An Important Message Regarding Dr. Bailey Geib
Posted onWe are sad to say that as of December 10th, Dr. Bailey Geib will be parting ways with Pediatric Associates of Connecticut.
Dr. Bailey Geib has enjoyed meeting your families and watching your children grow and develop. She is very grateful that she had the opportunity to support their growth and development, and for the relationships she has developed with patients and families over the last 5 years. Although she will be greatly missed, we wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
Tides of Mind
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We are very excited to announce that starting on October 10th, Dr. Patricia Thomas with Tides of Mind will be working with us to service patients 6 and up with behavioral health concerns. She will be working out of our Waterbury office every Monday and Tuesday from 9:30AM-5:30PM.
Dr. Patricia Thomas is a licensed professional counselor. She holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology and has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. In addition, Dr. Pat’s background includes assessment and treatment of educational, mental health and behavioral concerns, including ADHD, executive functioning deficits, emotional and behavioral difficulties, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, family conflict, acute stress, and life transitions such as adjustment to illness, changing schools, divorce and grief.
Dr. Pat utilizes a variety of clinical strategies and evidence-based interventions to help her clients, and the parents of minor children to practice productive responses to distressing experiences, anxiety-provoking situations, and negative thoughts and feelings. Her therapeutic techniques include a Solution-Focused approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to meet the unique needs of her clients.
She provides a safe, caring, and compassionate environment. Her empathy, experience, and warmth help clients in the development of skills by guiding them in identifying and understanding the challenges that impact their well-being. Dr. Pat’s extensive experience, knowledge base, and skills acquired over her career, aid her clients in experiencing their potential through personal growth. She truly enjoys working with children and adolescents, while educating parents on child and adolescent behavior.
We can’t wait for you to meet her!
Parasite Is Spreading Through Fresh Produce: 2026 Cyclospora Outbreak
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The Outbreak Is Already Here, and the Numbers Are Alarming
Since May 1st, 2026, more than 1,947 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across 34 states, with an additional 5,100 potential cases still under investigation. CDC describes this season as a dramatic departure from prior years: at the same point last year, only 249 cases had been confirmed nationally. That is more than six times the usual number, and the season is not over.
On July 17th, 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The recall includes Marketside brand products sold at Walmart: Iceberg Salad in 12 oz or 24 oz bags, and Shredded Lettuce in 8 oz or 16 oz bags, with Best If Used By dates between July 18 and August 3, 2026. Additional recalled products were distributed to food service customers, including Taco Bell locations across five states.
If you have any of these products at home, please do not eat them. You may be at risk of cyclosporiasis.
What Cyclospora Is and How Children Get Infected
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite. It is not spread from person to person. Children and adults become infected by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite, most often through fresh produce.
This is not a new threat. Previous outbreaks have been linked to leafy greens, fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. The parasite is difficult to eliminate. Washing produce reduces but does not guarantee removal, and standard chemical disinfectants do not reliably kill it. Cooking produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the most effective way to eliminate the risk.
The CDC considers May through August the annual cyclosporiasis season. Still, this year’s numbers are substantially higher than anything seen in recent seasons, prompting a formal health advisory issued on July 14, 2026.
Recognizing the Symptoms in Your Child
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically begin about one week after exposure, though onset can range from two to fourteen days. The most common symptoms include:
Watery diarrhea, which can be frequent and prolonged, is the hallmark of the illness. Children may also experience loss of appetite, significant fatigue, bloating, nausea, abdominal cramping, and weight loss. Low-grade fever occurs in roughly half of patients. Vomiting and body aches are less common but possible.
Bring your child to their pediatrician if you notice:
- Watery diarrhea with or without a low-grade fever
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement
- Difficulty keeping liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, including decreased urination, dry mouth, or unusual lethargy
What to Do If You Have the Recalled Products at Home
Act on this immediately. The recall covers the following Marketside brand products sold at Walmart:
- Iceberg Salad in 12 oz or 24 oz bags, Best If Used By July 18 to August 3, 2026
- Shredded Lettuce in 8 oz or 16 oz bags, Best If Used By July 18 to August 3, 2026
Do not eat these products. Dispose of them immediately or return them to the store.
If your child has already eaten any of the recalled products and is experiencing symptoms, contact your pediatrician right away and mention the possible exposure. Request that your child be tested specifically for Cyclospora, as standard stool tests do not reliably detect it.
Foods to Approach with Caution Until the Investigation Closes
Because the full scope of contamination has not yet been confirmed, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children at higher risk limit consumption of foods historically linked to Cyclospora outbreaks while the investigation continues. These include:
Leafy greens and bagged salads, fresh herbs such as basil and cilantro, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. Cooked vegetables remain a safer choice in the meantime.
Even produce labeled as pre-washed should be rinsed thoroughly under running water before serving to children. While washing cannot guarantee elimination of the parasite, it remains an important step in reducing risk.
Safe Food Habits to Protect Your Family Right Now
A few practical steps can reduce your family’s risk for the remainder of this season:
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under clean running water, even if the package says pre-washed.
- Cook vegetables when possible, particularly for younger children or those with underlying health conditions.
- Avoid preparing food for others if you or your child are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Stay well hydrated if any symptoms appear, and seek care promptly rather than waiting to see if diarrhea resolves on its own.
Talk to Our CT Pediatricians if You Have Any Concerns
This outbreak is evolving, and guidance may continue to update as investigators identify new sources. If your child ate any recalled products, has been experiencing unexplained or prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, or you simply have questions about how to protect your family, our CT pediatricians at Pediatric Associates of CT are the right first call to make.
Early diagnosis and treatment lead to faster recovery. Do not wait.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If your child is experiencing symptoms of illness or may have consumed a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026, July 14). Increase in cyclosporiasis cases in the United States, 2026 (Health Alert Network Advisory HAN-00531). https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00531.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026, July 14). CDC offers guidance on cyclosporiasis outbreaks for clinicians, public. AAP News. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/35528
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026, July 22). Red Book Online outbreaks: Cyclosporiasis outbreak. Red Book Online. https://publications.aap.org/redbook/resources/35525/
Sandy Narciso-Owen Named 2026 PA of the Year by ConnAPA
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A Milestone Worth Celebrating for Families Across Connecticut
This year Sandy Narciso-Owen, PA-C was named the 2026 ConnAPA PA of the Year, one of the highest honors a physician assistant can receive in Connecticut.
At Pediatric Associates of CT, we like to think of every family’s healthcare experience as a journey, one where a trusted guide makes all the difference between uncertainty and confidence. For fifteen years, Sandy has been exactly that guide for the children and parents who walk through our doors, and now her peers across the state have recognized what our families have known all along.
Fifteen Years of Guiding Families Through Pediatric Care
Every hero’s journey needs a guide who has walked the path many times before, and Sandy has spent more than fifteen years doing precisely that. As a pediatric physician assistant, she has cared for generations of children, steadying anxious parents through fevers, growth concerns, and everything in between.
Families who see our CT pediatricians and physician associates for routine checkups, urgent visits, or complex questions have often found their footing thanks to Sandy’s calm expertise.
But her impact reaches far beyond the exam room. Sandy has also devoted herself to educating the next generation of pediatric providers, mentoring physician associate students, and contributing as a Pediatric Associate Editor within the Aquifer Consortium, a respected medical education platform used to train clinicians nationwide.
Sandy’s dedication to shaping the future of medicine recently earned her formal recognition from Aquifer, a non-profit organization delivering interactive online curriculum to health professions students. This recognition underscores the incredible impact she has not just on our local families, but on the hundreds of thousands of students nationwide who rely on these cases to build clinical competency.
You might also want to read: Sandy Narciso-Owen, PA Awarded Aquifer Recognition
She currently serves as Vice Chair of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants’ Pediatrics Certificate of Added Qualifications Exam Program, helping shape the very standards by which pediatric PAs are certified.
A Foundation Built on Rigorous Training
Sandy’s path to becoming one of Connecticut’s most respected pediatric providers began with a dual Bachelor of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, followed by a Master of Science from New York University. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercy College in 2007, laying the academic groundwork for the career that would follow.
Since then, she has remained an active member of both the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates and the American Academy of Physician Associates, staying closely connected to the professional community that would ultimately honor her this year.
For the families we see at our Waterbury and Southbury locations, this kind of connection is not a small thing. It is often the difference between a parent who feels heard and one who leaves an appointment with unanswered questions.
Congratulations, Sandy
The ConnAPA PA of the Year award is a recognition that celebrates a physician associate who has gone above and beyond in service to patients, colleagues, and the broader community.
Every family’s healthcare journey deserves a guide who combines expertise with genuine compassion, and for fifteen years, Sandy Narciso-Owen has been exactly that for the children and parents of Connecticut. The 2026 ConnAPA PA of the Year award is a well-earned recognition of a career spent educating, advocating, and caring for others without ever seeking the spotlight.
We are beyond proud to call Sandy one of our own. Congratulations, Sandy — your passion, leadership, and commitment continue to inspire our entire team every day.
If you’re looking for a trusted pediatric team for your child in Waterbury, Southbury, or the surrounding communities, we invite you to learn more about our providers and schedule an appointment with Pediatric Associates of CT today.
Three Of Our CT Pediatric Physicians Named Among the Best Doctors in the United States in 2026
Posted onA Huge Congratulations To Our Top Connecticut Pediatricians
Three pediatricians from Pediatric Associates of Connecticut (PAC) have been named to the 2026 Top Doctors list published in the May issue of Connecticut Magazine: Ena Chow, MD, Stephen J. Maddox Jr., MD, and Maria Tasso, MD.
For families across Connecticut, this is more than an accolade. It is a meaningful testament to the pediatric care offered at PAC meets a nationally recognized standard of excellence.
Our Pediatricians Being Celebrated Among the Best Doctors in the United States in 2026
Ena Chow, MD: Her recognition reflects both her clinical expertise and the professional regard of her peers across the region.
Stephen J. Maddox Jr., MD: He joins his colleagues on the 2026 list, continuing a tradition of recognition for PAC physicians who consistently deliver high-quality care.
Maria Tasso, MD: She rounds out the PAC honorees, demonstrating the high caliber of expertise practiced at our clinic.
Behind The Scenes To Our Top Doctors’ Recognition
The 2026 Top Doctors representing the UConn Health Waterbury Hospital medical staff earned this honor through a rigorous, independent selection process. Nominated exclusively by their peers, these physicians were carefully evaluated by Castle Connolly researchers against a comprehensive set of criteria—including academic appointments, research activity, professional reputation, and measurable patient outcomes. Having our doctors rank among the top 7% in the nation is a testament to the exceptional standards of care we uphold every day at Waterbury Hospital.
Why This Nomination Matters for Families Seeking Pediatric Care in CT
Nearly half of Americans report difficulty finding the right physician, and trust in healthcare providers has declined steadily in recent years. In that environment, recognitions grounded in peer review and independent research help families make informed decisions about who cares for their children.Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most consequential healthcare decisions a parent makes. Having a trusted, independently verified signal that a physician stands among the nation’s best gives families a meaningful starting point. The three PAC CT pediatricians honored this year bring that standard of excellence to every appointment, every diagnosis, and every conversation with a family in their care.
We Are Beyond Proud Of Our Doctors
PAC is proud to celebrate Dr. Ena Chow, Dr. Stephen J. Maddox Jr., and Dr. Maria Tasso on this well-deserved national recognition. Their unwavering dedication to the children and families we serve reflects the very best of what pediatric medicine can be.
If you are looking for a trusted pediatrician for your child, we invite you to learn more about our doctors and schedule an appointment with us today.
Sources: Connecticut Magazine, Top Doctors 2026 (May 2026), in collaboration with Castle Connolly; Top Doctor Magazine, “Best Doctors in the United States 2026.”
Pneumonia in Children: What Parents Need to Know to Help Their Child Recover
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Your child woke up with a cough a few days ago, nothing unusual, you thought, just the tail end of a cold. But now their breathing seems faster than it should be, their chest rises and falls with visible effort, and the fever that was mild yesterday feels different today.
Your instincts tell you this is no longer just a cold, and the quiet fear settling in your chest is one no parent should have to navigate without guidance.
According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia accounts for 14% of all deaths of children under five years old worldwide, making it the single largest infectious cause of death in children globally. Yet here in Connecticut, with the right care and the right team, most children recover fully and quickly.
At Pediatric Associates of CT, we believe that when parents understand what they are facing and feel genuinely supported, their child’s journey from illness back to health is smoother, faster, and far less frightening.
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs.
Under normal circumstances, the lungs are made up of tiny air sacs called alveoli that fill with air when we breathe, delivering oxygen to the bloodstream with each breath. When a child develops pneumonia, those alveoli become filled with pus and fluid rather than air.
This makes breathing painful and significantly limits the amount of oxygen the body can take in, which is why pneumonia can escalate quickly and why it demands prompt, attentive care.
What makes pneumonia particularly important for parents to understand is how varied it can be. It is not a single, uniform illness. It can range from a mild infection that a healthy child’s immune system manages with minimal intervention to a severe, rapidly progressing condition that requires hospitalization and intensive treatment.
The path it takes depends on the cause of the infection, the child’s age, and the strength of their immune defenses, all factors that our CT pediatricians are trained to assess carefully and quickly.
It is also important to know that pneumonia is not simply a bad chest cold. It represents an infection that has moved into the lower respiratory tract, specifically into the lung tissue itself. That distinction matters, and recognizing it early is what makes the difference between a child who recovers at home with oral antibiotics and a child who needs hospital-level care.
