Deflate your Child’s Water Wings: Water Safety Update!

He rushed back into the bathroom only to see my tiny body face down in the tub. In the moment that he had stepped out of the bathroom, I had climbed back in. My little white nightgown acted as a stopper, trapping the remaining water and holding my small frame hostage. A moment of time…an inch of water…had my father arrived one minute later I may not be sharing these safety tips with you today.

Water safety is always an important topic. During the summer months when temperatures soar, baby pools become permanent yard fixtures, and playdates are centered at the neighborhood pool; it’s imperative that we refresh our memories so that are kids safely stay afloat.

1. What Flotation Devices To Trust:

I wore them. You probably wore them, and we are both here today, but don’t trust your child’s water wings to keep them from drowning. Not only can they easily deflate, they can easily slip off. They don’t keep your little one’s head above water, and they are not Coast Guard approved as a true safety flotation device. While no flotation device (inflatable toys, noodles, etc) should replace proper adult supervision in or around the water, making sure that your child has a Coast Guard approved flotation device is of paramount importance.

2. Backyard Water No No’s :

Although it may sound impossible, young children can drown in as little as an inch of water. Tragically, it happens. So while leaving a baby pool in the back yard may sound like a great idea…DON’T DO IT! When you are done with it, put it away immediately. Even if you dump it out and leave it in the yard, summer rain storms are sure to add an inch here or there. While your little one may not wander into it, a neighboring child may. The only way to ensure that your baby pool won’t lead to an unintentional injury is to supervise appropriately when you are using it, dump all of the water out when you are done with it, and safely store it on its side or flipped upside down in your garage or another place where only an adult can get it down.

In addition to baby pools, standing buckets of water and splash tables that hold water can also be dangerous. dump these out as well and store them properly.

If you have a backyard pool or are visiting someone who does, make sure that you are always supervising. Kids are fast! One minute they are at your side and the next they are in the water. It only takes a moment for a child to drown. It’s okay for you to be paranoid when your kids are around water. That’s your job! It’s also a good idea to make sure that you take a CPR class. Heaven forbid that you will ever need to use it, but in the event that something happens, knowing CPR could make the difference in your child’s life. Every moment counts.

3. Teach them to Swim:

The American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending that young children be introduced to swimming at a young age. Starting as early as the toddler years is a great idea! Research now shows that formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning in children ages 1-4 years old. Even if your child knows how to swim, you should always supervise! Also, advise your kids to stay away from pool drains. These have been known to have a suction power that can pull children down preventing them from being able to get back to the surface.

For more detailed information check out the CDC’s recommendations as well as those from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Have fun in the water this summer…but don’t forget to stay safe. Sun protection is also important! Check out this blog post: Sunscreen safety tips for Kids

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4 MUST KNOW Safety Tips for Choosing and Applying Your Child’s Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a MUST for our kids! And, although most of us use it on them routinely, is the type that we are using really safe for kids? I recently had to make a sunscreen switch for my own daughter after reviewing the American Academy of Pediatrics and the FDA’s updated guidelines and recommendations. Since I was in the dark on this topic, I thought I would share 4 important points that every mom should know.

1. Ditch the Oxybenzone

When a friend asked me my opinion about oxybenzone in children’s sunscreen, I gave her a blank stare. I hadn’t really heard all that much about it, and I assumed that the concerns were simply social media hype. Trying not to be too skeptical, I told her that I would look into it. To my surprise, there does seem to be some legitimate concern regarding oxybenzone, although some organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology do still think that it is safe to use in children. (The CDC and the Environmental Working Group). This product which is found in many infant and children sunscreens can act like a hormone, potentially influencing our developing children’s endocrine systems. Although long-term studies have not yet been done to determine the extent of the harm, the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that parents avoid this ingredient when purchasing sunscreen. In a society where precocious puberty (puberty at a young age) is becoming a more common issue, I decided it was probably a good idea to not take a chance. I’ve opted for a oxybenzone free sunscreen. On a side note, if you are going to be out in the sun and your only option for sunscreen contains oxybenzone, go ahead and use it. Infrequent use is probably not going to have an effect on your child’s hormone levels, but we do know that sunburns in childhood definitely predispose them to skin cancer later in life.

2.  Aerosolized Children’s Sunscreen May be a “No, No”

Many of the large sunscreen companies have made our lives as moms much easier! They have created an aerosolized sunscreen revolution. It’s fast, it’s much less messy, and it goes on more easily. Bad news is…we aren’t exactly sure what it might be doing in our children’s lungs. The whole point of an aerosolized sunscreen is that it sprays through the air onto the skin. Our children are inevitably breathing in some of this spray. Because the aerosolized sunscreens contain nano particles (incredibly tiny particles), when breathed in they are able to travel much further into the lungs. There is concern in the medical community that these nano particles might cause local irritation in the lung tissue or result in increased absorption with unknown longterm effects. If you have to use an aerosolized spray, first spray it onto your hand (away from your child) and then apply it to your child’s skin directly.

3. Broad Coverage Update

The FDA has changed its regulations on how companies are allowed to promote their sunscreens. They can only advertise “Broad Coverage” if they provide both UVA (ultraviolet ray A) and UVB (ultraviolet ray B) protection. You want to make sure that you are choosing a sunscreen that has both of these. This is the only way to prevent not only sunburns, but also longterm risk for skin cancers. In addition to broad coverage, make sure that you look for an SPF of at least 15 to 30 (50 would be great if you have the option). Anything higher than 50 doesn’t really have any additional protection as far as we can tell. So, if it says SPF 70 but no broad coverage, don’t buy it!

