The Fisher-Price Recall: More than 10 Million Products

from CPSC



Today, Fisher-Price is recalling more than 10 million children’s products that were sold in the United States.
Fourteen models of the Fisher-Price Trike and Tough Trike toddler tricycles can cause serious injury, including genital bleeding when a child sits, strikes or falls on a pretend plastic ignition key. CPSC and Fisher-Price know of 10 injuries, including six girls between the ages of 2 and 3 who needed medical attention after falling against the pretend key that is sticking up in front of the toddler tricycle seat.

There are seven models of infant activity centers with inflatable balls in which the valve from the balls comes off. We know of 14 valves found in children’s mouths. There were three reports of a child beginning to choke on the valve. In total, we have 46 reports of the valves coming off.



Fisher-Price infant activity centers with an inflatable ball
Children can fall on or against pegs on the back legs of nearly 950,000 Fisher-Price high chairs. We know of seven children who fell on or against these legs and needed stitches and one who had a tooth injury.



Wheels detach from these green and purple Little People vehicles
And finally, the wheels can come off of two cars in the Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand ‘n Play Rampway, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Fisher-Price did the right thing in agreeing to provide consumers with free remedies for these products. But all companies must do better. They must give more attention to building safety into their products. They must work to ensure that they are adhering to safety standards. And if any company finds itself with a defective product or one that is causing injuries, it must report the problem to CPSC immediately.

Meanwhile, as moms, dads and caregivers, you, too, have a role. We thank the dozens of you who reported these incidents. Thanks to you, CPSC was able to investigate, work with Fisher-Price on a remedy and recall these products.

If a toy breaks in your child’s hands or if your child suffers an injury from a product, tell us so that we can investigate. And if you own one of these recalled products, stop using it and contact Fisher-Price for free repair kits and replacement products.

Cool New Blogs

Okay, they are not actually new blogs but they are new to me, and they are cool for moms, so check them out!

RUNLIKEAMOTHER.COM: Two single moms with five kids between them somehow balance training for extreme races (marathons, ironmans) with raising their kids.  Inspiration for when I don’t want to run just three miles!

THEMEPARKMOM:  Thinking of visiting a theme park?  Check here first for great tips and money saving advice.

PARENTHACKS:   Interesting tidbits from how to cook brown and white rice together and other “hacks” for parents.

ALLANDSUNDRY:  A mom who documents her family life with her husband and two sons living in Seattle.  I especially love the section on potty training!

WEEKLYOLIVE:  REALLY cool blog with cool stuff for moms (i.e. sales), kids (i.e. fun toys), recipes, fun stuff, baby, and more!

5 Power Foods All Kids Need

from Parents



There's no doubt that most kids get more than enough to eat (climbing rates of childhood obesity are proof of that). The problem is, a lot of the stuff they're eating every day -- like overprocessed and fast food -- is calorie dense but nutritionally skimpy. According to the latest research, young children are now falling short on five important nutrients. Find out which ones they need most, plus easy ways you can fit them in.


1. Calcium
About one-third of kids ages 4 to 8 aren't getting enough calcium, according to the latest government statistics. Too much juice -- and too little milk -- may be partly to blame. Calcium is vital for developing bone mass, nearly all of which is built during childhood and adolescence. Being deficient can interfere with growth now and increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life -- especially for girls. It's crucial to get your child into the habit of eating calcium-rich foods now since older kids are notoriously lax (nine out of 10 teen girls don't get enough). Many high-calcium foods are also rich in vitamin D, which not only strengthens bones but may help prevent type 1 diabetes and other diseases.


Top Tips
* If your baby has a hard time transitioning from breast milk or formula to cow's milk at age 1, keep trying as he gets older. "Parents often give up too quickly when their children reject it," says Parents advisor Jennifer Shu, MD, author of Food Fights: Winning the Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed with Insight, Humor, and a Bottle of Ketchup. Adding a small squirt of flavoring can help, but be sure to serve plenty of yogurt (even richer in calcium than milk!) and other calcium-fortified products in the meantime.
* Tofu made with calcium (check labels) is nearly flavorless, so it's easy to add to dishes like lasagna, quiche, stir-fries, and even smoothies, suggests Bridget Swinney, RD, author ofHealthy Food for Healthy Kids.


Best Sources
* cheese
* yogurt
* milk
* fortified foods like cereals
* waffles
* juice
* soy milk

2. Vitamin E
A whopping 80 percent of kids under the age of 8 -- including two-thirds of preschoolers -- are missing their daily vitamin E needs, according to studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A surprising culprit: fat-free and low-fat foods, which tend to be low in E, a vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. It's smart to serve low-fat products like milk and yogurt because they're lower in saturated fat, but going fat-free isn't best for things like salad dressing, which contains heart-healthy oils that are rich in vitamin E, says Parents advisor Connie Diekman, RD, director of university nutrition at Washington University, in St. Louis.


Top Tips
* Many cereals are fortified with vitamin E, but check the Nutrition Facts Panel to be sure. Keep in mind that cereals labeled "natural" won't have added vitamins and minerals.
* Some parents avoid peanut butter for fear of nut allergies, but the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics say there's no evidence that holding off on peanut butter prevents allergies. (Just be sure to spread a thin layer so it doesn't become a choking hazard for younger children.) For kids who are allergic, try swapping in 2 tablespoons of sunflower-seed butter instead of PB. It will deliver about half their daily E needs.
* Choose reduced-fat salad dressing (or full-fat as long as you watch your portion sizes) made with oils like canola, corn, or olive. Or make your own dressing using these healthy oils. Sprinkle some sunflower seeds or toasted almond slivers on top of salads as well as steamed veggies.


Best Sources
* avocado
* nuts
* peanut butter
* sunflower seeds
* plant oils
* tomato sauce
* wheat germ
* spinach

3. Fiber
It's not even digested, but fiber is still important for children because it keeps them regular and fills them up. In addition, eating a fiber-rich diet may help protect them from a variety of chronic diseases later in life. Although the official recommendation is for kids to get 19 to 25 grams of fiber a day (nearly as much as an adult needs), a more realistic goal is to follow the "rule of five": Add five to your child's age in order to get her minimum daily grams. For example, a 4-year-old should get at least 9 grams of fiber a day -- that's the amount in two slices of whole-grain bread, a half cup of strawberries, and a half cup of brown rice.


Top Tips
* "Breakfast cereal is usually the number-one way for children to get a big dose of fiber," says Sarah Krieger, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Look for cereals that have at least 5 grams per serving. Mix some in with your child's favorite cereal to smooth the transition -- and put some sliced fruit on top.
* It's ideal to have at least one high-fiber food at every meal and snack, says Swinney. One kid-friendly idea: whole-grain pita triangles with hummus (2 tablespoons of hummus has as much fiber as a half cup of brown rice).


Best Sources
* fruits (raspberries, blackberries, pears, oranges, and apples are some of the best)
* high-fiber cereal
* beans
* lentils
* chickpeas
* whole-grain bread and pasta
* oatmeal
* popcorn
* nuts
* ground flaxseed
* sweet potatoes
* green peas

4. Potassium
Children are getting less than 60 percent of the recommended dose of potassium- -- in part because many of them don't have enough fruit and vegetables in their diet. Potassium is a key player in maintaining healthy fluid balance and blood pressure and helping muscles to contract.


Top Tips
* Cook up some easy sweet-potato fries: Slice sweet potatoes into discs or sticks, toss with olive oil, and bake on a sheet until they're brown and crispy.
* Pistachios have the highest potassium content of all nuts. For kids ages 4 and up with no nut allergies, make trail mix by tossing some (unshelled) into a baggie with dried apricots.


Best Sources
* bananas
* oranges and orange juice
* white and sweet potatoes
* yogurt
* milk
* cantaloupe
* honeydew
* dried apricots
* tomatoes, tomato sauce
* fish such as halibut and cod

5. Potassium
Children are getting less than 60 percent of the recommended dose of potassium- -- in part because many of them don't have enough fruit and vegetables in their diet. Potassium is a key player in maintaining healthy fluid balance and blood pressure and helping muscles to contract.


Top Tips
* Cook up some easy sweet-potato fries: Slice sweet potatoes into discs or sticks, toss with olive oil, and bake on a sheet until they're brown and crispy.
* Pistachios have the highest potassium content of all nuts. For kids ages 4 and up with no nut allergies, make trail mix by tossing some (unshelled) into a baggie with dried apricots.


Best Sources
* bananas
* oranges and orange juice
* white and sweet potatoes
* yogurt
* milk
* cantaloupe
* honeydew
* dried apricots
* tomatoes, tomato sauce
* fish such as halibut and cod

Tupperware is Moving Away from Polycarbonate Plastic (BPA)

from The Soft Landing



We’re happy to report that Tupperware is finally moving away from BPA.  Most people wouldn’t know it though, because they make it so hard to find the information on their website.  It’s kind of strange, especially since they’re going to such effort to replace polycarbonate with safer alternatives. They’ve gone above and beyond most other companies to list each product with materials used and even included a helpful recycling code too. I’m sure their reluctance has a little bit to do with needing to clear out old BPA-filled inventory . . .

The journey to find this well-hidden information starts with Tupperware’s famous section on the healthy goodness of FDA approved bisphenol-a. From there, you must locate “BPA Q & A” in the left navigation where you are reassured of BPA’s long safety record. At this point, the average person doing their own toxic plastic research might give up and assume that nothing has changed.  But alas, if you continue through the mumbo jumbo to the very end, you’ll be invited to review their raw material identification codes.  This is where I found the very detailed list of materials used in Tupperware’s Spring & Summer 2010 Catalog for U.S. and Canada.

Most Tupperware products are now made with BPA-free polypropylene (PP, #5) and LDPE (#4).  Some product lines containing BPA have been discontinued, while some have been converted to PES or co-polyester plastic including:

• Vent n Serve
• Ice Prisms Collection
• Quick Chef Base
• Wine Accessory sets
• TupperWave Micro-cooking products (this a new line)

Keep in mind that all older versions of the products listed in our previous update may still be available in some areas.  This makes purchasing decisions harder, so be sure to confirm with the company first.

Top 10 Registry Items

from Seventh Generation Nation Members

1. Boppy
2. Seventh Generation diapers and wipes
3. Moby wrap
4. Medela breast pump
5. Ergo
6. Muslin swaddling blankets
7. California Baby products
8. Lasinoh cream and supplies
9. Gift certificates for mom
10. Bouncer

How to Cut Down on Baby Clutter

From The Stir at Cafe mom



When you have a baby, people want to give you things. Lots of things. Things you think you need but you use once. But you can't say no to gifts. You don't want to be rude, right?

On top of what you are given, there is all the baby gear that you want. The deluxe strollers, adorable clothes, colorful toys and exersaucers -- it's easy to end up with a lot of baby stuff during the first year of your baby's life.

But what's really happening is a whole lot of clutter. Clutter that you don't need. Here are ways you can cut down on the baby clutter and make sure you have only what you really need:

• Get the scoop from other moms friends on their most used items. Everyone's list is going to be different but in learning what worked for others you may find out what will work best for you. And who knows? Maybe they have a sweet jogging stroller in the garage they never use anymore and would like to lend it to you!

• List your needs vs. wants: When you are tempted to buy that super cool but very expensive hand made mobile for the nursery, ask yourself if you want it or you need it? Focus on the essentials like your car seat, stroller, crib and diaper supplies. Purchase more items as you need them, not in anticipation of needing them. It's easier said then done, but it's possible.

• Don't be afraid of exchanging baby gifts: Take back unwanted items that you received as gifts, and exchange them for wanted items that you really need. I also happen to think it's perfectly acceptable to re-gift a baby gift that you don't need if it's in good condition. After all, how many copies of Good Night Moon do you really need?

• Be smart with clothes and sizes: Your baby will literally grow overnight, so skip the fancy designer duds and stick to the basics that will hold up well and tolerate a lot of rounds in the washing machine. You don't want all 0 to 3 months clothes because they will never wear them all before those three months are up (especially the fancy stuff, especially in the early days).
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The good news is that no matter if you get sucked into buying too many things for your baby, you can't spoil them with all that love you give them every day.

Do you buy more things for your baby then you need? Do find it hard to figure out what you really should have versus what marketers want you to believe you have to buy?

My Baby’s Green

My Baby’s Green is a fabulous online store for all you green mamas out there!  They sell all organic and natural products for baby, from adorable clothing to cloth diapers, organic baby bedding, bath products, toys and more!  The website was started by a mom who wanted to provide safe products for her baby and hopes that other moms will too!   Tina, the owner of the site, lives right here in Charlotte and I love to support local Mamas. :) 

DISCOUNT!  Take 25% off any order with the promo code SPECIAL25  just for you.  So what are you waiting for?  Check it out!  I do a lot of organic shopping and My Baby’s Green already has low prices, so with the discount it’s quite a deal!  Happy shopping!

