Do You Need To Brush Your Baby’s Teeth?

Fewer than 1/3 of parents begin brushing their baby’s teeth before age one, but most pediatricians urge parents to begin brushing as soon as your child’s tooth first appears (around four to six months).

Over 95 percent of Americans have cavities, and your baby can get them too.  Cavities occur when decay-causing bacteria collect in the sticky substance called plaque.  When your child eats a sweet or starchy food the bacteria release an acid that can cause a cavity.  The longer a tooth is in contact with that acid, the greater the chance that a cavity can form.  That is why brushing to remove the plaque needs to become an early habit.

According to The Baby Food Bible, to avoid cavities you should:

•  Clean your child’s teeth with gauze or an infant toothbrush twice a day one teeth emerge.
• Give only water before naptime or bedtime.  Milk, formula, juice, or soda all contain carbohydrate, the nutrient bacteria thrive on.  Liquids can be a particular problem because they bathe the whole tooth and even get in between teeth.
• When your child eats sticky foods, such as dried fruit, fruit leather, or gummy bears, brush her teeth or at the very least have her rinse.
• Avoid sugary snacks in favor of snacks with some protein, such as cheese, nuts, or a hard-boiled egg.
• Foods that require a lot of chewing, such as peppers, cucumbers, celery, and carrots are great choices.
• Popcorn, plain crackers, and rice cakes are also less likely to cause cavities than cookies, candy or granola bars.

It is not possible to feed your child a sugar free diet.  Sugars occur naturally in milk, bread, and fruit.  Do all you can to reduce added sugars, but even with the best of diets children still have to brush.
This excellent video give you specific advice from doctors on why and how to brush your child’s teeth.





In addition to providing the best selection of baby and big kids furniture, decor and accessories in the Atlanta area, at A Room Of Their Own, we try to provide Helpful News in all areas of child care and child rearing.  Please let us know if there is a specific topic you would like for us to cover in our blog.

Poison Safety Begins At Home.

Did you know that each year, more than 1.2 million children ages 5 and under are unintentionally poisoned? Whether it's medication on your dresser, cleaning supplies under your kitchen sink, cosmetics in your bathroom or carbon monoxide from gas appliances in your home, there are simple steps you can take to keep your kids safe.

Start by reading all labels to find out what is poisonous.  You know that many household products and all medicines can be dangerous, but you should also be aware that makeup, toys, art supplies, alcohol and even some household plants can poison your child.

Make sure to store potentially poisonous household products and medications out of your child’s sight and reach.  Preferably you should have child safety locks on all compartments, cabinets or drawers that are within reach of small children.  If that is not feasible, hazardous items should be placed on high shelves that can’t be easily reached.

Keep products in their original packages.   This will avoid any confusion as to what is in the container, as well as offer a label showing those ingredients.  You should also avoid mixing cleaning products for the same reason.

Buy child-resistant packages whenever available.  But remember that child-resistant doesn’t mean child-proof.

Protect your children from other poisons that may be present in your home such as lead.  Many homes built before 1978 used lead-based paint.  Make sure your child does not have access to peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint.  If you have concerns about lead, visit a doctor and ask for a blood test for your child for lead exposure.  If found, hire a professional to control and remove lead sources safely.

Carbon monoxide poisonings are another potential hazard, especially if you have gas, oil or coal-burning appliances or heaters in your home.  Have all gas, oil or coal burning appliances inspected by a technician every year to ensure they are working correctly and are properly ventilated. You should also buy a combination smoke and CO alarm and install one outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Place CO alarms at least 15 feet away from any fuel-burning appliance to reduce the number of nuisance alarms.

Other CO hazards to avoid are using a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage or near a window.   And you should never leave a car, SUV, or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.

Be aware that curious hands and minds like to explore.   Never leave poisonous products unattended while you are using them.  An accidental poisoning can happen in the blink of an eye when adults are distracted to answer the phone or leave the room to answer the front door.  Don’t leave your handbag where your young child can easily reach and explore its contents.  Makeup, hand creams and small spray bottles can be especially attractive, and dangerous, for your child.

If you find your child with an open or empty container of a nonfood item, your child may have been poisoned. Stay calm and act quickly.  First, get the item away from your child. If there is still some in your child's mouth, make him spit it out or remove it with your fingers. Keep this material along with anything else that might help determine what your child swallowed.

Do not make your child vomit because it may cause more damage. If your child is unconscious, not breathing, having convulsions seizures, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

If you suspect your child has been poisoned but they are not exhibiting distress symptoms, take the product to the phone and call the toll-free nationwide poison control center number - 1-800-222-1222.     Poison control centers offer fast, free, confidential help in English and Spanish. Most poisonings are resolved over the phone. The number works from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information on poison safety, attend our Toy Safety and Poison Safety Seminar on Monday, September 26 at 11:00 AM.  The seminar will be given by Safe Kids Cobb County in partnership with A Room Of Their Own.

TROUBLE IN TOYLAND Report finds some toy safety issues still present.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) has released its 25th annual survey of toy safety.  The report lists safety guidelines for consumers when purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that may pose potential safety hazards.

Here are some of the key findings and conclusions from this study:

Choking on small parts, small balls and balloons remains a leading cause of toy- related deaths and injuries.
Between 1990 and 2007, at least 196 children died after choking or asphyxiating on a toy or toy part; three children died in 2008 alone. The law bans small parts in toys for children under three and requires an explicit, prominent warning label on toys with small parts for children between the ages of three and six. In addition, balls with a diameter smaller than 1.75 inches are banned for children less than three years old.

