Beyfortus: the RSV shot
Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip) is a monoclonal antibody shot that effectively protects babies from RSV but there is a great deal of confusion and misinformation about what it is and how it works.
It is not a vaccine. Here is a clear explanation and a review of the evidence for parents.
Introducing Newborn to Sibling(s)
Introducing your child to their new sibling is a big deal, but don't worry, you’ve got this! From my experience with three kids, I can tell you that we often overthink this process. It’s going to be okay, I promise. But if you like to prepare, keep these tips in your toolbox for the transition!
Fussy baby? Is it a hair tourniquet?
In young infants, a fallen hair (or a thread) can get tangled around a finger, a toe, or genitals and constrict the flow of blood. We see this most often in infants under 6 months, but it can be seen in toddlers and older children (in this case, it is usually the result of them intentionally winding something around the area or, unfortunately, because of child abuse).
Baby Hiccups are normal!
Hiccups come up frequently at pediatrician visits, and are a common source of worry for parents. But they shouldn’t be. In fact, they may actually have a purpose in newborns, and be a way of teaching them how to control their breathing.
Did we find the “cause” of SIDS?
Any infant death is awful. Little is known right now about why some infants are more susceptible to SIDS than others. The truth is that this research is promising, but it doesn’t change much from a practical perspective.
Is my newborn constipated?
Typically, babies with constipation present with harder, more pebble-like poop, or sometimes even blood in the stool. Contrary to popular belief, frequency of stooling is not how we define constipation. Newborn babies can poop as frequently as 8-10 times per day or as infrequently as once every 8-14 days. Both can be normal as long as poop consistency is normal.