Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by NTD Apparel

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by NTD Apparel Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: “Hello Kitty” Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirts
Units: 1,200
Distributor: NTD Apparel, of Los Angeles, Calif.
Hazard: The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The “Hello Kitty” hoodie has an appliqué on the right chest and screenprint on left chest and left sleeve. They were sold in black with silver lining and in sizes 2T, 3T, 4, 5, 6 and 6X. NTD APPAREL, D1592H7273, RN#116180 is printed on the neck label and care label.
Sold at: Macy’s and Dillard’s department stores nationwide from November 2008 through December 2008 for $36.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard, or return the garment to either the place of purchase or to NTD Apparel for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact NTD Apparel toll-free at (866) 317-3974 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10054.html

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Sunsations

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Sunsations Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings
Units: About 12,000
Distributor: Sunsations Inc, of Virginia Beach, Va.
Hazard: The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves children’s hooded sweatshirt sizes 2T through 12 sold in various solid colors. Style numbers included in this recall are: KD102, KD124 and KFS102.
Sold at: Sunsations stores in Virginia Beach, Va.; Ocean City, Md.; and North Carolina from April 2006 through July 2009 for about $13.
Manufactured in: Pakistan
Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard or return the garment to Sunsations for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Sunsations at (800) 786-9044 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.sunsationsusa.com


Source: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10053.html

LaJobi Reannounce 2001 Recall of Cribs

CPSC, LaJobi Reannounce 2001 Recall of Cribs Due to Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards
Concern that Cribs Could Now Be At Second Hand or Thrift Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: “Molly” and “Betsy” Cribs
Units: About 400 (This recall was first announced in December 2001
Manufacturer: LaJobi Inc., of Cranbury, N.J.
Hazard: The cribs have cut-outs in the end panels that can allow young children to get their heads entrapped, which can pose a strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC is aware of the death of a one-year old girl whose head and neck became entrapped in the headboard cut-out of the “Betsy” style crib in 2003 in Mississippi, following the 2001 recall. No additional incidents or injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves both “Molly” and “Betsy” style wooden cribs. The end panels on the "Molly" style cribs are made of solid wood with openings on both sides. The end panels on the "Betsy" style cribs are constructed with wood slats. The model numbers are printed inside the headboard at the bottom.

Link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10051.html

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Allura Imports Due to Strangulation Hazard

Name of Product: Girl’s Hooded Sweatshirts
Units: About 3,700
Manufacturer: Allura Imports Inc., of New York, N.Y.
Hazard: The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to young children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves girl’s velour hooded sweatshirts with a zip front. The sweatshirts were sold as a part of a 2-piece set. “Major Diva” is printed on the front of the sweatshirts. The tag on the inside of the sweatshirts reads, “2b REAL.” The sweatshirts were sold in hot pink, light pink, ivory and khaki, and in sizes 4, 5/6 and 6X.
Sold exclusively at: Burlington Coat Factory stores nationwide from October 2008 through July 2009 for about $11.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard, or return the garments to either the place of purchase or to Allura Imports for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Allura Imports at (800) 695-4510 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit the firm’s Web site at www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com

Link for more information and pictures:  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10050.html

Team Work Trading Expands Recall of Children’s Metal Pendants Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

Name of Product: Children’s Metal Pendants
Units: About 1,500 (an additional 1,500 pendants were previously recalled in September 2009)
Importer/Distributor/Retailer: Team Work Trading, of Los Angeles, Calif.

Hazard: The recalled children’s pendants contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves eleven types of metal pendants sold with silver-colored chains. The pendants feature symbols from the following animations/cartoons: “Bleach,” “Death Note,” “Naruto” and “One Piece.”
Sold at: The Teamwork Trading Store in Los Angeles, Calif. and other toys stores and gift shops nationwide from November 2008 through March 2009 for between $3 and $4.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumer should immediately take the recalled pendants away from children and contact Team Work Trading to receive a full refund or replacement product.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Team Work Trading collect at (213) 680-4489 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Link for more information: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10049.html



The link also provides pictures of said products.

Boy’s Warm-up Sets Recalled by Fashion Options Due to Strangulation Hazard

"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed."


 This reminds me of an incident yesterday I had with Hansel regarding a draw string in his hooded PJs. I was playing with him and turned around for about a minute and when I looked back, he had the draw string criss-crossed around his neck. Now he wasn't pulling on it, so it was not tight. If he had though and I had not been paying attention, it's possible I could have been giving him CPR. I felt really bad about it because I'm normally careful about what clothes he has on and such. Sadly though, This particular item was made by his grandmother and I'm sure she wasn't even thinking  about that possible hazard would happen when she made it.