4. Put it on Before You Hit the Beach and then Keep Reapplying!!

Sunscreen needs a little time (15-30 minutes) to absorb in order to be effective. Don’t wait until you are already in the sun to put it on your kids. Apply it before you leave the house so that they will be protected from the harmful UV rays the entire time they are in the sun. Remember to keep reapplying it as well. Once and done is not going to work. Most sunscreens need to be reapplied after two hours. However, if your child is swimming or sweating, you should reapply it sooner.

Check out the AAP Sun Safety Guideline Information Sheet for Parents for more information on sun protection. Remember…protecting your child’s skin from burns today will protect him/her from skin cancer later in life. It really is that important!

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How to make sure that your child’s sunscreen is helping and not hurting!

Sunscreen is a MUST for our kids! And, although most of us use it on them routinely, is the type that we are using really safe for kids? I recently had to make a sunscreen switch for my own daughter after reviewing the American Academy of Pediatrics and the FDA’s updated guidelines and recommendations. Since I was in the dark on this topic, I thought I would share 4 important points that every mom should know.

1. Ditch the Oxybenzone

When a friend asked me my opinion about oxybenzone in children’s sunscreen, I gave her a blank stare. I hadn’t really heard all that much about it, and I assumed that the concerns were simply social media hype. Trying not to be too skeptical, I told her that I would look into it. To my surprise, there does seem to be some legitimate concern regarding oxybenzone, although some organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology do still think that it is safe to use in children. (The CDC and the Environmental Working Group). This product which is found in many infant and children sunscreens can act like a hormone, potentially influencing our developing children’s endocrine systems. Although long-term studies have not yet been done to determine the extent of the harm, the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that parents avoid this ingredient when purchasing sunscreen. In a society where precocious puberty (puberty at a young age) is becoming a more common issue, I decided it was probably a good idea to not take a chance. I’ve opted for a oxybenzone free sunscreen. On a side note, if you are going to be out in the sun and your only option for sunscreen contains oxybenzone, go ahead and use it. Infrequent use is probably not going to have an effect on your child’s hormone levels, but we do know that sunburns in childhood definitely predispose them to skin cancer later in life.

2.  Aerosolized Children’s Sunscreen May be a “No, No”

Many of the large sunscreen companies have made our lives as moms much easier! They have created an aerosolized sunscreen revolution. It’s fast, it’s much less messy, and it goes on more easily. Bad news is…we aren’t exactly sure what it might be doing in our children’s lungs. The whole point of an aerosolized sunscreen is that it sprays through the air onto the skin. Our children are inevitably breathing in some of this spray. Because the aerosolized sunscreens contain nano particles (incredibly tiny particles), when breathed in they are able to travel much further into the lungs. There is concern in the medical community that these nano particles might cause local irritation in the lung tissue or result in increased absorption with unknown longterm effects. If you have to use an aerosolized spray, first spray it onto your hand (away from your child) and then apply it to your child’s skin directly.

3. Broad Coverage Update

The FDA has changed its regulations on how companies are allowed to promote their sunscreens. They can only advertise “Broad Coverage” if they provide both UVA (ultraviolet ray A) and UVB (ultraviolet ray B) protection. You want to make sure that you are choosing a sunscreen that has both of these. This is the only way to prevent not only sunburns, but also longterm risk for skin cancers. In addition to broad coverage, make sure that you look for an SPF of at least 15 to 30 (50 would be great if you have the option). Anything higher than 50 doesn’t really have any additional protection as far as we can tell. So, if it says SPF 70 but no broad coverage, don’t buy it!

4. Put it on Before You Hit the Beach and then Keep Reapplying!!

Sunscreen needs a little time (15-30 minutes) to absorb in order to be effective. Don’t wait until you are already in the sun to put it on your kids. Apply it before you leave the house so that they will be protected from the harmful UV rays the entire time they are in the sun. Remember to keep reapplying it as well. Once and done is not going to work. Most sunscreens need to be reapplied after two hours. However, if your child is swimming or sweating, you should reapply it sooner.

Check out the AAP Sun Safety Guideline Information Sheet for Parents for more information on sun protection. Remember…protecting your child’s skin from burns today will protect him/her from skin cancer later in life. It really is that important!

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Poison Prevention… 9 life saving safety tips for your innocent child

It only takes a moment…a fraction of a moment…a turned back…an unlocked cabinet…a detergent pod left on the counter…a bottle of nail polish remover sitting next to the sink…or a Tylenol bottle left open in the bottom of a purse…only a moment for the unthinkable to happen. Every day, according to the CDC over 300 children are treated in emergency rooms across the United States due to poisonings. Every day 2 of these children die. And, while you might say that this could never happen in your home…9 out of 10 poisonings do occur at home.

Just last week I realized that my daughter wasn’t her usual noisy self. I had left her coloring at the kitchen table while I started on dinner, but in the two seconds that my back was turned she had snuck into the pantry. I found her crouched on the floor with something in her mouth! I began to panic. What had she found? Thankfully, it was only a girl scout cookie, but she had somehow managed to sneak it from a shelf far beyond her reach. On that same shelf (that I assumed to be baby proof distance) I had my vitamins, over the counter pain killers, and cold medications neatly stacked…all with child proof lids, but still! Heartworm pills for the dog in non-baby proofed punch out aluminum covered tabs were only one shelf higher. Could she possibly reach them too? Wake up call for this mama!

