Scientists and physicians raised concerns early in the pandemic that increased parental stress, COVID infections, reduced interactions with other babies and adults, and changes to health care may affect child development.
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Research findings are mostly reassuring for parents — despite the disruptions to nearly every aspect of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, most children continue to show healthy development.
Babies still need to eat even when formula is hard to come by.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images
Many families in the US encountered empty shelves when they went in search of infant formula during COVID-19.
Results of a new study show the need for more, easily accessible mental health and social support services for pregnant and postpartum people and their families.
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Being pregnant and giving birth during the pandemic meant disruptions in pregnancy care and birth experiences, as well as detrimental effects on mental health and birth outcomes.
Anna Price, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Lynn Kemp, Western Sydney University y Sharon Goldfeld, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Extending visits from nurses who can listen without judgement and offer practical, evidence-informed advice helps new parents who are experiencing adversity.
Babies and young children are most at risk for serious cases of RSV.
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Tens of thousands of children have tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus in the last months in what is the largest outbreak of the virus in recent years.
Daryl Cheng, Murdoch Children's Research Institute y Margie Danchin, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
It’s natural to have questions about the risks and benefits of COVID vaccines in young children. Here’s what you need to know ahead of Australia’s rollout.
No easy formula.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Exercising during pregnancy is safe – and can have many benefits for both mother and baby.
Experts believe that infants should get some interactive floor-based physical activity two to three times a day.
Sam Edwards/OJO Images via Getty Images
Breastfeeding is important for infant and maternal health. But without national data non breastfeeding rates, we have no idea whether things are improving or getting worse.
Recommendations suggest babies be introduced to food allergens around age six months.
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Introducing food allergens early is the best way to prevent food allergies from developing. Even in a pandemic, the benefits outweigh the very small risk of a severe reaction requiring emergency care.
The immune system is lower during pregnancy.
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The Erdi Foundation Child Health Equity (COVID-19) Scholar, Centre for Community Child Health | Honorary, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne | Team Leader / Senior Research Officer, Murdoch Children's Research Institute