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This booklet offers guidance to parents in caring for their newborn babies. Advice is given on the following topics: (1) newborn health screening; (2) what a healthy newborn looks like; (3) newborn reflexes; (4) baby checkups; (5) fathers' role; (6) the baby blues; (7) sleeping position; (8) breast milk; (9) breast feeding; (10) bottle feeding; (11) checkups and shots; (12) what it's like to be a newborn; (13) changing diapers; (14) keeping a memory book; (15) installing car seats; (16) newborns' brains; (17) guiding babies every day; (18) babies' people skills; (19) learning to communicate; (20) why babies cry; (21) ways to soothe babies; (22) preparing the baby's bath; (23) bathing the baby; and (24) being gentle when bathing the baby. Information resources for families conclude the booklet. (EV)

This booklet offers guidance to parents in caring for their newborn babies. Advice is given on the following topics: (1) newborn health screening; (2) what a healthy newborn looks like; (3) newborn reflexes; (4) baby checkups; (5) fathers' role; (6) the baby blues; (7) sleeping position; (8) breast milk; (9) breast feeding; (10) bottle feeding; (11) checkups and shots; (12) what it's like to be a newborn; (13) changing diapers; (14) keeping a memory book; (15) installing car seats; (16) newborns' brains; (17) guiding babies every day; (18) babies' people skills; (19) learning to communicate; (20) why babies cry; (21) ways to soothe babies; (22) preparing the baby's bath; (23) bathing the baby; and (24) being gentle when bathing the baby. Information resources for families conclude the booklet. (EV)

This document compiles several fact sheets, in multiple languages, for mothers and parent educators providing information and answering questions concerning breastfeeding infants. The fact sheets are published in English, French, and Spanish, and cover the following topics: (1) "Recommended Practices To Improve Infant Nutrition during the First Six Months"; (2) "Breastmilk: A Critical Source of Vitamin A for Infants and Young Children" (also in Portuguese); (3)"Guidelines for Appropriate Complementary Feeding of Breastfed Children 6-24 Months of Age"; (4) "Breastfeeding and HIV/AIDS"; (5) "Mother-to-Mother Support for Breastfeeding"; (6) "Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)"; (7) "Frequently Asked Questions on: Breastfeeding and Maternal Nutrition"; and (8) "Exclusive Breastfeeding: The Only Water Source Young Infants Need" (also in Portuguese). (HTH)

There has been little change in newborn mortality in the past 20 years, even through proven, cost-effective solutions exist to save many of these young lives. This report reviews the most recent data on the newborn, revealing the alarming poor health and quality of health care for mothers and newborns in virtually all impoverished countries. The report identifies infections, complications of prematurity, and birth asphyxia and injuries as the primary causes of newborn mortality, with low birth weight an important secondary factor. Another major cause of neonatal deaths in developing countries is identified as poor maternal health, especially during pregnancy. The report argues that many of these neonatal deaths can be prevented with three cost-effective solutions that do not depend on highly technical training or sophisticated equipment: (1) tetanus toxoid immunization; (2) skilled health care at delivery; and (3) immediate and exclusive breastfeeding. Further, the report maintains that policymakers, nongovernmental organizations, health care professionals, and community leaders need to collaborate in strengthening existing health care delivery systems to provide expectant mothers and their babies the care they need. A key part to this effort is advocating for and creating policies that address newborns' special needs. The report's appendices include tables providing information on newborn health status and on newborn health services and practices, by country, and as well as each country's rank on the Human Development Index, a composite indicator of development status that includes life expectancy at birth, educational achievement, and real gross domestic product per capita. (Contains 84 endnotes.) (KB)

Noting that good feeding practices will prevent malnutrition and early growth retardation, which are still common in some parts of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region, this report provides a scientific rationale for the development of national nutrition and feeding recommendations for children from birth to 3 years and presents guidelines for the WHO European Region, emphasizing the countries of the former Soviet Union. Following an introduction on some determinants of health in Europe and adaptation and implementation of these guidelines, Chapter 1 of the report reviews what is known about child nutrition and current feeding practices in the region. Chapters 2 through 6 deal with nutrient recommendations, energy and the macronutrients, and the most important vitamins and minerals, providing recommendations and highlighting the common problem of iron deficiency anemia. Chapters 7 through 9 review the importance of breastfeeding and the appropriate age for introducing complementary foods and fluids; these chapters also emphasize how the caregiver-child relationship affects the child's growth and development. Chapter 10 describes normal growth and development. Chapter 11 addresses children's dental health. Chapter 12 stresses the critical importance of preparing food for infants and children in a clean and hygienic way in the home. The report's three appendices contain the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions, policy statements on preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, and recommendations for infant feeding to reduce illness. Each chapter contains references. (KB)

