lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Six-Year-Old Gives Himself License to Drive

lilsugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:10 -0800

You miss your bus so you hop in the car. Not a big deal...except if you are six! A Virginia boy put the pedal to the metal in his family's Ford Taurus after he missed his ride on Monday. While his mom slept, he grabbed the keys and got going, running off the road multiple times before he hit an embankment and utility pole. Luckily, he suffered only minor injuries despite not having buckled up and even made it to class after a trip to the hospital. What is going on in the world these days? One kid takes the wheel and a couple of others tried to get hitched?
Source

New Year's Resolutions: Be Careful While Driving

lilsugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

The car isn't just a mode of transportation for mothers, it becomes a place to multitask. A convenient setting to make quick calls, munch on a bit of breakfast or to swipe on mascara at stoplights. Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States so Evenflo has launched a campaign asking mamas to do their part in making vehicles safer. As part of A Mother's Promise, they are asking women to post their pledge to their offspring (from slowing down to double checking car seat installation) on the website's wall. What will you do to ensure the safety of your children while on the road?

How Safe Are Your Tot's New Toys?

lilsugar — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:39 -0800

You may pay careful attention to the toys you buy your lil one, but chances are they're going to be getting gifts from other folks who are not as vigilant when it comes to toy safety. Check out all gifts before handing them over to your tot. There are a few simple things you can do to quickly evaluate each item, so take the quiz to see how well you know the safety precautions.

Source

Mommy Alert: Beware of Allowing Your Tots to Stray in Stores

lilsugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:00:03 -0800

This latest clip is just too close for comfort. Similar to the story we told you about in May, another lil girl was molested in plain site at a big name bookstore. The first incident happened in the children's section of an Arcadia Borders and the most recent occurred at a Corte Madera Barnes & Noble, also in California.

This time, a five-year-old stepped just feet away from her mother who was at the counter paying for goods. But, the short distance and those split seconds provided a predator, who was silent during the attack, enough time to take the child's hand and put it inside his pants. Another incident happened at the same store this past Summer. While holiday shopping, you may be tempted to let your tots peruse the next toy aisle or stray a bit while you're in the checkout line, but in light of these reports, you should think twice about doing so.

Seven Hidden Holiday Dangers For Tots

lilsugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:00:25 -0800

The holidays are full of cheer, but it's important to keep them that way by staying on top of a few hidden dangers that can be found in all the fun and festivities. Check out the slideshow for seven things that may prove dangerous to small children during celebrations.

Source

Five Tips to Keeping Your Child Safe While Shopping

lilsugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 02:00:19 -0800

Packed parking lots and crowded stores aren't playgrounds for kids, but most parents have to take their tykes shopping at some point. To ensure your children's safety during trips to the mall — especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season — check out these simple tips that provide peace of mind. Source

Michelle Williams Is Just a Mother Raising Her Child

lilsugar — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:30:00 -0800

Celebmama Michelle Williams is just another woman raising a child. But in addition to all the worries that most parents have, the actress is stalked by the paparazzi. In a recent and raw Newsweek interview, the 28-year-old actress expressed her feelings about those behind the lens. She said:

"It burns a fire inside of me, the s––– that I've seen people do to get at me or my daughter," she says. "I won't forget it, and I won't support it. I don't want my daughter growing up feeling spied on or threatened."

After the death of Michelle's former fiancé, actor Heath Ledger, it seems the interest in their now three-year-old has only increased. The article continued:

She can't understand how many more pictures people need of her holding a coffee cup in one hand and Matilda in the other. Williams is especially enraged at female photographers, because she thinks women should be protective of mothers. She tried to give a particularly aggressive paparazzo career advice recently. "I said, 'You're better than this. Look at you! You're young, you're able-bodied, you have a brightness in your eyes. You're above this.' But you know what? She didn't go away."

Williams continued to say that she might quit acting to get her privacy back.

