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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.
BICYCLE SAFETY GUIDELINES
Posted by: | CommentsBicycling is fun and great exercise. All members of the family can participate. Little guys start to learn early by riding in their own little seat or trailer behind a parent’s bike, or later on a tricycle. As they grow, they’ll advance to their first bike. This is the opportune time to begin teaching them the safe way to do it. Parents must not only provide supervision, but set the right example as well.
Select a bike that’s the right size and type for the intended rider, including reflectors on fenders and pedal backs. Once you’ve purchased the bike, be sure that you or the bike seller properly adjust the bike to the child. Now the boring, but important part, reading the owner’s manual. It will help to catch any quirks the bike or its manufacturer may have. Before you and your child start out, check the brakes on the bike, whether new or a favorite. All parts should be working correctly. Handlebars should be stable and turn comfortably. Wheels should be straight with particular attention paid to quick-release wheels to ensure they are securely closed and that any available safety retainer is used.
Make sure everyone wears a helmet. Be sure to use the extra padding that comes with a helmet if it is a little big for your child. Reflective clothing involving neon or fluorescent colors should be worn to increase your visibility. Both the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) strongly recommend that children should not ride at night! If you must bike at night, all reflectors should be present, the bike should have bright lights in front and rear, and you should wear retro-reflective clothing which reflects light directly back to its source rather than reflecting it away at an angle.
Cyclists should go in the direction of the traffic flow, following all rules of the road. Many cyclists increase their accident potential by ignoring stop signs and other basic driving rules. Remember, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and is required to follow the applicable sections of the motor vehicle code in your state. If your child is riding on a sidewalk, they should be taught to dismount and walk the bike across the crosswalk to avoid being struck by a turning car.
Keep a sharp eye out for road debris, drainage grates, expansion joints, broken pavement or any other obstruction in your path. Where bike trails or paths exist, use them. Always watch the traffic around you, paying particular attention to driveways, intersections and vehicle doors opening in your path.
To review quickly, select the right bike for your child, make sure it is equipped with safety gear, and take the time to correctly adjust brakes. Insist that your child wear a helmet and proper reflective clothing. Kids should always ride in the direction of the traffic flow, watching for intersections and road hazards. Teaching children a few simple guidelines and setting the right example can greatly increase bicycle safety.
If you’d like more information on child safety, we invite you to join us at www.homesafetytipsforkids.com.
While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information presented here is correct, contents and any links are not warranted for accuracy or any other implied or explicit purposes and are for information only.
