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HealthHints Newsletter, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&M University System

Showering the Babies in Your Life with Safety

Volume 6, Number 8 - October/November, 2002

Editors: Carol A. Rice, Ph.D., RN, Professor and Extension Health Specialist, and Janet M. Pollard, MPH, Extension Associate-Health

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Inside HealthHints....

Showering the Babies in Your Life with Safety

Babies can have a joyous and tumultuous effect on all of our lives. They can bring a love indescribable into our every day. They can also bring unexpected waves to otherwise calm waters. There are many products on the market that can make life with baby easier. Choosing products for the baby in your life can be confusing with so many choices from which to select. There is one overriding consideration, however, that should not be overlooked whether buying, borrowing, handing down, or accepting gifts or hand-me-downs -- that's safety (American Medical Association,1997)!

This issue of HealthHints will focus on making safe purchases for baby whether you are a parent-to-be, grandparent, other family member, or friend.

Family Heirlooms, Hand-me-downs, and Resale

Before we begin talking about all the new goods and gadgets available for baby care, it is important to discuss the safety of heirlooms, hand-me-downs, and resale items. Giving a family heirloom to a son, daughter, grandchild, or other family member can be a beautiful sentiment, but it is important to consider the safety of the heirloom for the baby. For example, a crib passed down from grandma may not meet the safety standards for distance between slats (2-3/8"or less), or a wicker bassinet may seem perfect, but wicker can actually break off and become a choking hazard to little ones (International Association for Child Safety, 2002).

Additionally, the safety of hand-me-downs or items you purchase from a resale shop should be considered. In particular, you should check to see if the product has been recalled for any reason. Even clothing can have a recall due to button shape or buckles that can come loose and be a choking hazard. To check on recall status, go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website (http://www.cpsc.gov) or call them at (800) 638-2772 or TTY at (800) 638-8270.

One of the best gifts you can give the expectant parent is to find out the safety status of heirlooms or hand-me-downs before offering them; that way, the parents-to-be don't have to do the homework or feel awkward about turning down a gift that you meant to be a loving sentiment.

Playtime

Products for baby's playtime are so numerous that we could never cover them all here, but we will focus on popular toys, walkers, activity centers, playpens, swings, toy chests, safety gates and other child-proofing safety gadgets, as well as sun safety products.

Rattles

Rattles are among the most popular toys for baby. Rattles can be great for stimulating sight, sound, and motion, particularly motion from hand to mouth and mouth to hand. For this reason, however, rattles are required to meet safety regulations set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

An infant's mouth is extremely flexible -- a rattle as large as 1-5/8" in diameter has become lodged in a baby's throat. For this reason, rattles are regulated to be larger and constructed so they will not separate into small pieces (regulation effective August, 1978). Still, it is a good idea to check rattles for recall.

Also, remember that a very young child has limited hand and arm control. For this reason, a child's first rattle(s) should be lightweight and soft, as well as have a gentle noise. As the child grows, more complex rattles that are heavier and louder can be introduced (SafeChild.net, 2002).

Walkers

Baby walkers are not recommended for several reasons. "Baby walkers send more than 14,000 children to the hospital every year. Thirty-four children have died since 1973 because of baby walkers (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2002a)." Because baby walkers roll and seat a child higher than their normal reach, many dangers exist, such as rolling down stairs, reaching a hot burner or a medicine cabinet, pinching fingers, or tipping over on uneven surfaces (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2002a; SafeChild.net, 2002b).

"Most walker injuries happen while adults are watching. Parents and other caregivers simply cannot respond quickly enough. A child in a walker can move more than 3 feet in 1 second (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2002a)!"

Though many people think that a baby walker actually helps a child learn to walk sooner, there are actually no benefits to a walker. Children using baby walkers do not learn to walk faster and can actually incur muscle soreness from spending too much time in a walker.

Some efforts have been made to increase safety, such as constructing them with gripping mechanisms to stop them at the edge of a step or uneven surface, and construction which does not allow the walker through a standard 36" opening. Still, these are voluntary safety standards, and there are concerns that these mechanisms have not been perfected to eliminate injuries (SafeChild.net, 2002b).