The LINKAGES Project is intended to improve breastfeeding and related complementary feeding and maternal dietary practices. The project, in consultation with technical experts and program managers, identified a set of recommended feeding and dietary practices intended to break the cycle of poor health and nutrition that passes from generation to generation. This booklet presents the technical justification for the recommendations, focusing on: a summary of recommended feeding and dietary practices for infants age 0-6 months (e.g., initiate breastfeeding within about 1 hour of birth, establish good breastfeeding skills, and breastfeed exclusively); breastfed children age 6-24 months (continue frequent, on-demand breastfeeding to 24 months and beyond, introduce complementary food around age 6 months, increase food quantity as the child ages while maintaining frequent breastfeeding, practice active feeding, and practice good hygiene and proper food handling); and adolescent girls (age 10-19 years) and women of reproductive age (e.g., increase food intake as needed, diversify the diet to improve quality and micronutrient intake, use iodized salt, and allow adequate tie between the cessation of lactation and the next pregnancy to replace and build up energy and micronutrient reserves). (SM)

Noting that today's short hospital stays leave almost no time for educating parents on caring for a newborn, this viewer's guide and videotape explore what to expect the first month after birth. The first part of the viewer's guide presents an overview of the videotape and suggestions for discussion and research in the context of a parenting class. The second part of the guide contains a posttest for after viewing the videotape. The videotape provides practical information on: (1) newborn's appearance; (2) breastfeeding; (3) formula feeding; (4) sleeping patterns; (5) crying and comforting, including symptoms of colic; (6) bathing, diapering, and dressing; (7) newborn health, including jaundice and immunizations; (8) and safety, including cribs, car seats, and toy selection. (HTH)

This Kids Count Data Book examines trends in the well-being of California's children, focusing on factors influencing young children. This statistical portrait is based on trends in 19 indicators of child well-being in four areas: (1) family economics, including child poverty rate, children receiving TANF, children receiving WIC, fair market rent, infants born to mothers with less than 12 years of education, child care, and child support; (2) health, including prenatal care, low birthweight, infant mortality, teen births, and mothers initiating exclusive breastfeeding; (3) education, including classrooms, student proficiency, and public libraries; (4) safety, including foster care, child abuse, gun injuries and deaths, and motor vehicle injuries and deaths. The data book's introduction details key findings, discusses data interpretation, and makes recommendations. Part 1, the bulk of the report, contains fact sheets for each county and the state, including information on demographics, overall state findings, county rankings, and trends in the above indicators, with data presented by racial/ethnic group. Data explanations and sources follow. Part 2 contains summary tables organized by indicator detailing state and county findings for five additional indicators median yearly income, unemployment, low income children, high school dropout rates, and graduates prepared for college. The data book's findings indicate that 13 California counties have young child poverty rates of 30 percent or higher. Infant mortality has dropped, with continued racial differences. Statewide teen birth rates continue to drop, with significant ethnic group differences. In the most populous counties, at least 40 percent of Head Start-eligible children are not enrolled. (KB)

Noting that a quarter of a million children in the developing world die each week and that millions more live with ill health and poor growth, this handbook presents practical, low-cost ways of protecting children's lives and health. It is directed to those people who are in the position to communicate this information to families, such as health practitioners, educators, politicians, or the media. Written in plain language, each of the 11 chapters consists of: a note to communicators, on why the chapter's messages exert such powerful leverage on maternal and child health; prime messages, basic information that every family and community ought to know; and supporting information, more detailed information on each prime message for those who want or need to know more. The 11 chapter topics are: (1) timing births; (2) safe motherhood; (3) breastfeeding; (4) child growth; (5) immunization; (6) diarrhoea; (7) coughs and colds; (8) hygiene; (9) malaria; (10) AIDS; and (11) child development. (TJQ)

