What Baby’s Playing With That Isn’t Safe

from thebump.com

You know the drill: When you’re out running errands with baby, you give him your keys or your cell phone to keep him from going nuts in the grocery store (we’ve all done it!). But is it really safe to give baby certain everyday objects? We had experts give us the inside scoop.

Keys
Babies love the shininess and sounds of keys -- and the real deal are way more fun than those plastic keys -- but are they really okay? Jeffrey Berkowitz, MD, a pediatrician at Pediatric Specialists of Plano in Texas, says nope. “Keys are made of brass, which may contain small amounts of lead,” says Berkowitz. “Additionally, keys can cause injury to the mouth if the child falls while he’s sucking on them.” Instead, stick to the plastic ones. They might not be as shiny, but at least he can put them in his mouth without harming himself. Or if baby likes the cold feel of the metal in his mouth, we love the teething jewelry from Momma’s Jewels. Baby grabs at your necklace when you’re holding him anyway, so why not splurge for a sterling-silver one that’s specifically designed so baby can chomp away safely?

TV Remote
Baby might be intrigued by the remote, especially because he sees how much the grown-ups grab for it. But you’ll want to keep it away from him. “Remotes aren’t safe to play with,” says Berkowitz. “Remote controls contain batteries, which can be dangerous if ingested. Also, remote controls may have other small parts, which could break off and become a choking hazard.” When baby’s over 18 months, it’s okay for him to play with a remote-control toy, like the Fisher-Price Sesame Street Silly Sounds Remote ($35, Amazon.com).

iPad or other Tablets
It’s pretty common to let babies play with iPads, especially since now there are plenty of kid-friendly apps. But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two years old shouldn’t be exposed to screens, like the ones on tablets, smartphones and televisions. That’s because research has found that kids under two aren’t able to understand the educational content, and they learn best from unstructured, unplugged playtime and learn more from live presentations than from video. Monica Vila, founder of TheOnlineMom.com, a website that helps parents protect their kids when it comes to exposing them to technology, says, “Even though manufacturers come out with great, colorful apps for kids, they’re not designed for a baby or a small child to play with on his own; they’re designed for parents and babies to play with together.” Plus, electronic tablets have glass screens and batteries with electrical charges. “It won’t take a lot for a baby to bite it or drop it, and batteries or liquids inside of the tablet can come out,” says Vila. “Those aren’t safe for eating.”

Cell Phones
Have you seen those 10 o’clock news reports that say cell phones have traces of poop on them? Gross! Knowing that cell phones are riddled with germs is probably enough reason not to let baby touch yours or put it in his mouth. “These phones that might be covered with germs could cause serious illness,” says Berkowitz. Also, like remotes and iPads, cell phones have small pieces and batteries, which won’t be safe for baby if he puts them in his mouth. Instead, get baby a toy cell phone -- there are plenty that are much more kid-friendly and a lot more fun than a grown-up phone. Try the Sesame Street Elmo Cell Phone ($12, Amazon.com).

Coins
Your baby might come across your coin purse or jar and want to rattle it or play with the shiny things inside, but don’t let him. “Coins are a choking hazard and can cause tracheal, esophageal or intestinal obstruction,” says Berkowitz. So not worth the risk.

Pens, Markers and Crayons
Maybe you and baby are doing a crafts project or you’re showing baby how to draw. “Most markers and pens are nontoxic but can cause injury if the child pokes themselves with it,” says Berkowitz. If baby puts the pen cap or crayon in his mouth, he could choke. Also, for the sake of your home decor, keep baby away from them. Marker, crayon and pen marks all over your walls and floor won’t be a pretty sight. You should hold off on letting baby use crayons and markers until he’s a toddler, and you should supervise him even then. When it’s time for your tot to use markers and crayons, look for nontoxic and washable ones.

Baby Wipes
While baby’s on the changing table, maybe he grabs at the wipes and even stuffs them in his mouth (sound familiar?). While it’s tempting to just let him -- especially if that’s the only way he’ll quit wiggling -- don’t. Most baby wipes are nontoxic, but Berkowitz says, “It’s not wise to allow baby to suck on wipes, because he could ingest the chemicals in them. Also, if baby chews or tears pieces of the wipes off, it could result in a choking hazard.” To distract baby while he’s getting his diaper changed, keep a teething ring or other age-appropriate toys nearby.

Laundry Basket
Baby might love climbing in and out of the laundry basket, but is it a safe toy? “It’s not unsafe, but parental supervision is needed to prevent baby from falling or chewing on the plastic,” says Berkowitz. So feel free to let baby make a fort with the baskets, but make sure you’re keeping a close watch the whole time he’s doing it.

Chicago First City to Ban Crib Bumper Pads

From Chicago Tribune

By Ellen Gabler and Hal DardickTribune reporter
2:38 p.m. CDT, September 8, 2011

Chicago today became the first city in the country to ban the sale of crib bumper pads because the popular products pose a suffocation risk to babies.