Baby proofing a house is hard work. While latches on cupboards are incredibly important here are a few additional tips to make sure that your little one doesn’t get his or her hands and mouth on something harmful. Medications, cleaning supplies, and even makeup can be toxic to your toddler or infant.

TIPS TO PREVENT POISONING:

1. KNOW WHAT CAN HARM

While some items stand out as obviously harmful, some aren’t quite as glaring. Everyone knows to keep medications and cleaning supplies away from children, but laundry pods? Yes, these small packets used in the dishwasher and now even the washing machine have introduced a new vehicle for poisoning. They are small enough for a little hand to hold, and they look delicious. Makeup can be equally alarming. Eye makeup remover and many other beauty products can also be harmful if ingested. Even certain plants can be poisonous. Art supplies often contain harmful chemicals if ingested. Keep all of these out of reach and locked away.

2. LOCK THEM AWAY

This is referring to harmful substance…NOT YOUR CHILDREN! Make sure that all cleaning supplies, medications, and anything potentially toxic is out of reach, out of sight, and locked away from your children. Kids are little Houdini’s. Putting something harmful one shelf level above their reach is not going to cut it! They grow! You forget! And, then one day soon they can reach it or climb to it. Use safety features to lock low kitchen and bathroom cupboards that house cleaning supplies. Make sure that your laundry detergent is on a high shelf that is impossible for your toddler to access. Also be sure to keep all medications, cleaning supplies, and any other potentially poisonous chemicals in their original containers or bottles. This prevents confusion and mistaken ingestion.

3. CALL IT WHAT IT IS!

Don’t call your medication “CANDY.” It is not candy! Medicine is medicine. It is made to heal, but it can be deadly if taken by the wrong person or in incorrect doses. Calling poison candy is a recipe for disaster and injury!

4. EDUCATE Grandparents and babysitters (pill boxes are not baby proof!)

Most likely you are not the only person watching your child 24/7. If your child is going to another home, make sure that the same principles for safety are established in that home as well. If your baby sitter is coming to your home, let her know where you keep potentially harmful substances and make sure that she uses the baby proofing latches appropriately. Grandparents are often on several medications. Make sure that these medicines are not loosely stored in plastic bags, on the counter top, or even pill boxes in their purse. Toddlers love playing with things that open and close. Pill boxes are a perfect little toy. Also, make sure that anyone watching your child has the number for poison control programmed into their phone or in a very visible place.

5. Have the POISON CONTROL (1-800-222-1222) number programmed in your phone and in a visible place

Yes, I am repeating myself! Make sure that you, anyone watching your child, and grandparents all have the number for Poison Control programmed into your phones. Leave the number in a visible place where you (or anyone in your home) can always find it (such as the refrigerator door) or on the door to the garage.

WHAT TO DO IF THE UNTHINKABLE (Poisoning) HAPPENS:

1. Don’t take time to freak out…instead grab your phone!

CALL 911 first if the child is not responding, has collapsed, or is not breathing. You want to make sure that help is on the way as quickly as possible. If the child is awake and responding first CALL POISON CONTROL (1-800-222-1222). Do not call your pediatrician or family physician first. They will simply connect you with poison control or they will have you hang up and call 911. Poison control is trained to tell you exactly what to do depending on what your child has ingested.

2. Have This Information Ready if Possible

• the child’s age and weight
• the container or bottle of the poison if it is available
• the approximate time when the poisoning occurred (your best guess is fine)
• the address where the poisoning occurred

3. Don’t Hang Up

While you may be tempted to hang up the phone if you are panicking or if your child isn’t doing well…DON’T HANG UP! Listen to the instructions from either the Emergency Room or Poison Control. Their advice is incredibly important and lifesaving. Do what they tell you to do! Every minute counts.

4. Do Not Use Syrup of Ipecac

While many grandparents would tell you that this is the “cure-all” for poisoning, this is not the case. In the past, syrup of ipecac was recommended after a harmful ingestion. This medication causes vomiting. While this may bring the poison out, it may also be harmful in the process. Vomiting up a toxic chemical may lead to severe chemical burns in the throat. It can also lead to choking on the toxic chemical, allowing some of the chemical to move into the lungs and smaller airways.

While no parent, grandparent, or caregiver ever wants to think that a child could be poisoned on their watch…it unfortunately does happen. Children are naturally curious, and little ones love to put things in their mouths. Take the steps above to help protect your child. For more information on safety and poison prevention click on the highlighted links above.

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Protect Your Babies From The Freezing Cold…winter weather car safety tips

Winter has arrived…cold temps, snow drifted driveways, and icy roads. Since most of us don’t have the luxury of hibernating all winter long, it’s important that we are prepared just in case a winter storm hits while we are out and about-especially with our little ones. No one ever thinks they are going to get stuck, stranded, lost, or in an accident, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep your cell phone fully charged, your gas tank fully topped off, and let someone know that you are heading out. In addition, throw these items in a Tupperware container and keep them in your trunk during the winter months. You probably won’t ever need to use them…but, just in case! You can purchase pre-packaged winter survival kits in many stores and online, but make sure that they have these items before you purchase them (or be prepared to add to the kits).

Winter Weather Survival Kit Checklist:

1. Cell Phone, portable charger, extra battery

2. Small Shovel and a Windshield Scraper

3. Battery Powered Radio and a Flash Light with extra batteries

4. Snack Foods and Bottles of Water- some great options include hard candy, jellybeans, candy bars, raisins, nuts, dehydrated fruit, and jerky. You want foods that are dense in calories, protein and sugar. If you have a little one make sure that you have extra formula if you aren’t breast-feeding or age appropriate foods.

