Newborns

Activities, Information, Websites

What's New

• Report Finds Soft Bedding a Factor in Playpen Deaths

  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report on deaths in playpens. Since 1988, CPSC has reports of more than 200 babies who died while in playpens. In almost 100 of these deaths, soft bedding or improper or extra mattresses were present in the playpen and the babies died of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• New Study Confirms Vaccine Reduces Childhood Ear Infections

  A vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in children has for the first time been confirmed effective in preventing certain childhood ear infections as well, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

• Poisonings Kill About 30 Children Annually

  Each year, unintentional poisonings from medicines and household chemicals kill about 30 children and prompt more than 1 million calls to the nation's poison control centers. This article aims to help prevent those childhood poisonings by reminding people to check their homes now.

• Preventing Choking Among Infants and Young Children

  Many infants and children die each year from choking. These deaths can be prevented if parents and care givers watch their children more closely and keep dangerous toys, foods, and household items out of their reach.

• Tetanus - In The Child Care Setting

  Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is very rare in the United States due to the very high immunization rates of persons living here. Tetanus is difficult to treat, but is completely preventable through vaccination.

• Winter Safety

  With its cold and often stormy weather, winter presents many safety challenge- both indoors and out. Being prepared and following these simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm this season.

• Pediatricians Warn Overmedication Can Occur

  A new survey of pediatricians, conducted at the recent Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), shows that 61 percent of respondents are very concerned that, by combining common over-the-counter cold and fever medications, parents may unwittingly give their children an overdose of medication, putting children's health at risk.

• CPSC Welcomes High-Tech Toy Testing Equipment

  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today welcomed state-of-the-art testing technology from McDonald's Corporation and RAM Consulting. The high-tech equipment will give CPSC additional tools to evaluate the safety of toys and other children's products.

• Toy Boxes and Toy Chests

  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns parents and guardians of young children about strangulation hazards associated with certain toy chest and other containers.

• CPSC Reminds Parents About Nightwear Safety

  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding parents to choose sleepwear that will protect children from serious burn injuries. Be sure to shop for safety by looking for tags that say the garment is flame-resistant or snug- fitting.

• Keep Your Holidays Happy, Healthy and Headache-Free

  As the holidays approach, people across the country are looking forward to the twinkling lights, festive music, sweet treats and an extra dose of family visits. But for many, these favorite holiday traditions can also bring on an unwelcome threat of headaches and for some, even a debilitating migraine headache attack. This helpful article offers advice on how to prevent or control common holiday situations that could provoke headaches.

• Tis' the Season for Holiday Safety - More Holiday Safety Tips

  The scene is all too familiar -- frenzied parents rushing through packed-to-the-ceiling aisles searching for the perfect gifts and decorations to celebrate their holiday festivities. With all of the decorating, gift giving and festivity fanfare, making your holiday safe for children will be the most important preparation of all.

Recent Recalls

• CPSC, Inca Imports Announce Recall of Stuffed Bears
  
  

  In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Inca Imports, of Denver, Colo., is voluntarily recalling about 2,600 stuffed bears. The noses, bells, and eyes of the bears can detach, presenting a choking hazard to young children. The eyes also present a sharp point hazard.

• CPSC, Imperial Toy Corp. Announce Recall of Toy Feeding Sets
  
  

  In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Imperial Toy Corp., of Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 100,000 toy feeding sets. The nipple on the toy baby bottle included in these sets could come off, posing a serious choking hazard to small children.

• CPSC, DSI Toys, Inc. Announce Recall of Toy Kittens
  
  

  DSI Toys, Inc is recalling about 238,000 stuffed toy kittens. These toys contain contaminated water that, if contacted, could cause illness to children.

New Products

• Baby Van Gogh (Video) By The Baby Einstein Company
  
  

  This beautiful video has quickly became a favorite of my toddler. He runs around saying "baby van gogh... baby van gogh..." as only a toddler can do. I've lost track of the number of times we've watched this video together and each time we love it as much as the first time we watched it. This video and book combination is a wonderfully creative way to introduce colors, art and classical music to your young child.

• Child Safe - A Practical Guide to Preventing Childhood Injuries (Book)
  
  

  This up-to-date and very practical safety book is must-have for families. It is divided into age-specific sections that clearly show parents what they need to know and do to protect their children. It points out common, but often unknown hazards. The author speaks from extensive experience and the book is filled with examples and statistics to illustrate key points.

• Baby Mozart (Video) By The Baby Einstein Company
  
  

  This beautiful video for toddlers and infants has been based upon research showing that listening to Mozart's music can help increase a child's spatial intelligence and other cognitive skills. Whether or not this is true is almost beside the point because the video is just wonderful in its own right. The imagery is captivating and the music is engaging. My child and I have spent many hours enjoying this video.