Now through October 18, enjoy amazing savings of up to $50 on select Britax car seats.

Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat

The Marathon from Britax is a durable, convertible car seat that helps keep your child safe and secure in the car. Ideal for parents seeking premium comfort and a higher, forward-facing harnessed weight capacity, the Marathon fits children rear facing from five to 35 pounds and children forward facing from at least one year old and 20 pounds, up to 65 pounds. Both positions can accommodate a standing height up to 49 inches.

Find the best Car Seat on the best price here !

By Yenie Swandari

When you look for baby product, the baby safety is very important. New parent usually try to find leaflets, brochures of essential products that they will need to purchase.

Here are we give you several tips to keep your baby safe with the Baby Safety Product.

Safety while Sleeping

Try to find the latest new cribs model which has the best safety standards. Consider that cribs must meet federal and ASTM standards.The mattress has to fits snugly into the crib; the distance between the slats is no more than 2-3/8 inches and the side rail is at least 26 inches from the mattress.

A baby monitor is the best devices invented for parents that will give you such composure because it allow you to hear or see your baby in your baby’s room from anywhere in your house.

Make sure they sleep do not use pillows, blanket or loose toys, as these can easily cover your baby’s face, resulting in possible breathing difficulties.

Digital Nursery Room Grobag Egg Thermometer Light

Make sure that your baby‘s room in an appropriate temperature. There are a variety of baby thermometers offered which clearly show the optimum temperature for your baby’s nursery. Don’t use polyester sheets, if the room is quite warm. Also make sure that you have plenty of warm slick suits or rompers, and take care that your new baby’s head is always covered in case the temperature drops too low.

Safety while go on the Road

Car seat is vital baby safety products and it is must have product to purchase this before your baby born. Then make sure your car seat is installed properly and it meets safety guidelines.

Your best bet is to buy a brand new car seat. If you buy a used car seat, make sure you know the history of car seat; is that has been involved in a crash or has structurally broken. Double check that the car seat you buy is up-to-date. The baby should ride in a rear-facing seat until they are over one year old or at least 20 ponds, when they can be switched to a forward facing seat.

Safety in their activity

While your baby grows, you will need a number of baby safety products to help protect your baby from the various dangers. They always want to explore and touch or grab everything in sight. Baby gates will keep your babies safe in a large enough to support them to explore, but confined enough to keep them safe.

You also need baby safety product such as door stoppers, fireguards, electrical output plugs, and the like.

If you have decided to bottle feed, Use BPA-free plastic bottles. Much better use glass bottles: Canada has banned the use of plastic bottles due the possible content of Bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate bottles, and many environmental organizations are suggesting that other countries should do the same due to its possible adverse effect on the endocrine system, responsible for the regulation of hormones in the body.

You will also need to make sure that you have a way of sterilizing the bottles, and it may well be advisable to practice sterilizing and making up the bottles of milk.

We have additional information on this subject you may be interested in reading: Baby Stroller-How Product are Made and Finding the Right Diaper Bag.

By Yenie Swandari

There is a correct way in which to secure your child in his car seat. Here are guide for the parents to keep your baby safe while in the car:

When you finding the best car seat, try to check is that matches to your baby’s size and weight. The car seat also fits properly in your car and is easily installed.

There are some types of baby car seats such as infant seats, front facing car seats, and convertible seats. And each type of car seat has a lot of variations. Infants or children under a year of age should be placed in rear-facing seats in the center of the rear seat. And the older children can sit facing front and their seat are usually placed behind the driver or passenger. Discuss your options with your pediatrician, if you have children with special needs that may require different restraint systems.

Your child will be ready for using the baby car safety restraint system without a booster seat when they can sit comfortable in the seat the whole trip and the knees can bend at ease over the edge of the seat. Also consider that the belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and the arm. The lap belt is must be low and touches the thighs.

For the baby car safety, read the print manufacture instruction seriously, about how to using car seat and how to properly install it. Call or email the manufacturer if you not sure about the installation.

The great protection that can hold your baby tighter in the seat in the event of a crash is a five-point or six-point harness. The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two straps at the hips and one at the crotch. The T-shield is a padded triangle that latches at the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from over the head and latches at the crotch. Avoid a T-Shield, because it allows too much room or can get in the way of chubby tummies and legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can also cause serious injury to your baby.

