Happy Holidays

As the end of the year approaches quickly, I read down my long list of things left to do. Most become trivial when compared to time I will set aside to me with my granddaughter. Remember to spend some time with your little ones doing all the tasks that will become a lasting memory for them. Bake cookies and wrap presents with their help. It may transform a fifteen minute chore into an hour long event, but it's worth it! I remember baking with my children and still miss them now that I have to bake alone. The terrific thing is that I can look forward to making a mess with Emma Claire as soon as she is old enough to make a mess by stirring too fast and not watching where she pours. Don't forget to take those pictures for the scrapbook. I wish everyone a loving, peaceful holiday and a healthy, prosperous New Year.

Another Safety Recall

Nov. 20, 2008 -- Child Death and Near Strangulation Prompt Two CPSC Recalls of Window Blinds and Shades (source: Safe Kids Worldwide)

Today, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued two separate window covering recalls.

In response to the strangulation death of a 1-year-old child from Connecticut, the CPSC has recalled "IRIS" and "ALVINE" Roman blinds sold at IKEA between July 2005 through June 2008. The child was strangled by an exposed inner cord on the backside of the blinds. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Roman Blinds and return them to any IKEA store to obtain a full refund. For further information, refer to the CPSC recall notice.

Tips Before Shopping For Holiday Gifts

Shop CPSC Toy Safety Tips Before Shopping for Holiday Gifts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The holidays are here and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has its list. Parents and gift buyers are encouraged to check it twice. Today, CPSC issued its annual holiday safety messages, joined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Safe Kids Worldwide, to remind parents to be diligent when making holiday shopping choices.

"CPSC, CBP and industry activity has been with one goal in mind, to keep the toys our children play with the safest in the world" said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "Vigorous inspection of toys, testing and law enforcement have made toys the safest this season."

For 2007, the Commission has reports of 18 toy-related deaths and CPSC staff estimates that there were about 170,100 hospital emergency-room treated toy-related injuries to children under 15. Most of the deaths were associated with airway obstruction from small toys, drowning, or motor vehicle accidents during play. Most of the injuries were lacerations, contusion and abrasions; the head and face was the area most frequently affected.

The top 5 toy hazards:

* Scooters and other Riding Toys - Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit.

* Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts - For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

* Balloons - Children under eight yrs. can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.

* Magnets - For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

* Chargers and Adapters - Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

Once the gifts are open:

* Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.

* Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.

* Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.

With the increased popularity of second-hand stores and on-line vendors, gift-givers should be especially vigilant to prevent the sale or purchase of hazardous products that have been recalled, banned or do not meet current safety standards. Before placing products in the second-hand market, check its recall status at www.cpsc.gov. Buyers should make sure their gifts do not include any of the recalled toys or children's products on CPSC's web site.

Also, at this web site, consumers can keep up-to-date on dangerous products by signing up to have recall announcements sent directly to their email account. Choose to receive all recall announcements or children's product recalls only. Consumers also can call CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-CPSC. For information about all types of recalls, visit www.recalls.gov

To see this release on CPSC's web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09040.html