Food-borne illnesses do not discriminate — anyone can become sick. Raw oysters have earned a reputation as a potentially dangerous food. Also, some groups of people have a [greater risk of serious illness](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-fish-oil-safe-for-children/) than others, including children. Eating raw oysters comes with the risk of being exposed to Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially life-threatening bacteria. Young children, those under 5 years of age, are more susceptible to food-borne illness because their immunity isn’t fully developed. Here are some facts you should know before you give your young child raw oysters: ##### What will happen if my child eats a contaminated oyster? In reality, allowing your [child to eat](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-it-safe-for-toddlers-and-children-to-eat-raw-oysters/) raw oysters might have zero consequences, no matter how many he or she eats. Unlike other bacteria, V. vulnificus cannot be smelled, seen, or tasted. There is no way to determine if the raw oyster is safe to eat. V. vulnificus cannot be killed by a lot of hot sauce, nor are you guaranteed safety by letting your child just try one or two oysters. If your [child eats a raw oyster](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-it-safe-for-toddlers-and-children-to-eat-raw-oysters/) that is contaminated with V. vulnificus, it is important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of food poisoning. In generally healthy people, V. vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can become worse and infect the blood (invasive septicemia) resulting in fever, chills, and septic shock. V. vulnificus is a serious cause for concern because about half of people who contract the blood infection die. If you are suspicious of food poisoning and/or your child has symptoms, get in touch with your healthcare provider, or even head to the ER. ##### What should I do? To be safe, you may want to hold off on feeding your child raw oysters for a few years, or at least until he or she is five years of age. If oysters are a staple in your household, or a special treat here and there, make sure to thoroughly cook a few for your little one to try. Cooking (prolonged exposure to high heat) is the only way to kill the bacteria and make sure you and your family will be safe. Get yourself a [coach](https://nabtahealth.com/product/conscious-motherhood-coaching-session/) and learn more. **Sources:** * Food & Drug Administration * Raw Oyster Myths. Powered by Bundoo®
#### To spank or not to spank? There are no denying children can test parents’ patience, and finding ways to effectively discipline them can be a challenge. Studies have shown that up to 90 percent of parents have spanked their children at least once. But before you settle on spanking as a disciplinary tactic, you should know that research shows that spanking is detrimental to a child. “It’s a very controversial area even though the research is extremely telling and very clear and consistent about the negative effects on children,” says Sandra Graham-Bermann, PhD, a psychology professor and principal investigator for the Child Violence and Trauma Laboratory at the University of Michigan. “People get frustrated and hit their kids. Maybe they don’t see there are other options.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Education Association (NEA) all strongly oppose spanking, which is a form of corporal punishment. #### The negative impact of spanking It increases the chance of mood disorders. Researchers found 2-7 percent of mental disorders were attributable to physical punishment. Spanking also increases the chances of a child developing anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug abuse problems, and several [personality disorders in the future](https://nabtahealth.com/product/conscious-parenting-coaching-course/). It promotes aggressive behavior. Research shows that frequent spanking at age 3 increased the odds of higher levels of aggression at age 5. It can lower IQ. A study found that children who were spanked had lower IQs four years later than those who were not spanked. In addition to being detrimental to the child’s overall well-being, research shows that spanking does little to reduce a [child’s behavioral problems](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/7-parenting-donts-during-a-divorce/). #### Alternate forms of discipline Time out: Experts recommend the one-minute-per-year rule, meaning if your child is 3 years old he will be put in time out for three minutes. Positive Reinforcement: Instead of just focusing on when they misbehave, remember to put a spotlight on when they do the right thing. [Parents](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/7-parenting-donts-during-a-divorce/) want their children to seek out positive attention instead of negative. Distraction: When misbehaving, infants and toddlers can usually be redirected or distracted with a favorable activity. Reasonable consequences: Taking away privileges or items (a favorite toy, video games, etc.) is an appropriate form of punishment for older kids. **Sources:** * American Academy of Pediatrics * Physical Punishment and Mental Disorders: Results From a Nationally Represenative US Sample. American Academy of Pediatrics * Mothers’ Spanking of 3-year-old Children and Subsequent Risk Of