Baby and Child Product Recalls: May 2013

Listed below are the recalls for the month of May, 2013 as found on the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls list. If you, a family member, or friend own one of these products, follow the links for each item to check the recall information for specific models or serial numbers. The company will replace, refund or send a repair kit for your item.  You can check for additional recalls through the Consumer Product Safety Commission or by using the recalls tab on our web page powered by We Make it Safer. Finally, keep in mind that according to the CPSC, “it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.”

Pottery Barn Kids Sweet Lambie Crib Bumpers

Pottery Barn Recalled BumpersThe Sweet Lambie Crib Bumpers were recalled May 29th, 2013 due to an entanglement risk. The thread in the decorative stitching on the bumper can loosen, posing an entanglement hazard to infants. Consumers should immediately check the tag on the bumper for the month and year of manufacture and stop using the bumper if the date is 04/2009 through 07/2012. Consumers with recalled bumpers should contact Pottery Barn Kids for instructions on how to return the bumpers to receive a gift card in the amount of a full refund or a replacement bumper and to receive free return shipping for recalled bumpers.

Lea Panel Loft and Bunk Beds

Lea Bunk BedsThe Lea Panel Loft and Bunk Beds were recalled May 21, 2013 because the bed’s side mattress support rails can break, posing a fall hazard. The beds were sold at direct buy stores and furniture stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com and various other websites from August 2008 through March 2013 for between $400 and $3,000. Consumers should immediately stop using the beds and contact Lea Industries to receive free replacement side rails for the beds.

 H&M Children’s Water BottlesH&M Water Bottle

H&M water bottles were recalled May 29th, 2013 because the water bottle’s spout can break off, posing a choking hazard to children.Consumers should immediately stop using the water bottle and call H&M to receive a prepaid mailer to return the bottle. Upon receipt of the returned bottle, consumers will be mailed a full refund plus a $25 H&M gift card.

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Seeking Sitters

Do you have trouble finding a babysitter or are you favorite sitters unavailable due to finals and other end-of-school activities? Looking for a back-up sitter? Alicia Champion, owner of Seeking Sitters OKC shares a bit about their services below.

How is Seeking Sitters different from other on-line childcare services?

SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE! We are locally owned and operated. This is a very hands on company. We let our reputation drive our business. Referrals are so important to us and we strive to make our families happy and our growth is attributed to our members sharing our service with their friends.

What are the benefits of using seeking sitters as opposed to hiring a private sitter?

We feel because SeekingSitters has so many professional babysitters on the team we are always there to cover your needs. When hiring a private sitter you have to spend many hours checking references, finding a reputable background screening company, the expense of running a check and then all of the scheduling. If the private sitter has a schedule conflict or illness sometimes families are left scrambling for another option. Those are part of our daily operations. We cater to our families in finding a consistent sitter that is a perfect fit for both parties. At SeekingSitters we do all the work for you.

How long have you served the OKC metro area?

We are going into our 7th year of business this June. We were the very first franchise in the nation and there are now 57 offices across the country. Once you are signed up as a member you can indeed utilize a sitter in another location. Many families have needs for business travel, conventions, or just simply want a few hours of adult time while on vacation and our company can provide that service.

How much experience do your sitters have?

Our sitters all have multiple years of experience with newborns up to 12 years old.

What certifications or qualifications do your sitters have?

All of our sitters hold both CPR and 1st aid certifications. These have to be kept currentwhile affiliated with SeekingSitters.

How do you ensure safety, both of the children and the sitter?

Our number 1 priority is Safety! We first have a preliminary phone interview and then I personally conduct a face to face interview with each applicant. After references are checked we then run an in depth background screening on each sitter before being admitted on the team. This process is called the Extreme Character reference check. The background check is the same process that is used by our law enforcement. We also conduct a background check on all of our members. We have to ensure a safe environment for our sitters.

How much notice does a family need to provide when requesting a sitter?

Of course we love as much notice as possible but we understand that sometimes last minute needs arise. We treat each request with the upmost importance whether  it’s weeks in advance or the same day. We work to secure your sitter no matter what.

What is the minimum time requirement?

We have a 4 hour minimum after the 4 hours have been met we bill down to the 5 minute increment. So in other words pay for the time you utilize.

What are the fees?

Our signup fee is for a lifetime membership is $59.99. Once you are set up with SeekingSitters Oklahoma City Metro area you can utilize our sitters here locally or anywhere in the USA. Another fantastic feature is we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for payment. We bill your card online after the event which means no stopping by the ATM for payment. Hassle free billing.

What can parents expect to find when they return?

