Archive for December, 2011
BABY STROLLER RECALL
Posted by: | CommentsA jogging stroller was recalled by B.O.B. trailers in Boise,
Idaho on October 11, 2011. The hazard
involved the stroller canopy’s embroidered logo’s backing patch which can
detach and pose a choking hazard to babies and young children. The recall involved 438,700 units in the U.S. and Canada, marketed under the B.O.B., Ironman and Stroller Striders logos
between November 1998 and November 2010.
The company had a previous recall for a strangulation hazard
associated with the canopy drawstring on their strollers.
These units were manufactured in Taiwan and China, like most
products today. An overseas manufactureris difficult to avoid in today’s world, but look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA) certification on any unit you buy. This certification assures you that the product bearing that certification has met safety standards above the average.
Most importantly, if you have one of these strollers, simply remove the logo backing. This is all that is required to remove the hazard. From that point, it is up to the operator.
The single most important rule for stroller users is: DON’T EVER LEAVE THE CHILD UNATTENDED IN THE STROLLER! Always use a five-point harness to secure the child into the stroller, and strap the stroller to you when using a jogging stroller. Always
set the brakes whenever you stop. If the stroller is designed with compartments for diaper bags, toys and lattes, be sure to use those compartments rather than simply slinging the bag over the handles. This may cause the unit to tip over.
Collapsible strollers are among the greatest things invented
in today’s busy lifestyle, but be sure that little fingers don’t get caught in
hinges and other pinch points when folding or erecting the stroller. Be sure there is enough room in the trunk or cargo area to hold the stroller without damaging it.
If you must rent or borrow a unit, or if you are searching the yard sales to purchase a used one, always look for the JPMA label to assure that it met the proper standards to begin with.
Then examine the stroller carefully to ensure that the unit is stable, works smoothly and is still well put together. Are straps still serviceable or have they started to wear? Are all the stitched seams on covers and shelving still holding well or are they unraveling? Is there any corrosion? Are wheels still intact and properly secured to the axles? Does the locking device
(the mechanism that keeps the stroller in the open position while in use) still perform as designed?
While you are looking, consider your lifestyle. Larger wheels allow travel over rougher paths
and walks. Adjustable handles allow the stroller to be used comfortably by caregivers of all sizes. If you are constantly transporting the stroller by car, then a lighter unit might be worth consideration.
Again, double check your unit to make sure it isn’t covered by the recall. Make the changes if
needed. Then be sure to never leave your child unattended, and always set the brakes when you stop. Watch out for baby’s fingers when erecting or disassembling your stroller. Be sure to use strollers that are JPMA-certified. Following these simple steps will help to keep your child safe.
TOY SAFETY HINTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
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Though we hate to admit it, the holidays are just around the
corner, and for many, that means toy buying time. It’s great to watch a child open a package
and find a toy he or she has wanted. Hopefully, it will be a toy they can enjoy safely and for a long
time. Before you rush out to buy toys for the children in your life, review these helpful hints on toy safety.
Primary Toy Accident Sources
The most recent Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) statistics tell us that the largest cause, by far, of baby and toddler
fatalities and injuries associated with toys is strangulation/asphyxiation. The next largest
group is cuts and abrasions. This tells us that we need to focus on toys that can cause a child to choke or to become
entangled in something. It also says we should focus on anything with sharp edges that might cut a child. The largest source of choking incidents is
un-inflated balloons or pieces of broken/exploded balloons. Kids put them in their mouths, only to have the balloon cover the windpipe.
Preventing Toy Accidents
The easiest way to avoid this problem is to keep unused balloons out of a child’s reach and immediately pick up any used balloon pieces
and properly dispose of them. Marbles and toys with small pieces should also be kept out of the reach of babies and
young children (at least age three, but more on that in a minute). As a general guideline, if an object can pass
through a toilet paper roll, it is too small for little guys.
Likewise, avoid any toys that have strings or cords dangling from them. Cords can easily become wrapped around a baby’s neck, causing asphyxiation. Cords can be shortened and cut so there are
no loops or long ends. Better yet, just don’t buy toys with cords or strings. Crib toys with strings should be removed when the child is old enough to push up onto hands and knees.
Be sure to buy toys with smooth surfaces. Be sure to inspect toys periodically to ensure that plastic surfaces haven’t worn away to provide a sharp edge, or that
wooden surfaces haven’t developed splinters. If the wear can be repaired successfully or if sharp splinters are sanded away, all is well. If those repairs can’t be made, however, then the toy should be thrown away.
More Child Safety Tips With Toys
Once you’ve purchased safe toys, the best control is supervision. No one can be looking over the child’s shoulder constantly, but you can look at the toys occasionally to
be sure they are in good shape, and to repair or discard those that are worn or damaged. Look for the possibility that a toy has broken and thereby released small pieces that a child could swallow. Supervision helps to ensure that the toys of older children haven’t been mixed with the younger child’s or that older toys haven’t been left out where a baby or toddler can get to them. Toys and games meant for older children often have small parts that can cause a choking hazard.
Toy storage can be handled in a variety of ways, but the most common are toy chests or shelves. Both need to be checked for splinters and sharp edges. Toy boxes must be made so that hinges won’t
pinch fingers. Lids must stay open when the child is selecting or putting away toys. If the lid comes down unexpectedly, the child could be seriously hurt or
trapped. Be certain that the chest has air holes drilled in the sides or top so that a potentially trapped child won’t suffocate. Be sure that any home-made
toys meet these standards, and resist the temptation to use antique toy chests because they very well may involve lead paint.
Toy Buying Guidelines
Pick toys that are age-appropriate, while also considering the child’s interests and capabilities. An individual child can be a little ahead or
behind certain age-appropriate guidelines. Read the labels on toys. They don’t tell all, but they will help you to choose the best toys for your child. Toys should not contain or be painted with
lead, and chemicals known as phthalates (used as plastic softeners) should not be an ingredient. Avoid noise-making
toys, like cap guns, which will generate noise levels high enough to damage the child’s hearing. Remember that propelled
toys are for older children only. Always store toys made for older children and adults away from toys for the little people.
Summing up, remember that most child toy deaths and accidents occur as the result of strangulation or asphyxiation, cuts or abrasions, motorized toys and chemicals. So, avoid balloons, marbles and toys with small pieces for the little guys. Keep toys in good repair and store toys made for older kids out of the reach of babies and toddlers. Keep toy chests and other storage in good
repair. Be careful to supervise toy activities from time to time.
