How to Plan for Unexpected Emergencies

By Laura Hunter Jennifer Walker

February 27, 2020

Photo: Kayla Hunter

As pediatric nurses and moms with eight kids between us, we know that kids rarely get sick or injured at a ‘convenient’ time. In fact, if your life is anything like ours, these things happen at just about the absolute worst time possible.

You may be heading on the trip of a lifetime to Disney World and hear the words no parent longs to hear: “I don’t feel so…(insert vomiting).” Maybe ten kids are coming over for the-best-2-year-old-birthday-party-ever! Ten minutes before everyone arrives, the birthday boy is laying on the floor sleeping and at first you think, “That is so sweet,” (famous last words); then you think, “This kid never stops at this time of the day, and he looks a little flushed.” Holding your breath, you reach down to feel his forehead with your Mom-ometer and sure enough, he is on fire!

One of the main things we have dealt with in our homes and as after-hours nurses are the 2 a.m. calls that include everything from fever, vomiting and diarrhea to eye drainage and croup. The one consistent thing about injuries is that they are always unexpected. From the minor knee scrapes at the zoo to face plants when learning to walk—we have been there!

So, how do we plan for the unexpected at home and everywhere else our kids exist?

The answer is simple. We create two kits: one for on-the-go and one for home.

On-the-go First Aid Kit

This is a small, secure backpack to throw in the car or in your stroller. It should include an index card with emergency names and numbers, poison control number, pediatrician’s number and any allergies or medical issues. This kit should include:

Minor cuts and scrapes:

BandAids®
Anti-bacterial wash
Pack of 4”x4” gauze and 2”x2” gauze
Ace Bandage
Medical tape

Itching and/or allergic reactions:

Hydrocortisone 0.5%
Diphenhydramine

Fever:

Digital thermometer
Children’s acetaminophen (pay attention to dosage instructions)
Medicine dosage syringes
Acetaminophen suppositories (to deliver meds when vomiting kids have a fever)

Miscellaneous:

Tweezers
Squeezable ice pack

At-Home First Aid Kit

Ideally, this kit should have a combination lock; at the least, it should be kept well out of reach of curious kiddos. Like the on-the-go kit, this kit should include a card with emergency names and numbers, poison control number, pediatrician’s number and any allergies or medical issues. The at-home first aid kit should include everything listed above, plus a few additions:

Congestion:

Saline nose drops

Gas/constipation:

Gas drops (can give drops directly or mix in with formula or expressed breast milk)
Glycerin suppositories (for true constipation)

Miscellaneous:

Pedialyte® to replenish electrolytes (Pedialyte® freezer pops are great, too!)
Vaseline®

As with all medications, always check with your pediatrician for instructions on when to give and dosage. Many pediatricians have a “medication dosage” guide that will give you instructions on dosage by weight of many of the approved over-the-counter medications.

Minor injuries and illnesses are a normal part of parenthood. Always remember your children are strong, adaptable and resilient—and so are you. There will always be a first bump on the head, a first virus…and you’ll both get through it and come out stronger because of it. Be prepared, trust your gut and remember that you’re the very best parent for your little one. You’ve got this!

Laura Hunter Jennifer Walker

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We’re Laura Hunter and Jennifer Walker, also known as Moms On Call. We’re pediatric nurses with 20+ years of experience, plus eight kids between us—including two sets of twins! We understand parents because we are parents. We started Moms On Call to cut through the noise with honest, common-sense advice.

Help…My Kids Are Sick!!

By Robyn Suhling

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 22, 2020

If taking care of kids is hard work, then taking care of sick kids is indentured servitude.

It starts out innocently enough. Your poor baby has a fever and the look on his tired, pale little face is enough to send you running for his every heart’s desire. You cook, clean, launder, check temperatures, buy bulk Ibuprofen and Tylenol and administer it around the clock. You change sheets, empty wastebaskets filled with tissues, call the doctor, take him to appointments, follow up appointments and end-result appointments. You play board games and craft, you puzzle, read and watch movies. You lay next to him until he falls asleep and check the fan and humidifier before leaving the room.

You fall into a deep slumber the moment your head hits the pillow knowing you must wake up every three hours during the night to check his temperature in the dark. You stumble blindly, half asleep down the hall with your iPhone light as your guide and silently try to stick the thermometer in his ear. In the dark, you squint as you try to make sense of the numbers blinking on the thermometer and then try to remember if you gave Ibuprofen or Tylenol as his last dose. You may have to stumble back down the hall to check the list you made with every temp taken along with medicine dispensed at any given time throughout the day. Once the correct medicine is determined you wake your fever-induced, groggy child and ask them to guzzle 10 ML of a syrupy, cherry-flavored liquid that will hopefully secure him and you a few more hours of desperately needed shut-eye.

Now imagine that you have not one but two little boys, both equally sick with the flu. Take everything I’ve said and multiply it times two. I know…its not a pretty picture. The truth is that as hard as it is to manage two sick kids….that’s not the hardest part. Oh no, the real fun begins when one of them begins to feel better. Not, go back to school better, but well enough to be out of bed. The homemade chicken broth you so lovingly tried to spoon into their mouths is now turned away for “real food.”

“Mom, what I’d really like is a burger from the Habit”, my 7-year-old told me on one such afternoon. “How about a turkey sandwich?” I countered, hoping it might sound equally as appetizing. But alas, after four days of little to no food, nothing was going to go down as smoothly as a burger from the Habit. I looked down at the same sweatpants I’d been wearing for four days and figured wearing slippers wasn’t going to be my worst crime and climbed into the car.

Now most people might have told their sick child no, but after four days of being inside, the short ride felt like freedom. I rolled down the windows, turned up the music and sped off into the warm day. Once I returned home and the meal had been consumed, my son wanted to know what we were going to do. As though neither of us had been doing anything for the last several days. I suggested puzzles, coloring, past due homework, games, reading. Any independent activity that I could think of. But none seemed to appease him. What he really wanted was for me to come up with something amazing that we could do together. The problem was that nothing I suggested was hitting the mark. As fun as this game was, I sill had another sicker child that needed my attention, so I parked my younger son in front of our electronic babysitter and hightailed it upstairs to attend to his every need.

The entertaining and nurse-maiding went on for another two days until suddenly, one fine morning, my older son announced he too was ready to leave the land of his bedroom. Now suddenly, I had two half-well kids who both wanted me to entertain them at the same time and were suddenly well enough to fight about every single menial thing throughout the day. One wanted grilled cheese and the other pasta. One wanted to play Xbox and the other wanted the tv. And where they didn’t align, an argument would erupt. Arguing between two sick children sounds something like this “I (cough cough cough) am telling (blow nose) mom (cough, blow, repeat). You’re (hack up a lung) the worst (sniffle, sniffle, suck up snot) brother ever (dissolve into a fit of tears from the energy expended during the argument).”

When four people have been stuck inside together for six days the chance to leave is a coveted prize. My husband had to fly out for work on the 6th day and couldn’t contain his excitement over leaving. He hopped into that chauffeured sedan with barely a backward glace and drove off into a land where people get to go not only outside, but outside of the country. As we head into day seven, I am losing my ability to cope. I can no longer keep track of the Tamiflu doses and the fever reducers. My lists are tossed carelessly aside, jumbled up in the wastebasket with the used tissues. The soup now comes from a packet I mixed with some lukewarm water. The only thing holding me together is the hope that they will be well enough on Monday to go to school.

Robyn Suhling

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am the proud mom of 2 energetic little boys, an 11 year old dog and sometimes my husband! Life moves pretty fast, if you dont look around once in a while...then you can pretend you dont see the piled up dirty laundry, dishes and never ending trails of toys!

Carnival Cruise Line Is Becoming Sensory Inclusive & Your Vacay Just Got Better

by Erica LoopDecember 13, 2019

Carnival Cruise Line recently became the first line of its kind to earn a “sensory inclusive” certification!

The nonprofit KultureCity awarded the first certification in October, with all of the line’s South Florida-based ships following. According to a press release, Carnival plans to certify the rest of its fleet by March 2020.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KultureCity (@kulturecity)

Vicky Rey, Carnival’s vice president of guest care and communications and the company’s ADA Responsibility Officer, said in a press statement, “Carnival Cruise Line and KultureCity share a heartfelt commitment to acceptance and inclusivity. Working together, all of our guests can maximize their enjoyment and be the truest versions of themselves during their time on board.”

