Be Child Safe

Author: Marianne Halterman

  • Serious Measles Outbreaks Focus Attention on Those Without Vaccinations

    Recent outbreaks of measles in the Philippines, Madagascar and Japan have taken their toll. Lives are at stake! Diseases we, in America, consider practically to have been eradicated are popping up again in other countries and in our own! Immunizations can prevent childhood deaths.

    The outbreaks of measles that occurred in Seattle, Manila, Madagascar, and Japan could have been averted had people–especially children–received the vaccine(s). February 7, 2019, Jason Gutierrez, of The New York Times, reported of the Philippines: “The Department of Health said that measles had killed 55 children age 4 or younger at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila since the start of the year.” (New York Times, 02/07/2019)

    The Guardian reported: “as of December 2018, there were more than 20,000 reported measles cases in the Philippines, a 500% increase on the year before.” And, “in the Philippines, vaccinations are currently only at 55% according to UNICEF, down 15% on last year. This has been blamed mainly on fear-mongering over inoculations.” (The Guardian, Hannah Ellis-Petersen, 2/12/2019) At last count, there have been 203 deaths due to measles in the Philippines. (Outbreak News Today, 2/24/2019)

    Newsweek published the following: “Last month, … the World Health Organization declared “vaccine hesitancy” as one of the major global health threats in 2019, with a noted 30 percent increase in global incidence of measles. It’s believed that the anti-vaccination sentiment was what led to measles outbreaks in Oregon, New York, Texas, Washington and elsewhere in the U.S.” (“Anti-Vax Religious Group Says Sorry for Helping Cause Massive Measles Outbreak”, Newsweek, Tom O’Connor, 2/21/2019)

    In the U.S., it’s not only the reticence to get measles vaccinations that threatens children, at this writing, the flu is so serious in New Jersey, three children have died due to flu. “Schools have had to close as NJ’s flu scare has become ‘widespread,’ and the number of test cases have quadrupled over the past 2 months.” A dangerous strain that caused a 2009 pandemic has re-emerged in New Jersey, according to the state’s Department of Health. (New Jersey (Ridgewood-Glen Rock) Patch, Tom Davis, Patch National Staff, 2/26/19)

    Physicians and scientists are also in a quandary over another health challenge called Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)–prevalent in children–which seems to mimic polio in some respects. In 2018, there were 215 confirmed cases of AFM which occurred in 40 states across the U.S., the number of which appeared to spike in August-September, according to the CDC. So, if a vaccine is developed to check more diseases, like AFM and others, will our children– and the population at large– continue to be at risk–if parents don’t allow children to be vaccinated?

  • Target Recalls Toddler Boots Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Date: February 12, 2019

    Recall Number: 19-062

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Cat & Jack Unicorn “Chiara” Boots

    Hazard: The unicorn horn on the boot can detach, posing a choking hazard to children.

    Remedy: Refund. Consumers should immediately take the recalled boots away from children and return them to any Target Store for a full refund.

    Consumer Contact: Target at 800-440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, daily or online at www.target.com and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page, then on “Clothing” for more information. Consumers can also click the “Product Recalls” tab on Target’s Facebook page for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Target-Recalls-Toddler-Boots-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

    Recall Details

    Units: About 33,600

    Description: This recall includes the Cat & Jack “Chiara” toddlers’ unicorn boots in sizes 5-13, and size 1. The boots are white with silver shimmer, include a white zipper, and white faux fur lining. The unicorn’s horn and inner ears are silver glitter and its eyelashes and nostrils are stitched and gray in color. At the base of the unicorn’s horn is pink, purple, and blue faux fur. The back and sides of the boots contain multi-colored stripes. The model numbers are located on the inside tag of the boot. The recalled model numbers begin with TARGET0930156XX, where XX corresponds to a specific sized boot.

    [ultimatetables 26 /]
    Incidents/Injuries: Four consumers reported the unicorn’s horn detached. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold At: Target stores nationwide, online at Target.com, and on Google Express from October 2018 through November 2018 for about $27.

    Manufacturer(s): Putian Licheng Phoenix Footwear CO., of Fujian, China

    Importer(s): Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn.

