sleeptoddler.net

Always Tired – It Could Be Iron-Deficient Anemia

Joel — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 06:25:46 +0000

The most common complaint I hear is that people always feel tired. In fact, most people seem to think feeling tired all the time is just a normal part of modern life. Fortunately, this isn’t so.
There are many causes of chronic tiredness. Sometimes it’s obvious, like not getting enough sleep, but other times it can be due to an underlying health issue. Chronic tiredness can be a frustrating condition. There usually isn’t a simple solution to it and any medical tests are likely to come back ‘normal’.
In this article I’m going to explore iron-deficient anemia, how it can cause chronic tiredness and who is most at risk.
Other symptoms of iron-deficient anemia include:
· You feel particularly tired after exercising
· You may have a malabsorption problem (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease) which can cause internal bleeding and anemia
· You are more prone to catching colds, infections and the flu
· You may often feel cold and look pale or generally unwell
Anemia occurs when your blood doesn’t have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. Iron deficient anemia is the most common type of anemia. It happens when you don’t have enough iron in your body. You need iron to make hemoglobin.
It’s possible to be iron deficient without having anemia. Iron deficiency develops gradually and occurs when the dietary iron intake does not meet the daily need for iron. Initially the storage form of iron becomes depleted, while the blood hemoglobin level (a marker of iron status) remains normal. People who are iron deficient have no iron stores to mobilize if the body requires more iron.
How does iron deficiency progress to iron deficient anemia? Iron deficiency anemia is an advanced stage of iron depletion. It occurs when storage sites of iron are deficient and blood levels of iron cannot meet daily needs. Blood hemoglobin levels are now below normal.
Who is most at risk for iron deficiency and iron-deficient anemia?
· Women of childbearing age. This is due to 2 main reasons. Firstly, they loose blood each month with menstruation. Secondly, they are the group most likely to diet and unfortunately protein and meat are commonly reduced in the erroneous belief that they are fattening.
· Pregnant women – the growing baby uses the mother’s iron stores.
· Infants and toddlers – especially if they are fussy eaters
· Athletes – due to the increased needs for oxygen.
· People who lose abnormal amounts of blood (heavy menstruation, people with gastro-intestinal bleeding)
· People with kidney disease – people with kidney failure, especially those being treated with dialysis, are at high risk for developing iron deficiency anemia because their kidneys cannot create enough erythropoietin, a hormone needed to make red blood cells. Both iron and erythropoietin can be lost during kidney dialysis.
· People who have a low intake of dietary iron (fussy eaters, vegetarians)
· People with malabsorption and digestive problems who can’t absorb the iron that they eat. Most iron is absorbed in the small intestines. Gastrointestinal disorders that result in inflammation of the small intestine may result in diarrhea, poor absorption of dietary iron and iron depletion.
· People who have deficiencies of vitamin A. This nutrient helps mobilize iron from its storage sites, so a deficiency of vitamin A limits the body’s ability to use stored iron. This results in an “apparent” iron deficiency because hemoglobin levels are low even though the body can maintain normal amounts of stored iron.
Please note: The information in this article is not intended to take the place of a personal relationship with a qualified health practitioner nor is it intended as medical advice.

Hosting, Wall Papers, Inkjet Cartridges, and Other Humdingers

Joel — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:37:06 +0000

What can a tyro do in this extraordinary wonderland of computers? Whereas on the one hand, toddlers seem to be arriving out of their mother’s womb, completely ready with familiarity of advanced techniques online, old-timers like me struggle to reach an understanding of the basic concepts. Take for instance my travails with an inkjet cartridge. Tell me, is it not logical that a printer should cost much more than its consumable. For instance, why should a a vacuum cleaner bag to be much more expensive than the vacuum cleaner itself? Well, that is what happens when you buy a procure inkjet printer. You need to go and get bargain-basement prices cartridges that can overtake the price of the printer in no time. Probably the possible solution is to refill older printer cartridges.

