Tanya Dutt

Speech And Communication Milestones For Babies From Birth To 12 Months

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Babies' first words are often seen as a important and precious moment in their development, marking the beginning of their journey into verbal communication. For instance, when the baby looks at his or her parent and says "mama" for the first time, it brightens up the parent's face with joy but it is a meaningful connection in their bond that is growing. For parents, these are some sources of pride and joy. But how do you determine whether your child's speech and language are progressing? 

Understanding the <span>communication milestones</span> will help monitor a child's development and spot potential issues before they become more serious. The milestones serve as benchmarks to guide health care providers on whether a child needs further assistance.

<h2>Importance of Communication Development in Early Years</h2>

The first five years of a child's life are the time of massive growth and brain development at an incredible speed. All domains of development find their roots within this period, including communication. From the day they were born, babies start crying to communicate, and within weeks or months, they begin to babble, imitate sounds, and eventually words. Communication is not only important to express needs but also for understanding the world and building relationships. It is an important tool that supports cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Babies learn communication skills at their own pace. General milestones can, however serve as a guideline for typical development. Let's go through these milestones by age:

At this point, the babies communicate mostly through crying. They give cues as to their needs by responding with actions like smacking the lips when hungry or arching the back when they feel overstimulated. At the end of three months, you may also observe:

<ul><li>Smiles in response to your appearance.</li><li>Cooing sounds.</li><li>Quiets or smiles when spoken to.</li><li>Your voice.</li><li>Different cries for specific needs.</li></ul> 

By six months, babies start experimenting with sounds and use their voice to play. Major developments include:

<ul><li>Making gurgling sounds during play.</li><li>Babbling with different sounds.</li><li>Vocalizing likes and dislikes.</li><li>Responding to the change in tone of voice.</li><li>Turning eyes toward sounds.</li><li>Showing interest in music and sound-making toys.</li></ul>

By the first birthday, there are some significant communication milestones that have been achieved:

<ul><li>Trying to imitate speech sounds.</li><li>Speaking basic words like "mama," "dada," or "uh-oh."</li><li>Responding to simple commands, such as "Come here."</li><li>Recognizing common items by name, like "shoe."</li><li>Turning toward sounds and voices.</li></ul>

In this stage, children learn to understand and use words in a consistent manner. Some of the important milestones are:

<ul><li>Knows the names of people, objects, and body parts.</li><li>Responds to simple commands with gestures.</li><li>The child says up to 10 words.</li></ul>

By two years of age, children usually have more developed communication skills: 

<ul><li>Using simple sentences, like "more milk."</li><li>Asking one- to two-word questions, such as "Go bye-bye?"</li><li>Following simple directions and answering simple questions.</li><li>Saying 50 or more words.</li><li>Being understood by family members at least half the time.</li></ul>

<h2>Ways Parents Can Support Development</h2>

Parents can be very supportive in developing the communication skills of their child. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Pay Attention to Hearing: Ensure your child responds to sounds and voices. Notice if they react to noise or look at you when spoken to. If you suspect hearing issues, consult your pediatrician promptly.

2. Engage in Conversation: Respond to your baby’s coos and babbles. Talk to them frequently about daily activities, like “Mommy is making breakfast,” or “We’re going to the park.”

3. Imitation Training: Teach your baby to imitate actions and gestures of others, such as clapping, waving, or peek-a-boo. These activities encourage her to understand turn-taking and even nonverbal communication.

4. Animals Sound: Learning time must be fun. Train your baby to imitate an animal's sound, "A cow says 'moo.'". This encourages sound production along with word association.

5. Read and Sing Together: Reading stories and singing songs expose your child to language patterns and rhythm. Make it a daily habit to promote vocabulary growth.

6. Use Your Native Language: Speak to your child in the language you’re most comfortable with. Early exposure to rich language environments helps babies learn effectively.

7. Strengthen Their Attempts: Cheer every time your child tries to speak. Repeat the words and sounds and gently correct as needed. A little "baby talk" is okay but clearly say simple words for them to imitate.

Though every child develops at his own rate, there are some delays that point toward professional intervention. Talk with your child's health care provider if:

- Doesn't turn toward sounds or his name.

- By 12 months, he isn't babbling, and by 18 months, he has not spoken a single word.

- Uses speech in a peculiar manner or shows delayed speech.

Your pediatrician can refer you to some specialist who could be an audiologist or speech-language pathologist for more extensive testing. In the case of a bilingual child, he will also be evaluated by a bilingual speech-language pathologist.

Communication milestones form a kind of roadmap in understanding how your baby develops. This means through conversation, play, and learning activities, you could be able to enhance language skills while promoting your child's development. When concerned about delay, consult professional help, as this might make all the difference by having communication skills set up to meet a great future for your child.

