Consumer Reports finds Bisphenol A in canned baby formula, juice, and more

The chemical Bisphenol A, which has been used for years in clear plastic bottles and food-can liners, has been restricted in Canada and some U.S. states and municipalities because of potential health effects. The Food and Drug Administration will soon decide what it considers a safe level of exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), which some studies have linked to reproductive abnormalities and a heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. (See our video on BPA in plastic baby bottles.)

Now Consumer Reports’ latest tests of canned foods–including soups, juice, tuna, and green beans–found that almost all of the 19 name-brand foods we tested contain some amounts of BPA. The canned organic foods we tested did not always have lower BPA levels than non-organic brands of similar foods analyzed. We even found the chemical in some products in cans that were labeled “BPA-free.”

The debate revolves around just what is a safe level of the chemical to ingest and whether it should be in contact with food. Federal guidelines currently put the daily upper limit of safe exposure at 50 micrograms of BPA per kilogram of body weight. But that level is based on experiments done in the 1980s rather than hundreds of more recent animal and laboratory studies indicating serious health risks could result from much lower doses of BPA.

Health reminder: Hand washing is key for kids

My son started kindergarten this fall, and thus far the three R’s have taken a backseat to the two H’s. Hygiene and Hand-washing have been the subject of several school-day discussions, coloring projects, and videos. And this cleanliness curriculum has made an impression, with my son now lathering up before meals—without any prompting.

Of course, kindergarteners aren't the only ones being schooled in hand-washing and germ-control these days, as public health officials are urging us all to take steps to stem the spread of swine flu. A recent survey suggests such efforts may be making a difference, as more Americans are embracing good hand hygiene this year than last.

As my 5-year-old will tell you, good hand-washing is something everyone should do to stay healthy—and he'd also be happy to demonstrate proper technique. But in case you don't have an eager kindergartener at hand, here's a how-to video as well as some advice from the CDC:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve
• Put used tissues in a waste basket
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Read the full Health blog post.

Also see Is the swine flu vaccine safe? and Tips for keeping your child healthy at daycare or preschool for related information.

Baby & child news roundup: Toys, outlet covers, family cars, more

Outlet cover choking hazard. A concerned grandfather wrote to us recently to say that the family of his "toddler granddaughter" had been given some animal-shaped outlet covers that he suspected were more of a hazard than an effective childproofing device. The multi-colored plastic plugs "certainly would seem to be attractive to a toddler," he wrote. Read the full Safety blog post.

Fewer toy recalls, more child injuries. The Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently hailed the significant reduction in toy recalls this year. But the CPSC's annual report showed that there were 172,700 toy-related injuries that sent children under 15 to the nation's emergency rooms in 2008, the highest injury level since 2001. Read the full Safety blog post.

What’s the better family car? "I'm trying to decide between buying a Camry or an Accord, which would you recommend for a family or four with two young children in car seats?" Find out our answer in the Cars blog family sedan chat transcript.

School lunch makeover. Having lived through school lunches of chicken fried steak with cream gravy and mashed potatoes, I realize that many school cafeterias have made some strides. But placing a largely ignored bowl of apples at the end of the line does little. Read the full Health blog post.

Despite risks, teens report texting while driving. A new study shows that a quarter of American teens have texted while driving—dangerous behavior for a group that statistically, already carries significant risks when behind the wheel. Read the full Cars blog post.

Green dreams: “Natural” claims are no guarantee of a greener mattress

Some mattress manufacturers are pushing pricey models they claim are “green,” “eco-friendly,” or “natural.” But there are no standards for those terms, so companies can define them any way they like. That said, a mattress is made of many parts, and some can be greener than others. Here’s how to decipher green claims you’ll come across when shopping for your baby’s crib mattress—or your own mattress. (See our cribs buying advice for related information.)