Armed with this deep knowledge of inkjet printers, I ventured out into the the universe called the Internet and tried to find my way around. So, I visited site after site after site – well you get the idea – just to find that there are a lot of people who want me to perform a lot of online assignments. One of the most common assignments is to download wallpapers. I can get all kinds of wallpapers, be they about fishes, celebrities, movies, scantily clad women, flowers, and a whole lot more. I do not get it. Why do people want me to download wallpapers? Especially since they all want me to download wallpapers for free. Surely you cannot beat that price. But, still why should people expect me to look up particular wallpapers? Is this some kind of mass hypnosis, where all the characters in the wallpapers will suddenly come alive and make me do their bidding? Of course what adds to this nuttiness is the offer for me to download a bunch of smileys. These are little smiling faces which have now gotten animated and rather noisy.

In any case, I tread through the path of life soaking in the deep philosophical learning of inkjet printers and wallpapers. On to my abortive progress in life to have my own website…

If you thought that learning about inkjet cartridges was amusing, wait till you hear about my endeavors at hosting. Though you may never have realized it, but there is actually a computer somewhere that “hosts” your site. It literally has all the stuff that you create – called web pages. Hosting can be your friend or it can be your enemy. If you come across a good hosting service that values good technology and excellent customer service, you will get a good night sleep in the knowledge that your servers will not be neglected.

The Bugaboo Baby Stroller – Rolls Royce or a Hyped Celebrity Accessory?

Joel — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:51:53 +0000

The bugaboo baby stroller was an unknown brand a few years ago, but is now a quite common site on the streets, a bit eye striking with its peculiar look.

So can it live up to its rumour or is it just another costly status symbol?

Well, the parents using the bugaboo baby stroller swear it’s the best thing since sliced bread, and we have decided to take a look at the frog like stroller.

What can be noticed is that the designers sure are parents themselves, and that they have added features to it that they have missed on a stroller. There are some really smart things that has never been seen on a normal stroller before. The most obvious one is that you can move the seat or carrycot vertically; this means that you can set the seat in table-high position; very good if you are outside and wants to sit down to feed or communicate with your baby. Or your toddler can participate sitting with you at the table in a cafe or restaurant.

It’s also reversible from front to sideways(!) to back, so when the baby gets bigger and want to look at other things than mom and dad you can turn the seat around in one easy grip.

The Bugaboo stroller is said to be easy manoeuvred just about everywhere. So we tried; and yes, since it’s light weight and the swivel like wheel makes it really easy to turn and walk with in an busy environment, it was. We took it on the subway through the city in a horrible rush hour, and later on to the beach. It was peace of cake; especially the beach part impressed, we didn’t struggle hard at all to move it around in the sand.

Here are some other features we liked:

- The Carrycot is approved for use for overnight sleeping, good if you are on a trip.

- The Pushchair seat can be used as a seat on the floor or the ground as well.

- The handle bar is height adjustable.

-The under seat bag is bigger then before; good for shopping or storage.

-When the stroller is folded it takes up minimum space, it fits easily even in the smallest car.

-The seat frame is 2 inches longer so will accommodate a longer baby and taller child.

So was it something we didn’t like? Well, the price (about 900 $) was the bit that took a while to digest, but on the other hand this is really an investment, and you won’t need another stroller for as long as you need one.

Want to know more about it? For more info and purchase click and The Bugaboo Baby Stroller Site

