Newly released data by Harbor-UCLA Medical Center shows that front seat air bags are dangerous to children riding in the front seat at an older age than originally thought. Research was conducted on crash test data from 1995 to 2002, looking for height and weight indicators for front seat air bag safety. Height and weight have no effect, but age does, according to this new report which recommends that parents keep their kids in the back seat until age 15. So, basically, children are now supposed to ride in the back until they get their driving permit, I suppose.
Latest Additions
Here are some practical suggestions for talking to your child about their upcoming brother or sister. Experts say it is best to let the child explore their curiosity, and be open to discuss where babies come from in appropriate terms for them. Some children may want to get involved with preparations, so letting them help prepare the hospital bags and go through baby name books may help them feel like an important part of the process. There are many more helpful suggestions in this article by KidsHealth.
Another one in the teach-junior-to-pedal department, an industrial design team at Purdue has come up with a bike design that encourages children to learn balancing as they begin to ride bikes.
A new study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says yes you can, even in preadolescents. The results are valuable to parents because they not only support the theory that good habits can be taught at this age, but they also give us indicators of which food groups are most helpful in lowering cholesterol and overall body mass index (BMI). For instance, you may be surprised to learn that girls and boys who consumed more dairy products were likely to have a lower BMI. Also, children and their parents participated in a nutrition program with a behavior component, suggesting that good eating habits are truly a family affair.
Do you know what skills to look for in your preschooler? This quiz by the Mayo Clinic seems pretty simple, but it does make you think a bit about what stage your child is at. Also, read carefully, because your answer depends on the specifics of the question.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) researchers have found that daycare facilities carry significant allergens from sources such as fungus, cats, cockroaches, dogs, dust mites, and mice. From the press release “...63 percent of children under five spend 37 hours per week in child care. Exposure to indoor allergens has been shown in previous studies to increase the likelihood of developing asthma or allergic diseases, especially in vulnerable children....” Now, this study was done in the South, but since the resulting allergens are not limited to one region, this is certainly worth following. Hopefully, more studies will follow in other parts of the U.S.
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals is recalling Children’s TYLENOL® Meltaways 80 mg packaged in bottles and blisters, Children’s TYLENOL®SoftChews 80mg packaged in blisters, and Junior TYLENOL® Meltaways 160mg packaged in blisters. All lots and flavors are included in the recall. The package design and information on the package is confusing and may lead to misdosing.
There are a ton of parenting books out there which I’m sure contain wonderful information and advice, but who has time for much more than browsing the newspaper? This article provides some quick hit ideas for teaching kids consequences in short form so we’ll actually be able to take in the information.
Ever wonder if you have lost your mental edge since having kids? Then check out this article, because an author and a few university researchers beg to differ. Some folks say that as moms, we have increased Emotional Intelligence and motivation. Makes you feel good after looking for the car keys and baby wipes, right?