Types of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by a range of infectious agents, and the type of pathogen involved has significant implications for how the illness presents and how it is treated.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is among the most serious forms in children. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children, while Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the second most common bacterial cause.
Bacterial pneumonia tends to present with a more sudden onset of high fever, rapid breathing, and visible respiratory distress, and it requires antibiotic treatment to resolve.
Viral Pneumonia
Viral pneumonia is actually the most frequently occurring type across the pediatric population, particularly in younger children. Viruses are the primary cause of pneumonia in infants and toddlers between one month and two years of age, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most common viral culprit.
Viral pneumonia often follows a cold or flu-like illness and tends to resolve with supportive care, though it can be serious in very young or immunocompromised children.
Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, caused by organisms like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is more commonly seen in school-aged children between five and thirteen years old.
It tends to have a more gradual onset and a milder presentation, but it still requires appropriate medical evaluation and, in many cases, treatment with specific antibiotic classes.
Symptoms of Pneumonia: What to Watch For at Every Age
Because pneumonia can present differently depending on a child’s age and the organism causing the infection, its early signs are not always immediately recognizable as something beyond a typical respiratory illness.
Newborns and Young Infants
- Feeding Difficulties: Unable to feed normally or nursing poorly.
- Respiratory Grunting: Making a grunting sound with each breath.
- Apnea: Experiencing periods where breathing temporarily stops.
- Inconsistent Fever: Temperature may be high, or fever may be absent.
Note: These signs in an infant always require immediate medical evaluation.
Toddlers and Preschool-Aged Children
- Fast Breathing: A noticeably increased respiratory rate.
- Chest Indrawing: The lower chest moves inward during inhalation instead of expanding outward.
- Persistent Cough: A cough that does not seem to improve.
- Behavioral Changes: Appearing more tired, irritable, or lethargic than usual.
- Abdominal Pain: Some children may complain of stomach pain rather than chest pain.
School-Aged Children and Adolescents
- Prolonged Illness: Symptoms that look like a cold but continue to worsen.
- Physical Exertion Issues: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath during activity.
- Fatigue and Fever: General exhaustion accompanied by a high temperature.
- “Walking” Pneumonia: In cases of atypical or mycoplasma pneumonia, the child may still have an appetite and attend school while carrying an active infection.
How Our CT Pediatricians Diagnose Pneumonia
For families across Waterbury and Southbury, the path to a pneumonia diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical evaluation, and our CT pediatricians are equipped to conduct that evaluation with both the speed and the precision that a respiratory illness demands.
During the physical examination, we listen for characteristic changes in breath sounds, rales, rhonchi, or decreased air entry in specific lung regions, and assess for visible signs of respiratory distress, including tachypnea, nasal flaring, and chest indrawing.
A child’s oxygen saturation, temperature, and overall appearance all contribute to the clinical picture.
When further evaluation is warranted, testing may include rapid bedside swabs for common viral pathogens such as influenza and RSV, which can help avoid unnecessary antibiotic use when a viral cause is identified.
Co-Occurring Conditions and Risk Factors
Not all children face the same risk when it comes to pneumonia. While most healthy children can mount an effective immune response to the pathogens that cause pneumonia, certain underlying conditions and environmental factors meaningfully increase a child’s vulnerability, and our CT pediatricians take those factors seriously in every evaluation.
Co-occurring & Chronic Conditions
- Cystic Fibrosis: Significantly increases susceptibility to infections from Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Sickle Cell Disease: Places children at a higher risk for pneumonia caused by encapsulated organisms.
- Immunocompromised States: Children with HIV or those undergoing chemotherapy are vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens like Pneumocystis jirovecii and cytomegalovirus.
- Incomplete Vaccination: Children who have not received standard immunizations are at higher risk for vaccine-preventable respiratory infections.
Environmental & Nutritional Risk Factors
- Household Smoking: A major modifiable risk factor that increases a child’s susceptibility to lung infections.
- Indoor Air Quality: Pollution stemming from cooking or heating fuels.
- Living Environment: Crowded housing conditions can facilitate the spread of pathogens.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Malnutrition weakens the overall immune defense against respiratory illness.
- Inadequate Breastfeeding: A lack of breastfeeding during infancy is associated with a lower resistance to respiratory pathogens.
You might also want to read: Is Maternal RSV vaccination combined with infant immunization Safe?
How Pneumonia Is Treated
Treatment for pneumonia in children is always guided by the most likely cause, the child’s age, and the severity of the illness.
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment. Amoxicillin is the recommended first-line antibiotic for most cases in children, and the majority of uncomplicated bacterial pneumonia cases can be treated successfully with oral antibiotics at home.
Viral pneumonia does not respond to antibiotics and is managed with supportive care, rest, fluids, fever management, and close monitoring for any signs of deterioration or secondary bacterial infection.
Parents are often reassured to learn that for a healthy child with viral pneumonia, the body’s own immune system does most of the work; the clinical team’s role is to support that process and watch carefully for complications.
Clear discharge instructions and close follow-up with a pediatrician are essential for any child managed at home, because the clinical picture with pneumonia can change, and parents need to know precisely what changes should bring them back in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pneumonia in Children
A chest cold and bronchitis involve inflammation of the upper airways and bronchial tubes. Pneumonia is an infection that has reached the alveoli, the tiny air sacs deep within the lung tissue, causing them to fill with fluid and impairing oxygen exchange. This distinction matters clinically because pneumonia carries a higher risk of serious complications and almost always requires medical treatment rather than watchful waiting.
Yes, meaningfully so. The WHO identifies immunization as the most effective preventive strategy, specifically highlighting vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hib, measles, and pertussis. Staying current on your child’s vaccination schedule is one of the most powerful tools available. Adequate nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding in infancy, and minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke and indoor air pollutants also reduce risk significantly.
Any child with a persistent cough, fever, and rapid or labored breathing warrants prompt evaluation. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own, particularly in children under two, children with chronic illnesses, or any child whose breathing is visibly effortful. Our CT pediatricians are here for same-day sick visits precisely for moments like these.
The majority of children with pneumonia are treated successfully at home with oral antibiotics and supportive care. Hospitalization is reserved for children with severe symptoms, significant oxygen needs, inability to tolerate oral fluids or medications, or those whose age or underlying health history places them at higher risk. This decision is always made carefully and collaboratively with your family.
The NIH/NCBI clinical literature identifies empyema, pleural effusion, lung abscess, and sepsis as potential complications of pediatric pneumonia. These are rare in otherwise healthy children with appropriately treated infections, but they are the reason follow-up and clear return precautions matter so much. If your child is not improving within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment, contact your pediatrician.
Take the Next Step: Your Child’s Recovery Starts Here
Every parent who has sat beside a feverish, coughing child in the middle of the night, counting breaths, searching their face for reassurance, already knows what it means to love someone fiercely enough to fight for them. That vigilance is not anxiety. It is exactly the instinct that catches pneumonia early, gets children to the right care at the right time, and brings them home healthy.
