Negligence of the Child in Child Accident Cases

Author: Christopher Davis

Washington's law of comparative negligence means that the proportionate share of fault of all potential negligent parties must be considered, even if it involves the conduct of a child. This means a child can be held negligent and therefore wholly or partially responsible for the child's injuries and damages. In Washington, the issue of the child's degree of negligence may also be called "contributory negligence." But there are certain limitations when it comes to accidents and injuries involving negligent children. First, the law in Washington is that children under the age of 6 years cannot be held negligent as a matter of law. The Washington State Supreme Court has decided that a child under age 6 does not have the mental capacity to be negligent. This means that anytime a child under 6 years of age has a legal claim for injuries caused by an accident, that child is deemed fault-free for purposes of deciding which parties negligently caused that child's injuries.



For children who are 6 years of age and older, they may be deemed negligent and thus legally responsible for their own injuries. But there is one important difference. In Washington, children are not to be judged by the same standards that apply to adults. We previously defined the negligence standard for adults as the failure to exercise ordinary care under the same or similar circumstances occurring at the time of the injury or the accident. However, for children the negligence standard is defined much narrowly. A child is negligent if that child fails to exercise the ordinary care that a "reasonably careful child of the same age, intelligence, maturity, training and experience" would exercise under the same or similar circumstances. This is a very important distinction. It means that a 7 year old child cannot be judged based on the same standards that might apply to a 10 year-old child.



The standard of negligence for children is also based heavily on the child's individual characteristics and traits. Conceivably, the actions of a special needs or mentally disabled child should only be judged based on the expected reasonable conduct by another child of the same age and/or intellectual capacity. The same goes for children who may be advanced or high functioning. High achieving children with excellent grades should only be judged by the expected actions of other children similarly situated.



Note: Price v. Kitsap Transit, 125 Wn.2d 456, 886 P.2d 556 (1994).

About the Author:

Christopher M. Davis is a Seattle attorney focusing personal injury cases. He is also known as a child accident lawyer and has written the the book 'Little Kids, Big Accidents' as a resource for parents of injured children. Learn more about Mr. Davis at http://www.DavisLawGroupSeattle.com and get info on Little Kids, Big Accidents at http://www.childaccidentbook.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/negligence-of-the-child-in-child-accident-cases-759761.html

Your Baby Can Sleep and so Can You

Author: David Cummings

After nightly waking to a crying baby, no one is getting a good night's sleep, and everyone is getting frustrated. It is possible for your baby to learn that sleep is a necessary part of the day, but you cannot force your baby to sleep. Although there are many different theories on the best way to help your baby and you get the rest you need, the crux of the matter is how to help your child develop a sleep pattern which matches your lifestyle?




One possibility to consider is that you may need to change your daytime or nighttime routines to help your baby sleep throughout the night. Take some time to observe where your baby sleeps the best. This can provide some helpful clues as to how to get him to sleep through the night. Does your baby rest better in her own room or in a bassinet in your room? Perhaps she would sleep better in her room if you left some music playing softly. One thing that can help is determining which sleep time activities work the best for her. Change up one evening by singing her to sleep instead of rocking her to sleep. On another evening nurse or feed your baby while she drifts off to sleep. Additionally, have your spouse put your baby to bed. In this way you can find one or two ways that your baby prefers and then you can use those methods in your bedtime routine.



Your baby will need to learn how to soothe herself back to sleep as well. Eventually this is less work on the parents, but it does take some time and patience and your baby needs to be of the correct temperament. This method may not work well if your child is more high-strung than easy-going. This method should be discussed with your pediatrician if your baby has medical conditions which may cause them to wake and cry in the night.



Take stock of what your baby's day has been like if she has trouble sleeping at night. Has she had a peaceful day? Is she at a day care during the day? How stimulating is the environment there? Does she nap during the day? Some studies have shown that babies who are carried in slings or use other types of carriers like those in use with attachment parenting get a lot of positive attention and nurturing during the day tend to sleep better at night.



A good sleeping routine can be derived from predictable nap and bedtimes as well. You need to determine the routine that works best for everyoone in your family. Your spouse's and your work routine may not allow for an earlier bedtime. A change in bedtime or naptime may be helpful as well. This may especially be true if you have other children that are going to try to stay up later to get some attention from you or your spouse because of arriving home after work. Develop the daily routine that works best for you and your family.