There are several safe options that you may choose as an alternative to a baby walker, including stationary activity centers, playpens, infant swings, and high chairs. As with all products, always be sure to follow directions on locks, latches, and safety straps.

Activity Centers

Babies like to sit up and view the world, reach out and touch/feel things, and even practice standing on their own. A stationary play center allows a small child to sit, supported in an upright position with a number of toys in his/her reach. The stationary activity center also allows an older child to practice standing with support. Because the activity center is stationary and does not allow the child to move across the room, it is considered much safer than a baby walker (SafeChild.net, 2002z).

Still, there are a number of safety issues to be considered. Some medical professionals caution against prolonged use. Since the baby is sitting up without using his/her back and stomach muscles the body may not be in proper alignment. Additionally, lack of use of these muscles can delay a baby's development. Medical professionals advise that babies spend time playing on the floor on both back and tummy to develop their muscles for proper growth and support (SafeChild.net, 2002z).

Additionally, manufacturer's directions for weight or age limitations should always be followed. Activity centers should never be placed near an oven or heater, or near plants or other objects that may be dangerous to the child. Activity centers should never be carried with the child inside. Each leg should be in a separate hole and the feet should touch the floor to prevent slipping. The activity center should also be checked periodically for loose parts, particularly on the toys affixed to the center (SafeChild.net, 2002z).

If you are buying a stationary activity center, consider the following:

Playpens

Playpens can be a wonderful place for a child to have a safe haven to play by him- or herself and to give parents free hands when needed. There are many things to consider when purchasing a playpen. Playpens come in large 36" or 40" squares, rectangles, octagons, as well as in small portable sizes with changing surfaces and built-in bassinets. When purchasing a playpen, you will want to consider the following:

The answers to these questions can help you make a choice about the type of playpen to purchase, but there are also many safety issues that should be considered:

Play Yard

Like a playpen, a play yard offers a safe haven for baby to play while mom or dad have hands free. Play yards are portable fences that corral a child, while offering a large area to play. Unlike a playpen, a play yard has no bottom enclosure and offers more space to roam up to 37 square feet -- that's about six feet by six feet. Play yards can also be used both indoors or out, and can be used for more than one child. Play yards are typically made of wood, plastic or wire mesh.

When buying a play yard, here are some important considerations:

Infant Swings

Many parents and caregivers appreciate an infant swing as a fun place for their child to have some playtime, as well as a way to soothe and calm the baby. There are several different choices to consider, such as battery-operated swings versus those that are cranked up. There are also swings that have a bar across the top and those that are open.

It is important to follow manufacturer's instructions and make sure the baby is always safely belted or buckled into the swing. Look for safety restraints at both the waist and crotch. Check to make sure any swing you select has not been recalled for stability or problems with restraints coming unfastened. When purchasing an infant swing, select a swing that has strong posts, legs, and a wide stance to prevent tipping (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, 2002d).

Toy Chests

Once the parents-to-be have purchased or received so many fun toys, they will need a place to store them. A toy chest is often a favorite hand-me-down or hand-made keepsake. There are also many choices for purchase, (e.g. rectangular boxes made of plastic, wood, or metal with a removable or hinged lid, a sliding panel door, or an open top).

When planning to build or buy a toy chest, consider the following:

Safety Gates

Making the most out of playtime means considering safe boundaries first. Baby gates can be used in doorways and at the top and bottom of stairs. There are two basic types of baby gates:

  1. Pressure-mounted gates (rely on the pressure of the expanding gate against a wall or doorway to keep it in place)
  2. Screw-mounted gates (attach to the walls with screws)
  3. Both types of gates can be made of molded plastic, metal, wood, and/or mesh.

Note: CPSC warns of an entrapment and strangulation hazard that exists with accordion-style baby gates manufactured prior to February, 1985. Nine deaths and 25 "near misses" have been recorded due to the child's head being caught in the v-shaped or diamond-shaped openings. These gates, however, have never been recalled; therefore, it is essential that you never buy a used, accordion-style baby gate for the child in your life.

