Magnet Toy Recall: The CPSC is recalling game pieces sold with Cars backpacks - a red plastic car, a blue plastic car, and two red and black plastic disks that have “GAS,” “OIL” and “SERVICE” printed in red letters on them. Small magnets inside the pieces can become detached and pose aspiration and intestinal hazards. The backpacks were sold at Target stores nationwide during 2007 for about $13. Consumers may call the Cars Backpack Recall hotline toll-free at (877) 848-4070 for information on returning the cars and getting a replacement Cars wallet.

California Fires and Pregnancy, Babies: The March of Dimes issued a press release urging pregnant women and families with babies in Southern California to take special precautions in light of the wildfires raging throughout the area. “Expectant mothers and babies are at increased risk during disasters and we are doing all we can to provide information to help keep moms and babies healthy,” said Dani Montague, State Director of the March of Dimes California Chapter. “The entire country learned hard lessons from Hurricane Katrina.” Pregnant women and caretakers of babies are warned to stay indoors or to use masks to protect them/their babies from smoke and pollutants generated by the fires. Also from the release:

Special information for Pregnant Women:
— Bring copies of medical records, including prenatal medical records
and contact information for your health care provider
— Immediately notify shelter of your pregnancy and get information about
the location of hospitals in the area
— Ensure you have plenty of water and high-protein snacks
— Bring with you any medications, including prenatal vitamins and
prescriptions
— Do all you can to reduce stress — stress is a major factor in preterm
labor
— Learn the signs of preterm labor and contact shelter officials
immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Contractions every 10 minutes of more
- Leaking vaginal fluid or bleeding
- Feeling that baby is pushing down
- Low, dull backache
- Abdominal cramps

Special information for Families with Infants:
– Bring copies of baby’s medical records and contact information for
health care providers
– Pack a large supply of diapers (approximately 70 diapers per week for
newborns)
– Bring plenty of ready-to-serve formula - never use water treated with
iodine or chlorine tablets to prepare powdered formula.
– Shelters can be loud, bring pacifiers and any other items that may
soothe baby
– Stress can affect a woman’s milk supply if breastfeeding. Even if
breastfeeding, have on-hand ready-to-serve formula

For more information, visit the California chapter of the March of Dimes.