How to safely label your children’s items

Alisa Baer, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady.

Steffen Leiprecht / Getty Images

It is important to label your children’s clothing so daycare providers, teacher’s, coaches, camp counselors, and other caregivers can locate your child’s backpack, water bottle, shoes and all the other items that get sent to them day-to-day. However, can labeling clothes, water bottles or other items make your kid a target of a predator?

Adults who prey on children have tricks to gain a child’s trust and one of these tricks is calling a child by his or her name. It is often difficult for kids to separate strangers from acquaintances, and even good guys from the bad guys. If an adult comes up to them and says their name, it may make the child think the person must be someone they know or their parent knows. This makes the child think it is okay to talk to this adult.  

A predator can read the name from the label and call out to a kid while appearing to “know” your child.

Safety Tips for Labeling Children’s Items

Use these tips to make sure items are easily identifiable by those who need to know without compromising your child’s safety.

Label Items Discreetly

Labeling jackets, backpacks or other items on the outside, with the child’s name prominently visible, is okay when parents are accompanying children, it is not recommended to have obvious name labels in cases where a child may not always be under the constant watch of an adult.

For example, when your child is old enough to walk home from school without a grown up, you do not want his or her name visible.   In those cases, label their name discreetly on the inside. When doing so, however, be sure to label names in a place where people will actually look and see the information if it is left out and placed into lost-and-find areas.

Label Areas That Cannot Be Removed

Be sure to put a kid’s name on especially-coveted items in areas that cannot be easily removed or cut out (avoid the inside brand labels, if possible).

Writing a child’s name in permanent ink on the inside of a collar, for example, can be a perfect location.

First, however, make sure the ink will not show on the outside, in essence ruining the look of the garment.

Label Creatively

Some parents have created unique ways of identifying their child and labeling items. One family color codes family members by color and has relayed that information to preschool teachers, educators, and family and friends alike. She has developed a unique iron-on label she affixes in clothing and even uses permanent markers in the color-match system to label toys and other items.

Another parent simply uses her kids’ initials, while another puts the family name on everything, and hopes lost items will be returned to her this way.

Types of Labels for Clothing

There are many options when it comes to labeling kids clothes. You can use a laundry marker pen or an old fashioned Sharpie marker to write names onto the clothes.

There are also companies that create personalized labels, either as sticker labels or iron-on labels.

Labeling While Keeping Your Child’s Identity Hidden

Tips to keep your child’s identity private is to label your child’s belongings on the inside of his or her clothing with her initials or decide on a unique symbol, like a star, heart or two dots inside a circle. With these symbols, you can identify what belongs to your child without displaying any personal information.

A Word From Verywell

When deciding how or if to label your kids’ items, consider whether a bit of added peace of mind outweighs the possibility that a beloved toy or clothing item ends up lost.

Parents select school uniforms for their children at Uniform Centre along Nairobi’s Duruma Road on January 2, 2016.A lot of money has been spent by parents to buy school items for their children and in an effort to prevent their loss, they have done a lot of labelling. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By MARYANA MUNYENDO

What you need to know:

• The location you choose to label your child’s item is very important. Detachable parts of clothing like instruction labels can come off by themselves or be removed by someone, erasing the item’s identity.
• It is also better to label the juice or water bottle itself rather than the covering lid.

It is back to school time again for many parents. For the children, it is a new term, new teacher, new school and new books. A lot of money has been spent by parents to buy school items for their children and in an effort to prevent their loss, they have done a lot of labelling.

Your child is still learning responsibility and so some items may get lost. A good way to help the children is by labelling their items. Labelling also helps the teacher, caregiver or host quickly identify and assign items to the rightful owners. Any kindergarten teacher can tell you rummaging through a pile of jackets when the school van is honking outside is not fun. I also label certain items of mine as an adult because I am territorial (labelled stapler, anyone?).

Growing up I remember my two sisters and I having very thick sweaters that had our names creatively knitted in the middle. As we grew older and more conscious we would of course pray that we would one day outgrow them but we soon realised the futility of this prayer because mum only got us bigger sweaters as we grew bigger.

Parents’ efforts to label items for their children help a lot in identifying them and of course are a money-saving strategy. However this prudent action may sometimes put your child at risk or in harm’s way and some considerations have to be made.

Here are some tips on labelling personal items for your child as a safety measure:

LABEL DISCREETLY

Children trust easily and will respond to their name. I recently realised that the name Liam is a popular children’s name when I called out for my nephew on the playground; a small boy came and stood looking at me. I asked him, “Is your name Liam?” to which he nodded expectantly, still waiting innocently for the reason I called him. If your child’s name is labelled on their backpack in big letters, someone may call them and they may follow them. It is advisable to put the name in hidden places like inside the backpack or on the inside of a sweater’s neck collar.

CONSIDER PLACEMENT

The location you choose to label your child’s item is very important. Detachable parts of clothing like instruction labels can come off by themselves or be removed by someone, erasing the item’s identity. It is also better to label the juice or water bottle itself rather than the covering lid.

BE CREATIVE

Instead of using names, you can choose to use other creative ways to mark and identify your child’s items. Some parents use colour-coded labels, symbols or initials. Make sure to also inform the teacher, caregiver or host of this unique identifying mark. I went to boarding school at the age of 10 and I still remember my identification number (434) because it was on all of my items, sewn on by mother for good measure.

AGE-APPROPRIATE

As children grow, their level of responsibility improves. A good way to foster this skill is to help them learn how to identify the labelling used on their items. When a sweater is lost, a child should be able to tell the teacher that it had his or her name sewn in on the hem.

AESTHETICS

You do not want to make your child look like a walking billboard or a branded convict on the loose! Neatness and visual appeal should also be considered when labelling stuff.

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Management, educators and staff are responsible for ensuring that any potentially dangerous products, plants or equipment are inaccessible to children, including:

• cleaning products, chemicals, pest control treatments and devices
• medications
• sharp utensils
• soiled nappies, clothing or linen
• spiders or vermin
• power points, boards or cords, or electrical appliances
• any item or product that may potentially be dangerous or hazardous to children, parents, staff and visitors.

To ensure your child’s safety at all times, the team at Viewbank Early Childhood Centre ensures the following procedures are followed:

• All medications and dangerous chemicals are stored in clearly labeled areas and containers on high shelves out of children’s reach
• The main first aid kit and all room kits are kept out of reach of children
• All areas where potentially dangerous products are kept are clearly labeled with warning signs
• All hazardous products are kept out of children’s reach at all times
• Care is taken to ensure all plants in the Centre grounds are non-poisonous
• Educators thoroughly check each playground before the children go out, to ensure it is free of any potentially dangerous vermin or objects
• Educators discuss these dangers with the children to develop their awareness of dangerous products and objects
• The Centre aims to provide families with information from recognised health and safety authorities about the safe storage of potentially dangerous products in the home
• A first aid action plan and materials safety data sheets on products used in the Centre is displayed in the laundry, bathrooms and kitchen
• Where possible, the Centre aims to keep the use of toxic and other potentially dangerous products to a minimum, however does not wish to jeopardise the hygiene standards of the Centre.
• Educators undertake ‘Daily Safety and Hazard Identification’ Checklists each day to ensure the indoor and outdoor environments are safe for all children, family and team members, and visitors to the Centre.
• Educators keep ‘Maintenance records’ to ensure that any broken or damaged equipment or building structures are repaired. Any unsecured object that is damaged is removed as soon as possible from the room or playground so it can not harm the children. Any attached structure is to be fixed as soon as practicable as to not harm or injure any person.
• Educators keep their First Aid training up to date so that should any incident occur, they are prepared to respond in an appropriate manner.

We also encourage parents to follow these procedures in the home, to ensure their child/ren’s safety both in the Centre and the home.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Stick2Me. All views and opinions are my own, and very honest.

It’s August, and once again we are preparing for back to school. After all the shopping for supplies and clothes is done, the next step is getting everything ready for the year. With four children, I am sure you can imagine the sheer amount of school supplies we must purchase! Every year, we must go through and label all the new items we purchase. I’ve become somewhat of an expert on knowing what items to label for children going back to school!

Over the years, we have tried many different techniques. In the beginning, I would write their names on every single item. Not only was this time-consuming, I have horrible handwriting! The next couple years, I decided to try buying labels at the store. These worked a lot better in the fact they looked better (they didn’t fix my handwriting though!) and I was able to stick the on items that were harder to write on (like shoes). The down side to most of these were they never stuck for long.

This year, we hit it pretty lucky when we got in touch with Annie from Stick2me label s. She was able to send us some samples to try out and I am more than pleased with the results! They are so sturdy, they stay put and are waterproof! These labels are a total win in my book! You can read more about them later in this article.

Labeling the kid’s school supplies has many benefits

• Children: It helps to reduce anxiety of knowing which items are theirs. This makes it easier when it comes time to clean up or get supplies out.
• Teachers: It’s a life saver! Having their items labeled makes it easier for teachers to identify what items belong to which child. This helps to resolve arguments between children and reduce the number of items ending up in the “lost and found” pile.
• Parents: Labels save money! Easily being able to identify who an item belongs to means fewer items disappearing and needing to be replaced! I have had to replace many jackets, scarves, and gloves over the years that weren’t labeled.

Knowing what items to label for children going back to school

Knowing what to label is just as important as purchasing the labels in the first place! Most parents think about the basics such as folders, note books, and pencil pouches. There is so much more you can label, such as:

• Back Packs
• Lunch boxes
• Shoes/Boots
• Pencils
• Glue Sticks
• Coats/Jackets
• Scarves, Hats, and Gloves
• Rulers
• Books from home
• Toys that go to school
• Lunch containers
• Water bottles

Most parents do not think of these belongings when wondering what items to label for children. I know this from personal experience! The boots for example, I never would have thought to label. A couple of years ago though, that all changed with my oldest.

She was in middle school and had worn a brand-new pair of boots from Target to school. I didn’t think anything of it since they were on her feet. What I had forgotten about was that she had PE and had to switch to her tennis shoes. They do not have lockers just for gym until high school, so she had to leave them on the bleachers. Well when she got ready to change back into them, they were gone! Since they were not labeled, we couldn’t even begin to prove they were hers even if we had found them.

