According to the Telegraph.UK:
Researchers used eggs from young donors to repair damaged eggs of older women in order to increase their chances of fertilization.
They have not yet used the eggs to produce babies, but they have injected them with sperm to produce an early stage embryo in the laboratory.
While the move breathes new life into “old eggs” and could also remove genetic illnesses, it is likely to provoke an ethical storm as critics believe it could lead to hybrid or genetically modified children.
“If we could transfer these constructed new embryos, I believe the success rate would be high,” Atsushi Tanaka, the lead author told the New Scientist.
It is becoming more common for parents to refuse vaccinations for their children, to prevent rare but serious side effects. However, this refusal of inoculations has meant the rate of cases of whooping cough then becomes much higher – to the point where children who do not receive that particular vaccine are 23 times more likely to become ill with whopping cough.
One argument parents give in favor of skipping shots is that if all of a child’s peers get inoculated, then they won’t be able to transmit the virus to their child. This phenomenon is known as herd immunity. This argument does not hold true for whooping cough, and so vaccine refusal is putting these children at a real and serious risk. Read more…
Those fast food restaurant playgrounds may seem like a great idea - keep your kids busy while you have a relaxing lunch. However, they may be more dangerous than they seem. A Burger King in Southern California has reached a $20 million out-of-court settlement with a family whose child was severely injured on its playground.
Due to apparent “previous incidents” in this restaurant’s playground, they ultimately lost the court case. The injured child had climed up a pole and fallen to the ground, cracking his head on the floor. There was no safety netting, and insifficient padding on the floor. The child suffered brain damage, and now is partially paralyzed with sever emotional and cognitive problems. Read more…
Leap Frog is one of the best known and trusted names in the educational toys. In this video we discover that Leap Frog offers toddler toys and educational games to support early childhood development in learning motor skills, social development, music and creativity. For more information click Here
Here are a few tips for parents who are sending their kids abroad for schooling. These tools will make the transition easier on everyone involved:
MILWAUKEE (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) April 9, 2008 — According to a recent online poll conducted by www.TheMint.org, men are three times more likely than women to raise their children without an allowance, and when asked how much they would give a 10-year-old, men are four times more likely than women to say ‘zilch.’
A small weekly allowance can help parents teach the concepts of saving, spending, giving and investing.
Ironically, men that do choose to give allowances are more generous than women. In response to the question about how much is appropriate to give to a 10-year-old per week, 12% of men responded with the maximum option - more than $15.00 per week - versus only 8% of women who would pay this much.
“Family is the greatest influence in shaping young Americans’ financial attitudes and behaviors, and allowances are an excellent way for parents to start teaching their kids to manage money,” said Meridee Maynard, Senior Vice President, Northwestern Mutual. “A small weekly allowance can help parents teach the concepts of saving, spending, giving and investing.”
From January through March 2008, visitors to the financial literacy Web site www.TheMint.org were invited to answer two questions related to allowances. Nearly 2,000 people from across the country weighed in about how much and what age is appropriate for children receiving an allowance. The results were then analyzed based on several demographic factors, including the age, gender and location of respondents.
Best Places for Earning an Allowance
Parents in the Midwest have the tightest purse strings, with half of respondents giving less than $5.00 a week to a 10-year-old, while many parents in the South and Northeast would give up to three times that amount.
Nationally, more than 70% of respondents agree that a 10-year-old should receive between $1.00 and $10.00 a week as an allowance. Thirty-eight percent think $1.00 - $5.00 is most appropriate, which was followed by 34% citing $6.00 - $10.00.
What Age is Appropriate?
Most respondents (65%) agree that the appropriate age for children to start receiving an allowance is between six and 11 years. One third believe between ages six and eight is the most appropriate time and in a close second, 32% of respondents feel it should be between ages nine and 11.
In an interesting twist, kids who responded are stricter than the adults:
Thirty-seven percent of those age 17 or younger believe children should begin receiving an allowance between ages nine and 11, and an additional 24% think children should be older than 12.
Thirty-four percent of respondents age 60 or older selected the youngest age range of five years or earlier.
NATICK, Mass., March. 21 /PRNewswire/ — The makers of LeadCheck® Swabs, the leading consumer lead detection kit, today warned parents to examine their children’s Easter toys for lead contamination following an independent scientific survey that found nearly 30 percent of holiday toys purchased randomly at retail stores contained dangerous levels of the toxic element.
“We may like to think that lead contaminated toys have been taken off the shelves, but unfortunately the evidence shows that’s not the case,” said Dr. Marcia J. Stone, president and chief executive officer of Hybrivet Systems Inc., which has been making home lead detection products for more than 15 years.
