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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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 Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 6:54 pm
Baby First Aid Essentials
Learn how to make your little one feel better with these Baby First Aid Tips.
My oldest child is quite the ruff and rugged type. After all, that's how most boys are. He loves testing himself to see if he can do things without help from mommy. That sure does scare me. I remember the first time he hit his head; boy was I scared. I kept saying to him, (Which I think it was more for me not to panic) "It's OK, it's OK, it's OK." I called the doctor and lo and behold, after 5-10 minutes, my son was back to his daring ways. All was fine; he was just bruised.
All little ones are in the learning and exploring phase and they do not know their limitations. Therefore at some point, injuries will occur. So the best things to do are to be prepared and to know which injuries you can resolve at home and which ones warrant a trip to the doctor.
All people who are taking care of little ones need to be prepared for injuries. Not just parents, but also grandparents and whoever else that may take care of your child. So here are some common boo-boos that we parents face when raising little ones.
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 6:59 pm
Baby Car Seat Tips
Here are some tips to help you find the best baby car seat for you and your little one.
Life goes by so quick especially when you have children. It seems like only yesterday when my son was born. I can't believe that in September, 2008, he will be 3 years old.
When we go "out and about", we always make sure he is in his car seat safe and sound. I don't want to be a part of the "shoulda, coulda, but didn't crowd", because according to SafeKids USA: "Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under".
From the first car ride home from the hospital, to when your baby turns one year old AND 20 pounds, it is required by law to put your child in a rear-facing car seat. And it is a good idea that about 2-4 weeks before you bring your little one home to go to a child passenger safety technician to make sure your rear-facing car seat is installed properly. Because it is estimated that 90% of car seats are installed improperly.
Also, don't be in such a hurry to put your baby in the forward position. For one, he/she will be safer. And two, you will get longer usage from the baby car seat. I did not put my son forward-facing until he had outgrown his infant seat. You know if your little one has outgrown their seat if:
The tips of the child's ears are above the top of the car seat,
OR
The child's shoulders are above the top harness slots of the car seat,
OR
The child has reached the maximum forward-facing weight limit of the car seat.
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:01 pm
Toddler Car Seat Tips
Learn how to pick the best toddler car seat
There are a lot of moms that want to know what is the best toddler seat to buy. However, the best toddler car seat is the one that fits your child, your car, your budget and will be used correctly 100% of the time. This is why convenient features DO make a difference and ARE worth the money! If it is easy to use, you are more likely to use it correctly.
The most important thing to remember is this:
It is best for your child to ride in a rear-facing car seat until he/she is at the highest harness setting or highest weight limit stated by the manufacturer of your child's car seat!
Looking back (hind sight is 20/20), my daughter, who is my youngest, may have gone forward-facing TOO SOON. I say this because she did not reach the maximum weight limit for her car seat. And although her shoulders were at the highest setting, the harness straps were not pulled out all the way.
When I put her in a forward-facing car seat, I did not know about letting her ride rear-facing for as long as possible. But believe me, had I known, I would have kept her rear-facing and she would have been in her infant car seat for as long as possible.
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When you decide now is the right time for your little one to ride forward-facing, the most important thing to remember is to buy a toddler seat that is the right size for your baby, your car, AND YOUR POCKET. Let's face it. A dollar does not go as far as it use to.
Choosing the right toddler car seat is not like solving a complex math equation. Just remember the following:
Purchase a car seat that is easy to install. You're more likely to use it correctly.
Avoid buying a used car seat. You won't know if it's been in an accident, which can compromise the integrity of the car seat's structure.
Five-point harness is best for toddler seats. To keep your little one properly secure, always keep the chest clip at armpit level.
All current car seats pass government safety standards. So select the car seat that has features that will allow you to use it correctly EVERYTIME.
Convertible car seats are great to use when your baby has outgrown his/her rear-facing car seat, but not yet one year old. However....
I would not recommend using a convertible car seat in rear-facing position for an infant before then. This is because infant car seats recline more (which make it safer for your baby in case of a car accident) and you can separate the infant car seat from its base and carry your baby in their car seat without disturbing them. In other words..."You can let sleeping babies lie."
Oh yes. One more thing. It is estimated that 90% of all car seats are installed improperly. Therefore, it's a great idea to have your seat checked by a child passenger safety technician. Many fire stations and police departments offer FREE inspections; so check your local government for places you can go to get your little one's car seat inspected.
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:02 pm
Booster Car Seat Tips
Learn the Do's and Dont's of a Booster Car Seat.