Although most toys on store shelves are safe, this report still found some toys that may pose choking hazards. Specifically, their store visits found toys for children under three with small parts and toys with small parts for children under six without the required choke hazard warning label.
Lead in toys is still something to be aware of and concerned about.
Exposure to lead can affect almost every organ and system in the human body, especially the central nervous system. Lead is especially toxic to the brains of young children. Despite the fact that CPSC has recalled more than half a million toys or other children’s products for violations of the lead paint standard, some children’s toys and jewelry still contain unacceptable levels of lead.
In their latest study, they found examples of costume or novelty jewelry, painted toys, and Some metal toys that exceed the CPSIA’s lead paint standards.

Toxic chemicals in children’s products can leach into hands and into their mouths.
Many consumer products contain harmful chemicals. We are only beginning to understand their health effects, especially to babies and young children who are more vulnerable to these effects because their systems are still developing.
PHTHALATES are a class of chemicals used to make plastic softer. They are found in everything from raincoats to lunchboxes; from bath books to rubber duckies. U.S. EPA studies show that the cumulative impact of different phthalates leads to an exponential increase in associated harm. This year’s study found products that laboratory testing showed to contain levels of phthalates that may exceed limits allowed by the CPSIA.

Loud toys can contribute to long term hearing loss.
Almost 15 percent of children ages 6 to 17 show signs of hearing loss.  In March 2007, the American Society for Testing and Materials adopted a voluntary acoustics standard for toys, setting the loudness threshold for most toys at 85 decibels, and for toys intended for use “close to the ear” at 65 dB. .

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSUMERS

• Be vigilant this coming holiday season.  Read and heed age labels on toys.
• Remember that the CPSC does not test all toys, and not all toys on store shelves meet CPSC standards.  Check labels carefully.
• There is no comprehensive list of potentially hazardous toys. Examine toys carefully for potential dangers before you make a purchase.  
• Report unsafe toys or toy-related injuries to the CPSC at www.cpsc.gov.

Some Toy Safety tips can be found at www.toysafety.mobi and at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/281.html.

We also invite you to join us from 11-12 on Monday, September 26, for an informative seminar on Toy Safety and Poison Safety.  This seminar will be held at A Room Of Their Own, 2615 George Busbee Parkway, Kennesaw, GA, just across from Town Center at Cobb.  The seminar will be conducted by representatives from Safe Kids Cobb County, and is being given in partnership with A Room Of Their Own.

Car Seat Safety Seminar on Monday, September 19

Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are not installed or used properly?

September is Baby Safety Month, and A Room Of Their Own is sponsoring a seminar on Car Seat Safety.  This seminar will be held at our store on Monday, September 19 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM, and will is being conducted in partnership with Safe Kids Cobb County, a member of Safe Kids Worldwide.  Our goal is to make sure that parents are aware of the ways to improve the safety of their child while travelling in a car.
At this seminar, you will learn:

• The most common errors made when installing a car seat, both front-facing and rear-facing.
• How to properly adjust the straps to ensure the safety of your child.
• The importance of using a rear-facing car seat for children under 2 years of age.
• Georgia's new Booster Seat Laws that require a booster seat for children under 8 years of age.

As parents ourselves, we know the importance of doing everything we can to keep our children safe from harm.  Please join us on Monday, September 19 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM to learn more how to keep our children safe from harm if involved in a motor vehicle accident.
As a special gift for all who attend, we will offer a special $25 OFF coupon good for any one item in the store with a $50 purchase.  This offer is only available for seminar attendees.  Certain restriction apply.
Let's keep our kids safe!






Scott and Leslie Hellman

Baby Safety Month - Are you using your car seat correctly?

September is Baby Safety Month.  This infant safety emphasis effort was initiated in 1983 by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of the safe use and selection of juvenile products. Since then, every September has seen an effort by the JPMA to raise awareness of safety efforts for infants.  In keeping with this tradition, A Room Of Their Own will offer safety tips throughout the month.  We invite you to follow our posts on Facebook or Twitter, in addition to our Helpful News blog.
Thanks to our good friends at Britax for their excellent webinar this past week on Car Seat Safety.  If you missed it, here are some of their key point:s.
COMMON ERRORS

•  Loose harness straps.  Straps should be snug at the collar bone area.  If you can pinch the strap, it is too loose.

• Chest clip too low.  Should be high on chest and comfortably under chin to prevent child from slipping their arms though the opening.

•  Car seat not properly secured.  Should not move more than 1” front to back or side to side.  Use manufacturers LATCH (lower anchors and tethers) system of lock-off straps if available.   All cars build since 2002 should have lower anchors and tether bars.

• Seat belts should be placed through the car seat, not around the child.  They should never be placed around the outside of the car seat, as shown in this photo.  This is dangerous for your child.

•  

• Harness straps not properly positioned.  Harness height should be adjusted to accommodate height of child and position of seat.  With a rear-facing seat, the harness straps should be positioned at just below shoulder height.  With a front-facing seat, harness straps should be 1” above shoulder height.

