The Britax Parkway SG

Safety is something that all parents take very seriously.  Some of the most preventable injuries occur from using child automobile restraints improperly.  I was very fortunate recently to speak with Dr. Laura Jana regarding booster and child restraint safety.  Dr Jana is passionate about child safety, as she is both a pediatrician and has three children of her own.  Dr. Jana is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as a nationally certified child passenger safety instructor.  She is also actively involved in promoting early childhood literacy and high-quality child care. 

It became clear early in my conversation with Dr. Jana that even when you ‘think’ you are being safe, there is probably more that you can do to better protect your children.  Connected with my conversation, I am doing a two part series on the child restraints, specifically the Britax Parkway SG booster seat. 

Dr. Jana and I discussed some common areas of concern that parents have when transitioning toddlers into a booster style restraint.  Her answers should significantly help when it is time to make that transition.

• How do parents know when it’s time to switch from a convertible car seat to a booster?   

Graduate your child from a car seat to a booster seat at the last possible second.  It is safest for children to stay in a 5 point restraint as long as possible.  Always switch when your child has reached the upper limit of their current car seat (check your manual for weight and height guidelines).  There is often overlap between the car seat limits and the introduction point for booster seats.  If a child fits the minimum for a booster seat but still fits in his car seat, keep him in the car seat until he needs to transition to a booster.

• What is the best seatbelt configuration for my child?  Do I need a 5-point or a shoulder strap? 

• What features should parents look for in a booster seat?

Booster seats are crash tested and tested as much as any other car seat.  The belt positioner on the Britax Parkway SG will help the seat belt to stay in the correct position.  It is important that the seat belt fit where the force from an impact would be applied.  If the shoulder or lap belts are in the wrong place, the force will be applied to the wrong place, potentially harming the child.  You should also look for side impact protection.  If you have a booster seat without back and side protection, the child will not have extra defense for their head, neck, back and torso. 

• What if parents have a compact car or more than one car seat that needs to fit? 

This really is car and family specific.  There are so many different variations to number of children, car, and any other special needs.  To best determine the safest restraint arrangements for your car and family, visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.  This site will help you locate the nearest child safety check point. 

• Should parents continue to use the booster seat after my child passes state guidelines? 

State guidelines represent the bare minimum of eight years.  The law of physics suggests that you should protect your child longer; up to 10-12 years depending upon weight and height (again, see your manufacturer’s guidelines). 

• What information can you share about car crashes and booster seat protection (and why parents should take this into consideration when making a purchase decision)? 

The most common cause of death in a child under the age of 14 is due to motor vehicle crashes.  The most preventable cause is improper restraint use.  Dr. Jana stressed the importance of using newer car seats with improved safety features.  She likened that to replacing a ten year old computer.  Most of us wouldn’t hesitate to replace a ten year old computer.  Replacing old car seats is a matter of safety.  New features have been designed and numerous tests have been done to protect children from vehicular accidents.  Older seats may not offer enough protection.  Since, many vehicular injuries result from incorrect seat belt usage; it is important to have the belt positioned correctly and also to ensure that your children do not put their belts behind their bodies.

• What other details can you share regarding the design and testing of this product that makes it unique? 

Britax has its own testing center.  They analyze crash tests in microseconds, and they do not change any features until they have been thoroughly tested and analyzed.  There is currently no US standard for side impact crash protection.  Britax is working with the government to establish side impact laws for booster seats as well as standards for head and neck protection.  Britax also works with special needs families to ensure every child is safe.  Dr. Jana has held Britax in high regard long before their professional relationship was established.  She and her fellow doctors sought out Britax car seats for themselves because they are known as an industry leader in safety.

For more information about the Britax Parkway SG and booster seat safety visit, www.britaxusa.com.

Stay tuned for Part Two of this story next Monday, August 24^th.

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OK, so now you know the rules, let’s take a moment to focus on sun protection for a moment—because it turns out most people aren’t using it properly. In fact, studies have shown that most people don’t use nearly enough sunscreen for adequate protection.

Here are some tips to help you make sure you and your family stay protected this summer:

Thorough and frequent application: According to Coppertone Solar Research Center fellow Patricia Agin, a product’s SPF rating is determined by controlled laboratory-based testing. Therefore, if the sunscreen is not used properly the protection level decreases accordingly. Put simply: if you’re not applying generously and frequently, you’re not getting the full SPF on the label.

Applying sunscreen in the morning is not enough protection, no matter which product you use. Experts tend to agree that sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, and even more frequently after swimming or excessive perspiration. And, just because a sunscreen is “water proof” or carries a high SPF rating doesn’t mean you don’t need to reapply.

The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends using at least 1 ounce or enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass to maintain the SPF level. What this means is that an average person should use around one half to one quarter of an 8 oz. bottle during a long day at the beach.

Children need extra protection: Not only do children have more delicate skin, but they also spend more time in the sun than the average adult. Before your child becomes a teenager and develops the desire to tan, it’s important to protect him while you can. By using a high-level sun protection in the early years, you can set the tone for good skin care and reduce the risk of skin cancer and other damaging effects from the sun.

