Tag Archives: infant

The Family Bed – Part 2: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

The main reason some people oppose the concept of The Family Bed or co-sleeping, is because they fear it poses a danger to the baby. Research about this topic has been all over the board throughout the years. Protestors claim that co-sleeping puts a baby at a greater risk for suffocation or for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), while supporters say that sleeping with your child may actually reduce the occurrence of SIDS. To get to the bottom of this issue, and to bring you the most informed information possible, I decided to go straight to The Academy of Pediatrics … Continue reading →

The Family Bed – Part 1

The topic of the family bed, or co-sleeping, is one that typically sparks deep opinions. Many families are either for co-sleeping or against it, and few are on the fence about the idea. In the next three installments, I’ll attempt to debunk the myths, give the facts to you straight, and hopefully, allow you to make the best decision for your family. Yay vs. Nay What the Supporters Say: Supporters of co-sleeping feel that babies and young children sleeping in bed with their parents is a natural process that leaves both parent and child feeling safe and loved. The starting … Continue reading →

Infant Child Car Seat Safety

Studies show that approximately 82% of children that are placed in child safety seats are not restrained properly. This should be quite an eye opener, considering that when used properly, a child safety seat actually reduces the risk of death for infants by 71%. Some adults seem to think that their driving skills are so excellent (“I drive slow and cautious.”) or that the length of the trip (“I’m just going to the corner store.”) are excuses enough for not taking the time to properly secure their children. However, you are not alone on the roads. Other drivers may actually … Continue reading →

URGENT: Your Baby Needs Tummy Time!

I recently spoke with Teresa Riley, a Child Development Disabilities Consultant in Arizona. I asked her, “Is there any advice which you find yourself repeatedly giving the couples you consult with?” She answered almost immediately, “Yes. I tell them that they aren’t giving their babies enough tummy time.” Now that wasn’t an answer I expected. Tummy time? Fear of SIDS Teresa explained that out of fear of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), couples are keeping their babies almost exclusively in a face-up position, lying on their backs. This is understandable, because it stems from the desire to protect their infants. … Continue reading →

Fisher-Price Recalls Infant Musical Toy Chair Posing Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Fisher-Price® today announced a voluntary recall of the Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn™ Musical Learning Chair™. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn™ Musical Learning Chair™ Units: About 614,000 Manufacturer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y. Hazard: A child can become lodged between the seatback and side table of the chair, possibly leading to an entrapment of the neck. This can pose a strangulation hazard to young children. Incidents/Injuries: Fisher-Price has received three reports of young children getting their necks lodged between the … Continue reading →

10 Steps to Protect Your Newborn from Illness

Signs of Illness in a Newborn: Does your baby look different? Has your baby’s skin lost color, or is it rosy? Are there any rashes? Does your baby have a fever? Any of these changes could indicate illness. If you notice any of them, or other worrisome changes in your baby, call your baby’s medical professional. Has your baby been acting unusual? Is your baby crying more often than usual? Is your baby more short-tempered than usual? Is your baby sleeping more or less than usual? Does your baby seem worn-out? Has your baby’s eating habits or stools changed? Has … Continue reading →