http://press.discovery.com/us/tlc/programs/extreme-couponing/ has brought the idea of saving money by using coupons to many families. I hear many express concern over the apparent hoarding by people buying more than they could use before the exportation dates. And even more glad to see the one man donate 1000 boxes of cereal he had gottenfree with coupons to a food bank.
Yet the very idea of saving money has prompted many families to give it a try.
One thing I noted while watching the show is that it takes time and planning to do it well.
1. Find places to get coupons
2. Have a coupon filing system (binder)
3. Look at weekly ads and plan what to buy and where
4. Shop without distractions
5. Find stores that offer to match coupons
On one of my Facebook group we discussed this very subject and here are some ideas that were shared.
1. When shopping online always go to google and type in the store name and the words coupon code (i.e. “mypreciouskid.com coupon code”) Many times you will find codes listed that you can use immediately
2. Join coupon Facebook pages and forums to hear of good deals
3. You can buy coupons for pennies from clipping services
4. Contact manufacturers of products you use and ask for coupons
5. Ask friends and family who take the paper for their weekend coupons
I even found a virtual class on getting started with coupons
I had planned to write an article on SUN SAFETY today. However our My Precious Kid Cloth Diaper expert has already written a fabulous article on sun safety and sunscreen. So today I want to introduce you to Melissa Phinney. And the link to her great article on sun safety is at http://sapsmama.blogspot.com/2010/06/go-green-toxin-free-your-home-tip-2.html Please go visit her blog and leave a comment and tell her I sent you. You may also want to visit her facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SAPsMaMa
With all the recalls going on right now, it is hard to know how to have a safe crib for our children. The current recalls and news this time has been about cribs with drop side cribs. It has been suggested that all of this kind of crib be replaced. Many other styles of cribs have been recalled as well.
IMPORTANT: I would suggest calling the manufacturer of your crib with your model number in hand to find out IF it has been recalled and what they suggest.
I heard recently that all daycare centers and government agencies will be required to replace all drop side cribs over the next year to keep children in their care safe. Neary 30 children have died from drop side cribs. usually from broken hardware that allowed the drop side to become loose and allow the child to slip down.
I had an older drop side crib in my nursery for my grandchildren. I did call and while it had not been recalled it was over 10 years old and they recommended that it be replaced so I broke it down. My husband took the wood to the recycle place but I put the hardware in our garbage can so it could not be easily rebuilt by others.
Now that you know your crib is safe and not recalled, prepare your child’s crib for their safe sleeping. The only thing the crib needs is a clean firm tight fighting mattress covered with a tight fighting sheet. The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) now tells us that cribs should not have any bumper pads, quilts, pillows, blankets or toys. All of those things pose a risk to babies. The crib should be free of anything that the baby could press their face against or block airflow.
Yes I know the stores still sell those beautiful expensive fluffy frilly bumper pad sets. I fully expect them to recalled in the next year. There have been more than 30 deaths from them. They simply are not safe. Is it worth the risk to your baby for the cuteness factor? So skip the bumper pads. If you want something to keep your babies arms and binky in the crib consider the Breathable Bumper or Wonder Bumpers, both of which allow for airflow and breathing.
Next place a fan in the room. A fan running on low, year round, has been found to reduce a babies SIDS risk. They believe it has to do with helping them not to rebreathe their own airflow.
Next your baby in the crib on his back with a binky for a safe sleeping environment. For clothing let them wear warm PJ’s and then either a swaddle blanket that velcros shut so the ferric can not be pushed over their face. Use a swaddle until theta can roll over in the swaddle (usually 6 months). Then use a sleep sack over their PJ’s or a guardian sleeper. Using a SNUZA motion monitor will also give you peace of mind that all is well. These few steps will help you to feel your child is sleeping in a safe environment.
As a mom of 4 I co-slept with my last child who really thought sleeping was a waste of time. I also had her bed in my room (as a side car next to my bed) so I had a safe place to put her when I was not in bed with her. Since I am a child safety expert I have read a lot of safe baby sleeping. I would not want to do anything that would put my precious child at risk.
