Baby 411 E-Newsletter

Baby 411 E-News: Dr. Ari Brown on Rachael Ray this Wednesday Sept 17, plus formula recall and more news

Baby 411 E-News: Dr. Ari Brown on Rachael Ray this Wednesday Sept 17, plus formula recall and more news

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: September 2008
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?

1. Dr. Ari Brown to appear (again!) on Rachael Ray Show this Wednesday, Sept. 17!
2. Breaking news: Chinese formula recalled after deaths
3. More stories now on our blog: measles outbreak, MMR and autism, alternating Tylenol and Motrin for fever, the debate over BPA and more!

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1. Dr Ari Brown to appear on Rachael Ray Show, Wednesday September 17th!

Ever see a wacky baby product and wonder if it really works? Well, the folks at Rachael Ray have been wondering that too�so the show has launched a new feature: Human Lab: Baby products!

Watch three moms test new products on their babies�and watch our own Dr. Ari Brown as the expert during this segment!

Check out http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/ for when the show airs in your hometown, inside scoop on the show, and Dr. Ari�s tips. And here�s a link for more info on this specific episode:

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/view/565/

Set the TiVo! Tell your friends! Again, that is this Wednesday, September 17.

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2. Breaking news: Chinese formula recalled after deaths

The Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory last week warning people to avoid using infant formula made in China. You won't find this formula at traditional grocery stores or at megamarts because it is illegal to sell it in the U.S. However, you might find a can or two at ethnic grocery stores. The concern? It may be contaminated with melamine, a product found in plastic. Melamine ingestion can cause kidney stones and other kidney problems. Two deaths have been linked to the tainted formula.

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3. Our blog is brimming with new articles:

The BPA debate:
http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/2008/09/nih-vs-fda-bpa-debate-too-many-letters.html

Should I alternate Tylenol and Motrin for fever?
http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/2008/09/alternating-tylenol-and-motrin-for-fever.html

American kids get an A for getting their shots
http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/2008/09/americas-kids-get-an-a-for-getting-their-shots.html

MMR and autism: yet another study shows NO link.
http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/2008/09/mmr-studied-again-no-link-to-autism-found.html

* The Great Measles Outbreak of 2008
http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/2008/09/measles-outbreak-2008.html

Be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed of our blog to get the latest breaking news!

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Well, that�s it from the home office of Baby 411! Thanks again for reading our book,

Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
Authors, BABY 411
http://www.baby411.com

Does this toddler sound familiar?

The boss? The biter? The food thrower? The graffiti artist?

Yes, it is the secret joy of all toddlers----driving their parents crazy.

But now you have a secret weapon: TODDLER 411. Good news: our best-selling book on toddlers has just been REVISED, UPDATED, and EXPANDED!

Yes, we have a brand new edition of TODDLER 411 set to debut in September. And here's the deal: we are offering our readers an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT of free shipping (a $3 value). PLUS: you get your book in August, a month before it hits bookstores!

Here�s what�s new in the 2nd edition of TODDLER 411:

� 20 Toddler �Moments�: learn the tricks to dealing with 20 common toddler behaviors with proven strategies from veteran parents and an expert pediatrician.

� The LATEST medical news and research on asthma, fluoride, how to treat drug-resistant bugs like Staph and more.

� The RED FLAGS for autism: how to spot it and other developmental delays. What specialists do you need to see? What are the treatment options? Our new EXPANDED section on autism will show the way.

� More on VACCINES: you have questions, we have answers. We�ll discuss the hot buttons (Alternative vaccine schedules? Green vaccines?) and provide you with the latest SCIENCE on vaccines.

ORDER a copy of the new SECOND EDITION OF TODDLER 411 by July 31 and we�ll give you FREE STANDARD SHIPPING (a $3 value). TODDLER 411 is $13.95.

We�ll ship your book the week of August 4th (allow 7-10 days for arrival). The new TODDLER 411 will be available in bookstores later in September.

Click here to order:

https://windsorpeak.com/orderform20.html

Or call 800-888-0385.

Thanks for reading our books and have a happy 4th!

--
Denise Fields & Ari Brown
authors, BABY 411 * TODDLER 411

Baby 411 E-News: Dr. Ari Brown on Rachael Ray this Thursday April 24! Plus toxic baby bottles, measles outbreak

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: April 2008
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?
1. Dr. Ari Brown to appear on Rachael Ray Show this Thursday!
2. Breaking news: Are polycarbonate baby bottles toxic?
3. Measles outbreak

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1. Dr Ari Brown to appear on Rachael Ray Show, Thursday, April 24th.

Having trouble getting your child to sleep? Or trouble weaning her off the bottle? This is one show you don�t want to miss! Dr. Ari is in the house to help actress and mom, Leah Remini, with these issues. Check out http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/ for when the show airs in your hometown, inside scoop on the show, and Dr. Ari�s tips. And here�s a link for more info on this specific episode:

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/view/454/

Set the TiVo! And tell the neighbors! Again, that is this Thursday, April 24.

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2. Breaking news: Are polycarbonate baby bottles toxic?

Are certain plastic baby bottles dangerous? Last summer, we reported that an independent review panel assigned by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program had
�some concern� about the chemical used to make polycarbonate bottles, Bisphenol A (BPA), potentially causing neurologic and behavioral problems in fetuses, infants, and children.

The National Toxicology Program issued another report last week that continues to express concern over the current levels of human BPA exposure in fetuses, infants, and children on the nervous system, mammary glands, prostate gland, and early puberty in girls. They recommend that further research is necessary. These concerns are based on similar levels of exposure in animals, but �the possibility that BPA may alter human development cannot be dismissed.�

Well, that was enough for Wal-Mart to announce that it will stop selling BPA containing baby bottles in U.S. stores by 2009. In Canada, Wal-Mart immediately pulled all BPA containing baby bottles and sippy cups from their stores in Canada. Health Canada, the country�s health regulatory agency, is anticipated to list BPA as a toxic substance soon�this will lead to a ban on the import or sale of polycarbonate bottles in Canada.

Playtex, one of the leading baby bottle manufacturers, juste announced it would phase out its current baby bottle line and offer only BPA-free products in 2009.

If you want to take a look at the official report from the National Toxicology Program (or need something to help you fall asleep), here�s the link to the whole story:

http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/BPADraftBriefVF_04_14_08.pdf

So, what�s a parent to do? If you are a parent-to-be, this is an easy call. Just buy BPA-free products. If you already own an entire bottle collection, we suggest you toss �em and start fresh. Yes, we know this is an inconvenience�but if you think about it, buying replacement bottles would run only $50 to $100. When it comes
to safety, we think this is a worthwhile investment. And, in the grand scheme of baby care costs, this is relatively cheap!

What if you don�t want to give up your polycarbonate bottles? While we don�t recommend that option, to lower the amount of BPA that may leach out, avoid heating the bottles in a dishwasher, microwave, or sterilizer. And, toss out any baby bottles that are cracked. Again, we believe the safest course is to replace the bottles with BPA-free alternatives.

Here�s a recap from our previous Enewsletter on BPA alternatives:

Here are the baby bottle alternatives that are BPA-free:

� Use glass bottles. Obviously, there is a risk of injury to baby or
mom if the bottle is dropped, so glass isn�t a perfect alternative. Evenflo makes glass bottles.

� Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of
polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA. Example: Medela�s bottles and breast pump collection kits.

� Consider a BPA-free plastic bottle. Born Free makes a BPA-free
clear plastic bottle (Newbornfree.com) sold at Whole Foods. But these cost
about $10 each, twice the price of Avent bottles.

� Use a drop-in system. For example the Playtex Drop-in System is BPA
free (that is, the bottle liners do not contain BPA). Avent�s Tempo
liners are another example.

Pictures of BPA-free bottles are here:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/BPAFREEbottles.html

Also: a great blog with an extensive guide to BPA-free baby products is Zrec�s:

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/02/z-report-on-bpa-in-infant-care-products.html

Q. Is there a way to tell if a bottle has BPA?

A. Unfortunately, it isn�t easy. Here�s a general guide:

BAD:
� Bottles that have a #7 on their recycling label most likely are
made of polycarbonate (and contain BPA).

GOOD:
� Bottles that have a #2, #4 , #5 are made of polyethylene or
polypropylene�these do NOT have BPA.

Q. What about sippy cups?

A. Basically, the same advice applies: avoid those made of polycarbonate. Sippy cups made of opaque plastic are fine. Thermos has a new line of metal sippy cups�these are BPA free.

Q. What about breast-pump collection bottles?

A. Again, avoid polycarbonate bottles (Avent Isis is an example) and choose BPA-free options. For example, all of Medela�s bottles are made from BPA-free plastics.

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3. Measles outbreak: California, Arizona, New York, and Hawaii.

Four states have reported cases of measles since January 2008. Thanks to the success of our national vaccination program, measles is relatively rare in the U.S. However, measles occurs more commonly in other countries. Switzerland and Israel are both in the midst of measles epidemics.