The City Council approved the ordinance without debate. It was introduced in response to Tribune investigations that found federal regulators for years have received reports of babies suffocating in cases that involved crib bumpers, yet have failed to warn parents or investigate all deaths.

Bumper pads, which wrap around the inside of a crib and tie to crib slats, are frequently displayed in stores as staples in a baby’s nursery. But babies can lack the motor skills and strength to turn their heads if they roll against something that blocks their breathing.

The state of Maryland is considering a similar proposal to ban the sale of bumper pads, and the federal agency responsible for regulating consumer products — the Consumer Product Safety Commission — has said since December that it is investigating the issue.

The trade group that represents the makers and sellers of bumper pads says the products are safe and insists there is no evidence of a causal connection between crib bumpers and suffocation.

Rick Locker, general counsel for that group, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, has said banning bumpers could bring about unintended consequences, such as parents putting pillows and adult blankets in babies’ cribs if bumper pads aren’t available.

On Wednesday, the ordinance passed a joint health and consumer protection committee meeting despite opposition from industry representatives.

"This is our attempt to sound the alarm that something has to be done," said Cardenas, chairman of the Committee on Health and Environmental Protection.

Cardenas and other aldermen acknowledged that the task of overseeing product safety should fall to federal regulators but said nothing has been done.

"If they don't get their act together, municipalities like Chicago will have to do it on their own," Cardenas said.

In December the Tribune reported that federal regulators have failed to warn parents that bumpers pose a suffocation risk even though they know about the potential hazard.

It's unclear exactly how many babies have died from suffocating against the products, but the Tribune found that the federally funded National Center for Child Death Review has since 2008 received 14 reports of infant suffocation in which a bumper was relevant in the death.

Babies often lack the motor skills and strength to turn their heads if they roll against something that blocks their breathing.

Federal regulators have said they are trying to determine if there is a scientific link between bumper pads and suffocations, or if factors such as blankets, pillows or medical issues played the primary role in the deaths. However, the Tribune found that regulators did not investigate at least 17 reports of children's deaths even though the agency had reports on file suggesting bumper pads played roles in the fatalities.

Proper Car Seat Safety Often Overlooked

from A Milky Way


We are very fortunate to have Erika Gebhardt, a local Child Passenger Safety Tech, as a guest blogger. Below is her tips for car seat safety.

An alarming percentage of small infants we see come in the store are not properly strapped into their car seats. The straps are often way too loose and the chest clip is often all the way down. Some parents think that their babies might be uncomfortable if they are strapped in tight, but that is a myth. Babies spend nine months swaddled tightly in the womb, and they must be securely buckled into their car seat. In the event of a collision, a loosely buckled child could be seriously injured or even ejected from his seat. Here are some tips for child passenger safety from Erika Gebhardt, a local Child Passenger Safety Technician.

RULE OF THUMB #1: Keep your baby rear-facing as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children stay rear-facing until they are two years old. Rear-facing reduces traumatic injury to the head and neck in the event of a crash, because the back of the car seat absorbs most of the impact. When your baby outgrows an infant seat, choose a convertible car seat with a high weight-limit for rear-facing, like 40lbs or 45lbs.

RULE OF THUMB #2: Use the “pinch test” for strap tightness. Tighten the straps, and then put your thumb and finger on the shoulder strap. Try to pinch the fabric – if your fingers slide off, it’s tight enough. If you can pinch fabric, tighten until you cannot pinch.

RULE OF THUMB #3: A car seat is for cars. Please do not use your seat as a carrier or a crib. Although many “travel systems” make it easy to move a baby while she remains safely bucked into her infant seat, try to avoid too much car seat time. Try a baby carrier such as a wrap or a sling or a pouch if you are going grocery shopping or going to be out of your car for longer than 15 minutes.

RULE OF THUMB #4: There is no “best” car seat. The best seat is the one that fits your child and your car, and that you can install properly each time you use it. A car seat need not be expensive with fancy bells and whistles in order to keep your child safe.

RULE OF THUMB #5: Use LATCH or seatbelts to install car seats. Do not use both. LATCH is no safer than seatbelts – the safest installation is a tight installation, and some car and seat combinations work better with seatbelts than with LATCH.
Get your car seat installation checked by a Child Passenger Safety Technician. If you are near Matthews, the police department there checks seats twice a month; Britax checks seats (not just Britax seats) one Friday a month.

Check the local Char-Meck Safe Kids calendar.

For more information about child passenger safety, check out the Car Seat Basics information.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
Erika Gebhardt, Child Passenger Safety Tech (T675815)

IMPORTANT: American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends children stay in rear-facing car seats until TWO YEARS OF AGE

from USA Today

By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY

Updated 6h 38m ago

New advice from the nation's pediatricians doubles the recommended time that babies and toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seats.



Convertible car seats can be used both forward- and rear-facing.