Along with comprehensive staff training on sensory and other needs relating to autism, ADHD, PTSD and Down syndrome, Carnival Cruise Line will also equip its certified ships with KultureCity sensory bags—each of which contains a variety of calming items, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and a visual feeling thermometer.

photo: Kellie Klumb via Unsplash

Dr. Julian Maha, co-founder, KultureCity, said of the collab and certification, “We’re proud and grateful to partner with Carnival Cruise Line, offering guests with sensory needs an opportunity to more fully enjoy their vacations and create wonderful memories with their friends, families and loved ones. We appreciate Carnival Cruise Line for taking this important step in making their vacations accessible to everyone.”

Carnival didn’t stop at a sensory inclusive certification, either. The cruise line is also the first operator to complete an additional special needs certification program. The program, offered by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, includes 17 continuing education credits of training in subjects such as autism, Down syndrome, mobility issues and other special needs.

The certification, bags and other upgrades are getting plenty of well-deserved attention. Renowned autism advocate and author Dr. Temple Grandin recently said of Carnival’s latest efforts, “Carnival Cruise Line is to be commended for training their staff about autism and offering sensory bags that will enable individuals with autism and their families to have an enjoyable cruise.”

For more information on Carnival’s guest services, visit the cruise line’s website here.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

This Non-Profit Is Helping to Make More Public Places Sensory Friendly

7 Autism-Friendly Amusement Parks Everyone Will Love

Here’s What to Do When Baby Has a Fever

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseSeptember 5, 2019

Getting baby fever and dreaming about having a child is a lot more fun than watching your baby come down with a fever. Read on for all the facts on how to recognize and treat a baby or toddler’s fever, plus the baby thermometers you’ll want in your medicine cabinet.

photo: iStock

Why do babies get a fever?

Babies can come down with a fever from an illness, infection and certain vaccinations.

What constitutes a fever for babies, and when should I call the doctor?

According to the Mayo Clinic, here’s when to be concerned and call your doctor:
• Babies under 3 months: rectal temperature of 100.4F or higher.
• Babies between 3 and 6 months: rectal temperature up to 102F and is irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable, or rectal temperature higher than 102F.
• Babies between 6 and 24 months: If the rectal temperature is higher than 102F but there are no other symptoms, you can wait a day before calling. If there are other symptoms, such as a cough, cold or diarrhea, you may want to call sooner.
• If the fever lasts for more than three days, call the doctor again.

But remember, these are only guidelines. When in doubt, or if you have questions or concerns, call your health-care provider for guidance.

What can I expect when my baby has a fever?

Babies with a fever may appear fine, or they may cry and seem uncomfortable. The Mayo Clinic recommends you contact your doctor if your child is unusually fussy or acting abnormally and it doesn’t improve after taking medications to bring down the fever. (Read on for guidelines of what medications to give and when to give them.)

Other symptoms that warrant a call to the doctor include: trouble breathing, rash or signs of dehydration, such as no tears when crying, no wet diapers for 8-10 hours, refusal to drink fluids or a dry mouth.

Starting at 6 months, children can experience something called a febrile seizure, which can cause them to convulse and lose consciousness. If you suspect your child is having a febrile seizure, lay them on their side or stomach on the ground and loosen any tight clothing. Remove nearby sharp objects and hold your child to prevent them from injuring themselves. When the seizure stops, contact your doctor immediately.

photo: Free-Photos via Pixabay

How do I treat my baby’s fever?

Rest and fluids are important for bringing down your child’s fever. Make your child as comfortable as possible by keeping the room temperature cool, dressing them in lightweight layers, and putting a blanket on them only if they appear cold so you don’t overheat them. When bathing your child, do it in lukewarm water.

Do not give any medication to babies under 6 weeks old. Call your doctor before giving any medication to a child under 6 months old. Between 6 weeks and 6 months, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) is recommended. After 6 months, you can also give your child ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin). Do not ever give aspirin to children under age 18.

Look for products marked “infant formula” and carefully read the label for the proper dose for your child’s age.

If the fever doesn’t respond to medication, it’s time to call the doctor again.

What kind of thermometer should I use?

First of all, if you have an old mercury thermometer lying around, get it to a hazardous waste collection site. They’re not safe for anyone to use.

Instead, for babies and toddlers, you’ll want a digital thermometer, which can be used in the rectum, armpit or mouth, as well as a temporal artery thermometer (also known as a forehead thermometer). There are also digital thermometers you insert into the ear, but they’re not recommended for newborns.

