Not satisfied with just putting lead paint on our children's playthings, Chinese manufacturers are now putting the toxic stuff in their clothes. Well, at least one manufacturer is, and for that reason the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 600 Sun Smarties Board Skirts. The lead paint is in the grommets.
The skirts are peach microfiber with an embroidered flower accent and back pocket. You can find Item Number 13926 HIBI printed on the care label inside the back of the waistband. The skirts were sold in girls sizes 12 months to 4T. They have six grommets, four on the front of the waistband and two on the back pocket.
As mentioned, these were made in China for Chelsea & Scott Ltd. and sold exclusively at One Step Ahead from May 1, 2008 through May 9, 2008 for about $15 each.
If you have one of these skirts, you should immediately take it away from your child and return it to Chelsea & Scott Ltd to receive a replacement skirt or refund. You will be sent a postage paid envelope from the company.
For more information, contact Chelsea & Scott Ltd by calling (866) 271-4536 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, visit their Web site, or email them at customerservice@onestepahead.com.
As an alternative to sending kids home or having them sit in a room by themselves for the remainder of the day, one Texas high school is planning on having dress code violators cover up the problem by putting on prison-style jumpsuits. In fact, it's not just the styling that's big house -- the jumpsuits are actually made by prison labor.
Not surprisingly, the plan doesn't sit well with everyone. Parents are concerned about the message the jumpsuits convey and the ACLU is worrying about infringing the students' right to express themselves. "Public school dress codes should be limited to what's necessary to guard against actual disruption to the educational process and threats to safety," said Fleming Terrell, a lawyer with the ACLU of Texas. "The jumpsuits may be just as distracting as the clothing they're replacing."
Terrell may very well be right. The one group that seems to be unconcerned -- and perhaps even looking forward to the new threads -- is the students themselves. "I don't think that jumpsuits are going to work, because my friends actually, instead of it being a punishment, they'll see it as an opportunity to be like, rebels," said Jordan Meredith, the senior class president. "I don't think there's going to be enough jumpsuits for everyone in the school." He's already heard from kids who plan to violate the dress code on purpose just to be able to wear one and is thinking of buying his own to wear.
I'm not sure I approve of dress codes (I've killed a few off during my professional career and never would have paid attention to one in school) but I also think that no matter what teachers and administrators do, kids will find a way to express themselves. As long as they do it in a positive, non-disruptive way, I don't have a problem with that.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced yet another crib recall. This time, about 500 Baby Appleseed Davenport Cribs are being recalled because they fail to meet federal safety standards for cribs. These cribs have a two-mattress support system and the secondary one, used for the lowest position, doesn't meet the full 26 inch minimum height requirement in its lowest position. This could allow a child to crawl over the railing and fall out of the crib.
These were made in Vietnam for by Baby Appleseed and sold at specialty juvenile product stores nationwide from December 2006 through September 2007 for between $600 and $800 each.
The recalled cribs are the Davenport models that begin with model numbers 273 and have manufacture dates on or before August 2007. You can find the manufacture date printed on a label on the right side of the lower inner panel of the crib. Newer Davenport cribs with model numbers beginning with 244 and having just one mattress support are not included in the recall.
If you have one of these cribs, you should stop using it in the third lowest position, which uses the wooden mattress support. If you are currently using the crib with the metal mattress support in the top or middle positions, you can continue to do so while awaiting a repair kit. Repair Kits will be available from the firm in mid-August 2008.
To receive your repair kit, contact Baby Appleseed by calling (877) 348-2199 anytime or by visiting their Web site.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 1,300 Mother Hubbard's Cupboard cribs. The cribs fail to meet federal safety standards in that the distance between the mattress support bracket in the lowest position and the top of the side rail in the highest position is less than the required 26 inches. This poses a fall hazard to children.
The recall involves wooden full-sized cribs in the following models: Enchantment (model #210), Hush A Bye (model #215), Once Upon A Time (model #320) and Rock A Bye (model #1900-359). Only cribs with date codes from 0306 through 0308 are included in this recall. You can find the words "Mother Hubbard's Cupboards", the model number and date code printed on a label on the bottom inside of the right side of the crib.
The cribs were sold at juvenile product stores from March 2006 through March 2008 between $500 and $650 each. More pictures of the recalled cribs can be found here.
If you have one of these cribs, you should stop using it immediately and contact Mother Hubbard's Cupboards to receive instructions on how to reinstall the support brackets and eliminate the hazard. You can reach them by calling (888) 661-8201 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET Friday and Saturday, or by visiting their Web site.
Welcome to ParentWish, a monthly feature featuring stuff we want ... and wish we had!
The lazy days of summer are almost behind us, and before you know it, school bells will be ringing. We've rounded up some of the coolest and most unique school bags to let your little ones show off their personal style this school year.
Item: Smafolk Apple Backpack Price: $30.00 Why we love it: A charming and unique print that stands out from the masses. Where to buy it: ittikid
This bag probably wasn't made for heavy hauling, but the 100% cream-colored cotton with green and brown accents sure is cute. A drawstring closure and front zippered pouch are perfect for a light load. 10.5" x 12".
Item: Skull School Backpack Price: $35.00 Why we love it: For those students who would rather be caught dead than sport a cutesy backpack. Where to buy it:Four Peas
This backpack is 14 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 5 inches thick with plenty of room for many items. With three pockets total, your little rebel can fit pretty much anything they need into this pack. Add $10.00 for a monogram.
Item: Skip Hop Lunch Bag Price: $27.99 Why we love it: A minimalist design that delivers. Where to buy it: All Children's Furniture
This lunch bag is insulated with 3M Thinsulate to keep food fresh for up to four hours, and also converts to a small backpack. (It also can fit three full-sized bottles for long trips with babies.) 7"x9"x2".
Item: L.L. Bean Original Book Pack Price: $24.50 Why we love it: A classic style that never looks outdated. Where to buy it: L.L. Bean
This backpack has been a favorite for 22 years! Designed for younger students who carry moderate loads, this pack has all sorts of compartments to keep them organized. Add a monogram for only $6 more. 16"H x 13"W x7½ "D.
Item: Dante Beatrix Lion Backpack Price: $35.99 Why we love it: This fierce protector will keep bullies off your scholar's back. Where to buy it: Oompa
This backpack is perfect for trips to the park or to grandma's house. Made of lightweight nylon with a padded back and adjustable straps, your little one can fit most of his goodies with ease. Several designs to choose from - check out the penguin, shark and many others. 9 x 11.5 x 5.5 in.
Item: Lands' End Zip Top Canvas Tote Bags Price: $24.00 Why we love it: A fantastic, classic option for those not interested in backpacks. Where to buy it:Lands' End
Lands' End has spent years updating and refining their original cotton canvas tote. Now, with the zip top, you don't need to worry about dumping the contents of the bag everywhere. Made of strong 24 oz. cotton canvas, it's super tough too. Comes in four different sizes and can be monogrammed or personalized with a photograph or artwork.
Item: Dante Beatrix Big Kid Eco Backpack Price: $50.00 Why we love it: Your child can help spread the word about recycling on a daily basis. Where to buy it: Neiman Marcus
This eco-friendly backpack is made of PETE -100% recycled plastic bottles- and a biodegradable canvas trim. With padded shoulder straps, a zip top and front zip pocket, your budding environmentalist will be able to fit just about anything in this pack. 15"H x 14"W x 5 1/2"D.
Item: Mod Kitty Backpack Price: $158.00 Why we love it: Sure, it's expensive, but this is a one-of-a-kind backpack. Where to buy it: Etsy
Made with denim, wool felt and vintage velvet this unique pack will make your little one the envy of the school yard. Reinforced inside and out with heavy interfacing, the mod kitty backpack is super tough despite its charming good looks. Will easily fit standard school paper and books.
Item: Fleurville Lunch Pack Price: $32.00 Why we love it: Bright colors and sleek lines are always a great combination. Where to buy it: Modern Tots
This lead, PVC and Teflon-free backpack is perfect for little tikes who aren't carrying books yet or bigger kids who need to tote their lunch. This pack boasts a completely insulated interior, exterior pockets and an easy-to-clean lining. Comes in several colors.
Item: Allerhand Kids Messenger Bag Price: $44.99 Why we love it: Messenger bags aren't just for grown-ups anymore. Where to buy it: Oompa
This mini version of an adult messenger bag really packs a punch. Among the features are a large front flap held shut by 2 large velcro strips, one zipped pocket and an insulated cold/hot bottle holder. 12"x12"x3.5".