Only 43% of infants are exclusively breastfed in the first six months, but innovative programmes such as Kyiv’s donor milk bank show promising progress amid international efforts to improve early childhood health. Only 43% of infants are exclusively breastfed in…
An audit of toddler foods in Austin uncovers that 81% are ultra-processed, many failing to meet WHO nutrient standards, raising concerns over early childhood diet quality. An audit of toddler foods sold in 21 grocery stores in Austin, Texas, has…
The Thrive by Five Index 2024 reveals only 42% of South African children are developmentally on track by age five, highlighting the urgent need for integrated early intervention strategies beyond age thresholds for Grade R and Grade 1. South Africa’s…
A Swansea University-led study reveals the profound impact of rising formula prices on parents’ mental health, relationships, and confidence in caring for their children, highlighting a growing social and policy challenge. A UK study has found that the cost of…
Prof. Yvan Vandenplas from University Hospital Brussels emphasises the critical role of early gut microbiota balance in children’s growth, immune function, and disease prevention, highlighting dietary strategies to optimise microbial health from infancy. Prof. Yvan Vandenplas, a paediatric gastroenterology and…
Emerging research indicates that girls are experiencing puberty earlier than before, influenced by body fat, environmental chemicals, and social factors, prompting a call for increased awareness and family support. For many parents, the puberty talk begins and ends with periods…
New research reveals that limiting sugar intake during the first 1,000 days of life can significantly lower cancer risk and slow biological ageing into adulthood, suggesting early nutrition’s lasting impact on health. A study published in the Proceedings of the…
Experts at the International Congress on Obesity in Mexico City reveal that childhood obesity results from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors, with implications for earlier detection and broader interventions. Experts at the International Congress on Obesity…
Nutrition experts warn that the real health threat lies in the overall consumption of ultra-processed diets rather than preservatives alone, as new European research links additives to heart risks. Nutrition specialists have pushed back against the common belief that industrial…
Involving and informing fathers plays a crucial role in sustaining breastfeeding, with evidence showing practical support improves outcomes and addresses cultural challenges, particularly in Ghana where exclusive breastfeeding rates decline after four months. Breastfeeding is often described as a mother’s…
A leading Indonesian paediatric society urges parents to monitor their children’s growth regularly using WHO growth charts, highlighting the importance of early intervention to combat childhood stunting. The Indonesian Paediatric Society has urged parents to watch children’s growth closely, saying…
A new review highlights how unstructured summer days can disrupt children’s routines, but simple adjustments like maintaining consistent wake-up times can promote healthier habits and prevent summer weight gain. Summer break can loosen a child’s routines in ways that look…