Digital thermometers record body temperature through electronic heat sensors. A rectal reading is considered the most accurate by the American Academy of Pediatrics, especially for younger babies. If you use a thermometer rectally, label it clearly so you don’t later use it in a child’s mouth. Oral readings are tricky for babies because they can’t keep the thermometer in the right spot for the minute it takes to get an accurate reading, so save those for older kids.

Before using a digital thermometer, clean it with warm, soapy water and rinse with cool water so the water temperature doesn’t affect the reading. After using a digital thermometer, clean it with rubbing alcohol or warm, soapy water.

Forehead thermometers record the temperature of the temporal artery through an infrared scanner. Parents love temporal artery thermometers because they give accurate readings with minimal inconvenience to the baby, and can even be used when baby is sleeping.

Thermometers We Love

Smart Baby Thermometer from VAVA
Apply the small silicone patch (FDA approved and made with medical-grade adhesive) to your baby’s armpit and this wireless thermometer will beep and blink red LED lights if their temperature rises above 100°F. Thanks to a 24-hour battery life, temps are monitored all night long. The device also notifies you about low battery, disconnection and if the device falls off your baby. The large, backlit temperature reading is easy to see in the dark, or you can move the device to whatever room you’re in to track the readings.

Available at vava.com, $79.99.

Infrared No-Touch Forehead Thermometer from iHealth Labs
This temporal artery thermometer (shown above) gives a reading in 1 second and vibrates when done (no annoying beep to wake or startle your baby!). Place it against the center of the forehead, one inch above the skin. The large backlit LED screen clearly gives the reading on the back of the device.

Available on amazon.com, $26.99

iProvèn Digital Thermometer
This digital thermometer measures a fever in 10 seconds, and has a waterproof, flexible tip for easy cleaning and more comfortable readings.

Available on amazon.com, $13.49

Kinsa Smart Thermometer
This digital thermometer has a large display and gives readings in 8 seconds or less. It connects to a smartphone app so you can track baby’s temperature readings as well as their symptoms and medications you’ve given them.

Available on amazon.com, $15.99

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

An A-to-Z Guide to Natural Skincare Products for Babies & Toddlers

10 Products & Services All New Parents Should Know About

Vital Items Every Parent Needs for an At-Home First Aid Kit

by Kaitlyn KirbyJune 4, 2019

Let’s face it, parenting is messy. We’re not just talking about the cracker crumbs in the bottom of your purse or the muddy footprints tracked throughout the house—we’re talking all of the boo-boos, scrapes and ouchies that come in between. In order to help you be prepared for whatever the day brings, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about stocking a first-aid kit for your home. Keep reading to find out more.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year more than 9.2 million children are treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries, including burns, falls and even poisoning. The best way to prepare yourself? Assemble a home first aid kit. "Appropriate members of the household should know where the kit is stored and how to use each item," says Greg Walker, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "The items in the kit will be of little use unless you know how to use them."

While you're assembling your kit, The Red Cross advises being sure to include any "personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest," as well as all of the items listed below.

2 5x9 absorbent compress dressings

25 adhesive bandages in assorted sizes (see these biodegradable bandaids)

1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

5 antibiotic ointment packets (one gram or more)

5 antiseptic wipe packets

Pediatric-approved pain reliever (such as Children’s Advil)

1 emergency blanket

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress (there's also this kid-friendly hands-free version)

Nonlatex gloves (two pairs, size: large)

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (one gram or more)

1 3 inch gauze roll (roller) bandage

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass), also within the Deluxe All Purpose First Aid Kit

2 triangular bandages

Tweezers

Emergency First Aid guide

Your At-Home First Aid Kit Is Assembled—Now What?

We rounded up a few tips and tricks—everything from having back-up kits in your vehicles to natural remedies—that'll help make caring for your kids easier.

Keep a First Aid Kit in the Car

According to the CDC, "road traffic injuries result in as many as 50 million injuries per year," so it never hurts to be prepared on the go! The Mayo Clinic suggests all vehicle first aid kits should include adhesive tape, assorted bandage strips, super glue, eye shields and patches, cold packs, cotton balls and swabs, non-latex gloves, petroleum jelly, safety pins, scissors, tweezers and even duct tape.

Ask for Larger Medication Refills

For any prescriptions, either you or your family members take, consider asking your doctor for 60 or even 90-day refills instead of a month's supply. "That way, you’re more likely to have extras on hand for your [first aid kit]," says Geoffrey C. Wall, Pharm.D., professor of pharmacy practice at Drake University. Bonus? It could also save you money! And, don't forget to always store medicine in a safe place, away from kids' reach.