ALERT! Similac Baby Formula Recalled; Possible Beetle Contamination

from ModernMom



Drugmaker Abbott is initiating a voluntary recall of certain Similac-brand, powder infant formulas in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some countries in the Caribbean. The company says that there is a remote possibility of the presence of small beetle or larvae.

Babies who eat formula containing the beetles or their larvae could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract.

The affected products were sold in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 8-ounce, 12.4 ounce and 12.9 ounce.  The recall does't affect any liquid formulas or Abbott-brand products.

Abbott has setup a Web site to check if your baby formula has been affected and consumer hot line at (800) 986-8850. The products should be returned to the company at no cost.

Sweet Double Stroller Baby!

Bugaboo is coming out with their new double stroller The Donkey, Baby Joggers have been selling their City Selects like mad, and now the British company iCandy is debuting this sweet little beauty in the U.S. this fall – the Peach!




Available in three fabulous colors; sweet pea, black jack and tomato, the peach offers all the functionality you need, from compact one hand folding to being able to convert into a double mode of transport - this upgrade is done simply with the addition of a peach blossom converter. A great investment from the outset knowing you can grow your stroller with your growing family!


The modern bassinet offers the lie flat position and is removed simply with one hand so as not to disturb your sleeping baby. We have to boast about the ease with which this stroller folds - one simple smooth action allows the chassis to fold down, be picked up using the carrying strap and away you go, it really is that simple! All the original iCandy options of forward and rearward facing give you the ultimate versatile stroller and you will really fall in love when you feel how easy it is to maneuver... It's quite simply a peach!

The traditional uber-wide double stroller is quickly becoming a thing of the past.  If you are in the market for a double stroller or if you are buying a single stroller but looking for the option of converting it to a double stroller later, there are some great options on the market so check them all out!

PVC a Substitute for Polycarbonate (BPA) in Sippy Cups – WHAT?

from The Soft Landing



My good friend Sommer of  Green and Clean Mom called me this morning with news I never really expected to hear:  she was staring at a sippy cup marked with a #3 recycling code (PVC).

What?  Wait a minute, Sommer.  I think it must be a mistake.  Reusable plastic food containers are very (very!) rarely made with PVC.  In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a PVC sippy cup in all my years of research . . .

She had ordered hundreds of the sippy cups as a promotional item for a non-profit program, but only after carefully confirming with the manufacturer that the cups were BPA-free before ordering.
Phthalate-free PVC is Safe, Right?


No. Even phthalate-free PVC still isn’t a safe plastic because of the other harmful chemicals often used during production. CHEJ names the following possible concerns with PVC:

• May contain dioxin (a known carcinogen)
• May contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)
• May contain organotins
• May contain lead, cadmium and other metals
• Heat and humidity can increase the release of these chemicals

So here we have a reliable manufacturer (based on my own personal experience), trying to do the right thing by using BPA-free and phthalate-free plastics in their cups, while still keeping them extremely affordable.  And while I was initially surprised at their choice of PVC as a substitute, I do understand where they’re coming from – especially in light of the fact that PVC isn’t recognized as a toxic plastic by the average American just yet . . .

Okay, so it’s not the end of the world. But needless to say, we recommend you stay on the alert and pay attention to the types of plastic being used as substitutes by manufacturers – whether BPA-free or not.

Top 10 Tips for Creating a Birth Plan

from The Stir at Cafe Mom



Birth plans are written to put us at ease and think about how we want to bring a baby into the world. Just like we spend months planning a wedding, why wouldn't you plan out one of the most incredible days in your life?
They are also helpful to be prepared and know how to work through the process of labor and delivery.
Elizabeth Stein, a NYC-based certified nurse midwife shared her top tips for creating a birth plan -- these are the questions you should ask yourself and your partner so you have the answers and proper tools in place for baby's birth day. It can help everyone feel informed, ready, and ease the worries of what ifs and how tos.

1. Remember, your baby is going to come when the baby wants to come. Your baby is in charge. Your baby does not read the due date on the prenatal chart or your sonogram report. Your due date is used to manage the pregnancy to schedule prenatal appointments, schedule tests, sonograms and an induction if necessary.
2. Know exactly who will deliver you. Does your midwife or physician belong to a group? If that person is not on call the day you go into labor, who will actually deliver you? Clarify this so you are not disappointed.
3. Rest up. Labor is like running a marathon. Save your energy spurt for when you are in labor. When you get that energy spurt that predates labor, save it inside of you. Don't waste your energy cleaning the kitchen or bathroom.
4. Stay home as long as possible unless told by you midwife or physician to go the hospital. It is more comfortable to labor at home in familiar surroundings than the hospital. If you have no risk factors you may labor at home. Early labor can last many hours so don't become exhausted. Eat, drink, walk, rock, and take a shower.
5. Know when you should go to the hospital. You should go to the hospital immediately if your water breaks or you are group B strep positive or have a medical or obstetrical reason and were told to go straight to the hospital. Talk to your midwife or physician to find out exactly when they want you to call them or go directly to the hospital.
6. Eat and drink continuously at home. Know the hospital rules and follow them regarding eating and drinking in labor. Most hospitals don't allow eating solid foods in labor, but many will allow clear liquids. Other hospitals may only allows IVs and ice chips. Plan on respecting these rules. This emphasizes the importance of eating and drinking at home prior to admission. Even if you vomit labor (common in labor) some of the food will have been absorbed into your body.
7. Decide how will you labor. Walking, on a birthing bed, sitting in a chair, rocking on a big ball, in the shower? A combination of all of them?
8. Be open-minded about measures that promote a vaginal delivery. There are AROM (artificial rupture of membranes), pitocin, and epidural. Some women say they want natural . I define natural as vaginal and cesarean as surgical. Do everything you can to have that vaginal delivery.
9. Know when to bail out and have a cesarean delivery. There are no gold stars for torture. Cesarean delivery is a not a failure, just another route of delivery. You just don't want to have a cesarean that isn't indicated (decided on too early). Discuss with your midwife or physician how and when they decide to perform a cesarean in labor. In other words, how do they manage labor?  Realize that some conditions are delivered by cesareans: breech, multiples (usually), placenta previa. Understand how prolonged dilatation and descent (taking a long time for your cervix to open and your baby to descend) is managed.
10. If you are planning to deliver in a birth center or at home, know the protocols for transfer. What are the reasons for transfer to the hospital, who decides-midwife or patient? Who has the final say if there is a disagreement about the need to transfer? How will you get to the hospital? What hospital will you be transferred to?  Does the midwife have privileges there? Will a physician take over your care? Did you meet him/her during your pregnancy or is the physician a stranger? Will your midwife stay with you?

