Safety Issues and Product Recalls

Baby Bottle Updates

Blog Author — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:31:09 GMT

In my last post about baby bottles, I mentioned the growing concern about a chemical called BPA that is found in many plastics. We hear that the FDA will be coming out with a new report on this soon, so stay tuned for more data on the subject. In the mean time, I wanted to give my feedback about the two types of BPA-free bottles that we have tried. We have liked both the Born Free and the Sassy MAM bottles, but they each have their pros and cons.

- Born Free - Harry likes these the best. I have heard comments that the nipple tends to be too soft and collapses when the baby sucks too hard, but we ordered the variable-flow nipples and have not had any problems. These are probably a little easier to assemble than the Sassy.

- Sassy MAM - Sam likes these the best. It just figures that they would like different bottles and refuse to simplify things. The nipple is a little sturdier and is supposed to mimic the shape of a human nipple as it becomes compressed after breastfeeding. These have a valve at the base of the bottle that is supposed to minimize gas and swallowed air, but if you do not assemble the components perfectly, it can leak.

Both types of bottles are fairly slow to warm up; that BPA stuff must be a better conductor of heat! Glass bottles are another BPA-free option that heats more quickly, so if time is of the essence, you might consider glass for home use.

I predict that this is going to be a "buzzworthy" topic in the next few weeks, so I welcome your feedback and user reviews!

BPA-Free Baby Bottles

Blog Author — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:12:32 GMT

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an ingredient in certain plastics that may mimic estrogen and could potentially have harmful effects in humans. It is used extensively in many baby bottles and sippy cups. The jury is still out as to whether bisphenol-A (BPA) is a significant threat in real-life usage, but another report out last week raises questions. As reported here by WebMD, heating the plastic speeds the release of BPA into liquids. Thus, heating milk or formula in a plastic bottle may be more of a threat compared to cold liquids.

We at Forest Lane Pediatrics have not seen enough data to universally recommend switching to BPA-free products, but this dad just ordered a few to try from Born Free and Sassy MAM. I welcome feedback from my dear readers.

In my web research on this topic, I came across a really cool blog, Z Recommends . This is a wide-ranging blog covering parenting and kid-related product reviews. Check it out!

Our Vaccines Not Affected by Recall

Blog Author — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:33:26 GMT

Merck has recalled 1.2 million doses of Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) vaccine due to concerns about sterility in the manufacturing process. Forest Lane Pediatrics uses a different manufacturer for our Hib vaccine, so the patients in our practice are not affected by this recall.

Reuters article

More on OTC cold meds

Blog Author — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:02:47 GMT

Because the recall of most infant cold medicines has received so much media attention, we wanted to give further clarification about the issue. I have discussed the following with Dr. Blair, Dr. McGonnell, and Dr. Liu. In summary:

1. Problems have occurred with accidental overdoses of over-the-counter cold medicines in younger infants. If used correctly, OTC medications can be given safely. Because of these rare overdoses, these medications have been pulled from the market.

2. If we recommend a specific medication at a safe dose and interval, we would expect it to provide mild and temporary symptom relief.

3. In younger children, however, cold medicines have not been proven to provide much relief.

4. Saline nasal drops and suctioning of the nasal passages with a bulb syringe is more effective than any prescription or OTC medicine. Encouraging plenty of fluids, elevating the head of the bed, and "time" will also help your child's cold symptoms.

5. When in doubt, seek the advice of your pediatrician. Discussing your child's illness in detail and examining your child in the office allows us to provide the best advice to help your child feel better.

I hope this helps clarify some of the issues in the news. I have included a link below to the American Academy of Pediatrics' site, which has more detail on the medication recalls, as well as helpful information about managing your child's cold symptoms without drugs.

AAP Statement

OTC Cold Meds Withdrawn from Market

Blog Author — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:52:12 GMT

I received a letter via e-mail today regarding the withdrawal of certain over-the-counter cough and cold medicines from the market. Recently, media attention has increased regarding the safety of OTC medicines in younger children. Reports of side effects and problems have primarily involved accidental overdoses. This can occur when parents do not realize that two different medicines contain the same ingredient. For example, one parent gives the child Tylenol for fever, and the other parent gives Tylenol Cold and Cough -- both medicines contain acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and the child could receive an overdose. Especially with younger infants, cold medicines do not provide much help. At best, they can provide mild, temporary relief from congestion and cold symptoms. It is safer and more effective to use saline drops and then suction the nasal passages with a bulb syringe. In a response to this announcement, the American Academy of Pediatrics states:

"Treatment of colds/upper respiratory infection should include plenty of fluids, rest, use of a bulb syringe to clear nasal passages, and in some instances saline nose drops.

The American Academy of Pediatrics will be participating in the October 18-19, 2007 joint meeting of the FDA Non-prescription Drugs advisory Committee and the Pediatric Advisory Committee at which time FDA will discuss the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough and cold products marketed for pediatric use."

Letter to Healthcare Professionals

What to do about Recalled Toys

Blog Author — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:10:43 GMT

With all of the media attention regarding the recalled toys, they seem to have forgotten to mention what we need to do! The short answer is: get rid of the toys. Most of the toy manufacturers have specific instructions on their websites on how to return the toys for an "unleaded" replacement. The likelihood that a child could ingest a significant level of lead from normal play is quite low. Even for children who have a very high lead level, the only necessary treatment is eliminating lead from the environment. At this time, most experts are recommending observation. It is possible to do a blood test for the lead level, but we are not routinely recommending this unless a child is symptomatic. Symptoms of lead toxicity include fatigue, abdominal pain, headaches, vomiting, anemia, and behavior problems.

So, to summarize: 1. Get rid of the toys! 2. Don't panic!

Lead Poisoning Information

Toy Recalls

Another Toy Recall...

Blog Author — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:41:57 GMT

Now it is Barbie, Cars, Batman and Polly Pocket toys with lead paint and/or magnets that can be harmful if swallowed.

Read Story

Toy Recalls

Blog Author — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:01:12 GMT

There have been two notable product recalls in recent weeks:

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway toys may contain hazardous lead paint. Please check the following link to see if your toys have been affected. You can return them for replacement toys that are "unleaded." I had to confiscate Walt's James Engine and the Old Slow Coach.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07212.html

Fisher Price/Mattel have recalled a variety of Sesame Street and Dora toys that may also contain lead paint. No Elmo or Dora toys for Walt, so far!

http://service.mattel.com/us/recall/39054_IVR.asp?prod=