Invest in a Good Thermometer

"If your child feels warmer than usual to your touch, is sweating, shivering or seems ill, you will want to take his or her temperature before calling the doctor," recommends Nationwide Children's. "It can also show if a certain medicine is working to fight an infection." Invest in a good thermometer that can take rectal readings if you have a newborn (digital ear thermometers aren't recommended for newborns, according to the Mayo Clinic) or a digital thermometer as these are best suited for all ages—newborn, infants, children, and adults.

Keep a Variety Over-the-Counter Medicines on Hand

Over-the-counter medicines like an anti-histamine for allergic reactions, as well as a pediatric-approved pain reliever (such as Children’s Advil), should be kept on hand for pain relief. Remember that "aspirin should not be used to relieve flu symptoms or be taken by children," warns Dr. Greg Walker, MD of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Stock Congestion Relievers

Your little one might be struggling with congestion, but it's important to note that many over-the-counter cold medicines can cause serious harm to small children. Instead, stock your first aid kit with a bulb syringe (or the ever-popular Nose Frida) to remove liquid from your child's nose. You can also use salt water (saline) nose spray or drops to loosen dried mucus in kids, per the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Put two to three drops in each nostril. Do this one side at a time," says the AAP. "Then suck out the liquid or have your child blow his or her nose." If you don't have saline spray, warm water will work just fine.

Be Ready for Wound Care

Childhood is full of scrapes, cuts, burns and occasionally, larger wounds. The Mayo Clinic recommends cleaning the wound with water (not hydrogen peroxide as this can be irritating!) and removing any debris with tweezers sterilized with alcohol.

Download First Aid Apps

Sick kids? Yes, there's an app for that too! There are dozens of helpful apps that provide information on treating little patients, like the Baby and Child First Aid App from the British Red Cross. There is even a CVS MinuteClinic Video Appointment where you can see a doctor right from your phone!

Don't Forget the Natural Remedies

While you're revamping your home's first aid station, it's important not to overlook the natural remedies you can use for basic ailments. Adding a bottle of elderberry syrup to your kit can help ease your child's cold symptoms, while baking soda can treat bee stings, and honey will soothe a sore throat! Essential oils (like these kid-safe blends from Oilogic) can also provide relief from various ailments, including allergies and bug bites. See our other first aid hacks here.

—Kaitlyn Kirby

12 Mom-Tested Home Remedies to Fight Colds & Flu

What Every Mom Has in Her Purse

This Is How to Keep Your Baby Safe During Bath Time

By Geneuviève Thibault

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 29, 2018

January is National Bath Safety Month, so now is a good time for a few tips on keeping baby safe in the bathtub. Babies are wiggly little people. They don’t follow instructions and when they’re all wet, they become slippery, wiggly little people! Not all babies love baths, but most do and as long as you follow a few rules for tub time, you will too.

Sponge bathing is the right place to begin

There is a lot to be said for a good sponge bath for newborns. After all, they don’t have the ability to regulate their body temperatures very well so a full immersion might be more than they can handle! Sponge bathing allows you to keep baby warm with towels and only wash the parts that need it: face, diaper area, and hands.

Full immersion isn’t recommended until the umbilical cord stump falls off anyway, as it is best to keep that area dry to avoid complications like infection. Wait the week or two it will take for the stump to dry up and fall off before considering a full bath for baby.

Moving on to a baby bath is your next step

When you and baby are ready to move beyond sponge bathing, the next best bet is a baby sized bath. Whether you put a baby bath in the tub or go directly to the kitchen sink, choose a warm environment and make sure that you can can stand or sit comfortably. Attempting to get the baby out of the bath if you’re awkwardly positioned could be dangerous! Remember: slippery and wiggly!

Babies don’t need a daily bath; in fact, too many baths can dry out their skin. Every few days, fill up a baby tub or the kitchen sink with around three or four inches of warm water. Why a baby bath? A standard bathtub is hard to manage until baby can sit up. A baby tub will give you the ability to control the water depth and baby’s movements, with its gentle slope.

Have a hand supporting the head and neck as you slip them in, feet first. They can get used to the water more easily this way, which is less likely to trigger crying!
Start washing at the top and work your way down; and don’t use too much soap, as it can be drying. Less is more in this case.
When done, lift them out the same way they went in and get them wrapped up in a warm, snuggly towel.
Don’t let bath time run long: the water will cool quickly and baby won’t enjoy that!