Stein recommends creating a birth plan and discussing it during a prenatal visit with your doctor or midwife toward the end of pregnancy (36 weeks on).

Free Car Seat Installation in Charlotte

Tomorrow is the next inspection but future dates are scheduled so read on and PLEASE learn how to install your car seat correctly!  Whether you’re a first time parent or just getting a new car seat, correct installation is so important and over 80% of car seats are not installed properly.  Take advantage of this great local opportunity!

LOCAL CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LEADER BRITAX OPENS CAR SEAT FITTING STATION

—New Britax Fitting Station provides car seat education and inspection—



CHARLOTTE, N.C. — June 9, 2010 — Parents and caregivers can now visit the headquarters of leading car seat manufacturer Britax Child Safety Inc. for education on proper car seat use and installation from a certified child passenger safety (CPS) technician. The Britax Fitting Station opens Friday, June 18, offering assistance from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at no charge. Britax will continue to offer free car seat installation instruction once a month throughout the year.

At the fitting station, CPS technicians confirm that a child’s car seat meets federal safety standards and has not been recalled. They also teach parents and caregivers how to correctly choose a car seat based on a child’s age, height and weight, as well as how to appropriately install and use it in their vehicle.

Improper car seat installation — and lack of a car seat altogether — is responsible for the death and injury of thousands of children each year. Approximately 96 percent of parents believe their child seats are installed correctly. However, research shows that seven out of 10 children are either not securely fastened in their car seat or are in a car seat that is not properly secured to the vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“We know that car seats that are used correctly and consistently help ensure children’s safety on the road,” said Sarah Tilton, child passenger safety advocate for Britax. “A properly installed car seat can be potentially life-saving in the event of a vehicle crash. That’s why we created the Britax Fitting Station for parents and caregivers to receive everything from installation instruction to safety recommendations.”
For best results, parents and caregivers should bring the following to Britax Charlotte, N.C., headquarters at 13501 South Ridge Drive during a scheduled Fitting Station date:

• Vehicle and vehicle owner’s manual.
• Car seat (car seats form all manufacturers are welcome) and all parts, accessories and instructions.
• A second adult to watch their child during installation instruction.

No appointment is needed, and instruction lasts approximately 30 minutes per car seat. For more information, visit http://www.britaxusa.com/safety-center/britax-fitting-station. For what to expect during a car seat safety check, visit: http://www.britaxusa.com/safety-center/car-seat-safety-check. The 2010 Fitting Station will take place during the following days and times:

• June 18, 2010 8 am - 12 pm
• July 16, 2010 8 am - 12 pm
• August 20, 2010 8 am - 12 pm
• September 17, 2010 8 am - 12 pm
• October 15, 2010 8 am - 12 pm
• November 19, 2010 8 am - 12 pm
• December 17, 2010 8 am - 12 pm

About Britax Child Safety Inc.

Child car seat and stroller manufacturer Britax^® Child Safety Inc. is the leader in developing cutting edge technologies that absorb crash forces and manage energy away from the child in a crash. Britax has pioneered features such as side impact protection, True Side Impact Protection^®, and Side Impact Cushion™ Technology to minimize the risk of injury in side impact crashes, which are the most severe vehicle collisions. The Britax range includes a car seat for every stage of a child’s life from “birth to belt” and offers higher weight capacities to keep children rear facing and in a five-point harness longer.
Britax is the best-selling child seat in Europe and has become one of the most-trusted brands in North America by parents and caregivers since entering the market in 1996. For more information, visit www.britaxusa.com.

It’s Coming…the Bugaboo Double Stroller!

The Bugaboo Donkey Double Stroller will be arriving next spring!  I don’t know much about it but I’m sure I’ll learn a lot more at the upcoming ABC Kids Expo in Vegas next month where I’ll get to see all the new products coming out next year.  There’s been a lot of talk from Bugaboo about doing a double stroller for a few years now, so this comes highly anticipated.

Here’s a bit of information on the Bugaboo Donkey from Spilling the Beans:

The Donkey is brilliantly designed to convert from a single stroller (Mono) with a small sidecar for parcels into a robust and fully-featured side-by-side double stroller (Duo).

As a single, it is 23″ wide at the wheel base - exactly the same as the Bugaboo Chameleon. It looks wider, but that’s an optical illusion due to the wider handlebar. It functions the same as a traditional Bugaboo, but the seat is a little narrower. You can convert the bassinet into the stroller seat, and face the seat towards the parent or out to the world. The seat reclines. Best of all, you can fold it in one piece, and it stands when folded. The expandable side shopping basket can hold toys, snacks or a small bag, plus there’s a very generous cargo basket under the seat.

As a double, it is a dream come true. Two sleek seats, side by side, that recline and orient independently, so you can place each one in either a forward-facing or a rear-facing position. The conversion requires just three clicks — the frame has three connection points to release and then the frame telescopes open, widening the space that had been occupied by the side shopping basket. The second seat clicks into place, and you’re on your way. The duo configuration also folds in one piece and stands when folded for optimal space management. It’s just 29″ wide, so it will fit easily through standard doorways and through the aisles at your favorite store.

The Bugaboo Donkey has 10″ front wheels (larger and more robust than the Chameleon stroller), 12″ rear wheels and sweet white wall tires all around. When I pushed the stroller, I was amazed by how good the handling was. Despite the extra width in the Duo mode, the Donkey delivers the smooth steering, suspension and responsiveness parents have come to expect from a Bugaboo stroller.

The Donkey can accommodate a child up to 37.5 pounds in each seat. Though it can be folded in one piece, you can remove the seats for a very compact fold that should fit in all but the smallest car trunk.
I’ll be posting a lot about new products coming out next year after the ABC Kids Expo next month, so be sure to keep checking back!

Going Green While Saving Green with Baby

article by Abby Stonewall Kapp in the Expectant Mother’s Guide

I’m pretty excited to have published my first article!  It’s currently online and will be in the next Charlotte print edition of the Expectant Mother’s Guide.


The words organic, green, and eco-friendly are often mistakenly associated with the word expensive.  Instead they should be associated with the word HEALTHY.

