Be Child Safe

Author: Marianne Halterman

  • Dream On Me Recalls Crib & Toddler Bed Mattresses Due to Violation of Federal Mattress Flammability Standard

    Recall Date: December 12, 2017

    Recall Number: 18-058

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Crib and toddler bed mattresses

    Hazard: The mattresses fail to meet the mandatory federal flammability standard for mattresses, posing a fire hazard.

    Remedy: Repair

    Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mattresses and contact Dream On Me to receive a free mattress cover to bring the mattress into compliance with the federal flammability standard.

    Consumer Contact: Dream On Me toll-free at 877-201-4317 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.dreamonme.com and click on “Customer Care” for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 23,400

    Description: This recall involves Dream On Me spring and foam mattresses for cribs and toddler beds. The recalled mattresses were sold in a variety of colors and prints. The model number and date of manufacture are printed on a tag on the top center of the mattress.

    [ultimatetables 17 /]

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Sold at: Amazon.com, Kohls.com, ToyRUs.com, Walmart.com and Wayfair.com from January 2016 through December 2016 for between $40 and $90.

    Manufacturer: Dream On Me, of Piscataway, N.J.

    Manufactured in: U.S.

  • Put Safety at the Top of Your List When Decorating this Holiday Season!

    As the nation gears up to decorate their homes for the holiday season, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds consumers of decorating dangers and provides tips for a safe holiday. CPSC demonstrated some of the hazards, including Christmas tree and candle fires at its laboratory in Rockville, Md. See CPSC’s broadcast quality video.

    “Safety should be part of all your decorating efforts,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle. “Make sure your live Christmas tree has plenty of water, keep lit candles away from flammable items, and use caution when standing on a ladder or a chair to hang decorations.”

    Holiday decorating-related injuries:

    CPSC estimates the following holiday decoration-related emergency room-treated injuries nationwide during last year’s holiday season.

    • 14,700 holiday decorating related ER-treated injuries. That’s an average of about 240 injuries per day during the holiday season of November and December!
    • The most frequent holiday decorating incidents involved falls (41%), lacerations (10%) and back strains (5%).
    • 3 deaths involving ladder falls.

    Fires involving Christmas Trees and Candles

    [ultimatetables 16 /]

    *Average annual estimates from 2012 to 2014 entire calendar year.
    **Average annual estimates from 2012 to 2014 for the months of November through December.

    Follow these CPSC safety tips to keep your family safe:

    Trees and Decorations

    1. Buying a live tree? Check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, its needles are hard to pull from branches, and its needles do not break when bent between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
    2. Setting up a tree at home? Place it away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents, and radiators. Heated rooms rapidly dry out live trees, be sure to monitor water levels daily and keep the tree stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of foot traffic and do not block doorways with the tree.
    3. Buying an artificial tree? Look for the label: “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean that the tree will not catch fire, the tree is more resistant to catching fire.
    4. Decorating a tree in homes with small children? Avoid sharp or breakable decorations. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of small children who could swallow or inhale small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to try to eat them.

    Candles

    1. Keep burning candles within sight. Extinguish all candles before leaving the room.
    2. Keep candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface where children and pets cannot reach them or knock them over. Place lit candles away from items that can catch fire such as trees, decorations, curtains and furniture.

    Lights

    1. Only use lights tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Lights for both indoor and outdoor usage must meet strict standards that testing laboratories are able to verify.
    2. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets and do not use electric lights on a metallic tree.
    3. Check each extension cord to make sure it is rated for the intended use and is in good condition. Do not use cords with cuts or signs of fraying.
    4. Check outdoor lights for labels showing the lights have been certified for outdoor use and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.

    Fireplaces

    1. Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown onto wood fires. Fire salts contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if swallowed. Keep them away from children.
    2. Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result because wrappings can ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

    Smoke alarms

    1. CPSC recommends having working smoke alarms on every floor of the home and in every bedroom. The early warning provided by smoke alarms saves lives.
    2. Test your smoke alarms every month to make sure they are working properly.
    3. Change batteries in smoke alarms every year.

    You can also find more fire safety tips and information in our fire safety information center.

  • Kroger recalls ‘Comforts For Baby’ water because of mold

    © Food Safety News – www.foodsafetynews.com

    By Kelsey M. Mackin | December 4, 2017

    The Kroger Co. is recalling almost six months worth of its Comforts For Baby brand purified water with fluoride because samples have tested positive for mold contamination. Various grocery chains in 14 states are recalling the implicated infant water.