The first child diagnosed with measles in California was unvaccinated by parent choice. He returned from a trip to Switzerland with measles. He then infected 10 other unvaccinated children�his siblings, school friends, and three babies, too young to be vaccinated, who were exposed to the child in the doctor�s waiting room. Of the 11 cases, one baby was hospitalized. Measles cases have also been reported in Arizona, Hawaii, and New York in April, 2008. The child diagnosed in New York was too young to be vaccinated, and had just returned from Israel.

Measles is not just your average virus. It can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. And the highest rate of complications is in children under five years of age.

Take home message: Measles vaccine is routinely administered at 12-15 months of age, for a reason. Please get your child vaccinated.

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Well, that�s it from the home office of Baby 411 & Toddler 411. Happy Spring!

Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields

BABY 411 E-NEWS: Larry King Live update

We wrote to you earlier this week with news of an appearance by Baby 411 co-author Dr Brown on CNN�s Larry King Live show tonight.

Unfortunately, Dr. Brown has been bumped off tonight�s show. But we urge you to still tune in to the show, which will focus on the autism/vaccine debate!

Thanks again for reading our book.

Best wishes,

Denise Fields, Ari Brown MD
Authors, BABY 411

BABY 411 E-NEWS: Dr. Ari Brown on Larry King Live this Wednesday April 2!

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: April 2008
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

BABY 411 co-author Dr. Ari Brown on Larry King Live this Wednesday April 2!

Do vaccines cause autism? Watch Dr. Ari Brown debate actress Jenny McCarthy on this hot topic this Wednesday (April 2) on CNN�s Larry King Live at 9pm Eastern, 6pm Pacific! Set the TiVo and pass this email on to your friends!

Read Dr. Brown�s blog for the latest on her appearance and this topic:

http://baby411.typepad.com/

And for more info on Baby 411, click here:

http://www.baby411.com

Best wishes,

Denise Fields & Ari Brown
Authors, BABY 411

BABY 411 E-news: Is baby shampoo safe? Plus: infant car seat recall, flue season, acid reflux, toys and lead

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: February 2008
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?

1. Is baby shampoo safe?
2. Infant car seat recall
3. Flu season is here
4. RES-Q Wedge for acid reflux
5. More on toys and lead

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1. Is baby shampoo safe?

A study in the February issue of Pediatrics found babies and young children who used baby shampoo, baby lotions, and baby powders had a chemical called phthalates in their urine.

Phthalates (pronounced Thal-ATEs) are used to make PVC plastics soft, and as solvents/fixatives in fragrances/cosmetics/other hygiene products. Previous concerns about phthalates focused on toys like teethers.

The big news here is that phthalates are in baby care products like baby shampoo and lotions�and that the chemical is being absorbed into the skin, metabolized in the body, and then eliminated. In this case, the phthalate in question is diethyl phthalate (DEP), which is a component in fragrance in some baby care products.

So, is this a concern? Are these products safe? Unfortunately, this study leaves many unanswered questions�the study did NOT say how much shampoo/lotion/powder was used or how long it was left on the skin. Because phthalates are used for so many things and are released into the environment when they are produced, used and disposed of, their traces can be found in floor dust, food, soil, indoor air, and even breastmilk. Hence, babies in this limited study could have absorbed phthalates from other sources, since the researchers did not control for other possible exposure.

Are there any adverse health effects from phthalate exposure? We don�t know. Animal studies show that phthalates mimic natural sex hormones which, in turn, can disrupt the normal hormone pathways in the body. Phthalates also have cancer causing potential in animals. But, so far, none of these effects have been identified in humans.

For the record, the baby care products industry says DEP is safe: �DEP has been extensively researched and is not linked to reproductive toxicity or endocrine disruption.�

Currently, manufacturers are not required to list phthalates on their ingredients list. So, even if you wanted to avoid these products, it might be difficult to know what to avoid. Some manufacturers of �natural� baby care products state they are phthalate-free in their product literature.

But . . . as we noted in our book Baby 411, some natural baby care products contain highly allergenic ingredients (we found one baby lotion with nut oils�something you should NOT put on baby�s skin). See page 73 for a detailed discussion. The take-home message: read the labels carefully!

Bottom line: there�s no need to panic and throw out the baby shampoo. But now we know that these products contain phthalates and that babies can absorb them through the skin, it makes sense to consider limiting exposure. Therefore, consider baby care products that are fragrance free�or seek out shampoo or lotion that is labeled as phthalate-free (unfortunately, these are usually more expensive).

We also urge makers of baby care products and toys to disclose which items contain phthalates. Like our discussion last year of polycarbonate bottles, consumers should have choices if they seek to avoid these chemicals.

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2. Infant Car Seat Recall

Evenflo issued a voluntary recall on 1 million of their Discovery infant car seats (Models 390, 391, 534, 552) that were made between April 2005 and January 29, 2008. Tests have shown that the seat can separate from the base in high-impact side collisions. Evenflo will provide the affected model car seat owners a supplemental dual-hook fastener to keep the seat attached to the base. According to their website, �call Evenflo at 1-800-356-2229 between 8 AM and 5 PM EST or visit www.evenflo.com/Discovery. No shipping costs will be incurred and orders will arrive in approximately 3 to 4 weeks. In the meantime, consumers should continue to use their Discovery infant car seat and there is no need to return it to retailers.�

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3. Flu season is here

Flu season is in full swing in the United States and will probably be peaking in the next few weeks. At our practice, if anyone comes in with a fever of 102 or greater without some other good excuse for it, it�s flu until proven otherwise! Fever, body aches, chills, and headache tend to be the first clues of flu. The cough and runny nose come later.

If your child does have the real deal�influenza virus�and is one year of age or older, there is a treatment option. It�s called Tamiflu, and it is an antiviral medication that specifically shortens the duration of symptoms of Influenza A and B. The medication must be started within 48 hours of symptoms, though, to do any good.

So, if you think your child might have the flu, see you child�s doctor sooner rather than later. If you do end up using Tamiflu, one word of warning�about 15% of children have nausea or vomiting with the medication. And, it tastes pretty bad (new this year: capsules for lower weight kids if they can swallow a pill). We suggest giving bread or a cracker before giving the medication.

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4. RES-Q Wedge to the Rescue

There�s a new product for babies who suffer from acid reflux. It�s a sleep wedge designed by a pediatric occupational therapist that may help reduce the nighttime symptoms (code phrase for everyone gets more sleep!) when a child is sleeping flat. There are other sleep wedges out there, but a few things we like about this one are a) insurance companies may cover part/all of the cost of the wedge as durable medical equipment, b) the product is made with a nest area for the head that helps reduce the dreaded flat head and c) it�s adaptable to grow with your child. To get more info, go to www.azream.us/catalog26.html

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5. Toxic Toys update

Many of you scrambled over the holiday season to buy lead-free toys for their kids and wrote in, asking for advice on what to buy. Even if you wanted to avoid all toys made in China, it�s nearly impossible to do. Even Ikea�s toys are made in China (hmm, that makes us wonder if their Swedish meatballs come from China too)! Since you may be getting a few things for your little Valentine, here are some tips from Dr. Michael Shannon, co-director of the Pediatric Environmental Health Center at Children�s Hospital, Boston.

� DON�T buy non-brand toys.
� DON�T buy toys from discount shops or private vendors.
� DON�T buy old or used toys.
� DON�T buy costume jewelry for young children.

What you need to know about lead exposure and toys is that lead will not be absorbed through skin that is intact and is not inhaled. So, unless your kid is mouthing, chewing, or swallowing the lead-laden toys, the risk of exposure is pretty low.

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Thanks again for reading Baby 411!

Denise Fields & Dr. Ari Brown
Authors, BABY 411 * TODDLER 411

Got a toddler? Then you need TODDLER 411! The secrets of toddlers, de-mystified! Learn more at http://www.toddler411.com

BABY 411 E-NEWS: New message boards debut; holiday gift set special

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: December 2007
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?
1. New message boards debut!
2. Holiday special: A BABY & TODDLER 411 gift set with a FREE gift box!

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1. New message boards debut!

Great news! We have just debuted new message boards on our web site!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=3

This new software will let you quickly search for advice, tips, product reviews and more! If you�ve never seen our boards, we have one of the busiest parenting boards online�12,000 parents and nearly 800,000 posts. Surf the boards to find:

� The latest news and reviews on car seats and strollers.

� Parenting advice and support�get help on potty training, temper tantrums and more.

� New friends. With over 12,000 members, you�re surely to find another parent who is struggling with the same issue or decision you are! Pop by the Baby Bargains Lounge to join in the discussion.

Drop by today:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=3

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2. Holiday special: A BABY & TODDLER 411 gift set with a FREE gift box!

Looking for that perfect gift for a friend or co-worker who is pregnant? How about a gift set with our best-selling books, BABY 411 and TODDLER 411? Only $25.90�and that includes a free gift box! Just add a bow and poof! Instant gift.

� To have your order arrive by Dec 24, please order by Saturday Dec 15.

� Please select our PRIORITY MAIL shipping ($9.95) to insure delivery by Dec 24.

� If you don�t need the gift set to arrive by Dec 24, we are offering FREE standard shipping! (Delivery takes 7-10 business days).

Order here via our secure web site:

https://windsorpeak.com/orderform20.html

Thanks again for reading our books!
Happy holidays!

