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Sun Safety Products:

Do you want to look tan, but are smart enough to stay out of the sun?  Check out these great sunless tanning products. Sunless Tanning

 

 

Sun Protection:

Shady Day Daily Sun Protection Wipes  SPF 30  www.shadydayinc.com  According to our mom-testers these individually wrapped, pre-moistened wipes are terrific.  They are convenient to carry, absorb quickly and are so easy to use especially on the face.  Our mom-tester said, “My four-year-old son doesn't usually mind putting on suntan lotion but the area around his eyes is very sensitive and only tolerates a stick but he didn't mind using these wipes at all.  Not only is there a generous amount of lotion on each one (I could do his entire body with one wipe and not feel as if any section was left out) but it smells good too! I would definitely buy these and keep them in my purse, in the car and at my mom's house so that when we visit, I can feel confident that my children are protected.”  2 packages- 15 count in each package retail for $26.00 and can be purchased at www.exit15.com

Pirates SPF30 Continuous Spray Lotion  $9.95
On a recent trip to Puerto Rico I took this sunscreen to coat the kids with.  It worked fantastically!  It's waterproof and sweatproof and it's continuous spray allows for quick and even applications.  It's super easy to use and has a 30SPF.  It was so great and the sun was so hot that we used it all up - but best of all - no burns!  Recommended for children 6 months and up.  For children under 6 months of age: ask a doctor. 

Disney Sun Pals SPF 30 Spray & Disney Sun Pals SPF 45 Lotion 
This is probably the most important item you need this Summer - sun tan lotion with a good SPF.  Disney has come out with Sun Pals and it's a great way to get kids into the action of applying sunblock.  One is a spray which older children can easily apply, the other is lotion.  Both smell good, come in popular Disney character packaging -- and most importantly they protect!  Available in major Food, and Drug retailers  Prices range from $8.49- $9.49

Sun Suit (Fun In The Sunwear) Did you know that pediatricians suggest NOT using topical sunscreens for infants under the age of 6 months?  Well this is a great way to protect your grandchild or child from the sun.  The suit is made from Dupont LYCRA® and is cool, breathable, lightweight , and quick drying.  It's very much like a rash guard for a baby.  It can be worn swimming or playing and it's rated to block 98% UV rays at $20.00 it's a great gift.

Sun Stop’r® Kwik Cabana (Kel-Gar) This is great gift for a mom or grandparent whether you are spending the day at the beach, at a picnic or just gardening.  It provides instant protection from the suns harmful UV rays which is a necessity for babies under 6 months since they aren't supposed to wear sunscreen.  It pops open easily, closes quickly and is easy to tote around.  When your grandchild is bored pop it open and you have an instant indoor play tent.  The Kwik Cabana retails for $59.99 and you can find it at Babies-R-Us. 

Frubi™ Shades Do you wear sunglasses -- then so should the kids in your life.  These sunglasses are just $14.95 and were designed by a leading ophthalmologist.  They are a soft molded one piece pair of eyewear with a Velcro closure.  They are designed for comfort and safety.  Our kid tester wore them complaint free and Mom was happy that her daughters eyes were protected.

 

Flap Happy Hats (Flap Happy, Newborn and up)  These terrific hats not only will protect your little one's head - they'll protect their neck and face too.  They come in a huge variety of colors and patterns and are sure to please parents!  To find a retailer near send an email to custsvc@flaphappy.com or visit their website.

Travel Safety Products:

Angel Alert (Franzus, $39.99) As a parent I'm constantly looking to make sure my kids are right next to me.  My son always runs off and it's nerve wracking!  The Angel Alert is a great tool for those kids who tend to stray.  It's an early warning alarm system that let's you know when your child (or grandchild) has strayed too far from you.  The way it works is simple.  The Angel Alert is activated when it's pulled apart into two small units.  The adult holds the receiver and the child has the transmitter.  If the child strays too far the alarm sounds.  The child's unit also has a panic button.  I have often thought of using a harness on my son to prevent him from running away, but it's a very good alternative.  In my opinion you should never let your eyes off your children, but sometimes they slip away and leave you in a panic.  For times like those this can really save you the worry. The system includes two neck cords (adjustable adult’s and child’s safety breakaway version), two large and 2 small metal clips and 2 replaceable long-life lithium cell batteries.

Celebrate Safely on Independence Day 

With Independence Day near and American patriotism high, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to celebrate the occasion safely by not purchasing or using illegal fireworks and by adhering to safety guidelines if using legal ones.

At a press conference on the National Mall today, Chairman Hal Stratton demonstrated the explosive and destructive force of illegal fireworks. He also demonstrated the hazards young children risk when using legal fireworks and sparklers and the dangers consumers face when they use fireworks in an unsafe manner. "The consequences of fireworks misuse can be severe burns, loss of eyesight, amputation, and even death," Stratton said.

"Above all, never give fireworks, even sparklers, to young children," Stratton said. "Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That's hot enough to cause third degree burns."

Hospital emergency rooms in the U.S. treated about 8,800 people for fireworks-related injuries in 2002, according to a commission staff analysis. However, the number of injuries has decreased significantly from the highs of 1992 to 1994, when injuries averaged 12,500 a year. Stratton attributes the decrease to rigorous enforcement, more consumer awareness of the potential dangers fireworks pose, and the production of a higher quality product by reputable fireworks manufacturers.

Through undercover buys, online purchases, inspections and investigations, CPSC is tracking down and shutting down illegal roadside stands, warehouses and retail stores that sell professional grade explosives to consumers, and homes that serve as havens for the manufacture of dangerous fireworks devices.

As part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC actively works with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Justice Department's Office of Consumer Litigation, U.S. Attorney's Offices across the country, and the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection to prevent millions of hazardous and illegal fireworks from reaching consumers. For example, since 1988, CPSC and the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection have seized or detained more than 400 million hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.

CPSC and ATF have worked closely to build criminal cases against manufacturers and distributors in Seattle, a retailer in Indiana, and an importer/dealer in Kansas. These joint investigations led to the seizure of thousands of M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, and professional fireworks marked for consumers that could have caused serious injuries or death.

Highly explosive M-80's, cherry bombs, and quarter sticks have been banned under Federal law since 1966. Additionally, it is illegal to sell mail order kits that include the chemicals and components to make such large firecrackers.

If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

  • Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

  • A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities.

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

  • Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.

  • Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.

  • Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned. 

  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.

  • Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov.

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