5. Blankets and Clothing-Keep several blankets or a sleeping bag in the car. Extra warm clothes such as long underwear, heavy socks, hats and mittens, and even a ski mask are also important to have on hand. Hand warmers and foot warmers can also come in handy.

6. Nylon Rope and a Bright Colored Flag or piece of fabric along with a whistle to signal for help

7. Waterproof matches (sometimes lighters won’t work in extremely cold temperatures) and a can to melt snow for water

8. Compass, map, and jumper cables

9. First Aid Kit

10. Road Salt and Sand

11. Toilet paper and paper towel (if you have a little one make sure to have diapers, wipes, and formula)

12. A source of heat is incredibly important in case your car won’t run. A multiple wick candle can heater is a good option (along with water proof matches). Even having a hand full of standard pillar candles can generate a significant amount of heat.

Some Important Safety Survival Tips if You Get Stranded (throwing these in for free:)

I grew up in Michigan, so I was aware of most of these tips…but not all of them. Even if you’re from Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Montana you may want to refresh your memory! If you’ve transplanted from a warm weather state, then you definitely need to read these life saving tips!

1. Always stay with your vehicle (don’t go exploring in a blizzard!)

2. Run your engine sparingly (15 minutes every hour). If the weather is extremely cold you may need to run the engine continuously because it may not restart if you turn it off.

3. Don’t go to sleep with the engine running! Read something to keep yourself awake and to pass the time.

4. Make sure that the exhaust pipe of the car is clear of snow. You don’t want carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Keep your feet off the floor if you don’t have the heater on. You can’t afford to lose heat through your feet!

6. Tie your colorful flag or banner onto the car antenna. If you do have to leave the car for any reason make sure that you tie your nylon rope to the car and then to yourself so that you can find your way back.

7. Move everything from your emergency kit from the trunk of your car into the interior of the car. Look through your supplies to see what you have. If you have to sleep, eat a high calorie snack just before you go to sleep so that you can increase your metabolism and thus heat production while sleeping.

8. Start layering up now with all extra clothing. You want to stay warm! It is a lot easier to stay warm than it is to regain lost heat. Try to loosen any of your clothing that may be tight. This can help maintain body heat circulation. Take off all metal jewelry since this can decrease your body temperature as it gets cold.

These are just some important winter weather safety highlights that I’ve pulled from the following sources. Click on the links for more information. Stay safe! Stay warm!

North Dakota Department of Transportation

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: Emergency Preparedness and Response

The AllState Blog

 

 

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7 Tips About Car Seat Safety That NO PARENT can RISK missing!

I picked up the phone expecting to hear my father’s cheery voice. Instead, I felt the wind being knocked out of my chest with each word he spoke. There had been a car accident. He hadn’t made it. He had suffered severe head trauma; and even with the best neurosurgeons fighting for his life, they had been unable to perform the miraculous. Who else was in the car? Who else was hurt? My mind was racing. Her tiny toddler frame had suffered several fractures, but she was going to be fine. My mind buzzed. He wasn’t even 10 years old. How could life be so fragile?

Some moms have called me crazy for my car seat paranoia. “What are the odds of getting in a severe car accident in the first place? What are the odds of something bad actually happening to your child?” Unfortunately, the odds are greater than you might think. In fact, motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death for children living in the United States according to the CDC. I know first hand what it is like to lose someone you love in a car accident. In fact, three funerals for three different children from three different families have solidified my paranoia that car accidents CAN hit close to home. Standing over countless bodies in the trauma bay, bloodied and disfigured from motor vehicle accidents has only further cemented this scary and gruesome fact in my mind.

Car accidents DO HAPPEN. And, while preventing all of them in the first place would be ideal, the reality is that even with concerted efforts to eliminate texting, drunk driving, distracted driving, reckless driving, and poor judgement calls (all of which are paramount efforts); 100% prevention is impossible. So if we can’t prevent all motor vehicle accidents, apart from doing our best to drive safely, what can we do?

We can do our best to protect the little ones that we love by making sure that their car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are doing their jobs. Again, 100% protection is not a guarantee, but by paying attention to the safety resources and recommendations that we do have, we can significantly decrease the risk of injury and even death. According to the CDC, properly using a car seat reduces the risk of infant death by 71% and toddler death by 54%; and, the appropriate use of booster seats reduces the risk of serious injury for children aged 4-8 by 45% compared to just using a seatbelt. These numbers alone prove the importance of child passenger safety efforts.

Here are 7 Tips You NEED TO KNOW to make sure that your child has the maximum protection while in the car:

1. Choose a Safe Car Seat

-Make sure that your car seat has a label that says that it has been rated by the NHTSA. These all meet federal safety standards and strict crash test ratings.

-Make sure that it has the label with the Model number and the Manufacturer date

-Make sure that you register your car seat in case of recalls (which do happen!). Simply click on the highlighted link to register.

-If Choosing a USED Car Seat:

If you are choosing a used car seat you MUST know the HISTORY of that seat. Do not use a car seat that has been in a previous moderate to severe crash. If it doesn’t come with instructions, do not use it. If it lacks a safety label, model number, or manufacture date, do not use it. Contact the manufacturer and check to make sure that its specific make and model have not had any recalls issued before you use. Make sure that there is not obvious damage or missing parts-this could make it structurally unsound. Make sure that it is not more than 6 years old or expired. If you are missing even one piece of the history…move on and find another car seat.

