March 2023 - Brain Injury Awareness Month

 
Important Dates

Brain Injury Awareness Month
3/14 National Pi Day
3/15 National Napping Day
3/17  St. Patrick's Day
3/21 - 3/27 National Poison Prevention Week
3/19 National Certified Nurses Day
3/21 World Down Syndrome Day

We hope the month of March is filled with good luck, great fortune, and ZERO pinches for you and your families! However, when it comes to safety we can't depend on luck. So, this month's safety blog will focus on ways to keep your little ones safe from potential hazards that may lead to brain injury, such as falls, vehicle accidents and furniture tip-overs, as well as poison prevention safety tips.

Brain Injury Awareness Month

"Brain injury is the leading cause of disability and death in children and adolescents in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the two age groups at greatest risk for brain injury are age 0-4 and 15-19... In its 2004 Report to Congress, Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes falls are the leading cause of TBI for children age 0-4." - Brain Injury Association of America

Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention

• CHILDPROOFING FOR FALLS
  • Install window guards/locks to keep children from falling out and getting injured. 
  • Install/use safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent small children from accessing the stairs and falling down them. Do NOT use pressure gates at the top of the stairs as they can shift out of place over time and become unstable.
  • Cover large railing gaps using plexiglass or mesh guards.
  • Make sure playgrounds have soft material under it, such as hardwood mulch or sand

• CAR SEAT SAFETY
  • Always secure your child in a car seat when traveling in a vehicle.
  • Buckle children in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit of their car seat. Keep children rear-facing for as long as possible. 
  • When children outgrow their rear-facing car seat, they should be buckled into a forward-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height and weight limit of their car seat. DO not use/attach any accessories with the car seat that were not crash tested with that car seat. Accessories such as mirrors, play toys, etc. can become projectiles in an accident and cause injury to children in a car seat. 
  • When children outgrow their forward-facing car seat, they should be buckled into a booster seat until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly, usually at 4' 9".

• FURNITURE ANCHORING
  • Anchor all large pieces of furniture with a heavy duty anchor. Avoid using the cheap, plastic latches that often come with the furniture.
  • Mount/ anchor all TVs. 
  • If the furniture is taller than it is deep, anchor it.
  • Not sure if your dresser need to be anchored? Pull out the drawers and apply 60 lbs. of pressure. If it moves at all, anchor it.

For more information visit anchorit.gov

Poison Prevention Tips

Keep your littles safe from poisons with this information from HRSA:

MEDICINES

• Keep all medicines, and potentially poisonous substances, in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Keep medicines in their original containers, properly labeled, and store them appropriately.
• Never share prescription medicines. If you are taking more than one drug at a time, check with your health care provider, pharmacist, or call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, to find out more about possible drug interactions.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

• Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. The best places for a CO detector are near bedrooms and close to furnaces.

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

• Keep all household cleaners and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Keep products in their original containers. 
• Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other chemicals or products.
• Keep all laundry products locked up, high, and out of the reach of children.

CHEMICALS

• Keep all chemicals and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Keep antifreeze and all chemicals and household products in their original containers.
• Never mix household or chemical products together. Doing so can create a dangerous gas.

BACK TO SCHOOL AND ART SUPPLIES

• Some art products are mixtures of chemicals. They can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure children use art products safely by reading and following directions.
• Do not eat or drink while using art products.
• Wash skin after contact with art products. 
• Clean equipment. Wipe tables, desks, and counters.
• Keep art products in their original containers.

FOOD

• Wash hands and counters before preparing all food.
• Store food at the proper temperatures. Refrigerated foods should not be left out at temperatures above 40 degrees F (5 degrees C).
• Use clean utensils for cooking and serving.

ANIMALS AND INSECTS

• Know what poisonous snakes live in your area and wear proper attire (boots, etc.) when hiking outdoors.
• Check the label on any insect repellent. Be aware that most contain DEET, which can be poisonous in large quantities.

PLANTS, MUSHROOMS, AND BERRIES

• Be sure that everyone in your family can identify poisonous mushrooms and plants.
• Remember when it comes to poison ivy, "leaves of three, let it be."

RECALLS:

February 21, 2023 FDA; nanoMaterials Discovery Corporation recalled its Hand Sanitizer because the product may exceed FDA limits for methanol, posing a risk of adverse health effects to young children who accidentally ingest these products.

