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Thomas & Friends Recall Gift Received

Elaine — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 01:18:22 +0000

We received our Thomas & Friends Recall Gift in the mail last weekend. While we’ve heard of many people receiving Toad and a few getting Diesel, Fergus the Traction Engine is the newest edition to our Thomas & Friends collection.

The package included a note from RC2 stating that they will send a check to reimburse the postage. It is not clear how much or how will they accurately determine the amount of postage paid. I scanned a copy of the letter for those who have not yet received their free gift.

I was a bit disappointed to only receive one free gift for returning the four trains. I can’t help but think what if we had sent all four separately.

Sammy is anxiously waiting for the new coat of paint on his beloved trains. Hopefully he doesn’t have to wait too long!

Have you received your free gift? If so, let us know in the comments below which one was sent to you.

How to: Monitor Your Child’s Credit

Elaine — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:29:51 +0000

Almost every day in the news, there is a new story of credit card fraud or identity theft. It could happen to anyone. That’s why it is so important to monitor your own credit, as well as all the members of your family, including your children.

Children are perfect targets for criminals because the identity theft can go undetected for a long time. ABC News reported a story which reports incidents of ID theft that happened to two different families. The identity theft victims were a 3-year old and a 11-month old.

For adults, it’s so easy to request a credit report online using the AnnualCreditReport with the website. You are allowed one free credit report from each of the three reporting agencies every year. You can order your credit reports online, by phone, or by mail using the posted instructions. However, if you are under the age of 13, you can only submit the paperwork by mail.

Getting your kid’s credit report

Last fall, I requested reports for both of my children from all three credit agencies. I had to do this because we never received Sophie’s original Social Security Card. It must have been lost or stolen in the mail.

Here’s what I did to obtain my children’s credit reports:

For each child the following documents are required:
1. A completed Annual Credit Report Request Form from the AnnualCreditReport website
2. Copy of the child’s birth certificate
3. Copy of the child’s Social Security Card
4. Copy of the parent’s driver’s license
Mail the completed forms (along with copies of each child’s supporting documents) to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

After a few weeks, I received statements of “unable to locate credit information” or “no such file in the database” in the mail. This reassured me that no one has been using my children’s information to open fraudulent accounts.

The process may have changed this year as the AnnualCreditReport site is now requiring parents to contact each credit agency individually along with sending an additional supporting document, a current utility bill.

Here’s an excerpt from their FAQ below:

How do I request a credit report by mail for a child under 13 years of age?

The credit reporting agencies do not knowingly maintain credit files on minor children. If you suspect that your minor child’s information has been used fraudulently, you should contact the credit reporting agencies directly and report the illegal use of your child’s information to law enforcement. Please supply each credit reporting agency with your child’s complete name, address, date of birth and a copy of the minor child’s birth certificate and social security card. Additionally, please provide a copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued proof of your identity, which includes your current address, and a current utility bill containing your current address so the credit reporting agencies may promptly respond to your request. The addresses for the credit reporting agencies are listed below:

Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, Georgia 30374

Experian
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, Texas 75013

TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

I saved copies of all the supporting documents I sent last year. I will just have to add in a copy of my current electric bill and send the paperwork to all three credit agencies individually.

The initial paperwork to obtain your child’s credit may seem overwhelming compared to the simple questions needed to get your own. An alternative method would be to enroll into a credit monitoring service such as LifeLock.

They have a program which can cover your entire family. LifeLock will regularly monitor your kid’s credit. If you want to save time and have that peace of mind, LifeLock may be for you.

MarloElaine Blog readers can save up to 25% off when you use the LifeLock promotion code: LOCKDOWN. Click to instantly apply the LifeLock Promotion code.

Hand Sanitizers: The Hidden Dangers

Elaine — Thu, 24 May 2007 23:00:20 +0000

If you have small children in your house, hopefully you carefully read and heed all warning labels. Any product labeled “Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.” should be locked away and used with extreme caution. One dangerous product that often gets overlooked is the hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizers are becoming increasingly popular in schools, daycare centers, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. When hand washing is not convenient, hand sanitizers have proven valuable in reducing the spread of contagious illnesses. Hand washing is still the best way to remove dirt and decrease the spread of germs. Unfortunately, hand sanitizers are often left out in easy reach as if they were innocent lotions instead of the powerful chemicals that they are.

The Purell and Germ-X brands of hand sanitizers each contain 62% ethyl alcohol. Hand sanitizer is equivalent to 124 proof alcohol. To give a reference point, light beer is generally 6 proof (3% alcohol) and white wine is typically 24 proof (12% alcohol). It has more alcohol than vodka (80 proof)!

If a toddler ingests one or two ounces, or just three squirts of the hand sanitizer, IT COULD BE FATAL. Swallowing a smaller amount can cause intoxication or alcohol poisoning. Even a small amount licked from a child’s hand can cause dizziness, disorientation, headache, stomachache, slurred speech, etc.

While the makers of Purell claim that their product is not toxic or unsafe when used as directed, young children cannot read those directions. The Purell FAQ states:

Is Purell safe for children?

Purell is safe for children when used according to the directions. Children should be supervised when using Purell. All Purell Instant Hand Sanitizers contain an additive that tastes bitter and makes Purell undesirable to drink. As with all drug products, consult your physician before using on babies or young children.

Snopes.com, an excellent online resource to verify e-mail forwards and urban myths, talks about the dangers of hand sanitizers. They also do an excellent job explaining why children ingest non-food items.

We do not normally use hand sanitizer gels or wipes. At home, we wash the kids’ hands with antibacterial hand soap and plenty of warm water. When we go out, we use regular baby wipes to clean all surfaces that come in contact with the kids’ skin (high chairs, shopping cart handles, etc.). We also try to wash their hands in the washroom before and after eating.

We do keep small bottles of Purell in both our car and our diaper bag. We only use it in emergencies, such as after touching animals or changing diapers when there is no sink nearby. The kids make a game out of rubbing and shaking their hands until the gel is completely dry. We always remind our kids to keep their hands out of their mouths if we see them licking their hands or sucking their fingers, but we are especially vigilant after they use any type of hand sanitizer.

Here are some tips to help keep your children safe from hand sanitizers:

Keep hand sanitizers out of reach of children (The packages are not childproof!)
Closely supervise children during use
Rub hands together until completely dry
Explain that the hand sanitizer is dangerous if used improperly
Remind children not to put their fingers or hands in their mouth, nose, or eyes after immediate use

How To: Make Your Own Healthy Baby Food

Elaine — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:56:39 +0000

When my son Sammy was an infant, I spent so much money on jarred baby foods. There was a time when he would eat one or two jars of commercial baby food at every meal. That was around 20-40 jars a week for about 6 months! I finally figured out a way to make inexpensive, healthy baby food for a fraction of the price! My daughter rarely ate store bought baby food.

I like to buy cans of vegetables with no salt added or unsweetened fruits in their own natural juices. I drain the liquid, but reserve it -the liquid contains a lot of vitamins and flavor! Then I simply puree the fruits or vegetables in my food processor, adding the reserved liquid until it is the right consistency. The finished product should be very smooth and thin for those just starting baby food, thicker and chunkier for more experienced eaters.

Frozen fruits and vegetables work well also, but you may need to add water, formula, or breast milk to get the desired consistency. Of course fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal. My children particularly enjoyed these fresh foods: baked sweet potatoes, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, and strawberries. Some items need to be cooked before pureeing, but it is very easy to steam vegetables and bake sweet potatoes in the microwave.

Rotisserie chicken, silken tofu, and hard-boiled eggs are high protein items that can easily be made into baby food at home. Check with your pediatrician for suggestions on when to introduce potentially allergic foods such as egg whites, tofu (soy), strawberries, nuts, shellfish, etc. As your child gets older, you can make baby food out of whatever the rest of the family is eating. If necessary, separate the infant’s food before salting or seasoning it. Spaghetti with meat sauce and chicken rice soup are favorites in our house.

If you make several servings of baby food, you can freeze extra portions in ice cube trays, small covered plastic containers such as glad-ware, or even reusable plastic baby food tubs. If you have any extra glass baby food jars, you can use them to store your homemade food in the refrigerator.

Diaper Bag Necessities

Elaine — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:15:45 +0000

Getting out of the house on time with a toddler and a baby takes a lot of preparation. We always bring a fully stocked diaper bag with us wherever we go.

We find it easier to restock the diaper bag as soon as we come home, that way it’s easier to remember what needs to replaced. Plus, it allows us to be semi-spontaneous. Just grab the bag and the kids and go!

A few months ago, Parent Hacks had the idea to poll their readers on what were the contents of their diaper bag. We decided to take it a step further after seeing our good friend, Erwin published a photo of the contents of his backpack. We’ve taken a picture of everything found in our diaper bag!