Many of the safe sleep (and SIDS reduction) rules apply to co-sleeping as well
1. Baby must sleep on their back only.
2. No quilts/bedding/pillows/bumper pads
3. Fan in room.
4. Binky when sleeping.
5. Breastfeeding
6. No smoking in the house.
In addition co-sleeping required me to make a few changes to our room/bed.
1. Dress a bit more warmly so blankets are not needed.
2. Make sure that the bedding/quilts/pillows are no where near the baby.
3. Check to see there is no gap between the mattress and the wall or headboard. Better yet put the mattress on the floor away from all furniture.
4. Never leave baby unsupervised in an adult bed.
5. Do not allow other children or pets to sleep in the bed with baby.
6. When finished nursing make sure the baby is on their back and their face is away from your body. You need to be able to see their mouth and nose at all times.
7. Put the binky in their mouth when done nursing.
8. Place baby between mother and the edge. Use a mesh guard so baby can not fall.
9. Do not sleep with your baby if you have taken alcohol, medication, or are unable to wake easily.
10. Never co-sleep on a couch, waterbed, or bean bag chair.
Co-rooming with your child has proven to be a safer alternative. It actually shows SIDS reduction risk when your child is in the same room. And it has less risks that being in the same bed. So for a couple of my children it was a great way. I could bring them to bed to nurse and then place them in their bed next to my bed when finished. I found we actually slept better with this alternative. I could sleep more deeply, without having to pay attention to the child’s position and the bedding through out the night.
One of my biggest concerns is I hear from parents who break all the safe sleeping rules by co-sleeping with blankets & pillows, allowing baby to sleep on their tummy, or leaving a baby unsupervised on an adult bed. Those action put your child at risk. Yes your child may have done is safely multiple times. However there is always first time.
Last year a local mom placed her sleeping 9 month old on grandmas bed for a nap while visiting. A few minutes later they checked on him and he had rolled into the space between the wall and the mattress and suffocated. My heart simply breaks for this mother.
Please do not put your precious kid at risk. Child proofing your child’s sleeping area. And when traveling take a safe sleep solution such as a play yard for when you are not with your baby. Sleep safely with your child.
Your child’s room is the one place they are left unsupervised so make sure it is safe for them. Here is a check list to get you started.
FIRST – Lets start with their crib/bed. The AAP says now says no bumper pads or quilts/bedding until age 12 months, after more than 30 deaths from these items. So your child’s crib only needs a sheet. Breathable Bumpers are a safe alternative. And then dress your child in pajama’s and then either a swaddle blanket that velcros closed, or sleep sack, or guardian sleeper. Also no toys in the crib in the first 6 months. A small taggie or lovie can be added at age 6 month.
SECOND – Your child’s furniture should be safely attached to the wall. Every year many children are killed by faling dressers, bookshelves, entertainment centers, and TV’s. Secure them to the wall with some sort of furniture bracket. Attach the bracket to a sold wood piece on the back of the furniture and then the other portion to the wall at the stud. Dresser drawers may need a drawer latch so your child can not pull them out to become steps to climb on
THIRD – Out lets are a danger source for children. Cover each empty outlet with an outlet cover. I prefer the sliding type rather than the small plug in ones, as those can be a choking hazard if placed in their mouth. And any outlets that have something plugged in should also have a outlet plug cover on it.
FOURTH – Windows need to be secured in a way that your child can not open if unsupervised. This is even more important if on a 2nd story. Even if your child has never messed with the
windows in the past there is always a first time. So either add a window latch that the child can not open or window mesh guard that cover the lower part of the window.
FIFTH – Any electronics in the room need to be placed out of
reach from your child in a safe location. And lamps should have the light bulb area covered so they can not get burned or break the bulb. There are many toddler safe lamps on the market now.
SIXTH – I have read that the following things greatly reduce SIDS risk for your child. Please read through the check list and see if you have them all covered. I read this week that the greatest SIDS age risk is 2-4 months, and diminishes at age 12 months.
1. Sleep on back on firm mattress in crib/playpen
2. No bumpers/bedding in the crib
3. Breastfeeding
4. No smoking in the house
5. Fan going in child’s room on low
6. Use a binky when sleeping
And if you are co-sleeping the child must not be under your blankets or near your pillow or other bedding, and also sleeping on their back only.
