CPSC Recall
The CPSC, in cooperation with Target, announces the recall of "F Forward" Firestreet Scooters. The handlebars, wheels and wheel brakes can break and detach causing the rider to lose control and fall. There have been five incidents and injuries reported as a result of the faulty scooters. Consumers should return the scooters to Target for a $24 gift card. For more information on the recall, call Target at 800-440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or visit their website: www.target.com.

Mother Knows Best
For an alternative to expensive maternity sleepwear, consider raiding your husband's boxers and T-shirts from his dresser drawer. One note of caution: be sure to wear the boxers below your tummy so you don't permanently stretch out the elastic waistband.
Elaine M., Bethesda, Md.

Do you have a helpful tip for other moms? Send it in to contactus@washingtonparent.com.

Treats: Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering.

Flame Resistant Costumes: When purchasing a costume, masks, beards and wigs, look for the label "Flame Resistant." Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate they will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other ignition sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

Costume Designs: Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists.

• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
• To easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Mother's high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.
• Hats and scarves should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.
• Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.

Pedestrian Safety: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture or clotheslines present dangers.

Choosing Safe Houses: Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

• Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.
• People expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations and other furnishings that could be ignited.