More about Stick 2 Me Labels

I mentioned early that I had an opportunity to try Stick2Me labels. Annie at Stick2Me.net creates fun, durable, and waterproof labels for children. As a mom of two, she quickly found the need to identify her children’s items, and created these awesome labels.

Stick2Me labels have six different sizes:

• Square Label (30mmx30mm)
• Round Label ( 30mm )
• Small Rectangle (22mm x 13mm)
• Medium Rectangle (36mm x 10mm)
• Large Rectangle (47mm x 23mm )
• Fun Labels (different based on which style you choose) .

There are different options for font style, illustrations, and patterns. Stick2Me labels are extremely customizable to fit your child’s personality. My personal favorite size is the small rectangle because it fits perfectly on pens and pencils! To learn more about Stick2Me labels (or to order your own), you can check them out at

Knowing what items to label for children going back to school will help not only your children, but also you and their teachers. We always love to hear your feedback. What items do you typically label for children going back to school? Let us know in the comments below!

Manicures and pedicures can be pretty. The cosmetic products used, such as nail polishes and nail polish removers, also must be safe—and are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA also regulates devices used to dry (or “cure”) artificial nails or gel nail polish as electronic products because they emit radiation.

You can do your part to stay safe (and look polished, too) by following all labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements listed on these products.

Cosmetic Nail Care Products: Ingredients and Warnings

Cosmetic ingredients (except most color additives) and products, including nail products, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market.

But these products are required to be safe when used as intended. (Note that nail products intended to treat medical problems are classified as drugs and do require FDA approval.)

Cosmetic nail care products also must include any instructions or warnings needed to use them safely. For example:

• Some nail products can catch fire easily so you should not expose them to flames (such as from a lit cigarette) or heat sources (such as a curling iron).
• Some can injure your eyes, so you should avoid this exposure.
• Some should only be used in areas with good air circulation (ventilation).
• Some ingredients can be harmful if swallowed, so these products should never be consumed by any person or pet.

Also know that retail cosmetics such as those sold in stores or online must list ingredients in the order of decreasing amounts. If you’re concerned about certain ingredients, you can check the label and avoid using products with those ingredients.

For example, some nail hardeners and nail polishes may contain formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. And acrylics, used in some artificial nails and sometimes in nail polishes, can cause allergic reactions. (To learn more about ingredients, visit the FDA’s nail care products webpage.)

The bottom line? Read the labels of cosmetic products and follow all instructions. And if you go to a salon for a manicure or pedicure, make sure the space has good ventilation.

Note: Nail salon practices are regulated by the states, and not the FDA. If you’re a nail salon owner or employee, you can find information on maintaining safe salons on the webpage of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational and Health Safety Administration.

If you have questions about whether certain nail products are right for you, talk to your health care provider.

About Nail Drying and Curing Lamps—and UV Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) nail curing lamps are table-top size units used to dry or “cure” acrylic or gel nails and gel nail polish. These devices are used in salons and sold online. They feature lamps or LEDs that emit UV (ultraviolet) radiation. (Nail curing lamps are different than sunlamps, which are sometimes called “tanning beds.” You can learn more about the risks of sunlamps on the FDA’s website.)

Exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to your skin, especially if you’re exposed over time. For example, it can lead to premature wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer.

But the FDA views nail curing lamps as low risk when used as directed by the label. For example, a 2013 published study indicated that—even for the worst case lamp that was evaluated—30 minutes of daily exposure to this lamp was below the occupational exposure limits for UV radiation. (Note that these limits only apply to normal, healthy people and not to people who may have a condition that makes them extra sensitive to UV radiation.)

To date, the FDA has not received any reports of burns or skin cancer attributed to these lamps.

That said, if you’re concerned about potential risks from UV exposure, you can avoid using these lamps.

You may particularly want to avoid these lamps if you’re using certain medications or supplements that make you more sensitive to UV rays. These medications include some antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and estrogens—and supplements can include St. John’s Wort. See an extended list of medications that can cause sun sensitivity on the FDA’s website.

Also remove cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care products (except sunscreen!) before using these lamps, as some of these products can make you more sensitive to UV rays.

If you have questions about using nail drying or curing lamps, consult a health care professional.

And if you do choose to use these devices, you can reduce UV exposure by:

• Wearing UV-absorbing gloves that expose only your nails.
• Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. (Since nail treatments can include exposure to water, follow the sunscreen’s labeled directions for use in these situations.)

Finally, nail curing lamps usually come with instructions for exposure time. The shorter your exposure, the less risky the exposure, in general. So always follow labeled directions when available. In general, you should not use these devices for more than 10 minutes per hand, per session.

How to Report Problems with Nail Care Products

If you ever have a bad reaction to a cosmetic nail product or nail curing lamp, please consult your health care provider and then tell the FDA.

If you choose to use a pesticide in or around your home, you are responsible for using it safely.

These safety tips will help you use, store, and dispose of pesticides properly, so that you reduce the risks to people and the environment.

Never try to make homemade pesticides since this can lead to risks to your health and safety, and the environment.

Before buying a pesticide

• Identify the pest correctly
• Use physical control methods first, such as hand weeding or traps
• Read the Pest control tips for help in dealing with common lawn and garden pests
• Read the how to have a healthy lawn page to learn how to make your lawn more resistant to common problems
• Check with your city or province. Some have restrictions on the sale and use of certain registered lawn and garden pesticides
• Consider hiring a professional such as a licensed pest control operator or exterminator

Use a registered product

Do not purchase a pesticide online unless it is a registered product from a Canadian retailer, and you are authorized to use it. Pesticides from foreign vendors may not be authorized for use in Canada, and may not be safe to use.

• Use only a pesticide authorized for use in Canada
• Read the label directions and safety tips before buying a pesticide. The label must include
  • the name of the pest to be controlled
  • the treatment location (for example, indoor, outdoor, garden use, pet treatment)
  • a Pest Control Product registration number on the product label, such as:
    • Reg. No. 00000 P.C.P. Act
    • Registration No. 00000 Pest Control Products Act
• Buy only the amount of product needed for the treatment
• Do not buy a pesticide if the packaging appears damaged or seems to have been tampered with. Instead, report it to the vendor.

Using a pesticide

• Carefully read all label instructions and warnings before using pesticides.
• People and pets should leave the area during a pesticide treatment, especially children, pregnant women and elderly people. Only allow people and animals back into the treated area after the pesticide has fully dried.
• Use a pesticide only for the purpose stated on the label. For example, do not use pesticides that are intended for outdoor use inside your home, and never mix different pesticides together unless the label tells you to.

DO NOT:

• drink, eat, or smoke while applying pesticides
• rub your eyes or touch your mouth while working with pesticides
• apply a pesticide directly on a person, an animal, or to bedding unless the label says you can, for example personal insect repellents, and flea or tick pet protection products

• Choose a product intended for use on the animal you wish to treat. For example, you cannot use dog products on cats unless it is stated on the label.
• Follow the instructions on the label to know how much of the product to give your pet and how often to treat your pet. If not used properly, these products can make your pet sick.

After using a pesticide:

• Wash your hands and face with hot soapy water.
• Thoroughly wash clothes worn to apply pesticides, separate from regular laundry.

Genealogists inherit a lot of old photos. Here’s how to properly label them.

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Most genealogists will eventually inherit photos. People in your family know you’re the family genealogist. When the time comes to pass photos on to someone else, either due to the death of someone in the family or because an elderly relative is downsizing, you are the most likely person to get them. Some may be in albums, but quite often you will get loose photos kept in boxes and other unlikely methods of storage. Only rarely will these photos be labeled. It is up to you to label them and get them organized so future generations can enjoy them.

If you are lucky, you will recognize most of the people in the photos, so getting the names correct shouldn’t be too difficult for you. If you don’t know who someone is in a photo, wait until you’ve gone through all of the photos and set the ones aside where there are people you don’t recognize. Take these photos to an older relative who is likely to be able to identify these people. If no one can identify someone in a photo, you will have to list them as “unknown friend” or “unknown relative” on the photo.

When it comes to actually labeling the photos, including the names of everyone in each photo is the most important part. If you decide to write on your photos you should always write with an archival-safe pen, so as not to damage the front of the photo, and do your labeling on the backs of the photos. Write at least the first and last names of everyone. All women who are married should have their maiden names included along with their married names. If there is room on the photo, you can include middle names. For women, label the photos according to the status of the woman when the photo was taken. If she was still a child and unmarried, label her with her maiden name only. If she married more than once, label her with her maiden name and her married name at the time the photo was taken.

If you know the approximate date the photo was taken, include this under the names. Use the exact date if you know it. If you only know an approximate date, use “circa” before the date you think the photo was taken.

These are the most important things to include when labeling photos. If there is room, and it is significant to the photo, include the place the photo was taken, and the occasion on which it was taken, such as a special family or personal event for the person or people in the photo. You want to include as much information on each photo as you can for future generations. Just think how much you would have appreciated it if all those old photos you’ve collected came to you labeled this way. Give that gift to future genealogists in your family. It will also be nice for reference when you look at the photos with other family members, your children, siblings, or grandchildren. A properly labeled photo is a genealogical treasure. Make as many of them as you can, not only for yourself but for others.

Kids and composting were meant for each other. When you take part in compost activities for kids, take time to discuss what happens to garbage that isn’t composted. Landfills are filling up at an alarming rate, and waste disposal options are becoming hard to find. You can introduce your kids to the basic principles of taking responsibility for the waste they generate through composting. For children, it will just seem like great fun.

How to Compost with Kids

Children will get more from the experience if they have their own compost container. A garbage can or plastic bin that is at least 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide is large enough to make compost. Drill 20 to 30 large holes in the lid and in the bottom and sides of the container to allow air in and let excess water drain through.

A good compost recipe includes three types of ingredients:

• Dead plant material from the garden, including dry leaves, twigs and sticks.
• Household waste, including vegetable scraps, shredded newspaper, tea bags, coffee grounds, eggshells, etc. Don’t use meat, fat or dairy products or pet waste.
• A layer of soil adds earthworms and microorganisms that are necessary to break down the other materials.

Add water now and then, and stir the container weekly with a shovel or large stick. Compost can be heavy, so little ones may need help with this.

