Three new studies take another look at Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and ways to reduce the risk. A first study by researchers at Kaiser Permanente looked at whether using a fan in the room where a baby sleeps can reduce the risk of SIDS. Researchers indicated that fans may improve ventilation and decrease the chance that babies will rebreathe exhaled carbon dioxide. Two other new studies focused on how parents and caregivers (family providers, daycare, relatives, etc.) are implementing SIDS guidelines to have babies sleep on their backs, not share beds, and to have beds free from blankets, stuffed animals and pillows. Newsweek has a newly-published article about this tragedy and the mystery surrounding SIDS.

Have you noticed your local fire station planning an open house or public event this month? That's because October is National Fire Prevention Month. There's no better time than right now for daycares and schools to talk about fire safety basics, what to do in the event of a fire, having a family safe plan, and, of course, the dangers of playing with matches or lighters. Consider these fun fire safety activities as well. My youngest child has already come home and asked me to remind him about our family evacuation plan. (Note to self: talk about fire safety year-round!) Here are 10 top tips for teaching kids about fire safety to get those conversations started.

Thirteen car booster seats for kids are getting a poor review because while they may be more comfortable, they don't don't position belts to put occupants in the best position for protection in the event of a crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute have announced that they do not recommend the following car seat models: Compass B505, Compass B510, Cosco/Dorel Traveler, Evenflo Big Kid Confidence, Safety Angel Ride Ryte, Cosco/Dorel Alpha omega, Cosco/Dorel (Eddie Bauer) Summit, Cosco Highback Booster, Dorel/Safety 1st (Eddie Bauer) Prospect, Evenflo Chase Comfort Touch, Evenflo Generations, Graco CarGo Zephyr, and Safety 1st/Dorel Intera. The institute also offers "best bet" and "good bet" recommendations as well. Child-seat manufacturers say their products meet and exceed federal regulations.

Early educators and elementary-school teachers will certainly get stuck on Elmer's Glue Crew Recycling Program. With a growing awareness and emphasis on finding ways to recycle, this easy program makes even very young kids feel good about making a difference on a product that every youngster uses a lot of! The program encourages kids to decorate a recycling box and then fill it throughout the year with used glue bottles and glue sticks. Come Earth Day of '09, just bring the filled box to the nearest Wal-Mart to drop off. Even better, there is a newsletter and chances for prizes throughout the year!