February 16, 2023 CPSC; Kids Preferred recalled its “My First” Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, and Stitch Figurines because the arms or legs on the figurines can detach, posing a small part choking hazard to children. Units: About 16,140 (an additional ~600 in Canada).

February 16, 2023 CPSC; Paradise Grills recalled its First Generation Outdoor Kitchens because the liquid propane gas can accumulate inside the closed lid and cabinets, causing an explosion when the user relights the grill, posing fire and burn hazards to the user. Units: About 18,000.

February 16, 2023 CPSC; Betsy & Lace recalled its Children’s Nightgowns because they fail to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 90,550.

February 16, 2023 CPSC; Hatley USA recalled its Children’s Pajamas and headbands because the pajamas fail to meet federal flammability standards and the headbands contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead ban, posing a risk of burn injuries and adverse health issues if the lead is ingested. Units: About 7,640 pajamas and 300 headbands.

February 16, 2023 CPSC; Oaks Apparel recalled its Children’s Nightgown because they fail to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 320.

February 16, 2023 CPSC; Linus Bike recalled its Electric Bicycles because the front fork can crack, posing a crash hazard. Units: About 430.

February 10, 2023 NHTSA; Columbus Trading-Partners USA, Inc. is recalling certain models of its Aton, Aton Q, Aton M, Aton 2, and Cloud Q rear facing infant seats because the webbing for the front harness adjustment strap may fray, reducing the strength of the strap, preventing the seats from complying with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 209, and posing an increased risk of injury in a crash. Units: About 31,080.

February 10, 2023 FDA; Universal Meditech Inc. recalled its Skippack Medical Lab SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kits because the products were distributed without appropriate premarket clearance or approval which potentially could result in inaccurate test results due to lack of performance evaluation by the FDA.

February 9, 2023 CPSC; Chamberlain Group recalled its LiftMaster myQ Garage Door Control Panels because they control panel’s secondary entrapment protection system can fail, causing the garage door to close even with an obstruction present, posing an entrapment hazard. Units: About 96,400 (an additional ~19,300 in Canada).

February 9, 2023 CPSC; WeeSprout recalled its Baby Sleep Sacks because the zipper can detach from the sleep sack, posing a choking hazard. Units: About 31,630.

February 9, 2023 CPSC; Skip Hop recalled its Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gyms because the raindrops on the cloud toy included with the gym can detach from the ribbon, posing a choking hazard if a child places it in their mouth. Units: About 472,850 (an additional ~23,280 in Canada and ~2,240 in Mexico)

February 9, 2023 CPSC; IKEA recalled its ODGER Swivel Chairs because the chairs’ leg base can break, posing fall and injury hazards. Units: About 12,000.

February 9, 2023 CPSC; English Riding Supply recalled its Equestrian helmets because they fail to meet the impact requirements of the of the ASTM F1163-14 standard, posing an impact injury hazard to riders who fall. Units: About 19,300 (an addition ~5,270 in Canada).

February 8, 2023 CPSC; Colgate-Palmolive recalled its Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaners because the products can contain Pseudomonas species bacteria, which can pose a risk of serious infection to people with weaken immune systems. Units: About 4.9 million (an additional ~56,000 in Canada)

February 2, 2023 CPSC; Children’s Robes sold exclusively at Amazon and imported by SGMWVB Brand were recalled because they fail to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 3,000.

February 2, 2023 CPSC; Children’s Robes sold exclusively at Amazon and imported by ChildLikeMe were recalled because they fail to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 5,000.

February 2, 2023 CPSC; Children’s Robes sold exclusively at Amazon and imported by Betusline Official Apparel were recalled because they fail to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 350.

February 2, 2023 CPSC; Children’s Robes sold exclusively at Amazon and imported by BTPEIHTD were recalled because they fail to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 2,000.

February 2, 2023 CPSC; Paper Cape recalls its children’s pajamas because they fail to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 5,720.

February 1, 2023 FDA; Shop Me Ca recalled its “Diep Bao” Baby Skin Cream because the product may contain lead, posing a risk of lead poisoning to children.

January 27, 2023 FDA; Edgewell Personal Care recalled its Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen in July 2022 and has updated this recall to include addition lot code “20301CF” because it contains benzene, a human carcinogen, posing a risk of adverse health consequences. 

January 26, 2023 CPSC; ZLINE Expands recalled its 30-inch, 36-inch and 48-inch RG gas ranges because the oven can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) while in use, posing a serious risk of injury or death. Units: About 30,000 (including the 28,000 ZLINE 30 and 36-inch gas ranges recalled in December 2022).