Bauer-Griffin

Should Stars Give Up Careers to Protect Children's Privacy?

lilsugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:00:27 -0800

Like their rich and famous parents, Tinseltown tots are often snapped and followed by the paps. Brad Pitt recently told Oprah about the effects the constant and crowding cameramen have on his kids. He said it particularly disturbs his 3-year-old daughter, Zahara. In the latest issue of Parade, Reese Witherspoon talked of her mama bear instincts kicking into high gear to guard her cubs Ava, 8, and Deacon, 4. To see what she said,

Who Installed Your Car Seat?

lilsugar — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 05:00:15 -0800

For most new parents, installing the car seat is a crucial process that can be pretty complicated, and a lil scary. Some couples choose to tackle the task on their own, while others leave it to the professionals (AAA, local firemen, etc.). Even seasoned parents opt to have someone else install their rear and forward facing car seats, while others whip out the instruction book and get to work. What about you?Source

Who Installed Your Car Seat?

My husband

A friend/family member

A professional (AAA, police officer, fireman, etc.)

Other — I'll tell you below.

Steering Clear of Sexual Predators on Halloween

babysugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:00:25 -0700

Halloween is supposed to be a spooky fun holiday for kids to indulge in freaky activities and gather sugary goodies. The fright night gives parents enough issues to fret about — fire hazards, getting lost, candy and street safety to name a few. I'm also concerned about predators. It's the perfect time for offenders to steal a glance at unsuspecting children.

Some states require registered sex offenders turn off their porch lights and place a sign in the window saying, "No candy or treats at this residence." To trick-or-treat on the safe side, I looked up the homes of registered sex offenders on Family Watchdog. Just type in the zip code where you plan on trick-or-treating and see which houses your family should avoid.

Tips For a Safe Halloween

babysugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:00:01 -0700

Present day trick-or-treating is quite different from that of yesteryear when lil goblins roamed the streets without much care. Maybe it's more dangerous now or perhaps we just have more outlets for scary stories, but you still want to ensure your night is free of fright by following these simple safety rules.

Allow children to decorate pumpkins, but leave the carving up to mom and pop.
Give your kids a full meal before trick-or-treating so candy binges will be less likely.
Sew or write your emergency contact information on your child's costume.
Give each trick-or-treater a watch and a flashlight or glow stick.

To see the rest of my safety tips,

Do You Check-in on Your Children During the Night?

lilsugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:00:03 -0700

Actress and mama of six Angelina Jolie stars in the thriller, Changeling, a film about a woman whose son is kidnapped. Saying that is her biggest fear, the celeb admits to checking on her children in the night. This is a common practice among many parents. Do you partake? Source

Do You Check-in on Your Children During the Night?

Yes — I check-in at least once.

No — I tuck them in and that's it until morning.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Mommy Alert! Laundromat Is No Place for Lil Ones

lilsugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00:50 -0700

Even the most mundane of errands can end up in disaster if proper precautions aren't taken when tots are in tow. Seven-year-old Timothy Clark and his sister, 5, were playing at the laundromat while their mother cleaned clothes and fed her newborn. Things took a turn for the worse when the boy climbed in a machine that was supposedly broken, but it turned on and trapped him inside while filling with water. With babe in hand, his mother was able to rip him from the machine after the frightening experience. The child, who is now in the hospital, suffered a swollen head, scrapes, bumps and bruises. Let this instance be a lesson to parents — never allow your kids to climb or play with appliances, even those that are out of service.

Mommy Alert! Beware of Your Child's Classmates

lilsugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:00:29 -0700

You can never be too careful of who your child is befriending — even while at school. A sex offender passed as a seventh grade boy and enrolled in Arizona schools. Neil Havens Rodreick II, 30, successfully pulled off the ruse for two years with the help of men posing as his cousin, uncle, and grandfather. According to CNN:

Rodreick attended charter schools in Surprise, Payson, and Prescott Valley starting in 2005, authorities said. They say he shaved and wore pancake makeup to help him appear younger, convincing teachers, students, and administrators that he was a young boy named Casey.

Though no victims of sexual abuse have come forward, Rodreick once grabbed a classmate's rear. A search of his residence turned up more evidence. It said:

When authorities searched the four men's home in Chino Valley, a community northwest of Phoenix, they found more than 600 graphic photos and videos of child pornography and a sex tape that depicts Rodreick and a boy between the ages of 10 and 13 having sex in a motel room.

What are your thoughts on this story — is the school system to blame for not checking paperwork more carefully?

Dad Saves 3-Year-Old Who Was Sucked Down a Drain

lilsugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:00:02 -0700

A quick-thinking dad was able to save his 3-year-old daughter when she was sucked down a storm drain after the family's English neighborhood flooded. Mark Baxter heard his tot and glanced over expecting to see the lil girl standing with his wife and older daughter. Panicked when she wasn't, he reached down the drain to feel only water and guessed it flowed to the nearby river. The father ran over to find Leona floating face down and, luckily, was able to revive her.