OTHER GOOD CAR SEAT SAFETY TIPS
Keep your baby in a rear-facing position as long as you can.  Many states require a baby to be rear-facing for up to 1 year or 20 lbs., but NHTSA studies have concluded that a child is 5 times safer when riding rear-facing.
Always place your car seat in the rear, not the front passenger seat.  Even though airbags are not as dangerous as they once were, they can still be damaging to a young child.
Check your car seat for its expiration date.  Manufacturers test car seats for durability and know that plastic parts can deteriorate after normal wear and tear or after a crash. They do not recommend their use after a certain number of years or if the car seat has been involved in a collision. At A Room Of Their Own, we always recommend that you buy your car seats from an authorized dealer, not a yard sale, to be sure that your car seat is at its safest.
Don’t bundle your baby up in cold weather and create a cushion between the car seat straps and the child.  This may be comfortable for your chlde, bu loose fitting straps can cause greater harm in an accident.  NHTSA recommends that you pre-heat the car whenever possible, and clothe your baby in tight fitting garments to ensure they are properly secured.  Cover the baby with blankets after you have secured them in their car seat or infant carrier for warmth.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have child restraint laws that require children to travel in approved child restraint devices.  As of July 1, 2011, Georgia law requires all children under 8 to be properly secured in a booster seat.  For laws and guidelines in other states, visit these helpful websites:  National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Child Safety Guidelines , American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Child Safety Guidelines ,
Safe Kids USA  and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety .

Many thanks again to Britax and to Sarah Tilton, Child Passenger Safety Advocate, for these informative tips.  For more information on Britax webinars, go here.

Be safe!

Eight great tips for moving your child from the crib to a big kid’s bed

Moving to a big kid’s bed is a major milestone in the life of your toddler. But it can also be nerve-wracking for you as their parent.

While each child is different, and the time to move them from the crib may vary with each child, you need to understand that this can be a very traumatic experience for your child.

Here are eight tips you to make the transition safer and more comfortable for both of you.
1. Think about safety first. Of course you know to use guard rails to keep your child from rolling out of their new bed, but now that your child has the freedom to get up on their own you should think about extra child-proofing in their room, and adding safety gates at their door, as well as at the top or bottom of stairs.
2. Plan the transition. Many parents find that placing the crib mattress on the floor or building a sleep pallet for naptime before the big move can help you child adjust more easily to the open feeling they will experience in a big kid’s bed.
3. Don’t change their nighttime sleep routine. Toddlers don’t like changing their routines, so make sure that you stick to the same bedtime and pre-bedtime routines as they adjust to the new situation.
4. Don’t try to change too many things at once. Moving to a big kid’s bed is an exciting time for your child, and they may be get so excited that other changes, like potty training, become too much for them to handle. Recognize that your child’s focus will be on the new bed situation, and postpone other major changes for a few weeks.
5. Make the change a fun event for your child. Some parents find that using a daily countdown to "Big Boy Bed Day" by checking off days on the calendar gives their child time to transition mentally. This is a good time to go shopping for new pajamas, sheets, and a night-light together. If you get them involved in the decision making process they will be more willing to accept the change (many become reluctant at the last minute). Send pictures to grandparents and other family members so your child can show off and be proud of his new situation.
6. Be aware that you may face more anxiety from your child. It’s not uncommon for a child to be frightened of their new freedom, even though they don’t realize that they are. Many children begin to have nightmares for the first time. This is a time when reassurances of their safety and your closeness if needed may be more important than ever.
7. Use a night light to ward off monsters in the dark. Children who have never shown a fear of the dark may now be more aware of their bedroom and the uncertainties and fears that darkness can bring. One great way to solve this is the Good Nite Lite, a combination night light and clock that glows blue for sleep time and changes to yellow when it’s time to get up. This is especially good for children who wake too early to teach them to stay in bed until it’s time to awake.
8. Don’t let your child talk you into sleeping with you to make them feel more comfortable. The first few nights may mean that your child gets up and down until they get used to their new bed. Sometimes an extra story or a simple back rub can help them to relax, but try to resist their pleas to sleep in your bed. This can be an easy habit to start and a tough one to break.

Remember, each child is an individual and it's important to listen to the verbal and non-verbal cues they are giving you. What worked for one kid doesn't necessarily work for another. Setting limits, clear rules and a consistent approach are essential for transitioning from the crib to a bed.

Today’s Rocking Chair-Gliders - A great place for middle-of-the-night feedings.

Every new parent wants to make their new baby as comfortable as they can at all times. But the newborn’s comfort isn’t all that matters. New moms and dads will spend many hours throughout the day and night feeding and soothing their baby. So a comfortable and supportive chair can make everyone happier.

Traditionally rockers have been the answer. You may have even gotten the one your mother used when you were a baby handed down to you. But the truth is that even when you add new cushion backs and seats, a spindle back with hard wooden seat and arms is hardly what you would prefer for a middle-of-the night feeding, when both you and your baby need comforting.

Today’s rocking chairs are both stylish and comfortable. They feature heavily cushioned alternatives that let you glide back and forth for hours with hardly any strain on the lower ack. Many parents prefer the smooth movement of the glider because it combines the soothing, rocking motion of a rocker with a more comfortable chair for both mother and baby. Plus, gliders come in a variety of styles and colors to match the personal style of the nursery or family room.
We offer a variety of glider types and styles at A Room Of Their Own from manufacturers who have established reputations for building quality, affordable baby furniture.

Best Chairs Storytime Series
Best Chairs feature hand-crafted tailoring, with selected hardwoods and premiere cushioning that new moms and dads will appreciate for years to come. All-steel encased ball bearings and engineered lubricants work together with their revolutionary "long-glide" design for smooth, comfortable glide action. Their pull-handle lock prevents the chair from gliding for easy entry/exit and allows you to lock the glider in the "far-back" position for a nice reclining feel. No matter what style, finish or fabric you choose Best prides itself on having one of the fastest turnaround times in the furniture industry.

