These fun and informative workshops will take place all over the 5 boroughs. Find one close to you- Register now!

Historically, society may have found it amusing to stereotype dads as having no clue about diapers, formula, and play dates, but it’s high time to update and share how exactly how involved dads are these days. We see how you care, give, play, make meals, shop, bathe, transport.. the list goes on!

The MEDBASICS team was glad to see that dads and pro-dad supporters spoke up about the recent commercial by Huggies that tarnished the role of the dad in the diaper department. We recognize that roles are shifting in this brave new world of parenting and we support dads who are taking an active role. Special kudos to stay-at-home-dads! Be strong and proud while those ‘mommy’ groups turn into ‘parent’ groups. Or find a dad group like NYC Dads Group where you can hang with other dudes while spending time with your kids. That dad is not baby-sitting, he’s being a dad!

Stair-related injuries are number one among injuries suffered by 1-year old children. Surprised your mostly non-mobile cutie is in such danger? The most consistent and most serious of fall injuries occur when a parent or caregiver trips down the stairs while holding their baby. And what’s more, the worry doesn’t stop at your baby’s first birthday, every year over 100,000 kids under age 5 are taken to hospitals after falling down stairs. So what’s a parent to do?

Here’s a quick reminder list that can help you keep your little one safe on the stairs:

1. Gates at top and bottom of stairs. Remember pressure mounted gates at bottom of stairs but never the top. Also, a gate does no good unless it’s closed. Close the gate, close the gate, close the gate.

2. Avoid carrying objects while going up or down stairs. Little ones alike can get distracted by what they are carrying, it can also block their view. This goes for adults too. Carry things for your child and use great care when doing so. Slow and steady.

3. Good lighting (so you can see!)

4. Nonslip surface, avoid loose or patterned carpet.

5. Hand rails, banisters on both sides is best but absolutely a must on one side. Ideally you should be able to wrap you hand around the banister. Teach your toddler to use the rail every time, up and down.

6. Spills and Stuff. I am as guilty as the next mom of placing my pile of “stuff to go upstairs” on the bottom stair. Although I’m working on this, #6 is a “do as I say not as I do” moment… don’t leave stuff on the stairs. If there is a spill, liquids or otherwise, clean it up immediately.

Just a friendly MEDBASICS reminder to be vigilant about seasonal items that may present a choking hazard to babies and small children.

Easter basket goodies and spring prizes such as jelly beans, hard-boiled eggs, and balloons are prime suspects to keep an eye on. Even the basket itself can be a hazard since wicker is brittle and might leave some small pieces behind.It might sound overly cautious, but it happened to one mom-

I turned around for a second when Jayden was a toddler. When I turned back, he was choking on something. I tried not to panic and the MEDBASICS choking diagram popped into my mind. I gave him the Heimlich without even having to grab it. Reading that little book prepared me to save my toddler. He coughed up the thing (which turned out to be a piece of wicker basket) and went on playing like nothing happened. I fell into a relieved heap.
Thanks, MEDBASICS!

GINA, mom of Jayden

Bring your questions and concerns regarding emergency care of your toddler. Leave empowered and confident that you and / or your caregiver can respond reliably when your child needs you most.

Find out why simply taking a CPR class and calling 911 is not enough.

Learn how to clear a blocked airway, respond to a head injury, use an epinephrine auto injector, basic first aid questions and more.

Hands on instruction and Q&A with Tara Summers-Hermann, RN, BSN, author of Baby MEDBASICS and Toddler MEDBASICS and mom who saved her own child’s life.

Don’t miss this life saving, life changing event!

*MEDBASICS event to follow Children Story Time so bring your little ones!

MEDBASICS, Safety Workshop

Vivi is the youngest Hermann kid, who at 11 months is a little speed demon on all fours. Like every baby, she’s curious about everything and most of it ends up in her mouth. So while the holidays are magical and absolutely my favorite time of year, they do bring along some extra safety challenges to take into consideration. Here are a few tips…

• Make sure Christmas trees are in a secure stand and will hold up to a baby’s tug on a lower branch. Keep the glass and other breakable ornaments up high out of baby’s reach, and if you’re going to hang soft ornaments on the bottom, try and do so with string, not metal hooks. Clean up fallen needles often.

• All those lights mean extra wires! Inspect to make sure nothing is frayed, tape up the wire along walls so baby can’t wrap it around herself, and make sure unoccupied outlets are covered.

• Some of the beloved holiday plants are actually poisonous to people (and pets, so keep your eye on Fido too). Mistletoe, Jerusalem Cherry, holly berries, and amaryllis, while really pretty to look at, can have all sorts of unpleasant effects if ingested, and in some cases may cause death. The ubiquitous poinsettia, while not toxic, may cause a rash if the sap contacts the skin, and eating a few leaves could leave baby feeling sick.

• Remember, houseguests and visitors may inadvertently bring potential dangers along with them. Suitcases left on the ground may contain medicines and small objects baby can ingest, so make sure everyone in the house knows to keep these things out of baby’s reach.

So the holiday season doesn’t have to mean stress and panic for your sitter or yourself. With a little extra awareness and vigilance, you can have your fruitcake and eat it too!

Happy Holidays!

-Zoey, sitter to the Hermann kids

This winter, make sure you and everyone who cares for your child knows the ins and outs of coughs & colds.

* Don’t give cough and cold medications to children under 4 years old unless prescribed by your Pediatrician. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), every year thousands of children under age 12 go to emergency rooms after taking over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. In response to safety concerns, the leading manufacturers of children’s cough and cold medicines are voluntarily changing the labels on these products to state that they should not be used in children younger than 4 years of age. Previously, the labels stated that these medicines should not be given to children under age 2. Products with the old labels will not be removed immediately from store shelves but are expected to gradually be replaced with products bearing the new labels.

*Don’t give your child two medications that contain the same ingredients. It’s not uncommon for cough, cold and allergy medications to share some of the same ingredients so make sure you read the labels and understand what you’re giving your child to avoid a potential overdose or reaction.

*Don’t leave any medications where your child might be able to reach them. This goes for visitors too- ask house guests to keep medication out of the reach of children.

*Don’t give honey to children younger than 1 because of the risk of botulism. Honey can be used to treat a cough in children 2 years and older.

*Saline drops or spray can help with stuffy noses.

*Popsicles or frozen Pedialyte Pops can help with dehydration and sore throats.

*Consult with your Pediatrician regarding diagnosis and treatment of cough and cold.

*When to Call 911
-if your child stops breathing or is struggling severely to breathe.
-if you infant is making grunting noises while trying to breathe.
-if nail bed, lips or mucous membranes turn blue or purple.