MD, FAAP, IBCLC
Jessica Madden is a pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation consultant, and mother of four, who has been taking care of newborns for more than 19 years now. She works as a neonatologist in the NICU at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and founded Primrose Newborn Care, a newborn medicine and “4th trimester” home-visiting and telemedicine practice, in 2018. Dr. Madden is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is associated with the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. She was a Clinical Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and is currently an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine.
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Do you love munching nuts to satiate your hunger pangs in a healthy way while nursing your little one? Are you worried that nuts are potential allergens and may harm your breastfeeding infant? Well, if you can relate to any of the above situations reading this post is a good idea! You need to consume a healthy diet while breastfeeding, as your breast milk is the only source of sustenance for your fragile newborn. Eating nuts while breastfeeding might be a good idea, as nuts are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. Can I eat nuts while breastfeeding? - that would be your big question. Read on to know more! [mj-toc] What Are Nuts? A nut is a fruit that has a hard shell and a delicious seed inside. The seed is rich in essential nutrients, and you can consume it raw. There are many nuts available in the market, such as hazelnuts and chestnuts. Walnut and pistachios enjoy...
Genetic disorders in children are mild to severe health problems, which occur when a gene (or genes) fails to express itself properly. This may result from a change in the gene, shifting of a gene from one chromosome to another, a missing or extra chromosome, an insufficient or extra sex chromosome, or when a part of a chromosome is missing (1). Generally, a child can inherit a genetic disorder from parents or develop it when born with one or more altered genes (congenital genetic mutation). Data shows that approximately six out of ten people will have a health condition caused by specific genetic issues (2). Learn about different types of genetic disorders, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in children. [mj-toc] Common Genetic Disorders In Children Down syndrome Down syndrome is also called Trisomy 21 because children with this syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. This affects the child’s development and causes mental and physical challenges. Down...
If you are lactating, you may have been advised to include fruit in your diet. However, there are certain misconceptions about certain fruits, for example consuming papaya while breastfeeding. It is actually one of the most important and healthy fruits to have while nursing. This nutritionally rich fruit is high in vitamins which, if taken cautiously, can improve not only your health but also your baby’s. Read on to know about this medicinal fruit, including its safety and benefits during breastfeeding. We also suggest some delicious ways to make it a part of the maternal diet. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Consume Papaya During Breastfeeding? [caption id="attachment_889774" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Your postnatal diet is very important because it not only affects your speed of recovery from childbirth but also regulates your milk supply. Doctors advise that breastfeeding mothers consume a balanced diet that includes at least two to three servings of fruits every day. As Papaya is a rich source...
Cognitive activities for infants can strengthen their ability to think, communicate, and analyze. A child’s cognitive development happens when they interact with their environment (1). Each interaction gives rise to new nerve connections in the brain. In infants, cognitive development is seen when they grow curious and reach out with their hands to touch and feel things (2). In the first year, babies also start understanding language and develop bonds of love and trust. The way parents speak, play, cuddle or interact with their children also helps in the cognitive development of their children (2). [mj_protip type="Research finds" title="Research finds"]During the initial years after birth, an individual’s brain will undergo steady and rapid development, and this pace of cognitive development may never happen later in life (9).[/mj_protip] In addition, many theories of cognitive development have also been put forth by scientists such as Jean Piaget, Erikson, Bronfenbrenner, and others. This post lists some exciting activities that will help you develop your...
Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) is a common [simple_tooltip text="neurodevelopmental disorder" tooltip="Illnesses that affect the functioning of the brain, impairing social, cognitive, and emotional abilities." ] in children. A few studies state that certain foods and nutrients may impact a child’s mood and self-control (1). A diet for kids with ADHD could consist of these food items and nutrients. In general, children with ADHD should consume a healthy, well-balanced diet that supports their behavior and aids their proper growth and development. Although adding these foods has not proven to cure ADHD, it could be beneficial. We have included a few tips on planning such nutritious diets for children with ADHD in this post. We have also included a list of foods to include and avoid. [mj-toc] Foods To Include In The ADHD Diet While there isn’t a specific food that can cure or alleviate ADHD symptoms, ADHD is associated with certain diets. According to some studies, a western-style diet high in...