SEVENTH – Using a SNUZA motion monitor will help to alert you if your baby should not breathe in 20 seconds or more. These monitors give parents peace of mind. They will not prevent SIDS. However they can alert you to an issue earlier. And they have a vibrate option that has been shown to startle a baby with apnea to breathe. These do not make it safe to put your child on the tummy to sleep.
EIGHTH – Doors need special attention. Fire marshals say that all of us should sleep with our bedroom door closed. I place a child safety gate at my child’s door on the hall side so if they get the door open at night they can not get out of the room unnoticed. Carefully check the door stop. Many have small rubber tips that can be a choking hazard. Look for a child safe version. When the door is open I use a finger guard to protect from smashed fingers. And place a door knob guard on the wall behind at door knob level to protect your wall. I also like a door knob cover and closet door guard.
I hope this list will give you a place to start your child proofing plan!
My next step in child proofing is windows. This is especially important where your child sleeps and plays. And this becomes an even bigger issue in the summer months when windows may be kept open. Second story winds are also important to consider. Walk thru the areas where your child plays and sleep and examine each window for areas of concern.
WINDOW GUARDIAN – The window guardian is my first choice for a window lock. This one really does work! The Window Guardian Lock is an innovative new lock perfect for childproofing windows throughout the home. Protect children from unlocked windows with this safety lock. It has a removable push button key that protects your windows and children. This is the window lock you have been looking for to protect your family! http://www.mypreciouskid.com/window-guardian-lock.html
WINDOW GUARD – The window guard provides a barrier for children. It is a perfect solution for those 2nd story bedroom windows. Deter children from playing with or on windows with this guard, which has no metal bars, just a mesh design that blends with window treatments. Installs easily with quick release hardware. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/window-guard.html
WINDOW STOP - This little products protects windows from being opened yet allows them to be opened a small amount for air ventilation. Control how much you want your windows to open. The Window Stop will stop them there. The Window Stop screws into your window frame molding. Simply pull the arm to release it from the inside. Prevent your child from opening a window too far and falling out. In an emergency pull the arm away from the window. Protect your family.
Have you secured the windows in your home. Is your child safe if they got out of bed in the night while you were sleeping? Have you secured your window blind cords up out of their reach? Please protect your children and secure your windows today!
When I think of child proofing my house I think first to my doors. The goal is to make sure my children stay in and strangers stay out. My 4th child was a pro at getting out any door from age 2 on. One time I was in the restroom for just a few minutes to come out to find the front door open, a chair near by, that she used to open the chain. She was simply gone. Oh the PANIC I felt until we found her. So how can we be certain our children stay inside when we are in the bathroom or sleeping.
DOOR ALARMS – These little inexpensive door alarms are perfect. They adhere with double stick tape, placed up high above their reach. When the door opens the alarm sounds loudly letting me know immediately! http://www.mypreciouskid.com/wireless-door-alarm.html
KEY PAD DOOR ALARM – We also carry a key pad version that lets you set a code so family member adults can enter and exit without disarming the arm. This one is perfect for the front door that adults enter and exit regularly. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/door-alarm.html
DOOR LATCHES – There are many door latches available to give you an added sense of security. My new favorite is The Door Guardian. it is actually 5 times safer that a deadbolt. It is easy to install. And it is difficult for a child to do the pull and swivel double motion. The key is to put it where they can not reach it, even on a chair. And put your body in a way that blocks their view when you do open it. That helps to keep them from figuring out how to open the latch. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/door-guardian-child-lock.html
WATCHDOG – This latch helps to re-latch a door after someone has exited it. This is great for doors that must be opened by adults many times a day but need to be secure for children. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/watchdog-door-latch.html
PATIO DOOR GUARDIAN – We use to use a stick in the bottom of the sliding door to keep others out. However children simply pick this up and remove it! The door guardian company also makes great products to secure your sliding patio door and one for your windows. These assure your children stay safely inside. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/patio-door-guardian-lock.html
INSIDE DOORS – I also wanted a way to secure my child’s bedroom door or a way to keep them out of certain rooms. I found door knob covers and door lever latches the perfect solution for this problem.
http://www.mypreciouskid.com/door-knob-cover.html and
Have you found the tools needed to make certain your doors are secure and your children safe if you have to leave the room or are sleeping?
