Baby gates are especially useful because they let you decide where your child can go and where they can’t. Some of the most common places parents use baby gates are at the top of stairs, and entrances to certain rooms where they don’t want their child going, such as a kitchen. The great thing about the gates is that if you do not have a door to block off a certain area, such as a kitchen, you can use a gate and you don’t have to worry about your child entering that room, even if for some reason they do get out of your sight.

Baby gates also come in a variety of different sizes for many different uses. Let’s take a look at some of the different types.

Extra wide: Extra wide baby gates are great for any large opening you are trying to block off. If you have a space where a traditional size gate won’t fit you will need to go
with and extra wide baby gate, but because they are retractable you could use them for a smaller space as well.

Wooden: When you think of a baby gate the first thing that comes to your mind might be plastic, but wooden baby gates
are also very popular. What type of material you decide to choose is up to your personal preference, but if you prefer a wooden baby gate you have that option.

Extra tall: Just like the extra wide there is the extra tall baby gate. These can be very useful if you have a bigger child, or a very curious child who can not be contained by an average height gate. If you are not sure if your child could get over an average size gate you may just want to go with an extra tall baby gate to be safe.

Just like there are many different types of baby gates there are also a number of different companies that make them. They include:

Dream Baby
Evenflo
Kidco
Kolcraft
North States
Regal Lager
Regalo
Safety 1st
Summer Infant

Name of Product: Evenflo Majestic™ High Chairs

Units: About 90,000 (95,000 were recalled in December 2008)

Manufacturer: Evenflo Company Inc., of Miamisburg, Ohio

Hazard: Plastic caps and metal screws on both sides of the high chair can loosen and fall out, allowing the seatback to suddenly fall back or detach from the high chair. Children can fall backwards or fall out of the high chair and suffer bumps and bruises to the head, broken bones, abrasions, cuts and bruises. Detached hardware also poses a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: For the models added by this expanded recall, Evenflo has received 16 reports of seatbacks reclining, falling back and/or detaching unexpectedly, resulting in five reports of bumps and bruises to the head and five reports of other injuries including bruises and abrasions. For the models added by this expanded recall, Evenflo has received 145 reports of plastic caps and screws falling out of the high chairs, including one incident in which a cap and/or screws were found in a child’s hand or mouth but were removed before choking occurred.

Description: The expanded recall involves Evenflo Majestic™ high chairs, model numbers: 3001395, 3001395A, 3001604, 3001700, 3001713, 3001713A, 3001730A, 3001732, 3001733, 3001742, 3001742A, 3001756, 3001821A, 3001840A, 3001845, 30011848, 3001852, 3001932, 3002719 and 3003845 manufactured between January 23, 2007 and December 31, 2008. The model number and date of manufacture are located on a white label/sticker on the seatback. “Evenflo” is printed on the label and on the front of the tray. Models showing a year of manufacture of 2009 in red ink are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Juvenile product and mass merchandise stores nationwide, including Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us, Walmart.com, and Burlington Coat Factory from January 2007 through March 2009 for between $80 and $110.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Evenflo to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.evenflo.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Source: www.cpsc.gov

Name of Product: Zoo Pacifiers

Units: About 40,000

Importer: Healthtex, of Miami, Fla.

Hazard: The pacifiers failed to meet federal safety standards. The nipples can separate from the base easily, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Zoo pacifiers with animal cartoon figures as handles. The pacifier has a round-shaped mouth guard with three ventilation holes. “Made in Spain” is printed on the handle side of the mouth guard and “Mi Tosoro” is printed on the cardboard packaging.

Sold at: Supermarkets and pharmacy stores nationwide from December 2002 through March 2009 for about $1.40.

Manufactured in: Spain

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from children and contact Healthtex for a refund or exchange.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Healthtex toll-free at (866) 348-5080 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Source: www.cpsc.gov

Name of Product: Travel Tender Play Yards

Units: About 25,000

Importer: Simplicity, Inc. and SFCA, Inc., of Reading, Pa. (The firms appear to no longer conduct day to day operations)

Hazard: One or more rails can collapse unexpectedly, posing a fall or entrapment hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC is aware of at least five reports of one or more rails collapsing. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled play yards are portable and were sold with a bassinet, changing table and mobile features. The play yards bear the “Simplicity” logo. The model numbers are 5500DRM, 5500WDS, 5500FEL, 5501FEL, 5502MON, 5520PRO, 5550HAN, 5700MAN, and 5750MIR. The model number is located on a sticker on one of the legs underneath the play yard.