Other attributes to consider when purchasing a baby gate include the following:

Child-proofing Products

A thoughtful gift that encourages safety for the child in your life is a container full of the small child-proofing products that are needed around the house. Some products to consider include:

Sun Safety Products

Because playtime isn't limited to indoor play, it is important to consider sun safety when outdoors. Medical professionals recommend that babies under 6 months of age be kept out of direct sunlight. Some products that can help are:

Additionally, in 1999 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a new statement on the use of sunscreen among infants, stating that if a child younger than 6 months of age must be in the sun, and has no access to adequate clothing or shading, a minimal amount of sunscreen should be applied -- particularly to the infant's face and the back of the hands (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1999; Safechild.net, 2002bb). As with all sunscreens, the sunscreen for infants should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside and should have a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 (Safechild.net, sun facts, 2002). You might also want to consider a sunscreen especially formulated for children that will not burn the baby's eyes if he/she rubs them or perspiration forces some of the product into the eyes.

Mealtime

Feeding the child in your life can be a fun, bonding, and messy experience. There are many products that can help make your mealtimes more convenient.

Breast Pumps

Breastmilk is considered the best possible nutritional source for your infant. For working moms or just for occasional outings, most women who are breast-feeding will find a need to pump breastmilk on occasion. There are two types of breast pumps:

  1. Manual pumps, which are very portable, usually easy to clean, and typically let you pump one breast at a time.
  2. Automatic pumps, which can be electric or battery-operated; are more expensive (note: they can sometimes be rented from a hospital or medical supply store); typically allow you to express more milk in less time; may be noisy -- a consideration for those in a work atmosphere.

When buying or renting a breast pump:

Bottles

Whether the mom-to-be plans to breast-feed and express milk, or formula-feed exclusively, the type of bottle to use will probably come under consideration. Bottles come in two main types:

  1. Bottles with liners
  2. Bottles without liners.

Other features include the size, shape, and heat-sensitivity of the bottle and nipple.

Bottles with liners are basically hard plastic cylinders with soft plastic bag liners that fit over the lip of the cylinder. After pouring in the liquid, the nipple is screwed on like a cap.

The pros for the liner-style bottle:

The cons against the liner-style bottle:

Bottles without liners usually come in glass or hard plastic. These bottles come in a variety of shapes and sizes:

The pros for bottles without liners:

Bottle Nipples

The choice of bottle style may depend on the nipple style the baby in your life prefers. There are three main types of nipples:

  1. traditional shape nipple
  2. nurser nipple (designed to simulate a breast)
  3. orthodontic nipple (intended to reduce incorrect sucking that can later lead to tooth problems).

Nipples are also primarily made of two substances:

  1. rubber nipples, which are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to contain reduced amounts of nitrosamines (a known cancer-causing agent)
  2. silicone nipples, which contain no nitrosamines.

Note: There are also different types of nipples for formula, water, and juice; however, most nipples for formula work well for all types of fluids (Safechild.net, 2002h).

Solid Baby Food

Small jars of baby food can be a fun add-on to a shower gift or stacked like a cake as a center piece at a baby shower. When accepting or purchasing baby food be sure to check the expiration date and make sure the lid is still sealed (under pressure).

A Note about Food Safety

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend any solid food introduction until a child is 4 to 6 months old. Breastmilk or formula should be given until the child's first birthday -- never cow's milk. AAP does not recommend any juice for a child under 6 months of age; and, at 6 to 12 months of age only one 6 ounce serving.

When using jars of solid baby food, never feed directly from the jar since saliva entering the jar can breed food-borne illnesses. If you do feed from the jar, throw away any unused portion from that feeding. If baby is not fed from the jar, you can refrigerate any unused portion of baby food and use it within 2 days.

At age 2, parents can start using the Food Guide Pyramid for young children (see the following website for a copy: http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/KidsPyra/) as a guide for what to feed their children.