Since you can’t step away from a baby in a bath for even a second—children have drowned in less than an inch of water!—have all the things you’ll need handy:

Towels; more than one is a good idea… just in case!
A thermometer designed for baths, to make sure that the water temperature isn’t too hot or too cold.
A soft face cloth for washing all the parts.
Mild, baby formula soap.
A plastic cup for pouring water on their heads and on their bodies throughout the bath, which helps keep them warm.
A shampoo cap, which keeps the soap out of your baby’s eyes when rinsing.
A bath toy, for older kids.
Fresh diaper and clothes.

When can you transition baby to a standard tub?

When your baby can sit without being held up, you can transition to a regular tub. They are still wiggly and slippery though, so you still need to be very careful before, during and after!

With all these tips, both you and your baby can enjoy bath time—safely.

Featured Photo Courtesy: bblüv

Geneuviève Thibault

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Geneuviève Thibault is the co-founder of bblüv baby essentials. Geneuviève and her husband launched bblüv to provide thoughtfully created, well-designed, safe and durable baby products that will make life simpler for the modern parent.

Do I Really Have to Use Those Sanitizing Wipes on my Shopping Cart?

By Nadia North

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 18, 2017

Most grocery stores offer sanitizing wipes as an option to wipe down your cart before starting your grocery shopping. I really do appreciate the opportunity to decontaminate my shopping cart, especially with cold and flu season in the air. After all, I have read that shopping carts are one of the germiest things we touch in public… When you think about it, diaper-aged kiddos sit in the cart… Add in any kind of meat juices, plus any germs from the previous cart pusher…. YEEESH.

Shopping Cart Study

In 2012, University of Arizona microbiologist Charles Gerba, PhD, sometimes called “Dr. Germ” conducted a study on total numbers of bacteria on grocery shopping cart handles and seats. The results of this study found the shopping cart seats and handles to be bacteria-laden, and suggested the need for improved sanitation of shopping cards/baskets.

This study was conducted 5 years ago. After 5 years of wiping down shopping carts, and many parents using blankets/cloth seat protectors for their kids, I wondered if shopping cart conditions have improved. And truthfully, I really dislike using those wipes. I don’t like getting my hands all wet, and it seems to take forever for the cleaning solution to dry on the handle.

So, I decided to bring my own agar plates and sterile cotton swabs to the grocery store, and test out the handles of shopping carts myself (I did not test the seats).

Background: How I Grew Bacteria at Home

Agar Plates and Growing Bacteria

I purchased some luria broth agar plates (thank you, Amazon – they truly sell everything!), which are used to grow environmental bacteria, including E. coli. Other types of agar plates are used to grow pathogenic bacteria- I did not want to grow any of those in our home! I should also note here that only bacteria can be grown on agar plates – no viruses.

Incubator

When it was time to grow the bacteria, I placed the agar plates in an upside-down position in a homemade incubator with a temperature between 85 and 100 degrees F. For the homemade incubator, I used a plastic bin, a thermometer, and a heating light bulb as a heat source.

After 1-2 days in the incubator, I watched for the appearance of small bacterial colonies (usually white or yellow dots) on the surface of the agar plates. You need millions of bacteria in one spot just to see one dot on the agar plate.

My Shopping Cart Sampling Method

I went to two different Meijer stores, and sampled 4 different carts on 4 separate shopping trips. Meijer stores have Purell sanitizing wipes available for use next to the shopping cart corral, so I used Purell sanitizing wipes in this experiment..

So that my results would be fair, my comparison of wiped/unwiped cart handles were performed on the same cart – I used a Purell wipe on 1/2 of the shopping cart handle, and left the other 1/2 untreated. I scrubbed 1/2 of each cart handle thoroughly with the Purell wipe, and waited until it was dry before using my sterile cotton swab to test the surface of the handle, and then applied the swab to my agar plate. I left the other half of the handle untreated, and carefully swabbed the untreated 1/2 as well. Then, I put the plates in an incubator for 1-2 days to grow bacteria.

Shopping Cart Handle Results

I was surprised to find that overall, the shopping cart handles were pretty clean!