<em><a href="https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/communication-milestones-birth-to-1-year/?srsltid=AfmBOore27FYEmd8oEkFJ0U26l2uoCZD6N-EsYJGKbNWcvA3V2wHvzXm" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Communication Milestones: Birth to 1 Year</a>. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association</em>

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Babies' first words are often seen as a important and precious moment in their development, marking the beginning of their journey into verbal communication. For instance, when the baby looks at his or her parent and says "mama" for the first time, it brightens up the parent's face with joy but it is a meaningful connection in their bond that is growing. For parents, these are some sources of pride and joy. But how do you determine whether your child's speech and language are progressing? Understanding the communication milestones will help monitor a child's development and spot potential issues before they become more serious. The milestones serve as benchmarks to guide health care providers on whether a child needs further assistance.Importance of Communication Development in Early YearsThe first five years of a child's life are the time of massive growth and brain development at an incredible speed. All domains of development find their roots within this period, including communication. From the day they were born, babies start crying to communicate, and within weeks or months, they begin to babble, imitate sounds, and eventually words. Communication is not only important to express needs but also for understanding the world and building relationships. It is an important tool that supports cognitive, emotional, and social development.Speech Milestones by AgeBabies learn communication skills at their own pace. General milestones can, however serve as a guideline for typical development. Let's go through these milestones by age:Newborn (0-3 Months)At this point, the babies communicate mostly through crying. They give cues as to their needs by responding with actions like smacking the lips when hungry or arching the back when they feel overstimulated. At the end of three months, you may also observe:Smiles in response to your appearance.Cooing sounds.Quiets or smiles when spoken to.Your voice.Different cries for specific needs. Upto 6 MonthsBy six months, babies start experimenting with sounds and use their voice to play. Major developments include:Making gurgling sounds during play.Babbling with different sounds.Vocalizing likes and dislikes.Responding to the change in tone of voice.Turning eyes toward sounds.Showing interest in music and sound-making toys.Till 12 MonthsBy the first birthday, there are some significant communication milestones that have been achieved:Trying to imitate speech sounds.Speaking basic words like "mama," "dada," or "uh-oh."Responding to simple commands, such as "Come here."Recognizing common items by name, like "shoe."Turning toward sounds and voices.Upto 18 MonthsIn this stage, children learn to understand and use words in a consistent manner. Some of the important milestones are:Knows the names of people, objects, and body parts.Responds to simple commands with gestures.The child says up to 10 words.End of 24 MonthsBy two years of age, children usually have more developed communication skills: Using simple sentences, like "more milk."Asking one- to two-word questions, such as "Go bye-bye?"Following simple directions and answering simple questions.Saying 50 or more words.Being understood by family members at least half the time.Ways Parents Can Support DevelopmentParents can be very supportive in developing the communication skills of their child. Here are some effective strategies:1. Pay Attention to Hearing: Ensure your child responds to sounds and voices. Notice if they react to noise or look at you when spoken to. If you suspect hearing issues, consult your pediatrician promptly.2. Engage in Conversation: Respond to your baby’s coos and babbles. Talk to them frequently about daily activities, like “Mommy is making breakfast,” or “We’re going to the park.”3. Imitation Training: Teach your baby to imitate actions and gestures of others, such as clapping, waving, or peek-a-boo. These activities encourage her to understand turn-taking and even nonverbal communication.4. Animals Sound: Learning time must be fun. Train your baby to imitate an animal's sound, "A cow says 'moo.'". This encourages sound production along with word association.5. Read and Sing Together: Reading stories and singing songs expose your child to language patterns and rhythm. Make it a daily habit to promote vocabulary growth.6. Use Your Native Language: Speak to your child in the language you’re most comfortable with. Early exposure to rich language environments helps babies learn effectively.7. Strengthen Their Attempts: Cheer every time your child tries to speak. Repeat the words and sounds and gently correct as needed. A little "baby talk" is okay but clearly say simple words for them to imitate.When to Seek Medical AttentionThough every child develops at his own rate, there are some delays that point toward professional intervention. Talk with your child's health care provider if:- Doesn't turn toward sounds or his name.- By 12 months, he isn't babbling, and by 18 months, he has not spoken a single word.- Uses speech in a peculiar manner or shows delayed speech.Your pediatrician can refer you to some specialist who could be an audiologist or speech-language pathologist for more extensive testing. In the case of a bilingual child, he will also be evaluated by a bilingual speech-language pathologist.Communication milestones form a kind of roadmap in understanding how your baby develops. This means through conversation, play, and learning activities, you could be able to enhance language skills while promoting your child's development. When concerned about delay, consult professional help, as this might make all the difference by having communication skills set up to meet a great future for your child.Communication Milestones: Birth to 1 Year. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

speech and communication milestones for babies from birth to 12 months

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In January 2025, the Danish government finally announced an end to the use of the controversial forældrekompetenceundersøgelse (<span>FKU</span>) — a psychometric assessment used to evaluate parental competency. After years of increasing pressure from Indigenous rights organizations, international human rights groups, and the Greenlandic government had finally paid off when the test was officially abandoned amid accusations of systemic discrimination, cultural bias, and child removals based on colonial-era assumptions.

