Product: Sweet Lambie Crib Bumper

Consumers should stop using this product, which is being recalled voluntarily, unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Hazard

The thread in the decorative stitching on the bumper can loosen, posing an entanglement hazard to infants.

Sold at

Pottery Barn Kids stores and catalogs and Pottery Barn Outlet stores nationwide, and online at potterybarnkids.com from April 2009 through July 2012 for between $129 and $149.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately check the tag on the bumper for the month and year of manufacture and stop using the bumper if the date is 04/2009 through 07/2012. Consumers with recalled bumpers should contact Pottery Barn Kids for instructions on how to return the bumpers to receive a gift card in the amount of a full refund or a replacement bumper and to receive free return shipping for recalled bumpers.

Consumer Contact

Pottery Barn Kids; toll-free at (855) 323-5138, from 7 a.m. to midnight ET daily, or online at www.potterybarnkids.com and click on Safety Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.

Description

This recall involves Pottery Barn Kids Sweet Lambie Bumpers manufactured from April 2009 through July 2012. The cotton bumpers are padded and fit standard cribs. Lambs in grass and lambs with trees are embroidered on the interior and exterior of the bumpers. They were available in the colors pink, blue and ivory/oatmeal. Model number:70885 | 708917 | 79883 and Sweet Lambie Bump appear on a tag fastened to the bottom edge of the bumpers. The date of manufacture in MM/YYYY format is printed on a tag attached to the bumper near the model number tag.

Contributed by Dan
Tags: China, crib bumper, recall
Posted in: Recalls
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This June new sunscreen labeling will go into effect. Choosing a sunscreen for your child should be much easier. Here are some rules to follow:

• Make sure the bottle says “Broad spectrum”, which means that it protects against sunburn, cancer, and premature aging. In the past, any sunscreen could say this but the new rules require products to go through stringent testing in order to qualify.

• While the FDA recommends using an SPF of 15 or higher, why not look for an SPF of 50+, which is the highest SPF now available. Since the FDA doesn’t have enough data to show that SPF’s higher than 50 provide any added protection, you’ll no longer see those labels reading “SPF 100″.

• Look for the term “water-resistant” for 40 or 80 minutes, which means that they will retain their stated SPF while swimming or sweating for that amount of time. You will no longer see the terms “waterproof” or “sweat proof” on sunscreen labels. Remember to reapply as needed.

If despite your efforts, your child does end up with a burn, applying aloe will help to soothe and minimize peeling. A wet cloth will provide temporary relief. A scary fact, though: If your child gets just one sunburn during his lifetime his chance of getting melanoma later will double. So lather ‘em up and don’t forget other protective gear like hats and sunglasses (if your little one will keep them on!).

Contributed by Amybee
Tags: FDA, SPF, sunburn, sunscreen, sunscreen for babies
Posted in: Products
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Raising kids is expensive and now that I’m on boy #3, I’m not so quick to run out and spend a bundle on his clothes or other necessities. I learned some tricks from shopping for my older kids.

Shop Off-Season and Buy Ahead

If you can predict what size your child will be in next winter, there may be clearance racks in your favorite stores right now. Last spring I found fleece pants and a jacket for this winter at Gymboree for just a few dollars each.

eBay

Another way I’ve steered clear of paying full-price is buying used lots off of eBay. I look for the letters “EUC”, meaning “excellent used condition”. Then I look at the buyer’s feedback which is usually close to 100% positive feedback (meaning most or all previous customers gave the buyer high ratings) if I’m going to make the purchase.

Yard Sales

Yard sales are very hit or miss but I did luck out a couple years ago and found someone selling a ton of clothing in my son’s size for about $1 a piece. It’s worth taking a peek and definitely a great way to get toys cheap.

Consignment Sales

A great place to find bargain kids clothes and toys is at rummage or consignment sales. See listings in your area. I’ve done pretty well at a couple of these. Selling your own used items at these sales is a great way to earn extra cash, by the way.

Freecycle

A place for giving/getting other’s unwanted items for free!. I’ve seen baby and kids’ clothes as well as toys and even furniture given away here. Register for your local branch here.

Craigslist

Currently, I’m looking for kids’ bedroom furniture. My sister found entire bedroom sets for her two kids on Craigslist for about $200 a set. I keep checking for a similar deal. The tricky part is figuring out how to transport it once we find it…

Finally, let’s remember that kids grow quickly. It seems wasteful to buy expensive clothes that will only be worn for a short time. Kmart, Walmart and Target have cute stuff for kids at reasonable prices. Only on special occasions will you find me paying full price at a department store or boutique for my little boy’s clothes.

Contributed by Amybee
Tags: bargains, consignment, deals, sales, Save Money, Shopping
Posted in: Baby
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Name of recalled product:
“Aubree’s” and “Hearts” baby socks

Hazard:
The flowers and the bows on the baby socks can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Units:
About 33,000 pairs

Description:
This recall involves “Aubree’s” and “Hearts” baby socks sold in sizes 0 to 12 months. “Aubree’s” socks have flowers attached to the toes. “Hearts” socks have bows attached to the toes of the heart-patterned socks. “TRUMPETTE” is printed on the soles. They were sold in packages of six pairs of socks in multiple colors.

Incidents/Injuries:
The firm has received eight reports of the flowers or bows detaching from the socks. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy: Refund
Consumers should immediately take the recalled socks away from babies and remove the flowers or bows to eliminate the hazard, or return the socks to the place of purchase or Trumpette for a full refund or store credit.

Sold at:
Buy Buy Baby, Right Start and Trumpette stores nationwide and online at buybuybaby.com, rightstart.com and trumpette.com from December 2012 through February 2013 for about $15.

Contributed by Dan
Tags: baby feet, baby socks, China, recall
Posted in: Recalls
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Fisher-Price Recalls to Inspect Due to Risk of Exposure to Mold

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should immediately inspect this product and stop using it if mold is found. Units currently in retail stores are not included in this recall to inspect.

Name of Product: Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper™

Units: About 800,000 units

Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y

Hazard

Mold can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame of the sleeper when it remains wet/moist or is infrequently cleaned, posing a risk of exposure to mold to infants sleeping in the product. The CPSC advises that mold has been associated with respiratory illnesses and other infections. Although mold is not present at the time of purchase, mold growth can occur after use of the product.

Incidents/Injuries: Fisher-Price has received 600 reports of mold on the product. Sixteen consumers have reported that their infants have been treated for respiratory issues, coughs and hives after sleeping in the product.

Description: This recall to inspect includes all Fisher-Price Rock N’ Play infant recliner seats called sleepers. The sleeper is designed for babies up to 25 pounds and is composed of a soft plastic seat held by a metal rocking frame. The product has a removable, fabric cover that is sold in 14 patterns and color palettes.

Sold at: Mass merchandise stores nationwide and online since September 2009 for between $50 and $85. Units currently in retail stores are not affected by this recall to inspect. Only products that show signs of mold after use by consumers are included in this announcement.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy

Consumers should immediately check for mold under the removable seat cushion. Dark brown, gray or black spots can indicate the presence of mold. If mold is found, consumers should immediately stop using the product. Consumers can contact Fisher-Price for cleaning instructions or further assistance. Cleaning and care instructions can also be found here or by contacting the firm.

Consumer Contact: Fisher-Price; at (800) 432-5437, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online here  for more information.

Contributed by Dan
Tags: China, Fisher Price, mold, recall, unsafe baby products
Posted in: Recalls
1 Comment »