Previous recommendations said parents could switch babies to forward-facing seats at 12 months old or 20 pounds. Switching to a forward-facing seat on a child's first birthday was a common rite of passage.

But new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics say babies and toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seats until at least age 2 — even longer if the child is small enough.

The pediatrics group is changing its recommendation because research shows children under 2 are 75% less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they're in rear-facing car seats, according to the policy statement, published today in the journal Pediatrics.


Car accidents are the leading cause of death in children over age 4; about 1,500 kids under 16 die in car crashes each year, the statement says. In Sweden, many children ride in rear-facing car seats until age 4.
Rear-facing seats do a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine in an accident, because they distribute the force of the collision over the entire body, says study author Dennis Durbin, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Injury Research and Prevention.

That's especially true in frontal crashes, which make up the bulk of car accidents, says pediatrician Gary Smith of Nationwide Children's Hospital in Cincinnati, who wasn't involved in developing the new policy.
The new guidelines are "a fantastic step," says Jennifer Hoekstra, who coordinates a child safety program at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Hoekstra says parents of toddlers under age 2 who already are using forward-facing seats shouldn't panic, because forward-facing seats still provide good protection.

"If you are using your forward-facing car seat correctly, your child is safe," Hoekstra says. But 73% of car seats are installed incorrectly, according to a 2005 study in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.
Parents won't necessarily have to buy new car seats, which range in price from about $40 to more than $300, says Alan Fields, co-author of Baby Bargains, which rates baby products.

Thirty of the 35 convertible car seats now on the market can accommodate a 2-year-old, even up to 35 pounds, which is at the top of the weight range for that age, the study says.

Owners of convertible car seats may be able to follow the new advice simply by turning the seats around, so that kids face the back, Fields says.

Yet some of the greatest objections may come from toddlers themselves, Fields says.
An 18-month-old, newly allowed to face front, may not agree to turn back around — at least without a lot of crying — especially if the child has an older sibling who is allowed to face front, Fields says.
"If you've already turned them around, and now you try to turn them back, that's not going to be pretty."

Guidelines for older kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations also clarify car-seat guidelines for older children:
• Kids who are too big for rear-facing seats still need to use forward-facing car seats until age 4.
• Kids up to age 8 need booster seats, which make sure that seat belts, typically designed for adults, fit properly on kids' smaller bodies.
• Children who outgrow booster seats should use lap-and-shoulder seat belts.
• All children under age 13 should ride in the back seat.

Toxic Baby Products?

from Babies 411

“Toxic baby products?” “How’s that possible?” “I’ve been using what on babies?”


This was my reaction when I was researching baby products (during the development phase of Babies 411) and found out the news that most of the baby products that we know, love, and have used for years contain cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals. What an eye opener.


As a NICU nurse, I care for babies that are compromised and are in their most vulnerable state. Now I find out that I have been unknowingly using and recommending unsafe products. Well, no more. I have taken a stand and made it a mission to educate mothers, caregivers and most of all healthcare professionals on the dangers lurking within our trusted baby shampoos, washes, lotions, wipes and more.


As a healthcare professional, I know that parents are looking to us for the answers. And because of this, parents choose and purchase products that we use in the hospitals believing that this is the safest options. Why wouldn’t it be if we use them in the hospitals? Unfortunately, we are unknowingly and unintentionally promoting bad products.


Want to know how to protect your baby from these toxic products? Here are a few recommendations:


1. Knowledge is power so do your research! Read labels and avoid those products that contain harmful ingredients. Learn more by reading our article “Protecting our Babies from Toxic Chemicals”.
2. Less is more. Be sparing on products that you use on your baby.
3. How safe is your baby products? Check out Skin Deep to learn more about the products you are putting on your baby.
4. Keep up-to-date on news surrounding chemicals in baby products (not just skin care products, but also chemicals found in toys, clothing, food, plastics and other baby products).
5. Love disposable baby wipes but want to avoid the chemicals? Make your own wipes. Want to learn how? Read our article Making Homemade Baby Wipes for the easy, breezy recipe.
6. Are you expecting a baby? Ask your hospital or childbirth facility what baby products they use on babies. If it’s not a safe choice, bring your own and make your baby’s first bath a healthy, toxin-free bath.
7. Help us spread the word. We are working hard with our favorite company, Earth Mama Angel Baby, trying to educate healthcare facilities on the dangers of toxic baby products and looking to phase these products out of our hospital systems. With your help, we could move mountains! Contact your maternity unit and express your concerns.

Top 5 Baby Safety Tips

from Healthy Baby Happy Home

1. Do a neighborhood Search for Sexual Predators. If someone is convicted they must be registered and you can find this out at www.familywatchdog.us/. If you find any suspected sexual predators, be extra careful.

2. Smoking Rule of Thumb: If you smoke, quit! If you can’t quit, smoke outside, away from the baby. Second-hand smoke can cause a number of childhood illnesses or make them worse. These include asthma, ear infections and sinus infections.