The test, based on Western norms of psychology, became a focal point in the already complicated relationship between Denmark and its former colony, Greenland, triggering important questions regarding cultural bias, child protection, and Indigenous rights.

<h2>What Was the Danish Parenting Competency Test?</h2>

The FKU, or “parenting competency test,” was a psychometric assessment used by Danish child protection authorities to evaluate whether parents were fit to raise their children. In theory, the test aimed to protect children by identifying families in crisis or parents unable to provide adequate care. In practice, however, it became a tool of controversy—especially when applied to Greenlandic families.

The test assessed parents in a series of areas, such as their responses to imagined scenarios, self-concept, physical and mental well-being, outlook on life, and plans for the future. Most importantly, it was based on Western conception of good parenthood and delivered in Danish, with minimal attention to Greenlandic language, customs, or kinship systems. This incompatibility resulted in regular misinterpretations of the capacity of Greenlandic parents and sometimes led to children being taken from their parents.

Greenlandic children have traditionally been disproportionately represented in Denmark's child welfare system. Approximately 7% of Greenland-born children and 5% of children who have at least one Greenlandic parent are placed out-of-home. That's in sharp contrast to only 1% of the general Danish child population.

The application of FKU tests, the campaigners maintain, was a contributory factor in this lopsided number. Families were regularly tested with instruments that were not culturally sensitive, and sometimes in the absence of legal or psychological support. The test to protect was then perceived by many as a means of control — tearing children away from their cultural heritage and severing family bonds.

For some families, such as 38-year-old Keira Alexandra Kronvold's, the shift is too late. Required to undergo the FKU test twice — once when giving birth to her second child and again when pregnant with her third — she was finally found "unfit" by Danish officials. Her infant was removed from her care just hours after delivery, sparking public outrage and initiating mass protests in Copenhagen and Nuuk.

In 2022, the Danish Institute for Human Rights warned of the test's application among Indigenous families. In 2023, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples issued an official condemnation of the FKU as deeply flawed and culturally insensitive. The Danish government, even with these warning signs, only "urged municipalities" to reconsider its application.

It wasn't until January 2025 that the government, at last, declared an outright suspension of the FKU test among Greenlandic families, citing "doubts" as to its cultural sensitivity — a half-hearted recognition of what activists had been decrying as a systemic failure.

<h2>Why Was the Test So Controversial?</h2>

Greenlandic families and their supporters complained that the FKU did not consider the special cultural, linguistic, and social norms of Greenlandic Inuit society. The fact that the test is based on Danish language and Western notions of parenting resulted in Greenlandic traditional values—like communal childcare, nonverbal communication, and varying methods of discipline—frequently being misinterpreted or downgraded. Parents were even incorrectly evaluated as having cognitive impairments due to mere cultural differences in communication or problem-solving in certain instances.

<h4>Unfair Disproportionate Impact on Greenlandic Families</h4>

The effect of the FKU was drastic: 5–7% of Greenlandic-origin children in Denmark were removed from their families, as opposed to only 1% of Danish-origin children. High-profile cases, like that of Keira Alexandra Kronvold—whose infant was removed from her shortly after birth based in part on FKU findings—sparked countrywide protests in both Denmark and Greenland. For many, the incidents resonated with traumatic historical moments of forced assimilation and family disruption.

<h4>Human Rights and Legal Criticism</h4>

The FKU has been condemned by human rights groups, such as the Danish Institute for Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, for its "serious cultural biases" and its call for the abolition of the FKU. Denmark is bound under international conventions like ILO Convention No. 169 to respect and protect the cultural identity of Indigenous peoples like the Greenlanders. The critics claimed that the FKU breached these commitments by refusing to modify its standards and approach in accordance with Greenlandic conditions.

The Danish Ministry of Social Affairs currently commits to making any subsequent parental reports culturally sensitive, using Greenlandic language and culture. The government asserts it will attempt to restore confidence and provide reparative structures, including placement in Greenlandic families whenever feasible.

Greenland's Children's Minister, Dr. Aqqaluaq B. Egede, described the decision as a "necessary but tardy measure" toward justice. "We cannot restore that which is lost, but we can ensure no additional harm is caused," he told a joint press conference in Nuuk.