Best Cold Remedies: 7 Popular Home Cold And Flu Remedies

Joel — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:58:10 +0000

During cold and flu season, it’s normal to see commercials touting the latest cold and flu remedies on TV that claim to stop your suffering in their tracks. Most of these over the counter remedies treat the symptoms, but don’t lessen the duration of a cold. Also, many of these medications can make you drowsy or feel drugged.
Home cold and flu remedies are more popular than ever and are an alternative to those who don’t want to subject themselves to medicines with lots of mysterious ingredients. While there is no cure for the common cold or flu, there are several popular home remedies that can help lessen their duration and effects on your body.
Chicken Soup
Eating a bowl of savory chicken soup has long been one of the most popular home cold and flu remedies around. This old fashioned remedy has really stood the test of time. Chicken soup was prescribed for colds as far back as ancient Egyptian times. This remedy has probably survived so long because it does contains protein, which the body needs to get better, plus, it goes down easy and is warm and comforting. Recent research has shown that chicken soup does have anti-inflammatory nutrients. So, go ahead and make yourself a nice, warm bowl of chicken soup.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is prized for its immune boosting benefits to the body. When you get a cold or the flu, the virus tends to attack your healthy blood cells, which then have fight back – this makes you tired and drains you of energy. When you drink orange juice or any other citrus juice packed with vitamin C, you are literally giving your healthy blood cells a boost of power to repel those nasty cold germs. Many people choose to take the tablet form of vitamin C. Either way, vitamin C is one of the most powerful home remedies you can take to fight off a cold.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy that is used to lessen the duration of a cold. You can find Echinacea in capsule form, in lozenges or as an alcohol based tincture. While Echinacea does have curative benefits, its effect in cold fighting often has mixed results. Alcohol based Echinacea tinctures can last for several years, while the dry leaves found in many pills and capsules can lose their effectiveness over time. Also, the quality of the Echinacea varies greatly due to the nature of the plant. The upper part of the plant contains most of the benefits, while the lower part has little therapeutic benefit.
Spicy Food
Spicy foods that contain garlic, onions and cayenne pepper can help you recover quicker from a cold. These three foods contain powerful antioxidants and immune system compounds that will aid your body in expelling the virus. Eating a bowl of chili for lunch or dinner is a great way to eat your way to feeling better in no time.
Vaporizers and Personal Steamers
Hot steam rising up through your nasal passages and into your sinuses and lungs is a great way to clear congestion out of your system. One of the things that makes having a cold so miserable is that your nose is clogged and your chest if filled with gunk. Vaporizers and personal steamers work by adding water to a base and then heating it up until it becomes steam. You breath in the steam and it clears your system, allowing you to rest easier.
Steam Bath
Soaking in a nice, hot bath is relaxing anytime, but when you have a cold the steam rising up from the tub can have a soothing effect on your tired body. Steam is great for breaking up the congestion that clogs your sinuses and chest. To create an aromatherapy experience, add a few drops of peppermint oil or camphor oil to the hot water. Please do not use this remedy for babies and toddlers, as it may cause them injury.
Hot Toddy
Hot toddies are one of the long time favorite cold and flu remedies. Many people believe that curling up on the couch (or in a favorite chair) and drinking a hot toddy is a good way to fight off a cold or flu, but in fact, there is little evidence that this drink has any curative benefits.
A hot toddy is made with hot water, or tea, lemon juice, sugar or honey and either rum, brandy, or whiskey. While delicious, the American Lung Association cautions that drinking alcohol while sick with a cold will lead to dehydration, which can make a cold last longer. However, if you can’t sleep and don’t want to take an over the counter cold medication, drinking a hot toddy with alcohol will send you into a nice slumber.

The Impact of Toys in Child Development

Joel — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:46:27 +0000

Parents often seek assistance in selecting the right toys at the most ideal stage of their childâ??s development. Many toys are designed for particular ages based on safety concerns; however, many others are designed to specifically encourage the development of certain abilities in a child.

In this article we will explore the fundamental skills developed by infants at varying ages, and the types of toys that can encourage children to reach their potential.

The Babyâ??s 1st Year

In the first year of a babyâ??s life, they begin exploring and experimenting with their most important senses:

Sound & Smell â?? In the first instance babies begin to match voices with certain faces and facial expressions, mainly from being held, fed and nurtured. Likewise, certain smells can be recognised and associations are gradually made. As they begin to establish these social attachments they become more receptive to different sounds and smells. Toys with sound and music that react to a childâ??s action are especially good at this stage, and simply letting your baby smell something and then see it can encourage development in this area.

Touch & Sight â?? As babies begin to take a little control of their hands; touching and feeling things become an important part of an infant’s development. Similarly, as sight becomes clearer, babies become more receptive to visual aids. Toys for this age are designed to enhance and encourage these traits. Toys should be for seeing, hearing and touching – this encourages the child to respond to the sights and sounds they see and hear. Picture books with sound, teddy bears with different textures and pulley toys that respond to a childâ??s movement are especially beneficial after 6 months old. Toys in bright, monochromic colours can also help to stimulate eyesight in the first year of a childâ??s life.

Ages 1 to 2

This stage is an important time for developing independence and important social skills that will never be lost. Between the ages of 1 and 2 it is surprising how rapidly a child develops from a tentative toddler saying only 1 or 2 words, to a confident child able to easily run and speak around 50 individual words.