Cloth diapers for this generation has so many options, unlike the cloth diapers of my generation. I love that these current day mama’s can choose from different styles, fabrics, colors/patterns, and price points. There really is something for everyone. So today lets examine the different kind of cloth diapers available.
AIO – All in one – these are a diaper sewn in such a way that it is one piece. There is nothing to add or stuff. They are really a replacement for a disposable diaper. Simply lay the diaper under the baby, and velcro closed. When wet remove the whole thing and drop into your diaper pail to be washed and replace with another.
POCKET/AI2 – The pocket diaper is sometimes called an All in 2. It is a cover with a fleece lining and a hole at the top or bottom where a filler/insert is inserted. The benefit is that you can change the amount/kind of insert that goes into the pocket. The insert can also be laid on top on the liner if you wish. And since they are 2 pieces they dry faster than an AIO.
COVERS – Covers simply cover the insert. They provoke a waterproof barrier. A Hybrid is a cover that can be used with a pre-fold, insert or bio-degradable insert.
INSERTS – Inserts can be cotton, microfiber, stay dry, bamboo, hemp or any combination of these fabrics. They can be bulky such as a prefold or thin as a bamboo lay in insert. There are also bio-degradable inserts that can be thrown way or composted. These go inside a cover.
FITTED – Fitted diapers are fabric shaped like the hour glass diaper shape in a variety of fabrics and sizes. They need to be covered with a waterproof cover. They can either be laid in the cover, pinned closed or secured with a snappi.
What I find in my store is that new cloth diaper mama’s start with a cover and pre-folds since this is the least expensive way to start. Then they try the bamboo or microfiber/stay-dry inserts in the covers and prefer the trim fit of this. Then at 5-7 months they move to pocket diapers and stay with those for most of the diaper needs.
I am sure many of you wondering why I am posting so many new posts after quite a bit of silence. Well Cricket, my SEO coach, placed a 30 blogs in 30 days challenge for us. And she set up a Facebook group to help us encourage one another. I thought this is the perfect time for me to work on this blog. So I came up with a list of 30 topics I hope you will enjoy. So here is the list of what is coming up in the next 30 days.
1. Does your child wear an ID?
2. Why Use Cloth Diapers
3. How to Keep Your Child in the Car Seat
4. How to keep your child happy in their car seat
5. Should my child’s car seat be replaced after an accident
6. 30 Day Blogging Challenge
7. Cloth Diaper Choices
8. Child Proofing Doors
9. Child Proofing Windows
10. Child Proofing Your Childs bedroom
11. Safety Education
12. Safe Co-sleeping
13. Crib Safety
14. Sun Safety
15. Tantrums
16. What do you need before bringing your baby home
The question came up today about children in a car accident and if a car seat needs to be replaced after an accident. My opinion has always been that yes the seat should be replaced if the child was in the seat during the accident. However I decided I should do some additional research to find the correct answer.
At http://www.carseat.org/ they say “Generally, the recommendation is to replace all safety seats in use in a crash. It is almost impossible to tell if there is internal weakening of the plastic, and it would be very expensive to perform a thorough investigation of the safety seat to verify that it is safe to use. In California, state law requires that the responsible insurer replace safety seats that were in use at the time of the crash. In other states, the insurer of the responsible party may pay for the replacement of the safety seat. If your agent is not aware of the need for this replacement, SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. will provide a letter of support for this position.” They also have some additional Car Seat FAQ’s that you may find helpful at http://www.carseat.org/Resources/FAQs.htm
* The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site;
* The vehicle door nearest the safety seat was undamaged;
* There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants;
* The air bags (if present) did not deploy; AND
* There is no visible damage to the safety seat
About.com at http://babyproducts.about.com says “Some car seat manufacturers still state in the user manual that their car seats should be replaced after any crash, no matter how minor. The manufacturer’s instructions take precedence over other agency suggestions, so take a look at the manual before deciding to use a car seat after a crash. Talk to your insurance company about reimbursement for car seats. Since safe car seats are required in all states, insurance companies should pay the entire cost of a new car seat. Some companies may try to pro-rate the cost of a car seat based on the age of the damaged seat. Pro-rated compensation is unacceptable, though, since it is not safe to purchase an older, used car seat for your baby.”
So it seems replacement is suggestion for most all accidents and usually the responsible party’s car insurance should cover the replacement cost. Here is a good article on how to get the seat replacement reimbursed. http://www.ehow.com/how_5221834_replace-car-seat-after-accident.html
How do you keep your kids happy and entertained in the car seat? Well I ask my facebook fans for their suggestions and got some great ones. Share your comments of ideas we did not list. Thank you Facebook fans!
1. DVD player
2. Aqua Doodle
3. Books
4. Safe Toys
5. Sing Songs
6. Safe toys attached to car seat
7. Musical Toys
8. A lovey, Taggie, doll
9. Tag reading systems
10. Light up Mirror
11. Songs on Tape
12. Playing I Spy
13. Crayons/paper/stickers
14. Car Only Toys
15. See-and-Says
16. Special car only snacks
17. Hold It Baby to attach toys
18. Small Kids Computer
I hope these ideas have inspired you. And please share your comment below if you have additional ideas! Are you following us on Facebook too? http://www.facebook.com/MyPreciousKid
Frequently I receive calls and emails from parents who are in search of a product that will help keep their child in their car seat or seat belt. Often these are children with autism or other special needs, which makes the process even more trying. These parents are worried about the safety of their children. Because of this great need, I am constantly on the lookout for products that will keep children safely buckled, yet also allow for quick removal if the child needed to be removed quickly in a car accident or emergency situation.
If your child unbuckles their seat belt or car seat, I have found a few products that may be just the answer you are looking for. Each of these is a deterrent, not a lock, so in time your child may master it. However it can prove to be a lifesaver for the current season you are in.
I have found a few products that may be just the answer you are looking for if you child unbuckles their seat belt or car seat. Each of these is a deterrent, not a lock so in time your child may master it. However it can prove to be a live saver for the current season you are in.
SEAT BELT ALARM – The first is not a deterrent as much as a an alarm that notifies the parent that the child has indeed unbuckled. Our Seat belt alarm device provides an audible alarm if a seat belt is unbuckled. Easy to install and fits most vehicle seat belts. It’s every parents worse nightmare: You are going down the road, look back and your child is standing up in the car! The temptation of that little red button can be too much for some children. Keep your child safe and know immediately if they unbuckle! http://www.mypreciouskid.com/seat-belt-alarm-guard.html
ANGEL GUARD – The second is a buckle cover that deters the child from unbuckling. Most parents tell me this takes 2 hands to unhook and it pulls away from the child so difficult for most children to master. It’s a simple device with a simple difference. A little logic is required to remove the Angel Guard from the buckle; a twist and it is disengaged. It’s not intuitive for small children or people with cognitive issues but can be removed quickly by a caregiver. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/seat-belt-cover-angel-guard.html
BUCKLE GUARD PRO – The third is also a deterrent. This one has a top that works like a safety cap on a prescription bottle. It requires them to press down and turn at the same time. Belt Buckle Guard™, the first, patented child safety device that deterred children from unbuckling their seat belts while riding in a motorized vehicle. This device has also been very helpful to parents with this issue. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/buckle-guard-pro.html
BABY BUCKLE PAD – The 4th product is for children still in a 5 pt harness. It is not a lock but rather a cover. I suggest using this early, from the very beginning before they have discovered the big red button on the 5 pt harness. At last I found a product that covers the car seat buckle, which helps distract your child from figuring out how to unbuckle themselves. And it protects your child from hot buckles and pinched legs. It can be used on car seats, strollers, high chairs or any other baby product with a 3 pt or 5 pt harness buckle. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/baby-buckle-pad.html
HOUDINI STOP – This 5th product works on all 3 pt and 5 pt harnesses to keep your child from pulling their arms out. Do you wish you could find a safety clip that would keep your toddler in safely in the stroller? At last we have found a clip that could be the solution you are looking for. Stop Your Escape Artist In Their Tracks & Possibly Save Their Life. My daughter uses this for her twins in the stroller. Finally they cannot pull their arms out and then get out. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/car-seat-safety-clip.html
Which product works best for your child? Give them a try today. All are available at http://www.MyPreciousKid.com
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