National Poison Prevention Week, sponsored by the Poison Prevention Week Council, has been held each year during the third week in March since 1961. Its purpose is to educate the public about the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them.
According to Safe Storage, Safe Dosing, Safe Kids, a report published by Safe Kids Worldwide, more than 60,000 young children end up in emergency departments every year because they got into medicines while their parent or caregiver was not looking. More than half are under age 6.
That's about 165 young kids every day or roughly four school busloads, and every single one of those trips to the ER could have been prevented.
Another disturbing statistic as that, while the death rate among children from other forms of poisoning has been cut in half since the late 1970s, medication deaths as a percentage of all child poisoning deaths have nearly doubled.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that most poisonings occur when parents or caregivers are home but not paying attention. The most dangerous potential poisons are medicines, cleaning products, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, pesticides, furniture polish, gasoline, kerosene and lamp oil.
They warn:
- Be especially vigilant when there is a change in routine.
- Holidays, visits to and from grandparents’ homes, and other special events may bring greater risk of poisoning if the usual safeguards are defeated or not in place.
- Always store medicine, cleaners, paints/varnishes and pesticides in their original packaging in locked cabinets or containers, out of sight and reach of children.
- Install a safety latch that locks when you close the door on child-accessible cabinets containing harmful products.
- Never place poisonous products in food or drink containers.
- Keep coal, wood or kerosene stoves in safe working order.
- Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Secure remote controls, key fobs, greeting cards, and musical children’s books. These and other devices may contain small button-cell batteries that can cause injury if ingested.
Different types and methods of poisoning require different, immediate treatment. Here are the AAP's guidelines:
- If your child has come in contact with poison or you suspect that your child may have swallowed a button-cell battery, and has mild or no symptoms, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
- If your child has swallowed poison, remove the item from the child, and have the child spit out any remaining substance. Do not make your child vomit and do not use syrup of ipecac.
- For skin poison, remove the child’s clothes and rinse the skin with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
- For eye poison, flush the child’s eye by holding the eyelid open and pouring a steady stream of room temperature water into the inner corner for 15 minutes.
- For poisonous fumes, take the child outside or into fresh air immediately. If the child has stopped breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Do not stop until the child breathes on his or her own, or until someone can take over.
- If your child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures due to poison contact or ingestion, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
The Up and Away and Out of Sight educational program, led by the CDC and a coalition of partners as part of the PROTECT Initiative, offers these additional tips about dealing with medications around children:
- Purchase all medicines in containers with safety caps. Discard unused medication.
- Keep all child-resistant caps on medication bottles and close them tightly after each use.
- Store medications in a safe location out of sight and reach of young children, even if another dose needs to be given in a few hours.
- Never refer to medicine as “candy” or another appealing name.
- Ask guests to keep coats, purses and bags that have medications up and out of reach and sight when they are in your home.
- Always read labeling instructions and use the dosing device that comes with the medication.
- Check the label each time you give a child medicine to ensure the proper dosage.
- Never use kitchen utensils to dispense medication as they are not accurate measurements and introduce potential for confusion between units of measure (e.g. teaspoons for tablespoons).
- Program the Poison Help number (1-800-222-1222) into your home and cell phones, so you will have easy access to their local poison control center if a child has had an unsafe exposure.
- Call 911 if a child is in acute medical distress, especially if they are unconscious, seizing or not breathing.
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Related posts from our blog archives:
©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
March marks the 40th anniversary of National Nutrition Month®. This year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has chosen the theme of “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day," emphasizing healthy eating styles and food choices that take into account your food preferences, lifestyle, and cultural and ethnic traditions.
They also recommend that you follow the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans when making your choices.
These guidelines advise you to fill about half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. About a quarter of your plate should be protein, such as lean meats, black beans or tofu chunks. The remaining quarter should be grains—preferably whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice. They also recommend that you include one serving of fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese with each meal.
Of course, if you are pregnant, nursing and/or have any food sensitivities, you'll want to check with your personal doctor to determine which foods are best for you.