Note: Special thanks to Sharon Robinson, Assistant Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist, for her contribution of information on food safety.

Tableware

Knives, forks, spoons, cups, bowls, and plates...there are so many choices for little ones these days it is hard to know what to look for. When looking for tableware for your little one, keep these safety tips in mind:

Other handy tips you might consider:

High Chairs

Next to cribs, high chairs are probably one of the most used baby products a parent-to-be will purchase or receive (Safechild.net, high chairs, 2002). Fortunately, there are voluntary safety standards for high chairs that require no hazardous edges, drop tests of the tray, load and stability tests of the chair, inaccessible coils or springs, a restraint system, and complete label and instructions. Thus when choosing a high chair:

Hook-on Chairs

A portable hook-on chair can be a great asset when taking baby out to a restaurant or for a picnic at the park. These hook-on chairs fasten underneath the table and hang mid-air to allow the baby a seat when no high chair is available.

Unfortunately, injuries have been associated with these chairs when the chair has fallen due to the child pushing it off, chair components detaching or breaking, or the table to which the chair was attached tipping over.

For this reason, ASTM/JPMA voluntary safety standards have been developed for hook-on chairs, including requirements aimed at preventing the chair from being pushed off the table, and adequate safety restraints and warning instructions about the type of table used and correct use of the product (SafeChild.net, 2002s).

Thus, when choosing a hook-on chair:

Booster Chairs

A booster chair is used to raise a child up to appropriate eating level at the table and should not be confused with booster seats used in automobiles. The main criteria when buying a booster chair is that there should be dual restraints:

  1. One restraint should hold the booster chair on to the dining chair.
  2. The other restraint should keep the child in the booster chair.

You may also want to consider booster chairs that adjust in height, which will allow the chair to grow with the child (SafeChild.net, 2002g).

Bathtime

A bath filled with bathtime items can be a great gift to give, leaving the parent-to-be wondering what's in that BIG package. Baby's first bathtimes are often fun and memorable occasions. We also want bathtime to be safe.

Portable Bathtubs

A portable bathtub is intended for very young infants, and allows the parent to use small amounts of water to bathe the child. A portable bathtub is a good option to consider for safe bathing of the baby in your life. When purchasing a bathtub, be sure that it:

Also, you may want to consider a portable tub that:

Other safe bathtime items that may come in handy include:

Bath Seats, and Bath Rings

Each year many young children drown in bodies of water around the home, including bathtubs, even with "supporting ring" devices (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2002b).

Baby bath seats or "supporting rings" are intended to assist in holding an infant in the sitting position in a full-sized bathtub. These products usually have suction cups to hold them in place on the bottom of the tub with leg openings to secure the baby in the sitting position while being bathed.

Unfortunately, a bath seat or ring will not protect the child from injury or drowning (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, 2002a). In fact, in a recent study, caregivers using bath seats engaged in more risk-taking behaviors (e.g., making water too deep, more likely to leave child unattended for conscious, willful reasons, such as to perform a household chore, etc.). The seat seems to give a "false sense of security" and promote the idea that it would be okay to leave the child unattended for "just a minute." Since 1998, 78 children have died and 110 reports of near drowning incidents have occurred with the use of these products (SafeChild.net, 2002f). For this reason, this product is not recommended.

Bathtime Cosmetics

Fortunately, when it comes to baby cosmetics, little is required, and less is usually better (SafeChild.net, 2002f). In fact, your baby doesn't need any soap until he/she begins eating solid food (around 4 to 6 months), with the exceptions of an especially messy bottom on occasion.

As far as shampoo goes, baby doesn't need any for a couple of months; after which, a once-a-week shampoo is probably sufficient aside from those occasions where his or her meal has made it into the hair instead of the mouth.

A few tips to keep in mind when selecting soaps and shampoos for the baby:

As with soaps and shampoos, diaper rash ointments, lotions, and powders seem to be staple items in most homes with babies.