If you’ve ever thought about “going green” and living a more planet-friendly lifestyle, the absolute best time to start learning is when you are going to have a baby.  Raising a baby “green” shouldn’t require you to spend a lot of money or make huge changes in your lifestyle.  Every little thing you can do helps not only our environment, but improves the health of your child.  So let’s start small, with baby steps, and work toward creating a healthy environment for all our children.

Green Your Womb

While developing in your belly, your baby is also absorbing chemicals and nutrients from her outside environments, all of which have an impact on her development.  You can control these outside influences by making smart choices in what you eat, drink, breathe, and put on your skin.

Buying organic produce is the best way to avoid harmful pesticides while you are pregnant.  Pesticides have been linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, hyperactivity and behavior problems, cancer, learning disabilities, reproductive disorders, and compromised brain development.  Although organic produce is more expensive, it is definitely an investment worth making for the health of you and your baby.  Buying frozen organic produce can help save you money.  Another way to save money is to focus your organic purchases on the “dirty dozen” – the twelve fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residue: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, peppers, spinach, kale, cherries, potatoes, and grapes.

Cutting back on processed foods also helps eliminate harmful additives that you may pass on to your baby.  Many processed meats are preserved with nitrates, which are often cited as having links to cancer.  Pre-packages meals and snacks typically cost more, so when you can, opt instead for making your own meals at home from fresh produce and meat.

It is especially important for pregnant women to stay hydrated.  The water you drink not only supplies the liquid for your amniotic fluid, it also carries nutrients through your blood to your baby.  You can save money by not buying disposable water bottles.  Instead, buy one reusable non-plastic large water bottle such as the Klean Kanteen (stainless steel) or Life Factory (glass).  Fill your water bottle as often as possible with purified water by simply using a filter with regular tap water.

Green Your Home

One of the best ways to green your home is to learn which common plastics are not safe to have around.  Chemicals such as BPA, PVC, and phthalates are often found in plastics and are all known to be endocrine disrupters linked to negative health effects.  Check the number in the triangle on your plastic dishware items.  Numbers 3, 6 and 7 may contain one or more of these harmful chemicals and should be avoided.  BPA is slowly being phased out of many items like baby bottles, but still be very careful when buying any item for baby such as bottles, teethers, pacifiers or sippy cups that they are clearly labeled free of BPA, PVC, and pthalates.

Babies have faster respiration than adults, so they ingest more chemicals and fumes.  In 1989, the EPA estimated that the fumes produced by common household cleaners were three times more likely to cause cancer than other air pollutants.  Many commercial cleaners contain harmful chemicals, even some labeled “all-natural.”  There are, however, several green brands found readily available in stores such as Seventh Generation and BabyGanics (and you can often find coupons for these products on their websites).  Read labels CAREFULLY as the following terms are not regulated and may contain questionable ingredients: nontoxic, bio-based, chlorine-free, organic, phosphate-free, natural fragrance, and/or biodegradable.


You can also save a lot of money and safely clean your home by making your own cleaning products with white vinegar and baking soda.  When your baby is crawling all over the house and putting everything in her mouth, you want to make sure you are cleaning your home with all-natural products.

Green Your Nursery

Your baby will spend more than half his day sleeping in his crib, so his mattress is a very important place to start.  An organic crib mattress may cost you more, but if there is one best investment for your baby, this would be it.  The chemicals found in the vinyl that composes most regular mattresses have even been linked to causing SIDS.  Most organic crib mattresses, like Naturepedic, are made with organic cotton and provide non-toxic fire protection and food grade waterproofing.

Cloth diapering often intimidates new mothers, but it certainly has come a long way since the days of prefolds and pins.  Using cloth diapers instead of disposables can easily save you over $1,000 for the two years your child is in diapers (and some kids wear diapers a lot longer than that!).  The most popular kinds of cloth diapers are the pocket diaper and the all-in-one diaper (brands like Bum Genius or Bumpkins).  Both styles feature snaps or Velcro on the waterproof outside plus a cotton absorbency layer on the inside, and work just like a regular disposable diaper.  Many brands now make a “one size” diaper where you can adjust the size of the diaper to use it from newborn to toddler.

Don’t feel like you have to make an “all or nothing” commitment when it comes to cloth diapering.  Many new moms like to buy a few cloth diapers to try at first.  Once they realize how easy, economical, and good for their baby (and the environment!) they are, they make the switch.  Some moms take a hybrid approach – part-time cloth and part-time disposable.  Whatever you choose, make sure that it works for your budget and your lifestyle.

Bamboo is a great eco-friendly fabric for use in a baby’s nursery.  Bamboo is not only one of the softest fabrics you will ever put next to your baby’s skin, it is extremely sustainable since it grows in abundance at an amazingly fast rate.  It is also naturally antimicrobial and therefore does not require any pesticides or herbicides throughout its growth process.  There is a wide assortment of bamboo items available for baby:  bedding, clothing, bibs, towels, burp cloths, stuffed animals and more.

Whether it’s eating organic while pregnant or using cloth diapers, making your own cleaners or knowing which chemicals to avoid, any baby steps we can make toward a healthier environment for our babies is a baby step in the right direction!

Editorial provided by Abby Stonewall Kapp, baby planner and owner of Little Miracles Baby Planning in Charlotte, NC.

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket

SwaddleDesigns are truly my favorite swaddle blankets.  I first bought one just after I had my baby and soon realized I couldn’t live without it!  It became my favorite all-purpose blanket and it went everywhere with us.  It is such a perfect size and weight that I used it as a nursing cover, to create extra shade over my baby’s car seat, a play blanket, and more. 

SwaddleDesigns swaddle blankets were created by an RN and mother of two.  Her inspiration came when herself, her friends, and her patients were constantly frustrated when trying to swaddle their babies – either they would forget the correct technique or the blankets were too small or not the right shape or fabric to swaddle baby successfully.

SwaddleDesigns blankets come in three fabrics (cotton, lightweight marquisette, and organic cotton) and are the perfect weight for swaddling baby.  Keeping baby the correct temperature while she is sleeping is very, very important and SwaddleDesigns blankets are made to do just that (the marquisette fabric is perfect for summertime or warmer nurseries).  And in case you forget the correct swaddling techniques, they are printed on a tag right on the corner of the blanket for easy access!