Stone was reacting to a survey this week by Ashland (Ohio) University chemistry professor Jeffrey D. Weidenhamer, who found that 13 of 45 plastic Easter eggs and other toys purchased off store shelves contained lead. Lead is a highly toxic element that can cause severe nerve damage, especially in children.
While Weidenhamer relied on sophisticated laboratory equipment to test the Easter eggs, the inexpensive LeadCheck® Swabs can be an effective lead screening tool for toys, ceramics, jewelry, utensils and many other household products.
“There aren’t a lot of options for consumers when it comes to testing household items,” said Dr. Stone. “Lab tests and other sophisticated equipment are beyond the means and simply not practical for most consumers.”
To receive accurate readings, the surface being tested in some cases must be thoroughly cleaned and if it has a non-lead coating, notched or scratched to reveal the surface below. But, as Stone points out, normal play by children will likely break any seals over the lead paint resulting in the likelihood of exposure.
Source: Hybrivet Systems Inc.
PRWEB January 28, 2008 — epShops, Inc., a leading, privately owned, operator of specialty online retail stores, today reported record operating results for 2007 led by explosive growth in its online retail outlet specializing in cloth diapers, www.ComfyBummy.com. The company also announced plans to more than triple the number of niche ecommerce retail outlets during 2008.
2007 was a year of exceptional growth for the entire epShops family of stores
“Today’s parents were the first generation of babies raised exclusively in plastic diapers, and their children may be the last,” said Camille Knutson, ComfyBummy Operations Manager. Cloth diapering is making a comeback. In fact, companies that market cloth diapers have reported sales increases of 25 to 50 percent in the past few years.
“What’s driving the return to the old ways of doing things? You could say the cloth converts have gotten a conscience. The use of cloth diapers over plastic ones is a lot more environmentally friendly, especially when you consider the fact that disposable diapers thrown away today will still be in the landfill 300 years from now; and helping save Mother Earth isn’t the only benefit they offer,” added Knutson.
According to Comfy Bummy Diapers, an online business specializing in cloth diapers and accessories, cloth is a more economical way to go as well. The average family can expect to spend anywhere from $2,800 to $3,500 on disposable diapers from the time their child is a newborn until they are potty trained. Cloth diapers cost just a one-time investment of between $300 and $500.
Scott Long, epShops, Inc. CEO added: “and, many parents swear cloth diapers, made of 100 percent cotton are better for their babies’ skin as well. Plastic diapers are filled with chemicals that can cause nasty rashes when they come in contact with urine and feces. Cloth diapers are chemical-free.”
Whether you have a little one on the way or are interested in making the switch, here are some of your options:
* Pre-folds
This is the most economical cloth diaper option available, ranging in cost from between $18 and $40 per dozen. Pre-folds are rectangular diapers made of extremely soft and durable woven cotton that you fold, then insert into a diaper cover or waterproof wrap. They are available in sizes ranging from preemie to toddler and, when the child is done with them, they can be used for cleaning around the house.
* Fitted cloth diapers
This type of diaper is designed to fit around the waist and legs of the child and typically has a sewn-in or snapped-in diaper doubler to provide extra absorbency. They are available in sizes ranging from newborn to toddler.
* One-size cloth diapers
These are cloth diapers with sewn-in snaps or Velcro so they can be adjusted to fit the child from the time they are a newborn through their toddler years.
* All-In-One (AIO) cloth diapers
An All-In-One diaper is as close to using a disposable diaper as you can get - with all the benefits of using cloth. There is a built in waterproof outer layer which eliminates the need to use an extra diaper cover. The inside fabric is soft and wicks moisture away from baby’s delicate skin. It’s everything you need in one package.
According to Knutson, the one-size diapers are by far the company’s best sellers. “Parents love the fact that these offer a great value. They only have to shop for diapers once. Buy 12 to 16 of them, and they’ll have all the diapers they need from the time the child is a newborn until they’re ready for potty training.” she says.
ComfyBummy.com offers several different Try It Out Packages that include a variety of different diaper types and brands and also offers a number of resources for parents. Among them: an explanation of the different types of cloth diapers and their benefits as well as reviews and instructional videos; diapering and folding guides; a washing guide; and a cost savings calculator
In addition to diapers the site also carries the Earth Mamma Angel Baby line of lotions, creams and soaps made with certified organic and organically grown herbs, as well as diaper bags, nursing pillows and other baby essentials.