It is safe to use second-hand baby car seats provided you do a safety check which belts and harnesses should not be frayed or cracked. Don’t forget to look into the history of the car seat, if it has been in a car crash or if the seat is more than 5 years old do not buy it.

Other post you may be interested in reading : New Baby Arrival Preparation Checklist and Preparing For Baby: Tips For The Eco-conscious.

By Gregg Hall

Wool Car Seat Cover

Wool is the softest and most comfortable material that can be used for Car Seat Covers and Baby Buntings. Organic cotton flannel, unbleached cotton flannel and regular cotton flannel are choice backings for wool car seat covers and baby Buntings.

Wool car seat Covers swaddle baby in security and warmth. Therefore, Wool is a “choice” material in the construction of these covers because of its softness and insulating qualities. The outer cells of the fiber repel water while the inner cells absorb moisture. As wool slowly absorbs moisture from the air, the cover becomes warmer to baby. Because of Wool’s tendency to retain moisture, Wool is naturally flame-retardant.

Many of the synthetic fabrics and “fillers” used to make Car Seat Covers and Baby Buntings do not breathe. Over time they can emit toxic fumes during the aging process, thus posing respiratory and allergic reactions as well as asthma like symptoms.

Wool is a natural fiber and naturally hypoallergenic; as are the cottons used to back Car Seat Covers and Baby buntings. It helps keep the baby warmer in cool temperatures, and cooler in warmer temperatures. Plush Merino wool provides an extremely soft surface.

Cleaning Wool

The oil extracted from the leaves of the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) is well known to be effective against dust mites, a cause of allergens for asthma sufferers, and particularly infants. Tea Tree Oil is also noted for its general beneficial qualities such as being a natural fungicide. It also helps in the healing of wounds and reduces skin irritation. Kookaburra Woolwash also works well for laundering bed linens and clothing for asthma sufferers where dust mite feces is a critical matter.

Good “Padding” Important for Infants

A good feel with a tad of pressure would deem the use of padding necessary for Baby Car Seats, High Chairs and Infant Rocking Seats. Wool products will place a barrier between baby and the synthetic unknowns of the factory provided products.

The car manufacturer’s concerns are with the highest possible safety performance of the car seat for baby’s safety, not the health concerns that may be posed by the liners used to soften the hard plastic of such baby accessories.

Give a Gift of Wool for Baby

A gift of wool for baby whether it is a Car Seat Cover, a Bunting or a Wool Fleece Blanket is a gift of quality.

I thought You could be interested in this article: Price Categories for Baby Strollers and Create a Beautiful Baby Room on a Budget

By Rachel Marson

Graco Infant Car Seat

When you have a baby there are a lot of different decisions to make. One of those decisions is which type of car seat to choose. There are so many to choose from including the Graco infant car seat. Here are some things to consider when choosing a car seat.

First, you have to be concerned with safety. Safety has to be your first thought and you have to find a seat that fits or exceeds the federal regulations for car seats. This is not a difficult thing to do, but you need to make sure you are buying a safe seat according to the government.

Second, you should consider what you will do when your baby gets a little larger and older. The best way to deal with this is to get a convertible model car seat because it can start as a rear facing seat for your baby. Then, you can turn it around and use it as a forward facing seat and this will keep you from having to purchase more than one seat.

Last, you have to make sure that your baby fits the seat well. Whether you go with a Graco infant car seat or another type of car seat it is important that your baby fits the seat well. If you are in the store you can actually put them in it to see how they fit. If you purchase online you just need to check the weight and height restrictions on the car seat to make sure it will fit well.

Other post you may be interested in reading : Baby Strollers History and The Luxury High End Stroller – Baby Jogger City Elite

By Allison C.

Infant Car Seat

With all of the bells and whistles on car seats these days it’s no wonder you can get confused, I sure did. After a little research I was able to sort through and find the best infant car seat to fit not only my needs but my new baby’s needs as well!

There are some important differences to recognize before purchasing a car seat. One major decision is to choose between a normal seat and a convertible seat. Infant car seats are rear-facing only and can only be used until the baby weighs about 30 pounds (different brands have different standards). Convertibles can be used both rear-facing and front-facing until the baby weighs about 40 pounds, some longer.

By purchasing a convertible seat at the very beginning you can save money since this car seat will accommodate your child from birth to around 40 pounds. However, there are a few key features that convertibles do not have that infant seats do.