Dutailier
Dutailier glider furniture is known in the industry for its mechanical and technological innovations. Many of their available designs feature the sleigh back style that many modern families prefer, as well as several unique product features - with ergonomic back, gliding and adjustable ottoman, a unique base and swiveling mechanism and its ability to glide while reclining.

Dutalier furniture is built from solid wood (birch, maple or beech) except for the sides and some assembly components. They use veneer for the sides of the furniture to ensure that it won’t warp or crack over time.


Dutailier offers the widest selection on the market with more than 125 fabrics and 20 finishes.


Little Castle Furniture Company
Little Castle offers upholstered swivel gliders and children’s furniture that are great for a new mom-to-be looking for something comfortable and stylish to add to the nursery or who want a special sitting area just for their little one. Little Castle specializes in upholstered swivel gliders that feature taller backs to support the head and neck during those late-night feedings as well as higher arm rests designed to support the arm while nursing. And when your little one has outgrown the comfort of mom and dad’s lap, a Little Castle swivel glider will transition easily to the family room.

Don’t forget to think beyond the nursery when selecting your glider style and fabric.
If you plan to use the chair in another room after your baby moves into big kids furniture, you should think ahead so that the fabric and style is compatible with your den/rec room/man cave, or wherever it might eventually wind up.

We invite you to visit our A Room Of Their Own showroom today to see the variety of styles and fabrics we offer. And if you are looking for a gift for family or friends, remember that we offer gift certificates.

Planning Your Nursery – Creating a Safe Haven for Your Baby

Have you looked at your baby’s room from a safety perspective? If not, now is a good time. Your baby will be rolling around, reaching and crawling before you know it. So being prepared is the best way to keep your nursery safe.

Start by looking at the room from the baby’s perspective.
Get down on your hands and knees and look around. You should easily spot the obvious hazards – outlets should have safety covers, electrical cords and dangling curtain cords should be tied up or fastened to the wall or furniture with cord sleeves or duct tape.

Other potential hazards aren’t always as easy to spot. Try to arrange your furniture to fit in front of or over heating vents that can get hot or are open for small hands to reach into? Baseboard heaters and radiators should be covered with screens to prevent baby from crawling or accidentally rolling into a hot surface. Use a cleat wrap for excess window covering cords.

Make sure your cradle, bassinet stand and crib are sturdy and stable.
That cute bassinet stand or cradle that you bought at a craft fair or yard sale may look great in the room, but make sure it doesn’t wobble, is well sanded to avoid splinters and is soundly constructed before trusting your precious little one to it. Be very cautious with antique or hand-me-down cribs. Manufacturers are building cribs much safer today than they did before, with careful attention to slat spacing, type of paint or stain used and other design characteristics, such as rounded edges and corner posts. We recommend JFMA-approved cribs and furniture for a safer sleep environment.

Follow some basic rules for crib safety.
When your baby is old enough to sit up, move the mattress to its lowest level and remove bumpers and pillows that could be used for climbing. If you attach a toy to the side of the crib, make sure it is placed on the wall side of the crib. Your crib sheet should have elastic all the way around and fits snugly around the mattress. Sheets that can pull loose present a choking hazard. Avoid pillows, quilts, and thick comforters during baby’s first year, as these can pose a suffocation risk until you child is strong enough to push themselves away and over.

Buy a changing table that is concave to discourage rolling while you are changing their diaper.
Many changing tables come with straps, although many babies resist them because they are uncomfortable. Even if your baby allows you to strap them down without too much of a fuss, you should never take your eyes off of them. The changing table requires vigilance at all times. Be sure to keep all creams and other baby care items out of reach, preferably at their feet.

Be mindful of where you hang pictures and mirrors.
The wall above the crib or changing table may be ideal from a decorating standpoint, but is not the best option for safety.

Make it a top priority to create a hazard-free nursery for your baby. Your baby will spend 70% or more of their time in this room during the first year. And, because the nursery is the only room in the house where your baby will be left unattended, it requires special attention.

For more tips, here’s a link to an e-book How to Protect Your Baby In The Nursery that we’ve found particularly helpful.

But remember, no matter how safe you think you’ve made your baby’s room, there is no substitute for vigilance and supervision, especially during the first two years of their life.

New Georgia Booster Seat Law Effective July 1

A new law signed by Gov. Nathan Deal requires that all children under age 8 must be properly secured in an approved car seat or booster seat while riding in passenger automobiles, vans, and pickup trucks. The new law raises the previous requirement of under age 6 to under age 8 and is designed to protect children from abandoning their booster seat when many are too small for lap and shoulder belts to fit properly.

However, children under age 8 whose height is over 4’9” or 57” are exempt from this new law. If a Parent or Guardian has a written statement from a Physician that the child has a physical or medical condition that prevents placing or restraining them as required by law, they are also exempt.

Exceptions: A child under age 8 and weighing at least 40 pounds is not exempt from other seat belt laws. They may use a lap belt only instead of a car seat or booster seat when the vehicle is not equipped with lap & shoulder belts; or when all passenger seating positions with lap & shoulder belts are being used to restrain other children. In this case, the placement of car seats / boosters seats should be evaluated to determine if they can be repositioned to provide the best protection for all children being transported.

Fine: The law provides that any person transporting an unrestrained child may receive up to a $50 fine and one point. If that offender has a second conviction, the fine may double up to $100 and two points. One citation may be written per child unrestrained or improperly restrained.
If you, or anyone you know, has questions about this law or needs advice or assistance with car seats or booster seats, ask one of our sales associates at A Room Of Their Own. We’re here to help.

Hello, Jacob. Bye bye, Elvis. The Most Popular Baby Names of 2010

If your child is named Jacob, Isabella or even Sophia, chances are pretty good that someone in their kindergarten class will have the same name.

