Recent Recalls

Recalled Peg Perego Pliko-P3 Stroller

223,000 Peg Perego Strollers and 5,600 Kolcraft strollers were recently recalled. This is on top of 485, 690 Chicco high chairs, 15,400 folding children's beach chairs, and 37,800 Old Navy water shoes, 105,400 Flexible Flyer Swing Sets, and more that were also recalled in the past month.

Addressing the strollers issue...
The Peg Perego strollers were recalled because of a death and near death of two babies. The baby died from strangulation because he was not buckled into the stroller, and slid down to be caught between the seat and tray. The second baby nearly died from the same thing.

It is important to note that all children riding in strollers should always be buckled in. This is not the first time that a baby has died in a stroller when the were not buckled in.

The Kolcraft strollers recalled are the Contours Options LT Tandem strollers sold between February and July of this year. No deaths or injuries have been reported. They are being recalled because the wheels can break. Consumers should call Kolcraft for a free replacement wheels.

I would like to applaud Kolcraft and the CPSC for making such a quick recall. They kept children from being injured or killed by recalling the strollers quickly. The Peg Perego strollers are only being recalled now, eight years after that baby died. This puts other children at risk, including the second baby who nearly died two years after the first baby did. I will note that the PP strollers were no longer sold after 2007, but could still be used.

To find out more about these recalls, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereljul12.html

How to Keep your Family Safe:

Seeing the amount of recalled items a year is overwhelming. So many products, from so many trusted companies have the ability to hurt your family. What can you do to keep your family safe?

1. Check all second hand items you get to see if they have been recalled. www.cpsc.gov has a search engine, or you can type the name of the product and the word "recalled" into Google or Yahoo.
2. Send in the recall card that comes with many safety important pieces of gear to be notified of a recall. Baby carriers, strollers, and cribs often have these.
3. Sign up for recall e-mails from the CPSC. You can decide which categories to receive information from. They will not send you any e-mails except for recalls.  https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx
4. If you notice a problem with a product you have, report it to the CPSC via their website.
5. Spread the word. If you hear about a recall, tell people. Tell your friends and neighbors. Tweet and post it. 

The Perfect Stroller

I recently wrote in one of my buying guides what my perfect stroller would be. Here is what I came up with:

"In a perfect world (where the laws of physics are nonexistent) you would be able to have a stroller that weighs 1lb, is full featured, has reversible seats, holds child at parent height, and fits on public transit. This is not possible, so some compromise will have to be given."

I had to laugh when I realized I already own that stroller, in fact I own several different types...

1. Weighs 1lb - mine all weigh less!
2. Full featured - some are, some aren't
3. Reversible seating - baby can face the world or me
4. Child at parent height - check
5. Fits on public transit - barely takes up more room than the baby

Well, what is this magic stroller called? A Baby Carrier! Yes, my wraps, mei tais, SSCs, and ring slings certainly do all of the above, and at much less the cost than what that magic stroller would cost.

So, if you are looking for the perfect stroller, maybe it's time to check out my 'Types of Baby Carriers' post.

Dear Nanny - Crib Climber

Dear Nanny,

My 18 month old recently learned how to climb out of his crib. How do I get him to stay in bed?

