Empowering Lives: National Birth Defects Prevention Month

January is not just the beginning of a new year; it's also recognized as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. This observance serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of raising awareness about birth defects and promoting measures to prevent them. A baby's overall health and development can be affected by birth defects (structural or functional abnormalities). 

Before delving into prevention strategies, it's essential to understand what birth defects are and how they can impact individuals and families. Birth defects can affect various parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, spine, or limbs. They can range from mild to severe, and some may even require lifelong medical interventions. While not all birth defects are preventable, awareness and education play a crucial role in minimizing risks.

One of the key components of birth defects prevention is ensuring comprehensive prenatal care for expectant mothers. Regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances are essential during pregnancy. Mothers are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles, including abstaining from smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs, which can significantly reduce the risk of certain birth defects.

Some birth defects have a genetic basis, meaning they are passed down from one or both parents. Genetic counseling can provide valuable insights into the potential risks and help families make informed decisions. Understanding family medical history and undergoing genetic testing when necessary can empower parents to take proactive steps in managing potential risks.

Folic acid is a B-vitamin crucial for the development of the baby's neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Encouraging women of childbearing age to take folic acid supplements and consume foods rich in this vitamin is a simple yet impactful preventive measure.

Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful substances and chemicals, can contribute to the development of birth defects. National Birth Defects Prevention Month is an opportune time to raise awareness about the importance of creating safe and healthy environments for pregnant women. This includes advocating for workplace safety, avoiding exposure to toxins, and promoting overall environmental consciousness.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging individuals and communities to take proactive steps in preventing birth defects and supporting those affected. Together, let us strive for a world where every child has the opportunity for a healthy and fulfilling life from the very start.

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Crib safety

While a mattress and a fitted sheet are important components of a safe sleep environment for infants, there are other factors to consider as well. Here are some additional considerations for safe sleep in a crib:

1. Choose a firm, flat mattress: The mattress should fit snugly in the crib and should be firm and flat to provide a safe sleeping surface for the baby. Soft mattresses or bedding, such as pillows or stuffed animals, can increase the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

2. Use a fitted sheet: The fitted sheet should fit snugly on the mattress to prevent it from coming loose during sleep and potentially covering the baby's face.

3. Avoid crib bumpers: Crib bumpers are not recommended as they pose a suffocation risk and can also be a potential strangulation hazard.

4. Keep the crib bare: To reduce the risk of suffocation or SIDS, the crib should be free from any loose or soft bedding, including blankets, quilts, pillows, and stuffed animals.

5. Ensure proper positioning: Infants should be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. 

By following these guidelines, you can create a safe sleep environment for your baby in a crib.

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Arizona Childproofers is your child safety resource

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Flip locks are a simple solution for hall or linen closets when you just need to keep those curious kiddos out of there. Please consider Arizona Childproofers your child safety resource!

#babysafety #childsafety #babyproofing #childproofing #savingbabies

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Cactus Fruit Feeder Pacifier

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Lollaland has a fantastic 2 in 1 Cactus Fruit Feeder Pacifier for Babies. It is easy for small hands to grasp, has a silicone mesh bag, and is free of BPA, BPS, PVC. Click on the link to buy one for a baby in your life.

https://amzn.to/3DRTxAs

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March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Childproofing is an important aspect of preventing brain injuries in children. During Brain Injury Awareness Month, it's a good opportunity to review and implement childproofing tips to keep your child safe and reduce the risk of brain injury. Here are some childproofing tips to consider:

1. Use safety gates: Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls.

2. Cover sharp edges: Put padding or edge protectors on sharp furniture corners to reduce the risk of head injury in the event of a fall.

3. Lock up toxic chemicals: Keep hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning products and medicines, out of reach and locked up to prevent accidental poisoning.

4. Secure heavy furniture: Anchor heavy furniture, such as bookcases and televisions, to the wall to prevent them from tipping over and causing injury.

5. Install window guards: Install window guards to prevent children from accidentally falling out of windows.

6. Use safety straps: Attach safety straps to dressers, book shelves, and other furniture to prevent tipping and injury.

7. Check playground equipment: Regularly check playground equipment for any signs of damage or wear, and repair or replace as necessary to ensure it is safe for children to use.

Kidco has a product that protects active babies and toddlers from minor falls called a Noggin Nanny. It has a foam cushion to provide complete head support and a soft, pressure relief design to grow with the child.

The Noggin Nanny is recommended for children 6-24 months old. It has a breathable vented fabric to keep children comfortable. The Noggin Nanny can help parent protect children from banging their head as they begin to explore.

Click on this link to buy your own Noggin Nanny on Amazon https://amzn.to/3THhOAE 

These are just a few childproofing tips to consider during Brain Injury Awareness Month. By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of brain injury in your child and keep them safe.

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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).

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

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