Car Seats

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury for children. You can help keep your child safe by making sure that they are always securely buckled into the right type of car seat and that it is correctly installed. Car seats should be used for travel only, not for feeding, sleeping, or any other use outside of the car. 

Resources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Information (English)
• American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Information (Español)
• NHTSA Car & Booster Seat Guide (English)
• NHTSA Car & Booster Seat Guide (Español)

Choking Hazards

Choking is the leading cause of injury for children under age 3. Food accounts for over 50% of choking episodes and coins and toys are the cause of most other choking incidents. 

• Until children turn age 4, avoid foods that are choking hazards such as: peanut butter, hot dogs, popcorn, whole grapes, raw carrots, raisins, nuts, hard candies or toffees and chewing gum.
• Provide safe finger foods such as bananas, well-cooked pasta and vegetables, o-shaped low-sugar cereals (such as Cheerios).
• Keep items such as coins, buttons, balloons, safety pins, barrettes, and rocks out of your child’s reach.
• Follow age recommendations on toys, especially those with small parts, and make sure toys are in good repair.
• Be vigilant. Small children put many things in their mouths. A watchful adult is often the best defense.

Resources: 

• Healthy Children: Choking Prevention (English)
• Cómo prevenir la asfixia o ahogo por atragantamiento (Español)
• Toy Safety (English)
• La seguridad de los juguetes (Español)

Suffocation

Baby slings are convenient but can be dangerous if the baby’s position results in restricting their breathing or keeps them from getting enough air. Premature, low birth weight babies or babies who are unwell are at greater risk and parents should talk to a doctor before using a sling. If using a sling, check the baby regularly. Babies can be in distress without making any noise or movement. 

Follow the ‘T.I.C.K.S.’ rule for baby sling safety: 

• Tight – the sling should be tight, with the baby positioned high and upright with head support. 
• In view always – the wearer should always be able to see the baby’s face by simply looking down to ensure that the baby’s face, nose and mouth are never covered by the wearer’s body or the sling. 
• Close enough to kiss – the baby should be close enough to the wearer’s chin that by tipping their head forward, they can easily kiss the baby on top of its head.
• Keep chin off the chest – the baby’s chin must be up and away from its body. The baby should not be curled up or have its chin resting on its chest. 
• Supported back – the baby’s back should be supported in a natural position, with its tummy and chest against the wearer. When bending over, support the baby with one hand behind its back and bend at the knees, not at the waist.

Bath Safety 

Drownings can occur in very shallow water of just an inch and can happen very quickly. Follow these steps for safe bath time.

• Always be within reach of your baby or child at bath time. 
• Never step away or leave them unattended. 
• If you have to step away, take the child with you.
• Do not rely on older children to supervise younger ones in the bath. Children should always be supervised by an adult.
• Empty the bath immediately when finished. 
• Do not use bath seats or other supports to prop the baby up.

Home Safety

Babies and small children are at risk from many common household items that may not seem dangerous. Take steps to make your home safe for them.

For Babies: 

• Never leave babies unattended on a bed, changing table, sofa, or other furniture. They can roll off and seriously injure themselves. If you need to step away, place the baby on the floor temporarily. 
• Always keep sides of the crib up when your child is inside. Lower the height of the crib mattress as the child grows. Discontinue crib use when top rails are less than ¾ of the child’s height.
• Beware of toys and other objects in the crib that can be used as steps to climb over rails.

For Children: 

• Install cabinet locks on any cabinets that contain cleaning products, medicines, or any other items which could be dangerous to children.
• Window blind cords are a major strangulation hazard. Shorten dangling cords and cut looped cords.
• Cover outlets that are not in use.
• Use gates to limit access to stairs.
• Tipping furniture can be very dangerous as kids climb and explore. All heavy and tall furniture should be secured to the wall. Inexpensive furniture anchor kits can be found in stores and online. 
• Make sure all windows lock. Be careful about open windows, even those with screens, once children are mobile and especially on the second floor. Limit openings to 4 inches.

Resources:

• Poison Safety (English & Spanish)

Recalls that are expected to impact many families will be listed here as Mid-Shore WIC becomes aware of them. Please be aware that this is not a complete list. We recommend signing up for the alerts below, or regularly searching the words “infant” and “baby” on each of the consumer protection websites.

Infant Formulas: Certain Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare Powdered Formulas

The maker of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare has recalled powder formulas manufactured in Sturgis, Mich., one of the company’s manufacturing facilities. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. The recall is due to consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility.

The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after. Additionally, Similac PM 60/40 (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)) is included in the recall.

To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package, or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the instructions provided. No action is needed for previously consumed product. If you have questions about feeding your child, contact us at Mid-Shore WIC.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The CPSC works to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the unreasonable risk of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. It does this by issuing and enforcing mandatory standards or banning consumer products if no feasible standard would adequately protect the public; obtaining the recall of products and arranging for a repair, replacement or refund for recalled products; and researching potential product hazards.

The Health Department’s Office of Emergency Preparedness encourages to sign up directly on the CPSC website to receive recall alerts. You can also search for current recalls of a current product or using broad terms like “infant,” “baby,” or “children” on the CPSC website.

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

FDA also has responsibility for regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and to reduce tobacco use by minors.

We encourage residents to regularly check the FDA’s list of recalls, market withdraws, and safety alerts for FDA-regulated products, which you can search using broad terms like “infant,” “baby,” or “children.” You can also sign up to receive this information directly to your email.

Sources:

Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles

Healthy Children from the American Academy of Pediatrics