A drive in the car seems to be the perfect trick to get even the fussiest baby to sleep. So it is not surprise that many babies are brought into child care still sound asleep in their car seats, but the car seat is not where they should stay. Unfortunately this alarming new trend of leaving babies to sleep in their car seats rather than moving them to safe sleeping environments is putting babies at risk of more than just a sore neck. A new study by Harvard Medical School and Mass. General Hospital for children has discovered that children sleeping in car seats had oxygen levels dropping below 95%. The semi upright position of a car seat compresses an infant’s lungs, and is likely responsible for the decrease in oxygen. Care seats are wonderful at keeping babies safe in a moving vehicle, but they are not a replacement for a safe sleeping environment. Babies need to sleep in a safe crib, port-a-crib or pack-and –play. Always remember that a safe sleeping environment is about more than comfort or convenience it is about saving babies lives! Babies should always sleep in a safe sleeping environment free of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals positioned on their backs. Every Sleep counts.
If you have any questions about safe sleep environments or would like help making sure your sleep environment is safe please contact Child Care Solutions.
For more information about the study mentioned in this blog check click here
For more information about safe sleep check out the First Candle website
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Car Seats Are Not Cribs!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
H1N1 Separating Fact from Fiction
Recently H1N1, also known as swine flu, has received a lot of media attention, and much of the information has been confusing. We have gathered the most common statements made about H1N1 and sorted them into fact fiction.
Eating pork causes H1N1-
FICTION:
H1N1 is an influenza virus and is spread person to person likely in the same way that the traditional flu is spread i.e. sneezing and coughing
You should wear a mask when in public places to protect against H1N1-
FICTION (sort of)
There is no evidence clearly supporting masks as an effective tool in preventing the spread of H1N1; however, some is still pending. The best methods of prevention for influenza remain the same:
•Wash your hands with soap and warm running water, after toileting, before eating, after sneezing, after coughing
•Get plenty of sleep
•Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water
If I get a flu shot I will be protected against H1N1-
FICTION:
There is a new vaccine currently in the process of development and production being developed to protect against H1N1, but the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the novel H1N1. The vaccine will be available as both a nasal spray and a more traditional injection talk to you family doctor to see what is best for your family.
Help keep yourself and the little ones safe in your life this flu season by practicing good hand washing techniques, covering coughs and sneezes, eating healthy, and getting enough rest. These health practices remain consistently true. As flu season approaches you should also consider talking to your health care provider about the flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine.
For more information about H1N1 check out the links below
Immunization Action Coalition
Center for Disease Control Updates for Child Care
Tool Kit for children and Parents on H1N1
FREE Family Fun!!!
As budgets tighten it can become difficult to find fun, unique kid friendly activities for the family to enjoy. Child Care Solutions has partnered with Carey Services and Indiana Wesleyan to bring an incredible community event to Marion: a FREE community concert. This incredible sing-a-long event will be held at the Old College Church on Indiana Wesleyan University Campus, October 16 7:00.
Julie Austin is an award-winning singer/songwriter and early childhood specialist. Who will bring a unique blend of storytelling, sign language, and music to this lively and engaging program. She not only sings songs in a variety of styles—folk, swing, bluegrass—she also accompanies herself on guitar, autoharp and jaw harp. Interactive stories, sign-mime, and singable songs, add up to a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and finger-snapping good time! Julie's five outstanding children's recordings have won national awards including a Parent's Choice Award for her most recent CD, "Fandagumbo!"
So bring the whole family to this incredible FREE event! For more information please contact Child Care solutions at 1-800-493-3231.
