Category Archives: news articles

Plagiocephaly or Flat Spots

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You may have seen the articles lately of the rise of plagiocephaly or flat spots in babies. The latest study reports 47% of babies ages 7 to 12 weeks, have a flat spot. Something that can be avoided if its due to positioning or extended time in equipment (not from in utero positioning).

I sat in a training back in 1994 (yes, 19 years ago), just after the back to sleep motto was introduced. The physical therapist presenting said this rise of plagiocephaly would happen and as early interventionists we needed to work with families to promote tummy time, side lying and carrying babies.

So here I am all these years later…still getting the word out about decreasing time in baby equipment, especially car seats, playing on belly early on and getting comfortable baby carriers so babies spend less time pressed up against a flat surface. Implementing these simple changes has proven results…no flat spots.

This article does a wonderful job of reviewing these issues and offering suggestions.

Re-inventing the wheel

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I’ve been banging my head against the wall reading all the hype about Hillary Clinton (and the Clinton foundation) partnering up to create a new organization to promote the importance of early childhood development.

There are plenty, high profile agencies and researchers that have been in the trenches for a long time (think Head Start, Zero to Three, NAEYC, The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) or individuals like Dr. Barry Brazelton and Dr. William Sears). Why on earth do they need to pour money into the promotion of another agency? What will they do differently? Perhaps they have the money for a splashy website and videos….but we already know these are the formative years.

To me, this is a waste of time and money. Where were the policy changes during President Clinton’s years in office? I feel the most influence could have come by changing employee benefits, prioritizing family and funding during that time. If the Clinton’s want to invest in early childhood development it seems it would be more beneficial if they either connect with the existing agencies listed above (as I’m sure they have TO DO lists a mile long) or go work in a day care.

 

 

Low-Tech Toys Are Better For Young Kids

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Although there is no long term studies about how technology is effecting early childhood development, we are beginning to find smaller short term studies coming out like this one.

Also, here is another link to an article I posted on my blog in 2011. It is entitled “Parents Urged Again To Limit TV for Youngest” and at the end of the post there is a link Michael Krasny’s show Forum, where they discussed the first long term study that is underway.

In response to these thoughts, this article from Wired Dad takes the top prize as my favorite article as to what toys are actually best.