<h2>How Does Removal From Families Impact Children?</h2>

The psychological effect of separating children from their parents is deep and lasting, as numerous studies over several decades have shown. When children are taken from their families—whether because of such highly criticized policies as Denmark's now-abandoned parenting test or other child protection measures—the effects tend to reach far beyond the initial disruption.

Attachment, the strong emotional connection that develops between a child and his or her main caregiver, is more than a whimsical notion but a vital building block for wholesome growth throughout life. Research that appeared in Current Directions in Psychological Science explains that attachment influences a child's sense of emotional security, social competence, and even stress- and adversity-coping ability in the years to come.

This attachment starts to develop even before a child is born. Myron Hofer, past director of the Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychology at Columbia University, cites that fetuses begin to develop preferred reactions to their mother's odors and sounds during pregnancy—preferences that carry on after birth. During the newborn phase, infants learn rapidly to recognize their mother's face and voice, providing the foundation of a secure attachment.

When attachment is suddenly severed, through early maternal separation, children go through a series of emotional and physiological responses. First, they go through a stage of anxious searching—calling out and searching for their attachment figure—and then they go through a stage of withdrawal and worsening responsiveness if reunification is not achieved.

Hofer's experiments with infant rats emphasized the biological basis of this trauma. He discovered that deprivation of maternal warmth, body contact, and sustenance induced distress in the young. Although artificial surrogates—warmth, tactile stimulation, and plentiful nutrition—were able to normalize a few features of their physiology, these could not substitute for the complex, higher-level behaviors in an actual mother–child relationship. Aspects of reciprocity, imitation, attunement, and play form a vital role in emotional and social development and cannot be imitated by institutional care or foster planning, regardless of good intentions.

For human children, the effects of forced separation can involve increased anxiety, attachment disorders, relationship difficulties, and even persistent mental health issues. The trauma associated with loss of family is sometimes doubled when cultural identity and language are lost as well, as was true for many Greenlandic children sent to Danish families under the FKU regime.

