Ask any parent who’s lived through a young child’s ear infection. You may hear a wish for a way to skip this scourge of early childhood that’s marked by pain, crying, irritability, and sleeplessness.

Acute otitis media, or ear infection, may come on suddenly when the narrow eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat, swell and impede the flow of mucus out of the ear.

More common in children than adults, an ear infection may go away on its own, but physicians often prescribe antibiotics to speed the process along.

A better approach may be to ward off the condition altogether.

Preventing Ear Infections

While about 80 percent of otitis media infections in children clear without antibiotics, researchers continue to search for alternative preventives and treatments.

Be sure to discuss with a healthcare provider any supplements that you intend to introduce into your child’s diet.

• Try Xylitol

  This naturally occurring alternative to sugar “has been found in some studies to help prevent ear infections but not treat them,” according to Dana Sparks, writing on the Mayo Clinic News Network.

  A Cochrane review of clinical trials found “quite convincing evidence on the potential benefit of xylitol” for reducing the risk of ear infection.

  Sparks also noted that effectiveness depends upon high doses and that side effects include diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

• Use Probiotics

  A literature review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that the use of probiotics reduced instances of ear infection in healthy children if not in those who tended to suffer from recurrent infections.

  This finding is corroborated by data drawn from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, which found that “risk ratios for otitis media incidence decreased with higher frequencies of yogurt intake.”

• Get Enough Vitamin D

  Children with recurrent ear infections participated in a randomized clinical trial in which they received either vitamin D or a placebo.

  Dosages of vitamin D that restored serum values of the vitamin were associated with a reduction in the risk of uncomplicated ear infections, according to the authors of the study published in Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

• Feed Babies with Care

  Staff at the Mayo Clinic suggest breast-feeding infants for the protective antibodies it provides.

  Alternatively, a parent should hold a bottle-fed baby in an upright position while feeding, rather than allowing the baby to lie down.

What you eat can’t guarantee you get pregnant, but it can help!

Keep in mind that while diet and supplements can help with fertility, you should talk with your physician if an infertility work-up is necessary.

Fertility Friendly Foods

Consider the following foods to promote and support fertility.

• Fruits & Veggies

  Fill half the plate at each meal with fresh produce.

  • Kale contains nutrients that help with estrogen metabolism.
  • Asparagus and watermelon offer high amounts of glutathione—an important nutrient for egg quality.

• Iron-Rich Food

  Consider spinach, beans, tomatoes, beets, pumpkins, and whole-grain cereals. They all seem to promote fertility.

• Full-Fat Dairy

  Eat up to two servings a day of whole yogurt, whole milk, and other full-fat dairy products.

  This is a better choice than low-fat dairy. A high intake of low-fat dairy has been shown to increase the risk of ovulatory infertility when compared to consuming higher-fat options.

• Proteins

  • Vegetable Protein

    Replace one serving of meat a day with beans, peas, or nuts.

    These sources of vegetable protein may help improve fertility.

  • High-Quality Animal Protein

    The nutrients these contain help with the development of a baby’s nervous system.

    • Egg yolks contain the nutrient choline, which helps with a baby’s brain development.
    • Eating lean chicken and omega-3-rich seafood (salmon, sardines, and canned light tuna) can help cut premature birth risk.

• Whole Grains

  Whole grains contain high amounts of B and E vitamins as well as fiber—nutrients that all help with fertility. Eat brown rice, quinoa, millet, and amaranth.

• Healthy Fats

  Avocados, olive oil, grapeseed oil, and nuts reduce body inflammation, which in turn encourages fertility and healthy ovulation.

  According to integrative nutritionist and author Alisa Vitti, “Studies have shown that consuming a certain quantity of monounsaturated fats in the form of avocados during the IVF cycle increased the success rate by three and a half times, as opposed to women who don’t eat good plant-based fats during that period.”

Foods to Reduce or Avoid

• Sodas

  They appear to promote ovulatory infertility.

