Parents use a variety of methods to clean a baby’s pacifier: rinsing it in tap water, boiling it, or putting it in their own mouth and sucking on it before giving it back to the baby. According to a new study, parents who “clean” their child’s pacifier by sucking on it can also protect their infant from developing allergies. The study, “Pacifier Cleaning Practices and Risk of Allergy Development,” in the June 2013 issue of Pediatrics (published online May 6), examined 184 infants at 18 and 36 months of age for clinical allergy symptoms and sensitization to food and airborne allergens.

Researchers found that children whose parents sucked on their pacifiers to clean them had one-third the risk of developing eczema (the most common early manifestation of allergy), at 18 months of age, compared to children whose parents did not use this cleaning practice. Development of eczema up to 36 months of age was significantly lower in children whose parents sucked on their pacifiers during the first 6 months of life. Additionally, infants who were vaginally delivered and experienced parental pacifier sucking also had a reduced incidence of eczema at 18 months of age. Study authors conclude that early exposure to parental saliva may help stimulate the baby’s immune system, resulting in a reduced risk of allergy development.

Courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics 

For over 20 years Sealy has been making crib mattresses so baby and parents can have a peaceful night of sleep. We take great pride in our crib mattresses made of the finest quality materials and workmanship right here in the USA, so naturally we are ecstatic over our Sealy crib mattresses winning the Women’s Choice Award.

The Women’s Choice Award is given to America’s best baby brands for being brands that moms would most highly recommend! Behind the Women’s Choice Award is the voice of female consumers who help each other identify businesses who deserve their loyalty and referrals. The Seal of Excellence symbolizes women who are helping women identify businesses that value the customer experience and appreciate the needs and preferences of their female consumers.

Now you can rest assured that when your baby is sleeping on a Sealy crib mattress, thousands of moms are giving you 2 thumbs up for giving your baby the best sleeping environment possible. The Women’s Choice Award is one more proof that baby sleeps best when on a Sealy crib mattress.

To read more about our Sealy crib mattresses and the Women’s Choice Award, please visit the Women Certified website.

Sponsored by Sealy

Recall Summary

Name of product:

Dollies

Hazard:

Consumer Contact:

The Land of Nod at (800) 933-9904 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online atwww.landofnod.com and click on Safety Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.

Report an Incident Involving this Product

WHITE PLAINS, NY, APRIL 17, 2013 – Celebrities from music, film, television, and sports are lending their star power to bring attention to this year’s March for Babies, the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that will take place in 750 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in most communities at the end of April.

This is a special year because the March of Dimes is celebrating its 75th anniversary. From Frank Sinatra to Kelly Clarkson, major stars have always supported the Foundation’s work for stronger, healthier babies. Nearly 4 million babies are born each year in the United States and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through cutting-edge research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs.

March for Babies has been held annually since 1970 and has raised a combined total of more than $2 billion to help all babies get a healthy start in life. The goal for this year’s event is to raise more than $109 million.
“The support the March of Dimes receives from every volunteer is invaluable, and celebrity support always has been a hallmark of our history,” says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.  “Today, millions of people, including celebrities, sports stars, community leaders and families of babies born prematurely help support the March of Dimes work for stronger, healthier babies. We hope everyone will participate in our signature fundraiser, March for Babies by visiting marchforbabies.org.”

Among those taking part in 2013 March for Babies:

In New York City, two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning of the New York Giants is  serving as March for Babies Celebrity Chair for the Manhattan March for Babies taking place on Sunday, April 28 near Lincoln Center.  March for Babies National Chair Bill Fitzgerald, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Engines at GE Aviation, and Dr. Howse will join Manning to help kick off the walk’s opening ceremonies.

Internationally famed model Niki Taylor will help kick off March for Babies at Miami’s Tropical Park the morning of Saturday, April 27th.  This is the second year Niki will return to her hometown community to volunteer and lend her voice in support of the walk for healthier babies.   As a Mom of four, Niki is proud to bring her own family out to encourage fellow moms and supporters to join her and do all they can for stronger, healthier babies.