Diaper Saves Baby's Life

lilsugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:00:09 -0700

Never underestimate the power of disposable diapers. An absorbent nappy does more than keep a baby's bum dry and provide postpartum relief for a mother — one saved a life. A Brazilian boy fell from a third-story window, and the Pampers that normally cushion the tush got caught on a spike in the side of the apartment building.

Though the diaper opened after the 18-month-old hung from it, it did slow the speed at which he fell 30 feet. The babe survived and is reportedly in stable condition.

Source

Tell Mommy: Do You Think Carseat Labels Lie?

lilsugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:13 -0700

My son surprised me on the ride home yesterday when he leaped from his seat while I was driving. I hadn't forgotten to buckle him in or secure the harness. For the past few months he's been slowly, but surely, learning to wiggle his way out of the carseat. He used to suck in his breath before slipping one arm out, followed by the other. Then, he'd use both hands and all the pressure the lil rascal could muster to pinch the red button until it released. That was all before he realized that he could lift the Velcro flap and latch to loosen the straps himself. But, now my guy has become impatient and honestly, I can't blame him. To see why I feel bad for the guy,

Animal Plugs: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

babysugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:00:17 -0700

There's something about an electrical outlet that just gets the best of an infant's curiosity. As soon as they are able to crawl around, tots want to know what's up with those slots in the walls. Most parents plug them up with the standard clear outlet covers, while some opt for tape. The folks at Decor Craft Inc. chose to liven up the options with these whimsical animal plug safety covers. Adults can keep their wee ones' fingers safe with a red dog, blue cat, orange sheep, or green elephant. Here's my question — are they too alluring, to the point of harm where a child may be more inquisitive than usual?

Animal Plugs: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

Kid friendly — I think they're adorable and functional.

Are you kidding? — My tot would head straight for those creatures.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Would You Take a Hand–Me–Down Crib?

babysugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:46 -0700

A friend of mine graciously offered to give me the crib that she used for all four of her children. Mostly due to safety issues, I declined her generous proposal and bought a new one. Consider these points before you pick up a secondhand crib:

Many older cribs have not been built to current safety standards; the width between the slats may be too wide, posing a choking hazard.
If you didn't assemble it, you can't be sure it was put together properly.
Check for splinters, peeling paint, and worn out bed railings or broken slats.
Be wary of dislodged mattress supports.

To see the rest of the list,

Keeping Lil Escape Artists Safe

lilsugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:00:56 -0700

At 21-months-old, my son thinks he's a man of the world. We live in a flat so it's hard not to bump into each other, much less lose a child. The other day I glanced down the hall past my husband and saw that the front door was open. Our lil guy had slipped out and was headed down the stairs. I asked him where he was headed and he replied, "I have to go. Bye-bye!"

Luckily, we have a gated tunnel entrance so the chance of him getting out to the sidewalk is slim to none, but we don't put anything past our pint-sized Houdini. Ten minutes later, he was out the kitchen door and down the back stairs to the yard. Such is life with an escape artist — you can close the windows and doors, but he eventually finds a way out so take precaution. To see our tips,

Texas Teachers Toting Guns: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

lilsugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Educators in a small Texas town will be allowed to pack pistols once school is back in session. Though just 200 people live in Harrold, a place that is almost absent of crime, the school board unanimously approved the decision for teachers to carry concealed weapons since the campus is located near a major highway. The district will not disclose which staff members have guns. Would you feel comfortable sending your child to learn in an environment with firearms? Source

Texas Teachers Toting Guns: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

Kid Friendly — All for teachers arming themselves.

Are You Kidding — This is dangerous!

Other — I'll tell you below.

Safeguard Your Wee Ones From Windows

lilsugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:00:37 -0700

A 19-month-old Maine boy fell out of a third story window earlier this week and luckily, walked away unharmed. His mother had set him down for his nap and turned on a monitor, but Aidan DeBeck still managed to push or fall through an open window screen. When it comes to children's safety and avoiding window falls, parents should take these precautions.

Consider screened windows open windows. Shut them.
Invest in window locks, strong children may be able to open a window in minutes.
Windows high off the ground are dangerous as kids can climb on furniture to get up to them.
Children are products of their parents so set a good example. Don't lean out windows to chat with people outside or encourage your lil one to wave goodbye from them. You might have good balance, but that doesn't mean your offspring does.
Talk to your tots about the dangers of dangling things, including themselves, out windows.

Source

Pregnant Robber Leaves Son at Scene of Crime

lilsugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:00:33 -0700

It seems some parents think stealing is more fun than taking their tots to the park. In the second case I've come across in the past week, an innocent child became an unwilling accomplice in his parent's illegal activities. A 2-year-old boy was left behind at the scene of a robbery when his pregnant mother and her expectant friend fled after being caught breaking into an apartment. The women have been brought up on multiple charges including robbery, larceny, and child abuse.

Parental Pleas for the Safe Return of Missing Children

lilsugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Investigators arrested Clark Rockefeller, a father who allegedly kidnapped his seven-year-old daughter, Reigh Boss, in Boston last Sunday during their supervised visitation. Prior to the girl's safe return, her mother, Sandra Boss, issued a video plea to her ex-husband to return their daughter. While that footage didn't seem to affect the outcome of the situation, it got me thinking about the horrendous situation that parents of missing children find themselves in. Aside from the obvious anguish of wondering where their offspring is, moms and dads often release seemingly composed statements to the abductor. As a parent, I'd do anything for my child, but I would find it difficult to hold back my emotions in trying to get them back — especially if I were directing those comments toward a former spouse. Would you?

Do You Let Your Kids Taste the Batter?

lilsugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:00:54 -0700

Kids love licking the brownie batter from the bowl more than they like eating the cooked treats. Most moms and dads have fond memories of sneaking tastes of cookie dough and cake mix, but prevent their own tots from indulging because they are weary of the raw eggs and threat of salmonella. Salmonellosis is an illness that can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps and headache. Do you take precaution, or let your kids live and lick a lil? Source

Do You Let Your Kids Taste the Batter?

Batter up! I let them eat the uncooked mix.

Hands off! No tastes until the batter has been baked.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Pet Dogs Maul Two-Month-Old Boy

lilsugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:00:32 -0700

No matter how docile a pet, parents should always take precautions when bringing home babe. An Oklahoma couple learned the hard way when they left their two-month-old son alone in his swing and it cost him his life. The baby's mother and grandmother were in another room of the house when the infant was mauled by one of the family's two dogs —a black Labrador puppy and a small Pug.

Turtle Keeps Tykes Safer Around Swimming Pools

lilsugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:45:47 -0700

When I take my kids swimming, I'm usually a bit on edge, as my son is attracted to the pool's edge. For parents who want to safeguard their children around water, particularly if they have a pool in their own backyard, this turtle band sensor alerts moms and dads if their lil rascal slips into the pool. Secure Baby's Child Water Safety Alarm ($150) works similar to a baby monitor. A soft turtle wristband is fastened to the tot's arm, and if he ends up getting wet, the base sounds. The set comes with one turtle band, but parents with multiple children can purchase additional ones ($60). While this product acts as an extra method of protection for kids, it should only be used in addition to adult supervision.

Who Is Responsible for 2nd Degree Burns on Kids' Feet?

lilsugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:00:57 -0700

Playgrounds are normally a place for parents and their tots to let loose, but New York City parks have given youngsters something to cry about. Children running barefoot have gotten second degree burns on the bottom of their feet from the black rubber matting that lines the ground of their local playgrounds providing cushion for tots. The flooring can heat up to 166 degrees and as a result children who have taken off their shoes have had the soles of their feet singed. Do you think the park department should replace the padding with a safer material, or is it the parent's responsibility to make sure their kids' feet are covered?

Who Is Responsible for 2nd Degree Burns on Kids' Feet?

Parents — They should make sure their kids have shoes on.

Park Department — Playgrounds should be kid-friendly.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Father Saves Son from Mountain Lion Attack

lilsugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:54 -0700

There's nothing more terrifying than not being able to help your child, but one dad defied nature to save his offspring. An outing for fresh air quickly turned into a traumatic event when a mountain lion dragged off one family's five-year-old. Jose Sr. and Charlotte Salazar were hiking with their three children in New Mexico's Cibola National Forest when a wild cat seized Jose Jr. One report said:

The elder Jose was carrying the couple's 1-year-old child, while 3-year-old Teresa and Jose Jr. walked just ahead of the pair. When Teresa stopped to pick up flowers, Jose Jr. went a few feet ahead around a bend -- and that's when the Salazars heard their oldest child's painful cries and screams.