From the age of 1, infants begin taking an interest in the effects of their manipulation, and it is very fun to sit back and watch children at this age. They particularly enjoy throwing toys and building things, so building blocks Duplo, and stickle bricks are fantastic toys at this age for encouraging hand and eye coordination, as well as a sense of balance.

From around 18 months, infants are able to walk very well and can run to an extent. When objects are in the way – running can prove difficult. However, with their newfound freedom, children love to explore and try everything out, without a sense of danger, so toys that encourage active play at this age are well received. Balls, Sit nâ?? Rides , Activity Stations, toys that speak or make noises and toys of characters they see on TV are advantageous additions to a toy box at this age – they will encourage children to play actively, and it will also help them sleep well at bed time (an added bonus!).

Language progression is also crucial at this age. Children will begin responding when spoken to and chattering away when playing. This makes it important for adults to talk to children in conversations, read stories and sing nursery rhymes whenever possible.

Ages 2 Years +

As a child turns two years old their abilities in counting and speaking becomes clearer, and bodily strength in running and climbing becomes more refined.

At the turn of two years old, toys that have movement and sound and allow the child to throw and drop are ideal, as they will help to refine their physical strengths. Toys that allow the children to push themselves along, such as sit ‘n’ ride toys that allow children to steer are very desirable.

As they approach 3 years old, outdoor toys such as climbing frames and garden swings are great. Children at this age have good spatial awareness, and refined bodily strength. They can move large toys easily, kick balls forcefully and they also have the ability to use pedals on a bike.

An infantâ??s imagination will develop greatly at this age as well, which is why dressing up and a fascination with make believe is noticeable. Doll sets, action figures, train sets and such toys are favourable at this age and help children express themselves and explore their independence. Children will also start to play with others and learn social skills through play. Cooperation and taking turns are examples of skills that will become extremely important both at a young age and throughout life.

Showing off new skills to family is also a very common trait for children around 3 years and upwards. Toys that mimic adult tasks, such as vacuum cleaners, cookers, shop tills and lawn mowers are especially good for engaging with a child.

While we have focussed on the initial, most advancing years of a childâ??s life in this article, toys have been proven to encourage creativity, self-confidence and academic skills throughout every stage of childhood.

About the Author

Having once owned the second largest toyshop in the UK, the owners of Toys Direct to Your Door (http://www.toysdirecttoyourdoor.co.uk/) have been in the toy business for over 40 years. Today, they continue to proudly provide quality children’s toys across the globe.

Pedal Toys And Healthy Children

Joel — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:25:20 +0000

Ride-on toys have been the favorite playthings of kids for many generations. Not only do they provide hours of exciting fun, but also help with motor development and co-ordination and build healthy hearts and lungs. Active children have stronger muscles and bones and are less likely to become overweight as they grow up, because regular exercise helps to control body fat.

When you’re looking at your cute little 1 year old toddling around your lounge room, the thought of them getting exercise to possibly prevent weight related conditions in later years is the farthest thing from your mind. Unfortunately, today’s lifestyle and dietary changes now mean the risk of your youngster being overweight or developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, is much more of a chance. Something as simple as a ride-on toy can help to promote healthy exercise while stimulating your child’s imagination.

The whole idea is to keep the exercise fun, so that the kids come back for more, day after day. A toddler will love to be able to scoot around the house or ideally, out in the fresh air of your backyard on a Scoot Along, foot to floor ride-on. These simple little scoots not only provide many hours of fun play, but also help to improve your child’s motor skills, add to their self confidence and also stimulate their growing imaginations.

Older kids will love pedalling around in a retro styled pedal car, or even a pedal plane. If you have a real speedster in the family, the Mighty Wheel trikes will enable them to race around the yard or your local park safely. A pedal toy will not only provide the kids with some healthy exercise, but also help create some fun family memories.

It has been medically proven that kids who exercise regularly from an early age usually sleep better and tend to have a healthier outlook on life as they grow up. So when your child’s birthday or next Christmas is nearing, why not consider purchasing them a pedal car or pedal toy. The purchase of any toy that promotes healthy, physical activity is an investment in your child’s future.

No Slippy Hair Clippy – The Perfect Hair Accessory!

