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Graco Recalls Strollers Due to Fingertip Amputation and Laceration Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Graco’s Passage™, Alano™ and Spree™ Strollers and Travel Systems

Units: About 1.5 million

Manufacturer: Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga.

Hazard: The hinges on the stroller’s canopy pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is opening or closing the canopy.

Incidents/Injuries: Graco has received seven reports of children placing their fingers in the stroller’s canopy hinge mechanism while the canopy was being opened or closed, resulting in five fingertip amputations and two fingertip lacerations.

Description: This recall involves Graco Passage™, Alano™ and Spree™ Strollers and Travel Systems.

Sold at: AAFES, Burlington Coat Factory, Babies “R” Us, Toys “R” Us, Kmart, Fred Meyer, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Walmart and other retailers nationwide from October 2004 and December 2009 for between $80 and $90 for the strollers and between $150 and $200 for the travel systems.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco to receive a free protective cover repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gracobaby.com

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You can save on taxes if you set up a savings account for your baby. The Uniform Gift to Minors Account allows people and relatives to give money to your child and not be subject to gift taxes. The maximum allowed per year is $13,000. Then, when the child reaches age 18, the money is theirs to do with as they please, preferably something meaningful like college. You can also set up the account so that you can be in on the money spending decision.

There are also 529 College Savings Plans. These are set up in each state as a way to save money for college. You can get a certain tax deduction for the contributions. But the best benefit, is that you can be guaranteed a preset tuition rate for state schools. In other words, lock in tuition at today’s prices. Some institutions offer this as well, and the federal government has their own. But the one from the feds will not get a tuition break.

Look into buying zero coupon municipal bonds. For example, in California, if you can spend $7,400 a year on a $25,000 bond, it will mature when your child begins college. You would end up with roughly $200,000 for a fraction of that actually out of pocket. Do some math on other interest free bonds and their maturity date. You will be surprised as to how much the bonds grow over 20 years.

>>More tips on saving money for college.

>>More tips on babies, baby care, and breastfeeding.

>>How to be a teacher and get a teaching job.

There is a British study out today and a scientist states that breastfeeding is just as good as formula. Don’t believe this for one minute.

This study is already taking hits from all sides. The study correlates hormones, breastfeeding, and baby health.

The study found that women who breastfeed are more likely to have lower levels of male hormones. This, perhaps, needs to be studied further.

This study did not look at what is really the best food for your baby. That is by far breastmilk. Don’t believe anything else. This fact has been proven over and over.

This latest study is full of theory. It did not study all reasons for breastfeeding. There are many, many reasons why a woman breastfeeds or does not breastfeed.

Women have been successfully breastfeeding since the beginning of time. Formula is a recent invention, and is being marketed for the wrong reasons. There is no reason why a normal, healthy, (even abnormal unhleathy) woman cannot be a successful breastfeeder.

And breast milk has been shown far and away to be the best food for your baby. Why would you want anything less than the best? Yes, there are times when a woman can’t or won’t breastfeed. Formula can do a decent job, but it does not in any way, shape, or form, compare to the wonder of your breast milk!

>>Read more on this breaastfeeding study.

>>Risks for formula fed babies.

>>Top 10 reasons to breastfeed.

>>Tips for more sleep.

You need to plan on your baby’s teeth care from the beginning. Be careful in dealing with mouth germs and oral care.

Sugar provides a bacteria feeding ground that produces the acids that attack teeth. Your baby does not have these when born. They get introduced. You can introduce these germs by doing things you may think normal, like sharing spoons with your baby. You should not do that, especially if you have a history of tooth decay. You introduce your mouth bacteria every time you share spoons or a pacifier that you think you “cleaned” by putting it in your mouth first. Babies that get these bacteria early have been shown to have a greater risk for tooth decay later in life. Try and avoid letting your baby stick his fingers in his mouth as well. Tooth problems can affect the way your baby talks and chews.

Don’t let your child have a sippy cup or bottle continuously. Especially while sleeping. The liquid can pool in the mouth and the sugars will enhance the bacteria. Sippy cups are suspected of leading to early tooth decay.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommend that you take your baby for the first dental visit as soon as the first tooth comes in. This means at least before their first birthday. This will give you a heads-up on any mouth and tooth problems your baby may have. You should choose a pediatric dentist to be the one to follow your baby until at least three years of age.

Before using a toothbrush and toothpaste, get instructions from the dentist as to what brush and toothpaste to use.

Remember to always think about you interact with your baby!