In addition to sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and specially-designed SPF clothing can dramatically reduce the effects of sun without compromising comfort or style.

Young babies need protection too: In the past, the American Academy of Pediatrics has discouraged the use of sunscreen on infants under the age of 6 months. That’s changed. They still recommend using proper shade and avoiding the sun when possible, but they also say that: “for babies under 6 months of age, sunscreen may be used on small areas of the body such as the face and the backs of the hands if adequate clothing and shade are not available.” They suggest testing the sunscreen on a small area of the back for sensitivity.

Tackling the kids with SPF doesn’t have to ruin the day: There is a wide range of products available for kids, including manual and continuous sprays, SPF wipes, sticks and traditional lotions. It might take a little trial and error, but the trick is to find a product that is easy to apply AND the kids don’t hate. For babies and toddlers it may be easier to apply sunscreen before you get them dressed and then reapply with a SPF spray every hour.

KINeSYS recommends allowing each person in the family to claim ownership of their own bottle of sunscreen and getting involved when it comes time to apply. “We have found the most effective way to promote sunscreen use in kids is to let them be part of the process,” they say. “In general, if sunscreen application time is fun and not forced, this makes it much easier to protect sensitive skin.”

It takes time: Most sunscreens take 20-30 minutes to be fully absorbed into the skin, so make sure to check the label and be patient when necessary.

Don’t forget the often missed spots: Make sure to use sunscreen on the ears, tops of feet, neck and hair part, as well as a lip balm with SPF protection.

Know when to toss the bottle: I used to think sunscreen needed to be replaced every year. Come to find out, that’s not actually the case. Energizer Personal Care, of which Banana Boat is a brand, says the active ingredients in most sunscreens are actually very stable, even under stressed storage conditions. However, it’s the inactive ingredients such as the lotions and bonding materials that might deteriorate similar to the way salad dressing separates over time. Their recommendation is to toss a sunscreen that has passed its expiration date or if it’s texture is compromised.

…Now that you have all the information to be safe, take a moment to check out my sunscreen review to find the best products for your family. As an added bonus, MD Moms is offering a 25% discount when you buy 6 or more of one product. So, stock up on their sunscreen towelettes and save money at the same time! Just enter the “LOVEYOU” code when checking out.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: 3-in-1 High Chairs

Units: About 24,000

Importer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: The seat can fall backwards from high chair frame if the booster seat release is unlatched while the child is in the product. Also, the seat back can detach if not fully snapped in place, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a seat back detaching and child falling out, resulting in a skull fracture.

Description: This recall involves the 3-in-1 High Chair to Booster™, which converts from a high chair to a toddler booster seat. It includes a removable tray, height adjustment and folds for storage. The product number (P5369) is printed on the side of the seat, on a label on the seat pad, and on the product’s packaging.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from December 2008 through March 2009 for about $100.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled high chairs immediately and contact Fisher-Price for instructions and a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

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Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 533-9817
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Maytag Recalls Refrigerators Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of product: Maytag(r), Jenn-Air(r), Amana(r), Admiral(r), Magic Chef(r), Performa by Maytag(r) and Crosley(r) brand refrigerators

Units: About 1.6 million

Manufacturer: Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa

Hazard: An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 41 reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

Description: The recall includes certain Maytag(r), Jenn-Air(r), Amana(r), Admiral(r), Magic Chef(r), Performa by Maytag(r) and Crosley(r) brand side by side and top freezer refrigerators. The affected refrigerators were manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel. They have model and serial numbers printed on a label located on the top middle or left upper side of the refrigerator liner and have the following model and serial number combinations:

Type: Serial Numbers ENDING with (AND Model Numbers BEGINNING with)

Side by Side Refrigerators:
AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR,
AT, AV, AX, CA, CC, CE, CG, CJ, CL,
ZB, ZD, ZF, ZH, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU,
ZW, ZY, ZZ
(ARS, CS, JC, JS, MS, MZ, PS)

Top Freezer Refrigerators:
AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR,
AT, AV, AX, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU, ZW,
ZY, ZZ
(AT, CT, MT, PT)

Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004 for between about $350 and $1600.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Maytag to determine if their refrigerator is included in the recall and to schedule a free in-home repair.. Consumers should not return the refrigerator to the retailer where it was purchased.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Maytag toll-free at (866) 533-9817 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.repair.maytag.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2009
Release #09-087

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 594-3730
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Rashti & Rashti Expands Recall of Infant Garments Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Taggies(tm) Sleep’n Play Infant Garments

Units: About 16,000 (an additional 6,200 were recalled on July 1, 2008)

Importer: Rashti & Rashti, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The snaps on these garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The July 2008 recall involved two Taggies(tm) Sleep ‘n Play style infant garments: the Butterfly Applique’ and the Fun Dog Print. Subsequent to the recall, two additional Taggies Sleep ‘n Play styles, manufactured before July 1, 2008, were identified as also having snap issues. The recall has now been expanded to involve the Dinosaur Applique’ and the Pink Toss Print styles. The infant garments are one piece footed coveralls with snaps down the front. These garments were sold in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-9 months. RN #27829 is printed on the care label sewn into the garment. Style numbers are printed on the hangtag of the garments. The complete list of style numbers are listed in the chart below:

