Travel tip: Hotel cribs and play yards

When you're traveling with an infant, a hotel crib or play yard can be a safe haven for your baby. But if you don't know how old the crib or play yard is, it could be outdated and not up to today's safety standards.

To play it safe, you may want to take your play yard from home when you're traveling. When your baby sleeps in a play yard at night, place the play yard next to your bed, within arm's reach. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby sleep in the same room with you (but not the same bed) until he is at least 6 months old, whether you're at home or on the road.

Because the bassinet feature in play yards can only be used for sleeping for babies up to 15 pounds, you'll need to go to plan B after that. One option: Put your baby to sleep on the floor of your play yard. It's close to the ground and uses the same mattress/floor pad as the bassinet.

If you can't or don't want to travel with a play yard, use the hotel's crib or play yard, but be sure to do your own assessment. For hotel cribs, check to make sure that the mattress is firm and tight-fitting. You shouldn't be able to fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. You shouldn't be able to fit a soda can between the slats. There also shouldn't be any missing parts, which can make the crib unstable or create dangerous gaps. There should be no protruding parts, screws, or bolts, or corner posts more than 1/16 inch or less than 16 inches high (anything in between can catch clothing, posing a strangulation hazard) or cutouts in the head or footboard, which can trap an infant's head or limbs. (Do the same tests at home and at Grandma's house.) Ask for another crib if the one you're offered doesn't pass muster. (See more safe sleep tips.)

Stroller hinges: A closer look at the standards

Stroller hinge mechanisms—the joints on the sides that allow the stationary parts of the stroller to pivot and permit the stroller to fold—have been in the news since the November 9, 2009 recall of 1 million Maclaren umbrella strollers. The recall was prompted by 12 reports of children’s fingertips being amputated when their fingers became caught in the strollers’ hinge mechanisms. But like other strollers bearing the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification logo, the Maclaren models all meet current voluntary stroller standards. (Read what does the JPMA certification logo really mean?)

So what happened? The standards for stroller hinges apply to the product when it is in a locked, open position—not when it’s actually being opened or closed. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall notice, the Maclaren strollers’ hinge mechanism poses a hazard when the stroller is being unfolded or opened.

In general, strollers present risks to young children. In 2008 alone, strollers were responsible for an estimated 12,400 injuries to children under age 5—more than any other baby product—according to the CPSC. The leading cause of all baby product injuries were falls, and the head was most frequently injured. But with the recent Maclaren recall, fingertip safety is now being brought to light.

To rate strollers at Consumer Reports, many of our tests are based on the voluntary standards created by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)-International. Among other safety checks, our engineers check hinges and other parts of the strollers—once they’re in an open, locked position—for the following criteria:

Recall: One million Maclaren strollers

After getting reports of 12 fingertip amputations, Maclaren USA is recalling one million strollers, which includes every umbrella stroller of that brand sold in the U.S. for the past 10 years. The amputations occurred when the children got their fingers caught in the stroller’s hinge mechanism. According to Maclaren, at the time of the incidents the children were outside the stroller and a parent or caregiver was either opening it or folding it up. 
 
The strollers were sold at Babies 'R' Us, Target, and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360. The recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers including Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller. See the full Safety blog post for more information.

Also see 7 common stroller mistakes for safety measures you should take when using a stroller.

Children’s art easels recalled due to high levels of lead

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission yesterday announced a voluntary recall of about 10,000 Young Artist Easels manufactured by MacPherson’s of Emeryville, Calif. The recall notice claims that high levels of lead are contained in the chalkboard’s surface coating, which violates the federal lead paint standard. Although no incidents or injuries have been reported, the CPSC encourages consumers to stop using the easels immediately. The easels were manufactured in China.

The easels have a chalkboard surface on one side and a whiteboard surface on the other side. The item number is AA13301 and the UPC number is 082435133010, which can be found on the original packaging.

What you can do. Consumers should immediately take these easels away from children and contact MacPherson’s to receive a free replacement chalkboard panel. Reach MacPherson’s at 866-319-5335 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, or via e-mail at recall@macphersonart.com. You can also visit the firm’s Web site at www.art-alternatives.com/recall.

Learn more about toys for children of all ages.

Baby & child news weekly roundup

Be safe while trick-or-treating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths among young pedestrians (ages 5 to 14) is four times higher on Halloween evening that any other evening of the year. Drivers should be extremely cautious on Halloween. For more safety tips, see the full Safety blog post.

Recall: "My Baby Soother" pacifiers. Earlier this week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an announcement urging parents and caregivers to stop using “My Baby Soother” pacifiers due to a choking hazard. The pacifiers, distributed by T & L Trading of Brooklyn, NY, fail to meet federal safety standards because the nipples can separate from the base easily, posing a choking hazard to infants and toddlers. T & L Trading has refused to recall these pacifiers, despite the fact they are in violation of the law. See the full Safety blog post.

Three more companies recall shades and blinds. Almost one million roman shades and roller blinds were recalled this week after three more children became entangled in the cords. Fortunately, the children were discovered before they were further harmed—unlike three other children who strangled on the cords of blinds and died. Learn more in the full Safety blog post.