Infant seats have a few options available to them that can really save you time and ease your mind. One such option is the capability of a travel system. A travel system allows you to remove the seat from the base in the car and attach it to a compatible stroller. This works exceptionally well if your baby is asleep; you will not have to disturb them to transport them from car to stroller. Your new baby can continue to sleep soundly as you move from say the car to shopping mall, all the while keeping your sanity!

If the option of a travel system appeals to you check to make sure the car seat you are interested in has that feature. There are some seats that will snap into a general stroller of a different brand but be sure to do your homework first!

Article You May Be Interested In Reading : Top 10 Key Features of Baby Strollers and The Bugaboo Bee Stroller

Submitted By : Tom Littlepage

Car Seat Cover

One of the most useful accessories that you can use for your child’s car seat is a removable car seat cover. With such a cover, cleaning up after even the messiest child becomes simply a matter of removing, washing, and replacing the cover (and perhaps washing harnesses or straps by hand), instead of having to spend time trying to remove dirt and food from all of the surfaces and crevices of the car seat, itself.

It can be machine washed and dried as part of your normal household laundry. This will help to keep the cover sanitary and free of dirt and food stains. Not only will a cover be a convenience for you, but it will also help to extend the life of the car seat by keeping cleaning chemicals away from the surfaces of the car seat, itself.

If your child car seat manufacturer does not sell a cover for it, it may be possible to buy a separate cover that will fit well. Some retailers sell covers that will fit a variety of different car seat sizes. The covers come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs, so that you should be able to find one that both fits and matches your child’s car seat.

As an alternative to a commercial car seat cover, you can improvise one by using a small blanket or towel to line the seat (for many booster seats, a full sized bath towel will work well). Then, whenever the cover gets dirty, it can simply be removed, washed, and replaced, as with a commercial cover.

If you do not wish to use a car seat cover, the entire car seat can be washed by hand, using a mild soap and warm water. Strong or abrasive cleaners should be avoided, as they can have a cumulative damaging effect on the car seat’s materials, which may lead to a shortening of the useful life of the car seat.

You can use an outdoor water hose to help reach into the crevices of the car seat, but be sure to keep the water pressure low enough so as not to damage the surfaces of the car seat. The car seat should be allowed to dry completely before it is reinstalled in the vehicle. It may seem tempting to leave the car seat out in direct sunlight to dry, but this can have a cumulative effect that can lead to ruining the padding inside the car seat, which will make the car seat uncomfortable for your child to use.

Other post you may be interested in reading : Valco Tri Mode – All Terrain Stroller and Baby Carriages.

By Nicky Van Greunen

Triple Tandem Stroller

You can fit up to three children in a triple stroller or triplets. Sometimes it contains twins and another kid. People with children close together in age find this a perfect way to enjoy an outing. It can help you decide if you want to buy one or not, there is plenty of information out there about triple strollers and reviewing.

There are two basic layouts for a triple baby stroller – either the seats are side by side or they are in a line. It can be too wide to get in and out of some locations with ease, when the seats are side by side on a triple stroller. With a model that has them in a line you will need to stop the stroller in order to accommodate the needs of the one in the front. You can find these models may be heavy, or take a lot of effort to turn. Yet they fit perfectly well through any type of doorway. Sometimes a triple stroller that can handle any terrain is going to be the best fit. These durable strollers can be used almost anywhere. If you adore being outside, then this might just be the ideal stroller for you to utilize. The cost is one reason why people shy away from them though. Then you can sell it for at least part of the money you invested in it, if that isn’t in the plans. Individuals are often on the lookout for triple strollers, thus that should not be an issue if you have maintained it properly.

If you are in the market for a triple baby stroller, you might be displeased to find out that there are limited options available. Out there, there are plenty more single and even double stroller models. Maneuvering a triple stroller can be difficult, so make sure to get one that has the convenience of swivel wheels on the front. In order to make sure you have total control when using the stroller, a hand break is a necessity.

You may want to check out my other guide on Baby Stroller Safety Standards

and  Should I Buy My Baby a Baby Walker

By Milos Pesic

Car accidents have been reported as the primary cause of children’s deaths in the United States. Thousands of children below the age of twelve were injured and died annually because of car crashes, and it is so sad to know that these accidents can’t be controlled and eliminated even if the driver is a professional or expert driver. But there’s still a piece of good news to that, that is, the risks of car accidents can be reduced by using the right or proper child safety car seat.

