0 FDA bans BPA from baby bottles, sippy cups

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week banned the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups nationwide. The FDA ban comes about nine months after the chemical industry petitioned the FDA to ban such uses on grounds of "abandonment," meaning that no one was using it for that purpose any more. The industry filed the petition less than two weeks after the ban was approved by the California legislature. Other states banned it earlier.

The federal ban is good news for consumers, but there's more still to do, said Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives at Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. "This is a big day for everyone who has worked so hard to get BPA out of our sippy cups and baby bottles," Halloran said. Consumers Union has long urged federal, state, and local governments to curb uses of BPA in food containers, especially those used by babies and young children. "FDA's next step should be to ban this chemical in infant-formula containers," added Halloran.

In an e-mail statement to Consumer Reports, the FDA said the agency "continues to support the safety of BPA for use in products that hold food."

Bisphenol-A is a chemical used to make hard, polycarbonate plastics, and has been used for years in clear plastic bottles and food-can liners. Studies show that BPA is in the bloodstreams of more than 90 percent of the population at levels that have shown harm in animal studies. Food appears to be a primary source of exposure. In December 2009, Consumer Reports published the results of tests of canned food that showed BPA was leaching into the contents of the can.

Consumers Union has long warned of the dangers of BPA in food containers to fetuses, infants, and small children, because children may metabolize BPA more slowly than adults and may therefore be particularly vulnerable to the substance. BPA has been linked to early puberty, breast cancer, childhood obesity, autism, and hyperactivity, as well as an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, and reproductive, neurological, and developmental disorders. "Babies' exposure to BPA, in particular, should be minimized in every way possible," Halloran said.

Despite evidence of harm, the California law took years to enact because the chemical and formula industries staunchly opposed it, said Elisa Odabashian, director of state campaigns in CU's California office. "The chemical and formula industries poured a lot of money into the effort to defeat the California ban," Odabashian said, adding that proponents of the California law were forced to concede key provisions in the bill, such as keeping BPA out of baby formula packaging (where formula spends more time than it does in baby bottles), in an effort to get some consumer protections in place rather than none. "Despite their vigorous efforts to keep BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, once the chemical industry saw the writing on the wall in California, they tried to make it look like they'd already stopped using BPA and were taking a more proactive move to stop its use by petitioning FDA to ban it," said Odabashian.

BPA can still be found in cash register receipts and tooth fillings and sealants, Odabashian said. "We think BPA is bad for human health, and we want to get it out of all food contact containers, not just for infants. It should be banned in anything that can be ingested by humans."

0 CPSC tries to stop sale of super-magnetic 'Buckyballs'

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has filed a lawsuit aimed at stopping the sale of Buckyballs, a popular magnetic desk toy that the CPSC complaint says presents "a substantial product hazard."

Despite labeling changes designating the product for use only by those age 14 or older and package warnings about potentially life-threatening injuries that can occur if the tiny high-powered magnets are swallowed, the agency has received mounting reports of children swallowing Buckyballs. Many of the children required surgery as a result.

The CPSC complaint asks that Buckyballs maker Maxfield & Oberton stop importing and selling Buckyballs and Buckycubes, a related product. The agency also wants the company to notify consumers who have purchased the products of their risks and to provide refunds to them.

"We have tried to work with the company to put a recall into place and the company did not agree," says Patty Davis, a CPSC spokeswoman. "The bottom line is that incidents and injuries are still happening. We have exhausted the possibilities and we have an obligation to protect children and that is what this is all about."

Craig Zucker, founder and CEO of Maxfield & Oberton, says in a public statement that the company would fight the action. "Obviously the bureaucrats see danger everywhere, and those responsible people--like our company who have vigorously promoted safety and appropriate use of our products--gets put out of business by an unfair and arbitrary process," Zucker said.

Sources:
CPSC Buckball compaint (pdf) [CPSC]
Maxfield and Oberton Statement on Recent CPSC Action to Put Company Out of Business [PRNewswire]

0 Peg Perego and Kolcraft stroller models recalled due to safety hazards

Recalled Peg Perego Venezia stroller

Peg Perego has recalled 223,000 of its Venezia and Pliko-P3 strollers, both older models, because of the risk of entrapment and strangulation. Meanwhile, Kolcraft has recalled 5,600 of its Contours Options LT Tandem strollers because of a fall hazard involving the front wheel assembly and a choking hazard involving a screw that can come off.

A 7-month-old in New York, nearly strangled when her head was trapped between the seat and the tray of a Peg Perego stroller in 2006. And in 2004, a 6-month-old in California died of strangulation after his head was trapped between the seat and the tray of one of these strollers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Peg Perego were unaware of these incidents until years after they occurred, according to CPSC spokeman Scott Wolfson.

In announcing the recall, the CPSC said that entrapment and strangulation can occur in the Peg Perego strollers if a child, especially an infant under 12 months, is not harnessed. An infant can pass through the opening between the stroller tray and seat bottom, but his or her head and neck can become entrapped by the tray. Infants who become entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation.

The recalled Peg Perego strollers were manufactured before the 2008 industry standard which addresses the height of the opening between the stroller's tray and the seat bottom. The voluntary standard requires that if there is enough room for a child's torso to fit between the bar and the seat there must be enough room for the child's head to fit through, too.

Manufactured between January 2004 and September 2007, in a variety of colors, the recalled Peg Perego strollers were sold nationwide at retailers including Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby from January 2004 through September 2010. Strollers with a bumper bar in front of the child or a tray with two cup holders are not included in this recall.

Recalled Venezia stroller model numbers include IPVA13MU09, IPVA13MU10, IPVA13US09, IPVA13US10, IPVA13US32, IPVA13US34, IPVC13NA32, and IPVC13NA34. The model number is printed on a white label on the Venezia stroller's footboard.

The model numbers for the recalled Pliko-P3 stroller include IPFR28US34xxxxxxxx, IPFT28NA63, IPFT28NA64, IPP328MU10, IPP328MU09, IPP328US09, IPP328US10, IPP329US10, IPPA28US32, IPPA28US33, IPPA28US34, IPPD28NA34, IPPF28NA32, IPPF28NA57, IPPF28NA65, IPPF28NA66, IPPF28NA67, IPPF28NA68, IPPO28US32, IPPO28US34, IPPO28US62, IPPO28US69, IPPO28US70, and IPPO28US71. The model number is printed on a white label on the back of the Pliko P-3's stroller seat.

If you own one of the recalled Peg Perego strollers you should stop using it and contact Peg Perego for a free repair kit. Don't return the stroller to the retailer where you bought it. They won't be able to provide the repair kit. Call Peg Perego at 888-734-6020, or visit www.PegPeregoUSA.com for more information.

Kolcraft recalled its Contours Options LT Tandem strollers, shown below, because the front wheel assembly can break, posing a fall hazard to the child. In addition, on Contours Options LT Tandem strollers manufactured in January and February 2012, the nuts that hold the stroller's basket support screws in place can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Kolcraft has received six reports of front caster wheels breaking and two reports of the basket's support screws and nuts detaching, but no injuries have been reported.

The recalled Contours Options LT Tandem strollers by Kolcraft were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, specialty stores nationwide, and online at Amazon, Target, and other retailers February to July, 2012.

If you own the recalled Kolcraft Contours Options LT Tandem stroller stop using it and contact Kolcraft for free replacement wheels. If you have one of the strollers manufactured between January and February 2012, you will also receive replacement nuts for the basket support screws. For more information, call Kolcraft at 800-453-7673, or visit www.kolcraft.com.

If you are in the market for a new stroller, read our stroller buying guide. Subscribers can consult our latest Ratings.

