23

Feb
2011

Is Your Child Sleeping Safely?

February 23rd, 2011 | by admin admin | in Safety Advice |    1   

Last Thursday, Feb. 17, Health Canada issued recall notices for a trio of baby products: an Ikea Sniglar crib and two models of Summer Infant video monitors. While it’s impossible to avoid manufacturing defects, these recalls serve as a good reminder to check your child’s sleeping area for hazards. Like bleary-eyed parents need any more worries about their babies’sleep.

Take the Ikea crib, for instance. The bolts attaching themattress support may not be long enough. Once they come loose, the mattress support could detach and collapse. While no injuries have been reported, the defect may cause suffocation, strangulation or falls from the crib. Although you can’t help the bolts being too short, it would be wise to check that any bolt extends past its nut. When you assemble any piece of furniture, give it a shake and check for loose nuts, bolts and screws.

Parents who purchased a Sniglar crib (model 60091931) should check it for damage and contact Ikea for a repair kit.

The Summer Infant video monitor recall extends to all models with electrical cords. The cords are too long. Two strangulation deaths were reported in the United States last year, as well as a near-strangulation incident. Again, any string, rope or cord longer than 15 centimetres poses a strangulation hazard for young children. So before you tuck your child in tonight, take a look around the bed for electrical cords, whether on a radio, baby monitor or space heater. Other culprits could be skipping ropes, ribbons, bathrobe belts -- anything that could get wrapped around a child or infant’sneck. Keep these hazards at least one metre away from the crib or bed.

Then there’s the rechargeable battery sold with the Slim and Secure™hand-held colour video monitors. It can overheat and rupture, causing burns. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know whether a battery is defective. But batteries in general pose a number of hazards. That’s why new toys should have childproof battery compartments. When you change a battery, watch for any corrosion or leakage on the battery or contacts.

Batteries, especially those pretty button batteries for cameras and electronic toys, can cause choking, severe burns and death if swallowed. Never leave batteries lying around. Instead, set them aside in a secure spot for proper disposal. That’s not only safer for your children, it’s better for the environment. And you’ll sleep better for it.

Have you had any experience or close calls with defective baby products or strangulation hazards? What happened? Do you think these recalls are justified, or should consumers exercise more common sense? Post a comment below.

Author: Susanna Chu