3. Watch out for Lead. If your house was built before 1978 have it tested. If you are buying a house built before 1978 have it tested. The following are websites recommended for lead testing:

• www.leadlisting.org
• Leadtesttoys.com test toys for lead
• Leadcheck.com test heavy metals for lead
• Leadlisting.org leads testing professional search
• Healthhometest.com test water at home for lead
• EPA Labs www.epa.gov/lead

4. Use natural pesticide. Speak with your Pest Control Company and be very cautious about using pesticides in the baby’s room. See recommended websites for natural pesticides:

• www.panna.org
• www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pcos/findapco.htm
• www.ecosmartprofessional.com
• pesticideswatch.org
• Battlethosebugs.com for safe pest control made from limestone
• biconet.com for Bio Control Network Alternative Pest control products
• Bugsrdone.com for natural pest control made from orange peel extract

5. Use low VOC carpet or no carpet. There are more than 25 different types of low and no-VOC carpets available at general home stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, as well as at specialty flooring stores. Also, consider other flooring options, such as bamboo, linoleum, and tile. See shawgreenedge.com for available low VOC carpets.

Tips for Minimizing Your Use of Vinyl (PVC)

from A Soft Landing

Phthalates were recently banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in products intended for children under the age of three.  In response, parents are are gaining a false sense of security when "phthalate-free PVC" is proudly displayed by manufacturers on many children's toys.  While it's a step in the right direction, we're still left to worry about with many other harmful chemicals common to PVC.  In a recent study conducted by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ), vinyl shower curtains alone were found to contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC's), organotins, lead, cadmium and other toxic metals.

Tips for Minimizing Exposure to PVC


1. PVC is commonly found in: baby bibs, teethers and toys, cling food wrap, pet toys, 99% of all inflatable toys, nap mats and shower curtains - just to name a few.

2. If you have vinyl flooring in your home, damp mopping it on a regular basis removes phthalates accumulated in the dust on the floor.  Direct sunlight, moisture and heat on vinyl tiles can cause it to release phthalates more quickly. And of course, choose non-vinyl options when replacing flooring.

3. Watch for "vinyl" in product descriptions, as it is commonly used as a nickname for PVC.  But keep in mind that the term "vinyl" may also be used to describe ethylene vinyl Acetate (EVA) and polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA).  Both of these plastics are considered to be safer alternative to PVC and are acceptable choices.

4. On a side note: food containers are not typically made with PVC (and thus no phthalates), so don't focus your effort in this area.

5. Encourage the makers of your favorite brands to use PVC alternatives when possible.

6. Check CHEJ's website for an extensive list of companies who have committed not to use PVC in their products. In the fifth and final step of our course, you'll learn how to do your own research to locate safer products for your family.

Get ready for some detective work!

10 Car Seat Safety Secrets and Best Car Seats for Baby

from Parents




Car Seat Safety Made Easy


Seven out of 10 kids riding in child safety seats are improperly buckled in, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). How do you select the right restraint for your child? We've compiled answers to your most pressing questions.

Why is rear-facing the best for a Baby?
Kids should always ride rear-facing, in the backseat, for optimal protection. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends this until children are at least 20 pounds and age 1 or older. "That's at a minimum," says Dr. Bull, a child-passenger safety consultant with the AAP.

When should my child not ride rear-facing?
Only if he's too small to ride safely in the semi-reclined position of an infant carrier. All carriers have minimum weight requirements -- most are at 5 pounds, although a few brands go down to 4 pounds.

What types do I have to choose from?
Infant Car Seat: the infant carrier conveniently snaps into a stationary base (5 - 22 lbs).
 
Convertible Seat: ride rear- or forward-facing (rear-facing up to 35 lbs; forward-facing up to 60 lbs).
 
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children): uses no seatbelt and exists in all cars made after September 2002 -- the base of an infant carrier or the bottom of a convertible seat clips onto a bar or built-in hooks on a vehicle's seat.

Which is better: LATCH or a seat belt?
"You should decide based on ease of use," says Kristy Arbogast, PhD, a biomechanical engineer at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Choose whichever you'll use correctly each time and gives you the best fit."

Who can help me install a car seat?
A certified child-passenger safety technician (CPST) can check the installation for you. An appointment will last about 30 minutes. Just make sure to try installing the seat yourself first (so you can get a rudimentary understanding of how it works).

How much do CPST appointments cost?
They're free! Go to seatcheck.org and type in your zip code to find the nearest inspection locations -- there are more than 33,000 CPSTs nationwide. Appointment slots can fill up quickly, so call early to schedule.

What's the safest car seat location?
The center of the backseat is by far the safest. But if your middle seat has a hump and you can't tightly install the base, it's best to put the seat on one of the side seats (many cars only have LATCH on the sides). A child should never ride in the front - an inflated air bag can be fatal for little ones.