Sources:
Peg Perego Recalls Strollers Due to Risk of Entrapment and Strangulation; One Child Death Reported [CPSC]
Kolcraft Recalls Contours Tandem Strollers Due to Fall and Choking Hazards [CPSC]

0 Consumer Reports warns about high chair choking hazard

Consumer Reports says owners of one model of high chair manufactured by Baby Trend of Ontario, California should check the product carefully for any plastic labels that can be removed without tools, and thus might pose a safety hazard if young children peel the labels free, put them in their mouths and then choke on them.

The Baby Trend Deluxe Feeding Center Chrissy is a $90 chair intended for babies and toddlers weighing up to 40 pounds. Consumer Reports is not aware of any choking incidents involving the Deluxe Feeding Center and we believe that the likelihood of such incidents is small.

However, should such incidents occur, they could result in serious injury or death, so we have designated the Deluxe Feeding Center as Don't Buy Safety Risk.

The oval-shaped plastic labels that caused our concern say "Baby Trend", and on the units we tested, were attached to the front of the tray and on both sides of the upper part of the frame.

We initially tested two of these high chairs, both manufactured in 2011. As part of our testing, we check that all non-paper labels are securely attached and cannot be removed without the use of tools or solvents-- a requirement that is also part of the ASTM-International standard for high chair safety. Our tester noticed that one plastic label on one of these samples was slightly detached, and she peeled it off easily. We found that all of the plastic "Baby Trend" labels on both samples could be peeled off without tools or solvent.

We then purchased two more Deluxe Feeding Center samples, both made in 2012. On these chairs, the labels on the frames were attached with adhesive and we were able to remove one such label from each chair without tools or solvent. The labels on the trays, however, were securely attached with tabs, posing no hazard.

All of the removed labels were small enough for children to choke on as judged by the fact that they fit into a standard "small parts" cylinder used to check for that possibility.

We found no non-paper labels that could be removed without tools on any other high chair we tested.

As a further check, we purchased four samples of Baby Trend high chairs that were not the Deluxe Feeding Center model. All the plastic labels on these chairs were attached with tabs and posed no safety hazard.

The Deluxe Feeding Center is sold only by Toys 'R Us, according to Baby Trend General Manager Bradley Mattarocci who said that the model is no longer made and he expects it will no longer be available within 60 days.

Mattarocci added that, "We stand behind the product that it is 100 percent in compliance with ASTM standard and it has been tested by certified CPSC labs that have approved it for distribution".

Consumer Reports has notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission of our findings.

Consumer Reports advises shoppers to avoid purchasing the Deluxe Feeding Center Chrissy High Chair and cautions existing owners to check their units carefully to remove and discard any plastic labels that can be peeled off by hand. "Checking labels in this manner is always a good practice when purchasing products that may be used by or come in contact with your baby or any child under 3," said Joan Muratore, program leader for family and child product testing at Consumer Reports.

0 Rates of infant mortality and preterms births are down, but still too high

The rates of babies being born too early and dying soon after birth has gone down in the U.S., according to a new government report. But the rates of those events are still higher here than in many other industrialized countries.

The new report, from the National Institutes of Health, shows that the proportion of infants born preterm (that is, before the 37th week of pregnancy), dropped from 12.2 percent in 2009 to 12.0 percent in 2010. That's a step in the right direction, but still puts the U.S. about 130th in the world, on par with Somalia, Thailand, and Turkey, according to information from the March of Dimes.

The number of children who die before their first birthday dropped from 6.4 per 1,000 births in 2009 to 6.1 in 2010, the new report shows. Again, that's better, but still means that the U.S. lags behind about 30 other countries, including South Korea, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.

Some research suggests that one reason the U.S. trails other industrialized countries in those and other measures is the overuse of a number of common medical interventions. Those procedures, including C-sections and induced labor, can be lifesaving in some situations but might also increase risk when used inappropriately.

For details, see our report What to Reject When You Are Expecting.

Sources
America's children: Key national indicators of well being [National Institutes of Health]
Born too soon [March of Dimes]

0 Chicco Polly high chairs recalled due to laceration hazard

Artsana USA, of Lancaster, Pa., has recalled 455,000 Chicco Polly high chairs in the U.S. and 30,690 in Canada, because children can fall on or against the pegs on the rear legs of the high chair, resulting in bruising or laceration.

Artsana is aware of 21 reports in which a child was injured after falling against the peg, including four laceration injuries requiring stitches, tape or glue, and one scratched cornea, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The Chicco Polly high chairs were sold January 2005 through July 2012 for $100 to $150 at Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Buy Buy Baby, Shopko and Toys R Us, and online at Albeebaby.com, Amazon.com, Babyage.com, Babysupermart.com, Diapers.com and Target.com.

The recall includes a range of Chicco Polly high chairs that all have pegs on the back legs meant for tray storage. The high chairs have a folding metal frame and reclining seat. The model number and date code are on a label on the underside of the seat, close to the footrest. The date code is in either DDMMYYYY format or YYYY-MM-DD format.

Model numbers include:
00063803430070, 05063803260070, 00063803480070, 05063803270070, 00063803490070, 05063803570070, 00063803580070, 05063803660070, 04063765000070, 05063803970070, 04063765540070, 06063765650070, 04063765760070, 06063765970070, 04063803630070, 06063803650070, 04063803860070, 06063803770070, 04063803900070, 06063803820070, 05063765020070, 06063803960070, 05063803020070, 06063803970070, 05063803220070, 07063803780070

High chairs included in the recall were manufactured prior to October 13, 2010.
If you own one of these recalled high chairs contact Chicco for a free peg cover kit. To prevent injuries before repair, you can store the tray on the pegs when the high chair is not in use. Call Chicco at 800-807-8817 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or visit chiccousa.com/pollykit.

Chicco high chair models are included in our high chair Ratings, which will be coming soon to our babies and kids section. Also, see our high chair buying guide including shopping and safety advice.

Source:
Chicco Polly High Chairs Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard [CPSC]

0 Flexible Flyer swing sets recalled due to see saw breaking

The Troxel Company, of Moscow, Tenn., has recalled 100,500 Flexible Flyer swing sets in the U.S. and 4,900 in Canada because the see saw seat can break away from the bolt fasteners during use, posing a fall hazard. Troxel has received 1,232 reports of breaking see saws, resulting in thirteen injuries to young children that included bumps, bruises and lacerations.

The recalled swing sets were sold for $130 to $280 at Walmart, Toys R Us, Academy, and other specialty stores and online from December 2011 through May 2012.

The Flexible Flyer swing set comes in 11 models, each with a see saw attachment along with swings, bars or a slide. The model number is on a sticker underneath the center of the top bar of each swing set unit.

Model names and model numbers of recalled swing sets:

• Backyard Flyer, 42003
  
• Backyard Fun, 42013
  
• Backyard Swingin' Fun, 42023
  
• Big Adventure, 41575
  
• Fantastic Playground, 42126
  
• Fun Fantastic II, 41578
  
• Fun Fantastic, 41577
  
• Fun Time, 42124
  
• Triple Fun II, 42560
  
• Triple Fun, 42544
  
• Windsor II, 42030

If you have one of these recalled swing sets stop using the see saws and contact Troxel for a free repair kit. For more information, call Troxel at 888-770-7060 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, or visit regcen.com/flexibleflyer.

Sources:
Troxel Recalls Flexible Flyer Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard [CPSC]
Recall Notice: Flexible-Flyer Fun Time Gym Set with See Saw attachment [Health Canada]

0 Flexible Flyer swing sets recalled because see saw can break while in use

The Troxel Company, of Moscow, Tenn., has recalled 100,500 Flexible Flyer swing sets in the U.S. and 4,900 in Canada because the see saw seat can break away from the bolt fasteners during use, posing a fall hazard. Troxel has received 1,232 reports of breaking see saws, resulting in thirteen injuries to young children that included bumps, bruises and lacerations.