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Obesity in women has increased over the years, and that is true for women who are pregnant as well. Being overweight while pregnancy has many complications. It is not necessarily true that you are eating for two. Research has shown that women who are pregnant should not be gaining as much weight as before. There are complications that can come from being obese and pregnant.

Birth defects
If you are obese and pregnant, did you know your baby is more at risk for certain birth defects and anomalies? We will not go into detail on which ones, but please discuss with your doctor the latest research. There are many complications your baby can have due to your obesity.

Your Risks
The risks don’t just include your baby. If you are obese and pregant, you are more prone to hypertension and diabetes. Studies also show that overweight delivering women are more at risk for needing to be induced and bleeding.

Later Risks
If you are overweight, your children will be more at risk of being overweight. Your child is also at greater risk to develop diabetes.

Here are some guidelines for weight and pregnancy.

Watch your weight before getting pregnant. Remember, if you are overweight, the risks increase.

Manage your weight while pregnant. Discuss with a doctor and dieticians as to what is normal weight gain during pregnancy. Be sure and exercise and eat well.

Breastfeed your baby. One of the best things to keep you and your baby healthy and lower risks is to breastfeed exclusively for at least six months.

Because of the risks and complications for overweight pregnancies, you should strive to do everything you can to keep your weight within normal limits.

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Avoiding SIDS

Christmas Baby Safety Tips

Many moms are not sure when to start potty training. It is not a good idea to just come up with an age and say, okay, let’s potty train!

Here are some things to look for and prep for determining when it is potty training time:

Your toddler can take off clothes by themselves. Make sure you teach them and have them practice. Potty training is useless if you have to undress them. You can wait on the re-dressing part.

Your toddler stays dry for a couple of hours, especially after naps and does not poop at night. This will show that they are now “holding it.”

They want to follow you into the bathroom and become interested in what you do there. In fact, you may even take them in already to get their interest up.

Asking to be changed. This is a very good sign. They know they have just done something that needs to be taken care of. They now know that being wet or poopy is not a good feeling.

Stopping what they are doing and start peeing or pooping. If your child pauses and is actively pooping or peeing in their diaper, you know they now know the signal.

Your baby knows and understands the words you use for pee and poop. They also know that pee and poop do not belong in clothes but are to be done elsewhere.

Some kids may seem constipated. Before starting potty training be sure your child is doing regular bowel movements for their age.

Stress-Free Potty Training: A Commonsense Guide to Finding the Right Approach for Your Child

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Here some top green products to use with and on your baby.

Elements Naturals 100% Natural & Renewable Baby Wipes - 80 ct
Elements Naturals 100% Natural & Renewable Baby Wipes - 80 ctDeveloped by a mom, Elements Naturals 100% Natural and Renewable baby wipes are the first to market wipe designed with babies and the environment in mind. They are soft and thick and free of harsh synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Our wipe material is made from Ingeo Fibers, the world’s first man-made fiber from 100% natural renewable resources. Ingeo fibers are free of chemical additives and surface treatments, and production requires 68% fewer fossil fuel resources than traditional oil-based materials. Now you can feel comfortable using a product that is gentle on their baby’s delicate skin as well as the environment.Ingredients Purified Water, Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Glycerin (vegetable oil derived), Alkyl Polyglucoside (corn based), Vitamin E, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxymethyl Glycinate (a preservative based on glycine, a naturally occurring amino acid)- 100% Natural & Renewable- 100% Compostable- Chemical Free- Fragrance Free- Chlorine Free- Resealable Pack- 80 Unscented Wipes- Larger Wipes (7.1 x 8.9)- Softer Wipe Material- Recyclable Packaging

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Nature babycare Eco Pull On Pants

* No oil-based plastics against baby’s delicate skin
* Stretchy tear-away sides for comfort and convenience
* Soft, cloth-like feel provides a non-bulky fit, enabling your child to move around freely!
* Kinder and more gentle to your baby and the environment
* Breathable and chlorine-free with natural based material, for natural protection

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The Disposable Potty - 5 Pack

Sometimes, we find it difficult to live our lives and remain economically conscious all at the same time - especially with potty training! However, the new Disposable Potty is the perfect and convenient way to say goodbye to harmful disposable diapers and plastic potties and hello to an easy and eco-friendly potty training trip! The Disposable Potty is a portable, disposable, hygienic, biodegradable, cardboard pop-up potty that’s small enough to carry in your purse or diaper bag! When on long car journeys, many parents are ready to throw in the towel and just slap on a environmentally harmful disposable diaper, but with the Disposable Potty you don’t have to worry yourself with this affliction any more! The biodegradable, Disposable Potty is great for travel! It is easily and quickly assembled and can be recycled and composted. The 100 % corrugated compostable, biodegradable cardboard makes the the Disposable Potty recyclable and environmentally safe to throw away!