If you have children, especially if they are picky eaters or have allergies, take a look at the Kids Eat Right section on the Academy's website that offers expert advice and recipes for all ages of kids, as well as subsections for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, grade schoolers and teens.
Since the U.S. Surgeon General recommends babies be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first six months whenever possible—and most of our readers are either pregnant or nursing—we thought we'd share some "breastfeeding success steps" from the Academy's article titled Breastfeeding Basics.
Before Your Baby Arrives
- During your third trimester of pregnancy, take some time to learn about breastfeeding, so you can be informed and confident when the baby comes.
- Take a breastfeeding class through your hospital, doctor’s office or WIC clinic.
- Look into community resources, such as lactation consultants, so you’ll know who to call with questions or concerns.
- Check out books and pamphlets from the clinic, hospital or library, or look online for resources. (Just be careful that your information comes from a well-known and reputable source.)
- Let your family, friends, doctor, hospital nurses, pediatrician and employer know that you will be feeding only breast milk to your baby and you’ll need their support.
At the Hospital
- Healthy newborns know how to find the breast and suckle, but your baby will still need plenty of snuggle time with you to practice and help you build up a good milk supply.
- If you can, have your infant stay in your room while at the hospital. This will allow you to respond to his or her hunger cues immediately and feed your little one often. The more milk your baby removes from the breasts, the more milk you will make.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most hospitals have a lactation specialist on staff who is trained to help you with any difficulties you may experience.
During Baby's First Year and Beyond
- Your breasts should easily make enough milk to meet your baby’s growing needs. Most infants will need several feedings through the day and night, especially during the first weeks and growth spurts. Allow your baby to develop his or her own feeding schedule.
- Concentrate on getting the right amount of nutrient-rich foods and fluids to maintain your stamina while producing milk.
- Although it's not always easy, do your best to get enough rest. Many moms take naps while their babies sleep.
- Again, don't be afraid to seek out support resources if you need help figuring out how to breast feed while working or going to school, or if you have an infant with special needs. Your pediatrician, lactation specialist or a registered dietitian are good people to start with.
Sources:
Related article from the BPE blog archives: Nutritional guidelines for you and your baby
©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
It's "Save Your Vision Week"… a good time to call and make an eye exam appointment if you haven't had one within the last year. It's also a good time to give some thought to your baby's eye health.
According to that American Optometric Association (AOA), babies have to learn to see much like they must learn to walk and talk.
Focusing and learning to use their eyes together properly takes time. Plus, a baby's brain has to learn how to process and react properly to the information his or her eyes are sending it. Even so, exploration through sight is one of the first things your baby starts doing at birth.
Healthy eyes and good vision are very important because difficulties in seeing properly can affect other areas of your child's development and learning. Just as you are keeping track of your child's development in other areas, you'll want to do the same with his vision.
Here are some developmental milestones to watch for. Keep in mind that no two children are alike and, just because your child might not be keeping up with the "norm," it doesn't necessarily mean that there is cause for concern.
Birth to 4 months
- Up to about 3 months old, babies really can't focus on objects beyond 8 to 10 inches in front of them or distinguish between much of what they are seeing beyond that point. No wonder your baby seems to get accustomed to your face faster than anything else!
- Over these first few months, a baby's vision should rapidly improve and hand-eye coordination should begin to develop.
- By eight weeks, they should have gained the ability to not just see but focus on faces.
- It is normal for a baby's eyes to appear to wander or look crossed on occasion within the first two months, as his brain works on eye coordination. However, if one eye tends to constantly turn in or out, you should have this checked by a professional as soon as possible.
- At around 3 months, your baby should begin following objects with his eyes and reaching for things.
5 to 8 months
- Around the fifth month, depth perception begins to develop, making the ability to grab your earrings or hair that much easier.
- Your baby's ability to tell the difference between shades of color is developed by 5 months. By 8 months, it's almost as good as an adult's.
- Crawling at this age should be encouraged because it helps with coordination of the eyes with hands, feet and body.
9 - 12 months
- During this period, your baby should be able to use his eyes and hands together well.
- If your child is an early walker, you may find that hand-eye coordination actually takes longer to develop. An important reason not to rush your child into taking his first steps!
