More than 2 million infant swings and rockers are being recalled.
What’s happening?
This week, the baby product-maker 4moms is addressing safety concerns surrounding the MamaRoo Baby Swing and RockaRoo Baby Rockers. The manufacturer said they posed a strangulation hazard — particularly for crawling infants. That’s because when the swing itself is not in use, the restraint straps that dangle below the seat can become a problem. The announcement comes after one baby died and another was injured.
Has this happened before?
Yes. Over the years, baby swings and rockers have faced a number of recalls — especially inclined sleepers (like these). That’s why in June, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned all infant sleep products with more than a 10 degree incline. But 4moms’ situation is a bit different since it involves the swing not being in use and the child under the seat.
What do I do if I have one?
The company said that customers with crawling infants should “immediately stop using the recalled swings and rockers.” And put them somewhere out of reach. Then, register for a free strap fastener that’ll stop it from dangling. (Note: There haven’t been incidents with the RockaRoo reported yet.)
theSkimm
Swings and rockers can be useful to help soothe babies. But they can also pose a threat to your child's safety — read up and stay safe.
PS: To learn more about the dangers of infant sleepers and rockers, check out our guide.
And Also...This
What people are talking about…
The primaries. Yesterday, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) lost the Wyoming Republican primary to Trump-endorsed opponent Harriet Hageman. Cheney has been in Congress since 2016. And served as the Chair of the House Republican Conference — making her the third-ranking Republican in the House from 2019 to 2021. But she gained major backlash from her own party for her role in investigating the Jan 6 Capitol riot. And for voting to impeach former President Trump after the event. Now, she's promising to do "whatever it takes" to take on Trump and that "now the real work begins."
Also on the ballot: In Alaska, Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski — who voted to convict Trump of inciting an insurrection — is trying to hold onto her seat against Trump-backed Kelly Tshibaka. They'll be facing off in November. And former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is back to politickin'. This time for the state's lone US House seat — securing a spot on the ballot.
...Oh and speaking of talkers, President Biden officially signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. The $740 billion legislation — which includes the biggest climate investment in US history — aims to cut the national deficit. Republicans don’t buy the branding and say it won’t fix inflation.
What's delivering some good news…
The FDA. Yesterday, it said it would allow some hearing aids to be sold over the counter and without a prescription to adults with mild to moderate hearing issues. About 30 million adults in the US experience trouble with their hearing, but only 20% actually use a hearing aid. That’s in large part because of social stigma, struggles with access, and high costs. (Think: averages more than $5,000 per pair.) And getting it covered by insurance is limited. Now, with the measure, the FDA estimates the prices could be lowered by about $2,800. So...still pricey, but less than half the cost. President Biden says the rule will help give people “more choices to improve their health and wellbeing.” The non-prescription hearing aids could be available in pharmacies and stores as soon as mid-October.
What has people worried….
The western drought. Yesterday, US officials announced that Arizona and Nevada will face water cuts for the second year in a row — in the midst of an extreme drought. Residents of those two states are part of the 40 million people who rely on water from the Colorado River that runs through seven states. The cuts will reduce how much water Arizona and Nevada receive by 21% and 8%, respectively. That change may sound small, but it's enough to impact farmers, tribes, and cities. If the drought continues, more water reductions could be on the way.
In 1971, a Scottish company held a contest offering a £1 million prize to anyone who captured the Loch Ness monster. When they got nervous that someone might actually find her, they asked a bank to insure the contest. The bank agreed on two conditions: 1) the creature had to be 20+ feet long and 2) they got to keep Nessie.
And we thought our insurance questions were strange. Whatever your insurance Qs, State Farm® has the As. They’re there for your what-ifs. And available 24/7. (Read: IRL, online, or a quick call away.) Head here to get a quote. No monster measurements required.
Whenever you’re not sure what to wear, a great pair of jeans is there. Old Navy knows what we mean. They’ve got 20+ denim styles that range from classic to extremely trendy. And they all come in sizes 0–30. Here are a few of our faves, in order from least to most stretchy. (Because comfort = key.)
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Workouts that’ll actually work out. Because sometimes getting going is the hardest part. This app gives you guided training designed juuuust for you. Plus instant answers to all your questions. So you’re set up for success. Psst…here’s 50% off your first three months.*
2.A modern way to beat inflation. Two words: fine art. This platform can help you invest in works by artists like Monet — and earn serious $$$ (think: 26.8% average net annualized returns).† Psst…it’s got over 500K users. And Skimm’rs can skip the waitlist.*
3. The next installment of our Skimm Tested series. Is the Furbo 360º Dog Camera right for your home and pet? It has a crystal-clear picture, can toss treats, and lets you speak to your furry friend. Read more on why we think it's a must-have.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†Statistic representative of data dating to 2019. See important Regulation A disclosures.
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We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Planting seeds…Auriele T, Zoe E, and Kaitlin L (CA). They launched The Dahlia Collective, a non-profit that provides free consulting to minority and women-owned businesses in hopes to empower communities of color with the tools and support they needed to succeed.
(Some) Birthdays…Tiffany R Warren (NY), Claudette Zepeda (CA), Caitlin O'Shaughnessy (NY), Boone Foley (CA), Angela Micheli (IL), Kristen Webb (TN), Jen Martin (MA), Cristina Fini (CT), Sharon Traumuller (PA), Hannah Wimmer (GA), Rachel Cherry (CA), Denise Holder (CO), Susan Broder (MD), Ashley Riley (CA), Sandhya Jain-Patel (NY), Ryanne Martel (Colorado), Amanda Hawkins (OK)
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If you still think of weekdays as school nights, then you might think of August as the end of summer. As kids across the country gear up to return to the classroom, some states are scrambling to find teachers to fill them. We Skimm what the teacher shortage means for students’ education and the teaching profession.
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