• Coffee

  Drinking too much coffee can cause issues. High amounts of caffeine fill the body with cortisol—a fat-storing hormone.

• Artificial Sweeteners

  These cause a cortisol response, which blocks ovulation. If you need to use a sweetener, try a less-processed option such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia.

• Trans Fats

  They harm heart and blood vessels and increase insulin resistance. Increased insulin levels cause metabolic problems that affect ovulation.

  A Harvard School of Public Health study of almost 19,000 women found a higher incidence of ovulatory disorders in women who ate more trans fats and carbs.

• Sugar

  Overconsumption of sugar and processed foods elevates blood-sugar levels.

• Salt

  Too much salt heightens stress levels by increasing blood pressure.

Consider a Multivitamin

Before becoming pregnant, start supplementing with a daily multivitamin/mineral. Look for one that offers 40 to 80 milligrams of iron and 400 micrograms of folic acid.

A Harvard School of Public Health study followed women for eight years and found that those who supplemented with a daily multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid were 40 percent less likely to experience ovulatory infertility over this time period than those who did not supplement.

As a pediatrician, new parents always ask me, "What are the best vitamins for babies to help support brain and bone development?"

And my reply is always that the secret to healthy development lies within the first 1,000 days of life.

Your baby's important systems begin to develop at conception and continue throughout early childhood. Specifically, the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age 2, are critical for your child's brain development but also for a variety of other systems.

Your Baby's First 1,000 Days

So what can you do in these first 1,000 days to enhance and support your baby's development? Let’s tackle each phase during this critical window.

• Phase 1 - Pregnancy

  Proper nutrition during pregnancy is all about supporting your baby’s brain development and cognition. During pregnancy, women should focus on a healthy diet and good supplementation, not only for themselves but with their growing babies in mind as well.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    During pregnancy, I recommend women start with a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are the building blocks for brain development and are absolutely essential. Foods high in Omega-3s include fish, soybeans, and nuts.

    One important Omega-3 fatty acid is DHA. DHA plays a critical role in fetal brain, eye, and nervous system development. While DHA is naturally found in some foods, many women fall short on getting the amount needed for optimal health, especially during pregnancy. Starting a supplement high in DHA is a great way to support a healthy overall pregnancy while also supporting your baby’s growth and development.

    ChildLife Essentials supplements, such as Prenatal DHA, Pure DHA, and Cod Liver Oil, all support your growing baby with the necessary DHA and other Omega-3 fatty acids essential for proper brain health.

  • Music and Speech

    Studies also repeatedly show a link between what our babies hear in the womb and positive brain function and development. Music can be a fantastic tool for jumpstarting your baby's cognition. In fact, one study found that "extensive prenatal exposure to a melody induces neural representations that last for several months." Your baby may be able to recognize sounds heard throughout your pregnancy! So playing music and talking to your baby during pregnancy are fantastic ways to support a healthy brain.

• Phase 2 - Newborns and Infants

  Once your baby is born, bone development becomes a top priority.

  In fact, osteoporosis in adults can often be traced back to inadequate bone health in childhood. To prevent future concerns, it is important to speak to your pediatrician about proper nutrition and supplementation needed for healthy bone growth.

  • Vitamin D

    One nutrient critical to bone health is vitamin D as it helps our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is found in some foods naturally, and it is also produced in our skin in sunlight. However, not much vitamin D is transferred through breast milk, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children stay out of direct sun as much as possible.

    These restrictions make it difficult for your newborn to receive the AAP's recommended 400IU of vitamin D daily. If your baby is exclusively or even partially formula fed, all formulas are now fortified with vitamin D. But if you are exclusively breastfeeding, the AAP highly recommends supplementing vitamin D.

    ChildLife Essentials Vitamin D3 Drops are an effortless way to give your infant the vitamin D needed for healthy bone development. In addition to healthy bones, vitamin D also promotes immune, respiratory, and heart health!