Cow’s milk is the most commonly recommended beverage to give when babies wean from breast milk. Healthy babies older than one year can have whole cow’s milk as their primary beverage (1). But, if you are a vegan or your toddler has lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, then cow’s milk isn’t the suitable choice. In such cases, contemplating other milk alternatives for toddlers becomes preeminent. However, choosing safe and healthy milk alternatives is complex. After all, not all milk types are nutritionally the same. So, how should you decide which milk or milk alternative is suitable for your toddler? Read on to get insight into several milk alternatives for toddlers and tips to feed these milk alternatives to your toddler safely. [mj-toc] Milk Alternatives For Babies And Toddlers Milk Alternatives For Babies The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to six months of age. Then, a well-balanced, healthy weaning diet with continued breastfeeding for up...
Sleep deprivation and fatigue during breastfeeding are common complaints among mothers. These could be compounded by postpartum exhaustion, as your body uses energy to break down your food to make various breast milk components. In addition, sleepless nights and an inconsistent diet might make you more tired. However, this fatigue is not a long-term concern and usually resolves after a few weeks. This post discusses why a woman feels fatigued when breastfeeding and how to deal with it. [mj-toc] What Causes Fatigue During Breastfeeding? Here are some of the possible causes of fatigue while breastfeeding: 1. Lack of sleep: [caption id="attachment_888896" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] After your delivery, you may not get adequate rest and sleep as you have to wake up through the night due to nursing schedules and diaper changes. The constant disruption in your sleep cycles from feeding, sore nipples, and caring for your newborn might cause fatigue. Your chances of experiencing severe fatigue and low energy...
Taking your baby out for the first time is a special experience. But you need to ensure that your baby is safe and sound and away from possible hotspots of germs or infections. This is where strollers come into action. A baby stroller is an essential travel system for most would-be or new parents and a must-have item on their baby registry. But the [simple_tooltip text="looming" tooltip="An ominous or worrisome event that is about to happen." ]question is, when can the baby sit in a stroller? This post will help you answer that question. Read on to know when a baby can sit in a stroller, how to use it, and the safety tips to consider before buying one. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/when-does-baby-sit-up-on-their-own-encourage_00759061/" title="When Do Babies Sit Up On Their Own: Signs & Their Milestones"] [mj-toc] When Can A Baby Sit In A Stroller? Often, babies can start moving around in a stroller at around four months or when they have sufficient head...
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows Prozac for children only to manage major depressive disorders and OCD (1). However, in adults, this antidepressant is used to treat depression, [simple_tooltip text="bipolar disorder" tooltip="A mental illness characterized by intense mood swings and cycles of extreme mania and depression" ], [simple_tooltip text="obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)" tooltip="A mental health condition distinguished by recurring, unwanted thoughts and behaviors" ], [simple_tooltip text="bulimia nervosa" tooltip=" An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by employing methods to lose the gained weight" ] (an eating disorder), and panic attack disorders. The FDA recommends so because prolonged use of selective [simple_tooltip text="serotonin" tooltip="A molecule secreted in the brain that transports messages from nerve cells and helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite" ]reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac (a brand name for Fluoxetine) can have risks that require thorough evaluation before using them on the pediatric population. Read on to know about the safety, side effects, possible risks, and...
[mj-toc] There are numerous health benefits of milk for kids, including its high nutritional content. However, getting children to drink milk might be tiresome for some parents. You might have to run after your child with a glass of milk, or your child might come with all the excuses to avoid drinking milk. While trying to introduce cow’s milk into your child's daily diet, you may wonder whether your child should drink buffalo milk, goat milk, or a milk substitute such as soy milk. Read on to know about the health benefits of various milk sources and how much your child should drink. What Are The Health Benefits Of Milk For Kids? When it comes to thinking about kids’ dairy products, milk is usually the primary choice. Drinking milk has many benefits for your kids. Not only does it give your kids strong and healthy bones, but also provides the much needed nourishment for your kids’ overall growth and development....