The recalled swing sets were sold for $130 to $280 at Walmart, Toys R Us, Academy, and other specialty stores and online from December 2011 through May 2012.

The Flexible Flyer swing set comes in 11 models, each with a see saw attachment along with swings, bars or a slide. The model number is on a sticker underneath the center of the top bar of each swing set unit.

Model names and numbers of recalled swing sets:

• Big Adventure, 41575
  
• Fun Fantastic, 41577
  
• Fun Fantastic II, 41578
  
• Backyard Flyer, 42003
  
• Backyard Fun, 42013
  
• Backyard Swingin' Fun, 42023
  
• Windsor II, 42030
  
• Fun Time, 42124
  
• Fantastic Playground, 42126
  
• Triple Fun, 42544
  
• Triple Fun II, 42560

If you have one of these recalled swing sets stop using the see saws and contact Troxel for a free repair kit. For more information, call Troxel at 888-770-7060 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, or visit regcen.com/flexibleflyer.

Sources:
Troxel Recalls Flexible Flyer Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard [CPSC]
Recall Notice: Flexible-Flyer Fun Time Gym Set with See Saw attachment [Health Canada]

0 Most kids 8 to 12 now have cell phones. Should yours?

Nearly six out of 10 U.S. parents of children ages 8 to12 (a.k.a. "tweeners" or tweens) have provided those children with cell phones. And many parents are paying more than they expected to for phone service, according to the National Consumers League, which conducted a survey this past June that queried 802 parents.

The survey showed that the top reasons parents had for buying phones for this age group are safety (84 percent), tracking a child's after-school activities (73 percent), and that the child asked for one (16 percent.) As for what kinds of phones parents are buying for their tweens: A perhaps surprisingly low 4 percent got a basic phone with no Web or texting ability. About half of tweens received a basic phone with texting; 20 percent got a basic phone with texting and Web access. And a lucky 27 percent got a smart phone.

No surprise is that 82 percent of parents said that the price of the cell phone service was an important part of their decision. And 92 percent of parents said they spend less than $75 a month on their tween's cell phone service.

But this study also found that parents in a third of households earning under $50,000and a quarter of households overallwere taken by surprise at how much the tweens' phones are costing them. Some solutions being explored by parents include checking into parental controls offered by carriers to control costs, setting monthly budgets for kids, getting rid of the phone altogether, or switching to prepaid or postpaid unlimited plans.

In a finding that might surprise a lot of parents who are considering getting a phone for their 8-to-12-year-olds, only 16 percent of parents reported conflicts with their kids over phone use. And fewer than one in 10 parents reported that the child's phone use intruded on family time or distracted from school work. Only 3 percent of parents reported improper use of a cell phone, as in sexting or cyberbullying.

Finally, 89 percent of parents of tweens who bought cell phones for their child have no regrets.

Source:
Survey: Majority of 'tweeners' now have cell phones, with many parents concerned about cost [National Consumers League]

If you're searching for the best phone for your tween or yourself, check our free mobile-phone buying guide at Consumer Reports.org. And be sure to read our story, "Buying a child's first cell phone: 5 reasons to think prepaid" for more guidance.

0 Study shows that child safety seats remain difficult to secure

Only about one in five late-model cars have easy-to-use LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) anchor systems, according to new report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The study was conducted with the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) on how vehicle design could influence a parent's or caregiver's ability to easily and successfully install child restraints in their car. Clearly, having the restraints in the car is a key first step, but unless they are simple to use, many parents may not use the LATCH or don't install the child safety seats correctly.

The study focused on the LATCH system and the ability to access and use those anchors. The LATCH system incorporates two key areas of attachment: lower anchors located at the junction between the seatback and cushion (the seat bight), and a top tether. In addition to key laboratory measurements of the anchor's location, clearance and the force required to attach to them, the study also included trial child seat installations by volunteer parents. (Learn more about LATCH systems.)

The results indicate that among the varying types of vehicles tested, only 21 of 98 from the 2010 and 2011 model years were found to have LATCH anchor systems that were easy to use. Parents were 19 times more likely to use the LATCH system correctly in those vehicles versus those where LATCH anchors didn't meet the criteria for being easy to use. Key design features that hurt LATCH usability were that anchors were too deeply recessed between the cushion and seatback, were too closely surrounded by cushion foam or fabric, or were too close to other hardware such as the vehicle's seatbelt buckles.

These results don't come as a surprise to us. As part of the safety evaluation of every car we test, our experts evaluate how friendly a vehicle will be to accepting child seats and child passengers. The findings are summarized in our road tests in Consumer Reports magazine and online at ConsumerReports.org. (See our car seat buying advice and Ratings.) Many vehicles are noted as having lower-LATCH anchors that are difficult to access, often for the same reasons noted by the IIHS study. We would encourage automakers to address the concerns pointed out in the study, particularly the clearance surrounding the lower anchors.

Something that the IIHS study does not address, but that we consistently see in our child seat ratings, is that when you are able to use the LATCH system to install a child seat, the odds of obtaining a secure fit (no more than 1 inch of movement either side-to-side or forward-and back) is better than an installation using the vehicle seatbelts.

Our child seat Ratings include our assessment of a seat's Fit-to-Vehicle potential, which is based on both LATCH and seatbelt installation in five vehicles. For many of the seats, we are much more likely to obtain a secure installation with LATCH than we are with the vehicle's belts. LATCH has the ability to pull the seat down into the seat more securely and eliminates many incompatibilities that can occur between a child seat and the vehicle belts. Situations such as when belts that are mounted forward of the seat bight (where the seatback and bottom cushion intersect) or large buckles that can interfere with the belt path on a child restraint aren't an issue with LATCH.

Don't get us wrong: We're not saying you'll always be successful with LATCH and, indeed, there may be positions where the vehicle's belts are more secure, but the odds are in favor of LATCH. This is why the lack of lower-LATCH anchors in center- and third-row locations pointed out in the study and in our own vehicle assessments is such a concern. It not only can limit parents' flexibility on where to place child seats, but it can affect their ability to install them securely and safely in all passenger positions.

Another concern is that the study also found that top-tether use was low. The volunteers only used the top-tether 48 percent of the time when installing forward-facing seats. And when they did, only 54 percent were considered to be used correctly. A loose top-tether was a common mistake. Our own tests have shown that the simple step of attaching the top-tether for forward-facing seats can significantly reduce the forward motion of the seat and child in a frontal crash. This, consequently, decreases the potential for injury to those kids, especially to their head. We recommend attaching the top-tether for any forward-facing seats where children are still secured in the internal harness of the seat.

While the study reflects on the industry, it also serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers to make the effort to secure child seats appropriately and have the installation verified, or performed, by safety seat experts. Typically, child seat safety events hosted by the local fire or police department offer inspections at no charge.

See our guide to car safety.

0 Drop-side cribs sold at JC Penney recalled due to entrapment hazard

Nan Far Woodworking has recalled about 16,700 of its Rockland Furniture drop-side cribs, which were sold exclusively at JC Penney, because the drop sides can malfunction, creating a space a child can become wedged in, leading to strangulation or suffocation.

This safety hazard can also cause a child to fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly and with age-related wear and tear.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is aware of five incidents involving drop sides that malfunctioned or detached, including one report of a child who became entrapped and sustained minor scratches and bruises.

The recalled Rockland Furniture cribs were sold at JC Penney stores and at jcpenney.com from 2005 through 2008 for $150 to $400. The wooden cribs used plastic hardware to attach the drop side. "Rockland Furniture" and the model number are printed on a rectangular label on the lower portion of the headboard.

