Parents who own a Graco stroller should check which model they have to see if it’s among those recalled by Graco and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  There are reports that the hinges on the stroller’s canopy pose a risk of fingertip amputation  to the child when the parent opens or closes the canopy.  So far, Graco has received seven reports of children placing their
fingers in the stroller’s canopy hinge mechanism while the canopy was being opened or closed, resulting in five fingertip amputations and two fingertip cuts.  The stroller models that are included are Graco’s Passage(tm), Alano(tm) and Spree(tm) Strollers and Travel
Systems.  The CPSC release says Graco manufactured two different styles of hinge mechanisms for these stroller models. Only strollers or travel systems with a plastic, jointed hinge mechanism that has indented canopy positioning notches (see photo below) are included in this recall. The recalled strollers were manufactured between October 2004 and February 2008. The model number and manufacture date are located on the lower inside portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels.  Parents are advised to stop using the strollers immediately and contact Graco to receive a free protective cover repair kit.  You can reach Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gracobaby.com<http://www.gracobaby.com>.

These are the model numbers to check:

6303MYC, 6303MYC3

7240DNB, 7240DNB2
7240MKL2, 7240MKL3

7F02GLM3

6320IVY, 6320LAUb

7241DDH2, 7241DHO3

7F04TAY3

6330CAP, 6330THR,
6330THR3

7255CLP, 7255CLP2,
7255CRA2, 7255CRA3,
7255CSA3, 7255GPK3,
7255GRN, 7255GRN2,
7255JJB3, 7255ORC2,
7255WLO2, 7255WLO3

7F07EMA3

6F00QIN3, 6F00RRY3

7256CLO2, 7256SPM2,
7256SPM3

7F08DSW3, 7F08LAN3

6F03GLN3

7260BAN, 7260BAN2,
7260BAN3, 7260MRA2,
7260MRA3, 7260PKR,
7260PKR2

7G00DLS3, 7G00DLS4

6G10CSE3b

7270BIA, 7270BIA2

7G01CRL3

7235GGA, 7235GGA2

7E01JON2, 7E01JON3

7G04KRA3

7236CDR2

7F00LPE3, 7F00RSH3

7G05GPR3, 7G06WSR3

7237HOL2, 7237HOL3

7F01FOR3

7G07ABB3, 7G07BAT3

Oh, baby, this is big! The World’s Largest Baby Shower is a party you will not want to miss! Plan to be showered with gifts and knowledge during this two-day event celebrating new and expectant moms and the miracle of life! It’s happening May 22-23 in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event will be packed with a collection of the best baby products, services, and experts in the industry. Peekaboo Events, the ladies planning this event, have all your favorite sources for baby goods and information on board, from the Oprah Store to a Pea in a Pod, from www.Galtime.com online magazine to Bottles to Britches Premier Baby Planners.  This will be a shower like you’ve never seen before with exhibits that will thrill! Wait until you see our art gallery featuring pregnant women and new babies, a fashion show showcasing comfortable and cutting-edge designs for moms-to-be, the posh relaxation station to help soothe the aches and pains that come with motherhood and, of course, the World’s Largest Shower Cake. Yum! And it’s only $10 to be part of this fun! To find out more about this event, contact us at desiree@worldslargestbabyshowers.com (we’re looking to add more vendors so send us a note soon!).  We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

It’s that time of year again…time to throw the family in the car and visit all the people we miss all year long.  I’m familiar with the challenges of traveling with a little one and know the journey isn’t always easy.  Most of you know I also write for www.travelingmom.com as the Traveling News Mom.  We have partnered together to tell you about some great gadgets to make that road trip a little more tolerable for everyone. Check out the gadgets at http://www.travelingmom.com/blogger/on-the-road-again-great-giveaways-for-your-travels/ and then, if you want a chance to win the whole bundle, leave us a comment on the Traveling Mom site with your best advice for traveling with kids. You have until December 13th to enter…Thanks and good luck!

I’m all for pretty, frilly diaper bags, but I’m also all for my husband pitching in and helping with the baby, which means carrying the diaper bag every now and then. Let me tell you from experience, that’s much more likely to happen when that diaper bag is a little more manly. Or less “girly” may be more accurate. Amy Michelle gets that. Amy Michelle designs diaper bags that are fashionable for women without being too feminine for men. And not just that. Their bags are super functional with pockets to keep you uber organized. These stylish bags are designed with the active parent in mind, meant to carry the essentials for both mom or dad and baby, from infant to toddler. Each bag has features that include the capability to convert from shoulder bag to backpack and, get this, they also easily attach to strollers. Heck, who needs a baby to buy a bag like this? Amy Michelle bags are sold at specialty baby boutiques and select internet sites including www.amymichelle.com, and since they are based in Golden, Colorado, up to 5% of profits benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver. Guess they have giving in the bag, huh?