At Pediatric Associates of CT, we listen carefully and evaluate thoroughly so that you always understand what is happening with your child and what the path forward looks like. You do not have to guess, and you do not have to wait.
If your child has a persistent cough, a fever that is not improving, or breathing that seems faster or harder than usual, please reach out to us today. Schedule an appointment with our team and let us help you get the answers and the care your child deserves.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider promptly with any concerns about your child’s breathing, fever, or respiratory symptoms.
Sources:
- World Health Organization (WHO), Pneumonia Fact Sheet, November 2022
- Ebeledike C, Ahmad T. Pediatric Pneumonia. [Updated 2023 Jan 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536940/
Bacteria-Produced Toxin Found in Infant Formula: What Parents Need to Know Right Now
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The Can You Thought Was Safe
You stocked up during the formula shortage. You found a product you trusted, ordered it online, and tucked it into the pantry, relieved to have one less thing to worry about. For thousands of families across the United States, A2 Platinum Premium infant formula felt like a solution during one of the most stressful periods of early parenthood.
Now that same can may need to go straight in the trash.
On May 2, 2026, the a2 Milk Company announced a voluntary recall of three specific batches of its a2 Platinum Premium infant formula after laboratory testing detected cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, inside the product. Of the roughly 63,000 units involved, an estimated 16,000 were already sold to families and may be sitting in homes right now.
What makes this particularly urgent: this formula was distributed as part of Operation Fly Formula, the 2022 government effort to import formula during the national shortage. It was sold on the company’s website, on Amazon, and in Meijer stores. Many families may not realize they still have it, and the product’s use-by dates stretch as far as January 2027, meaning it could easily be mistaken for something still safe to use.
It is not.
Why Cereulide Is a Serious Concern for Infants
Cereulide is not a contaminant that can be cooked away. It is a heat-stable toxin, which means that preparing the formula with boiling or hot water does not eliminate it. Once it is in the product, it stays there.
In adults, cereulide typically causes nausea and vomiting that begin within 30 minutes to six hours of ingestion and resolve on their own within 24 hours. In infants, the picture is more concerning. Because their immune systems are still developing, babies are at greater risk for complications, particularly dehydration, that can require medical care.
No confirmed illnesses have been reported as of the recall date. But the potential for harm is real, and the FDA and the A2 Milk Company are urging immediate action.
Is Your Formula Part of the Recall?
Check the bottom of your A2 Platinum Premium Infant Formula 0–12 months tin. The batch number and use-by date are printed there. If your tin matches any of the following, stop using it immediately:
- Batch 2210269454, 31.7 oz tin, Use by July 15, 2026
- Batch 2210324609, 31.7 oz tin, Use by January 21, 2027
- Batch 2210321712, 31.7 oz tin, Use by January 15, 2027
The product is a milk-based powder with iron, sold under the A2 brand with a USA label for ages 0–12 months. Even if your tin has a future use-by date, it is part of the recall if the batch number matches.
What Parents Should Do Right Now
The steps here are straightforward but urgent:
- Stop using the formula immediately if any batch number on your tin matches those listed above.
- Dispose of it or return it to your place of purchase for a full refund.
- Watch your baby closely. If your infant has already consumed formula from a recalled batch, monitor for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or unusual lethargy.
- Seek immediate medical attention if your infant shows any of these symptoms. Do not wait to see if they resolve on their own.
Contact a2MC directly with questions: call 844-422-6455.
Report any illness or adverse event to the FDA’s MedWatch system at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm or by calling 1-800-332-1088.
Why This Recall Happened and Why It Matters
The recall was triggered by additional testing the A2 Milk Company conducted after New Zealand’s food regulatory authority issued new safety guidance. Testing revealed cereulide in the product, and the manufacturer believes the likely source is one of the formula’s ingredients.
This is a good example of the recall system working as it should; a safety signal from another country prompted further testing, which caught a risk before reports of illness began accumulating. The product has already been discontinued and removed from sale, as its importation rights expired at the end of 2025. But discontinued does not mean gone. Thousands of these tins were sold and could still be in kitchens and pantries across the country.
Product recalls exist precisely for moments like this: when something that passed initial scrutiny later reveals a hidden risk. Acting quickly, even when no one has reported getting sick yet, is what keeps that number at zero.
A Reminder for Safe Formula Preparation
Whether or not your formula is part of this recall, now is a good time to build a few habits around infant formula safety:
- Always check the batch number and use-by date before using a new tin
- Inspect powder for unusual texture, color, or smell before preparing a bottle
- Keep track of where your formula was purchased and whether the brand appears in recall announcements
- Bookmark the FDA’s recall page at www.fda.gov for quick future reference
Have Questions? Talk to Our CT Pediatricians
If your baby has consumed formula from a recalled batch, or if you are unsure about your formula’s safety, contact your child’s pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of CT. They can assess your baby’s condition, answer your questions, and help you find a safe alternative formula while you transition away from the recalled product.
You do not have to navigate this alone. A quick call to your provider can give you the peace of mind and the plan you need.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If your infant is experiencing symptoms or you believe they may have consumed a contaminated product, seek medical attention immediately.
Sources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026, May 2). A2 Platinum USA label infant formula recalled because of possible health risk. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/a2-platinum-usa-label-infant-formula-recalled-because-possible-health-riskAmerican Academy of Pediatrics. (2026, May 5). Infant formula recalled due to toxin. AAP News. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/35028/Infant-formula-recalled-due-to-toxin
Tick Bites & Lyme Disease in Kids: Signs & Prevention
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CDC Data Shows a Sharp Rise in Tick Bite Emergency Visits This Season
Thomas Daniels, director of Fordham’s Louis Calder Center and creator of the Fordham Tick Index, explained that colder winters, particularly those with heavy snow, can actually benefit the growth of tick populations. Snow cover insulates them from extreme temperatures and increases their chances of survival, increasing the risk of disease for you, your children, and your pets.
Emergency department visits for tick bites are at their highest point in at least ten years, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the most recent week of available data, 85 out of every 100,000 emergency department visits were related to tick bites. Rates this year have been the highest in the Northeast region. This is an important reminder for families to take tick prevention seriously before and during any time outdoors.
Why Children Are Especially at Risk
Kids are naturally curious and active outdoors, as well as closer to the ground. Leading them to be more susceptible to them in frequent contact with grassy, wooded, and leafy areas where ticks live.
Since tick bites normally do not itch or hurt, children often do not notice them, and parents may not either until the tick has been attached for some time.
What Diseases Can Ticks Spread?
Ticks can cause serious illnesses. The most common is Lyme disease, which affects approximately 476,000 patients each year in the United States. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection spread through the bite of blacklegged ticks and is most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions.
Wood ticks, also called dog ticks, can sometimes spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Colorado tick fever. Deer ticks, the smaller of the two, are the ones most associated with Lyme disease.
What Are The Tick Disease Symptoms?