January 26, 2023 CPSC; Properly Tied recalled its Children’s Lounge Pants because they fail to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 1,960.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; Ross Stores recalled its Taylor and Finch six-wick scented candles because they can combust while lit causing the glass container to break, posing fire and injury hazards. Units: About 5,800.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; Children’s Pajama Sets sold online at Etsy, Macy’s, Uncommon Goods, and other retailers nationwide were recalled because they fail to meet flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 38,740.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; New Cosplay recalled its children’s sleepwear, sold on Amazon and imported by Shanghai Jing Cheng Landscape Engineering Company, because the sleepwear fails to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 3,300.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; New Cosplay recalled its children’s sleepwear, sold on Amazon and imported by Hainan Chong Yu Industrial, because the sleepwear fails to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 2,360.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; New Cosplay recalled its children’s sleepwear, sold on Amazon and imported by Shanghai Xunao Elevator, because the sleepwear fails to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 2,140.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; New Cosplay recalled its children’s sleepwear, sold on Amazon and imported by Shanghai Jinhui Gardening Center, because the sleepwear fails to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. About 1,930 units.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; New Cosplay recalled its children’s sleepwear, sold on Amazon and imported by Mianzhu Ye Xin Trading, because the sleepwear fails to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 780.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; New Cosplay recalled its children’s sleepwear, sold on Amazon and imported by Weihai Juanhai Decoration Material, because the sleepwear fails to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. Units: About 280.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; Sakar International recalled its Credhedz Lizard, Crayola Dry Eras, and Tony Hawk Multi-Purpose Helmets because the helmets do not comply with the positional stability and retention system requirements of the federal safety standard, posing a risk of head injury. Units: About 33,100.

January 19, 2023 CPSC; Lifetime Brands recalled its Hot Chocolate Pots sold at Williams-Sonoma because the pots are mislabeled as microwave safe, posing a fire hazard if they are microwaved and the metallic paint sparks. Units: About 2,700 (an additional 40 in Canada).

Hooded Towels

 

Giving a baby a bath can be a fun and bonding experience for both parent and child, but it's important to be prepared and have everything you need on hand to make the process as safe and stress-free as possible. Here are the essentials to have with you when giving a baby a bath:

1. Hooded towel: To keep your baby warm and cozy after the bath.

2. Baby shampoo and soap: Gentle and tear-free products designed for a baby's delicate skin.

3. Washcloth or sponge: To clean your baby's skin without scratching.

4. Baby lotion: To keep your baby's skin soft and moisturized.

5. Safety mat or non-slip pad: To ensure your baby doesn't slip in the tub.

6. Thermometer: To check the water temperature and make sure it's not too hot for your baby.

7. Diapers and fresh clothes: To have ready for after the bath.

Having all these items within reach can make giving a baby a bath a breeze and allow you to focus on enjoying the moment with your little one. Don't forget to always supervise your baby during bath time and never leave them unattended in the water.

Hooded towels are a unique and practical solution for parents, providing comfort and warmth for their little ones after bath time. They are essentially a regular towel with a hood attached to the top, creating a cozy and secure cocoon for babies and young children. Here are a few reasons why hooded towels are a must-have for every family:

1. Extra warmth: A hooded towel provides additional warmth for your child's head, neck and shoulders, making the transition from the bathtub to the rest of the house much more comfortable.

2. Convenient: The hooded design helps keep the towel in place, preventing it from slipping off, so you can easily dry your child without worrying about it falling off.

3. Stylish: With a range of colors and designs available, hooded towels can be a fun and stylish addition to your child's bathroom routine.

4. Multipurpose: Hooded towels can also double as a blanket or a shawl during cooler weather, making them a versatile item for your baby's collection.

5. Easy to use: They are easy to use and comfortable for babies and children, with no complicated ties or fastenings.

In conclusion, hooded towels are an excellent investment for families with young children. They provide extra warmth and comfort, are convenient, stylish and multi-functional. Whether for bath time, a trip to the beach or for snuggling on the couch, a hooded towel is an essential item for any family.

HipHop Panda has a great selection of hooded towels to choose from. Check out their link on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate Arizona Childproofers earns from qualifying purchases.