But if you named your little one Elvis, he probably won't encounter another similarly named friend.

The Social Security Administration has released the most popular baby names of 2010. The names that topped the list have been consistent for several years, but they are joined by some new and surprisingly trendy choices, such as reality TV star names. The administration also notes that some names we've been used to finding at the top dropped a few spots last year.

Jacob held on to the number one spot for the 12th consecutive year, and Isabella is the number one girl’s name for the second year in a row.

Sophia jumped from number four to the second-place girls' spot. Joshua, however, didn't fare as well, sliding down the list from number six to 11. Although Elvis' hits topped charts for years, the name never secured a top spot, even though it has consistently held a place among the top 1,000. But for the first time in 55 years, Elvis has left the birth certificate records building.

Interestingly, a study that goes beyond the top 10 names shows something Americans may or may not want to admit: We love to name our babies after reality show stars. In 2010, the top 1,000 names includes Maci (MTV's "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mother" star Maci Bookout), and Khloe (think Khloe Kardashian). Historically, famous people's names often get the spotlight for a few years, but Khloe has been climbing steadily for the past three years, and Maci was the fastest-growing girl's name in the country in 2010.

One other naming trend for Americans seems to be rhyming. In 2010, there are 41 names that rhyme with Aiden (currently holding the number nine spot) in the top 1,000, including many variations of Jayden and Brayden.

It will be interesting to see if William moves up on the list following the royal wedding? And will Catherine, Kate or Pippa become what the naming experts call a "rising star"? Only time and lots and lots of babies will tell.

Here are the top 10 names for 2010 in each category:

Top 10 Names for Boys
1. Jacob
2. Ethan
3. Michael
4. Jayden
5. William
6. Alexander
7. Noah
8. Daniel
9. Aiden
10. Anthony

Top 10 Names for Girls
1. Isabella
2. Sophia
3. Emma
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Abigail
8. Madison
9. Chloe
10. Mia

(To see the full list of 50 names for boys and girls, click here.)

How to know if a movie or book is age appropriate for your child?

As we get ready to enter the summer movie season, many parents wonder whether a movie is age-appropriate for their child. How does a PG rating differ from a G rating? What about language? Are there scenes that may upset my child and cause nightmares?

No rating or rating service can answer all of those questions, but we recommend that you start your investigation by visiting the Common Sense Media website.

Common Sense Media (CSM) is a national organization led by concerned parents and individuals with experience in child advocacy, public policy, education, media and entertainment. The members of their staff represent leading research, academic and policy institutions as well as the business community. Their members have a broad range of views and backgrounds, but they all share a passion for media and for kids.

The mission of CSM is to improve the lives of kids and families by providing trustworthy information, education, and an independent voice to evaluate movies, games, apps, websites, TV shows, books, and music.

Many children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development. As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, Common Sense Media rates media based on age appropriateness. They rely on developmental criteria from some of the nation's leading authorities to determine what content is appropriate for which ages. The goal is to give parents a broad range of information so that you can decide what works for your family. Every family and every kid is different — but all families need information to make good media choices.

Is It Age Appropriate?
For each title, the CSM Decider Scale indicates the age for which a title is either appropriate or most relevant and assign an ON (age appropriate), IFFY (somewhat edgy for the age), or OFF (not age appropriate) rating.

Is It Any Good?
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. We think you want to know how enjoyable something is before paying for something that will bore you to tears. In some cases, they offer this evaluation based on parents’ ratings as well kids’ ratings.


Why They Rate Something ON, IFFY, or OFF for an Age
Right below their ratings you will find a Content Grid with icons that highlight specific content concerns—both positive and negative—along with in-depth explanation on the rated content. See recent rating of the hit movie, Rio, below:


No matter how much we limit their exposure, our kids are influenced by the media they see, hear, and interact with. That’s why at A Room Of Their Own, we want you to know about ways you can decide on the media you want to expose to them.

Tips on choosing the right car seat.

Choosing a car seat is one of the most important purchases you'll make. At A Room Of Their Own, we recommend that you follow the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines for car seat safety that are based more on size and weight of your child than on age.

All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. Many parents have traditionally used their child’s one-year birthday as a time to turn the car seat around, but studies have shown that most infants are still too small at this age to ride as safely in a front facing seat during a vehicle crash. And remember that Georgia law requires that an infant be in a rear-facing seat for at least one year and must weigh at least 20 pounds.

Use a three-point harness as long as possible. It is best for most children to ride in a seat with a harness to at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights.

School-aged children should use booster seats up to age 12, depending on their size and weight. Children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age. The owner’s manual that comes with your car safety seat will tell you the height and weight limits for the seat.

Here are a few other basic points to make the search a little easier.

• First, buy a new car seat, not a used one. Technology is constantly improving, so this is not the time to cut corners and take a hand-me-down. Plus, you can't be sure if a used seat has already been in a crash or has been recalled.
• When shopping for a newborn, look for an infant-only, rear-facing seat. Young babies fit in these best, and because these seats come with carry handles, they make a new parent's life much easier.
• Look for a car seat marked "JPMA-certified". To narrow your search, you might also read real-people reviews on Web sites such as www.epinions.com. Books like Consumer Reports Best Baby Products are also helpful. And we hope you will ask one of our sales associates at A Room Of Their Own for opinions and feedback we have received from other parents.

Once you've bought a seat, you're not done -- now you have to install it and make sure it fits well in your particular car. Check with your local hospital or fire station to find classes on how to properly install your seat.