Children’s Aggressive Behavior. University of New Hampshire * Children Who Are Spanked Have Lower IQs, New Research Finds. University of New Hamphsire * Spanking by Parents and Subsequent Antisocial Behavior of Children. University of Michigan * Spanking sparks aggression, does little to reduce behavior problems. American Psychological Association * The Case Against Spanking. Powered by Bundoo®
 #### What is maternal health and why is it so important? Pregnancy and childbirth are exciting, scary, life-changing events. They can be joyful experiences, and they can be fraught with anxiety, and physical and emotional challenges. Maternal health is about the wellbeing of women and their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Women should feel comfortable and confident in the medical care and attention they receive each stage of their pregnancy journey. Lack of awareness about the potential complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth can [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) to devastating outcomes. Most maternal complications are preventable with prompt support by trained maternal health professionals. The goal for maternal health is always positive outcomes for both mother and baby. #### What are maternal health services? A pregnant woman will usually meet some or all the following skilled healthcare practitioners during and after her pregnancy: * Doctor or General Practitioner (GP): Provides basic pregnancy care. Doctors with added expertise may share pregnancy care with a hospital. * [Obstetrician](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/obstetrician/): A doctor qualified in specialist antenatal and postnatal care for women and their babies. Obstetricians deliver babies and manage high-risk pregnancies and births. * Midwife: Medically trained to care for women during pregnancy, labour and after childbirth. Often a pregnant woman will be cared for by a team of midwives. * Doula: Some women choose a Doula as a companion for support during pregnancy and labour. A Doula is not a medically trained professional. * [Lactation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lactation/) consultant: Helps mother and baby establish breastfeeding and overcome difficulties with latching, low milk supply, and sore nipples. * Maternal and child health nurses: Monitor the child’s development and growth from newborn until around 3.5 years old. #### Antenatal checks, tests, and screenings Routine antenatal checks and tests are an important part of a woman’s pregnancy care. As the pregnancy progresses, blood tests, urine samples and ultrasound scans are accompanied by scheduled check-ups to assess the mother’s health and wellbeing, and the baby’s development. Screening and scans during pregnancy typically include a full blood count, infectious disease screen, urine culture, dating scan, screens for genetic abnormalities, [gestational diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) screening, and Group B strep screen. It’s a personal choice to have all the antenatal tests. A mother’s healthcare team will recommend that she has all tests and scans as scheduled for a complete picture of her health and her baby’s development. The tests are also designed to pick up any medical problems and identify possible genetic conditions affecting the baby. This will enable the mother and her doctors to make informed decisions about further testing or actions. #### What are maternal health concerns during pregnancy? Major maternal health problems can [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) to serious illness or death for both mother and baby. Complications can include excessive blood loss during labour, infections, [anaemia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/anaemia/), high blood pressure ([hypertension](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/hypertension/)), obstructed labour, and heart disease. Maternal mental health is also an important consideration. Pregnancy and childbirth are different for every woman. Access to the right healthcare before, during and after pregnancy will reduce the risk of complications. #### – Before pregnancy Medical history and pre-existing conditions: The healthcare team should be made aware of any medical conditions, medications, or family history that may affect the mother’s health, or the unborn baby’s health during pregnancy. #### – During pregnancy The mother should attend all recommended check-ups and screenings. The maternal health team will monitor and treat pregnancy-related health issues including [anaemia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/anaemia/), urinary tract infections, [hypertension](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/hypertension/), [gestational diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/), mental health conditions, excess weight gain, infections, [hyperemesis gravidarum](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/hyperemesis-gravidarum/) (severe and persistent vomiting). #### – After pregnancy The postpartum period usually refers to the first six weeks after childbirth. While there’s (understandably) lots of focus on the new arrival, postpartum health is just as important: * Physical recovery: Allow time for physical recovery from a vaginal birth or C-section. Mothers should prepare for perineal pain, vaginal bleeding (lochia) and uterine [contractions](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/contraction/). * Postpartum or postnatal depression: Take care of emotional health. It’s normal to experience the ‘baby blues’ when hormones dip a few days after giving birth. Prolonged low moods and feelings of helplessness should be raised with the healthcare team. * Rest is best: Try to sleep or rest when the baby sleeps. Rest will help with recovery. * Eat regularly: Eat regular, healthy meals. What a mother eats, her baby eats. * Hydrate: Drink water, lots of it. Hydration will aid milk supply. * Feeding routines: Get support establishing feeding routines, whether breast-feeding or bottle-feeding. * Physical exertion: Avoid heavy lifting for the first 4 to 6 weeks after delivery and especially after a C-section. Exercise should be gentle walks with the baby. Try not to do any physically demanding activities (no running up and down the stairs and definitely no gym sessions!). * Vitamins: Continue taking antenatal vitamins #### What are postpartum complications? Postpartum complications to be aware of include mastitis, postnatal depression, excessive bleeding (hemorrhage) after giving birth, infection or sepsis, [hypertension](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/hypertension/), pulmonary [embolism](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/embolism/), cardiomyopathy, and cardiovascular disease. Postpartum mothers should be counselled to recognise the signs and symptoms of a problem. Contact a doctor at once at any sign of high fever, flu-like symptoms, a red and swollen breast, a headache that doesn’t improve with medication, chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, bleeding through one maternity pad in an hour, and a red or swollen leg painful to touch. #### What happens at a postpartum check-up? Postpartum maternal checks are about the mother’s health. At your postpartum check-ups your doctor will check your abdomen, [vagina](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vagina/), [cervix](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/cervix/), and [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) to make sure you are healing well. They will talk to you about when it is safe to have sex again and birth control (remember that even if you don’t have your periods while you breastfeed you can still become pregnant). And your doctor will also talk to you about your emotional health, whether you are getting enough rest, eating well and how you are bonding with your baby. Use these check-ups to raise any concerns you might have with your recovery and emotional wellbeing. #### Getting started with Nabta Health Nabta’s marketplace and resources are designed to support mothers at every stage of their maternal health journey. From at-home tests to prenatal courses; on-demand Doulas to hypnobirthing courses; maternity pads to nursing bras; prenatal yoga to postpartum care packages… Nabta’s team of healthcare and wellness experts has carefully selected products to meet a woman’s maternal health needs.
Alicia’s son hated to eat. He wailed and became inconsolable whenever she introduced a meal. She was told his behavior was normal and to just keep exposing him to different [baby foods.](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/how-much-formula-should-my-baby-drink/) She tried and tried, but it didn’t improve. Going with her gut, she took him to a feeding therapist, who suspected sensory integration disorder. Certainly, most cases of picky eating are considered a normal part of childhood development, especially between ages 2 and 6 years. But sometimes picky eating is a sign there is more going on. About 1 in 20 children up to 10 years old will demonstrate what experts call problem feeding—children who refuse to eat or eat a very limited number of selected foods. Children who are at higher risk for being problem feeders are those who were born prematurely or with a low birth weight, have oral-motor problems, frequent respiratory infections and subsequent difficulty breathing, behavioral conditions such as ADHD or autism, food allergies, sensory processing disorder, and those who experience too much negative pressure at the meal table to eat. Children with sensory-based feeding issues may have more sensitive taste buds, making them highly aware of food texture. They may also be more sensitive to food aromas, tastes, sounds, and visual appearances. Sensory-based feeding problems can begin as early as 6-12 months. Signs of problem feeding include: --------------------------------- Baby: difficulty latching onto the breast; gagging or choking on lumpy foods; refusing new foods or textures; stuck on pureed food; lack of interest in eating; eating poorly. Toddler: refusing new foods; sticking with similar textures or colors of food; eliminating one or more major food groups (e.g., protein, dairy, grains, fruit, vegetables); eating fewer than 20 different foods; dropping previously liked foods and never regaining them; crying or having a tantrum when new foods are presented; going days without eating; family stress at mealtime due to toddler’s eating patterns. If you have a problem feeder, the main goal is to create a positive feeding environment where reinforcement of normal, healthy eating patterns occur. Remember, the key to food acceptance is food exposure, but you have to be careful to keep food, feeding, and