2. Choose Your Car Seat Based on Age, Height and Weight: 

Make sure that your child is buckled in an age and size appropriate car seat or booster. You can double-check the age, weight, and height restrictions of your seat in the owner’s manual and sometimes it is even labeled on the seat itself. You can find a more detailed chart from the CDC and from Healthy Children detailing appropriate seats based on age, height, and weight at the highlighted links here. Or, use this helpful calculator to determine the appropriate seat for your child. The general rules are as follows:

Infant to 2 years: Rear Facing Car Seat (this recommendation has recently changed. Previously parents were advised that if their child met the weight and height regulations they could be turned around after only a year of age. The recommendation now is to keep your child rear facing until at least 2 years or until they meet the maximum height and weight restrictions for their rear facing seat. This is the safest position to prevent and limit severe injury.

2 Years to At Least 5 Years of age (or they outgrow the weight and height restrictions)-Forward Facing Car Seat

Age 5 Up Until a Seat Belt Fits Properly: Booster Seat

3. Use Your Manual to Install Your Seat and Get Your Install Double Checked

Make sure that you take the time to review your car seat owner’s manual and even your car owner’s manual. Car seats are not all the same, and all cars are not the same. Simply clicking and tightening doesn’t ensure a safe installation. The location, the angle, and the latches are just a few things to consider. Click HERE for some helpful install tips and then follow your owner’s manual installation instructions step by step. When you have finished installing, make sure to have someone double-check your work. You may consider yourself an expert, but studies show that 90% of car seats are not used correctly! Yes, that was 90% according to Johns Hopkins. Many hospitals have staff that will double-check your car seat before you head home with your newborn, but it is always best to get your install double checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician several months before your baby is expected to be born just in case your little one decides to come early and your hospital doesn’t offer this inspection service. If you are able to get it checked in advance or if you are simply changing car seats, most fire stations or public health departments will also offer install inspections free of charge or at a minimal cost. To locate a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in your area, click HERE.

4. Choose the Safest Spot in the Car!

Car Seats should ALWAYS be placed in the back seat of the vehicle. If for some reason this is not possible (your car consists of only one front row of seats), and you do not have another transportation option, then you must make sure that the air bags are turned OFF in the front seat especially if you are using a rear facing car seat. If your child is in a car seat in the front and an airbag deploys, it could cause severe brain damage or even kill your child. So in general, the rule stands…PUT YOUR CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR. Again, all vehicles are not set up with safety latches in the same locations, nor do all cars have the option for a middle seat (in the case of vans with bucket seats), and if you’re installing more than one car seat then the middle will not be an option either. But, if you are able to safely install your seat in the rear MIDDLE or CENTER SEAT, it is the safest spot in the car for your child according to current research. While placement of a car seat in any rear seat position does provide excellent protection if installed correctly (decreasing the risk of injury by 62% compared to front seats), the center rear position has been shown to reduce the risk of injury for children an additional 43% compared to the rear side seats, according to evidence published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

5. Rear Face Your Car Seat As Long As Safely Possible.

As I mentioned above, the safety recommendations on how long to rear face a car seat has changed. The longer that you are safely able to keep your child rear facing the better! Previously the recommendations had allowed for turning the car seat around (for convertible seats) or switching to a forward facing car seat at 1 year of age as long as the minimum weight and height requirements were met. Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to keep their child rear facing until they are AT LEAST two years of age unless they have outgrown the height and weight recommendations for their rear facing seat (some small children can stay in a rear facing seat well past the age of 2 years). We now know that the rear facing position is the safest for protecting the head, neck and spine in infants and toddlers.

6. Secure the straps properly

Double check your car seat straps each time that you put your infant or child into the seat. Often times they will have loosened when you take your child out of the seat. The straps should be snug and leave no room for slack! If you can pinch the strap, then it is too loose. Grab the strap at shoulder level. Try to pinch the harness from top to bottom. If you can pinch a fold then the harness is too loose. It should fit snuggly like a hug. You want it snug not overly tight…you do want your child to be able to breathe! The shoulder straps and the lap belt should all be securely fastened. All 5 points of the restraint system should be used every time! The chest clip should be secured at the mid-chest level. Double check that it has not slid down lower (which often happens when previously removing your child from the seat). If your child is old enough to buckle himself in, make sure that YOU still double-check the security of the latches and the tightness. For more on safely securing boosters and seat belts check out this link.

7. Avoid Puffy Coats, Snow Suits, or Extra Padding or Positioners

Winter is a tricky time for car seats. As parents we often bundle our little ones up before we trek through the cold out to the car. The problem with this scenario is that bulky coats, snow suits and layered or bulky clothing could actually be putting our children in danger and limiting the protection of our car seats and safety restraints. Bulky clothing does not allow for safety restraints to be tightened appropriately. As parents we may have a false sense of security that they straps are tight enough, when in fact they may not be secure. In the case of a motor vehicle collision, bulky clothing often compresses leaving extra slack in the harness which could allow an infant or child to be ejected from the car seat, or it could allow for more severe neck or head injury. Instead of using bulky winter wear, simply put your child in a thin winter coat and hat, warm up the car ahead of time, or drape your child with a winter coat or a small blanket over their lap.

Additionally, extra positioners for the head and neck (or any extra positioners that do not come with the car seat) are not recommended. These positioners have not been safety tested with all car seats and could interfere with the safety features of your car seat.

This list is not meant to be an all-inclusive safety lesson on car seats, nor is it meant to substitute for following your owner’s manual or your pediatrician or family physician’s recommendations. For more resources check out the highlighted links throughout the article. As parents we want to protect our children. Knowing that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death from injury for young children should motivate all of us to take extra precautions each time we put our child in the car. We can never be too safe or double-check too many times!