My results from 4 different shopping trips provided 7 total colonies of bacteria (not very much at all!) from unsanitized shopping cart handles vs. 1 colony from handles treated with Purell. For comparison purposes, we grew hundreds of bacterial colonies when I tested my kids’ dirty hands after playing outside. And on one sampling day, I was unable to grow any bacteria from the shopping cart handle – sanitized or not – it had been raining for about 24 hours, and I wonder if the rain helped to make this cart extra clean (my cart was dry when I got it, but it could have been rinsed off with rain and already dried).

Conclusion

So, should I use the sanitizing wipes? Sure. They do a good job of killing most bacteria. I was only able to grow 1 colony of bacteria from all 4 of my sanitizing wipe samples. Also, remember that I only focused on bacteria – the ingredients in Purell wipes are also effective in killing certain viruses.

But do I have to? If you are like me, and don’t really love the wipes, I think it’s okay to skip them. In lieu of the wipes, I use hand sanitizer when I get into my car after a grocery trip. And, as soon as I get home but before I put my groceries away, I always wash my hands with soap and water.

The best solution for your cart-riding child? I would never take any risks with a baby/small child. I would not use the sanitizing wipes and assume that your child is safe from all bacteria and viruses. Instead, make sure that they do not touch the shopping cart handle at all – ensure that the area that your baby rides in is covered with a blanket or shopping cart cover. Even years ago, I always used a cloth grocery cart cover when shopping with my kids, and washed it when we returned home from a shopping trip. Totally worth it!

Featured Photo Courtesy: Wendell

Nadia North

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Nadia North is a science teacher, mom, wife, and blogger. She writes about her fun and easy science experiments (plus other cool stuff that intersts her- like yummy food and home projects) at Adventures in Wonderlab. She enjoys drinking (too much) coffee, running (off the crazy), and hanging out with her awesome family!

Caramel Pear Mice

by FoodNetwork.comOctober 22, 2015

Make this Halloween extra sweet by whipping up a batch of your very own caramels. Turn this cooking activity into a learning moment as you show your kids how to measure ingredients and read a thermometer. This recipe comes to us courtesy of FoodNetwork.com. Be sure to click over to FoodNetwork.com for more great recipe ideas.

Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
Makes: About 32 Pieces
Level: Intermediate

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
4 small ripe pears, such as Anjou or Forelle (about 2 pounds)
36 (6-inch) wooden skewers
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Pinch salt
Black sesame seeds for eyes
Pink or yellow candy buttons, for decoration nose

Method:
1. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Just before you make the caramel, core and cut pears into eight wedges, blunting the cut side so that it can lay on a flat surface peel side up. Place a skewer into each wedge, cover with paper towel, and set aside.

3. Combine sugars, corn syrup, butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, vanilla and nutmeg in a heavy sauce pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. When the mixture has come to a brisk boil, slowly add in the remaining cream, keep the mixture boiling. Be sure to wipe any extra sugar from the side of the pot. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot with the tip immersed. Boil the mixture briskly, stirring gently, until the mixture registers 240 degrees F on the candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat. Pour the caramel into a medium heat proof bowl using a rubber spatula so that you do not scrape the bottom of the pot. Let caramel rest until it thickens and cools slightly, about 3 minutes.

4. Blot excess moisture from the pears using the paper towels. Dip pears completely into caramel, swirling until it is fully coated, allow excess to drip off slightly. Place on prepared sheet pan. Decorate with black sesame seeds for eyes and candy button noses, while the caramel is still soft. Repeat until all the pears are dipped. Allow to cool until firm about 30 minutes. Serve.

Cook’s Note: As the caramel cools during dipping, it may stiffen and be too thick or slide off on the pear. Just reheat in microwave, checking at 20 second intervals until at the desired dipping consistency.

FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and up to 35 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine’s rate base has grown tenfold and is now the second largest monthly magazine on the newsstand, with over 11.6 million readers.

Mini Meatloaf Muffins

by writerredtriJanuary 4, 2015

As a rule of thumb, any food shaped like a cupcake is a good idea. These little dinner treats, courtesy of Our Family Eats, pack in the protein and vegetables. They cook up fast and are easy to freeze for later, making your busy weeknights twice as easy. Meatloaf recipes are pretty versatile, so feel free to play around with the vegetable and spice ingredients to make this your own.

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 teaspoon oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 slices of bread (regular or gluten free), processed into coarse breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce, or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 large eggs
cooking spray

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onion, carrot, oregano, and garlic. Saute 2 minutes.

3. Combine onion mixture, 1/2 cup ketchup, and remaining ingredients except cooking spray in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix well.