Is your child ready for a big-kid bed?

Every child is different, but most toddlers are ready to make the transition to their very first big kid bed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.

Many pediatricians advise to keep your toddler in a crib as long as possible, but if he or she starts to climb over the rail or repeatedly expresses a desire to move into a big-kid bed, it is time for the transition.

Here are several thoughts to make that transition easier on you and your toddler.
1. Make the move a fun event for your child. Get your child involved in the selection of his bed as well as the new bed covers and sheets. The emotional reinforcement of being involved in the decision help to build self-esteem and satisfaction with the result. You may have to guide their thinking to avoid something you know will be a short-lived fascination. Thomas the Tank Engine can be the best thing ever for a two-year-old, but quickly become too babyish if teased by older siblings or friends. Whatever design you decide on, a great way to reinforce the decision is to make a big deal about showing grandparents and guests his new bed.
2. Choose a bed that is your toddler will not quickly outgrow physically or emotionally. While theme beds designed for toddlers are colorful and fun to look at, your toddler can outgrow it quickly. If you choose a theme bed, look for something generic, like a race car or princess bed. If you choose a twin or double bed, make sure you attach a guardrail so she doesn't roll out of bed. Bunk beds can be fun for children, but doctors suggest they should not sleep in the top of a bunk bed until they reach 6 years old.
3. Consider buying a bed that adjusts in height as your toddler grows. At A Room Of Their Own, we offer twin and full size beds from Young America by Stanley with a dual height adjustment. Start with the bed at a low height. As your child grows, the bed can be raised to a more comfortable height that will also allow room for a trundle or storage unit underneath.
4. Time the move so that it does not coincide with other big events that are happening in your toddler's life. Too many changes at one time can disrupt a child and have an adverse effect on their sleep habits. Try not to combine the move with other big events, like the first day of preschool or the birth of a new sibling. Instead, transition her into a big bed a couple of months in advance.

Once your new bed is delivered, make it a point to stick with their usual bedtime routine. While it is tempting to lie down with your toddler as he or she falls asleep, this habit is hard to break once started. Keep things as normal as possible to ensure a smooth transition into their new big-kid bed.

At A Room Of Their Own, we have arranged the big-kid section of our store to showcase vignettes where your child can imagine how their new bed might look at home. As always, we encourage you to ask questions and have your child “test drive” options before buying. We’ve found that children are much happier with their new bed when they are actively involved in the selection and decision process.

3 Important Steps When Planning Your Nursery

Setting up the perfect baby nursery for the arrival of a baby into the house is a very exciting time. But it can also be confusing and stressful to many soon-to-be parents as they are also faced with so many other issues relating to child rearing.

Fortunately, many parents-to-be begin planning their baby's nursery long before the birth of their child. By starting your planning early, you will give yourselves more time to search multiple sources for ideas and to organize your thoughts to create that perfect room.

Looking at other nursery designs in magazines and on the Internet can be a great source of inspiration during this pre-planning stage. And don’t forget to visit baby stores for ideas. Many stores are organized into vignettes to let you see a variety of styles and room settings.

1. Start with a plan for your room based on shape and size.
Is the basic shape of the room square or rectangular? What about the size of the room? Where is the window and how will that affect furniture placement? Where is the doorway entry and how does that affect your first perception when entering the room? These factors can affect the decisions you make on room colors, how much furniture to buy, and the ideal furniture placement.

For example, in a long narrow room, placing taller furniture, like a crib or highboy, in the far end of the room can make the room feel larger. You can make a small room appear larger by angling the crib in the corner. Choosing a light paint color and furniture finish can also open up a small room. Lighter ceiling colors will make the room appear higher and more open and inviting.

Is your home close to a busy road? If so, you should avoid placing the crib on an outside wall or next to a window if at all possible.

The important thing is to have a plan before you begin to make any major decisions or purchases.

2. Choose a nursery theme and color scheme before you buy furniture.
Keep in mind that you don't have to decorate with a theme if you don't want to. There are many modern and elegant furniture styles that will make your baby’s room special. However, nursery themes do add an element of fun to nursery designs, so if that's your idea of a nursery room, then go for it! Babies' and kids' rooms are often the only places in the home where you can let your creative juices flow.

Some parents begin by purchasing a crib set and basing the rest of the theme on this one item. If you do this, you can take your cues for paint and accessories from the color and décor of the set. Others prefer choosing a favorite paint color and searching for material and patterns that match. Whichever method you choose, picking one major item in a preferred style and working around that item is typically the easiest way to decorate any room, including your baby's nursery.

The traditional colors of blue for boys and pink for girls are still valid, but many people today opt for bright colors, like yellow, green, or even white. A neutral color will allow you to more easily change other décor items and wall hangings. Keep in mind that your baby will soon grow into different furniture needs that may require a partial or total room makeover. So if you don’t like working with wallpaper, you might want to avoid wallpaper trim that is too babyish.

3. Select the right furniture to fit the room and meet essential needs.
After you choose the furniture style you prefer, a major decision you must make is to determine what pieces of furniture are most important and will comfortably fit in your room. A crib is a must, of course. Beyond that, you must decide what you can or can’t live without based on available space. Don’t forget to consider the room’s work flow patterns and the need for certain items to be close to each other.

For example, your changing table should be near, or attached to, a dresser for easy access to diapers and clothing while changing the baby. But you also need access to a diaper pail and baby’s personal care items like wipes, diaper rash cream, baby oil and cream, and a hair brush.