Are expensive seats safer?
Definitely not. All seats on the market have met the federal government's safety standards. More expensive seats may have added features, but they're not necessarily safer. Experts point out that you should avoid car accessories, because they haven't been crash-tested.

When can my child ride in a booster?
At around age 4 and at 40 pounds. A booster provides less protection than a convertible car seat, so if your convertible can hold a child up to 65 pounds, keep her in it as long as possible.
Originally published in the August 2009 issue of American Baby magazine.

Best Car Seats for Babies and Toddlers

Going for a ride? Keep baby as safe and comfy as possible in one of these cool car seats.



Infant Car Seat: Graco Snugride 32
The country's best-selling seat now holds a rear-facing baby up to 32 pounds and fits most strollers ($140; gracobaby.com).



Infant Car Seat: Chicco Keyfit 30
This highly rated seat is one of the simplest to install; it holds a rear-facing baby up to 30 pounds ($190; chiccousa.com).
Some earlier models of Chicco Keyfit 30 car seats were recalled in June 2008. Check your model #s here.



Infant Car Seat: Maxi-Cosi Mico
The Europeans know how to make a seat both functional (really lightweight!) and fashion forward ($170; rightstart.com).



All-in-One Car Seat: Evenflo Symphony Surelatch
The adjustable harness and side-impact protection are good; that it carries up to 100 pounds is great ($200; evenflo.com).



Convertible Car Seat: Britax Boulevard CS
A harness for a kid up to 65 pounds means this lasts through preschool; it has side-impact protection ($330; britaxusa.com).
Some earlier models of Britax Boulevard car seats were recalled in November 2006. Check your model #s here.



Infant Car Seat: Britax Companion
This infant car seat features enhanced side-impact protection in two ways: There's a special head pad as well as energy-absorbing foam built into the seat around baby's head and torso. The patented "anti-rebound" bar on the end helps keep the seat stable in the event of an accident ($170; for babies 4 to 22 pounds).



Infant Car Seat: Evenflo Embrace
Evenflo's unique Z-shaped handle helps make this new, affordable car seat easy to carry around ($70-$100; for babies 5 to 22 pounds).
Some earlier models of Evenflo Embrace car seats were recalled in May 2007. Check your model #s here.


Infant Car Seat: Combi Tyro II
Cushioned mesh fabric keeps baby cool and comfortable. Energy-absorbing foam in the head area adds protection ($150; for babies up to 22 pounds).



Convertible Car Seat: Britax Marathon
This popular, expert-respected convertible seat gets high marks for being user-friendly. For instance, the harness straps are built to never tangle ($250; for babies 5 to 33 pounds rear-facing, and from 20 to 65 pounds forward-facing).
Some earlier models of Britax Marathon car seats were recalled in October 2007. Check your model #s here.




Convertible Car Seat: Graco ComfortSport
This is one of the few convertible seats that come with a headrest for smaller babies. Special padding in the seat conforms to baby's body for added comfort ($80-$120 depending on fabric and features; for babies up to 30 pounds rear-facing, and from 20 to 40 pounds forward-facing).
Some earlier models of Graco ComfortSport car seats were recalled in December 2008. Check your model #s here.
Some earlier models of Graco ComfortSport car seats were recalled in January 2008. Check your model #s here.
Some earlier models of Graco ComfortSport car seats were recalled in August 2007. Check your model #s here.



Booster Seat: Safety 1st Intera
This revolutionary seat has a long life! It starts as a convertible car seat for babies and toddlers. Then the back comes off and the base serves as a preschooler's booster seat ($140; for babies 5 to 35 pounds rear-facing, 20 to 40 pounds forward-facing, and 30 to 100 pounds as a booster).
Originally published in the January 2009 and March 2005 issues of American Baby magazine.

Natural Pediatrics: 5 Proven Solutions to Keep Your Children (infant to 18yrs) Healthy and Hearty, Part 1

from www.hipmomsgogreen.com, by Dr. Phil Wazny NMD

3 Chemicals Your Children Should Avoid

As my daughter Anna approaches her 15th month of age, I cannot believe how quickly she is changing. From growing over 10 inches in her first year (wow!) to her ability to understand both Spanish and English, on a daily basis I’m simply amazed. She’s scampering around the house and keeps my wife and me on our toes. Kids’ development from all perspectives (physically, mentally, neurologically, socially) is faster during the first year than during any other time of their lives. Ensuring proper nutrition is critical during this process, but just as important is the avoidance of the seemingly ubiquitous pollutants found around us that can affect normal development. Unfortunately, our world has become a place full of chemicals that are nearly impossible to avoid including paints, glues, garden chemicals, vehicle emissions and so on. And because young children are typically more inquisitive than their older counterparts, risk from multiple contact routes (skin, inhalational and oral) is increased. Plus, per unit body weight, children eat more food and breathe more air than adults, which again increases their exposure. Some chemicals are more dangerous than others and understanding which chemicals must be avoided is critical to your child’s (and your) health.