mealtimes positive, especially with the problem feeder. Frustration, discipline, and too much pressure won’t make the problem feeder eat better or more—and it may make the child shut down and eat poorly. There are things you can do at home to help the child who is a problem feeder, such as starting with very small bites of food, using a tasting plate for food trials rather than using mealtime as the time to try new foods, removing any pressure to eat at the meal table, and keeping things fun and engaging. Consider seeking professional help if your at-home efforts aren’t working, your child is losing weight, failing to grow well, or is getting ill frequently—a sign of poor nutrition. **Sources:** * Castle, JL and Jacobsen MT * Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters from High Chair to High School, 2013. Chatoor I * Sensory food aversions in infants and toddlers. Powered by Bundoo®
Infant and child sleep schedules parents often ask, “What is a typical feeding and sleep schedule for my baby or child? [How much sleep should my baby or toddler](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-a-typical-sleep-schedule-looks-like-for-an-18-month-to-2-5-year-old/) be getting?” Even if it seems completely random when your child is awake or asleep, most kids follow pretty typical child sleep schedules and have the same approximate need for sleep. Click on any of the headlines below for typical sleep schedules for infants and children depending on their age. Please note that “typical” schedules apply to generally healthy children with no growth or developmental concerns. These [sleep schedules](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-a-typical-sleep-schedule-looks-like-for-an-18-month-to-2-5-year-old/) are based upon recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP](https://www.aap.org/). The guidelines are flexible so you don’t need to adhere to them too rigidly. What a typical sleep schedule looks like for a 6-8-month-old What a typical sleep schedule looks like for a 9-12-month-old What a typical sleep schedule looks like for a 13-18-month-old What a typical sleep schedule looks like for an 18 month-2.5-year-old What a typical sleep schedule looks like for a 2.5-5-year-old **Sources:** * Kim West, LCSW-C. The Sleep Lady’s Good Night Sleep Tight. Powered by Bundoo®
Typical sleep schedule, when a child is 18 months old, it’s advised they get 11.25 hours of nighttime and 2.25 hours of afternoon sleep. By age 2, _nighttime sleep_ drops to 11 hours with 2 hours during the day. Over the next year, their sleep average will drop to 10. 5 hours of nighttime nap sleep schedule and 1.5 hours of daytime sleep. [Developmental changes](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/baby-development-your-4-month-2-week-old/). [Toddlers’ language skills](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-can-i-do-to-encourage-my-shy-childs-expressive-language-skills/) are rapidly growing, but at this age they can understand more than they can say, which leads to frustrations, especially at bedtime. Toddlers test boundaries naturally, and bedtime can become an ideal testing ground. Stalling and climbing out of cribs are common bedtime fights with toddlers. Even if parents do everything right at bedtime, there will be phases where you put your child down and they pop right back up. It’s a good idea to keep your toddlers in a crib as long as possible and avoid transitioning into a “big-kid bed.” Children who move from the crib too early don’t necessarily have the developmental skills to understand bedtime rules yet. Fears and anxieties. Parents can also expect a second wave of separation anxiety at around 18 months. A nice, long, predictable transition to bedtime can help associate bedtime with quality time spent with parents and dispel lingering anxieties around bedtime. Starting in this age group, toddlers may also begin experiencing nightmares or night terrors for the first time. Beginning potty training at this age can also complicate bedtime. Sample Schedule. A predictable routine and bedtime rituals can always help your toddler feel more at ease during developmental transitions. 7-7:30 a.m.: Wake-up and breakfast Noon-12:30 p.m.: Lunch 12:30 – 1 p.m.: Start afternoon nap 5 – 5:30 p.m.: Dinner 6 -6:30 p.m.: Start bath/bedtime routine 7 – 8 p.m.: Bedtime This schedule applies to generally healthy children with no growth or developmental concerns. Sleep schedules are based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Remember, you should always consult with your child’s pediatrician. **Sources:** * Kim West, LCSW-C. The Sleep Lady’s Good Night Sleep Tight. Powered by Bundoo®