Denise & Alan Fields
Authors, BABY BARGAINS BABY 411 TODDLER 411
http://www.baby411.com

BABY 411 E-news: Flu vaccine, Jenny McCarthy, Autism report, Cough and cold meds, Crib bumpers

BABY 411 E-news: Flu vaccine, Jenny McCarthy, Autism report, Cough and cold meds, Crib bumpers

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: November 2007
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?

1. Flu vaccine: what�s new for 2007
2. The New McCarthyism: Vaccines under fire.
3. Autism Report from the AAP
4. Cough and cold meds.
5. Are crib bumper pads safe?

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1. Flu vaccine: what�s new for 2007.

It�s time for you and your kids to get your flu vaccine for the upcoming winter season. Flu vaccine supply should be plentiful this year, so you won�t have an excuse to miss getting vaccinated. Many practices (like mine) are offering flu shots and Flumist, a live-inactivated vaccine nasal spray.

The exciting news this year (yes, this is what we pediatricians get excited about�sad, I know) is that the Flumist nasal spray has been FDA approved for healthy kids, TWO years of age and up�previously it was only approved for kids over age five. Babies can get the flu shot starting at six months of age.

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2. The New McCarthyism: Vaccines under fire!

And, speaking of vaccines�. Odds are, you saw Jenny McCarthy�s face last month, as she pitched her new book about her journey with her son�s autism. Since you know us, you know we cannot sit here and let her medical inconsistencies go unchecked!

Jenny has been telling the world her child was a normal toddler until he received his MMR vaccine and yet, she points out in her book that she missed the early signs (as early as five months of age, when he smiled at her for the first time when it should have happened around two months). She also believes that mercury in vaccines cause autism. The childhood vaccination program went mercury-preservative free in 2001, and her son was born in 2002. While we are proud of her for being such an advocate for her child, using her soapbox to scare the heck out of parents about vaccines is irresponsible and dangerous.

And adding insult to injury: McCarthy�s book claims that autism steals a child�s soul�an assertion many parents with autistic kids take great offense at!

Check out our blog to see Dr. Brown�s rebuttal to Ms. McCarthy, which was published in the Wall Street Journal on October 27, 2007:

http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/2007/10/the-new-mccarth.html

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3. AAP publishes Autism Report

The American Academy of Pediatrics released a whopping 50 page report (complete with over 500 references!) today on the state of autism diagnosis and management. The report gives medical providers strategies to diagnose autism earlier and discusses the current research on both traditional and nontraditional therapies�what works, what doesn�t, and what may be dangerous.
Here are the Top 5 Questions answered in this report:

(1) Q. What causes autism?

A. We still don�t know. But new research is looking at a critical period of fetal brain development injury as early as 20-24 days after conception that may lead to later autism. A woman may not even know she is pregnant when potential damage occurs.

(2) Q. I�ve heard some children start out normal and then regress with their milestones?

A. In at least 50% of cases studied, kids who regress according to parents will have subtle developmental delays noted on earlier video footage.

(3) Q. What therapies are proven to work?

A. One treatment that clearly works is daily intensive behavioral therapy (25 to 40 hours a week). The earlier a child is diagnosed with autism, the earlier he begins therapy, the better the outcome. So, it�s critical to make a diagnosis or a referral to a developmental specialist as early as possible. (Getting insurance companies to cover the cost of this therapy is the next step!)

(4) Q. Does the gluten-free, casein-free diet really work?

A. Currently, the research is not solid enough to support or refute this therapy. From a realistic standpoint, it may be very difficult to accomplish with a child with autism (they are usually extremely picky eaters anyway). While it�s not dangerous to try this diet, some alternative therapies can be very harmful or even fatal (like chelation therapy) and are not recommended.

(5) Q. What�s the take home message for doctors?

A. When a parent or doctor has concerns for autism, don�t take the �wait and see� approach. Get it checked out.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a pamphlet available to parents to identify early signs of autism and a 48 page booklet for families with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

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4. Cough and cold meds: What�s a parent to do?

As you�ve probably heard, the manufacturers of the leading cough and cold remedies voluntarily recalled all products intended for kids under age two. A week later, an advisory panel for the FDA recommended that cough and cold medications should not be used in kids under age six.

What�s all the fuss about? There have been several deaths due to accidental overdoses of these products. And, even medications used properly can cause annoying adverse effects (like insomnia).

Bottom line: these products do not treat the disease, and aren�t that effective in treating the symptoms either. (We�ve never recommended them) So, instead of having marginal benefit with some potential health risk...it's a good idea to just stop using these products.

What�s a parent to do as cold and flu season approaches? Saline nose drops, cool mist humidifier, acetaminophen/ibuprofen for fever or pain, and lots of TLC.

Just to clarify: Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) are fine to use. These same manufacturers make combo cough/cold/fever remedies that have been recalled. Confusing, we know.

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5. Are crib bumper pads safe?

A study last month in the Journal of Pediatrics questions the safety of bumper pads. We use them in cribs to prevent bumping the head or getting a limb caught between the crib rails. And let�s face it, they match the crib sheets and look really cute. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission discourages use of pillow-like bumper pads whereas the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Bureau discourages the use of any bumper pads in a crib. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/legislation/pol/bumper-bordure_e.html.

The study looked at a national database for crib-related deaths and injuries over a twenty-year period. The results? Medical examiners determined 27 accidental deaths were related to the bumper pad and 25 minor head injuries were reported in cribs that did not have bumper pads.

As we discussed in our sister book, BABY BARGAINS, bumper pads are purely optional�and this study suggests the risks of injury far outweigh any benefits.

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Ok, that�s the news from here! Thanks again for reading our books, BABY 411 and TODDLER 411. And remember, we have just released a revised and updated 3rd edition of BABY 411! Check it out in bookstores nationwide. And, for those of you buying baby gifts, order the new Baby and Toddler 411 gift set at our website ( http://www.baby411.com ) or in bookstores nationwide!

Happy Halloween!

Dr. Ari Brown
Denise Fields
Authors, BABY 411 and TODDLER 411

BABY 411 E-news: Are plastic baby bottles dangerous? Plus: what you need to know about toxic toys and lead.

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: August 2007
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?

1. Breaking news: Experts cite �concern� over polycarbonate baby bottles
2. Toy recalls: what you need to know about lead poisoning.

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1. Breaking news: Experts cite �concern� over polycarbonate baby bottles

Are certain plastic baby bottles dangerous? Readers of our new 3rd edition (out in stores now) may remember our discussion of the safety of polycarbonate baby bottles�and how a federal panel studying the issue was about to weigh in on the issue.

Well, the results are in. Here�s the scoop:

An independent review panel assigned by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program weighed in on the toxic plastics debate last week. Their conclusion: they have �some concerns� about chemical used to make polycarbonate bottles, Bisphenol A (BPA), potentially causing neurologic and behavioral problems in fetuses, infants, and children.

What does that mean for your baby and those baby bottles and sippy cups sitting in your kitchen? Here are the most common questions parents are asking, and our answers based on what we know.

Q. What the heck is BPA? Why is it dangerous?

Clear plastic baby bottles (as well as some food containers and water bottles) are made of polycarbonate, which contains a chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA). It is the BPA that makes the hard, clear plastic bottles . . . well, hard and clear.

Here�s the rub: BPA�s chemical bond with polycarbonate breaks down over time�especially with repeated washings or heating of the bottle. As a result, BPA may leach out of the plastic bottle or sippy cup . . . and into the liquid (that is, breast milk or formula). BPA has been used since the 1950�s in a variety of products and we know that humans ingest (and eliminate) small amounts of this substance on a daily basis considering 95% of humans studied have it in their urine.

While most data BPA comes from animal research, studies show even low-level BPA MAY be linked to everything from early puberty to breast cancer, to attention and developmental problems. It�s hard to say that humans will have the same health consequences, but there is certainly enough concern that it deserves investigating the effects on humans.

The Environmental Protection Agency has set an �acceptable� or �safe� level of daily BPA exposure to be 50 micrograms per body kilogram per day. However, some scientists worry that humans may be exposed to up to ten times that daily dose.

We wrote a detailed article on BPA and plastic baby bottles in our newly revised 3rd edition of Baby 411. It is available online at our website:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/baby411/bpa.html

Q. Do we really know that these bottles are dangerous to humans?

No, we don�t. There have been no human studies on BPA�so far, researchers have only found problems in animal research.

There is a split opinion here among scientists. The same federal panel that said it had �some concern� about behavioral and developmental problems in babies also stated that links to other ailments like birth defects and adult ailments were �negligible.�

That contrasts to the group of 38 scientists who last week called the threat from BPA as �significant.�

But the fact the federal panel said there were some concerns for the health of babies tipped the balance for us.

As a parent, we realize it can be hard to decide what to do when the debate is so heated. As always, our mantra is �show us the science.� We believe enough science is now in to recommend a change in course.

Q. Isn�t it a bit alarmist to say stop using these bottles?

The truth is we won�t know for YEARS if there is a human health problem. And, it could be YEARS more before the government decides to take some regulatory action.

Our opinion: if concerns exist today (and that is backed up by reputable scientific research), then why not try to limit your baby�s exposure to this chemical?