SwaddleDesigns now makes not only swaddle blankets but wearable sleep sack blankets, crib sheets, security blankets, burp cloths and bibs, towels and more.  Many of their items can be purchased in just about any baby store around, including boutiques and big box stores.  To view their complete selection check out their website.


SwaddleDesigns blankets come in a huge assortment of adorable colors and patterns.  Their newest pattern, The Triple Paisleys (seen above), can only be purchased on their website OR enter our contest today to win one!

Discount!!  Get 10% off anything  at www.eswaddle.com with the promo code “MadeInUSA”

Enter to Win!

To win one of two swaddle blankets just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “SwaddleDesigns” and let me know which blanket you want to win:
1) Triple Paisley cotton blanket in pink
2) Triple Paisley marquisette blanket in blue/green
To receive an extra entry to win fan us on Facebook and let me know you did!  If you’re already a fan let me know and you’ll still get an extra entry.
Winner will be chosen at random and all are eligible to win.  Contest ends Friday September 17th at 12 noon est.

Safe Swaddling

Speaking of swaddling, here are some essential tips directly from SwaddleDesigns to help you swaddle your baby safety and effectively:

Natural Position

Experts recommend swaddling baby in a natural position with elbows, knees and hips flexed for proper joint development, and with baby's hands within reach of mouth so baby can suck on his or her fingers to self-console.
You may also choose to wrap baby with one or both hands down inside the swaddle with baby's elbows in a flexed position and offer baby a pacifier once breastfeeding is established.

Wrap Snugly

A loose swaddle is ineffective, so wrap baby snugly, but not so tightly as to impede baby's breathing. You should be able to slide your hand between the blanket and your baby's chest. It should feel snug, not loose.

Custom Fit

SwaddleDesigns large square blankets allow for a custom fit swaddle whether your baby is small, medium or large.
Place blanket on a flat surface in a diamond position in front of you with the 123 Swaddle Tip Tag visible on your upper right hand side.
Fold the top corner down about 6 inches, and place baby in the center of the blanket with their neck at the fold.
Follow the steps on the 123 Swaddle Tip Tag

1. Starting on your left, bring the 1st corner over and tuck snugly behind baby.
2. The bottom corner goes over baby's left shoulder and behind baby's back. The weight of the baby on the tucked under corners will help to keep the swaddle secure.
3. Take the 3rd corner across and all the way around behind baby, tucking the tail of the blanket into the fold in the front.

Avoid having the blanket touch baby's cheek, this can stimulate baby's rooting response and wake baby.
Our swaddling blankets are designed with good stretch when they are in the diamond position for swaddling.
Every baby is unique. Ask your baby's pediatrician about swaddling your baby.

Always Place Baby on Back to Sleep

Always place baby on his or her back for sleep. The side and tummy positions are unsafe.
The back sleeping position reduces risk of SIDS. Baby should sleep on a firm sleep surface, in a bassinet, cradle or crib near the mother's bed, without any soft toys, pillows or loose bedding.

Baby's Sleep Environment

Room Temperature

Medical experts recommend a sleep environment of 65-70°F (18-21°C)
It is an important responsibility of the caregiver to dress baby appropriately for sleep based on the temperature of their environment. Parents should not overdress or underdress baby for sleep. As a general guide, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends dressing baby in no more than one layer more than an adult would use to be comfortable in the same environment.
Cool hands and feet are considered okay due to baby's immature circulatory system, but tummy and chest should be warm and dry. A sweaty neck and back is a sign of overheating and a layer of baby's clothing should be removed.
Babies are not good at regulating their own temperatures. No blanket can naturally regulate baby's temperature for them, so parents need to touch and feel their baby to ensure baby is not too warm or too cold.

Smoke-Free Environment

Always keep baby's environment smoke-free by not smoking when pregnant, near your baby, or in an area where your baby spends time or sleeps.

Ventilation

Be sure air can circulate freely around baby's face. A fan in baby's room can increase ventilation, but should not be blowing air directly on baby.

Allow Baby to Suck on Fingers or a Pacifier

Infant researchers state it's in baby's best interest to have baby's hands within reach of mouth, so baby may self-soothe by sucking on his or her fingers. Sucking is the most organizing behavior of the newborn – it helps baby with sleep/wake control. Sucking is an early form of communication - by vigorously sucking, a baby communicates that he or she is hungry.
As your baby grows stronger or if you have a very active baby, you may tuck one or both hands down into the swaddle with their elbows flexed and offer baby a pacifier. Babies who suck on pacifiers have reduced incidence of SIDS.
As you learn more about your baby, you will find which hand position works best for your baby.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is encouraged. Breastfeed, if you can.

Dental sealants expose kids to small amounts of BPA, study says

from CNN



Dental sealants expose tens of millions of American children to the controversial chemical BPA, according to a new paper in the journal Pediatrics. It says that sealants contain derivatives of BPA, which metabolize to actual BPA when exposed to saliva. The exposure lasts up to three hours after the sealant is applied.

Sealants came into widespread use in the 1990s. The American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend them as an important way to prevent tooth and gum decay.  A host of health problems are associated with decay. Dr. Philip Landrigan, one of the paper’s authors, agrees that those benefits outweigh the risk from BPA, but warns that doesn’t mean the chemical is safe.

“It is absolutely clear that bisphenol-A is a toxic chemical and an endocrine disruptor. We know this from studies in humans, and in animals,” says Landrigan, a pediatrician at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine who has spent decades studying the effects of chemicals on children.

BPA is used in many plastics and also widely used in the lining of metal cans. It has been under scrutiny for possible links to a variety of health problems, including heart disease in adults and developmental problems in young children. Because it mimics the hormone estrogen, some physicians say it can cause disruption at very small doses.  Dr. Abby Fleisch of Children’s Hospital in Boston, the lead author of the Pediatrics paper, says it’s unclear how much BPA children generally absorb from the sealants.

Landrigan says the amount is likely “pretty small,” but adds, “We hope that the publication of this article will stimulate manufacturers of these products to make safer products. We want to create attention, so parents start shopping for products without those chemicals.”

The paper also urges pregnant women to minimize their exposure. Both the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a group of OB-GYNs, and the American Dental Association (ADA) say they currently make no recommendation on sealants.

Dr. Leslie Seldin, a second-generation dentist and spokesman for the ADA, said the group does not consider BPA from sealants to be a hazard. “What we found is that it can be controlled, it’s very minimal and it doesn’t pose any risk to anybody,” Seldin said. Precautions include temporarily blocking off the sealed area with a rubber dental dam, rinsing the mouth with water or saline solution and using a mild abrasive to grind off excess material.

Other dentists agree. Dr. Joel Berg, chair of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Washington, strongly believes sealants are safe and effective.   "There's more estrogen in a mother's kiss than there is in a sealant," he says.

Frederick vom Saal, a biologist at the University of Missouri and a well-known critic of BPA, sees it differently. “This story should have been written ten years ago,” he told CNN. “No pregnant women should have a sealant put on their teeth. And your baby does not have a liver that can metabolize [BPA] adequately.” ‘
Vom Saal says parents are in a tough position, one he wrestled with when his own daughter had some tooth decay. In the end, he had her dentist apply the sealant.

Cooking with Herbs for Health

from Hip Moms Go Green



We all use herbs in our cooking to enhance flavor, but did you know that herbs are a great source for antioxidants? Antioxidants have been shown protect against stroke, heart disease, and cancer. Many herbs also have antibacterial and antiviral effects which can help protect against contagious illnesses. Another benefit of adding herbs to your diet is that they can be used to cut your family’s sodium intake due to their strong flavors.

Here’s a short list of some of the super stars of the herb family that you should start adding to your family’s diet:


1. Topping the list of beneficial herbs is oregano, which has an antioxidant capacity up to 20 times that of any other herb and way higher than most fruits and vegetables. Incorporating one tablespoon a day into your diet can increase your intake of vitamins and antioxidants as well as fight E. coli and Salmonella. Add to pasta sauce, egg dishes, and soups. Our Greek Chicken recipe is loaded with oregano!
 
2. Dill: shockingly high in calcium! Add to your tuna salad, on salmon, in dip, in eggs.
 
3. Sage: has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits—one study also found that sage can improve memory. Add to poultry dishes, soups, and bean dishes.
 
4. Rosemary: stimulates immune system, may help people with asthma and/or arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Add to meats, poultry, potatoes, and soups.
 
5. Peppermint: anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant; aids in curing upset stomach due to its ability to relax smooth muscles. Add to cut watermelon for a refreshing salad, make tea (great for expecting hipmoms!)
 
6. Basil: contains flavanoids which have been shown to provide cancer protection and fight atherosclerosis and bacterial infections. Add fresh leaves to salads, pasta sauces, and egg dishes, pretty much anything with tomato, make Hipmoms’ pesto recipe (also has the superfood broccoli in it!).

This list is just a jumping off point for you and your family. Herbs are delicious and easy to grow in your kitchen window. (I keep a basil plant growing by the sink.) Just snip off some fresh leaves and toss them in your food. What could be easier than that? Experiment with flavors; just remember when using fresh herbs you’re going to have to use 2 to 3 times as much as if they’re dried since dried herbs are much more intense.

Probiotics: Powerful Prevention?

from Dr. Greene

I have heard wonderful things about the power of probiotics and we are all taking them this year so we can hopefully avoid the usual winter illness that hits our home for several weeks.  I was very excited when I stumbled across this article from Dr. Greene, as he is a great expert on this subject.  If you want to keep your little ones healthy this winter, read up on the benefits of taking probiotics.



What if there were a simple way that you could drop the number of coughs, colds, and fevers your child gets this school year by more than half? And when your child does get sick, what if you could cut the length of the illness in half? What if you could slash the odds that your child will need antibiotics this year, while decreasing missed school days?

Researchers randomly assigned 326 preschool children to one of three groups. In each group, the caregivers were given little foil packets of dry powder that were mixed into 4 ounces of milk for the children to drink twice a day for 6 months. During the week, the milk was prepared and served at school; on the weekends the parents were in charge.

For one group the powder contained 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a type of probiotic or beneficial bacteria (by comparison, a typical serving of yogurt might contain 1 billion CFUs). For the second group the powder likewise contained a total of 10 billion CFUs of probiotics – but it was a mixture of two strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis). Probiotic supplements like this are available in many health, food, or drug stores. For the third group the powder was nothing but an inert placebo.

The school year was quite different for the three groups! In the placebo group, most of the kids got a fever sometime in the next 6 months, much as one would expect. But, the number of kids with fever was slashed by more than half among those who got the single probiotic in their mystery packets -- and by almost three quarters among those who received the double probiotic —even though the kids were in the same preschool classes. Similar dramatic reductions were seen in coughs, runny noses, antibiotic use, duration of illness, and missed school days.

What we think of as “our” bodies includes ten times as many bacterial cells as human cells. Promoting healthy, diverse gut bacteria appears able to make a big difference in keeping us healthy.

Six Month Experience
                                       Placebo       Single Probiotics   Mixed Probiotics
                                                                         
Kids with fever                  66%                       31%                             18%
Kids with cough                87%                       51%                             33%
Kids with a runny nose      85%                       61%                             35%
Kids treated with              57%                       18%                              9%
an antibiotic
Average length of illness,   6.5 days                 4.5 days                        3.4 days
when sick


Bottom line: When families didn't do anything, most kids developed fever, cough, runny nose, and were treated with antibiotics sometime in the next 6 months. But among those who were given the probiotics, most kids did not get a fever, cough, runny nose or antibiotics over the next 6 months. And if they did get sick, it lasted on average about half as long. A dramatic difference!

Read more: http://www.drgreene.com/blog/2010/09/07/probiotics-powerful-prevention#ixzz0yscaV4KX

A Greener Home For Your Baby

from Parenting



Choose a few of these easy, eco-friendly changes (no need to drive yourself crazy making over your whole home!) and know that you're helping your peanut -- and the planet -- to grow up healthy.

Airing Out
Keep the air you and your family breathe fresh and clean. Jerome Poulson, M.D., a Washington, DC, pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics's Committee on Environmental Health, advises watching out for these three serious indoor pollutants:

Tobacco smoke. You know not to smoke around your baby, but "third-hand smoke," toxic residue that sticks to skin and clothing, can be a risk, too. Ask smokers to wash their hands before holding your baby to minimize the danger.

Radon. Check your home's level of this odorless, carcinogenic gas (which emits from the ground) with a simple hardware-store kit.

Lead. If your home was built before 1978, contact your state or local health department to have it tested for this toxic metal. No matter what, your child's blood should be tested for lead at ages 1 and 2.

Good Eats
You can feel assured that the food made for babies is the safest -- and greenest -- around.

Breast milk and formula. Breast milk offers superior nutrition and, of course, is very green: straight from Mom, no processing involved. If you nurse for any length of time, then kudos to you. If you want to spring for organic formula, go ahead, but it's not mandatory, says Tanya Altmann, M.D., a pediatrician and author of Mommy Calls. "The major formulas all have the right combination of vitamins, protein, and fat," she explains.

Solids. Organic fruits and vegetables, grown without pesticides, are definitely good for the earth, but if you go with conventional baby foods, you can be confident that those jarred meals are also strictly regulated and supersafe. If you do make your own baby food, just be careful of ingredients from small local farmers, whose produce might not be checked for contamination, Dr. Altmann warns.

Bottles and dishware. Some hard plastics are made with BPA (the chemical bisphenol-A, an endocrine disrupter linked to negative health effects), which can leach into food. Check the bottom of plastic containers for the number in the triangle: a "7" usually indicates BPA. There are many BPA-free plastic bottles on the market, as well as glass ones with sleeves to minimize breakage.

A Clean Sweep
Babies have faster respiration than adults, which means they ingest chemicals and fumes at a higher rate. Some commercial cleaners may contain harmful additives, so be aware of the following when it comes to keeping house:

"All-natural" claims. The phrase "all-natural" doesn't really tell you how eco-conscious a product is, so seek out these green terms instead: "readily biodegradable," "plant-based," or "dye-" and "synthetic-free." You can also look for the "DfE" symbol (Design for the Environment), which the EPA assigns to safer, greener cleaners.

Lemon scents. The biggest cleaning myth out there is what clean is supposed to smell like, says Jenn Berman, Psy.D., author of SuperBaby: 12 Ways to Give Your Baby a Head Start in the First 3 Years. "It's not lemony, piney, or rose-scented." In fact, these odors often come from potentially dangerous chemicals, so try to use products that are fragrance-free.

Air "fresheners." For the same reason Berman advises steering clear of scented cleaners, Dr. Poulson suggests skipping air fresheners, including sprays and plug-in products. If you need to remove odors, try sprinkling a layer of baking soda on your carpets and then vacuuming it up.

Homemade cleaners. Green products on the market are great options, but you can also mix some up at home. Linda Mason Hunter, coauthor of Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home, relies on distilled white vinegar (mix it with water for an effective surface cleaner) and baking soda (combine it with water to make an oven cleaner).

A word about floors. Simply take your shoes off when you come in and you won't have to clean them as much.

Room to Grow
Greening the nursery is next on the agenda, because your baby will spend many hours playing, getting her diapers changed, and snoozing (let's hope!) in it:

Crib mattress. An organic mattress made with chemical-free cotton and/or wool may cost a bit more, but it's money well spent considering your baby will be in her crib for up to 16 hours each day. If you're going non-organic, try to buy your mattress a month or so before the baby arrives. Unwrap it and let it air out in an unused room (or at Grandma's house!) until you need it so that the flame retardant, glues, and other additives can dissipate.

Paint. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are a group of possibly harmful chemicals found in paint, sealants, and adhesives that become a gas at room temperature. VOCs may cause health problems, including nausea and headaches, so choose low- or even zero-VOC paint. (Once the paint is dry, however, the risk is minimal.) Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Glidden all make low- or no-VOC lines.

Carpet. If you have a strong family history of allergies or asthma, it's a good idea to avoid wall-to-wall carpeting in your baby's room. It can trap dirt, dust mites, and other allergens, which may exacerbate these conditions. New carpeting can also emit toxic fumes, so let it air out for a couple of weeks before your baby spends any time there. A hardwood floor softened by area rugs made of natural fibers is the ideal green nursery flooring.

Looking for Kid Friendly Car?

Check out www.motherproof.com.  Created by a mom who was in search of a new car and wanted answers to questions like “how many child safety seats will fit in the vehicle?” and “how many bags of groceries can I squeeze into it?”  Motherproof is a very up-to-date website that uses seven reviewers to test out every new model vehicle, looking at safety features and even how well the cars can withstand kids.

I know these are the types of features I will be looking for in our next vehicle, while my husband will be checking out horse power and engine size.  I think it’s a pretty cool site to help moms do their own research!  Now maybe we don’t all have to get minivans!

Danger for Children in a Spray Bottle

by Dr. Greene at Seventh Generation



For years doctors have encouraged parents to store toxic household cleaning products in locked cabinets, out of the sight and reach of children. While this advice may have helped considerably, with injury from cleaning products in children declining 46 percent since 1990, a new study by The Center for Injury Research and Policy published by the American Academy of Pediatrics demonstrates that children under age 6 are still at high risk of poisoning and other injuries from cleaning products in the home.

Spray bottles are the most common source of injury, especially those containing bleach-based products. Despite our best efforts to keep these and other products locked away, US poison control centers still receive hundreds of thousands of calls each year because of unintentional poisonings from cleaning products. Each call is more than a statistic; it's an important moment in the life of a family. And nearly 12,000 children were sick enough to be treated in US hospital emergency departments in 2006 alone.

To me, the old childproofing strategy has become out of date. We haven't seen much improvement in overall injury rates since 1996, and injuries from cleaners in spray bottles have actually increased. Meanwhile, effective non-toxic cleaning products are now available to get the job done at home.

When it comes to childproofing, I now recommend that in addition to childproofing their homes, expectant mothers and parents of young children replace their toxic household cleaning products with non-toxic alternatives -- reducing the risk both of immediate injury and of ongoing low-level exposure.

Who is at risk?
The Center for Injury Research and Policy reviewed 17 years of emergency room data for children under age 6 to analyze the scope of injuries from household cleaners. The results will be published in the September 2010Pediatrics.

• Children age 1 to 3 account for 72 percent of injuries
• One-year-olds account for 46 percent of injuries
• Boys (59 percent) are more likely affected than girls (41 percent)
• More than 80 percent of poisonings occur while at home

How are they injured?

• Poisoning is the most common (68 percent), followed by chemical burns (16 percent), and other injuries to the skin or eyes (10 percent)
• Spray bottles are the most common source (40 percent), followed by regular containers (30 percent), kitchenware (14 percent), and recently cleaned items (8 percent)
• Bleach is the most common product ingredient (37 percent), followed by hydrocarbons, acids/alkalis, detergents, and ammonia

What's the Solution?
It's an easy one: Effective, non-toxic products are now available for every common household cleaning job. My advice is that you replace your toxic cleaners with those that are non-toxic.
Think about it this way: You make sure your child buckles up in the latest, safest car seat on the market. So why clean with out-of-date chemistry?