Joel — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:58:36 +0000

This just in! Pure and Honest Kids now has new styles in the infamous “No Slippy Hair Clippy” bows for your darling little girls!
In new, rich fall colors, such as brown, navy, amethyst, black, red and many more colors, this is the perfect accessory to go with your child’s new fall wardrobe.
No Slippy Hair Clippy will actually stay in your little girl’s hair, no matter how baby fine it is! Made to stay in place, they have a magnet for a tighter clasp, are lined in velvet for softness, they stay in your baby’s hair and are hand made in America, ensuring top-quality hair bows.No Slippy Hair Clippy bows come in many colors and styles.
Check out some of our favorites below. Price ranges from $7.00 to $10.00, depending on style
Porter Clip in Orange
$8.00
Perfect for that adorable Halloween outfit! A little bit edgy in orange, yet sweetly styled with a darling little crocheted flower on a velvet covered clip. Measures 2″ across.
Whitney Princess Bow in Dark Brown
$8.00
In yummy chocolate brown, this bow is a great neutral that goes with almost anything in her closet! The simple brown Whitney Princess Bow from No Slippy Hair Clippy is made of soft, top-quality, grosgrain ribbon. Measures 3.5″ across.
Felicia Clip in Limed Jewel
$10.00
What a fun hair accessory for a fun little girl! Made by hand of top-quality materials, the Felicia clip is finished perfectly with lime jewels. Measures 2″ across.
Porter Clip in Amethyst
$8.00
Bold and beautiful, this little clip is sure to look darling on your sweet little lady! A simple amethyst purple crocheted flower sits perfectly on a velvet covered clip. Measures 2″ across.
Whitney Princess Bow in Cream
$8.00
Classic in cream! A match to so much, the simple cream colored Whitney Princess Bow from No Slippy Hair Clippy is made of soft, top-quality, grosgrain ribbon. Measures 3.5″ across.
With Daylights Savings Time in full affect, Pure and Honest Kids everywhere are staying outside to play longer at night! What better way to soak up those last few hours of daylight than your very own All Is Well Round-A-Bout tree swing!
These old fashioned tree swings have been hand crafted with love and care to bring outdoor family fun to your backyard for all ages. The swings not only promote fitness and fun, but they bring functional yard art to your outdoor living space. The swing can be hung in many places: tree, porch, deck or A-Frame.
Round-A-Bout tree swings are 17 ½ diameter by ¾ thick and are made of durable, weather resilient painted wood. The tree swings come in colorful designs sure to delight the little ones in your life!
Check out these pajamas by New Jammies! Each time your child steps into their New Jammies, the colorful patterns of fruits and vegetables will come to life, not to mention teaching your child about things that are good for them!
New Jammies are made of 100% natural organic cotton. Parents can sleep easy knowing their children are safely tucked in bed with only the purest fibers on their skin.
Pure and Honest Kids carries the Apples, Bananas, Sweet Peas, and Carrots Jammies for toddlers! Each set of pajamas comes with a book, “Fruits and Veggies”, “Counting My Fruits and Veggies”, or “Tales From New Jammies Land” (age appropriate based on the size of the pajamas), as well as a New Jammies gift bag for your pajamas- great for traveling. Just put your Jammies inside your bag and go!
Visions of apples, bananas, peas and carrots will be dancing in your children’s heads!

Baby Care Products for Your Bundle of Joy

Joel — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:30:45 +0000

Babies are God’s way of letting us know that life is beautiful. They may seek constant attention yet are one of the most adorable creations. Ever wondered what it takes to keep a baby from crying? An introduction to baby care and baby products may prove to be useful.

Today, the market is profuse with baby products ranging from diapers, to baby soaps, baby oil and baby shampoo. There are a few renowned brands catering to the ever increasing demands of a growing baby. Baby products may be classified as follows:

Baby skin care: The tender and delicate skin of babies needs extra attention. Baby skin care is therefore a pivotal part of grooming. Babies require mild creams and appropriate baby lotion that would keep the skin supple and moisturized. Bathing time is almost the most taxing as babies need extra attention and care. Baby products that aid in a lavish bath include exclusive baby soaps, baby shampoo, baby powder and moisturizing creams, ideally suited for an incredibly smooth skin.

