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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a crib?

There is a huge variety of cribs on the market. Not all are safe.

Great Beginnings has over 120 cribs on display. All of our cribs meet required safety and quality standards. The average crib can be ordered in five finishes (natural wood, white, pecan, cognac and cherry), however, some come in as many as a dozen or more finishes.

Ask the store if their cribs meet the U.S. Safety Standards.

U.S. Safety Standards are voluntary standards adopted by the industry and enforced by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). No law governs the actual manufacture of cribs, but the standards enforced by the CPSC ensure that crib safety standards are met. These standards adopted by the industry address crib features such as the spacing between the slats on the sides and ends of cribs, they define the height between the mattress and the top of the safety rails and crib ends, and recommend that there be no decorative items sticking up more than 1/8 inch to rule out the possibility of the child's clothing getting stuck on the decorative item. For example, at one time cribs were sold with large pineapple shaped finials at the top of each end posts which would catch the childs clothing as they tried to climb out!

Look for hard wood cribs.

As a general rule, woods grown in colder climates are superior since they are harder and more durable. The woods grown in warm climates tend to be softer and more likely to dent and crack. In addition, the metal screws which hold the cribs together are far less likely to pull out of a hardwood crib. The type of woods that are recommended for cribs include Maple, Oak, Ash, Birch and Beech.

Set a budget and concentrate on cribs in this price range

Cribs vary in price from under $200 to $900 or more. The price of the crib will depend on the type of wood used to make the crib, the amount of detailing and/or color of the crib, and whether the crib was manufactured in America, Europe or Canada. On average, most cribs will range from $220 to $700 at specialty baby stores (see suggestions below for more crib pricing information).

Choose a style that you like

Frankly, this is one of the most difficult decisions for many couples to make.

There are hundreds of designs available ranging from very traditional to contemporary (modern) in design. It is important to visit stores that have large selections so that you can determine the style you like best. When deciding on a dresser or a crib, also remember that the dresser is likely to stay in the room for many years but the crib will be used for only a few years. Therefore, it is often better to choose your dresser first, and then find a crib to match the dresser style. You don't want to have to keep buying furniture as the child grows!!

Some things to think about while shopping include:

Do you like a contemporary, Shaker, or a traditional design?

If you prefer the Shaker look, does furniture with accent colors appeal to you or do you prefer the furniture in one color?

If you like the traditional look, what are your feelings about an old fashioned look with brass handles?

Do you want a separate changing table or do you want a dresser which can accommodate a flip kit or a changing pad? The double dresser combo which includes a flip kit changer has become our most popular option. It is preferred by our customers as a stand alone changing table only takes up valuable floor space, is easy for pets to raid your baby's diapering essentials, and becomes a relic in the basement when your kids are out of diapers. The more favored flip kit allows mother to change the baby vertically allowing easier view of the desired target area.

Are you trying to match existing furniture?

Why do crib prices vary so?

Production and transportation costs are the biggest factors. More intricate crib designs usually involve significant labor and machining costs. These frequently have turned spindles and fancy headboards. On the other hand, cribs with straight slats and relatively plain ends costs less. Popular cribs are produced in high volumes which reduces production costs. For example, both Sorelle, Bonavita, Pali have popular cribs which should retail at under $350.

Some cribs have extra parts such as storage drawers.

Storage drawers are quite useful, particularly in a small nursery. Most American cribs, do charge extra for the inclusion of a drawer. All European cribs have drawers included during their manufacturing.

The overhead cost of the retail store is another factor.

Depending upon the store location, rents can vary from $10 to $60 per square foot. Stores in high cost malls must operate with a high mark-up and will not be able to offer discount prices. If cost is an issue, look for low overhead stores with a knowledgeable staff. Many good discount specialty stores operate in warehouse districts.

How much time does it take to order a crib ?

Most large specialty stores stock a fair amount of cribs. Given the large number of design and color selections offered by the leading crib manufacturers, however these stores find it impossible to have all choices in stock. Most large specialty stores carry a large number of stock cribs but a more limited selection of dressers. It is always possible to come into the store and leave with a crib and/or a bassinet. If, however, the customer shops early, preferably 12 or 14 weeks ahead of the due date, virtually all of the cribs sold in the store will arrive on time. Procrastination narrows the choice dramatically.

Crib Mattresses

Crib Mattress:

	The mattress should fit snugly next to the crib so that there is no gap. If two adult fingers can be placed between the mattress and the crib, the mattress should be immediately replaced.
	Do not use plastic packaging materials, such as dry cleaning bags, as mattress covers. Plastic film can cling to children's faces and should never be in or near the crib.
	Put your baby to sleep on his or her back or side in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and no soft bedding underneath. Talk to your pediatrician about which sleeping position is best for you child.

The mattress is one of the most important purchases you will make for the nursery since a good mattress is thought to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For this reason, consumers with a finite budget for a crib and mattress should consider a less expensive crib and purchase one of the better crib mattresses. However, the difference in cost between a low cost/ low quality mattress and one of the top mattresses is only thirty or forty dollars. The mattress rated #1 by a leading consumer magazine for the past 10 years, and top pick by the Baby Bargain Book - the Colgate Classica 1 foam crib mattress (a high density foam mattress) should cost about $110 while a low density foam mattress with a thin vinyl cover should retail from $49 to $60. For the safety of your newborn child, the price difference is negligible.

The following are four primary considerations when buying your mattress:

1. Firmness

The mattress can be soft, medium or firm.

Safety experts recommend a firm mattress for newborns.

The reasoning is that a firm mattress coupled with a fitted sheet makes it easy to keep the crib sheet taut. This is important because a taut crib sheet significantly reduces the possibility of the baby breathing into the gathered material formed by loose bedding. Also a very firm crib mattress reduces the chance the baby can suffocate by turning face down in the mattress.

Keep in mind that a baby cannot raise his head for three or four months and should lie on a firm surface on a fitted sheet so that there is no danger that the baby will rebreathe its own air because it is lying against loose bedding.

Don't put the comforter in the bed with a newborn and do not use a pillow. Stuffed animals should also be kept out of the crib.

2. Cover

The mattress cover (called "Ticking" in the mattress industry) helps predetermines the life expectancy of the mattress.

While the consumer can save $30 or $40 by buying a mattress covered by a single layer of vinyl, all of the top rated mattresses have covers comprised of two or three layers, one of which is nylon. Generally these have a heavy gauge nylon bonded to a waterproof material. They also have a heavy gauge binding which stitches the top and bottom ticking panels to the panels on the side of the mattress.

By contrast, the a single layer of vinyl does not have the tensile strength of nylon and will crack and tear more easily. Unfortunately this attribute seems to worsen with time.

The failure mode of mattresses is the tearing of the cover, generally along a side seam. (This comes about because every child eventually turns the crib into a trampoline)

A child who jumps on the mattress puts a lot of pressure on the seam and an inferior cover will split.

Look for a mattress with a nylon reinforced cover.

3. Construction

Mattresses can either by innerspring (Coil) or Foam.

The top rated mattress is the Classica I foam mattress by Colgate.

This foam mattress weighs only seven pounds, has a tough triple layer nylon reinforced cover, and is very firm. There is a ten year manufacturer's warranty.

The clear advantage of the light foam mattress is the ease with which the crib sheet can be changed. Keep in mind that the mattress ends must be lifted to pull off a dirty sheet and lifted again to put on a clean one. Clearly, lifting a seven pound foam mattress is easier than lifting a thirty-two pound innerspring mattress.

Colgate also makes the Classica III mattress which has a very firm side and a medium firm side. This is Great Beginnings #1 selling baby crib mattress. The firm side is used initially when it's critical for a newborn to sleep on an extra firm mattress, and then as the child grows the mattress can be turned over for a more comfortable sleep.

For those who are predisposed to a coil mattress, we recommend one of the Colgate or the Pali coil crib mattresses.

All are firm, have nylon reinforced covers, heavy gauge coil springs and a ten year or more warranty.

If you are considering an innerspring mattress, check to see that it has a good edge rod. The rod is a heavy gauge wire which exists at the top and bottom of the mattress at the point where the side panels are stitched to the top or bottom panels. The rod extends the life of the mattress by keeping the jumping child's feet from compressing a single spring far enough to stress the fabric and create a tear in the fabric seam.

Consistency

During the two or more years a child sleeps in the crib, they will change from a newborn, unable to turn from side to side to a toddler capable of standing, walking, and jumping.

After they are able to move around in the crib on their own, babies will change positions frequently during sleep, even turning from end to end, sometimes sleeping at the very edge of the mattress and sometimes in the middle. Thus all areas of the sleeping surface should be consistent in its firmness. Feel the mattress to see that there are no soft spots and that is firm at the edges.

Soft Bedding May Be Hazardous To Babies

To prevent infant deaths due to soft bedding, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development are revising their recommendations on safe bedding practices when putting infants down to sleep. Here are the revised recommendations to follow for infants under 12 months:

A Safe Sleeping Environment
For Your Baby

Placing babies to sleep on their backs instead of their stomachs has been associated with a dramatic decrease in deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Safe Bedding Practices For Infants

	Place baby on his/her back on a firm tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards.
	Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products from the crib.
	Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets, with no other covering.
	If using a blanket, put baby with feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the baby's chest.
	Make sure your baby's head remains uncovered during sleep.
	Do not place baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow, or other soft surface to sleep.

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Car seats- The five most commonly made mistakes

Statistics reveal that over 80% of the car seats in use today are installed incorrectly. Here is an overview of the top errors parents make when it comes to installing and using a child’s car seat.

Not installing the car seat tight enough. It is very important to make sure the child’s car seat doesn't move more than approximately one inch from side to side or front to back. Check the car seat manufacturer's instruction manual to make sure you are correct in where to thread the car’s seat belt through the child’s restraint seat. It is also important to consult your vehicle's owners manual to determine whether you must use a locking clip to secure the car’s seat belt. Be sure to install the locking clip next to the belt plate.
Moving your baby forward facing too soon and/or using a carseat that isn’t age/size appropriate. Babies should be in the rear-facing position, in either an infant carrier (a seat with a carrying handle) or a convertible seat (a seat you can turn forward when your baby is big enough) from birth until they are one year old and weigh at least 20 pounds, whichever comes last. If your infant has not reached 12 months old, but is so tall that his head reaches the top of the infant carrier, you need to switch him into a convertible seat but continue to keep him facing rear – consult the infant carrier’s size recommendations in its owners manual and it is usually also listed on the side of the carrier. Most convertible car seats accommodate children in the rear facing position up to 20 pounds – some Britax models up to 30 lbs - and forward facing position until they weigh about 40 pounds – some seats can go up to 65 lbs. As a side note, states are passing legislation requiring 8 years/ 80 lbs in a child restraint system.
Purchasing the wrong car seat for your car. There are some car seats that install better in certain cars than others. Probably the only way to know which car seats work best in your car is through trial and error. It is best to go to a baby store and ask to install several different models in your car until you find one that fits secure and you are able to properly use the car seat. At Great Beginnings we always preach that the two most important purchases you make for your baby are the car seat and the mattress. Your local firehouse, hospital and local government agencies can be a great place to start to find certified car seat installation techs. On the web you can visit www.safekids.org , to find out when and where the next car-seat safety check will be held in your area. In the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland areas, Great Beginnings can assist you in making an appointment.
Positioning the harness height incorrectly for your baby. Refer to the car seat's instruction manual to determine the proper harness height. Some harnesses should sit level with your infant's shoulders, others should be set just below. You will need to continue to adjust the harness height as your baby grows. As a general rule, shoulder harnesses should use the slot at or below he child’s shoulders for rear facing, and at or above for forward facing seats.
Not tightening the harness snug enough. Adjust the car seat harness so you can not slide more than two fingers between the harness and your baby’s body. And make sure that the chest clip is at your baby's armpit level to help keep the harness in place in the event of an accident.

For more car seat safety tips, go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov and check under the "child passenger safety" section. You can also use the www.safekids.org site for tips and related information. Most car seat manufacturers also offer step-by-step installation tips on their web sites.

Car Seat FAQS

Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. You can help
prevent this from happening to your child by always using car safety seats and seat belts correctly.
The information below explains how.

Which car safety seat is the best?

No one car child seat is the "best" or "safest." The best seat is the one that fits your child's size, is
correctly installed, and is used properly every time you drive. When shopping for a car
safety seat, keep the following in mind:

Don't base your baby's car seat decision on price alone. Higher prices can mean added features that may or may not make the seat safer or easier to use. All car safety seats available for purchase in the United States must meet very strict safety standards established and maintained by the federal government.
When you find a car seat you like, try it out. Put your child in it and adjust the harnesses and buckles. Make sure it fits properly and securely in your car. Keep in mind that pictures or displays of car safety seats in stores may not show them being used the right way.

Important car seat safety rules

Always use a car safety seat. You should start with your baby's first ride home from the hospital.
Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.
The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat.
Set a good example - always wear your seat belt. Help your child form a lifelong habit of buckling up.
Remember that each car safety seat is different. Read and keep the instructions that came with your seat handy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions at all times.
Read the owner's manual that came with your car on how to correctly install car safety seats.
If you need help installing your car safety seat, contact a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician. To locate and set up an appointment, call toll-free at 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243) or visit www.seatcheck.org.

Rear-facing seats & Infant car seats

All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. That means that if your baby reaches 20 pounds before her first birthday, she should remain rear-facing until she turns 1.

There are 2 types of rear-facing seats: infant-only seats and convertible seats. Convertible seats can be used rear-facing for infants, and then converted to a forward-facing position once the child is old enough and big enough to do so safely.

Infant-only car seats

Infant car seats are small and have carrying handles (sometimes come as part of a stroller system).
Have a built-in harness that covers the child's upper torso.
Can only be used for infants from birth up to 20 to 30 pounds, depending on model.
Many come with a detachable base, which can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base, which means you don't have to install it each time you use it.
A few of the more popular brands are the Graco Snugride and the Britax Companion.

Convertible seats (used rear-facing)

Convertible car seats are used rear-facing for infants from birth to at least 1 year of age and at least 20 to 22 pounds. Convertible car seats can also be used forward-facing by older children.
Have higher rear-facing weight limits than infant-only seats. These are ideal for bigger babies.
Convertible car seats have the following 3 types of harnesses:

- 5-point harness - 5 points of attachment: 2 at the shoulders, 2 at the hips, 1 at the crotch
- Overhead shield - A padded tray-like shield that swings down over the child
- T-shield - A padded t-shaped or triangle-shaped shield attached to the shoulder straps

The 5-point harness restraining system is by far the most recommended restaint system for a child's car seat.

Features to look for in rear-facing seats

Harness slots. Look for car seats that come with more than one harness slot to give your baby room to grow. The harnesses should be in the slots at or below your baby's shoulders in the rear facing position and at or above for forward facing.

Adjustable buckles and shields. Many rear facing car seats have 2 or more buckle positions for growing babies. Many overhead shields can be adjusted as well.

Other car seat features to look for. Angle indicators (built-in angle adjusters that help you get the proper recline) and head support systems are other features that can help you install the seat the right way.

Forward-facing seat

Forward-facing car seats

Once your child is at least 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds, he can ride forward-facing. However, it is best for him to ride rear-facing until he reaches the highest weight or height limit allowed by the car safety seat. There are many types of car seats that can be used forward-facing including convertible seats, built in seats, combination forward-facing/booster seats, and travel vests.

Convertible seats (used forward-facing)

As mentioned previously, convertible seats can also be used forward-facing by children who are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. However, if you have used
your convertible seat rear-facing, you need to make the following 3 adjustments before using it forward-facing:

Move the shoulder straps to the slots that are at or above your child's shoulders. On many convertible seats, the top harness slots must be used when the seat is in the forward-facing position. Check the instructions to be sure.
Move the seat from the reclined to the upright position if required by the manufacturer of the seat.
Make sure the seat belt runs through the forward-facing belt path.

When converting your seat from rear-facing to forward-facing, carefully follow the car safety seat manufacturer's instructions.

Built-in child car seats

Built-in car seats are available in some cars and vans. Weight and height limits vary. Read your vehicle owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for details about how these seats are used.

Combination forward-facing/booster seats
Some car safety seats combine the features of a forward-facing seat and a booster seat. These seats come with harness straps for children who weigh up to 40 to 65 pounds (depending on the model). Once your child reaches the weight or height limit, you can use the seat as a booster by removing the harness and using your vehicle's lap and shoulder seat belts. Keep in mind that when using the harness straps, the seat can be secured with a lap and shoulder belt or a lap-only belt. However, once you remove the harness, you must use a lap and shoulder seat belt. Children must never ride in a booster seat using a lap belt only because serious injury can result.

Travel vests
If your car only has lap belts, a travel vest may be an option. These can also be used for a child who has outgrown his seat with a harness but is not yet ready for a booster seat.

Booster seats

Booster seats do not come with harness straps but are used with the lap and shoulder seat belts in your vehicle, the same way

Belt-positioning booster seat

an adult rides. Your child should stay in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible before being allowed to ride in a booster seat. You can tell when your child is ready for a booster seat when one of the following is true:

She reaches the top weight or height allowed for her seat with a harness. (These measurements are listed on labels on the seat and are also included in the instruction booklet that is provided with the car safety seat.)
Her shoulders are above the harness slots.
Her ears have reached the top of the seat.

Booster seats are designed to raise your child so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly. This means the lap belt lies low across your child's thighs and the shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child's chest and shoulder. Correct belt fit helps protect the stomach, spine, and head from injury in case of a crash. Both high-back and backless booster seats are available. Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in lap and shoulder seat belts.

Seat belts

Your child is ready to use lap and shoulder seat belts when the belts fit properly.
This means

The shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat.
The lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, not the stomach.
The child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent without slouching and can stay in this position comfortably throughout the trip.

Remember, seat belts are made for adults. If the seat belt does not fit your child correctly, he should stay in a booster seat until the adult seat belts fit him correctly. This is usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age.

Other points to keep in mind when using seat belts

Never tuck the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the back.
If there's only a lap belt, make sure it's snug and low on the child's thighs, not across the stomach. Try to get a lap and shoulder belt installed in your car by a dealer.
Never allow children or anyone else to "share" seat belts. All passengers must have their own car safety seats or seat belts.

A warning about seat belt adjusters

There are products on the market that claim to make seat belts fit better. They attach to the seat belt but are not a part of the original belt. These products may actually interfere with proper lap and shoulder belt fit by causing the lap belt to ride too high on the stomach and making the shoulder belt too loose, and may even damage the seat belt itself. No federal standard ensuring the effectiveness and safety of these after-market products has been developed. In addition, most vehicle and car safety seat manufacturers do not recommend their use. Until the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration develops safety standards for these products, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends they not be used. As long as children are riding in the correct car safety seat for their size and age, they do not need to use any additional devices.

Installing a car safety seat

There are 2 main things to remember when installing a car safety seat.

Your child must be buckled snugly into the seat.
The seat must be buckled tightly into your vehicle.

Ask yourself the following questions to make sure both are done correctly. If you are not sure, check the instructions that came with your car safety seat, or contact a certified CPS Technician for help.

Is the child buckled into the car safety seat correctly?

Are you using the correct car seat harness slots?
Are the harnesses snug?
Have you placed the plastic harness clip (if your seat comes with one) at armpit level to hold the shoulder straps in place?
Do the harness straps lie flat?
Is your baby dressed in clothes that allow the straps to go between the legs? It's OK to adjust the straps to allow for thicker clothes, but make sure the harness still holds the child snugly. Also, remember to tighten the straps again after the thicker clothes are no longer needed.
Is anything under your baby? Tuck blankets around your baby after adjusting the harness straps snugly. Never place them under your baby.
Is your child slouching down or to the side? If so, pad the sides of the seat and between the crotch with rolled up diapers or blankets.

Is the car safety seat buckled into the vehicle correctly?

Is the car safety seat facing the right direction for your child's age and weight?
Is the seat belt routed through the correct belt path?
Is the seat belt buckled tight? If you can move the seat more than an inch side to side or toward the front of the car, it's not tight enough.
Is your rear-facing seat reclined enough? Your infant's head should not flop forward. If it does, tilt the car safety seat back a little. Your car safety seat may have a built-in recline adjuster for this purpose. If not, wedge firm padding, such as a rolled towel, under the base.
Do you need a locking clip? They come with all new car safety seats. If the seat belts in your car move freely even when buckled, you need a locking clip. If you're not sure, check the manual that came with your car. Locking clips are not needed in most newer vehicles and in vehicles with LATCH. (See "Installation made safer and easier" below for more information.)
Some lap belts (especially those found in older vehicles) need a special heavy-duty locking clip. These are only available from the vehicle manufacturer. Check the manual that came with your car for more information.

Installation made safer and easier

Child passenger safety experts have developed several ways to make car safety seat installation safer and easier, including the following:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is an attachment system that makes installing a car safety seat easier by eliminating the need to use seat belts to secure the car safety seat. It includes 2 sets of small bars, called anchors, located in the back seat where the cushions meet. Car safety seats that come with LATCH have a set of attachments that fasten to these vehicle anchors. Nearly all passenger vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after September 1, 2002, come with LATCH. However, unless both your vehicle and the car safety seat have this anchor system, you will still need to use seat belts to secure the car safety seat.
A tether is a strap that attaches a car safety seat to an anchor located on the rear window ledge, the back of the vehicle seat, or on the floor or ceiling of the vehicle. Tethers give extra protection by keeping the car safety seat and the child's head from moving too far forward in a crash or sudden stop. Tethers should not be confused with LATCH attachments; the tether is a longer strap at the top of the seat and LATCH attachments are located at or near the base of the seat. All new cars, minivans, and light trucks have been required to have tether anchors since September 2000. Most new forward-facing car safety seats and a few rear-facing car safety seats come with tethers. For older car safety seats, tether kits are available. It is highly recommended that tethers be used because they greatly improve the protection of your child in the event of a crash. Check with the car safety seat manufacturer to find out how you can get a tether for your seat if yours does not have one.
Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians can help you. If you have more questions about installing your car safety seat, a certified CPS Technician may be able to help. A list of certified CPS Technicians is available by state or ZIP code on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/contacts/. A list of inspection stations- where you can go for help with installation-is available in both English and Spanish at www.seatcheck.org or toll-free at 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243). You can also get this information by calling the toll-free NHTSA Auto Safety Hot Line at 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236), from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday.

Car safety seats and shopping carts

Many infant-only car safety seats lock into shopping carts, and many stores have shopping carts with built-in infant seats. This may seem safe but your baby could tip over or fall out of the cart. Thousands of children are hurt every year from falling from shopping carts or from the carts tipping over. Instead of placing your baby's car safety seat on the cart, consider using a stroller or frontpack while shopping with your baby.

Common questions about car safety seats

Q: What if my baby is born prematurely?
A: Use a car safety seat without a shield harness. Shields often are too high and too far from the body to fit correctly. A small baby's face could hit a shield in a crash. Premature infants should be observed in their car safety seats while still in the hospital
to make sure the reclined position does not cause low heart rate, low oxygen, or breathing problems. If your baby needs to lie flat during travel, use a crash-tested car bed. If possible, an adult should ride in the back seat next to your baby to watch him closely.

Q: What if my baby weighs more than 20 pounds but is not 1 year old yet?
A: Many babies reach 20 pounds well before their first birthday. However, just because your baby weighs more than 20 pounds does not make him ready to ride forward facing. Look for a convertible seat that can be used rear-facing by children who weigh more than 20 pounds.

Q: What if my child has special health care needs?
A: Children with special health problems may need other restraint systems. Talk about this with your pediatrician. Easter Seals, Inc has car safety seat programs for children with special health care needs. More information is available from Easter Seals, Inc at 800/221-6827. You also can learn more about transporting children with special needs by calling the Automotive Safety Program at 317/274-2977 or by visiting its Web site at www.preventinjury.org. For more information and a list of car safety seats available for children with special needs, see the AAP brochure, Safe Transportation of Children With Special Needs: A Guide for Families.

Q: What if my car has air bags?
A: All new cars come equipped with air bags. When used with seat belts, air bags work very well to protect older children and adults. However, air bags are very dangerous to children riding in rear-facing car safety seats and to child passengers who are not properly positioned. If your car has a passenger air bag, infants in rear-facing seats must ride in the back seat. Even in a low-speed crash, the air bag can inflate, strike the car safety seat, and cause serious brain and neck injury and death.

Toddlers who ride in forward-facing car safety seats also are at risk from air bag injuries. All children up to age 13 years are safest in the back seat. If you must put an older child in the front seat, slide the vehicle seat back as far as it will go. Make sure your child is properly restrained for his age and size and stays in the proper position at all times. This will help prevent the air bag from striking your child.

Air bag on/off switches are available in the few cases in which an infant must ride in the front seat. Most families don't need to use the air bag on/off switch. Air bags that are turned off cannot protect other passengers riding in the front seat. Air bag on/off switches only should be used if all of the following are true:

Your child has special heath care needs.
Your pediatrician recommends constant supervision of your child during travel.
No other adult can ride in the back seat with your child.

