misinformation before becoming President Donald Trump's top health official -- has worked to overhaul American vaccination policies. In June, he fired all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appointed his own panelists, under the banner of "Make America Healthy Again." Monday's complaint also highlighted the controversial new appointees to ACIP. "We are on a dangerous path," warned Susan Kressly of the AAP, denouncing what she described as misinformation spread by Kennedy while citing the concerns of her peers and parents of patients. "Pediatricians cannot stay silent as the system we rely on to support life-saving vaccines is chiseled away piece by piece, with Secretary Kennedy leading efforts to sow doubt and distrust in the American success story of vaccines," Kressly said. The problem isn't limited to parents and children, as misinformation about vaccines undermines a long-standing trust between doctor and patient. Increasingly, medical professionals are finding that adult patients are "hesitant to get their vaccines. They are not trusting the system anymore," said Jason Goldman, president of the ACP. The issue of vaccines extends beyond Covid-19 in the US. Johns Hopkins University released a count Monday finding the US has recorded its worst measles epidemic in more than 30 years, with 1,277 cases confirmed since the beginning of 2025, and illness recorded in 40 of 50 states. The total US figure is the highest since 1992. The joint complaint was filed in Massachusetts, a northeastern US state.
