Look Mommy, No Shots!

If sleepless nights with your new baby have taken your memory as well as your social life, read the recommended immunization schedule (birth through age 18) - printable .pdf version - approved by the Centers for Disease Control. Obviously, the schedule your doctor follows may veer from this one to adapt to the needs of your baby. This one is a guide; always follow your doctor's recommendations.  You can also click the CDC's link to try out the interactive immunization schedule based on your child's needs.

There has also been controversial discussion recently concerning possible side-effects of routine childhood immunizations.  Each parent needs to make an informed decision concerning whether his/her children will receive stated immunizations -- the key phrase here is informed decision.  

In the meantime, see the recommended immunization schedule above, by the CDC.  Remember that your child's schedule may differ slightly according to your
child's pediatrician's practices. 

Are your house plants toxic?

House plants rate among the top items that poison children.  Call the  National Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) if you have any concerns about indoor/outdoor plants, as well as any other item your child may have come into contact with or ingested.  For a thorough list of toxic and nontoxic plants, visit the University of California Cooperative Extension's Plant Safety page.  Here you can search their  huge database of plants by common and scientific names as well as understand the toxicity level of each.

Do you recall what's been recalled?

If you heard that a toy or other item has been recalled, you can check it on this list compiled by the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission.  The list is so extensive, you're better off having an item name in mind, but there are several searching methods to suit your needs.

Safe Child Car Seats

Compare features of child car seats, check safety seat recalls, locate a fitting/inspection station or verify the size/type of seat needed for your child's growing body at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's site.

Co-Sleeping - Making it Work and Making it Safe
By the author of the above book, this article discusses MANY methods of co-sleeping, as well as the pros and cons to help you decide if your family is a candidate for this loving method of nighttime parenting.

Know What to do for Your
Choking Infant

Shockingly, Americans lose one child (two-thirds age one and under) every five days to choking deaths!  Learn Infant/Child CPR and first aid before you need to use it through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.  
In the meantime, or for reference once you've completed the course, download, print, and post this chart for quick reference and then read on for more information.
Listed by the American Academy of Pediatrics as the...
 

Most common choke-able foods for children under three include: Hot dogs and sausages Chunks of meat Grapes Hard, sticky candy Popcorn Peanuts and nuts Raw carrots and vegetables Fruit seeds Apple chunks (Be sure to cut food into pieces less than one-half inch in diameter)

Common Non-food choke-able items: Coins Toys with small parts Small balls & marbles Balloons Arts & crafts materials Ballpoint pen caps Watch batteries Jewelry

Also, watch for strings on toys and household items (such as blinds) longer than eight inches and plastic bags.

Since you can never childproof your child's environment for 100% safety, parental supervision stands as the best prevention.