Specials
Bundle Me Body Support
For extra-snug security when they haven't quite grown into their car seat yet, this infant body support from JJ Cole makes all the difference. It fits snugly around infants of all sizes, and the head support is both adjustable and detachable, giving it the flexibility to accommodate your baby's growth. It's even reversible, with plush chamois on one side and a soft fabric blend on the other, for superior comfort no matter what the season.
Baby Carriers
Planning for a new baby can be an overwhelming; and sometimes it is an incredibly stressful time for new parents. I say this with a big smile on my face because I know first-hand that the number of decisions that a new mother must make is much more complicated than picking out a new pair of shoes, or is it? Our generation has put so much emphasis on safety items for kids, that it is a wonder that most of us even made it to adulthood from the ways in which we were raised. I recall sitting on the hump in the middle of the front seat while driving in my parents car growing up, a spot that my sister and I fought over frequently.
Today, a parent could be taken to jail for allowing such an action and not placing their baby or child in a proper baby carrier or car seat. How your baby rides can be defined in many ways, safety and culture is a big part of the choices available in the marketplace. The product options are overwhelming and advice (sought and un-sought) is plentiful, so here are some things that you should consider when choosing the right baby carrier for your child.
Britax Marathon Car Seat
For children up to 65 pounds, the Marathon is a convertible child seat with a little extra width. In fact, the EPS foam insert was modified to increase available shoulder room, offering more width than any other car seat of its size. Safety features include a five-point harness, with no-tangle poly webbing that fits snugly over the child. It also has the patented Versa-Tether, for the most security in both forward- and rear-facing installation, as well as LATCH connectors for ultimate security (LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Made for children 5 to 35 pounds rear-facing, or up to 65 pounds forward-facing.
Britax Diplomat Car Seat
The convertible Diplomat is two car seats in one, covering both the infant and toddler car seat stages. An upgrade to the best-selling Roundabout, it has a whole slew of safety features to put even the most fervent worrywart at ease, including Britax's best-of-class "true side impact protection." Featuring an easily adjustable 5-point harness, LATCH connectors, and protective EPS foam, the Diplomat can be used rear-facing for infants 5 to 35 pounds and forward-facing for toddlers 20 to 40 pounds. One of our favorites!
Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat
The SnugRide is our pick for best overall value in rear-facing infant car seats, and Consumer Reports gives it top ratings for safety and ease of use. GracoPedic? memory foam provides extra comfort and EPS energy-absorbing foam provides additional cushioning in case of an accident. The base stays installed in your car and you can easily click the seat in and out without disturbing your child. Plus, a front-adjusting safety harness and peek-a-boo canopy window are great features you'll really come to appreciate. This special model has premium fabric upholstery.
* Please note: This infant car seat is to be used rear-facing only.
Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat
Graco TurboBooster SafeSeat Step 3 - Fairfax
The seat children and their parents can agree on with cool perks like hide-away cup holders to stash road trip must-haves and "big kid" design. The padded seat, two plush side pillows and adjustable armrests persuade passengers to sit back and enjoy the ride. This easy to use booster has a head support that gets taller when your child does, and later the seat even converts to a backless booster. A great pick for even the pickiest little people! Features: EPS, energy absorbing foam liner Height adjustable head support grows with your child Two plush side pillows for added support and comfort Padded arm rests are height adjustable Hide-away cupholders for snacks on the go Open loop belt guides easily position vehicle seat belt Deluxe seat pad is removable for machine washing Easily converts to a backless booster seat LATCH not required Recommended Use: For children 3-10 years old, from 30-100 lbs and 38" to 57" tall Dimensions: 16.5"W x 15"D x 26.5"H Weight: 8.5 lbs.
Graco TurboBooster SafeSeat Step 3 - Fairfax
Compass Deluxe Folding Booster Car Seat - Camouflage
Belt positioning boosters are the biggest advancement in child safety in years. Automobile seat belts are designed for children above 57" tall. The First Years Compass B510 Booster Car Seat has a five-star Ease of Use rating. The First Years Compass B510 Booster Car Seat was one of only two high back booster seats to receive five stars and the only seat to receive five stars in every category to date under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) new Ease of Use rating system. Safety advocates suggest that your child ride in a booster as long as possible. Most states have enacted legislation to keep children in boosters until ages 6 to 8 years. But, what it takes to keep an older child content is not the same as baby. This is an age when children are busy in activities and moms, dads and grandparents are all involved in dropping off and picking up the children. The Compass Deluxe Folding Booster Car Seat provides the answers for both you and your child. The patented folding features take moving the seat from car to car and storing in the trunk to a new level of convenience. It's not just for travel, it is a seat that fits your daily lifestyle. Deluxe padding will keep your child comfortable and content, even on long trips. Rotating arm rests make installation easier because the belt path is clear. The rotating arm rests also improve the ease of use because children have an easier time crawling in and out by themselves. The back support stays fully enclosed as the height is adjusted. This means side support and protection in every position. The head rest has a full EPS foam (bicycle helmet foam) liner to absorb energy in an impact. And the deeper side wings provide additional protection for your child. The six-position height adjust will grow with your child. Features: Narrow bottom rails allow the seat to fit into sculpted bucket seats even in small cars Taller, higher belt path (2") to accommodate children with larger
Compass Deluxe Folding Booster Car Seat - Camouflage
Of course, if you are asking me.fashion is a big part of it. Do you want your baby carrier to match your car? Stand out in public with bright colors and prints? Have a theme for a boy or girl? Blend in and be neutral? These are all very important questions.but, on a more serious note, most parents just want to make choices that will help their child be safe and protected when an unforeseen and dangerous situation might arise.
Some research supports that certain products and principals are more likely to aid in healthy development and safety than others. Many times this is determined by the materials that are used in production, or how a particular carrier fastens to a car seat base or stroller, etc. There are also carriers that eliminate the need for strollers all together, and allow parents the flexibility of fastening the baby directly to their bodies. It is important to understand the various things to consider when selecting a baby carrier. So, before selecting the best fashion statement for your baby carrier on your registry, educate yourself with the following information:
Many parents are concerned with the number of reports that they read and hear about related to recalls of baby carriers. The last thing any new parent wants to do is endanger their new baby. But, many of the injuries that occur in baby carriers are a result of the condition and care a parent takes with their carriers. By making sure that you care for your baby's carrier properly and use it as directed, you will not lose additional, precious sleep over this issue.
Parents should inspect their baby carriers regularly. Look for things like torn cloth, separating zippers, worn or weakened hooks, or things that may cause the baby to slip. Additionally, you should also check the fasteners, clasps or brackets that are associated with the carrier to make sure they are not frayed or twisted in a way that may make them unsafe. If you notice these things, that is a sign that you probably need a new carrier. It is also important that if you buy a second hand baby carrier that you inspect it extra carefully for missing straps or items needed.
Parents should also make sure to watch their steps when carrying a baby carrier. This really has nothing to do with the baby carrier itself, but is a large cause for injuries to babies in carriers. Parents should think twice about putting a baby in a carrier when it is snowy or icy outside, especially the type of carrier that attaches to their body. Think about it..if your husband has your baby strapped to him and slips and falls, can your baby sustain the 180 pounds that may land on top of the cute little guy? In this type of situation, you need to be extra careful not to put your baby in danger. Also, remember to wear sensible shoes when your baby is in a baby carrier.those 3 inch heels may not be a good choice when carrying your baby. In many cases, baby carrier choices will boil down to common sense choices, so keep that in mind when making a decision.