The Los Angeles March for Babies will take place on April 27th in Exposition Park and will be hosted by television personality Samantha Harris.  She shares her inspiration and commitment to March of Dimes mission inthis video. International superstar Dayanara Torres will help welcome walkers at the event.  She will be joined by friends and family who have formed a walk team in support of a premature baby in their lives.  Fellow celebrity momLinda Cardellini will join in this year’s Los Angeles March for Babies.

To encourage everyone to sign up for March for Babies, racing driver Brian Vickers  drove the FedEx  #11 March of Dimes car on April 13 at the Texas Motor Speedway.  Eight year-old 2013 March of Dimes National Ambassador Nina Centofanti, born nine weeks premature, got a special treat when she met the most successful woman in racing history, Danica Patrick.  FedEx racing outfitted Nina with an official fire suit for pre-race activities to help promote March of Dimes 75th Anniversary and March for Babies. See more about the race on the March for Babies blog.

Nina and her family will help lead at two March for Babies events.  The first will be with the GE Healthcare national team at the Milwaukee March for Babies on April 27th.  The Centofanti family also will join United Airlines at the Chicago Lakefront Walk in Grant Park on April 28th.  Learn more about our 2013 National Ambassador by watching Nina’s Story.

United Airlines is the Official Airline Sponsor of the March of Dimes National Ambassador Program.  The 2013 March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, Macy’s, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Famous Footwear, Actavis, Mission Pharmacal, and United Airlines.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Courtesy of March of Dimes

Specific elements of music have therapeutic qualities that may be beneficial to a growing premature infant. Recorded music has a fixed meter and decibel level, which cannot be adapted to meet the needs of a compromised infant the way live music can.

According to a study in the May 2013 issue of Pediatrics, “The Effects of Music Therapy on Vital Signs, Feeding, and Sleep in Premature Infants,” three different types of music therapy interventions— live ocean disc whoosh sounds, gato box rhythms, and parent’s sung lullabies—had a positive health effect on preemies. Researchers studied 272 infants in 11 hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and found that live music provided by a certified music therapist can increase a premature infant’s capacity to feed, sleep, and self-regulate, whereas noise can have a negative impact on growth and development.

Music therapy—in particular, the use of live, entrained (matched, in the moment with the infant’s breathing rate) breath and heart beat sounds, as well as parent-preferred lullabies can enhance a premature infant’s vitals and provide opportunities for bonding. Lullabies, especially the singing of ‘songs of kin’ (parent-selected, culturally relevant songs) also eases the stress and anxiety of mothers and fathers, enhancing ease and attachment through NICU stays.

Study authors determine that music therapy programs provide a valuable service to premature infants in the NICU. Parents should be encouraged to sing to their babies, providing a familiar and comforting voice, with a familiar theme, to help develop the emotional bond between the premature infant and parent.

Content courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging that consumers stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Recall Summary:

Name of product:

Baby high chairs

Hazard:

The front opening between the tray and seat bottom of the high chair can allow a child’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck. This poses a strangulation hazard to young children when the child is not harnessed.

Remedy:

View Details

Consumer Contact:

BabyHome USA Inc. toll-free at (888) 758-5712 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online atwww.babyhome.es and click on “Eat Recall” for more information.

Report an Incident Involving this Product

Recall Details

Units

About 1,100

Description

This recall includes Eat model high chairs in red, black, green, purple, navy, orange, and brown. The model number BH2104 is located on a label on the back of the high chair. The word “babyhome” is printed on one leg of the chair and the word “eat” is printed on the opposite leg of the chair. The high chairs have a nylon fabric seat with a plastic tray and metal frame. The high chairs measure about 36 inches high and 24 inches wide. There is a printed white “babyhome” logo shaped like a backwards letter “h” on the seatback.  The recalled high chairs have lot numbers: BH00301/01-2012, BH00303/07-2012, BH00304/09-2012 and BH00304/09-2012. The lot numbers are located on a sticker affixed to the bottom of the footrest.

Incidents/Injuries

None reported.

Remedy

Consumers should stop using the high chairs immediately and contact BabyHome USA to receive a free crotch restraint repair kit.

Sold at

Juvenile product stores nationwide including USA Baby, Magic Beans and RC Willey and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com and Diapers.com from March 2012 through February 2013 for about $150.

Importer

BabyHome USA, Inc., of Chester, N.J.