As always, I love to hear from YOU! Please leave a comment with your questions, experiences, or concerns.

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12 Things Parents Say That Could Be Putting Their Children In Danger…have any of these slipped from your lips?

When I hear comments like these on a routine basis from good intentioned (but unfortunately naive) moms and dads, I can’t help but cringe. Infant and toddler car seat safety is NO JOKE! This time of year (and anytime of year) with slippery roads, holiday traffic, and countless distractions…making sure that your little ones are safely secured in the car could SAVE THEIR LIVES!

12 Things Parents Say That Could Be Putting Their Children in Danger: 

1. “Turn it around sooner if they are crying!”

2. “Does the middle seat really matter that much?”

3. “What are the odds that my child is actually going to be injured in a car accident?”

4. “Do the straps really have to be that tight? I don’t want to crush her!”

5. “A new car seat is too expensive. I’m sure the one I grabbed from the garage sale is fine, right?”

6. “Do I really need to register a car seat for recalls?”

7. “It’s too cold to take off her coat in the car, and I never have time to warm it up before we leave. It should be fine, right?”

8. “I don’t have time to read the instruction manual. I can figure out how to install the car seat on my own.”

9. “I don’t need to have someone double check my car seat installation. I know what I’m doing!”

10. “I need to use extra positioners to keep him safe in his carseat.”

11. “I always make sure that she is bundled up in a fluffy coat or snow suit before I put her in her car seat. I want her to be extra warm in the car.”

12. “I’ve always just ignored the long strap on the back of the car seat. Buckling into the side hooks seems to secure it just fine.”

If any of these statements sound familiar…Click HERE for more detailed information on Car Seat Safety Recommendations.

 

This list isn’t meant to bash you upside the head, but it is meant to raise your awareness on some common car seat safety misconceptions. As a parent, protecting your child is always in the forefront of your mind. Make sure that you are doing all that you can to protect your child if a car accident were to happen. Your child is your most precious cargo…handle with extreme care!

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7 Pregnant Momma Safety Tips You Need to Know

Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to be paranoid (well, maybe just a little), but it does mean that there are certain “DO’s” and “DON’Ts” to keep you and your unborn baby safe. A pregnant woman is more likely to pick up certain food born infections, come down with viral illnesses such as colds, lose her balance, and have trouble fastening her seat belt. While the 7 safety tips I’m sharing aren’t meant to be all-inclusive safety advice during pregnancy; they are a good place to start! And, since many of you currently have “pregnancy brain,” I’ve decided to make things easy by including some great resources in the highlighted links. Click on these for more details.

1. Wear Your Seatbelt During Your ENTIRE Pregnancy

Many pregnant women think that they will hurt their baby by wearing their seatbelt. This is not the case. Research shows that not wearing a seatbelt puts your baby and you at much greater risk for harm if you were to get into a car accident. Wearing your seatbelt CORRECTLY is also important. It should be secured low and comfortably tight around your waist underneath your baby bump/across your hip bones. Do not shove the shoulder strap behind you! The top portion of the shoulder strap should come across your collar-bone. Make sure to wear it when driving, as the passenger, and when in the backseat! Air bags should NOT be turned off. They are still considered safe for pregnant women. Check out this link from The American Academy of Family Practice for more details.

2. Eat Safe Foods and Avoid Those on “The List”

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of pregnancy. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of protein will reduce your risk for diabetes, and will ensure that your baby and you are getting adequate nutrients for growth and development. But, some foods that may seem healthy are on the “DO NOT EAT” list during pregnancy. Mercury levels in certain types of healthy fish can be harmful to your developing baby. Unpasteurized products, including dairy and fruit juices, could contain harmful bacteria that could land you on the toilet or even in the hospital. Eating raw or undercooked meats or even unwashed fruits and vegetables could also lead to toxoplasmosis, a harmful infection for your unborn baby! Don’t despair! Sushi, homemade ice cream, and raw cookie dough may be off the table for now; but, you still have plenty of options for your grocery cart. Check out this link for more information and for a list of safe and unsafe foods during pregnancy.

3. Get Your Flu Shot

Yes, I said get your flu shot (if possible before you get pregnant, but it is safe to get it during pregnancy as well)!!!! Pregnant women are at greater risk for picking up viral infections during pregnancy…especially the flu. During pregnancy, your body does not mount a typical immune response. Because of this, if you do get sick with the flu, you are more likely to have a severe case that could affect your heart and lungs and even your unborn baby. Research shows that getting the flu while pregnant seems to increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight babies, and preterm deliveries. By getting your flu shot you are also providing some protection for your baby for the first six months of his life after he is born (the time when he is unable to get the flu shot and left vulnerable) by passing on antibodies to him while he is still in your womb. For more on flu shot recommendations check out these links from The Mayo Clinic and the CDC.

4. Check with your doctor before taking over the counter medications, prescription medications, and herbal supplements.

Although many “safe during pregnancy” medication lists are posted on the internet, it is always best to check with your doctor before taking any over the counter, prescription, or even herbal medications or supplements. While some of these may be safe for you (and necessary), they may not be safe for your unborn baby. Check out these links from the CDC and the March of Dimes for more information. And, of course, avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs, and tobacco during pregnancy is always recommended!