Style#: UPC, Color, Description
T20615H: 0-22253-20615-2, Teal, Dinosaur Applique Sleep’n Play (0-3M)
T20616H: 0-22253-20616-9, Teal, Dinosaur Applique Sleep’n Play (0-6M)
T20617H: 0-22253-20617-6, Teal, Dinosaur Applique Sleep’n Play (6-9M)
T21317H: 0-22253-21317-4, Pink and White, Pink Toss Print Sleep’n Play (0-3M)
T21318H: 0-22253-21318-1, Pink and White, Pink Toss Print Sleep’n Play (3-6M)
T21319H: 0-22253-21319-8, Pink and White, Pink Toss Print Sleep’n Play (6-9M)

Sold at: Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby, Dillards, Nordstrom, and other specialty stores nationwide and Internet retailers from January 2007 through November 2008 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these garments away from children and contact Rashti & Rashti to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Rashti & Rashti at (888) 594-3730 between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.rashtiandrashti.com

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NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2009
Release #09-084

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 646-4106
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Jardine Expands Recall of Cribs Sold by Babies”R”Us; Cribs Pose Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Jardine Cribs

Units: About 56,450 (320,000 units were previously recalled in June 2008)

Manufacturer: Jardine Enterprises, of Taipei, Taiwan

Hazard: The wooden crib slats can break, creating a gap, which can pose an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received 19 additional incidents of crib slats breaking. In nine of these incidents, consumers reported that their infant or toddler broke the slat while in the crib. In addition, a 22-month-old child fell through the gap between the crib slats when a slat broke. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves three models of Jardine wooden cribs with the date codes identified below. Cribs with other date codes are not affected by this recall. The date code and model number are printed on the label located on the inside of the bottom rail of the headboard or footboard.

Jardine Cribs included in this Expanded Recall

Model # Description Date Code Between
DA715BC Dark Pine Olympia Lifetime Crib 2/04 – 1/07
0108L00 Antique Walnut Capri Single Crib 7/06 – 11/07
0308C00 White Capri Lifetime Crib 12/05 – 11/07

Sold at: KidsWorld, Geoffrey Stores, Toys “R” Us, and Babies “R” Us stores nationwide, and at babiesrus.com, from March 2004 through January 2009 for between $220 and $330.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Jardine to receive a full credit toward the purchase of a new crib. Jardine will provide consumers with detailed instructions for purchasing cribs in retail stores and online.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Jardine at (800) 646-4106 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.jardinecribrecall.com/

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Who is Seventh Generation -

Seventh Generation is committed to becoming the world’s most trusted brand of authentic, safe, and environmentally-responsible products for a healthy home. For 20 years, the closely held Burlington, Vermont-based company has been at the forefront of a cultural change in consumer behavior and business ethics.

One of the country’s first self-declared “socially responsible” companies, Seventh Generation is a business that operates according to a new and different set of principles and values that in many ways are a marked departure from those long considered “traditional.” Its business practice is focused on offering people avenues to express their idealism, passion, and commitment to causes larger than themselves at every point along its supply chain—from suppliers and partners to shareholders, customers and its own staff.

The company derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois that states, “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” Every time you use a Seventh Generation product you are making a difference by saving natural resources, reducing pollution, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.

Posted by Nicole Ibarrondo, former editor here at Mom Fuse

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So how can you stay healthy when your little one(s) are sick?

Tip 1:

Wash, wash, wash those hands – I know, you’ve heard it a gazillion times before but washing your hands frequently throughout the day can decrease the chance of you getting sick by up to 50%. If you are on the go or just simply can’t get to the sink to wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer to kill germs you might be carrying.

Tip 2:

Cut back on cuddling – I know, this one stinks, but it helps.  It’s not like you have to quarantine your little one or yourself, just put some space between you.  Sometimes your little one is just too cute not to kiss.. so aim for his forehead, not the lips.

Tip 3:

Wash your little one’s toys, after he’s well – You can spend hours washing and rewashing those toys after they’ve been played with but the best thing to do is to wait until he’s better.  If you clean his toys while he’s still sick those germs will just re-infect the toys.

After your child is feeling better gather up all those toys (I know they’re probably scattered throughout the house) and clean them with peroxide or white vinegar, wash them in hot soapy water and then rinse them in peroxide and vinegar.  Sounds like a lot of work but it’s really the best way to prevent the germs from spreading according to doctors.

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According to a new Liberty Mutual survey, 84% of parents admit they don’t frequently discuss fire safety with their children. But it’s a discussion we all need to have with our kids … because it can save lives.

To make sure your children are prepared, map out a fire escape plan and practice it again and again, both in daytime and nighttime.

Check out the Be FireSmart website for more information on helping you stay safe.

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