Climber's Mama

~~~~~~

Dear Climber's Mama,

Congratulations on your toddler! Many communities suggest moving your little one into a "big kid bed" once they begin climbing out of the crib, but what do you do if you feel like your child is too young to be in a real bed? There are many safe ways to help deal with this.

Do:

• Remove 'steps' from the crib. Is your child using a crib bumper, stuffed animals, or something else to boost themselves up? I might be a good plan to take out their improvisational steps. As long as your child's lovey doesn't disappear, they should be fine.
• Ask your child to stop. Say, "You need to stay in your crib until mommy (or daddy, nanny, grandma, etc) comes to get you." Some children this actually works for. Some it doesn't.
• Use a sleep sack at night to keep your son in bed. A sleep sack is cozy and will keep them from being able to spread their legs far enough to climb out. Just make sure you do not overheat your child.
• Put their crib mattress on the floor until they are mature enough for a real bed. This way if they fall out, they won't get hurt. 

Don't:

• Buy a crib tent. I have been saying it for years, crib tents are dangerous! 330,00 crib tents were recently recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, "CPSC is warning parents and caregivers who own these products that infants and toddlers are at risk of serious injury or death due to strangulation and entrapment hazards presented by these products."

Toddler sized sleep sacks:

• Merino Kids
• Halo Wearable Blanket
• GroBag
• Baby Deedee Sleep Nest

Good Luck!

Katie

Swaddling

Baby swaddled in an Aiden & Anais Blanket

For centuries all over the world, people have been wrapping up their babies. Even in cultures that had little influence from any others swaddled their babies. Native Americans had cradleboards that they tied their babies into, Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes 2,000 years ago, and hospitals today all over the world send babies home swaddled.

Swaddling babies makes them feel like they are being hugged all around. They feel safe and secure tightly cocooned like they were in the womb. Studies have shown that swaddling babies helps them sleep longer, remain calmer, and swaddling even promotes growth. Swaddling also acts as a sleep cue for your baby. If baby is consistently swaddled right before it's time to sleep, their body will soon associate swaddling with sleeping.

Safety:

• Swaddling is not something that is instinctive. Incorrect swaddling can contribute to SIDS (overheating and loose blankets in crib) or stunted growth. It is perfectly safe properly done though.
• The swaddle should be tight, you don’t want baby to be wriggling out. Loose blankets = bad.
• Do not overdress your baby, the blanket is another layer. Take off a layer underneath the blanket if baby gets warm.
• Use a breathable blanket when you swaddle to help prevent overheating. Think cotton for room to warm temperatures and wool for cold weather
• Beware of slack in the blanket at the top of the swaddle. Put baby’s shoulders level with the top of the blanket to keep there from being any slack. Slack in the blanket can cover baby's mouth/nose.

*The following swaddle technique comes from Dr. Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block.

Dr Harvey Karp's DUDU Swaddle

Dr. Harvey Karp teaches the DUDU (Down, Up, Down, Up) Swaddle. This is basically the same swaddle that has been used in hospitals and homes for many years. Here's how to do it:

Step 1 - DOWN

Hold baby’s right arm straight at the side.

Bring the blanket down and tuck it under baby’s back.

Grab the blanket by the unwrapped shoulder and tug it snug.

Don’t be surprised if your baby cries louder when you wrap.  Your baby doesn’t know what’s best! They don’t realize they’re just seconds away from happiness!  

Step 2 – UP

Hold baby’s left arm straight at the side.

Bring the bottom point of the blanket straight up and place it on the shoulder. Tuck the rest of the blanket under the whole left arm. 

Step 3 - DOWN

Grab the blanket a few inches from baby’s left shoulder and pull it down…just a little bit. 

Hold that small fold of blanket pressed against baby’s chest like you are holding down a ribbon to make a bow.  

Step 4 - UP

Grab the last free corner.  Pull it straight out (to remove any  slack) then in one smooth motion bring it up and across baby’s waist.   

Wrap it snugly around the body like a belt, to hold baby’s

arms down FIRMLY.

This last snug and tuck keeps the whole swaddle from popping open.

~~

If your child is at risk for hip dysplasia, then a hip-friendly swaddle should be used. See this link for more details.

~~

Products for Swaddling

• Aiden & Anais Blankets are my favorites. They are light and breathable, and perfect for year round use. You can double swaddle if it's cold in baby's room. They are huge, which makes them perfect for swaddling a baby, especially if you end up swaddling for several months.
• The Information Blanket is small, so it will really only work for newborns. It is a blanket with infant care guidelines printed on it. For every English language version purchased, another blanket is given to a mother and her baby somewhere else in the world to help fight infant mortality.
• The Loving Baby Swaddle Blanket is a specially shaped blanket to make swaddling easier. It also makes the swaddle more secure.
• The Miracle Blanket is another swaddle cheater that makes it easier to get a nice tight swaddle.
• The Woombie is less a blanket and more of a cocoon. You just zip baby in! It is stretchy so baby can still move around like they did in the womb.

Dear Nanny - Flat Head

Dear Nanny,


My baby is developing a flat spot on the side of his head. I have been doing tummy time and I hold him in different positions throughout the day, so how is this happening? I thought flat heads only came from babies who were never held. Could there be something wrong with my baby?


-Unsure


~~~~~~~~~~


Dear Unsure,


Plagiocephaly (flat head) is very common in babies, in fact, most babies have a flat head at some point or another. Even babies who do tummy time can get flat spots. I have heard of a baby that was mainly carried upright in a sling or wrap that did not develop a flat spot, but other than that most babies I have known had plagiocephaly. 


Your child's sleep surface is the likely culprit. Babies spend most of their time asleep. If they are in the same position for several hours every day, then they develop flat spots. You hear this mainly from babies who sleep in swings, car seats, or other sitting devices for the night. However, the crib is not exempt here.