Our sitters leave the home as neat and as tidy as when they arrive. They leave information sheets for the family’s review as well as fun activities to play while you are away.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Baby and Child Product Recalls: April 2013

Listed below are the recalls for the month of April as found on the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls list. If you, a family member, or friend own one of these products, follow the links for each item to check the recall information for specific models or serial numbers. The company will either replace, refund or send a repair kit for your item.  You can check for additional recalls through the Consumer Product Safety Commission or by using the recalls tab on our web page powered by We Make it Safer. Finally, keep in mind that according to the CPSC, “it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.”

Trumpette Baby Socks

Trumpette “Aubree’s” and “Hearts” baby socks were recalled April 10th, 2013 due to choking hazard. The flowers and the bows on the baby socks can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should immediately take the recalled socks away from babies and remove the flowers or bows to eliminate the hazard, or return the socks to the place of purchase or Trumpette for a full refund or store credit.

Carter’s Infant Clothing

Carter’s Recalled Infant clothing with zippers on April 11th, 2013 due to choking hazard. The zipper pull can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should immediately take the recalled clothing away from infants and return it to Carter’s for a full refund.

 

Spin-A-Mals Farm and Safari Puzzles

Small World Toys Recalled Spin-A-Mals Farm and Safari Puzzles on April 16th, 2013 due to choking hazard. Small pegs on the puzzle boards can loosen and separate from the boards, posing a choking hazard to children. Consumers should immediately take the puzzles away from children and contact Small World Toys for a free replacement toy. After contacting Small World Toys, the recalled toys should be destroyed and disposed of in a manner to prevent future use.

Huffy Slider Tricycles

The Huffy Slider Tricycles were recalled April 17th, 2013 due to loss of control hazard. The handlebar can unexpectedly loosen while in use, causing the rider to lose control. This poses crash and fall hazards for the rider. The model number, 98682, is located on the frame under the seat. Consumers should immediately stop using the tricycle and contact Huffy for instructions on how to obtain a refund.

Infant and Children’s Dungarees

The Mini Boden Chunky Cord Dungarees were recalled April 18th, 2013 due to choking hazard. The studs and clasps on the pants can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants and small children. Consumers should immediately take the pants away from children and contact J.P. Boden to receive a postage paid envelope for returning the pants to get a refund.

Infant Froggy Socks

The Infant Froggy socks were sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel Stores and were recalled April 18th, 2013 due to choking hazard. The stitched knit frog face and feet on the socks can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants and young children. Consumers should immediately take the recalled froggy socks away from infants and young children, return the socks to any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store for a full refund or send the socks to Classic Characters for a full refund plus shipping. Send to Classic Characters, 1320 Route 9, Champlain, N.Y. 12919 via UPS ground or US Postal Service.

Young Hearts Brand Girl’s Three Piece Clothing Set

The three piece set was recalled April 24th, 2013. The vest sold with these sets has a belt at the waist that could become snagged or caught in small spaces or vehicle doors and it poses an entanglement hazard.  Consumers should immediately remove the belt from the vest to eliminate the hazard, or return the set to the store where purchased for a full refund.

 

 

The Land of Nod Plush Dollies

The Land of Nod Plush Dollies were recalled April 25, 2013. The hands on the plush dolls can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should immediately take the recalled dolls away from the child and return the dolls to The Land of Nod for a full merchandise credit.

Posted in Baby Gear Recalls | Comments Off

Baby and Child Product Recalls: March 2013

Here are the items we found on the CPSC’s recall report for the month of March. If you, a family member, or friend own one of these products, follow the links for each item to check the recall information for specific models or serial numbers. The company will either replace, refund or send a repair kit for your item.  You can check for additional recalls through the Consumer Product Safety Commission or by using the recalls tab on our web page powered by We Make it Safer. Finally, keep in mind that according to the CPSC, “it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.”

 

BabyHome USA High Chair

The BabyHome USA High Chair is being recalled due to risk of strangulation. The front opening between the tray and seat bottom of the high chair can allow a child’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck. This poses a strangulation hazard to young children when the child is not harnessed.

 

 

 

iCandy Stroller  

Cherry Models recalled due to potential entrapment and strangulation. The opening between the bumper bar and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed.

 

 

 

Bugaboo Strollers 

Bugaboo Cameleon3 model; The stroller’s carrying handle can break and detach posing a fall hazard.

 

 

 

 

14 Different Crib Models with Drop-Sides; Sold exclusively at JC Penney 

The cribs’ drop sides can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side to fall out of position, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped, which can lead to strangulation or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly and with age-related wear and tear. Cribs were sold from JCP from 1998-2008. For model information click the link above.

 

UNIQLO Children’s Pajamas

The pajamas fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. The recalled products are one-piece micro fleece garment made of 100 percent polyester knit fabric. They were sold in infant sizes 9M to 12M.

 

 

 

BrightLight Blankets 

IdeaVillage is voluntarily recalling BrightLight blankets due to burn hazard. the batteries can overheat making the compartment hot to the touch, and posing a potential burn risk.

 

 

 

 

The CPSC also released a warning about concentrated laundry detergent pods.  Reports of incidents in the United States and Australia have prompted the product safety agencies to warn parents about what can happen if these products are not used safely. Children who have ingested detergent from the packets have required medical attention and hospitalization for loss of consciousness, excessive vomiting, drowsiness, throat swelling, and difficulty breathing. Eye contact has also resulted in reports of injury, including severe irritation and temporary loss of vision.

 

Posted in Baby Gear Recalls | Comments Off

Baby and Child Product Recalls: February 2013

4moms play yard sheet recall4moms Breeze Play Yard Sheet

The sheets are too small for the play yards. A sheet that does not properly fit the play yard poses an entrapment hazard that could lead to suffocation. Consumers should stop using the recalled play yard sheets immediately and return them to 4moms for a full refund.

 

 

Mutsy USA EVO Stroller

Mutsy USA EVO Stroller Recall February 2013The opening between the grab bar and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed. Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact Mutsy USA to receive a free replacement seat unit and grab bar.

 

 

If you, a family member, or friend own one of these products, be sure to check the recall information for specific models or serial numbers to determine if your product is included.  You can check for additional recalls through the Consumer Product Safety Commission or by using the recalls tab on our web page powered by We Make it Safer. Finally, keep in mind that according to the CPSC, “it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.”

Posted in Baby Gear Recalls, Gear, New Parents, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Baby and Child Product Recalls: January 2013

Fisher Price Rock N’ Play Infant Sleeper

The infant sleeper was recalled because “mold can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame of the sleeper when it remains wet/moist or is infrequently cleaned, posing a risk of exposure to mold to infants sleeping in the product.” Owners of this product should check for mold beneath the removable seat cushion and stop using immediately if mold is found due to the link between mold and respiratory illnesses and other infections. Cleaning and care instructions of the infant sleeper can be found here.

 

Bugaboo Cameleon and Donkey Model Strollers

Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bugaboo Strollers were recalled due to “58 reports of the carry handles detaching.” Although there have not been any injuries reported, they are a potential fall and choking hazard and “consumers should immediately remove the carry handle from the strollers and contact Bugaboo for a free replacement handle.” Be sure to check for the serial numbers listed in the recall to determine if your model is included.

Million Dollar Baby Dressers

The dressers have been reported to tipover when a child tries crawling up it causing a risk of entrapment. Two deaths have been reported. According to the CPSC “The recalled dressers were sold at JCPenney and independent juvenile specialty stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, BabiesRUs.com, BabyUniverse.com and other online retailers from January 2006 through June 2010.” Consumers should stop using immediately and call Million Dollar Baby to receive a wall anchor strap to attach the dresser to the wall to help prevent it from tipping over.

 

This is a good reminder to be sure to use anti-tip television straps and furniture straps to anchor all televisions and furniture including dressers, hutches, sideboards, etc. to help prevent them from tipping over if a child were to try and climb them.

A few of  the most popular baby gear items that were recalled in 2012 include:

Nap Nanny 

Nap Nanny Recall 2012The Nap Nanny was recalled due to entrapment, suffocation and fall hazards. The Nap Nanny has been linked with five infant deaths and the CPSC has received more than “70 reports of children nearly falling out of the product.”

 

 

Dream on Me Bath Seats

Dream on Me Bath Seat Recall 2012Bath seats can tip over posing a risk of drowning. Bath seats have been involved in more than 100 infant deaths and over 100 non-fatal injuries. Consider using a baby bath tub instead and always remain within an arm’s reach of the baby while in the bathtub.

 

 

KidCo Peapod Travel Tents Kidco Pea Pod Recall 2012
The Peapod tents poses a risk of suffocation because the child may “become entrapped between the mattress and the fabric sides of the tent, and suffocate.” There has been one reported death. Consumers should contact Kidco for a free repair kit.

 

 

Bumbo

Bumbo Recall

The Bumbo seats were recalled in 2007 and a label was placed on the product warning not to use the seats on an elevated surface. The seats were recalled again in 2012 for repair. The Bumbo is linked with more than 45 injuries including skull fractures. Infants as young as three months can fall or escape from the seat by leaning forward or sideways or by rocking. The seat is flexible and has been known to cave in the back causing the child to tip backwards.

