More than half-a-million cribs were recalled by Stork Craft and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission earlier this year. The “voluntary” recall comes as a result of Stork cribs’ metal support bracket, used to support the crib mattress and mattress board, which can crack and break causing the mattress to collapse and create a dangerous gap.

Ten incidents were already reported, and, the worst part is, these were 10 recent incidents, preceded by dozens in 2008 alone. Don Keenan, a nationally recognized child advocate attorney and founder of the Atlanta-based Keenan’s Kids Foundation, a nonprofit child safety organization, says these crib deaths are preventable. “A crib should be the safest place to sleep imaginable,” said Keenan, author of “365 Ways to Keep Kids Safe.” “Cribs are the only baby product manufactured with the intention of leaving a child unattended. Because of this, every necessary measure should be taken to ensure the crib is the safest possible environment.”

This recall of roughly 535,000 products follows millions of crib-product recalls within the past two years. In October 2008, 1.6 million Delta Enterprise cribs were recalled along with 2,000 portable cribs from New York-based company Playkids USA. Meanwhile, dozens of retailers had recalled defective Simplicity bassinets in August 2008, preceded by 1 million Simplicity cribs in September 2007, which was previously the biggest crib recall until Delta Enterprises.

After these recalls, the CPSC said they planned to do more with their performance requirements to help strengthen the problems. But Keenan said it has to start with parents. “The bottom line is that the government cannot be depended upon to protect,” he said, “and it isn’t safe to assume a crib is safe without carefully checking it periodically to make sure all its parts are in proper working order.” Keenan stressed that whether your child’s crib has been recalled or not, not every crib on the market should automatically be considered safe.

He recommended using the following Crib Design Checklist, from “365 Ways to Keep Kids Safe”: • Consistently looking for updated recall information;

• Not using older cribs because they can be unsafe, and many contain lead paint;
• Checking for missing slats and not purchasing a crib with slats more than two-and-three-eighths inches apart;
• Ensuring the crib’s corner posts are no more than one-sixth of an inch higher than the end panels of the crib and the top rails are at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress, ensuring the child cannot fall out; and
• Parents should address height as the child grows, because once the height of the top rail is less than three-fourths the child’s height, the crib should no longer be used.

When considering a crib’s mattress, parents should make sure the mattress fits tightly and no more than two fingers can fit between the edge of the mattress and the crib. Also remember drop latches need to be too difficult for a child to release in order to be considered safe. This year’s “voluntary” recall asked consumers owning any style of a Stork Craft Baby Crib purchased between May 2000 and January 2009 to “stop using recalled products immediately.”

The cribs were available at JCPenney, Kmart and Walmart stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, BabiesRUs.com, Costco.com and Walmart.com for between $100 and $400. Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free replacement kit, with new mattress support brackets, by calling 866-361-3321 to order the free replacement kit, or log on to www.storkcraft.com.