Baby hair care: Baby products for hair comprise shampoos and baby hair oil. There are several brands available in the market today which pay extra attention to formulae that is gentle on the hair and eyes. Baby oil is lightly perfumed and mild on the scalp while shampoos are lathery baby products. Despite this, care has been taken to make it light on the baby’s hair, eyes and scalp.

Accessories – significant baby products: There are a few accessories which are indispensable to baby care especially during the different stages of growth. A few of them are explored below:

Baby bedding: Bedding materials for a baby include baby blankets, baby fix pillow set and baby sleeping bag. They provide a cozy space for the baby and aid in an undisturbed slumber.

Baby carrier: Baby carrier is useful when you consider taking the baby for an outing. They can be sometimes tied around your waist or hung around the shoulder.

Bouncer: A bouncer is the safest baby care item during the little one’s early days. They are comfortable and keep the baby amused. Bouncers may be of two types namely battery operated and manual. The battery operated ones are expensive yet keep the baby happy with vibrations while the manual ones use the baby’s body weight to provide gentle rocking. You may choose the one, ideally suited for your baby.

Baby diapers: An integral part of a baby’s life is diapers so much so that they almost delineate baby care and baby products. The types of diapers vary with the age of the little one and are classified as diapers for newborns, babies and toddlers. They were initially very expensive; but with the influx of myriad brands in the market; competitive pricing is inevitable. Soft and cottony baby diapers which are not too thick are ideal to keep your baby comfortable. Besides the above mentioned products, there are quite a few aspects to baby grooming. You may choose from the array of baby products depending on what is idyllically suited for your little one. Shopping online for baby products is an ideal option. Decide on what your baby needs and log in to get started. This is, by far, the easiest shopping option as the product display is wide; enhanced with informative description on each of the baby products.

Choosing the baby products cautiously and making the most of the options available will minimize the time and energy consumed in silencing a crying baby.

Gifts to India – Infibeam.com is an exciting new online destination and community that focuses on selling latest Mobiles, Books, Cameras, Apparels, Jewellery and Send Baby Care Products to India at guaranteed lowest price.

Tips to Curb Summertime Teen Laziness

Joel — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:11:20 +0000

Most of us enjoy a lazy day when we can sleep in, putz around and just relax a little – and our kids are no different. However, when the dog days of summer come, some teens take that one “couch out” day and stretch it over an entire summer break. Here are some tips to combat summertime teen laziness and keep your teen active and engaged.
Communicate Expectations – Tell your teen in a nonthreatening but firm manner that you will not accept their staying in bed all morning and afternoon. It is perfectly reasonable to ask that they get up at a decent hour. Explain that you want them to do more than merely watch TV, play video games, or visit social networking sites all day.
If your teen wants you to help pay for their summer activities, they should be willing to abide by a few summer guidelines. Set an age appropriate, specific time that you expect them to be home, based upon the level of trust they have earned. Ask them to take on a couple of extra chores during the summer to earn some pocket money. These chores could be for you or someone else, but make sure they go above and beyond the normal, everyday chores that every member of the family should be expected to do.
Get Them Engaged – Whether you ask them to help you more around the house, participate in volunteer activities in the community, or help them get a job, you want them to be engaged in something worthwhile. Give them encouragement to help at a YMCA, children’s program, or nursing home. They may find they truly enjoy these volunteer activities and you will help them appreciate the joys of serving others that will last a lifetime.
Help them find volunteer positions by calling around to local places of worship, daycares, charities, or nursing homes. Local businesses may be hiring summer help; offer to help them find a job to earn some extra money. This will help them learn to manage money, but will also help them realize the value of their time. If they get paid by the hour, they might be less likely to fritter their time away.
Spend Family Time – Avoid giving lectures about what they should do during the summer. (Lectures, period, are ineffective with teens.) Instead, find activities that you can do with them. You don’t have to spend every waking moment with your teen, but take some time to take them shopping, go to a movie, or out for a coffee. Keep it relaxed and let your teen open up to you in their own time and way. Summertime is a great time to reconnect with your teen. Don’t let these weeks go by without taking this time to slow down and just be together.
Encourage Physical Activity – Take time to learn or play a new sport with your teen. Not only will this help your teen be more active during the summer, it’ll help you get some much needed exercise, too. Boys in particular are more likely to enjoy “side by side” activities. These are often great times to open dialogue with your son about important issues. Give tennis, swimming, cycling, or rollerblading a try. You both will benefit your health and well being.
Parents all over the country complain that their teens get lazy during the summer break. But teens, just like toddlers, need guidance, clear communication, and reminders of your expectations in order to be successful. These tips should get you well on your way. Ask your teen if there are things they’d like to accomplish before school starts, and then help them to meet those goals.