Redbud Baby Planners has been in nurseries in which families have been given baby gear items such as bassinets and car seats by well-meaning friends, but they were unaware of a recall on the item. If you, a family member or friend own one of these products, be sure to check the recall information for specific models or serial numbers to determine if your product is included. Also, be sure to always check for recalls on any items you purchase second hand at garage sales and consignment stores. You can check for recalls through the Consumer Product Safety Commission or by using the recalls tab on our web page powered by We Make it Safer. Finally, keep in mind that according to the CPSC, “it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.”

 

 

Posted in Baby Gear Recalls, Gear | Comments Off

TrueWomb Sleep System

In a recent Health Warning over Swaddling Babies, Professor Nicholas Clarke, a consultant orthopedic surgeon, states “swaddling is causing a rising number of cases of hip dysplasia.” The way in which many parents are taught to tightly wrap babies doesn’t allow them the same freedom and flexibility they have been accustomed to for the last nine months. Clarke doesn’t entirely disapprove of swaddling, but recommends that “babies are not rigidly wrapped but have enough room to bend their legs.” He adds “they don’t need to have their legs straightened as there is plenty of time to stretch before they start to walk.”

Reading this article reminded me of a new baby gear item I was introduced to a few months ago, the True Womb.  The True Womb mimics the womb by providing the comforts of being securely swaddled while allowing baby’s legs and arms the necessary freedom they have previously enjoyed.

The True Womb boasts its cutting-edge sleep system in which baby transitions from the womb to the sleeping swaddle to the arms-free swaddle. You can read about the benefits of TrueWomb used as a sleeping swaddle and arms-free swaddle below. Another advantage of the sleep system is the “ComfortWrap Belt.” The True Womb offers the only belt that is said to help baby “have longer periods of quality sleep with the added benefit of greatly reducing or eliminating colic.” Now, I’m sure for those that have powered through an experience with a colicky baby, a belt that is said to eliminate these symptoms may sound too good to be true, but as overly-exhausted parents, we will try anything, right?

Sleeping Swaddle™: Stage 1 of the TrueWomb® Sleep System

 

Arms-Free Swaddle™: Stage 2 of the TrueWomb® Sleep System

Posted in Gear, New Parents | Comments Off

Emergency Kit for the Car

I felt like I had it together when it came to preparing for outings with my oldest son. It admittedly took longer than it should have, but I was feeling pretty good about things until my youngest son arrived. I’m not the type that remembers to refill the diaper bag after each outing, so I decided to pack an emergency kit in the car that will serve as a backup for when I am not on my game. Here is what I came up with.  Believe it or not, but it all fits in this neat, clean container in the back of the car. What would you add to yours? Stephanie

 

Wetbag (for cloth diapers, wet clothes, etc.)

Paper towel roll filled with plastic bags to throw away disposable diapers, leftover snacks, used wipes…any and all trash associated with little ones.  Here is a great way to reuse those plastic produce and grocery bags in case you are one of us that has the reusable bags in your car and the best intentions, but doesn’t always remember to bring them into the store.

Two cloth diapers

Two disposable diapers

A change of clothes..for the whole family. The babies aren’t the only ones bound to end up with a little poop on them.

Wipes

Nursing cover

Manual breast pump- My husband thought this was a bit overboard, but the same day I finally finished loading the emergency kit into the car we had to use it. We headed out of town to meet friends for dinner and on the way we realized we had left the bottle we made for Wright in the refrigerator. We would not have been able to drop the boys off with our family if I had not packed the pump in order to leave him a bottle. It also comes in handy when you are out and about and find yourself needing to pump, but the baby is sleeping. Rather than waking him and having him nurse, I am able to pump a bit and let him continue his nap.

Disposable nursing pads

Burp cloth

Sippee cup

Bottle

Pacifier

Pacifier wipes

Antibacterial wipes

Antibiotic ointment

Hand sanitizer

Tide to go mini

Bandaids

Neosporin wound cleanser

Suncreen (remember to check the Enviromental Working Group for a safe, non-toxic product)

Thermometer

Teething tablets

 

Posted in Gear, New Parents | Comments Off

Rear-Facing versus Forward-Facing Car Seats

If you haven’t already heard, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement advising parents to keep toddlers in rear-facing car seats at least until age 2, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for the car seat.  While this may seem like a change from their 1 year and 20 pound recommendation, it is actually just a clarification.  The AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration remain committed to the recommendation that rear-facing is the safest way for a child to ride in the car and that every child should remain rear facing as long as their seat allows (www.nhtsa.gov). According to Safety Belt Safety USA, for children 1-2 years of age, facing the rear is fives times safer. Most child restraints will allow children to remain rear-facing until 35 pounds, but every parent should be sure to check the weight and height limits labeled on their individual seat.