- Your baby should also be able to judge distances fairly well at this point and have pretty good aim when throwing things.
Fortunately, most babies are born with healthy eyes. If you sense that your child is having eye or vision problems, talk to your doctor. If issues like those listed below develop, the AOA recommends that you take your baby to the doctor immediately:
- Excessive tearing, which may indicate blocked tear ducts
- Red or encrusted eye lids, which could be a sign of an eye infection
- Constant eye turning, which might be due to a problem with eye muscle control
- Extreme sensitivity to light, which could be caused by overly high pressure in the eye
- Appearance of a white pupil, which could be a potential indicator of an eye cancer
Even if your baby's eyes seem fine, you should plan to take him for his first complete vision exam at around 6 months of age.
The AOA feels so strongly about the importance of this initial exam that they've developed a public health program, InfantSEE®, under which participating optometrists throughout the U.S. will provide a comprehensive eye assessment for any infant between 6 and 12 months of age at no cost. Find a participating professional in your area here.
There are a number of things you can do to help with your child's visual development. See the links below for more information.
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©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
Conflict in any relationship is normal and virtually inevitable. When you couple that with the stress and fatigue of being new parents, it can be a recipe for disaster if you don’t follow the rules of fair fighting.
Prepare yourself.
When managed well, conflict can be healthy for your relationship. It can enhance and even strengthen the bonds between you and your mate. Keeping these tools and techniques in mind will help you achieve more positive results when problems arise.
Start with a personal inventory.
What exactly is bothering you and what do you want your mate to do or not do about it?
Have a goal.
What possible outcome(s) are you willing to accept? Be clear on what you want going into the disagreement, or you won’t know when you’ve achieved it.
Dig deep.
Be willing to get to the heart of the issue that’s bothering you, not just its symptom, or you will come away even more frustrated in the end.
Choose your battles.
It’s not necessary to start a fight every time you have a disagreement or feel slighted. Try not to take yourself too seriously.
Remember it’s a partnership, not a competition.
Keep in mind that constructive discussion is not about one of you “winning” but the two of you coming to a mutually satisfying and peaceful solution to the problem. You will get nowhere if you enter disagreements with a spirit of getting even, vengeance or control over the other person.
Timing is everything.
Consider postponing the argument and setting a time to have a discussion once you’ve had a chance to cool down and think things through. Try to have your talk as soon as possible but at a time that is agreeable to both of you. If they resist, try to help them understand that this is important to you.
Stay calm.
Losing your temper and springing something uncomfortable on someone who is unprepared will likely put them on the defense and hinder your chances of a successful resolution.
Stick to the point.
Are you reacting proportionately to the current issue, or is something else fueling your anger or frustration? If it’s the latter, be careful not to let old grudges or sticking points cloud the current issue and cause things to spiral out of control.
Be a grown-up.
Always strive to maintain self-control. You do not have the license to be childish or abusive. No name-calling, character assassination or “hitting below the belt” — and definitely no physical abuse. You are entitled to air legitimate feelings in a reasonable and constructive way, but not to be self-righteous.
Don’t generalize.
Always. Never. Generalizations like these are usually not true and will only serve to escalate the tension between the two of you.
Keep it to yourselves.
Fighting in front of your children is child abuse, pure and simple. Learn to contain yourself until you can talk privately or you can do them irreparable emotional harm.
The silent treatment is not an option.
Positive results can only be attained with two-way communication. When one of you stops responding to the other, it will only result in more frustration and anger.
Be clear and own your feelings.
Start by stating the facts, then explain how this issue makes you feel, as in “I feel angry/hurt/disappointed.” Avoid projecting onto your partner by saying things like “You make me angry.”
Share points of view.
In a conflict, everyone wants to feel that they are being heard and understood. Allow your partner to speak without interruption, and work hard to genuinely hear their concerns without getting defensive.
Strive to listen effectively.
To help them know they are being fully understood, try restating what you are hearing. Encourage your partner to do the same for you.
See things from their side.
Be empathetic to their feelings. Their viewpoint might still make sense even if you don’t agree with it.
Take responsibility.