Want to win your own cool Amy Michelle bag? All you have to do is leave a comment here.  And, if you want to improve your odds, subscribe to our newsletter and forward it on to friends you think would like it.  This will earn you extra entries.  Then tell others about us on Facebook, Twitter, or email! This giveaway winner will be notified on Monday, November 23rd. Good luck!

The National Institutes of Health is currently conducting a study comparing the accuracy of oral, ear and forehead, or temporal, thermometers.  The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends the old-fashioned mercury models for environmental reasons.  But, according to Atlanta pediatrician and AAP Spokesperson Dr. Jennifer Shu, “When it comes to digital devices, choosing one has more to do with the age of the child than the type of thermometers.”

So what works? Dr. Shu explains, “For babies under six months, the most accurate way to do it is through a rectal thermometer.  A lot of parents don’t want to do that on a regular basis if the baby might not be that sick, so it’s perfectly fine to do an underarm thermometer.” However, Dr. Shu suggests you double-check an underarm reading over 99 with a rectal reading before heading off to the doctor.

If the child is older than six months you can try an ear thermometer or the temporal type.  How does that work?  Dr. Shu says it’s simple.  “Swipe it across the child’s forehead and behind the ear and that tends to be very reliable.  It’s very easy because the child doesn’t have to sit still for very long and it’s incredibly fast and painless.”  That’s what worked for Therese.  When he got sick recently with a stomach bug, Gabe not only sat still for the temporal reading, but according to Therese, “he even helped hold his hair up for us”. 

There are other options, too.  Some are strips that sit on the forehead or pacifier type models.  There are even some that light up red, yellow or green for easy readings in the dark.  The AAP says don’t worry if one type is a degree or two off from another method.  The important part is to tell the pediatrician how the measurement was taken, with what device.  Dr. Shu suggests, “Try not to do any adding or subtracting at home and we’ll just take the whole picture into account.”

But do be careful of things that will impact the information you get.  For example, if your child just ate something cold or hot, the number will reflect that.  Also allow for outdoor interference, especially if you use an ear thermometer right away.  “Wait for about 15 minutes and let the child’s temperature warm up to the regular body temperature and the room temperature, as well,” Dr. Shu recommends.

Also keep in mind that fever doesn’t say everything when your child is sick.  Take into account their changes in mood, alertness and sleeping and eating habits when you decide if your child needs a doctor. 

Therese is thrilled to have an easier time of taking her son’s temperature after being sick of the added frustration of the fight to find out if he had a fever in the past.  “When your kid is sick, you’re running around cleaning up after them.  One less thing to worry about is awesome.”

About Jennifer Shu, MD:

Dr. Shu is a pediatrician and author based in Atlanta. Her passions in medicine include educating patients and parents on all topics related to children, as well as public health and preventive care. Dr. Shu is editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) publication, Baby & Child Health, and co-author of the award-winning book, Heading Home with Your Newborn, and Food Fights, both published by the AAP.

An enthusiastic writer and public speaker, Dr. Shu is a member of the Parents magazine Board of Advisors and an editorial advisor for the AAP’s Healthy Children doctor’s office publication. She has been featured as a guest expert on CNN, NBC Nightly News, Headline News, MSNBC and Discovery Health, as well as in US News & World Report, USA Today, US Weekly, and numerous parenting magazines, newspapers and medical publications.

Sample of shoes

Face it.  Few things are as adorable as a baby’s pudgy little toes, but sometimes bare feet are not an option. So, when you do have to find footwear, why not go with shoes that are just as cute as those teeny toes?That’s where Kids N Caboodle steps in.  They have fabulous shoes for the under four crowd and get this–you get to design them yourself (and who hasn’t secretly wished to be a shoe designer some day?!).  To build a custom pair of shoes for your cutie-pie, you just go to their site and pick out the style you like for your little one, then move on to the color and fabric (blue suede shoes, here I come!)  The soft souls are perfect for baby’s little feet and the lined variety look super cozy.  And here’s the best part–you can get your baby’s name embroidered on the shoes.  You even pick the font.  Shoes with a sentimental twist.  Nice!