Hospital infection rates. When we had to hospitalize our infant for "minor" surgery, the anxiety was unlike anything we’d ever suffered. Of course we worried about the big hazards, like a surgery mishap. But we also worried about the smaller mistakes like a nurse forgetting to wash his hands or the anesthesiologist miscalculating the dose. Unfortunately, we weren’t just paranoid new parents. Not only are mistakes like these commonplace, they’re much more likely in some hospitals than others. Learn more in the full Health blog post.

Toys ‘R Us accepting used baby products. The chain's "Great Trade-in" is in full swing at stores across the nation. From now until February 20 they are accepting trade-ins of used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards, high chairs and toddler beds. This is a good way to get damaged and unsafe products out of homes and off the secondhand market. During the store's first event in September, it got many items that were decades old and definitely not compliant with today's stricter product safety standards. Learn more in the full Safety blog post.

Tinkerbell toys laced with lead. This week, Playmates Toys, of Costa Mesa, CA, recalled 252,000 Disney-branded Tinkerbell charms for lead content that exceeds federal limits. The recall involves charms sold with the Tiny Tink and Friends toy jewelry sets. The sets were sold from November 2008 through November 2009, so kids may well have gotten them as holiday gifts or stocking stuffers. If your child has one, take it away immediately and contact Playmates Toys at (888) 810-1133 or www.playmatestoys.com for a replacement or refund. Learn more in the full Safety blog post.