White curds in baby poop or streaks and chunks in poop are not always a cause of concern. The undigested fat globules of breast milk may be passed along with the excretion of poop in breastfed babies. Formula-fed babies may also experience the same symptoms. Apart from poop discoloration, medical attention is suggested if your baby shows symptoms of an allergic condition or other disorders. Read this post to learn about the possible causes of white curds in baby poop and signs that suggest the need to see a doctor. [mj-toc] Causes Of White Chunks In Baby Poop The appearance of white chunks in the poop of breastfed or formula-fed babies is fairly normal. They may be clumps of undigested milk fat or undigested excess breast milk or formula protein that curdled. Dr. Cindy Rubin, MD, IBCLC, a board-certified pediatrician and breastfeeding specialist from Westchester, Illinois, says, “White cottage cheesy chunks or curds in baby poop are not uncommon. We...
Our body is home to many microorganisms, and not all are harmful to us. A few microorganisms, called probiotics, live in symbiosis with us and can be found lining our digestive tract, urogenital tracts, and mouth (1). This post talks about the benefits of probiotics for children you should know. Probiotics can be obtained from fermented foods or supplemented by the body. These live and beneficial bacteria or yeast are helpful when given in the right amounts. They help ward off the harmful microbes that enter one’s body during an infection. They also help digest food and absorb nutrients (2). [mj-toc] Are Probiotics Good For Children? Probiotics are generally safe for children and beneficial for the gut. They may help in the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhea. Probiotics release metabolic by-products that act as immune health modulators and help maintain a healthy gut environment (3). However, probiotics may not be safe for premature infants or children with...
Physical development in children refers to their physical and motor development. Physical growth refers to the growth rate in height and weight, and motor development refers to the development of their bones, muscles, and ability to move and manipulate their environment (1). Each child develops at their own pace; nevertheless, it is essential to monitor your child’s physical growth to ensure that they grow to their full potential. Sufficient physical development in early childhood helps ensure the child's good long-term health and well-being. Read this post to learn about the various factors that may affect physical development in children, different physical development milestones, and ways to boost physical development in your children. [mj-toc] Factors That Affect Physical Development In Children Knowing the factors that affect children’s physical development can help you provide the best care to your child. Here are some important factors that are known to affect children’s physical development. 1. Nutrition Children can lose developmental potential and suffer...
Weight gain in kids is an important part of their development. A child is considered underweight if their BMI is below the fifth percentile when their weight is compared to their height. Being underweight during childhood might hinder their development rates. Thus, it is important to ensure that they get enough nutrients for their growth and development per their age (1). Various reasons might cause a child to be underweight. Hence, it is important to identify the root cause and modify their nutrition intake and diet accordingly. Read on to know the possible causes of your child being underweight and how to help them gain weight. [mj-toc] Why Is A Child Underweight? A child may be underweight either due to an underlying health issue or other factors that impede the child\'s daily intake of calories. These reasons may include the following (2) (3). Less daily calorie intake due to general disinterest in eating [caption id="attachment_892951" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Insufficient...
Shrimp is one of the favorite seafoods for most people. But if you are wondering whether you can have shrimp when breastfeeding, continue reading to find the answer. Lactating mothers need to be extra careful about what they eat. Besides antibodies, the baby receives all its nutrients from you that get passed on through the breast milk. Therefore, at times, most mothers may need to sacrifice some of their favorite foods to protect their babies. For example, seafood or things that normally induce allergy in some people may also cause a reaction in your baby if taken in higher amounts. You may have to stick to consuming a specific amount of shrimps during lactation to avoid any potential adverse effects on the baby. Read on to know more about shrimp consumption by nursing mothers, including its benefits and side effects. [mj-toc] What Is Shrimp? [caption id="attachment_889715" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Shrimp accounts for almost 25% of the seafood consumed in...