Several Brands of Baby Cribs Recalled Due to Entrapment, Strangulation, Suffocation and Falls

Joel — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:39:17 +0000

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a number of baby crib recalls over the last few years. The number of manufacturers and models is rather shocking considering that the hazards are similar, and continue to show up even though they have been pointed out repeatedly in previous recalls.

In the table below there are comments taken from the CPSC recall notices that indicate the types of hazards that were found and reason for recall. While not all hazards caused incidents or injuries, the potential for an accident is sufficient to require the manufacturer either provide a repair, replacement, or refund. Also, not all models of cribs by any one manufacturer are necessarily involved in these recalls. If you suspect that your crib may be defective, contact the manufacturer to see if it has been recalled, or if there have been other complaints about the same model.

If you own one of these cribs, you should immediately make other sleeping arrangements for your child and seek the remedy recommended. For more information about crib recalls please visit the website of Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, experienced consumer product liability attorneys.

The specific makes and models included in recent recalls are:

Product Name

Manufacturer

Model #s

Hazard Posed

Remedies

Dates Manufactured or Sold

BABY APPLESEED Davenport Cribs

Model #s 273-XXXX-XXXX

FALL HAZARD:

The lowest position of two mattress supports doesn’t meet the full 26” height requirement. Children can crawl over the railing and fall.

REMEDY:

Contact Baby Appleseed to receive a repair kit. Use mattress in the top or middle position until kit arrives, only if those heights are safe for your child.

on or before 8/07

WENDY BELLISSIMO HIDDEN HILLS COLLECTION CRIBS

Bassettbaby Cribs

Model #s 5446-0521

ENTRAPMENT HAZARD:

Federal standards for space between the spindles is not met posing an entrapment hazard to infants.

REMEDY:

Contact Bassettbaby to schedule an in-home inspection of the crib. Recalled cribs will be replaced.

11/07 – 2/08

DROP SIDE CRIBS that use “crib trigger lock with spring peg” drop side hardware design

Delta Enterprise

Model #s 4320, 4340, 4343, 4500, 4520, 4530, 4532, 4540, 4542, 4550, 4551, 4580, 4600, 4620, 4624, 4625, 4629, 4640, 4660, 4665, 4720, 4735, 4742, 4750, 4751, 4760, 4770, 4780, 4790, 4820, 4840, 4850, 4855, 4857, 4860, 4880, 4890, 4892, 4900, 4910, 4920, 4925-2, 4925-2b, 4925-6, 4930, 4940, 4943, 4944, 4947, 4948, 4949, 4950, 4958, 4963, 4968, 4969, 4980, 8605

Drop side can detatch when spring pegs are pushed into the lower track creating a gap that can entrap in infant or toddler. One death of an 8-month old, and two other non-fatal incidents reported.

REMEDY:

Contact delta to receive a free, easy-to-install repair kit.

Mfg. prior to 2006

Sold 1/95 – 1/07

JARDINE CRIBS – HILTON, WINDSOR, BERKLEY, WICKER, HAVEN, LIFETIME, SPINDLE, CAPRI, AMERICANA

Jardine Enterprises

Model #s Bc-23, Bc-36b, Bc-36g, Bc-36p, Bc-007, Bc-010, Bc-010c, Bc-010hp, Bc-010w, Bc-017, Bc-107c, Bc-107cr, Bc-110c, Bc-110hp, Bc-110w, Da617bc, Da620bc, Da770bc, Dv730n, Dv730w, Dv830-n, Dv830-w, 0113b00, 0113k00, 0102b00, 0102e00, 0302p00, 0302c00, 0312d00, 0308l00, 0108c00

ENTRAPMENT & STRANGULATION HAZARD:

416,000 cribs recalled due to 73 reports of slats or spindles breaking, and several reports of children being trapped in the openings created suffering bruises and abrasions.

