Children's Sleep Safety and other Safety Resources and Articles for Parents

Traveling can be taxing and difficult on its own, nonetheless, traveling with a toddler. In order to ensure a good, fun, and happy trip, here are a few helpful tips!

1. Bring A Special Bag
My daughter is currently obsessed with Dora and Diego. So in preparation for a recent trip, we purchased a Diego backpack for all of her toys. Not only was my daughter thrilled with the backpack, but she was also able to wear it while traveling, thus freeing my hands for something else!

2. Pack Lots of Toys and Drawing Supplies
Being prepared is the key for pleasant travels. You can never have enough books, coloring books, crayons, stickers or toys for a toddler. To make sure that it’s really special and new, start buying supplies in advance. That way there is extra excitement and eagerness to read a new book or use new crayons. A great place to find inexpensive and small items is the Dollar Store.

3. Bring the Favorites
A great tip I learned from a seasoned mom is to start putting away favorite toys before a trip and then re-introduce while traveling. Not only are the kids excited to see the toy, but you already know they will happily play with it!

4. Don’t Forget The Snacks
Food and drinks are always a necessity while traveling. Juice boxes and goldfish are an essential; however, bringing new items may also work. Try making trail mix and have two bags…one for the trip there and one for the way home. And be prepared, if you are flying, security may seize your opened containers. I found that they allowed my daughter’s sippy cup with juice, but that might not be the case at all airports. Bottom line, have a “plan B” in place!

5. Maintaining A Schedule
Although you’re on vacation, following your typical schedule and routine can be comforting to a toddler. If your child is use to taking a daily nap, do everything in your power to maintain that schedule. Otherwise, you could be vacationing with a cranky and unpleasant child…which isn’t relaxing or fun!

Traveling with a toddler can be lots of fun, but be sure to plan ahead. Be prepared and expect the unexpected! If you can roll with the punches, everyone is sure to have a great time!

Curing Infant Reflux and Colic with Old-Fashioned Remedies

Before the birth of my son, I spent hours researching various brands of products that I assumed I needed. I scoured bookstores and tried to decide which books to purchase and which philosophies made the most sense to me. One year after Max’s birth I took inventory of the products and books that I had purchased or was given. Most of them were unused or had been a total waste of money. In the end it was really getting back to old-fashioned basics that had benefited us the most.

Max was born with infant reflux. He rarely slept for longer than 20 minutes at a stretch unless held or carried. He spit-up or vomited frequently and was in acute physical distress for hours during the night, moaning in pain. He cried for hours inconsolably and nursed for 45-90 minutes at a time, every 2 – 2 ½ hours for most of the day. He refused to be laid on his back and was unhappy in his seat or swing. Although he wanted to be constantly held he hated the sling and only tolerated the front carrier, preferring instead to be held in arms in an upright position.

Luckily for Max he has the type of personality that demands things. He was able to communicate in no uncertain terms what he did NOT want. It was a long list that covered many modern baby-raising practices such as:

Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge advocate for products or advice that make the baby or the parent more comfortable, and above all assist in sleeping. However, I think that Max would have been better off if I had NOT read so many books or researched so many products and instead just listened to Max.

Max wanted very few things really. He wanted things that babies in less developed countries get automatically, without the benefit of parenting books or expensive products. He wanted

It is now commonly believed that fussiness and colic are often caused by undiagnosed baby reflux, or GER. It is also estimated that between 40 and 60% of all babies suffer from some degree of reflux in the early months due to an under-developed lower esophagus sphincter (LES). That means that half of all babies may experience physical distress due to gas or acid in the esophagus. It is important to realize that a baby need not spit up in order to be refluxing. This is called silent reflux. This does not necessarily mean these babies need medication. They may require or benefit from some simple lifestyle changes.

Many of the things you are currently using or doing may be making the problem worse.

Choose Breastmilk over Formula. Human breastmilk is the most developmentally appropriate and easily digestible food source for a human baby. Formulas contain many ingredients that can cause intolerances. You may consider eliminating from your diet dairy or other foods that can cause intolerances to see if they are also aggravating your baby’s system. Food intolerances can aggravate reflux and increase gas.

Do NOT Schedule or Time Feedings. Your baby knows how much milk he/she needs and will feed appropriately in order to establish the correct milk supply for you both. By timing, scheduling, or withholding feeds you are inhibiting your baby’s efforts. The correct frequency and number of feeds will be unique to every mother and baby team and should not be advised by a book. Overfeeding can aggravate reflux and increase gas.

Finish the First Breast Before Switching Sides. Many books will tell you to offer both breasts at one feeding. Follow your baby’s lead. Leave your baby on one breast until you feel he/she is actively seeking more milk rather than just comfort nursing. You will very quickly be able to tell the difference by the intensity of your baby’s sucks and other more unique cues your baby will give you. This will help with oversupply and overactive letdown as well as foremilk/hindmilk imbalance. All of these conditions can aggravate reflux and increase gas.

Stop Stressing Over Insufficient Milk Supply. If your baby is gaining weight and has the appropriate number of wet or soiled diapers in a 24 hour period then your supply is more than likely just fine. Do not try to gauge your supply by the amount of milk you get when pumping. Stress over supply is a very common reason to begin supplementing with formula and may lead to the end of your nursing relationship.

Feed Your Baby in an Appropriate Feeding Position. The natural nursing position is with baby on his/her side with the body on an angle so that the head is higher than the rest of the body. Preferably the angle will be about 30 degrees, although some babies will benefit from an even greater angle. The head and spine should be well supported and in a straight line. This will facilitate digestion. You can achieve this through the use of a nursing wedge or by propping FIRM pillows.

Keep Your Baby in an Upright Position with no Pressure on the Tummy. This is especially important during and for 30-60 minutes after feeds. Reflux happens most frequently when a baby is laid flat on his/her back, such as in a play yard or on the floor on a play mat. In addition, deep seat “wells” where the seat bottom and back meet in many bouncy seats or swings can put baby in a position that puts pressure on the tummy. The strapping mechanisms can also increase tummy pressure. Some slings can curl baby in a position that puts pressure on the tummy. Some modern carriers also do not hold the baby in tight enough so that the baby slumps slightly, putting pressure on the tummy. Asian-style baby carriers like mei tais and podegis keep the baby in an upright position close to you so the baby does not slump or slouch. Moby Wraps and Baby Cuddlers can also be adjusted so that the baby is very upright and close to you.

These lifestyle changes are simple to implement and any baby will benefit from them, especially babies who are fussy, colicky or have reflux. They require very little money and, in fact, may save you money in desperation purchases you might make in order to calm and quiet a baby made uncomfortable by following inappropriate advice. Now if I could only return all these unused baby products…

Annette lives in Seattle with her husband Jared, sons Max and Lander, and their faithful flat-coated retriever. She is now a work-at-home-mom (WAHM) and founder of Moms in Clogs, makers of Pollywog brand products. Unable to find products beneficial for infant reflux, she designed the patented Pollywog nursing wedge and changing station incliner. Her website, Pollywog Baby Infant Reflux Solutions provides practical advice, home remedies and support to help manage infant reflux and colic.

June Newsletter Topics

Play It Safe in the Sun: A Guide for Parents

Choose Your Cover

Hey Moms and Dads! Not all sun protection comes in a bottle. There are lots of ways to protect your child's skin all year long. Here are five you can try.

	1. Hide and Seek. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it's best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella or a pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek relief once it's happened.
	2. Cover ‘em Up. Clothing that covers your child's skin helps protect against UV rays. Although a long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, they aren't always practical. A T-shirt, long shorts or a beach cover-up are good choices, too—but it's wise to double up on protection by applying sunscreen or keeping your child in the shade when possible.
	3. Get a Hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball caps are popular among kids but they don't protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.
	4. Shades Are Cool. And they protect your child's eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
	5. Rub on Sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA/UVB protection every time your child goes outside.

For additional information about household dangers, product recalls and other useful tips, please visit:

Is Your Child's Car Seat Safe?
By Kay Green, www.MyPreciousKid.com
Copyright 2002-2006

We keep hearing about how 4 out of 5 car seats are installed incorrectly. How can you be sure your child's is installed correctly? One way is to read the instruction manual that came with your child's car seat and your car's owner's manual. That will give you some good clues. You can also have it checked by your local fire station or car seat safety clinic.
Parent's January Magazine tells us the 8 most often made mistakes? Have you made any of them? http://www.parents.com/articles/health/5198.jsp

Mistake #1: Seat Too Loose
The seat should not move more than one inch right to left.

Mistake #2: Harness Too Loose
You should not be able to pinch the fabric of the harness belt.