The child safety care seat now comes in a number of types and forms.  The problem, however, is that with a myriad of types available for car seats, finding the right one can somehow be puzzling. It is even more puzzling with more and more models coming out in the market. Well, it is for this reason actually that these child car seat safety recommendations are given.

So what are these child car seat safety recommendations?

I have even stressed for these child car seat safety recommendations the car seat types best suited for weights and heights of children. So if you want to know these suggestions, consider the following:

Child Car Seat Safety Recommendation for Newborn and 1 Year Old Children

For the newborn and those who are at the age of 1, it is always best to use a rear-facing infant seat or a convertible seat in the rear-facing position. When installing the car seat, be sure to set the shoulder straps below the child’s shoulder level, and to ensure that what you’re doing is right, review the manufacturer’s instructions or manual thoroughly. This recommendation is also ideal for children up to 20 pounds and 26 inches long.

Child Car Seat Safety Recommendation for Children Age 1 to 4

For children age 1 to 4 or those who are up to 20 to 40 pounds and 26 to 40 inches tall, the use of a forward-facing seat or a convertible seat in the forward-facing position is often recommended. Also, it is best to position the straps at or above the shoulder level and still, for proper installation, it is always best to check and review the instruction manual.

Child Car Seat Safety Recommendation for Children Age 4 to 8

For those who are 40 to 80 pounds and 40 to 57 inches tall, a belt-positioning booster seat or a high-back is the perfect type of car seat to use for ultimate safety. It is best to choose the belt-positioning booster seat that uses the vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt. The key here is not to use a shield-type booster seat; but when it comes to installation, a thorough review of the instruction manual is highly recommended.

Car Seat Safety

By  Alyice Edrich

If you are serious about protecting your children while in your car may I make a few suggestions.

1. Before purchasing a new car seat, find out if it has been recalled due to safety issues. And don’t forget to check to see if your car’s seatbelt may be defected.
2. When you don’t know which car seat to pick, visit forums where parents are discussing such issues. Knowing what other parents think, what experiences they’ve had, and why they decided the way they did could help you make an informed decision.
3. Understand how car seats are supposed to work and be installed. When in doubt, read your instruction manual, visit sites like Keep Kids Healthy. Visit car seat inspection stations, or visit your local police station-they often have programs to help make sure your children are properly restrained.
4. Always make sure the car seat you purchase fits properly in your vehicle.
5. Always make sure the car seat you purchase fits the height and weight of your child.
6. When the straps on your child’s car seat become too snug, or your child has difficulty sitting in his/her car seat comfortably, don’t wait. Get out there and buy a car seat that fits your child! Take the Safety Belt Fit test

1. If the seatbelts in your car are not working properly, take your car in and have them fixed-they could truly mean the difference between life and death.
2. Whenever possible place your child’s car seat in the middle of your back seat-away from either side of the vehicle.
3. Make sure your child is in the rear facing position and at a 45 degree recline if he/she is under one year old. And always place rear facing car seats in the back seat-away from air bags.
4. Never buy a car seat based solely on affordability-especially if it’s used.
5. Throw away any car seat that has been in a motor vehicle accident!
6. Once the car seat is positioned and belted, wiggle it around to make sure the car seat belt is holding the car seat in place. In other words, the car seat isn’t loose.

In the end, your child is only as safe as the precautions you take.

Article You May Be Interested In Reading : Baby Furniture Buyers Guide

and Is It a Safe Choice for Your Baby to Have a Used Stroller ?

By Alicia McWilliams

Baby Car Seat

If you plan to travel a lot with your baby, you should consider adding a baby car seat to the list of equipment you definitely need to have. Having a car seat for your baby is the only way you are going to keep your baby secure as you drive your car. Not only is it a requirement by law but it is also an investment in the safety of your child.

Typically, car seats are miniature seats that snugly secure your baby as you travel about in your car. The seats are firmly and safely attached to free seats in the vehicle. There are hundreds if not thousands of car seat designs you can select.

When looking for a baby car seat you should consider the following :

1. Comfort :

Some car seats are roughly made and it will show in the craftsmanship. Rough edges and tough padding will make travel uncomfortable for your child. It would be best to find seats with a comfortable build. Padding that is soft yet firm is an added bonus. Make sure there are no sharp edges around and within the seat area. This could cause a bruising or gouging hazard so keep all those edges blunt.

You want to consider designs that support your baby’s back and neck. Babies can’t hold their neck up, so they will need a seat that will make sure that his or her head is kept in a comfortable position. This should be all the more important considering how babies love to wiggle and squirm.