Boy things have really changed since I was a kid in the 70's. Back then if someone asked you about the seat belt that was in your car, you would look at them as if they were speaking a foreign language. Today, however, there is much discussion on car safety...especially for children.
Seat belts that are in cars today are designed to protect adults and not our children. That is why we need car seats and booster seats.
Booster seats are designed to "boost" your child up so he/she can be at the proper height for the seat belt to work properly. If your child was in an accident and not in a booster seat, but buckled up, he/she could sustain serious injuries. As a matter of fact, a seat belt can actually cause internal injuries as well as injuries to the neck, head and back.
This is one of the reasons that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now recommends that all little ones that have outgrown their toddler car seats, ride in a booster seat until they are 8 years old AND 4 feet 9 inches tall. And I plan on following their recommendation.
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Like infant car seats and toddler car seats, all booster car seats sold in the US meet government standards. So the best booster car seat is the one that best fit your child, your convenience, and your pocketbook. The main thing to remember is:
Booster Seats Are the Safest When it is Used Correctly Everyday!
Be consistent! PLEASE do not fall prey to "The Just This One Time Syndrome" because this will lead to inconsistency. And unfortunately the "one time" that you do not put your little one in their booster seat might just be the time (God forbid) that you are in an accident. So please, always put your child in their booster car seat so they will be safe while riding in a car. There are 2 types of booster seats: high back or backless. I like high back booster seats because it gives your little one more back and neck support. However, some backless seats fit better with deeply contoured seats, which allow your child to sit further back in the seat.
Whichever style you choose, just remember the shoulder seat belt should cross over the middle part of your child's chest and not cut into their neck. It should also lay smooth over the body and not have spaces in between the body and seat belt. The lap belt should lie over the hips (not the stomach) and have a snug fit.
Some of the common mistakes that parents make when using a booster seat are:
Not putting their child in their booster seat EVERYTIME while they are riding in a car.
Not installing the booster seat correctly.
Putting their little one into a booster seat TOO SOON.
Moving their child out of a booster seat TOO SOON.
Using a used booster car seat.
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Here are also some tips to help you find the best booster seat for you and your little one.
If your child weighs less than 40 lbs. consider a combination car seat.
If you are considering a high-back booster, make sure it has clips at several heights to accommodate your child's growth.
If you are considering a backless booster, make sure it has a separate belt-positioning clip.
Make sure you can return the booster seat if it does not work well in your car.
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:04 pm
Baby Crib Safety
Learn The Ins And Outs Of Baby Crib Safety.
It is SOOO exciting to buy a crib for your little one. This is when it really hits you that he/she will soon be home. But before you pick out the crib, you should first consider baby crib safety.
Most of your little one's first months home will be spent in their crib. So it is important to make sure it is safe. A safe crib will not only keep your little one out of harm's way, BUT will also bring peace of mind to you and your family! Therefore, here are some important things to consider when purchasing your little one's crib.
I recommend buying a new crib. New cribs must meet minimum government baby crib safety standards. Look for the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association's (JPMA) seal. This ensures that extra testing has been done so that your little one's crib is safe.
Make sure to purchase a crib mattress that is firm and fits snugly in the crib. You should not be able to insert the width of two fingers between the mattress and crib. A snug fits prevents your baby from sliding underneath the mattress. A firm mattress prevents suffocation.
There should be no more than 2 3/8 inches between crib slats. This prevents your little one's limbs from getting caught in between the slats of the crib.
Make sure the head and foot parts of the crib do not have any cutouts. This prevents your little one's head or limbs from getting trapped.
Does the crib have corner posts or extensions more than 1/16 of an inch above the headboard and/or footboard? If so, don't use it. Your little one's clothing could get caught on the posts.
Is the crib sturdy? When purchasing your crib, you can check the floor model at the store to see how it is holding up. A lot of people handle these floor models, so you can see if it is holding up and remaining sturdy.
I am not a fan of drop-side cribs; however, if you are going to purchase a crib with a drop side, make sure it can be easily locked when raised.
Read the crib directions BEFORE you put your little one in it. This ensures that the crib is set up properly. It also ensures that you know how to care for and use the crib correctly.
TIP
Once you have purchased your little one's crib, periodically, it is a good idea to check it for any of the following:
Missing and/or loose parts.
Loose screws and/or bolts.
Peeling paint.
Splinters and rough parts.
Crib recalls.
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Daily Baby Crib Safety
It is a good idea to ALWAYS practice the following.
Put your little one to sleep on his/her back. This greatly reduces the risk of SIDS.
Don't hang anything on the crib. Your baby could become entangled.
Never put your little one's crib near a window. He/She could get entangled in the window blind strings or draperies.