The recalled drop-side crib models include:

• 343-8124 Nightingale Spindle Drop-Side Crib
  
• 343-8280 Cottage Standard Drop-Side Crib Version 1
  
• 343-8271 Cottage Standard Drop-Side Crib Version 2
  
• 343-9105 Drop-Side Crib and Changer
  
• 343-8191 Renew Standard Drop-Side Crib
  
• 343-8192 Renew Convertible Drop-Side Crib

You should stop using the recalled crib and contact Nan Far Woodworking for a free repair kit that will immobilize the drop side. In the meantime, find an alternate sleep environment for your child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler beddepending on the child's age. For more information, call Nan Far Woodworking at 877-967-5770 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.rocklandimmobilizationkit.com.

We've previously reported, tougher crib safety standards enacted by the CPSC that have now banned the sale of any new drop-side cribs. Many manufacturers have offered kits to immobilize drop sides. If you own a drop-side crib, see Crib Immobilizers: Who to call to find out if a kit is available for your model.

Of all the items you'll need for your baby, a crib is one of the most challenging to choose. If you're shopping for a crib see our Buying Guide, and how to choose a safe crib.

Source
Nan Far Woodworking Recalls to Repair Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards; Sold Exclusively at jcpenney [CPSC]

0 Youth jackets recalled due to drawstring dangers

A "Me Jane" girl's jacket from Louise Paris.

Before you put away those winter jacketsor start wearing lighter farefor the warmer springtime season, you might want to check that they're not part of the latest Consumer Product Safety Commission recall for dangerous outerwear.

The CPSC safety agency has issued recall alerts for V-Konstruct Training Jacket from Puma North America, Inc. and "Me Jane" girl's jackets from Louise Paris Ltd. Both types of children's outerwear have drawstrings at the waist which can become snagged or caught in small spaces or vehicle doors and pose strangulation hazards.

For over a decade, the CPSC has issued voluntary guidelines to clothing manufacturers regarding drawstrings on children's garments. Consumer advice, such as Consumer Reports' buying guide for baby clothing and cribs, have warned against the dangers of strangulation by drawstrings.

Last July, the CPSC introduced federal safety regulations to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on drawstrings in outerwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts. And the safety agency has fined retailers such as CVS and Macy's for failing to report selling children's clothing with drawstrings.

The CPSC warns that consumers should stop using these recalled jackets. For the "Me Jane" and "B-Hip Kids by Me Jane" girls' jackets from Louise Paris, consumers can
remove the drawstrings as a further precaution against strangulation or entrapment dangers.

Consumers are also urged to return the recalled children's jackets for a full refund. For additional information, consumers should contact:

Puma North America Inc.
toll-free: 855-351-7489
website: www.puma.com
e-mail: productissue 'at' puma.com

Louise Paris Ltd.
toll-free: 877-537-7517
e-mail: complaints 'at' louiseparis.com

Sources:
Youth Jacket Recalled by PUMA; Waist Drawstrings Pose Entanglement Hazard [CPSC]
Girls' Jackets Recalled by Louise Paris; Waist Drawstrings Pose Entanglement Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Ross Stores [CPSC]

0 Target recalls Home Bunny Sippy Cups due to injury danger

Retail giant Target Corp. is recalling about 264,000 of its Home Bunny Sippy Cups, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The rabbit-shaped toddler training cups from Target have protruding ears which can poke a child in the eye area during use.

The CPSC says the Target Corp. of Minneapolis, Minn., has received six reports of the Target Home Bunny Sippy Cups injuring children during routine use. In half of those cases, cuts and bruises were reported.

The cups were sold at Target stores nation-wide from February to April in pink and blue styles for about $3 each.

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the cups and return the Target Home Bunny Sippy Cups for a full refund.

For more information, customers can call Target toll-free (800-440-0680) or visit the company's website: www.target.com.

Source:
Target Recalls Bunny Sippy Cups Due to Injury Hazard [CPSC]

0 Kolcraft bassinets recalled due to fall dangers

The Tender Vibes Deluxe Rocking Bassinet
(model number KB039-CMR1)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a safety recall for certain bassinet models made by Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, Ill. The Kolcraft Tender Vibes and Light Vibes bassinets have locking latches which may fail and cause the bassinets to fall, possibly injuring a child inside.

The CPSC and Kolcraft have received seven reports of latches detaching from the bassinet frame. In one of those incidents, one infant received a bruised cheek when the bassinet fell from its metal frame and landed sideways on the floor with the infant inside.

Consumer Reports experts note in our buying guide to bassinets that for now, there are no federal guidelines for those pieces of infant furniture other than safety standards for such items as small parts and rough edges. So, a baby cribwhich must meet federal safety standardsis the safest place for a sleepy infant say our experts. (For more information, see Crib alternatives to avoid and Safe-sleeping tips in Consumer Reports' Babies & kids section.)

This current recall involves about 46,000 Kolcraft bassinets which were sold at mass market and independent juvenile specialty stores nationwide and online from July 2008 through May 2012. The recalled Kolcraft Tender Vibes bassinets include model numbers KB021-ARC, KB022-VER and KB039-CMR1 and the Kolcraft Light Vibes bassinet recall is limited to model number KB043-BNT1. (Model numbers are printed on a label located on the side of one of the metal frame legs of Kolcraft bassinets.)

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bassinets and contact Kolcraft (toll-free: 888-624-1908 website: www.kolcraft.com) to receive a repair kit and instructions for securing the latches to the metal frame.

Sources:
Bassinets Recalled by Kolcraft Due to Fall Hazard [CPSC]
Kolcraft Voluntarily Recalls Certain Models of Tender Vibes & Light Vibes Bassinet [Kolcraft Enterprises]

0 Banzai inflatable pool slides recalled due to severe injuries and death risks

A recall of Banzai inflatable pool slides previously sold at Walmart and Toys R Us outlets has been announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The bottom of the plastic slides, designed for in-ground pools, can deflate during use and cause swimmers using the slide to severely injure themselves.

According to the CPSC, there have been at least three cases where the recalled pool slides, designed for use with in-ground pools, have maimed or killed swimmers. In one incident, a 29-year old mother died from a neck fracture, caused when she hit her head on the concrete floor beneath the collapsing slide. In another case, the pool slide defect resulted in a 24-year old male quadriplegic victim.

As warmer weather hits the nation, experts at Consumer Reports and CPSC warn consumers to place safety measures before opening their pool for the season. Among some of the protective layers to pool safety: Proper fencing and monitoring tools to prevent unauthorized swimming and learning CPR and other first aid. (Check the CPSC website, Pool Safely, for other pool safety tips.)

The recalled Banzai pool slides, which were manufactured in China by Manley Toys, Ltd, were sold at Walmart and Toys R Us nationwide from January 2005 through June 2009 for about $250. The vinyl slides have a blue base, yellow sliding mat and an arch going over the top of the slide. The words 'Banzai Splash' are printed in a circular blue, orange and white logo, shaped like a wave on either side of the slide.

The CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using the product and return it to the nearest Walmart or Toys R Us for a full refund. Consumers can also cut the two safety warning notices out of the slide and just return that portion.

For additional information, consumer can contact:

Toys R Us
toll-free: 800-869-7787
website: www.ToysRUs.com

Walmart
toll-free: 800-925-6278
website: www.walmartstores.com

Sources:
Reported Death, Severe Neck Injuries Prompt Recall of Banzai Inflatable Pool Slides Sold by Walmart and Toys R Us [CPSC]
Product recall: Banzai Falls Inflatable In-ground Pool Slide [Toys R Us]
Product Recalls [Walmart]

0 Think safety when turning over mowing tasks to your teen

With a long summer of mowing ahead, parents of teens and pre-teens may be wondering when it's safe for a child to take over this chore. Children under 18 suffer 13 percent of the 68,000 mower injuries treated annually in emergency rooms, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. With that in mind, the AAP recommends that no child younger than 12 operate a walk-behind mower, that no teen younger than 16 drive a riding mower and that children never be allowed to ride along as passengers.

