Many plants that are invasive in the South, or even the East Coast, or well-mannered here. Generally, such plants are more problematic where the precipitation season is in summer and summer nights stay warm. Between summer dryness and marginal survival during winter, I wouldn't worry unless someone local tells you otherwise. A lot of common landscaping plants are poisonous in theory: oleanders, rhododendrons, pyracantha...the list goes on and on, including many California natives. If your kids spend a lot of time browsing on your shrubs and perennials, then that might be a concern. More likely the household cleaning agents you keep under your sink pose a far greater risk. Poison control centers are not inundated with calls regarding ornamental vine consumption. Most parents can't even get their kids to eat broccoli.

There is new thinking on the use of crib 'bumpers' that you may want to take into consideration when making things for the new baby; Crib bumper pads are a very common baby product, and parents often use bumper pads thinking they are increasing the safety of their child's crib. However, many health agencies and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) awareness groups are now recommending that parents skip the crib bumper, saying the need for crib bumpers has passed and that using these products may actually put children at greater risk for suffocation or death. Why Do We Use Crib Bumper Pads? Crib bumper pads became popular in older-style cribs where the slats were far enough apart that a baby's head could become trapped between the slats, posing a suffocation risk. Today, all cribs sold in the United States and Canada are required to have slats close enough together that it's nearly impossible for an infant's head to fit through. So why do we still use the crib bumper pads? For some parents, the reason may be as simple as liking the way the bumper pad looks. The matched crib bedding sets in stores are often cute and the package deal makes for a nice coordinated nursery. Other parents are worried about their child's arms and legs sticking through the crib sides, and some worry that the baby will hit his or her head on the crib sides and cause injury. According to Health Canada, it is nearly impossible for an infant to hit his or her head hard enough on the crib to cause bruising or injury. Health Canada also reports that serious injury is not likely when a child puts his or her arms and legs through the crib slats. The baby will either remove their arm or leg from the slats if possible, or make enough noise to alert a parent for help. Which Groups Have Recommended Against Bumper Pads? Some major children's safety organizations have recently suggested that parents and child care providers should remove crib bumper pads from baby cribs. The groups include: American Academy of Pediatrics, Health Canada, National Center for Health and Safety in Child Care, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the First Candle/National SIDS Alliance. Some state and regional Back to Sleep campaigns now recommend removing bumper pads, as well. Why Do These Groups Recommend Against Crib Bumper Pads? One reason child safety organizations recommend against crib bumpers is that they pose a risk of suffocation. Just like a pillow or thick blanket, crib bumper pads can restrict a baby's breathing if the bumper is up next to the baby's nose or mouth. Suffocation risk is greatest when babies are very young and unable to move themselves away from potential hazards. Rebreathing of air is another concern with crib bumper pads. The bumper reduces the flow of fresh air around baby during sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that some infants, when they are overheated or lack sufficient oxygen during sleep, are unable to arouse themselves enough to prevent hypoxia and death. The AAP states that re-breathing of air may in fact be a contributing factor to SIDS. Solutions Since many infant safety organizations now recommend that nothing be inside the crib at all, the safest route for parents and babies would be to remove crib bumper pads altogether. For day care centers, the push for increased sleep safety may soon result in states mandating that child care providers no longer use crib bumper pads. For parents who are still concerned about their child sticking arms and legs through the crib slats, and feel that they must use a bumper pad, there are new mesh crib bumpers on the market today that allow more air to flow through the crib.

Texas_Gem, I will keep M in my prayers. And, yes, under these circumstances, I would report the resident. Calmly, and as concisely as possible, as Wanda, and others have said. Use the liaison at the first hospital, and walk through each step of care. I would also contact your insurance company, and explain why you went to the hospital you trust, instead of the hospital that they cover. In writing, as well as verbally. And DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. It is bad enough when it is adult patients that they don't want to listen to. When it is a parent of a child, who can not advocate for themselves, it is worse. We had issues with an ER Dr. when my dad was in, before he passed away a few years ago. Dr. would not listen to him. My DB & I finally slightly raised our voices. And I do mean slightly, just enough to get his attention, not enough to disturb other patients. Told him to start listening AND hearing what dad was telling him. Not just what he thought was being said because he only wanted to deal with one thing. Insisted that dad had a UTI, when blood work ect. did not show it, just because dad couldn't give him a specimen on demand. Dad worked highway construction. At that time, a port a pot was not provided. You held it until there was a bathroom available. His body got used to going at certain times of the day, and that was it, except in the morning/early afternoon after taking his water pill. And it was NOT a UTI. Dad had been in repeatedly for heart issues, and was concerned because he was having the same symptoms as previous times. Dr. just didn't want to listen. Finally told the Dr. that if he didn't want to listen to what dad & we were telling him, he could discharge Dad, and we would take him elsewhere. He finally listened. And by that time, dad's BP was out of sight. Hope things improve quickly, and they can find the cause.

I gave him a Pepcid, took him up to the pet store to get a packet of pumpkin where the clerk was feeding him duck treats and he was acting adorable to get more. Took him to a field for exercise, put food on a plate when we got home which he refused. Oh well, his stomach isn't making noises, so I'm not going to worry about it for now.Raven-- I know someone else who gives their dog Pepcid daily. Yes, I'm putting the probiotics on his food. Chisue--I agree with the bulk, something on the tummy. Yes the vet did the stool culture and blood work, and both were ok. I'll get some Pepto too. Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions, everyone. I knew I'd get help and suggestions from all the experienced dog people on KT. We'll carry on here, do the best to get food down him. Sometimes I wonder if he's just spoiled rotten except for the stomach noise and anxiety.