The 30 million word gap refers to a research study conducted by psychologists Betty Hart and Todd Risley. Their study showed that children from lower-income families hear a staggering 30 million fewer words than children from higher-income families by the time they are 4 years old. Not surprisingly, this word gap puts children from lower-income families at a significant disadvantage. Their vocabularies are approximately half the size of their higher-income counterparts, and they are unprepared for the early years of school curriculum. What’s more, the word gap also has long-term effects on education, career, and family. The researchers came to this conclusion through visits with 42 families from varied income groups. They observed conversations between parents and children and tracked those against income measures including household income and welfare status. The total study group included 13 high-income families, 10 middle class families, 13 families of lower income, and six families on welfare. Researchers observed each family for one-hour sessions every month when the children were between the ages of 7 months and 3 years. The results of the study were far more severe than anyone could have anticipated, according to a release announcing the study results. Observers founds that 86 percent to 98 percent of the words used by each child by the age of three were derived from their parent’s vocabularies. Not only were the words they used nearly identical, but also the average number of words utilized, the duration of their conversations, and the speech patterns were all strikingly similar to those of their caregivers. These findings emphasize how critical it is to talk, sing, and read aloud to children daily starting from birth through the preschool years to promote not only language development but overall brain development. At the time of the study’s publication, Hart was a professor of human development at the University of Kansas, and Risley was a professor of psychology at the [University of Alaska Anchorage](https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/). **Sources:** * American Federation of Teachers * The Early Catastrophe. Rice University * The Thirty Million Word Gap. Powered by Bundoo®
Vegan diet for your newborn about 5 percent of Americans, both children and adults, follow a **vegan diet**, according to the [Vegetarian Resource Grou](https://www.vrg.org/)p. By definition, vegans eat no flesh foods or products derived from animals. This includes dairy and animal products, such as honey and certain preservatives and additives that come from animal sources. While any child can be raised vegan in a healthful way, it takes time and thoughtful planning. During infancy, the brain is developing, and adequate nutrients are of critical importance, especially protein, [iron](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/iron/), [zinc](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/zinc/), and the fatty acid DHA. Once your baby starts eating solid food, careful planning to match these nutrient needs from the diet is needed. If you are considering raising your baby a vegan, here are the nutrients you’ll want to watch: Protein: As a vegan, animal sources of protein are out, and plant-based sources are in. Plant-based protein sources should be included at every meal and most snacks. Good options include beans and bean products like hummus; nuts and nut butters; seeds and seed butters; high protein grains such as quinoa, amaranth, oats, and bulgur; soy milk; tofu; and soy-based yogurt. Make sure you keep food textures age-appropriate to avoid incidents of choking. [Iron](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/iron/): You can find [iron](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/iron/) in beans, grains, and green leafy vegetables. Because plant sources of [iron](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/iron/) are harder for the body to absorb and utilize, pair [vitamin C](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/vitamin-c-is-your-child-getting-enough-and-does-it-really-help-prevent-colds/) sources such as citrus fruit with [iron](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/iron/) sources to make absorption more efficient. [Zinc](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/zinc/): Beans, grains, and nuts will be your top plant sources of [zinc](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/zinc/). These foods are full of fiber and may fill your little one up, so be careful about giving too much fiber. Calcium: An important nutrient for bone development, calcium can be found in fortified soy-based products such as soy milk, fortified cereals, certain vegetables, and sesame seeds. [Vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/): Look for fortified foods with calcium and [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/), such as orange juice, cereals, and alternative milks. All children are in peak bone-building mode, and these two nutrients are essential to the process. Vitamin B-12: If following a strict vegan diet, you will need to find a good vitamin B-12 food source like fortified soy milk, or give your little one a vitamin B-12 supplement such as nutritional yeast. [Vitamin B12](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-b12/) requirements are low but essential, so be sure your child eats some every day. DHA: This fatty acid provides structure to the brain and retina. Babies need DHA, especially during high-growth phases, such as in the first 24 months of life. Breast milk, fortified infant formula, fish, fortified eggs, milk, and orange juice are all good sources of DHA. Consider a DHA supplement if eggs, fish, and milk are not part of your baby’s diet. Calories: Meeting calorie needs can be a challenge because plant-based foods tend to be high in fiber, taking up some serious real estate in the tummies of little ones. This filling factor can interfere with your baby getting enough calories for normal growth. Make sure to offer small, frequent meals, include a good fat source at meals and snacks, and keep track of weight gain and growth with your pediatrician. **Sources:** * Vegetarian Resource Group. Craig WJ et al * Position of the Amercian Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets * J Am Dietet Assoc * 2009; 109: 1266-1282. Powered by Bundoo®