• Natural. You’ll find this claim on mattresses that are covered or filled with natural materials, such as cotton, wool, or Tencel, which is made from wood fiber. The term is also commonly used when the mattress filling is made from natural rubber latex, soy, or other plant-derived materials. But “natural” materials aren’t necessarily easier on the environment and might be blended with synthetic ones or can be grown or treated with harsh chemicals.
• USDA Organic. Just like food, natural materials such as cotton can be produced organically without most synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. But organic certification only applies to how the specific materials of the filling or the outside fabric were grown, not to the whole mattress. What’s more, toxic chemicals like formaldehyde or certain synthetic dyes are not restricted when certified organic materials are processed into fabric.
• Hypoallergenic. This term might be used when a mattress contains natural rubber latex, implying that the latex will not trigger allergic reactions in susceptible people. But there’s no standard definition or verification for “hypoallergenic,” so it’s not necessarily a meaningful claim. If you have any allergies, always read the label.
• Chemical-free. This claim implies that a mattress doesn’t contain or emit potentially harmful synthetic chemicals, such as flame retardants known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Some products use flame-retardant compounds that the Environmental Protection Agency says might be less harmful than other PBDEs. A chemical-free claim might imply that a mattress doesn’t contain certain volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde, but without standards or verification the meaning of such a claim can vary widely. An increasingly common independent European certification that’s popping up on mattresses and other textiles here, “Oeko-Tek Standard 100,” is worth looking for. It provides some assurance that chemicals, including certain PBDE flame retardants, VOCs, and heavy metals, are restricted in the final product.
• Label alert! New mattresses must meet federal flammability standards, so look for a permanent label on a mattress that says it does.

This content was originally published in the October 2009 issue of ShopSmart magazine.

Kellogg Co. removes immunity claim from Rice and Cocoa Krispies

If you’ve seen the claim on your box of Rice Krispies or Cocoa Krispies–“Now helps support your child’s immunity”–you might think serving these cereals to your family would arm them with one more layer of protection this cold and flu season. But claims such as these have come under scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Last Wednesday, Kellogg Co., the cereals’ manufacturer, decided to remove the immunity statements from those packages.

In a press release issued November 4, 2009, Kellogg’s noted that the company began adding antioxidants to their cereal in 2008 in response to parents’ desire for more nutrition in kids’ cereal. Though antioxidants can help support the immune system, parents need to do more than feed their children cereal to build their immunity.

Some ways to help protect your child’s immunity include helping your child maintain a heathy weight, making sure your child’s immunizations are up to date, keeping the germs in your home under control, checking that their daycare or pre-school maintains good preventive hygiene, and staying in-the-know about swine flu.

--Artemis DiBenedetto, Web associate editor

Recall: Ground beef

Two deaths have been linked to the recall of 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The beef was produced by Fairbank Farms in western New York, which recalled the meat on Saturday. The meat was packaged between September 14 and 16 and may have been labeled with a sell-by date from Sept. 19 through Sept. 28. Because those dates have passed, the meat is no longer on store shelves but health officials fear it may still be in people's freezers. Each package bears the establishment number "EST. 492" inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the nutrition label.

Learn the states where the meat was distributed to retailers, the stores that received the meat, and what to do, in the full post on our Safety blog.

Pets and animals: Child safety tips

Children often love animals and want to play with them. But a bite from an unfamiliar dog or cat can frighten and harm your child. By teaching your child how to be safe around strange animals, you can prevent a bite from occuring. Here are some tips, plus what to do in the event of a bite or scratch.

Teach your child to stay away from unfamiliar animals. Animals that appear friendly or are cute can still bite, scratch, or have rabies, including adorable dogs and cats. Each year, about 4000,000 children need medical attention for dog bites. This includes all children, not just infants or toddlers. Almost two-thirds of injuries among children 4 and younger are to the head and neck region. Rabies is a disease of mammals but is much more common among wild animals. Most-common carriers are skunks, raccoons, beavers, squirrels, bats, foxes, and coyotes. But even a cute goat at a petting zoo can transmit it.

Supervise children around pets. You might have a sweet older dog or cat that you would never could ever bite or scratch anyone. But even the most docile pet can be provoked into biting or scratching if a small child decides to pull on the pet's ears or tail, or otherwise inadvertently hurts the animal. So don't let your little ones play with your pets unless you are within arm's reach.

What to do if your child is bitten or scratched. Wash a dog or cat bite or scratch immediately and thoroughly for at least five minutes, then call the doctor. Bites, especially around the head or face, require medical attention. If the animal is a stray, call animal control. If you know the owner, find out if the animal has been vaccinated. If your child needs a rabies shot, it must be given as soon as possible. If you have a pet, keep all vaccinations up to date. If a wild animal bites your pet, your pet could be infected, so call your vet immediately.