danish parenting test

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In January 2025, the Danish government finally announced an end to the use of the controversial forældrekompetenceundersøgelse (FKU) — a psychometric assessment used to evaluate parental competency. After years of increasing pressure from Indigenous rights organizations, international human rights groups, and the Greenlandic government had finally paid off when the test was officially abandoned amid accusations of systemic discrimination, cultural bias, and child removals based on colonial-era assumptions.The test, based on Western norms of psychology, became a focal point in the already complicated relationship between Denmark and its former colony, Greenland, triggering important questions regarding cultural bias, child protection, and Indigenous rights.What Was the Danish Parenting Competency Test?The FKU, or “parenting competency test,” was a psychometric assessment used by Danish child protection authorities to evaluate whether parents were fit to raise their children. In theory, the test aimed to protect children by identifying families in crisis or parents unable to provide adequate care. In practice, however, it became a tool of controversy—especially when applied to Greenlandic families.The test assessed parents in a series of areas, such as their responses to imagined scenarios, self-concept, physical and mental well-being, outlook on life, and plans for the future. Most importantly, it was based on Western conception of good parenthood and delivered in Danish, with minimal attention to Greenlandic language, customs, or kinship systems. This incompatibility resulted in regular misinterpretations of the capacity of Greenlandic parents and sometimes led to children being taken from their parents.Greenlandic children have traditionally been disproportionately represented in Denmark's child welfare system. Approximately 7% of Greenland-born children and 5% of children who have at least one Greenlandic parent are placed out-of-home. That's in sharp contrast to only 1% of the general Danish child population.The application of FKU tests, the campaigners maintain, was a contributory factor in this lopsided number. Families were regularly tested with instruments that were not culturally sensitive, and sometimes in the absence of legal or psychological support. The test to protect was then perceived by many as a means of control — tearing children away from their cultural heritage and severing family bonds.For some families, such as 38-year-old Keira Alexandra Kronvold's, the shift is too late. Required to undergo the FKU test twice — once when giving birth to her second child and again when pregnant with her third — she was finally found "unfit" by Danish officials. Her infant was removed from her care just hours after delivery, sparking public outrage and initiating mass protests in Copenhagen and Nuuk.In 2022, the Danish Institute for Human Rights warned of the test's application among Indigenous families. In 2023, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples issued an official condemnation of the FKU as deeply flawed and culturally insensitive. The Danish government, even with these warning signs, only "urged municipalities" to reconsider its application.It wasn't until January 2025 that the government, at last, declared an outright suspension of the FKU test among Greenlandic families, citing "doubts" as to its cultural sensitivity — a half-hearted recognition of what activists had been decrying as a systemic failure.Why Was the Test So Controversial?Cultural Bias and MisjudgmentGreenlandic families and their supporters complained that the FKU did not consider the special cultural, linguistic, and social norms of Greenlandic Inuit society. The fact that the test is based on Danish language and Western notions of parenting resulted in Greenlandic traditional values—like communal childcare, nonverbal communication, and varying methods of discipline—frequently being misinterpreted or downgraded. Parents were even incorrectly evaluated as having cognitive impairments due to mere cultural differences in communication or problem-solving in certain instances.Unfair Disproportionate Impact on Greenlandic FamiliesThe effect of the FKU was drastic: 5–7% of Greenlandic-origin children in Denmark were removed from their families, as opposed to only 1% of Danish-origin children. High-profile cases, like that of Keira Alexandra Kronvold—whose infant was removed from her shortly after birth based in part on FKU findings—sparked countrywide protests in both Denmark and Greenland. For many, the incidents resonated with traumatic historical moments of forced assimilation and family disruption.Human Rights and Legal CriticismThe FKU has been condemned by human rights groups, such as the Danish Institute for Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, for its "serious cultural biases" and its call for the abolition of the FKU. Denmark is bound under international conventions like ILO Convention No. 169 to respect and protect the cultural identity of Indigenous peoples like the Greenlanders. The critics claimed that the FKU breached these commitments by refusing to modify its standards and approach in accordance with Greenlandic conditions.The Danish Ministry of Social Affairs currently commits to making any subsequent parental reports culturally sensitive, using Greenlandic language and culture. The government asserts it will attempt to restore confidence and provide reparative structures, including placement in Greenlandic families whenever feasible.Greenland's Children's Minister, Dr. Aqqaluaq B. Egede, described the decision as a "necessary but tardy measure" toward justice. "We cannot restore that which is lost, but we can ensure no additional harm is caused," he told a joint press conference in Nuuk.How Does Removal From Families Impact Children?The psychological effect of separating children from their parents is deep and lasting, as numerous studies over several decades have shown. When children are taken from their families—whether because of such highly criticized policies as Denmark's now-abandoned parenting test or other child protection measures—the effects tend to reach far beyond the initial disruption.Attachment, the strong emotional connection that develops between a child and his or her main caregiver, is more than a whimsical notion but a vital building block for wholesome growth throughout life. Research that appeared in Current Directions in Psychological Science explains that attachment influences a child's sense of emotional security, social competence, and even stress- and adversity-coping ability in the years to come.This attachment starts to develop even before a child is born. Myron Hofer, past director of the Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychology at Columbia University, cites that fetuses begin to develop preferred reactions to their mother's odors and sounds during pregnancy—preferences that carry on after birth. During the newborn phase, infants learn rapidly to recognize their mother's face and voice, providing the foundation of a secure attachment.When attachment is suddenly severed, through early maternal separation, children go through a series of emotional and physiological responses. First, they go through a stage of anxious searching—calling out and searching for their attachment figure—and then they go through a stage of withdrawal and worsening responsiveness if reunification is not achieved.Hofer's experiments with infant rats emphasized the biological basis of this trauma. He discovered that deprivation of maternal warmth, body contact, and sustenance induced distress in the young. Although artificial surrogates—warmth, tactile stimulation, and plentiful nutrition—were able to normalize a few features of their physiology, these could not substitute for the complex, higher-level behaviors in an actual mother–child relationship. Aspects of reciprocity, imitation, attunement, and play form a vital role in emotional and social development and cannot be imitated by institutional care or foster planning, regardless of good intentions.For human children, the effects of forced separation can involve increased anxiety, attachment disorders, relationship difficulties, and even persistent mental health issues. The trauma associated with loss of family is sometimes doubled when cultural identity and language are lost as well, as was true for many Greenlandic children sent to Danish families under the FKU regime.

what is the controversial danish ‘parenting test’ that was used to check competency?

Aarushi Bhadury

Allergic Reactions Lead to Unnecessary Hospitalizations In Kids

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<span>Allergic reactions</span> are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone. Many people ingest things they do not know they are allergic to or accidentally eat something that is cross contaminated with <span>allergens</span>. The reaction one gets to coming in contact with their allergens depends on how <span>severe their allergies</span> are. 

<span>Allergic reactions in kids</span> happen more often than we know, and many of these kids end up hospitalized. However, most of these could be avoided according to new research.

About 17% of children are currently staying overnight in the hospital after a serious allergic reaction to food, medicine, or insect bites. However, this study, published in The Lancet, indicates that most of these long stays might not be needed. 

Researchers found that a high percentage of children, 95%, who were treated with a common allergy medication, could safely go home within just two hours. This number goes up to 98% if they are watched for four hours. 

One of the researchers, a children's emergency specialist, noted that most patients are likely observed for too long. He explained that for families, this could mean the difference between leaving the hospital at 11 p.m. versus 1 a.m. or 3 a.m.