    Distributor(s): Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn.

    Manufactured In: China

  • Fisher-Price Recalls Children’s Power Wheels Barbie Campers Due to Injury Hazard

    Recall Date: February 5, 2019

    Recall Number: 19-058

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Children’s Power Wheels Barbie Dream Campers

    Hazard: The children’s ride-on Power Wheels can continue to run after the foot pedal is released, posing an injury hazard.

    Remedy: Repair

    Consumers should immediately take the recalled Power Wheels away from children, stop using them and contact Fisher-Price for a free repair.

    Consumer Contact: Fisher-Price at 800-348-0751 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.service.mattel.com and click on “Recalls & Safety Alerts” or www.fisher-price.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 44,000

    Description: This recall involves children’s Power Wheels Barbie Dream Campers with model number FRC29 with a grey foot pedal. The recalled ride-on vehicles are hot pink with blue accents and have the Barbie logo printed on the back. They are battery-operated and have a play kitchen, a fold out grill and pretend campfire. The model number is printed on a label under the hood.

    Incidents/Injuries: Fisher-Price has received 17 reports of the power wheels continuing to run after the foot pedal was released. No injuries have been reported.
    Sold Exclusively At: Walmart stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com from July 2018 through January 2019 for about $400.

    Importer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y.

    Manufactured in: Mexico

  • TOY SAFETY…AGAIN!

    According to the “World Against Toys Causing Harm” (W.A.T.C.H.), a child is treated in a U.S. emergency room every three minutes for a toy-related injury. Amazing! Just because toys are on the market doesn’t mean they are safe! One thing parents, caregivers, family members and gift-givers should think about is that toys advertised on-line could be less safe than toys purchased in a brick-and-mortar store, as the purchaser doesn’t have the opportunity to touch and see the toy before purchasing it for a child.

    Also according to W.A.T.C.H., “there were 28 toy recalls in fiscal year 2017. In the recent 22-month period between January 2017 and October 2018, an estimated 3.5 million units of toys were recalled in the U.S. and Canada.” There are toys which have been recalled and then there are un-safe toys which have not been recalled… some unsafe toys show up at tag sales, yard sales and flea markets. Many are imported toys which slip by the scrutiny of the CPSC until something happens to a child interacting with that unsafe toy!

    Parents need to keep a weather eye-out for kids and nix toys that contain sharp edges or sharp protruding parts, and/or parts which if loosened on which a child could choke. Two toys WATCH identified as dangerous are the “Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel Superstar Blade” and “Marvel Black Panther Slash Claw”. Blade? Slash Claw? Just their names give me the shivers! These are toys which have no business being in the hands of young children.

    Even though the holidays are over, these are still good tips when purchasing toys for young children, from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

    1. Check the label: Choose age appropriate toys by reading the age label on the toy. For children younger than 3, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking. In particular, avoid deflated or broken balloons, small parts or small balls.
    2. Get safety gear: With scooters and other riding toys, helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and they should be sized to fit. Avoid riding a scooter on a street or roadway with other motor vehicles.

    Be careful with magnets: High powered magnet sets are dangerous and should be kept away from children under 14. Building and play sets with small magnets should also be kept away from small children.

    1. 2018 “Ten Worst Toys List”, press release “W.A.T.C.H. REVEALS ITS 2018 NOMINEES FOR THE “10 WORST TOYS” THIS HOLIDAY SEASON”, www. Toysafety.org, December 2018.
    2. Ibid.
    3. Ibid.
    4. Consumer Product Safety Commission website, www.cpsc.gov,https://onsafety.cpsc.gov/blog/2017/11/16/top-toy-lists-start-with-safety/

  • Women’s Iron Complete Supplements Recalled by GNC Due to Failure to Meet Child Resistant Closure Requirement; Risk of Poisoning

    Recall date: December 19, 2018

    Recall number: 19-055

    Recall Summary

    Name of product: Women’s Iron Complete Dietary Supplement (60 caplets)

    Hazard: The dietary supplement blister packaging is not child resistant, as required by federal law. If ingested by a child, these supplements could cause serious injury or death.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumers should keep these products out of the reach of children and contact GNC for instructions on how to obtain a refund. Consumers can return the unused product to their local GNC store for a refund.