Once you determine what method or methods work for you and your family, you can create a routine which can everyone get the sleep they need and help your baby grow into a well adjusted toddler.

About the Author:

David Cummings is a devoted parent and husband and a regular author on many family topics. He is devoted to helping parents build better family time together and to ensuring a brighter future for all children through his contributions to children-oriented organizations. David is also the General Manager for Bustling Baby, LLC - a company that knows the business of parenting and offers a wide variety of products to make daily life with baby easier, such as the Messenger Diaper Bag by O Yikes!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/your-baby-can-sleep-and-so-can-you-758341.html

How To Keep Your Babys Memories Forever

A baby never fails to bring joy in any family. The fun and excitement the baby brings is simply priceless. Parents, especially first timers, can't help but be nostalgic about everything concerned with the new baby. Perhaps if there was a way to freeze time and keep all those memorable moments, they would gladly do it to cherish such an important milestone in life.

Unfortunately life goes on and precious moments cannot be frozen forever. Nevertheless memories can still be preserved for a long time by keeping mementos that help people reminisce life’s treasured highlights. This is commonly done by making scrapbooks.

While most people have desired at least once to keep a scrapbook, many of them simply never succeed. Admittedly, scrapbook making is quite tedious and time consuming, but those who have kept scrapbooks swear by their worth. In reality, making scrapbooks is not really that complicated. One just needs to know the things needed to make one.

For making scrapbooks of baby’s firsts, it is important to keep pictures of key events related to a baby’s development. Among the commonly treasured occasions may include simple moments like the baby’s first smile, yawn, nap, sitting up, crawling, walking, bath, hair cut and so on.

One could also take pictures of first things such its bottle, bed, chair, diaper, toy, solid food, and the like. Another important moment to catch would be the baby’s first special occasions such as Halloween, thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Easter, birthday, vacation, and other noted affairs.

To make the scrapbook more interesting, it would be nice to include small, mountable items in the collection. This might include a lock of hair from the first haircut. There could also be pieces of clothing such as a sock, a bonnet, a bib, or a mitten.

One common item would be birth announcements, the baby’s hospital tag, an invitation to the baby shower, and so on. Some parents can even include a dried piece of the baby’s umbilical cord. There are thousands of possibilities when one’s imagination is set free.

Those who are new to scrapbook making should not be alarmed. There are baby scrapbook kits available in bookstores and craft stores. You may also choose to do it from scratch by just fastening special paper together, or by getting a multi-purpose album, then decorating it with baby-related stuff.

Keeping a baby’s treasured moments can be so much fun with the right things and know-how at hand.


Article Source: http://www.articleset.com

Baby Expense: Are You Ready for Your Baby?

As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way to have and raise a baby: it takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience, and more to have a happy, healthy baby. Some studies suggest that you will spend anywhere between $150,000 and $200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years old, not including private schools, special lessons, or college.

But if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to have your baby, you would probably end up without any children. Here you'll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.

1. Get health assistance - if you don't have health insurance, and can't afford it, doctor's bills can ad up really easy. But there are options out there for people just like you. This baby expense will probably be one of your biggest, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance if your family needs it.

2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It's free, it's convenient, and it might help against breast cancer. It's recommended as being the best form of nutrition for baby.

If you can't breastfeed, don't feel guilty. Try to apply for WIC (Women , Infants, and Children): http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic , a program designed to help middle and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they are offered. This is a baby expense you can't do without.

3. Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but most are basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand counterparts. You can save even more, if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. As with breastfeeding, it's a little more work involved, but well worth it.

4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action after your baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: it works wonders (you should check with your doctor first).

5. Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is your best friend: it will help you keep this baby expense at its lowest. Not only is it much cheaper, but it's so much healthier! Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, or special occasions, and give your baby pureed food made by you. You can cook a week's supply on the weekend, put the blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours, and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your baby's appetite and age, you can microwave one, two or three cubes before meal time. It's quick, healthy and inexpensive.

6. Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really notice that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look cute in anything: don't waste your money! You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores.

7. Toys - they are big business, but you don't have to feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids were happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make sure they are cleaned and rinsed very well before handing them to your baby), plastic bowls, plastic containers from food products (margarine, sour cream , etc.) that they could stack up, etc. Also, buy some toys that will help with your baby's development, are durable, and are age appropriate: a baby expense worth the money.

8. Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a guardian for your child and the trustee of your child's inheritance (often but not always the same person). Without a will, the court will name these individuals and also split up your assets in accordance with state law which may not be the way you would wish. Please don't try to avoid this baby expense: your kid's future might depend on it. A simple will that includes a trust for minor children costs between $150 and $250.

Hopefully, this article gave you the information you needed for the arrival of your new baby.

Happy Planning!

Adriana Copaceanu is a work at home mom of 2, and the publisher of Baby's First Year Companion, an online resource for new parents. http://www.babys-first-year.com

Now a Simple System to Lose Weight After Pregnancy!

Author: Walter Derksen

It wasn't that long ago you found out you were pregnant and you had that overwhelming feeling of pure joy. You were excited to start a family and couldn't wait to tell everyone about it. Now as time has passed you realize you have gained weight and your look has changed. Something needs to be done and you need a system to lose weight after pregnancy and you need it now.



Did you know that 38% of women gain more than the recommended weight suggested for pregnancy by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science. According to professors at Cornell University, who did a study found that if women gained more than the recommended weight during pregnancy and failed to lose it were six times more likely to be obese by the time their baby was 1 year old.



On the other hand babies born to mothers who gained weight within the recommended guidelines are found to be at a healthy birth weight, which is an indicator of overall good health.



So in order to follow a system to lose weight after pregnancy it would be a lot easier if you didn't gain an over abundance of weight during pregnancy. With fewer pounds to lose after childbirth would help you maintain a normal body mass index (BMI), translating into a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes later on.



So now we know we need to lose weight and the benefits that come with it. We need a program that will help us achieve our goals quickly and easily. A program fitting your schedule, that can be done at home would be ideal.



Usually when we think of losing weight we think of an exercise program. That is only a part of the total workout program we need to stay healthy, be energetic and strong enough to keep up with the daily grind of raising a newborn.



The program we are looking for includes exercise which we can do in 4 sessions per week using a minimum amount of equipment. Also included in this system to lose weight after pregnancy is a full complement of eating suggestions that will help give that feeling of success and accomplishment.



You can go for walks before breakfast with your baby when you have the most energy just a few days a week. Make it fun, find new trail, and give them names like Crunch Knuckle Trail. This activity helps you get and stay in shape, and bond with your baby who is learning new things every day.



You can take your baby to a mother tot swimming class. Your baby will love it, you get out of the house meet new friends and who knows some might want to join you in an excercise club you might start.



You can find a great exercise DVD and use it at home when the baby is napping or just playing. Find an instructor who has gone throught everything just like you and is willing to show you all that is necessary to follow a simple system to lose weight after pregnancy.



Plan on doing this sooner rather than later because both you and your baby will be the better for it both now and in the long run.

About the Author:

Following a simple system to lose weight after pregnancy and starting right away is key. You can get more information and all your questions answered now by going here http://www.lose-weight-after-baby.com/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/now-a-simple-system-to-lose-weight-after-pregnancy-673454.html

Early Sign of Pregnancy - Tracking the Symptoms

Author: Apurva Shree

The earliest and most recognizable sign of pregnancy is missed periods. Woe to the women who do not keep a track of their periods or have an irregular menstrual cycle, for it will take a while for them to register their pregnancy. Nausea or morning sickness is another early sign of pregnancy. Increase in hunger or total loss of appetite follows the missed period and nausea pregnancy symptoms. These signs may vary and swing either way with each passing day, as the body prepares itself to welcome a new life. Every woman, rather every pregnancy, differs in pregnancy symptoms.



Pregnancy Symptoms

There is no standard checklist for determining pregnancy. Different women have different symptoms. It is very important to listen to what your body tells you and recognize any untoward signs. This way you can even recognize early signs of pregnancy much before any testing takes place. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms within weeks of conception, some may have no symptoms other than missed or delayed periods. Some of the most common pregnancy symptoms are listed below.




Nausea or morning sickness: Most well known early sign of pregnancy are experienced between 2-8 weeks after conception. This queasy feeling is due to the changes in the hormone levels the body experiences as it prepares for embryo implantation.



Delayed or missed periods: It is the classic early sign of pregnancy. The uterine lining need not be shed anymore so as to embed the embryo for growth.



Fatigue or tiredness: This pregnancy symptom starts as early as first week after conception.



Swollen or tender breasts: Within a week or two of conception, some women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to touch, sore or swollen due to hormonal imbalance.



Darkening of areolas: The skin around the nipples darkens as the pregnancy advances in weeks, to prepare for the baby.



Backaches: Lower backache is also an early sign of pregnancy, though a dull backache remains throughout the pregnancy due to the increasing weight of the fetus.



Headache: Some women experience headaches early in the pregnancy due to sudden rise of hormones.



Frequent urination: Around 5-8 weeks as the growing uterus presses against the urinary bladder, one needs to make frequent trips to bathroom to evacuate urine.



Food cravings: This is a very classic early sign of pregnancy and lasts throughout the entire pregnancy. Some women crave for sweets and ice creams, while other may want salty food or pickles. According to pregnancy journal, this is one way of the body to take in the missing nutrients or augment poor diet due to nausea.




Implantation bleeding: About 6-12 days after conception the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some blood spotting or cramping may take place at this moment of time. This is also an early sign of pregnancy to be watched out for.

About the Author:

Apurva Shree is the online editor of free pregnancy information resource www.earlysignofpregnancy.info She has developed this site to provide valuable information on early pregnancy symptoms and useful methods to enjoy your pregnancy period and the ways in which you welcome your new world of motherhood. Early Sign of Pregnancy.info is your free resource that not only provides information on early sign of pregnancy but the other aspects of pregnancy too.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/early-sign-of-pregnancy-tracking-the-symptoms-74406.html

Baby Swings Review

By: Travis Olague

Swings are usually an integral part of our childhood. We still remember the wind of a hot summer day when we, soaring up, rocked ourselves. Swinging gave us a close feeling of flying. Many years ago swings were designed for indoors use, one could have it in his own garden or yard, but nowadays there are a great variety of swings which come both in windup as well as battery operated models. For example check Graco baby swings, or Fisher Price Baby Swings But no matter which one we choose for our baby to entertain him or her we have always to keep in mind that the first criterion we must follow making our choice is our baby safety. We have to be maximum attentive when we buy a swinging set for our infant, because according to the statistic data a lot of children are taken to emergencies every year for injuries which they got while swinging themselves. To avoid all those shudder accidents our task is to choose a baby swing that is safe and durable.

Swings must be safe
Purchasing a baby swing, you have to decide which one you want - a battery operated or crank model. But speaking about swings most of them on the market today are battery-operated. With either a windup or battery-powered mechanism, baby swings must be safe. They must have a solid base to avoid tipping and a safe seat is necessary as well. If the seat is adjustable, for example for a little baby who can't sit by himself yet, you have to make sure that adjustable belts cannot be released, which might cause the fall-out of the baby. A good and safe baby swing should have waist and crotch safety belts as well, which prevent your baby from sliding out. Additional safety features such as rolled towels for stability of an infant's head, will help to avoid accidents when an infant's neck or head can become trapped between the back rest and the bars.

A few words more about a swing
The greatest advantage of the windup models is that they can serve lifetime, if they have sturdy, stable frames with tubular-metal legs. And a big plus can be their well-padded reclining seats. Moreover some parents find the motors of battery operated swings noisy, because such baby swings are driven by a motor. But before buying such a swing you can test products in the store and hear the sound of the motor. You also can take your baby with you to see his or her reaction on the produced noise of the swing. It is very important for a baby swing to have quiet operation. Because a swing can have a soothing effect on your baby and dandle him or her, so it is not nice for the little one to be awaken087 with a startle while he or she dozing. A battery operated swing can rock the baby originally, using its motor and such a swing has speed controls. These variable speeds allow adjusting a certain motion for a certain situation and can be used to the baby's wish. Some baby swings can be decorated with toys to entertain the baby, which have to be easily reached by him or her.

But do remember, no matter what a super safe swing you bought a baby should never be left alone in a swing, and the swing shouldn't be placed next to any hot or any other objects, which can be pulled over the baby swing or the infant.

Author Resource:-> If you want to get a secure Fisher Price baby swings with ultra safety features for your child, that can give a lot of fun to him or her, you are on the right way. We can suggest lots of battery operated baby swings and crank models as well with quiet operation. Make your baby's infancy happier with our swinging sets.

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