Growth Curve

Health & Medicine

The debate over spanking is short on science, high on emotion

Spanking to discipline a child sparks heated debate that reflects deep divides in our society. Studies generally show negative effects of spanking, but there are many caveats.

Health & Medicine

Not all the ‘baby friendly’ rules are rooted in science

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative has a noble goal of encouraging breastfeeding, but some of its recommendations may be based on shaky science.

Health & Medicine

The (almost non-existent) science of potty training

When it comes to toilet training your child, science will offer you almost no help whatsoever.

Health & Medicine

A hungry brain slurps up a kid’s energy

Compared with other animals, human children take their time growing up. A new study suggests that’s because kids’ brains burn a lot of energy, perhaps diverting resources from their growing bodies.

Health & Medicine

Babies may be good at remembering, and forgetting

Studies in kids suggest that young children can form memories but can’t recall them later, offering new clues to how memory-storing systems form in young brains.

Health & Medicine

Study puts numbers to post-baby sleepiness

Many moms aren’t getting good sleep months after giving birth, reports a new study and every mother ever.

Health & Medicine

Data deluge feeds paranoia parenting

There are several gadgets and devices you can buy that will feed you reams of data about your baby. But it’s not always clear how that data translate into useful information.

Health & Medicine

Rat moms’ behavior reflected in their babies’ brains

Grooming, nursing and other maternal behaviors cause brain signal changes in offspring, a study in rats finds.

Health & Medicine

Seven facts and a mystery about hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral illness that most kids get before age 5. Several different viruses cause the condition, which causes blisters and fevers.

Health & Medicine

Babies’ brains practice words long before they can speak

When listening to speech, babies’ brains are active in motor areas required for moving the mouth and tongue in ways that produce words.

Health & Medicine

Giving kids a spoonful of medicine: not what the doctor ordered

It’s frustratingly easy to give your kid the wrong dose of medicine.

Health & Medicine

Babies are kinder after you dance with them

Babies who grooved in sync with an adult were more likely to be little helpers later.