Fortunately, today's mowers come with some standard safety features that put the operator at less risk of getting hurt such as levers that stop the mower when you let go of the handle. Still, before sending your child out to mow the lawn or doing it yourself, brush up on these commonsense tips recommended by the AAP and Consumer Reports.

• Before beginning the job, clear the lawn of such hard objects as stones and toys so they don't become projectiles, the most common cause of injury.
  
• Check the gas before starting the machine. Mowers should be refueled with the motor off and cool. Refuel only outdoors, not in a garage or shed.
  
• Make sure that blade settings (to set the wheel height or dislodge debris) are done by an adult, with the mower off and the spark plug removed or disconnected.
  
• Wear sturdy shoes--not sandals or sneakers.
  
• Wear hearing and eye protection.
  
• Make sure that young children and pets are indoors or at a safe distance.
  
• Don't pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. If you do, look behind you first.
  
• Always turn the mower off and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing grass or unclogging the discharge chute.
  
• Turn the mower off when crossing gravel paths, roads, or other non-grassy areas.
  
• Never mow wet grass--you or the mower could easily slip.
  
• Don't text or talk on a cell phone.
  
• Mowing on an incline can be tricky and probably best left to the adults.
  

If you're in the market for a new mower, use our Ratings charts to find one with the safety features you want. On the model page, click on the tab that says Specs. Of course, while you're there check out how the mower performed in our tests as well as the reliability of that particular brand. That way you'll be sure to find a mower that'll last long after your young one has flown the coop.

0 New labeling will help you pick the best sunscreen

More-detailed labeling is appearing in stores;
this brand is not real and is for illustration only.

Coming soon to a store near you: sunscreens with labels that are easier to understand. The Food and Drug Administration plans to give manufacturers until mid-December to make all the changes, but many products already have the new labeling. Here are some of the biggest changes, which will also apply to moisturizers and cosmetic products that contain a sun-protection factor (SPF):

"Broad spectrum" will really mean something. The SPF value indicates a sunscreen's protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which is the primary cause of sunburn. But now sunscreens that claim broad-spectrum protection will have to prove they also protect against ultraviolet A radiation, which ages skin and contributes to skin cancer, as well as UVB rays. The FDA says sunscreens must pass a new critical wavelength test for UVA protection.

Water-resistance claims will be more specific. Sunscreens will now have to list on the front whether they're effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. The FDA says you'll no longer see words like "sweatproof" or "waterproof" on the label because all sunscreens eventually wash off. All sunscreens will be labeled "reapply at least every two hours".

The term "sunblock" will be banned. The FDA won't allow that claim on bottles because it overstates sunscreen's effectiveness.

Sun protection information will be listed on the back. Inside the Drug Facts box new information will explain that sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher that also pass the new broad-spectrum test will be able to say that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun. (Our sunscreen experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.) Sunscreens that are not broad spectrum or that have an SPF of less than 15 must say they help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.

All-day and instant protection will need to be proved. Sunscreen manufacturers will have to prove to the FDA that their product provides all-day or instant protection before they can make those claims. Our experts say you should apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside so your skin can absorb it.

SPF 50+ might be the highest SPF you'll see on labels. The FDA says it doesn't have enough clinical data to prove that sunscreens with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection. But it has not yet made a decision about future labeling requirements.

Meanwhile, find out how 18 top-selling sunscreens performed in our latest tests (available to subscribers) and which ingredients you should be on the lookout for. Watch the video below to see how we conducted our tests.

0 When to retire a child seat, how to recycle an old one

Hand-me downs are a part of growing up in many families. It can be a great way to save money, but not all things should be shared equally. For instance, child seats can be passed down, though there are key restrictions to keep in mind.

It's time to retire a seat if any of the following apply:

• It has passed its expiration date. All seats have a date after which they can no longer be used. It is based on the expected life span of various components, and the structure of the seat itself. The expiration date also takes into account that newer seats will incorporate the latest safety technology and meet the most current standards. Most seats have a six-year service life. Check the labels on your seat or the owner's manual to determine its age.
• It has been in a moderate-to-severe crash. Though most seats can be reused after a minor fender bender, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing a seat if it has been involved in a collision that involved injuries, required the vehicle to be towed, deployed air bags, or damaged the seat or nearest door.
• The child has outgrown it. This one may seem obvious, but it's important to move up to the next size once your child has reached the weight or height limits of the seat.
• It is damaged. Check for cracks, loose parts, and worn straps and fasteners. If the seat is damaged, it may not offer as much protection in a crash.

If you're ready to retire a seat, you need to dispose of it properly. Most of the seats are recyclable and some towns offer car seat recycling. If not, here's what to do:

1. Remove all fabric, padding, and screws. Disassemble the restraint.
   
2. Use a screwdriver to remove as much metal as possible
   
3. Recycle all plastic and foam parts, and discard the rest.

If you're ready to move up to a new car seat, check out our buying advice and Ratings to find out the best one for you.

0 2 bike helmets offer poor protection from impact, our tests find

Any bike helmet is better than riding with no helmet. But when you're paying $50 or $60 for one, you'd like to think that it's going to protect your head if you crash into a curb, a rock, or the ground, right?

To find out how well bike helmets absorb impact, we used a device to drop 13 different models onto differently shaped anvils at about 11 or 14 mph (the speed depended on the anvil used). We used an electronic sensor inside a dummy head to detect how much force would be transmitted to a rider's head in an accident.

Of the nine bike helmets for adults and four youth models we tested (see bike helmet Ratings, available to subscribers), all but two absorbed the force of impact within the limit set by the current Consumer Product Safety Commission standard. The two that scored Poor in our tests for absorbing impact were made for adults: one made by Nutcase and the other by Bern, both multisport helmets that claim to be usable for other activities such as skateboarding.

In our own more-stringent impact test of bike helmets, in which we dropped helmets on the anvils at about 2 mph faster, only one adult model provided the necessary protection. At $60, it is a CR Best Buy. In our tests of four youth helmets, which are meant for children 5 or older, we recommend only one model, which scored the highest marks in its category by also passing our more-stringent test.

We also evaluated the helmets for ventilation, ease of use, fit adjustments, weight, and other features.

Bottom line. We believe that the models we have judged to be Very Good for impact absorption should provide significantly better head protection in the case of a bike accident. Find out how to get a good fit when buying a bike helmet, and how to stay safe when riding a bike.

0 Safety 1st toilet and cabinet locks recalled due to locking failures

Safety 1st sliding cabinet lock being recalled.
(Phto: US CPSC)

About 183,000 toilet locks and 685,000 cabinet locks from Safety 1st are being recalled, warned two government agencies, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada. The locks fail to keep children out of toilet bowls and prevent drowning nor do they secure household cabinets which may contain harmful home cleaners and other chemicals.

Dorel Juvenile Group, which markets the recalled Safety 1st locks, has received 110 reports of failing toilet locks and 278 incidents of failing cabinet slide locks. In one of reports, a failing cabinet slide lock enabled a 13-month old child access to a craft kit and swallow small, toxic beads. (The child was treated at a hospital and released after overnight observation.)

As with the recall of 900,000 Safety 1st cabinet locks in March, safety experts recommend that parents should keep the 24-hour hotline to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (800-222-1222) close at hand in case of such toddler emergencies.