 I must caution use of any draw strings on very small children's clothing and I would recommend companies, parents etc. do not even put them on such clothing. I'm glad I caught the possible hazard in time and learned something new. Children can get themselves in the worst situations that you would never think they could in a very, very short time.


The link below provides more info for the recall just in case you happen to have this product in your home.


http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10047.html


I will be automatically posting this site on my blog from now on to keep @homes informed on future recalls.

Stork Craft Recalls More Than 2.1 Million Drop-Side Cribs

 I woke up yesterday morning to find this warning splattered all over the internet like an APB on a police scanner. "Possible entrapment and suffocation prompts Stork Craft to recall more than 2.1 million drop-side cribs". Just an important side note, these particular cribs have a fisher-price logo on them.

 Pretty scary stuff, if you ask me. We do not have one of these cribs but if you do you should check the link out below as it contains the info you need to know in how to handle this situation. I will be posting alot of recalls for now so that you @home dads can be informed about what is not safe for your children. Hopefully by posting these recalls, we can stop a lot of accidents from happening in the first place.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10046.html

Free birthday fun @ Nickelodeon Universe

 My wife works at the Mall of America and learned from another associate that Nickelodeon Universe was having a birthday promotion for teens and small children 18 and under. We didn't believe it at first, however Hansel's birthday was coming up soon so we decided to check it out. Sure enough, it is true!
 I went online to the Nickelodeon Universe website listed below to check out some of the requirements and finer details.  You click on the registration link and fill out the details for the child. An email is sent you with a printable coupon that you print out and give to one of the clerks at the customer service desk for Nickelodeon Universe on the child's birthday along with a drivers license and proof of child's age (Ex. Birth Certificate).  You will also need a parent or legal guardian to accompany the child if they are under 13 years of age.

 If all goes well, you child will receive an all-day wristband worth $29.95 plus a coupon book full of discounts and in some cases free goodies. A couple of free things to note are a free DipnDots and a free nestle toll house cookie. Keep in mind that the special is only good on the child's birthday and not before or after it. I have enclosed a direct link to the site for your convenience.

Say hello to Sponge Bob for me if you see him and have fun!

http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com/birthday-details.html

About a million Maclaren strollers recalled for finger amputation

 I don't know if any of you @home dads are aware of this, so I thought I'd post the link to the article I found while scanning the Pioneer Press website. I will be posting again soon with the review I promised a while ago and free things for you @home dads to do with your kids.


http://www.twincities.com/watchdog/ci_1374772

Where in the world is my paycheck?

 I'm curious as to how many stay@home dad's there are in Minnesota due to being laid off. I have been unemployed since around March of 2009 and still have not had any luck landing a job which is rather depressing. Do not get me wrong, I love spending all this time with my son and I believe its good for parent/child relationships. I did however grow up with the mindset that a "Man" should be the bread winner and its frustrating to say the least being unemployed. Sometimes I feel like I have failed my family and failed my associates by not having a job to support my family with.
 My wife enjoys working but I do think she would rather be at home with Hansel. Come to think of it, my dream job would be to stay at home with my family and write blogs, reviews, technical documentation for a living. I am currently seeking a journalism or creative writing degree to supplement my current experience and education. I do work part time for my church as an IT contractor but paychecks are few and far between.


 One of our local papers the Pioneer Press, has been currently working on a new segment called "Watchdog: Your Next Job" and I was recently selected as one of the five panel members who will be periodically commenting on our job searches, experiences, let downs and overall anything we can think of relating to getting a job in the current market. I am really excited about this for several reasons.
 The first and more obvious reason being, exposure. To have a news paper following my every job search experience for thousands of readers to see, is what I consider nothing less but an honor. Another reason why I'm excited to be a part of this is, I have been wanting to change career fields for a long time. The IT field has really boomed over the years and there is allot of competition in the job markets pertaining to IT.

 I have been officially working in the IT field since I was 17 and to be honest I'm getting burned out. I have always wanted to write about various topics but mostly IT since that is what I'm most knowledgeable about. I used to write short stories in grade school when I was a kid and was very good at it. Over the years however   I have lost that ability due to focusing so much on strictly IT related fields.
 The ultimate goal of the Watchdog is to get the panel of five employed but also to share with readers common ground to which they can relate with and hopefully educate themselves on what to do and not do in the hairy art of job searching. The goals I wish to obtain from this blog and the Watchdog are: Experience and Employment in a somewhat different career field.

 If there are any stay at home dads who share the same experiences, please feel free to comment, as I would love to hear from you on the topics of being a stay@home dad and job searching.

