Swim Diapers - Yes or No?
Saturday July 11, 2009
When my son was in diapers the public pools didn't require the use of swim diapers. I did try them out a few times. I probably would have kept using them except for the time I was holding him in the pool and I felt the warm surge of what could only be urine on my hip. I guess the diaper had reached its saturation level and there was nowhere else for the pee to go but out. It didn't take long for my mind to extrapolate this to a poo-based scenario.
According to a CBS News report, A study on Pampers and Huggies brands was done recently that indicated that these swim diapers don't really do much to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses like that caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. If that's the case, then why do so many public pools force you to put one on your child? Some pools even have vending machines where you can buy swim diapers if you didn't bring any with you.
As for the manufacturers, they aren't marketing the swim diapers as leakproof (Huggies Little Swimmers has a small print disclaimer on the package), nor are they saying that they will prevent illnesses. They aren't really doing much the other way around either, though. On the Huggies Frequently Asked Questions page, for example, there's nothing at all about preventing illness or about possible leakage. There is some vague statement about protection: "HUGGIES Little Swimmers swimpants protect in the water without swelling like diapers or training pants do."
Protect what, though? Read more...
Kolcraft Play Yards Recalled
Thursday July 9, 2009
Kolcraft Play Yard
Photo © CPSC
|
Nearly 1 million of these play yards are being recalled by Kolcraft because, according to the CPSC, the "play yard's side rail can fail to latch properly and when a child pushes against the rail it can unlatch unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to children." There have been 347 reports of the sides falling with 21 injuries. Models included are branded under several different names including Jeep, Carter's, Sesame Street, Eric Carle, Care Bear and Contours (pictured here).
Kolcraft is sending out free repair kits if you call 866-594-4208 (any time) or fill out the form on their Web site. Be sure to have your model number and date of manufacture handy (see the full list of model numbers here - there are a lot).
More Product Recalls
Aqua-Leisure Floatie Pool Toys and More Simplicity Cribs Recalled
Thursday July 2, 2009
Aqua-Leisure Floaties
Recalled
Photo © CPSC |
There are a lot of different inflatable floaties in this recall and the dates go back to 2002 so be sure to
check the full list. I was surprised to see my son's personal favorite -- the Deluxe Toddler Racer (pictured here) -- on the list. The problem? According to the CPSC, "The leg straps in the seat of the float can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into or under the water, posing a risk of drowning."
Now, I hope that parents aren't using this and then going far enough out of reach that this type of injury could happen in the first place since no device like this is meant to keep your child from drowning, intact leg straps or not. Contact Aqua-Leisure at 866-807-3998 or visit their Web site for refund information.
The Simplicity Crib recall is an expansion of a previous recall that involved the death of an 8-month-old who, according to the CPSC, "became entrapped and suffocated between the drop side and the crib mattress when a plastic connector on the drop side broke."
This recall covers cribs with a "newer" or different style of plastic hardware than those in the previous recall from 2007. Read more...
Hib Vaccine Available Again
Tuesday June 30, 2009
If you're one of many parents of toddlers who delayed getting the Hib vaccine due to the recent shortage there's good news. According to Dr. Vincent Iannelli,
the Hib vaccine supply is up and the CDC is once again recommending that toddlers aged 12-15 months get the immunization. If you missed it, be sure to ask your health care provider at the next appointment if it's time for your toddler's booster.