This current safety recall involves Safety 1st Sure Fit toilet locks with model numbers 48003 and 48103 as well as Safety 1st cabinet slide locks with model numbers 12013 and 12014. (Model numbers can be found on the back of the locks.) The toilet locks and cabinet locks were sold at major national retail chains such as Home Depot, Target, Walmart and Bed, Bath and Beyond from January 2005 to April 2010 and January 2000 through March 2009, respectively. Amazon.com also sold both lock through April 2012.

Consumer are urged to stop using the recalled safety locks immediately and contact DJG (toll-free: 877-416-8105 website: www.djgusa.com) for free replacement locks. Cleaners and other dangerous household chemicals stored in now-unlocked cabinets should be kept out of reach of children and access to bathrooms should be monitored, warns the CPSC.

For more safety advice, see:

• Simple tips to keep kids safe at their grandparents' house
• Consumer Reports' Babies & kids section
• Consumer Reports video: Poison safety

Sources:
Safety 1st Toilet and Cabinet Locks Recalled Due to Lock Failure [US CPSC]
Consumer Product Recalls [Health Canada]
Safety Notices [Dorel Juvenile Group]

0 C-sections may increase the risk of childhood obesity

The rates of both cesarean sections and childhood obesity have risen steadily in the U.S. over the last couple of decades. Now, a surprising new study suggests the two trends may be linked.

After following 1,255 mother-and-baby pairs from pregnancy through the child's third birthday, Harvard researchers found that by age 3, 16 percent of children born by C-section were obese, about twice as many as those delivered vaginally.

Moms who had a C-section tended to weigh more and give birth to heavier babies than those who delivered vaginally, and also breastfed for a shorter period of time. But the connection between C-sections and obesity persisted even after adjusting for those factors. The researchers speculate that the type of gut bacteria acquired during vaginal birth could protect infants from turning into tubby toddlers.

Previous studies have found that C-section babies have more of the type of bacteria found in obese adults. Research in animals and humans suggests that bacterial imbalance might cause the body to extract more calories from food and stimulate cells to boost insulin resistance, inflammation, and fat deposits.

Other research has identified C-section delivery as a risk factor for asthma and allergies in childhood. Although far from definitive, this latest study adds one more reason to avoid a C-section unless it's medically necessary.

Currently in the U.S., one of out three babies enters the world through a surgical delivery, far too many according to experts. That's why unnecessary C-sections make our list of What to reject when you're expecting. Our comprehensive report also provides advice on ways to ensure the best possible pregnancy and delivery.

Sources
Delivery by caesarean section and risk of obesity in preschool age children: a prospective cohort study [Archives of Diseases in Children]

Teresa Carr

0 Pool safety tips just in time for Memorial Day weekend

As the weather warms up, we thought we'd share some practical pool safety tips so that you and your family can enjoy a cool dip this Memorial Day weekend and on into the long days of summer.

According to the CPSC, from 2009 to 2011, there was an annual average of 5,200 pool or spa-related emergency department-treated submersion injuries for children younger than 15.

It's important to have several protective layers of pool safety, including CPR and first aid skills. Plus kids in and around pools should be under constant adult supervision, and young children should take swimming lessons so they can get themselves out of trouble if they fall in the water.

Pool safety tips:

• Alarms: Any door leading from the house to the pool area should have an alarm that sounds when the door is opened. Pools should also have pool alarms that sound both at the pool and in the house if a child falls into the water.
  
• Covers: When not in use for extended periods of time, pools should be securely covered.
  
• Drains: Pool drains should have safety covers that prevent entrapment.
  
• Fencing: A non-climbable fence, a minimum of 4 feet high, should surround the pool. The gate on the fence should be self-closing, self latching, and lockable.

For more tips see our report Keeping kids safe around pools.

Also be wary of pool toys that could pose a safety hazard. We recently reported a recall of inflatable pool slides sold at Walmart and Toys R Us, that could deflate while in use, posing a serious injury hazard. According to the CPSC, there had been at least three cases where the pool slides maimed or killed swimmers.

Related:
Pool safety comes to your smart phone
Low-cost pools pose hazards to children

Source:
Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives [CPSC]
New CPSC Data Show Child Drownings In Pools and Spas Still A Leading Cause of Death [CPSC]

0 Tide Pod laundry detergent packaging gets makeover due to safety concerns

Tide Pods liquid laundry detergent made its star entrance during last February's Academy Awards, and Procter & Gamble's CEO touted the new cleaner as "one of the biggest innovations in many, many years."

Now, as poison centers around the country are reporting an increase in calls about children ingesting or otherwise being exposed to highly concentrated laundry detergent packaged in small, single-dose packets, Tide Pods will undergo a makeover.

The plastic tubs that hold the individual Tide Pods will get a double latch on the lid to make them tougher to open. The updated product should arrive on store shelves within the next couple of weeks, according to today's New York Times. Tide Pods detergent is also available in a resealable bag.

Some toddlers and young children who swallowed detergent pods became extremely ill and required hospitalization. Other youngsters who got laundry detergent in their eyes suffered significant irritation. To help prevent these injuries, the American Association of Poison Control Centers urges you to:

• Keep detergents locked up and out of the reach of children.
  
• Follow the specific disposal instructions on the label.
  
• Call your local poison-control center (800-222-1222) if you think a child has been exposed to a laundry detergent packet .

New Ratings of laundry detergents, which include Tide Pods will post on ConsumerReports.org next month.

Previously:
Tide Pods to get the red-carpet treatment at the Oscars

Source: Tide to Change Pods Lid Amid Child Safety Concerns

0 What does new limit for child lead poisoning mean for your family?

You've probably heard that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week lowered the limit for child lead poisoning from 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood to five, so what does this mean for you and your family?

According to the CDC, about 250,000 children in the U.S. between the ages of one and five years old, have blood lead levels greater than 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, the level at which CDC recommends public health actions be initiated. The lower limit would put that figure at approximately 450,000.

However, even that level of lead is not ideal. "There is no safe level of lead in children, and so we should be trying our hardest to remove all lead from their environment," says Christopher Portier, director of the CDC's National Center for Environmental Health.

As a parent, the safety steps you can take to protect your child from lead poisoning remain the same, according to Portier. Here is his list of best practices:

1. Know that lead can be found in a variety of sources, including homes built before 1978, lead plumbing, and imported products such as children's toys and jewelry.
   
2. Talk to your local health department about testing for lead in household paint and dust.
   
3. Be careful about DIY projects around the house. For homes built before 1978, sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead paint chips and the like. Renovations should be done by a certified professional.
   
4. Mop areas frequently where you see paint chips or dust from peeling house paint.
   
5. Limit lead from soil that can be tracked into your home by wiping feet on mats outside the door, and have people remove shoes before entering your house.
   
6. Remove recalled toys and children's jewelry from your home and stay on top of recall announcements from the Consumer Protection Safety Commission.
   
7. If after testing, you find your child has lead in his or her blood, discuss the results with your physician and seek out local community health organizations about what the next steps are.

"Lead in a child's environment is a very bad thing," says Portier. "And we'd like to clean that up completely."

Our own report, Here's what you can do to protect your child now, has information and tips about what you can do about lead, including how to reduce your child's exposure, and best practices for preventing lead poisoning.

Consumer Reports has been pushing for the lower 5 micrograms standard for several years now. Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., director of Consumer Safety and Sustainability at Consumer Reports, said the move by the CDC comes at a time when establishing standards to lower exposure to potential contaminants has been so difficult, that this can be seen as an especially decisive step forward in protecting public health.

"We are so pleased that the CDC has decided to lower the blood lead limit by 50 percent," Rangan said. "It will be important for lead limit standards, for example in consumer products, children's products, paint in old homes, or the frequency of monitoring lead levels in young children to be reconsidered to ensure that they are in line with this new exposure limit."