See more general safety tips for children and pets and homeowners insurers don't like some dog breeds for related information. And see the Consumer Reports Guide to Childproofing & Safety for more great child safety tips, available here and at retailers nationwide.

What tips do you recommend to keep your pets and children safe? Let us know in comments.

Myth: Any temperature over 98.6 F equals fever in children

Most pediatricians consider any thermometer reading above 100.4 degrees F a sign of fever, not 98.6 degrees F as you might suspect. (See baby temperature-taking tips.)

That's because "normal" body temperature fluctuates in each of us throughout the day, depending on our age, general health, activity, how much clothing we're wearing, and the time of day. It's usually lower in the morning and higher between late afternoon and early evening.

There's a "normal," healthy temperature range for everyone. For children, it can run between 98.6 degrees F or so and 100.3 degrees F. Accuracy can vary depending on the temperature-taking method you're using, so mention whether you took your baby's temperature rectally or some other way. Your pediatrician probably will ask anyway. (See our buying advice for thermometers.)

For related information, see Swine flu and young children: Prevention at preschool and daycare, and Is the swine flu vaccine safe for children? (with video).

And see Consumer Reports Best Baby Products guide for more child product buying, use, and safety tips, available here or at retailers nationwide.

Baby & child health news roundup

Is the swine flu vaccine safe? The 2009 H1N1 vaccine isn’t really a new drug, any more than the regular (seasonal) flu vaccine is. That vaccine is made from scratch each year using the strains of influenza virus most likely to circulate in the coming season, and decades of evidence show that it’s quite safe and moderately effective (some years are better than others) at preventing cases of the flu. The H1N1 vaccine is just like the regular vaccine, except it contains the new virus that causes the swine flu. Learn more in the full Health blog post.

Swine flu: Who should get the vaccine? The swine flu is especially dangerous to children and pregnant women. While pregnant women make up only 1 percent of the population, they’ve accounted for 6 percent of deaths due to swine flu this year. Children, too, appear to be at a greater risk: Since May of this year, swine flu has killed at least 76 children, according to the CDC, and flu season probably hasn’t even peaked yet. Learn more in the full Health blog post.

Mercury and flu vaccines. Some formulations of the swine (H1N1) and seasonal flu vaccines contain thimerosal. Numerous studies have found no association between the mercury-containing preservative and autism or other health problems. But if you want to reduce your or your children’s overall exposure to mercury, manufacturers do offer H1N1and seasonal flu vaccines that contain no thimerosal. Learn more in the full Health blog post.

Green spaces are beneficial to children. Having few green areas nearby may increase the risk of depression and other health problems, a new study reports. Children (and some adult groups) in the study were especially likely to benefit from living near green spaces because they tend to spend more time close to home. Learn more in the full Health blog post.

Gardasil approved for preventing genital warts in males. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Gardasil vaccine for preventing genital warts in boys and men, from ages 9 through 26. Gardasil was previously approved for the prevention of cervical cancer and genital warts in girls and women ages 9 through 26. Learn more in the full Health blog post.

Recall: Plum Organics baby food

Plum Organics has recalled a type of baby food sold at Babies 'R' us and Toys 'R' Us because of concerns over possible contamination by the bacteria that causes botulism. No illnesses have been reported. (Learn more about food poisoning.)

Recalled are the 4.22 oz. "Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch" baby food with the best by date May 21, 2010 and marked with the following universal product code (UPC) 890180001221 (located on the bottom of the package). The pouches were sold individually at Toys 'R' Us and Babies 'R' Us stores nationally.

Learn more on our Safety blog.

How to keep baby cozy at bedtime, safely

As temperatures drop, it’s important to know how to dress a baby comfortably yet safely for sleep.

Fabric and fit are important safety considerations for your baby's sleepwear. For infants to children's size 14, Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations dictate that sleepwear must either be made of flame-resistant fabric, or fit snugly. Flame-resistant fabric must not ignite easily and must self-extinguish quickly when removed from a flame to meet government flammability requirements. Sleepwear that fits snugly does not trap the air needed for fabric to burn and reduces the chances of contact with a flame. Flame-resistant fabrics may be worn either loose or snug-fitting; they're often made of polyester, but cotton can be treated so that it's flame resistant.