2. Quality :

Check the seat for any irregularities in its design. Look for areas that are susceptible to breaking and wearing out. The baby seat should be lightweight and easy to manage, yet tough enough to ensure the safety of your child. Remember that the most important aspect here is safety. So keep a parent’s eye out for any design flaws that could contribute to such.

When attached to a car seat, the baby’s harness shouldn’t wobble to and fro. It should be stable and secure to ensure that your baby does not get rocked violently.

Stay away from second-hand car seats as they could already be damaged or worn out. This will compromise your child’s safety, so it is best to refrain from even considering such equipment.

3. Complexity :

Does the harness take too much time to secure? If so you might want to consider other models that allow for a more straightforward approach to securing and removing your baby from the harness. Of course, even if this is the case do not forget that the most important aspect of any car seat is its safety. If you were to choose between a harness that was a little complex but safe, and one that was easy to secure but comes off on its own, go for the former.

However, you will still have to worry about how hard it is to detach such a harness. Go for baby car seats that allow for maximum safety and easiest securing of children. Also try reading the manual for each baby car seat to find out the guidelines and functionality each one offers. This will give a better idea on comparing each baby car seat by make and function.

4. Size :

The size of the car seat will generally depend on how large your baby is. Make sure, however, that the harness goes over the pelvis of your baby and not over his or her stomach. If the harness goes over the stomach instead, you should consider getting a different baby seat. The baby’s hands and feet should also fit snugly within the car seat to avoid getting injuries to these parts. If the seat is too big for the child, it will show since you will notice that he or she does not fit the seat snugly.

Article You May Be Interested In Reading : Schwinn Stroller and Choosing a Toddler Car Seat

By Randy Wilson

BABY NURSERY FURNITURE – BABY FURNITURE.  What items in are a must and which can we buy later or skip altogether? A place for baby to safely sleep is a must. Storage for baby’s clothes would be the next item of importance. If you are a believer in co-sleeping, a crib is not a necessity but I would have one on hand just in case.

Here’s a helpful nursery furniture checklist of items common to infant’s rooms for you to consider :

Baby Cribs

Baby Crib

Cribs will be the most important piece of furniture the new parent will need for the baby. They come in a wide variety of styles and finishes to match any nursery theme or color scheme the parents might have for the nursery. They come as standard cribs, canopy, convertible, sleigh and various other types. Some of the more common features available would be adjustable mattress heights, metal mattress supports, one of three different kinds of release mechanism, rolling casters and/or a teething rail. A baby can use the crib from birth until around the age of 3. A safe and sturdy crib will cost from $150 to over $1000 depending on the quality of the wood and the features provided.

Crib Mattresses

A crib mattress is a very important item for the baby as she/he will be spending over 50% of his time on the mattress until he/she is around 3 years of age. Mattresses come in basically two types: foam or innerspring/coil. Foam weighs less while the innerspring/coil will last a much longer time. Accessories include bedding, crib sheets, crib wedges and waterproof mattress pads. High quality foam mattresses will cost between $80 to $100, while an innerspring/coil mattress will cost from $75 to $200.

Bedding-Bumpers-Sheets-Quilts-Shams

Most standard, canopy and convertible cribs will use standard size crib bedding. A round crib, porta crib, cradle and bassinet will all need special bedding to fit the size of the particular item. A bumper is a necessary item that is needed to keep the baby safe by keeping the baby’s arms and legs from getting stuck in the slats. A quilt or comforter should not be used in the crib, but rather as a play mat for the baby. A diaper stacker is used to store your diapers and to keep the nursery more organized. Pillows are a safety hazard for the baby and should never be used in the crib. Most bedding sets can cost from $50 to as high as $700 for a set with better quality fabrics etc.

Changing Tables

Changing Table

A changing table should be well padded, have guardrails and include safety straps for the baby. They come in several types such as the combination sytle, dresser drawer and one with open shelves. Accessories include changing pads, oraganizers and wipe warmers. A changing table can be used from birth until about two years of age. They range in price from $90 to $200 depending on the accessories and storage space they have.

Rocking Chairs

Mom's Rocking Chair

A rocking chair would be a welcome addition to the baby nursery or living room. The rocking chair would give the mom-to-be lots of quality time with her newborn baby.