At this point it is important to note that cribs are the only sleep surface that is certified for infant sleep. In fact, the AAP stated in a recent article that, "there are multiple concerns about using sitting devices as a usual infant sleep location. Placing an infant in such devices can potentiate gastroesophageal reflux and positional plagiocephaly. Because they still have poor head control and often experience flexion of the head while in a sitting position, infants younger than 1 month in sitting devices might be at increased risk of upper airway obstruction and oxygen desaturation." You can find the full article here.

It sounds like you are doing things right. Tummy time and holding your baby in different positions throughout the day can help combat plagiocephaly. At your next pediatrician appointment, have your doctor look at your baby's head. They will tell you if it becomes something to worry about. You can also use the Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support to try and help. Just always provide supervision when your baby is using it and never let baby sleep on it unless you are awake and watching. It is a pillow, and thus a suffocation hazard. If it is used in the bouncy seat while baby is awake, then it should be fine.


I hope this helps!


- Katie

Newborn Layette

About Layette
Layette is fun to buy. Instead of telling you brands, all you have to do is find the cutest clothes and buy them. Here are some great fabrics:

• 100% cotton is popular in baby clothing because cotton is natural, breathable, absorbent, and strong.
• Bamboo is becoming increasingly popular because it is a sustainable textile, it can manage moisture, is naturally soft, and naturally anti-microbial. Bamboo is great for the basics.
• Merino wool is a nice outer layer in cooler weather. It can regulate temperature, manage moisture, is non-allergenic, and a natural fire retardant
• Fleece is moisture wicking, dries quickly, and resists most stains. A great outer layer in colder weather.

What to Buy and How Much

• 6-8 side-snap shirts, 0-3mo
• 2 newborn or 0-3mo light-weight hats
• 4 pairs of socks or booties, newborn size
• 5-7 onesies in the 0-3mo size
• 4-7 gowns or sleepers, 0-3mo
• 4-7 outfits, 0-3mo
• Homecoming outfit, newborn size
• 2 pairs of no-scratch mittens
• 4 large swaddling blankets and/or 2 sleep sacks
• 4 bibs
• 4-7 burpcloths
• 10 washcloths

Cold Weather:

• Bunting/Coat/Carrier Cover
• Thick hat

Sunny Weather:

• Sun hat/bonnet
• Sunglasses

Temperature and Layers
Babies under six months lack the ability to self regulate their temperatures. This means that they need to be dressed appropriately for the temperature, and you will need to carry an extra blanket with you all year round.

The rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than what you wear, but if you are always hot or cold, than this might not work for you. Here is a general guide:
65°F and under: 3-4 layers - diaper and undershirt or onesie, sleeper or gown, hat, and an outer layer appropriate for the temperature (ie: sweater, bunting, winter stroller cover)
65-68°F: 3 layers - diaper and undershirt or onesie, sleeper or gown, and a swaddling blanket or sleep sack. While baby is awake you can use a light hat.
69-74°F: 2 layers - diaper and undershirt or onesie; sleeper, gown, blanket, or sleep sack
75-79°F: 1-2 layers - diaper and undershirt, onesie, sleeper, or gown
80-84°F: 1 layer: diaper and undershirt or onesie
85°F+: Just a diaper, and a fan wouldn't hurt either...


Sizing
Clothing sizing for babies is done by age. They use the average weight and length of a baby for each age group. Unfortunately, not all babies are average. They all grow at different rates. Some babies spend all of three weeks in the 0-3mo size, while others won’t leave that size until they are five months. It is frustrating because trying to squish your children into too small clothes can stunt growth, while putting too big of clothes on can twist around the baby or cover their faces and suffocate them.


Notes About Newborns
People love to buy teeny tiny baby clothes, and they love to buy in the newborn size. Unfortunately, babies grow out of the newborn size quickly, and some babies never fit in them. If you put layette items on your registry, make sure they are 6mo+ items or else you will end up with 50 newborn outfits and no 9-12mo outfits.




To see my full layette guide, go to http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/R2A7D1P7CX3CXR/ref=

Modern Day Diaper Service

It used to be (and for some cloth users still is) that a diaper service could come collect your dirty diapers, and return the clean. Nowadays, most people use disposable diapers, but diaper service is still available in a different way.

No more running to the store in the middle of the night for more diapers or making a make-shift diaper out of a dish towel! Modern mothers (and other caregivers) can have diapers delivered right to their front doors! It works like grocery delivery services. You sign up online, and once a month you receive a box of diapers in the mail. The only thing you have to do is change the size accordingly when baby outgrows the current one. 

Amazon.com offers this service under their "Subscribe and Save" section. If you order a monthly shipment, then you pay less. What a great way to save time and money!