When dressing baby for cooler temps, keep these ground rules in mind:

• Don't buy oversize sleepwear that's not flame-resistant (look for a label on the garment indicating flame resistance).
• Don't allow your baby to sleep in loose T-shirts, sweatshirts, or other apparel made from non-flame-resistant fabrics.
• Don't buy snug-fitting sleepwear a size or two larger so your baby has growing room. That defeats the purpose of the garment and puts your baby at risk. Snug-fitting sleepwear looks tight, but it stretches. It must have a prominent warning on the label that states: Wear snug-fitting, not flame resistant.
• For infants, we recommend a wearable blanket, or sleep sack, to replace loose blankets in your baby's crib. Sleep sacks don't fit snugly; there's plenty of kicking room. They're typically made of flame-resistant fabric, but check the garment's label to be sure.
• Don't dress your baby too warmly. Overheating may be a contributor to SIDS. Keep the temperature in your baby's room between 68 and 72ºF. Your baby shouldn't feel sweaty or hot when touched.
• Remove all soft, fluffy, or loose bedding and other items from your baby's crib, including decorative and sleeping pillows and stuffed animals. (See Safe sleep for babies: Less is more.)
• Don't use an electric blanket, heating pad, or even a warm water bottle to heat your baby's crib. An infant's skin is highly heat-sensitive and can be burned by temperatures comfortable to an adult.
• Don't let your baby share your bed. In addition to the risk that you might roll onto your baby, adult beds pose other hazards. Your baby could get trapped between the bed and a wall, headboard, bed frame, or other object. Accidental suffocation in soft bedding is another danger, or the baby could fall off the bed. If you breast-feed your baby in bed, be sure to return her to the crib afterward. (See increase in infant suffocation due to bed sharing.)
• Do not let your baby sleep in a car seat, infant carrier or other such device. These products are intended for babies that are awake and being supervised. If your baby falls asleep, move him to a firm, flat surface as soon as you can. This is particularly important for younger babies whose heads may turn sideways or fall forward and keep them from getting enough oxygen.

Learn more about baby and child product safety through the Safety Alert program with Consumer Reports and partners. And learn more about baby clothing and crib buying and safety advice in our related reports (crib Ratings are available to subscribers).

Swine flu and young children: Prevention at daycare and preschool

If you’re sending your child to a child care center, preschool, or other program, you may be nervous about what to do now that swine flu is in our midst. And that’s not unwarranted, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated children younger than 5 years a high-risk group for complications when it comes to this virus. (Infants younger than 6 months old are at the highest risk because they are too young to receive the seasonal or swine flu vaccine.) In fact, children 6 months and older are on the CDC’s list of those who should get vaccinated first.

As of now, authorities expect that children will require two doses of the swine flu vaccine, because their bodies have less experience developing immunity. But other common-sense measures can help prevent the spread of the virus. As we’ve mentioned in previous reports, while the CDC is still determining how severe the swine flu will be this year, they’re also publicizing preventive measures schools and child-care centers can take to offset its impact.

Here are some things parents can ask their caregivers, to be proactive about staying healthy.

According to swine flu advice from the CDC, any child care center or preschool should:

• Make sure all caregivers have received the seasonal flu vaccine, and the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available. This applies to anyone who lives with or baby sits a young child.
• Make contingency plans to cover for staff who become ill.
• Update staff sick policies so they can stay home if they or a family member are sick. (A doctor’s note to validate illness should not be required.)
• Update contact information for families and staff in case of an emergency.
• Frequently remind children, families, and staff about the importance of staying home when ill.
• Strengthen the school or center’s sick policy to require parents to keep at home any child who has the symptoms of swine flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting. Children and teachers should remain at home and away from others until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater (without the help of fever-reducing medication). Early childhood programs may want to require longer periods of exclusion before returning to the classroom.
• Separate ill children and staff from others if they develop symptoms while at the program, and until they can be sent home.
• Enlist the help of a qualified early-childhood health consultant—a licensed health professional, such as a nurse—experienced with health issues in out-of-home care.
• Conduct daily health checks, which includes observing all children and staff, and talking with each child’s parent or guardian and the child soon after arriving at the program. Caregivers should look for changes in the child’s behavior, and any signs or symptoms of illness, throughout the day.
• Provide adequate time for children and staff to wash their hands with soap and water (alcohol-based sanitizer is a second choice—but not if hands are visibly soiled), and parents and early childhood providers should wash the hands of children who cannot yet wash themselves. Soap, water, and paper towels should be readily available.
• Teach children to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose, and mouth, and cover noses and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Routinely clean facilities, particularly items and areas that are likely to have contact with young children’s hands and mouths, such as toys and play areas.
• If flu severity increases, avoid bringing groups of children from different classes together. Utilize larger play spaces to allow space between children, and conduct activities outdoors when possible.
• Encourage families to seek medical treatment for flu-like symptoms early on to potentially decrease the severity of the illness.
• In partnership with public health officials, consider closing the facility if flu transmission is high to help decrease the spread of flu among children, balancing the risk of exposure with the social and economic disruption of closing.