4. Spoon meat mixture into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Top each with 2 tablespoons ketchup.

5. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer registers 160 degrees. Let stand 5 minutes. Serves 12.

You can serve immediately, or put them into a freezer safe bag. These can be frozen for about 2 months. To serve from frozen, place in the refrigerator the night before to thaw. If you aren’t able to plan ahead, pull them straight from the freezer into the microwave on defrost setting for 3-4 minutes. Then microwave on high for about 3 minutes, or until hot.

Have you tried these meatloaf bites? Tell us below!

Susan Schuman is a working mom with two small kids and a hungry husband. She writes Our Family Eats to share ideas for fun, wholesome meals that anyone can fit into their hectic schedule. You can connect with Susan on Twitter @ourfamilyeats.

Product Inventions We Want to See in 2015

by Jo AaronDecember 25, 2014

We came up with over-the-top baby product inventions that are totally faux, but we think they stand a chance at hitting store shelves. Think the Binky Headgear sounds ridiculous? If tee pees for pee pees can sell, we say, why not? Check out our phony baby inventions and tell us if you think they’re business proposal-worthy or just plain busted.

The Mommy-n-Me Sleep Mask
What it does: Matching mom-n-baby silky sleep masks are for little divas who can’t stand to sleep in anything but complete darkness. Just like mommy, the Queen Diva.
Why we want it: The mini version of mommy’s anything is so darn cute and it can actually get baby to fall asleep? Jackpot!

photo:MissMinx and sima dimitric via flickr

Doctor Sticker
What it does: Like a stick-on thermometer, Doctor Sticker can be slapped on your kid to diagnose basic illnesses. Can’t get in to see your pediatrician? Doctor Sticker can be used anywhere, anytime when baby seems sick.
Why we want it: Within a few minutes, text pops up on the dotted line that may read something like, “It’s just a cold,” “Oh, no, stomach flu,” or “There’s nothing wrong. This must be your first child.”

The Baby Formula Keurig-Thing-a-Ma-Jig
What it does: For those who go the formula route but can’t stand the smell of it, try the Baby Formula Keurig-Thing-a-Ma-Jig. Brew fresh formula in seconds in different flavors so your whole kitchen will smell like vanilla, instead of stinking like, well, uh, formula.
Why we want it: Because formula smells pretty nasty but baby has to eat!

photo: Ginny and Stephen Cummings via flickr

Binky Headgear
What it does: Baby’s binky is strapped right into his mouth using a headgear-like contraption. Sure, it might give your junior high flashbacks that you’ve been trying to forget since you were 12, but at least you won’t have to pick a binky up off of the floor every 20 seconds.
Why we want it: Because picking up baby’s binky off of the floor every 20 seconds is eating away at our sanity.

Baby Changer Va-poo-rizer
What it does: This baby changer is more than just a changing table — it also has a built-in vaporizer that sucks up the stank. So the next time baby makes a mess …you know, one of those that requires a three-diaper change … the changer will make it smell like it never happened.
Why we want it: Because some diaper changes are so stinky, we actually need to move out of the house.

photo: Jesse! S? and Quinn Dombrowski via flickr

Baby Walker Floor Polisher
What it does: Teaches baby how to walk and shines your floors like the top of the Chrysler Builder while you lazily watch both from the couch.
Why we want it: The soft microfiber pads on the bottom of your baby’s walker polish up your floors with every step she takes, so you won’t know if you’re prouder about the walking or her actually doing chores around the house!

What do you think? Love them or leave them? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Jo Aaron

Laura Hunter Jennifer Walker

Related reads

Robyn Suhling

Related reads

Related reads

Why do babies get a fever?

What constitutes a fever for babies, and when should I call the doctor?

What can I expect when my baby has a fever?

How do I treat my baby’s fever?

What kind of thermometer should I use?

Thermometers We Love

Related reads

Your At-Home First Aid Kit Is Assembled—Now What?

Keep a First Aid Kit in the Car

Ask for Larger Medication Refills

Invest in a Good Thermometer

Keep a Variety Over-the-Counter Medicines on Hand

Stock Congestion Relievers

Be Ready for Wound Care

Download First Aid Apps

Don't Forget the Natural Remedies

Related reads

Sponge bathing is the right place to begin

Moving on to a baby bath is your next step

When can you transition baby to a standard tub?

Geneuviève Thibault

Related reads

Nadia North

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads