Date: September 7th 2004

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BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: September 2004
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
September 2004
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Baby 411 E-News, September 2004

In this newsletter:

1. New guidelines for car seats and motor vehicle accidents
2. New exercise program for moms with infants
3. FDA bans product to improve breast milk supply
4. Expanded newborn screening

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1. New car seat guidelines roll out for 2005:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) formerly recommended that families purchase a new car seat if any motor vehicle accident occurred. It appears that car seats are tougher than previously thought and are safe to use if a car crash was a minor one. NHTSA now suggests that parents use common sense. If the car can be driven from the accident, the airbags did not deploy, the car door nearest the car seat is undamaged, no passengers were injured, and the car seat itself looks okay, you can continue to use the car seat.

And FYI, the recommendation is that your child should continue to sit in a safety/booster seat until the shoulder belt fits across the chest (not the neck) and the lap belt sits across the thighs (not the belly). Kids are usually about 4 feet,9 inches or ages 8-12 years when the regular seat belt holds them safely.

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2. New exercise program:

Stroller Strides is a new, nationwide program (currently in 10 states) that lets parents exercise while they take their infants along in a stroller. Playgroup meets Richard Simmons. If you need group dynamics to motivate you or hate leaving your baby in the drop off childcare at the gym, this may be the place for you. Check out their website at www.strollerstrides.com. We don’t have any stock in this company, we just think it’s a great idea!

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3. FDA bans Domperidone:

No, you can still drink that expensive champagne . . . we’re talking about a popular medication that women have used to improve their breast milk supply. It has been available at pharmacies that compound their own products and illegally through foreign markets. The Food and Drug Administration issued a ban because the medication can cause serious unwanted side effects (like sudden death) when the medication is used intravenously. For more information see http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2004/ANS01292.html

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4. Expanded newborn screening:

The March of Dimes launched a public awareness campaign encouraging a blood test for 50 metabolic diseases be performed on all newborns. All of the diseases are rare (approximately 1 in 50,000 risk). Currently, states mandate a limited number of metabolic screening tests (on average 3-7 disorders) that test for the most common diseases such as hypothyroidism and PKU (phenylketonuria).

For some of these diseases, nothing can be done to change the progression of the disease once a diagnosis is made. However, early detection in some cases can save a child’s life.

Currently, expanded screening is available only through private laboratories that parents pay for out of pocket.

The good news: expanded or supplemental newborn screening tests are relatively cheap- about $25. So, if you are interested in getting your baby tested, check out Baby 411 for details—we have a list of private labs and contact information. You can have the blood drawn at the hospital or at your doctor’s office. It can be performed at any age, but the newborn age is preferable.

As we celebrate our first birthday of Baby 411, we thank all of our readers for their valuable opinions and feedback this year. Keep it coming!