    “The FDA is issuing this consumer alert to reach parents and caregivers who may have bought the product, which is intended for infants,” according to the alert posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s website today.

    Kroger testing identified Talaromyces penicillium mold in the water after consumers complained about mold in the product. Although the water is sold in clear containers, consumers may not be able to see mold that is present. Anyone with the recalled water is urged to throw away any unused portions or return to the place of purchase for a refund.

    The 1-gallon plastic jugs of the “Comforts For Baby Purified Water with Fluoride” are labeled with “DISTRIBUTED BY THE KROGER CO, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202.” The affected products also bear the plant code 51-4140 and the UPC number 0 41260 37597 2. Consumers can also identify the recalled water by looking for “sell by” dates between April 26, 2018, and Oct. 10, 2018.

    According to the consumer alert, Kroger distributed the recalled water to retailers including Food 4 Less, Jay C, Jay C Food Plus, Kroger, Kroger Marketplace, Owen’s, Payless Super Market, and Ruler stores. Those retailers with locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia have been ordered to recall the infant water.

    Symptoms of exposure to mold, including Talaromyces penicillium, can cause immediate or delayed allergic reactions from inhaling or touching the mold or microscopic mold spores. Allergic reactions can include including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rash and anaphylactic shock.

    Mold can also cause asthma attacks. Molds can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, even in people who aren’t allergic to them, according to FDA.

    “Drinking water or other products contaminated with Talaromyces penicillium may affect infants who have HIV or other conditions that cause immune compromise,” according to the alert.

    “These individuals may become infected and this may lead to serious health consequences.”

    Consumers should consult a health care professional if they believe their infant has consumed any of the recalled water.

  • Toy Safety for the Holidays 2017

    At no time, are we more conscious of child safety than during this joyous ramp-up to the holidays when gift purchasing and giving is at all-time high. Various websites, including the website for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), call to our attention the incidents and injuries that have parents quaking in their boots: Tip-overs of childhood furniture are still occurring and causing fatalities. The CPSC estimates there were 174,100-toy related emergency department-treated injuries and seven deaths in 2016 to children younger than 15. Riding toys, especially non-motorized scooters were associated with the most injuries and almost half of toy-related deaths (most involved a motorized vehicle).1

    Our government makes a great effort to keep kids safe vis a\ vis toys on the market, and to that end seized 745,000 toys at our ports of entry for violating toy safety standards. Approximately 360,000 toys containing lead in some amount were also seized in 2017. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helped stop dangerous toys from entering the U.S. and from being placed on the market and sold to parents, caregivers and family members of kids.

    As we do each year, we urge parents and those who buy gifts for kids to follow the age-related recommendations on the packaging. Check the label, choose age-appropriate toys. Children under 3 years of age should not have toys with small parts, due to the threat of possible choking if parts become detached. Also please avoid toys with marbles and small balls for children under age 3. If you purchase riding toys, buy the safety gear that goes with them, including properly fitting helmets. Parents need to know that magnets, especially high powered magnet sets, can be dangerous and should be kept away from children under 14, and especially from small children. Young children should not have access to any toy or accessory with button batteries.

    Proper supervision of kids when they use toys is important too. And please report any safety incidents involving toys or other products at www.SaferProducts.gov as soon as possible. Beyond their threat to human life, deaths, injuries and property damage due to consumer product incidents cost our Nation more than $1 trillion annually–and because our children are our most precious asset of all, we continue preach child safety every day of the year! Not just at Halloween and Christmas! But please be especially watchful this holiday season. To report a dangerous product or toy, or injury due to use of a toy or product, go online to www.SaferPrroducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.

    And have a wonderful holiday season!

    1U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Don’t Play With Toy Safety: CPSC Tips for Safe Gifts”, www.cpsc.gov

  • Toys“R”Us Recalls Clay Craft Kits Due to Risk of Mold Exposure

    Recall Date: November 29, 2017

    Recall Number: 18-045

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Clay craft kits

    Hazard: Mold can be present in the clay, posing a risk of respiratory or other infections in individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or an allergy to mold.

    Remedy: Refund. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled craft kits and return them to Babies“R”Us or Toys“R”Us for a full refund or store credit.