    Consumer Contact: GNC at 888-462-2548 any time, email at customer-service@gnc-hq.com or online at www.gnc.com and click on “Recall Notice” link at the top of the page for more information.

    Pictures Available Here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/womens-iron-complete-supplements-recalled-by-gnc-due-to-failure-to-meet-child-resistant

    Recall Details

    Units: About 756,000

    Description: This recall involves Women’s Iron Complete Dietary Supplement 60-count caplets. The recalled dietary supplement is in a white box with “Women’s Iron Complete” printed on the front in gray and red font. The box contains blister packets with a total of sixty caplets.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Sold At: GNC retail stores nationwide and online at www.gnc.com from September 2000 through August 2018, and online at www.drugstore.com from September 2000, through August 2016 for about $10.

    Manufacturer(s): Nutra Manufacturing, Inc., of Greenville, S.C. (a GNC Company)

    Distributor(s): General Nutrition Corp., of Pittsburgh, Pa.

    Manufactured In: United States

  • The Children’s Place Recalls Infant Snowsuits Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Date: December 18, 2018

    Recall Number: 19-053

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Infant snowsuits

    Hazard: The metal snaps on the snowsuit can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumers should immediately take the recalled snowsuits away from children, stop using them and return them to any The Children’s Place store for a full refund. Online customers will receive return instructions by email from The Children’s Place on obtaining a full refund.

    Consumer Contact: The Children’s Place toll-free at 877-752-2387 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturdays, or online at www.childrensplace.com and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/The-Childrens-Place-Recalls-Infant-Snowsuits-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

    Recall Details

    Units: About 14,900 (in addition, about 750 were sold in Canada)

    Description:
    This recall involves girls’ infant snowsuits sold in infant sizes 0 to 18 months. The recalled snowsuits were sold in two styles and three colors/patterns. The style number is printed on a label sewn in to the side seam. The snowsuits are 100% polyester and the trim is 95% polyester and 5% spandex. They have matching print hoods with small ears, detachable mittens and a zipper down the front of the suit covered with a fabric snap flap at the chest.

    [ultimatetables 25 /]

    Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a metal snap detaching from a snowsuit. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold Exclusively At: The Children’s Place stores nationwide and online at www.childrensplace.com from August 2018 through November 2018 for about $50.

    Importer(s): The Children’s Place Services Company LLC, of Secaucus, N.J.

    Manufactured In: China

  • Tris Pharma Issues Recall of Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension

    Tris Pharma, Inc. has voluntarily recalled three (3) lots of Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP (NSAID) 50 mg per 1.25 mL, to the retail level. The recalled lots of the product have been found to potentially have higher concentrations of ibuprofen.

    There is a remote possibility that infants, who may be more susceptible to a higher potency level of drug, and therefore may be more vulnerable to permanent NSAID-associated renal injury. Adverse effects that may be experienced are nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, or more rarely, diarrhea. Tinnitus, headache and gastrointestinal bleeding are also possible adverse effects. To date, Tris Pharma, Inc.has not received any reports of adverse events related to the lots of product that are the subject of this recall.

  • Skip Hop Recalls Convertible High Chairs Due to Injury and Fall Hazards

    Recall Date: December 6, 2018

    Recall Number: 19-042

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Tuo convertible high chairs

    Hazard: The legs on the highchair can detach from the seat, posing fall and injury hazards to children.

    Remedy: Refund. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Skip Hop for a full refund or a $200 gift card.

    Consumer Contact: Skip Hop toll-free at 888-282-4674 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.skiphop.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Skip-Hop-Recalls-Convertible-High-Chairs-Due-to-Injury-and-Fall-Hazards

    Recall Details

    Units: About 32,300 (In addition, about 8,600 were sold in Canada)

    Description: This recall involves Skip Hop’s Tuo convertible high chairs with charcoal gray or silver/white with clouds fabric. They have a reversible seat pad, removable tray, 5-point harness, beechwood footrest and legs. The high chairs can be converted into a toddler chair. One of the following style numbers and corresponding date code can be found on the back of the chair:

    [ultimatetables 24 /]

    Incidents/Injuries: Skip Hop has received 17 reports of the legs of the high chairs detaching. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold At: Babies ”R” Us, Buy Buy Baby, Target, Kohls, Dillards and other children specialty stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and Skiphop.com from June 2017 through September 2018 for about $160.