February is Heart Health Month

Heart Health Month is a yearly observance in February that focuses on raising awareness about heart disease and promoting healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of heart disease. The goal of Heart Health Month is to educate people about the importance of taking care of their heart and to encourage them to make changes in their daily habits to reduce their risk of heart disease.

Childproofing and heart health may seem like separate concerns, but they are interconnected. Childproofing involves making changes to your home to protect your child from potential hazards, and some of these hazards can also affect your heart health. Here's how:

1. Physical activity: Childproofing your home can encourage physical activity in your child, which is important for maintaining a healthy heart. By creating a safe environment for your child to play in, you can encourage them to be more active, which will benefit their heart health in the long run.

2. Clean air: By childproofing your home to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, you can also improve the air quality in your home, which is important for heart health. Poor air quality can increase the risk of heart disease, so it is important to take steps to improve it.

3. Stress reduction: Childproofing your home can help reduce stress levels by reducing the worry of potential hazards to your child. Stress can increase the risk of heart disease, so reducing it is important for heart health.

4. Active supervision: Childproofing your home can also promote active supervision of your child, which can reduce the risk of injury and improve heart health. By reducing the risk of injury, you can reduce the stress and anxiety that can accompany it, which can benefit your heart health.

Childproofing your home can have a positive impact on both your child's safety and your heart health. By reducing potential hazards and promoting physical activity, stress reduction, and air quality, childproofing can improve heart health and overall well-being.

Childproofing involves making changes in the home to reduce the risk of injury to children, such as installing locks on cabinets and covering electrical outlets. A childproof home can help prevent accidents and ensure that children are safe while they explore and play.

Recipe books, especially those that focus on healthy and nutritious meals, can be beneficial for families with young children as well. Encouraging children to try new foods and develop healthy eating habits can have a positive impact on their health and well-being, both now and in the future.

When combining childproofing and recipe books, families can create a safe and healthy environment for their children. By ensuring that the home is childproof and providing healthy and nutritious meal options, families can help their children grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

There are several reasons to choose to buy a heart-healthy recipe book:

1. To learn about heart-healthy cooking

2. To manage heart disease: A heart-healthy recipe book can by providing recipes that are low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars.

3. To reduce the risk of heart disease: A heart-healthy recipe book can also help reduce risk of heart disease by providing recipes that are rich in heart-healthy nutrients like fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

4. To make healthy eating easier: A heart-healthy recipe book can provide quick and easy recipes that can be prepared with ingredients that are readily available.

5. To improve overall health: A heart-healthy recipe book can help improve overall health by promoting healthy eating habits and reducing the risk of heart disease, as well as other chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.

A heart-healthy recipe book can be a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their heart health, reduce the risk of heart disease, or simply eat healthier and more nutritious meals.

The American Heart Association has an electronic cookbook with 150 Healthy Family Meals that you can purchase through Amazon. Click the link or the photo to check it out.

The American Heart Association also has a Kids' Cookbook you can purchase on Amazon.

A heart-healthy recipe book for kids can be beneficial for several reasons:

1. Encouraging healthy eating habits: By introducing children to healthy, tasty meals at an early age, they are more likely to develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.

2. Promoting heart health: Children's hearts are still developing, and it's important to encourage healthy habits that can support heart health. A heart-healthy recipe book for kids can provide ideas for meals and snacks that are low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars.

3. Making mealtime fun: Children are more likely to try new foods and eat healthy meals if they are involved in the cooking process. This can provide fun and engaging recipes that encourage children to participate in the kitchen and learn about healthy eating.

4. Educating children about nutrition: Provides an educational and fun way for children to learn about nutrition and how different foods can impact their health.

Supporting families: Provides families with ideas for meals and snacks that are healthy and delicious, making it easier for families to support their children's heart health and overall health.

In conclusion, a heart-healthy recipe book for kids can be a valuable resource for families looking to encourage healthy eating habits and support their children's heart health. By providing fun and educational recipes, families can help children develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Click on this link or on the photo to learn more about this kitchen resource.

Here are some other fun cookbook choices you can find on Amazon:

Super Food for Super Kids Cookbook

Little Helpers - Toddler Cookbook

30 Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook

As an Amazon Associate Arizona Childproofers earns from qualifying purchases.

National Burn Awareness Week

Last week was National Burn Awareness Week which helps to raise awareness about the dangers of burn injuries and the steps people can take to prevent them. Whether it's through education, fire safety planning, childproofing, or first aid training, everyone can play a role in reducing the risk of burn injuries and promoting fire safety.