What parents can do:
 
• Have your children age 6 months and older vaccinated to protect against seasonal influenza and swine flu.
• If your child who is younger than 5 develops flu-like illness, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine if they need antiviral treatment.
• Check in regularly with the child care center to find out if other kids in your child’s class are sick (and check the CDC Web site, too, for ongoing updates as they become available).
• Keep children home if anyone in the household has flu-like symptoms to reduce transmission to others outside the home.
• Review basic hand-washing tips yourself, and with young children.
• Look to their early childhood providers and state and local health officials for information and guidance on swine flu in their specific location.
• On weekends and days off from school, consider activities that do not involve large crowds, such as home activities or walks, to reduce potential exposure to infected individuals.

Baby & child health and safety news roundup

Swine flu vaccines approved. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved swine (H1N1) flu vaccines, and says they'll be distributed nationally within the next few weeks. We recommend it for all children 6 months to 18 years, pregnant women, and people who live with or care for infants under 6 months old. Anyone who has severe or life-threatening allergies to chicken eggs should not be vaccinated, according to the FDA. Learn more in the full Health blog post.

Infant car seats can restrict babies oxygen levels (CNN.com). Infant car safety seats can—and do—save newborns' lives in traffic accidents. However, these seats, which require infants to be placed in an upright position, can also cause breathing problems when babies sleep in them.

More states require booster seats. More children under the age of one are placed in child safety seats than ever. And booster seats, which are designed to protect older children, are now required in 47 states (not including Arizona, Florida and South Dakota) and the District of Columbia. While all 50 states require car seats for those under age one year, laws governing booster seats vary from state to state. With the child seated in the car against the seat back: Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat? Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm? Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs? Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip? If any of the answers are no, the child should be riding in a booster seat. Learn more in the full Safety blog post.

Recall: 2,000 pairs of Clarks children’s shoes (sold under the “crawlers” and “hazy daze” style names). Molded rubber pieces on the sole of the recalled shoes can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants and young children. Learn more in the full Safety blog post.

Probiotic baby formula

Nestlé Good Start Natural Cultures (including Nestlé Good Start 2 Natural Cultures, for babies and toddlers 9 to 24 months) is the first brand of infant formula to contain probiotics—the friendly bacteria that normally reside in the gut, where they help break down foods and medicine and keep disease-causing bugs in check.

Several studies now suggest that infants on antibiotics or suffering from diarrhea may get some relief when they’re fed infant formula containing probiotics. To produce any benefit, a serving must contain at least 100 million live cultures.

Talk to your pediatrician to see if you should try a formula with probiotics. If you supplement infant formula with breastfeeding, a probiotic formula isn’t necessary since breast milk is a natural source of probiotics. (See formula and breast milk storage guidelines.)

For related information, learn about jaundice in newborns.

Back-to-school shopping and safety tips

Street smarts for kids headed to school on foot, bike, or bus. With more kids on the streets there are more chances for accidents to occur. Here are some tips for parents and children to keep in mind to ensure safe travel for everyone. (See full Safety blog post.)

Dollar store school supplies. Do your kids use those old-style school composition notebooks? If they’re on your school supplies list this fall, here’s a smart shopping tip: Don’t pay more than a buck apiece. This is the best year-round price we found in a price-comparison project we did with our mystery shoppers. (See full ShopSmart blog post.)

Highway safety group calls for texting ban. States are being encouraged to pass laws banning texting behind the wheel by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). A recent study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute showed that a driver who is texting increases crash or near-crash risk by 23 times. (See full Safety blog post.)