On/off switches also must be used if you have a vehicle with no back seat or a back seat that is not made for passengers.

Q: What if my car has side air bags?
A: Side air bags improve safety for adults in side impact crashes. However, children who are seated near a side air bag may be at risk for serious injury. Read your vehicle owner's manual for recommendations that apply to your vehicle.

Q: What if my car only has lap belts in the back seat?
A: Lap belts work fine with infant-only, convertible, and forward-facing car safety seats. They cannot be used with booster seats, and they are not the safest way to buckle older children. If your car only has lap belts, use a forward-facing car safety seat with a
harness and higher weight limits. Other options are

Check with a car dealer or the manufacturer of your car to see if shoulder belts can be installed.
Use a travel vest (some can be used with lap belts).
Consider buying another car with lap and shoulder belts in the back seat.

Q. What if I drive more children than can be buckled safely in the back seat?
A: Avoid having to drive more children than can be buckled safely in the back seat, especially if your car has passenger air bags. However, if necessary, a child in a forward facing car safety seat with a harness may be the best choice to ride in the front seat. This is because a child who is in a booster seat or using a regular seat belt can easily move out of position and be at greater risk for injuries from the air bag.

Q: Can I use a car safety seat on an airplane?
A: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the AAP recommend that when flying, children should be securely fastened in car safety seats until 4 years of age, and then should be secured with the airplane seat belts. This will help keep them safe during takeoff and landing or in case of turbulence. Most infant, convertible, and forward-facing seats are certified to be used on airplanes. Booster seats and travel vests are not certified to be used on airplanes. Check the label on your car safety seat and call the car safety seat manufacturer before you travel to be sure your seat meets current FAA regulations.

Q: Can I use a car safety seat that was in a crash?
A: If the car safety seat was in a moderate or severe crash, it needs to be replaced. If the crash was minor, the seat does not automatically need to be replaced. A crash is considered minor if all of the following are true:

The vehicle could be driven away from the crash.
The vehicle door closest to the car safety seat was not damaged.
No one in the vehicle was injured.
The air bags did not go off.
You can't see any damage to the car safety seat.

If you are unsure, call the manufacturer of the seat. See the resource section for manufacturer names and phone numbers.

Q: What about using a used car safety seat?
A: Avoid using used car safety seats, especially if obtained from a yard sale or secondhand (consignment) shop because there is no way to know the seat's history. Also never use a car safety seat that

Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Do not use seats that are more than 10 years old. Many manufacturers recommend that car safety seats only be used for 5 to 6 years from the date of manufacture. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long the company recommends using its seat.
Has any visible cracks in the frame of the seat.
Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat. You can get a copy of the instruction manual by contacting the manufacturer.
Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
Is a shield booster. Although shield boosters are still around, the AAP recommends against their use. Major injuries have occurred to children in shield boosters. The only time shield boosters should be used is if the shield is removed and the seat is used with a lap and shoulder belt. (See "Booster seats" on page 8.)
Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the following:
- Auto Safety Hot Line: Toll-free: 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236), from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm

If the seat has been recalled, be sure to follow the instructions to fix it or to get the parts you need. You also may get a registration card for future recall notices from the hotline.

Don't leave your child unattended in a car safety seat

Children should never be left alone in a car whether they are in their car safety seats or not. Any of the following can happen when a child is left alone in a vehicle:

Temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes, and the child can die of heat stroke.
He can be strangled by power windows, sunroofs, or accessories.
He can be taken during a car theft or kidnapped from the vehicle.
He can knock the vehicle into gear, setting it in motion.

Don't leave your baby unattended in a car safety seat outside of the vehicle either. When your baby falls asleep in her car safety seat, it can be tempting to bring her inside and leave her alone in the seat, but this can be unsafe. Your baby can fall out of the seat, or the seat can fall over. And remember, placing the car safety seat on a shopping cart is unsafe too. The best place for your baby to sleep is on her back in a safe crib.

Always read and follow manufacturer's instructions

If you do not have the manufacturer's instructions for your car safety seat, write or call the company's customer service department. A representative will ask you for the model number, name of seat, and date of manufacture. The manufacturer's address and phone number are on the label on the seat.

All products listed on the following pages meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 as of the date of publication. There may be car safety seats available that are not listed in this brochure. The following information is current as of the date of publication. Before buying a car safety seat, check the manufacturer's instructions for important safety information about proper fitting and use.

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is not a testing or standard-setting organization, this guide sets forth the AAP recommendations based on the peer-reviewed literature available at the time of its publication, and sets forth some of the factors that parents should consider before selecting and using a car safety seat. The appearance of the name American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of the products listed or the claims made. Phone numbers and Web site addresses are as current as possible, but may change at any time. Prices are approximate and may vary. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Manufacturers names are boldfaced.

Infant-only seats
Name	Harness Type	Rear-Facing Weight Limits	Height Limits	Price
Baby Trend Latch-Loc Adjustable Back	5-point	5-22 pounds	28 1/2"	$80
Britax Baby Safe	5-point	4-22 pounds	30"	$299.00
Britax Companion	5-point	4-22 pounds	30"	$169.99
Chicco Key Fit Infant Car Seat	5-point	4-22 pounds	30"	$140
COMBI Centre/ST/DX/EX	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$89-$99
COMBI Connection	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$199.99
COMBI Tyro Infant Car Seat	5-point	22 pounds	29"	$129-$149
Compass Baby I400 LP Infant Car Seat	5-point	4-22 pounds	30"	$100-140
Cosco Arriva	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$40
Eddie Bauer Infant Car Seat	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$90-$100
Eddie Bauer Comfort Infant Car Seat	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$100
Evenflo Discovery	3-point	5-22 pounds	28"	$50-$60
Evenflo Embrace	5-point	5-22 pounds	28"	$60-$90
Graco Infant Safe Seat	5-point	5-30 pounds	32"	$129-$169
Graco SnugRide	3-point 5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$69-$120
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio	5-point	22 pounds	30"	$179-$199
Safety 1st Designer 22	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$60-$80
Safety 1st First Ride DX	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$50
Safety 1st Starter	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$60

Convertible car seats

Name Harness Type Rear-Facing
Weight Limits/
Height Limits Forward-Facing
Weight Limits/
Height Limits Price

Britax Boulevard 5-point 5-33 pounds 20-65 pounds
27" - 49" $289.99

Britax Decathlon 5-point 5-33 pounds 20-65 pounds
27" - 49" $269.99

Britax Roundabout with Latch 5-point 5-33 pounds 20-40 pounds
27"-40" $199.99

Britax Marathon 5-point 5-33 pounds 20-65 pounds
27"-49" $249.99

COMBI Avatar 5-point 5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $179-$199

Cosco Alpha Omega
(rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) 5-point
5-35 pounds
and 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" with harness;
40-80 pounds and 52" as booster $140

Cosco Alpha Omega Elite
(rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster)
5-point 5-35 pounds and 36" 20-40 pounds and 40" with harness;
30-100 pounds and 52" as booster $150-$160

Cosco Scenera/DX 5-point
Overhead shield 5-35 pounds and 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" $50-$70

Cosco Touriva/Regal Ride 5-point
5-35 pounds and 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" $40-$70

Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 (rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) 5-point 5-35 pounds and 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" with harness;
40-80 pounds and 52" as booster $170

Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat (rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) 5-point
Overhead shield 5-35 pounds and 36" 20-40 pounds and 40" with harness
30-100 pounds and 52"as booster $170-$180

Evenflo Titan 5 5-point
5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $60-$70

Evenflo Tribute 5/DLX 5-point
Overhead shield 5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $50-$60

Evenflo Triumph 5/DLX 5-point 5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $120-$140

Graco ComfortSport 5-point
30 pounds 20-40 pounds and 40" $69-$120

Lenox TattleTale Smart Child Seat 5-point
5-33 pounds
, , 19"-32"
20-40 pounds and 29"-40" $209-$259

Safety 1st Enspira (rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) 5-point
5-35 pounds 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" with harness
40-80 pounds and 52" as booster $100

Safety 1st Intera 5-point 5-35 pounds 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" with harness
40-100 pounds and 57" as booster $140

Sunshine Kids Radian Car Seat 5-point 5-33 pounds 65 pounds and 49" $199

Tripleplay Products Sit n' Stroll 5-point 5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $200

Combination car seats

(Can be used with 5-point harness or as belt-positioning booster.)

Name Weight Limits/
Height Limits
With Harness Weight Limits/
Height Limits as
Belt Positioner Price

Cosco High Back Booster 22-40 pounds
43" 40-80 pounds
52" $50

Cosco Summit 22-40 pounds
43" 40-100 pounds
52" $90-$100

Cosco Ventura DX 22-40 pounds
43" 40-80 pounds
52" $60

Eddie Bauer Comfort High Back Booster, Deluxe 22-40 pounds
43" 40-100 pounds
52" $80-$120

Eddie Bauer High Back Booster 22-40 pounds
43" 40-80 pounds
52" $80

Evenflo Express, Chase, Traditions, Vision 20-40 pounds 30-100 pounds
54" $50-$70

Evenflo Generations, Bolero 20-40 pounds 30-100 pounds
57" $70-$100

Graco Platinum/Treasured/Ultra CarGo 20-40 pounds
27"-43" 30-100 pounds
35"-54" $69-$99

Lenox TattleTale Smart Child seat 20-40 pounds
29"-40" 40-80 pounds
35"-57" $259

Recaro Young Sport 18-40 pounds
27"-40" 30-80 pounds
37"-59" $249

Safety 1st Apex 65 20-65 pounds
52" 40-100 pounds
57" $130

Safety 1st Vantage Point, Surveyor 22-40 pounds
43" 40-100 pounds
52" $70-$80

Forward-facing car seats/restraints

Name Harness Type Weight Limits Height Limits Price

Britax Regent 5-point 22-80 pounds 19"-53" $239.99

Graco Toddler Safe Seat 5-point 20-40 pounds 27"-43" $129-$169

SafeGuard Child Seat 5-point 22-65 pounds 57" $429

Booster seats

Name Type Weight Limits Height Limits
(when available) Price

Baby Trend Recaro High back 30-80 pounds 37"-59" $349

Britax Bodyguard High back 40-100 pounds 43"-60" $129.99

Britax Parkway Booster High back 30-100 pounds 38"-60" $99.99

Britax Starriser Comfy High back 30-80 pounds 33"-53" $89.99

COMBI Dakota Backless 33-100 pounds 33"-57" $39-$59

COMBI Kobuk High back 33-100 pounds 33"-57" $79-$89

Compass Baby B500LP Folding Booster Car Seat High back 30-100 pounds 38"-57" $75-$90

Cosco High Rise, Ambassador Backless 30-100 pounds 57" $15-$20

Cosco Protek High back
Backless 30-100 pounds 57" $30-$40

Cosco Select Ride High back 40-80 pounds 52" $30

Cosco Traveler High back 30-80 pounds 52" $20

Cosco Voyager High back 40-80 pounds 52" $20-$25

Evenflo Big Kid Deluxe/LX, Everest High back
Backless 30-100 pounds
40-100 pounds 57" $40-$80

Evenflo Big Kid No Back Backless 40-100 pounds 57" $15

Evenflo Sightseer/Barbie/Hot Wheels High back 30-100 pounds 37"-54" $30-$40

Graco My CarGo High back 30-100 pounds 35"-54" $40

Graco TurboBooster High back
Backless 30-100 pounds
40-100 pounds 38"-57"
40"-57" $50-$80
$20

LaRoche Grizzly Bear Booster High back 40-100 pounds 36"-57" $119

LaRoche Polar Bear Booster High back 30-100 pounds 33"-57" $129

LaRoche Teddy Bear Booster High back 30-80 pounds 33"-54" $109

Recaro Start High back 30-80 pounds 59" $349

Recaro Young Style High back 30-80 pounds 59" $149

Safety Angel Ride Ryte High back
Backless 30-100 pounds
40-100 pounds 33"-54" $70-$75
$45-$48

Travel vests

Name Weight Limits/Age Limits Price

E-Z-On Vest 20-168 pounds $120

E-Z-On Modified Vest 20-100 pounds
2-12 years of age $120-$140

E-Z-On 86Y Harness 66-168 pounds $60-$80

E-Z-On Kid Y Harness
(must be used with the Ride Ryte booster) 30-80 pounds $48-$52

RideSafer Travel Vest 35-60 pounds small vest (3-6 years)
50-80 pounds large vest (5-9 years) $99.99

Safety 1st Tote 'n Go DX 25-40 pounds with harness $20

Built-in (integrated) car seats

Built-in or integrated child safety seats are available on selected models from some motor vehicle manufacturers. Check with the manufacturers for specifics.

Manufacturer phone numbers and Web sites

For more information on the seats listed in this guide, please contact the individual manufacturers.

Baby Trend
800/328-7363
www.babytrend.com

Britax Child Safety
888/427-4829
www.britaxusa.com

Chicco USA
www.chiccousa.com

COMBI International
800/992-6624
www.combi-intl.com

Compass Baby
888/899-BABY
www.compassbaby.com

Cosco, Inc.
800/544-1108
www.coscojuvenile.com

Eddie Bauer
800/544-1108
www.djgusa.com/eddiebauer

Evenflo Company Inc.
800/233-5921
www.evenflo.com

EZ On Products/Safety Angel
800/323-6598
www.ezonpro.com

Graco
800/345-4109
www.gracobaby.com

IMMI/SafeGuard
800/974-7798
www.safeguardseat.com

Jupiter Industries
800/465-5795
www.jupiterindustries.com

LaRoche Brothers, Inc.
978/632-8638

Lenox Juvenile Group
888/372-0622
www.smartchildseat.com

Peg Perego USA, Inc.
800/671-1701
www.pegperego.com

Recaro of North America
800-8-RECARO
www.recaro-nao.com

Safety 1st
800/544-1108
www.safety1st.com

Safe Traffic Systems, Inc
847/329-8111
www.safetrafficsystem.com

Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products
888/336-7909
www.sunshinekidsjp.com

TriplePlay Products, LLC
800/829-1625
www.tripleplayproducts.com

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is not a testing or standard setting organization, this guide sets forth the AAP recommendations based on the peer-reviewed literature available at the time of its publication, and sets forth some of the factors that parents should consider before selecting and using a car safety seat.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

What to look for in a breast pump

Before You Buy a Breast Pump

Breast pumps come in so many varieties it's hard to know what pump will work to fit your lifestyle. Here are the basics of breast pumps to help you make the right decision.

Different moms have different needs, so Great Beginnings carries a variety of breast pumps. While manual breast pumps are great for moms who spend most of their days and nights with their babies, electric breastpumps are the better choice for moms who are frequently separated from the babies because of work, travel or health problems.

Hospital Grade Pumps

These breast pumps are the ones that are favored by the woman who pump breast milk more than once or twice a week. They offer a lot of flexibility and breast milk storage options. Most operate off of battery power but have the option to be powered by a cigarette lighter plug or by a 120 volt adapter. Features to look for are self contained bottle coolers, ability to pump one or both breasts at the same time, a pumping pattern that mimics a baby’s nursing rhythm by varying the amount of suction, and a transport bag that is inconspicuous.

Battery Powered Pumps

This type of breast pumps tend to work a bit faster and use less muscle than the manual hand pumps (see below), however, they should be used only for occasional pumping. Long term or prolonged pumping times will tend to burn out their motors. This type of pump can sometimes be equipped with an AC adapter.

Hand Pumps

This type of pump is generally used for occasional pumping. They may take a bit more time to pump breast milk, but generally cost less. They rely on the user to squeeze a hand levered pump in order to create the pumping action.

Avent Isis
Breast Pumps

Medela Harmony

Medela Products Avent Products

How to select a nursing bra

If you are planning to breastfeed your new baby, it is very important to select a good nursing bra to provide support and a comfortable fit (and a place to hold your nursing pads!). The best time to purchase a nursing bra is during the final weeks of your pregnancy. That way, you will have one or two available during those first few days at home with the baby, and when your postpartum rib/bust size will not be substantially different in size.

In order to ensure a proper and comfortable fit, carefully take the following measurements in front of a mirror to make certain they are accurate.

Measure around your body just under your arms with a measuring tape. Keep the tape snug, but not tight. If the measurement is an uneven number, round it up to the next even number. This is your band size.

Next, while wearing a good-fitting, unpadded bra, measure around the fullest part of your bust. Each 1" difference between your band size and this measurement represents one cup size. So, if your band size is 38" and your measurement at the fullest part of your bust is 40", you would wear a 38B.

Keep in mind that if your current bra is too small or not supportive, your measurements may understate your true cup size, so you may need to try one or two cup sizes larger to find the right fit.

Since different manufacturers size their products differently, you may need to try on a few different styles and sizes before you find the right fit. There should be no breast tissue beyond the side seam or "spilling" out of the top of the cup.

Most women's upper bodies slim down after delivery, so make sure you have the ability to tighten the band in the future. This means if you are purchasing a bra toward the end of your pregnancy, choose a nursing bra that you can wear on the last set of hooks, or which is stretchy around the rib cage.

The band should create a snug fit, but should not "ride up" on your back. If your milk has not come in (usually before 3-5 days postpartum), try to allow for extra cup room, or have hooks that will adjust to accommodate your changing breast size. If you need to purchase a larger size after your milk comes in, you may be able to switch back to the smaller size after your milk supply is regulated (usually about 3 months postpartum).

We get many questions about whether it is okay to wear underwire nursing bras. Underwire bras can dig in to your breast tissue, clogging a milk duct without your being aware of it. Many lactation consultants prefer nursing mothers to wear softcup bras, especially in the early weeks of breastfeeding.

However, many women prefer the support of an underwire bra, and can wear one comfortably. If you do choose an underwire bra, make sure that all your breast tissue is inside the cup, and that the wire is not pressing on any part of your breast.

What to look for in a baby monitor

Nursery and baby monitors have become one of the most requested products on baby registries. New parents are intrigued with the freedom to roam around the house and yet always be attentive to your babies needs. Monitors can help alert you to a crying baby, a baby who needs your help or just help you watch your baby while he or she sleeps.

Mobility

The baby monitor that you buy will have different levels of mobility. The base station, which transmits from the nursery, receives it power from being plugged into a 120 volt outlet. This unit is usually located in the nursery or wherever your baby spends most of its time.

Most receivers can be plugged in (120 volt) or be mobile (run on batteries). If you intend to use the monitor as you move from room to room, you will want to invest in the mobile kind, versus the stationary variety. Most mobile have the ability to move around the house with you.

Multiple Monitors

Perhaps mom and dad both want to monitor baby sounds, or even use one as a back up monitor - get a baby monitor with more than one receiver! This allows both parents to have a baby monitor or makes it possible to have one charging while the other one is use. This feature also comes in handy if you tend to lose items like remote controls, phones, etc. Some parents prefer to place the two receivers at opposite ends of the house which allows for better monitoring of baby while you roam around the house.
Fisher Price
Angelcare Monitor

Graco

Television Monitors

There are monitors that offer you the ability to actually watch and listen to your baby on a small TV. Video monitors are becoming more popular as they become more accessible and less expensive. Some video monitors even have night-vision cameras which allow you to see baby even in a low-light/dark room. Parents also like the ability to later position them in the playroom and be able to view toddlers as they play. Some monitors also offer you the ability to view baby via webcast. This is a nice touch when family members must be away from baby. Great Beginnings also carries a selection of “nanny cams” which are cameras hidden in teddy bears and working alarm clocks.
Childview TV & Video Monitor

Svat Nanny Cams

Mobi

Walkie Talkie Features

There are a few monitors that not only allow you to listen to baby but also to talk back to your baby. This feature allows parents to talk to the baby, play music for the baby or generally anything you want to transmit to baby. Some parents use this to calm baby with their voice while walking towards the baby. When the baby is old enough to talk, you can have conversations with your child. Parents have also found it convenient to be able to communicate with each in different areas of the house their needs.
Graco Listen N Talk Monitor

Other Features

There are other fun attributes to baby monitors including remote controls, rechargeable batteries for the receivers, notification if baby stirs or doesn't stir, even musical monitors! A few even have a pocket-sized receiver that vibrates when baby calls to allow you to respond to baby’s needs without transmitting the loud crying. This feature would benefit a sleeping parent allowing the other to react to baby. After comparing all the available features, it’s not hard to find one that works for your family!
Angelcare Movement Sensor

Quality of Sound

One of the most important qualities of your monitor will be the quality of reception that you get. By closely observing the distance guidelines on your monitor, most monitors are very able to handle the average family's requirements. A few households will have problems with interference either due to distance or interference from cordless phones. In these cases, first try moving the transmitter to another electrical plug in the room and away from household cordless phones. If the baby monitors desired performance is still not achieved, it might be necessary to upgrade to a better quality baby monitor.

See all Baby Monitors See all Fisher Price Monitors

See all Mobi Monitors See all Svat Monitors

See all Safety First Monitors See all Graco Monitors

How to help prevent SIDS

It is a story heard all too often and our worst nightmare- an infant stops breathing and dies while asleep. Every year in the United States nearly 7,000 infants die in their sleep. The diagnosis in these tragic cases is usually Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For many years the cause of SIDS was unknown. However, the recent success of "Back-to-Sleep," a national public education campaign, brought to light that the position in which an infant sleeps can affect the risk of SIDS. "Back-to-Sleep" first promoted the idea of placing infants on their backs to sleep in 1994. Since then we have seen a decrease in the rate of SIDS by 40%.

A recent study in the journal Pediatrics reviewed the deaths of 119 sleeping infants (less than 2 years of age) in St. Louis over a four-year period. The results showed that a majority of these infants were found either sleeping face down, with their faces covered by bedding material or were sleeping in an unsafe environment. In fact, only 8.4 percent of these deaths involved infants who were sleeping properly (i.e., alone, on their backs with head and face uncovered and on a firm mattress in a safe crib).

In 47.1 percent of the infant deaths, a shared sleep surface was involved. That means the infant was sleeping in a bed, couch or chair alongside another person, usually an adult. Often the other sleeping person inadvertently smothered the infant.

Most infant deaths in this study also occurred on a sleep surface not designed for infants. Even when sleeping alone, infants are at risk of suffocation in adult beds, chairs or couches. Heavy bedding material, such as bedspreads, comforters, quilts and pillows can cause smothering, too. In addition to the risk of suffocation, injury can occur if a baby becomes trapped between the mattress of an adult bed and the bed board or wall.

As we learn more and more about SIDS we are realizing that many of these unfortunate deaths are the result of suffocation. Just remember the following rules of sleeping safety and your baby should do just fine.

When laying your baby down to sleep, always place her on her back.
Place your sleeping infant only on a firm mattress in a safe crib; never in an adult bed, couch, chair or anywhere else.
And remember, no heavy blankets, bed spreads, quilts, comforters, pillows or large stuffed animals. These items could obstruct a baby's breathing.
Never allow your baby to sleep alongside another person, be it child or adult. The risk of smothering by the other person is too great.

As always, take care and stay child-safe.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Brandenburg, MD

Emergency Physician at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma

What Causes SIDS?

All About SIDS

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the abrupt, unpredictable death of a baby that remains unexplained after a complete investigation and autopsy. Also known as crib death because it happens while a baby is napping or asleep at night, SIDS is a leading cause of death among infants over 1 month old. About 5,000 infants lose their lives from this each year. It most often strikes in the first four months of life, usually in the fall, winter, and early spring.
What Causes SIDS?
No one knows the fundamental cause or causes of SIDS. Doctors and researchers have learned that it isn't any one factor so much as a combination of factors. Some of the causes that have been considered include an anatomical defect in the brain, an abnormality in the immune system, a metabolic disorder, an immaturity in breathing regulation, or a heartbeat irregularity. The theory goes that when babies with any of these problems are faced with a challenge — sleeping on their stomach and breathing too much carbon dioxide, inhaling cigarette smoke, getting a respiratory infection, or being overheated — they may be more likely to succumb to SIDS. Here's a closer look at the latest theories and research:

A brain defect: Growing evidence indicates that some babies who have died of SIDS have an abnormality or immaturity in the brain stem, which controls breathing and waking during sleep. Normally, babies can sense problems such as inadequate oxygen or excessive carbon dioxide, but they might lack this protective mechanism if they have this brain irregularity.
A flaw in the immune system: Research has shown that the immune system of some babies with SIDS generates a higher than normal number of white blood cells and proteins. Some of these proteins may interact with the brain to change heart rate and breathing during sleep, or put the baby into a deep sleep.
A metabolic disorder: Babies born with a certain metabolic disorder may be more vulnerable to SIDS. For example, if they lack one particular enzyme (medium chain a cylCoA dehydrogenase), they may not be able to process fatty acids properly, and a buildup of these acids could trigger a rapid, fatal disruption in breathing and heart function.