Long known as the “bone vitamin” for its role in helping to form strong bones, a steady stream of new research is uncovering benefits of [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) for infants in the growing body. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics ([AAP](https://www.aap.org/)), getting adequate [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) has been linked to improved health and possibly reduced risk of developing some diseases later in life. Research continues in various areas such as [immune health,](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/the-healthiest-drinks-for-toddlers/) heart disease, skin health, and [diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/how-is-gestational-diabetes-diagnosed/). Based on the increased awareness of [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/)’s benefits, the United States Department of Agriculture recently increased its daily recommendation of [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) to 400 IU a day for children ages 0–12 months and 600 IU a day for children ages 1–13 years. **How does [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) work?** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) is fat-soluble, meaning that it dissolves in fat instead of water and can be stored in the body. It’s a unique vitamin in the sense that it acts like a hormone in some cases, leading experts to refer to it as a “[prohormone](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/benefits-of-vitamin-d-for-infants-and-toddlers/)” Because of its unique structure and function, [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) has been shown to have receptors throughout the body which could impact a surprisingly wide range of health factors. The most well-documented role of [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) is assisting in calcium [metabolism](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/metabolism/), which benefits bone growth and maintenance. Other areas that are less conclusive but still topics of [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) research include the role in: Insulin production and blood sugar [metabolism](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/metabolism/) and therefore the impact on diabetes. A healthy circulatory system and [influence on heart disease](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-is-congenital-heart-disease/). Brain health, including depression and other mental disorders. Supporting a healthy immune system, allowing the body to fight infections. Getting enough [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) [Vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) is manufactured in the skin in response to exposure to sunlight. This process is extremely fast—it only takes a few minutes of sun exposure to make a tremendous amount of [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/). However, because of concerns over sun exposure, many children do not receive enough direct sunlight to get adequate [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/). Similarly, [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) is hard to get from diet alone. It is present in small amounts in fatty fish, as well as liver, cheese, and egg yolks. In 2012, the AAP identified a “startling increase” in the frequency of severe [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) deficiency. In addition to safe sun exposure, many children receive their [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) from supplements or fortified foods. Milk and infant formula are both fortified with [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/); milk has about 100 IU per cup, meaning a child would have to drink 4-6 cups of milk daily to receive his or her recommended dose. Breast milk is a poor source of [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/), so the AAP recommends all breastfed babies receive supplemental [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) beginning in the first few days of life. [Vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) is available as a dietary supplement, usually as a gel cap or liquid drops. The drops, which are available over the counter, are perfect for infants and smaller children because they are easy to administer and can be combined with liquids. Talk to your pediatrician and follow the dosing instructions on the package to ensure your child is receiving adequate [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/). **Sources:** * Hossein-nezhad A, Holick MF * [Vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) for health: a global perspective * Mayo Clin Proc * 2013 Jul;88(7):720-55 * doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.05.011 * Epub 2013 Jun 18. Kids Health * [Vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/). National Institutes of Health * [Vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/). Pojsupap S, Iliriani K, Sampaio TZ, O’Hearn K, Kovesi T, Menon K, McNally JD. Efficacy of high-dose [vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) in pediatric asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis * J Asthma * 2014 Nov 21:1-9. American Academy of Pediatrics * Prevention of Rickets and [Vitamin D](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vitamin-d/) Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Powered by Bundoo®