Manufacturer

BabyHome SA., of Sabadell, Spain

Manufactured in

China

Courtesy of CPSC.gov

Name of product:

Bugaboo Cameleon3 Strollers

Hazard:

The stroller’s carrying handle can break and detach posing a fall hazard.

Remedy:

View Details

Repair

Consumer Contact:

Bugaboo Americas, at (800) 460-2922, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, at e-mail serviceus@bugaboo.com or online at www.bugaboo.com, and click on “Important Safety Announcements” at the bottom left of the page for more information.

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Recall Details

In conjunction with Canada

Units

About 9,200 in the U.S. and 960 in Canada

Description

This recall involves the Bugaboo Cameleon3 strollers. The stroller has an aluminum and plastic frame with rubberized wheels, a removable seat and bassinet, a removable “U”-shaped carry handle, an under-the-seat storage bag and a sun canopy. The bassinet, seat and sun canopy come in a variety of colors. The removable carry handle is used to transport the bassinet or seat separately from the chassis. The words “Bugaboo” and “Cameleon3” appear on a fabric tag on the side of the sun canopy. Strollers included in the recall have serial numbers from 19010 11153 00001 to 19010 51248 00215. Serial numbers are printed on a horizontal bar of the stroller’s chassis beneath the seat.

Incidents/Injuries

Bugaboo has received 16 reports of carry handles breaking. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately remove the carry handle from the stroller’s bassinet or seat and contact Bugaboo for a free replacement handle. While awaiting the replacement handle, consumers can continue to use the seat or bassinet when attached to the chassis but should not attempt to use the seat or bassinet separate from the chassis.

Sold at

Buy Buy Baby, Toys R Us and other baby product stores nationwide, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, online at Bugaboo.com and other online retailers from September 2012 to March 2013 for between $889 and $1,600.

Importer

Bugaboo Americas, of El Segundo, Calif.

Manufacturer

Bugaboo International B.V., of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Manufactured in

China

Courtesy of Consumer Product Safety Commission 

Name of product:

Imaginarium Activity Walkers

Hazard:

The small bolt and spacer that attaches each front wheel to the walker can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Remedy:

View Details

Consumer Contact:

Toys R Us at (800) 869-7787 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, or visit the firm’s website at www.toysrus.comand click on Safety Information and Recalls for more information.

Report an Incident Involving this Product

Units

About 9,000

Description

The recalled Imaginarium Activity Walkers have a round wooden push handle on the top of a curved triangle-shaped wooden walker base with four wheels. There is a multi-colored metal xylophone with 2 triangle mallets, 1 multi-colored abacus and 1 scratch noise maker on the front of the walker. The walkers have multi-colored wooden, disc-shaped wheels. The walkers measure about 19 inches tall and about 13 inches wide. The recalled walkers have model number “Toys ‘R’ Us 5F5E972” printed on the bottom of the activity walkers. Barcode number “3700217300319” is printed on the bottom of the activity walker box.

Incidents/Injuries

Toys R Us has received five reports of the front wheels detaching. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy

Consumers should stop using the recalled walker immediately, put it out of reach of young children and return it to a Toys R Us store for a full refund or store credit.

Sold exclusively at

Toys R Us stores nationwide and online at www.toysrus.com from August 2011 through January 2013 for about $30.

Importer

Toys R Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J.

Manufactured in

China

Courtesy of CPSC.gov

Name of product:

Beamerzzz™ Stuffed Animals with LED Flashlight

Hazard:

Units

About 7,200

Description

The recalled Beamerzzz stuffed toys come with LED flashlights sewn into the left paw. The toys are 12 inches high and come in five animal types. The model number can be found on the hang tag on the left ear. Affected toys are marked with manufacturing code 111208-02 on the sewn in label located in the left rear portion of the toy. The recalled styles are:

Incidents/Injuries

One incident was reported involving a consumer who noticed an exposed wire. No injuries were reported.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Purr-Fection by MJC for a replacement toy.

Sold at

Cabela’s stores and online at Cabelas.com from September 2012 through November 2012 for about $15.

Manufacturer

Purr-Fection by MJC, Inc., of Tualatin, Ore.

Manufactured in

China