Although it’s tough to do, try not to let your pride cloud the truth about your own behavior in causing or participating in an argument.
Try a little tenderness.
Try sitting directly in front of each other, holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes as you talk. It could help you tap into the loving and positive feelings you still generally have for each other, which will help the conversation stay constructive.
Take a time out.
If either of you is getting so angry or upset that you are feeling like you will lose control, take a break and do something to take your mind off the situation, like exercising or taking a walk, playing with a pet or doing some meditation or deep breathing.
Don’t give up.
If you do take a break, always try to come back to the discussion with a renewed constructive mindset, mutual respect and a willingness to try to resolve the situation as best as possible.
Allow for your partner to retreat with dignity.
How an argument ends is crucial. Recognize when they are trying to extend an olive branch, whether in the form of an apology or some other method, and allow them a face-saving way out of a disagreement even if it’s to simply “agree to disagree.” Then, let it go and move on.
Offer specific solutions and be prepared to compromise.
Consider solutions from both sides. Insisting on having your way will likely only hurt your chances of resolution. Try to find an outcome you can both agree to.
Go for a test drive.
If appropriate, establish a trial period for new behavior on the part of one or both of you. At the end of that period, discuss how successful it was and whether more modifications or changes need to be made.
Plan to finish.
Don’t let arguments get out of hand. Although it may not always be possible, the old adage of not going to bed mad at each other is a good rule to follow for those minor skirmishes and petty squabbles.
Consider mediation.
If one or both of the parties is not capable of fighting constructively, or the problem is so serious that it risks ruining your marriage, consider seeking the help of a professional counselor to help the two of you work through it.
See it for what it is.
Always keep in mind that conflict itself is not the problem. How you as a couple handle your arguments, and especially how you end them, is key to making your relationship stronger or tearing it apart.
©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
If you're like a lot of new parents, Valentine's Day got you thinking about how to spend more "us" time with your spouse, but a new baby can really put a crimp on your time and your budget.
Yet, with a little imagination and effort, there are plenty of ways to spend quality time with each other without breaking the bank. The key is to be flexible and resourceful. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
See a local live performance
Tickets to a professional production can get really pricey, so why not check out your local community theatre groups, colleges or high schools? Many offer low to no-cost concerts and plays to the public. You’d be surprised at the quality of some of these performances and, even if they aren’t great, they’ll give you two something to talk about afterwards.
Stimulate your senses with art
Did you know that many art museums offer free admission one day a week? You may also want to check out nearby towns for art galleries and “gallery hops” where the galleries and neighboring stores join in with free food and live entertainment to attract visitors in the early evening hours.
Expand your mind
Make a date to scope out a museum of living history, science or some obscure topic that you normally wouldn’t consider. Who knows what this new-found knowledge might lead to?
Commune with nature
Take a walk together in a nearby forest preserve and breathe in the beauty and fresh air. Pack a picnic and blanket for added romance.
Float your boat
Live near a pond or lake? Rent or borrow a canoe or paddle boat for an hour or two of leisurely cruising or a little fun and exercise.
Take up the tango
Many local park districts offer a variety of introductory or short-term dance classes that you can take together—and practice at home.
Browse a bookstore
Enjoy skimming through a few books or magazines in their café while splitting a cappuccino and cookie. As a bonus, see if you can find one that features live entertainment, like a singer or interesting speaker. If you find a book you like, you can save money by checking it out at your local library to finish later.
Catch a matinee
Admission is less and you can catch up on that film that your friends are all raving about. Get on your local theater’s email list, and you might just end up with a free pass for your birthday or anniversary.
Make a lunch date
Lunch menus can be much cheaper than dinner, it’s easier to find someone to watch the baby for an hour or two, and you won’t be tempted to splurge on alcohol. If the weather's nice, pack a picnic and enjoy some fresh air together.
Run errands together
This may not sound too exciting at first, but you probably have a long to-do list anyway, so why not? Save time, save gas and enjoy each other’s company.
Can’t afford or find a babysitter?
