As parents, the quest to shield our children from illness often leads us to associate all bacteria with harmful effects. However, this perception is a stark misunderstanding of the complex world of microorganisms. In reality, certain bacteria play an astonishingly essential role in shaping an infant’s immune system. Notably, Bifidobacterium infantis (B. infantis) is a
Children’s Health
It might come as a surprise, but the human body is home to roughly the same number of bacterial cells as it has human cells—approximately 38 trillion bacteria, to be exact. These microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome, play pivotal roles in our health and well-being. As an entrepreneur and author focused on this field,
The journey towards a healthy body image for children often begins at home, where parental attitudes and actions play a crucial role. As guardians, our responsibilities extend beyond merely providing food and shelter; we must also instill a sense of confidence and positive self-regard within our children. This endeavor, however, is far from straightforward in
Samantha Hanratty, a celebrated actress known for her role in the acclaimed series “Yellowjackets,” recently shared a deeply personal chapter in her life that speaks to the resilience of motherhood. Upon learning during her pregnancy that her son would be born with a cleft lip, Hanratty experienced an emotional whirlwind that many expectant parents can
For many families, receiving a diagnosis of peanut allergy in their child can lead to a landscape filled with anxiety and uncertainty. This condition, affecting approximately 2% of children in the United States, involves meticulous label-checking and an ever-present vigilance during meals and social gatherings. Peanut allergies can manifest with varying intensity—from severe reactions triggered
As we move into the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season of 2025, parents are facing renewed challenges due to a predicted uptick in cases. Health experts express growing concern as they anticipate more children will experience complications from RSV this year compared to previous years. While many cases are relatively mild, understanding the virus’s symptoms
In a fascinating exploration of early childhood development, a study conducted by University College London (UCL) has unveiled significant insights into the effect of maternal communication on infant oxytocin levels. Commonly referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is critical for establishing social bonds, trust, and emotional understanding between individuals. The research published in Development
In recent years, a series of studies have put the spotlight on air pollution as a potential contributing factor to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A notable study published in the journal Brain Medicine adds to this body of evidence, revealing alarming insights into how environmental exposures, particularly during critical developmental periods, may affect neural development
On those chilly winter nights when your baby is tucked away in their crib, their soft breaths should bring ease to your mind. However, when you hear unexpected sniffles and whimpers, it might stir a sense of worry. Congestion in infants can be distressing—not just for them, but for worried parents who feel helpless while
The infant formula crisis that unfolded in early 2022 was a wake-up call for American parents and policymakers alike. As millions of households faced an unexpected shortfall in basic nutrition for their babies, it became painfully clear how fragile the supply chains supporting infant nutrition truly are. The crisis exposed structural issues in the infant