Charlotte was 38 weeks pregnant with the couple's fourth child so it was up to Jose Sr. who was wearing cowboy boots to save their son. The 30-year-old father followed the big cat and was eventually able to scare it off of his child and carry him to safety before calling 911. Aside from the stitches on lil Jose's head and some emotional scars, he has recovered. The family has since welcomed a new addition, son Mauricio.

Source

Eleven-Year-Old Takes the Law Into His Own Hands

lilsugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:33 -0700

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There's a lil man of the law in Louisville, KY. Aspiring police officer, Landon Wilburn, took matters into his own hands when he noticed how many drivers were speeding through his neighborhood. To protect the children at play, the young man who has three younger brothers, began tracking the speed of cars passing by. One report said:

About a month ago, he put on an orange safety vest, took a battery-powered flashlight with a built-in siren, and along with his radar gun, he hit the road.

As a result, when drivers see Landon, they hit their brakes.

Mom Tries to Poison Baby Via Feeding Tube

lilsugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:00:19 -0700

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In unthinkable crimes, a Tennessee mother has been charged with trying to poison her infant son while he was hospitalized. The four-month-old was being treated for high levels of sodium in his body at a Pennsylvania hospital, and his condition worsened once 21-year-old Amber Brewington visited. Police found a container of salt and a syringe in the woman's backpack. The baby's father was not involved.

Cops Fall From the Sky to Save Choking Child

lilsugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0700

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Cops literally fell from the heavens to save a babe. Two Huntington Beach, CA, flight officers made an emergency landing while on air patrol after hearing a 911 call from a frantic mother unable to help her choking child who had turned blue. Knowing they could get to the residence before ground units, the policemen answered the call. While the pilot swooped down in a cul-de-sac, another officer ran to the home and took the lifeless tot from his mother's arms. He was able to clear the child's airway after a few cycles of CPR. The lil guy is doing well.

Lil Tip: Protecting Tiny Feet From the Heat

lilsugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If you don't want blisters on the soles of your wee one's feet, there's one style of shoes that work better than the rest.

Water shoes, the soft, flexible, quick-drying slippers that provide traction for your tot on the beach and in the surf leave lil chance for your child's bare feet to touch the hot sand or heated ground around the swimming pool.

While on vacation last week in the desert, my son and daughter trekked around in these lightweight socks ($13) that kept them safe from burns and slipping.

Unlicensed to Drive: Three-Year-Old Crashes SUV

lilsugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:00:35 -0700

The next time your tot says he's going for a ride, don't take it too lightly. A three-year-old Missouri boy who could barely see over the dashboard let alone reach the pedals, took his mama's SUV for a short and unintentional joyride or rather, joy roll. According to a report, when the mother's dismissal of her son's passing words had a smashing outcome. It said:

After telling his mother he was “going bye-bye,” the boy carried the SUV’s keys to the vehicle and evidently turned the ignition key far enough to allow the vehicle’s transmission to slip into neutral.

The car rolled backward until it hit a fence and neighboring home.

Mom Runs Over Son While Playing

lilsugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:01:00 -0700

Most parents take their kids to the park for a good time, but fun to one Texas mother meant joyriding with her son on the hood of her car. As neighbors looked on, the 27-year-old mama backed her car down the street with her 10-year-old and a friend outside the windshield of the vehicle. When she hit the breaks, the kids flew off and she rolled over her child who was injured by the impact. The driver was arrested and charged with injury to a child. Her son suffered head trauma and is now in stable condition.

Four-Year-Old Shoots Herself While Shopping With Grandma

lilsugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:44 -0700

A grandmother took her granddaughter and her handgun to Sam's Club. As Donna Hutto Williamson, a South Carolina magistrate with a permit to carry the weapon, shopped at the warehouse store, the 4-year-old sat in the cart with the purse that contained the firearm. According to an Associated Press report:

The child was riding in a shopping cart and playing with a cell phone, then grabbed the gun from her grandmother's purse and shot herself in the chest, Inease Williamson said.