Early symptoms of Lyme disease — which can appear between 3 and 30 days after a bite — include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. A characteristic bull’s-eye rash, known as erythema migrans, occurs in approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected people and typically begins at the site of the bite.
If Lyme disease is left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Later symptoms can include facial paralysis, severe joint pain and swelling, heart palpitations, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The good news is that most cases can be treated successfully with a course of antibiotics when caught early.
You might also want to read: Cleaning Product Injuries Sent 240k Young Children to ER
How to Check for and Remove a Tick from your child
What a tick looks like when it’s attached
A wood tick is roughly the size of an apple seed, while a deer tick is as small as a poppy seed or a pinhead. After feeding, ticks can swell to triple their size and become easier to spot. Which is why daily tick checks are so important.
How to remove a tick from skin
If you find a tick attached to your child’s skin, here is what to do:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, near its head. Pull straight upward with steady pressure, without twisting or crushing it. If a deer tick is too small for tweezers, use the edge of a credit card to scrape it off.
- After removal, wash the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin to the bite site once.
How not to remove a tick from your skin
Do not attempt to remove a tick by covering it with petroleum jelly, nail polish, or rubbing alcohol. Do not touch it with a hot or cold object. None of these methods works and may make removal more difficult.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
The risk of Lyme disease from a single deer tick bite is low — even in high-risk areas, it is estimated at around 2%. However, the risk rises if the tick was attached for longer than 36 hours or if the tick appears swollen rather than flat. In those cases, your pediatrician may recommend a preventive antibiotic.
Contact your child’s pediatrician if:
You were unable to fully remove the tick, your child develops a fever or rash in the following 4 weeks, the bite area begins to look infected, or your child seems to be getting worse.
People who develop a rash or fever after a bite, or after spending time in an area known for ticks, should seek prompt medical attention.
How to Prevent Tick Bites This Season
The CDC is urging families to take active steps to protect themselves. When spending time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas, dress children in long pants and long sleeves, and tuck pant legs into socks. Do a thorough tick check at the end of each day, paying close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, around the waist, and in skin folds.
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and consider treating clothing with a permethrin-based product. Permethrin can be applied to pants, socks, and shoes, and remains effective through multiple washes. It should never be applied directly to the skin.
Early removal of a tick, within 36 hours, can significantly reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission.
Talk to Our Tick-Experienced Pediatricians
If a tick has bitten your child or if you have questions about prevention and treatment, schedule a visit with your pediatric provider.
At Pediatric Associates of CT, our team at our Waterbury and Southbury offices is here to help your family navigate tick season safely and confidently.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider regarding symptoms, new treatment options, or medical concerns before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If your child is experiencing severe breathing difficulty or a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC Data Show Weekly ER Visits for Tick Bites Higher Than Usual
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Tick Bite Data Tracker
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – About Lyme Disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Lyme Disease Signs and Symptoms
- American Academy of Pediatrics – CDC: ED Visits for Tick Bites Highest in a Decade
- HealthyChildren.org – How to Remove a Tick
Dyscalculia in Children: Signs, Causes & Support in CT
Posted onYou’re sitting beside your child at the kitchen table, math worksheet spread open in front of them, and you watch as they count on their fingers for a problem their classmates solved in seconds. They study their multiplication tables the night before a test and wake up the next morning unable to recall a single fact.
They understand that something isn’t working, and the look on their face tells you they’ve already started to wonder if the problem is them. You reach for the right words to reassure them, but quietly, you’re searching for answers of your own.
If that moment feels familiar, you are not alone, and neither is your child. At Pediatric Associates of CT, we believe every child deserves better than that, and that understanding is always the first step toward change.
What Is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability with an impairment in mathematics. It is inborn, meaning children are not taught it and cannot be disciplined out of it. It reflects a genuine neurological difference in how the brain processes numerical information.
The DSM-5 recognizes dyscalculia through difficulties with number sense, memorization of basic math facts, and accurate and fluent calculation.
As the American Academy of Pediatrics notes, dyscalculia may involve difficulty understanding quantities, grasping concepts like bigger or smaller, and working with mathematical symbols. As well as applying concepts that a child does understand to actually solve problems.
In other words, a child with dyscalculia may intellectually know that addition means putting numbers together and still be unable to reliably produce the right answer under normal conditions.
Main Types of Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia does not look the same in every child. While the core challenge always involves mathematical processing, the areas of greatest difficulty can vary meaningfully from one child to the next.
Ideognostical Dyscalculia
Some children struggle primarily with number sense. The intuitive understanding of what numbers mean, how they relate to quantities, and how they compare to one another. These children may be unable to quickly recognize how many objects are in a small group without counting, or to estimate whether one number is significantly larger than another. This foundational gap makes nearly every subsequent mathematical concept harder to build.
Operational Dyscalculia
Other children experience their greatest difficulty with procedural math — the memorization and reliable application of math facts and calculation sequences. They may learn a multiplication table one evening and find it completely inaccessible the next morning. They may understand the concept of subtraction perfectly, but consistently produce answers that are far off, because the retrieval pathway between understanding and execution is unreliable.
Practognostic Dyscalculia
Still others struggle most with applied or conceptual math, the kind of reasoning required to read a word problem, identify which operation to use, and execute the right steps in the right order. For these children, the difficulty is not only computational but also organizational and interpretive, requiring support that addresses how they approach mathematical thinking as a whole.
Symptoms of Dyscalculia at Every Age
Because dyscalculia can present in different ways at different stages of development, its signs are sometimes overlooked or mistaken for general academic weakness or math anxiety. Our CT pediatricians encourage parents to look for consistent patterns that appear across home and school settings and seem disproportionate to a child’s overall ability and effort.
Early childhood signs (0–5 years)
- Counting later or less accurately than peers
- Difficulty linking a spoken number to a quantity of objects
- Trouble recognizing small quantities (like dots on dice or dominoes) without counting one by one
- Difficulty memorizing sequences, including number order, days of the week, and daily routines
Elementary school signs (6+ years)
- Difficulty memorizing and applying basic addition and subtraction facts
- Trouble retaining multiplication tables from one day to the next
- Confusion choosing the correct operation in word problems
- Taking much longer to complete math work while still getting inaccurate answers
- Difficulty learning to tell time on an analog clock
Emotional signs
- Strong math anxiety during mathematical tasks
- Avoidance of math-related activities
- Distress, frustration, and shame are connected to numbers and school performance
How Our CT Pediatricians Diagnose Dyscalculia
For many families in Waterbury and across Connecticut, the conversation about dyscalculia begins at their pediatrician’s office, and that is exactly where it should begin.
Our CT pediatricians are well-positioned to recognize patterns of learning difficulty during routine well-child visits and developmental conversations. To guide families toward the right next steps with clarity and compassion.