Actually, however, these products are not necessarily recommended by the medical community. For diaper rash, one of the best things a parent can do is leave the diaper off for awhile to let the bottom "air out" and change the diaper frequently to keep moisture away from the skin. If needed, a thin layer of either zinc-oxide based ointment or ointment with vitamins A and D can be used (parents should consult their child's pediatrician for advice).

Because babies are born with a fully developed set of oil glands, most medical professionals feel there is no need to grease them with oils and lotions; in fact, giving fewer baths is often cited as a better way of dealing with dry skin. Still a massage between parent and child can be a special bonding time. So if you still want this contact, choose a lotion with the least ingredients (not oils which clog the pores and make the child susceptible to heat rash).

Finally, when it comes to purchasing the seemingly harmless baby powder, think again. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby powder, as well as oil and lotion, serves no medical purpose. There is no scientific evidence that baby powder does anything to prevent diaper rash. In fact, the talcum in baby powder is closely related to the carcinogen asbestos and may contain microscopic asbestos particles. For this reason, baby powder is not recommended. If a parent wants to use powder, however, many pediatricians suggest cornstarch, since it is less irritating to a baby's lungs if inhaled (SafeChild.net, 2002l).

Bedtime

Decorating the nursery is often one of the favorite projects of parents-to-be, along with their extended family and friends. The baby's bedroom should be a safe haven where parents can place baby securely and confidently. There are many wonderful products for the baby's bedroom; but, this is also the area where parents most worry about their children (e.g., how to get them to sleep through the night, how to lower the risk for sudden infant death syndrome [SIDS], how to give their child a feeling of comfort and security, etc.). Though it won't be covered here, you can get more information about sleep issues and SIDS in the April 2000 issue of HealthHints at http://fcs.tamu.edu/Health_Education_Rural_Outreach/. We will, however, look at how you can make wise consumer choices to reduce the risk for accidental injury and death.

Full-sized Cribs

"Over 10,000 children are injured in unsafe cribs every year seriously enough to require hospital treatment. In the past decade, 540 children died from crib injuries, a rate of 54 children each year (The Danny Foundation, 2002)."

As you look at cribs, use the following checklist from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help you make a wise choice:

Once you've made sure of the safety features -- Enjoy! Choose what delights you and makes a special place for your infant.

Bumper Pads, Sheets, and Pillows

Picking out the pattern for a child's nursery bedding can be so much fun. Just be sure to check the following:

Non-Full Size Cribs (Portable Cribs)

Modern conveniences have lead to the portable crib. A non-full size crib can be used on-the-go. These are a wonderful item for those trips to grandparent's homes or even for grandparents to purchase for when their grandchild visits. Because they do not have to meet the safety standards of full-size cribs, however, they are not recommended as an option for permanent sleeping arrangements. Some portable cribs advertise that they meet safety standards for play yards and playpens, but they do not offer the same protection as the standards set for full-size cribs.

So, when purchasing a portable crib, consider the following:

Crib Alternatives: Bassinets, Bedside Sleepers, Cradles, and Miniature Cribs

In addition to the portable crib, there are several other crib alternatives that a parent may desire to use.

When shopping for any crib alternative -- view with some caution. Evaluate the construction. Look for a model with a sturdy bottom and wide, stable base. Check any slat spacing to make sure it is not more than 2-3/8 inches. Make sure mattresses are smooth, firm, and fit snugly. Always adhere to manufacturer's weight and size specifications (Consumer Reports, 2002b).

Crib Toys

Meant to soothe and entertain a child just as he/she goes to sleep or when he/she first awakens, crib toys look fun and fascinating. Unfortunately, they can be quite dangerous, unless the care provider is there to watch while the child plays with the toy. Crib toys include:

These toys are usually developmentally most intriguing to a child beginning around 5 months of age. Unfortunately, this is usually when a child begins to move about the crib, making the toys most dangerous. There have actually been injuries and deaths related to crib toys (SafeChild.net, 2002m). Because of the hanging feature of crib toys, most present strangulation or falling hazards.