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How you put your baby to sleep has been attributed to causing or preventing SIDS. SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) has actually decreased dramatically since doctors have advised mothers to place babys on their backs while sleeping. The reasoning is that a baby can inhale carbon dioxide they exhale, and not be able to awake. A baby sleeping on their stomach has a better chance of having this happen.

So, the first thing you should do is to place your baby always on their backs when putting them to sleep.

Next up would be what is around the baby when they sleep. Put nothing around them that can suffocate them by accident. Blankets, sheets, etc. Nothing should be able to obstruct baby’s breathing or covering their face.

There is some debate on bedsharing. Many experts warn about cosleeping, but many baby advocates will promote colsleeping. If you have a danger of you or your spouse rolling over on your child, don’t do it. Not only this, but adults sleep with pillows, blankets, and sheets, which can smother. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to have the baby near them, even cosleeping. There are baby beds specifically made for cosleeping. Check them out.

Babies put on their sides are in danger of rolling over on their stomachs as well.

Remember to keep your crib clutter free. No blanket, quilts, fuzzy toys, sheets, etc. Fight the urge to get cute with the inside of the crib.

Do you smoke? Smoking while pregnant has been shown to increase the risk of SIDS.

Pacifiers? Studies have shown that a pacifier decreases the risk of SIDS. But use it sparingly and wisely. Never force one in. Don’t put it back in if it falls out. Some babies just don’t like them.

Keep your nursery and home only lukewarm. Too much heat has also been shown to increase the risk of SIDS.

There are also many products on the market, from sleeping monitors to elevated mattress and fans. Forget them. You only need your common sense to prevent most SIDS.

Be sure and be firm with your babysitters. They must not smoke, put the baby on their stomach to sleep, or anything else explained above.

And we always feel the best thing is breastfeeding. Once again, breastfeeding comes through. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of SIDS than non-breastfed babies!

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Because up to 80% of kids will get an ear infection before they are three years old, you need to be aware of treatments and preventions. Under three years of age are more susceptible, as baby’s immune system is not fully developed.

Doctors now are instructed not to just give out antibiotics for anything that appears to be an er infection. Pediatricians now say to allow the body’s immune system a chance to fight the infection. Most er infections will go away on their own within a week. Some ear infections are caused by a virus anyway, and can’t be cured with antibiotics. You need to make the decision to see a doctor or not, but waiting to see if it gets better may be the way of choice. Most kids have fewer symptoms after 24 hours. If your child is healthy, other than the ear infection, and has a fever lower than 102 F, you may wish to wait. Your doctor may be needed to give something for the pain like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always contact your doctor of symptoms get worse or do not go away. Doctors do not just give away antibiotics anymore. Because of overprescribing, there are drug resistant bacterial infections now. Don’t be surprised if your doctor says to just let it run its course.

How can you tell if your child has an ear infection? You know your baby better than anyone. You know when your baby is acting up normally, or being fussier and irritated more than usual. This may be a sign. Tugging at the ear may be a symptom too, but remember that teething can also cause these symptoms. Use your motherly instincts to know when your child is sick and not just having one of those days.

If your child has repeated ear infections, the fluid may not drain. This can cause hearing and speech problems. If your child has 3 to 4 ear infections a year, you should see an ENT specialist. They can find out if fluid in the ear is not draining and do procedures to correct it.

So, how can you help to prevent ear infections?

Breastfeed for at least the first six months. Over and over again, breastfeeding has shown to be very good in helping to ward off infections. Breastfeed! Breastfed babies have fewer of these infections. That is the best thing you can do.

Keep your baby away from people who smoke. Cigarette smoke can increase the risk of ear infections.

Know who and where your child is watched or babysat away from home. You do not want your baby around a bunch of other kids. Your baby cannot get ear infections from other babies, but other problems they can get may contribute to ear infections.

Watch what goes into your babies mouth, especially pacifiers. If you give a pacifier 1 to 2 times a day, like at sleep time, you limit the amount of bacteria you introduce into your child’s mouth. Find out ways to properly and safely sterilize them.

If you bottle feed, do it more often in an upright position. This even goes for bottle fed breast milk. Milk has a greater chance to pool in the baby’s mouth with a chance to flow into the middle ear. This increases ear infection risks.

If you so decide, there is a vaccine called pneummococcal conjugate vaccine that has been shown to decrease ear infections. Discuss this with your doctor.

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