Research also shows that boys are at higher risk than girls, and certain ethnic groups are at higher risk than others. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, African-American babies are about two and a half times more susceptible to SIDS than Caucasian babies, and Native Americans are about three times more susceptible than Caucasians. The incidence of SIDS is lowest among Hispanic and Asian infants. The reason(s) for these differences are not known.

Experts do agree, however, that young infants are more at risk of SIDS if they:

Are put to sleep on their stomachs or on their sides
Are placed on soft bedding or a soft mattress
Are overdressed or sleep in an overheated room
Are a sibling of a baby who died of SIDS
Were born prematurely or with a low birth weight
Are exposed to secondhand smoke
Were born to a mother who smoked or abused drugs or alcohol during pregnancy
Were born to a mother who had no or late prenatal care
Were born to a teenage mother

New Learning, New Policy — How to Reduce the Risk
Before leaving the hospital with your brand-new baby, you'll be given a long list of instructions. Among them is this: Always place your baby on her back to sleep. This is a relatively new direction.

Researchers began putting out this advice in 1992; it was reinforced again four years later when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all healthy babies be put to sleep on their back. In 1994, a national "Back to Sleep" campaign was launched to promote the supine — or back-sleeping — position during sleep. Surveys have confirmed that more and more people are putting their little ones to sleep on their back, which has reduced the incidence of SIDS by about two-thirds.

Parents and grandparents sometimes worry that a baby will choke on her back. There is no data that says back sleeping adds any risk of choking. When it comes to sleep and reducing the risk of SIDS, be sure to follow the guidelines below.

Safe Sleep Checklist
Here are some smart strategies to minimize the risk of SIDS. Print out this checklist and post it by your baby's bed.

Prenatal regimen: Be sure you get early, regular prenatal care, including frequent doctor visits and good nutrition, and don't use drugs or alcohol. Don't smoke when pregnant.
Crib placement: Keep your baby in the same room with you, but not in the same bed. She should sleep in a separate place: a crib, bassinet, or cradle that conforms to the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's fine to take her into your bed when you're breastfeeding, but when she's done eating, put her back in her crib.
Bedding: Use a firm mattress in the crib or bassinet or on your bed so your baby doesn't sink in. Do not put fluffy blankets, thick quilts, comforters, or a sheepskin under or over the baby, and remove any soft stuffed toys or pillows from your baby's sleeping space. Be sure the mattress fits the crib tightly, so there's no place for your baby to get caught.
Positioning: Always put your baby to sleep on her back. To keep a newborn on her back, swaddle her in a blanket below her shoulders, with her hands placed up by her mouth so she can comfort herself.
Pacifier: Consider offering your baby a pacifier when you put her down at naptime or bedtime. Don't force her to take the pacifier if she rejects it and don't insert it into her mouth after she's asleep. If you're breastfeeding, wait until she's at least 1 month old before introducing the pacifier, so that breastfeeding is well established first.
Temperature: Avoid too much heat in your baby's room. Keep the temperature at a level that feels comfortable to you, and don't overdress your baby at nighttime. Use a sleeper bag at night, or, if you use blankets, tuck your baby in tightly with blankets no higher than her shoulders.
Well-baby checkups: Take your baby to the doctor for routine checkups and scheduled immunizations.
Clean air: Never smoke around your baby or in her room.
Tummy Time (always supervised): Encourage your baby to spend time on her tummy when she is awake to strengthen her arms and shoulder muscles, as well as prevent her head from flattening. Put her on the floor on her blanket, or in a playpen with toys that spark her interest. She'll love to do her push-ups if you or a toy are in front of her to capture her interest.

SIDS Resources
Where to go for information, referrals, and other services.

The National Back to Sleep Campaign. Telephone: (800) 505-CRIB (2742)
The First Candle/SIDS Alliance. Telephone: (800) 221-7437 or (410) 653-8226. Fax: (410) 653-8709. Online: http://www.sidsalliance.org
The National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center (NSIDRC). Telephone: (866) 866-7437. Online: http://www.sidscenter.org
The March of Dimes (MOD). Telephone: (888) 663-4637 or (914) 428-7100. Fax: (914) 997-4763. Online: http://www.modimes.org

Baby Carriers - What to look for

Parents- keep your hands free, leave your bulky stroller at home, and carry your baby close to your heart with a baby carrier. From Baby Bjorn and Snugli front baby carriers to NoJo slings and Maya baby wraps, you'll find a baby carrier at Great Beginnings that's comfortable for both you and your baby. Check information from the carrier manufacturer about safe use before using any baby carrier.

Baby Carriers

Baby carriers can be found in many designs and sizes. Parents of babies generally have two primary choices: soft front baby carriers and baby slings. Hip carriers and child carrier backpacks will also work for older babies and toddlers.

Soft front baby carriers: Soft front baby carriers have a fabric seat with leg openings and straps that crisscross across your back. Your baby sits against your chest in an upright position, with his or her head supported by the back of the baby carrier. Some soft front baby carriers also allow babies to face outward as they get older. Front baby carriers make a good choice for parents who want an baby carrier without a lot of fabric that distributes weight across both shoulders, and allows the baby's legs to freely stretch outside of the baby carrier.

Baby slings & wraps: Baby slings, sometimes called wraps, made of a long band of fabric, distribute your baby's weight across your back and over one shoulder. Baby slings allow you to nurse discreetly and you can use it in various positions optimized for infants, older babies, and toddlers. Simply slip your baby sling over your head to take it off. Newborns tend to curl up into the fetal position when they're initially placed in a baby sling. If you'd rather have your baby's legs stretch out, free of the carrier, choose a front carrier instead.

Hip baby carriers: Simple hip baby carriers have a canvas seat that sits on your hip, a shoulder strap that swings around your body like a sling, and a strap that fits around your waist. With less fabric than a sling and higher weight limits than most front carriers, hip baby carriers make the perfect low-hassle choice for carrying older babies and toddlers who can sit upright unassisted.

Child carrier backpacks: Child carrier backpacks look like hiking backpacks and allow you to take your baby on hikes and for long walk. Most child carrier backpacks even have a storage compartment so that you can leave your diaper bag at home. Our most popular backpacks are from Kelty and Evenflo. Your baby must be able to sit upright without assistance to go in a child carrier backpack, usually at about 6 months old. For more specific advice on choosing a child carrier backpack, visit Great Beginnings' Child carrier backpack Buying Guide.

Your baby will spend a lot of time in the baby carrier, sitting close to your body. Look for an baby carrier made of a soft and breathable fabric to prevent overheating. Also, choose a washable fabric for easy maintenance.

Select a Soft Front Baby Carrier

Soft front baby carriers make a perfect choice for parents who want their child to sit upright against their chest. Your baby will feel supported and their weight will be centered on your body. Make sure the soft front baby carrier you choose adjusts to fit everybody who plans to wear it.

Meet soft front baby carrier weight requirements

All soft front baby carriers list minimum age, minimum weight, and maximum weight limits. Do not use soft front baby carriers with babies who do not meet the age and weight requirements set by the carrier manufacturer.

Minimum soft front baby carrier age requirements: Pay close attention to minimum weight and age requirements when you buy your soft front baby carrier. Most soft front baby carriers have a minimum weight of 8 pounds and minimum age of 1 week old. Some soft front baby carriers, such as the Baby Bjorn, even have snaps or a piece of fabric to reduce the size of the leg openings for infants.

Maximum soft front baby carrier weight requirements: All carriers list a maximum weight limit, usually in the 20- to 35-pound range.

You'll probably want to switch to a child carrier backpack or lightweight stroller when your baby reaches 6 or 7 months old, no matter how much your baby weighs. At this point, you'll start to feel the baby's weight pull you forward and your baby's legs will probably hit your own legs as you walk. Contact your pediatrician with any questions.

Find convertible soft front baby carriers

For the greatest flexibility, find a soft front baby carrier that allows you to both face your baby toward you as well as out toward the world.

Forward-facing soft front baby carriers: Infants like facing your chest for comfort, security, and head support.

Outward-facing soft front baby carriers: When babies reach 4 or 5 months old, they want to see what's going on around them. Outward-facing babies who have a decent amount of head support can freely kick and experience their environment without a struggle.

Some soft front baby carriers also convert into a basic cloth backpack.

Select soft front baby carrier seating options

Soft front baby carrier seats should provide complete head and neck support for your baby. Leg openings can also have additional padding for comfort. Look for a seat that you can fully remove or unsnap at one side. If your baby falls asleep in the carrier, you'll be able to take it off easily and lay your baby down for a nap.

Evaluate soft front baby carrier straps

Look for well-padded and wide shoulder straps that crisscross at the center of your back. Carriers that cross between your shoulder blades put more pressure on your neck and back and are not as comfortable for long-term use. If you or your spouse is tall, purchase a carrier with extra-long straps or extendable straps designed for larger people. Straps that criss cross your back in an X manor provide more support to the parent and provide more side to side stability for the carrier.

More active parents need a soft front baby carrier with a waist belt. Front carriers with waist belts, such as certain models from Snugli and the Baby Bjorn Active Carrier, distribute weight more evenly across your body, relieving stress on your upper back and shoulders during long-distance walks.

Strap on a Baby Sling or Wrap

Traditional baby slings, popular worldwide for generations, surround your infant in fabric and can be converted into a seat for toddlers. For newborns, let the baby-sling fabric cradle your newborn close to your heart, allowing for discreet nursing. Use a kangaroo-carry position or hip-carry position for older babies and toddlers who want to see more of the world. Make sure the baby sling you buy includes its original instruction manual or videotape demonstrating the different holding positions.

Padded baby slings: Baby slings, such as the New Native Carrier, have a shoulder pad that you can use as a newborn head support, padding on the edge of the fabric, and a plastic ring to hold the fabric in place. Move the fabric through the plastic ring to achieve the right fit and change seating positions. These baby slings typically have a maximum weight limit of 30 pounds.

Wrap baby slings: Wrap baby slings are simply made of sturdy, unpadded cotton fabric. For example, the Maya wrap sling is made of 100% cotton, hand-loomed Guatemalan fabric. They usually have more material than traditional baby slings. The extra fabric allows for more adjustability options, making wraps a good choice for parents who drastically differ in height. Many baby wraps can also work as a back carrier. Wrap baby slings typically have a maximum weight limit of 35 pounds.

Dr. William Sears coined the phrase "attachment parenting" and designed the Original BabySling from NoJo with this parenting philosophy in mind. Basically, attachment parenting encourages emotional bonding through close contact and breastfeeding so that children grow into secure and caring adults. Parents who subscribe to the attachment parenting philosophy, and mothers looking for the easiest carrier for breastfeeding, often choose a baby sling over other types of child carriers.

Choosing the right baby changing table

Choosing a Baby Changing Table That’s Right For Your Baby’s Nursery

With the thought of all of the diapers you will be changing as a new parent, a free standing baby changing table provides you with a convenient, clean and safe place to change your baby's diapers. Changing Tables are available in a variety of finishes, styles and brands that can match anyone's personal style and existing nursery furniture. We have listed below some points you should keep in mind when choosing a baby changing table.

· Baby Changing Table Sturdiness - This is the most important quality to look for in a changing table. Look for a table with solids legs and one that doesn't look weak and fragile. Give the changing table the shake test. If it’s flimsy now, it can only get worse.

· Safety Straps - Safety straps are a must have feature when using a diaper changing table. These safety straps allow you to strap down your baby so he or she can't roll off the table. They are sometimes inconvenient to use when you are in a hurry, but are well worth the added couple of seconds in the name of safety.

· Guardrails - The higher the guardrails are around the table the safer your baby is going to be. But even when your changing table has high rails, always use the safety strap and keep one hand on your baby at all times.

· Changing pad - Changing pads are usually included with the changing table and come in a variety of styles –flat and contoured are the most prevalent. Although they are waterproof, the smell of urine can sometimes linger. Washing the pad with a mild soap and water should help keep thing fresh. Pad size is usually about 18” x 36”. Add a terry cloth cover for babies comfort to dress up the nursery.

· Storage - You will need a place to store diapers, wipes, creams, ointments and washcloths. While some parents prefer storage drawers; some parents prefer the open shelves on the majority of changing tables. This allows you to have everything in reach when your changing your baby's diaper. If you have pets, the openness of the changer might make it not the best choice in the nursery.

· Alternatives to free standing wood changers – Contoured changing pads that snap or screw to the back side of your dresser require no extra space in the nursery as the rest on top of an appropriate height dresser (30”-38” tall). Contour Pads have raised sides and a safety belt help keep your baby in place.

· Flip Kit Changers – Flip kit changers rest on the top of a dresser and attach down the back for safety. The have felt or silicone rubber feet so they won’t damage the top of the furniture. When it “flips out” towards you, it effectively doubles your workspace and allows you to change the baby “vertically”. This is more advantageous than changing the baby sideways as it is easier to see what you are doing.

Decorating tips for your baby's nursery from our experts.

Decorating a baby’s room is a very exciting project for new parents. Our job at Great Beginnings is to help you create a nursery you can be proud of that is beautiful, cozy and safe for your baby.

A fresh coat of paint is a simple and effective way to update your baby’s room. The walls painted in soft buttercup yellow create a wonderful background for this bright and colorful bedding ensemble. A chair-rail molding in contrast color embellishes the walls and creates a sophisticated look for your nursery.

A couple of shelves can be an attractive focal point of the nursery. They are perfect for placing baby’s items and decorative accessories. The shelves can be spray painted in a contrast color that compliments the décor.

Soft wall hangings can be grouped together or spaced throughout the room to add more dimension to the walls. The wall hangings can be also arranged on the shelves or hung directly on the wall using decorative knobs.

The complimenting accessory pieces like decorative pillows, lamp shade, diaper stacker, window valance and musical mobile help create a stylish and cozy nursery.

A coordinating wall border adds a finishing touch to the room setting. It can be placed above the chair rail molding or on the top part of the wall - close to the ceiling.

A neutral area rug tones down the bright colors of the bedding and complements the nursery décor.

Furniture Care

PROTECT YOUR BABY FURNITURE INVESTMENT:

The beauty of furniture care is that it helps to protect your investment. Fine baby and children's furniture is an important purchase. Proper care will help maintain your furniture's finish and ensure that it looks great year after year.

CARING FOR FURNITURE:
Caring for furniture is easy. Follow a few simple guidelines will help extend the life of your furniture.

Always dust with a polish moistened cloth. Polish cushions the cloth, eliminating the scratching that occurs with dry dusting. Dust will scratch the furniture surface if not removed properly.

Use a soft, clean cloth that won't scratch the surface. Avoid coarse or scratchy materials or fabrics.
Never use soap and water on furniture. Water can penetrate the finish and raise the grain on wood, causing damage.

THE ENEMIES OF FURNITURE:

Many common problems in baby and children's furniture care are caused by the elements. If you are aware of these troublemakers, the resulting damage can easily can be avoided.

Sunlight's ultraviolet rays can damage wood finishes. Arrange furniture in your child's room out of direct sunlight; use sun screening drapes during intense sunlight hours; rotate furniture in place and in room arrangements.

Liquid spills will damage furniture if not removed promptly. Use coasters under beverage glasses and saucers under cups and flower pots. If a spill occurs, especially one from a baby changing table, immediately blot it gently without rubbing the surface.

Heat creates a chemical change in the furniture finish which can result in a white spot. Be very careful when using a vaporizer or humidifier on your child's furniture.

High humidity causes wood to swell. Low humidity causes wood to lose moisture and shrink. Extreme changes cause warping, splitting and cracking.
Try to keep humidity as constant as possible.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS TO CARE FOR YOUR NURSERY AND TEEN FURNITURE:

A quality polish enhances the natural beauty of wood by complementing the luster and enriching the grain. It protects the finish because it serves as a temporary barrier to spilled liquids. The cleaning ingredients in polish effectively remove smudges, dust and soil when properly applied.

TIPS FOR BETTER DUSTING OF FURNITURE:

Be sure to use the same type of polish consistently. Your furniture will appear cloudy or streaky if oil-based and wax-based polishes are interchanged.

Always use a fine furniture polish when dusting. Never dry dust, as it could case microscopic scratches on your furniture surface. Remember to change dusting cloths frequently since a dirty cloth may scratch your furniture's surface.

Spray your furniture surface evenly, but not too generously. Wipe in a circular motion with a soft, clean cloth to clean and loosen the old polish.

Then, buff until completely dry for a beautiful shine and a smudge-resistant finish. For wood trim, spray polish on the cloth first, then dust.

Bunk Bed FAQs

A bunk bed can be a safe sleeping and space-saving solution to your needs. You should select a bed for your child that conforms to current safety standards and have it installed correctly and supervise the usage.

LOOK FOR THESE IMPORTANT BUNKBED SAFETY FEATURES:

Bunkbed Guardrails should run a minimum of 80% the length of the bed on both sides of the upper bunk, even if the bed will be used against a wall.

The mattress selected must be the proper size for a snug fit. No more than one inch at any point from the bed frame. The mattress should be supported by strong slats and a bunkie board, screwed into the side rails of the bed.

The mattress height should be such that no more than an inch of space exists between the top of the mattress and the bottom of the guard rail.

The bunkbed should be made of strong, durable materials with edges that are smooth and rounded. Shake the bed vigorously to be sure that it is firm and stable.

The side rails should be attached to the end panels by bolts that either go completely through the ends or have lag bolts that are secured directly into the end panels. Hook-on rails are not acceptable.

The openings in the end panels should be spaced so that your child's head can not slip through the openings.

The bunkbed ladder should be generous in width and securely attached at a comfortable climbing angle.

Check for spaciousness on the bottom bunk. Check to see if you can sit up without bumping your head.

LOOK FOR THESE BUNKBED STYLE FEATURES:

Look for bunkbeds made of solid woods. The use of veneers over particle board or plywoods are not as structurally strong, are less expensive to construct and are not as pleasing to own.

Hardwoods offer a stronger bed and are considered to be a better value than beds made of softwoods and/or metal.

The mounting hardware on higher quality beds is often totally concealed from view.

GOOD ADVICE ON BUNKBEDS:

When comparatively shopping for a bed make sure you are comparing equal product. Some beds are priced with bunkie boards or posture boards while others are not. These items are needed to support the mattress and should be included with your purchase.

Ask the dealer about his delivery policy. Does the price of the bed include delivery? Does delivery include the setup of the product in place where you direct in your home? Does the delivery include removal of the shipping boxes? Does the dealer deliver using in-house employees or does he subcontract his deliveries to outside people? Does the delivery include follow-up services if needed at no additional charge? Can the delivery be made at a time that is convient to your schedule? Can the delivery be scheduled for a specificant time not just a certain day? Great Beginnings delivery fee includes furniture setup and packaging removal.

SUPERVISE SAFE USE OF YOUR BUNK BED:

Children younger than six should not use the top bunk, although it is safe for them to sleep in the lower bunk.

NEVER allow unsupervised horseplay on the top bunk.

Always use the ladder, securely attached, to climb into and out of the top bunk.

Do not allow more than one person at a time on the upper bunk.

Do not remove the bunkbed warning sticker which provides important safety information.

Use a night-light as an added precaution for children sleeping on the top bunk.

Periodically check to be sure all screws and lag bolts are securly and firmly in place. Never substitute parts if anything is lost.

Keep all written bunkbed assembly guidelines for the life of the bunk bed in case you must move it to another room or house.

Safety Tips

Nursery:

Place infants on their backs on a hard crib mattress.
Don't put pillows, soft bedding, or stuffed toys in your baby's crib.
Place a rug or some kind of padding under the crib and changing table to pad potential falls.
Always use a safety belt on your changing table.
Remove mobiles from crib when your baby can touch them.
Keep drapes and blinds at least 3 feet away from the crib.
Do not let children under 6 sleep on the top bunk bed.

Kitchen:

Keep chairs and step stools away from counters and windows.
Use non-slip rug pads under area rugs.
Cook on rear burners whenever possible.
Never leave the stove on unattended.
In the kitchen, keep one cupboard stored with Tupperware-like things accessible to your child.
Keep garbage in tightly secured container or locked behind a door.
Use unbreakable dishes for feeding.
Turn handles on pots towards the back of the stove.
Keep step stools out of reach.
Clean up all spills immediately to prevent falls.
Keep a highchair far enough away from cupboards and tables to prevent your child from tipping over.
Unplug all electrical appliances not in use and put them away.

Outdoor:

Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight.
Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
Encourage the use of shaded play areas during the hours of 10:00 and 4:00.
Dress your child in lightweight clothing to cover as much skin as possible without overheating. Use hats and sunglasses.
Know which outdoor plants are poisonous.
Never leave a child outside unattended.
Don't leave anything near a gate or fence for your child to climb.
Do not allow children under 5 in a spa or hot tub.
Pull up mushrooms and toad stools as soon as they appear.
Clean yard of all animal droppings and make sure holes are filled in.

Play:

Remove drawstrings from children's clothing to prevent strangulation.
When going to a playground, make sure your child is not wearing necklaces, purses, or scarves or any kind of drawstring or hood string that could get caught while playing on the equipment.
Play equipment should be at least 6 feet from the fence or a wall.

Poisons:

American Association of Poison Control Centers
1-800-222-1222
http://www.1-800-222-1222.info

Know the plants in your house and in the yard - are they poisonous?
Keep poisons, medications and vitamins sealed with childproof tops and out of children's reach.
Toothpaste is poisonous - Follow directions listed on the package.
Do not keep old medication. Flush any unnecessary medication down the toilet.
Do not refer to medication as candy.
Do not rely on childproof caps - no cap is totally childproof.
Do not take medicine/pills in front of your child. Children copy adult behavior.
Be aware of lead poisoning from paint. Was your house built before 1978? Test for lead-based paint.

Glass:

Cut blind cords if they are looped.
Place decals on sliding glass doors.
Windows should be adjusted to open no more than 6 inches.
Install safety glass in windows where there is a chance your child could fall into them.

Bathroom:

Never leave a child under 5 unattended in the bathtub.
Keep toilet lid locked.
Use non-slip decals on both bathtub and shower.
Unplug all electrical appliances not in use and put them away.
Keep all medicines, vitamins and toothpaste out of reach.

Emergency:

Always have both first aid kit and Ipecac available, but do not use unless told to do so by your doctor or a medical professional.
Take CPR class and keep a CPR and choking refer to card in an easily accessible spot.
All emergency phone numbers posted on all phones.

Stairs:

Never leave anything on the stairs that your child could trip over.
Lower the handrails to within your child's reach.
Use gates on both the top and bottom of the stairs.
Keep the stairs well lit.

General:

Install smoke detectors on all floors and have fire escape plan.
Install a carbon monoxide detector in each sleeping area. Check batteries regularly.
Keep hot water temperature at 120 degrees or less.
Keep matches and lighters in a latched cabinet or drawer.
Do not use extension cords unless absolutely necessary.
Don't use long telephone cords that can trip or wrap around your child's neck.
Be aware of plastic bags that can suffocate your child.
Be sure car seats are properly installed and belts adjusted properly. Read both the car seat manufacturer's directions and your vehicle owner's manual. If you are unsure that the car seat is installed properly, stop by your local fire department and ask.

Frequently asked questions about breastfeeding

Frequently asked questions about breastfeeding

Q. What are the advantages of breastfeeding?

A. Breastfeeding is the best and most natural way to nourish your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends "breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired."

CHILDREN THAT ARE BREASTFED:

Breastfed babies receive optimal nutrition that is a balanced diet for their age. Breastmilk is convenient, safe, and inexpensive.
Breastmilk increases the baby's resistance to infections; resulting in less respiratory and gastrointestinal illness.
Breastfed babies have less incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as well as a decreased rate of childhood cancers and juvenile onset diabetes.
Breastfed babies have higher IQ scores, better visual and oral development.

WOMEN THAT BREASTFEED:

Women that breastfeed recover faster from childbirth.
Women that breastfeed reduce their risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, as well as osteoporosis.
Women that breastfeed increase their maternal-child bond, which leads to better parenting and may even decrease the incidence of child abuse.
Women that breastfeed save $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 in health costs per year by decreasing the incidence of illness and eliminating the need to purchase formula.

BENEFITS TO SOCIETY:

Breastfed children are healthier, resulting in fewer lost work days to the parents. which makes for a more productive workforce in the future.
Breastfeeding our children saves millions in health care dollars.

Q. What is colostrum?

A. Colostrum is the first milk your breasts will make. It is made during the last weeks of pregnancy and the first days after birth. Colostrum can be thick and yellow or clear and watery. It contains special proteins called antibodies. Antibodies protect your baby from infection. During the first days after birth, colostrum gradually changes into mature milk.

Q. What does breastmilk look like?

A. Breastmilk has two parts, foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk is thin and watery and hindmilk is thick and creamy. Your baby gets foremilk at the beginning of a feeding and hindmilk at the end of feeding. Hindmilk contains the fat and calories babies need to grow, so be sure to breastfeed well on one breast before you offer the second breast.

Q. How often will my baby breastfeed?

A. Every baby is different. Most baby's breastfeed 8 -12 times a day during the early weeks. Expect to breastfeed every 1- 3 hours for about 20 - 40 minutes.