We suggest stop using polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups now. Since there are quite a few BPA-free bottles on the market (see below), we believe this is an easy call for parents.

Q. The Juvenile Products Manufacturer�s Association said plastic baby bottles are safe.

In a recent statement, the JPMA said the federal panels report on BPA �reaffirms the safety of plastic baby bottles.�

With all due respect to the fine folks at the JPMA, we�re not sure they were reading the same report we did. If they did, they would note this sentence: �The Expert Panel expressed some concern that Exposure to BPA causes neural and behavioral effects.�

Click here to read it:

http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/draftBPA_MtgSumm080807.pdf

We realize you can argue that the panel didn�t call for the ban of products with BPA. But, that�s NOT what the panel was asked to do. It will now take years of debate among scientists, researchers and politicians as to the best course to take with BPA.

For the record, Avent told us they believe their bottles are safe and pose no health threat to babies.

Q. Which bottles should we NOT use? Which ones are BPA-free?

Polycarbonate baby bottles make up about 90% of the bottle market. The most common polycarbonate bottle is Avent�s Natural Feeding Bottle and Dr. Brown�s Natural flow. But other major baby product companies like Playtex and Gerber also make polycarbonate bottles.

See our website at baby411.com for pictures of bottles containing BPA:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/BPAbottles.html

Here are the alternatives that are BPA-free:

� Use glass bottles. Obviously, there is a risk of injury to baby or mom if the bottle is dropped, so glass isn�t a perfect alternative.

� Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA.

� Consider a BPA-free plastic bottle. Born Free makes a BPA-free clear plastic bottle (Newbornfree.com) sold at Whole Foods. But these cost about $10 each, twice the price of Avent bottles.

� Use a drop-in system. For example the Playtex Drop-in System is BPA free (that is, the bottle liners do not contain BPA). Avent�s Tempo liners are another example.

Pictures of BPA-free bottles are here:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/BPAFREEbottles.html

Q. Is there a way to tell if a bottle has BPA?

A. Unfortunately, it isn�t easy. Here�s a general guide:

BAD:
� Bottles that have a #7 on their recycling label most likely are made of polycarbonate (and contain BPA).

GOOD:
� Bottles that have a #2, #4 , #5 are made of polyethylene or polypropylene�these do NOT have BPA.

We call on the government to require disclosure of which bottles have BPA, so consumers can make an informed choice.

Q. What about sippy cups?

A. Basically, the same advice applies: avoid those made of polycarbonate. Sippy cups made of opaque plastic are fine.

Q. What about breast-pump collection bottles?

A. Again, avoid polycarbonate bottles (Avent Isis is an example) and choose BPA-free options. For example, all of Medela�s bottles are made from BPA-free plastics.

Q. I just bought $50 worth of Avent bottles. Are you saying I should throw them out?

A. Yes. We realize this in an inconvenience�but if you think about it, buying replacement bottles would run only $50 to $100. When it comes to safety, we think this is a worthwhile investment.

What if you don�t want to give up your polycarbonate bottles? While we don�t recommend that option, to lower the amount of BPA that may leach out, avoid heating the bottles in a dishwasher, microwave, or sterilizer. And, toss out any baby bottles that are cracked. Again, we believe the safest course is to replace the bottles with BPA-free alternatives.

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2. Toy recalls: what you need to know about lead poisoning.

Yes, first it was a toxic Thomas and dangerous Dora, now its bad Batman.

As you may have heard, there was another major toy recall for toys manufactured in China. Today�s alert instructs families to throw away some 9 million Mattel toys due to loose magnets and lead paint:

http://www.cpsc.gov/ (click on Recent Recalls)

Given recent events, we thought we�d get you up to speed on lead and our suggestions for how keep your kids safe.

Q. What is the problem with lead anyway?

A. Lead is a metallic element which is a known neurologic toxin. When it became apparent that lead could cause significant harmful effects in humans, even at low levels of exposure, it was removed from gasoline and paints in the 1970�s.

Blood levels of 10 micrograms/dl or more are considered toxic and may have adverse health effects. Kids under six years of age are most sensitive because the lead can impact the developing brain.

Most children do not have any symptoms when they are diagnosed with mildly elevated blood lead levels. However, potential effects include developmental delays, loss of developmental milestones (especially in language skills), and learning difficulties. More serious health consequences are also possible, especially with higher toxicity levels and chronic exposure.

Q. How can my child be exposed to lead in the environment?

A. The most significant exposure risk is in children who live in homes built before 1978. Lead paint dust can be ingested by young children, especially when they spend time crawling on the floor and putting their hands in their mouths. Lead water pipes can also be a source of exposure.

Lead continues to be used in products (paint, pottery glaze, cooking products, pigment in cosmetics, crayons, paints, medications) throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. And, when these products are imported into the U.S, we may be exposed to them.

Q. What should I do if my child has toys that are recalled?

A. Odds are, your child has not had a significant lead exposure even if you have more than one of the toys lying around your playroom. It�s a little more concerning if your child was using one of these toys as a teething toy or really enjoys exploring toys with his mouth.

It�s probably wise to bring up your concerns with your child�s doctor, and get a blood lead level drawn depending on your child�s possible risk of exposure. If your child�s blood lead level is less than 10 micrograms/dL, toss out the recalled toys and call it a day.

That�s the news from the Baby 411 command center!

Best wishes,
Denise Fields & Dr. Ari Brown
Authors, BABY 411

-------
It�s new! It�s updated---and expanded! The new 3rd edition of BABY 411 is out now:

http://www.baby411.com

BABY 411 E-news: New edition debuts soon! Plus tips on insect repellant, asthma, toxic Thomas, fish oil and more!

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: July 2007
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?

1. New Baby 411 3rd edition coming next month! Pre-order one today!
2. Insect Repellant 411
3. Asthma and Antibiotics connection
4. Toxic Thomas, and other sources of lead
5. Fish oil supplements and preemie eye disorder
6. FDA begins regulating herbal and nutritional supplements
7. Circumcision decision

Yes, summer is in full swing. Here�s the latest from Baby 411.

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1. NEW, updated 3rd edition of BABY 411 coming next month! Pre-order one today.

It�s bigger! It�s better!

The brand new THIRD edition of BABY 411 is on its way---and you can pre-order one today with a special discount . . . FREE SHIPPING.

As always, we just had to make BABY 411 better: the new EXPANDED third edition features the most up-to-date health and parenting information for the first year of life. New in this edition:

Is there a miracle cure for colic? Could it be a simple dietary supplement? We�ll discuss the latest news.

Flat heads�how to avoid them, with easy-to-use tips.

* EXPANDED advice on breast-feeding, with practical tips from an expert lactation consultant.

Plus we have an expanded section on preemies, the low-down on improved baby formulas and the scoop on controversies like plastic baby bottles (are they toxic?). Read more about what�s in the new book here:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/baby411/newedition.html

Pre-order a copy today and get FREE standard shipping (a $3 value)! The new book will ship the week of August 6 (allow 7-10 days for delivery). Free shipping for U.S. addresses only; orders must be received by August 6 to get the special deal.

Or save even more when you order Baby 411 with one of our other best-selling parenting books, TODDLER 411 or BABY BARGAINS. Or order all three and save nearly $9.

The new Baby 411 book will be in bookstores September 1. The retail price is $12.95.

Order the new book here:

https://windsorpeak.com/orderform14.html

Pre-order a copy today!

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2. Insect Repellant 411:

What�s the best way to protect your baby from mosquito bites (and diseases like West Nile Virus, viral encephalitis, Lyme Disease�scary stuff)? You�ve got a few options.

For newborns, the easiest thing to do is to buy insect netting at just about any baby supply store and cover up the stroller or infant seat.

For babies and kids over two months of age, the Centers for Disease Control recommends products containing either DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or Picaridin (KBR 3023). Note: Citronella based products are not effective.

Although DEET gets a bad wrap for having potential neurologic adverse events (i.e. seizures), it is a safe product if you use it correctly. That means: Apply it once a day and wash it off after your child comes indoors. 10% DEET products protect for about 2 hours, as does the Picaridin. 30% DEET products protect for about 5 hours. So, pick the product based on how long you will be outdoors. Picaridin is a reasonable alternative and does not seem to have any significant health concerns. It can also be reapplied, if necessary.

We do not recommend buying combo insect repellants/sunblock because sunblock should be reapplied frequently.

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3. Asthma linked to Antibiotic use?

As you may have read, there has been an alarming increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, the big guns that kill a larger number of bacteria and drug-resistant strains, are being used more often as resistance grows to narrow spectrum or first-line antibiotics.

A study published in the journal Chest last month raises new concerns about broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Do these super antibiotics given to children under a year of age increase their risk of childhood asthma?

Here�s the theory: any antibiotic, but particularly the broad-spectrum ones, kill off the bad germs that are causing infection as well as many �good germs� that live in harmony with the human body. Changing the body�s flora, may put the body at risk of other problems.

Researchers studied 14,000 children over an eight-year period and found that babies who had received at least one course of a broad-spectrum antibiotic had an increased risk of asthma later in childhood. The more rounds of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the greater the risk. The risk was independent of whether or not the mother had a history of asthma. The risk was even greater if the child received those antibiotics for a NON-respiratory infection (e.g. a bladder infection).