For this reason, crib toys are not recommended unless there is constant supervision. If you would like to purchase these toys, due to their appeal, use them during wake-time only or outside of the crib where their use is less hazardous and can be supervised.

Nightlights

As all parents know, those first months with baby at home are often wrought with sleep deprivation. Babies tend to wake up several times each night to fill their small stomachs up again. For those night time awakenings, a nightlight or two (one for baby and one for the parent sleepily making his/her way to the nursery) can be helpful.

There are a lot of decorative nightlights on the market these days. It can be fun choosing something to match the baby's nursery. Note, however, that it is important to place these out of reach from little explorers during wake-time hours.

When buying a nightlight, consider the following for safety:

Note: There has been some research suggesting that the use of a nightlight for an infant contributes to the development of myopia (near-sightedness) as the child reaches school age (Quinn, et. al., 1999). Other research among a larger population, however, did not find significant percentages to provide proof of early development of near-sightedness (Zadnik, et. al., 2000). Additionally, the American Optometric Association actually recommends the use of a nightlight or other dim lamp to help infants as they develop eye-hand coordination (ability to follow moving objects with their eyes and reach for things) and depth perception. This visual development usually occurs in the first 4 months of life (American Optometric Association, 2002).

Baby Monitors

Baby monitors are like having an extra pair of ears (or eyes if you have a video monitor) to keep tabs on a sleeping baby during nighttime hours or while you work around the house. There are mainly 4 different types of monitors:

  1. Audio monitors, which transmit sound only.
  2. Sound-and-light audio monitors, which transmit sound and use lights to indicate the level of sound.
  3. Intercom monitors, which allow you to hear and talk back to your baby from another location. (These may or may not have the light feature).
  4. Video monitors, which allow you to hear and see the baby on a TV screen (ChildSafetyExperts.com, 2002).

When purchasing a baby monitor, here are some features you might want to consider:

One important safety issue the parent will need to attend to is avoiding eavesdropping by strangers outside the home. Baby monitors are essentially like radio transmitters on a fixed frequency between 49 and 59 MHz. Radio scanners, easily purchased at electronic stores, also run on these frequencies, as do some of the cordless phones sold in the 1980s and 1990s. For this reason, your conversations may be heard by others over these frequencies. To avoid eavesdropping, simply turn the monitor off unless it is monitoring your baby (Howstuffworks, Inc., 2002).

Note: A baby monitor is not meant to replace adult supervision. It is only meant to provide the parent with more freedoms and flexibility while around the home. A baby monitor should never be used as a babysitter.

Changing-time

As with all jobs, you have to take the good with the bad. That means someone has to do the "dirty" work -- change the baby. Actually, changing-time can be a wonderful bonding time when baby will enjoy your smiles and conversation and babble back at you with his/her own sets of expressions.

Changing Tables

When purchasing a changing table or modifying a dresser to use as a changing area (a popular and often less expensive alternative), the most important thing is to make sure there are restraining straps to keep the child from falling. If there are none, some should be installed. (These can easily be tacked or screwed into place on the underside of a dresser top and the back panel of the dresser.) Also, be sure any openings on the changing table are NOT between 3.5 and 9 inches -- a child's head can be entrapped in this size space (SafeChild.net, 2002j).

Diapers

When it comes to diaper choices, the issue is more about money, comfort, and convenience than about safety. There are basically three choices here:

  1. Disposable diapers -- Trial and error is usually the way most parents make their choice. Different diapering styles may make one type seem more comfortable than another. To avoid extra expense, choose a diaper with adjustable tabs, rather than tape, which cannot be readjusted.
  2. Cloth diapers -- There are primarily two weaves, gauze weave which is softer and birds-eye weave which wears longer. You might want to try both before stocking up. There are also models with velcro straps that eliminate the need for pins. Any pins should be stainless steel with plastic safety locks. Overwraps may also eliminate the need for pins. Washable rubber pants can help reduce leaks.
  3. Diaper service -- A diaper service provides clean cloth diapers each week and picks up the dirty ones, reducing your labor. You may not have a choice in the type of diaper, but this definitely reduces the labor of cloth diapers without the service.