An allergy happens when your body's defense system, called the immune system, mistakenly thinks something is harmful and reacts too strongly to it. The problems you feel because of this reaction are called an allergic reaction. The things that cause these reactions are known as allergens. Allergens can enter your body in several ways, leading to an allergic reaction

<h2>How Allergies Are Affecting More And More Kids?</h2>

While most kids get better quickly with the first dose of medicine, about 5% might have their symptoms return later, even after the initial treatment. 

For this study, researchers looked at information from over 5,600 emergency room visits at many hospitals in the U.S. and Canada where allergic reactions were treated with the common allergy medication. Most of these reactions (about 90%) were caused by foods like peanuts, eggs, milk, and shellfish. Medicines caused about 6% of reactions, and insect stings caused 3%. 

The study showed that only about 5% of children needed a second dose of medicine within two hours of their first shot, and this dropped to just 2% after four hours. Importantly, most children who were admitted to the hospital never needed a second dose or intensive care.

Keeping kids in the hospital longer than needed causes problems. As one allergy expert pointed out, families might avoid or delay going to the emergency room because they don't want to spend hours waiting. Such delays can be dangerous. Allowing patients to go home sooner could encourage them to get help when they need it. 

Also, holding kids in the hospital unnecessarily uses up important hospital resources. A senior researcher explained that children's emergency departments can get very busy, especially during winter. Making sure patients move through efficiently helps the hospital care for as many people as possible. He added that because this study was so large, its results can give doctors confidence that sending children home in less than two hours, if they show no concerning symptoms, will be safe for most kids. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology, allergies and asthma can be prevented with the correct steps. 

<h2>How Parents Can Help Prevent Allergies In Children?</h2>

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology, allergies and asthma can be prevented with the correct steps.

Food allergies range from mild to severe, often triggered by peanuts, milk, and eggs. Babies are at higher risk if family members have allergies or if the baby already has eczema.

<strong>Diet During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding</strong>

Don't avoid common allergens while pregnant or breastfeeding for allergy prevention; research shows little benefit. Breast milk is ideal, strengthening immunity and reducing allergy risk. If needed, use special hypoallergenic formulas.

Start single-ingredient baby foods (fruits, veggies, cereals) at 4-6 months, one at a time. Importantly, introduce common allergens like egg and peanuts during this period. Delaying might increase allergy risk.

<strong>When to See a Specialist</strong>

Consult an allergist if your baby has allergic reactions, like bad eczema, or if a sibling has a peanut allergy. They'll provide expert guidance and a personalized plan.

<h4>Environmental Allergies and Asthma</h4>

Reduce dust mite exposure early, especially for high-risk children, to delay or prevent symptoms. Use allergen-proof covers, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and keep humidity low. Remove carpets if possible.

The link between early animal exposure and allergies is complex. Newer research suggests early exposure to cats and dogs might actually protect children. Discuss this with your doctor.

Crucially, shield children from tobacco smoke before and after birth. Smoking during pregnancy increases infant wheezing. Secondhand smoke boosts asthma risk and other breathing problems.

<strong>Benefits of Breastfeeding</strong>

Breastfeeding for at least 4-6 months strengthens a child's immune system. This helps fight lung infections that trigger asthma, potentially reducing long-term asthma risk.