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By Irene Zoppi

Aug. 1 through 7 marks the 18th annual World Breastfeeding Week. Since the celebration began nearly two decades ago, the body of research on the benefits of breastfeeding has been growing every day.
One of the most complete pictures of recent research was released in April 2007 when the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reviewed more than 9,000 abstracts, 86 primary studies and 29 systematic reviews on breastfeeding.  The report found clear evidence that breastfed babies have a reduced risk of middle ear infections, diarrhea, stomach flu and severe lower respiratory tract infections.  It also found that breastfeeding is likely associated with reduced risk of eczema, asthma, obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia, sudden infant death syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis (which is associated with the high mortality rate for premature infants).  
Not only will breastfeeding help you get your little one off to the best possible start, the AHRQ study also chronicled numerous benefits for mom.  Women who breastfed had a clearly reduced risk of breast cancer, and breastfeeding was also associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and ovarian cancer.
Nursing provides mom and baby with emotional advantages as well. Breastfeeding is a gentle way for newborns to transition to the world outside the womb. Plus, the skin-to-skin contact that mom and baby engage in while nursing enhances baby’s emotional security and helps mom and baby bond.
From a practical standpoint, breastfeeding also offers some advantages. For moms on the go, breastmilk is always available and always the right temperature. Plus, breastfeeding is easier on the wallet.  In fact, formula can cost about $1,200 per year, according to askdrsears.com.
In light of these benefits, many mothers strive to meet the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation to breastfeed for at least a year.  Unfortunately, most mothers do not achieve that goal. Only 39 percent of babies born in 2004 (the most recent data available) were breastfed when 6 months old, and only 19 percent were breastfed when 1 year old, according to the CDC National Immunization Survey. In order to achieve the one-year milestone, I advise expectant moms to take the following steps:
• Go to the pros. Plan to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before baby arrives. Sign up for a class about breastfeeding at the hospital where you will deliver. Speak with a certified lactation consultant (visit http://medela.findlocation .com/ to find one near you) and keep her contact information handy in case you run into any hurdles. Don’t forget to check with your insurance provider before you make an appointment, as some cover lactation services. Also, ask friends and family for referrals to pediatricians who are supportive of breastfeeding in your community.  
• Go to your peers. While a good lactation consultant and pediatrician are extremely important to breastfeeding success, sometimes you simply want to talk to someone who has been there before. Support organizations such as La Leche League International (LLLI) and the Nursing Mothers’ Council offer the opportunity to meet and compare notes with other local breastfeeding mothers.  Go to www.llli.org or contact your hospital for support groups located in your area.
• Plan for the next stage. For many mothers, the return to work is a critical junction in their breastfeeding journey. In fact, a 2007 survey by the National Women’s Health Resource Center and Medela found that 32 percent of new mothers gave up breastfeeding less than seven weeks after returning to work because of barriers such as lack of privacy, inflexible schedules or lack of refrigeration.  If you’re planning on going back to work, your first step is to talk to human resources before your maternity leave. Ask for a clean, private place to pump, and remind them that the health benefits of breastmilk will translate into fewer days when you’ll stay home to take care of a sick baby.  Next, make sure you have the right equipment. Choose a double-electric breastpump that mimics what babies do naturally to make pumping as quick and easy as possible. Look for research-based breastpumps that have been demonstrated to imitate a baby’s natural sucking rhythm, which begins with rapid sucking to stimulate milk ejection reflex (MER), followed by longer, deeper sucking once milk starts to flow.
• Get off to the right start. As soon as you arrive at the hospital, tell the doctors and nurses that you are going to breastfeed. Breastfeed as quickly after delivery as possible, preferably within an hour of birth, as this will help you establish your breastfeeding routine and prevent engorgement.  If your baby isn’t ready to feed during the first try, make another attempt in a half hour. If you have a visit from a lactation consultant, ask your partner to stay and take notes, so you have easy access to these tips in the coming days.   
• Go to your support system. Postpartum adjustment isn’t easy. Make sure your partner and close family members are educated on the benefits of breastfeeding, know your breastfeeding goal, and are prepared to offer encouragement and help.
With the proper planning and support you can meet your breastfeeding goal. Years down the road you’ll be glad you persevered, and look fondly on those quiet moments you and your baby enjoyed as you provided the physical and emotional benefits of breastmilk.

Irene Zoppi is an international board certified lactation consultant and a Medela clinical education specialist.

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By Idan Shpizear

We can all agree there’s probably no greater joy in life than having a baby.  You want to give them every opportunity to thrive and succeed in life, and it all starts with the moment you come home with your newborn in tow.
If you have a child on the way, or already have children of your own, there are some important steps you should take to ensure your child’s safety in the home environment – beyond the obvious dangers that childproofing can fix. Unfortunately, in most homes, there are many invisible and airborne hazards that exist and often go unexamined.  Here is a quick summary of easy things you can do which will significantly improve both your and your baby’s health:

1. Purchase an air purifier and test your air quality.
Clean air and a baby’s immune system are inextricably linked.  It is very important that a baby breathe clean air so that her developing lungs and immune system have time to rest and rejuvenate. At the very least, the room where the baby sleeps should have a high quality air purifier. An effective air purifying system will help maintain your home environment and keep it free from contaminants that can enter through windows or doors.
There’s some concern that if a baby’s room is too clean, the child won’t develop the natural immunities required to for good general health.  However, that argument doesn’t pertain to airborne particles. Breathing in dust, pollens, mold spores and pet allergens are bad for adults with healthy systems, but for babies, whose lungs are still growing, they can lead to greatly weakened systems and may affect the child’s health later in life.
Air testing is the best way of measuring the indoor air quality of our homes.  A certified specialist can take samples and then provide you with the most efficient and effective way to eliminate or clean any dangerous particles.  When you consult with an air testing specialist, look for an endorsement from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
Additionally, if you want to purify the air through your heating/air conditioning system, we’d also recommend you purchase a UVC Silent Light. This is an air purifying system made for air ducts and designed to sterilize and significantly reduce the quantity of microorganisms as they pass through the system, creating better overall indoor air quality.