Keep wall decorations out of reach of children.
Remove the bumper pad from your baby's crib once he/she is able to stand up. Little ones love to climb. So they may try to use the bumper pad to climb out of the crib.
Don't forget to remove all mobiles or hanging toys from the crib when your little one can push up on their hands and knees (or 5 months old. Whichever comes first.) Mobiles or hanging crib toys can strangle a baby.
Put the crib at its lowest point BEFORE your little one can stand up in their crib.
Do not put your baby in a crib that has a part that is broken or missing. This prevents potential accidents.
Never leave your little one in a crib with the sides down.
Don't forget to periodically check other cribs that your baby may stay in. Does your little on stay at grandma's or grandpa's? If so, it is a good idea to make sure that crib is safe also.
Do not put stuffed toys, stuffed animals, comforters, quilts, and/or any pillow-like things in the crib with your baby. These items can suffocate a baby.
When your little one is sleeping, keep objects away from their face. This prevents a chance of suffocation.
Don't let your little one get too warm while he/she is sleeping. Warmer babies tend to have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, if the room is comfortable for you, then it is comfortable for your little one.
Never let anyone smoke around your little one(s).
Consider using clothing to keep your baby warm instead of covering him/her with blankets. This prevents a chance of suffocation. My little ones loved being swaddled, but every baby is different. Check out how to swaddle by watching the video below.
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:06 pm
Baby Nursery Bedding Safety
Beauty AND safety should go hand in hand when picking out the right baby nursery bedding
After a hard day's work, it is nice to retreat into your little one's nursery. It is nice to see the pretty colors, the rhythmic sounds of lullabies coming from the mobile, and all the ruffles and lace. It is all so soothing and relaxing. Especially when you know that your little one is safe and snug. Here are some bedding tips to keep your baby safe while he/she is in a crib.
Bumper pads protect the ol' noggin and limbs. Bumper pads prevent your baby’s arms and limbs from being trapped in their crib. It also prevents bumps if your little one accidentally hits his/her head on the crib.
Use only sheets that are fitted for crib-size mattress. Never use sheets that are not fitted or too big for your little one's mattress. The extra sheet fabric could be a suffocation risk.
Lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh my! Do not place any stuffed animals in your little one's crib. These are also a suffocation risk.
Do not place a pillow in your newborn's crib. Soft pillows could smother a baby.
That goes for blankets too. It is better to dress your baby in warm clothes or to swaddle him/her than to use a blanket.
Don't forget to make sure your baby's crib is safe also. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!
In conclusion, never let your baby sleep in a crib that has anything more than a bumper pad and a fitted crib sheet.
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:08 pm
Safety Info About Baby Changing Tables
Baby changing tables come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Discover how to select the safest one for your baby.
Oh my gosh! Who knew that much of the day as a parent is about changing diapers? As a matter of fact, an average little one uses about 2,800 to 3,000 diapers their first year. So you may need a changing table. Here's what to look for when picking one out.
Make sure it is sturdy. If the store has a floor model, don't be afraid to try it out. No, not literally by changing your little one on it. Just shake it and ask yourself: Out of all the baby changing tables that you have tested, which one doesn't wobble? It is best to buy the sturdiest one.
How low can you go! The lower the changing table is to the floor, the less likely it is to tip over. I used a changing table/dresser combo. You can also store more without using a lot of space. They are also wider, which makes it sturdier.
Is there a place to store diapering supplies? ? If not, is there a place where you can place a basket of supplies? It is a good idea to have all of your little one's diapering supplies within reach. That way, you will not be tempted to leave him/her unattended to get supplies.
Buy a changing pad. This makes it comfortable for your little one. I recommend buying one that is waterproof. These are easier to clean. When my little ones would "tinkle" while I was changing them, I would change the changing pad cover, and then wipe down the changing pad with a disinfecting wipe. Voila! All clean.
Safety straps. Make sure that either your changing table or changing pad has straps to hold your little one while you are changing him/her.
To prevent back pain, you’ll want a changing table that is proportion to your height. I.e. if you’re tall, go with a taller table or dresser.
Make sure all diapering supplies are out of reach of children. Little ones can be so curious. So store your supplies either in a drawer that has a child-proof latch, or up high where they cannot reach them. You should also put the supplies in an area that is within your reach while changing your baby, BUT not in the reach of your little one.
Anti-tipping or furniture straps to prevent the changing table from tipping over.
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Do you have a tight budget? Then don't worry. You can either buy a changing table/dresser combo OR leave out the changing table all together. You can always change your little one on a towel or changing pad on the floor.