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)

You might have been hearing about this chemical lately. There has been a lot of press about the problems associated with BPA, especially following the Food and Drug Administration’s change on its position with BPA. It is estimated that 93% of Americans have BPA in their body and although it was previously considered to pose no health risks to humans, in January of this year, the FDA made a 180-degree shift by stating BPA is of “some concern” for infants and children. BPA is one of the world’s highest production-volume chemicals and for the last 40 years has been used to make plastics (baby bottles, beverage bottles, lining of food containers, electronics, compact discs, etc.). Another interesting study found that cash register receipts, which use heat to imprint the information (the majority of receipts today) have 10-50 times the amount of BPA found in plastics. So don’t let your children play with receipts and store them away from where kids can get into them. It appears that BPA can affect the brain, reproductive systems and even promote asthma in susceptible children. Another study showed that BPA is linked to heart disease in adults. Fortunately, because of these recent studies, many manufactures are taking it upon themselves to remove BPA from products when possible. So, be sure to look for “BPA-free” on the labels of many plastic and food containers. Instead of drinking water from plastic bottles (and the “flimsier” the plastics, the greater the BPA content), switch to stainless steel or glass bottles, especially if there is a chance that the bottle may be exposed to heat. Plastic containers exposed to heat appear to have greater amounts of BPA than non-heated containers. As a result, be sure to avoid heating food in plastic containers or covering your food with plastic when heating in the microwave.

2. PFOA and PFOS

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are known as perfluorinated chemicals. These 26 and 35 scrabble word scores, respectively, are quite a mouthful to say, and they can cause serious problems when we’re exposed to them. More specifically, liver damage, hormone imbalances, and infertility are issues that are well-documented with PFOA and PFOS exposure. In fact, a 2009 study in the journal Human Reproduction demonstrated that women with the highest measured levels of PFOAs and PFOSs took up to 154% longer to become pregnant. Although a recent study by the governmental organization National Institute of Health did not find any connection with PFOAs and PFOSs causing developmental delays in children, they did recommend “further study” and “limiting or avoiding pediatric exposure.” These chemicals are often found in teflon and other non-stick cookware, stain-proof and no-iron or “wrinkle-free” fabrics, microwave popcorn bags and flame retardants. It turns out that many infant and children’s clothing are being bathed in PFOAs and PFOSs for their flame retardant qualities, but a recent Environmental Protection Agency panel is requiring all manufacturers to have these chemicals completely removed from children’s clothing by 2015. In addition to this good news, manufacturers are required to list these chemicals on clothing labels; so, be sure to read all children’s clothing labels and avoid those products that contain either PFOAs or PFOSs. Plus, by having your children consume plenty of fresh drinking water and eat lots of fresh, organic vegetables, you’re helping to ensure that their natural detoxification pathways are working properly.

3. Phthalates

Found in perfumes, cosmetics and very soft plastics (plastic wrap and children’s toys, for example), phthalates are a part of many of the products we use on a daily basis. On children’s toys, the most common type of phthalate is diisononyl phthalate or DINP—time to get your scrabble board out again. Unfortunately DINP does not “bind” to toys very well and can leach out over time. Children who put plastic toys in their mouths significantly increase their exposure to phthalates and parents are urged to keep plastic toys out of children’s mouths. Again, look for labels on toys that are “phthalate-free” or contain ethylene vinyl acetate, or “EVA.”
By informing yourself and taking a little extra time to read labels, you can quite effectively remove many of the harmful chemicals that surround us. Try to limit your use of plastics and instead use glass or stainless steel containers. Be sure to not heat plastic containers, especially if you plan on consuming their contents. By taking these few simple steps, you can dramatically reduce the amount of chemicals found both in your own body and in those of your children.
Dr. Phil Wazny NMD
Contributing Author and Naturopath

Safe Baby Products

We wade through the murky waters of baby products to help you find out whether to throw the baby wash out with the bathwater

from www.todaysparent.com by Wendy Haaf

When you’re smoothing that sweet-smelling lotion on your baby’s skin, are you doing more harm than good? It depends on whom you ask. Recent news reports might have us believe that when it comes to infant care, the more natural the better, but many mainstream scientists have found little evidence of hidden health hazards in commonly used baby products. We spoke to people in both camps to give you a balanced look at what’s really going on inside that bottle of baby bubble bath.

Whiff of danger

Practically every product on the store shelf — from baby lotion to laundry detergent — has some kind of fragrance. So what’s the problem? Scented products are more likely than fragrance-free varieties to trigger asthma symptoms and eczema flare-ups in susceptible kids. Nor are artificial perfumes the only offenders — natural fragrances can also set off symptoms. What’s more, some essential oils, such as citrus, can severely irritate skin, even in people who aren’t eczema-prone.