Composting Ideas for Children

Soda Bottle Composting for Children

Children will enjoy making compost in a two liter soda bottle, and they can use the finished product to grow their own plants.

Rinse out the bottle, screw the top on firmly, and remove the label. Make a flip top in the bottle by cutting most of the way around about a third of the way down the bottle.

Place a layer of soil in the bottom of the bottle. Moisten the soil with water from a spray bottle if it is dry. Add a thin layer of fruit scraps, a thin layer of dirt, a tablespoon of fertilizer, chicken manure or urine, and a layer of leaves. Continue adding layers until the bottle is almost full.

Tape the top of the bottle in place and place it in a sunny location. If moisture condenses on the sides of the bottle, remove the top to let it dry out. If the contents look dry, add a squirt or two of water from a spray bottle.

Roll the bottle around every day to mix the contents. The compost is ready to use when it is brown and crumbly. This takes a month or so.

Worm Composting for Children

Children also enjoy worm composting. Make a “worm farm” out of a plastic bin by drilling several holes in the top, sides and bottom. Make bedding for the worms out of newspaper torn into strips and then soaked in water. Wring it out until it is the consistency of a damp sponge, and then fluff it up to form a layer about 6 inches deep in the bottom of the bin. Mist the bedding with a spray of water if it begins to dry out.

Red wigglers make the best composting worms. Use a pound of worms for a 2-foot square bin, or half a pound for smaller containers. Feed the worms by tucking fruit and vegetable scraps into the bedding. Start with a cup of scraps twice a week. If they have leftovers, cut back on the amount of food. If the food is completely gone, you might try giving them a little more.

Raising two boys is both challenging and rewarding. Challenging in the sense that my boys love to explore and attempt to open doors and all sorts of closed objects. This includes brightly colored cleaning products and some household chemicals can cause serious injury or even death if swallowed. The more “sparkly” the household cleaner or label, the more attention it calls out to curious kids. There are things that can be done to reduce the risk of your child tampering with dangerous cleaning products at home. Simple things like closing the door to utility rooms and putting an affordable doorknob guard on the door could save you a trip to the emergency room.

Pay Attention to Labels

If a cleaning product or chemical is harmful or you need to be careful using it, it will likely have one or more of these words on the label:

What NOT To Do with Cleaning Products and Chemicals at Home

Do not remove labels! One of the biggest mistakes to make is to remove labels or allow them to get torn or damaged. Labels contain important safety information. Make it a priority to read the label and take it seriously. This will help keep your family safe from its potentially dangerous effects. Cleaning products should not be put in food or drink containers. This separates the label from the cleaner and anyone can mistake clear or colored liquids as drinkable.

Storing Household Cleaners and Chemicals at Home

There are a few things to consider when deciding where to store your products. All chemicals and cleaning products should be out of reach of children. If you place your products in a linen or storage closet, make sure that they are placed on shelves up high enough that children can’t reach them. The door should also close tightly so pets can’t get in either. If possible, it’s safest to lock up hazardous products, even pills and medicine bottles.

Helpful Tips for Safety at Home

Tip 1: Cleaning materials should always be stored out of the reach of children and pets.

Tip 2: Install child-proof latches on under-sink cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom. Even if cleaning materials are no longer stored there, chemical smells may linger and could be dangerous to a child if they play under sinks.

Tip 3: Store laundry products on high shelves because many detergents can cause rashes or itching on a child’s sensitive skin.

Tip 4: Never leave a bottle or container of cleaning supplies open and unattended. Always close and put away the cleaning supply if you are interrupted. You do not want any temptation sitting around that may harm your child.

Tip 5: When cleaning, take only the proper amount you need from the container, seal the container back up and store the container away immediately. Use the proper equipment for handling the cleaning supply material, as recommended on the label. If the label says wear protective gear, gloves or goggles, do so to reduce harm to yourself and family.

Tip 6: When you are done cleaning, properly dispose of paper towels and rags that touched the cleaning chemicals.

Tip 7: Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers. Many cleaning products and chemicals have instructions on what to do if the product is used incorrectly, resulting in emergency. Create and keep a first-aid kit that includes emergency-wash liquids. In the first-aid kid, keep a list of telephone numbers for:

• National Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222
• The nearest hospital
• A local ambulance service
• Your family doctor

My wonderful wife gave me my boys and it was life-changing for me as a father. I follow the seven tips listed above and must have upgraded our house a number of times to be safer and add more safety features over the years.

The next time you bring household cleaners and chemicals home, familiarize yourself with their labels and be aware of where your products are kept so you can help children stay safe.

For the safe and effective use of pesticide products, always read the product label before using the product.

Ensuring Safety

Remember these important points to use repellents safely:

Applying the Product

• Read and follow the label directions to ensure proper use; be sure you understand how much to apply.
• Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing. Do not use under clothing.
• Do not apply near eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears.
• When using sprays, do not spray directly into face; spray on hands first and then apply to face.
• Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Do not spray in enclosed areas.
• Avoid breathing a spray product.
• Do not use it near food.

Other Safety Tips

• Check the label to see if there are warnings about flammability. If so, do not use around open flames or lit cigarettes.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin and clothes with soap and water.
• Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.
• Most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.
• Store insect repellents safely out of the reach of children, in a locked utility cabinet or garden shed.
• Use other preventive actions to avoid getting bitten by:
  • Mosquitoes
  • Ticks

Repellents and Children

We advise consumers to always read and follow label directions in using any pesticide product, including insect repellents.

Because children frequently put their hands in their eyes and mouths, EPA recommends that all repellent products have the following precautionary statements related to children on their labels:

• Do not allow children to handle this product, and do not apply to children’s hands. When using on children, apply to your own hands and then put it on the child.
• After returning indoors, wash your child’s treated skin and clothes with soap and water or bathe.

According to the product labels, some oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under the age of three. There are no restrictions for use on children under three years of age for certain insect repellent products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus as their sole active ingredient at concentrations of 30% or less.

Applicants seeking to amend restrictive language from the labels of their EPA registered OLE products, at the specifications described above, must first submit an application to EPA. In doing so, applicants must consider their source of OLE and acknowledge where data compensations might apply.

Questions often arise about use of DEET on children. DEET is approved for use on children with no age restriction. Also, there is no restriction on the percentage of DEET in the product for use on children, since data do not show any difference in effects between young animals and adult animals in tests done for product registration. There also are no data showing incidents that would lead us to believe there is a need to restrict the use of DEET.

Always store insect repellents safely out of the reach of children.

If you are concerned about using repellent products on children you may wish to consult a health care provider for advice or contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) Exit or through their toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378.

Maximizing Effectiveness

Apply and re-apply a repellent according to the label instructions. Don’t overuse the products, but be sure to apply the amount of repellent indicated by the label. If you don’t follow the label directions, the product may not be as effective as you expect. The label on the insect repellent product is your guide to using these products safely and effectively. The effectiveness of the product can vary due to conditions such as:

• Physical activity/perspiration.
• Water exposure.
• Air temperature.
• How attractive you are to mosquitoes and ticks; every person is different.

This article on important planning documents is provided by Everplans — The web’s leading resource for planning and organizing your life. Create, store and share important documents that your loved ones might need. Find out more about Everplans »

Organizing and securely storing your financial and legal documents, estate planning documents, personal information, and online accounts can save your family a huge amount of stress and difficulty after you’re gone.

What You Need to Know

There are a variety of different ways you can make sure your family has access to your important documents, accounts, and information. Think about which method would be easiest for you to accomplish, or which method would be easiest for your family to access and use.

Without access to your important documents and information, your family will likely have to locate all of this info on their own, which can be complicated and challenging—and even then, they might not find everything.

By organizing your information and sharing it with your family, you can help them more easily apply for and claim benefits, get through the probate process, close bank accounts, pay any final estate or income taxes, avoid unnecessary charges from ongoing subscriptions, and distribute, sell, or donate any personal items that were not included in your Will, among other things.

Secure Online Storage

Everplans

Everplans helps you create, organize and securely share important legal, financial and health information in one place so that your family and loved ones can access it when it’s needed. The Everplan platform allows users to create and upload documents such as a will, life insurance, health information, online account info, and even personal funeral wishes. All information is encrypted and securely stored in a vault that allows users to control who sees what information and when.

Offline Storage

Many families find it easiest to save printed copies of various documents and information and keep them in a physical folder in a safe place in the house. We recommend keeping everything—including advance directives, wills, financial information/passwords, and funeral/disposition instructions—all together in a single place, like a locked file cabinet. While this method makes it easy for your family to find everything and doesn’t require much tech knowledge, it’s not the most secure way to store your information.

If you are going to store your information and documents online, here are some tips:

• Organize related information and documents into clearly labeled folders, such as “Life Insurance,” “Credit Cards,” “Utilities,” and other categories.
• Be sure to tell a number of people whom you trust where the documents are stored. You could consider telling your spouse, your adult children, or a professional you work with such as your attorney.
• If your documents are stored in a locked location, make sure that the right people know how to access that location, either by having keys or combinations, or knowing where keys or combinations are stored. If your documents are stored in a locked location, the keys or combinations to access those documents should not be stored in the locked location.
• Do not store your documents and information in a safe deposit box. The bank will likely require your family to get a court order to access the box, which could take a long time.

Related Articles

The soft-toy category commonly includes stuffed animals and plush toys. Although manufacturers deem many toys as machine-washable, some toys are fragile and incompatible with the agitation and tumbling action in a household washer. Many soft toys sold in stores have a product care label that explicitly states that the inner or outer material is non-machine washable. As a parent, guardian or caregiver, you need an effective, safe and nondestructive option for cleaning dirt and debris off toys that come in frequent contact with young and sometimes-vulnerable kids. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers a solution for cleaning soft toys that does not involve a washer or the use of sometimes-toxic cleaning chemicals.

Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a plastic garbage bag. If you are dealing with an oversized stuffed toy, consider adding a full cup or more of baking soda to ensure adequate coverage.

Place the stuffed animal into the plastic bag and let the object rest in the bottom. Squeeze excess air out of the bag, but leave just enough room so that the stuffed toy can freely move around and tumble when you shake the bag.

Twist and tie the top of the plastic bag, similar to how you might blow up and tie a balloon. Alternatively, use a twist-tie to close off the bag.

