Date: October 19th 2004

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BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: October 2004
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
October 2004
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In this newsletter:

1. Prevnar shortage officially over
2. Flu vaccine Q & A
3. Snoring and behavioral problems
4. Organic baby formula
5. Good news for flat heads
6. Halloween candy

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1. Prevnar vaccine shortage is over:

Prevnar is the popular vaccine that prevents Strep meningitis, pneumonia, blood infections, sinus and ear infections. The vaccine shortage is over and all FOUR doses in the vaccine series should be given to children under two years of age and kids under age five with chronic medical conditions.

Take home message: If you have a child between 12-23 months, it is likely he needs his fourth booster dose of Prevnar. Contact your healthcare provider for more info.

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2. Flu vaccine Q & A:

According to the Centers for Disease Control, only high risk people should be getting the flu vaccine. These groups include kids 6 –23 months of age, kids with chronic medical conditions, all pregnant women, and household contacts of infants under six months of age. If you or your child fits into any of these categories, put the doctor’s office on your to-do list ASAP.

There are currently two types of flu shots approved for infants. One comes in a single dose vial and is preservative free (approved only for kids under age three years). One comes in a multi-dose vial and contains a trace amount of the preservative called thimerosal (ethyl mercury). Either product is safe to use. Although there has been a lot of theoretical concern about thimerosal, there is no scientific data that proves a problem, especially with the amount in a single vaccine. The risk of the flu is real. Complications from the flu are significantly higher in kids under two years of age. Over 150 children died last year from the flu.

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3. Snoring and behavioral problems:

A recent study has shown that children who snore (including kids under age two) have behavioral and attention problems as a result of a poor night’s sleep. It is well known that people with ‘obstructive sleep apnea’ awaken numerous times a night to catch their breath and then have problems during the day. The eye-opener here is that kids who just snore from large tonsils have similar behavioral issues.

Bottom line: Adults who sleep poorly act tired. Kids who sleep poorly act out. Before you sign your child up for a tonsillectomy, check in with your doctor.

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4. Organic baby formula:

Horizon is now making an organic baby formula that is “antibiotic, pesticide, and growth hormone free”. It complies with the Infant Formula Act and is nutritionally appropriate for babies 0-12 months. It does not contain DHA (fish oil)- unlike its major competitors, Enfamil Lipil and Similac Advance. The cost? A whopping $15.49 per13 oz can. For more info, check out www.horizonbaby.com.

Is it worth it? You will have to decide this one on your own!

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5. Good news for flat heads:

The infant sleep position recommendations have done wonders to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by 40%. However, many babies have ‘flat heads’ as a result of it. Not to worry, the head shape improves over several months as kids begin to move and reposition themselves during sleep.

A few doctors recommend using helmets for this problem, but most experts in the field think this is unnecessary.

If it is really bothering you, there is a new product that uses an adjustable wedge in the crib to alter a baby’s head position every night. For more info, check out www.sleepshaper.com.

As always, we’re not getting paid to endorse these products…just letting you know what is out there.

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6. Halloween advice:

With Halloween just around the corner, we thought we would remind you of the childhood obesity epidemic. Consider letting kids pick their favorite 30 pieces and offer only 1 piece a day until Thanksgiving. Toss or donate the rest!

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FYI: Dr Brown is featured in the November issues of Better Homes and Gardens (“Friendly Fevers”) and Real Simple magazine(“How to hold a baby”).

Be well!
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Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
Authors, Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for your Baby’s First Year.
http://www.Baby411.com