Barbara Harris, a representative of the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, contends allergies to fragrances are becoming more common, and the ubiquity of perfumed products is partly to blame. “When you’re constantly exposed to something, the chance of sensitization is greater,” she says.

While there’s no proof that exposure to scented products can actually increase the probability a child will develop eczema, allergies or hay fever, if any of these “allergic diseases” runs in your family or your partner’s, that’s reason enough to consider going fragrance-free when it comes to baby’s skin.

The flap over phthalates

What keeps that body wash bottle squishy? Or prevents the perfume in baby lotion from evaporating as soon as it’s exposed to air? Often, the chemical in question is a phthalate, a group of chemicals recently thrust into the media spotlight. Some research — most of it on animals — suggests these chemicals block the effects of testosterone, which could potentially cause reproductive system abnormalities in baby boys, and alter the normal balance of sex hormones in older boys. For instance, a 2005 study found baby boys of mothers whose urine contained high levels of phthalates were more likely to have smaller penises and less developed testicles than the sons of women whose urine showed lower levels, says Kapil Khatter, a family physician and pollution policy advisor for Environmental Defence, a Toronto-based advocacy group.

All that sounds scary, but many mainstream medical experts argue that while phthalates may interfere with the male hormone, the amounts we encounter every day seem to be too low to cause health problems. And that’s keeping in mind these chemicals are also widely used in a host of other products, such as vinyl toys, plastic bags, household cleansers and air fresheners, notes Warren Foster, a phthalate researcher and director of the Centre for Reproductive Biology at McMaster University in Hamilton. Health Canada is taking a two-pronged look at phthalates. First, it’s measuring phthalate levels in blood and tissue samples taken from 5,000 Canadians. Second, it has launched a study of 2,000 pregnant women, and their newborns, that will broaden our understanding of how environmental chemicals affect the population.

Harris, for one, will be examining the study’s findings. She says that phthalates are linked to miscarriages, birth defects, infertility and cancer. Certain pesticides, she points out, when combined in low doses, are much more toxic than much higher doses of either single chemical. “These things are very difficult to study because the more things you combine, the more complex and expensive the research is,” she says. Harris also asserts babies may be particularly vulnerable to the potential ill effects of phthalates and other chemicals; because their immune systems and organs (including those that get rid of toxins) are still developing, they breathe in more air relative to their body size and chemicals can more easily penetrate their skin.

Regardless of which side you believe, you may still want to minimize your baby’s exposure to phthalates. So what can you do?

First, choose products specifically formulated for kids. According to Luisa Carter-Phillips, head of Health Canada’s cosmetics division, no children’s toiletries sold in Canada contain phthalates as one of the main ingredients. And even though the agency doesn’t consider them to be a health threat, Health Canada, as a precautionary measure, plans to ban certain phthalates from kids’ personal care products, replacing the current voluntary ban.

Skip the scent. Phthalates are often found in synthetic scents, so you can reduce exposure further by going scent-free.

Limit your child’s use of perfumes, colognes and nail polishes. According to tests conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some perfumes and colognes contain much higher concentrations of diethyl phthalate than other personal care products. (To find out more, visit nottoopretty.com, select Scientific Reports, and click on Not Too Pretty.) A more recent round of testing by the EWG also revealed relatively high levels of dibutyl phthalate in many nail polishes. While there’s no proof the chemicals are harmful, advocates like Khatter argue it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it’s possible to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Best before...

Ever wonder why lotions don’t separate and go sour? While other preservatives can do the job, a group of chemicals called parabens are commonly used to lengthen the shelf-life of products such as lotions. The problem, though, is that “parabens mimic estrogen,” notes Harris, which may be a concern since high levels of the hormone have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer.

But, just as with phthalates, there’s little evidence that the amounts in toiletries pose this hazard, according to Michael Rieder, a member of the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Drug Therapy and Hazardous Substances Committee. While a 2004 study detected these chemicals in breast tumors, scientists later discovered all of the samples in the study — including ‘blanks’ containing no tissue — were contaminated with parabens. Still, Health Canada will continue to monitor any new research suggesting a link between parabens and breast cancer.

Rather avoid parabens anyway? Here’s how:
Look on the label. Parabens will often be listed by name on the box or bottle — some examples include methylparaben and propylparaben.
Do your research. Use the sites listed in “Resources” to find products that are paraben- and phthalate-free. Or check out the “cheat sheets” at safemama.com.

Soap opera

It’s the ingredient that makes many shampoos and body washes froth, but its possible effects on baby could get you in a real lather. Sodium lauryl sulphate (or SLS; found in some shampoos, bath products and toothpastes) can irritate skin and eyes. (Since infants’ skin is sensitive, many manufacturers already avoid using the chemical in their baby products.) SLS may also worsen skin reactions to other irritants in susceptible kids, so steer clear if your baby has sensitive skin or if allergies run in your family.