Allergic Reactions and Hospitalizations

allergens

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions in kids

What Are allergies

severe their allergies

Allergic reactions are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone. Many people ingest things they do not know they are allergic to or accidentally eat something that is cross contaminated with allergens. The reaction one gets to coming in contact with their allergens depends on how severe their allergies are. Allergic reactions in kids happen more often than we know, and many of these kids end up hospitalized. However, most of these could be avoided according to new research.About 17% of children are currently staying overnight in the hospital after a serious allergic reaction to food, medicine, or insect bites. However, this study, published in The Lancet, indicates that most of these long stays might not be needed. Researchers found that a high percentage of children, 95%, who were treated with a common allergy medication, could safely go home within just two hours. This number goes up to 98% if they are watched for four hours. One of the researchers, a children's emergency specialist, noted that most patients are likely observed for too long. He explained that for families, this could mean the difference between leaving the hospital at 11 p.m. versus 1 a.m. or 3 a.m.An allergy happens when your body's defense system, called the immune system, mistakenly thinks something is harmful and reacts too strongly to it. The problems you feel because of this reaction are called an allergic reaction. The things that cause these reactions are known as allergens. Allergens can enter your body in several ways, leading to an allergic reactionHow Allergies Are Affecting More And More Kids?While most kids get better quickly with the first dose of medicine, about 5% might have their symptoms return later, even after the initial treatment. For this study, researchers looked at information from over 5,600 emergency room visits at many hospitals in the U.S. and Canada where allergic reactions were treated with the common allergy medication. Most of these reactions (about 90%) were caused by foods like peanuts, eggs, milk, and shellfish. Medicines caused about 6% of reactions, and insect stings caused 3%. The study showed that only about 5% of children needed a second dose of medicine within two hours of their first shot, and this dropped to just 2% after four hours. Importantly, most children who were admitted to the hospital never needed a second dose or intensive care.Keeping kids in the hospital longer than needed causes problems. As one allergy expert pointed out, families might avoid or delay going to the emergency room because they don't want to spend hours waiting. Such delays can be dangerous. Allowing patients to go home sooner could encourage them to get help when they need it. Also, holding kids in the hospital unnecessarily uses up important hospital resources. A senior researcher explained that children's emergency departments can get very busy, especially during winter. Making sure patients move through efficiently helps the hospital care for as many people as possible. He added that because this study was so large, its results can give doctors confidence that sending children home in less than two hours, if they show no concerning symptoms, will be safe for most kids. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies and asthma can be prevented with the correct steps. How Parents Can Help Prevent Allergies In Children?According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies and asthma can be prevented with the correct steps. Preventing Food AllergiesUnderstanding the RiskFood allergies range from mild to severe, often triggered by peanuts, milk, and eggs. Babies are at higher risk if family members have allergies or if the baby already has eczema.Diet During Pregnancy and BreastfeedingDon't avoid common allergens while pregnant or breastfeeding for allergy prevention; research shows little benefit. Breast milk is ideal, strengthening immunity and reducing allergy risk. If needed, use special hypoallergenic formulas.Introducing Solid FoodsStart single-ingredient baby foods (fruits, veggies, cereals) at 4-6 months, one at a time. Importantly, introduce common allergens like egg and peanuts during this period. Delaying might increase allergy risk.When to See a SpecialistConsult an allergist if your baby has allergic reactions, like bad eczema, or if a sibling has a peanut allergy. They'll provide expert guidance and a personalized plan.Environmental Allergies and AsthmaDust MitesReduce dust mite exposure early, especially for high-risk children, to delay or prevent symptoms. Use allergen-proof covers, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and keep humidity low. Remove carpets if possible.Pets and Other AnimalsThe link between early animal exposure and allergies is complex. Newer research suggests early exposure to cats and dogs might actually protect children. Discuss this with your doctor.Tobacco SmokeCrucially, shield children from tobacco smoke before and after birth. Smoking during pregnancy increases infant wheezing. Secondhand smoke boosts asthma risk and other breathing problems.Benefits of BreastfeedingBreastfeeding for at least 4-6 months strengthens a child's immune system. This helps fight lung infections that trigger asthma, potentially reducing long-term asthma risk.

Teen Stress Is A Threat To Their Immune System - Here's What Can Help

Teen Stress Is A Threat To Their Immune System

Do You Feel Drained No Matter How Much You Sleep And Rest?

do you feel drained no matter how much you sleep and rest?

Better Skin Health Does Mean Better Mental Health - Researchers Find A Positive Skin-Brain Axis Link

better skin health does mean better mental health - researchers find a positive skin-brain axis link

Physical Manifestation Of Mental Health Problems - How Your Body Tries To Tell You It Needs Help

physical manifestation of mental health problems - how your body tries to tell you it needs help

You Only Need These Many Minutes Of Walking To Reduce Your Lower Back Pain

rising lower back-pain risk see improvement after these many minutes of walking

You can't completely shield your teen from stress, and a little bit can even be good for them. However, too much stress might make them more likely to get sick. For instance, teens feeling overloaded due to midterms, college applications, or other school pressures could become more vulnerable to catching viruses. This is because stress genuinely affects our bodies, making us more prone to illness, especially during winter when colds and flu spread easily in schools.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Stress Weakens the Immune System</span> </h2>

According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine ongoing stress directly hits a teen's immune system, which is their body's way of fighting off sickness. When stress hormones are released, they can damage the immune system. Long-term stress can even lower the number of white blood cells that fight infections. If teens are always busy, not sleeping enough, and ignoring their own self-care, it sets them up perfectly to get sick. Stress also causes swelling in the body, which further weakens the immune system. During very stressful times like exams, it's really important to encourage teens to slow down and take care of their body and mind

<h2>Tips to Help Teens Stay Healthy and Less Stressed </h2>

Here are some simple ways to help your teen stay healthy, both mentally and physically: 

Most teens don't sleep enough; they often get only about 7 hours, but they need much more, especially when stressed. Aim for up to 10 hours of sleep a night during stressful times. Good sleep helps their body and mind recharge, boosts their immune system, helps them manage emotions, and improves their thinking. Help them set a sleep schedule, put away phones at least two hours before bed, keep their room dark and cool, and try relaxing activities before sleep. 

Help your teen discover ways to calm down and lower stress. This could be things like walking outside in nature, making a healthy meal, writing in a journal, trying simple breathing exercises, or using a meditation app. Teens who regularly practice mindful exercises to reduce stress often feel much less stressed overall. 

Many teens spend hours every day on phones and other devices outside of school. Too much screen time can actually make stress worse, not better. Encourage your teen to "unplug" by taking breaks from their devices. Suggest setting time limits for apps and social media. 

If your teen has a stressful event coming up, help them prepare. Suggest a study schedule with breaks, and work together to make a plan. Getting organized can really help. Encourage them to use a planner or calendar, or help them make "to-do" lists, which makes managing deadlines easier. 

While sugary snacks and caffeine might seem helpful during study sessions, they usually do more harm than good. Keep healthy snacks like protein bars, nuts, and fruit around. Providing healthy, comforting meals can also help lower stress. And don't forget to remind them to drink plenty of water, as not drinking enough can affect their body and even make them feel more anxious. 

Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms that feel a lot like being sick, such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle pain. Often, teens might "feel" sick when they are actually just anxious. It's tough to measure stress because what causes it and how much it affects someone is different for everyone. It's important to talk to your teen about how they're feeling. If they have physical symptoms, take them to a doctor to make sure they aren't actually sick with the flu or another virus. 

If your teen does get sick during a stressful time, help them deal with it so it doesn't add more stress. Let them know it's okay to take breaks for their health, and help them figure out how to catch up on any schoolwork. Teaching teens to take care of themselves is really important. 

Teen Stress damages Immune system

Stress Weakens the Immune System

does stress make you sick

can stress cause you fever

Teen stress tips

You can't completely shield your teen from stress, and a little bit can even be good for them. However, too much stress might make them more likely to get sick. For instance, teens feeling overloaded due to midterms, college applications, or other school pressures could become more vulnerable to catching viruses. This is because stress genuinely affects our bodies, making us more prone to illness, especially during winter when colds and flu spread easily in schools. Stress Weakens the Immune System According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine ongoing stress directly hits a teen's immune system, which is their body's way of fighting off sickness. When stress hormones are released, they can damage the immune system. Long-term stress can even lower the number of white blood cells that fight infections. If teens are always busy, not sleeping enough, and ignoring their own self-care, it sets them up perfectly to get sick. Stress also causes swelling in the body, which further weakens the immune system. During very stressful times like exams, it's really important to encourage teens to slow down and take care of their body and mind Tips to Help Teens Stay Healthy and Less Stressed Here are some simple ways to help your teen stay healthy, both mentally and physically: Get Enough Sleep Most teens don't sleep enough; they often get only about 7 hours, but they need much more, especially when stressed. Aim for up to 10 hours of sleep a night during stressful times. Good sleep helps their body and mind recharge, boosts their immune system, helps them manage emotions, and improves their thinking. Help them set a sleep schedule, put away phones at least two hours before bed, keep their room dark and cool, and try relaxing activities before sleep. Find Ways to Cope Help your teen discover ways to calm down and lower stress. This could be things like walking outside in nature, making a healthy meal, writing in a journal, trying simple breathing exercises, or using a meditation app. Teens who regularly practice mindful exercises to reduce stress often feel much less stressed overall. Take Breaks from Tech Many teens spend hours every day on phones and other devices outside of school. Too much screen time can actually make stress worse, not better. Encourage your teen to "unplug" by taking breaks from their devices. Suggest setting time limits for apps and social media. Plan Ahead If your teen has a stressful event coming up, help them prepare. Suggest a study schedule with breaks, and work together to make a plan. Getting organized can really help. Encourage them to use a planner or calendar, or help them make "to-do" lists, which makes managing deadlines easier. Eat Well and Drink Water While sugary snacks and caffeine might seem helpful during study sessions, they usually do more harm than good. Keep healthy snacks like protein bars, nuts, and fruit around. Providing healthy, comforting meals can also help lower stress. And don't forget to remind them to drink plenty of water, as not drinking enough can affect their body and even make them feel more anxious. Is It Sickness or Just Stress? Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms that feel a lot like being sick, such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle pain. Often, teens might "feel" sick when they are actually just anxious. It's tough to measure stress because what causes it and how much it affects someone is different for everyone. It's important to talk to your teen about how they're feeling. If they have physical symptoms, take them to a doctor to make sure they aren't actually sick with the flu or another virus. If your teen does get sick during a stressful time, help them deal with it so it doesn't add more stress. Let them know it's okay to take breaks for their health, and help them figure out how to catch up on any schoolwork. Teaching teens to take care of themselves is really important. 