Excerpt taken from the Texas Department of Public Safety website:

 

Proper Child Restraint Recommendations
Conditions	Infants		Toddlers	Other Children
Weight and Age	Birth to at least 1 year old AND at least 20 pounds	Birth to at least 1 year old More than 20 pounds and less than 35 pounds	More than 1 year old, more than 20 pounds, up to approximately 40 pounds	More than 40 pounds, ages 4-8 unless 4'9" tall
Type of Seat	Infant only or rear-facing convertible	Rear-facing convertible designed for heavier infants	Convertible or forward-facing seat with harness	Belt-positioning booster (high-back or no-back)
Seat Position	Rear-facing only		Forward-facing	Forward-facing
Always Make Sure	Harness straps are at, or below, shoulder level.		Harness straps should be at or above shoulder level-check manual.	Belt-positioning booster seats are used with lap\shoulder belt combination only.
Remember	Do not place infants in the front seat of vehicles with active air bags.		5-point harnesses provide the best protection	Make sure the lap belt portion fits low and tight to avoid abdominal injuries.
Children 12 and under are safest when properly restrained in the rear seat. Keep children rear-facing as long as possible. Always refer to the child safety seat instructions and vehicle manufacturer's instructions for weight and height limits, proper use and installation.

Want more information?  Go to the links that 

WaWant more information?  Go to the links that follow or click on my name below to reach me on my office email.

Car seat guide information link:  American Academy of Pediatrics

http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm

New booster seat law clarification:  Texas DPS website

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr060209.pdf 

Take Care, 
Cindy, RN

The new registration for the North Central Baptist Hospital pediatric asthma classes (Pedi Puffers) is 210 297-4080.  This number will connect you to the nursing station on the pediatric floor.  Staff will register you in the Pedi Puffer Asthma Class Notebook.  Please register each family member for the class your family will attend.  If you cannot attend, please call the nursing station to cancel so others may attend in your place.

Class Days:  Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays-Saturdays

Class Time:  5:30 PM

Class Duration:  1 to 1.5 hours

Location:  2^nd floor Pediatric Playroom (cafeteria side of the hospital)

*  Please Note:  We allow older asthmatic children (must be cleared by hospital staff ) to attend this adult based class if they are not infectious and are able to sit still during instruction.  Other arrangements will need to be made for young children, as they will not be able to attend this group asthma class with you.  Don’t forget to ask about our Dusty’s Funbook for your younger asthmatic children.  It is a booklet that teaches about their asthma through coloring and puzzles.  What a perfect activity to do while you are in class!

Take Care, 
Cindy, RN

Información de Salud en Español
(Health information for Spansish speaking families)

Puede ser muy estresante para una familia tener a su hijo en un hospital. Tener una barrera del lenguaje puede causar más tensión en la familia. Usted tiene el derecho a un traductor, notifique a la enfermera de su deseo de utilizar este servicio.
Su familia puede utilizar los recursos del gobierno siguiente para obtener más información de salud en español:

http://medlineplus.gov/spanish/

http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/espanoix.htm

Póngase en contacto conmigo si necesita más ayuda.

Cariñosos saludos, 
Cindy, RN

Spanish Health Information Resources
(English translation of today’s blog)

It can be very stressful having a child in the hospital.  Having a language barrier can increase the stress on the family.  You have the right to a translator; notify your nurse of your wish to use this service. 

Your family can use the following government resources for more health information in Spanish:  

http://medlineplus.gov/spanish/

http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/espanoix.htm

Please let me know if you need more assistance.

Take care,
Cindy, RN

A family member asked about the new changes on guidelines for giving the RSV vaccine to preemies at 32 weeks and below instead of at 35 weeks and below as done prior to the guideline changes. 

The following is a short summary of the new changes:
http://aapredbook.aappublications.org/news/RSVPolicy-082409.pdf

Need more?
I have listed the websites for further information below:

Policy statement for RSV vaccination guidelines (American Academy of Pediatrics/AAP):
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/peds.2009-2345v1

AAP Commentary/Cost Benefit Explanation:
http://www.aap.org/publiced/RSV-Commentary.pdf

Synagis (RSV Vaccine) website:
(Note:  The information is from the drug company that makes/sells Synagis)
http://www.synagis.com/faq.aspx#insurance

I hope your holiday season went well. 
Best wishes for a peaceful New Year, 
Cindy, RN

Santa Claus is Coming to North Central Baptist Hopital