Another thing to remember is to ALWAYS use the safety straps when your little one is on a changing table. And although the straps keep your little one strapped in, NEVER leave your little one unattended on a changing table. Even it is for a quick second. So make sure you have everything you need to change your baby within reach. If you have to go get something, then take your baby with you.
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:09 pm
Toy Safety For Your Little One
Toy Safety Tips
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"You'll shoot your eye out!"
Do you remember that phrase from the movie, A Christmas Story? It is one of my favorite movies. It is a movie about Ralphie, a 9-year-old boy, in 1940, who only wants one thing: an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle! His mother, his teacher, and Santa Claus all told him the same thing, "You'll shoot your eye out". What happened in the end? Well, Ralphie's dad got him the rifle, and yes, you guessed it, he shot his eye out. Not literally, but he did hit his eye on the rifle when it backfired the first time he used it.
Can you imagine if that was now? Child Protection Services would be called if someone knew that a parent got their 9 year old a pellet/bb gun! Thank goodness it is only a movie.
Today it is very important to make sure children are playing with safe toys. The younger they are, the more likely they will put it in their mouths. The last thing you want is a piece breaking off and your little one choking on the piece. To lower the risk of that happening, here are some things to look out for when selecting toys for your little one to play with.
Buy only age appropriate toys. Buying toys that are intended for older children, can pose a choking hazard for your little one. Even if your child is advanced mentally, it is still a good idea to buy age appropriate toys. Remember, the age-appropriate level for a toy is determined by toy safety factors.
Look for toys that are well made and sturdy. Little ones can be rough and tough with their toys. Therefore, to prevent a choking hazard, always make sure the eyes, buttons, wheels, etc. are on securely.
Avoid marbles, magnets, or toys that are less than 1.75 inches in diameter. If you are not sure, you can try to put the toy inside of a toilet paper roll. If it fits inside of the roll, then the toy is too small for your little one to play with.
Avoid toys with long strings. The strings can be a strangulation hazard.
Leave toys that are made of thin plastic at the store.These toys tend to break easily and can leave sharp edges that can cut your little one.
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:11 pm
Baby Food Safety
Foodborne bacteria in your little one's baby food. Oh no!
You can't see them, taste them, or even smell them, but these yucky, shifty, and annoying little critters can spread throughout your kitchen. Foodborne bacteria of course, love residing where there is food. However, they also love cutting boards, sponges, and utensils. And if your little one eats something that is tainted with these harmful bacteria, they can get a foodborne illness. So here are food safety tips that can keep these nasty critters at bay.
Wash your hands. It is best to ALWAYS wash your hands before handling food. And definitely wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets.
Wash your hands some more! Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Kids learn by example, so make sure they are washing their hands frequently as well.
Make sure there are soap and paper towels or a clean towel at every sink in your home. I prefer using paper towels to dry my hands. I know, I know. Using a lot of paper towels are not "earth friendly", but if you use select-a-size paper towels, that can help your family use less.
Sanitize your cutting boards. Washing your cutting boards with hot, soapy water is good for removing food, but bacteria can grow in the grooves and cracks. Therefore, sanitizing is an additional way to safeguard against foodborne bacteria. Store-bought kitchen sanitizers can be used. However, a more cost-effective sanitizer is to mix 1 tablespoon of bleach and a gallon of water. Let the cutting boards soak for 2 minutes, and Voila! Sanitized cutting boards.
If using bleach creeps you out, then an alternative is to use vinegar. Spray undiluted vinegar on both sides of the cutting board; then let air dry.
Wash your veggies and fruits. Even the ones with peels should be washed. You can make an inexpensive veggie/fruit wash by mixing 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and about 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract (found in health food stores or Wholefoods). Combine all the ingredients and then put the solution in a spray bottle. Then when you need to wash your produce, spray on your veggie wash and then let it stay on for about 5 minutes; then rise with water.
When preparing formula, fill the bottle for just one serving. Bacteria from your little one's mouth can get into the bottle of formula. It then can grow and multiply, even in the refrigerator!
Discard any formula or food left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. Bacteria love to grow and multiply in warmer temperatures.
Before feeding your little one, ALWAYS check the expiration date and safety lid. If the safety lid doesn't "pop", or is not down, it is best to throw it away. As well as throw away any expired food.
Never, ever heat baby food or formula in the microwave. Microwaves do not heat evenly. So there could be hot spots, which can burn your little one's mouth. OUCH!
Always store unused extra baby food for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, or 3 to 6 months in the freezer.