Interestingly, having a family dog seemed to decrease the risk of the child developing asthma, especially if the child had received four or more courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Cats did not have an impact (sorry feline lovers).

Take home message: If your child needs antibiotics, narrow spectrum antibiotics, like Amoxicillin, should be used as first line treatment. Big gun, broad-spectrum antibiotics should be reserved for when we really need to use them.

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4. Toxic Thomas:

As many of you are aware, there has been a recall on Thomas the Tank Engine toys manufactured in China since 2005 that may be manufactured with lead paint. We knew Thomas was a naughty little engine, but little did we know he was toxic! For more information on the particular Thomas trains affected, check out

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07212.html.

There has also been a recall on children�s toy jewelry that contain high levels of lead. These include Spandrel Sales �Charmed designer jewelry� sold in vending machines from February through March 2007 (see www.ssmvending.com for details). Tween brand�s High School Musical jewelry sold at Limited Too and Justice stores, are also being recalled for lead (see www.limitedtoo.com for details.)

********************************************************************

5. Fish oil supplements may protect premature babies against eye disorder:

A study published in the July issue of Nature Medicine showed a potential preventative therapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature babies. Mice who had diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) had less growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eyes. While this is not a study in humans, it shows promise in preventing vision loss. Children�s Hospital, Boston, will start treating premature babies who are at risk for ROP with fish oil nutritional supplements soon as part of the first human study.

********************************************************************

6. FDA will begin regulating supplements!

The Food and Drug Administration is starting to crack down on the herbal and nutritional supplement industry. Federal law from 1993 protected the supplement industry from pharmaceutical scrutiny because these products were viewed as foods and not drugs.

This very large loophole allowed products to be marketed without regulation. Some products are contaminated with impurities that can be harmful, and others may not even contain what is claimed on the packaging. The new FDA mandate will hopefully give consumers a bit more confidence in what they are buying.

********************************************************************

7. Update on circumcision decision:

The number of American boys who are circumcised is declining. In the 1960�s, almost 90% of American boys were circumcised. As of 2004 data, that number has dropped to 57%. Part of this trend is due to changing parent attitude. But the biggest reason for the decline is Asian and Latin American immigration, who do not routinely circumcise.

Interestingly, there is new evidence of a medical benefit to circumcision. A large study done on heterosexual men in Africa by the National Institute of Health showed circumcised men had a 60% lower risk of HIV. These results may impact circumcision recommendations of medical organizations in the future�stay tuned!

********************************************************************

That�s the news! Have a happy 4th! And don�t forget to check out the new edition of BABY 411!

Best wishes.

Ari Brown & Denise Fields
http://www.baby411.com

BABY 411 ENEWS: Dr. Brown on Dr. Phil this Thursday, trendy new child health products

BABY 411 ENEWS: Dr. Brown on Dr. Phil this Thursday, trendy new child health products

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BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: April 2007
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

Happy Spring! Since there are so many new and trendy health products out there for young kids, we thought we�d devote this eNews to taking a look at them.

TV ALERT! But before we jump into the products, we have big news:

Dr. Ari Brown will be in the Dr. Phil show this Thursday April 5! Set your TiVo�s!

Dr. Phil invited Dr. Brown and a team of medical professionals to tackle hot topics in the news. Dr. Brown will also discuss one of your favorite parenting dilemmas�getting your child to sleep through the night! Stay tuned for a lively discussion! Check out www.drphil.com for more info on the episode. And, check your local listings for airtime.

================================

New products:

1. Probiotic-enhanced formula.
2. Allergy medications.
3. Yeast diaper rash ointment.
4. Helmets for flat heads.

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1. Probiotic-enhanced formula

In May 2007, Nestle Good Start Supreme will be the first formula in the U.S. that contains active living bacteria cultures like the stuff found in yogurt. Good Start has Bifidus lactis, a �good germ� similar to what resides in the guts of babies who are breastfed. The potential benefits include fewer illnesses, less severity/frequency of diarrhea, and maybe even less colic. And, there do not seem to be any significant risks. (Source: Weizman Z, etal. Effect of a probiotic infant formula on infections in child care centers: comparison of two probiotic agents. Pediatrics. 115(1); 2005; pp. 5-9.)

Are the health benefits worth the added cost? Maybe, but only time and more research will tell. A cheaper option: Buy a probiotic supplement like L reuteri and toss it into whatever your baby is eating once a day.

FYI: If you use a probiotic-enhanced formula, be sure to mix it with water less than 100�F or you will kill all those little germs you paid extra for!

================================

2. Allergy Medications.

Just when you thought it was safe to go outside . . . bring on spring pollen season. If your child has watery, itchy eyes and a watery runny nose, he may be suffering from allergies. While most babies under a year of age do not suffer from seasonal allergies, older toddlers and preschoolers do.

You�ve got several over the counter options to treat allergy symptoms in kids. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) works well, but can be sedating. Loratidine (Claritin) is also approved for kids as young as six months of age. It�s conveniently dosed once a day and does not usually cause sedation. Zaditor eye drops are now over the counter and work well for those itchy eyes (if you can pin your child down long enough to put them in!)

Another new product is Fexofenadine (Allegra) liquid, available by prescription. The tablets have been around for a while, but the liquid is new for kids six months of age and up.

================================

3. New diaper rash ointment

There�s a trendy prescription diaper rash ointment that�s being advertised everywhere right now. The product, called Vusion, is a combo of an anti-yeast medication plus zinc oxide and white petroleum. It works by creating a barrier for the skin from moisture and irritation (that is, pee and poop), while killing the yeast at the same time. If you�ve tried over the counter Lotrimin AF, you may want to ask your doc about Vusion. Here�s a great pic from our famous Rash-o-rama on baby411.com of yeast diaper rash.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/baby411/rashorama/diaper2.html

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4. Helmets for flat heads.

As you all have heard, the best way to prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is to have babies sleep on their backs. While the Back to Sleep campaign has decreased the number of SIDS deaths by over 50%, the number of babies with flat heads has increased significantly. The good news: most babies� heads round out over time. And, tummy time in the first several months of life helps prevent the flat head issue (called positional plagiocephaly).

You all may have also heard about children who have �had to wear a helmet� to help reshape their heads. Although most of the time this is unnecessary, it is a treatment option for babies ages 4-12 months old with severe plagiocephaly.

Wondering if your kid is a helmet candidate? A recent study was looked at children with flat heads who were followed for 9 years after helmet therapy vs. no helmets. Although all parents who chose to use helmets were very positive about the short-term results, there was no significant difference between groups in the satisfaction rate (or the amount that the child was teased) when the kids were 9.

================================

Enjoy your spring!

Sincerely,
Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
Authors, BABY 411 & TODDLER 411

BABY & TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE January 2007: Colic cure? Dental dilemma, Flu Shots, Cold Meds, Consumer Reports Crash Tests

BABY & TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE January 2007: Colic cure? Dental dilemma, Flu Shots, Cold Meds, Consumer Reports Crash Tests

=====================================
BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: January 2007
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

Happy New Year!
This year has started off with lots of news in baby and child health. We�re here to get you up to speed on all of it.

Top Stories:
1. A cure for colic?
2. Dental Dilemmas: Too much or too little fluoride?
3. Flu shots: not too late!
4. Some formulas being discontinued.
5. Cough and cold meds: BEWARE.
6. Crash test: Do infant car seats measure up?

===============

1. A cure for colic?

A recent study published in this month's journal, Pediatrics, looked at yet another possible 'cure' for colic....probiotics. Probiotics are 'good germs' that can benefit people by improving intestinal function.

As most parents know, colic is excessive crying for about 3 hours a day, starting at 3 weeks of age and lasting until 3 months of life. (It's also known to reduce the number of children a parent will decide to have). Although it has been studied for years, no one really knows what causes it, or what fixes it (other than time).

This latest study compared 90 exclusively breastfed babies with colic. Half received over the counter gas drops (simethicone) and the other half got 1 capsule a day of a probiotic containing the germ Lactobacillus reuteri. The results? Pretty darn impressive...The gas drops group saw a 7% reduction in crying. The probiotics group had a 95% reduction in crying. Babies who cried 2-3 hours a day were crying less than an hour after one month of treatment.

Are we ready to recommend probiotics to every colicky baby? Not yet. This was a relatively small study and more research is needed to confirm the findings and prove safety. But, this may be a reasonable way to reduce the misery of colic (and certainly less expensive than hiring a babysitter every night for 2 months!)

For more on this story, check out our blog and you can watch Dr. Brown�s appearance on ABC News.

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2. Dental Dilemmas: Too much or too little fluoride?

Fluoride has been a controversial subject ever since communities began adding fluoride to their water supplies (about 50 years ago). Advocates point to the benefits of fluoride in reducing cavities. Critics have concerns about bone cancer and enamel fluorosis (streaking of the enamel due to excessive fluoride intake).

The latest fuel to the debate is a statement from the American Dental Association. The ADA responded to the National Research Council's assessment that infants being fed formula preparations mixed with water (i.e. powder or liquid concentrate) may be getting too much fluoride.