Sold at: Burlington Coat Factory stores nationwide and online at Babiesrus.com, Target.com and Kohls.com from March 2005 through January 2009 for about $100.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the play yards and return them to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the following retailers:

* Burlington Coat Factory, of Burlington, N.J. Call toll-free at (888) 223-2628 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

* Babies R Us, of Wayne, N.J. Call (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.babiesrus.com

* Target, of Minneapolis, Minn. Call (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com

* Kohl’s Department Stores, of Menomonee Falls, Wis. Call toll-free at (866) 887-8884 between 7a.m. and 3 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kohls.com

Source: www.cpsc.gov

Name of Product: SunKids Convertible Cribs
Number of Units: 1,900
Manufactured in: China

Importer: Suntech Enterprises Inc., of City of Commerce, Calif.
Hazard: The sides of the crib are made of mesh that expands, creating a gap between the side and the crib’s mattress if it’s not zipped into place, or a gap between the side and an added mattress. A young child can slip into this gap and become entrapped or suffocate. Also, the crib’s drop side can fail to fully latch posing a fall hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported with this crib. However, CPSC is aware of the death of a 5-month-old child in August 2008 involving another company’s nearly identical crib that was recalled. The child became entrapped between the mattress and the mesh side and suffocated.

Description: The recall involves the SunKids convertible crib/playpen/bassinet/bed with model number PY256. “SunKids” is embroidered on the bottom left of the crib’s drop side. The convertible cribs have a drop side rail, stationary side rail, canopy assembly, and bassinet. The sides of the convertible crib are fabric and mesh. The mattress support, bassinet, canopy, and bed skirt are covered in fabric. The fabric and the mesh were sold in navy blue, light blue, pink, beige, white, beige checker, and pink heart.

Sold at: Small juvenile product retailers in N.Y., N. J., and Calif. from January 2007 through October 2008 for about $100.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled convertible cribs and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Suntech Enterprises toll-free at (888) 268-8139 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Source: www.cpsc.gov

A Place for the Baby: Whether you have a special room set up as a nursery, or just a place in your bedroom, you want to make sure that you have an area for the baby. Even if you do have a separate nursery, you might want to consider setting up something temporary in your bedroom. The reason for this is because the baby will need to eat so frequently in the first few months it will make it much easier.

Supplies and Equipment for the House and Traveling: You will need a number of different pieces of equipment and numerous supplies for your new baby. Not only for when you’re at home, but when you go out too.

• Crib- A crib is one of the most important pieces of furniture you will get for your baby. They will be spending a lot of time in it so you want to make sure that you careful research before you purchase one.

• Car Seat- A car seat is also extremely important for your baby. You will want to make sure that you do research on car seats before you purchase one. You will want to check for any recalls or safety concerns before you actually buy. It is also very important that you make sure the car seat is installed properly and all are followed exactly.

• Other Items for the Home- There are also a number of items that are necessary for the home when you new baby arrives. A great item to add to the nursery is a changing table. A changing table to change you child diapers on, and organize your supplies can be very helpful. You will want to make sure that you have plenty of diapers on hand.

• Travel Bag- You will want to make sure that when you take the baby out of the house you have everything you will need. A good way to make sure that you are prepared is by putting together a travel bag with all the essentials. This can be a backpack, or a large tote bag, or any other big bag that will be able to hold supplies. In this bag you will want to keep things such as extra diapers, baby wipes, a change of clothes for the baby, and any other items you can think of that you might need to use when you are out.

As your baby is at home longer you will probably come across other things that you will need, but by having these recommended items on had you will be off to a good start.

Bringing to mind the infamous work and great mind of history’s most well known Renaissance man, this truly inspiring line exudes the same innovative craftsmanship as if Leonardo had created it himself. However, Million Dollar Baby is the giant name that is accredited for introducing this line of high quality baby furniture. With many companies, especially in today’s economy trying to take the easiest way out (primarily driven by money) many families are left questioning the safety of baby products in their child’s hands. So, can parents trust Da Vinci Furniture? Being such a large and respected manufacturer, everything retailed from Da Vinci is approved by the CPSC or the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Not stopping there, the American Society of Testing Materials (CPSC) and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Assoc. (JPMA) also have given Million Dollar Baby full backing for their Da Vinci line. JPMA certifications are one of the more difficult to get as a manufacturer as it is held to very high standards for the majority of infant and toddler products. Rigorous testing makes certain any and all flaws are exposed and fixed before meeting your child. While there furniture products are made from solid pine woods and Sepetir wood, everything is coated with non-toxic finishes. Every product is backed for 1 year from the date of purchase.