Mistake #3: Facing Wrong Way
Forward facing can not happen until the child is 1 year old AND more than 20 pounds.

Mistake #4: Wrong Angle
Rear facing infant seat should be at a 45 degree angle.

Mistake #5: Retainer Clip Wrong
This clip must be at arm pit level.

Mistake #6: Wrong Slots
Read your car seats instructions.

Mistake #7: No Booster Seat
Children up to 8 years, 80 pounds and 4'9" need to be in a booster seat.

Mistake #8: Recalled Seat
Check your car seat against the recalled list often.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Read More...

As a child my Father helped me learn to tie my shoes by drilling holes in a wood block, adding shoe laces and sitting with me showing me over and over again until I got it right. My father taught me to swim and how to ride a bike. Because of my Father, I learned that I could accomplish things. But the memory of childhood with my Father that stands out the most is the many times my Father spent hours gently combing the tangles out of my two foot long wavy hair. My Father showed me that men could be gentle and loving.

As a teenager my Father drove me to Baptist youth group, chaperoned parties, set up a schedule for household chores and gave me an allowance. Because of my Father, I learned the importance of faith, of being honorable in my actions, of being productive and the importance of a budget. But the memory of my teen years that stands out the most is when I told my Father I was leaving home at the tender age of eighteen. My Father did not stand in my way even though my words surely pained him greatly. My Father showed me how to put the wants and need of others before my own.

After I left home, I lost my way for awhile. Even though my Father disapproved of my way of life, he never disowned me. Because of my Father, I learned that love takes strength. My Father showed me the value of patience.

As each of these life experiences unfolded, I didn't really realize the deep impact that they had on me. It's not until now, the year I turn 50, that all these things come to light. So this year I will honor my Father in a way I never truly did before. For this year I will forgive all the times he was not there when I wished he was, and I will forget the things he said that hurt me. Because if it weren't for my Father, I wouldn't be the woman I am today.

May Newsletter Topics

I was once a Manager of over 30 people…most of which were women. Obviously, a large portion of these women had a child or children. I always got so annoyed at the constant schedule changes, sudden request for time off due to an “illness” or their need to suddenly leave early. I mean…how hard can it be?!?! These women were just using the fact that they had children to leave the office and go off and have fun somewhere else! Read More...

Safety Tips from Safekids.org

Accidental injury is the number one killer of America's children, taking more lives than disease, violence and suicide. Prevention is the cure. It's estimated that by taking these and other simple precautions, almost all (90 percent) of these accidental injuries can be avoided. Read More...

Mattress Fires: The Sleep Products Safety Council's Prevention and Safety Efforts

The figures are remarkable. From 1980 to 1999, bedroom fires dropped 70 percent and their related deaths by 61 percent, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. What's behind this success story? The Federal Mattress Flammability Standard, a decrease in smoking and the mattress industry's commitment to safety.

Among other things, the dramatic decline in mattress-related fires and deaths we see today can be attributed to:

Out of the Shade and Into the Fire: Raising Awareness for Men’s Skin Cancer
by: Deidra Garcia

Over half the forms of cancer diagnosed every year are skin cancer, and it is one of the most common forms of cancer among men. According to the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2007 Skin Cancer Fact Sheet, one out of five Americans will contract skin cancer at some point in their lives, and if you’ve had more than five sunburns in your life, you’ve doubled your risk of getting the disease.

In light of these startling statistics and with new scientific research about the dangers of sun exposure constantly being released to the public, why are people still choosing to forgo sun protection?

Men seem to be especially susceptible to carelessness when it comes to protecting their skin from the sun’s rays. In a study conducted by the University of Texas, only 34% of men interviewed said they regularly used a sunscreen. This is in comparison to approximately 78% of women. Higher instances of sun carelessness could be attributed to athletic lifestyles, outdoor jobs and the fact that while a great deal of recent attention has been given to women’s skin health, men are often left to find information out for themselves.

The true horror of skin cancer is that it is one of the most preventable forms of the disease. We at MenScience are very concerned about this epidemic among men and want to provide them with the tools and knowledge to prevent them from becoming future victims. With improved attention and awareness, the number of men who will contract skin cancer can be dramatically reduced.

Some of the simplest things to keep in mind are protection and observation:

* Avoid prolonged sun exposure from 10 AM – 4 PM. This is when the most intense rays appear.