Here is a look at diapering expenses over a 2-1/2 year period, which may help in the decision-making process:

Diaper Pails

"As surprising as it may seem, there are two serious hazards associated with diaper pails: poisoning and drowning. Several children have been poisoned when they ate the diaper pail cake deodorizer, and approximately 25 children have fallen into diaper pails and drowned (SafeChild.net, 2002n)."

For this reason,

Diaper Bags

Buying a diaper bag is like buying a purse or wallet -- they come in all shapes and sizes with different compartments and accessories (SafeChild.net, 2002n). Much of the decision is personal preference. Some things to consider when making this purchase:

Wipe Warmers

Wipe warmers are another fairly new invention, designed to keep wipes, and therefore baby's bottom, warm. Though this product can make baby more comfortable, it does carry with it a hazard; if moisture gets into the interior basin of the product, the user can receive a potentially dangerous shock. If you decide to purchase this product be sure to check the product for any cracks that might allow moisture (SafeChild.net, 2002c).

Sleepwear

When purchasing clothes, fabric and fit are important considerations for children's sleepwear (Medem, Inc., 2001). CPSC recently updated their requirements to enable parents to make safe choices, while giving them a wider array of choices:

Fussy-time

With all the joys of parenthood and milestones of baby-hood, there are going to be fussy times. Baby may be tired, hungry, teething, or coming down with a cold; but, whatever the case, your baby may need you along with some helpful products to soothe him or her at times.

Pacifiers

Babies seem to have a love-hate relationship with pacifiers. While one child may take to it immediately like a long-lost friend, another may spit it out and want nothing to do with it -- or prefer a thumb to a pacifier. If the baby in your life is the former, and loves the pacifier, or if you're just looking to try one for the first time, be sure to consider the safety issues.

The law actually requires that all pacifiers:

Despite these regulations, however, accidents still do occur with pacifiers. When buying a pacifier, consider the following:

Teethers

Because your child may get relief from chewing on objects during the period in which he/she is cutting teeth, it is important to be particularly careful about preventing choking. Teethers are toys intended to be chewed to soothe the teeth and gums during this time period. Since these products are intended to go in the child's mouth, it is particularly important that when purchasing (as well as on a day-to-day basis) you be sure to inspect them for anything that may pose a choking hazard.

One other precaution about teethers: Look for products that say "contains no phthalates." Phthalates are softening agents that have been used for many years in pacifiers, teethers, rattles, soft books, and other soft vinyl toys. It has been determined that large amounts of phthalates caused cancer in test animals. In 1998, CPSC undertook a study to determine risk to children. The study was inconclusive, but CPSC has recommended phthalates not be used in children's products. Other countries have even proposed to ban the use of phthalates in toys. Since the year 2000, most manufacturers have voluntarily stopped production of vinyl toys made with phthalates, but it is still important to be cautious (SafeChild.net, 2002cc).

Note: Soft toys made of silicone or latex do not contain phthalates (SafeChild.net, 2002cc).

Humidifiers

Portable humidifiers have traditionally been used to relieve congestion. Experts, however, differ in their opinions about the benefits of different types of humidifiers or the use of a humidifier at all. For this reason, it is important to discuss with the baby's pediatrician his or her thoughts about the use of humidifiers.

There are 3 main types of humidifiers:

  1. Electric steam vaporizers heat water and release steam into the air. Though these are typically the least expensive choice, they can present a hazard since they contain boiling water and produce steam which can result in burns. They may also make a room uncomfortably warm.
  2. Cool-mist humidifiers use a motor to force water droplets into an aerosol. Though this type of humidifier presents no burn hazard, the water can serve as a reservoir for bacteria, fungi, and mold that can be dispersed into the room. Scum on the tank, motor parts, or filter is a sure sign the humidifier is contaminated. Cleaning these units frequently is a must.
  3. Ultrasonic humidifiers create a mist using high-frequency vibrations. Though these units do not disperse living germs (because the droplets created are much smaller), they can disperse minerals that are present in the water. A fine white dust on surfaces near the unit is a sign of this problem. Additionally, though most minerals found in water are non-toxic, there is some concern that these particulates may aggravate existing respiratory problems. Some scientists also believe the humidifier dust may contain lead, asbestos, and radon present in the water.