Diaper Bag Contents

Items for Baby:
Cloth bibs
Burp cloths
Diapers (2-3)
Baby wipes
Lap pad
Change of clothes (Onesie, socks, hat, pants, long sleeve shirt)
Blanket (in case baby gets cold or wants to play on the floor/glass)
Infant Motrin & syringe, Tylenol Suppository & lubricant
Thermometer
Bulb syringe & saline water
Infant feeding kit (2 oz water, bottle with 1 scoop formula, 1 nipple)
Cherrios and crackers – snacks for baby

Items for Toddler:
Diapers (2)
Baby wipes
Lap pad
Change of clothes (t-shirt, socks, pants, long sleeve shirt)
Children’s Motrin & Syringe
Snacks (fruit snacks, cheese crackers, raisins, etc.)
Bibbity Bib or disposable bib
Toys, Crayons, & Paper

Items for Mom:
Extra t-shirt
Bottled water
Snacks (granola bar, beef jerky, etc.)
First Aid Kit (Band Aids, alcohol pads, antibiotic ointment, gauze, etc.)

I often take just the essentials from my purse and put them into the side pocket of the diaper bag so I don’t have to keep track of two kids and two bags: cell phone, wallet, keys and gum.

How about you – what’s in your diaper bag?

Top 10 Cold Weather Activities for Kids

Elaine — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 03:31:53 +0000

Winter is here in the Midwest! My son can get stir crazy inside the house, so here are a few suggestions to keep us all from getting cabin fever!

1. Visit the library: Check your local library as well as those in the surrounding neighborhoods. Many libraries offer movie screenings, crafts, story times, etc. for children of all ages. They also usually have a selection of toys, puzzles, games, DVDs, and of course books.

2. Shopping malls: Many shopping malls now have enclosed play areas where children can run and jump. It’s a good place to let the kids burn up their excess energy. Though there is often a security guard patrolling the play area, they are not day care providers! Never leave your child unattended here!

3. Park District Programs: Our park district offers an assortment of classes for children of all ages. Dance, music, art, and many others to keep the kids occupied.

4. Movie Theaters: Lots of G rated movies are out right now. Some theater chains even have special showings for infants. Don’t go there on an empty stomach, or you’ll go broke!

5. Chuck E. Cheese: My son loves this place, but my daughter is too young to appreciate it. Be sure to look for coupons in your Sunday paper for discounts on tokens and pizza.

6. Play in the snow: Go sledding, make snow angels & snowmen, build snow forts, and have snowball fights. Be sure to bundle everyone up and have hot chocolate and soup ready afterwards.

7. Make crafts at home: Paint, color, or make holiday cards, ornaments, and decorations. Have your kids make and write their own thank you cards for all the gifts that they have received. This is also a great time to write thank you cards to police officers, fire fighters, military personnel, etc.

8. Cook with your children: Encourage your kids to make sandwiches, salads, even microwavable recipes and baked goods. Children who participate in preparing their food are more likely to eat it. This is also a great way to teach healthy eating habits. Some cooking schools, community colleges, or park districts offer cooking classes for children. Feel free to try out the few recipes we have posted here.

9. Donate unused toys and clothing: Ask your children to go through their toys and clothes. They should sort them into three piles: keep, donate, and garbage. This will de-clutter your house and also teach them the value of helping others.

10. Play with your kids! Sometimes all your kids need to be happy is you! Take the time to devote your full attention to them. That means turn off the computer and TV, let the answering machine get the phone, and let the dishes and laundry wait. My kids love it when I read to them, play with their stuffed animals and trains, or just cuddle.

I hope you enjoy Winter Break with your children, even if you don’t get any snow! What about you… how do you avoid getting cabin fever with your kids?

How To: Change a Diaper Efficiently

Elaine — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 07:25:33 +0000

I have changed thousands of diapers between my two children and all the babies I worked with as a NICU nurse. I have a neat and efficient diaper changing system. I have taught my husband, and he believes other people would benefit from learning my technique as well.

STEP 1: Choose your changing area

Should be a flat stable surface such as a changing table, a couch, a bed, or even the floor
Line the changing area with a lap pad, baby blanket, disposable changing pad, etc. for a clean changing surface

STEP 2: Prep all the supplies: diaper, wipes, creams, etc.