A nice feature that is included with Million Dollar Baby products, like Da Vinci, is that they are equipped with glides to convert a crib into a daybed. Ideal for saving busy parents from numerous purchases, finally there is a company that is determined to make life easier on families and safer for children. While customers cannot directly purchase from Million Dollar Baby, finding a local retailer is extremely easy. Whether you visit a Target or Babies R’ Us, Da Vinci products can be found in just about every store that carries products for growing families. Known for their other top selling lines, Jenny Lind Cribs has become a household name and can also be commended to Million Dollar Baby.

Gift Basket – Gift baskets are great because they can include a number of useful things combined into one gift. They are also versatile because you can buy one that is already made up, or you can personalize it more by putting one together yourself. Typically, some of the pre-made baskets contain baby clothes, lotions and other supplies like baby powder, a picture frame, and possibly a small stuffed animal. If you are making one yourself you could also include something for the mother like a gift certificate for a massage.

Monogrammed Gifts – A monogrammed gift is nice because it adds a personalized touch. You might be thinking that a gift with the baby’s initials or name on it is expensive, but there are a number of websites that offer these gifts for reasonable prices. If you do a Google search for monogrammed baby gifts you will find various places. You will also discover that you can get many different gifts with monograms. Some of which include baby clothes, pillows, linens, and even some toys.

Stuffed Animals – A stuffed animal is one of the best gifts you can a child. It is such a
simple gift, but kids love them and many times become something that they hold onto their entire lives. There is such a wide variety of stuffed animals available you should be able to find one to fit just about any situation.

The next time you are invited to a baby shower you might want to try one of these gifts. They are simple, not to expensive, and a little more unique than other things the person might receive.

The best way to protect your house is to go through it like a child would. You need to take on their perspective to understand what they can get into and what is in their line of sight. Things that may look obvious to you may not be as important as things that are more obvious to them. Take a sweep of your house and note all the different places that could be cause for concern.

Making sure that you have the proper safety equipment and monitors in your house is very important for both you and your children. You need to make sure that all detectors, such as smoke and carbon monoxide, are operable and on every level of the house. Also make sure that you have an accessible fire extinguisher. Be sure to show your children how to work any other forms of safety equipment in case there is an emergency where it may be needed.

Having the proper locks on all windows and doors is very important to keep children out of harmful chemicals and rooms that may have other dangerous equipment, such as a garage. Just locking doors may not be sufficient enough to keep them from opening the door or window. Kinds are very clever and can figure out how to open doors that you would not think they could. You will need to purchase child proof locks that go over door knobs or on cabinets. These will prevent kids from getting into these harmful places.

One of the most dangerous places for kids to get into is the laundry room. Your washer and dryer are a place that kids often times find interesting and think they are great hiding spots. This curiosity by a kid can lead to tragedy. Be sure to use the locking system on you machines that disable kids from being able to open the doors.

Another dangerous part of your house is places where kids can get caught or stuck in. Things such as low hanging window cords or pickets in stairs that are too far apart, can strangle you children if they get stuck in them. Be sure that all window blind cords are high enough to where kids can not reach them. Also, make sure that your pickets are properly spaced and kids can not get stuck between them.

There are so many things that kids can find to harm themselves and many of these places are right in your own home. While is supposed to be a safe place for them, it can also be one of the most dangerous places. Be sure that you have properly secured your house so that your child can play in a safe environment.

“Few seemingly small tasks take as much effort (or are as hard on your back) as changing a crib sheet. Not anymore. Clouds and Stars’ QuickZip Crib Sheets let you zip off the top of a fitted sheet when it needs to be washed and leave the elasticized sides and corners in place. Testers loved it.” – Parenting Magazine

At this point in the article, you may be asking yourself how these simple sheets work? First, you will take out the crib mattress and place it into the base of the QuickZip Sheet. Keep in mind that the Zipper Pull (or Tab) needs to be at the bottom of the zipper near the plastic insert box. This point is half way across the shorter side of the mattress. It is tought to visualize if you have never seen this sheet before, but simple once you get your hands on it. Second, you will place the mattress pad on top of the mattress. Third, Zip up the zipper sheet and tuck the zipper away. Fourth, place the mattress into the crib (first time only) and you are done. Now to change the sheet, simply zip off the dirty sheet and zip on the clean one!