At our store, we recommend that you select furniture that carries the JPMA certification seal. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association only certifies baby products that meet their safety standards. For example, you can find the safety requirements, and a list of changing tables that meet them, on the JPMA website.

Look for a changing table that has raised sides or guard rails to help keep the changing pad in place and keep the baby safe. If you want to use a bookcase or dresser as a changing table, make sure the height is comfortable for you to change the baby, and consider using a contoured pad with straps that you can attach firmly to the furniture.

Many new mothers find that a glider or rocker is an important item, but sometimes there just isn’t room in the nursery. That’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with keeping a rocker in the family room or an extra bedroom if you’re sure you need one. If space is limited, a wardrobe or armoire will provide plenty of storage and take up less floor space than a wide dresser.

Be sure to choose a furniture style that you won’t tire of easily, as you can use much of the baby furniture to grow with your child as he grows into a toddler and big kid, or for another family addition down the road.

Planning your nursery is an exciting time and sets the stage for many happy hours with your baby. Our friendly, knowledgeable associates at our store are always ready to help you in any way that we can.

AAP and NHTSA Recommend New Guidelines for Car Seat Safety.

The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have just released new guidelines for car seat safety that are based more on size and weight of your child than on age. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But with so many different car safety seats on the market, it’s no wonder many parents find this overwhelming.

The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child’s size and the type of vehicle you have. The following information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers guidance on choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child.

Infants and toddlers should use rear-facing seats for the first two years.
These new guidelines recommend that all infants should ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. Many parents have traditionally used their child’s one-year birthday as a time to turn the car seat around, but studies have shown that most infants are still too small at this age to ride as safely in a front facing seat during a vehicle crash.

Use a three-point harness as long as possible.
All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a Forward-Facing Car Safety Seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. It is best for most children to ride in a seat with a harness to at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights.

School-aged children should use booster seats up to age 12, depending on their size and weight.
Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age. The owner’s manual that comes with your car safety seat will tell you the height and weight limits for the seat.

AAP and NHTSA recognize that many children will resist this new recommendation, but safety studies have shown a direct correlation between poorly fitting seat belts and spinal and abdominal injuries. If parents decide to allow their children to stop using a booster seat, they should make sure that the lap belt fits properly across their child’s chest (not the neck which can cause injury to the trachea or abdomen by sliding under the lap belt during a vehicle crash). Be sure to use the positioning guide on your booster seat to allow the seat belt to fit properly across your child’s chest and remain there during impact.

Shopping tips for car safety seats.
When shopping for a car safety seat, the AAP and NHTSA recommend that parents keep the following tips in mind:

• No one seat is the “best” or “safest.” The best seat is the one that fits your child’s size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle, and is used properly every time you drive.
• Don’t decide by price alone. A higher price does not mean the seat is safer or easier to use.
• Avoid used seats if you don’t know the seat’s history. Never use a car safety seat that has any visible cracks on it or does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
• Never use a car seat that is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
• Do not use seats that have been in a moderate or severe crash. Seats that were in a minor crash may still be safe to use, but some car safety seat manufacturers recommend replacing the seat after any crash, even a minor one.
  

Front air bags.
All new cars come with front air bags. When used with seat belts, air bags work very well to protect teenagers and adults. However, air bags can be very dangerous to children, particularly those riding in rear-facing car safety seats, and to preschool and young school-aged children who are not properly restrained. If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, infants in rear-facing seats must ride in the back seat. Even in a relatively low-speed crash, the air bag can inflate, strike the car safety seat, and cause serious brain injury and death.

Vehicles with no back seat or a back seat that is not made for passengers are not the best choice for traveling with small children. However, the air bag can be turned off in some of these vehicles if the front seat is needed for a child passenger. See your vehicle owner’s manual for more information.

Side air bags.
Side air bags improve safety for adults in side-impact crashes. Read your vehicle owner’s manual for more information about the air bags in your vehicle. Read your car safety seat manual and the vehicle owner’s manual for guidance on placing the seat next to a side air bag.

We know that one of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. We hope you will keep these new guidelines handy for future reference, and when you are in the market for a new car seat that you will let us help you select the right seat for your situation and need.

Did you know that a working smoke alarm can double your chances of survival when a fire occurs?

When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead. Studies have shown that a working smoke alarm can greatly reduce the likelihood of residential fire-related fatalities by providing an early audible warning, alerting occupants and giving them an opportunity to safely escape.

That's critical because 85 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home, and the majority occur at night when people are sleeping.

There are reminders during the twice-yearly daylight savings time changes in the Spring and Fall, but many people fail to check their smoke alarms even then. Many fire departments ask residents of older homes to check your smoke alarms every month. They also recommend that if you are not sure about the age of the batteries in your alarms or if you know that they are more than a year old, replace them. And if you are not sure how old your alarms are, or if you know that they are more than 10 years old, replace them!

Fire prevention codes in many states now require that builders install smoke alarms on every level of the home, outside every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Smoke alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings. If your home does not meet these standards, we urge you to add smoke alarms today. Your life may depend on it!

Kids love bunk beds, but parents should recognize the pros and cons.

Kids love bunk beds. There’s something about them that has always appealed to children. The cosiness of a bottom bunk is a fun place for kids to play and sleeping on the top is an adventure that children, especially an older sibling, enjoy. And bunk beds have always been a great way to decorate a smaller bedroom.

But in today’s world, many parents want more available space for things like study desks, computer centers, video game stations and storage, so bunk beds can be a good buy regardless of the size of the room. By using vertical space, parents have more options on ways to utilize the rest of the room. This is especially useful in situations where siblings share a bedroom. Instead of filling valuable floor space with multiple beds, parents can utilize the space over a bed.