There is no single test that confirms dyscalculia. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation that draws on information from multiple sources. Such as your observations as a parent, teacher reports, behavioral and academic history, and standardized assessments of mathematical ability and underlying cognitive skills such as working memory, processing speed, and number sense.
Co-Occurring Conditions
Dyscalculia rarely presents in complete isolation. Many children with dyscalculia also experience one or more co-occurring conditions that shape how their learning difference manifests and how it is best supported.
- Dyslexia and dyscalculia often occur together, creating combined difficulties in reading and mathematics
- ADHD is also commonly associated with dyscalculia, especially due to inattention, working memory difficulties, and math processing challenges
- Anxiety and depression frequently appear either as a co-occurring condition or as a result of repeated academic struggles
Effective support requires recognizing and addressing these co-occurring conditions alongside dyscalculia, with a holistic approach involving family, school, and specialists
How Dyscalculia Is Treated
While there are not yet specialized, widely standardized teaching programs for dyscalculia in the same way that structured literacy programs exist for dyslexia. There is meaningful and growing evidence about what works, and early, individualized intervention makes a significant difference.
The most effective instructional approach for children with dyscalculia involves structured, sequential, multisensory teaching, preferably delivered one-on-one. Using hands-on tools and visual representations can make abstract numerical concepts tangible and comprehensible.
Children with dyscalculia benefit from building mathematical understanding through objects they can see, touch, and manipulate, from counting physical items like cereal pieces to playing math-focused board games that provide enjoyable, low-pressure practice at home.
These accommodations do not lower expectations. They remove unnecessary barriers so that a child’s mathematical thinking can be evaluated and developed more fairly.
Take the Next Step: Your Child’s Story Is Still Being Written
Every parent has sat beside a child fighting back frustration over a math worksheet. Who has searched for the right words when “you’re smart, keep trying” no longer feels like enough, is already doing the most important thing: showing up. That presence, that advocacy, is the foundation on which every child’s success is built.
We listen carefully, evaluate thoughtfully, and connect your family with the educators and specialists who can make a real and lasting difference. You do not have to navigate this alone, and your child does not have to keep struggling in silence.
If you have noticed signs of persistent mathematical difficulty or if a teacher has raised concerns, we invite you to reach out today. Schedule an appointment with our team to take the first step toward clarity, confidence, and a plan tailored to your child’s strengths.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding their development or learning.
Sources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics — HealthyChildren.org
- Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
- American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyscalculia in Children
Dyscalculia affects an estimated 4 to 7 percent of students, making it quite common — though it is not yet as well understood as dyslexia. Greater awareness among parents, educators, and pediatricians is essential to ensuring that children receive the identification and support they deserve.
No. Dyscalculia is not a reflection of intelligence. Many children with dyscalculia are bright, capable, and creative thinkers. Their challenges with math stem from a specific neurological difference, not their overall ability to learn or succeed.
Yes. Co-occurrence of dyscalculia and dyslexia is relatively common. When both are present, a comprehensive evaluation becomes even more important because effective intervention needs to address both areas rather than focusing on one while the other goes unsupported.
No. Dyscalculia is not related to motivation or effort. Children with dyscalculia often try very hard but struggle with number-related tasks due to how their brains process numerical information.
Yes. Dyscalculia occurs at similar rates across genders, and the belief that boys are inherently better at math than girls is a myth. Girls with dyscalculia may be less likely to be identified; however, if their struggles are attributed to gender rather than recognized as a specific learning difference, they may not be evaluated.
Not necessarily. With the right intervention, many children with dyscalculia make substantial progress in both mathematical skill and overall confidence. Learners can become confident and even enthusiastic about math with an individualized approach — particularly when that support begins early.
No. Dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental condition and is not caused by teaching methods or parenting style. While good support can help, the condition itself is not created by external factors.
HealthyChildren.org encourages parents to foster a growth mindset — helping children understand that skills improve with time, effort, and the right support, and that struggling with something does not make them less capable or less worthy. Building self-esteem alongside academic skills is not a secondary goal. For children with dyscalculia, it is every bit as essential as the math intervention itself.
RSV Protection for Your Baby: What New Research Means for Parents This Season
Posted on
A Parent’s Quiet Fear
It starts as a small cough. Then a wheeze. Then a long night watching your baby’s chest rise and fall a little too fast, wondering if this is the moment you need to rush to the emergency room.
For parents of newborns and infants, RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, is one of those fears that lives quietly in the back of the mind every fall and winter. It looks like a cold. It can become so much more. Since last fall alone, RSV has been responsible for over 51,000 pediatric hospital admissions in the United States, most of them children under 5 years old.
The good news is that science has been working hard to protect your baby before RSV ever arrives. And a new clinical trial just brought parents and pediatricians one step closer to understanding the safest, most effective way to do that.
What the New Research Found About RSV Combined Vaccines
A study published May 4, 2026, in the American Academy of Pediatrics looked at a question that many families and clinicians have been asking: What happens when a mother receives the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, and the baby also receives RSV immunization after birth? Is it safe? Does it work even better?
The answer, according to researchers, is reassuring on both counts.
The clinical trial followed 181 mother-infant pairs, divided into four groups to compare different combinations of maternal vaccination and infant immunization. The findings showed that neither mothers nor infants in any group experienced serious adverse events related to immunizations. Reactions in infants who received the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab were mild to moderate, about 17% had injection site pain, and about 60% experienced common systemic reactions like sleepiness or irritability, which resolved on their own.
Most importantly, all four groups showed significant increases in neutralizing antibody levels, the kind that help babies fight off RSV infection, and those levels remained high at three months of age.
As the study authors concluded, maternal RSV vaccination and infant immunization may be safely given together when the situation calls for it.
Understanding the Two Types of RSV Protection
There are currently two ways to protect a baby from RSV, and it helps to understand how they work together.
Maternal vaccination (RSVpreF): Given to the pregnant parent between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, from September through January. The antibodies cross the placenta and give the baby immediate protection from birth. The benefit is that no injection is needed for the newborn. The limitation is that protection may wane more quickly over time.
Infant immunization (nirsevimab or clesrovimab): A single-dose monoclonal antibody given directly to the baby, ideally at birth or shortly after during RSV season. It produces antibodies that last longer and offers more flexibility in timing. The tradeoff is a higher cost and a small risk of the mild reactions described above.
For most families, one of these options is enough. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not prefer one product over the other and recommends whichever licensed product is appropriate for the baby’s age and health status.
Who Needs RSV Immunization, and When
The AAP’s current policy makes clear recommendations about which infants should receive RSV immunization:
Babies under 8 months during their first RSV season, if any of the following apply:
- The pregnant parent did not receive the RSVpreF vaccine during pregnancy
- The pregnant parent’s vaccination status is unknown
- The baby was born fewer than 14 days after the pregnant parent was vaccinated
Children 8 through 19 months in their second RSV season, but only if they are considered high-risk, which includes:
- Children with chronic lung disease of prematurity who needed medical support in the six months before the second RSV season
- Children with severe immunocompromise
- Children with cystic fibrosis with severe lung disease or low weight-for-length
- American Indian or Alaska Native children, who face significantly higher rates of severe RSV disease and hospitalization, a disparity linked to social factors including access to running water, transportation, household crowding, and indoor air quality
Infants born during RSV season should ideally receive immunization within the first week of life, during their birth hospitalization when possible.