The child's great-grandmother also said the lil girl is recovering from emergency surgery. Do you think the grandmother should be charged for putting the tot in close proximity to the loaded pistol?

Angelina Jolie's Gun Charm: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

lilsugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:00:29 -0700

Angelina Jolie's played a gun-toting woman on screen and is a weapon-wearing mama off camera. For a recent Entertainment Weekly interview and photo shoot, the stunning soon-to-be mother of six wore a gun charm necklace that her eldest son, Maddox designed. She said: ''Mad, our 6-year-old, draws lots of war scenarios,'' she explains. ''He's all into war and guns. So for Mother's Day he drew a machine gun, and Brad had it made into a necklace, which is really sweet. It's really cute. I think it's really good!''

While there's nothing better than a homemade gift for mom, is jewelry in the likeness of a fully automatic firearm taking the notion too far?

Angelina Jolie's Gun Charm: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

Kid Friendly — Her son made it and that's all there is to it.

Are You Kidding? — There's nothing cute about guns or the fact that they kill people.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Lil Tip: Capture Kid's Identifiers on Camera

lilsugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:00:19 -0700

It's better to be safe than sorry and since many families are headed to amusement parks and other crowded destinations with their tots this Summer, you may consider taking a few precautions. Yesterday, Greggie shared this great tip in response to how she keeps track of her kids. She said:

I take a picture of them before we enter so that if something were to happen, I could give that picture to the authorities as an exact description of what they were wearing.

Along those same lines, someone once told me that it takes a matter of minutes for a predator to change a child's appearance, so carrying pictures of your wee one's identifying characteristics whether it be a birthmark, a scar, or a unique eye color, could help in the event that he or she goes missing. While this is unsettling, it's best to be prepared.
Source

Lil Tip: Car Safety

lilsugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:30:16 -0700

If your kids aren't in the car, make sure you designate a spot in front of the garage or driveway where they should stand when a vehicle approaches. While growing up, it was an automatic for my siblings and me to wait on the landing in our garage when a car was pulling in or out. And today with more and more parents driving SUVs, the likelihood of a tot getting stuck in a blindspot increases.

As protective parents, we should take note of Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman's recent tragedy. His 5-year-old daughter, Maria was killed this week when his teenage son accidentally hit the child while driving outside their home. I make a habit of having my kids hop in the car anytime my husband or I pull out of the driveway regardless of whether or not they are coming on the excursion. It takes a few extra minutes to buckle them in, but grants piece of mind.

Does your family have a car safety plan?

Father Fined For Buckling in Beer Instead of Boy

lilsugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:14:09 -0700

Beer before boy? An Australian police officer pulled over an unregistered and uninsured car on Friday only to find the driver, a dad, had seat belted his beer in, but failed to secure his son. The case of beer sat between two adult passengers in the backseat, while the 5-year-old road on the lump of the car's floor.

According to ABC news:

"I haven't ever seen something like this before," he said. "This is the first time that the beer has taken priority over a child."

To see a similar instance,

Tending to Baby: Don't Leave Baby in the Car

babysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:00:13 -0700

For so many reasons, you should never leave your child alone in the car. But, now you can add this reason to the list – heaven forbid the vehicle gets TOWED away!

According to the La Crosse Tribune, a Dallas woman left her snoozing seven–year–old boy in her illegally parked car while she ran upstairs to grab something from her apartment. But, she was gone long enough for a tow truck to come and take the car.
To see what happened,

Lil Tip: Driving While Pregnant

babysugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:00:19 -0700

Women can come up with all sorts of excuses not to buckle up — wet nails, crying baby or it only being a short drive. But the law to use your belts becomes extra important when you've got precious cargo in your belly.

To ensure safety for you and your bump,

Mommy Alert! Watch Out For Appliances

lilsugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:00:00 -0800

Kids and appliances just don't mix. I've heard stories about children hiding in file cabinets, climbing in dryers and losing their hair or fingers to hand mixers. But, now a washing machine has been added to the list with a recent story in the Virginia Pilot.

A four-year-old climbed into his family's top loading washing machine and got stuck. It said:

Donovan Hasseman, who wasn't hurt, was wedged up against the agitator with a knee folded against his chest, while the machine was empty and not running Sunday night, Dover Fire Capt. Mike Mossor said.

To find out what happened,