Open up the clean diaper
Remove 1-2 wipes, keep the rest nearby just in case
Pre-load the diaper with A&D ointment, Desitin, etc. if necessary. Add 1/2-1 inch strip to the center of the open diaper
If you are changing your baby’s clothes as well, have all the new clothes within reach

STEP 3: Prep your baby

Give your baby something to look at or play with (can be a toy, a picture, a mirror, or even your face!)
Lay your baby on his back on the changing surface
Remove all clothing covering the diaper area
Unfasten the Velcro or stickers holding the diaper closed
Fold the straps onto themselves so they don’t get stuck to anything

STEP 4: Change the diaper Be quick here, you don’t want to get a golden shower!

Slowly pull the top of the diaper open towards your baby’s feet
Hold up your baby’s butt slightly by lifting up his ankles with one hand
Check for poop. If poop is present, gently remove the bulk of it by wiping your baby’s butt with the part of the diaper that was covering his belly. By doing this, you will reduce the number of wipes used to clean him up.
Tuck the used diaper in half under your baby. All of the poop and pee should be contained inside the dirty diaper at this point.
Your baby should now be lying on his back with the used diaper underneath him. Why keep the dirty diaper under baby during cleaning? To catch any additional “deposits” your baby might make during cleaning!
Clean your baby thoroughly with baby wipes. Drop the used wipe on top of the used diaper, and repeat until clean

For girls, wipe from front to back, using a clean part of the wipe or a new wipe with each stroke
For boys with foreskin, gently pull back the foreskin and clean gently
For boys with a fresh circumcision site, apply petroleum jelly after cleaning
For newborns with cord still attached, squeeze a few drops of alcohol onto the cord stump

Remove the used diaper and wipes from under your baby’s bottom, set aside (out of your baby’s reach)
Replace quickly with the new diaper, keeping the fasteners toward your baby’s back
If diaper cream was pre-applied, rub it onto your baby’s skin with the diaper
Pull the front of the diaper over your baby’s belly and hold it snug
Gently open the fasteners from the back and secure them over the front of the diaper
Re-adjust the fasteners as needed

STEP 5: Replace your baby’s clothes

Don’t forget to refasten all those snaps and buttons.

STEP 6: Dispose of dirty diaper

Discard the dirty diaper and wipes in a diaper pail, garbage can, etc. Enclose in a plastic baggie to contain the smell, if desired.

STEP 7: Wash your hands

If soap is not available, use an antibacterial gel such as Purell.

Remember to never leave your baby unattended,
especially when on a changing table.

I hope this article helps you decrease the amount of time it takes for you to change a diaper. It is all about preparation and expecting the unexpected.

What is your diaper changing technique? Please feel free to share yours in the comments section below.

How To: Instant Infant Feeding Kit

Elaine — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 05:20:24 +0000

Sometimes it is so hard to get out of the house with an infant and a toddler, especially if we will be having a meal outside of the house. One way I make things easier for myself is to pre-pack infant feeding kits so I will have everything I need to feed my daughter. Here’s how you can make your own instant infant feeding kit.

Each kit contains:

1 Disposable Bibster from Pampers
1 Table Topper from Neat Solutions
1 Take & Toss Spoon from The First Years
1-2 jars/tubs of baby food
1 small container of Cherrios or Gerber Puffs
1 small container of crackers (Ritz, Townhouse, Saltines, Goldfish, etc.)
1 bottle containing 2-4 oz water
1 bottle containing 1-2 scoops of powdered infant formula (I usually add 1 T baby oatmeal, too)
1 nipple & ring
Baby wipes & napkins

These kits are great because they do not need to be refrigerated. I keep a spare one in my car just in case I am out for longer than expected. If I make my own baby food or pump breastmilk, I keep the entire kit in the fridge, then pack it in an insulated tote with an ice pack when I am ready to go.

When Sophie gets older, I will replace the bottles and nipples with a disposable sippy cup. I also pack a kit for my 3 year old Sammy, but since he can eat almost anything from a kid’s menu, I don’t need to bring as much for him. I usually bring his milk in a disposable covered cup with straw, a Bibbity Bib, fruit snacks, crackers, and crayons & cars to keep him occupied at the table.

Febrile Seizures: Facts & Prevention

Elaine — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 00:38:54 +0000

When Sammy was 25 months old, he got a low grade fever of 99.9 F. He did not have a cough, runny nose, or any other symptoms, so we just gave him a dose of ibuprofen and put him to bed for the night. The next morning, he had another low grade fever, so we tried to give him more ibuprofen. He refused to finish it and insisted on playing. We had no idea we had a family history of febrile seizures.