What This Means for Your Family
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, here is the practical takeaway:
Talk to your OB or CT pediatrician about whether you received the RSVpreF vaccine during your pregnancy and when. That single piece of information determines whether your newborn needs additional immunization at birth.
If your baby is already here and you are unsure about their RSV protection status, bring it up at your next well-child visit. Immunization can be given at any healthcare visit, not only at birth.
And if your baby falls into a high-risk category, premature birth, lung disease, immunocompromise, or is American Indian or Alaska Native, make sure your provider knows, as the recommendations are different for the second RSV season as well.
RSV is not going away. But the tools to protect the most vulnerable infants have never been stronger, and the latest research confirms that using them together, when needed, is safe.
Have Questions? Speak With Our CT Pediatricians
Every baby’s situation is a little different. Whether you are weighing maternal vaccination, infant immunization, or wondering if your child qualifies as high-risk, contacting a CT pediatrician is the best person to help you navigate these decisions.
A short conversation at your next visit can give you the clarity and confidence to know your baby is protected.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your baby’s health or RSV protection, please consult your healthcare provider.
Sources
Rostad, C. A., Healy, C. M., Nayak, J. L., Parameswaran, L., Creech, C. B., Martin, J. M., Brady, R. C., Jones-Beatty, K., Badell, M., Eppes, C., Quinn, M., Mulligan, M., Rolsma, S. L., Rick, A., Forde, B., Avadhanula, V., Piedra, P. A., Telu, K., Kunwar, P. S., … Campbell, J. D. (2026). Maternal RSV vaccination, infant nirsevimab, or both: Interim analysis of a randomized trial. Pediatrics, e2025075223. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-075223
American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2025). Recommendations for the prevention of RSV disease in infants and children: Policy statement. Pediatrics, 156(5), e2025073923. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-073923
Jenco, M. (2026, May 5). Study: Maternal RSV vaccination combined with infant immunization is safe. AAP News. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/35012/Study-Maternal-RSV-vaccination-combined-with
Youth ATV Recall: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Their Children Safe
Posted on
When a Ride Becomes a Risk
It was meant to be a fun afternoon — the kind filled with laughter, a bit of adventure, and the simple excitement kids feel when trying something new. A six-year-old boy climbed onto his ATV, one of those brightly colored models designed to look playful and inviting, like freedom on four wheels.
His family had every reason to think it would be a normal day.
But in 2025, that ride took an unexpected turn. The boy was involved in a crash while riding a Rex110 ATV and sadly did not survive. He had a passenger with him at the time — even though the vehicle is designed for just one rider.
It’s a reminder of how important it is to understand how these vehicles are meant to be used, even when everything seems safe and under control. His story is the reason nearly 5,000 youth ATVs are now being pulled from homes across the United States.
This recall isn’t a formality. It’s a direct response to a child’s death and to mechanical failures that put other children at risk right now. If your family owns one of these vehicles, this information could save a life.
Understanding the Risk: Why These ATVs Were Recalled
On April 23, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Lil Pick Up Inc. announced the recall of approximately 4,900 Rex110 and Sierra110 youth ATVs due to multiple serious safety failures.
These are not minor manufacturing defects. The CPSC has classified this recall as posing a risk of serious injury or death from both crash and burn hazards.
Here is what is wrong with these vehicles:
- Speed: The ATVs exceed the maximum speed limitations required for vehicles intended for children ages 6 and older, making them harder for young riders to control.
- Suspension: The mechanical suspension fails to meet federal safety requirements, increasing the risk of loss of control during normal use.
- Throttle: The throttle may get stuck during use, meaning a child could be unable to slow down when they need to.
- Burns: The footwell surfaces can reach dangerously high temperatures, posing a risk of severe burns to riders’ feet and legs.
Any one of these issues would be serious. Together, they make these ATVs unsafe for children to ride.
You might also want to read: HALO Magic Sleepsuit Recall: What Parents Should Know About the Choking Risk
Which ATVs Are Included in the Recall
The recalled vehicles were sold under two model names — Rex110 and Sierra110 — and under several brand names. Here is how to identify if your ATV is included:
- Model names to look for: Rex110 or Sierra110 — printed on the VIN plate on the front of the frame column.
- Brand names that may appear on the body or handlebar cover: Seangles, MOTOTEC, OFFROAD MALL, or EXTREME.
- Confirming plate: Look for a plate on the front frame column that reads: “This ATV is subject to LIL PICK UP INC’s Action Plan approved by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.”
- Colors sold: Black, blue, silver, green, orange, pink, burgundy, spider black, spider blue, spider red, green camo, purple camo, and pink camo.
- Where they were sold: Cougar Cycle, Texas Star DBA Flying Scooter, Vitacci Motorcycles, ODES USA, BV Powersports, Tool Store Go-Kart Shop, Offroad Mall, Triple J Imports, and other retailers — both in-store and online.
- When they were sold: Rex110 — January 2023 through November 2025 Sierra110 — January 2024 through January 2026
- Price range at time of purchase: $600 to $800
- Recall number: 26-439
What Parents Should Do Right Now
The guidance from the CPSC is clear and urgent:
- Stop use immediately. Do not allow your child to ride the ATV again until this is resolved.
- Register for the recall. Visit www.lilpickup.us to register and receive instructions for returning the vehicle. The company offers free ATV pick-up and transportation — you do not need to arrange transport yourself.
- Request your full refund. Consumers are entitled to a complete refund for the recalled vehicles.
- Contact Lil Pick Up directly if you have questions: Phone: 951-245-5663 Email: contact@lilpickup.us Website: www.lilpickup.us
Why Recalls Like This One Matter
Recalls exist because safety monitoring works. The CPSC continuously tracks consumer reports and injury data so that dangerous products can be identified before more families are harmed.
When a recall is announced — especially one connected to a child’s death — the most important thing a parent can do is act quickly. The risks here are not hypothetical. They have already proven fatal.
A few simple steps — checking a VIN plate, visiting a website, making a phone call — can be the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.
A Note on Child ATV Safety Going Forward
Whether or not your specific vehicle is part of this recall, this is a good moment to revisit general ATV safety for children:
- Always verify that an ATV meets federal safety standards before purchase
- Ensure the vehicle is rated for your child’s age and weight
- Never allow passengers on single-rider youth ATVs
- Insist on helmets and appropriate protective gear every time
- Supervise young riders closely, especially on new or unfamiliar vehicles
Have Questions? Talk to a Professional
If you have concerns about injuries, burns, or your child’s well-being following use of a recalled ATV, reach out to our CT pediatric clinic. We’re here to assess any physical concerns and help guide your next steps. Let’s get your child safe together!