* Cover skin with shirts, pants, hat and sunglasses.

* Every month or so, the American Cancer Society recommends that men check their skin, existing moles and birthmarks for changes in size, color or texture. Men are urged to see a doctor if changes are apparent. This is one of the most effective steps for catching problems before they can become life-threatening.

* Regularly wear a sunblock that contains an SPF of 30 and shields skin from both UVA and UVB rays. These are the most harmful forms of sunlight, and all areas of your skin should be protected. Keep application consistent and try to repeat several times if you’re outside for long periods of time.

Deidra Garcia is a freelance writer and communications manager for MenScience Androceuticals, a men's skincare and grooming company. You can find more articles by Deidra, as well as further tips and advice, at http://www.MenScience.com.

April Newsletter Topics

Want to teach your children more about Earth Day, recycling and the environment?

Check out these fantastic resources at Earthday.gov/kids

March Newsletter Topics

Q. Is there a special theme for National Poison Prevention Week?

A. Yes, our basic theme is "Children Act Fast...So Do Poisons!" This means that parents must always be watchful when household chemicals or drugs are being used. Many incidents happen when adults are using a product but are distracted (for example, by the telephone or the doorbell) for a few moments. Children act fast, and adults must make sure that household chemicals and medicines are stored away from children at all times. Read More...

Whether it is an apartment, duplex or single-family residence, the home is a place that is supposed to give families a feeling of safety and security. For many Americans families however, an injury or death of a loved one can turn this place of happiness into one of tragedy. Read More…

Consumer Product Safety Commission: “Bunk Beds, Just the Facts”

Bunk beds are frequently used as a child's first regular bed after he/she outgrows a crib - either at about age 2 or 35 inches (890 mm) in height.

Some bunk beds also are used separately as twin beds for older children and even adults. Read More…

Articles:
Reducing The Risk Of SIDS
by: Heather Owens
What is SIDS?
SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under 1 year of age. Because many SIDS babies are found in their cribs, some people call SIDS "crib death." But, cribs do not cause SIDS.

Facts About SIDS
Doctors and nurses do not know what causes SIDS, but they do know:

Even though there is no way to know which babies might die of SIDS, there are some things that you can do to make your baby safer.

What Can I Do to Help Lower the Risk of SIDS?
Always place your baby on his or her Back to Sleep, even for naps. This is the safest sleep position for ahealthy baby to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Place your baby on a firm mattress, such as in a safety-approved crib. Research has shown that placing a baby to sleep on soft mattresses, sofas, sofa cushions, waterbeds, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces greatly increases the risk of SIDS.

Remove soft, fluffy and loose bedding and stuffed toys from your baby's sleep area. Make sure you keep all pillows, quilts, stuffed toys, and other soft items away from your baby's sleep area.
Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows to place your baby on his or her back to sleep and about the dangers of soft bedding. Talk to childcare providers, grandparents, babysitters and all caregivers about SIDS risk. Remember, every sleep time counts. So, for the least risk, remind every caregiver to place your baby on his or her back to sleep on firm bedding at both nighttime and naptime.

Make sure your baby's face and head stay uncovered during sleep. Keep blankets and other coverings away from your baby's mouth and nose. The best way to do this is to dress your baby in sleep clothing so you will not have to use any other covering over the baby. If you do use a blanket or another covering, make sure that the baby's feet are at the bottom of the crib, the blanket is no higher than the baby's chest, and the blanket is tucked in around the bottom of the crib mattress.

Do not allow smoking around your baby. Don't smoke before or after the birth of your baby and make sure no one smokes around your baby.
Don't let your baby get too warm during sleep. Keep your baby warm during sleep, but not too warm. Your baby's room should be at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult. Too many layers of clothing or blankets can overheat your baby.

Babies Sleep Safest on Their Backs.
One of the easiest ways to lower the risk of SIDS is to put your baby on his or her Back to Sleep, even for naps. Until a few several years ago, doctors told mothers to place babies on their stomachs to sleep. Research now shows that fewer babies die of SIDS when they sleep on their backs.
If you use a blanket, place the baby with his or her feet at the foot of the crib. The blanket should reach no higher than the baby's chest and the ends of the blanket should be tucked under the crib mattress.

About The Author
Heather Owens is mum to two active children.
To find out more, check out www.infoaboutbaby.com or www.infoaboutbaby.com/The_First_Year.html for more information.