In addition to comfybummy.com , epShops, Inc. operates several leading destination retail websites including, among others, www.preferredpetproducts.com, www.alldigitalframes.com, www.bestbabyproducts.com, www.wildbirdplace.com and www.homeandpatioplace.com. Long said “2007 was a year of exceptional growth for the entire epShops family of stores” and that they have five additional stores in development for launch during Q1 and plans for many more during 2008.
NEW YORK, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Stumped about what to buy your kids this holiday season? Massive toy recalls have left many parents feeling anxious and confused about what is safe to purchase, and sorting through the latest headlines is enough to turn even the most avid holiday celebrant into a bit of a scrooge.
“Thankfully, there are still lots of safe, quality toys on the market that kids will love,” says toy expert Tim Walsh, who is offering safe toy purchasing guidelines to help parents with their holiday shopping.
“This holiday buying season is a stressful one,” continues Walsh, author of the book Timeless Toys. “Parents are trying to be diligent, reading packaging labels and researching products online, but it can be overwhelming.”
To simplify things, Walsh recommends looking for toys that fall into one of three popular categories: made in America, eco-friendly, and phthalate- free. Following are his top picks from each.
Made in America:
K’NEX Brands, one of the world’s leading construction toy companies, manufactures all of its core building pieces in Hatfield, PA. Top choices from K’NEX include the 15th Anniversary Tub ($19.99), a 400-piece construction set which includes ideas for more than 20 models; and the Serpent’s Spiral Coaster ($59.99), an impressive 5.5 foot roller coaster and the recipient of a Lead- Free Platinum Toy Award from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. Available at www.knex.com.
Eco-Friendly:
SEE Toys is a multi-patented product line from Zen Design Group and the first eco-friendly, kid-powered toy line. Each toy features a power-generating motor and unique power crank that kids use to convert their own energy into electricity — no batteries required. SEE Toys are manufactured under the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive, which restricts the use of toxic substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium. Top choices from SEE Toys include Dynafly ($29.99), a buzzing firefly with fiber optic wings and a glowing tail; and Dynacar ($24.99), a sleek racecar with working headlights and taillights, which makes 6 realistic car noises. Available at www.seetoys.com.
Phthalate-Free:
The Parents licensed toy line is filled with fun, educational products for the infant/toddler/preschool set. Winner of more than 40 industry awards, the line is also phthalate-free. Used in plastic toys to yield a softer texture, the hazardous chemical was recently banned in California, with many other states expected to follow suit. Parents eliminated phthalate from its toys 3 years ago, well in advance of any state or federal regulations. Top choices from Parents include Kitty Keyboard ($30), a whimsical feline-shaped keyboard, and Water Works ($20), a mess-free drawing tablet that uses leak-proof water pens. Available at www.target.com.
For more information about Tim Walsh and his book, Timeless Toys, visit www.theplaymakers.com.
WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire - November 28, 2007) - This holiday season, four innovative child safety products are available for parents of young children. Designed to keep kids safe around the home, pool and bathtub, CPR Teddy™, Guardian Sleeper™, Tub-Time Bumpers™, and WaterKiD™ Baby Carrier are awarding-winning child safety devices conceived and developed by enterprising and entrepreneurial parents.
Inspired by the challenges of raising their own children and the constant pressure to keep them safe, three moms and one doctor dad have found ways to help other parents keep their little ones out of harms way. After months of toying with prototypes and extensive safety testing, each product provides a unique approach to child health and safety.
As recalls for toys tainted with lead and other hazards continue to make headlines, child safety remains at the forefront of many parents’ minds. CPR Teddy, Guardian Sleeper, Tub-Time Bumpers and WaterKiD, all lead-free, offer another layer of safety around the home, and will help moms and dads rest easy, knowing the children are safe.
CPR Teddy
Guardian Sleeper
Tub-Time Bumpers
The WaterKiD Baby Carrier
The WaterKiD Baby Carrier is a light-weight, quick-drying, naturally buoyant, naturally insulated, non-staining, wet/dry all weather carrier. Whether used at the pool, on the beach, in the shower or just around the house, The WaterKiD Baby Carrier offers caregivers an easy, comfortable, cool carrier that allows safer, hands-free, play with baby while providing custom fit to both baby and care-provider. Designed for babies from 12-30 pounds, WaterKiD uses buoyant fabric and secure clasps to keep the child safe and comfortable while enjoying the pool or shower with mom. Moms and babies can safely enjoy a fun water experience together. WaterKiD is available online at, www.waterkid.ca for $49.95 plus shipping. It is offered in three sizes and six different color options.
PLAY