Pick up the bag by sliding your left hand under the bottom and using your right hand to grab the top. Shake and tumble the bag, gently, using an up-and-down, and circular left-to-right motion, for about 2 minutes. Be careful not to puncture the bag if the stuffed toy has a hard object attached to the material.

Keep the stuffed toy enclosed in the bag for 15 minutes. The baking soda will not only deodorize the toy, but also will bind and help to liberate dirt and grime from the fabric.

Open the bag after the 15 minutes. Shake excess baking soda off into the bag. Discard the bag in the trash.

Remove residual baking soda, which includes dirt and grime, from the stuffed toy using a vacuum cleaner hose. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrape away caked-on baking soda and dirt. Gently shake and pat the soft toy with your hands over the trash can to liberate any remaining baking soda.

Things You Will Need

Plastic garbage bag

Vacuum cleaner with hose

EPA-registered disinfectant (optional)

Use an EPA-registered disinfectant on your soft toy to help eliminate germs, viruses and other odor-causing organisms. You can find this information on the back of a disinfecting product’s label. You can also look up the name of a product in the Pesticide Product Label System database at EPA.gov. Make sure it is safe for fabrics.

States around the country may have specific pesticide standards and requirements, such as the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Contact your local officials for guidance.

Experts commonly recommend diluted chlorine bleach as a toy disinfectant, but this chemical may fade the color of your toy and even corrode the material on some soft toys. Read the product care label for fabric composition and warnings.

Warning

Avoid creating and inhaling a cloud of baking soda as you open and close the bag.

Before you haul all of those plastic bottles to the curb, put a few aside and provide your child with an afternoon of creative play. You can reuse empty plastic bottles to create costumes, toys, art projects — even favors for a birthday party. So go ahead and save a little money and the environment, all while keeping your child engaged and entertained.

Add variety to your child’s toy collection with a few plastic bottles. Help your little superhero create a pretend jet pack with two-liter soda bottles. Set two bottles side by side and attach them with tape. Paint the bottles silver and add red and orange “flames” using scraps of felt, fabric or tissue paper. Glue the pretend flames to the neck of each bottle. Add straps with extra fabric or elastic. Now your little one has a costume suitable for zooming around the house. Or if your child is not in the mood to play dress-up, consider using plastic bottles to create toy cars instead. Give your child paint, stickers and other art supplies to decorate the bottles to his liking. Cut four holes in the sides of each bottle for the wheels. Put small wooden dowels through each set of holes and attach a bottle cap, large button or similar round item to the ends of the dowels. Now get ready for a race. Which bottle will be the fastest?

Plastic bottles lend themselves to a variety of art projects. Draw a tree trunk and branches on a large piece of paper. Give your child non-toxic paint and a plastic soda bottle. Let her dip the bottom of the bottle into the paint and use it as a stamp to add leaves to the tree. Green paint is classic. Red, orange and yellow paint can create an autumnal scene, while pink paint looks like beautiful cherry blossoms. Encourage your child to get creative.

Holiday Decorations

Help your child fill a plastic bottle with orange-colored water. Paint the bottle cap green and add a paper leaf and pipe cleaner vine. Let your child color a face onto the bottle with a black marker. In minutes, your child has a decorative jack-o-lantern. Or make an apple just in time for the first day of school. Cut the bottoms off two empty soda bottles. Fill the bottoms with crumpled red tissue paper and attach them, one on top of the other, with clear tape. Add a brown paper stem and green leaf to the top. Or consider using red candies instead of tissue paper and let your child give a sweet gift to her teacher.

Parties

Empty plastic bottles can add a personal touch to your child’s next birthday party. Your child can fill clean, empty plastic bottles with colored candies to give out as party favors. Use colors that complement the party’s theme and consider layering the colors for effect. Let your child help you make decorative ice cubes using the bottoms of soda bottles. Cut the bottoms off several bottles and fill with two inches of water. Consider adding food dye to the water to make colored ice cubes. The final product looks like frozen flowers — perfect for the punch bowl.

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Toys and play area surfaces can be sources of germs swapped between babies, toddlers, and adults, sometimes transmitting illness. While daycares and children’s centers have their specific guidelines for toy cleanliness, you can use practical solutions to clean baby toys safely and effectively at home.

Soap and Water

Simply washing hands with soap and water is a great way to prevent spreading bacteria and viruses, and it works for toys and surfaces as well. Toys such as plastic blocks, infant rattles, and teethers can easily be cleaned in the sink using dish soap and warm water.

However, it is never safe to wash any electrical toy that can be plugged in by submerging it or placing it in soap and water. Even toys that include batteries with lights and sounds should not be cleaned in soap and water. Any water that enters the electrical parts can lead to shorts and the toy may no longer work.

Dishwasher

Some toys may be labeled as being dishwasher safe. Infant rattles, plastic blocks, large plastic pegs, plastic shape sorter pieces, and some bath toys can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher. The hot water and soap in the dishwasher will help sanitize and clean toys. The dishwasher is also great for certain bath toys, which can begin to develop mold and mildew over time.

Environmentally Friendly Surface Cleaners

Some cleaners have harsh chemicals that will remove germs, but many parents do not want their children to come in contact with them. Environmentally friendly cleaners include wipes and sprayable surface cleaners, which are safe for babies.

Look for baby toy cleaners the do not include dyes, are biodegradable, and are free of phthalates and parabens. Since babies and toddlers mouth toys (especially when teething), environmentally safe cleaners are preferred.  

Surface Wipes

There are entire aisles in stores dedicated to disinfectant surface wipes. Surface wipes are a great way to clean plastic toys that have batteries and cannot be placed in soap and water or the dishwasher.

Wipe down the toy using a disinfectant surface wipe. Let it air-dry for several minutes before giving it to a child to play with.

For items such as pacifiers, there are also special pacifier wipes. These use food-grade sanitizers that are safe for babies who put items in their mouths.

Cleaning Stuffed Animals and Baby Dolls

Many people clean stuffed animals and baby dolls by placing these toys in the washer and dryer. But without proper care, over time some stuffed animals and baby dolls will get ruined with repeated washings. To help the toy survive machine-washing, place it in a pillowcase before laundering.

You can also use Teddy Needs a Bath, which is a large zipper bag used to wash plush toys. Stuffed animals can be placed inside the bag, then washed on a gentle cycle in a front loader washer and dryer. Read the labels on stuffed animals before washing them. Some specialty teddy bears specifically state they cannot be washed.

After washing, check for any loose eyes, seams, threads, or other attachments to ensure the stuffed animal is still safe for your child to handle.

How Play Areas Spread Germs

Kids quickly spread sickness to others simply by touching a toy or item that has germs on it, then touching their mouths or putting the toy inside their mouths. Adults and other kids can pick up viruses and bacteria this way. This can happen anywhere, especially during playdates and visits to community area playgrounds, children’s museums, and daycare centers. Public places should sanitize and clean every day, but it is hard to keep up with cleaning high-traffic areas quickly and regularly, especially when they are busy.

Kids need to keep their hands clean to keep germs from spreading. Using the tips above can help parents and others clean toys to minimize the spread of germs to other kids and family members.  

Chemicals are used in the home every day. They include cleaning fluids, plant food, paint and fuels. Homes even contain chemicals within plastics used for insulation and flooring. Getting to know the labels on chemical products will help protect you and your family from harm.

Chemical products in the home

Cleaning products like bleach, oven sprays, liquid laundry capsules and toilet cleaners are chemicals. So are paints, glues, oils, pesticides and medicines.

Most of the chemicals you use at home aren’t dangerous if you use them properly. However, some chemicals need more careful handling than others.

Some chemicals are particularly attractive to children or can be confused as food or drink if they are not stored in their original containers and safely out of reach.

Labels can help you identify the more hazardous chemicals, tell you what the dangers are and advise how to use them safely.

Recognising chemicals

Most chemical products carry hazard symbols telling you whether a substance is harmful and in what way. You might see one or more symbols on a single product.

There are nine chemical product symbols.

Meaning	Symbol
Very toxic (fatal)
Contains gas under pressure
Harmful skin and eye irritation
Flammable
Explosive
Harmful to the environment
Increases fire risk
Serious long term health hazards
Severe skin burns and eye damage

More detailed information on chemical symbols is available from the Health and Safety Executive for NI (HSENI).

Chemical products will also usually have information about safely using the product – it’s important to read and follow this advice. Sometimes, labels will give details of the supplier so you can get further advice.

Medicines

Medicines are specialist chemicals. They won’t carry the symbols above but can be harmful if taken in the wrong quantities or by children, who may mistake them for sweets. Like other chemicals they should be:

• stored safely out of reach of children
• kept in their original packaging and with the product information and instructions for use
• used as instructed by the pharmacy or medical professional
• prescribed medicines should only be used by the people for whom they have been prescribed

Using hazardous chemical products safely

Always read the warning label and follow the instructions.

It’s also advisable to follow these guidelines:

• only use as much as you need of a product
• if a substance is hazardous, remove children, pets and their toys from the area for as long as is recommended on the label
• properly ventilate the area by opening the windows – if recommended, wear gloves, long sleeves and a mask
• don’t leave chemical products unattended – if you have to leave the room in the middle of a task, put the product away or take it with you
• it’s dangerous to bring together two common household cleaners, chlorine bleach and ammonia, as this forms a highly toxic gas
• after using chemicals, wash any part of you that came into direct contact with the substance with warm soapy water

Storing and disposing of chemical products safely

Safely store chemicals by following the storage instructions on the label.

In most cases, you should:

• not move products into other containers – these containers might not be capable of safely storing the substance, you might not remember what is in the bottle and children might mistakenly think the substance is safe
• keep all hazardous chemicals out of the reach of young children or locked up
• never store hazardous chemicals near food or food products
• keep hazardous chemicals away from items used to prepare and cook foods, like pots, pans and cooking utensils

If a product is leaking, expired or looks bad, you should dispose of it. Never pour products down the drain unnecessarily – remember that your drainage ends up in seas and rivers. Instead:

• follow the advice on the label
• take it to your local civic amenity site (waste and recycling centre), who can get rid of it safely
• return unused or out-of-date medicines to your pharmacy
• Recycling and reusing
• Local councils in Northern Ireland

Contact with a toxic substance

If you or a member of your family may have swallowed or come into contact with a potentially toxic chemical, you must seek medical advice.

