Baby 411 & Toddler 411 Blog

Happy 2011

Yes, it’s time for the age-old tradition of making New Year’s Resolutions (and, if you are like me, giving up those lofty goals by February or so). This year, my 2011 New Year’s Resolution is to NOT give up on my New Year’s Resolution. Maybe we can keep each other motivated to persevere!

 In case you need some inspiration, here are some of my suggestions for healthy resolutions.

 #1. Limit screen time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids over two years of age should have no more than 1-2 hours a day in front of all screens (TV, DVD’s, computers, gaming devices, iPhones, etc)

 #2. Clean out your pantry. Get rid of the 4 C’s…Cookies, Candy, Chips, and Cola. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to have these goodies every once in a while. But if these items are in your pantry, they are a staple—not a treat. If your family has to go out to consume these things, everyone will eat less of them.

 #3. Pack a lunch. Not only will it save you money, but you and your kids will almost certainly eat better. It takes a few extra minutes and some planning ahead, but it’s time well spent.

 #4. Exercise regularly—That goes for every family member. It’s got to start with you, Mom and Dad. Your kids watch you, so be a good role model! Get the kids off the couch and get them moving. Maybe your child doesn’t enjoy any particular sport or can’t just go outside and play because the weather or your neighborhood isn’t ideal. Get creative! Turn on the iPod and have a dance contest. Have a race to see how many stairs you can climb. Or, find a program in your community if your family needs help staying motivated. 

Set realistic goals that you can achieve. Then stick to it!

Happy 2011!

Humidifiers: Will it help your snot-nosed baby?

My pals at Dadlabs and I teamed up again this week to give parents the 411 on humidifiers. Does your baby need one? What's the difference between a vaporizer and a humidifier? Should you purchase a cool mist or warm mist one? Do you actually need to clean the darn thing? All these burning questions and more, in this week's edition of Dadlabs!

Government bans drop-side cribs

As was widely anticipated, the Consumer Product Safety Commission today voted to ban the sale of drop-side cribs. 

According to the Associated Press, the government took the move "after the deaths of more than 30 infants and toddlers in the past decade and millions of recalls."

This means that beginning in June, all cribs sold in the USA must have static or non-moving side rails. However, manufacturers and retailers have already been phasing out these cribs . . . most major chain stores now only sell static-side cribs. 

The law would also ban childcare centers and hotels from using drop-side cribs---however, there is a two-year grace period. 

There are millions of drop-side cribs in homes, attics and second-hand stores. Should you junk your drop-side crib and get a new one? Yes, we believe that would be the safest course. Even if you check the hardware, it is still possible for the hardware to fail or for the crib to be mis-assembled. 

 

Flu vaccine during pregnancy provides dual protection

Flu shots have been recommmended during pregnancy because pregnant women are at greater risk of getting really sick with the flu. That’s what happens when you are living as an immune compromised pregnant person! (Don’t worry, it’s the body’s way of accepting your little growing baby inside you that contains foreign DNA —so it’s not permanent.)

But, emerging data suggests that the flu shot provides dual protection for both mother and baby-to-be. A new study performed at Yale New Haven Hospital shows that babies under six months of age whose moms received flu vaccine during pregnancy did not need to be hospitalized for flu illness over 90% of the time. In short: flu vaccine during pregnancy seems to protect babies who are too young to receive flu vaccine themselves.

Our recommendation: Get the flu shot, ladies! The inactivated flu shot is safe to give during any trimester of pregnancy.

Update on whooping cough booster for adults 65 and up

One of our readers suggested we provide additional information regarding the new ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) guidelines on giving Tdap (whooping cough booster shots) to adults ages 65 and up. While ACIP made these recommendations, the Centers for Disease Control will be confirming this updated recommendation in February 2011. What does that mean for you? Well, some health departments and providers may not offer the vaccine to those folks until CDC rubber stamps it. Other practices (like mine) accept the ACIP guidelines and will offer the vaccine to adults in that age group who want to get protected.