5. Avoid Cat Litter Like It’s the Plague!

Get someone else to do the dirty job of changing the cat litter! If you have a cat and are the only one able to change the litter, then make sure that you take safety precautions. Cat litter is known to harbor Toxoplasmosis, a bacteria that can be debilitating for your unborn child causing blindness and even mental disabilities. You may not even be aware that you or your unborn baby have been infected because often times you won’t have any symptoms. Make sure to wear disposable gloves and to wash your hands with soap and water each time after changing the litter. Also, make sure to change it daily. For more details check out this link from The CDC. In addition to cat litter, many women are exposed to unsafe chemicals while at work. Check with your physician if your job includes any type of chemical exposure.

6. Add a Little Stability to your Wobble

The pregnant woman wobble gets a little more wobbly as your belly grows. Make sure that you are taking precautions to prevent slipping, falling, and tripping. Wearing a supportive pair of shoes is the first step. Making sure that you are paying attention when walking to avoid uneven pavement or toddler toys, using the hand-rail when climbing stairs, keeping a bath mat outside of the tub and shower, and letting someone else stand on the step stool and ladder are some simple ways to keep your balance. Joining a prenatal yoga class may also be helpful to promote flexibility, stability, and body awareness.

7. Make Sure that Your Home is a Safe Place! 

Although the though of abuse during pregnancy may sound shocking and unlikely, almost 1 in 6 pregnant women have been abused by their partners. Financial stress, unwanted pregnancies, and jealousy are just a few reasons that abuse may increase during pregnancy. Making sure that you and your unborn baby are free from physical and emotional abuse is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Check out this link from The March of Dimes for more information and for resources.

A healthy pregnancy depends upon taking care of yourself. Making a prenatal appointment early in pregnancy, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, taking prenatal vitamins, and surrounding yourself with those who will love and support you are all critical steps. Some things are out of your control (says the mom with severe preeclampsia and a 32 week preemie), but by doing your best to follow the above safety recommendations you will limit your risk for many preventable pregnancy complications and regrets.

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a time when it’s okay to raise your voice…Domestic Violence Awareness

I never thought that I would see or talk to my best friend from childhood again. I assumed that she had simply cut me off. I had blamed her husband at first, but as time passed I simply blamed her. I had prayed for her at first, reached out to her…but, with thousands of miles between us I moved on in life. 13 years and one email later, I was devastated to hear the truth, the story behind her practical disappearance from my life.

She had done nothing wrong. She was smart. She was pretty. She was in love. She had done nothing to deserve it, and yet, she became a victim of intimate partner violence. My best friend who had been so full of life had become a shadow…locked in her home, trapped in another country thousands of miles from her own, despised and ridiculed by her husband. Her keys were taken. Her phone and computer were censored. Her trips to the store were timed. Her children were told never to listen to her. They were taught to disrespect her. She wasn’t allowed to maintain any of her previous friendships. Her life had become a nightmare.

13 years and 3 children later…she was finally able to find her voice, to muster the courage to fight. Who would listen to her? She was an outsider. Her husband was well-respected, prominent in the community. He obviously loved his wife. They were a happy family…

In spite of the odds, she fought to overcome when many would have given up. Living in a foreign country, shuffling between women’s shelters with three children, and attempting to navigate a legal system with different rules and regulations were just a few of the hurdles she faced. SHE could leave at any time. SHE could return to the United States, but her CHILDREN could not…not without her husband’s approval, an approval that he would never give.

I do believe in miracles, and I believe in answered prayers (My friend’s return to the United States with all three of her children is one example of deliverance from an impossible situation). But, I also believe that each of us should do our part to protect and help those we love who are victims of domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Domestic violence touches everyone. Even if you have never been hit, criticized continually, sexually assaulted, or been made to feel less than the amazing human that you are…someone you know NOW or may meet in the FUTURE has experienced one or all of these horrific things. Domestic violence knows no bounds. It touches women, children, the elderly, and even men. An excellent education, living in a fancy house, having the perfect job, being married to a civil servant…none of these things ensures a life free from domestic violence.

Everyone has the right to live a life free from abuse. And, since October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month…it’s time to raise your voice! Here are a few ways to get started.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends or those that you encounter if they feel safe at home or in their current relationship? Asking goes a long way! 

You will never be able to help someone if you don’t first ask them the hard questions. While some women may open up about an abusive relationship, many women are too afraid or embarrassed to bring it up. “Are you safe at home? Is anyone harming you or causing you to feel scared? Can you make your own decisions? Has anyone ever hit you or forced you to do something that you didn’t want to do?” These are just a few examples of the hard questions. If you are concerned that their answer is not truthful, don’t push them to “tell the truth”. Let them know that you are always there to listen and help. You are not there to judge them, and you will keep any and all conversations confidential. You are also not there to control them. Let them know that you would like to help if and when they are ready. (If you are talking with a child this cannot be the case. You must report any cases of suspected child abuse immediately to your local Child and Youth Services and if active abuse is occurring you should call 911 immediately. The information in this article is intended to address abuse in adults not children!)

2. Learn about available resources so that you are prepared to help someone in need.

Many resources exist to help those who are victims of intimate partner violence. Educate yourself so that you are ready to help.

The NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE is a great place to start. It is more than just a number. Their website has great resources for current and past victims, those willing to help, and health care providers. Click on the link above or go to www.thehotline.org for more information. Memorizing this telephone number could be life saving and life changing 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

3. Encourage but don’t force anyone (an adult) to leave. 

While it may seem straight forward that someone should simply leave a bad situation, this is often very complicated and at times incredibly dangerous for Domestic Violence victims. Many women who would like to leave an abusive situation are afraid of what will happen to their children. Others are afraid that their financial resources will be cut off completely. And, many are afraid for their lives. The list of concerns goes on and on. Instead of forcing someone to leave a harmful relationship immediately, encourage them that when they are ready or feel that it is safe to leave, you will be there to help them. Your friend doesn’t need to be told what to do. She needs to be able to make her own decisions.