Child to speak english : Many parents of internationally adopted children face the complicated task of fostering a child’s heritage, including their native language, while teaching a child new customs and the English language. Parents debating if they should teach an internationally adopted child to speak English exclusively should first consider how [children develop language by age](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-can-i-do-to-encourage-my-shy-childs-expressive-language-skills/). Internationally adopted children under age 3 typically lose most words from their native language within 3-6 months, according to the Center for Cognitive-Developmental Assessment & Remediation. This occurs for several reasons. First, [children are typically learning the English language](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/will-technology-help-my-childs-language-development/). Second, they are not typically practicing their native language. However, children adopted under age 24 months typically develop their English language skills at a normal rate compared with children whose families were English-speaking from birth, according to the American Speech Language Hearing Association ([ASHA](https://www.asha.org/)). Adopted children who are older than 3 years old typically lose most of their expressive language abilities in their first language within about 6-12 weeks of adoption, according to the ASHA. Older adopted children who are considered [fluent in a native language](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/love-languages-does-your-husband-speak-yours/) are able to learn English more quickly than a child who is not. Because a child has a grasp of the first language, he or she is able to make associations in one language to words in English. Younger children, however, are still learning vocabulary words and terms that make the transition from a native language to English more difficult. One of the biggest roadblocks to continuing to develop a child’s native language is that adoptive parents may not speak the child’s first language. Like many skills, practice does make perfect for children when it comes to retaining a first language. If the parents or siblings do not speak the child’s native language, teaching both languages will be difficult, if not impossible. Adoptive parents must realize their limitations when it comes to language development. Internationally adopted children will take time to learn English and to communicate with their new family. Taking this into consideration, working to develop and/or maintain another language can be extremely challenging. To truly develop a first language (while also learning English), a child requires frequent practice and exposure to the second language. A few flashcards a day likely won’t be enough. Parents wishing to further their child’s native language development have several options. These approaches include: One Person, One Language. Bilingual parents can have one parent speak to the child in his or her native language while the other only speaks English. This approach allows the child to practice and develop the language without being confused as to when to speak each language. One Place, One Language. A variation on the above approach is speaking one language at home and another outside the home. While this usually works as the native language inside the home and English outside the home, some schools or daycares will speak exclusively in a foreign language. Again, this allows the child to practice each language. Education Programs. In addition to a foreign language school, schools often offer Saturday language schools or foreign language education programs, even at a young age. Be cautioned: this level of language practice may not be enough to develop true proficiency. However, it can foster a child’s vocabulary in the native language. **Sources:** * Adoptive Families * Raising a Bilingual Child. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association * Speech and Language “Mythbusters” for Internationally Adopted Children. Center for Cognitive-Developmental Assessment and Remediation * Language Development in Internationally Adopted Children. Colorín Colorado: Language and the Older Adopted Child * Understanding Second Language Learning. Journal of Early Childhood Literacy: Beginning Again * The Impact of International Adoption on the English Language Development of a Preschooler. Powered by Bundoo®