Make ordering in a special occasion
Put the baby to bed and take some time to dress up a bit for each other. Unless the two of you find preparing dinner together a pleasurable experience, just get out some candles, turn down the lights, pop open a bottle of your favorite wine, put on some mood music and wait for the delivery guy to get there.
Dream under the stars
Take the baby monitor and a blanket out to the backyard, lay down beside each other, and enjoy a starlit night in each other's arms.
Make it a movie
With movies going to DVD so quickly these days, it's likely you find something on pay-per-view that you've been wanting to see. Try to stay away from the violence, unless you both find horror flicks a turn-on. Choose something that you’ll both enjoy and that stimulates conversation and romance. You can always pause and rewind if you find yourselves getting distracted.
Try a drive-in
If your town is fortunate enough to still have one of these, this blast from the past can be a lot of fun. Just ask your parents and grandparents! Pop your own popcorn, bring a cooler full of drinks and snacks, and let the baby doze off in the back seat while you two enjoy the double feature.
Take a stroll with the stroller
If you haven't already figured this one out, now's the time to start. It's a great way to connect with each other on a regular, even nightly, basis while getting a little exercise as well.
OK, now it's your turn! Share your ideas about how to come up with quality time for the two of you without maxing out a credit card.
©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
With Valentine's Day in the spotlight, the month of February often means romance for many couples, but the introduction of a newborn into the family can be so overwhelming and exhausting for new parents that your relationship ends up taking a back seat.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures and responsibilities - even the pleasures - of taking care of your precious little one. Still, it’s important to your emotional well-being that you make time for adult activities and reconnecting with your partner.
New parent couples often claim lack of time, energy or money as the primary reasons for not taking advantage of date nights. Although somewhat understandable, treat these as excuses and don’t let them get in your way. You can do this!
If getting a babysitter is an obstacle and you don’t have family to help, consider forming a “co-op” with other parents you know, and take turns watching each other’s children.
If you are lucky enough to have a strong network of support, schedule a date night away from the home and your baby once a week. Treat this time together like all your other important appointments and write it down on your calendar. If you can’t get away that often, at least shoot for once a month.
Try to plan ahead. Since this time is precious, you’ll want to make the most of it. Agree to leave the baggage of the day and the household behind. Focus on enjoying each other’s company, whether just sitting across the table over a nice dinner or doing something more active.
Work hard not to let yourself obsess about the baby, and don’t feel guilty about leaving him or her at home without you for a few hours. It’s common, even healthy, for first-time moms to feel the need to get away from the daily grind of motherhood every now and then. After all, you’re only human. Give yourself a break.
Taking time for the two of you as a couple can actually go a long way in helping you feel more energized in your role as mom. You will be amazed at how just a few hours away can help lower your stress levels, feed your spirit and bring the whole family closer together. As they say, "When mama’s happy, everybody’s happy."
Why not try making a permanent commitment to having regular date nights with your mate? It will help to keep your relationship strong and set a wonderful example for your children.
Now as far as Valentine's Day goes, you might want to take a pass on making a dinner reservation for February 14. Ironically, many restaurants can be so crowded and noisy that it can be one of the least romantic nights of the year. Consider spending Valentine's Day evening sharing little gifts and cuddling at home, and save your date night for later.
©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.
FAST FACT: Even before babies' teeth are visible, they can get cavities!
Twenty primary teeth are already present in your baby's jaws at birth, ready to start coming through your baby's gums at around 6 months. All twenty teeth are visible in most children by age 3. Once a tooth starts breaking through the surface, decay can begin.
You've probably heard of baby bottle tooth decay. Officially known as early childhood caries, tooth decay in infants and toddlers most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth can also be affected. In some cases, the decay can become so severe that their teeth can't be saved and need to be removed.
Baby teeth have a very important job, so you really need to protect them. They help your child chew and speak, and they hold space in the jaws for the permanent teeth growing under the gums.
Some recommended steps to prevent baby tooth decay:
- Start cleaning your baby’s mouth within a few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean gauze pad to help remove plaque (tartar) that can harm erupting teeth.
- When your child's teeth begin to come in, brush them gently with a child's size toothbrush and water.