Here's what the ADA recommendations boil down to:

1) There has never been a recommendation to offer fluoride supplements in babies UNDER six months of age. Babies under six months of age who are fed liquid concentrate or powder formula prepared with tap water that is high in fluoride may be getting too much of a good thing.

2) Each community water supplier assesses naturally occurring fluoride levels, and decides whether or not to add fluoride to its supply. It's important to find out how much is in your own tap water (the ideal, as ADA says is 0.7-1.2 ppm)

3) If your baby is breastfed, this is not an issue. If your baby is eating ready-to-feed formula, it is also not an issue.

4) If your baby is formula fed and you are using powdered or liquid concentrate that needs to be reconstituted, use either bottled water that does NOT add fluoride or use your tap water if the fluoride levels in it are not excessive.

5) And, if you have tap water with little to no fluoride or well water, and your baby is OVER six months of age, you may need to actually give your baby a fluoride supplement. Check with your pediatrician/dentist for their recommendations.

For more information, see the ADA's FAQ page for parents at www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/infantsformula_faq.asp

===============

3. Flu shots: not too late!

If your child hasn't gotten his or her flu vaccine, it's not too late. Although there were some distribution problems this year, the vaccine supply is plentiful and should still be available at your doctor's office. And, flu season is just getting underway across the country.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children ages 6 months to 5 years receive the flu vaccine as they are considered high risk for complications from the flu. (Babies under 6 months old are also high risk, but they are too young to receive the vaccine.)

Kids under age 9 who are receiving flu vaccine for the first time should get a series of two doses, given one month apart to have better protection. But if your child is only able to get one dose, that is better than none.

The AAP and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have differing opinions as to what to do for a child who only gets one dose of flu vaccine the first year they are vaccinated. AAP says to give 2 doses the next year. CDC says to only give one dose. Because neither organization can agree at this point, don�t be surprised if there is some variability among health care providers on how they manage this situation!

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4. Low-iron formulas being discontinued

Two products made by Enfamil are being discontinued. They will no longer be producing their low-iron formula (Enfamil Lipil Low Iron) and their fatty acid free (DHA/ARA free) formula called Enfamil with Iron.

The reason? The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using low iron formulas because babies need the iron for growth. (Parents may hear that problems like gas, colic, and constipation are due to the iron content of the formula which is why these products were on the market in the first place...but it is a myth!)

And clearly, there has been a demand for the DHA and ARA supplemented formulas because of the possibility of improved vision and brain development.

===============

5. Cough and cold meds: BEWARE.

The Centers for Disease Control is investigating the deaths of three babies under six months of age who died after taking cough and cold medication.

According to the CDC, �because of the risks for toxicity, absence of dosing recommendations, and limited published evidence of effectiveness of these medications in children aged <2 years, parents and other caregivers should not administer cough and cold medications to children in this age group with-out first consulting health-care provider and should follow the provider�s instructions precisely.�

Bottom line: Cough and cold remedies don�t work that well and in some cases, may be dangerous to young children. Don't guess-timate the right dose of a cough and cold product made for kids over six years of age. And, multi-symptom products or using a combo of over-the-counter and prescription products may inadvertently cause an overdose. For a majority of viral respiratory illnesses, the best remedy is time.

===============

6. Crash test: Do infant car seats measure up?

Consumer Reports Magazine dropped a bomb on the infant car safety seat industry and concerned parents everywhere: infant car safety seats may not be as protective for SIDE impact collisions or collisions above 35 mph. Ten of the 12 infant car seats failed CR�s independent crash test.

To be fair, the federal standards require car seats to pass a safety test on collisions at 30 mph and they are not tested for side impact. So, commercially available car seats DO meet minimum federal standards (which are fairly rigorous).

Here are the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

~Continue to use car safety seats on every automobile outing. Infant car safety seats are 71% effective in reducing death from collision.

~Follow the car safety seat and vehicle manufacturer�s instructions for installation.

~Get help by a certified car safety seat technician to be sure your child�s car seat is installed properly. Check out http://www.seatcheck.org or call toll-free at 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243).

We have a detailed commentary on the Consumer Reports crash test controversy on our Baby Bargains blog:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/blog/B40737805/index.html

===============

Happy Winter!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
authors, BABY 411 & TODDLER 411

Baby 411 E-news: Dr. Brown on Rachael Ray (again!) Thursday Nov 30, AAP & play, holiday advice and more

BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE December 2006:
Dr. Brown on Rachael Ray (again!) Thursday Nov 30, AAP & play, holiday advice and more

=====================================
BABY 411 and TODDLER 411 NEWS UPDATE: December 2006
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411 and TODDLER 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?

1. Dr. Ari Brown and Rachael Ray tackle the challenges of kids who don�t listen.
2. AAP says, �Just let �em play.�
3. Got lice?
4. Winter and holiday tips
5. Tamiflu update
6. Dr. Brown debuts on Parents Magazine website

________________________________________________________________________

1. Dr. Ari Brown to appear on the Rachael Ray Show.

Set your TiVo for another fun and helpful episode as �Dr. Ari� advises parents with kids who don�t listen to them (do you know any kids like that?) The show will air this Thursday, November 30. Check here to see when the show airs in your local area:

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/?q=tvschedule

If you�ve got a question you�d like Dr. Brown to answer on the show, drop Rachael Ray a note at �Got a question for Dr. Ari�:

https://rachaelrayshow.com/plugger/?IDX=respond&PlugID=210

Send in those questions today!

________________________________________________________________________

2. Just let �em play.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a statement stressing the importance of play in a child�s life. American kids, like their parents, are over-worked and over-scheduled. And with that, comes stress. The new report calls for free, unstructured playtime that lets children think creatively, problem solve, and develop reasoning skills. According to the report�s lead author, Dr. Ken Ginsburg, �Pediatricians mustn�t let parents think good parenting is being a chauffeur.�

Bottom line: Think about how your child spends his or her day. If you are a family that is always on the go, make sure you schedule in some downtime. And, when you are buying toys for the holidays, consider simple toys that stimulate the imagination.
________________________________________________________________________

3. Got Lice? Who you gonna call�Lousebuster!

A recent study showed that a 30 minute hot air treatment to the scalp can effectively kill lice and their eggs. Standard blowdryers can deliver the hot air treatment, but the most effective way was with a commercial grade product called the Lousebuster. Nope, you can�t buy one at Wal-Mart, but your local preschool may be able to purchase one in the future based on this study�s results.
________________________________________________________________________

4. Winter/Holiday Tips . . . Remember the 4 S�s

SLEEP: When your child is traveling across time zones, missing naptimes, pushing back bedtime for special holiday activities, or simply sleeping in a different crib or bed�be prepared for him to have disrupted sleep. The solution? Try to stick to your child�s sleep routine as much as possible. And, then be prepared to give your little one a refresher course in the sleep schedule once you get back home.

Read the 3 more S�s on Dr. Brown�s blog here:

http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/

________________________________________________________________________

5. Feeling funny with the flu? Maybe it�s the Tamiflu.

We reported on our blog last month that the FDA was reviewing cases of patients with bizarre behavior while taking the drug, Tamiflu, during their flu virus infection. The FDA is now requiring the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the drug to include �neuropsychiatric events� as a side effect on the product insert. Over the past six years, 42 million people have taken Tamiflu, the antiviral drug used to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms of �The Flu�. About 1 in 100,000 patients report psychological changes while taking the medication, but it still has not been determined whether the drug causes the odd behavior.

________________________________________________________________________

6. Look for Dr. Brown at Parents.com.

Starting in January 2007, Dr. Brown will begin hosting a message board at the Parents Magazine website, www.parents.com. Look for timely tips and her practical, real-world advice for moms and dads. You can also check out the Parents Podcasts, found at parents.com or iTunes.

Have a wonderful holiday season and a healthy new year! Remember, Baby 411 and Toddler 411 make great gifts!

Sincerely,
Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
authors, BABY 411 & TODDLER 411

Boo! Dr. Brown talks scary toddlers on Rachael Ray show Tuesday Oct 31

Wake the neighbors! Set the Tivo! Baby 411 and Toddler 411 co-author Dr. Ari Brown will discuss quirky toddler behaviors on Rachael Ray�s new daytime talk show Tuesday October 31. Yes, that�s tomorrow, Halloween!

Dr. Brown will discuss all the bizarre stuff kids do�what�s normal and when you should be worried.

To see when the Rachael Ray show airs in your town, click here:

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/?q=tvschedule

Have you seen Dr. Brown�s new blog? Check out the latest news on babies and toddlers here:

http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/

Best wishes,
Denise Fields & Ari Brown, M.D.
Authors, BABY 411 * TODDLER 411
http://www.baby411.com
http://www.Toddler411.com

BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE July 2006: New Toddler 411 book debuts! Dr. Brown on TLC's Surviving Motherhood again! Chickenpox booster!

BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE July 2006: New Toddler 411 book debuts; Dr. Brown on TLC's Surviving Motherhood again.

=====================================
BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: July 2006
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?

1. New book debuts: Toddler 411!
2. Dr. Ari Brown to appear on TLC�s Surviving Motherhood July 26, 28
3. New chickenpox booster for kids age four to six years!