For information on lead test kits see our buying guide.

Previously:
CDC advisory group proposes lower limit for lead poisoning in children

Source:
Announcement: Response to the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Report, Low Level Lead Exposure Harms Children: A Renewed Call for Primary Prevention [CDC]

0 Toys R Us Imaginarium activity centers recalled due to choking hazard

Toys R Us has recalled 24,000 of its Imaginarium activity centers because the small wooden knobs attaching the xylophone keys to the end can detach, causing a choking hazard to young children.

Toys R Us has received eight reports of the knobs detaching, but no injuries have been reported.

The five-sides activity centers were sold for about $25 at Toys R Us stores nationwide and on the company's website from August 2009 through September 2010.

The recalled Imaginariums have two triangle-shaped ends with a wooden multi-colored xylophone on one and a mirror on the other. The three sides are square-shaped and include moveable block letters, rotating gears and sliding shapes. "Imaginarium" appears in a blue, oval-shaped logo underneath the mirror on one end. The second 'i' in the logo is dotted with a shooting star.

The model number 46284 is printed on the back of the product box, directly above the bar code 000799985462841. Neither number appears on the actual product, however.

You can return the recalled activity center to a Toys R Us store for a refund or store credit. For more information call Toys R Us at 800-869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, or visit toysrus.com/safety.

Source:
Toys R Us Recalls Imaginarium Activity Center Due to Choking Hazard [CPSC]

0 U.S. ranks 131st in the world in preventing premature births

Each year, 12 percent of American babies, or nearly half a million infants, enter the world too soon. That gives us a premature birth rate on par with that of Somalia, Thailand, and Turkey, and behind 130 other countries.

That was the finding of a new report, called Born Too Soon, that is the first to look at preterm birth rates by country, published by the March of Dimes Foundation, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Save the Children, and the World Health Organization.

Infants in the U.S. who are born before 37 weeks of completed pregnancy are more likely to survive than those born in many other parts of the world. But prematurity is still the leading cause of newborn death in the U.S. And those who survive may face breathing problems, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and other lifelong health challenges. Even babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants.

Prematurity also takes an economic toll, adding $26 billion yearly to U.S. health-care costs according to the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine.

Reasons for the high rate include more older women having babies and the use of fertility treatments that result in twins and triplets, according to Christopher Howson, Ph.D., vice president for global programs at the March of Dimes and one of the study authors. Also, some population groups are at extremely high risk. For example, nearly 18 percent of African American babies are born too soon.

But one of the main problems appears to be a health-care system that does too little to help moms enter their pregnancies healthy and too much to intervene as women give birth.

Howson points out that nearly 30 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. do not see a health-care provider during their first trimester. He says:

While we do a great job of taking care of preemies, we do not do a good job with making care universally available before conception and during pregnancy.

In addition, while the trend is shifting, the U.S. has seen a rise in the number of medically unnecessary cesarean births and inductions scheduled for convenience or because the baby's gestational age is unknown.

The good news is that the preterm birth rate has decreased modestly over the last four years. "Improvement is not happening as fast as we would like, but it does show that people are becoming more aware of the risks of preterm birth as well of the need to improve the quality of care," Howson says.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant can take specific steps to dramatically reduce their risk of premature birth. For tips on how to have the healthiest possible pregnancy and delivery as well as a list of interventions to avoid when not medically necessary, see our report What to reject when you're expecting.

Source
Born too soon [March of Dimes]

-Teresa Carr

0 Convertible high chairs recalled due to trays detaching, posing fall hazard to children

Evenflo has recalled 35,000 of its convertible high chairs sold at Toys "R" Us and Walmart, because the chair's activity tray can unexpectedly detach and allow an unrestrained child to fall, posing a risk of injury.

Evenflo has received 18 reports of trays that detached, including eight reports of children who fell from the high chair and sustained bumps and bruises, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall includes high chairs that convert to a toddler-size table and chair, pictured below. The high chairs were sold for about $40 between December 2011 and June 2012 at Toys "R" Us and Walmart stores nationwide, and online at Walmart.com and Wayfair.com.

The convertible high chair model numbers can be found on a label on the lower portion of one of the high chair's legs.

Model name and numbers include the following:

• Dottie Lime, 29111259
  
• Dottie Rose, 29111271
  
• Marianna, 29111234

If you're in possession of one of the recalled high chairs, you should contact Evenflo for a replacement tray with installation and use instructions by calling 800-233-5921 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by visiting http://safety.evenflo.com.

Our High chair buying guide details several different types of high chairs, as well as features, popular brands and shopping tips. The recalled convertible Evenflo high chair is not part of our testing.

Source:
Evenflo Recalls Convertible High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard [CPSC]

0 Family-friendly walks

Want to walk on the wild side--as a family? It's as simple as stepping out the door. Try one of these three easy destinations.

In your community
Find walking paths near you by downloading the American Heart Association's Walking Paths App. (And see our stroller Ratings and buying guide.)

To school
Walking a mile to and from school every day would provide about two-thirds of the physical activity kids and teens need every day (the U.S. Surgeon General recommends one hour a day of vigorous and bone-strengthening activities most days of the week). Contact your children's school or your local municipality to find out if your community participates in the national Safe Routes To School program. For more information, including details on how to set up SRTS in your community, go to www.saferoutespartnership.org.

Across the country
Go to www.americaonthemove.org to register for a virtual walk along the Oregon Trail, Pacific Crest, Iditarod, or other scenic routes in the United States. Here's how it works: At the end of each day, enter the number of steps you walked that day (if you use a pedometer) or convert the amount of time you walked using the site's online conversion charts. Then see where you are on the trail you've chosen. Once you've reached your destination, you and your kids can do an Internet search to learn more about it.

For more great ideas to get your family outside and moving this summer, see our Family fitness guide.

0 New safety standard for baby monitors from ASTM International

Electrical cords on baby monitors must now be labeled with a strangulation hazard warning under a new ASTM International safety standard. The standard is in response to reports by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that seven infants died as a result of strangling in baby monitor cords that were placed too close to a crib.

The new label reminds caregivers to mount the cord more than three feet away from the crib, according to Anthony Paolo, chairman of the subcommittee that developed the new safety standard, and vice president, corporate quality, Summer Infant Inc.

"This safety standard is a good first step toward preventing incidents with baby monitor cords," said Consumer Reports Program Leader Joan Muratore, who leads baby product testing. "Making parents and caregivers aware of the hazard and the severity of the potential consequences if a child should access the cord and get it around his or her neck, is crucial to preventing such deaths in the future. Our concern is whether or not a warning label is enough to prevent future deaths. Will parents pay sufficient attention to a label on the power cord?"

Paolo also said that the safety standard, ASTM F2951, is considered a baseline standard that can be built upon.

"We all encounter so many warnings on so many products we use every day, to the extent that we may see them without really absorbing the information they carry," said Muratore. "We look forward to this safety standard being strengthened in the near future."

See Baby monitor safety for more, plus buying guide and Ratings.

Source:
ASTM F2951, Consumer Safety Specification for Baby Monitors [ASTM International]

0 Kolcraft Contours Options strollers recalled due to amputation and laceration hazard

Kolcraft Enterprises of Chicago has recalled about 36,000 of its Contours Options three- and four-wheeled strollers in the U.S., because a child's or adult's finger can be caught in the opening formed when locking and unlocking the hinge mechanism that adjusts the handlebars, presenting an amputation and laceration hazard.

Kolcraft and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have received five reports of injuries involving the hinge mechanism, including three of children whose fingertips were amputated and two adults whose fingers were lacerated or smashed.