Here are the details: ACIP recommendations are not considered final until they are published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). When they become available they will be listed on the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/acip-list.htm

The new Tdap recommendations are expected to be released with the 2011 adult vaccine schedule, which is currently expected in February 2011.

More information on these updates can be found on the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/acip/downloads/mtg-slides-oct10/11-1-AdultSchedule.pdf

You can also sign up to receive vaccine-related updates from the CDC by going to:
http://www.cdc.gov/emailupdates/index.html

For more information about Tdap, please visit the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/combo-vaccines/dtap-td-dt/tdap.htm

Expecting 411 authors Dr Michele Hakakha & Dr Ari Brown team up with Parents.com

Exciting news for parents and parents-to-be! Expecting 411 authors Dr Michele Hakakha and Dr Ari Brown have teamed up with the folks at Parents Magazine online to create a terrific Q & A forum for health advice on pregnancy, childbirth, babies and beyond! Come and check out our message boards and join the conversation!

411 books make great stocking stuffers!

While we didn't design them for this purpose, all the 411 books fit perfectly into holiday stockings (and then into a purse or diaper bag). Give the gift of information this holiday season. Expecting 411, Baby 411, and Toddler 411 make terrific gifts for parents and parents-to-be.

Does your friend have a Kindle? Now you can give an ebook version of our book to your friends! All you need is their email address.

Click here to give the BABY 411 Kindle ebook:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/gift/B002OHFPQ6

Click here to give the TODDLER 411 Kindle ebook:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/gift/B0041OTB60

Click here to give the EXPECTING 411 Kindle ebook:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/gift/B003NHRGT0

Click here to give the BABY BARGAINS Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/gift/B0028M9F0Y

Of course, you can go old school and give print copies of our books as well!
Go to http://www.windsorpeak.com to order or visit your favorite local bookstore.

And be sure to tell the gift recipient to sign up for the free enewsletter, free iphone app, or follow us on twitter and facebook for updates!

Grandparents need whooping cough booster shots too

 Over 70% of babies get whooping cough from a family member. That's why the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends that adults ages 65 and up who will be around a baby under a year of age get their Tdap booster shot. Previously, the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) was only offered to those under age 65. So, grandparents: roll up your sleeves for your Tdap (and flu shots, too) before you visit your precious little ones over the holidays!

Holiday Safety for kids: How to stay out of the ER!

Here are some helpful tips to keep your family safe this holiday season!

Trees and Decorations

-Make sure your artificial tree is “fire resistant”.

-When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters.

-Twinkle lights and ornaments are very tempting for toddlers to touch, grab, or eat! Avoid ornaments that look like food. And, keep your eyes on your little one whenever he is in the vicinity of the tree.

 Lights, Candles, and Fireplaces

-Make sure all the twinkle light bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.

-Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, causing an electrocution risk.

-Opt for LED candle lights instead of real candles. The effect is similar without the safety risk of an open flame.

-Don’t get lost in the conversation and egg nog. If you have a lit fireplace, observe your child at all times.

 

Toy Safety

-Beware of ELF STEW.

-E: Avoid toys requiring an electrical outlet. These are risky for burns and shocks. Opt for battery-operated toys instead.

-L: Avoid loud toys that are “intended for outdoor use”. That’s code for REALLY LOUD!

-F: Flying objects can end up in a child’s eye or cause a head injury.

-S: Sharp edges on poorly made toys can cause cuts and abrasions.

-T: Tiny parts are a choking or health hazard. Yes, even your child may attempt to eat or place a small object into a nostril or ear.

-E: Emotional hazards lurk in those violent video games.

-W: Wrong toy for the age of the child. Even if your child is a prodigy, toys above his age level may be a safety hazard.    

 

Happy Visiting

-Remind house guests that you have a young child in the home. Be sure they keep their medications safely out of a child’s reach (and not out on the bathroom or kitchen counter!)

-Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed.  Keep an eye out for danger spots.

-Keep a list with important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222.

-Try to stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

 

2010 Holiday Safety Tips, courtesy of Dr Ari Brown and the American Academy of Pediatrics