  • Vitamin K2

    Vitamin K2 is another important nutrient. It helps blood clot properly and helps make sure calcium is able to function appropriately. Vitamin K2 is essential in getting calcium from the bloodstream into bones to ensure proper bone strength and development.

    I recommend ChildLife Essentials Organic Vitamin K2 Drops for proper calcium absorption.

• Phase 3 - Toddlers and Beyond

  Of course, healthy habits begin in infancy. But you should continue to reinforce these habits throughout childhood:

  • Healthy Diet

    Healthy foods and snacks provide your child with adequate nutrition needed for growing brains and bodies!

  • Good Sleep Habits

    School-aged children need up to 11 hours of sleep. And preschoolers need a total of 13 hours of sleep per day. When our children are run down and tired, they become more vulnerable to illnesses.

    According to the AAP, "Children who get enough sleep have a healthier immune system and better school performance, behavior, memory, and mental health."

  • Limited Screen Time

    Read to your child instead of watching TV. Pretend play and engaging in activities that support critical thinking are also excellent ways to continue to promote healthy brain development throughout childhood.

  • Dietary Supplementation

    When parents ask me what vitamins are best for babies and children, I always suggest starting with a multivitamin. ChildLife Essentials offers two excellent multivitamin options for children with their Multi Vitamin SoftMelt Gummies and Multi Vitamin and Mineral liquid formula.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, proper nutrition is vital during the first 1,000 days of your baby's life.

Important systems, like brains and bones, are all developing during these critical years. Nutritional gaps can lead to significant health concerns later in life.

So help set your child up for a lifetime of good health, and choose the best vitamins for babies, from conception through early childhood.

With the flu season upon us — as well as the COVID-19 global pandemic — families might be wondering how to celebrate Halloween without spreading germs. If you’re in a location where Trick-or-Treating or gatherings are possible, here’s how to have a pleasant but healthy celebration.

Staying Germ-Free on Halloween

• Stay Close to Home

  Ultimately, the best way to prevent virus or germ transmission is to stay home. If you have children who are excited about trick-or-treating, but you need to opt out of visiting your neighbors’ homes, consider fun, festive activities — like Halloween scavenger hunts around your home, pumpkin carving, a scary movie night, or a virtual costume contest with distant family.

• Embrace the Outdoors

  Because the CDC recommends outdoor activities over indoor activities, consider alternatives to house parties, such as visiting a pumpkin patch, walking through a decorated haunted forest, or seeing family at a socially distant backyard gathering.

• Give Everyone Space

  If you must go trick-or-treating in public, be sure that your family is six feet or away from other families, and that you avoid overcrowded homes, haunted houses, or streets. This protects you from germs or viruses while also thoughtfully protecting others incase you’re carrying something asymptomatically.

• Respect Others' Choices

  Remember that you might be more immune to germs or illnesses than others, such as the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions. If homes have their lights off, doors closed, and do not seem inviting of trick-or-treaters, skip to the next home.. Respect that these families might be making a conscious health decision to opt out of trick-or-treating this Halloween.

• Sanitize When Possible

  Because many children will be reaching into the same pots of candy all night, be sure your family washes their hands whenever possible to kill any bacteria. If you cannot get to soap and water for parts of the evening, consider using a hand sanitizer — ideally without harmful chemicals.

• Incorporate Masks into Costumes

  If you go to a public area or party, you should always have a mask. Luckily, many people are already wearing face coverings or masks on Halloween. Consider creative ways to work your mask or PPE into your costume and further stunt transmission of germs.

Even very young children can help choose and prepare meals. It’s not only educational and fun, but it also may be great for their long-term health.

Kids who take part in meal preparation are more likely to eat the food, even green vegetables!

How Kids Can Help with Meal Preparation

So what are the best ways to involve kids in meal prep? Try these strategies, depending on the child’s age and ability.