According to Crashtest.com, frontal and frontal offset crashes combine for about 72% of severe crashes.  Rear-facing car seats spread frontal crash forces over the whole area of a child’s back, head and neck; they also prevent the head from snapping relative to the body in a frontal crash (http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html).  To get a great visual of what happens to your child in a crash, check out this video that details the impact of a collision on a rear-facing and forward-facing child in a frontal collision. You will notice the difference in the impact on the neck and back of the baby.

The recent misunderstanding in recommended car seat use is just one more thing that can confuse otherwise well-meaning parents.  In a study observing the misuse of 3,442 child restraint systems in six states, approximately 73% of seats showed at least one critical misuse.  And with motor vehicle crashes being the leading cause of death in children 3-14 in the USA, it is vital for all parents to have their car seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician to ensure correct use (www.safekids.org).  There are many things about installing a car seat that are not intuitive.  A certified technician will be able to show you how to correctly install your car seat in your vehicle every time, and use that car seat properly.  They can also ensure your child is in the best seat for their size.

At Redbud Baby Planners, we realize that while most parents place priority on their child’s safety, it may be difficult to set an appointment with an agency to check your car seat when one or both parents are working or just too busy during business hours.  To ensure every child in Oklahoma City is as safe as possible, Redbud Baby Planners is now offering private car seat installation instruction.  We will meet you at a time and place that is most convenient for you, whether that be during the day, after work or on the weekend, and ensure you are able to properly install your particular seat in all of your vehicles every time.  Don’t let your schedule be a deterrent to getting your car seat checked.  Make sure your child is as safe as possible today.

Posted in Gear, New Parents | 1 Comment

Review: The NoseFrida Snotsucker

I (Stephanie) recently stopped in at Pickles and Ice Cream to do some shopping (and to sit and nurse my youngest somewhere aside from the front seat of my car). As I was looking around, the NoseFrida Snotsucker caught my eye. The image you see on the front of the box depicts a mother sucking snot from her rosy-cheeked baby who is calmly looking up at her. It definitely doesn’t capture the scene in our house when Brent and I are trying to use the aspirator on one of the boys. The idea of sucking snot out of anyone’s nose with my mouth seems pretty gross, but as a mom of two boys, what isn’t?

NoseFrida Aspirator I was strangely eager for my 5-month-old to have a runny nose so I could try it out, but several days passed without a drop. It seems like their noses run non-stop, but as soon as you are hoping to see some snot…nothing! Finally at 5 a.m. on Sunday morning, Wright woke up with a snotty nose, unable to nurse. I was so excited to try out The Snotsucker that I woke up my husband so that he too, could see it in action. I’m sure you can imagine his enthusiasm.

It took just a few seconds to piece the aspirator together using the parts you see here. There is a blue tube with a small filter to block any snot from entering the attached clear tubing. There is also a small mouthpiece attached to the clear tubing that is used to suck the snot out. Here comes the fun part. Brent held Wright’s head still while I placed the blue tube up against his nostrils and sucked. We were both shocked at how much snot came out so quickly. I will avoid being overly descriptive here, so you are going to have to trust me…It worked great! Wright barely had a chance to start flailing about before I was finished with both nostrils.

What I like most about the Snotsucker is that the width of the tube that you place up to the baby’s nose prevents it from being inserted too far. I have had trouble in the past using other aspirators because when I place the skinny rubber end of them in my babies’ nostrils, they immediately start throwing their head around and I am afraid I am hurting them. The NoseFrida also works much more quickly than other aspirators I have used, making it a much less stressful event. I also like that you can see the snot through the tube, which as gross as it may seem, you can actually see your efforts paying off.

To clean the NoseFrida Snotsucker, you simply disconnect the blue tube, toss the filter and wash with soap and water. The directions state to clean the thin tubing with a few drops of alcohol and shake dry. I followed the directions strictly and I found that the second time I used it, I could taste the rubbing alcohol. I would recommend following the alcohol with water and then shaking the tubing dry. All in all this is much easier than my previous process of filling the aspirator with hot water followed by vinegar in hopes of cleaning it, but not ever really knowing what was left behind. I would also recommend purchasing the replacement filters because it only comes with a few, and it is easy to go through them quickly.

A week and a half has passed since we first used the NoseFrida Snotsucker and I have used it at least twice daily since. I really cannot imagine managing the runny nose from this season’s allergies without it. It comes highly recommended from this mommy!

Posted in Gear, New Parents | Comments Off