The Mayo Clinic has some good safety tips:

1) Avoid hot spills. Don't cook, drink, or carry hot beverages or foods while holding a child. Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges. Don't use tablecloths or place mats, which young children can pull down. Turn the handles of your pots and pans toward the rear of the stove and use back burners when possible. Don't leave the stove unattended when you're cooking.

2) Choose a cool-mist vaporizer. They prevent steam burns.

3) Address outlets and electrical cords. Cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps. Keep electrical cords and wires out of the way so that children don't pull on or chew on them. Replace frayed, broken or worn electrical cords. 

4) Choose fire-resistant fabrics. Check labels to make sure mattresses and pajamas meet federal flammability standards.

You can read more of Mayo Clinic's safety tips by clicking on this link.

Our blog posted on January 31st also gives more burn safety tips. You can check them out by clicking on this link.

Another thing the Mayo Clinic mentions is to test the temperature of food before feeding young children. They warn that foods or liquids warmed in a microwave might heat foods unevenly. So always remember to stir the food and check the temperature. 

One way to check the temperature of young children's food is to taste it. Another thing may be to use an infant safety spoon that has a temperature check. This is a tool that can help parents ensure that their baby's food is at a safe temperature before feeding. The spoon has a built-in temperature sensor that can quickly check the temperature of the food, helping parents avoid feeding their baby food that is too hot.

By using an infant safety spoon temperature check, childproofing their home, and participating in National Burn Awareness Week, parents can help ensure that their children are safe and protected from harm. By taking these simple steps, parents can help reduce the risk of injury and promote a healthy and safe environment for their children.

The Dr. Brown's Designed to Nourish TempCheck Spoons are a great way to have a visual method of checking the temperature of your baby's food. Click on the link or the photo to go to Amazon and learn about it.

You can see other products Dr. Brown has to offer by clicking on this link. https://amzn.to/3Y9CmTt

As an Amazon Associate Arizona Childproofers earns from qualifying purchases.

Valentine Gift Idea For Your Baby

Establishing a safe and consistent bedtime routine is important for a baby's well-being and sleep health. Here are some tips for promoting sleep safety and a healthy bedtime routine:

1. Place your baby to sleep on their back: This is the safest position for infants to sleep, as it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

2. Use a firm, flat sleep surface: Place your baby on a firm, flat sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet with a tight-fitting sheet. Avoid soft objects, loose bedding, and pillows in the sleep area.

3. Keep the sleep area clear: Remove any toys, stuffed animals, or other objects from the sleep area to reduce the risk of suffocation or entrapment.

4. Establish a bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine helps to signal to your baby that it is time for sleep. This can include activities such as a bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.

5. Make the room dark and quiet: A dark and quiet sleep environment can promote better sleep for your baby. Consider using blackout curtains and white noise if necessary.

6. Avoid overstimulation: Avoid activities that overstimulate your baby before bedtime, such as playing games or watching television.

7. Be patient: It may take time for your baby to get used to a new bedtime routine. Be patient and consistent, and stick to the routine as best you can.

By following these tips, you can create a safe and healthy bedtime routine for your baby that promotes good sleep habits and helps them to feel comfortable and secure at bedtime.

Reading to your baby is one of the most important and enjoyable activities you can do for their development. Here's why:

1. Improves language skills: Reading books with your baby exposes them to new words, sounds, and sentence structures, which helps to develop their language skills.

2. Encourages bonding: Spending quality time with your baby while reading to them can help to create a strong emotional bond.

3. Develops imagination: Reading to your baby can help to foster their imagination and creativity. Children learn to picture and understand the world through the stories they hear.

4. Enhances brain development: Research has shown that early reading experiences have a positive impact on a child's brain development.

5. Establishes a love of reading: Reading to your baby at an early age can help to establish a love of reading that will stay with them for life.

When reading to your baby, it is important to choose age-appropriate books and make the experience interactive by asking questions and pointing out pictures. Start reading to your baby as early as possible, and make it a regular part of your routine. Before you know it, they'll be reading along with you!

This DK Baby Touch and Feel book: I Love You! Is a great Valentine gift idea for your baby or toddler.

DK has many great book choices. You can click on this link to see their Amazon store. Click on the picture of the DK book above to purchase that book for your baby.

As an Amazon Associate Arizona Childproofers earns from qualifying purchases.