This book is designed for those who work with children and who believe that children, in schools and as family members, need to be considered partners in spreading health messages as well as benefiting from them. It contains the messages included in "Facts for Life," a handbook that presents practical, low-cost ways of protecting children's lives and health. Part One contains seven chapters that discuss: who can use the ideas in this resource book; the "Facts for Life" concept; children as promoters of health; three levels of action in health program planning; the benefits of children's involvement; program implementation; and evaluation of programs. Part Two includes all of the sections from "Facts for Life," in a slightly different arrangement, as well as two additional sections prepared especially for this book. Each section includes a prime message and supporting information, objectives for children's understanding and action, activities for understanding and for taking action, a "basket of ideas," and evaluation questions. The 12 section topics are: (1) breastfeeding; (2) child growth; (3) child development; (4) hygiene; (5) diarrhea; (6) immunization; (7) coughs and colds; (8) malaria; (9) AIDS; (10) safe motherhood; (11) accidents; and (12) food for the family. (TJQ)

This guide for teenage mothers discusses the needs of the mother and her child during the first year of the child's life. Information on the child's and the mother's behavior and emotions just after the child's birth is presented. Also presented is information on the following: procuring items needed for tending the baby; playing; crying; breast and bottle feeding; bathing the baby; changing diapers; dealing with emergency situations; and weighing the baby. For months 1 through 12, the behavior and needs typical of the child for each month are described, and typical activities relating to motor, language, mental, and social development are listed. Included with the information for month 3 is a discussion of the development of the baby's first teeth; and for month 5, discussions of feeding the baby and preventing the baby from choking while eating. (BC)

This report uses data from the 1983 through 1988 rounds of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) to provide information about prenatal, infant, and child health. Objectives of the report are to present statistics which should be of value to maternal and child health policymakers, and to provide NLSY users with baseline information about the health status of NLSY families. In 1988, interviews were conducted with 3,336 mothers of 6,540 children. Profiles of pre- and post-natal health-related attributes and behaviors concern: (1) prenatal care; (2) sonogram and amniocentesis; (3) vitamin supplementation; (4) alcohol and cigarette use; (5) birth weight; (6) caesarean section deliveries; (7) infants' and mothers' hospital stays; (8) care for well and sick infants during the first year of life; and (9) breast-feeding and formula feeding. Issues related to quality in these and other health-related areas are discussed. An extensive series of statistics on 32 pre- and post-natal health care issues and related issues is presented. Tables listing the sample size for each of these 32 data compilations are included. A series of tables presents data on health limitations and limitations of activity caused by health problems. (BC)

Noting that each year nearly 11 million children die from preventable causes before reaching their fifth birthday, this handbook contains practical, low-cost ways of protecting children's lives and health. The handbook is directed to those in positions to communicate the information to families, such as health workers, teachers, government officials, and the media. Written simply and using non-technical language, the handbook is presented in 13 chapters, each dealing with one major cause of childhood illness and death. Each chapter includes an introductory "call to action," summarizing the extent of the problem, key messages containing the essential information needed to protect children, and supporting information providing additional details and advice. Introductory material delineates essential messages from the handbook and makes suggestions for communicating the information effectively. The 13 chapter topics are: (1) timing births; (2) safe motherhood; (3) diarrhea; (4) coughs, colds, and more serious illnesses; (5) hygiene; (6) child development and early learning; (7) breastfeeding; (8) nutrition and growth; (9) immunization; (10) malaria; (11) HIV/AIDS; (12) injury prevention; and (13) disasters and emergencies. The handbook concludes with a glossary and an order form. (KB)

Four workshops focus on nutrition for infants and children in child care settings. Articles are: (1) "Nutrition and Child Development: Global Perspectives" (Jacqueline Hayden); (2) "Working with Families around Nutritional Issues" (Wayne Eastman); (3) "Breastfeeding Promotion in Child Care" (Laura Dutil Aird); and (4) "Food as Shared Living-and-Learning" (Nadine McCrea). Training suggestions are included within articles (Kay Albrecht and Nadine McCrea). (KB)