2. Test for mold (visible and non-visible), mildew, fungal infestation, etc.
Mold has become one of the leading problems in most homes across the country, and too often it is discovered only after health problems begin to show up.  You should be aware that most mold grows on wood, fiber or paper that has remained wet for more than a few days.  Tiny mold spores float through the air and land on inviting damp spots. As the mold matures, it may produce spores of its own which are easily blown up into ventilation systems and are distributed throughout the home.  
The only way to get rid of the mold permanently is to get rid of the moisture: fix leaks and seepage, even if it involves landscaping around basements.  Put plastic over dirt in crawlspaces and keep them well ventilated.  Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms.  Turn off humidifiers if you see condensation on the windows.  Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates.  Finally, pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Use area rugs that can be lifted and washed, or install a vapor barrier over the concrete.

3.  Get your carpet cleaned.
Cleaning your carpet and area rugs will get rid of any dust, dust mites and other germs or bacteria that have fallen to the floor.  These things, when stirred up by crawling babies, may become harmful to your baby’s general health.  
Dirty carpets can trap chemical and biological pollutants that are carried in the air or tracked in from the outside.  Damp, dirty carpets are an excellent breeding ground for these biological pollutants. For these reasons, it is important to have regular cleanings to help reduce these problems.

4. Air duct cleaning and decontamination.
Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance that is unfortunately overlooked by the vast majority of homeowners. A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house as it promotes the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air.  We strongly recommend having all the air duct vents in your home cleaned out before your newborn comes home.  
Cleaning your air ducts thoroughly and performing seasonal decontamination will greatly reduce the amount of airborne debris that may be harmful to the respiratory health of your entire family, including your sensitive newborn.
The following signs indicate the need for a thorough air duct cleaning:
• The growth of mold inside the ducts or on the surface of the cooling or heating system.
• Infestation of insects or small unwanted pests in the ducts.
• A great deal of dust or other debris clogging or reducing air flow through the vents.

5. Use green products.
Did you know that a nationwide study of randomly selected umbilical cord blood samples obtained from the American Red Cross by the Environmental Working Group revealed 287 industrial chemicals passed through the mother’s placenta into the womb? Not only are newborn babies starting life with a toxic overload, but possibly one out of eight is born prematurely, due in part to these poisons.
The chemicals used in our household cleaning supplies, including mutagens that cause permanent genetic cell changes, and endocrine disrupters which can mimic, block or interfere with natural hormone function, are currently sabotaging our environment.
To reduce exposure to harmful common household cleaning supplies such as bleach, detergents, etc., we strongly recommend using eco-friendly organic products.

Idan Shpizear is owner of 911 Restoration (www.911Restoration. com), one of the leading certified mold and water damage restoration companies with over 30 years of experience, specializing in both commercial and residential properties.

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After months of waiting, finally, your new baby has arrived! Mothers-to-be often spend so much time in anticipation of labor, they don't think about or even know what to expect during the first hours after delivery. Read on so you will be ready to bond with your new bundle of joy.

What Newborns Look Like
You might be surprised by how your newborn looks at birth. If you had a vaginal delivery, your baby entered this world through a narrow and boney passage. It's not uncommon for newborns to be born bluish, bruised and with a misshapen head. An ear might be folded over. Your baby may have a complete head of hair or be bald. Your baby also will have a thick, pasty, whitish coating, which protected the skin in the womb. This will wash away during the first bathing.
Once your baby is placed into your arms, your gaze will go right to his or her eyes. Most newborns open their eyes soon after birth. Eyes will be brown or bluish-gray at first. Looking over your baby, you might notice that the face is a little puffy. You might notice small white bumps inside your baby's mouth or on his or her tongue. Your baby might be very wrinkly. Some babies, especially those born early, are covered in soft, fine hair, which will come off in a couple of weeks. Your baby's skin might have various colored marks, blotches or rashes, and fingernails could be long. You might also notice that your baby's breasts and penis or vulva are a bit swollen.
How your baby looks will change from day to day, and many of the early marks of childbirth go away with time. If you have any concerns about something you see, talk to your doctor. After a few weeks, your newborn will look more and more like the baby you pictured in your dreams.