Q. How can I tell if my baby is getting enough to eat?

A. Your breastmilk is all your baby needs during the first six months. You can be sure your baby is well-fed if she/he:

has at least 8-12 breastfeeding's a day
has at least 3-4 bowel movements and 6-8 wet diapers a day
sucks and swallows while breastfeeding
gains 4-8 ounces a week after the first week
is content after breastfeeding

Q. How much weight should my baby gain?

A. Every baby is different. Some babies lose as much as 5-7% of their birth weight during the first week, then regain the lost weight during the second week. Most babies are back to birth weight by two weeks of age and gain 4-8 ounces a week during the next 10-12 weeks.

Q. Do I need to give my baby vitamin and mineral supplements?

A. If you have a healthy, full term baby, breastmilk provides all the vitamins and minerals your baby needs for the first six months of life. A daily dose of vitamin D is recommended for those babies whose mothers are poorly nourished and for babies who are dark-skinned and get little sun. Always check with your doctor before giving any medication, including vitamins or supplements.

Q. Will breastfeeding hurt?

A. Breastfeeding may be uncomfortable in the beginning when your baby latches on to the breast. If the discomfort continues, break the suction, remove the baby from the breast and try again.

Q. If I breastfeed, can I give my baby a pacifier?

A. During the early weeks, when you and your baby are learning to breastfeed, you may want to avoid pacifiers. Pacifiers can increase the risk of ear infections and cause early weaning. Many breastfed babies prefer fists, thumbs or fingers and refuse pacifiers.

Q. Do I need to stop breastfeeding when my baby has teeth?

A. Your baby's first tooth can appear at any time and is seldom cause for weaning. Biting is rare and usually occurs at the end of a feeding when the baby is no longer hungry. Simply remove your baby from the breast with a firm "no." If your baby is still hungry, offer the breast again. Your baby will quickly learn that biting brings an end to breastfeeding and the biting will stop.

Q. What are nursing strikes?

A. A nursing strike occurs when a baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed. It can last for several feedings or several days. Sometimes the cause is easily identified, frequently no cause is found. Hand express or use your Whittlestone Breast Expresser to relieve fullness. Continue to offer the breast, but do not insist if the baby refuses. Give your baby your expressed milk until breastfeeding resumes. Nursing strikes seldom lead to weaning.

Q. Do I have to follow a special diet?

A. You need to eat a variety of healthy foods and drink to satisfy your thirst. Occasionally foods in your diet make your baby fussy. If this happens, you may need to limit a particular food until your baby is older. Foods to watch include milk products, nuts, eggs, wheat, chocolate, coffee and tea.

Q. Can I drink alcohol if I breastfeed?

A. Consult your doctor or health care professional.

Q. What if I am sick and need medication?

A. Consult your doctor or health care professional.

Q. Can I smoke if I breastfeed?

A. Consult your doctor or health care professional.

Q. Will breastfeeding change the size and shape of my breasts?

A. The more weight your gain during pregnancy, the more your breasts will change when the added pounds are lost. This happens to women who breastfeed as well as women who bottle-feed.

Q. I want to breastfeed, but I'm embarrassed.

A. If you are shy or easily embarrassed, choose a private place where you will not be disturbed. Practice and patience are the keys to success. Experienced mothers can breastfeed discreetly and modestly anywhere.

Q. Won't breastfeeding "tie me down"?

A. Breastfeeding can be "time-consuming" during the early weeks when you and your baby are learning to breastfeed. Once your milk supply is well established, about 6-12 weeks after birth, your baby will breastfeed less often and you will find it easier to come and go. If you prefer, your baby can be given your expressed milk while you are away.

Q. If I become pregnant can I still breastfeed?

A. Some women continue to breastfeed during pregnancy and breastfeed two babies or a baby and a child after birth. This is called tandem nursing. To meet the needs of two growing babies, eat a balanced diet that includes extra calories, drink to satisfy your thirst, and nap when the babies nap. If you have a history of premature labor or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, your doctor or midwife may suggest that you stop breastfeeding while pregnant.

CHOOSING A BREASTMILK BREASTPUMP

Many women combine working and breastfeeding. With planning, the benefits of breastmilk and breastfeeding can continue. If you are going to be away from your baby for more than 4-6 hours you will need to express your breasts. You will want to choose an expresser that is comfortable, efficient and durable.

Q. How do I choose a breastpump?

A. This is one of the most commonly asked questions from mothers seeking to combine breastfeeding with working outside the home. The breastpump provides gentle stimulation of the breast.

The expresser provides the gentle compression so important for milk letdown.
The expresser is simple to use and easy to clean.
The expresser is effective and economical
The expresser allows you to express both breasts at the same time.

Picking The Perfect Nursery

Planning the perfect baby nursery is very exciting and a little intimidating. Many parents start thinking about the nursery as soon as they find out they are pregnant. Others prefer to put it off for as long as they can as the idea of planning a nursery is overwhelming. Once you have chosen a room or space, there are so many other things to think about: colors, theme, furniture, and organization. Where do you begin? A nursery checklist can help you organize the nursery items you want and need.

You will be spending a lot of time in your baby’s nursery, so comfort and safety are key! You want to create a safe and secure nursery environment, so choose nursery products with safety in mind. You will also want the nursery environment to be calming and comfortable, with little areas of stimulation interspersed here and there where you need them. A nursery should be serene and simple, not chaotic and cluttered. A cluttered nursery will frustrate you. You may end up wishing you hadn’t bought that matching bedside table that you constantly bang your knee against when heading to the change table.

It is easy to get carried away with all the entrapments and accoutrements of furnishing a baby nursery. To avoid overbuying, create a budget, room planner and start to get a feel of what your likes and dislikes are. Know how much you can afford to spend on furnishing and decorating your nursery. You want your nursery to grow with your baby—you will need the space. It is amazing how much stuff a baby collects!

Nursery furniture should be simple and easy to use. There will be many pieces of furniture you will be using for the first time. The easier it is to use, the better! As far as baby stuff goes, the nursery is full of big-ticket baby items,a bassinet, crib, changing table, dresser, diaper pail, rocking chair or glider rocker, never mind the overall décor. It is a lot to think about!

When you have chosen a specific model, go to Great Beginnings Baby Store and learn how to use it before you buy. If you are comfortable with how it works, buy it, bring it home, set it up, and practice. You will want to know how to use all of your nursery items before your baby arrives. It will be very difficult trying to figure out that Diaper Genie with one hand while holding a wriggling baby in your other arm.

It is a good rule of thumb to try to have your nursery complete one month before your due date. That will clear the air in the room, dissipating any noxious fumes from new paint, wallpaper or carpet. Quite frankly, in your last month of pregnancy you will need to relax and enjoy those last moments of being pregnant. You may even want to spend a few afternoons in the nursery just unfolding and refolding all those tiny infant clothes while daydreaming about your baby.

Planning your nursery is a very exciting time. It will be one of the first times you fully realize that you will be sharing your space with another human being. It is also overwhelming with the sheer number of things you need to think about before your baby arrives. Think, plan, obsess, and look around you for inspiration. Most new mothers are attracted to a certain look and feel in the nurseries they see in magazines and department store displays. So pore through magazines, walk through the nursery department of Great Beginnings, and let your imagination lead you to your perfect nursery.

Smoking and breastfeeding

Smoking is one of the most difficult addictions to break. Smoking and breastfeeding is better for both you and your baby than smoking and formula-feeding. If you smoke, you can still take steps to help make breastfeeding a success. Here are some points to consider for mothers who smoke:

Do your best to cut back or to stop. You can find good ideas through your doctor or at the American Cancer Society’s website, http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_13X_Quitting_Smoking.asp?sitearea=PED. Quitting smoking, or cutting back, not only improves your own health and that of your baby, but can also make breastfeeding more of a pleasure. Studies indicate that smoking increases the risk of a lower milk supply and early weaning.

Breastfeed when your baby wants to, not according to a schedule. Frequent, freely offered breastfeeding helps ensure that your milk supply matches your baby’s needs. Maintaining a good milk supply helps ensure that you will be able to breastfeed as long as you choose.

Smoke after breastfeeding, in a room away from the baby, never in the car, and preferably outside. Smoking after you breastfeed means your blood levels – and thus your milk levels – of tobacco chemicals are at their lowest while you’re actually breastfeeding. Smoking outside helps keep your baby from inhaling second-hand smoke – a risk factor for SIDS and life-long respiratory problems. It also keeps you from re-inhaling your own smoke.

If your baby doesn’t breastfeed well in the early days or weeks, use a good electric pump - such as a Medela Lactina, Symphony, or Pump in Style - to keep your supply up. Starting out with a good supply makes it far easier to maintain that supply as your baby grows.

Nicotine patches, used according to instructions, can be a substitute for smoking and can reduce your blood (and milk) levels of nicotine and other tobacco-related chemicals. They also eliminate the risks of second-hand smoke. But it’s important not to smoke in addition to using the patch, or you’re simply adding more chemicals to what you already use. Remove the patch at night when you wouldn’t be smoking anyway. While nicotine gum has not been studied in breastfeeding women, it appears to have the same advantages as the patches. As with cigarettes, blood levels rise and fall according to use, so chew the gum after breastfeeding, to minimize the transfer of chemicals to your milk. Check with your doctor for dose and frequency.

Some vegetables contain nicotine. Consider limiting your intake of eggplant, green and pureed tomatoes, and cauliflower if you smoke.

Others may be able to smell smoke in your expressed milk. Your baby’s urine may have levels of cotinine (a product of nicotine) that are several times higher than the levels in formula-fed babies of mothers who smoke. How can milk like that be better for your baby than formula? Your milk still contains living cells and other germ-killing substances that help protect your baby from disease, nutrients that are known to promote brain development and hormones that help your baby’s digestive and immune systems develop normally. Formula has none of these.

So even if you find you can’t quit or cut back, remember that breastfeeding your baby is still the most important investment you can make in you and your baby’s health.

Breastfeeding the Sleepy Baby

Babies are born ready to breastfeed. They learn to breastfeed best if they are put right on mom’s chest and left there while they are dried off and checked by the doctor or midwife.

Colostrum, the first milk, is full of special things to help keep babies healthy. There are only small amounts of colostrum, to help babies learn to swallow safely. This is enough for your baby if you breastfeed correctly and often. The more often the baby breastfeeds in the first 2 days, the more milk will be made. Feeding often also helps the baby to pass the first stools (meconium) and reduce the risk of jaundice. The time you are in the hospital or birth center is a good time to get help with breastfeeding. An IBCLC can help you with breastfeeding during these early days when good latch is so important.

Some babies get very sleepy after their first meal. If baby does not wake up again to breastfeed in a few hours, holding him close may help. Skin to skin contact (putting baby in only a diaper on mom’s bare chest) can help wake him up to feed. Moms who have taken pain medicine during labor might find their babies are very sleepy. Expressing a few drops of colostrum onto a small spoon and feeding it to baby may tempt him to wake up. Talk to your doctor or midwife or lactation consultant if baby still does not wake and feed.

Watch your baby for signs of hunger. Hunger signs (feeding cues) include squirming, wrinkling the forehead, or trying to eat his hands or clothes. Help baby to latch on well. Newborns need to breastfeed ten to twelve times a day. It helps to sleep when baby sleeps. If baby is not breastfeeding well or seems too sleepy, call for help to your baby’s doctor, IBCLC, and LLLL.

After your milk becomes plentiful, you will be able to hear baby swallow with a soft “cuh” sound. He will suck slowly and deeply, with a little pause as his open mouth fills with milk. Your breasts should feel firmer and warmer, but not uncomfortable. Painful engorgement may mean your baby is not taking milk out well. Get help right away if you are engorged, because hard breasts soon stop making milk.

You will know your baby is getting enough milk if he has enough wet and soiled diapers. The first day or two, there are just one or two wet and dirty diapers. After the milk supply increases, baby should have at least 3-5 dirty diapers, and 6 or more wet ones each day. Stools should go from tarry and black to yellow and seedy. If baby is not making enough diapers, or sleeps too much, he probably needs to breastfeed more often. Baby should wake up 10 times or more a day to feed in the first weeks, and should be happy after feeding. If you are concerned about baby’s feedings or breastfeeding pattern, an IBCLC can help. To find a breastfeeding consultant, go to www.ilca.org.

Reflux

Reflux, or movement of food from the stomach up to the esophagus, is very common in babies, and there is some evidence that it runs in families. Reflux seems to be more of a problem if people smoke around the baby. (Martin). Most babies with reflux “spit up” often. If baby seems happy and is gaining weight well, no treatment is needed and the baby should outgrow the problem by 6-12 months of age. (Jones, Rudolph).

Reflux can be a problem if it causes pain, prevents a baby from gaining weight, or causes the baby to develop breathing problems. (Rudolph). Some babies with reflux are reluctant to eat because they begin to associate eating with painful heartburn symptoms. If your baby seems to avoid feeding, coughs or spits up frequently, it is important to tell your pediatrician about it. (Mathisen).

An IBCLC can help you manage breastfeeding in ways that improve the experience for the baby with reflux. Feeding more often for a shorter period of time may help the baby be more comfortable. Choose burping and diaper changing positions that avoid bending the baby’s body at the waist. Remember that anything that increases pressure on the baby’s abdomen will make reflux worse. Car seats tend to be uncomfortable for the refluxing baby for this reason. (Rudolph). Holding baby upright for 20 minutes after breastfeeding may also help food stay down and keep baby happier. Some nutritionists recommend putting baby in a mechanical swing after eating. The movement may help milk stay in the baby’s stomach. Experts recommend lifestyle changes like this to treat reflux in babies. (Orenstein, Rudolph)

If baby spits up often and seems to cry a lot in spite of positioning and feeding changes, the doctor may give medicine to reduce baby’s stomach acid. This medicine usually works within 2 weeks. Babies with chronic cough from reflux are often helped by these medicines. (Rudolph, Orenstein). Thickening feeds with rice cereal does not work with breastmilk. Feeding often and from one breast at a feeding can help thicken breastmilk by increasing the amount of fat in it. Breastfeeding remains the best way to feed a baby with reflux.

References:

Jones AB. Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children. When to reassure and when to go further. Can Fam Physician. 2001 Oct;47:2045-50, 2053.

Martin AJ, Pratt N, Kennedy JD, Ryan P, Ruffin RE, Miles H, Marley J. Natural history and familial relationships of infant spilling to 9 years of age. Pediatrics. 2002 Jun;109(6):1061-7.

Orenstein SR. An overview of reflux-associated disorders in infants: apnea, laryngospasm, and aspiration. Am J Med. 2001 Dec 3;111 Suppl 8A:60S-63S.

Rudolph CD, Mazur LJ, Liptak GS, Baker RD, Boyle JT, Colletti RB, Gerson WT, Werlin SL; North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Guidelines for evaluation and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children: recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2001;32 Suppl 2:S1-31.

Pregnancy Timeline

Week 1	You're menstruating
Week 2	You're waiting to ovulate
Week 3	You've ovulated and your egg has been fertilized. Congratulations! You're pregnant!
Week 4	Your fertilized egg attaches to the wall of your uterus and is now called an embryo; your embryo's cells are beginning to multiply
Week 5	Your baby's brain, heart, and other organs start to form
Week 6	Your baby's heart starts to beat and traces of the arms and legs start to appear
Week 7	Your baby's arms are getting longer and the elbows start to form; her mouth starts to form
Week 8	Your baby's head is getting larger and appears much bigger than her body; her ears, fingers, and toes begin to form
Week 9	Your baby may start to move but you probably won't feel her yet; her eyelids are forming
Week 10	Your baby is now called a fetus; her arms and legs are longer and are bent and her body is getting longer
Week 11	Your baby's fingernails begin to appear and the genitalia begin to form and take shape
Week 12	Your baby's head is now rounder and has more of a profile; her mouth starts to open
Week 13	Your baby is now able to swallow and may start to hiccup; her urinary system is now functioning; her ears are starting to form and her fingers and toes are developed enough so she can make a fist
Week 14	Your baby's eyes are moving closer to the front of her face and her vocal cords continue to develop
Week 15	Your baby can now suck her thumb
Week 16	Your baby is beginning a period of rapid growth and her heartbeat is getting stronger; hair is starting to grow and the eyelashes and eyebrows are forming
Week 17	Your baby is now more coordinated and you may feel her move
Week 18	Your baby is developing a layer of fat under the skin and is starting to grow toenails
Week 19	If you haven't felt your baby kick yet, you may start feeling it this week; hair has continued to grow on your baby's head and there is increased development of the genitalia
Week 20	Your baby's ears are almost in their final position on the side of the head; more fat is appearing under the skin; your baby is moving around a lot
Week 21	A coating to prevent your baby's skin from chapping is forming this week and next
Week 22	By the end of this week your baby's skin will be fully coated for protection; her eyebrows and fingernails are developing and her muscles are much stronger; It is now time to start using the BébéSounds® Prenatal Heart Listener® so you can hear her the wonderful sounds of your unborn baby's heartbeat and kicks!
Week 23	Your baby's ears are starting to function
Week 24	Your baby can now hear your voice and your heartbeat; your baby is very active and may respond to your touch. It is now time to start talking and playing music to your baby with the BébéSounds® Prenatal Gift Set. This will stimulate her and help improve the development of her brain as well as her visual, linguistic, and motor skills.
Week 25	Your baby may start to hiccup, which you will feel and hear with the Prenatal Heart Listener®
Week 26	Your baby can now sense light and respond to loud noises
Week 27	Your baby's growth is steady and her body is now growing faster than her head; your baby's eyes can now open and close
Week 28	Your baby's brain is continuing its rapid growth and her lungs are increasing their development; your baby can now open and close her eyes
Week 29	Eyelashes are now present on your baby
Week 30	Toenails and fingernails are growing longer and are visible
Week 31	Your baby's skin is barely wrinkled and she starts to gain weight rapidly; her eyes are now open
Week 32	Your baby's lungs are maturing more and more each day and she is starting to breathe
Week 33	Your baby is gaining about 1 ounce each day and her activity may be decreasing as there is less and less room to move around; she is also getting more and more used to the voices she is hearing, especially if you continue to talk to her through the BébéSounds® microphone and speakers
Week 34	Your baby may shift to a head down position this week; she will be most active at night and if she has changed position, you will feel her kicks in a different place
Week 35	If your baby did not change position last week, she should this week; her fingernails now reach the tips of her fingers
Week 36	Your baby continues to rapidly gain weight and her "accommodations" are getting tighter and tighter
Week 37	Your baby's skin is getting increasingly pink and the fat deposits beneath the skin are greater which accounts for an even faster pace of weight gain
Week 38	You can now expect to go into labor at any time!
Week 39	Your baby is continuing to rapidly gain weight and her toenails reach the tips of the toes
Week 40	Look for the moment you've been waiting 9 months for - the birth of your new baby

Do You Need A Locking Clip On Your Car Seat?

Do You Need A Locking Clip?

Installing a car seat involves knowing how your seat belt locks. Some seat belts only lock on sudden braking or in a collision, some are locked all the time, and others are locked if the seat belt is at the correct angle against the car seat. This guide will provide you with the basic terminology of seat belts and help you find out if you need a locking clip to correctly secure your child's car seat. If you do need to use a locking clip, step-by-step instructions with pictures follow at the end of the page.

Terms to Know

buckle: the female end of a seat belt with the seat belt release button, usually on a short stalk that can be fabric or plastic-covered metal

latchplate: the male end connector of a seat belt; see picture in step 1 below

locking clip: the metal H-shaped clip that comes with most car seats; it is used to keep the lap portion of a lap/shoulder belt tight on the car seat

retractor: the mechanism that provides tension on a lap/shoulder belt and some lap-only belts; it allows the seat belt to retract and pull out and is often hidden inside the panels on the walls of the vehicle

types of retractors:

ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor): locks only on sudden stop or collision

ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor): is always locked when pulled out

switchable: locks on sudden stop or collision, or when pulled out all the way

A Primer on Latchplates

Some seat belts use the latchplate to lock instead of the retractor.

Lightweight locking (cinching) latchplate: the seat belt will move freely through this type of latchplate when the belt is at a 90 degree angle to the latchplate. When the latchplate lies flat against the seat belt, the lap portion of the seat belt will remain tight and locked. To see if your lightweight locking latchplate holds tight, buckle the seat belt and pull on the lap portion. It should not move. *Note: Chrysler and Dodge lightweight locking latchplates won't hold a car seat tight and you should use a locking clip with those latchplates.

Locking latchplate: this type of latchplate is typically bulkier than a lightweight locking latchplate and is often used on lap-only belts; a metal bar holds the seat belt in position. To see if your locking latchplate holds tight, buckle the seat belt and pull on the lap portion. It should not move.

Switchable latchplate: this latchplate has a switch on it to engage the locking mechanism and is commonly found in Volvo cars. Read your vehicle's manual to be certain how to use it.

Sewn-on latchplate: this latchplate is sewn to both the lap belt and the shoulder belt. In this case, focus on the lap belt, since it is separate from the shoulder belt. If this lap belt doesn't lock, you will need to use a belt-shortening clip. Please consult a certified child passenger safety technician who will show you where to purchase this clip and will show you how to safely install this on a seat belt. This type of clip is not for the inexperienced.

Yes, I Need A Locking Clip

My lap/shoulder seat belt doesn't lock automatically.

Test to see if your lap/shoulder belt retractor locks:

1. Slowly pull the shoulder portion of the belt all the way out from the retractor.

2. Slowly let the belt feed back into the retractor about 12".

3. Does it make a ratcheting/clicking sound* and NOT let you pull excess belt back out of the retractor?

Yes? It locks and you do NOT need a locking clip. This type of seat belt has a switchable retractor, because it switches between locking only on sudden braking/impact (ELR) and staying locked. To unlock a switchable retractor, unbuckle it and feed it all the way back into the retractor.

No? Your seat belt does not lock and you MUST use a locking clip.

    *Not all switchable seat belts will make a ratcheting/clicking sound when retracting.

The locked mode is the seat belt mode you use to install car seats. Be careful not to jerk the seat belt when testing to see if it locks. Some emergency locking retractors (ELRs) will lock the seat belt if you yank the belt. This may lead you to believe that your belt automatically locks when, in reality, it doesn't. Read your vehicle's manual or the label on the seat belt to be certain what kind of seat belts you have. Some retractors also have a switch to lock them.

I have a sliding latchplate on my lap/shoulder belt and my seat belt doesn't lock automatically.

The latchplate is the metal piece (male end) that goes into the buckle (female end). If it slides freely, no matter what angle you pull it at, it is a sliding latchplate. Use the above test to see if your seat belt locks automatically. *Note: some lightweight locking (cinching) latchplates resemble a sliding latchplate. Check your vehicle's manual or the label on the seat belt to verify what kind of seat belt you have.

My lap/shoulder seat belt locks automatically, but pulls a rear-facing car seat up on one side.

Click the picture to see an example of tilting.

This is only a problem with rear-facing seats. The shoulder portion of the belt, when the belt is pulled tight and locked, pulls up on one side of the car seat or infant seat base. To have the car seat or base sit flat on a vehicle's seat, simply don't lock the seat belt and use a locking clip instead. When your child faces forward (after 1 year of age AND 20 lbs. minimum), remove the locking clip and use your seat belt's locking feature.

No, I Don't Need A Locking Clip

I am using a lap-only belt.

NEVER use a locking clip on a lap-only belt. A locking clip is not designed to withstand crash forces and will bend and fly off a lap-only belt in a crash, leaving the lap belt loose on the car seat. The locking clip's job is to hold the lap portion of a lap/shoulder seat belt tight before a crash until the emergency retractor kicks in and locks the belt. Since there's no emergency retractor in a lap-only belt, there's nothing to hold it tight in a crash if the latchplate isn't locking the belt tight. If the lap-only belt does have an emergency retractor (found in few, older model vehicles), then a special belt-shortening clip is used to avoid any slack at all in the belt during a crash. Please consult a certified child passenger safety technician who will show you where to purchase this clip and will show you how to safely install this on a seat belt. This type of clip is not for the inexperienced.

If your lap-only belt loosens when the car seat is installed, flip the latchplate (male end) over once and buckle. Pull on the belt to make sure it locked. If you are using a seat belt (most often lap-only) that doesn't lock in any way, you may need to use a belt-shortening clip (sometimes called a heavy duty locking clip). Please consult a certified child passenger safety technician who will show you where to purchase this clip and will show you how to safely install this on a seat belt. This type of clip is not for the inexperienced.

My seat belt locks automatically.

See above to test if your seat belt locks automatically.

I'm using the car seat's LATCH belt.

LATCH belts lock automatically, eliminating the need to use a locking clip. If the LATCH belt isn't staying tight, use the vehicle seat belt instead.