Many people adults and infants alike crave chocolate occasionally, but what about craving laundry starch, plaster, chalk, dirt, paper, or clay? People who have these kinds of cravings are often diagnosed with pica, an eating disorder named after the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for eating almost anything. Pica is a pattern of craving unusual non-food materials with no nutritional value, such as laundry detergent, chalk, plaster, dirt, paper, clay, toothpaste, coffee grounds, hairballs, animal feces, or sand. To be diagnosed as pica, these cravings must last for at least one month. _Pica cravings_ are the body’s attempt to compensate for the missing vitamins and minerals that are [lacking from diet](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/5-tricks-to-reduce-sugar-in-your-childs-diet/). Pica is seen in young children more frequently than adults. It’s estimated that between 10 and 32 percent of children ages 1-6 have these behaviors. Children are at a higher risk of developing pica. Women can also develop pica [during pregnancy](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/pregnancy-symptoms/). Some experts believe it may be linked to [iron](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/iron/) deficiency. Women and children who practice pica (i.e., eating nonfood items such as pottery, clay, and dirt) are at a higher risk of developing [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) poisoning because they might eat something contaminated with [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/), such as [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/)\-based paint. Even a small amount of [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) consumed by children may affect their development and behavior. Children with greater [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) levels may also have problems with learning and reading, delayed growth, and hearing loss. Extremely high levels of [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) in the body can [cause permanent brain damage and even death.](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/brain-cancer-in-children/) Taking precautions can stop pica from developing and/or make it easier to treat. If you are pregnant and have unusual cravings, let your physician know immediately. It is also recommended that young children with pica are screened for blood [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) concentration; consult with your physician for more information. **Sources:** * American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry [AACAP](https://www.aacap.org/) * [Lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) Exposure in Children Affect Brain and Behavior. Centers for Disease and Preventions * Guidelines for Identification and Management of [Lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) Exposure in Pregnant and Lactating Women. National Organization for Rare Disorders * PICA. Powered by Bundoo®
Once your child takes his or her first steps, he or she will really start taking off, and it will soon be time to start thinking about the right shoes. Chances are your child will probably spend the first days taking off shoes more than keeping them on. However, it’s important to outfit your little walker in shoes when he or she will be exposed to walking outdoors and/or on hot, cold, or uneven surfaces, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Babies typically take their [first steps at anywhere from 9-15 months,](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/baby-development-your-9-month-2-week-old/) although longer bouts of walking may not come until later. When it comes to purchasing [footwear for your baby](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/7-tips-for-picking-shoes-for-your-new-walker/), they have different footwear needs than adults. For example, babies do not start to develop an arch in their feet until between ages 2 and 3. This means a shoe with arch support is unnecessary for an early walker. Since baby’s feet will typically grow fast, you can also expect to replace their shoes every three months. This means the right “first” shoes will be supportive enough to last, but don’t have to break the bank. Heading to the baby shoe store? Here are a few tips for finding the right shoe and perfect fit: 1\. Ask a salesperson to measure your baby’s foot. Since your child can’t really tell you if the shoes do or do not fit, measuring and asking the advice of a shoe professional can help you determine the best-sized shoe. 2\. A baby’s shoes must be flexible to best support their feet. If the shoe can twist side-to-side and front to back, it is likely flexible enough. However, they should be sturdy enough to retain their form when taken off. 3\. You can tell the shoe fits if you can put your pinky finger between your child’s heel and the shoe’s heel when your child is standing. You also should be able to press about a thumb’s width from the top of the shoe and your baby’s toes. 4\. Babies need shoes with rubber traction to help prevent slips and falls (although they will inevitably occur). 5\. The best shoe materials for baby are those made from leather or supportive mesh for breathability. 6\. Velcro shoes are easier to put on but also easy for your baby to take off. Conversely, laced shoes are hard to put on but are more likely to stay on your baby. 7\. Avoid high-top shoes—your child does not need the ankle support and these shoes can increase the risk for fall injuries. Remember that when indoors in your home, barefoot walking can be helpful for your child. His or her toes are able to grip the ground and gain stability. This helps your child build muscles he or she needs to walk more steadily as he or she develops. **Sources:** * American Academy of Pediatrics * Your Baby’s First Steps. Lower Extremity Review * Not All Practitioners Embrace Soft Soles for Novice Walkers. Parents * The Toddler Shoe Dilemma. WEAR ABC Channel 3 * Taking Care of Your Feet. Powered by Bundoo®