Trim the tree? Deck the halls? Trim the budget is more like it. This holiday season, according to the new Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll, consumers are cutting back their holiday spending and using creative ways to fill the gift gap. Luckily for them, our survey reveals that grandchildren and grandparents stand the best chance of getting something this season. See the full Money blog post.

Out in left field. Whether you’re photographing a World Series game or your child’s soccer match, capturing sharp images while freezing the action in a sporting event poses two special challenges: You’re far from the action and your subjects may be moving quickly and unpredictably. Learn the only practical way to conquer the distance problem in the full Electronics 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.

Bassinet and cradle safety guidelines

The best beds for babies are full-sized cribs, so consider bassinets, cradles, and bedside sleepers with caution. Bassinet and cradle manufacturers can voluntarily comply with the ASTM standard for these products (indicated by a JPMA seal on the package)—and certification can provide a layer of protection—but at present aren’t required to.

If you decide to buy or use a bassinet or cradle, you can’t be too careful. Here are more safety considerations to keep in mind when you’re looking at these baby beds:

Buy certified and buy new. Although it’s not a complete guarantee of safety, buying a certified product adds a layer of protection. Certified products must meet the ASTM standard requirements such as correct spacing of side slats or bars. In 2008, for example, 900,000 Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible close sleeper/bedside sleeper bassinets (200,000 of which also carried the Graco logo or a Disney Winnie-the-Pooh motif) were recalled because the bassinet has metal bars that can be exposed when the Velcro flap that covers them is not properly secured—and the bar spacing exceeded the maximum 2 3/8 inches allowed under the federal crib standard, forming a strangulation hazard. Beware: Some of those bassinets could still be in circulation online and at tag sales and secondhand shops. (See two more babies die in Simplicity bassinets.) Always buy new—the maker is required to put the date of manufacture on the product. Send in the registration so you can be notified of a recall. (See our Guide to a safe, healthy pregnancy and infancy.)

Say no to an heirloom cradle or bassinet. It’s a quaint idea to use one that’s been in the family for generations, but chances are it isn’t up to today’s safety standards. Some possible hazards are an overly thick mattress or puffy sides, both suffocation risks, and legs with an old-style latching mechanism that can unexpectedly release.

Don’t leave your baby unattended in a rocking cradle. Use the hardware to stop the rocking motion before your baby’s bed- and naptime if you’re going to leave the room, and around pets and toddlers.

Don’t use a bassinet or cradle with wheels unlocked around stairs or other children. Lock the wheels as soon as you finish moving the bassinet from one room to another–and keep them locked.

Don’t carry or move a bassinet or cradle with your child in it.

Use only the mattress/pad provided by the manufacturer and only the fitted sheet made for the bassinet, or one specifically designed to fit the dimensions of the mattress/pad. Buy at least three fitted sheets so you have one to use, one for the wash, and one as a backup. Don’t use a pillowcase or different sized sheet as a substitute.

Don’t add stuffed animals or any bedding, such as a pillow, comforter, or blanket, or extra padding like an additional mattress/pad, or a sleep positioner to your baby’s bassinet or cradle; they’re suffocation hazards. Put your baby to sleep in a wearable blanket (swaddle sack) instead of covering her with a blanket. (See more safe sleep tips.)

Don’t let strings, toys suspended from a mobile, or window blind or curtain cords hang into the bassinet. Don’t place a cradle or bassinet near window blind or drape cords (a strangulation hazard). Shorten window blind cords by cutting the looped cords in half and keep them out of your baby’s reach. Position the mobile so your baby can’t reach it. And don’t add any suspended toys on your own. Use only those provided with the mobile.

Place your baby on his back in a cradle or bassinet, just as you would in a full-sized crib. Ninety percent of SIDS cases occur during the first six months of a baby’s life, which is prime bassinet time.

For more information, see our cribs buying guide and crib Ratings and reviews (available to subscribers), and sign up for our free school safety alert program.

Have you used a bassinet or cradle? Why or why not? Tell us about your experiences in comments.

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.

Recall roundup: Products dangerous to babies & children

Recall: 5.5 million shades after 3 child deaths. After the strangulation deaths of three children, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced the recall of 5.5 million window blinds and shades because the cords pose a strangulation hazard. The shades were sold at Target, Ikea, Pottery Barn Kids and other retailers. Seven other children were found in various stages of distress with cords wrapped around their necks but were freed by parents or caregivers. Read the full Safety blog post.

2 more children die in recalled Simplicity bassinets. After the deaths of two more infants, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging all parents to stop using flawed Simplicity and Graco 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible "close sleeper" bassinets made by Simplicity and also sold with the Graco logo and a Winnie the Pooh motif. Read the full Safety blog post.

Other recalls:
41,000 Baby Jogger City Mini strollers (fall hazard)
15,000 eebee's 'Have a Ball" Adventures cloth books (choking hazard)
2,700 d’lite ST and Solo ST child bike trailers (fall hazard)
500 Quicksliver Roxy Girl cotton hoodies (strangulation hazard)