Cars and Strollers: Safety Belts Save Lives

illo from www.vote29.com

Here in Utah, seat belts are a big deal.  Lately the “Click it or Ticket” logo can be seen almost daily on billboards, in the news, and in television ads.  It’s a good law.  It saves lives, and it’s pretty obvious that when you get behind the wheel of an automobile, your life is in the balance.  So buckling up seems to be the smart choice.

But when it comes to infant strollers, those safety belts and harnesses are all too often left un-connected.  There is an arsenal of excuses for this, like “I just set him in the stroller for a minute while I was chatting with my neighbor,” or “I was only walking down to the mailbox, it’s not far,” or “I was in a hurry to get inside for that awesome one-day sale.”  Is it ever safe to deposit an infant in a stroller without engaging the seat belts and/or safety harnesses?  The simple answer is “No!”  

illo from www.cpsc.gov

Infants can surprise you.  You never really know when they are going to discover that if they wiggle to the left and then squiggle to the right they can inch their chubby little bodies right through one of those leg holes.  The problem is that their heads are almost always chubbier than their bodies, so while their body many slide through the hole, their heads can become stuck.  Dangling with body on one side of the opening, and their head and neck on the other side can result in strangulation and death. It can happen in only minutes, and it is totally preventable.

Most stroller manufacturers design strollers to minimize or eliminate this strangulation hazard, but it can happen even on fully compliant strollers.  In the case of four models of Lan Enterprises’ Zooper Strollers, manufactured between February 2009 and June 2010, the leg opening between the seat bottom and the front and side bars was found large enough for this hazard to occur.  These four models were sold nationwide  from May 2009 through May 2011. Although no injuries have been reported, Lan Enterprises is recalling the strollers and providing repair kits as a solution starting on July 1, 2011.

For details of the strollers recalled, click here.

For stroller safety tips from CPSC, click here.

Water Safety Highlighted by Recent Pool Drain Cover Recall

Weather conditions this weekend in Utah are cloudy skies, scattered rain and some thunder and lightening sounding in from time to time. Temperatures from 45˚ F inching its way up to the low 60’s is about as good as we’ll get.  The sun checks in every so often, but doesn’t hang around.

The Memorial Day BBQ has run for cover.  The movie theatre or bowing alley is more likely to get attention this weekend than the swimming pools.  However, for those of you who are enjoying beautiful sunny, warm or even hot weather, the swimming pool, either private or public, may be in your plans.  If so, beware of the dangers of these over zealous pool or spa drain covers recalled by Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

As always CPSC’s timing is impeccable.  The announcement of the recall of an estimated one million pool and spa drain covers was made just in time to inject chaos and fear into your holiday swimming plans.  Fortunately no injuries have been reported with any of these specific drain covers, but it was discovered that eight manufacturers’ designs have been incorrectly rated and could pose a potentially fatal threat to swimmers, particularly young children who are naturally inquisitive and unaware of the danger surrounding pool or spa drains.

Drains that do not regulate the flow of water through the drain properly can cause a dangerously strong suction point at the drains.  Children and adults alike can become so strongly attached that they cannot pull themselves free, and drowning can result.

To see if your pool drain is part of this recent recall, check the official CPSC recall here.  You will also be able to access individual company information and contact information there as well.  If you own or operate a pool or spa in the USA, it is critical that you take the time immediately to check your drain covers against the information in the recall to be sure swimmers are protected from injury or drowning. 

Company	Model Information (websites)	Dates Sold	Remedy
A&A	www.aamfg.com	Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011	Replacement or Retrofit
AquaStar	www.aquastarpoolproducts.com	Dec. 2008 - Apr.2011	Replacement or Retrofit
Color Match	www.poolfittings.com	Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011	Replacement or Retrofit
Custom Molded Products	www.c-m-p.com	Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011	Replacement or Retrofit
Hayward Pool Products	www.hayward-pool.com	Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011	Replacement or Retrofit
Pentair Water Pool & Spa	www.pentairpool.com	June 2009 - Apr. 2011	Replacement or Retrofit
Rising Dragon	www.risingdragonplastics.com	Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011	Replacement or Retrofit
Waterway	www.waterwayplastics.com	Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011	Replacement or Retrofit

Table taken from the CPSC Recall dated May 26, 2011

As of December 20, 2008, all public and private pools were required to have anti-entrapment drain covers that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard. This standard was mandated by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act (VGB Act) that was signed into law in December 2007. This critical piece of legislation was advocated by the parents of 7-year-old, Virginia Graeme Baker, who was swimming in the family spa in 2002 and became entrapped by the strong suction of the spa’s drain.  Unable to be pulled free by mother or two men, Virginia drowned.  The VGB Act, a federal regulation, applies to all new and existing pools and spas.  An additional level of entrapment protection was also mandated for pools and spas that have only one drain.

The CPSC is aware of 97 reports of circulation entrapments in pools or spa from January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2010.  In conjunction with their new pool safety educational campaign, CPSC released their most current statistics on pool and spa drowning and entrapment incidents.   Already in 2011, they have received 118 pool and spa incidents.  That is quite a significant increase as we head into the summer, when many youngsters will be jumping into pools across the USA.   

