A new study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, challenged the benefits in using hypoallergenic formula (over conventional cow's milk-based formula) to prevent allergies in infants.
In one the largest trials to test the effects of hypoallergenic baby formula, researchers assessed 620 infants to see whether the hypoallergenic formula decreased the risk of allergy in later life.
After cessation of breastfeeding, the infants in the study were given either hypoallergenic, cow's milk or soy formula then allergy tested at various intervals: six, 12 and 24 months, with a follow-up at six or seven years of age.
"In our study of high risk children, this 'hypoallergenic' formula did not show any beneficial effect, when compared with a normal cows' milk based formula, for the prevention of childhood eczema, asthma or hay fever up to seven years of age," said Dr. Lowe, a research fellow at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Centre for MEGA Epidemiology, the University of Melbourne
Lowe and his fellow researchers suggested that families with a high risk of allergies should continue to breastfeed where possible, but that there was no substantiated proof that hypoallergenic formula would prevent allergic disease. So now you know.
Following two incidents in which no one was hurt, Shermag has recalled its Chanderic Michelle Convertible fixed rail crib, available in walnut or white, due to laceration and other safety hazards. The crib's wooden slats may splinter or crack or break, causing a strangulation, entrapment, and fall hazard to infants and toddlers.
Please note the recall also includes product replacement distributed to consumers between May 2011 and July 2011.
The following cribs are affected:
- 721298 (model) 8A5B2B25 (product no) 773378141872 (UPC) 2302.48.45 (manufacturer code)
- 721050 (model) A12BA318 (product no) 773378140462 (UPC) 2302.48.w8 (manufacturer code)
The above information can be located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the crib's mattress support board, as well as at the bottom of the headboard.
Consumers are advised to carefully examine their crib for any signs of damage. If slats are broken, loose, cracked, or splintering, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find a safe alternative sleeping environment for their baby.
Free product replacement or reimbursement is available from Shermag Inc. at 1-800-567-3419, from Monday to Friday between 9AM and 5PM ET.
Around 8,836 of the recalled cribs were sold exclusively at Toys'R US Canada from December 2009 to July 2011.
Incredibly, a toddler has been rescued almost a day after a crash involving two high-speed trains in eastern China which claimed the lives of at least 35 people and injured more than 190 others.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, an unconscious two-year-old girl, Xiang Weiyi, was found while rescuers were clearing one of the train cars. She suffered no obvious injuries after being trapped in the last carriage of the stalled train, which had been struck from behind by another train.
Her uncle said Xiang had been travelling with her parents at the time, though it wasn't clear if they'd survived the crash.
The bullet train was traveling south from Hangzhou on Saturday evening when it lost power during a lightning strike. When it stalled, the train was hit from behind by a second train in Wenzhou city. The first four cars of the moving train, and last two of the stationary train, fell about 20-30 meters off the viaduct to the ground below.
Two foreigners were among those killed, although their nationalities have yet to be confirmed.
Here's hoping Xiang's parents are not among the casualties. After all, one miracle deserves another.
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