Toddler Pillows Tips For A Perfect Little Fit
by: Patricia Bowlin

A toddler pillow is a pillow that is just the right size for a child of two years or more. Prior to age two, use of a pillow of any type is considered dangerous and is not recommended.

Babies should sleep without the possibility of snuggling their little heads under a pillow and potentially smothering. Toddler pillows are about half the size of a standard adult pillow and they have their own special pillow cases that are made to fit.

A child of two to five or six years old simply can not sleep comfortably on a large standard adult pillow. Their necks and shoulders can not be comfortable because the pillow is too large and too thick. The toddler's special pillows allow your child's head, neck and shoulders to be supported just like yours but in a size proportional to the child's smaller body.

Measurements for pillows for toddlers are usually 12 inches by 16 inches in size. Pillow cases for the toddler's special pillow come in a wide range of prints and colors to fit in with any bedding theme you may have in your child's room.

When traveling, the pillow for your toddler will be great for carrying in the car for napping or for sleeping in hotels. Since hotel pillows are traditional thick and fluffy, your child will be much more comfy and sleep better with their own little pillow.

There are even allergy-proof pillows in toddler sizes available if your child is allergic to pillow fill. You'll even find pillow covers that are toddler sized for additional allergy proofing.

If your child doesn't have allergies, you can select down fill for their special little pillow, or you can select polyester fiber fill. Each will last pretty well, but you will pay a bit more for 100% down fill.

Now that you know all about toddler pillows you'll probably want to have several on hand so you have enough for sleep overs.

About The Author
Patricia Bowlin loves to help you create your perfect bedroom sanctuary with hundreds of FREE, helpful ideas, advice and tips bedding of all kinds from pillows, comforters, to blankets, kids and baby bedding:
http://www.best-in-bedding.com

Healthy Eating for Children
by: David McCarthy

Healthy eating for children should be treated as top priority by all parents because as a parent we all have a responsibility to give our children the best possible start in life. Feeding them a healthy diet when young helps them to grow into fit adults who suffer from fewer ailments and can look forward to longevity. Is there any parent who doesn’t wish this for their children?

The obvious question now is what constitutes and good diet for children? I will give a link to a very good website at the end of this article that will deal with all the technical aspects of a healthy diet. For now accept that the food pyramid that was instigated by the US Department of Agriculture is a very good starting point. http://www.recipesmania.com/article-food-pyramid-1.html

I know that everybody has a problem in persuading children to eat what is healthy rather than what is fun; the secret is to make healthy food fun too. For instance I recently watched a British made TV program that subjected an obese family to eight weeks under the control of a dietician. Initially the children claimed that they would only eat burgers – meaning McDonalds. The dietician made 50 lentil burgers for the cost of buying three Big Macs and presented three lentil burgers to the three children for dinner, freezing the remaining 47 for use later. The only thing she told them was that she insisted that burger buns be replaced with whole grain rolls. Result: The children ate the lentil burgers without comment. Not only did they eat them they asked for more. OK, more can be bad too but the point is what they really wanted to eat was something that resembled a Big Mac, what it tasted like wasn’t that important.

Now here is the BIG point: When the dietician told the mother what she was about to do to encourage her children to eat healthy foods the mother’s response was. ‘You have no chance, my children will insist upon eating McDonalds.’ - I think this is a case of a mother who thought she was being kind to her children by giving them what they wanted; so much so that she actually started believing it herself.

The family spent 80 pounds sterling each week on take home food and their grocery bill was 140 pounds sterling each week. When the healthy diet was started the weekly grocery bill dropped to 85 pounds sterling each week and zero on take-out food. A total weekly saving 135 pounds sterling each week (That equates to around US$240 each week.) just by cutting out unhealthy convenience foods.

At the end of eight weeks the mother had lost 21 pounds, the father 18 pounds and each child 14 pounds. For the first time in their young lives the children were playing team sports at school and with friends after school.
We are what we eat and healthy eating for children is the greatest gift you can give to your offspring.

Try this link for more detailed information on childrens diets:
http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/pyramid.html

About The Author

Kidzcomfort.com contains opinions and views of others. We cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content on this safety page.

The contents of Kidzcomfort.com are intended for educational purposes only. Such contents are not intended to, and do not, constitute medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on information presented on Kidzcomfort.com is at your own risk.

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