Preschoolers in the Kitchen

Toddlers can help a little by handing light items to the cook, rinsing fruits and vegetables, and tearing lettuce or other greens. A 3- or 4-year-old child can usually handle these steps:

• Helping to set the table
• Stirring batter
• Kneading dough
• Assembling a pizza
• Peeling oranges or bananas (and maybe a hard-boiled egg)
• Tossing a salad

5- to 8-year-old Kitchen Helpers

• Cutting soft fruits with a dull knife
• Measuring liquids
• Scrubbing potatoes
• Grating cheese
• Peeling onions
• Cracking raw eggs
• Loading the dishwasher

Cooking with Preteens

• Using a food processor
• Opening cans
• Cutting with a chef’s knife
• Cooking in the oven
• Baking breads

Teenagers and Kitchen Basics

• Using all appliances
• Cooking on an outdoor grill
• Purchasing groceries

Involved Kids Eat Better

“Encouraging parents to involve their children in the preparation of healthy and balanced meals could be a valuable intervention strategy to improve the diets and vegetable intake of children,” wrote the authors of a recent study. They compared two groups of 6- to 10-year-old kids and their reactions to a meal of pasta, chicken, cauliflower, and salad. One group participated in the food preparation along with a parent. The second group did not take part in the prep, but were served the same items.

Kids who helped in the kitchen ate significantly more salad and chicken than those who didn’t participate. Those in the first group also reported feeling more positive and “feeling in control” of the experience, the authors wrote.

Reduce Your Child’s Chemical Exposure

The best way to protect your baby’s skin is to avoid the harmful or irritating chemicals found in many of today’s baby care products. A baby’s delicate skin quickly absorbs anything applied to it, and the fragrances, chemicals, and dyes in many products can lead to rashes and skin irritation.

The safest care for your baby’s skin is the simplest and most natural. At bath time, use only chemical- and fragrance-free soap, or simply rinse with water.

Skin Care Ingredients To Avoid for Infants

• Parabens

  These chemicals—appearing in about 85 percent of personal care ingredients according to the American Chemical Society—have been linked to cancer and reproductive problems as well as damage to the endocrine system.

• Fragrances

  Synthetic fragrances may include a wide variety of irritating or even harmful chemicals derived from petroleum or coal. Mineral oil Manufacturers add synthetic fragrance to this petroleum byproduct.

• Propylene glycol

  Used in many commercial applications, including antifreeze, this chemical is found in many baby wipes under the initials PEG or PPG.

• Talc

  This standby baby-care powder has been used since long before grandma’s time. Unfortunately, in addition to being an irritant to the lungs, talc may sometimes contain small quantities of asbestos. Look for baby powder made from cornstarch or tapioca starch instead.

• Triclosan

  A common ingredient in antibacterial products of all kinds, including soaps and body washes, triclosan is an endocrine disruptor.

• Triethanolamine

  TEA is an irritating alkaline compound used to control pH levels. TEA, DEA, and MEA should all be avoided.

Safe Alternatives for Infant Skin Care

• Coconut oil

  Coconut oil is soothing, effective in treating rashes, and antifungal.

• Chamomile

  Helpful in treating diaper rash, as well as being antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, chamomile is gentle and soothing.

• Shea Butter

  Naturally anti-inflammatory, shea butter has antifungal and yeast-killing qualities.

• Calendula

  This herb is a natural antibacterial agent that promotes rapid healing.

What’s the best European Formula available in the USA?

We know Moms want the best for their baby and are dedicated label readers. European baby formulas are known for their superior ingredients and quality standards. So, what is the best European baby formula? Read on to learn about important criteria to consider.

You’ve made the choice to use baby formula – and you want the best. European food standards are different from those in the US, where all genetically modified foods and ingredients must be declared. Great European baby formula starts with high quality non-GMO ingredients.

Closer to mother’s milk or short ingredients list?

Moms who want a high quality European formula often seek the ‘purest’ formula – which may be interpreted as one with a shorter ingredient list. But, is “less” really “more” when it comes to baby formula?

It’s tempting to want formula with simple and familiar ingredients, but this ‘golden’ rule of food for adults cannot be applied to the complexities of baby formula.

Know the gold standard

Breast milk is the gold standard in infant nutrition. This is very important to know and to keep in mind. This means that parents who have made the decision to formula-feed should choose a baby formula modeled after key breast milk attributes.

While breast milk is dynamic, complex and impossible to replicate, here are some important features to consider:

• Lactose is the main carbohydrate
• The proteins are gentle on tiny tummies
• It contains more whey than casein proteins
• Certain fats are found in specific structures

Now that you know the gold standard, here’s what to look for in best baby formula:

• Lactose as the main carbohydrate
• Naturally easy to digest proteins (such as goat milk)
• An adapted whey to casein ratio
• Fat that is modeled after important breast milk fats

Kabrita goat milk formula: European formula inspired by mother’s milk

The Kabrita Difference is simple: a high quality European formula modeled after breast milk, designed to maintain the natural comfort of your little one during feeding transitions, such as weaning, supplementing or changing formulas due to skin or tummy troubles.

Kabrita goat milk formula contains naturally easy to digest goat milk protein, added whey, lactose as the main carbohydrate and important fat modelled after breast milk fats. Kabrita goat milk formula is available for sale on shelves across the US.

Are you curious to see if Kabrita Goat Milk Formula is right for your family? Check out kabritaUSA.com for our special offer.

If you’re afraid of bugs but love candy corn, one common candy ingredient might give you a spook this Halloween.

What is Confectioner's Glaze?

Confectioner's glaze, also known as pharmaceutical glaze, is used by numerous candy companies to add a shiny, smooth finish on their products.

It's made using shellac, but shellac—or “beetle juice,” as ABC News calls it—is made of bug secretions.

• What is Shellac?

  After feeding on tree sap, the female lac bug secretes a substance called lac to protect her soon-to-hatch eggs.

  Often found and collected in forests of India or Thailand, the lac later hardens to create a flaky shellac.

  It is then dissolved in ethanol, an alcohol fuel distilled from plant materials. The process leads to the creation of glaze and shellac polish.

  Uses for Shellac

  The glaze is used to enhance shine of apples, jelly beans, and other hard foods.

  Shellac-based sprays are also used to coat pills, polish fingernails, and varnish wood.

• Is Confectioner's Glaze Safe?

  According to the Food and Drug Administration, the glaze is a “non-nutritive substance,” or a substance that does not contribute negatively or positively to nutrition.

  However, it is “generally recognized as safe” by the administration. (The FDA also allows a certain amount of insect fragments into the foods we eat.)

• Is Confectioner's Glaze Vegan?

  No. Because shellac is hardened lac bug secretions, products containing it are not considered vegan.

  With worries that shellac processes may lead to bugs incidentally getting dissolved into ethanol, some vegetarian and vegan bloggers have encouraged the avoidance of food products with the glaze.

Other Halloween Ingredients to Avoid

Although the glaze may not be associated with direct nutrition issues, other ingredients in your Halloween bag might be.

• Corn Syrup

  Corn syrup, often used for extra flavoring, has been linked to the United States’ diabetes epidemic.

• Added Sugars

  Many treats are also packed with added sugars linked to obesity.

You should check our list of healthy sugar alternatives to learn about healthy sweeteners that may appear in your kids' treats.

Common Questions About ADHD

• Is ADHD Becoming More Common?

  The number of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has risen steadily over the years, fueled by more doctors and parents identifying the condition as well as increased prevalence. Even though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavioral therapies before resorting to medication, children are more likely to receive medical interventions.

• Is ADHD More Common in Children?