- Don't use toothpaste on your baby's teeth. The ADA recommends that you wait until instructed by your dentist, usually not before age 2, and with certain precautions.
- For bottle feedings, use formula, milk or breast milk only.
- Don't give your baby sugary beverages, like juice or soda, until capable of drinking out of a cup.
- Make sure your baby has finished his bedtime or naptime bottle before going to sleep.
- Don't dip pacifiers in sweet foods like sugar, honey, or syrup.
- Cavity-causing bacteria can pass from saliva in an adult's mouth to an infant. Don't test the baby's bottle by drinking out of it, put the baby’s feeding spoon in your mouth, or clean your baby's pacifier with your mouth.
- Take your child to a dentist within six months after the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday to check for tooth decay and other problems. Your dentist can also show you how to clean your child's teeth properly and discuss any habits like thumb sucking.
- Discuss your child’s fluoride needs with your dentist or pediatrician. They may recommend a fluoride supplement if you live in an area where the community water is not fluoridated.
Your baby’s front four teeth will probably push through the gums at about six months of age, but don't be alarmed if they take longer. Some children don’t get their first tooth until 12 or 14 months.
When teeth first come in, some babies may have sore or tender gums. The ADA recommends gently rubbing your child's gums with a clean finger, small cool spoon, or wet gauze pad. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. If your child has fever or diarrhea while teething or is overly cranky and in pain, call your dentist or doctor.
Practice what you preach
Setting a good example by taking care of your own teeth will reap benefits for both you and your child. The National Maternal & Child Oral Health Research Center recommends the following:
- Take care of your own teeth by brushing them with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride twice a day—after breakfast and before bed.
- Floss once a day before bedtime.
- Eat healthy foods, like whole-grain products, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans, and nuts.
- Eat fewer sweets like candy, cookies, or cake.
- Drink fewer sugary drinks like fruit-flavored drinks or pop/soda.
- Eat sweets or drink sugary drinks at mealtimes only.
- See your dentist regularly for check-ups and follow through with any needed dental care.
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©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
Last November, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report regarding injuries and fatalities caused by tip-overs of furniture, appliances and TVs.
Since the vast majority of these accidents happened to young children, they have been sending out warnings to urge parents to anchor and stabilize their televisions, furniture, and appliances to prevent these incidents.
According to the CPSC, "in a quest to reach a toy, TV or game remote, or other desired item, young children are using dressers and tables as climbing devices and the results are tragic."
The report indicates that, between the years 2000-2011, 349 consumers were reportedly killed when these types of items toppled over on them, and 84% of these fatalities were children under age 9.
The year 2011 had the highest number of these fatalities reported. Based on the trending of the last 3 years of the report, the CPSC expects these numbers to continue to climb every year without increased awareness and action.
In addition to fatalities, the CPSC estimates that more than 25,000 children under the age of 18 were injured by these objects. Falling furniture accounted for more than half of the injury reports, with falling televisions proving to be the most deadly—with more than 62% of reported fatalities.
The CPSC warns that small children are no match for a falling dresser, wall unit or 50 to 100-pound television. Children involved in these tip-over incidents often sustain severe head and other bodily injuries as a result of being crushed or trapped under the weight. In 57% percent of the reported fatalities and 39% percent of non-life threatening injuries, the primary area affected was the head.
Over 40% of these fatalities occurred in bedrooms, while 19% occurred in living or family rooms. Some of these appear to have been because families purchased or transitioned to flat screen televisions and moved their older, heavier TVs into bedrooms and other rooms in the house without the appropriate stands or anchoring devices.
Here are some other stats from the study for parents of small children and parents-to-be to keep in mind:
- Of all injuries of this type treated in emergency rooms over this study period, an average of 25,400 (59%) per year involved children under age 18 years.
- Of reported fatalities, 84% involved children between the ages of 1 month and 8 years.
- 44% of these reported accidents involved falling televisions (or TVs plus furniture), 52% involved only furniture falling, and 4% involved appliances falling.
- 82% of furniture-only related injuries for children fell into three categories: tables (34%), chests, bureaus and dressers (28%) and shelves, shelving units and bookcases (19%).
- 62% of reported child fatalities involved televisions falling, with 36% TV-only and 26% TV plus the furniture it was sitting on.
- 30% of these fatalities involved furniture only, with the largest category being a chest, bureau or dresser.
- 8% involved falling appliances.
- 69% of these accidents and 77% of the fatalities occurred in homes.
- The main injury types and body areas affected were contusions / abrasions (39%), internal organs (15%), lacerations (14%) and fractures (13%).
- Injuries to the head (39%), legs, feet and toes (34%), and arms, hands and fingers (16%) were most common.
- Of reported deaths, 57% were crushed underneath the object, while 12% were hit/struck by the object, and 19% were suffocated. Of these deaths, 64% involved the head in some way.
- 36% of these child fatalities were due to the victim or someone else climbing on the furniture and/or television.
- 14% of these fatalities were due to force being applied to the furniture and/or television, such as hitting, pulling, or kicking.
- 7% of the victims were involved in some activity near the object, such as playing or adjusting the controls on a TV or electronic device connected to the TV.
- The remaining 42% were due to either unknown or other reasons.
What can you do to keep one of your children from becoming a statistic? It's really quite simple, according to CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum:
"We know that low-cost anchoring devices are effective in preventing tip-over incidents. I urge parents to anchor their TVs, furniture and appliances and protect their children. It takes just a few minutes to do and it can save lives."
To help prevent tip-over tragedies, CPSC recommends the following safety measures in homes where children live or visit:
- Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor.
- Place TVs on sturdy low bases, or anchor the furniture and the TV on top of the base, and push the TV as far back on the furniture as possible.
- Keep remote controls, toys and other items that might attract children off of TV stands or furniture.
- Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children.
- Make sure freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.
- Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed.
You can also check with your local Baby Product Experts certified store for expert assistance with the safe placement and securing of your baby's nursery furniture. Remember: Once children start standing, reaching and climbing, they can become candidates for these types of accidents.
Sources:
©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
So you're preparing for a new baby? What a very special time in your life! If you're like a lot of moms, you're probably spending a lot of time dreaming of what you want your nursery to look like.
We at Baby Product Experts and our network of certified stores know exactly how you feel and we love helping new parents plan for your baby's arrival.
Many of our store owners started their businesses because they had a difficult time finding the types of products they wanted when they were having their own babies. Most are parents or grandparents who dedicate themselves to researching and offering the safest and best quality products for their customers.
They also carry good quality furniture that offers great value because it's built to adapt and last throughout your child's lifetime, as well as adorable bedding and accessories to help make your dream nursery a reality.
A great place to begin planning your baby's room is on our free Virtual Nursery Planner. Before you get started, you'll want to grab a pencil, paper and tape measure.
Measure the dimensions of your room, starting with the length and width. Don't forget to also measure the height, width and position of all doors, windows and closets.
You'll be entering these dimensions into your nursery plan, so our virtual program can help you see how much room you have and where each piece of furniture will fit.
If your nursery is on the second floor, be sure to measure the width of the hallways and any width/height limitations you may have on staircases. Measure any items you already have for the room and make a list of furniture items for your shopping list.
By using our virtual nursery planner BEFORE you shop, you'll already know whether these new items will fit in your home and avoid any disappointments or costly returns. (Keep in mind that some custom furniture is non-returnable.)
Here are some recommended furniture items for your new nursery:
- Crib - It's best to buy a crib that's new or at least manufactured after June 28, 2011, when the latest crib safety standards went into effect. We do not recommend borrowing a crib from a family member or friend, since disassembling/reassembling can lead to missing parts and/or other safety issues. Please also be cautious about purchasing used cribs, since many of these are older. Check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Crib Information Page for current safety standards and more useful information.
- Mattress – Invest in a new mattress. In addition to the sanitation issues, the support of a good quality mattress will be important as your child's body develops over the next couple years.
- Changing table or dresser with changing pad
- Rocking chair or glider chair
- Ottoman – Optional for your comfort, especially if you are planning to nurse your baby
- Armoire or chest – Optional for addition storage
- Rug – Optional, but important if your room has solid surface floors like wood or tile.