Strollers included in the recall have model numbers starting with ZL002, ZL005, ZL008, ZL015 and ZL018. On the ZL002 model, the model number and date of manufacture is printed on a sticker above the left wheel. On the ZL005, ZL008, ZL015, and ZL018 models, the model number and date of manufacture is printed on a label sewn into the edge of the stroller seat pad on the back. The strollers were manufactured from January 2006 through November 2009 and sold in various color schemes.

The recalled strollers were sold at juvenile product specialty stores nationwide and at Amazon.com, Target.com and ToysRUs.com for $150 and $160 from January 2006 and June 2012. The strollers were sold in various color schemes. Kolcraft also recalled 270 of the strollers in Canada.

If you own a recalled stroller, stop using it and contact Kolcraft for a free repair kit. For more information, call Kolcraft at 800-453-7673 (8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. ET, Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday), or go to the company's recall page.

We have not rated the single-seat version of this Kolcraft Contours Options but have rated the tandem version, which is not included in this recall. In 2010, several manufacturers recalled more than 2.5 million strollers due to amputation hazards. For buying advice and safety tips, refer to our strollers buying guide and read Stroller hinges: A closer look at the standards and Register purchases to protect your child's safety.

Other recent stroller recalls:
Kelty jogging strollers recalled for risk of falls and injuries
Manufacturer recalls Bumbleride Indie and Indie Twin strollers
Recall: Chariot bicycle trailers and conversion kits--Injury hazard
Recall: Bugaboo Bee Strollers for locking wheels that pose a fall danger

Source:
Strollers Recalled by Kolcraft Due to Fingertip Amputation and Laceration Hazards [CPSC]

0 Facebook for preteens must be ad-free and protect privacy

Several consumer-, privacy-, health-, and child-advocacy groups are calling on Facebook to provide privacy and marketing safeguards if it opens the social-networking service to children under 13.

Our recent survey projected that more than 5.6 million children under the age of 13 already have Facebook accounts, in violation of Facebook's current policy of barring preteens. Once children have registered for accounts with false birthdays, the site treats them as teens or adults, depending on their stated age, and subjects them to the same data collection and marketing practices used to target older users. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that the social network may be looking for ways to turn these children into legitimate users.

In a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the groups said that any potential Facebook platform for preteens should be parent-supervised and parent-controlled, with no advertising and no collection of personal information for marketing purposes.

In addition to Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, the letter was signed by the Center for Digital Democracy, the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Media Justice, Center for Science in the Public Interest, ChangeLab Solutions/Public Health Law & Policy, Children Now, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Watchdog, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, Privacy Times, Public Citizen, and World Privacy Forum.

The letter to Facebook recommended a list of safeguards to be incorporated if preteens are allowed on the site. For example, preteens whose parents are on Facebook accounts should be required to link their accounts to their parents' accounts, and parents without Facebook accounts must be provided simple tools to monitor and preapprove their child's activities.

Read Facebook & your privacy for details on who sees the data you share on the biggest social network.

Previously:
Facebook may let children under age 13 use the site

Source:
Consumer, privacy, health, child groups: Facebook space for preteens must protect privacy, be ad-free and marketing-free [Consumers Union]

0 Summer heat wave brings the danger of children in hot cars

With the hot weather and official start of summer, now is a good time for parents and caregivers to consider the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. In 2011, 33 children were killed due to hyperthermia, according to data from San Francisco State University Department of Geosciences. In 2010, that number was 49 children and most of the fatalities were children under 4 years old.

It may seem like an impossible thing to do, but clearly the unthinkable can and does happen. Often, such tragedies involve hurried parents and caregivers, especially those drivers who change their routine. Some knowingly leave children in a car "just for a minute" not realizing how quickly the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels. With temperatures in the 80s, just 10 minutes is all it takes, even with a window rolled down a few inches, for a vehicle's interior to heat up to over 100 degrees, a level that can cause a child's body to dangerously overheat.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has just announced a campaign to educate and urge parents to think "Where's baby? Look before you lock."
Here are some tips to help keep your children safe.

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, not even for a minute. In addition to being dangerous, it is the law in many states.
• Check the car to make sure that all occupants leave the vehicle or are carried out when unloading. If you lock the door with a key, rather than with a remote, it would force that one last look in the car before leaving it.
• Always lock your car and keep keys and remotes away from children.
• Keep a stuffed animal in the front passenger seat as a reminder of a child in the backseat.
• Place something in the backseat that you would need, such as a purse, briefcase or cell phone.
• Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up.
• If you see a child alone in a car, especially if they seem hot, call 911 immediately to help get them out.

For additional information on keeping your children safe in and around motor vehicles, visit the Kids and Cars website and our special section on kids and car safety. Also read: "Hot cars: A deadly danger." Plus see our tips for staying cool during hot days and nights.

0 Poor vehicle visibility creates dangerous blind spots

New car designs with low roofs and high trunks offer a sleek appearance, but they can cause drivers to have difficulty seeing out the back window. This poor visibility creates a big blind zone that can be dangerous and even deadly if you're not careful when backing up.

Every year, children are injured and killed because drivers (parents and relatives in 70 percent of cases) don't see them while backing up. According to Kids and Cars, a nonprofit group that works to improve child safety around cars, at least 50 children are backed over every week in the United States.

The problem is that larger vehicles are very popular, and they tend to have larger blind zones. Blind zones in vehicles can range from 12 feet for small vehicles to over 50 feet for a pickup. Without a backup camera, this can cause a driver to not see a child or an obstacle behind the vehicle.

You don't have to buy a high-end car to get a backup camera. Most vehicles now offer a camera as an option and some included a camera as standard equipment, as with the Honda CR-V.

Take a look at our video to see how dangerous these blind zones can be. Check out our blind-zone list by vehicle type to see how your car fares.

Related:
Best & worst for visibility
The danger of blind zones

0 New federal safety requirements for play yards

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has approved new safety standards that will protect children as they play and sleep in mesh, portable play yards. Also known as pack-n-plays, these products are used in homes, for travel, and in child care homes.

The CPSC said that there were more than 2,100 incidents with play yards reported to the agency between November 2007 and December 2011, including 60 fatalities and 170 injuries.

The effective date for the new mandatory play yard safety standard is six months after the final rule is published in the Federal Register.

The play yard safety standards was actually required by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which enacted safety reforms to prevent dangerous products from entering the marketplace. Section 104 of the Act, known as Danny's law, requires mandatory federal standards for more than a dozen durable juvenile products, including play yards. Five other safety standards have already been put in place for cribs, toddler beds, bed rails, baby walkers and baby bath seats.

The mandatory requirements for play yards include:

• A stability test to prevent the play yard from tipping over.
  
• Latch and lock mechanisms to keep the play yard from folding on a child when it's in use.
  
• Entrapment tests for attachments so a child's head does not get trapped while a bassinet or other accessory is attached.
  
• Floor strength tests to ensure structural integrity and to prevent children from getting trapped by the play yard floor.
  
• Minimum side height requirements to prevent children from getting out of the play yard on their own.
  
• A test to prevent play yards whose top rails fold downward from using a hinge that creates a V- or diamond shape when folded to prevent head or neck entrapment.

Manufacturers of juvenile products were, however, able to get a provision eliminated from the new safety requirements, that would have addressed misassembly, which is known to be common and has also resulted in deaths.

"Once again, the CPSC has stepped up to help make the marketplace safer for young children," said Ellen Bloom of Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. "We hope the agency addresses the missassembly issue to ensure that this tough new standard can become an even better one."

See our play yard precautions and travel tips. Also check out buying advice and Ratings (available to subscribers) for play yards, along with a wide range of other products for babies and kids.

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Play Yards [CPSC]