Tip: You can make individual servings by freezing the food in ice cube trays (don't forget to cover with plastic), and then placing the ice cubes in a freezer bag.
Want to make baby food for your little one? Click here to go to a great site about homemade baby food.
There is so much to take into consideration when feeding your little one. However, it is worth it to make sure they are safe.
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:12 pm
Fire Safety For Kids
Here are key elements for fire safety for kids.
Everyday we do things to protect our little ones. We strap them in a car seat, so that if we are in a car accident, our little one won’t get hurt. We childproof our home to prevent accidents or injury. But is your home safe from fire? Has it been fireproofed? Have you prepared your little one in case there is fire? Here are some simple steps that you can do to decrease the chance of a fire.
Every home should have a WORKING smoke detector! Smoke detectors are your family’s first warning against a fire. Therefore install them on every level (don’t forget the basement and the garage.) of your house. Make sure they are installed on the ceiling (smoke rises) at the top of every stairs and outside of every bedroom. If you have family members that sleep with the door closed, then put one inside of the bedroom. A smoke detector should also be installed in any large room and long hallway.
Another good place to put a smoke detector would be the garage. Highly flammable objects are often put there, so a smoke detector will alert you the moment there is a fire in the garage.
Change all smoke detectors every 10 years.
Make sure ALL of your smoke detectors are in working order. Every smoke detector has a test button. So every month push the test button to see if there is a loud beep. If there is, then it is working properly.
Smoke detectors should be cleaned once a month. Smoke detectors work by sensing very small smoke particles in the air. And if the chambers are clogged with dust, it may not work properly. So make sure to vacuum all visible parts with a vacuum hose.
Don’t forget to change the batteries once a year. If your detector chirps like a bird, then it is time to change the batteries. However, it is best to just change them every year. A good reminder is to change them at the start or end of the year.
Never put a smoke detector by an air vent. They should be at least 3 feet from a vent so the smoke doesn’t get blown away before the detector can sense it.
Have a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are good for putting out small fires. (Ex. Waste basket) Therefore it is a good idea to have one on each floor of your home. This includes the basement and the garage. And don’t forget the kitchen where an all purpose extinguisher is best. Also, the best time to learn how to use the fire extinguisher is now, before you ever need it.
Set up a home evacuation plan. Teach your little ones that each room should have at least 2 ways out. (Ex. A door is the primary exit and a window is the secondary.) And if the primary way out is blocked by fire or smoke, then the 2nd way out is better.
A good idea, is to put fire escape ladders in each bedroom that family members sleep. These ladders are foldable so they can be easily stored under a bed or in a closet.
Fire Safety for Kids and You!
Get your little ones involved! Kids as young as 2 years old can learn about fire safety. Fire safety for kids is about getting everyone involved. Here are some things you and your little ones can do together.
Teach your little ones the difference between hot and cold. Fire safety for kids is of course about safety. So with this activity never let them actually touch something this is too hot. Instead, let your child feel something that is warm. Like a warm towel from the dryer.
Fire inspection time! Go through each room in your house think about all possible exists. Ask your little ones to look for exits as well. In the event of a fire, would it be an easy way to get out? Make sure it is not blocked and windows can be easily opened.
Teach them NEVER to play with matches, lighters, cigarettes, plugs, candles, or the stove. Explain to your children that these things are only for adult use. But don’t stop there. Tell them that if they find matches, lighters, or cigarettes to let mommy or daddy know.
1. Set up an escape plan with your little ones. Teach your little ones that fire spreads quickly so it is best to move fast. Some things to discuss with your kids are:
2. If they hear the smoke alarm, feel the door first with the back of their hands before opening it. If it is hot, DON’T OPEN IT. Instead, find another way out.
3. Never walk to escape a fire. It is best to crawl on the floor to avoid the smoke and fumes.
4. Decide on a meeting place if there is a fire. Let everyone in your household know where the meeting place will be if there is a fire. Make sure that the meeting place is in front of the house and away from the fire.
5. Teach your children never to never go back into a burning building. Once you’re out: stay out!
6. Call 911. At the end of the drill, have your child pretend to go to a neighbor’s house to call 9-1-1.
7. During the fire drill, it is a good idea to let the little ones practice stop, drop and roll if their clothes caught fire.
8. At the end of the drill, have fire badges as a reward for your little ones. Kids love to color, so you can let them color their badges.
Practice makes perfect. Time how long it takes for everyone to get out of the house. Then see if any changes should be made to make the exit faster. See if everyone can evacuate in less than 3 minutes. This is the time it takes for an average size house to be engulfed in fire.
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Mistress Cupcakkes Captain
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