    Consumer Contact: Toys“R”Us at 800-869-7787 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.toysrus.com and click on Product Recalls for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/ToysRUs-Recalls-Clay-Craft-Kits-Due-to-Risk-of-Mold-Exposure-Sold-at-BabiesRUs-and-ToysRUs

    Recall Details

    Units: About 6,000

    Description: This recall involves “totally me!” clay craft kits. Model number AD11244 is printed on the bottom of the box. The “totally me!” logo is printed on the front of the craft kit box.

    The clay craft kits contain:

    • two bricks of air dry acrylic paints
    • paint brush
    • three sculpting tools
    • plastic rolling pin
    • sponge
    • 19.5” x 15.25” instructional work mat
    • two texture rollers
    • plastic clay cutting tool
    • 12” ribbon

    Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of mold in the clay. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold At: Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us stores nationwide from January 2017 through October 2017 for about $10.

    Importer(s): Toys“R”Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J.

    Distributor(s): Toys“R”Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J.

    Manufactured In: China

  • Woolino Recalls Children’s Pajamas Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

    Recall Date: November 21, 2017

    Recall Number: 18-042

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Children’s pajamas

    Hazard: The children’s pajama sets fail to meet flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

    Remedy: Refund. Consumers should immediately take the recalled sleepwear away from children and contact Woolino for a full refund.

    Consumer Contact:
    Woolino toll-free at 844-882-8080 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at contact@woolino.com or online at www.woolino.com and click on “Product Recall” at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Woolino-Recalls-Childrens-Pajamas-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standard

    Recall Details

    Units: About 4,100

    Description: This recall involves children’s 100 percent merino wool one-piece, long-sleeve, footed pajamas. They have a blue, gray, lilac or lilac gray horizontal stripe print and a zipper that extends from the center of the neckline down to the left ankle. The sleepwear was sold in sizes 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months and 2T. Woolino and the size are printed on the back of the neckline.

    Incidents/Injuries: None Reported

    Sold At: Clothes Pony and Caro Bambino stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Zulily.com and Woolino.com from May 2015 through November 2017 for between $50 and $60.

    Importer(s): Jojo Group LLC, of Rocky River, Ohio

    Distributor(s): Woolino, of Westlake, Ohio

    Manufactured In: China

  • OshKosh Recalls Baby B’gosh Quilted Jacket Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Date: November 8, 2017

    Recall Number: 18-026

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Baby B’gosh quilted jackets

    Hazard: The snaps can detach, posing a choking hazard.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumers should immediately take the recalled jackets away from children and return them to any OshKosh or Carter’s store or contact OshKosh for a full refund in the form of a $34 gift card (for an infant size) or $36 gift card (for a toddler size).

    Consumer Contact:

    OshKosh at 800-692-4674 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.oshkosh.com and click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Photos here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/OshKosh-Recalls-Baby-Bgosh-Quilted-Jacket-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

    Recall Details

    Units: About 38,000 (in addition, about 5,000 were sold in Canada).

    Description:

    This recall involves OshKosh Baby B’gosh quilted jackets in pink and gray. The style number can be found on the front of the care tag sewn on the inside of the product, and the UPC number can be found on the back of the same care tag. The style number and UPC number can also be found on the price tag. Only jackets with the following style numbers and UPC codes are included in the recall:

    Color, Style Numbers, Size, UPC Codes can be found here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/OshKosh-Recalls-Baby-Bgosh-Quilted-Jacket-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

    Incidents/Injuries: OshKosh received three reports of a snap detaching, including one report of a child putting a detached snap in her mouth.

    Sold At: OshKosh, Toys R Us, Bon-Ton, Kohl’s, Stage, and Fred Meyer stores and at Military Exchanges nationwide and online at www.oshkosh.com between August 2017 and September 2017 for between $35 and $40.

    Importer: OshKosh B’gosh Inc., Atlanta, Georgia

    Manufactured in: Indonesia

  • Norco Bicycles Recalls Children’s Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

    Recall Date: November 7, 2017

    Recall Number: 18-025

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Children’s bicycles with Samox cranksets

    Hazard: The cranks can bend or break during use, posing a fall hazard.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact an authorized Norco Bicycles dealer for free installation of a new crankset.