Remember to provide a full description of the product and describe any symbols or guidance from the manufacturer detailed on the bottle or package.

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We only accept quality items our secondhand shoppers will love. Clean out your closet and inspect items for wear & tear. (Psst. Think, “Would I sell this to an acquaintance?”)

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Sign up and send your initial items to us. If accepted, we will do the heavy lifting (processing, pricing, photos, etc.) and you can sit back and start making $$!

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Assuming your first set of items meet our acceptance criteria, you will be invited to become a Premier Seller. This means you can continue to send in items anytime and start earning some real $$!

Do My Items Pass the Test?

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✓ They are free of wear & tear such as pilling, fading, stretching, or shrinkage.

✓ They are not damaged or altered. No stains, holes, rips, zippers broken, or buttons missing.

Receive tips & tricks from Swap’s Premier Selling Team on what brands or items customers want in order to help you sell quality items, faster.

Print pre-paid shipping label and mail items to Swap.com’s quality inspection team. We take care of the rest and will let you know when your items are listed on Swap.com.

We will promote items on your behalf and notify you when your items are purchased. You’ll be able to track corresponding cash, credit, or donation earnings you’ve made each month.

It’s that time of the year again! Be ready to go back to school and make sure everything’s perfectly organised.

New school year,
new clothes and school equipment!

Whether they’re returning to nursery, primary, or secondary school your child will have plenty of clothing and equipment they’ll need to take with them for the day. Every year, towards the end of the school holidays, parents make a mad dash around the shops getting the last minute school essentials such as backpacks and highlighter pens.

All parents know that the chances of some of these items making it to the end of the school year is pretty slim, but that doesn’t stop your child nagging you to buy the latest style of bag or pencils with their favourite cartoon character on them. One solution to tackling missing clothing and equipment is to invest in name labels that can be attached before the start of term to avoid things going walkabout, and help to return them to you if they do.

In fact, a My Nametags study revealed that school jumpers, school books, and stationery are the top three most commonly lost items for children, making it all the more important to label your child’s belongings before term starts.

My Nametags:
The ideal solution for Back to School

It doesn’t matter whether it’s their favourite toy, their pencil case, book bag, school jumper, blazer, or PE kit, there are many items that are part of day-to-day school life and all of these items could be lost, misplaced, borrowed, or taken home by another child or parent by accident. Missing items can not only be distressing for your child – just think how upset they’d be if their favourite teddy didn’t make it home from nursery – but it can prove costly for you too if you’re constantly replacing pencil cases, school ties, and PE kit.

All of the name labels in the My Nametags range are quick and easy to apply – particularly the Colour Sticker Nametags. Literally in a matter of seconds you can stick the labels to clothing, sports kit, stationery, and other back to school essentials. We all remember the days of having to sew on fiddly name labels to our school kit, but with the Colour Sticker Nametags you could label all of your child’s belongings in no time at all. Don’t forget to order your name tags early to avoid a last minute panic before term starts.

The Colour Sticker Nametags are flexible, durable, and rub resistant so they can be stuck to hard surfaces and clothing care labels. This makes them fantastic labels for all items of back to school kit, from jumpers and blazers to lunch boxes, textbooks and even school shoes.

The bright colours and range of over 1000 designs means you can personalise the labels, making them easy to spot in the classroom or changing room. Each label has room for three lines of text, giving you space for your name/your child’s name and your contact details making it easy for items to be returned to you if they’re misplaced or taken home by another child or parent by accident.

Get ready to design your labels!

Effortless to design, with thousands of possible combinations. Available as stickers, iron-ons and more.

You’ve had a bad day and are feeling overwhelmed with emotion. You’re feeling low, afraid and like nobody understands you. You feel like you’re up against the world and need some sort of release. We understand how it feels to be in the situation you’re in right now, because many of us have been there too.

Self-harm is often used as a way of dealing with things when they become too overwhelming. It may seem like a good idea at the time, but self-harm can be incredibly dangerous and can have unintended consequences on your health and appearance and occasionally, leading to death. Trust us when we say this: it isn’t fun trying to hide the scars, the cuts or the bruises.

We understand that right now, it feels as though there’s no light at the end of your tunnel, but we promise that there is and things won’t always be like this. The below alternatives to dangerous acts of self-harm should be used as a short-term measure. It is important that you talk to somebody about how you are feeling and get the help you deserve. You can speak to somebody right now on the Ditch the Label Community and get anonymous help and advice or you could speak to a trusted adult offline.

15 Safer Alternatives to Self-Harm

You are responsible for your own health and it is important that your actions do not cause distress, harm or damage to other people or things. We accept no liability for unfavourable outcomes as a result of this advice. If in doubt, we advise you speak to your GP or a trusted adult.

Our experts have put together a list of 15 safer ways to self-harm, many of which are proven to give the same release and effect as other means, but with much less risk.

1.) Snap a rubber band against your wrist

2.) Slap a hard surface – such as a wall or tabletop

3.) Find somewhere isolated and scream as loudly as you possibly can (alternatively do it into a cushion)

4.) Use a red marker pen to draw or write words on the place where you want to cut

5.) Squeeze ice in your hands really hard

6.) Squeeze the ‘pores’ in the skin of an orange / satsuma / clementine (take care to avoid getting juice in your eyes)

7.) Punch a cushion or punching bag – consider learning martial arts

8.) Find an old magazine or newspaper and tear it up

9.) Write down exactly how you are feeling in a diary – or if you’d prefer to, just scribble everything out

10.) Take part in high-intensity exercise; like circuit training, boxing, running or swimming

11.) Flatten aluminum cans for recycling – see how fast you can do it

12.) Take a cold bath

13.) Play music really loudly

14.) Try squeezing a stress ball

15.) Find a lake or ocean and throw stones into the water as hard and as far as you can

16.) Look after and be kind to yourself; it doesn’t have to be something active. You could try meditation, aromatherapy oil…

Ultimately, self-harm is not the answer to your problems, but doing the above things as a short-term measure could be safer ways of releasing emotion. It is important that you speak with somebody who is able to help you. Never feel like you have to go through this alone, because we are with you and are able to help. Click here to speak with somebody. If you are feeling suicidal in the UK – call The Samaritans on 116 123, they are there 24 hours a day, every day. In the USA – call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

My daughter is in pre-school and they asked that we label all of her clothes (coats, mittens, hats, bots, etc.). What did you use to do this? I’d hate to write her name on everything with a sharpie! Thanks for the advice!! –>

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I label the tags with a sharpie, just with the last name or the first initial of our last name in case I used the clothes again with a future child (and I did, less than a year later!). I only label the stuff I care about. Anything else, fair game for the other kids. ;-p I figure, what goes around comes around. Your daughter can identify many of her clothes, I’m sure (especially her boots and jacket). My son has been in daycare for 16 months and there’s never been a mix-up or missing clothing. I don’t even bother to label my daughter’s stuff (she’s 8 months so it doesn’t travel to the playground or on walks or anything).

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I know it’s a pain to label everything, but it can be really helpful. It’s not just about an item getting returned to you if it’s lost. It enables the staff to resolve arguements amoung the children and to help them get dressed more quickly.A lot of children have the same or similar items.

I used a “Rub a Dub” marker. It’s specifically designed for fabic and wrote on the label.

Some other things I’ve seen . sewing a label onto the clothing so it can be removed at a later time. using fabric paint. and there’s always the sharpie.

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I wrote both of my children’s names on small pieces of fabric with a sharpie and stitched it into one of the inside seams on the clothes. I donate all of their clothes when they no longer fit, so all I have to do is remove the homemade tag. Hope this is helpful. –>

FILONIA LECHAT

Help your child keep track of folders, books, lunch supplies and other school materials by creating personalized labels on your home computer. You don’t need to spend money on custom-printed labels from on-line retailers or stationers; you can make your own in just a few minutes using Microsoft Word, part of your Microsoft Office Suite installation. A variety of options are available to tailor labels to the preferences of both your child and school.

Explore this article

things needed

• Microsoft Word
• (Optional) Digital image or logo

1 Open Microsoft Word

Open Microsoft Word and click “Tools” in the toolbar at the top of the screen. Select “Letters and Mailings,” then “Envelopes and Labels.”

2 Click the Labels ” tab

Click the “Labels” tab, then click the image of the label in the bottom right corner of the window. A scroll menu of various label sizes appears; choose the label size, such as address, then click “OK.” Click “New Document,” which brings up the workspace, divided into the number of labels per page.

3 Click on the top left label

Click on the top left label and type your child’s name, address, phone number, email or any other required information. Highlight the words, then choose a font, size and color from the text toolbar at the top of the page. For child-style handwriting, try Bradley Hand, Kirsten or Papyrus.

(Optional.) Click your cursor to the left of the text you just typed, then click the “Image” menu at the top of the screen. Select “Picture,” then choose “From File.” Browse to where you have an image such as the school logo or your child’s photo. Double-click the image, and it appears on your label. Click once on the image and grab one of the sizing boxes to adjust to your preferred size.

(Optional.) Click your cursor to the left of the text you just typed, then click the “Image” menu at the top of the screen. Select “Picture,” then “Clip Art.” Pull down the “Search in” menu and make sure all boxes are checked. Pull down the “Results should be” menu and check just the “Clip Art” box. Type a word or phrase into the “Search for” box, such as cheerleading, basketball, school or cat. Click “Go.” Scroll to a picture you want on the label, then double-click. It appears on the label. Click it to resize as preferred.

Use your mouse to block and copy the entire label; drag your cursor over all the text you typed, plus the image, so they are highlighted. Simultaneously press the “Ctrl” and “C” keys–the shortcut command to copy. Click into the next label in the row and simultaneously press “Ctrl” and “V”–the shortcut command to paste. Repeat to fill all the labels on the page.

For all things sticky and fun!

How to Remove Sticker Residue from All Surfaces

Guest post by Georgiana Mihaila

I love stickers! They are great for so many applications and uses. However, when it comes to taking them off, they turn into a bit of a drag. That’s why I love StickerYou’s approach — they use a quality adhesive that will remove cleanly without leaving that annoying gunk behind.

Luckily, sticker and label residue can be quite easy to remove if you know what to use. More often than not, readily available household items do the trick.

