Category: Safety

10 Safer Baby & Toddler Toys For Gifts Or Anytime

11/15/2017

10 Toys for a Baby or Toddler that Have High Safety Standards

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Finding safe toys for babies and toddlers has gotten harder, with so many recalls happening. However, there are still many toys that are safe for children as birthday and Christmas gifts or for everyday use. Here are 10 toys for babies and toddlers that have been tested for safety. The toys listed below come from companies who have stated that all of their toys meet or exceed the requirements for toy safety, so with that statement in mind, feel free to browse other toys made by the same companies.

Melissa & Doug Sports Bag Fill and Spill Baby and Toddler Toy

The Melissa & Doug Sports Bag is full of a variety of plush sports balls for your toddler to toss, refill the bag, and then spill them out again. Toy balls are great for hand-eye coordination, sensory skills, listening skills, teamwork, and more! This safe and educational toy will be loads of fun for many babies and toddlers.

Step2 Real Projects Toy Workshop With Tools

Real Projects Workshop from Step2 is most appropriate for toddlers. Made from soft foam, the sturdy pieces meant to resemble wood provide fun practice of fine motor skills. A child can create many different structures with the tools and pieces in this child-sized workshop. It comes with a working table, interlocking pieces, as well as nuts and bolts that can be easily fastened by children.

Infantino Stick and Spin High Chair Pal

Designed for babies 6 months and up, the Infantino Stick and Spin High Chair Pal is versatile as well as educational. This safe and cost-effective baby toy can be attached to most strollers or high chairs, using the suction cup attached to the toy.

Hasbro Tonka Wheel Driver Scoot 'n Scoop 3-in-1 Ride-On

This is a ride-on version of the popular and sturdy Tonka trucks. Suitable for children 9 months to 3 years of age, this triple-duty truck is a wonderful addition to a little one's collection. This toy helps with transitioning from crawling to walking, as it can be used a walker and can be pushed. Your baby or toddler can also use the truck to scoop blocks into the truck bed. Once at the walking stage, the child can then also ride on the truck. It is definitely a bargain, considering it is not only safe, but has multiple fun and stimulating activities.

Tinkertoy

Tinkertoy is a classic building set that is safe for toddlers over the age of 3 years. Tinkertoy uses fine motor skills and also brings out creativity and imagination. Tinkertoy can be purchased in various building sets, both small and large.

Lincoln Logs

Like Tinkertoy, Lincoln Logs is another classic set of building toys. With Lincoln Logs, children can create miniature log cabins and other log structures. Your child can enjoy these wonderful safe toys that help develop fine motor skills and creativity. Lincoln Logs can also be found at many toy retailers. Since there are some small parts, this toy is for toddlers aged 3 years and up.

Playskool Play Favorites Busy Poppin' Pals

Designed for infants and toddlers 1 year old and up, the Playskool Play Favorites Busy Poppin' Pals is great for fine motor skills. The children use the different buttons on the toy to cause animals to pop up. You can affordably and safely keep your toddler entertained and practicing skills daily.

LeapFrog Learn and Groove Color Play Drum

This safe educational toy is designed for infants and toddlers 6 months and up. They can learn colors, opposites, and counting in both English and Spanish, as well as get in some musical and physical play with this electronic interactive toy drum.

Hooked On Phonics Discover Reading Toddler Edition

This is what you could call a safe toy with a purpose. Hooked On Phonics is well-known for its innovative and educational products and this one is no different. While not exactly a toy in the traditional sense, children will have loads of fun learning essential reading skills. This program is designed for toddlers 18 - 36 months old.

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube - Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes

This durable, cute, and safe toy is great for holding a toddler's attention, while teaching them shapes, colors, and hand-eye coordination. The child can see all the colors and shapes and match them to the cube. The colorful shapes are also great for clanging around, which toddlers like to do. The recommended safety age for this colorful shape cube is 2-4 years.

*As with any toy, these toys do not replace the need for parental supervision. Accidents can happen, even with the best safety ratings. Always use caution and always supervise your baby or toddler.

**The author is a part of the Amazon Associates Program. This means she earns a small portion of sales generated from clicking on the links in this post and uses it to provide for her family. Said partnership did not influence the opinions on these products. See our full Disclosure Policy for more information.

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What Can't Pregnant Women Eat And Why?

10/29/2017

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by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Keeping yourself safe keeps your baby safe during your pregnancy. Part of that involves food. So, what can’t you eat while pregnant and why?

Why Can’t Pregnant Women Just Eat Their Usual Diet?

While eating a healthy amount of balanced nutrients is advised while pregnant, where you get them from is important too. Certain food items can contain dangerous bacteria and contaminants that could be harmful to you and your baby. You may be surprised which items in your regular diet can’t be eaten while pregnant.

Which Foods Are Unsafe During Pregnancy And Why?

The table below outlines foods that are unsafe during pregnancy and why.

UNSAFE FOODS AND WHY THEY ARE UNSAFE

Raw Cookie Dough Or Cake Batter	May Contain Salmonella
Homemade Ice Cream	May Contain Salmonella
Sushi Or Other Raw/Uncooked Fish/Seafood	May Contain Parasites Or Bacteria
Smoked Seafood	May Contain Parasites Or Bacteria
Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, etc)	May Contain E. Coli or Listeria
Fish With High Mercury Concentrations (Mackerel, Swordfish, Tuna, Marlin, etc)	May Cause Mercury Poisoning In Mom And Baby
Unpasteurized Juice Or Cider	May Contain E. Coli
Unpasteurized Milk	May Contain Bacteria, Like Campylobacter, E. Coli, Listeria, or Salmonella
Premade Salads Like Chicken Salad, Ham Salad, And Seafood Salads	May Contain Listeria - Make Your Own, Following Proper Food Prep Procedures
Raw Shellfish, Such As Clams And Oysters	May Contain Vibrio (Bacteria)
Raw Or Undercooked Sprouts	May Contain E. Coli Or Salmonella
Deli Meats (Luncheon Meats, Hot Dogs, Cold Cuts, Fermented Sausage, Dry Sausage, etc)	May Contain Listeria
Eggnog	Some Eggnog May Contain Salmonella, Especially Homemade Varieties
Undercooked Eggs And Any Pasteurized Egg Products	May Contain Salmonella; Cook Well (to 160͒ F)
Undercooked Fish	May Contain Parasites Or Bacteria; Cook Well (to 145͒ F)
Undercooked Meat (Beef, Lamb, Pork, etc)	May Contain E. Coli; Cook Well
Unpasteurized Refrigerated Meat Spreads And Pate	May Contain Listeria
Undercooked Poultry And Stuffing	May Contain Bacteria, Like Campylobacter Or Salmonella

What If A Pregnant Woman Has already Eaten Some Restricted Foods?

If you have already consumed some of these unsafe foods, try not to panic. Most of these foods aren’t going to automatically harm you or your baby. Simply stop eating them at least until after you have your baby and are finished with breastfeeding. Discuss food safety with your OB or midwife so that you both are aware of any potential risks.

When Should A Pregnant Woman Discuss Food Safety With Her Doctor?

Nutrition should be one of the very first discussions with your OB or midwife. If they don’t bring it up, take the initiative. If you have accidentally consumed any of the restricted foods and notice any warning signs after eating them or you have consumed foods with a large mercury concentration, let your doctor know. Only your doctor can tell you the actual risk for your specific situation.

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10 Safer Baby & Toddler Toys For Gifts Or Anytime

10 Toys for a Baby or Toddler that Have High Safety Standards

What Can't Pregnant Women Eat And Why?

UNSAFE FOODS AND WHY THEY ARE UNSAFE

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