  Children receive the most attention because the disorder may interfere with their ability to perform academically and behaviorally in school. But ADHD issues continue into adulthood with symptoms like disorganization, impulsiveness, poor time management and planning skills, mood swings, and difficulty coping with stress.

• What Can Trigger ADHD?

  Insomnia, pesticide exposure, and stress can all exacerbate ADHD prevalence and symptoms. Food sensitivities (particularly gluten and dairy, food preservatives, MSG, and artificial food dyes) as well as a low-quality, high-carbohydrate/sugar diet may also worsen ADHD, mood, and behavior.

Natural Treatments for ADHD

Fortunately, herbs and other nutritional therapies can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity, making ADHD easier to manage.

• Herbs and Supplements for ADHD

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    People with ADHD tend to have lower blood levels of omega 3s, which are important for brain function and development. Although results are mixed, a critical review of 25 studies concluded that omega-3 supplements can improve ADHD symptoms, particularly in milder cases, and they may help patients reduce their medication dose.

    Studies that achieved more positive results used products with a relatively high EPA content alongside DHA—from 500 daily milligrams (mg) EPA/175 mg DHA up to several thousand mg each—for three months or longer.

  • Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

    Children with ADHD who took gotu kola in a formula with other herbs including lemon balm, bacopa, and ashwagandha for four months showed improved attention, cognition, focus, and impulse control compared to those who took a placebo.

    Ayurvedic medicine has turned to gotu kola to improve focus and memory and to reduce anxiety and stress in all ages for millennia. Preliminary studies strongly support the herb’s ability to enhance brain function and repair in a variety of ways. Elders who took 750 mg of gotu kola extract daily showed improved working memory and mood, as well as improved physical abilities, vigor, and quality of life. It also reduces the startle response.

    Gotu kola is generally quite safe—it’s even eaten as a fresh, cooked, or juiced leafy green—and can be taken as a tea, tincture, powder, or capsule. Seek organic gotu kola, as quality on the market can be poor, and expect it to take several weeks or months for the effects to gradually build. Note that both gotu kola and bacopa may be called “brahmi” in commerce.

  • Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)

    This Ayurvedic herb also has a long history of use supported by modern evidence. It promotes a calm-alert state of mind with brain tonic effects, improving neurotransmitter and brain function in all ages.

    Studies show the greatest benefit for free-recall memory, speed of attention, and decreased choice reaction time. Several studies also find it useful for school-aged children, including those with ADHD.

    It’s a bit bitter as a tea but the aerial parts of this water-loving plant can be taken as a tincture or capsule.

  • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

    This is one of several mint-family herbs with potential cognitive benefits—others include spearmint, peppermint, and rosemary—and it may be the most promising in ADHD because it simultaneously calms and improves focus. Unlike the previously mentioned remedies that are best taken for several months to assess their benefit, lemon balm’s effects are often noticeable within an hour.

    Some studies achieved the best results with the highest doses, while others found that students got sleepy as the dose went up, so you may need to tinker to find the right dose for you or your child.

    Interestingly, in elders with severe dementia, lemon balm essential oil added to cream rubbed into the arms and legs decreased agitation and social withdrawal and improved quality of life.

    Lemon balm is quite safe and can be taken in a capsule: Adult doses range from 300 to 1,000 mg; children’s doses are generally one fourth to half that. Or take it as a fresh plant tincture, or in tea made from fresh or dried herb.

• Additional Nutrition for ADHD

  The above herbs are often combined in formulas with others that support mood and calm energy, including milky oat seed, ashwagandha, and holy basil. B vitamins, iron, and vitamin D may also be beneficial for cognition and mood, particularly for people who are deficient.

  Iron should not be given as a supplement except where deficiency has been confirmed.

• Behavioral Therapy

  Behavioral therapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, can be incredibly beneficial for children and adults with ADHD. To learn more and find a practitioner near you, visit the CDC website on Behavior Therapy for ADHD.