Moses Baskets

Moses baskets are a rather unique piece of furniture. A moses basket would be an unexpected but welcome baby shower gift. Also something the mother could pass on for a heirloom. This is an item that could be passed from generation to generation.

Child’s Rocking Chair

A children’s rocking chair would make a great gift. One that most people wouldn’t think of giving. You wouldn’t need to worry about duplicating your gift with some other guest with this gift.

Playpen & Play Yard

Play yards come in 3 different types. The basic which can be used as a playpen or a crib. One that has a bassinet built in for the newborn. A canopy style to keep you infant shielded from the sun and to keep in cooler in the outdoors. Accessories you can purchase seperately include a changing station, netting for outdoor use and sheets. A play yard can be used from birth until about 2 years of age. Good quality play yards cost between $60 to more than $200.

Portable Travel Crib

A portable travel crib would be great for those over-night trips out of town or state to family or friends.

Cradles

A cradle is used from birth until 4 months or the baby is able to roll from side to side. Cradles usually include a padded bumper, fitted sheet and a quilt or comforter. One of the advantages of a cradle is that you can rock it and it is lower than a crib.

Baby Dresser

Baby Dresser

Every nursery needs a chest of drawers for the newborn. You can buy them with a theme, in different styles, shapes and colors. If you know how the new parents will be decorating the nursery, you can match the baby dresser to the theme.

High Chair

Baby High Chair

All new parents need this very essential piece of furniture. There are several types of high chairs: Adjustable, conventional, booster and wooden. The high chair should have an adjustable tray, locking mechanism, some kind of restraint system and possibly rolling casters which are allowed to be locked easily. Parents can use the high chair as soon as the baby is born for bottle feeding if it is capable of fully reclining.

Bassinets

A traditional piece of nursery furniture would be a bassinet. The baby can use the bassinet from birth until about 4 month of age. Bassinet sets usually include a hood cover, fitted sheet, plain sheet and a bumper.

Car Seats

Baby Car Seat

A car seat is a necessity because every state requires the baby be restrained while in a car. Newborns must travel in the back seat in a car seat that faces the rear of the car. After the baby is a year old you change to a forward facing car seat. Car seats come in several different types. An infant car seat, convertible and booster seats. Infant and convertible car seats cost between $60 and $300.

Strollers

Strollers come as a standard stroller, single, umbrella, double strooler or as a travel system which is a combination stroller and car seat. Most strollers have a canopy, front bar, harness, reliner and a storage space. Accessories available include accessory bars, attachable toy and activity bars, infant headrests, rain sheilds and stroller connectors for attaching two strollers together. A stroller can be used from around 4 months of age until about 3 or 4 years old. Depending on the style and quality strollers can be purchased for as little as $15 to as much as $1,000.

Baby Monitor

Baby Monitor

A monitor may be a luxery item, but it can give the parents added reassurance that their baby is safe. There are several types: audio, audio/movement and audio/video monitors. Monitors can be used from newborn to toddler. Depending on the type of monitor, you can buy them for as little as $20 on up to $400, with the audio/video monitor being the most expensive.

Bouncer Seat

A very useful item is a bouncer seat. They can come with an accessory toy bar, canopy, restraint and variable speeds. A bouncer seat can be used from newborn until the baby is 9 months old. The standard non-battery operated bouncer seats cost between $40 and $75 while the battery operated seats tend to cost a bit more.

You may want to check out my other guide on Umbrella Stroller and Baby Carrier

By Tom Littlepage

Toddler Car Seat

Most children are ready to start using a ‘toddler’ car seat at about six months of age, until they transition into a ‘booster’ car seat at approximately 2 years of age. Toddler car seats are forward facing, and typically use a combination of the car’s seat belts or a special anchoring system, and a separate harness, to secure the car seat and the child. Many toddler car seats allow the child to ride in either an upright or a reclined position, and some models raise the child up sufficiently to be able to easily see out of the vehicle’s windows while in the upright position. Child car seat manufacturers are bound by very strict guidelines, and you may be surprised to find that some of the more expensive car seats don’t provide any better level of protection than those which are more moderately priced. Child car seat manufacturers are bound by very strict guidelines, and you may be surprised to find that some of the more expensive car seats don’t provide any better level of protection than those which are more moderately priced.

Toddler car seats come in three basic varieties:

(1) those that can be used only as a toddler car seat,

(2) those that can be used both as an infant car seat and a toddler car seat, and

(3) those that can be used both as a toddler car seat and a booster car seat. Seats that are designed to be used in two different modes are called ‘convertible’ car seats.