A few hours later, Sammy suddenly stopped talking and playing. His entire body went stiff, his eyes rolled back into his head, his jaws clenched closed, and he turned very pale. We held him and shouted his name, but he did not respond to us at all. When we noticed that he was not breathing and was starting to turn blue, we called 911 immediately.

I attempted to use my training as a nurse to give my son CPR, but his jaws were closed tight and I could not give him any breaths. Fortunately, his body soon relaxed and he began to breathe. Just as Sammy was waking up, the paramedics arrived. His temperature had risen to 103 F, but he was recovering on his own. They gave him additional oxygen to help him along. By the time he was loaded into the ambulance, Sammy was drowsy but awake.

His fever had climbed further, to 105 F, so Sammy was given another dose of ibuprofen. We went to the nearest emergency room to try to find out what caused his first febrile seizure. We were never able to pinpoint the cause of the fever, only rule out meningitis, bacterial infections, ear infections, and electrolyte imbalances. It was most likely caused by a virus.

Though the entire febrile seizure only lasted a minute or so, it felt like an eternity. I could not believe that this was happening to us! I was 7 months pregnant with Sophie at the time. I was a neonatal nurse! In addition to blaming myself for not doing more to prevent the seizure, I also worried about the effects it would have on Sammy’s developing brain.

I was reassured when I did some internet research later. Dr. Alan Greene wrote:

Although febrile seizures are fairly common, many parents have never seen one until it happens to their child. Febrile seizures occur in 3% to 5% of otherwise healthy children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Toddlers are the most commonly affected.

Dr. Greene continues,

This is usually one of lifetime’s most frightening moments for the parents. Most parents are afraid that their child will die or will have brain damage.

The NINDS Febrile Seizures Information Page states “The vast majority of febrile seizures are harmless. There is no evidence that febrile seizures cause brain damage.”

The Mayo Clinic website states:

If your child is prone to febrile seizures, you might be able to prevent them by treating a fever early. However, most febrile seizures develop suddenly and without warning. Being sure the child is safe during a seizure, offering comfort afterwards and following up with a doctor’s visit are good approaches for handling a febrile seizure.

What should I do if my child has a seizure?

Lay your child down on the floor to eliminate the risk of falling.
Turn your child on his side or stomach so that he won’t choke on saliva, mucus, or vomit.
Don’t put anything in his mouth to keep him from biting his tongue. It might cause further injury.
Remove any hard or sharp objects near your child.
Loosen the clothing around his neck. Open or remove his shirt.
Don’t attempt to restrain your child’s movements during the seizure.
Try to bring the fever down:

Give an acetaminophen (Tylenol) suppository. Nothing by mouth.
Place cool washcloths on his forehead and neck.
Give him a lukewarm sponge bath. Ice water or alcohol can cause shivering, increasing the fever.

Stay calm and observant. Try to note the time the seizure started and stopped, and your child’s behavior during the seizure. This information will be helpful to the doctors who treat your child after the seizure.
Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 10 minutes or if the child stops breathing.

What should I do after the seizure has stopped?

Call your child’s pediatrician. The doctor may ask you to bring your child in for a visit or to the emergency room for some tests. It is important to try to find the cause of the fever, especially if it is his first seizure. Dr. Greene writes, “Most febrile seizures are brought on by fevers arising from viral upper respiratory infections, ear infections, or roseola. Meningitis causes less than 0.1% of febrile seizures but should always be considered, especially in children less than one year old or who still look ill when the fever drops.”
If your child still has a fever, but is alert, you may give him medications by mouth. Give him a dose of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Never give children aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s Syndrome. Ask your pediatrician for the correct dosages, and how often to give them.
Continue to monitor your child’s temperature very closely. Check your child’s temperature often, especially before giving medication and thirty minutes afterward to see if the medication is helping.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of cool fluids. This will keep him hydrated, as well as help control the fever.
If the fever persists despite the medication, try cool washcloths to the forehead and neck, lukewarm sponge baths, or tepid tub baths. Don’t go overboard and cause shivering. Shivering is the body’s natural response to cold and raises body temperature even more.
Though it will be difficult for both of you, try not to snuggle closely with your child, since this retains body heat. Keep him lightly dressed.
Do not let your child be too physically active, since this may increase his temperature.