____________________________________________________________________

1. New book debuts: Toddler 411!

If you liked Baby 411, you�ll love Toddler 411, the long-awaited sequel to our best-selling guide for parents. From picky eaters to temper tantrums, Toddler 411 answers all your questions! Check it out here and download a sample section:

http://www.toddler411.com

SPECIAL DEAL: Pre-order Toddler 411 by July 31 and get FREE standard shipping! The book will ship the week of August 7th and in bookstores in late August! Save even more when you order Toddler 411 with one of our other books in special discounted bundles. Details are here:

https://windsorpeak.com/orderform14.html

Our free STANDARD shipping order applies to all domestic orders; foreign orders will receive a $3 credit toward foreign shipping rates. Order must be received by July 31 to get the free standard shipping!

____________________________________________________________________

2. Dr. Ari Brown to appear on TLC�s Surviving Motherhood July 26, 28

Set the Tivo! TLC�s Surviving Motherhood is a new mom-to-mom show that recently premiered on The Learning Channel. Dr. Brown will be featured as the expert on two upcoming shows July 26 (weaning a toddler from breastfeeding) and July 28 (temper tantrums).

Go to The Learning Channel to find what time the show airs in your area:

http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/survivingmotherhood/survivingmotherhood.html
_______________________________________________________________________

3. New chickenpox booster!

It�s official�kids age four to six years now need a BOOSTER dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. The first does is given at 12-15 months of age; the booster at 4 to 6 years old. Ask your doctor for details.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
Authors, BABY 411
http://www.baby411.com

BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE June 2006: Dr. Brown on TLC's Surviving Motherhood, new bug spray, new eczema products, TV pacifiers, asthma, mumps

=====================================
BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: June 2006
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?

1. Dr. Ari Brown to appear on TLC�s Surviving Motherhood this Thursday, June 1
2. New bug spray for babies
3. New eczema products
4. Study of media use and infants: is TV a pacifier?
5. Steroids and asthma
6. Mumps update

____________________________________________________________________

1. Dr. Ari Brown to appear on TLC�s Surviving Motherhood this Thursday, June 1

Surviving Motherhood is a new mom-to-mom show that recently premiered on The Learning Channel. Dr. Brown will be featured as the expert on two upcoming shows. June 1 (3p EST/2p CST), Ramel�s Story, will be about a mom worried about her high-energy preschooler. June 5 (10:30am EST/9:30am CST), Rebecca�s Story, is about a mom dealing with toilet training. Go to The Learning Channel�s link to find out more information:

http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/survivingmotherhood/survivingmotherhood.html

_______________________________________________________________________

2. New bug spray for babies

Skeeter Beater: While we know that DEET is an effective way to prevent mosquito bites, we have an effective alternative for kids: picaridin. The Centers for Disease Control approve of this chemical as a way to protect against mosquito bites and West Nile Virus. A new product, Off Skintastic Clean Feel contains picaridin as its active ingredient and it�s approved for use in children from two months old and up. The other good news: it�s safe to reapply this product up to three times a day (DEET containing products should only be put on once for the day, and rinsed off after coming indoors).

For more info, check out http://www.offprotects.com/mosquito%2Drepellent/

________________________________________________________________________

3. New eczema products

Two new prescription skin creams have joined the armamentarium for eczema control�Mimyx and Atopiclair. These products have essential fatty acids as their active ingredient. Mimyx is contains olive oil and Atopiclair contains shea butter. They act to restore the top skin layer, which is chronically impaired in kids who have eczema. Both products also reduce the itchiness associated with eczema. And, both products are FDA approved for use in infants. Side effects include redness and burning. FYI: Shea butter is a derivative of a shea nut. So, if your child has any nut allergies, be sure to mention that to your doctor. Ask your doctor for more information on these new medications.

________________________________________________________________________

4. Study of media use and infants: is TV a pacifier?

Are you using TV as a pacifier? The Kaiser Family Foundation released a report in May on media use in young children. After surveying over 1000 families with children from six months to six years old, they concluded that parents use electronic media to �manage busy schedules, keep the peace, and facilitate family routines such as eating, relaxing, and falling asleep.� Thirty-percent of homes have the TV left on most of the day; and in those homes, children watch more TV and spend less time reading or being read to.

Parents in the survey felt that TV programming was educational and thus, felt less guilty about spending less time with their kids because of the perceived benefit of the program�s content.

Videos and cable networks designed for the under age two are gaining popularity. 43% of children in that age group watch TV daily, despite the American Academy of Pediatrics, who feels that media use is not a good idea for this age group of kids, even if it is �educational�.

The study also points out that although media has become a �fabric of family life�, it seems to do a better job of separating family members instead of bringing them together.

Bottom line: If your baby is watching TV, consider what, where, when, and how much he is watching. Consider watching with your child, not during dinner, and not having one in your child�s room.

________________________________________________________________________

5. Steroids and asthma

Do steroids prevent asthma? Two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine in May took a fresh look at asthma therapy in infants and preschoolers. The current standard of therapy of chronic, persistent wheezing is to treat with a rescue medicine (albuterol) and a preventative medicine (inhaled steroid).

The infant study addressed treatment with inhaled steroids for intermittent wheezing and found no difference in the babies who went on to develop asthma and those who didn�t. No surprise here: most infants wheeze when they have viral infections like RSV� and do not improve with steroid treatment.

The preschooler study took two groups of two and three year olds with chronic wheezing and placed one group of kids on inhaled steroids for two years straight, then took them off for one year. The other group did not receive inhaled steroids on a regular, daily basis. Both groups had their lung functions compared after year three. The kids who were on long term steroids had no better lung function than and better function while they were taking the medication. Bottom line: inhaled steroids really help when a child has chronic, persistent wheezing. But, that effect does not appear to last once medication is discontinued.

________________________________________________________________________

6. Mumps update

Mumps update: The Centers for Disease Control reported 2957 cases of mumps from January 1 to May 2, 2006, in Iowa and multiple states. The highest number of cases is in people ages 18-24 years old. (So, make sure your college babysitter this summer has been vaccinated!). There have been 25 hospitalizations thus far for mumps complications, which include meningitis and encephalitis. Fortunately, there have been no deaths. The MMR vaccine protects against mumps infection. With two doses, people are about 90% protected. One dose provides about 80% protection. In the routine immunization schedule, children get their first dose of MMR vaccine at 12-15 months and their booster dose before kindergarten.

_______________________________________________________________________

When is our next book coming out? Look for news on a new book from Dr. Brown and Denise Fields to arrive with our next newsletter! Stay tuned.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
Authors, BABY 411
http://www.baby411.com

Baby 411 March 2006 E-News: Formula recall, rotavirus vaccine, Hep A, Eczema, Nublizers, NBC Today Show appearance!

=====================================
BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: March 2006
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
=====================================

What�s in this issue?
1. Infant formula recall
2. Rotavirus vaccine receives FDA approval
3. Hepatitis A recommendation
4. Special warning on eczema medications
5. Home nebulizer storage
6. Watch BABY BARGAINS co-author Alan Fields on NBC Today Friday March 3!

Dear readers of Baby 411. We apologize for our unusual silence since 2006 began. We�ve been busy writing Toddler 411 (which will be released in August!) so we hope you will forgive us. There�s lots going on in the world of infant healthcare, so we�re bringing you up to date with this eNewsletter.

------------------------------------------------------

1. Infant Formula Recall

Mead Johnson, the manufacturers of Enfamil GENTLEASE announced a recall of their 24 oz powdered formula which has listed on the bottom of the can, �Lot number BMJ19, use by 1 Jul 07�. The formula was found to contain very small metal particles that can be harmful if an infant were to inhale it. People who have a contaminated can should contact Mead Johnson at 888-587-7275

------------------------------------------------------

2. Rotavirus vaccine receives FDA approval

Some of you, unfortunately, endured rotavirus this winter. Rotavirus is a stomach virus
that causes vomiting and horrible, watery diarrhea for about a week. It is most severe in infants, and dehydration is common. About 50,000 American babies are admitted to the hospital annually. And about 600,000 children in developing countries die annually from this illness.

The good news: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved a vaccine for this dreaded virus. It�s an oral drink (not a shot) that will be given at the 2, 4, and 6 month well checks! Ask your doctor about it.

------------------------------------------------------

3. Hepatitis A vaccine recommendation

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends Hepatitis A vaccine for all children beginning at 12 months of age. Hepatitis A is a virus that causes a liver infection. It is spread via contaminated food and water, as well as via infected individuals. There are about 150,000 cases of Hepatitis A in the U.S. annually. A recent outbreak occurred from contaminated green onions at a Mexican restaurant in Pittsburgh, so it is not as exotic as you may think.

Hepatitis A is a series of two injections, given six months apart. Some states require it for all children in preschool or childcare. Other states require it based on the number of cases in the community.

------------------------------------------------------

4. Special warning on eczema medications

The FDA has placed a special warning on two eczema medications�Elidel and Protopic. The FDA conducted an investigation when concerns arose about increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. Although subsequent studies have been reassuring, the FDA requested these products list specific uses on their packaging. The products are not recommended for use in children under two years of age. And, they are recommended as a second-line treatment for eczema after initial therapy has failed.