Intended for use in conjunction with videos illustrating key concepts and caregiving techniques, this guide focuses on how the daily routines of caring for infants and toddlers can become opportunities for promoting the child's learning and development and for deepening the relationship between child and caregiver. Special attention is given to such topics as parents' concerns, the need for consistency between home and child care, and cultural diversity in child care programs. This second edition offers expanded information on issues of cultural sensitivity and conforms with current exemplary child care helath and safety practices. The guide is divided into sections on separate caregiving routines, with practical advice on how to conduct them. Sections concern: (1) greetings and departures; (2) feeding; (3) diapering and toileting; (4) dressing and bathing; (5) sleeping and naptime; (6) preparing, ordering, and maintaining the environment; (7) health and safety; (8) recordkeeping; and (9) special issues with children and families. Each section includes lists of points for caregivers to consider and suggested resources. Related materials, including an infant diet/meal lan, medication release form, and desired results developmental profile, are appended.(HTH)

One of the strengths of the 1990 World Summit for Children was its emphasis on goals to drive development and shape actions, and on the need to monitor progress, thereby transforming the way the world collected and processed data on children and women and creating a vital base and baseline for progress. In 2000, an exhaustive end-decade review of progress toward the Summit goals was undertaken. This report, a statistical review presenting data on the situation of children in countries, areas, and territories around the world, draws upon individual government efforts, national progress reports from over 150 countries, periodic reports from countries that have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and a new data collection tool, the multiple indicator cluster survey. Tables, graphs, charts, and narrative commentaries are used to present current and trend data on the following indicators: (1) infant and under-five mortality; (2) child malnutrition; (3) safe drinking water; (4) sanitation; (5) guinea worm disease; (6) primary education; (7) adult literacy; (8) acute respiratory infection; (9) maternal mortality; (10) fertility and family planning; (11) maternal care; (12) vitamin A deficiency; (13) iodine deficiency disorders; (14) breastfeeding; (15) low birthweight; (16) immunization; (17) measles; (18) neonatal tetanus; (19) diarrhoeal disease; (20) polio eradication; (21) HIV/AIDS; (22) working children; (23) birth registration; (24) the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) initiative; and (25) malaria. The report notes that although the new data collection tool has revolutionized many countries' ability to document and understand the situation of women and children in their countries, significant gaps still exist in the knowledge base and limit the world's collective ability to protect children's rights and improve their lives. (KB)

Acknowledges the large amount of confusing information about bottle feeding in areas including nutrition, sanitation, dental health, psychology, and child development. Answers specific questions pertaining to choice of formula and formula preparation, supporting breastfeeding, bottle choice, solid food introduction, feeding position, spitting up, formula safety, tooth decay, and cup introduction. (SD)

This kit is comprised of bilingual resources for child caregivers related to nourishing and nurturing a child's brain for optimal neurodevelopmental health. The kit is the result of a 30-month project to synthesize research on brain development and to develop resources in support of excellent caregiver practice in Canada. The kit contains the following items in both English and French: (1) a background paper summarizing research findings on children's developmental health, drawing on a consilience model of human development to bring together genetic, social, historical, cognitive, and biological research; (2) a fold-out of five resource sheets on caregiver practice, providing information on brain development, healthy attachment, responsive care, protection from harm, and a caregiver checklist; (3) a resource sheet on supporting breastfeeding in child care; (4) a wall poster showing four key elements for healthy brain development; (5) a resource guide containing an annotated bibliography of 23 print, videotape, and website resources; and (6) overheads and discussion notes for presentations to colleagues and parents. Also included in the kit are evaluation forms for the kit and for the overheads and presentations using the kit. (KB)

These magazine-sized booklets, one in English, one in Spanish, are in cartoon format and designed to be used by people with limited literacy in English or Spanish. The book explains that a 1- or 2-year old breastfed baby is comforted by breastfeeding, breast milk continues to have nutritional value (even if the mother becomes pregnant), and that gradually bringing breastfeeding to an end when the child is ready benefits both mother and baby. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (KFT)

These magazine-sized booklets, one in English, one in Spanish, are in cartoon format and designed to be used by people with limited literacy in English or Spanish. They explain how breastfeeding can be used to help space pregnancies, the limitations of its effectiveness as a pregnancy-avoiding method, and that the spacing of pregnancies can be good for both the mother and the baby. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (KFT)