What can I do to try to prevent another seizure?

According to the Mayo Clinic website,

Most of the time, a febrile seizure occurs the first day of an illness. Often, a febrile seizure occurs before parents realize that their child is ill. Giving your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) at the first indication of fever will help reduce the fever, but won’t necessarily prevent a seizure.

Invest in a quality quick read digital thermometer. Use a rectal (butt) or axillary (armpit) if your child is under 6 months old, axillary or tympanic (ear) if over 6 months. We like the Braun ThermoScan digital ear thermometer which we purchased at Costco.
Monitor your child’s temperature very closely whenever he is feeling ill or acting differently than normal.
If he has a fever, use this tips listed above to keep his fever down.
Always keep a supply of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), in both suppository and oral form (drops, liquid, chewable, whatever is appropriate for your child). Be sure the medications are not expired, and you know the correct dosages based on your child’s weight. If you are not sure, ask your pediatrician, nurse, or pharmacist for your child’s correct dosage. If child refuses to take the oral medication or vomits immediately after taking it, give a fever reducing suppository.
If the fever does not respond to one type of medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) after thirty minutes, give the other one. Keep a record of the types of medications given at what times. Generally, acetaminophen can be given every four hours, and ibuprofen every six hours. Once the fever is under control, alternate acetaminophen every six hours and ibuprofen every six hours. This way, every three hours, the child gets some type of fever reducing medication. Try not to give more than five doses of acetaminophen and more than four doses of ibuprofen per twenty four hour period.

This article is based on my experiences as a registered nurse and a parent, as well as advice from our pediatrician, emergency room personnel, and some internet research.

Please consult your own pediatrician for clarification on the dosage and if you have any questions or concerns.

Can Childhood Immunizations Lead to Autism?

Elaine — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 21:39:36 +0000

A friend of ours is pregnant with her first baby. She is very concerned about the connection between autism and childhood immunizations. There have been many news stories and internet sites claiming that certain immunizations, such as the MMR vaccine, can cause autism. These often frighten parents into refusing to immunize their children. Parents may blame themselves for immunizing their son or daughter if they believe the vaccine was responsible for triggering their child’s autism.

According to the Autism Society of America, “autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.” This is the same time that the MMR and other vaccines are normally administered. Many of the anti-immunization articles link an autism diagnosis with the vaccines, but cannot demonstrate a cause and effect relationship.

There is still a lot of research being done on the matter, but I feel that preventing deadly diseases outweighs the alleged risk of a developmental disability. As a registered nurse and a parent, I believe that it is best to fully immunize all children according to the recommendations of our pediatrician, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Here are some links I sent to my friend so she could learn more about this matter:

The Centers for Disease Control’s National Immunization website states, “The weight of currently available scientific evidence does not support the hypothesis that vaccines cause autism. We recognize there is considerable public interest in this issue, and therefore support additional research regarding this hypothesis. CDC is committed to maintaining the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history.”

According to Stephen Barrett, M.D., “The fact that autism is diagnosed during the second or third year of life does not mean that it began at that age. Analyses of home movies made from birth onward have shown that most children who are diagnosed as autistic during the second or third year have abnormal signs during the first year — and some even show abnormalities at birth.”

Dr. Barrett’s website also discusses thimerosal, the mercury based preservative that was once used in immunizations. “An Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee, which issued a comprehensive report in October 2001, found no proof of a link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, speech or language delays, or other neurodevelopmental disorders.” Though this chemical was never proven to cause autism in the normal doses, it has been removed from young children’s vaccines due to public concern.

Childhood Immunizations and Autism: Factual or Fanatical? is a site that presents definitions, studies, etc. in a rough outline format. The author draws the following three conclusions:

“No study has conclusively shown that the MMR vaccine causes autism. On the contrary, the majority of studies, including the large-scale study performed by the Institute of Medicine, have shown no association.”

“There has been no consistent association found between use of thimerosal in childhood vaccinations and autism. However, as a precautionary measure, use of thimerosal in vaccine preparations is decreasing.”

“Regardless of what the science says, this issue will continue to be debated for years to come.”

I hope this helps ease my friend’s mind, as well as anyone else who might be concerned with the association between autism and childhood immunizations. Please talk to your child’s pediatrician if you still have concerns. Keep in mind that if you choose not to immunize your children, you will not be allowed to enroll them in most schools, day cares, summer camps, sports, etc.