When buying a humidifier, consider the following:

Travel-time

Being on-the-go with baby is an exciting and sometimes exhausting endeavor. There are many products on the market that can make travel easier and safer, including car seats, strollers, soft and framed carriers, and bike carriers.

Car Seats

When purchasing a car seat for the child in your life, it is important to follow appropriate guidelines for age, weight, and height to best assure safety.

Infants

For children birth to 1 year and until they weigh at least 20 pounds:

With either product, the child should always be placed in the back seat, preferably the middle back (this is the safest area in the vehicle), and must be rear-facing up to 20 pounds. Harness straps should fit at or below shoulder level.

Toddlers

For children over 1 year of age and weighing between 20 to 40 pounds:

In either case, make sure there is a harness system (preferably a 5-point harness system for best assurance of safety), and that it is not a belt-positioning booster only -- used for older children.

Toddlers should ride in the back seat, preferably middle back, and forward-facing. The harness straps should fit at or above the child's shoulders.

Young Children

For children who are over 40 pounds, usually aged 4 to 8, unless they are 4'9" or taller:

In either case, the child should still ride in the back seat, forward-facing. With the belt-positioning booster, however, the child will have to ride in a side position because the shoulder and lap belt system of the car must be used to secure the child in the seat. The lap belt should fit low and tight across the lap/upper thigh, and the shoulder belt should fit snug crossing the chest and shoulder to avoid abdominal injuries (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2002).

Note: You should never buy or borrow a secondhand/used car seat for which you do not know the history. A used seat (even if it is your own) should never be used if it:

New LATCH System for Car Safety Seats

LATCH stands for Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children. This new system makes safety seats easier to install -- without the use of seatbelts. LATCH is now required for most vehicles and child safety seats manufactured after September 1, 2002.

LATCH-equipped vehicles have at least 2 sets of small bars, called anchors, located in the back seat where the cushions meet. There are a lower set of attachments on the child safety seat that attach to these anchors. Most forward-facing seats also have a top strap (tether) that attaches to a top anchor in the vehicle.

If a child safety seat is not LATCH equipped, it can still be used in a vehicle that has the LATCH system -- you must just use the seatbelt system to secure the seat rather than the LATCH anchors. If the child safety seat has LATCH capabilities, but your vehicle does not, it too, must be secured with the vehicles seatbelt (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2002).

When purchasing a car safety seat for the child in your life, you may want to consider a seat with the LATCH system to make it simpler to install, whether you currently own a LATCH system vehicle or may plan to buy one in your child's safety seat using years.

Strollers

When it comes to travel, strollers are one of the most sought after baby products on the market. The many different types of strollers on the market today can make the choice difficult. Stroller options to consider include:

When purchasing a stroller, consider the following:

Soft and Framed Carriers

Front carriers such as a sling or soft carrier can be especially helpful during the early months after birth -- the walking motion often having a calming effect on the baby. A framed carrier, like a backpack for baby, can be used later, after baby can sit up.

When selecting a carrier, consider the following:

Baby Bicycle Seats and Trailers

There are 2 main types of bicycle seats for children:

  1. Rear-mounted bicycle seats, and
  2. Bicycle-towed child trailers.

Neither rear-mounted seats nor bicycle-towed trailers should be used with a child younger than 12 months of age.

"Preferably, children should ride in a bicycle-towed trailer (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2001e)."

Because a young passenger on an adult's bike makes the bike unstable and increases braking time, any type of accident, large or small, can cause significant injury to a child.

If you decide to purchase a baby bicycle seat of any kind:

References

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Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Last updated: 6 January, 2008

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