Child safety

Adaptability Store – Special needs products

AdaptAbility provides children, adults and caregivers of people with diverse & special needs, the very finest of products available. AdaptAbility Photo, May 2023 AdaptAbility is a trusted member of the special needs community in … READ MORE

What causes SIDS? Study suggests genetics may be at play in sudden infant death syndrome

The cause of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, continues to be a medical mystery but a new study suggests genetics may play a role. Isaac Quesada photo. Unsplash by Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today via Medical Xpress January 25, … READ MORE

This Sikh mom couldn’t find a proper helmet for her boys. Now, she’s designed her own

Tina Singh says helmet isn’t just a solution for Sikh kids, it’s also a symbol of being seen in sport. As an occupational therapist, Tina Singh says she knew how important it was to have a well-fitting bicycle helmet for … READ MORE

Bassinets and Change Tables for Harmony Play & Go Playards recalled due to potential suffocation and entrapment hazards

Consumer product recall published by Health Canada, Identification number RA-72202, Last updated 2022-12-22. Summary. Product. Various Bassinets and Change Tables for Harmony Play & Go Playards recalled due to potential … READ MORE

Infant head-shaping pillows are useless and dangerous to baby, FDA warns

Infant head-shaping pillows are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and should not be used, the agency warned Thursday. Adobe Stock by Cara Murez, Medical Xpress November 4, 2022 The pillows can create an unsafe … READ MORE

7 things to know about polio

New York state health officials warned last week that hundreds of people may have been infected with the polio virus, based on recent wastewater testing in different counties within New York state. Regenia Fondren photo. CCO Public … READ MORE

New Safe-Sleep guidelines aim to reduce infant deaths

New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics offer important guidance for parents on how to keep their babies safe during sleep. A baby sleeps on his back in a crib that just has a fitted sheet on it and nothing more. To … READ MORE

Fisher-Price, Feds issue Baby Rocker warning after 13 deaths

Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker (left and center), Fisher-Price Newborn-to-Toddler Rocker (right). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fisher-Price. Leigha Tierney, Medscape June 15, 2022 Heads up, parents: … READ MORE

Unsafe sleep practices present in hundreds of infant deaths in Canada, CBC investigation finds

Some experts who talked to CBC say safe sleep for infants should be a higher priority both nationally and within provincial governments. Mike Heenan CBC

At least 1,338 Canadian infants died with unsafe sleep risk factors present between 2009 and 2019. Some experts who talked to CBC say safe sleep for infants should be a higher priority both nationally and within provincial … READ MORE

Owlet infant monitoring sock pulled following FDA warning

Following receipt of a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Utah-based tech startup Owlet, innovators of a baby sock that monitors infant vital signs, will stop selling the product until it earns approval from … READ MORE

Could genetics hold the key to preventing SIDS?

A state-of-the-art genetic biobank could hold the key to preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially saving the lives of hundreds of babies who die from the devastating condition each year. Isaac Quesada photo. … READ MORE

Boppy recalls 3.3 Million baby pillows after the deaths of 8 infants

Recalled Boppy Original Newborn Lounger (left), Boppy Preferred Newborn Lounger (middle), and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Lounger (right). The loungers were sold in a variety of colours and fashions. Joint recall with Health … READ MORE

Hassles with child car seats linked to unsafe child passenger behaviors

Parents who reported more hassles using a child car seat or booster seat – such as the child is uncomfortable or having to make multiple trips in a day – were less likely to follow recommendations from the American Academy … READ MORE

Fisher-Price ignored safety warnings even after infants started dying, report finds

Infant deaths trigger recall of Fisher-Price soothers, gliders. Hundreds of thousands of Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers and 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders sold in the United States and Canada have been recalled … READ MORE

In the debate over ‘SIDS monitors,’ evidence is thin all around

Supporters hope modern baby monitors might prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Critics are doubtful. Who’s right? Smart Sock Gen 3. Owlet photo by Michael Schulson, Undark May 24, 2021 Each year in the United States, according to … READ MORE

Caring for children and youth with special health care needs during the COVID-19 pandemic

As COVID-19 continues to spread, children and youth with special health care needs may be at increased risk for complications. This includes children with chronic conditions, disabilities, and those with medically complex conditions. … READ MORE

Parents caring for children with disabilities have some advice

Families share experiences of living through the pandemic and what help they still need. Melissa Alcala and her three-year-old son Gavin at their home in Alhambra, CA on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, Resolve … READ MORE

A wonderful opportunity: Inclusive playground planned for Clareview community

‘This will, I believe, serve as a destination for many families.’ Shouldice Park in an inclusive playground brought to Calgary, Alberta, Canada by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. Landscape Structures Tricia Kindleman, … READ MORE

Kids with disabilities face health risks and marginalization under COVID-19

COVID-19 has been disruptive to all families, a McMaster University professor says, but the effects of school closures, medical equipment shortages and social distancing are further amplified for families of children with … READ MORE

Home schooling during pandemic a daunting challenge for families of kids with disabilities

Schools need a closer connection to children with special needs during closures. The Richmond family, left to right: Hayley, Jake, Phil and Harry. Jake and Harry have a rare genetic condition with a variety of complex special needs. … READ MORE

New elevator at St. Stephen School opens up whole new world for students with mobility issues

‘Everybody should get a chance to go upstairs.’ Students at St. Stephen’s lined the hallways, cheering for 11-year-old Logan Gouchie as he exited the school’s new elevator and saw the second-floor for the first … READ MORE

New insights: Improving function, independence and quality of life of individuals with cerebral palsy

Experts from across the world share new research and highlight developments in caring for individuals with cerebral palsy in the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. ‘I am happy as I am’: Little Daisy becomes the … READ MORE

How ‘tummy time’ factors into container baby syndrome – what primary care providers need to know

Some of the most commonly used devices for infants — car seats, swings, bouncy seats, strollers, carriers or any device that inhibits a young child’s chance to roll, move, wiggle and kick — pose a risk for motor skill delay, … READ MORE

Infant sleeping chairs linked to 32 deaths in US recalled in Canada

An infant sleeping chair linked to dozens of deaths in the United States has been recalled in Canada. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fast Company Ryan Flanagan, CTV News May 15, 2019 Health Canada says four models of the … READ MORE