REMEDY:

Contact Jardine to receive full credit toward the purchase of a new crib.

Sold 1/02 – 4/07

ENCHANTMENT, HUSH A BYE, ONCE UPON A TIME, ROCK A BYE

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards

Model #s 210, 215, 320, 1900-350

FALL HAZARD:

Federal regulations for 26” between lowest mattress bracket and top of side raid not met, allowing children to climb over railing and fall.

REMEDY:

Contact Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards for instructions on how to re-install the support brackets to eliminate the hazard.

3/06 – 3/08

SIMMONS KIDS CRIB MATTRESSES, POTTERY BARN KIDS, LULLABY, SLUMBER TIME EVENING STAR LUXURY FIRM, SERIES 400

Simmons Kids, Simmons Manufacturing, CO, LLC

Model #s h59044.15.0014, m59082.15.0002, m59027.15.0002 or

M59065.15.0006

ENTRAPMENT HAZARD:

Mattress width measures less than requirement of 27-1/4 inches, allowing a gap between mattress and side rails. One report of 6-month old trapped but removed without injury.

REMEDY:

Consumers should immediately stop using the mattress if it measures less than 27-1/4 inches and contact Simmons Kids to receive a free replacement mattress.

Manufactured 7/1/06 – 3/23/08

ASPEN & CRIB N CHANGER COMBO, GABRIELLE, CAMILLE, PROVIDENCE, SHENANDOAH.

Simplicity Inc, (out of business)

Model #s 8620, 8745, 8748, 8755, 8756, 8778, 8810, and 8994. Which ends in 05dh, 05gb, 06dh, 06gb, 07dh, 07gb (examples: 1806 dh or 0507 gb).

ENTRAPMENT & SUFFOCATION HAZARD:

Drop side can come off tracks creating a gap that can entrap the infant. 9 incidents without injury.

REMEDY:

Consumers should return recalled cribs to the place of purchase for a refund or store credit. SFCA Inc., of Reading, PA. Is working with retailers to carry out this recall program.

1/05 – 8/08

2ND NATURE BUILT TO GROW CRIBS FULL SIZE

Stanley Furniture Company Inc.

Model # 353-14-220

Only serial #s

353-14-220-l-01,

353-14-220-l-02,

353-14-220-l-03,

353-14-220-l-04,

353-14-220-l-05,

353-14-220-l-06,

353-14-220-l-07,

353-14-220-l-08,

353-14-220-l-101, and

353-14-220-l-103

ENTRAPMENT HAZARD:

Middle mattress support fails to meet standards for crib dimensions being too wide allowing possible entrapment of infant between mattress and rails. No incidents reported.

REMEDY:

Use mattress online in low or high setting. Contact Stanley furniture to receive a free replacement crib headboard

Sold before 12/07

STORK CRAFT BABY CRIBS (including those with Fischer Price logos)

Stork Craft Baby Cribs Manufacturing Inc

Model #s – all models

ENTRAPMENT & SUFFOCATION HAZARD:

Mattress support brackets can break causing gap between mattress and rails that can entrap and suffocate a child. 10 incidents, one sustained bruises

REMEDY:

Contact Stork Craft for a replacement kit, with new mattress support brackets.

Manufactured and distributed 5/00 – 11/08

SUNKIDS CONVERTIBLE CRIB/PLAYPEN/BED/BASSINET

Suntech Enterprises Inc.

Model # py256

ENTRAPMENT & FALL HAZARD:

Mesh sides can expand and create a gap between the mattress and mesh if mattress isn’t zipped into place. If a child slips between the mattress and mesh there is a risk of suffocation. Second hazard exists due to possibility of drop side failing to latch, posing a fall hazard. No incidents reported though a 5-month old died from incident with another company’s nearly identical crib.

REMEDY:

Return the cribs immediately to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

Sold 1/07 – 10/08

NEWPORT RUBBED BLACK 4-IN-1 CRIBS AND MATCHING FURNITURE

Munire Furniture Inc.

LEAD PAINT HAZARD:

Some cribs have, under the black paint layer, a layer of red paint that contains lead in amounts that exceed federal lead limits, and can be ingested by young children

Manufactured 4/06 – 11/08