March e-news

Welcome to the March edition of Kidsafe Victoria’s e-news. This month we have some important information on child restraints as well how you can download a free copy of the Elmo Stays Safe storybook or iPad app to teach your kids about pedestrian safety. We also have some information on the most recent product recalls. Happy reading and stay safe!

Elmo Stays Safe

Who said learning about pedestrian safety had to be boring? In 2015 Kidsafe Victoria teamed up with a furry friend to create a free storybook and iPad App, to help young children learn about staying safe around roads, footpaths and driveways.

Join Elmo and his mum on a trip to the park and meet a few friends on the way! The iPad App also has some interactive elements to help children engage with the story.

To find out more about how you can download the App or e-book, please click here.

Maintaining your Child Restraint

Even if your child restraint was fitted by a professional, they still require regular checks and maintenance to ensure that children are being transported as safely as possible.

Before every trip, make sure you check the seat belt is threaded through the correct path and the buckle is done up. Also check that the top tether strap is connected to the correct anchorage point and that it is firm and free of any twists.

You also need to keep an eye on the height markers of your child’s restraint, as these will indicate when it is time to move them into the next restraint. Also be sure that the harness straps or seatbelt is at the correct height for your child.

For more information on checking and maintaining your child restraint, please click here.

If you are still unsure if your child restraint is fitted or adjusted correctly, visit a professional child restraint fitter. You can search fitters in your local area here.

Kidsafe’s Move to Monash

Soon we will be opening the doors to our very first Community Support Centre at Monash Children’s Hospital. We have been very busy preparing the centre for you and we have also had some fun along the way!

This month Kidsafe Vic’s CEO Melanie Courtney joined the Walk for Monash Children’s Hospital with board member Janneke Berecki-Gisolf. Kidsafe Victoria also attended the Dandelion Wishes Gala Ball – a fundraising event held in support of the new Monash Children’s Hospital. Kidsafe Victoria is thrilled to be a part of the new hospital and is looking forward to working closely with the team at Monash Health to keep Victorian children safe.

Kidsafe Victoria Blog – Emma Cockburn on Driveway Safety

This month’s blog post is brought to you by Emma Cockburn, who formed the Georgina Josephine Foundation after losing her daughter to a driveway run-over incident. Emma shares some important driveway safety tips that all parents should read. To read the full blog post, please click here.

Product Recalls

Target Australia Pty Ltd — Young Ones My First Torch
The screw from the battery cover may fail, allowing children to gain access to the button batteries inside. If swallowed, button batteries can cause severe internal burns in as little as two hours. The product should be returned to Target for a full refund. For more information, please click here.

Adairs Retail Group Pty Ltd — Amor Moses Baby Basket Stand

Inconsistent manufacturing of the stand could cause them to collapse. Consumers should immediately stop using the stand and return it to an Adairs store or contact Customer Service on 1300 783 005 for a full refund or store credit. For more information, please click here.

Headstart International — Little Tikes Snug n Secure Swing Pink

Some models of the swing may crack or break during use, posing a fall hazard. Affected swings should not be used. Contact Headstart International for a replacement swing or refund in the form of a credit towards the purchase of another Little Tikes product. For more information on affected models, please click here.