ALERT - RECALLED ITEMS

Recall: WanaBana Fruit Puree Pouches May Contain Elevated Levels of Lead

The FDA is advising parents and caregivers not to buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to children because the product may contain elevated levels of lead. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches should contact their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test. More information can be found here.

There are a few other recently recalled items. Click on the link or image for more details. Keep informed of recalls by visiting the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov regularly. 

OTHER RECALLED ITEMS

• Litti City and Litti Pritti Dress-up Playsets and Prextex Slime Eggs Recalled Due to Violations of Federal Phthalates and Lead Content Bans; Imported by Perch, Amusty and Bingo Deals (Recall Alert)

• Klickpick Home Recalls Stainless Steel Children’s Cup Sets Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com (Recall Alert)
• Tiblue Stainless Steel Children’s Cups Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by FENGM (Recall Alert)
• PandaEar Recalls Stainless Steel Children’s Cups Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com (Recall Alert)
• Stainless Steel Children’s Cups Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com by LAOION (Recall Alert)

Outdoors in All Weather

The cold and wet days of winter can leave everyone feeling cooped up indoors. Despite the change in weather, it is important to provide kids the opportunity to play outdoors. Outdoor play provides so many benefits to children - fresh air, exercise, gross motor development, a change in scenery, different social interactions and sensory experiences, vitamin D, and it is good for mental health. Child care licensing WAC 110-300-0360 requires that children be taken outside daily, except in hazardous conditions (such as thunderstorms, windstorms, when the temperature is less than 20°F, or when the combination of temperature and wind creates frigid conditions). 

Tell parents that you intend to take children outside and ask them to provide proper outerwear like rain boots, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and a hat. Make sure parents also provide an extra change of clothes to have on hand should a child's clothes get wet. Many parents will gladly donate outgrown boots or raincoats so you can have some extras on hand in case a parent forgets. WAC 110-300-0147 requires that child care providers dress children appropriately for outdoor play. Here is a letter about outdoor play that you can share with parents.

And remember to always wash hands when returning indoors from your outdoor adventure.

Here are some tips to help parents, caregivers, and children enjoy the outdoors during wintertime:

• Embrace the unique experiences – bundle up and take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest winter. This can include splashing in puddles, playing in the snow, walking to the park, or spending time on the playground.
• Have a good attitude - Reframe your thinking about winter weather. Don't think of it as bad weather, but rather think of it as weather that needs different clothing. 
• Be prepared with proper clothing – dress in warm, waterproof layers to create a safe and positive experience (boots, hat, jacket, gloves, etc.). 
• Keep things simple – outdoor activities can be simple. Go for a group walk around the outdoor play space listening for sounds or looking for signs of winter, play "does it sink or float" with different items in a puddle, or have a scavenger hunt for outdoor items!.

Here are a few resources for you and parents about the benefits of outdoor play:

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Tips for Keeping Kids Active, Healthy Through Outdoor Play
• AAP - Playing Outside in Winter: Tips to Keep Kids Warm and Safe
• Seattle Children's Hospital - Five Ways to Get Kids Outdoors in Cold Weather

Below is a chart you can use to determine if it the temperature is safe to play outside: