Child Health & Safety News Roundup: 06-11-2012 to 06-17-2012

Last updated on March 3rd, 2018 at 11:00 am

Welcome to Pediatric Safety’s weekly “Child Health & Safety News Roundup”- a recap of the past week’s child health and safety news headlines from around the world.

Each day we use Twitter to communicate relevant and timely health and safety information to the parents, medical professionals and other caregivers who follow us. Occasionally we may miss something, but we think overall we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping you informed. But for our friends and colleagues who are not on Twitter (or who are but may have missed something), we offer you a recap of the past week’s top 10 news-worthy events.

PedSafe Headline of the Week:

Five Questions Every Parent Should Ask When Considering If Facebook Is Right for Their Child   http://t.co/ky7Ohfp9

June 17, 2012 | Filed Under Awareness | 3 Comments 

Car Seat LATCH Rules to Change in 2014: Please Read This Today

Last updated on August 7th, 2019 at 02:42 pm

A new rule that goes into effect in 2014 will require car-seat makers to warn parents NOT to use the  Latch anchor system to install a car seat if the combined weight of the child and the seat is 65 pounds or higher.

The LATCH anchors (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) were designed to make child seats easier to install and have been required in vehicles since 2001, but child-safety seat advocates say the strength of the anchors can’t be guaranteed because they don’t take into account the weight of the child seat, which typically weighs 15 to 33 lbs.

In the June 6th USA Today, according to Joseph Colella, one of five child-safety advocates who petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a change to the rule, “the anchor requirements are based on old child seats and outdated recommendations on how long kids should be in child seats”.

And children are getting heavier and staying in child seats longer.  Just this past year the American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA issued enhanced new guidelines on booster seat use for older children, recommending that children ride in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit in a seat belt properly, typically when the child is somewhere between 8-12 years old and about 4 feet 9 inches tall.  Colella says “car makers aren’t able to guarantee the safety of heavier kids given the strength of LATCH anchors”.  And that to me, sounds a bit risky

So what does this mean for you?

Transportation Department spokeswoman Lynda Tran told USA Today: “While Latch makes it easier to properly install car seats in vehicles, it’s important for parents and caregivers to know that securing a child seat with a seat belt is equally as safe — and that they have the flexibility to use either system.”  Very good to know.

So…if you have a child that weighs around 30 lbs, double check the weight of your car seat with the manufacturer.  Make sure the weight of your child + the weight of that seat does not exceed 65 lbs.  And while you’re having that conversation with them, double check the weight their LATCH anchors are rated to support.  And if you have any doubt – use a seat belt to secure the car seat.

In my opinion, waiting until 2014 to require car seat manufacturers to warn parents about a potentially dangerous situation is being overly “nice” to car-seat manufacturers…but when the safety of a child is even a question, “nice” should not be an option.
I’d prefer we start notifying parents today. What do you think???

June 14, 2012 | Filed Under Involvement | 3 Comments 

Child Health & Safety News Roundup: 06-04-2012 to 06-10-2012

Last updated on March 3rd, 2018 at 11:01 am

Welcome to Pediatric Safety’s weekly “Child Health & Safety News Roundup”- a recap of the past week’s child health and safety news headlines from around the world.

Each day we use Twitter to communicate relevant and timely health and safety information to the parents, medical professionals and other caregivers who follow us. Occasionally we may miss something, but we think overall we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping you informed. But for our friends and colleagues who are not on Twitter (or who are but may have missed something), we offer you a recap of the past week’s top 20 news-worthy events.

PedSafe Headline of the Week:

Tylenol Overdoses are a leading cause of acute liver failure in children and can be Deadly for a child   http://t.co/EIwaqxqx

June 12, 2012 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment 

June 16, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted is Sensory Friendly

Last updated on June 13th, 2012 at 10:25 am

Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and with other special needs ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” films in a safe and accepting environment.

The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Does it make a difference? Absolutely! “It can be challenging enough to bring ANY child to a movie theater” says PedSafe Special Needs Parenting Expert Rosie Reeves “they are dark, the sound is very loud, there are tempting stairs and rails and they are expected to sit still and stay quiet”. For a parent with a special needs child attempting an outing like this may seem overwhelming. And yet getting out, being with the community and sharing in an experience with an audience can be invaluable for just such children”.

On June 16th at 10am local time, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).

Coming June 30th: Brave

****************************************************************************************************************************

Editor’s note: Although Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for mild action and rude humor. As always, please check the IMDB Parent’s Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.

June 8, 2012 | Filed Under Awareness | 1 Comment 

Child Health & Safety News Roundup: 05-28-2012 to 06-03-2012

Last updated on March 3rd, 2018 at 11:02 am

Welcome to Pediatric Safety’s weekly “Child Health & Safety News Roundup”- a recap of the past week’s child health and safety news headlines from around the world.

Each day we use Twitter to communicate relevant and timely health and safety information to the parents, medical professionals and other caregivers who follow us. Occasionally we may miss something, but we think overall we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping you informed. But for our friends and colleagues who are not on Twitter (or who are but may have missed something), we offer you a recap of the past week’s top 25 news-worthy events.

PedSafe Headline of the Week:

Summer Camp Safety: Essential Questions Parents Should Ask http://t.co/sRV7obef

June 5, 2012 | Filed Under Awareness | Leave a Comment 

Care.com Features Special Needs Caregivers Nationwide

Last updated on June 13th, 2012 at 10:21 am

As the mother of a special needs child I was never comfortable leaving my child with anyone else unless it was an absolute emergency – and my child has very mild special needs. But let’s face it, no matter how devoted and loving you are to your children there are times when you need to get something done without a child in tow, or you just need a break. Or maybe your financial situation or important position makes it so that you need to work. So, how do you find someone you can trust, who is qualified to handle your child’s medical, physical, behavior or emotional challenges?

You can get referrals from your pediatrician, a local daycare or other area moms. You can look on your local Craig’s List, Jen’s List or advertise online or in a local paper. You can hire your cousin’s kid who is in nursing school…you know the drill. It’s tough – you probably have a lot of questions about this person who will be coming into your home. A while ago I came across Care.com, and they really make the process easier.

The site works on a membership basis with free and paid premium memberships. There are local listings of caregivers along with their experience and qualifications. Paid members can even do background checks on caregivers, which is reassuring. Care.com also lists caregivers for pets, seniors and house sitters.

No matter how highly a caregiver is recommended, be sure to interview them and trust your instincts. Watch them interact with your child (or pet or senior) and keep looking until you find one that you feel is “right” for your family.

June 4, 2012 | Filed Under Community | Leave a Comment