------------------------------------------------------

5. Home nebulizer storage

Young children who suffer from asthma or wheezing may have a home nebulizer machine. With time, these machines become contaminated with allergens�like dust mites or pet dander. These allergens can make a child�s wheezing even worse when he inhales them during a breathing treatment! The best way to prevent this problem is to keep your nebulizer stored in a sealed plastic bag.

------------------------------------------------------

6. Watch BABY BARGAINS co-author Alan Fields on NBC Today Friday March 3!

Yes, in other news at our publishing company, look for Alan Fields, co-author of our other book BABY BARGAINS, live on NBC�s Today Show this Friday March 3 (9am hour). Fields will be talking about the best picks for baby strollers, with new models, advice and more.

Set the Tivo: BABY BARGAINS will be on NBC Today Show with Katie Couric, Friday March 3 in the 9am hour.

----

Well, that�s the latest from the home office. Back to work on Toddler 411. Be on the lookout for periodic updates. We�ll be asking you for your favorite real world tips on toddlers as we get further along in this project.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
authors, BABY 411
http://www.baby411.com

Baby 411 Breaking News: Measles outbreak in Houston

================================================
BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: January 2006
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
January 6, 2006
================================================

Three cases of measles have been reported in Houston, Texas during the last month, according to a press release from the Texas Medical Association.

This is especially troubling since, as many of our readers know, measles is very contagious and the vaccination rate in Houston is quite low.

According to an email sent out by the association's Dr. W.S. Chip Riggins Jr, "the infected individuals visited several health care facilities in the Houston area. The incubation period for measles is generally 14 days from exposure to rash, however it can range from 7 to 18 days. Measles is highly communicable with greater than 90% secondary attack rate among susceptible persons."

If you live in or near Houston, take precautions and see your doctor immediately if you suspect your child has been exposed. If your child develops a fever with a rash, be sure to contact your doctor.

We will monitor this situation and let you know of any updates,

Ari Brown, MD and Denise Fields
Authors, BABY 411

Baby 411 Breaking News: Measles outbreak in Houston

Baby 411 E-news: Whooping cough booster, Did Ferber flip flop?, Wheezin' season

================================================
BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: December 2005
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
================================================

What�s in this issue?
1. Whooping cough booster shots for kids and adults
2. Did Dr. Ferber change his mind?
3. Wheezin� season

===============
1. Whooping cough booster shots

Two new vaccines have been approved (Boostrix, Adacel) by the FDA to help reduce the incidence of whooping cough. Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection that causes a chronic hacking cough in older children and adults, but can be fatal in young children. Kids have been immunized against this disease since the 1940�s but whooping cough is still alive and well and causing disease. One reason for this is that our immunity wanes over time after being vaccinated.

So, a new way to prevent whooping cough outbreaks is to vaccinate those who may be spreading the disease�teenagers and adults. Yes, it is time to roll up your sleeves to protect our vulnerable little ones. If has been at least five years since you have had a tetanus shot, you can now get a combo DTP vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) that boosts your immunity to whooping cough. And if you have a child/babysitter who is 11 years or older, he/she should get vaccinated too.

===============
2. Did Ferber change his mind?

Many of you may have heard sleep guru, Dr. Richard Ferber on the news recently discussing infant sleep training. On the eve of the release of his revised sleep bible, Solve Your Child�s Sleep Problems, he tried to clarify his position. It appears he has not changed his mind�kids need consistent sleep rituals and routines to have good sleep. But he has added that there is no one size fits all approach to infants.

It also appears that Dr. Sears is bending a little on his position as well. He is now acknowledging that it is not all about the baby and perhaps parent sleep habits should be considered too when deciding what to do at night.

Here is our take on the situation. Perhaps these folks have had a reality check. Most of us (parents) try to find a middle ground where everyone in the house gets some sleep. We have not changed our position. For the first three months, do what you gotta do to get your baby to sleep�just make sure it is a safe space. And with the American Academy of Pediatrics recent SIDS recommendations (October 2005), that means in your room, but not in your bed.

Start setting up good sleep routines around four months of life. Those are the ones you want to keep. Don�t let your baby be dead weight on your shoulder and then gingerly place her in bed anymore. If she learns to fall asleep on her own now, you will be thankful later. Have her drowsy and relaxed, but not asleep when she is put to bed. By six months, you should be on your way! For more about infant sleep, check out the sleep chapter in Baby 411.

===============
3. Wheezin� season

Cold and flu season shows up every year, just like that fruitcake that Aunt Mabel brings for the holiday meal. Some areas of the country are already seeing some cases of flu (influenza virus). And, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is here as well. RSV can infect anyone, but it causes more severe illness in infants�especially babies who were born prematurely. As opposed to the common cold, RSV attacks the tiny branches of the lower lung airways (bronchioles). Swollen bronchioles make the air flow turbulent, creating a wheezing noise.

Most kids are �Happy Wheezers�. They breathe faster than normal, but maintain good oxygen levels and are not in distress. Other symptoms include fever and lots of snot! This virus seems to go on forever, with kids coughing and wheezing for weeks. Not surprisingly, many kids will get ear infections after having a bout of RSV. So if your child is fever free for over 24 hours and suddenly spikes a new fever or acts fussy, get it checked out. Most of the time, kids do not need medicine for the wheezing because they are not in distress and do not usually respond to asthma medications used for wheezing. There are a small percentage of kids who do, though.

If your child has labored breathing, is under three months of age, or is under two years of age and a former preemie, call your doctor.

What�s the best way to prevent against RSV and the other usual suspects of the season? Good hand washing! Your mom was right again.

Well, that�s it from the home office of Baby 411. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a healthy 2006. Baby 411 makes a great gift for parents!

Best wishes,

Dr. Ari Brown, Denise Fields, and the elves at Windsor Peak Press

===============
Got a baby shower coming up? Consider giving Baby 411 as a gift! Click here:
http://www.baby411.com

Baby 411 E-News: Ear piercing, bug spray, RSV, metabolic screening

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions,
is located at the end of this message.)

Baby 411 E-News: Ear piercing, bug spray, RSV, metabolic screening

(Need to change your email address? Want to have a friend get this
newsletter? Need to unsubscribe? Click here:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/baby411/newsletter.html)

================================================
BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: May 2005
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
================================================

In this issue:

1. Ear piercing
2. New bug spray recommendations
3. RSV infection is serious for young and old
4. New metabolic screening recommendations for newborns
5. Quality time

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1. When is the right time to get your child�s ears pierced?

According to a study published in the May issue of Pediatrics, people who are prone to keloids (see below) should either get their ears pierced BEFORE age 11 or not at all. Keloids are thick scars that form when wounded skin is healing. They occur more commonly in darker pigmented individuals. If you or someone in your family has a problem with these, think twice about ear piercing.

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2. New insect repellant recommendations:

The Centers for Disease Control revised their recommendations regarding products that effectively protect us from mosquito bites and subsequently, West Nile Virus. Products that contain �DEET� (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) have been the gold standard.

Now, the CDC has added Picaridin (KBR 3023) and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to the list of effective insect repellants. The �Cutter Advanced� brand of repellant contains picaridin as its active ingredient. Note: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is NOT approved for use in kids under age 3.

For more info on insect repellant use for kids, see: [http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm]

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3. RSV infections in the young and old:

Many of your babies went through the unpleasant experience of having RSV or �bronchiolitis� this winter. It is a common viral respiratory infection that arrives every year in epidemic fashion. Babies who are born prematurely are at higher risk of complications from the infection, including wheezing and pneumonia.

What is news here is that elderly patients have been suffering along with babies with this infection. Frequently, these patients are diagnosed with the flu or a flu-like illness, but we are realizing that they, too, have RSV infection and can get quite sick. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 178,000 elderly people are hospitalized with RSV infections annually and 14,000 die.
Bottom line: If your baby or young child has been diagnosed with RSV, keep the grandparents at a distance�particularly if they have chronic health problems.

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4. More on metabolic screening:

We have discussed expanded metabolic screening in both Baby 411 and a prior e-newsletter, but here is an update.

A government advisory committee consisting of genetic and metabolic specialists has recommended that all newborns be screened for a total of 29 metabolic disorders via a blood specimen obtained in the first two weeks of life. Currently, each state individually mandates the number of tests performed by their state health departments (and no state is doing all 29 tests!). This recommendation will likely trigger legislative discussions in several states.

For the time being, you can get your baby tested for these serious diseases through private laboratories. The cost varies from $25-$90 depending on the lab. Want details? See the section on optional newborn screening in Baby 411.

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5. Quality time

Here is a nice story for all of you working moms. A study released in the April issue of the journal, Child Development, found that it was the quality (not the quantity) of the time parents spent with their children that had the greatest impact on bonding, social skills, and development. The study�s author, Dr. Aletha Huston, says it best: �There are a lot of different ways in which children can be treated well, including in families where mothers are employed.�

Now, go enjoy your kids and quit feeling guilty!!

Happy Mother�s Day!
Ari Brown, MD and Denise Fields
Authors of Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for your Baby�s First Year

---
Baby 411 makes the perfect gift for Mother�s Day or Moms-to-be.
http://www.Baby411.com

---
The readers speak! Check out our new message boards for our books at:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php

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