Most Useful Household Items to Remove Sticker and Label Goo

Depending on the surface you plan on cleaning (keep reading for a breakdown by surface), there are many household items that can help you MacGyver your way to becoming sticky free.

They range from plain old pencil erasers to vinegar, baby oil, an iron, and rubbing alcohol — or even vodka (this whole sticker gunk cleaning thing just got a bit more fun, hasn’t it?)

Removing Sticker Residue from Walls

DIY masters have quite a few handy tricks to get rid of sticker and tape adhesives; the one with the best results involve using a clothes iron to steam the sticky surface, making it easy to wipe off.

Here’s how: Plug in your iron and get it hot and steamy. Take the anvil and place it close to the wall (carefully, as not to actually touch the wall), then hold it there for about five minutes. Once you’ve steamed the adhesive, take a paper towel and wipe off the wall with gentle, circular moves. This should do the trick!

A great alternative for cleaning walls is baby oil. Take a sponge, pour some baby oil on it, then gently rub it on the wall residue. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then use paper towels to scrub the adhesive right off.

Removing Sticker and Label Residue from Windows

First off, never try to scratch off stickers from windows! That will partly do the trick and get the stickers off, but you’ll be replacing them with some way less appealing window scratches.

Instead use this simple recipe: Fill ¾ of a spray bottle with water, then fill out the rest with apple cider vinegar; add ⅛ of a spoon of baking soda, and shake well. Spray the concoction over the residue surface, rub it in (you can use your fingers), then use a scraper the wipe it off neatly. And that’s it!

Removing Stickers and Label Residue from Glass

Getting old labels off bottles or jars can be a pain. But with this trick those labels paper labels will scrub off clean.

How to do it: First soak the label in hot water to loosen the top layer of the paper label, and peel it away. Then spread peanut butter or olive oil over the label using a knife or sponge. Let sit for a minute and then wipe away with some paper towel and clean with soap.

Image credit: OnlineLabels.com

Removing Residue from Clothes

Now here’s a sticky situation: what do you do when the labels come off, but the sticky part stays put? Our first advice is to proceed with caution, as clothes are much more easy to ruin than harder surfaces like walls or glass.

The solution: Pour a bit of acetone-based nail polish remover on the sticky area, then turn it face down and place it on a towel or washcloth. Add another drop of nail polish on the other side, and use another towel to rub the spot on both sides. It may take a couple of tries, but it will rub the sticker residue right out.

Removing Stickers from Plastic or Metal

Here’s where that pencil eraser comes into play. Erasers are great for removing those annoying small parts left behind by stickers and labels — and can just as easily be used on glass. Even if you don’t have kids in school or your whole life went the digital way, you’re bound to have a pencil in a drawer somewhere.

For bigger surfaces, you can use cooking oil to soak up the whole sticker: rub any type of cooking oil on it, let it soak overnight, then the sticker should be ready to come right off. If that fails, apply the oil again, and use a razor blade to gently scrape the adhesive off.

Other household items that work great on plastic: lacquer thinners, degreasers, nail polish, that handy vodka we mentioned earlier, and even disinfectant wet wipes.

Author bio: Georgiana Mihaila is a writer on a quest to make home living easier, one useful tip at a time. She’s also the word juggler behind Fancy Pants Homes.

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Violetta Shamilova, PharmD, is a board-certified pharmacist and assistant professor at Touro College in New York.

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If you have difficulty swallowing pills (or just have an aversion to it), being prescribed a medication in pill form can seem overwhelming. Crushing pills can help make things easier, but it’s important to know how to do that correctly—and to be aware that not all medications can be crushed and remain safe and effective.

Safety Concerns

Taking a crushed pill, in some cases, is virtually the same as taking one whole. However, there are other times when crushing a pill can heighten the risk of side effects and unintentional overdosing, as well as render the drug ineffective. The following are examples.  

Enteric Coated Pills

Enteric coated drugs should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. They are coated to lessen gastric irritation, to prevent teeth staining and infections of the mouth, and to prevent stomach acids from destroying the drug’s effectiveness. If they are not swallowed whole, they are ineffective and cause serious side effects.

Sustained-Release Drugs

Sustained-release drugs have product names ending with CD and CR (controlled release), DA (delayed action), and ER, XR, and XL, (extended release) among others.

These medications are designed to deliver the medication slowly over a 24-hour period. Crushing them may lead to an initial overdose and insufficient levels of the medication to be delivered over the course of a day, which can be dangerous.

Cytotoxic, Teratogenic, or Hormone Drugs

Crushing these medications can lead to inhaling airborne particles. Cytotoxic drugs include chemotherapy treatments and teratogenic drugs include ACE inhibitors.

Finasteride is an example of a hormone drug that should not be crushed. If crushing is necessary and approved, caregivers should use caution by wearing gloves and a mask when handling the medication.

Narcotics

You should never crush narcotics, such as Oxycontin or Vicodin. When narcotics aren’t taken correctly, there is a high potential for addiction and adverse reactions that could lead to overdose and death.

Know Your Options

First off, you may not even need to worry about whether or not you can crush pills prescribed to you if a medication is available in another form (a liquid, patch, injection, or some other alternative) that you could take instead. Talk to your doctor about all your options.

If you must take a medication in pill form, always ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it can be crushed. You should also ask whether it is safe for others to crush medication for you. In some cases, this can cause adverse effects, as is the case with cytotoxic, teratogenic, and hormone drugs.

There are ways to make swallowing pills easier if crushing them (or using an alternative form of the drug) is not a possibility.

Check the Label

Many pharmacies place a sticker on a bottle of pills that should not be crushed. If you don’t see such a warning label and you’re not sure if crushing the pills is advised, ask.

Crushing Pills

If you know a medication can be safely crushed, there are three safe ways to go about it—using a pill crusher, a pill splitter, or a mortar and pestle.You can buy both pill crushers and pill splitters in drugstores and online. A mortar and pestle set can be found in most cooking supply stores.

Pill Crusher

The easiest way to crush pills is to use a pill crusher. The gadget works by reducing the pill into a fine, powdery substance to be mixed with food or a beverage. Using a pill crusher is simple and requires little physical effort. Plus, the process is very time-efficient, as most pills are relatively small and take mere seconds to crush.

Pill Splitter

If you are taking large pills that cannot be crushed, a pill-splitter may be the solution. A pill splitter allows you to safely cut a pill in two, making it easier to swallow.

Mortar and Pestle

An old-fashioned mortar and pestle are that heavy bowl and thick stick often used to make guacamole. You can use it to safely grind and mash pills into powder form. This method requires a little more time and physical effort than a pill crusher, however.

In addition, it’s not very user-friendly for people with arthritis or other joint conditions of the hands and wrists because the application of pressure is needed to twist and turn the pestle. (If you use this method, be sure to have a set dedicated to just pill crushing.)

When you are done crushing or splitting pills, clean your tools well so no residual drug remains, which could contaminate medications you crush later on.

Avoid This Method

Some people feel tempted to crush their medication by placing pills inside a plastic bag and bludgeoning them with a hammer or other heavy object, but there are so many things that can go wrong with this method:

• It can make holes in the bag and you could lose some of the medication, which throws off dosing.
• The crushed-up medication can collect in the corners of the bag, making it difficult to get every bit of medication out.  
• It may leave chunky pill fragments, rather than a smooth powder.
• It’s more time-consuming than any other method.

Taking Crushed Pills

Take your crushed pills with food or a liquid other than water. While safe, water simply makes for a bitter taste.

Consider what medications may interfere with food and drinks. For example, grapefruit has been known to cause severe reactions, such as blocking the ability of medications to be absorbed by the body.  

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about a food or drink to take with medication. Good food options for mixing crushed medications include:

• Applesauce
• Pudding
• Milk
• Fruit juice

It is not a good idea to mix crushed pills. If you need to crush two or more medications, each should be crushed separately and taken separately.

A Word From Verywell

If you have trouble swallowing pills or anything else, talk to your doctor to determine if there’s something behind it. Certain health concerns can give rise to dysphagia, and you may not notice any signs of them aside from eating slower, favoring softer foods, and crushing or splitting medications.  

Swallowing problems are often easily treated. And while it’s important to get the help you need to improve in this regard, it’s also important to address any underlying concerns as a whole.

Home cleaning products, both homemade or commercial, should be handled with care in your home.

After all, they all contain chemical and ingredients which could react with one another in bad ways, not to mention many of them are not good for family members or pets to ingest or inhale too many fumes.

Therefore, below are four safety tips for your home cleaning products, to keep your home both safe and clean, at the same time.

1. Read The Label (Including The Fine Print)

Another way to say this rule is to “use as directed.”

The cleaning product’s label will tell you how to use it safely and effectively.

Follow those directions.

It is important to pay attention to the following portions of the directions, in particular:

• What types of items do the directions say you can use the cleaning product on?
• What items the product specifically warns you not to use it on?
• Amount of the product to use?
• How long to apply the product (or how quickly to remove the product)?

2. Do Not Mix Cleaning Products Together

Mixing cleaning products can create dangerous and poisonous fumes.

For instance, do not mix chlorine bleach with either vinegar or ammonia. If you do it will create a poisonous gas.

3. Store Your Cleaning Products Safely

Keep your cleaning products away from children and pets, because many of them are dangerous if ingested or if they come in to prolonged contact with skin, or any contact with eyes.

Here are some safety tips to follow regarding safe storage of your cleaning supplies:

• Keep the products in their original containers, so you know what they are and when the expire.
• If you need to dilute a cleaning product, or you make homemade cleaning products, be sure to label and date your containers.
• Keep your household cleaners away from food storage areas. You do not want to get cleaners and food mixed up or combined in any way.
• Store your household cleaners in a cool, dry place.

4. Dispose Of Your Home Cleaning Products Properly

When you finish with a cleaning product you need to make sure you dispose of it properly.

Many times the label itself will explain any specific rules for disposal. Follow them (see Rule 1 above).

Other considerations when disposing of cleaning products properly are as follows:

• Keep even empty bottles and containers away from kids and pets, so they cannot get into them. Consider putting them into a closed garbage bag or can, instead of an open wastebasket in your home.
• Do not flush disposable cleaning wipes down the toilet.
• Do not pour cleaning products down your sink drain or into the toilet.