Convertible infant/toddler car seats can be used for children from infancy (with the car seat in the rear facing position), into their toddler years (with the car seat turned around and used in the forward facing position), until they are ready for a booster car seat. In the rear facing mode, these types of car seats can typically be used with a child up to about 25 lbs, and then used in the forward facing position until the child reaches about 40 lbs. These types of car seats have a larger seat than an infant only car seat, and many come with padded inserts for use when the child is still small.

Convertible toddler/booster car seats are forward facing, and typically use both the car’s seat belts and a separate harness during the ‘toddler’ stage, and just the car’s seat belts during the ‘booster’ stage.

Other post you may be interested in reading : New Baby Arrival Preparation Checklist and Baby Trend strollers

By Dan Forsyth

a Baby Boy

The birth of a child is one of the greatest moments in a person’s life. There are many things that you will need to do to prepare for your new baby’s arrival. So many in fact that it can leave a new parent’s head spinning and their wallets empty.

What is really necessary to buy? What can you do without? Below is a list of the items and highly recommend. I’ve also made note of some of the more popular items that people buy that may not be necessary.

Baby’s Room

1. Crib, Crib Mattress and Crib Sheet – our girls slept in our bed for the first 6 months, so we actually didn’t use the crib at first… so no rush to get a crib if you plan on co-sleeping or using a bedside bassinette

2. Dresser – for all those cute baby clothes that you will be getting as gifts!

3. Nightlight – so you don’t bang your knee on the dresser when you go in to check baby at night

4. Lamp – for some nighttime stories before going to sleep

5. Books – we started reading to our older daughter long before she ‘understood’ it

6. Rocker and Ottoman – makes reading a story together so much fun!

7. Change Table – it can be hard to try to change baby on a table too low or too high – can give you a sore back!

8. Diapers – but of course! You may want to consider cloth diapers if you have the time and energy to do that extra laundry

9. Diaper Wipes – we use disposables, although some people will get a bunch of those baby washcloths and use those.

10. Diaper Bin (with tight lid) (We actually rarely use our diaper bin, it is really just a glorified trashcan, so you may want to save a couple of dollars and just buy a good trashcan instead.)

11. Diaper Ointment – keep those baby bottoms super soft

12 Sleep Vest – a really nice alternative to a baby blanket, which is easily kicked off by baby in the night

Feeding

1. Nursing Pillow – so mom is comfortable while nursing!

2. Breast Pump – for those times when mom just needs a break or has to go back to work.

3. Bottles – make sure they are BPA free! Lots of great alternatives on the market these days

4. Formula (if not breast feeding) – doesn’t hurt to have some around even if you are nursing, just in case you need it.

5. Booster Seat – Don’t waste your money on a high chair that is going to take up lots of room in your kitchen. A booster seat that sits on a chair costs less and does the same thing.

Clothing

1. One piece outfits (also known as onesies) – babies will live in these in the early months, so much easier than trying to put on a two piece outfit on such a wee baby

2. Socks and Shoes – probably won’t need shoes so much in the early days, but socks are a must

3. Teething Bibs – so you don’t have to change baby’s wet clothes throughout the day once she starts drooling

4. Hat – especially in cooler weather!

5. Sweater – ditto

6. Jacket – double ditto

7. Laundry detergent for sensitive skin – some babies can be really sensitive to the regular chemical detergents out there

Going Out

1. Car Seat – keep baby safe!

2. Diaper Bag – your home away from home when you have a baby, make sure to get a big one and something that looks cool so you don’t mind carrying it around

3. Change Pad – you never know what is on those change tables in public restrooms, eek

4. Baby Sling – gives you an extra hand or two, and babies generally like the closeness

5. Stroller - make sure it’s a good one (ie: a Phil and Ted). A lot of the standard strollers are really tough to maneuver

6. Bumbo Seat – great for when going to a restaurant or for at home when you need to put baby down for a minute

Fun Stuff

1. Play Arches – great for them to kick with their feet and fun to watch!

2. Swing – good place for baby to hang out for a while

3. Newborn Toddler Rocker or Bouncer – especially once they are older, toddlers love to rock, bounce, dance, move, groove

4. Wagon for going out for walks – a nice alternative to the stroller

Also, check out my other guide on Should I Buy My Baby a Baby Walker and Baby Stroller-How Product are Made.