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How Can I Keep My Baby Safe While Traveling?

December 14th, 2009 admin No comments

Do you think about what could happen to your baby if you were in an accident? Have you seen the news and heard how many babies are killed because they are not properly buckled in a car seat? How many times have you seen an adult holding a child in their lap or a small child standing up the back seat? I don’t know about you, but that makes me sick to look at. I have known of parents or family members who have lost an infant or toddler just because the baby was not safely secured in the car. Why would we want to even take this risk? Why put a helpless infant in harms way? Well, we are going to discuss how to keep your baby safe. Protect the most precious cargo you will ever put inside your car.

The number one way to keep your baby safe while traveling is a federally regulated and inspected car seat. Never, ever put your baby on your lap or lay them on the seat, no matter how short of a distance you intend to go. There are so many children killed because they were not securely fastened in a car seat. Choosing a car seat can be so confusing with so many types to choose from. Every car seat sold has been set by the federal safety guidelines. There are certain factors that need to be looked at when you are choosing one. You need to include your baby’s age, height, weight, use, price and the style. You will find that the more expensive car seats are upgraded with better padding and fabric and extra safety features such as side impact protection.

Now, we as parents know that traveling anywhere with a baby are very difficult to say the least. There are some great items to help you protect your baby and make your job a bit easier too. To name a few, there are seats that you can place in the shopping carts; they come in disposable type too. How handy would it be to have a travel potty seat for your toddler? I am always so amazed at what there is available for moms and babies these days. Read more…

Travel Systems For Baby

December 11th, 2009 admin No comments

Baby’s love movement, therefore when it comes to choosing travel systems for babies, it’s important to choose prams and strollers that will ensure baby is comfortable and relaxed while traveling. You can select travel systems for the youngest newborn and infant to the more active toddler. Today’s strollers offer a wide variety of choices and it’s best to carefully decide which system is best for your family’s needs before baby arrives. Travel systems are one of the most important pieces of nursery equipment that you will own, so choose your system carefully.

Travel systems allow caregivers to have plenty of versatility when traveling with their child. Your child can go effortlessly from his or her infant carrier or car seat to the stroller with a simple click of a button, snapping the carrier into place. This provides tremendous benefits to parents and caregivers who have been driving with the baby sleeping comfortably. By using the travel system, you don’t have to worry about waking the baby up and can move the baby to the stroller without disturbing his or her sleep.

There are several features you should look at and take into consideration when choosing travel systems. First, you must ensure that you can easily carry or transport the system. Looking for models that are sturdy and durable yet lightweight will often ensure that you can move the system without much difficulty. It’s also important to make sure that you can easily fold the system and store it in your vehicle.

You might also want to consider selecting a system that will accommodate your child from the infant to toddler years. These systems are practical and provide many benefits as well as being convenient. Looking for systems that have adjustable positions will also ensure that as your child grows, he or she will be comfortable in a variety of seating positions in the system. Travel systems also come equipped with numerous different features, as well as features that you can purchase separately. Check with the manufacturer’s full line of products, as there may be more pieces that you might be interested in as well.

Consider the travel systems that you choose as an investment in your child. Your system can last for many years, bringing your child plenty of enjoyment. However, it is imperative to remember that the first issue of concern is your baby’s safety. You must take the time to check out the travel system and ensure that it is safe. One feature that you should look at is whether or not the system is sturdy enough to remain upright if you place a diaper bag over the handles. The system might have a storage compartment underneath for bags as well. It’s also a good idea to check the height of the stroller’s handles. If the handles are too low the caregiver might find that their back becomes strained while pushing their child. Many travel systems come with adjustable handlebars to ensure that you have the correct height at all times. If you think this will be an issue, then consider choosing a system with adjustable handlebars.

Car Seat Selection Tips

November 26th, 2009 admin No comments

It’s important to choose a car seat designed for your child’s age and weight to give him or her the best chance of escaping injury in a crash. There are three main types of car seats — infant car seats, infant/toddler convertible car seats, and booster seats. Below are the facts about car seat options and some tips for making educated purchasing decisions for each car-seat type:


If your baby is less than a year old, he or she must ride in a rear-facing car seat.


One choice is to buy a rear-facing infant car seat (suitable for babies up to 20lbs), that will fit your baby snugly during the first few months and often comes with a handle for easy carrying. And, if you’re looking for the utmost in convenience, select a travel system. Infant travel systems include a ready made car seat and stroller combination.


The downside to the infant car seat is that you’ll spend $60 to $150 on the seat and your child will outgrow it in 6 months to a year. You’ll have to upgrade to a convertible car seat once your baby reaches 20 lbs. If this is a concern for you, you can buy a convertible car seat that will face the rear for your newborn and can turn around to face the front for your baby once he or she reaches 20 lbs.


However, some parents feel that their newborn is “swimming” in a convertible car seat and prefer to use an infant car seat until their baby gets big enough to sit in a front-facing car seat.


No matter what you decide to use for your infant, you’ll eventually need a convertible car seat.


Regardless of the choice you make as to whether to use a convertible car seat from day one or use an infant car seat until your baby weighs 20 lbs, you’ll need to buy a convertible car seat at some point. Convertible car seats are larger than infant-only car seats and are designed to grow with your child through the toddler years. Most convertible car seats fit babies up to 40 lbs (usually around age 4) and some convert to a booster car seat and are safe for children up to 80 lbs.


Convertible car seats range in price from $80 to $300.


For toddlers weighing more than 40 lbs and big kids, you’ll need a booster car seat.


Booster car seats are designed for children age 3 or older who weigh at least 40 lbs. They are designed to use your car’s lap and shoulder seat belts. They literally boost your child into a position that makes it safe to use the car’s seat belt system.


Booster car seats are essential to your child’s safety because using your car’s seat belts on a child without a booster seat can actually cause injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children who’ve outgrown their convertible car seats use a booster car seat until they are 8 years old and 4 feet 9 inches tall.


Some booster seats provide back support and you should choose one of these options if your vehicle seat is low or has no head restraint. A backless option is fine for vehicle seats that offer plenty of support behind the head.


Booster car seats range in price from $60 to $200.

By: Bob Russell