What’s Your Favorite Cleaning Supplies, Products Or Equipment?

Click here to share your favorites cleaning supplies with us, telling us what it is, and why you can’t live without it.

How to wash your new SensaCalm weighted blanket:

SensaCalm weighted blankets come in a variety of different fabric types. Below are the specific washing and drying instructions for each of our fabric types. If you are unsure about any of these instructions please feel free to call or email us (855-736-7222 or [email protected] ) .

First Time Wash

• If blanket has solid red or other bright colors wash on cold with ½ cup of salt to set color.

• Wash the blanket alone in warm or cold water.
• Do not use the gentle cycle for heavier blankets in top loading washers.
• Blankets over 20 lb should be washed and dried in commercial washers and dryers.
• Tumble dry on low/medium heat or line dry.

Blankets with Cuddle

• Wash the blanket alone in warm or cold water.
• Do not use fabric softener on cuddle blankets.
• Do not use the gentle cycle for heavier blankets in top loading washers.
• Blankets over 20 lb should be washed and dried in commercial washers and dryers.
• Tumble dry on low/medium heat or line dry.

• Wash the blanket alone in warm or cold water.
• Do not use the gentle cycle for heavier blankets in top loading washers.
• Blankets over 20 lb should be washed and dried in commercial washers and dryers.
• Tumble dry on low heat or line dry.
• Do not dry waterproof blankets on high.

• Wash the blanket alone in warm or cold water on gentle/delicate cycle or hand wash.
• Do not use fabric softener on satin blankets.
• Do not use the gentle cycle for heavier blankets in top loading washers.
• Line dry

What to do when your new SensaCalm weighted blanket arrives:

When you first receive your weighted blanket go ahead and inspect it, try it out, and make sure it is what you ordered. After checking over your blanket you may want to start off by washing it using our washing instructions. We don’t pre-wash the blankets after manufacturing so a quick wash will remove any chalk residue, from marking the fabric for sewing, and any wrinkles that may have formed while shipping.

How to use your new SensaCalm weighted blanket:

SensaCalm weighted blankets are first and foremost blankets! Adults should use them as they would any other blanket. Sleeping and general lounging around after a stressful day under a weighted blanket can be quite therapeutic. As for SensaCalm weighted blankets for children and special needs there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Never use a weighted blanket as a form of punishment!
• Users must be able to remove their weighted blanket on their own!
• Small glass beads could be a choking hazard for small children. Stitching is strong, but should still be checked after every washing!

Some children will love their weighted blanket right away, but with some children you can never predict how they will react to it. If your child does not seem interested at first do not insist , simply introduce the blanket again at a later time. Repetition is the key for children that do not take to their weighted blanket right away. Children with autism especially like routine so keep at it until they accept the blanket as part of their regular routine of sleeping, riding in the car, etc. Here’s some good examples of times to use your weighted blanket:

• When it is bed/nap time.
• On a car ride.
• At the doctor or dentist.
• At school.
• Any time your child or loved one is upset, anxious, or over stimulated.

Tampons—shown within an applicator on the left and outside of an applicator on the right—are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as medical devices.

If you use tampons during your period (also called a “menstrual cycle”), it’s important to know the basics for how to use them safely. Consider this important information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—and please share it with friends and loved ones who may use these products.

What are tampons—and what are they made of?

You may be surprised to know that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow when people have their periods. They are cylindrical in shape and made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. Tampons are either designed to be inserted using a plastic or cardboard applicator or to be directly inserted, without an applicator.

What should you know about different types of tampons? And are tampons safe?

Tampons are available in “organic” and standard varieties. Tampons are also available in “scented” and “unscented” options. But before any tampons can be sold, they must go through FDA review to determine whether they are substantially equivalent to, including as safe and effective as, a legally marketed tampon.

As part of this FDA review, manufacturers submit, among other information, the results of testing to evaluate the safety of the materials used to make tampons and applicators (if present); tampons’ absorbency, strength, and integrity; and whether tampons enhance the growth of certain harmful bacteria or alter normal bacterial growth in the vagina.

The absorbent fibers used in tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment).

The bottom line: The FDA views any marketed tampons that comply with FDA requirements, including FDA premarket review, to be safe and effective when used as directed.

What do consumers need to know in order to use tampons safely?

You may want to ask your health care provider if you have questions about whether tampons—or other FDA-regulated products such as menstrual pads or cups—are right for you. If you decide to use tampons, consider the following general advice.

1. Follow all labeled directions. Even if you’ve used tampons before, refresh yourself on best practices, including any information on washing your hands before and after use. (Note: A tampon cannot get “lost” in your body when used as directed.)
2. Only use tampons when you have your period—and only use them as directed. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time.
3. Change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours. Never wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.
4. Use the lowest absorbency tampon that you need. Consider how heavy or light your period is and how often you need to change your tampon. If you can wear one tampon up to eight hours without changing it, the absorbency may be too high.
5. Consider which period products are best for different activities. For example, if you need coverage for longer than 8 hours, such as when sleeping, choose a pad instead.
6. Beware of pain or other unusual symptoms. Tell your health care provider if you ever have discomfort, pain, or other unusual symptoms like unusual discharge when trying to insert or wear a tampon. (Note: You shouldn’t feel a tampon when it is inserted properly.) These symptoms may mean that you need to take a break from using tampons. Symptoms such as a sudden fever (usually 102°F or more) and vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or feeling like you are going to faint when standing up, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn may be signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). If you have any of these symptoms during your period, remove the tampon and seek medical attention immediately. And if you have these symptoms soon after your period, seek medical attention immediately. If you ever have an allergic reaction or irritation from using tampons, stop using tampons and talk with your health care provider.

Finally, if you ever have a problem with a tampon, consider also reporting it to MedWatch, the FDA’s safety information and adverse event reporting program.

What should you know about toxic shock syndrome (TSS)?

One safety issue associated with using tampons is toxic shock syndrome, a rare disease caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. The toxic substance can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death.

Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the past 20 years. One reason is that, as part of the premarket review, the FDA evaluates whether a tampon enhances the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS before deciding whether the product can be marketed. The FDA also believes that more informative tampon labeling, as well as educational efforts by the FDA and manufacturers, have contributed to this major reduction in TSS cases.

While TSS is rare today, the risk is higher if you:

• use more absorbent tampons than needed, or
• wear a tampon for longer than recommended.

So remember to follow the safety instructions on the tampon labeling and consider the advice outlined above.

Using the right materials makes a huge difference

Kathkarno/ Twenty20 / Getty Images

You can store and preserve old photographs so they will last for generations to come. This means more than placing them in a photo album, as some types can damage the photos. You will need the right supplies and materials so you can get them into the best storage systems or display them appropriately. Most professionals advise handling old photographs as little as possible, making it even more important to do it right the first time.

Remove Photos from Old Albums

Take your photos out of “magnetic” or peel-and-stick albums. The materials they are made of—usually ordinary plastic, glue, and cardboard—will damage photos over time. If you do decide to use a commercially available photo album, look for one labeled “acid-free.” A visit to a hobby shop or photo supply store may be to find the safest type of album.

Remove any glue, tape, staples, rubber bands, and paper clips that might stain, scratch or dent photographs before placing them in an acid-free album, storage box, or frame.

Label Old Photos Carefully

Be sure to label the back of a photo gently with a permanent marker. Include as much information as possible including the names and ages of those in the photo along with where the photograph was taken. This will help those who might inherit your photographs years from now to identify them.

Do not use a ballpoint pen to write on the back of photographs. The pressure of the pen may not only damage the photo, but the ink will very likely fade over time and your labeling efforts will be lost to future generations.

Storing Old Photos

To store photographs individually, place them in plastic sleeves void of PVC. These can be purchased at photo supply stores and some craft stores. Plastic sandwich bags are a good, inexpensive alternative to plastic sleeves if special supplies do not fit into your budget.

Store large quantities of photos by layering them between sheets of acid-free paper in metal or cardboard boxes marked acid-free. Large photo archive boxes can be easily stacked in a cabinet or closet, or even slid under a bed if storage space is at a premium.

A good rule of thumb is storing photos where you are also comfortable: not too hot, cold, wet, or dry. Keep photos out of attics, garages, and basements where they’ll be subject to extreme temperature fluctuations and excessive humidity.

Framing Your Old Photos

When framing, use acid-free mats to keep photos from touching the glass and acid-free backboards to avoid deterioration of the image. If you are having a photograph professionally framed, be sure to tell the framer you want acid-free materials. These will be a bit more expensive, so a framer may not use them automatically.

If you are framing a precious photograph, consider having it duplicated before placing it under glass just in case it fades over time while on display. Or, frame the copy and keep the original away from light to preserve it.

Whether it’s the colors on his bedroom walls or the watercolor picture hanging on the fridge, painting allows a child to express himself creatively. Nevertheless, painting can also be dangerous to children when toxic products are purchased or when paints are used and stored improperly.

The General Stuff

For a safer painting environment, supervise young children and teach all children how to properly use paints. Never paint directly from the container. Pour household interior paint into a painting tray, and pour art paint into a separate container, such as a clean yogurt cup or egg carton. Don’t return unused paint to the original container, but properly dispose of it by rinsing it down the sink or throwing it away in a sealed container. Completely rinse and dry your brushes before putting them away. Keep food and drink away from your paints. Wash your hands after painting, making sure to remove any paint from underneath the nails.

The Low-down on Labels

Looking for the “non-toxic” label on art paints is not enough to ensure the product is safe for children. While products labeled “non-toxic” may not pose an immediate risk of poisoning, they may not be safe for long-term use. Look, instead, for the “AP” label on art paints, which signifies the paint is an “Approved Product” and certified non-toxic by the Art and Creative Materials Institute. Art paint labeled “CL” for “Caution Label” is not appropriate for young children.

Art Painting Procedure

Following proper art painting procedure helps reduce the chance that bacteria or mold will grow in your paint products. Write the date of purchase on your paint products, and use the oldest paint products first. Shake paint well before using. Remove only the paint you will use for that day. When face or finger painting, use only water-based paint, specifically approved for face or finger painting. Never paint over any open sores or cuts, rashes or acne. Use fresh water and a fresh sponge for each child when face painting.

Interior House Paint Labeling

Household paint cans have VOC labels, which show the amount of volatile organic compounds in the paint. VOCs are chemical gasses that may have short- and long-term adverse health effects, cites the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA lists eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system as possible side effects from VOCs. Paints labeled “low” VOC, “zero” or “no” VOC are the safest. By federal law, flat paints can only have 250 g per liter VOC and other paints can only have 38 g per liter VOC, although some states have more stringent standards, cites ConsumerReports.org 3.

Interior House Painting Procedure

Because interior house paints can emit harmful VOC fumes, schedule painting at a time when you can leave your windows open for at least two to three days after painting. For better ventilation, set up window-mounted box fans in the rooms you paint. Keep your children out of freshly painted rooms. If any children are especially sensitive to the paint, they should stay at a friend’s house until that fresh-paint smell is eliminated.

4 tips for keeping your tots safe from toys teeming with germs

Little kids will put just about anything into their mouths, no matter where it’s been, including their toys. To them, it’s just another way of exploring the world. But do you need to add a daily toy scrub-down to your long parental to-do list?

“Everything you touch has bacteria,” says Amesh Adalja, MD, an infectious diseases doctor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “You don’t need to create an overly sterile environment.”

But it’s still smart to clean toys regularly. Here are four tips for keeping your child’s playthings spic-and-span.

1. Start with the hands that touch the toys. Good hand hygiene can lessen contamination of toys in the first place. Help your little ones scrub up frequently with soap and water. Make doubly sure to wash their hands after eating, using the bathroom or swiping a runny nose, advises Adalja. If your child has a cold or the flu, separate the toys he plays with at the end of each day and clean them well before putting them back into the toy box.

2. Know when to clean. It’s not necessary or realistic to clean your child’s toys every time they’re played with, Adalja says. Obviously, playthings should be washed when they’re dirty — for example, they’re visibly grimy or a kid threw up on them. You also should clean toys that babies or toddlers put in their mouths. And clean and sanitize toys after your child has been sick (keep reading for advice on how to do that). Otherwise, pick and stick to a regular toy-cleaning schedule, says Adalja. Once a month should be often enough.

3. Use the right cleaning method. Different types of playthings need to be cleaned in different ways.

• Soft toys. Plush toys are more likely to harbor germs than hard toys, Adalja says. To clean plush toys, the toy manufacturer Fisher-Price recommends tossing them into the washing machine, adding laundry detergent and running a cycle on hot. Then dry the toy in the dryer. To attack dust mites that could trigger allergies, stick plush toys in the freezer overnight.
• Plastic toys. With plastic toys that don’t run on batteries, you have two choices. You can wash them by hand in hot, soapy water to remove surface dirt and gunk. If you need to cut grease or remove stubborn dirt, add vinegar and baking soda to the mix, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics. Rinse well. If washing by hand sounds like a hassle, you can simply stick toys that don’t have batteries in the dishwasher, which will sanitize them too.
• Metal or wood toys (or battery-operated plastic toys). Gently wipe down the surface of the toys with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt or grease.

4. Sanitize when you must. Just washing a toy with soap and hot water can remove many of the germs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Because no sanitizer is 100 percent safe, though, only sanitize when necessary. To sanitize, you can soak hard plastic toys for five minutes in a fresh bleach solution, then let them air dry. Use 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water, advises the Department of Health Services in Berkeley, California.

Or, you can wipe down metal, wooden or battery-operated toys with the bleach solution. Once the bleach has dried, it’s OK for little ones to stick the toys in their mouths because the chlorine will have evaporated. If you’re buying a sanitizer or disinfectant, look for products that bear logos from third party testers, such as ECOLOGO, Green Seal or the EPA’s Design for the Environment.

Finally, put germ-laden playthings in perspective. Vaccination is far more important than cleaning toys when it comes to keeping little ones healthy, Adalja says.

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Allie Johnson is an award-winning freelance consumer writer with a degree in magazine journalism. She lives in Georgia with her husband and two dogs.

The gentlest way to wash items, handwashing increases the longevity of textiles by preserving fibers and detailing. It’s the best method to use when washing delicate or wool items at home or while traveling.

We always handwash bras, bathing suits, and delicate underwear. We prefer to handwash silks, woolens, lace, and embellished items. More durable delicates can be washed on the Delicate cycle in a Mesh Washing Bag Bundle. Err on the side of caution—if the item seems delicate, handwash it.

To handwash delicate clothes, follow these simple steps:
♦ Pretreat the item as needed for stains using the Wash and Stain Bar or Stain Solution, then turn the item inside out.
♦ Fill the Wash Tub Basin or sink with water, tepid/room temperature water is usually best.
♦ Add detergent or soap, like the Delicate Wash, and mix to prepare the bath.
♦ Submerge the item, use your hands to agitate the water and detergent and soak items for up to 30 minutes. Never soak silk items for longer than 30 minutes.
♦ Rinse well. Use tepid/room temperature or cold water until the soapy water is gone and press out the water.
♦ Press the item against the sink or basin to remove excess water, be sure not to wring or twist the item.

To dry delicate clothes as quickly as possible, place the item on top of a towel, making sure it’s flat and in its original shape then roll up the item in the towel (like a sleeping bag) to remove excess water. For faster drying, use more than one towel and repeat several times. Don’t put delicate items in the dryer, instead lay flat or hang to dry.

What kind of detergent or soap should I use?
Select the appropriate product based on the fabric of the item you’re washing. See all options.

What if the water in my washbasin becomes colored?
Don’t panic. This is normal and it is simply the fabric dye releasing color. You will not notice any color loss in the item after washing.

Can I handwash more than one item at a time?
Yes, it’s okay to wash like items together. They should be the same color and made from the same fiber content.

Where do you keep your medicines? Are they in different places — some in the medicine cabinet, some in the kitchen, and some in the bedroom or elsewhere? Can you find them when you need them? And do you know how to safely dispose of them? Safe use of medicine also includes safe storage and disposal. Learn more below.

Storage

It’s important that you organize and keep track of your medicines. After all, you want to know where a particular medicine is when you or someone else needs it. Always keep your medicines secure so that a curious toddler, a beloved pet, a meddling teenager, or even a visiting houseguest, does not get into them. (Some medicines, like prescription pain medications, have a “street value” and are stolen out of the medicine cabinets of friends and family members.)

• Take an inventory of the medicines you have in your home every six months.
• Check the expiration date on the bottle or package — you don’t want to take any chances with a medicine that no longer works the way it’s supposed to. Don’t take medicines that are discolored, dried out, or crumbling. Check the expiration date for eye drops and eardrops, too. They may no longer be effective and, worse, could be a breeding ground for bacteria or fungus. Dispose of expired or unneeded medicines.
• Discard leftover prescription medicines from a previous illness or condition. You should never try to treat yourself (or anyone else) with an unused / old prescription medicine. Your symptoms might seem similar to what you had before, but the cause could be different or the medicine may not be the right one this time around.

Approximately 60,000 young children are brought to the emergency room each year because they got into medicines that were left within reach. Are all of the medicines in your home stored up and away and out of the sight of children?

Now that you’ve identified the medicines you want to keep, the next step is to find a safe place to keep them.

• Pick a location that is up and away and out of sight, like a kitchen cabinet or shelf in a hallway closet. Keep medicines away from crawling babies, curious toddlers and playful pets that may put what they find in their mouths. According to SafeKids Worldwide, 23% of young children who got into medicines and ended up in the emergency room had found pills / tablets on the ground, and nearly 20% got into medicines stored in purses or diaper bags.
• Be aware that theft and abuse of prescription medicines — especially prescription pain and ADHD medications — is a serious problem. You can play a role in keeping these powerful medicines out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them by storing them in a secure location in your home.
• Store your medicine in an area that is convenient, but is also cool and dry — since heat and humidity can damage medicines. The bathroom is usually not a good place to keep your medicines unless the room is well ventilated. Some medicines require refrigeration, so check the information on the medicine bottle or label.

More medicine storage tips

1. Keep your medicines separate from those of your spouse or other family members (for instance, on a different shelf or at least on a separate side of a shelf). This will make it less likely that you take the wrong ones by mistake.
2. Use a countertop or tabletop near where you take your medicine so you can open the bottle with it resting on the flat surface. In case you drop your pill, it will land on the tabletop and not be lost down the drain or on the floor. Never leave your medicine bottles out on the counter, especially if there are young children, teenagers or grandchildren in the house.)
3. Have good lighting near where you store your medicines to help you make sure you are taking the right medicine. Never take medicines in the dark.
4. Keep the medicine in the bottle it came in. The amber color of prescription containers protects the medicine from light. You will also have the label information right there about what the medicine is, its dosage and how often to take it. The label will also have the phone number of the pharmacy so you can call when it is time for a refill.
5. If you do use a weekly pillbox to help you remember to take your medicines, keep the original bottles so that you can quickly access dosing information and refill information that are generally printed on the bottle or packaging.
6. Never mix different medicines in the same bottle. You might end up taking the wrong one by mistake.
7. Keep the lids on your pill bottles tightly closed. A cap can’t be child resistant if it’s not closed correctly.

Disposal of prescription and OTC medicines

Most prescription and OTC medicines can be thrown away in the household trash. A few best practices are outlined below.

Tips for proper medicine disposal

1. Mix the medicines (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unpalatable substance such as dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds. This prevents thievery or diversion of medicines from the trash.
2. Then, place the mixture in a container such as a zip-lock or sealable plastic bag, and throw the container away in your household trash.
3. Remove the label and / or scratch off all personal information on the label when disposing of a prescription vial.
4. Flush prescription medications down the toilet only if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so (ie, for specific medications, such as prescription pain relievers that have a high potential to be abused; check the FDA’s list of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing .). Otherwise, medicines can be thrown away in the household trash.
5. Take advantage of pharmacy “take-back” programs or solid waste programs to dispose of unused or expired medicines.

Learn More

Learn More about medicine storage and disposal

Additional educational resources

• Do’s and Don’t of Medicine Disposal infographic
• Up and Away and Out of Sight: Practice safe medicine storage to keep your kids and grandkids safe (in partnership with the CDC’s PROTECT initiative)
• Whose medicines are kids getting into and where are they finding the medicines? (SafeKids Worldwide)