Most informative and interesting parenting research stories 2018

As parents who want only the best for your children, naturally, you want to be better informed about the latest parenting research. But how to separate the credible studies from the not-so-credible ones? You just need to check in with theAsianparent, that’s how! This year has seen the publishing of some remarkable and useful studies, relevant to parents. Here’s our pick of the most informative and interesting parenting research stories 2018. 

Parenting research stories 2018: Direct latching has more benefits than pumped milk, suggests new research

While the goodness of breastmilk in any form in unquestionable, research suggested that direct latching is better for baby’s health than giving expressed milk.

In particular, this study found that babies who directly breastfeeding are at a much lower risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life, especially obesity.

We intuitively know the mother-son bond is something extra-special. But science has highlighted a remarkable phenomenon that happens between mum and son during pregnancy. Could we finally have a scientific reason for the mummy-son connection? 

Does it seem like that you and your friends were/ are all pregnant at the same time? Well a really interesting study shows that pregnancy can be “contagious” among close friends! 

A clinical report released by the American Academy of Pediatrics on December 3 2018 is urging parents to think very carefully before handing their little ones digital devices. The study highlights the very real negative effects such devices can have on your toddler’s development. 

Parenting research stories 2018: Want a baby boy? Eat THIS!

Having dreams of cute little baby boys? There is one fruit proven by science that might just help your dreams come true (cheeky hint: you have to eat it…).

“Mummmyyyy, please read this again!” Sounds familiar? Well, mums and dads, you should know that when you read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to your tot for the one thousandth time, you’re actually boosting their development! 

Research shows that toddler learn through repetition. When  you re-read books, your child’s brain is absorbing the language, the words, the flow of the story (logical sequence), colours, shapes and even numbers. There’s a magical learning process taking place, and it’s been proven by science. 

We always knew that a father-child relationship is as important than a mother-child one. But research reveals that a good relationship between daddy and baby has far more benefits than you might have ever imagined. 

Over the years, many children have been seriously injured — even killed — after swallowing button batteries. But now, research finally has a solution for worried parents should their little ones ever swallow one of these tiny, deadly batteries. 

Baby walkers might seem like useful gadgets to keep your busy toddler in one place. But they are causing more harm than good to little ones around the world, as proved by studies. Now, paediatricians are calling for baby walkers to be banned altogether for the sake of our babies’ health and development. 

Oatmeal is a breakfast staple among many families in Singapore, and around the world. But it pays to pick your oatmeal carefully, mums and dads. 

A shocking report released in 2018 highlights traces of pesticides in quite a few popular brands of oatmeal and cereal. Thankfully, there are also some safe brands, which are also revealed. 

It’s a wrap: the best parenting stories 2018! Keep an eye out for more informative research-based articles from theAsianparent in 2019. 

Also read: Most viral articles on theAsianparent Singapore in 2018