4. Help your friend create a getaway plan. 

In addition to helping your friend come up with a getaway plan, rehearse it with her frequently. Encourage your friend, even if she is not yet ready to leave, to start preparing by storing an extra set of keys, a non-traceable phone, important legal documents such as social security cards and passports, money etc. in a safe place where her abuser cannot find it. Offer to help her with any steps of her plan that she may need such as transportation.

5. Get active in your community. 

Here are a few ideas:

*Be willing to volunteer at a local women’s shelter.

*Become a volunteer advocate for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, answering these critical calls

*Donate-there are numerous ways to raise money to End and Prevent Domestic Violence. Even shopping on Amazon through Amazon Smile can make a difference. Your business can even partner to raise funds.

While we can’t make all of the decisions for those we love or change all of their circumstances for them, we can raise our voices against domestic violence. By unreservedly shouting that abuse is NEVER okay, we can use our voices to fight back. By offering a hand of love and support to victims, we can give them a glimmer of hope for a better future. Find YOUR voice. Find YOUR courage. Change someone’s life!

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Keep Your Kids Safe: 4 Things About Bullying that Every Parent Needs to Know

Cornered against the brick wall, I didn’t expect what was coming. His fist hovered above me and then came in for the punch. I felt the wind rush from my lungs as I doubled over in pain. He was almost twice my age and down right mean. I hadn’t meant to hit his brother with the plastic golf club. We were all just playing in the yard, having fun. His brother wasn’t even hurt, but it didn’t matter. He wanted a victim. He wanted a punching bag. He didn’t care that he was twice the size of my tiny seven-year old frame. He had been waiting for the opportunity to bully, and unknowingly I had given him the perfect chance.

Almost 25 years later, I still remember this incident vividly. My sister ran to my rescue but didn’t get there in time to prevent the stomach punch. Physical assault was a foreign concept to me. I was usually well liked in school and had a lot of friends. I wasn’t sure how to react to this scary and intimidating incident. As my older sister walked me home I begged her not to tell our mother. For some reason, I was embarrassed. I also didn’t want to make things worse. I didn’t want the boy to get in trouble because I was worried that he would hunt me down and do more than just knock the wind out of me. She firmly told me that we had to tell mom to make sure that it didn’t happen again.

Unfortunately, bullying continues to be a prevalent issue in our children’s schools and in our own neighborhoods. It is such a significant problem, that over 160,000 US students stay home each school day due to a fear of being bullied according to The American Academy of Pediatrics. As our kids get ready to step back on the school buses this fall, it’s important that we take the time to educate ourselves and our children on bullying, how to prevent it, and how to deal with it when it happens. Since October is National Bullying Prevention Month, I felt that a some timely tips were in order. Signs and symptoms of bullying may not always be obvious. Some things to look for include poor attention while at school, refusal to go to school, frequent physical complaints such as stomach-aches and headaches, a decline in grades, and poor self-esteem.

Here are four helpful suggestions from the National Stop Bullying campaign on ways to address bullying this school year:

1. Help your Kids Understand Bullying

Helping your kids understand what bullying is and that it is never okay is a great starting place. Teach your kids ways to stand up for themselves, and encourage them to stand up for others.

Ways a child can stand up for himself:

1. Look at the bully and clearly but calmly tell him to STOP
2. Laugh it off and make it into a joke-this may catch the bully off guard
3. If you don’t feel safe with these options, walk away and find an adult and tell them the situation
4. Don’t fight. Instead, walk away and find an adult.

2. Open up Communication with your Kids

Take the time to talk with your kids about their day at school. Spending just 15 minutes in direct, uninterrupted conversation with your child each day will help them know that you are someone to trust with a problem. Asking about bullying directly can be very effective. Specifically ask them if they are having any problems with other children. Take the time to listen to what they are saying. If they say that they don’t like another child, this may be a red flag that the child is actually bullying them. Getting to know their friends may also be a helpful way to hear about their school experiences.

A few ways to start a conversation with your child:

1. Tell me one good thing that happened at school today. Did anything bad happen?
2. What is it like to ride on the school bus? Do you have anyone that you usually sit with?
3. Tell me about lunchtime and recess? Who do you play with or eat with? What do you like to talk about during lunch?
4. Do you think anyone at your school is a bully? Does he/she bully any of your friends?

3. Encourage Your Kids to Do the Things that They Enjoy

By encouraging your kids to do the things that they love, they will build confidence and develop friendships with children with similar interests. Both confidence and friendships are protective against bullying.

 

4. Model Kind and Respectful Behavior for your Children

Parents can help prevent bullying by modeling kind and appropriate behaviors. Children look to their parents and will model the behavior that they see. By calmly dealing with conflict in a non-hostile and non-physical manner, parents can be anti-bullying role models.

Bullying is a complex issue, but taking steps to identify it, to educate our kids on ways to address it, and to partner with programs to prevent it, can ensure that our kids are able to focus on the important things this school year…being kids, having fun, and getting a great education. For more insight on bullying, check out these webpages.

http://www.stopbullying.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/youthviolence/bullyingresearch/

http://www2.aap.org/connectedkids/samples/bullying.htm

http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/state-advocacy/Documents/Bullying%20Prevention.pdf#search=bullying

 

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