Using a locking clip

1. Use a lap/shoulder belt, see picture 1.

2. Feed the lap/shoulder belt through the appropriate belt path on the car seat (generally, the belt path on a rear-facing seat is under the seating area of the car seat, while the belt path for a forward-facing seat is behind the back of the car seat).

3. Buckle the seat belt in and pull the shoulder portion tight. It's easier if you have a helper do this while you press down on the seat with your knee.

4. Once the belt is pulled tight, grasp both the lap and shoulder portions of the belt right next to the latchplate and hold on tight.

5. Unbuckle the belt while still holding onto the belt next to the latchplate. You may find it easier to mark the seat belt with a piece of chalk or a pen. If you do this, be sure to mark both sides of the belt so you can tell if you've accidentally loosened it.

6. Attach the locking clip, making sure that both the lap portion and shoulder portion of the seat belt is threaded through.

The locking clip should go right next to the latchplate, no more than 1" away from the latchplate, see picture 4. An easy way to thread the seat belt through the clip is to fold the seat belt in half lengthwise, see picture 2. Slide one side of the locking clip over the folded portion of the seat belt and let the seat belt lay flat again (be sure not to let go of the seat belt; you don't want to gain any slack in the belt at all). Repeat for the other side of the locking clip, see picture 3. *Note: it's easier if you practice this first on a loose seat belt.

Once the locking clip is securely on the seat belt, buckle the seat belt again. It shouldn't be easy to buckle; if it is, you'll most likely have to tighten the belt again and redo the locking clip. If the car seat gets in the way of the locking clip, you may move the locking clip further away from the latchplate, but it still MUST stay as close as possible to the latchplate.

Safety around the house

When baby comes home it is never to early to start childproofing your home. It is commonly recommended that it be done when your child is around 3 months of age, before he/she can crawl. Don't wait until the last minute for your child to start opening cabinets or trying to climb the stairs before you start to childproof your home. Childproofing your home should be done as soon as you can, and as thoroughly as possible to help prevent the number one cause of injury to children (unintentional injuries).

There are several items that you may need in order to properly childproof your home. Here are a few suggestions of the most commonly needed items. Your home may need more or less of these items.

1) Baby Safety Gates: Safety gates are to help prevent falls down stairs, and to block off rooms or areas that may be unsafe for a child. For the top of the stairs, use gates that install into the walls and railings with mounting hardware (screws). Pressure gates can be used to block off rooms, and to block baby from climbing up the stairs. If you have molding, banisters, hollow walls, or wrought iron where you need to install a gate, you may need to purchase a Kidco gate installation kit to create a mountable surface for your gate.

2) Locks and Latches: Cabinets and drawers can contain very hazardous materials that could harm your child. Safety locks and latches help secure cabinets and drawers that may have items that your child should not have access to (such as cleaning products, cosmetics, medicines, sharp objects like scissors or knives, etc.).

3) Outlet Covers, Outlet Plates, and Outlet Plugs: These items can help prevent electric shocks. Outlet covers are generally for outlets where you consistently have an item plugged in (like a lamp), but don't need frequent access to the outlet. Outlet Plates are generally used for outlets that you frequently plug and unplug items into (i.e. where you would plug in the vacuum). Outlet Plugs are great for filling outlets that don't get used often.

4) Window blind cord wraps: Help shorten the excess cord from window blinds that can be a strangulation hazard to a child or puppy.

5) Door Locks and Door Knob Covers: Help prevent access to areas or rooms that your child should not have access to (such as garages, patios, etc.)

6) Toilet Locks and Bathroom Safety: Children can drown in very small amounts of water, including water in the toilet. Toilet locks install onto the toilet to help keep the lid closed, and children out. The best toilet locks are the ones that relock automatically when the lid is closed.

7) Table Edge Guards and cushions: Applied to sharp corners and table edges can help minimize the bumps and bruises caused by falling onto tables and running into sharp corners. Most edge guards can also be used on fireplace hearths! Kidco manufacturers probably the best hearth cushion available.

8) Window Guards: Installed into the windows of second story (and above) rooms can help prevent falls from windows. Window guards can be removed by an adult in the event of an emergency!

9) Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: There should be a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector mounted on every floor of the home including the garage, and furnace room.

Buying home safety products isn't the only thing that childproofing consists of. It also means rearranging items of concern, putting things out of reach, locking things away, using safe, healthy practices, and supervising children. Talk to other parents, find out what they did to safeguard their children, ask your child's pediatrician for childproofing tips that are appropriate for your child's age, do everything you can do to become more educated on what it takes to keep your child safe at home!

A Beginner’s Guide To PottyTraining Your Child When To Begin

• Most children are developmentally ready to toilet train between 18 and 30 months old. Children at

this age recognize the urge to go and may even indicate that they prefer dry diapers over wet ones. By this time, they also have the loco-motor skills to walk and run, sit in a small chair and stand up with ease. However, there is no set time-frame for acquiring this skill, every child is different. So, watch for these signs of readiness:

• Diapers stay dry for two or three hours.

• Child has the ability to sit quietly for five minutes.

• Child can understand and follow simple directions.

• Child indicates a need to go by pacing, pulling on a diaper, or hopping up and down on one foot.

Remember, accidents are normal and should be expected, but if your child is set against toilet training,

just wait a while and try again. Also remember, stress can affect outcomes, so be sure that you are

ready too!

• If you are planning a move, if there is a new baby in the house, or if you are dealing with other challenges,

it is best to postpone training until the home situation has returned to normal.

• If your child is in daycare or with another caregiver, be sure to discuss toilet training so that your child receives consistent, positive reinforcement.

• Wait until you have time to complete the training. Potty training can take three months or more and requires a lot of attention, patience, and encouragement from you.

Get Ready To Train

Children 18 months to two years old want to be like the grown-ups around them. Seeing grown-ups or older children using the toilet makes young children want to do the same. Consider that it is easier for girls to imitate their mothers or sisters and boys to imitate their fathers or brothers, so the whole family can be teaching assistants. Here are some suggestions for getting started:

• Place the potty in a room where your child frequently plays.

• Let your child get comfortable with their potty chair. Touching it, flushing it, moving the lid, and sitting on it will help reduce your child’s apprehension about using something new.

• Begin with the basics and teach simple words to call it what it is— “wee-wee” and “doo-doo” or “pee-pee” and “pooh-pooh” or “one” and “two” are frequently used terms when potty training. Having a word for each function helps your child understand the difference between urine and feces.

• Always change a wet or dirty diaper immediately.

Toilet Training Your child

When you think the time is right, show your child how to use the potty, proceeding in a relaxed and easygoing manner. Explain to your child exactly what happens while on the potty. Remember the keys to successare your child’s physical and emotional readiness, plus the encouragement, patience, praise, and enthusiasm you bring to the process. Here are some helpful hints:

• Make regular trips to the potty. (First thing in the morning, before a nap, after your child has a drink, before bed, etc.)

• Encourage your child to sit on the potty for short periods. (An interesting book may be helpful.)

• Remember, success is not essential with every visit to the potty chair.

• Use praise and positive reinforcement whether or not your child goes in the potty.

• Provide loose fitting training pants when your child has shown understanding.

• Give your child more responsibility after a few successful attempts. Most children want to do it themselves.

Oops!

When your child can walk to the potty, urinate or defecate, without any reminders from you, the training may be successful, but still it is incomplete. Children often have accidents when they are excited, tired, scared, or too busy. Sometimes, children just forget. Also your child must learn proper hygiene. (Girls should wipe thoroughly from front to back.) Washing hands after every potty visit is essential for everyone. Usually toilet training problems are minor and easily handled. However, if you have concerns about your child’s toilet training, talk with your pediatrician.

Childproofing Your Home - 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children

About 2-1/2 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices on the market today.

Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It's important to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them.

You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. You can buy them at hardware stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug stores, home and linen stores, and through mail order catalogues.

Here are some child safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children. The red numbers correspond to those on the image following the text.

1 Use Safety Latches and Locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.

Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away, out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.

Typical cost of a safety latch or lock: less than $2.

2 Use Safety Gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or rooms that have hazards in them. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall are more secure than "pressure gates." Baby Safety , Safety Gates , Baby Home Safety , Baby Gates

New safety gates that meet safety standards display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). If you have an older safety gate, be sure it doesn't have "V" shapes that are large enough for a child's head and neck to fit into.

Typical cost of a safety gate: $30 to $90.

3 Use Door Knob Covers and Door Locks to help prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers. Door knob covers and door locks can help keep children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools.

Be sure the door knob cover is sturdy enough not to break, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting access to potentially hazardous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many kinds of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high out of reach of young children. Locks should be used in addition to fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with locks that must be re-secured after each use, are often not an effective barrier to pools.

Typical cost of a door knob cover: $1 and door lock: $5 and up.

4 Use Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water. Anti-scald devices for regulating water temperature can help prevent burns.

Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads. A plumber may need to install these. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.

Typical cost of an anti-scald device: $6 to $30.

5 Use Smoke Detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries.

Check smoke detectors once a month to make sure they're working.

If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries at least once a year or consider using 10-year batteries.

Typical cost of a smoke detector: less than $10.

6 Use Window Guards and Safety Netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help prevent serious falls. Baby Safety Tips , Safety Gates , Baby Home Safety , Baby Gates

Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than four inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.

Typical cost of a window guard or safety netting: $8 to $16.

7 Use Corner and Edge Bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Corner and edge bumpers can be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges.

Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture or hearth edges.

Typical cost of a corner and edge bumper: $1 and up.

8 Use Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates to help prevent electrocution. Outlet covers and outlet plates can help protect children from electrical shock and possible electrocution.

Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them.

Typical cost of an outlet cover: less than $2.

9 Use a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. A carbon monoxide (CO) detector can help prevent CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Households that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.

Typical cost of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector: $30 to $70.

10 Cut Window Blind Cords; use Safety Tassels and Inner Cord Stops to help prevent children from strangling in blind cord loops. Window blind cord safety tassels on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. Inner cord stops can help prevent strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds.

For older miniblinds, cut the cord loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. When buying new miniblinds, verticals, and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation.

11 Use Door Stops and Door Holders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands. Door stops and door holders on doors and door hinges can help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed in doors and door hinges.

Be sure any safety device for doors is easy to use and is not likely to break into small parts, which could be a choking hazard for young children.

Typical cost of a door stop and door holder: less than $4.

12 Use a Cordless Phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children, especially when they're in bathtubs, swimming pools, or other potentially dangerous areas. Baby Safety , Safety Gates , Baby Home Safety , Baby Gates

Cordless phones help you watch your child continuously, without leaving the vicinity to answer a phone call. Cordless phones are especially helpful when children are in or near water, whether it's the bathtub, the swimming pool, or the beach.

Typical cost of a cordless phone: $30 and up

Diaper Rash, Diaper Rash, Diaper Rash What to do?

Before the rescue, let's learn more about Diaper Rash...what can cause it, how it can progress if untreated, and how to prevent secondary bacterial and fungal infections which can invade improperly cared for babies' bottoms.

The main cause of diaper dermatitis is simply contact of urine on the skin. Between diaper changes, urine begins to break down into ammonia and other chemical by-products. Fecal matter in the diaper area, between diaper changes, can cause the rapid proliferation of bacteria and or fungus which can infect the already irritated diaper area.

Obviously, the breakdown of urine, its continual contact with the skin, and resulting skin irritation, begins the all too common diaper rash syndrome. It was thought that Luvs, Pampers and other disposable diapers would be a better answer than the common cloth diaper. The new diapers were better. But diaper rash is still an all too persistent and difficult problem to deal with.

The most important treatment in healing diaper rash is PREVENTION!

Prevent urine from coming into contact with the baby's tender skin by putting a barrier on the skin that prevents urine and fecal matter from contact with tender bottoms by barrier action. Grandma El's, as it's smoothed on baby's diaper area (peri-anal) creates a barrier that allows the skin to breathe or respirate, while keeping moisture and other irritants from penetrating to the skin. This preventative action of most diaper rash creams is accompanied by a healing, soothing action to stop the beginning of irritation that produces Diaper Rash.

It is important that the skin is always able to breathe or respirate to induce the healing process. Many diaper rash products are heavy creams, pastes or lotions. While some will create a barrier to keep moisture away from the skin, these products DO NOT have the capability of allowing the skin to breathe. Thereby, the existing moisture can not be released and the healing process is hindered dramatically. It is recommended that you use a semi-occlusive ointment such as Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention.

These are some frequently asked questions about diaper rash:
What is diaper rash?
1. It is an irritation of the skin in the peri-anal area that is most often caused by ammonia forming due to urine breakdown.

What causes diaper rash?
1. It is caused by prolonged contact of a urine soaked diaper on a baby's skin. The skin turns red and tissue breaks down, creating a rash. This worsens as the skin remains in contact with urine and feces.
2. Chafing or rubbing of diaper or pull ups on the area
3. Possible allergic reaction to diaper
4. Bacterial or fungal infection in rash area
5. Allergic reaction to food can cause urine to be irritating

Who can get diaper rash?
1. It is common on babies between the ages of 2-24 months
2. It also can occur on babies whose diapers are not changed frequently
3. It may also occur on babies who are taking antibiotics or are nursing while mother might be taking antibiotics
4. It can also occur on babies as they begin to eat solid foods (allergic reaction)

What are the symptoms of diaper rash?
1. Red, irritated, and possibly warm skin in and around the stomach, genitals, and inside the skin folds of the thighs and bottom
2. Pain, burning and itching, and an unhappy baby!

Is diaper rash contagious?
1. Diaper rash is almost never a contagious skin condition

What do I do if my child has diaper rash?
1. Apply Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention at every diaper change, after cleansing the area well, and blotting dry

How can I prevent diaper rash?
1. Apply a Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention with every diaper change
2. Change your baby's diaper often, and keep the area dry and clean
3. Use a gentle cleanser formulated especially for babies' skin
4. After washing your baby, gently pat dry the area, do not rub the area
5. Make sure the diapers used fit properly, so they do not rub against the skin

How long does diaper rash usually last?
1. In general without treatment, a diaper rash will last several days if not infected. If left untreated, a severe case can last up to 10-14 days or more
2. In most cases, a good Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention can clear diaper rash within 24 hours

What types of products are not acceptable in treating diaper rash?
1. Most ointments, with the exception of Grandma El's are occlusive, preventing skin respiration. Only a semi-occlusive ointment, such as Grandma El's works properly.
2. Creams are usually somewhat drying, have no protective activity, and allow all types of external stimuli (urine, feces, and allergens) to contact the skin causing further problems. Therefore, creams are not a good choice for a baby's rash treatment.
3. Lotions are not protective at all, and therefore have little value in treating or preventing diaper rash.
4. Some soaps and detergents can cause allergic sensitivity to further the breakdown of baby's delicate bottom.

Should I call my pediatrician?
1. If after several days, the rash is still visible, consult your pediatrician
2. If the rash has blisters or bumps, is oozing pus or bleeding, consult your pediatrician
3. If your baby has a rash and fever, consult your physician
4. If your baby has a rash and has urine that smells stronger than usual, or many loose stools, consult your pediatrician
5. If after properly treating your baby's diaper rash, it still persists, consult your pediatrician

What other types of diaper rash occur if proper treatment is not begun?
Rash can further break down allowing either bacteria, or fungus to take hold and infect the skin. Common organisms causing the infection are E. Coli (bacteria) and other fungal infections such as Candida Albicans

How can I treat diaper rash infected with bacteria or fungi?
Consult your physician immediately and he or she will prescribe a suitable anti-bacterial or anti-fungal product to eradicate the infection

What other types of diaper dermatitis exist?
Contact irritants such as urine, fecal matter, poison ivy, oak or sumac, insect bites, soap allergy, rough rather than soft clothing causing skin abrasions, infrequent diaper changes, and poor skin cleansing techniques

Is diaper rash a common problem?
Yes, diaper rash is a common problem. To help prevent diaper rash, change diapers frequently, keep the area dry, and use no cloth diapers. Definitely use Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention. The "common" problem will disappear!

Selecting the right gate

Selecting the right baby safety gate the first time around is important to eliminate unnecessary returns and frustration. Answering a few questions in advance such as: where will the gate be installed? (the top of the stairs, in a doorway), how wide is the opening? (an exact measurement is needed since there is no "standard"); to what surface will the gate be mounted? (wood door frame, hollow wall, wrought iron, brick, wood) can help determine which is the best gate.

Safety gates can be wood, metal , plastic or mesh, as low as 22" and as long as 13 feet. The type of gate and installation decision should be determined by where and how the gate is going to be used.

Gates generally fall into two categories: hardware or pressure mounted. Hardware mounted gates are considered safer than pressure mounted gates because they are permanently mounted and are best suited for areas where safety is paramount, such as the top of the stairs. Pressure mounted gates require no holes or hardware for installation and are best suited for less hazardous locations, such as doorways or the bottom of stairs.

Kidco also manufacturers gates for irregular shaped areas and free standing play areas. The hardware mounted Configure Gates and HearthGate are multipurpose gate systems that form angles as needed to isolate irregularly shaped areas such as staircases, exercise equipment, hot tubs, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, barbecue grills and more. Kidco's Playden is a free standing, versatile play area. The Kidco Play Den's walk through door allows easy access. The Play Den is great for babies and pets.

Reducing The Risks For SIDS

Some Steps Parents Can Take

What is Meant by Risk Factors?

Risk factors by themselves do not cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but can have a negative effect on infant well-being. In fact, as many as two thirds of SIDS victims have no known risk factors, and, most babies with one or more of these risk factors will not become SIDS victims.

Therefore, while doctors are hopeful that following the recommendations we have described may reduce the risk of SIDS, we must understand that following the recommendations faithfully will still not prevent all SIDS deaths. Research must continue if we are to discover how and why SIDS occurs, and expand upon these and other risk factors.

The following recommendations come from, "The Changing Concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Diagnostic Coding Shifts, Controversies Regarding the Sleeping Environment, and New Variables to Consider in Reducing Risk", AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, Task Force on Infant Sleep Position and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (October 2005). This recommendation can be downloaded as a pdf file here (528k). If you need Acrobat Reader, you can get it here.

Abstract - There has been a major decrease in the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its recommendation in 1992 that infants be placed down for sleep in a nonprone position. Although the SIDS rate continues to fall, some of the recent decrease of the last several years may be a result of coding shifts to other causes of unexpected infant deaths. Since the AAP published its last statement on SIDS in 2000, several issues have become relevant, including the significant risk of side sleeping position; the AAP no longer recognizes side sleeping as a reasonable alternative to fully supine sleeping. The AAP also stresses the need to avoid redundant soft bedding and soft objects in the infant’s sleeping environment, the hazards of adults sleeping with an infant in the same bed, the SIDS risk reduction associated with having infants sleep in the same room as adults and with using pacifiers at the time of sleep, the importance of educating secondary caregivers and neonatology practitioners on the importance of “back to sleep,” and strategies to reduce the incidence of positional plagiocephaly associated with supine positioning. This statement reviews the evidence associated with these and other SIDS related issues and proposes new recommendations for further reducing SIDS risk. Pediatrics 2005;116:1245– 1255;

The recommendations outlined here were developed to reduce the risk of SIDS in the general population. As it is defined by epidemiologists, risk refers to the probability that an outcome will occur given the presence of a particular factor or set of factors. Scientifically identified associations between risk factors (eg, socioeconomic characteristics, behaviors, or environmental exposures) and outcomes such as SIDS do not necessarily denote causality. Furthermore, the best current working model of SIDS suggests that more than 1 scenario of preexisting conditions and initiating events may lead to SIDS. Therefore, when considering the recommendations in this report, it is fundamentally misguided to focus on a single risk factor or to attempt to quantify risk for an individual infant. Individual medical conditions may warrant a physician to recommend otherwise after weighing the relative risks and benefits.

1. Back to sleep: Infants should be placed for sleep in a supine position (wholly on the back) for every sleep. Side sleeping is not as safe as supine sleeping and is not advised.

NOTE:
The side position has in general been considered less effective than supine because it is less stable, and some infants rolling from the side will end up sleeping prone. The only specific and objective data in this regard was reported at the June International Conference by Peter Fleming (Avon, UK). He reported that the relative risk of SIDS when sleeping on the side is double the risk of SIDS when sleeping supine. We do not currently have any data on this question in the U.S.; nevertheless, I am in full agreement that we should recommend only the supine position for sleeping. That is, although side appears to be much better than prone, it is not as effective as supine sleeping. I hope this is helpful.
Carl E. Hunt, M.D.
Toledo/Washington D.C.

2. Use a firm sleep surface: Soft materials or objects such as pillows, quilts, comforters, or sheepskins should not be placed under a sleeping infant. A firm crib mattress, covered by a sheet, is the recommended sleeping surface.

3. Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib: Soft objects such as pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft objects should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment. If bumper pads are used in cribs, they should be thin, firm, well secured, and not “pillow-like.” In addition, loose bedding such as blankets and sheets may be hazardous. If blankets are to be used, they should be tucked in around the crib mattress so that the infant’s face is less likely to become covered by bedding. One strategy is to make up the bedding so that the infant’s feet are able to reach the foot of the crib (feet to foot), with the blankets tucked in around the crib mattress and reaching only to the level of the infant’s chest. Another strategy is to use sleep clothing with no other covering over the infant or infant sleep sacks that are designed to keep the infant warm without the possible hazard of head covering.

4. Do not smoke during pregnancy: Maternal smoking during pregnancy has emerged as a major risk factor in almost every epidemiologic study of SIDS. Smoke in the infant’s environment after birth has emerged as a separate risk factor in a few studies, although separating this variable from maternal smoking before birth is problematic. Avoiding an infant’s exposure to second- hand smoke is advisable for numerous reasons in addition to SIDS risk.

5. A separate but proximate sleeping environment is recommended: The risk of SIDS has been shown to be reduced when the infant sleeps in the same room as the mother. A crib, bassinet, or cradle that conforms to the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and ASTM (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) is recommended. “Co-sleepers” (infant beds that attach to the mother’s bed) provide easy access for the mother to the infant, especially for breastfeeding, but safety standards for these devices have not yet been established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Although bed-sharing rates are increasing in the United States for a number of reasons, including facilitation of breastfeeding, the task force concludes that the evidence is growing that bed sharing, as practiced in the United States and other Western countries, is more hazardous than the infant sleeping on a separate sleep surface and, therefore, recommends that infants not bed share during sleep. Infants may be brought into bed for nursing or comforting but should be returned to their own crib or bassinet when the parent is ready to return to sleep. The infant should not be brought into bed when the parent is excessively tired or using medications or substances that could impair his or her alertness. The task force recommends that the infant’s crib or bassinet be placed in the parents’ bedroom, which, when placed close to their bed, will allow for more convenient breastfeeding and contact. Infants should not bed share with other children. Because it is very dangerous to sleep with an infant on a couch or armchair, no one should sleep with an infant on these surfaces.

6. Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime: Although the mechanism is not known, the reduced risk of SIDS associated with pacifier use during sleep is compelling, and the evidence that pacifier use inhibits breastfeeding or causes later dental complications is not. Until evidence dictates otherwise, the task force recommends use of a pacifier throughout the first year of life according to the following procedures:

• The pacifier should be used when placing the infant down for sleep and not be reinserted once the infant falls asleep. If the infant refuses the pacifier, he or she should not be forced to take it.

• Pacifiers should not be coated in any sweet solution.

• Pacifiers should be cleaned often and replaced regularly.

• For breastfed infants, delay pacifier introduction until 1 month of age to ensure that breastfeeding is firmly established.

7. Avoid overheating: The infant should be lightly clothed for sleep, and the bedroom temperature should be kept comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. Overbundling should be avoided, and the infant should not feel hot to the touch.

8. Avoid commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS: Although various devices have been developed to maintain sleep position or to reduce the risk of rebreathing, none have been tested sufficiently to show efficacy or safety.

9. Do not use home monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS: Electronic respiratory and cardiac monitors are available to detect cardiorespiratory arrest and may be of value for home monitoring of selected infants who are deemed to have extreme cardiorespiratory instability. However, there is no evidence that use of such home monitors decreases the incidence of SIDS. Furthermore, there is no evidence that infants at increased risk of SIDS can be identified by inhospital respiratory or cardiac monitoring.

10. Avoid development of positional plagiocephaly:

• Encourage “tummy time” when the infant is awake and observed. This will also enhance motor development.

• Avoid having the infant spend excessive time in car-seat carriers and “bouncers,” in which pressure is applied to the occupant. Upright “cuddle time” should be encouraged.

• Alter the supine head position during sleep. Techniques for accomplishing this include placing the infant to sleep with the head to one side for a week and then changing to the other and periodically changing the orientation of the infant to outside activity (eg, the door of the room).

• Particular care should be taken to implement the aforementioned recommendations for infants with neurologic injury or suspected developmental delay.

• Consideration should be given to early referral of infants with plagiocephaly when it is evident that conservative measures have been ineffective. In some cases, orthotic devices may help avoid the need for surgery.