SLS has also been the subject of several Internet hoaxes alleging the chemical is known to cause cancer — but according to the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (checnet.org), there’s no evidence that SLS is carcinogenic. However, groups such as the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia claim SLS can react with other ingredients to form small amounts of cancer-promoting chemicals. Is it worth skipping toiletries containing SLS? Only you can decide. Arguably, any risk would be small — most of these products are rinsed off almost as soon as they come in contact with the skin.

The bottom line

A small hypothetical risk — if any — sums up what mainstream medical experts told us. That said, there may be other valid reasons to skip lovely-smelly lotions, washes, creams and shampoos until your newborn is a few months old. Cleansers can strip protective oils from that petal-soft skin. After all, the most natural approach to skin care is knowing when to leave well enough alone.

Out of harm’s way

Here are a few of the product lines that get the seal of approval from the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia’s Guide to Less Toxic Products (lesstoxicguide.ca) or the US Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database (cosmetics database.com).
• Anointment Handmade Natural Skincare
• Aubrey Organics
• California Baby
• Earth Tribe
• Moonsnail Soapworks

Secret Filth in Bath Toys

A very informative segment from the Today show this week on the dangers found bath toys.  Toys tested had fecal matter (alarming levels), staph and e. coli bacteria in just about every single toy.  Check out the video for more info.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Britax Roundabout Stands Up to Train

Wow, what a story!!  When I read this I just had to post it because I thought it was an amazing story, and it proves how important it is to not only buy the right car seat but to have it installed correctly.  I’m a big fan of Britax as well.

from www.safemama.com

I had the pleasure of receiving a Britax Roundabout 50 to check out after a heart clutching story broke on the news. An Elm Grove, Wisconsin mother was trapped in front of an oncoming train with her child seated in the back, in a Britax Roundabout. The father, following behind in a separate car rushed to her aide and while they managed to free the mother, the boy was still in the car when struck by the oncoming train. That boy, and his Roundabout 50 were unharmed.

I’ve always been an advocate of car seat safety and the importance of having your seats checked to ensure they are installed properly. But I have to wonder how much of it was the installation, and how much of it was the seat? The Britax Roundabout 50 features Britax’s Side Impact Protection which distributes crash forces, contains the head and body, and shields the child from possible vehicle intrusions during a crash.

It also feature’s their 5 point harness system which secures the child at the strongest parts of the body… much like race car drivers! this is one of their smaller contoured convertible car seats which can accommodate an infant as small as 5 lbs up to 50lbs. Because of the smaller base this seat can fit in most vehicles wonderfully compared to others. I’ve had this problem with some of the other seats we’ve tested in our Honda Pilot, where the base is so big that it creates less leg room for the child and for the driver. The Roundabout 50 eliminates that problem. My son was very comfortable in this seat. And knowing that it helped save a boy from a train impact doesn’t hurt!

Britax has a great reputation and for good reason… they rate well in Consumer Reports and have been proactive with regard to recalls, while continuing to improve the safety of their seats with research. But with any car seat, it’s crucial to have it properly installed or else all those great safety features are useless. Look for your local Child Safety Seat Inspector on SeatCheck.org or at USA.SafeKids.org.

Is My Drop-Side Crib Safe? A Must Read Checklist

from http://www.cafemom.com/, by Cafe Cynthia

This homemade repair led to the death of a baby.

Both my babies slept in drop-side cribs, where one entire side drops down into a lower position so mom can save her back. One crib in particular was very wobbly. But I never did anything about it, and thank goodness I avoided tragedy.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled about 7 million cribs in the last three years, most of them drop-side models. Click for the crib recall list. ( I'll be trading in my old crib at Toys "R" Us to put it out of circulation.)
Manufacturers are no longer allowed to make drop-side cribs, but they still may be for sale in stores, so if you come across one, don't buy it! The CPSC is working with other groups to develop a new state-of-the-art crib standard, which will be available sometime later this year.
But that doesn't help you and your baby right now, especially if you have one of the outdated models, does it?
The first thing you need to do is make sure your current crib is safe, and if it's not, to get rid of it. A new CPSC crib safety Q&A should answer most of your questions, but here's a summary in case baby is getting sleepy right now:
To make sure your crib is safe:
1. Every time you change the sheets, make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress.
2. Make sure all visible bolts and screws are tight.
3. With the mattress out of the crib, wiggle the crib to see how tight all the joints are. If the crib feels loose, wobbly or structurally not sound, tighten all hardware.
4. If the crib remains wobbly after tightening, look for loose wood-to-wood joints that may be causing the problem. Stop using the crib if loose wood-to-wood joints are found.
The CPSC says about 30 percent of crib deaths each year occur because of missing hardware, have broken or non-working parts, or have had ineffective repairs made to them. Police may criminally investigate parents who tried to repair broken cribs, following the death of their babies.
Going through this checklist is the best Valentine's Day Gift you could give your baby. Then take a few minutes and read the full CPSC post, and contact them if you have further questions.
Have you checked lately to make sure your baby's drop-side crib is safe?