March e-news

Welcome to the March edition of Kidsafe Vic’s e-news. Can you believe it’s March already and that Easter is just around the corner? If you are planning on heading away for the Easter break, we have some tips for making sure the road trip goes as smoothly (and safely) as possible. In this month’s edition you will also find some tips on preparing your pet for the arrival of a new baby, as well as the details for the upcoming Essential Baby and Toddler Show and the most recent product recalls.

Save the Date for The Essential Baby and Toddler Show

Do you have any baby proofing questions you would like answered? The Kidsafe Vic team will be at the Essential Baby and Toddler show in April, so make sure you stop by our stand in the advice hub and pick up some free safety resources!

When: Friday 1^st April – Sunday 3^rd April (9:30am – 4:00pm)
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Tickets: Tickets are free if you register online: https://tickets.exponews.com.au/814

Preparing your pet for a new baby

The bond between children and pets can be special and there are a number of benefits for children who interact with animals. Pets can help children learn about responsibility, while also helping them to develop nurturing and social skills…. not to mention that pets can also be a lot of fun!

While pets and children can be great friends, there are also a number of risks associated with pets and babies sharing a home.

We Are Family is an online resource for expectant parents that provides a number of tips to assist in ensuring your child and pet can interact safely. One of these resources is a ‘Pet Planner Checklist’ which lists a number of steps for ensuring your pet is ready for the new arrival.

Some of these steps include:

• Set up the nursery as early as possible so pets become used to it
• Decide on areas that will be pet-free zones and begin training pets to stay out of these areas
• Train dogs to understand basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘drop’ and ‘stay’.

To access the full checklist, please visit http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/community-and-education/responsible-pet-ownership-for-children/we-are-family-for-expectant-parents/pet-planner-checklist

Travel Safety this Easter

The Easter break often means a road trip with family. Below are some of our top tips if you are heading off on a drive with kids these holidays:

• Before you leave, check the fit of your child’s harness. Make sure that there are no twisted or loose straps and ensure that the seatbelt buckles securing the restraint and your child are done up.
• Provide plenty of cool water and fluids throughout the journey.
• Dress kids in lightweight and easy fit clothing.
• When planning a long journey, consider traveling in the cooler hours of the day.
• Plan to stop every two hours so the driver and passengers can take a break from the car.
• Never leave children without an adult in the car, even for a moment.

Before you head off on your trip, you can check where the Driver Reviver stops will be set up across the state this Easter via http://www.ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready/driver-reviver/places-to-stop.

For more information on child restraint safety, please visit http://kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/child-restraints

Happy travels! 

Product Recalls

Toys “R” Us Australia Pty Ltd—DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Household Cot

The cot may not meet the requirements of the Australian Safety Standard AS/NZS 2172:2003. Children could climb out of the cot if installed incorrectly, or limbs could get caught between the mattress base and outer frame. Customers can either return the cot to their nearest Toys “R” Us store or contact them for a free collection and refund. For more information please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1084064 

Toshi—Sunhat Fantasy, Sunhat Wonderland, Sunhat Storytime, Sunhat Tex

The toggle on the sunhat may break and pose a potential choking hazard. Customers should stop using the hat and contact info@toshi.com.au to organise a replacement of the faulty toggle. For more information, please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1083360