Bonding With Your Baby
Spending time with your baby in those first hours of life is very special. Although you might be tired, your newborn could be quite alert after birth. Cuddle your baby skin-to-skin. Let your baby get to know your voice and study your face. Your baby can see up to about two feet away. You might notice that your baby throws his or her arms out if someone turns on a light or makes a sudden noise. This is called the startle response. Babies also are born with grasp and sucking reflexes. Put your finger in your baby's palm and watch how she or he knows to squeeze it. Feed your baby when she or he shows signs of hunger.

Medical Care for Your Newborn
Right after birth babies need many important tests and procedures to ensure their health. Some of these are even required by law. But as long as the baby is healthy, everything but the Apgar test can wait for at least an hour. Delaying further medical care will preserve the precious first moments of life for you, your partner and the baby. A baby who has not been poked and prodded may be more willing to nurse and cuddle. So before delivery, talk to your doctor or midwife about delaying shots, medicine and tests.

Eye Care
Your baby may receive eye drops or ointment to prevent eye infections they can get during delivery. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea and Chlamydia, are a main cause of newborn eye infections. These infections can cause blindness if not treated.
Medicines used can sting and/or blur the baby's vision. So you may want to postpone this treatment for a little while.
Some parents question whether this treatment is really necessary. Many women at low risk for STIs do not want their newborns to receive eye medicine. But there is no evidence to suggest that this medicine harms the baby.
It is important to note that even pregnant women who test negative for STIs may get an infection by the time of delivery. Plus, most women with gonorrhea and/or Chlamydia don't know it because they have no symptoms.

Vitamin K Shot
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns receive a shot of vitamin K in the upper leg. Newborns usually have low levels of vitamin K in their bodies. This vitamin is needed for the blood to clot. Low levels of vitamin K can cause a rare but serious bleeding problem. Research shows that vitamin K shots prevent dangerous bleeding in newborns.
Newborns probably feel pain when the shot is given. But afterwards babies don't seem to have any discomfort. Since it may be uncomfortable for the baby, you may want to postpone this shot for a little while.

Newborn Metabolic Screening
Doctors or nurses prick your baby's heel to take a tiny sample of blood. They use this blood to test for many diseases. All babies should be tested because a few babies may look healthy but have a rare health problem. A blood test is the only way to find out about these problems. If found right away, serious problems like developmental disabilities, organ damage, blindness and even death might be prevented.
All 50 states and U.S. territories screen newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism, galactosemia and sickle cell disease. But many states routinely test for up to 30 different diseases. The March of Dimes recommends that all newborns be tested for at least 29 diseases.

Hearing Test
Most babies have a hearing screening soon after birth, usually before they leave the hospital. Tiny earphones or microphones are used to see how the baby reacts to sounds. All newborns need a hearing screening because hearing defects are not uncommon and hearing loss can be hard to detect in babies and young children. When problems are found early, children can get the services they need at an early age. This might prevent delays in speech, language, and thinking. Ask your hospital or your baby's doctor about newborn hearing screening.

Hepatitis B Vaccine
All newborns should get a vaccine to protect against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) before leaving the hospital. HBV can cause a lifelong infection, serious liver damage and even death.
The hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) is a series of three different shots. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control recommend that all newborns get the first HepB shot before leaving the hospital. If the mother has HBV, her baby should also get a HBIG shot within 12 hours of birth. The second HepB shot should be given one to two months after birth. The third HepB shot should be given no earlier than 24 weeks of age, but before 18 months of age.

Complete Check-up
Soon after delivery most doctors or nurses also:
• Measure the newborn's weight, length and head.
• Take the baby's temperature.
• Measure the baby's breathing and heart rate.
• Give the baby a bath and clean the umbilical cord stump.


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