11. Continue the Back to Sleep campaign: Public education should be intensified for secondary care- givers (child care providers, grandparents, foster parents, and babysitters). The campaign should continue to have a special focus on the black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Health care professionals in intensive care nurseries, as well as those in well-infant nurseries, should implement these recommendations well before an anticipated discharge.

From the SIDS Network. For more info or to donate:

A baby teething

When does my baby's process of teething begin?

At the time when a baby begins teething, there is no set schedule on when it will begin, how painful it will be, how long it will take. One baby might cut a tooth overnight without pain, while another child might have to go through a long, drawn out and painful experience. You may sometimes visibly see a rise or lump in the gum for several weeks, while sometimes there may be no visible clue at all until the tooth actually appears.

The process of teething often follows hereditary patterns, so if the mother and father teethed early or late, your baby may follow the same pattern. Normally,the first tooth may come in around the seventh month, but it can happen as early as three months, as late as one year old, or in even rarer cases even earlier or later.

What teeth should we expect to see first?

There are twenty primary (first) teeth. That is twelve less teeth than the full set of thirty-two permanent teeth that adults have. Most children eventually have a full set of primary teeth by the time they are around two or three years old. These teeth usually last until about the age of six, when the teeth that were first to appear become loose and fall out as the second teeth begin to push through the gums. The primary teeth continue falling out until roughly the age of twelve. Again, these ages mentioned above are only averages and your child may follow an earlier or later pattern. The following is the most common pattern in which your baby’s teeth will usually appear.

Age

Teeth

Position

6 to 7 months

Incisors

Two central bottom & Two central top teeth.

7 to 9 months

Two more incisors

Top & bottom; making four top & four bottom teeth in all.

10 to 14 months

First molars

Double teeth for chewing

15 to 18 months

Canines

The pointed teeth or “fangs”

2 to 3 years

Second molars

The second set of double teeth at the back

What are the symptoms of a baby teething?

The symptoms of teething vary from baby to baby. Because of many different symptoms and reactions, parents and medical professionals often disagree as to the symptoms of teething and how painful it may be for your baby. The chart below shows symptoms that a teething baby may experience. While most parents usually agree that some or all of the symptoms below happened around the time of teething, it is still recommended that if your baby experiences any of these symptoms you check with your pediatrician to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.

Irritability: As the sharp little tooth rises closer to the surface your baby’s gums may become increasingly more sore and painful, leading to your baby being very fussy. The pain and discomfort is most often worse during the first teeth coming in and later when the molars come in because of their bigger size. This is most often the case since babies become accustomed to the sensations of teething and learn to live with them. But you may find your baby may be fussy during the whole time that every tooth comes in. Every child reacts differently.

Drooling: From three to four months of age you may see your baby start drooling more often than normal. Teething stimulates drooling, which is often worse with some babies than others.

Coughing: The extra saliva can cause your baby to occasionally cough or gag. This is usually nothing to worry about as long as your baby seems fine and shows no signs of a cold or flu and does not run a high fever.

Chin rash: If your baby is a big drooler, the constant contact with saliva can cause the skin around the chin and mouth to become irritated. To help prevent this, gently wipe your baby’s mouth and chin periodically throughout the day.

Biting & gnawing: A baby that is teething will gnaw and gum down on anything she or he can get their mouth around. The counter pressure from biting on something helps relieve the pressure from under the gums.

Cheek rubbing and ear pulling: Pain in the gums may travel to the ears and cheeks particularly when the back molars begin coming in. This is why you may see your baby rubbing their cheeks or pulling at their ears. However, keep in mind that pulling at an ear can also be a sign of an ear infection.

Diarrhea: While this is a symptom that is disagreed upon by physicians, researchers and parents, most parents usually notice slightly looser bowel movements when a baby is teething. While the recent study done by the Children’s Hospital in Australia found this to be the most common symptom of teething, there are still many people that will agree and disagree with this recent study. It is believed that the most likely cause of this is the extra saliva swallowed, which then loosens the stool. Be sure and report any diarrhea to your doctor that lasts more than two bowel movements.

Low-grade fever: A fever is another symptom that doctors are sometimes hesitant to directly link with teething. But there are many parents who will disagree with this and find their baby gets a slight fever while teething. The best thing to do is be extra safe and notify your doctor if a fever last more than two days.

Not sleeping well: With teething pain happening during the day and night, you may find your child wakes more often at night when the pain gets bad enough. Most parents agree that the night waking happens more often during the first set of teeth and with the molars.

Cold like symptoms (runny nose, etc.): Some parents find that their baby will show signs of having a cold. Runny noses, coughing and general cold symptoms are believed to come from the baby having their hands in their mouth more often. Play it safe and always notify your doctor if symptoms such as this occur.

How can I help my baby with the pain?

There are several things that you can try to help ease the pain of teething; some work and some don’t, but most parents agree they’re always worth a try. Teething rings, water filled and chilled rubber teething toys; mom and dads fingers can all provide counter pressure that can sometimes bring relief. Offering your baby a cold bottle of water can also help. If sucking on the bottle bothers your child, offer a cold cup of water. The water can also help replenish your baby’s fluid if they’re drooling a lot or have loose bowel movements.

Cold food has also been found to be helpful by some parents. Chilled applesauce, yogurt and pureed peaches may be more appealing to your baby and also more nutritious than a chilled teething ring.

When nothing else helps, you can also turn to the Infant Tylenol. Before giving your child Infant Tylenol (acetaminophen) always check with your doctor first. Your doctor will tell you if it’s all right and what the proper amount is to give your baby. Baby Orajel and other teething pain medicines that are applied to the gums can also provide some relief. Some parents say the Baby Orajel type products work great, while other parents will say it was not that effective. Also check with your doctor before giving this type of over the counter pain reliever to your baby.

The baby's teething process will come and go just like so many other things with new babies. Keep trying different things until you find what provides the best relief for your child.

Note: Before trying any of the suggestions listed above or any other type of home remedy it is highly recommended that you contact your pediatrician first. You should follow your pediatricians advise first before trying anything mentioned on this site or on any other site. Your child's doctor knows what is best for your child.

Diaper Changing Tips by Dr. Sears

0-3 Months

Your Baby:

During the first three months, your baby will grab clothing, hair, a rattle — anything she can get her tiny hands around! She’ll stretch her arms all the way out, cycle them around and make freestyle movements. She’ll also wiggle and rock side to side.

Food:

At younger than three months, the baby has a sensitive gag reflex and a tongue reflex that will push out solid foods. This is okay because a baby does not require solid foods until after six months.

The Scoop:

If your baby is breastfed:

Since milk is a natural laxative, your baby will have two to three movements a day with proper feeding. The first few days after your baby is born, she’ll pass meconium. Meconium is dark green — almost black. At the end of week one, the poop should be less sticky and will turn greenish-brown. By about week two to four, baby’s stools should begin to turn yellowish-brown, seedy and mustard in consistency.

If your baby is formula-fed:

The stools of a formula-fed infant tend to be less frequent, firmer, darker, greenish and have an unpleasant odor.

Recommended Creams/Ointments:

Serious diaper rash is uncommon in newborns. Use these creams for mild rash or to prevent a rash from occurring:

Soothe and Heal by Lansinoh: This ointment contains ultra-pure lanolin in a soothing, protective ointment.
Apply a barrier cream, such as A&D or a zinc-oxide to baby’s bottom and along the groin creases to reduce chaffing.

Diaper Changing Tips:

Have clean diapers ready. (Beware of getting squirted!)
Have baby wipes ready. (Use warm wet washcloths for the first few weeks, or rinse the baby wipes in warm water before using them.)
Have a towel or a changing pad ready.
Be sure to keep diaper rash ointment handy. Most newborns get a rash as their sensitive skin adjusts to life in diapers; Dr. Sears suggests Soothe and Heal by Lansinoh and Original A&D Ointment during early weeks.
Have a change of clothes available. (For both of you!)
Don't take your hands off the baby. Changing baby on the floor may be safer than using a changing table.

Happy changing!

4-6 Months

Your Baby:

During months four to six, your baby will dig in with toes and hands to move himself toward a toy. He’ll sit propped up on the floor or with a pillow in a high chair and is able to stand while holding on for balance. At this stage, he can roll over in both directions.

Food:

Around six months, it’s time for starter foods! Here are some good examples of starter foods for babies at this stage:

Bananas
Rice Cereal
Pears
Applesauce
Avocados

The starter food should be strained or pureed and offered to the baby in small spoonfuls or by putting a small amount of food on a fingertip. By now, the tongue and gag reflexes have lessened, and your baby will begin to accept solid foods. He’ll also sit erect in a high chair for feeding. Now’s the time you’ll feel those erupting pearly whites chomping down on your fingertip.

The Scoop:

Around six months, your baby’s bowel movements will change as his diet changes. They often become firmer and less frequent. Because of your baby’s change in diet, diaper rash becomes more common.

What to watch for:

Dry, large, or hard stools
Constipation or straining to have bowel movement

If these signs occur, contact your pediatrician.

Recommended Creams/Ointments:

To treat mild or moderate diaper rash, use these options:

Zinc-oxide: This is the main ingredient in most commercial creams. It’s sticky and acts as a barrier between the skin and diaper. Most commercial zinc creams also contain aloe vera, beeswax, and mineral oil.
Acid Mantle: Heals irritation and helps restore the normal acid balance of the baby’s skin.

Diaper Changing Tips:

Have clean diapers ready. (Beware of squirting!)
Have baby wipes.
Have a towel or a changing pad ready.
Be sure to keep diaper rash ointment handy.
Have a change of clothes available. (For both of you!)
Don't take your hands off the baby.

Happy changing!

7-9 Months

Your Baby:

From seven to nine months, your baby will begin to sit erect and unsupported. She’ll crawl on her hands and knees, so keep your eyes on her! She can also pull herself up to a standing position and pick up tiny objects with her thumb and forefinger.

Food:

At this stage, your baby can move on to more complex foods. Here are some examples of foods that are good for babies at this stage:

Avocados
Peaches
Carrots
Squash
Prunes
Sweet Potatoes
Teething Biscuits

The food should be pureed or mashed. At this period in her development, your baby will become fascinated by tiny food morsels. She’ll try to pick them up with her thumb and forefinger. Be careful! She will now try to swallow food and objects that could cause her to choke! She’ll also drop or throw food and utensils. She may be able to drink from a cup and hold her own bottle.

The Scoop:

Your baby’s bowel movements will continue to change as her diet changes. They often become firmer and less frequent. Because of baby’s diet, diaper rash is common.

What to watch for:

Dry, large, or hard stools
Constipation or straining to have a bowel movement

If these signs occur, contact your pediatrician.

Recommended Creams/Ointments:

To treat mild or moderate diaper rash, use these options:

Zinc-oxide: This is the main ingredient in most commercial creams. It’s sticky and acts as a barrier between the skin and diaper. Most commercial zinc creams also contain aloe vera, beeswax and mineral oil.
Acid Mantle: Heals irritation and helps restore the normal acid balance of the baby’s skin.

Diaper Changing Tips:

Have clean diapers ready. (Beware of squirting!)
Have baby wipes.
Have a towel or a changing pad ready.
Be sure to keep diaper rash ointment handy.
Have a change of clothes available. (For both of you!)
Don't take your hands off the baby.

Happy changing!

10-12 Months

Your Baby:

At ten to twelve months, your baby will transition from crawling to sitting on his own. He’ll try to climb the furniture — and succeed! He may even be able to stand momentarily without holding on and change the shape of his hands to accommodate objects like utensils.

Food:

The foods your baby can eat are growing in variety! Here are some good examples of foods for babies at this stage:

Lamb
Poultry
Rice Cakes
Cheese
Organic Yogurt
Beans
Oatmeal
Peas
Spinach

At ten to twelve months, the baby can handle food with a lumpier consistency. Finger foods have been mastered! He’ll eat bite-sized cooked veggies and foods that melt in his mouth. He can hold a trainer cup and sip from it. Be careful, he’s going to spill! This is the messiest stage of baby’s development. His self-feeding skills have improved, but he actually enjoys the mess! He’ll try to use utensils, but he’ll spill most of the food. Expect a lot of high chair gymnastics!

The Scoop:

At this stage, bowel movements should be consistent. Due to the baby’s changing diet, diaper rash is very common. Viral-intestinal illnesses are common at this age. Signs are:

Frequent liquid consistency, green, mucous, foul-smelling bowel movements.
Diarrhea

If these signs occur, contact your pediatrician.

Recommended Creams/Ointments:

At this stage, bowel movements continue to change because baby’s diet is changing. Because of baby’s new diet, diaper rash can be severe. To treat severe diaper rash, try the following:

Triple Paste “Super Cream”: This cream is a combination of petrolatum, zinc oxide, lanolin, beeswax and cornstarch.
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream helps decrease the inflammation faster, but don’t use it more than a few days at a time because long-term use can damage baby’s sensitive skin.
Prescription cream: Ask your pediatrician. The diaper rash could be caused by a fungal infection.

Diaper Changing Tips:

Have clean diapers ready. (Beware of squirting!)
Have baby wipes.
Have a towel or a changing pad ready.
Be sure to keep diaper rash ointment handy.
Have a change of clothes available. (For both of you!)
Don't take your hands off the baby.

Happy diaper changing!

Safety Requirements for Full-Size Baby Cribs

Crib Safety Specifications, Crib Safety, Crib Regulations For Baby Safety

Requirements for Full-Size Baby Cribs, (document available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission).

1.   Interior Dimensions. 28 +/-5/8 inches (71 +/-1.6 cm) wide by 52 3/8+/-5/8 inches (133+/- cm) long. Measure between the innermost surfaces of the crib end panels, slats, rods, or spindles.

2.   Height of the Rail and End Panel. 9 inches (22.8cm), measure from top of the rail or panel in its lowest position to the top of the mattress support in its highest position.

3.   Height of the Rail and End Panel. 26 inches (66cm), measure from the top of the rail or panel in its highest position to the top of the mattress support in its lowest position.

4. Spacing of Crib Components.
Straight Spindles. The distance between components (slats, spindles, crib rods, corner posts) shall not be greater than 2 3/8 inches (6cm) at any point. Contoured spindles. Measurement of distance between contoured or irregular spindles shall be done by a 2 3/8 inch wide (6 cm) by 4 inch high (10 cm) by a 4 inch long (10 cm) rectangular block which shall not pass through the space.

5.Locking or latching devices used to secure dropside rails shall require a minimum force of 10lbs (4.5 kg) to activate the release mechanism or shall consist of a double-action device requiring two distinct actions of release.

6.Construction and Finishing. All wood surfaces shall be smooth and free from splinters. Crib end panels and Sides shall have no horizontal bar, ledge, projection, or other surface accessible to a child inside the crib capable of being used as a toehold located less than 20 inches (51cm) above the mattress support in its lowest position when the side rail is in its highest position.

7. Caution : Any mattress used in crib must be at least 27 1/4 inches (69 cm) by 51 5/8 inches (131 cm) with a thickness not exceeding 6 inches (15 cm).

8. Requirements for Cutouts. Manufacturers testing is performed with a headform probe into any cutout located along the upper edges of an end or side panel. If the cutout is "V" shaped an additional test is performed.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Industry imposed standards. F 966-96, & F 1169-88.

A. Design Requirements for Crib Corner Post Extensions. To minimize the potential for strangulation of infants and young children who may attempt to climb out of the crib.No corner post assembly shall extend more than 0.06 inches (1.5mm) above the upper edge of an end or side panel, whichever is higher, when measured from the lowest point on the upper edge of the end or side panel within 3 inches (76 mm) from the outermost contour of the post or elbow.

WARNING : Strings can cause strangulation! Do not place items with a string around a child's neck, such as hood strings or pacifier cords. Do not suspend strings over a crib or attach strings to toys.

B. Mattress Support System Test. This test is performed by the manufacturer and assists in evaluating the integrity of the attachment of the mattress support to the crib. Upward motion of the crib will not be permitted during this test, (no mattress in crib), and must endure 25lb. force to the mattress support. Test failure occurs if the mattress support system becomes detached from the crib at any point of attachment, or if the force in 7.4.6 cannot be maintained for 10 seconds.

C. Assembly Instructions are to be kept for future use and referral.

These points are provided as a guide only and not intended to be complete representation of The Standards referenced.

FIND MORE CRIB SAFETY INFORMATION BY VISITING THE FOLLOWING SITES:

CJ Foundation for SIDS Information on the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS.
Danny Foundation founded to prevent injuries, conduct research, and provide leadership to set standards for safe nursery products.
JPMA Home of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
Kids In Danger non-profit foundation concerned with protecting babies and young children from defective products.
National Safe Kids Campaign National organization dedicated to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury.

SIDS Risk Reduction

SIDS Risk Reduction

Seven steps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

1. Put your healthy baby on its back to sleep - If your baby has problems breathing or spits up a lot after feeding, ask your doctor about how your baby should sleep.

2. No smoking near the baby - Do not smoke during pregnancy and do not let others smoke near your baby.

3. Do not let your baby get too hot - Dress your baby in as much or as little as you would wear. Do not wrap your baby in lots of blankets or clothes. If your baby is sweating, has damp hair, or a heat rash, he or she may be too hot. A baby that has a fever, is breathing fast, or is not able to rest, may also be too hot.

4. Put your baby to sleep on a firm mattress - Do not let the baby sleep on soft things, like cushions, pillows, blankets, the couch, sheepskins, foam pads, or waterbeds.

5. Take good care of yourself and your baby - When pregnant, see your doctor often and do not use drugs or alcohol. Talk with your baby's doctor about changes in your baby and how your baby acts.

6. When your baby is awake, put your baby on his or her tummy to play. Make sure someone is always watching. "Tummy Time" is good for your baby because it strengthens neck and shoulder muscles.

7. If possible, breast feed your baby - Breast feeding has been shown to be good for your baby.

**It's important to share this information with everyone who takes care of your baby so spread the word.

SIDS Facts

SIDS claims the lives of almost 2,500 infants in the US each year - that's nearly 7 babies every day.

SIDS is not caused by "baby shots."

SIDS deaths occur unexpectedly and quickly to apparently healthy infants, usually during periods of sleep.

SIDS is not caused by suffocation, choking, or smothering.

SIDS is not caused by child abuse or neglect.

SIDS is not contagious.

SIDS occurs in families of all races and socioeconomic levels.

SIDS cannot be predicted or prevented and can claim any baby, in spite of parents doing everything right.

Read the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Choosing a Health Care Provider

Choosing a Health Care Provider

	Many of us put more research into buying a car than we do when choosing a doctor or midwife to deliver our baby. The reality is that through this decision, you’ll be choosing a partner for a remarkable journey over the next 9 months. This choice is likely to color your experience of the pregnancy and birth. It’s best to select an experienced clinician whose values resonate with your own, who provides informative and supportive care, and who can enhance your pregnancy and birth experience. Here are some issues to consider: 1. Where do you want to deliver? Your choices are a hospital, free-standing birthing center or home. Make sure the provider you select has authorization to deliver at your preferred location. A hospital or birthing center can provide you with a list of providers who are authorized to deliver at their facility. 2. Do you prefer an obstetrician, a family practitioner or a midwife to attend your delivery? The first two are physicians. A family practice doctor will be able to care for routine pregnancies and deliveries, and can provide health care for other family members as well, including your new baby. An obstetrician has specialized training in high-risk pregnancies and deliveries, and can handle unexpected complications. A midwife can provide attentive care for low-risk pregnancies, and will need the back up of a physician if complications arise. 3. Is the office friendly and convenient? Are staff members helpful and welcoming? Are waiting times in the office reasonable? Some popular doctors may have long waits for each appointment; if your own schedule is busy, you need to take this into account. 4. Does your provider work solo, or as part of a group? If you prefer a solo practitioner, what kind of coverage will you have when she is unavailable or on vacation? If you choose someone from a group practice, will you have a chance to meet the other practitioners prior to your delivery day? 5. Is your provider part of a call group – a group of clinicians who take turns doing deliveries on nights and weekends? What percentage of patients does your health care provider deliver herself? 6. Does your provider communicate well with you? Does she allow ample time for questions to be answered? Does she seem interested in you, or impersonal? Thorough or abrupt? Does she provide eye contact when she talks to you and does she help to put you at ease during exams? 7. What should you expect at the time of labor and delivery? Does your provider “labor sit”, staying with you for extended periods of time during the labor, or does she provide more intermittent contact? Does she encourage movement during labor? What strategies does she advise for pain relief during labor? How often are cesarean sections necessary? Does she have techniques to reduce the chance of episiotomy? Does she work with labor coaches or doulas? There are a variety of ways to approach these issues, and these questions will help you learn your provider’s style. 8. Does your provider encourage family involvement during prenatal visits and the delivery? If you have another child already, would he/she be welcome at prenatal visits or at the birth? 9. What are the fees charged by this provider? What percentage will be covered by your insurance plan? To find a provider you’ll be comfortable with, ask for the recommendations of family, friends and other health care providers. Don’t hesitate to schedule interviews with a couple of clinicians to help you make your final choice. After all, you’ll be giving someone the privilege of joining your family for a very special event!

What to Pack for the Hospital

What to Pack for the Hospital

	Don't forget insurance and hospital pre-registration forms. Filling them out ahead of time makes admittance a breeze. Pack a bag for the labor room. You could be there for a while, so the following things may prove useful: A list for mom: Bathrobe Slippers Socks Extra underwear Sanitary napkins Lip balm Hard candies Lotion for massages Snacks for your birthing partner Change for phone calls and vending machines Cell phone (if permitted) Phone numbers for people waiting to hear the good news Books Tapes A tape/CD player Eyeglasses A stopwatch for timing contractions Paper and pencil Camera with film and flash Baby book for recording baby's first footprint Later, for your hospital room, you'll want a fresh nightgown (with nursing openings if you're breastfeeding), a bra (nursing or supportive), underwear, basic toiletries, and your address book. For going home, bring a fourth- or fifth-month maternity outfit. A list for baby: T-shirt Spare diaper "Coming home" outfit Receiving blanket Snowsuit (in winter) Hat or bonnet Booties or socks Bottle, nipples and formula (if you're bottlefeeding) Infant or convertible car seat

Your First Prenatal Visit



	Your first prenatal visit could be your most exciting, and will undoubtedly be the most thorough. It may be the first time your pregnancy is confirmed, your first opportunity to meet your doctor or midwife, and your first chance to learn what to anticipate in the following months. Invite your spouse or partner to this visit, too. It’s an opportunity for both of you to ask questions about your pregnancy, and to begin preparing as a couple for what’s ahead. Here’s a checklist of what to expect at this special visit: Medical history. Your health care provider will want to know all about your health and your partner’s health in order to provide the best care for your pregnancy. Look over the “Prenatal Health History Checklist” on this web site for details on what kind of information to bring to your first visit. General check-up. You’ll be receiving a head-to-toe examination to evaluate your general well-being, including your weight and blood pressure. Pelvic exam. A bimanual exam will allow your doctor or midwife to assess your gestational age by feeling the size and shape of your uterus. She’ll also evaluate the structure of your pelvic bones, and check for growths such as fibroids or ovarian cysts. Cervical exam. Your cervix will be inspected to look for any irregularities or discharge. You’ll have a pap smear to determine if there are any abnormal cervical cells and tests to check for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Blood and urine tests. You’ll receive blood tests to check your blood type, antibody screen, blood cell count, and to test for syphilis, hepatitis, rubella, and HIV (with your permission). Urine testing will check for bacteria, sugar, and protein. Genetic tests. You may be offered tests to detect inheritable diseases, such as Tay-Sachs, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Canavan’s disease. You’ll hear about options for expanded AFP testing (a blood test to screen for neural tube defects and Down syndrome) and, if older than 35, chromosomal testing (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling/CVS). Ultrasound exam. An ultrasound could be performed or ordered at the first visit. This painless exam uses sound waves to create a visual picture of your pregnancy, and is especially useful if your exam suggests your uterine size doesn’t match your estimated gestational age, or if there are concerns about the viability of the pregnancy. Education. You will likely receive information about such topics as nutritional supplements, dietary guidelines (including foods to avoid), exercise, treatment of common ailments in early pregnancy, and an overview of what to expect during your prenatal care. You should also find out the procedure for having questions answered if problems arise between visits.

Your first prenatal visit

Your first prenatal visit will be a chance for you to get to know your doctor or midwife, and to supply essential information that can enhance your medical care. Being prepared for this visit can be quite helpful. Bring copies of important medical records, learn about your family’s medical history, and write down pertinent details about your health.

A typical prenatal history checklist will include the following:

1. Personal medical history. Allergies, childhood illnesses, past medical conditions, chronic illnesses (such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, hypertension), and hospitalizations.

2. Surgical history. Major or minor surgical procedures, anesthetic usage, and major accidents.

3. Medication. Recently and currently used prescription and non-prescription drugs (including topical creams or lotions), herbs, homeopathic preparations, vitamins and other supplements.