Bunk beds are also useful for children who frequently have overnight guests.
Instead of making pallets on the floor or using sleeping bags, guests can simply use one part of the bunk. Many bunk beds also feature a trundle bed, a pull-out bed that is stored under the bottom bunk. With a bunk bed and a trundle, even the smallest bedroom can comfortably sleep several children.

Despite their practicality, kid’s bunk beds are not without risks.
Children have been known to roll off of the top bunk. For this reason, look for a bunk bed that has a securely attached safety rail for the top bunk to prevent your child from rolling out of the bed. Bunk beds are not appropriate for children who sleep walk or have other sleep disturbances. Many child experts recommend that children under age six should never sleep on a top bunk. Regardless of the children's ages, all bunk beds should have safety rails on each side. Make sure that the rails are sufficiently high to prevent accidental falls.

Children also enjoy jumping and rough-housing on bunk beds. This can lead to serious injury. All children must be taught the proper use of the bed. Also make sure the ladder is properly attached. A high quality mattress on the bed in an important feature as well.

Bunk beds come in all shapes and sizes.
Bunk beds can be made of wood or metal depending on your personal preference and style. Most quality kids furniture stores offer many different styles and finishes for you to choose from. The standard bunk bed design is based on two twin beds that are stacked, but you also have the option to select a larger full size bed for the bottom bunk with a twin on top.

A loft bed configuration may also be a choice you want to consider. Loft bunk beds can be a top bunk with no bottom bunk, the area is empty, or it can even feature a second twin bed that is arranged in a different orientation. A loft bed can give you space to put a desk, dresser, or other type of storage under the loft bed which can be very handy for smaller bedrooms with only one child.

Or you may want to consider a day bed with trundle option, which is a great way to dress up a bedroom with lower ceilings that will still offer a good option for your child’ overnight guests.

Ask your store associate to help you choose the configuration or style that best fits your needs today and tomorrow. Visit a showroom to see many of these styles in a room setting to help you make a choice that you and your children will love for years to come.

Converting the Nursery to a Big Kid’s Room

Most parents decorate their nursery with a plan in mind. What is the theme and/or color scheme that fits your style and will make the nursery a special place for your child? What is the best layout for the room – where will you place the crib, change table and rocker or glider to make it easy to move around in the room? How will you store toys, books, etc.?

When kids start to assert their individuality between ages three and five, that's a good time for a room makeover.And the first step you should take is to go through the same planning process you used for the nursery with a few major exceptions.

Kids want to be involved in the decision process, and child development experts say that letting your child participate is healthy.
When a child is involved, they are more likely to accept and enjoy the room. But getting your child involved can also be a challenge. For example, your child may be all about Thomas the Tank Engine today, but will most likely grow out of that phase soon. So if you are okay with a theme, the first thing you should do is help guide them to a theme or concept that can grow with them. And remember that bed covers, wall hangings and décor items that feature a theme like cars and racing are easier and less expensive to change that that cute car bed with racing stripes that might be a bust at age five when T-ball and soccer are more important.

Planning your big kid’s room layout will require thinking about larger furniture, computer desks and study areas, and even more storage space.
Parents often let their kids help pick their first "big bed.", and those big beds are getting bigger: Some families are skipping toddler beds and moving straight to full or queen-size, but we’re not sure it’s the best thing for the child.
Lofts and bunk beds are less practical – and less popular with safety experts – but they're a hit with children. Kids Today, a magazine for manufacturers and retailers of juvenile furniture, brings a group of children to the International Home Furnishings Market to test products, and consistently gets high marks on toddler-to-teen setups that feature a computer desk and storage spaces, topped by a loft bed. Children say they like the storage cubbies and "secret" niches as well as the lighted nesting spot under the loft where a child can curl up and read.

Day beds and trundles, which save space and make room for sleepover guests, can work later in guest rooms. Canopies and coronas, circular frames used for hanging sheer fabric from the ceiling, are popular. You can hang a corona from the ceiling to make any bed princess-y, then remove it when tastes change.

Think About Giving Your Child a Place to Work and PlayExperts say that scaled-down furniture contributes to a child's sense of security. But not all miniature furniture is practical. A mini upholstered club chair probably wouldn't be used for more than a few years, for example. Still, it can be hard not to cave when you child’s eyes light up at the thought of a little chair just for them.
As a child starts getting homework, a workstation with shelving, desk space, and drawers is a good investment. Armoires and entertainment centers, which now come as part of children's bedroom groupings, accommodate computers, CDs, and video-game setups and can be used later in other rooms.

Because parents like to keep an eye on their kids' computer habits, home builders are adding "command centers," usually near the kitchen, with shelving, desks, and computer setups that both kids and parents can use. Such centers also work in upstairs hallways, playrooms, or media rooms used by the whole family.
Making the Right Color Choice can also be a Challenge.

When it comes to transforming a room, it's not just the furniture that's a challenge--it's the children. Experts agree that by getting kids involved, there's a better chance they'll enjoy the room and even take care of the furniture. But you also run the risk of disappointment when you veto their choice of black or deep purple walls.

One strategy to avoid that scenario is to give your child a box of crayons with acceptable color choices to let them pick out their favorite. Or some parents have had success in showing their child photos from magazines or catalogs and asking what they like.


At (your store here), we have over 2,000 square feet of floor space devoted exclusively to big kid’s room set-ups. Stop in and let one of our Sales Advisers show the variety of styles and finishes we have to offer. Or bring your big kid with you, and let them explore the possibilities.