Senna is known to be an FDA-approved over-the-counter [simple_tooltip text="laxative" tooltip="A substance that encourages bowel movement." ]. But is it safe to consume senna while breastfeeding? When nursing your newborn baby, you should monitor your intake of food or medicines as it can directly affect your baby. Consulting your doctor is important before you start anything new. Senna is mostly prescribed as a natural remedy for constipation. Read on to know more about senna, its usage, effects, and probable side effects of long-term use. [mj-toc] What Is Senna? Senna is a laxative derived from the leaves and seeds of the senna herb and is a popular medicinal plant in traditional and alternative medicine. It is an FDA-approved, non-prescription laxative (available over-the-counter) that is used to treat constipation and help clear the bowels before a [simple_tooltip text="colonoscopy" tooltip="A procedure where the doctor uses a scope to examine the intestines and rectum." ]. It has been found that senna seeds are gentler...
If you are a new parent who is looking for healthy drinks to include in your baby’s weaning diet routine, you may try grape juice for babies. With tons of suggestions and advice you receive regarding food and drinks for your baby, you may be perplexed about the right time and variety of juices to pick. Nevertheless, grapes’ antioxidant and vitamin-rich nature make them a great inclusion in your baby’s diet. However, it is best to take a piece of medical advice and be well-informed about the safety aspects before planning to give grapes and grape juice to your baby. Browse through this post to learn about the age-appropriate food ways and precautions to take while feeding grape juice to your little one. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/how-much-formula-milk-does-your-baby-need_00396390/" title="How Much Formula Does Your Baby Need? Charts & Tips To Know"] [mj-toc] The Right Time For Your Baby To Start Drinking Juice Babies should be on a strict milk diet for the first six...
Gross motor activities for infants require them to use their largest and strongest core muscles such as the torso, legs, and arms (1). These activities are associated with improved physical activity and better [simple_tooltip text="cognitive" tooltip="About or involving the processes of thinking, reasoning, understanding, and learning" ]development, resulting in enhanced [simple_tooltip text="cardiorespiratory fitness" tooltip=" The cardiovascular system's ability to provide oxygen to skeletal muscles while exercising" ] and reduced [simple_tooltip text="body mass index" tooltip="Body fat measurement based on the weight and height of an individual" ] (BMI) (2). According to WHO guidelines, infants should ideally be engaged in such activities for a few hours every day for improved [simple_tooltip text="motor skills" tooltip=" An ability to move and control various body parts, especially hands, legs, and fingers " ] (3). Keep reading this post for some fun and interactive activities and include them in your child’s routine for their motor skill development. You may learn and share them with your friends and...
Babies start experiencing gas a few days or weeks after birth. It usually resolves by itself at six to seven months but may last for longer. A common cause of gassiness in babies is air swallowed while feeding or crying. For breastfed babies, the mother’s diet may also cause gassiness (1). In such cases, tummy massages can help release the trapped gas and relieve the baby. Read on to learn about some baby massages for gas and other tips to manage gas in babies. [mj-toc] What Are The Symptoms Of Gas In Babies? The symptoms that may indicate your infant is suffering from gas are as follows (1): Crying as if in pain Bloating [caption id="attachment_890970" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Irritability and fussiness Passing gas or wind [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]A gassy baby may not feed or sleep well, squirm excessively, and cry like they are in pain (1).[/mj_protip] [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/newborn-not-pooping-but-passing-gas-causes-remedies_00708866/" title="Baby Not Pooping But Passing Gas: Causes And...
Spirulina is an edible blue-green alga known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Many women consume spirulina while breastfeeding due to its high nutritional value and potential to increase breast milk volume. However, studies express a mixed opinion about its safety in lactating women. This superfood is available in different forms, and the safety mostly depends on the source and dosage. Hence, even though it confers many maternal health benefits, it should only be taken after a doctor’s consultation. Read on to know more about spirulina and its use during breastfeeding. [mj-toc] Why Spirulina During Breastfeeding? The spirulina microalgae are rich in protein and antioxidants, the two essentials in the immediate post-pregnancy period. Vitamin B is another of its principal constituents. The color green testifies its chlorophyll content. Here are a few benefits of having spirulina during breastfeeding: The content of spirulina, if split, reveals 65% protein in it. It combines GLA or [simple_tooltip text="Gamma Linolenic Acid" tooltip="An omega-6 essential...