4. Lifestyle. Dietary habits or restrictions, pre-pregnancy weight, recreational and sports activities.

5. Health risks. Smoking, drug or alcohol use, environmental and occupational exposures to chemicals or radiation, psychological and social stressors, past or current psychological problems including depression, history of eating disorders, history of sexual abuse or domestic violence.

6. Past obstetric history. Outcome of all prior pregnancies (including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, induced abortion), obstetric complications (such as preterm labor, gestational diabetes, hypertension), birth interventions (such as forceps, cesarean section, use of anesthesia), any post-partum complications (including hemorrhage or infection).

7. Past gynecologic history. Menstrual pattern, history of reproductive organ problems such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic infections, cervical dysplasia and descriptions of treatments or surgery obtained for these conditions.

8. Current pregnancy. First day of last menstrual period, date of first positive pregnancy test, symptoms during this pregnancy including uterine cramping, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, infections, rashes or other illnesses.

9. Infectious disease. Includes herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, vaginal yeast, syphilis, hepatitis, HIV and childhood infectious diseases.

10. Genetic histories of both parents. Personal or family histories of mental retardation or developmental delay, neural tube defects, congenital abnormalities (such as cleft palate, heart defects), blood disorders (including sickle cell anemia, thalassemia), and other diseases such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, neurofibromatosis, Huntington’s disease, PKU, and Tay-Sach’s disease. Your age and ethnic background will influence recommendations for screening tests: Tay-Sach’s for Ashkenazi Jewish or French-Canadian descent, Canavan’s disease screening for Ashkenazi Jewish descent, sickle cell screen for African or African-American heritage in either partner, and chromosomal testing if you are over 35 years old.

Providing this level of detail about yourself will guide your practitioner in your care, allowing her to provide suitable counseling and education, obtain appropriate prenatal tests, and anticipate difficulties that could arise. You’ll be giving your pregnancy the best opportunity for a healthy outcome.

What to Pack in the Diaper Bag

Being prepared often starts with a simple piece of equipment: the diaper bag. Every parent has one, and some families have two—one that remains in the car as a backup in case the first is forgotten, or they were too rushed to pack the primary one at home.

When picking the actual bag, expect to choose from among hundreds of options. The choice depends as much on your style as on how light or heavy you like to travel. On one end of the spectrum are plain, sleek, black numbers that can do double duty as bags appropriate for work. Others are frankly baby-proud, with designs of teddy bears or rattles. Some are so roomy that they could easily be converted later into real adult luggage!

Comparison shop to find one that not only suits your style but also feels comfortable slung over your shoulder. Resist the few that have small handles; you'll need your hands for other things.

What are the essentials for the diaper bag? Every parent's list is unique, though there are certain things that will appear on every list, like diapers, of course, as well as a changing pad. You'll also want to carry wipes and ointment or petroleum jelly. Bring along empty plastic bags to slip dirty diapers into before disposal. You'll also want a bib for feedings and a cloth or cloth diaper to catch drool or spit-up.

Keep an extra outfit for baby in the diaper bag, too, in case of a spill or accident.

Diaper Bag Basics:

Diapers (10 to 15)
A changing pad
Wipes and ointment or petroleum jelly
Empty plastic bags for dirty diapers
Bib for feedings
Cloths or cloth diapers to catch drool or spit-up
An extra outfit for baby in case of spill or accident
An extra outfit for you and Dad (in case baby spills or has an accident!)
In the summer, a wide-brimmed hat for baby, plus sunblock
A few small toys, including a set of plastic toy keys or teething rings and a chewable toy to mouth on during adult meals
Extra formula if you're bottlefeeding

Tips for Finding a Pediatrician

What to look for in your child’s doctor

Finding a doctor that fits your style is as important as finding a comfortable outfit that fits your body. Ask friends and relatives for names of their pediatricians, then set up some interviews so you can ask questions ahead of time and insure a good fit. Here are some tips for talking to your doctor:

What are the office hours?
Are there other partners?
What is the procedure for emergencies at night or on weekends?
Will the doctor come to the phone during office hours?
What is the average waiting time for appointments?
Is there a telephone hour before or after the work day?
What are the standard fees?
How is payment handled?
What HMO of insurance is the doctor affiliated with?
How does the doctor support breastfeeding?
What is the office policy for routine blood testing?
What is the doctor’s opinion of newborn sleeping arrangements?
When does the doctor recommend starting solid foods?
What is the doctor’s view on weaning?
How does the doctor help you understand your child’s development?
What is the policy on immunizations?
How often will you see the doctor for well-baby checkups?
How does the doctor recommend you prepare an older child for an office visit?
Are there separate waiting areas for sick and well children?

Emergency Checklists

What to Keep In a First-Aid Kit
With children around, it’s important to keep a first-aid kit handy in case of an emergency. But what should go in it? Here are the essentials:

Adhesive bandages & sterile gauze pads
First-aid tape (to secure the gauze)
Small scissors
Thermometer
Liquid acetaminophen
Bottle of rehydrating solution
Tweezers (for removing splinters)
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
Antiseptic lotion or liquid

Phone Numbers to Keep Handy in Case of an Emergency
In an emergency, every second counts. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a list of phone numbers that you can access in a flash.

911
A neighbor, friend or relative
Work phone number(s)
Cell phone number(s)
Emergency medical services
Fire department
Police department
Poison control
Pediatrician
Medical insurance plan
Pharmacy

Child's Medical History
Important information to post for caregiver or for your reference during stressful times.

Child's full name & date of birth
Pre-existing medical conditions
Allergies to food or medications
Immunization record

Bathing & Diapering Essentials

What does baby need for bath time?

Infant bath tub
Baby shampoo and soap
Several hooded towels
Cotton swabs
Baby wash cloths
Infant-appropriate water toys

What should I have in the changing area?

A changing surface (either a changing table, the top of a dresser that’s at least waist-high, or just a changing pad that can be put down anywhere)
Washable changing table covers
A plastic changing mat to lay on top of the changing surface
Plenty of clean diapers
Disposable cleaning cloths. Avoid wipes that contain alcohol.
A soft cloth and warm water to use instead of wipes if baby has diaper rash (try filling a thermos each night to keep warm water easily accessible)
Ointment or petroleum jelly, for treating diaper rash
Cotton balls
A washable diaper pail with a tightly-sealed cover (works well for storing either cloth or disposable diapers)
A laundry bag or hamper with a lid.

Creating Your Baby Registry

Signing up for a baby registry is step one for moms who want to be prepared for baby’s arrival. To help you, here’s a handy checklist of everything you’ll need for those first few months with your new baby.

Keep the list with you when you create your registry, and feel free to add to it if something else catches your eye. (Even though this is a checklist of baby necessities, you can make it a wish list, too!)

Finally, when you create your registry, make sure you’re thorough. That way, friends and family members can buy gifts that will get you and baby off to a great start!

The Nursery

Crib
Crib bumper
Fitted crib sheets
Moisture-proof mattress pads
Blankets
Bassinet
Changing table
Washable changing table covers
Bureau or clothes storage
Diaper pail
Hamper
Rocking chair
Curtains
Non-slip rug
Lamp
Crib gym or mobile
Night light
Safety
Infant car seat
Convertible car seat
Nursery monitor

Baby Gear at Home

Bouncer seat
Swing
Portable bassinet
Play yard
Infant to Toddler rocker
Travel
Portable swing
Portable play yard
Stroller
Baby carrier
Diaper bag

Health, Safety, and General Info on Babies

American Academy of Pediatrics
The AAP offers dozens of free brochures on topics such as toy safety and allergies. For a complete listing of titles, visit the organization's Web site, where you will also find instructions about how to obtain the material. The site includes pediatrician referrals, immunization information, and tips for keeping your child healthy. Parents can also access the AAP's medical library. Prefer books to the Internet? TryThe American Academy of Pediatrics' Caring for Your Baby and Young Child (Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1998).
Phone: 800-433-9016
Web site: www.aap.org

American Red Cross
The Red Cross provides comprehensive information online about issues ranging from home fire safety to drowning prevention and basic first aid. Or call your local office.
Web site: www.redcross.org/hss

Depression After Delivery, Inc.
This nonprofit organization works to raise awareness about mood and anxiety disorders surrounding pregnancy and childbirth.
Phone: 800-944-4PPD
Web site: behavenet.com/dadinc

Consumer Product Safety Commission
Provides recorded information about product recalls; consumers can also file reports about unsafe products.
Phone: 800-638-2772
Web site: www.cpsc.gov

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
This national trade organization represents the manufacturers of products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, and other equipment, and provides information to consumers about the safety issues related to those products.
Phone: 856-231-8500
Web site: www.jmpa.org

National Safe Kids Campaign
An organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood injuries. NSKC publishes information about reducing the risk of injury and death from accidents related to automobiles, swimming pools, and fire, among others.
Phone: 202-662-0600
Web Site: www.safekids.org

The Pampers Parenting Institute
The Pampers Web site provides parents with information and support from leading experts in child health and development. Look up tips specific to your baby's age, or use the 'search' feature to find information on a wide variety of concerns.
Web site: www.pampers.com

La Leche League International
Offers support and information for breastfeeding mothers. You can also write to them at 1400 N. Meacham Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173-4048
Phone: 847-519-7730
Web site: www.lalecheleague.org

Sleep Positioners

Newborn babies need a little extra help finding a comfortable and safe sleeping position. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is best for healthy, full-term babies to sleep on their back to help reduce the risk of SIDS. Sleep positioners are designed to position babies on their back, and prevent them from rolling over. Sleep positioners consist of two parts - a base to support baby's back and neck, and side bumpers to prevent baby from rolling over.

Basic infant sleep positioners have side bumpers that are placed under baby's armpits, near the hips. Side bumpers can be straight, or curved to conform to baby's shape for side sleeping. These positioners are often adjustable to allow for longer use.
Ventilated positioners allow air to flow through the side bumpers, helping to reduce the chance of your baby overheating. Overheating may also be a contributing risk factor for SIDS.
Inclined sleep positioners combine a crib wedge with side bumpers. Raising baby's head with a crib wedge can help with digestion. Keep in mind that inclined sleep positioners are for back sleeping only.

A sleep positioner can help your baby find a comfortable sleeping position - which means better sleep for baby, and better sleep for you! However, since all babies are different, be sure to check with your pediatrician when deciding which sleeping position is best for your infant. Once your baby is able to roll over independently, you should stop using a sleep positioner. This usually occurs at about the third month.

One thing's for sure - your newborn is going to need lots of rest. Your child will be using a crib to get that rest until about the age of three, so a good crib mattress is a worthy investment. Add a crib mattress and sleep positioner to your baby shower gift registry, and you and baby will both be able to rest better.

Crib Mattress Safety Tips

Remove any and all plastic shipping bags from your crib mattress. Never use any type of plastic bag or sheet of plastic to cover or protect your crib mattress. Plastic bags can cause suffocation and should always be kept out of the reach of children.

Leave a space of no more than two adult fingers between the crib mattress and the crib. The tighter the fit, the potentially safe your baby's crib will be.

The firmer the crib mattress, the better it is. Some studies have linked soft, down-filled mattresses to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Why is the crib mattress so hard? Will it be uncomfortable for my baby?

The younger the child, the firmer the mattress should be. Buy the firmest mattress for the health of your baby.

The second biggest mistake new parents make when it comes to crib mattresses is that they feel their baby should sleep on a mattress that they, themselves, would feel comfortable sleeping on. (The first mistake is that parents think that the crib mattress is not that important a purchase compared to the crib, stroller, bedding, etc., when in fact the mattress is more important for baby than any of those other items.) Most medical experts recommend that infants should sleep on as firm a mattress as you, the parent, feel comfortable putting them on. A GOOD QUALITY CRIB MATTRESS WILL BE FIRMER THAN US ADULTS WOULD WANT TO SPEND EVEN ONE NIGHT UPON. Babies need more support than us adults - their bones are softer and growing faster than ours. Also, babies can and do sleep anywhere. Once they get used to the mattress they will sleep very comfortably. Of course, baby will always prefer to sleep with you but, experts strongly recommend NOT co-sleeping with your infant.

It is important enough to repeat: Buy the firmest mattress for the health of your baby.

How to select a Pack N Play & Portable Playyard

As a new mom or dad, you'll always have your baby by your side. But what about those times when you need a few minutes to complete a chore or get some work done? You need a convenient, comfortable and, fun place for your baby to spend time. A playard is an enclosed space that gives an infant a place to play or nap. Many playards come with extras, like lockable rolling wheels to make it easy to move the playard around the house, bassinets, changing tables, or toys and mobiles. All playards fold up, but some are lighter and more portable than others.

	What do I need? A playard should be sturdy but light. Mesh sides are a must, because they let in light and air and let you keep an eye on your little one. A playard should fold down to a size that's easy to carry and stow on long trips, and it should be easy to fold - look for push button fold.

	Some playards come with additional features. For the youngest children (under 15 lbs.), a bassinet gives them a comfortable place to nap. Because babies do more than play and sleep, buying a playard with a changing table is a good idea. If you'd like to spend time outside with your little one, a canopy will keep out the sun, and some canopies are treated to keep out UV rays. And if you're going to move the playard between rooms, it should be narrow enough to fit through doorways and have two locking wheels. Other extras include attached toy bags. In addition to these practical features, there are extras that can help your child's development. A mobile helps their eyes focus. Attached soft toys make playards more fun, and some even play soothing lullabies and classical tunes and include a tiny night light to give you just enough light to check in without waking up your little one.

	Traveling with Your Playard If grandma's house hasn't been "baby-proofed," the thought of your little one crawling out of sight or getting into trouble can make it hard to enjoy a visit. One way to avoid this worry is to bring your playard along, but many parents find that it's easier to just keep a spare, basic model playard in the trunk of the car so it's ready any time. Is it right for my baby? Graco Pack 'n Play playards are intended for any child less than 35" tall and less than 30 lbs in weight. Once your child can climb out, do not use the Pack 'n Play playard.

	Pack 'n Play playards are intended for naps and play time, but are not intended to replace a crib. Do not add extra mattresses or soft bedding into the Pack 'n Play playard. Instead, if it's chilly, consider dressing your baby in a warm footer sleeper. Because babies will be babies, Pack 'n Play playards are designed to be easy to clean. Fabric can be easily wiped down, and plastic parts may be wiped clean with a damp cloth or sponge and household soap or detergent (do not use bleach). The carry bag can be machine washed in lukewarm water. View All Pack N Plays And Playyards

List Of Important Baby Terms

¾ Bassinet
A removable bassinet for a Pack 'N Play playard, designed for children up to 15 pounds. It fits exactly inside the Pack n Play playard – but it’s only ¾ of the length.

3-Point Harness
Provides a snug fit in 3 places.

360° Swivel Seat
Graco Stationary Entertainer activity centers feature a swivel seat that allows a child to turn in a full circle to enjoy all of the toys on the tray.

5-Point Harness
Provides a snug fit in 5 places - similar to a race car driver's harness.

AC Adapter
For an alternative to battery power, parents can plug their monitor into an electrical socket.

Accessory compartment
A convenient and secure storage place for odds and ends like bottles, toys, and diapers.

Acrobat Reader
Software by Adobe Systems that allows users to view information in the PDF (Portable Document Format) format. In short, the Acrobat browser plug-in and Acrobat Viewer let you view PDFs.

Audio Compander Technology
Advanced telephone technology that digitally samples an audio signal and reconstructs it with less background noise for increased clarity.

Belt Positioning Booster
A booster car seat without an internal harness system. Used for older children (3-10 years old, 30-100 lbs), the Belt Positioning Booster seat (or BPB) works with your automobile lap/shoulder belt to restrain your child.

Bib Bar
Typically placed on the back of a highchair to allow bibs and towels to be hung for convenience, and out of reach of the child.

Bottle Pocket
A pocket with an elastic closure that’s just the right size for baby bottles.

Bounce Spring
The sturdy spring in a jumper that helps a baby jump up and down.

Browser
Short for Web browser. Software that allows users to view Web sites.

Bumper
A soft all-around bumper on the Graco Bumper Jumper protects the doorframe to which the jumper is clamped from being marred.

Changing Pad
A wipeable, padded surface where you can place your baby while you change him or her.

Changing Station
An outer compartment on a diaper bag that zips down to reveal a wipeable surface where you can place your baby while you change him or her.

Changing Station
Portable changing table that rests on a Pack ‘N Play playard to make diaper changes more convenient.

Changing Supply Bag
A Pack ‘N Play playard accessory with a detachable storage bag that contains several compartments for storing changing supplies.

Channels
Parents can change channels to avoid receiving interference from other baby monitors and cordless phones, and to avoid interfering with other devices.

Click
The act of pushing a mouse button (usually the left-most one if there’s a choice).

Collection
A group of products all having the same fabric pattern, so that your car seat, stroller, highchair, etc., will all match.

Comfort Tracker
A digital clock with environmental thermometer that helps you keep track of your baby’s environment.

Convertible Activity Center
An activity center that grows with your child as he or she develops. Extends the life of this type of activity center, and allows your child to continue enjoying favorite toys.

Convertible Seat
Great for when your little one has outgrown his or her Graco SnugRide infant car seat but should still be riding rear-facing – experts recommend that children should ride rear-facing until they are at least 1 year old and 20 lbs. A convertible car seat may then be turned around and “converted” into a forward-facing seat, for use by children 20 to 40 lbs.

Cookie
A small file placed on your computer by a Web site. They are often used to remember who you are (for example, when a Web site greets you by name because you’ve been there before).

Cup Holder
A place on the tray where the child’s sippy cup can be placed to minimize tipping.

Deflector
Helps to safely potty train boys and limit mess.

Digital
A signal is encoded into “packets” of data. The digital transmitter sends this data in “pulses”. The digital receiver gets the packet and decodes it. It’s an all or nothing proposition – either data is sent; or nothing is sent, and only the data that is sent is received. All this happens incredibly fast-- millions of times per second.

Digital Spread Spectrum (DSS)
DSS is where the digital signal is constantly divided between multiple channels as it is sent. This lowers interference potential and enhances clarity. Additionally, the FCC allows even higher power levels resulting in even longer ranges. The imonitor™ Baby Monitor operates under the DSS.

Dirty Duds Bag
A plastic pouch that allows parents to keep wet items separate from other diaper bag contents.

Dome
Keeps jumper straps spread apart, which makes it much easier to put a child in the jumper, or take a child out.

Double-Zipper Top
Two zippers connected by a piece of fabric, allowing you to conveniently open the diaper bag. Creates a larger top opening for easy access.

Download
To move or copy a computer file from one location (a web site, for example) to another location (your computer, for example).

Easy Entry
A flip-open tray that can be operated with one hand for easy access to your baby.

Entertainer
Graco’s Mobile and Stationary Activity Centers with attached toys and objects for your baby or toddler to explore.

Ergonomic handle
The “arched” handle design that makes it more comfortable to push your stroller.

European canopy
A dome-shaped canopy that gives your child more head room, and adds a dash of style to your stroller.

EZ Latch™ fold
The quick-and-easy fold mechanism that makes Graco strollers easy to pack up when you’re on the move.

Flash
Software by Macromedia that allows a user to view Flash movies. On this site, Graco uses animations in the form of Flash movies to demonstrate detailed assembly instructions. On any page of the gracobaby.com site that offers Flash movies for viewing, there is a link to download Flash for free.

Floor Trainer
A potty that is placed on the ground.

Forward-Facing
Most often used to refer to a position of a car seat in which the car seat, and the child, are facing towards the front of the automobile.

Front Adjust
Describes car seats where an easily accessible strap in the front of the car seat is used to adjust harness tightness.

Front locking swivel
Free-pivoting wheels that allow for easy steering and are able to lock into place for a bit more control over rougher terrain.

Full Recline
The ability to recline the stroller seat into a carriage position, allowing maximum baby comfort. Without full recline, your baby cannot lay flat in the stroller. It's the difference between napping in a bed or a reclining chair.

Full Size Bassinet
A removable bassinet for a Pack ‘N Play playard designed for children up to 15 pounds. Exactly the same length and width as a Pack ‘N Play playard.

Harness Booster
A booster car seat with an internal harness system. Harnessed Booster seats can often transition into a Belt Positioning Booster (see definition) for older children. Harnessed boosters can generally be used with the harness for children from 20 to 40 lbs. The harness system then removes and the seat can be used as a belt positioning booster for children from 30 to 100 lbs.

Harness Tie
Often called a “chest clip.” Used on most child restraints to keep the harness straps properly positioned on the child's shoulders. Should be positioned at armpit level.

Height Adjustment
Many activity centers feature height adjustment to allow for your child’s continuing growth.

Highchair
A chair for feeding a child, starting around 4 months up to 37 lbs. A tray can be attached, but it's removable. When your child is ready to eat at the table, the tray can be removed and the chair pushed up to the table.

Indoor Canopy
A removable Pack ‘N Play playard canopy designed to shade your baby’s eyes from harsh indoor lighting.

Infant Support System
The Graco support system consists of different pieces of infant body and head supports. They provide extra cushion and support for infants and are removable as your child grows. You will find different combinations of the infant support system across all Graco swings.

Integrated Head Pillow
Pillow built into the head area of the car seat.

JPMA Certified
The Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certifies juvenile products. The “JPMA Certified” sticker on a product is a sign of quality that indicates the product meets or exceeds the ASTM performance standards.

LATCH
LATCH stands for "Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children" and is a new system for installing a child car seat in an automobile. Defined by the United States Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards, LATCH is designed to make installing a child's car seat easier. Click here to find out more.

Level Indicator
On rear-facing car seats, indicates whether the car seat is at the proper incline or level. All Graco infant and convertible car seats come with level indicators.

Meal Caddy
A zippered mini bag with a cloth exterior and wipeable interior. Holds a plastic bowl with lid, spoon, and fork for easy feeding.

Microprocessor Controller
The microcomputer used to accurately control the movement, timer, and music in a battery-operated OpenTop swing.

Mix ‘N Move
A Graco attachment system that allows our Mix ‘N Move Toys to be moved from product to product, so your baby’s favorite toys can go with him or her.

Mobile Activity Center (also known as a “walker")
Any activity center with wheels that allows your child to move around.

Motion Mobile
This is a removable mobile that rotates with the swings natural movement - no additional batteries needed!

My Graco
An account you create on the Graco site that allows you to maintain a Wishlist, register Graco products online (no account is needed to register car seats), and view the status of online orders. Click on My Graco near the top of the main Graco window to learn more about the benefits of a My Graco account.

Occupant Retention
A system that allows you to fully recline your stroller, turning it into a fully enclosed, cozy place for your infant (newborn to 6 months) to nap. In full recline, a piece of fabric pops up that supports your little one. When they’re ready to sit up, just pop it back.

One hand fold mechanism
Allows you to fold the stroller with one hand and without bending over.

One hand Gravity Fold
Allows you to fold the stroller with the assistance of gravity and one hand.

OpenTop Swing
An easy-access swing with overhead mechanism. Designed to make it easy to get your baby in and out of the swing.

Outdoor Canopy
A removable Pack ‘N Play playard canopy designed to provide a 50+ UPF ultra violet (UV) protection factor - classified as “excellent” sun protection.

Overhead Shield
A shield that swings down over your child's head and snaps into place with a single click. Remember – overhead shields are not to be used in place of the harness.

Pack 'N Play
Graco’s comfortable, convenient, and popular playard – quick folding, sturdy, and light.

Parent Helper Tray
A pull-out tray stored underneath the full sized highchair tray that’s a perfect place for baby food jars and sippy cups, and conveniently out of reach of little arms and hands.

Parent Organizer
A Pack ‘N Play playard accessory that provides you with a place to keep diaper changing supplies and other essentials close at hand, yet out of baby’s reach.

Parent organizer tray
A tray located on the handle of the stroller, where you can store small items and beverages.

Parent Pocket
A compartment with several pockets to keep your essentials, like keys, money, and credit cards.

Parking Stands
Parking stands are three “feet” that are attached to the base of a Graco Mobile Entertainer (“walker”) and, when in place, lift the wheels ½ inch off the ground, effectively “parking” the Graco Mobile Entertainer (“walker”).

Parts Order: In Progress
Order submitted through the web and not yet processed or no shipping information currently available.

PDF
A document created in the Portable Document Format (PDF for short). Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view documents of this type. On any page of the gracobaby.com site that offers PDFs for viewing or download, there is a link to download Acrobat for free.

Peek-a-boo window
A clear flexible window that gives you a clear view of your baby when your stroller’s canopy is up.

Play Rings
The child can either hold onto or play with these rings that are attached to straps on a Bumper Jumper.

Play Tray
Certain models of Graco Mobile Entertainers feature a one-hand removable play tray. Attached to each play tray are toys, lights or sound-makers that amuse and stimulate your child.

Pneumatic wheels
Air-filled wheels that provide a soft, comfortable ride for your baby.

Purse Handles
Two handles on a diaper bag that allow a mom or dad to easily carry the bag.