Schedule a consultation at our Southbury or Waterbury, CT, today.
[ Contact us ] [ Our services ]
For immediate safety emergencies, call 911. For product safety questions, contact the CPSC at www.cpsc.gov or 1-800-638-2772.
Sources:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2026, April 23). Lil Pick Up recalls youth all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) due to risk of serious injury or death from crash and burn hazards; violates mandatory standard for ATVs; one death reported (Recall No. 26-439). https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Lil-Pick-Up-Recalls-Youth-All-Terrain-Vehicles-ATVs-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Crash-and-Burn-Hazards-Violates-Mandatory-Standard-for-ATVs-One-Death-Reported
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026, April 23). 5,000 youth ATVs recalled following death of 6-year-old rider. AAP News. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/34936/5-000-youth-ATVs-recalled-following-death-of-6
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall #26-439 (April 23, 2026); American Academy of Pediatrics News (April 2026).
Cleaning Product Injuries in CT Kids: How to Prevent Them
Posted onUnderstanding the Risk: Everyday Products, Serious Consequences
For most families, cleaning products are a routine part of the household. But a new study is a powerful reminder that these common items pose a serious hazard to young children. Read below what our CT pediatricians highlight:
Pediatric researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that more than 240,000 children aged 5 and under were treated in emergency departments across the United States for cleaning product-related injuries between 2007 and 2022.
That’s an average of roughly 15,000 emergency visits per year — and those numbers only reflect hospital emergency departments, not pediatrician offices or urgent care clinics.
You might also want to read: HALO Magic Sleepsuit Recall: What Parents Should Know About the Choking Risk
Who Is Most at Risk
The data paints a clear picture of vulnerability. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the most commonly affected age was 1 year old, accounting for 43% of cases, followed by 2-year-olds at 26%. About 59% of patients were male.
As lead author Rebecca J. McAdams, M.A., M.P.H., explained in a press release, the reason young toddlers are so disproportionately affected comes down to development, since young children explore the world by putting things in their mouths — but they cannot read labels or recognize danger.
The Main Culprits: Detergent Packets and Spray Bottles
According to the AAP, two products stood out as the leading sources of harm. Detergent packet injuries from these packets peaked in 2015 and then declined after safety reforms, but they remain a significant risk to this day. Spray bottles were the second major source, responsible for about 28% of injuries, with most of these affecting children’s eyes.
The researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital noted that many spray bottle triggers are easy enough for toddlers to operate on their own.
According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), overall, the most common type of injury was poisoning (64%), and about 59% of injuries occurred through ingestion. The most common product types involved were bleach and detergents. About 7% of children in the study required hospitalization. Of those, 84% had swallowed a product, and nearly half were just 1 year old.
You might also want to read: Why Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth Protects Newborns
Where To Source Healthy Cleaning Products For Your Home
Finding green-based cleaning products has never been easier, and knowing where to look can make all the difference — especially when you have young children in the home. The good news is that several trusted, science-backed resources exist to help you evaluate the products you already own, discover safer alternatives, and shop with confidence. Here are the best places to start:
The EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning — ewg.org
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is one of the most comprehensive starting points for parents wanting to make safer choices. EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning gives you practical solutions to protect yourself and your family from everyday exposures to potentially harmful chemicals. U.S. law allows manufacturers of cleaning products to use almost any ingredient they wish, including known carcinogens and substances that can harm fetal and infant development, and the government doesn’t review the safety of products before they’re sold.
You can use EWG’s free, searchable database at ewg.org/cleaners to look up specific products by name. When a product is EWG VERIFIED®, it means it meets EWG’s strict, scientific standards for transparency and health — a team of toxicologists, chemists, and epidemiologists scrutinizes every product.
EWG also offers a Healthy Living App where you can scan barcodes in-store to check a product’s rating on the spot.
The EPA Safer Choice Program — epa.gov/saferchoice
Another powerful tool is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice program. Safer Choice helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform well and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.
The database includes roughly 2,500 certified products — most in the laundry and cleaning categories — and the website features an intuitive search system to help the public identify safer products available in their communities.
The EPA has identified the following active ingredients as safer: citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, L-lactic acid, ethanol, isopropanol, peroxyacetic acid, and sodium bisulfate.
Green Seal — greenseal.org
Green Seal is an independent nonprofit with over 35 years of ecolabeling experience. When you see the Green Seal mark, you can be confident you’re making a safer, more sustainable choice for your home.
To date, Green Seal has certified over 33,000 products across a wide cross-section of categories that deeply affect people and public health — and school cleaning programs around the country rely on Green Seal to protect their communities.
You can search their certified product directory at greenseal.org and also look for the Green Seal mark on Amazon, where Green Seal-certified products qualify to display verified sustainability features, signifying that products meet meaningful sustainability standards.
What Parents Should Do
The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable. Here is what our Pediatric Associates of CT experts recommend:
- Store all cleaning products and detergents up, away, and out of sight — ideally in a locked cabinet.
- Keep products in their original containers and look for child-resistant packaging.
- Consider using traditional liquid or powder detergents instead of packets until all children in your home are at least 6 years old.
- Never place cleaning products in food or drink containers.
- Safety latches on cabinets can help, but should not be relied upon as the only safeguard.
What To Do If Your Child Is Exposed
If your child comes into contact with a household cleaning product, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call the national Poison Help Line immediately at 1-800-222-1222, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- For swallowed products: take the item away and have the child spit out any remaining substance. Do not induce vomiting.
- For skin contact: remove clothing and rinse the skin with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
- For eye contact: flush the eye with a steady stream of room-temperature water for 15 minutes.
- If your child is unconscious, not breathing, or having seizures, call 911 immediately.
Take Your Cleaning Products Seriously
Cleaning product injuries are not rare accidents — they are a consistent and preventable public health issue. Keeping products locked away, choosing safer packaging, and knowing what to do in an emergency can make a real difference.
If you have questions about child safety at home or how to handle potential exposures, speak with our CT pediatric providers. A quick conversation could prevent a trip to the emergency room.
[CONTACT US] [OUR SERVICES]
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you believe your child has been exposed to a harmful product, seek medical attention or contact emergency services immediately.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Study: Cleaning product injuries sent 240,000 young children to EDs from 2007-’22” publications.aap.org. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/34797/Study-Cleaning-product-injuries-sent-240-000-young
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Poison Prevention & Treatment Tips for Parents.” HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Poison-Prevention.aspx
Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Study Finds Household Cleaning Products Remain a Leading Source of Child Injury” nationwidechildrens.org. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/newsroom/news-releases/2026/04/cirp-household-cleaners-study
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Cleaning Product–Related Injuries Treated in US Emergency Departments: 2007-2022” cpsc.gov. https://www.cpsc.gov/Research–Statistics/NEISS-Injury-Data