Once you know which items you want to put in your nursery and have at least a general idea of their dimensions, you're ready to begin:
- Use this link to log into the Baby Product Experts Virtual Nursery Planner.
- Locate the drop down menus on the left under “Furniture” and “Nursery & Youth.”
- Click on “Furniture” to find structural components like windows and doors.
- Click on “Nursery & Youth” for common nursery furniture pieces and the "Rugs" option.
That's all there is to it! Now, have fun designing your room.
If you want to save or print your plan, you can register and create a login that will allow you to go back into the program, make changes to your nursery plan and plan out other rooms in your home any time you want.
Also by registering and printing your plan, you'll get a Baby Product Experts coupon to use when you go shopping for baby items, including furniture, at your local Baby Product Experts certified store.
Feel free to share your plan with your family and friends, and check out the Baby Product Experts Pinterest board where we've collected lots of cool nursery design ideas under Non-Gender-Specific Nurseries, Boy Nursery, Girl Nursery, Great Stuff for Kids’ Rooms and more. We also have boards on other topics of interest to parents-to-be and grandparents during this very important time.
Here are some other related posts on the Baby Product Experts blog that you may also find interesting:
©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.
The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) designates January as Birth Defects Prevention Month each year to increase awareness of the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. This year's theme is “Birth defects are common, costly, and critical.”
According to the NBDPN, a baby is born with a birth defect every 4-1/2 minutes in this country, which is why they are so intent on getting healthcare professionals and the general public focused on raising awareness about the steps that can be taken to prevent them.
More than 120,000 babies — about 1 in every 33 live births — are reported born with a birth defect each year in the United States. In addition to being the most common cause of death in infants, birth defects are the second most common cause of death in children aged one to four years.
There are many different kinds of birth defects. Some have only a minor and brief effect on a baby’s health and some have life-threatening and/or lifelong effects.
Babies who survive and live with birth defects are at increased risk for developing many lifelong physical, cognitive, and social challenges. Medical care and support services only scrape the surface of the financial and emotional impact on families and the child living with birth defects.
The risk for many types of birth defects can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices and medical interventions before and during pregnancy. Public awareness, expert medical care, accurate and early diagnosis, and social support systems are all essential for optimal prevention and treatment of these all-too-common and often deadly conditions.
Most people are unaware that there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of birth defects. The health conditions of both parents prior to pregnancy, as well as factors in the environment and the mother's diet, lifestyle choices, and medications before and during pregnancy, can play a role in preventing or increasing the risk.
Although not all birth defects can be prevented, here's a list of important steps the NBDPN urges women who are pregnant or may become pregnant to take in order to help reduce the risk for those that can be:
- Take 400mcg of folic acid daily from the beginning of menstruation through menopause.
- Eat a healthy diet and aim for a healthy weight.
- Keep diabetes under control.
- Get a medical checkup before pregnancy and address specific health issues including weight control, control of diabetes, and any medications taken.
- Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
- Stop drinking alcohol prior to pregnancy or as soon into pregnancy as possible.
- Do not take illegal drugs.
- Plan carefully. Use contraception if taking medications that increase the risk for birth defects.
- Know your family medical history and potential genetic risks.
Even small steps, like visiting a healthcare provider before pregnancy and taking a multivitamin every day, can go a long way.
In addition to its efforts in prevention, the NBDPN works to improve nationwide surveillance of birth defects and to advance research on possible causes. It also offers support to families who are dealing with the realities of a child born with one of these conditions.
Awareness efforts offer hope for reducing the number of birth defects in the future. Several groups and organizations have partnered with the NBDPN this month to hold education, outreach, and prevention activities in their local communities.
The NBDPN itself offers an amazing amount of information and resources regarding various birth defects and prevention information on its web site, including links to information from several other organizations.
Check out the page of resources they've created for National Birth Defects Prevention Month. Most information is available in both English and Spanish. Here are just a couple of the informational flyers/pamphlets you'll find there:
Source/resource: National Birth Defects Prevention Network
©2012 BabyProductExperts.com. All rights reserved.