In December 2010, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) approved new stricter laws for Crib Safety relating to manufacture, sale and testing. The newest recommendations are to NOT use a drop side crib, or one that is more than 10 years old. Only use hardware that comes with the crib or an immobilizer from the manufacturer of That Crib. Never try to adapt or repair a broken crib on your own. Be sure that you follow all manufacturer instructions when assembling the crib and be sure that all screws and connectors are tight. The slats in the crib must be no greater than 2 3/8 inches apart. Use a firm mattress that fits securely in the crib, not leaving any gaps between the mattress and the rails. Keep all cords (blinds, monitors or toys) out of and away from the crib. For more details on crib safety and to see if your crib was recalled, visit the CPSC’s Crib Information Center at http://www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/index.html and watch the video called “CPSC Moms Ask Questions About Crib Safety”.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Safer Child Products
Pediatricians recommend that children follow the 5-2-1- almost none guideline for a healthy lifestyle. This refers to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, no more than 2 hours a day of screen time (TV, computer or game system), 1 or more hours of physical activity every day and almost NO juices or sugary drinks, like soda.
These days our kids are very programmed and when they participate in sports, it is often very intense, such as travel soccer teams, competitive dance teams, and more than 1 sport per season. They are starting these teams and activities younger and younger!
When children have a schedule like this, they may be at risk for Overuse Injuries. An Overuse injury is one that happens over time. It is often characterized as “Too Much, Too Soon” when one tries to push themselves to train too hard too fast. It is when “repetitive actions place too much stress is put on the bones and muscles.”
There is no magic number and no one right answer. Don’t have them stop participating all together, just be sure they stretch and warm up those muscles before they start and listen to your child if they are complaining of pain.
For more information on Overuse Injuries, how to prevent them and other sports related injuries visit: http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/sports_safety.html#
Monday, February 14, 2011
Safer Child Products
Do you know what temperature your hot water heater is set at? Many hot water heaters only have Low/Med/High settings with line markers in between. If you have babies or young children living in your home use an outdoor grade thermometer to check the temperature of your hot water. It is safest to keep the temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent tap water burns. Burns are the 2nd leading cause of death in children as they have thinner skin than an adult and burn faster. Be sure to always test the water with your wrist or elbow before you put the child into the bathtub. There are anti-scald devices that can be used in your home. In fact, that is now required when building new homes. Ask your plumber or your local hardware store for more information. NEVER keep the water running while they climb in, because the temperature may change. It only takes a second or two to sustain 3rd degree burns if the water is too hot.
Go to http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/child-safety/CC00044 for more information on how to prevent these and other burns.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Safer Child Products
How many trips to the Pediatrician have you made this season? How many times have you said to yourself “I’m sure it’s just a cold, we don’t need to be seen.”
Know the symptoms of flu and when you need to have your child examined by a Pediatrician:
1. High Fever and/or chills
2. Runny nose
3. Coughing and/or sore throat
4. Headaches and/or body aches
5. fatigue
6. diarrhea
Not everyone will have all these symptoms. Teach children early to cover their cough with their elbow and to wash hands after covering a cough or sneeze or blowing their nose. This advice works well for caregivers as well to help prevent the spread of germs and the flu virus in particular.
Children under age 2 are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, so if symptoms are severe, or persist for more than one day, call your Pediatrician and have your child seen.
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