Safe Sleep

Safe sleep.

Yes, “Safe Sleep.” It’s a topic that can easily be ignored, but definitely should not be pushed aside. It could mean the difference between life and death for an infant—just ask any parent who has lost a child as a confirmed result as “SIDS.”

Many parents don’t really consider this somewhat “under the radar” element when designing a newborn’s nursery—one this new baby will “grow up” in over at least the next year.

But, did you know that just a few changes could possibly mean the difference between life and death? Yes, life and death. It could be that serious.

Safe sleep environments have been linked to a decreased risk for SIDS. While these practices might agree with a parent’s anticipated early parenting goals, they should be considered.

Many mothers, much like myself, start dreaming of the “perfect” nursery room once a pregnancy test reveals a “Positive” reading. It’s exciting! We are ready to plan—we LOVE to decorate. However, it is important to know that just because a product is for sale at the biggest “Baby Store” doesn’t mean it is necessary or entirely safe for babies.

One of the biggest crib concerns are bumpers. Yes, they are cute. They add a great photographic element to our pictures, but are they crucial? Researchers say no. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees.

Why take the risk of SIDS when evidence supports not using them? Are a few “cute” pictures worth risking a child’s life?

The same research-based recommendations holds true for the use of sheets and blankets in a crib, and for parental smoking practices. Blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, smoke can all lead to difficulty breathing for an infant especially when it has not developed the ability to roll over or remove itself from something that is suffocating it.

So, what do you think? Did research-based practice guide your decisions? Were you even aware of them? Are you making changes now?

October is SIDS awareness month. What do you think about this? Do you have a supported opinion?

Weigh in. Leave us a comment. Join the discussion!

For more information on prevention programs in Alabama, as well as how to support their work, visit The Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama.

Tips for TEMPO!

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We look forward to you joining us for TEMPO – A Family Fun Festival.

Our event is on the West Green directly across 1st Avenue South from the new Regions Field baseball stadium. The BLUE line is the best line for Railroad Park access.

Parking downtown can be confusing! Keep these tips in mind:

• Parking: Parking is limited close to the park. Here are our suggested parking options.
• NOTE: The entire block of 18th Street to 19th Street between Morris Avenue and 3rd Avenue South will be CLOSED from 9 – 11:30 AM for the cycling events.
• DART Trolley: Because there is a game Saturday evening, the downtown trolley DART system will be available for free starting at 10 am Saturday for you or your family’s use.

Activities/Entertainment: There will be much to see and do at TEMPO – A Family Fun Festival. Checkout the fun-filled schedule below!

10:00 am                   Cahaba Cycles Mock Crit Race

10:00                          Stage: BC/BS Zumba

10:30                          Family Bike Ride

10:30                          Stage: HEAL Dance

11:00                          Stage: The Checkerboard Guy

11:30                          Stage: Si Reasoning Improv Rhythm Activity

12:00 pm                   BUMP Skills and Safety Clinic, 12 and under

12:30                          Stage: Mommy & Me Time Fitness Mommy Fit 

1:00                            Stage: BC/BS Zumba

1:30                            Stage: The Checkerboard Guy

See you tomorrow!

P.S. Check out all of our awesome partners and sponsors!

Pinoccio: One Week Before the Ball

We’ve all heard of Pinocchio: the puppet whose wish to be a “real boy” came true.

One week before the Ball, he’s having a great time, running and playing with all the other real boys!

But what about Geppetto, his “father,” the one who made him and controlled his movements as a puppet? What a responsibility–directing another’s life!

Childcare Resources recognizes that leadership in the early care and education field is not easy. In fact, we have a child care consultant whose primary focus is to assist, train and mentor child care directors. From opening a child care business to training staff members, Childcare Resources is here to offer career assistance to Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties (we’ve even had some St. Clair county clients recently too!).

Your ticket to the Fairy Tale Ball will not only allow you to interact with Pinocchio and Geppetto, it also ensures that local child care directors have the tools and resources necessary to offer the highest quality services to their clients.

So, purchase a ticket, “have a ball,” and assist Childcare Resources in making more dreams come true!

What is the cost of raising a child?

Anyone who has a child – a daughter, son, niece, nephew, grandchild or step-child – knows that raising a child places many demands on the adult. Raising a child takes patience, time and – as we all know – MONEY. 

 The majority of us who have the privilege of caring for a child of any age relish in the joy a child brings to our lives. We unassumingly and lovingly invest in the child by providing for their basic needs like food, clothing and shelter as well as less tangible needs such as spiritual, physical, cognitive, emotional and others. The goal is always to raise a child to be healthy, happy and successful.

Yet there are hundreds of thousands of children who cost much more than others to raise. These are the innocent victims of child abuse and neglect. A recently released report underscores this sad fact. Costs to bring up children who are abused and neglected include hospitalizations, therapy, counseling, criminal justice and special education among others. Consider the story of Curtis Ray, Alabama’s multi-million dollar child.

The most depressing and perhaps cruelest cost though is that of funeral expenses for children who do not survive abuse. Not only have we lost a child, but their subsequent significant contribution to our world went with him/her. Anyone who has enjoyed the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life  knows that one life impacts the lives of many, many others.

Today’s depressed economy and the high incidence of single-parent homes combine with other factors to increase child abuse and neglect in our community. Although the problem occurs at all socio-economic and education levels, studies show that children from lower socio-economic families experience more incidents of abuse and neglect. 

Family finances are indicative of the family’s ability to manage the cost of raising happy, healthy children. When money is scarce, stress levels increase and innocent, helpless, often voiceless children bear the brunt of their parent’s or guardian’s anger, resentment and bitterness.

What can we do to reduce and prevent these horrifying statistics? We know that prevention works. Family support programs are one way. Providing financial assistance to lower the costs of child care tuition helps too.

Alabama is in particular need right now, as funding for the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention is being severely jeopardized in the 2013 proposed budget. We encourage you to take action now to protect funding for this vital state agency.

What do you want to do to help? What are your concerns? Let us know.