Welcome to the March edition of Kidsafe’s e-news. Please find enclosed information about curtain and blind cord dangers, Kidsafe’s Child Restraint Education Sessions, the upcoming ‘The Baby and Toddler Show’, as well as some product recalls.

We also encourage you to check out our freshly updated website which not only contains some great new information, but should also be much easier to navigate! If you have any further suggestions for improvement, please do let us know.

Feel free to pass on our information or reproduce our articles in your own newsletter- we just ask that you reference Kidsafe Victoria and include a link to our website

Stay safe and happy reading!

From, the team at Kidsafe Victoria

Curtain and blind cord dangers

Are the curtain and blind cords in your home safe? Looped curtain and blind cords pose a significant strangulation hazard for children as they can place the loop over their head and/or get tangled in the loose cords.

All new curtain and blinds are required to come with warning labels and to be installed with tensioning devices. However, curtain and blinds that were installed prior to the introduction of the mandatory standard (30^th December 2010) still need to be made safe. Depending on the type of curtains/blinds that you have, there are various devices that you can purchase from your local hardware store or curtain and blind cord retailer to help secure cords up out of children’s reach.

Consumer Affairs Victoria have some free safety kits that are suitable for roller blinds with looped cords and wooden window frames. If you would like a free safety kit for your home, please visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au/shopping/product-safety-for-consumers/curtain-and-blind-cord-safety and complete the order form today.

Kidsafe Victoria Do Not Leave Children In Cars Campaign

Early Childhood Management Services have committed to raising awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars by joining Kidsafe Victoria’s ‘Do Not Leave Children In Cars’ campaign. Every ECMS service across the state will be placing one of Kidsafe Victoria’s ‘Do Not Leave Children In Cars’ signs at their entrance to reinforce the message that children should never be left unattended in a car.

For more information on how your service or local council can join the ‘Do Not Leave Children In Cars’ campaign, including how you can order a sign, please visit www.kidsafevic.com.au/safety/road-safety/hot-cars or contact Kidsafe Victoria via info@kidsafevic.com.au. 

The Baby and Toddler Show: April 4^th – 6^th 2014

Are you a new or expecting parent? At The Baby and Toddler Show you will find everything you need to get ready for your new arrival and guide you through the early weeks and years of parenting.

Kidsafe Victoria will be at the show providing information, resources and advice on a wide range of child injury prevention issues. If you are at the show, feel free to drop past and say hi!

For more information on the Baby and Toddler show, please visit www.babyandtoddlershow.com.au/

Child restraint education sessions

Kidsafe Victoria are providing 2 hour child restraint fitting education session to community organisations and their staff as part of the Victorian Community Road Safety Partnership Group. The sessions include a theory component around Victoria’s child restraint road rules and a practical/hands on child restraint fitting component.

For more information, please visit http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/services/programs-a-services/child-restraint-fitting-education-sessions

Product recalls

Meteor Party Pty Ltd—Bathtime Squeaky Ducks

This product is subject to a permanent ban as the plastic includes a substance which can be toxic if put in a child’s mouth.

The product was sold at discount and $2 stores. Consumers shouldstop using the product immediately and return to Meteor Party Pty Ltd for a refund. You can contact Meteor Party Pty Ltd on 02) 8883 1555 or via sales@meteorfwks.com.au.

Masters Home Improvement—Jumbo Fun Slide with Water Connection

There is a risk that the base of the slide can crack. If this occurs, a child may scratch or cut themselves on the slide.

Consumers should immediately stop using the slide and return it to any Masters Home Improvement Store to receive a full refund.

Red Hot Spot—Learning Fun Puzzle Car

Small parts may break off of the toy and pose a potential choking hazard for children. Consumers should immediately stop using the toy cars and contact Red Hot Spot Pty Ltd for either an exchange or a full refund of the purchase price.

You can contact Red Hot Spot Pty Ltd on (03) 9557 2626 or (03) 9687 6899, Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.