Consumer: March 2010 Archives

Warning to moms with infants: The U.S. government is readying a safety warning about baby slings - the cloth infant carriers parents can sling around their chests to carry a baby hands-free.

There have been reports of injuries from falls and suffocation when infants are either held too closely against the body or tangled in clothing.

Inez Tenenbaum, head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced today that her agency is preparing a general warning for the public that will probably be released later this week.

"We know of too many deaths in these slings and we now know the hazard scenarios for very small babies," Tenenbaum said at meeting of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. "So the time has come to alert parents and caregivers."

In 2008, Consumer Reports listed about two dozen serious injuries, most occurring when children fell from the slings. A follow-up blog warned of suffocation risks and linked the slings to at least seven infant deaths. Other product complaints were made prior to these as well.

For more information visit www.cpsc.gov.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Clyde Stewart, a Riverside author and minister, has released a new book, "Life Without the Father," that delves into the role of fatherhood.

In the book, Stewart recounts his experiences as a young black man growing up without a father and shares his experiences as a teenager with a child.

"The book contains spiritual and natural insights that will help men fulfill their responsibilities as fathers," Stewart said. "If a man takes God's perspective on the importance of being a father, knowing he will be the deciding factor in fulfilling a child's destiny, I believe men will view their role in a more serious light."

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide or at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, www.barnesandnoble.com or www.amazon.com.

Stewart worked in the penal institutions of Calif. before starting Stewart's Home for Boys, a community center that helped steer the lives of about 650 juvenile delinquents and more than 100 foster children. He was then called to the ministry and founded San Bernardino Westside Christian Center. Stewart is married with two adult children.

Murrieta author Denise L. Bradford's new children's book, "Little Jon and the Tumbleweed Travesty" celebrates nationwide release this week.

The story is about a curious, you boot named Little Jon. When prickly tumbleweeds roll into town, Little John must find his way through some not so ordinary dilemmas.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available in bookstores nationwide or at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, www.barnesandnoble.com or www.amazon.com.

Bradford has been married for 23 year and has five children, two of which are currently serving in the armed forces.

Savvy Chic Kids Consignment will hold its spring sale March 14 and 15 at 10081 Indiana Ave. in Riverside.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Savvy Chick was created by three Inland region moms, Lisa Walcker, Sara Gillespie and Yoli Merklin about a year and a half ago. The women gathered consignors with gently used items priced 50 to 90 percent below retail and began holding twice-yearly sales (spring and fall) to help families purchase items for their children for discounted prices.

The first sale took place in October, 2008 with 50 consigners. This year's spring sale has approximately 150 participating consignors.

"We see this as a way to give back to the community by providing a venue for families to both make money and purchase necessities such as clothes, shoes, furniture, baby gear, bedding, toys and maternity wear at discount prices," Walcker said.

After the sale, some consignors allow SCKC to donate unsold items to Inland charities and churches that serve women and children. For the spring sale, SCKC will be donating to Family Service Association, La Sierra University Church's Community Services, San Bernardino Pregnancy Resource Center and Helping Hands.

Here's the schedule for the spring sale:
TUE, March 09 - 9am-6pm Consignor Drop Offs
WED, March 10 - 9am-6pm Consignor Drop Offs
THU, March 11 - 9am-6pm Consignor Drop Offs
FRI, March 12 - 11pm-4pm Volunteer Pre-Sale
FRI, March 12 - 2:00pm-4pm Consignor Pre-Sale
SAT, March 13 - 6pm-9pm VIP PRE-SALE (Pass Required)**
SUN, March 14 - 9am-9pm PUBLIC SALE
MON, March 15 - 9am-10am Discount Pre-Sale (Volunteers Only)
MON, March 15 - 10am-6pm DISCOUNT DAY (Many Items 1/2 Off)
TUE, March 16 - 3pm-6pm Consignor Pick-Ups
**Purchase pass at http://www.savvychickids.com/Savvy_Chic_Kids/SCHEDULE.html