Paid Family Leave Helps Keep Babies' Vaccines on Track: Study

MONDAY, Sept. 23, 2019 -- Children whose parents take paid family leave when they're born are more likely to get vaccinated at the recommended ages, a new study finds.

"Currently, many people do not vaccinate their child within the recommended schedule and are late," said study co-author Solomon Polachek, a professor of economics at the State University of New York at Binghamton.

Breast Milk Combats Growth of Bad Bacteria

TUESDAY, Oct. 15, 2019 -- Researchers say they have identified a compound in breast milk that combats the growth of infection-causing bacteria in infants.

The compound is called glycerol monolaurate (GML), and the amount of GML in human breast milk is more than 200 times higher than in cow's milk. Infant formula has no GML, according to the study.

Secrets to Soothing a Cranky Baby Safely

THURSDAY, Sept. 5, 2019 -- Trying to calm a cranky baby can be stressful for parents, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has an important caution about what not to do.

Don't place baby in a so-called "sleep positioner," "nest" or "anti-roll" device, because of the suffocation risk. Babies have died after rolling from side to tummy and being unable to breathe. While some of these devices had been cleared for use in preventing reflux in infants, the FDA now advises parents not to use any of them for any reason.

How to Protect Your Baby Against Eczema

THURSDAY, Aug. 22, 2019 -- Using a rich moisturizer, even an inexpensive one like petroleum jelly, is one part of keeping eczema under control. Now researchers have found that this skin care step can keep many newborns at risk for the condition from developing it.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is the most common inflammatory skin condition among children. With eczema, the skin's natural barrier isn't working correctly, leaving skin red, dry and itchy. It typically runs in families with a history of asthma and allergies, and affects up to one in five infants. The most common areas of the body affected are the face, neck and head. Note that eczema in children is more likely to appear in the bends of elbows and knees.