    Consumer Contact: Norco at 800-663-8916 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.norco.com and click on “Safety Notices/Recalls” for more information. Consumers can also contact their local Norco Bicycles dealers to request installation of a new crankset.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 1,050 (In addition 1,750 were sold in Canada)

    Description: This recall involves 2015, 2016 and 2017 model year Norco children’s bicycles with Samox SAC30-111NA square taper bicycle cranks in 140mm and 152mm lengths. The crank model number AC30 is located on the inside of both crank arms, and the crank length is stamped at the end of each crank arm. Included in this recall are 20- and 24-inch wheeled bicycles with the following model names: Storm 2.1, Storm 4.1, Charger 2.1, Charger 4.1, Fluid HT 2.3, Fluid HT 4.3, Fluid FS 2.2, and Fluid FS 4.2. The model name is located on the top tube of the bicycle.

    Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of the cranks bending or breaking. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold at: Norco Bicycles dealers nationwide from May 2016 through September 2017 for between $400 and $1,700.

    Importer/Distributor: Norco Bicycles, of Canada

    Manufactured in: China

  • JW Crawford Recalls Children’s Rain Ponchos Due to Strangulation Hazard

    Recall Date: November 3, 2017

    Recall Number: 18-023

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Kid’s rain ponchos

    Hazard: A drawstring in the poncho’s hood poses a strangulation hazard to children. Drawstrings can become entangled or caught on playground slides, hand rails, school bus doors or other moving objects, posing a significant strangulation and/or entanglement hazard to children.

    Remedy: Repair or Refund

    Consumers should immediately take the recalled ponchos away from children and remove the drawstring to eliminate the hazard or return the poncho to the firm for a full refund.

    Consumer Contact:

    JW Crawford toll-free at 844-222-2812 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday ET or email anytime at recall.jwcrawford@gmail.com or online on the product distributor’s website at www.wealers.com and click on the Information tab located at the top of the page for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 1,300

    Description:
    This recall involves kids’ waterproof hooded rain ponchos sold in clear, red and blue. The lightweight ponchos were sold in packs of 6 and 12. A white nylon drawstring is attached at the neck of the 40 inches tall by 60 inches wide ponchos. “One size fits all” and “Made in China” are printed on the front of the packaging.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Sold At: Online at Amazon.com and Wealers.com from May 2016 through July 2016 for about $12 for a 6 pack and $17 for a 12 pack.

    Importer: JW Crawford Inc., of Monroe, N.Y.

    Distributor: Wealers Outdoor LLC, of Airmont, N.Y.

  • October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Month

             Recently CDC announced that October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness month, and to that very important end, below are CDC’s tips to parents and caregivers to create a safe sleep environment for their infants and young children. Here are the tips and all the credit for this post goes to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control:

    How to Create a Safe Sleep Environment

    CDC supports the 2016 recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS. See How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained to learn more about these and other actions.

    1. Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—for naps and at night. Some parents may be concerned that a baby who sleeps on his or her back will choke if he or she spits up during sleep. However, babies’ anatomy and gag reflex will prevent them from choking while sleeping on their backs. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep on their sides or stomachs.

    Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—for naps and at night.

    1. Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib or bassinet, covered only by a fitted sheet. Some parents might feel like they should place their baby on a soft surface, such as memory foam, to help him or her to be more comfortable while sleeping. However, soft surfaces can increase the risk of sleep-related death. A firm sleep surface helps reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
    2. Have the baby share your room, not your bed. Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else. Some parents may feel like they should share their bed with their baby to help them feel more connected. However, accidental suffocation, strangulation, and wedging (for example, being stuck between two objects such as a mattress and a wall) can happen when a baby is sleeping in an adult bed or other unsafe sleep surfaces. Room sharing is much safer than bed sharing and may decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.
    3. Keep soft objects, such as pillows and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. Some parents may feel they should add soft objects to their baby’s crib to help keep their baby warm and comfortable while sleeping. However, soft objects and loose bedding, like stuffed toys, sheets, comforters, and blankets, can increase the risk of suffocation and other sleep-related deaths. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold during sleep, you can dress her or him in sleep clothing (like a wearable blanket) to keep your baby warm.
    4. Do not allow smoking around your baby. Smoke in the baby’s surroundings is a major risk factor for SIDS. Quitting smoking can be hard, but it is one of the best ways parents and caregivers can protect their health and their baby’s health. For help in quitting, call the quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.