Push Button Fold
The secret to the quick folding action of a Pack ‘N Play playard. With push-button fold, packing up your Pack ‘N Play playard usually takes about a minute.

Quiet Wind
The almost silent wind-up mechanism on a traditional Graco swing.

Rear Adjust
Describes car seats where the harness is adjusted from the rear of the car seat.

Rear-Facing
Most often used to refer to the position of an infant or convertible car seat. With rear-facing, the car seat, and the child, are facing towards the “rear” of the automobile. Experts recommend that a child ride rear-facing until they are at least 1 year old and 20 lbs.

Receiver
The monitor unit that’s placed near the parent to deliver sounds picked up by the baby’s transmitter.

Reversible seat
Gives you the option of placing your child in a forward facing position (known as the stroller position) or rear-facing position (the carriage position).

Right-click
The act of pressing the right-most mouse button.

Rocking Base
A rocking or saucer base allows your child to “rock” the unit in any direction – which helps your child learn to balance.

See Through Window
Featured on select Graco Mobile Entertainers. The See Through Window allows the child to see the floor while moving in their walker.

Shipped
Order submitted and processed by Graco, passed credit card authorization, and shipped to consumer.

Silhouette Style Frame
This frame design has swept legs that curve away from the child and keep the them from grabbing the bars. It also provides a sleek appearance and contemporary feel for the swing.

Site
Short for web site.

Skid Strips
A feature that significantly reduces the mobility of a mobile activity center on edges or uneven surfaces (i.e. a step).

Slung Seat
This seat is not formed by a plastic shell. Instead is consists of metal tubing used to suspend soft fabrics that cradle your baby. This provides support in all the right places without having your baby against a hard surface.

Snack Tray
Removable tray bar underneath full sized tray that acts as an “arm bar” and offers a small area for snacks such as Cheerios® and fruit snacks.

SoundLights
On a monitor, lights that display the level of sound the baby is producing – perfect for noisy times, like when you’re vacuuming.

Squiggle Gym (i.e. bead track)
Toy consisting of a curved bar and moveable beads, designed to help your child develop motor skills.

Stadium seating
Places the rear seat of our DuoGlider double stroller higher than the front seat, so the child’s view is not blocked – and making it easier to get kids in and out.

Stationary Activity Center
Any activity center with a solid base that restricts the child’s ability to move around a room.

Stuff Sack
Convenient carry bag for the Pack 'n Play SPORT featuring a storage pocket, bottle pocket and shoulder strap.

Sub Pad
A secondary vinyl pad underneath the highchair’s cloth pad that allows for easy cleaning.

Swing Mechanism
The mechanical part of a baby swing that creates the forward and backward swinging motion.

T Bar or Arm Bar
A removable bar underneath the highchair tray that allows the child to sit comfortably in the high chair when not eating.

Tether strap
A safety strap that lets you secure the jogging stroller to yourself, to keep it from rolling.

Topper
A removable potty seat that can be placed on top of an adult toilet for older children.

Traditional Swing
The original, “classic” wind-up swing. Operates with a crank, and requires no batteries.

Transforming Toys
Graco Convertible Entertainer activity centers feature toys that transform (or convert) as the child grows to meet more advanced needs.

Transmitter
The base unit that is placed near the baby. It sends audio signal to the receiver.

Travel System
Travel system includes a SnugRide infant car seat, which doubles as an infant carrier, a stay-in-car base, and a SnugRide compatible Graco stroller. A travel system provides ease in getting your infant from place to place.

URL
Uniform Resource Locator. Fancy way of saying “web site address.”

Walkie-Talkie
A feature on some monitors that allows for communication between the two receivers, allowing parents to talk to each other, and allows parents to talk to the baby through the receiver.

Web site
A collection of information and functionality in a single location on the Internet.

Wipes Case
A handy, flat box that holds a convenient amount of baby wipes.

What is EPS foam in a car seat?

EPS Foam is the same material that is found in bicycle helmets. It is used to absorb enegy generated during an impact accident. Some Graco Snugride Car Seats and most Britax car seats use EPS Foam.

Why is facing rearward so important for a newborn baby when riding in a car seat?

Babies have heavy heads and fragile necks. The neck bones are soft, and the ligaments are stretchy. If the baby is facing forward in a frontal crash (the most common and most severe type of crash), the body is held back by the straps, but the head is not. The head is thrust forward, stretching the neck. Older children and adults wearing safety belts may end up with temporary neck injuries. But a baby's neck bones are soft and actually separate during a crash, and the spinal cord can tear. It's like yanking an electrical plug out of a socket by the cord and breaking the wires. In contrast, when a baby rides facing rearward, the whole body--head, neck, and torso--is cradled by the back of the safety seat in a frontal crash. Facing rearward also protects the baby better in other types of crashes, particularly side impacts.
This Q&A comes from www.carseat.org (SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.).

Car seat facts

Some scary car seat facts:

According to recent studies an average of 9 children a day, under the age of 15, are killed in motor vehicle accidents.
Only 50% of children are routinely buckled in.
More than 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly.

There are different types of car seats dependent upon the age and weight of the child.

There are even special guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for premature and low-birthweight infants.

Car Seat Basics

There are four basic kinds of car seats: infant only/carrier, convertible car seats, forward facing car seats and boosters

Infant Only Car Seats

These car seats are smaller and usually offer the best fit for newborns. They are made for rear facing only and usually hold up to 20 lbs., though some will go beyond this up to 30lbs. Many infant car seats are now sold with added features such as bases, ability to attach to shopping carts, strollers, etc. The Britax Companion is an exellent example of a Infant Only Car Seat.

Convertible Car Seats

These are designed to be for both rear facing newborns and forward facing infants, sometimes through the toddler years. This car seat has the ability to be rear facing for smaller and younger infants, and to convert to a forward facing seat once the child is older and weighs more. There are very few features added on to these. Harnesses can be a three/five point restraint, a shield, or an over-the-head shield. Always buy a car seat with a 5 point harness. They are considered the safest and most secure car seat restraint. A 5 point harness helps to provide restraint from an impact at most angles. The Britax Marathon is a good example of a 5 point harness convertible car seat. It can be used for babies from 5 lbs to 30 lbs rear facing and from 20 to 65 lbs forward facing.

Forward Facing Car Seats

These seats are strictly forward facing and for infants who are greater than 20 lbs. (or more depending on the car seat) and over one year of age. These cannot be used for newborns or infants under 20 lbs.. Harnesses can be a three/five point restraint, a shield, or an over-the-head shield. Again, look for one with a 5 point restraint system.

Boosters Car Seats

These are generally for children over 30-40 lbs., depending on the manufacturer. Harness can be anything from the regular automotive seat belt to a lap shield or a harness system. Some Booster seats have 5 point harnesses that can be used up to 80 lbs. Two examples of these 5 point booster seats are the Britax regent and the Radian 80. Both employ a rear tether strap for added safety and to help to prevent side tip.

Shopping for a Car Seat

We will stress that there is no one best car seat. Your car seat choice will depend on your vehicle, daily routine, budget and mechanical preferences. Other points to remember are that extra expensive does not mean added safety. But as a general rule, the more expensive car seats have better quality covers and more features. The car seat is something you will probably use multiple time a day. Finding the safest one possible for your baby and one that you can live with is an important task.

My advice is to talk to other parents about what they've liked and disliked about car seats. Read The Baby Bargains Book and the Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products for more on consumer alerts and comparison shopping.

Be grateful but concerned about donated car seats. Have them inspected by your local inspection authority to ensure that the seat is still in the best shape for your child.

Installing the Car Seat

You've made your final choice! Congratulations. Now you really need to install the car seat in your car prior to your water breaking, preferably a few weeks before baby's due date.

When installing the car seat read the instructions, even though it may look fairly simple, it can be quite confusing. Car seats, or children for that matter, do not belong in the front seat, particularly if there are air bags. They can kill your children, even if buckled in the car seat correctly. Most cars have warnings that say this. Check with your owner's handbook if you're unsure if your car has air bags.

Remember that the photos on the box your car seat came in may not always show the proper way to install the car seat.

Don't forget to ask for help from an experienced parent when in doubt. Many hospitals will now check for a properly installed car seat prior to discharge, but in case they don't, you don't want a false sense of security. Even after months of using it, every three months it's wise to inspect the car seat. It only takes a minute.

What is a LATCH system on a child's car seat?



Car Seat Safety

If you're in the market for a child car seat you've probably being hearing a lot about something called LATCH. But what is it? Well, LATCH stands for "Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children" and is a system for installing a child car seat in an automobile. Defined by the United States Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards, LATCH is designed to make installing a child's car seat easier. So...what exactly is it? Like the name says, LATCH uses anchors and tethers to hold a child car seat firmly in place. It replaces the traditional "seatbelt" method of securing your child car seat with a new system that keeps the child car seat firmly in place when installed properly. LATCH anchors are standard on all Model Year 2003 automobiles and later, but may be available on earlier models. You can tell if your automobile is LATCH-equipped by checking your automobile's owner guide. How do I install it? Once you have consulted the owner’s manuals for both your vehicle and child safety seat and have located the anchors, the following tips will help ensure proper installation. Installation for a rear-facing seat with a base: Hook the LATCH attachments to the lower vehicle anchors. Make sure the LATCH belts are not twisted. Make sure the base is pressed firmly against the vehicle seat back and tighten the LATCH belt by pressing down hard with your knee in the middle of the base and pull to tighten the LATCH belt. Make sure the seat is at a 45-degree angle; if the seat is not at the proper angle, either adjust the recline on the seat by raising or lowering the foot (if available) or by rolling a towel and placing it underneath base at the vehicle seat bight. Installation for a forward-facing seat: Hook the LATCH attachments to the lower vehicle anchors. Make sure the LATCH belts are not twisted. Make sure the seat is pressed firmly against the vehicle seat back and tighten the LATCH belt by pressing down hard with your knee in the middle of the seat and pull to tighten the LATCH belt. Attach the top tether to the appropriate anchor and tighten the strap. For either seat, check for a secure fit by pulling from side to side at the belt path. The seat should not move more than an inch forward or sideways. My automobile doesn't have LATCH! Don't worry! Children's car seats, even new child car seats equipped with LATCH, still work fine with the traditional seatbelt method. LATCH may simply make installation a bit easier for those who have it. If you're in the market for a new or late-model used automobile, though, you might want to look for LATCH equipped automobiles. My child's car seat doesn't have LATCH! If your automobile has LATCH and your child car seat doesn't, don't worry. The proven, traditional "seatbelt" method of securing a child car seat will still work fine, as long as your automobile's seatbelts are designed to install a child car seat safely - again, always read both your automobile's owner manual and Graco car seat instructions whenever installing your Graco car seat. LATCH and Graco Most child car seats with a harness system manufactured after September 2002 feature LATCH.

Related File: Car Seat Safety Latch.doc

Car Seat Do's and Dont's

Car Seat Safety

As a parent, car seat safety can be overwhelming. To help ease some of the confusion, here are some car seat safety tips for the use of the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

LATCH has been around since 2002 when it was mandated by the government to be included on all new vehicles & child restraints. However, since you may be a new parent, you may not know what LATCH is or how to use it.

Click here for LATCH FAQs and tips.

Below are some Dos and Don’ts when it comes to Car Seat Safety.

The Dos
DO...put your Graco car seat or booster seat in the rear seat of your car. That's the safest place for children under 12.

DO...use the level indicator on your rear-facing infant or convertible seat to get the correct angle for your little one - check your Graco car seat instruction manual for details.

DO...check that the harness is snug. You should not be able to pinch the harness if it is snug. It lies in a relatively straight line without sagging. It does not press on the child’s flesh or push the child’s body into unnatural position.

DO...look for LATCH in any new vehicle you buy. It simplifies installing your child car seat. (More info on LATCH.)

DO...read your Graco child car seat instructions and your automobile owner's manual.

DO...visit our car seat selector tool to find the right Graco car seat for your little one.

The Dont's
DON'T...ever put a infant car seat in the front seat with an active air bag.

DON'T...ever put a child less than one year of age and twenty pounds forward facing.

DON'T...buy a used child car seat. Safety standards change, and you want the most up-to-date model. You also don't want to ever use a child car seat that may have been involved in a crash.

DON'T...dress your baby in sack sleepers or papooses, or wrap your baby in a blanket when using a child car seat. Extra clothing can keep the harness straps from fitting snugly. Instead, find warm, comfortable clothing. Or better yet, look into getting the Graco Snugride® infant car seat that comes with the cold weather boot to keep tiny toes warm.

DON'T...let the child car seat become loose! It should be firmly attached to the rear seat of your automobile. Check the child car seat by tugging it just above where the seat belt is routed through the automobile belt hooks. It shouldn't move more than an inch in any direction.

DON'T...hurry. Take a moment every time you put your baby in your Graco car seat to make sure that he or she is comfortable and secure.




	What Is LATCH? Find A Car Seat Check Event Safe Air Travel State Child Passenger Safety Laws Car Safety Videos By CHOP!

Child Car Seat Statistics

Recent Statistics: In 2004, there were 495 passenger vehicle occupant fatalities among children under 5 years of age. Of those 495 fatalities, an estimated 173 (35 %) were totally unrestrained. Among children under 5 years old, an estimated 451 lives were saved in 2004 by child restraint use. Of these 451 lives saved, 413 were associated with the use of child safety seats and 38 with the use of adult belts. Child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers, ages 1-4. An awareness gap exists when it comes to child passenger safety: While 96 percent of parents and caregivers believe their child safety seats are installed correctly1, research shows that seven out of 10 children are improperly restrained. Using a booster seat is 60 percent safer for kids than being restrained by a seat belt alone.2 However, nearly 70 percent of drivers believe it is safe for children age eight or under to no longer be secured in a child safety seat or booster seat.3 Only 21 percent of children age four to eight are "at least on occasion" riding in a booster seat while traveling in a passenger vehicle. Children of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the back seat. Yet, six out of 10 drivers of children age 12 or under believe it is safe for children age 12 or under to sit in the front seat in front of a passenger air bag.4 And, more than one in 10 children under 80 pounds are completely unrestrained when riding in vehicles. What are the most common child safety seat installation mistakes? Not using the right child safety seats for a child’s size and age; Not placing the child safety seat in the correct direction; Incorrect installation of the child safety seat in relation to the vehicle’s air bags; Incorrect installation and tightness of the child safety seat to the vehicle seat; Not securing or tightening the child safety seat’s harness and crotch straps; Improper use of locking clips for certain vehicle safety belts; Not making sure the vehicle’s seat belts fit properly across the child when using a booster seat; and Using a defective or broken child safety seat.

Sources: Unless otherwise noted, all statistics are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Include web site address here: 1. Chrysler Group national phone survey, January 2000. 2. “Belt-Positioning Booster Seats and Reduction in Risk of Injury Among Children in Vehicle Crashes,” Journal of the American Medical Association, June 2003. 3. Chrysler Group national phone survey, August 2005. 4. Ibid. The links available from this site are provided for convenience only. Great Beginnings Furniture, inc. or its affiliated companies guarantees the accuracy of any of the sites to which this site may link. The user should confirm the accuracy of the contents of any site, himself.

Should your son be circumcised?

Reasons for circumcision:

A slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A circumcised infant boy has about a 1 in 1,000 chance of developing a UTI in the first year of life, compared with a 1 in 100 chance for an uncircumcised boy.

A lower risk of developing penile cancer. However, this type of cancer is very rare in both circumcised and uncircumcised males.

A slightly lower risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, the AIDS virus.

Prevention of foreskin infections.

Prevention of phimosis, a condition in uncircumcised males that makes foreskin retraction impossible.

Easier genital hygiene.

Reasons against circumcision:

As with any operation, circumcision has some surgical risks. Complications from circumcision are rare and usually minor. They may include bleeding, infection, cutting the foreskin too short or too long, and improper healing.

When the foreskin is removed, the tip of the penis may become irritated and cause the opening of the penis to become too small. This can cause urination problems that may need to be surgically corrected.

Circumcision may make the tip of the penis less sensitive, causing a decrease in sexual pleasure later in life.

While uncircumcised boys may have a higher risk of urinary tract infections, STDs and penile cancer, they can be taught proper hygiene to decrease these risks.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

A Beginner’s Guide To PottyTraining Your Child When To Begin

• Most children are developmentally ready to toilet train between 18 and 30 months old. Children at

• Diapers stay dry for two or three hours.

• Child has the ability to sit quietly for five minutes.

• Child can understand and follow simple directions.

• Child indicates a need to go by pacing, pulling on a diaper, or hopping up and down on one foot.

Remember, accidents are normal and should be expected, but if your child is set against toilet training,

just wait a while and try again. Also remember, stress can affect outcomes, so be sure that you are

ready too!

• If you are planning a move, if there is a new baby in the house, or if you are dealing with other challenges,

it is best to postpone training until the home situation has returned to normal.

• If your child is in daycare or with another caregiver, be sure to discuss toilet training so that your child receives consistent, positive reinforcement.

• Wait until you have time to complete the training. Potty training can take three months or more and requires a lot of attention, patience, and encouragement from you.

Get Ready To Train

• Place the potty in a room where your child frequently plays.

• Let your child get comfortable with the TOTCO potty chair. Touching it, flushing it, moving the lid, and sitting on it will help reduce your child’s apprehension about using something new.

• Always change a wet or dirty diaper immediately.

Toilet Training Your child

• Make regular trips to the potty. (First thing in the morning, before a nap, after your child has a drink, before bed, etc.)

• Encourage your child to sit on the potty for short periods. (An interesting book may be helpful.)

• Remember, success is not essential with every visit to the potty chair.

• Use praise and positive reinforcement whether or not your child goes in the potty.

• Provide loose fitting training pants when your child has shown understanding.

• Give your child more responsibility after a few successful attempts. Most children want to do it themselves.

Oops!

PROTECTING BABY WHILE OUT & ABOUT

Whatever the weather where you are, you'll need to protect baby from the elements while out and about. Be sure to adhere to the following guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to keep baby safe:

SUNNY SKIES

Babies under 6 months:

Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck are still the top recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands.

For Young Children:

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15.

BUG SAFETY

Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks and mosquitoes, and can prevent Lyme Disease.
The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. The benefits of DEET reach a peak at a concentration of 30 percent, the maximum concentration currently recommended for infants and children. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase.

PLAYGROUND SAFETY

The playground should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches. The protective surface should be installed at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.
Equipment should be carefully maintained. Open "s" hooks or protruding bolt ends can be hazardous.
Swing seats should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these.
Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children's legs from getting burned.
Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.
Parents should supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.

WINTERY WEATHER

Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.

WINTER HEALTH

Many pediatricians feel that bathing two or three times a week is enough for an infant's first year. More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter.
Children between the ages of 6 and 59 months should get the influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of catching the flu.
The sun's rays can still cause sunburn in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow. Make sure to cover your child's exposed skin with sunscreen.

Provided by the JPMA

Buying a Mattress for Baby's Crib

What Goes Into Making A Good Crib Mattress

Hidden underneath the beautiful bedding and nestled in the bottom of the designer crib, the crib mattress is often the last product thought about when buying products for the nursery. After all, it is not an exciting purchase compared to the fashionable furniture or multiple colors and styles of designer bedding, which some parents may spend months deciding upon.

But, the crib mattress deserves to be given more consideration by new parents because it is one of only three major purchases that parents will make that are for the baby only and not just for the convenience of the parents. For this reason, a parent should buy the best they can afford of these three items.

The first major purchase that is mainly for the baby is the car seat. The car seat is not designed to keep baby in place in the back seat. The car seat is designed to protect baby and, protect them at the exact time when they require that protection most. You wouldn't buy a car seat because it matches the interior of your car or because it was the lowest price available. You buy the best protection you can afford for your baby.

As for the very fashionable products already mentioned, think about it. Baby doesn't care if the crib has a traditional or contemporary design. Baby doesn't care if the crib is whitewash, natural, or oak. Baby doesn't care if there is a storage drawer underneath or, if the crib converts to other types of beds at a later time. Also, baby doesn't care what color the bedding is or if the bedding has a popular cartoon character. These are products that you, the parent, purchase for you because you like them.

The second major purchase that is mainly for the baby and not for the convenience of you, the parent, is the crib mattress. The crib mattress is a product that baby will be sleeping on for up to the first two to four years of their life. Infants will spend up to 70% of their lives on the crib mattress and, even toddlers will spend up to 50% of their time on the crib mattress because the crib, with the mattress, serves double duty as a playpen until baby falls asleep or until baby wakes up mom or dad in the morning, at night and, at nap times. Also, consider that the baby is on this mattress during the time of their life when their bones are softest and growing faster than at any other time of their life. They need extra support for their growing bodies more now than they ever will later.

As for the third and last item that is purchased mainly for the baby rather than for the convenience of the parents, I'll let you think about it while you read the rest of this article and learn more about crib mattresses. I'll tell you the answer later in the article. Hint: it's something that is not obvious.

Types of Crib Mattresses
There are two major types of crib mattresses sold today. One type is a polyurethane foam and the other type is an innerspring mattress. The number one question asked by parents about mattresses is, "Which is better, foam or innerspring?" The truth may sound like a politically correct answer but, it is the correct answer. The answer is, it depends. A good quality foam mattress will be as good for baby and last as long as a good quality innerspring crib mattress. If the choice is between a good quality foam mattress and an average quality innerspring mattress then, the foam is better. The reverse is also true. If the choice is between a better quality innerspring and an average quality foam mattress, choose the innerspring.

So, that being said, the next obvious questions are how to tell a good quality foam crib mattress from an average or lower quality foam mattress. And, how to distinguish a good quality innerspring crib mattress from an average or lower quality innerspring mattress.

Trying to determine better quality crib mattresses from inferior quality crib mattresses, whether they be foam or innerspring, is not always easy to do because crib mattresses are a "blind" item, i.e., what is most important about mattresses is on the inside of the mattress where you can't see it. It is easy to make a mattress that feels like it is a good mattress but, in actual fact it isn't. This is why one should buy a brand of mattress that one knows to be made by a manufacturer of quality products.

Foam Mattresses
There are two major components in a foam mattress, the foam and the cover. I'll talk about foam here and later I'll talk about covers.

Twenty years ago the quality of foam was such that after a period of time the foam in mattresses would harden, become brittle, and break off in chunks inside the mattress cover. Since then, foams have improved and the only time something like this could happen is if a manufacturer purposely put a style of foam in the mattress that wasn't designed to be in a mattress in the first place. For example, our foam suppliers have recently warned us to be on the lookout for competition with lower cost foam crib mattresses that are very firm that use a type of foam designed to be used in the packaging industry and which do not hold up over time.

There are three aspects of foam that determine its quality. The first quality feature is weight. Weight is almost synonymous with density. Generally, the heavier the foam mattress the better. The second quality feature of a foam mattress is firmness. Generally, the firmer the mattress the better. The third quality feature of a foam mattress is its resiliency, i.e., its ability to quickly regain its original shape when weight is removed from the mattress. The faster it regains its shape the better the foam.

Are you confused, yet? Just remember to buy a foam mattress that is very firm, heavier in weight and, quickly regains its original shape after you take the weight off the mattress.

Innerspring Mattresses
By the very nature of the multiple layers inside an innerspring crib mattress, there is more to talk about with innersprings and, more things upon which to judge the quality of innerspring mattresses. This also makes it a little more complex but, bear with me and I'll try to simplify.

What is important in an innerspring crib mattress is the number of layers it has and, the quality of each of those layers. The most important layers are the innerspring unit itself and, the insulator pad layer. Most people think that the greater the number of coils in an innerspring mattress then the better the innerspring unit. Not so. This wrong belief is so ingrained in peoples minds that I have to say it again, the greater the number of coils does NOT necessarily mean the better the mattress. The better innerspring unit is almost always the innerspring with the most amount of steel, of which coil count is only one small factor. The largest pieces of steel in an innerspring mattress are border rods which circle the top and bottom of the mattress along the edges of the mattress. Border rods provide extra edge support which is important for toddlers who hold on to the crib rails and wander back and forth and, the border rods also help provide a better weight distribution over the surface of the mattress which reduces the risk of developing mattress sagging and 'soft' spots. Border rods do not add appreciably to the cost of the mattress but, they do add a lot to the quality. Look for a border rod in your crib mattress. As for the coils themselves, at the same time you look for the number of coils you should also look at how thick those coils are. Mattresses with 150 coils or less will usually have a 13.5 gauge steel coil or thicker. Remember, the lower the number of gauge of steel, the thicker the steel. Greater than 150 or 160 coils in a mattress physically requires that the gauge of steel in the coil be thinner due to space requirements. A 150 coil mattress with 13.5 gauge carbon tempered steel coils and 9.0 gauge steel border rods is a good all-around crib mattress.

The other most important layer in a crib mattress is the insulator pad. This is a pad that lays on top of the coils and prevents the soft cushioning layers on top of the mattress from sinking into the coils over time. The best and most expensive material used in a mattress insulator pad is coir fiber. Coir fiber