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'Werewolf Syndrome' In Babies Is On The Rise
The BEST Stocking Stuffers
The Weekly Parent
December 10, 2024
TOP OF MIND
It's a boy! It's a girl! It's a… werewolf?
There have been at least 11 confirmed cases of 'werewolf syndrome’ in babies across Europe. No, this doesn't mean babies are howling at the moon and snacking on human flesh.
It simply means they have Hypertrichosis, a rare condition "characterised by the abnormal growth of excessive hair in areas other than the scalp."
Parents say their babies started growing hair on their back, legs and thighs in just two months.
What's to blame?
The important bits
As cases started to increase in Spain, The Pharmacovigilance Center of Navarre took notice and discovered that most of these babies had a parent who was using a treatment containing minoxidil, which is the main component in most medications prescribed to treat hair loss.
Infant skin is functionally still developing, and the impaired barrier function of newborn skin makes it more susceptible to chemical irritation and local or systemic infections compared with adults.
It's believed the babies absorbed the topical minoxidil through simple skin-to-skin contact.
As a result, minoxidil packages in Europe will now have warning labels advising users to avoid contact with young children after applying the medication.
The good news is that in every case, the babies' excessive hair growth receded when their parents stopped using the medication.
What's it all mean?
Well, it's pretty simple. If you're using minoxidil, and caring for a little one, it might be best to either temporarily stop using the drug, or avoid direct contact as much as you can. Or just embrace your hairy baby. It's almost 2025. No shame here.
DID YOU HEAR
🐼 Are you a Panda Parent?
Ah, yes. A new ____ Parent just dropped! Panda Parent is the latest parenting technique to hit the streets. Apparently, the new style emphasizes trusting children to make their own mistakes in order to promote independence. But it goes a little deeper than that. Here are six signs you're already a Panda Parent.
📚 The best children's books of 2024
The fine folks at The New York Times just shared their list of the best children's books of 2024, and some of our favorites made their list, including: The Yellow Bus, Pepper & Me, and Plain Jane and the Mermaid.
🤧 You've been blowing your nose wrong
According to ENT specialist, Dr. Peter Filip, we've been blowing our noses wrong this entire time. You're apparently not supposed to bring a tissue to your nose and blow as hard as humanly possible. He says that might actually push mucus deeper into your sinuses. Instead, you should gently blow one nostril at a time and use a saline spray. Get 6 more surprising health tricks here.
🛟 Stop helping your children
Okay, not with everything. If they want a sliced apple, you probably want to help with that. But for almost everything else? You're probably helping too much. This fascinating study reveals how one small mindset change will help you raise happier, more independent children.
❤️🩹 The creators of 'Elf on the Shelf' understand the stress they've caused you
And they're apologizing with a new product.
THE BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Still on the hunt for some good stocking stuffers? Check out some of our favorites...
Go old school with the Original Slinky. There's a reason it's been around since the 1940s.
The viral TeeTurtle Reversible Octopus Plushie is currently on sale and makes a perfect gift for your little one's stocking. It's also super cute.
Fubbles Bubbles No-Spill Bubbles... all the fun of bubbles, but without all the mess!
These Wool Cat Crew Socks are not only adorable, but durable as well! Perfect for these cold winter months.
And let's be honest, it's not a stocking without some candy thrown in. This Hershey's pack is first on our list. Yes, it includes Reese's.
BITES WITH KIYAH
As you spread the counter with sugar cookies ready to be loaded with frosting and sprinkles, put a few trays of these holiday-themed snacks out for everyone to fill up on first.
These charcuterie boards in the shapes of snowmen and wreaths, individual Grinch-shaped fruit skewers, and reindeer snacks are sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Grab them below 👇
HERE’S A QUESTION
What's your New Year's Resolution going to be this year? |
Last week, we asked you how many gifts kids should be given for Christmas, and with around 46% of the vote, "4-7" came out on top. It was closely followed by "1-3" — No one voted for 10+.