The link below will give you more information about Watchdog and it's resources to help you on your way to becoming  employed again. Thanks.
http://www.twincities.com/watchdog - Pioneer Press

Disney offers Baby Einstein video refunds

 It has come to my attention that Disney is offering refunds for Baby Einstein videos. I personally have a few of these videos for our son and I'm a glad that I did not spend more money on these products. I have posted the article below for all to view and learn more about the recall.
 I think it's really sad to see what was once touted as a good product for baby development, falling short of its promise to educate. In the article it makes the statement that the videos could even hamper your child's learning ability. Please check out the link to the article below and educate yourself on another example of a good product gone wrong.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/children_shealth/6425271/Disney-offers-millions-of-parents-Baby-Einstein-video-refunds.html

New Review!!

I will be posting a new review today about an excellent product called "Your Baby Can Read".  I will also be posting info about the Baby Einstein recall and various places you can go to entertain your child.

No rest for dad

  Well, I would like to apologize for not posting lately. It has been very hectic at home lately and I've been sick so I have not been on much. I have a bunch of new things to write about within the next few days, so please check back often!

Product Review - The Podee Bottle

  My wife first discovered the bottle while surfing her favorite pregnancy board and told me to take a look at it. When I first saw a picture of a baby with this thing, my first thought was of an IV drip. The bottle looks like an ordinary bottle but with a long tube running out of it with a nipple on the end. We immediately searched the web for this marvel of baby science and found what we were looking for. I have decided to write about the pro's and con's of this bottle and what it has done for our family.


 The picture below will show you what I mean when I say, it's a marvel of baby science.

 Before continuing the review of this bottle, let me make this clear. This bottle is by no means an excuse to get in that extra hour of PS3 time! This bottle does make life easier to manage when washing dishes, doing the laundry, driving and posting a comment. ;)

 When we first got the bottle, I immediately ripped open the package and took out all the parts to see what I was up against. Boy oh boy! was there a lot of parts! There was a total of 8 parts to this contraption. After throwing away the instructions, which I would not recommend. I preceded to put it together and test it out on my son. (poor little guy)

When I plugged the nipple in his mouth, he started sucking right away and satisfied with a triumphant smile

I took two sighs of relief, one for being able to get more done now and the second for being able to put it together on the first go without instructions.

 The bottle over all was great at first for a few weeks, I was able to do more in less time and had a happier baby. There has been some issues though that I will now explain with the bottle. The first issue is cleaning the bottle.
The bottle itself is just as easy to clean as any other bottle. The other components however require a tool that resembles a pipe cleaner. You can usually get the bottle cleaning kit at the store you bought the bottle from or online. The hardest parts to clean are the tubes and can be a pain sometimes. I have found warm soapy water and the tube brush works best.

 The next issue is leaks. After doing a little experimenting I have found that the tubes wear out quickly where they connect to the other components. The connecting rings also have no seals in them, which if tightened to much or to little, causes a rather leaky situation. The Podee company must have changed the rings and the thickness of the tubing because the tubes are stiffer and last longer, so does the nipples and the rings do not seem to leak as much anymore.
The only problem with the improved components is now my son can suck away and alot of the time, he cannot get enough suction to cause the fluid to flow up through the tube correctly. I wound up just using the old components which seem to work better but leak more.

 The next issue I have found with the bottles is flying milk or juice! My son likes to hold the bottle just by the nipple when drinking from it while standing up. When he does this, the long tube usually pops off and flings milk or juice everywhere which depending on whats in the bottle, can stain fabrics or damage electronics.
 The last more serious issue is with possible component breaks. Yesterday, I was putting the nipple and tube back on the bottle when I noticed it would not go back on. Upon further investigation I found that the post the tube connected to the bottle with was broken off inside the tube. Now if it had not been stuck inside the tube securely I might have been taking my son to the E.R!

 Other than the serious issue I had with the bottle, it has generally worked quite well for our needs. I would give this bottle a 3 out of 5 rating just because some of the parts could break causing a safety hazard. I have provided a link below to the manufacturers website for your further review. For you Minnesota dad's I would recommend checking the bottle out more thoroughly at Baby's-R-Us or Toys-R-Us.

For more information on the Podee bottle, check out their website at http://www.podee.com/
I will be reviewing one of their competitors soon called "Pacifeeder". This device looks much more promising.


Happy Feeding!

Note: Please comment on my first attempt at a review :o)

Update

  I'm still working on the layout of the blog. I've never blogged before, however I hope to make this blog a rewarding read. I will be adding a review on a product a little later this evening when I have more time that should help @home dads greatly. Till then, see you soon!

This is a sample post.

 This is my first post to modify my blog for color, design and in general, just to say hello!
I will be adding new content soon!