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Infants

Infancy—the period of life from birth to age 1—is associated with a unique set of public policy issues related to babies' health, development, and welfare. RAND's research on infants spans a wide range of topics for this brief but important period of life, including infant mortality, low birth weight, neonatal care, immunizations, breastfeeding and feeding practices, and cognitive development.

News Release

Punishing Pregnant Women for Substance Use Is Linked to Higher Rates of Newborns Experiencing Opioid Withdrawal

State policies that impose punitive action against pregnant women who use illicit substances are associated with higher rates of infants being born with opioid withdrawal. This suggests that policymakers should instead focus on public health approaches that bolster prevention and expand access to treatment.

Nov 13, 2019
Blog

AI Bias, Opioids, Afghanistan: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on the danger of artificial intelligence bias, infants with opioid withdrawal symptoms, peace talks in Afghanistan, and more.

Mar 15, 2019
Research Brief

The Ecology of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Newborns exposed to opioids before birth can experience withdrawal symptoms known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). From 2009 to 2015, the average NAS rate per 1,000 hospital births across eight states rose from about six to more than 25.

Mar 15, 2019
Tool

Simulation of County Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Rates Tool

This web-based tool aims to inform policymakers about the rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome by county across eight states from 2009 to 2015. This analysis is displayed via maps and interactive charts.

Mar 15, 2019
Commentary

Opioid-Dependent Newborns in My West Virginia Hometown Point to a Path Out of Drug Crisis

In small, rural towns like Bluefield, West Virginia, economies are hurting, the opioid epidemic is growing, and together they are taking a toll on a surprising population: pregnant women and their babies.

Mar 6, 2019
Commentary

Use It or Lose It—Why Taking Parental Leave Is So Important for Fathers

The active involvement of both a mother and a father in the upbringing of a child has great social and psychological benefits. Yet, despite legal provisions allowing parents to take time off to look after children, such as parental leave, many men are still reluctant to take it.

Mar 4, 2019
Blog

Taliban, Health Care, Russia: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on U.S.-Taliban peace talks, what single-payer health care really means, comparing threats from Russia and China, and more.

Feb 1, 2019
Journal Article

Association Among County-Level Economic Factors, Clinician Supply, Metropolitan or Rural Location, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

This analysis found a significant association among higher long-term unemployment, higher mental health clinician shortage areas, and higher county-level rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Feb 1, 2019
News Release

Study Links Long-Term Unemployment to Increase in Babies Born with Opioid Withdrawal

Babies born after being exposed to opioids before birth are more likely to be delivered in regions of the U.S. with high rates of long-term unemployment and lower levels of mental health services.

Jan 30, 2019
Journal Article

Armed Conflict and Child Mortality in Africa: A Geospatial Analysis

Armed conflict substantially increases infant mortality in Africa, on a scale equivalent to and several times greater than estimates of deaths from conflict.

Dec 27, 2018
Report

The Welcome Baby Program: An Implementation and Outcomes Evaluation

Findings from an evaluation of First 5 LA's Welcome Baby universal home visiting program showed significant variation across sites, but generally positive responses from participants.

Dec 11, 2018
Report

Development of metrics to measure the impact of Tommy's work

This study presents metrics to help work out what Tommy's should measure and how Tommy's should report impact. The aim is to work out how each contributes to Tommy's desired outcomes, namely the reduction of stillbirth, preterm birth and miscarriage.

Sep 17, 2018
Journal Article

Geographic Access to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants in Pennsylvania

Most children in Pennsylvania live within 30 miles of an international board-certified lactation consultant; however, this is true for a smaller percentage of children in rural counties.

Aug 24, 2018
Commentary

Potential Changes to Paternity and Parental Leave in Europe

Fathers' involvement in child care has considerable benefits for their children, mothers, employers, and themselves. Paternity and parental leave are important, but pay, flexibility, and eligibility remain significant barriers to uptake by fathers across Europe.

Jun 25, 2018
Journal Article

Effect of the Affordable Care Act on Breastfeeding Outcomes

When new mothers have affordable access to lactation support services and breast pumps, they are more likely to breastfeed until their infants are ready to transition to solid foods.

Feb 9, 2018
Multimedia

The Impact of the Opioid Crisis on Children

RAND adjunct physician policy researcher Stephen W. Patrick gives testimony at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on the impact of the opioid epidemic on children and families.

Feb 8, 2018
Journal Article

Health Care at Birth and Infant Mortality: Evidence from Nighttime Deliveries in Nigeria

Ensuring that Nigerian women giving birth have access to health facilities will likely reduce infant mortality.

Dec 29, 2017
Journal Article

The Emergence and Promise of Telelactation

Telehealth services to support lactation may hold particular promise, but additional research is needed to determine whether the benefits outweigh potential challenges.

Jun 2, 2017
Commentary

Parental Leave Would Cause a Boom in Breastfeeding

Doctors recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life. This provides health benefits to both mother and child and saves health care costs. Paid maternity leave can boost breastfeeding rates, but few U.S. firms offer it.

Apr 17, 2017
Journal Article

Engaging Human Rights in the Response to the Evolving Zika Virus Epidemic

Public health responses to the Zika virus that incorporate a human rights perspective have the potential to be more equitable, effective, and sustainable interventions.

Mar 16, 2017

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RAND Topic:
Infants

Topic Synonyms:
Babies;
Baby;
Infancy

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