Fat is an important macronutrient in an infant's diet. Aside from being the major energy source in breast milk, fats and their metabolites aid in a baby’s brain development and growth. The amount of fat in human breast milk varies throughout the day (1). This alternation of breast milk fat levels is common and nothing to be worried about. However, there are ways to determine if your baby is receiving adequate fat from the breast. In this post, we have written about the same and how to increase fat in breast milk. [mj-toc] What Is The Average Fat And Calorie Content In Breast Milk? [caption id="attachment_890889" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Human breast milk composition undergoes subtle changes with each feed to meet the infant\'s developmental needs. However, on average, the calorie and fat content ranges are as follows (2). Nutrient Average Energy 70kcal/dL Fat 3.6g/dL kcal = kilocalories, dL = deciliter (1dL = 100ml) Source: Australian Breastfeeding Association What Are...
Asparagus is a nutritious and versatile spring vegetable that can be consumed either boiled, grilled, roasted, steamed, or sauteed. While it has gained a lot of popularity in the past few years as a wholesome and weight-loss vegetable, many new mothers may wonder if it is safe to eat asparagus while breastfeeding. Read this post to know if eating asparagus can make you and your baby gassy or not, and some interesting and delicious asparagus recipes. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/best-foods-to-increse-breast-milk_0076100/" title="31 Best Lactogenic Foods That Increase Breast Milk Supply"] [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Eat Asparagus While Breastfeeding? [caption id="attachment_890691" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You checked with your doctor about what to eat and avoid eating while pregnant. Similarly, now that you are breastfeeding your baby, you must check the safety of anything you eat or drink. It is because, in most cases, what you eat or drink now will directly affect your baby’s health and nutrition through breast milk. It is...
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but rearing a baby does bring some challenges. While you can follow your maternal instincts to navigate some issues, many will need guidance from an expert. So, here we bring you a list of breastfeeding apps for moms that you can scroll through over your phone, tablet, or iPad to make your breastfeeding journey easier for you and your bundle of joy. Some of these breastfeeding apps are paid, while others are free, But overall, these apps are useful in answering several of your queries that you may have about the nursing process, your baby’s general health, and much more. You can select any app based on your requirements and device. Go through the list and find the best apps to help you sail through all the challenges of the breastfeeding phase. [mj-toc] The Best Breastfeeding Apps For Iphone, Ipad, and Android Ever wondered how people managed to raise their kids before the advent of...
Almonds are rich in many essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, vitamin, zinc, iron, and magnesium, providing optimum nutrition to the human body. Therefore, you might be thinking about whether or not you can consume almonds while breastfeeding. The delicious nuts make for an excellent snack to munch due to their crunchy texture and tasty flavor. You can eat almonds raw, boiled, soaked in water overnight, roasted, or as an ingredient in different preparations. Keep reading this post to know about the safety and various benefits of eating almonds when nursing a baby. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/dry-fruits-in-pregnancy-benefits-side-effects_00791577/" title="Dry Fruits During Pregnancy: Benefits, Side Effects And Precautions"] [mj-toc] Benefits Of Eating Almonds While Breastfeeding Eating almonds, a beneficial, during your breastfeeding phase can work wonders for your health and the growth of your precious baby in the following ways: Nutritious nuts such as walnuts and almonds are the best food for a nursing mother. Even gynecologists recommend having almonds in the postpartum period, especially...
Newborn skin peeling is common and not always a cause for concern. The extremely sensitive skin of newborns goes through several changes in appearance and texture in the first few weeks after birth. In addition, many babies have dry patches of skin, which may lead to skin peeling or flaking. However, it is normal in most cases and does not require special care. Nevertheless, if skin peeling is severe or persistent, medical treatment may be needed to resolve the issue. Read this post to learn about the causes and treatment for skin peeling in newborns. [mj-toc] Is It Normal For A Newborn To Have Peeling Skin? In most cases, skin peeling in newborns is normal. Newborns’ delicate skin is susceptible to dryness, causing the top-most layer to flake off in the first few weeks post-birth. However, several external factors can cause irritability and rashes due to their skin’s delicate nature. Further, most of the time, the issue resolves on its...