The statistics indicate that this is a very real hazard and one that responsible parents and caregivers should not take lightly.  Before sending your child to your backyard pool,  a neighbor's pool, the local community pool, or even grandma’s pool, get the 4-1-1 on the drain covers they have installed. It would be wise for any owner of a pool or spa to keep the safety documentation on their pool covers on hand so this information can quickly be verified upon request. 

Your child’s life may depend on it, so here are a few things to think about before your child jumps in.

1.   Discuss the hazard of the suction around the drain with your child so they know not to play in that area. Young children can learn about water safety while following the adventures of a young boy and his safety-hero dragon, in A Treasure at Sea for Dragon and Me, a delightful water safety paperback book by Jean Pendziwol.

2.   Check the drain cover itself – the marking “VGB 2008” should be imprinted or molded into the cover.

3.   Ask your pool maintenance worker to check to be sure the drain cover meets the requirements laid out in the VGB Act.

4.   If using a public or neighbor’s pool, ask the owner to provide you with documentation that shows the drain covers comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act.

5.   If the pool has only one drain, ask what additional level of entrapment protection the owner has installed on the drain.

6.   Will there be a swimming-abled adult supervising the children at all times?  If not, offer to take the job.

A Child + A Garden + Sprig Toys = Green Friendly Fun

My grand daughter has been fascinated with gardening and gardens for several years now.  When the snow melts here in Utah, she's out in the garden digging, planting, pruning and generally getting muddy from head to toe....and loving every minute of it.  When her 6th birthday came around this year, we incorporated her love of gardens and gardening into her party.  Red Butte Garden near Salt Lake City was  our choice and the kids had a blast!

photo from www.redbuttegarden.org

 They went on a scavenger hunt for garden-friendly animals, walked through the kid-sized, ivy-covered mazes, painted pots and planted herbs to take home with them. They also sang songs about plants and bugs, and so on.  We received several remarks from parents thanking us for encouraging their kids to think green, rather than another bounce house or arcade party.  We spent some money to have the party at the gardens, but I think, with enough planning, a similar economy version of this garden party could be done in your own back yard. 

photo from www.sprigtoys.com

 A real plus is the eco-friendly Dunebug Sand Truck from Sprig Toys that can hold little brother's attention for hours in the garden, right next to big sister.  

BUG BOOTIES GET THE BOOT!

An infant as young as 4 months is mastering the ability to grasp and hold objects in their hands for extended lengths of time.  Almost everything they grasp goes into their mouth. If the child isn't holding a toy, rattle, or teether, he or she will find the next closest thing - their foot, clothing, or anything within their sphere of babyhood. 

When choosing clothing for young children, care should be taken to consider that while little ornaments and doo-dads are indeed fun and cute - they may also be quite deadly to a child who doesn't know the consequences of putting a small part in the mouth. It is best to keep ornamentation on infant and preschool clothing to embroidery or prints.  This is one way to decrease a child's unintentional access to small points.

On May 11th, another example of cute and potentially harmful clothing was take off the market.  Meijer Inc., a retailer headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan has joined with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) to voluntarily recall their Bumble Bee and Lady Bug Infant Slipper Socks.   

About 17,400 of these slippers were sold in Meijer stores in five mid-western and southern states - Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.  The affected product, manufactured in China and retailed for $4.00, was sold from June 2009 through March 2011.

These little booties are adorable, but the concern is with the small pompoms that are sewn onto the bug’s antennae.  The soft balls may be able to be detached, posing a potential choking hazard to children under three years of age. These slippers were designed to fit infants from birth to 12 months of age.  The recall was initiated after Meijer became aware of one incident of a ball separating from the bug antennae and was found in the child’s crib. Fortunately, the ball was removed and no injury occurred.

photo from Meijer

CPSC describes the details of the items in there press release as:

“Falls Creek brand infant slipper socks, including yellow and black Bumble Bee Slipper Socks, UPC 80640907401, and red and black Lady Bug Slipper Socks, UPC 80640907402. The UPC is located on the sock’s hangtag. They were sold in infant size 0-12 months.” 

Consumers are warned to remove these booties immediately so children do not have access to them.  Call Meijer at (800) 927-8699 for refund.  For further details check the company website.

I Love a Bargain!

I am always on the look out for savings on items that I am already going to purchase.  My oldest daughter is a coupon saver.  On more than one occasion I assumed the role of cart driver during her bi-monthly food shopping sprees.  I have witnessed her purchasing two weeks of groceries for under $100!  I am always amazed. Double coupons, price matching, special sales - the whole shebang.  She has the patience of Job; sorting through newspapers and ads to find only the deals that pertain to her family's needs.  By doing this she avoids the temptation to take advantage of a sale just because it is there - then have four years supply once you get home.  I have learned a lot about getting more for less from her.

Friends and Family 2011 - Coupons to forward

This invitation, with these email coupons, can be forwarded to anyone you wish -- friends, family, neighbors, teachers, day care facilities, organizations, etc. If you don't have email addresses, you can print out and distribute copies of these coupons as needed. Don't worry, we'll be posting this to the Michael's social networking sites as we get closer to the event and you can share it with your friends. 

 

http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-Michaels-Site/Sites-Michaels-Library/default/documents/coupons/042511-Friends-and-Family-Coupons.pdf