    Importer(s): Skip Hop, Inc., of New York

    Manufactured In: China

  • Meijer Recalls Children’s Hooded Jackets Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Date: December 6, 2018

    Recall Number: 19-044

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Falls Creek Kids infant and toddler hoodies

    Hazard: The zipper slider can detach from the hoodie, posing a choking hazard to young children.

    Remedy: Refund. Consumers should immediately take the recalled hoodies away from children, stop using them and return them to any Meijer store for a full refund.

    Consumer Contact: Meijer at 800-927-8699 anytime or online at www.Meijer.com and click on “Product Recalls” for more information.

    Pictures available here: https:/www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Meijer-Recalls-Childrens-Hooded-Jackets-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

    Recall Details

    Units: About 25,000

    Description: This recall involves Falls Creek Kids branded children’s zip up hoodies sold in five color styles in sizes 12M,18M, 24M, 2T,3T 4T and 5T. “Falls Creek Kids” and “Made in China” are printed on the inner collar. The tracking number is printed on a sewn-in label on the inner side seam.

    [ultimatetables 23 /]

    Incidents/Injuries: Meijer has received one report of the zipper slider body and pull detaching from a hoodie. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold Exclusively At: Meijer stores nationwide from June 2018 through October 2018 for about $14.

    Importer(s): Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.

    Distributor(s): Wholesale Merchandisers LLC, of Grand Rapids, Mich.

    Manufactured In: China

  • Unintentional Injury Still the Leading Cause of Childhood Death – CDC Releases Death Information 2016

    Once again, as it seems I do every year, I am unhappy to report that Unintentional Injury is still the leading cause of death in children in the U.S., in age groups 1-4 and 5-9 years as just reported this week for the year 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISQARS database statistics.

    It is a shocking set of statistics because we know many unintentional injuries are preventable–and yet, they were not prevented.  Unintentional injury remains the leading cause of death for Americans all the way through the 35-44-year age group which is when the leading causes present as malignancies and, finally in later year age groups, to heart disease.  My plea continues to be that as parents, family members and caregivers of young children, we are more “present”, more focused (without becoming helicopter parents) on children’s wellbeing, and that ultimately we are more caring of kids.

    To that end, parents, family members and caregivers need to be aware of harmful children’s toys, unsafe car doors and windows, the every-day dangers of medicines inappropriately used or stored, the same goes for home-cleaning chemicals–store (even lock)  them up high! We need to be aware of window blinds that still have pull cords, placement of baby cribs in a room away from windows, safe sleep requirements for babies, even the fiber content or the chemicals in their crib mattresses. We need to be alerted to new child seat laws and regulations as they become Law–and if we see people driving kids in the front seat, with no car seats or seat belts…we need to suggest they get a free car seat check at their nearest fire or police department. When we see tiny fingers on a conveyor belt at a check-out counter, we need to gently let the young child and accompanying caregiver know, “That’s dangerous, don’t touch!”  When you see a child playing in a store in front of the automatic doors or a parent toting a child in a basket…with the child standing, say something! Falls-causing brain damage change lives forever. Young children on bicycles and scooters need helmets too. So we need to spread the word! We need to watch children carefully when they are around water, in parks and playing in playgrounds. We need to watch children when we are cooking, doing laundry, or handling hot foods–we need to watch children crossing the street, waiting for the bus.

    We need to step up and make a public commitment and outcry against distracted driving by…almost everyone!  We need to call 911 if we see an unattended child in a car, with the windows rolled up! And the list goes on…from unsafe button batteries, to bucky balls, to cadmium-covered imported toys. The challenge to keep children safe is daunting! We need to be aware and brave in matters that concern child safety. We need to advocate for children, because they cannot advocate for themselves! We owe it to them! They are our hope for the future. Their safety, health and care is our responsibility.