Timely vaccination is essential to ensure babies develop sufficient immunity against potentially deadly diseases. Hence, it is important to know when specific vaccines should be administered; for example, some essential 2-month vaccines include polio and rotavirus vaccinations. Vaccines are developed after extensive research on their safety and efficacy for widespread use (1). Though vaccines are of different types, most comprise an inactive or weak form of the pathogen or its toxin. They are called antigens and stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, providing immunity (2). Read this article to learn about the vaccines an infant should get in their second month, the possible side effects of the vaccines, and how to manage them. [mj-toc] Vaccines Scheduled For A Two-month-old Baby According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following vaccines are given to babies at one to two months of age (3). 1. Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine [caption id="attachment_893724" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Hepatitis B is...
Children with an anxiety disorder may experience irrational nervousness and fear, affecting their daily functioning. Thus, anxiety activities for kids can help them cope with the situation and go about with their routines. Anxiety is a feeling of extreme nervousness or uneasiness about a situation or outcome, and all children experience anxiety at some point. However, some may fail to overcome the fears, anxiety, or worries common in early childhood such as socialization. Therefore, encouraging children with anxiety to practice good habits and engage in activities is vital to help them overcome their anxiety (1) (2). Read this post as we have put together a list of activities you can perform with your child to promote feelings of calmness and prevent anxiety. [mj-toc] 15 Activities For Children With Anxiety 1. Mind jars The calming glitter jar, also called the mind jar, is a fun craft project that you can do with your child. It is a tried-and-true mindfulness project known...
In the past few years, avocados have gained a lot of popularity as a superfood. Nursing mothers may always look for ideas to add nutrition-rich food to their diet. In addition, they may want to know if it would be a good idea to consume avocados while breastfeeding. They have a distinct taste and a nice creamy texture that many lactating women enjoy. Read this post to know more about the nutritional value of avocados. We also tell you it is safe to consume them while breastfeeding and the possible health benefits of eating avocados while nursing your baby. [mj-toc] What Are Avocados? Avocados, also known as “Alligator Pears,” are wonderful, nutritious fruits that grow on an evergreen tree called Persea Americana, which belongs to the Lauraceae family. The fruit’s skin possesses a leathery appearance, and it’s native to Puebla, Mexico. Each avocado weighs between eight ounces and three pounds. The fruit is widely popular for its unique taste, appearance,...
Are you breastfeeding? Do you find yourself browsing health charts and diet plans to ensure that your little one gets all the necessary nutrients? Do you wonder what fruits you should consume during this special phase? If you nodded along to these questions, read this post. Fruits are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals and help prevent deficiency of vitamin A and C. Fruits can be a healthy addition to a nursing mother’s diet as they are rich in vital nutrients such as potassium, folate, and antioxidants (1). Read on to know about the best fruits to eat when breastfeeding. 1. Green Papaya [caption id="attachment_352478" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image : Shutterstock[/caption] Green papaya is the green, unripe variety of the golden yellow papaya. It is one of the well-known galactagogues that helps mothers make more breast milk during lactation. The [simple_tooltip text="enzymes" tooltip="Biological agents that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms " ]green papaya enhance milk production. Also, the...
A reflex is an involuntary reaction or movement to a stimulus. Grasping reflex in babies is an innate reflex that involves the involuntary actions of fingers (1). For instance, when you give them your finger or an object, they try to clench or grasp it. Most responses of newborns and infants are reflexive in nature. These reflexes are known as primitive reflexes, infantile reflexes, or newborn reflexes. Reflexes indicate the brain and nervous system functioning and aid in fine and gross motor development. In this post, we explain the grasping reflex, its significance, when it typically disappears, and when to be concerned about it. [mj-toc] What Is The Grasping Reflex? [caption id="attachment_894340" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The grasping reflex is an involuntary action in which a baby wraps their fingers around your finger or an object that strokes their palm. It is an innate, primitive response of newborn babies to a mechanical stimulus (2). The grasping reflex is also called...