The deaths of 5 toddlers who accidentally ingested benzonatate prescription cough medication have prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a warning that the drug should not be given to young children. FDA is adding new information to the Warning and Precaution section of the benzonatate drug label to warn physicians and healthcare professionals that accidental ingestion can result in overdose and death among patients younger than 10 years. Read full article.

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Evidence is mounting that decreased levels of serotonin in brain tissues is associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers believe that a lack of serotonin, which is thought to be crucial to a baby’s arousal system, hampers a sleeping baby’s ability to wake up when his or her safety is threatened by a lack of oxygen or some other hazard. The serotonin deficit in some babies may be caused by a birth defect.Read full article.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance for the management of bedwetting in children and young people. This guideline, published online in the British Medical Journal, is based on clinical evidence and original health economic analyses.Read full article.

A new Cochrane meta-analysis shows that giving vitamin A capsules to children from 6 months to 5 years of age reduces deaths as well as the incidence of certain illnesses. Vitamin A deficiency, which causes a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, predisposes children to a range of problems, including respiratory diseases, diarrhea, measles, vision problems—and even death. Read full article.

By the age of 5 months, more than 50% of infants are following their parents’ sleep times and sleep through the night. The finding offers reassurance to concerned parents. Read full article.