Ohio's New Booster Seat Law and Free Booster Carseat Offer!

The State of Ohio, USA will start implementing a new booster seat law starting October 7th. The new law requires that all children younger than 8 and shorter than 4'9'' is required to be in a booster seat while travelling in a car. The law definitely aims to enhance the safety of kids while they travel.

In the meantime, in support of the initiative taken by the state's legislators and to raise awareness towards the new law. Civic minded organizations from the state offered "free booster seat" to visitors of the Children Museum of Cleveland on Sunday Oct. 4th. Safe Kids Greater Cleveland, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Kohls Cares for Kids joined hands with the Children's Museum and gave away 100 free booster seats for kids who meets the requirement as stated in the new law.

Kudos to the state and the organization that gave away the free booster seats. It's really nice to know that parent's everywhere are getting together and raise awareness to car seat safety.

Booster seats are in most cases without straps. It helps children who are too big for a car seat but still smaller for the car's shoulder strap to fit snugly across their chest. A car's shoulder straps are normally designed for an adult. Boosters lift the kids just enough for the car's strap to be placed properly on their chest thereby providing them better protection in case of impact.

New Grant Awarded for Mobile Unit of Passenger Safety Seat Program of the Lee Memorial Health System

"The mobile unit will enable us to inspect more child safety seats throughout Lee and Collier county, to keep children safe, and to educate parents, grandparents, and care providers on the importance of a properly installed child passenger safety seat,"

The statement above came from Michele King, the director of the Child Advocacy, The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. The hospital, part of the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation recently announced that it received a grant of $10,000 from the The League Club, Inc. The money will be used to purchase a mobile unit for the Hospital’s Child Passenger Safety Seat Program.

"Without the grant from The League Club, Inc. we would have been unable to purchase the mobile safety unit this year,"

Who is The League Club, Inc.?

From their site,

The League Club, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of women strengthening communities through fellowship, education, volunteerism and philanthropy. The League Club supports the community financially through its Community Trust Fund, having awarded grants totaling nearly $2 million to nonprofit agencies in Collier and Lee counties since 1987. For more information please visit us at www.theleagueclub.org.

As we know, proper installation of car seats is vital for the child’s safety in the car. With statistics telling us that 80 percent or more of car seats are improperly installed, programs like that by the hospital is quite important to educate parents and caregivers. Good thing for the League Club to step up and help out. Thanks to them, with the mobile unit, the hospital can reach out to more people.

For residents in the Lee and Collier county area in Florida, the hospital’s program provides free car seat inspections at day care centers, safety fairs, and other agencies including the Guadalupe Center, Redlands Christian Migrant Association, the YMCA and the Child Advocacy Center of Collier County. As the lead agency for the Safe Kids Lee/Collier Coalition, the Children's Hospital's child advocacy program staff are responsible for the recording and reporting of the related data to the Florida Department of Transportation and to Safe Kids Worldwide.

"We are pleased to make this grant supporting the Children's Hospital", said Trig Cooley, The League Club, Inc.'s 2009 Civic Involvement Committee Chair, who oversaw the grant selection process.

Favorite Car Seat Brands

Below are just some of the most popular car seat brands available to your child. The price ranges from the low to the high-end. Low price doesn’t mean lower quality and higher price doesn’t mean high quality as well. Better check products from each car seat manufacturers if you’re on the lookout for a new car seat for your child. Between all of them, they should carry all types of car seats for children of different shapes and sizes. Again, I would like to reiterate that you should always follow the manufacturer guidelines for proper usage of the seats. You don’t want to err on the most important rule of car seat usage and that is “correct installation”.

Favorite Car Seat Brands (in no particular order)

1. Britax

 Britax has been a pioneer in child passenger safety for more than 35 years, with a legacy of leadership in developing innovations that enhance the safety of child seats and improve their ease of installation and use. Our uncompromising focus has made Britax the best-selling child seat in Europe and one of the brands most trusted by American parents and caregivers since entering the U.S. market in 1996. Our commitment to improving child safety is unparalleled, as evidenced by the fact that our products undergo the most rigorous testing in our industry at five Britax testing facilities worldwide.

2. Cosco (by Dorel)

For over 25 years, Dorel Juvenile Group has been dedicated to helping provide a safer world for children. Our disciplined approach to product development is showcased by our diverse portfolio of powerful brands and innovative products. Each brand encompasses a vast breath of products – from car seats to strollers, high chairs to play yards, monitors to childproofing products, and more – proving year after year why we’re the leader in the juvenile industry.

Today Dorel Juvenile Group manufacturers the Safety 1^st®, Cosco®, Quinny® and Maxi-Cosi® brands as well as licensed brands including Disney® and Eddie Bauer®. Dorel Juvenile Group attributes its success to an unwavering commitment to safety and value. It’s what parents have grown to expect from the company: improved convenience, durability, safety and product innovation.

3. Chicco

Pietro Catelli, Artsana founder and president, was born in Como on April 14, 1920. Awarded the honorary title of "Cavaliere del Lavoro", Catelli has always centered his career on human relationships and a contagious love of his work. In the post-war years he managed to take advantage of the synergy between product quality, brand identity and the power of communications. He established Artsana in Como in 1946 to produce and sell hypodermic needles, thermometers and syringes. The Chicco brand was born in 1958, along with Catelli's first son, Enrico.

4. Graco

Graco continues its tradition of innovation, with products like the imonitor™ Digital Baby Monitor and the compact folding Contempo™ Highchair. In 1998, Graco proudly acquired Century Car Seats, combining two of the most respected brand names in baby products, and leading to innovative products like the TurboBooster® SafeSeat™ (Step 3) youth booster car seat. Today, Graco is a Newell Rubbermaid™ company, with 1500 associates worldwide. While a half-century has brought many changes to Graco, the dedication and commitment to designing and manufacturing top-quality products—products that inspire parents and babies alike—remains, and continues on.

5. Combi

Combi makes your daily life more enjoyable and comfortable as we aim at bringing you a creative and heart-warming lifestyle. A shortening of the word "combination" which itself refers to the combination of mother and child, Combi provides products and services that establish wholesome environments to support the healthy growth of infants.

With our eyes on the global community, we are rapidly expanding from our core focus on mothers and children into the overall lifestyles of families. We also plan a global expansion of our activities and efforts in the area of "quality", "brand recognition" and "revitalization of people and organization".

6. Peg Perego

It’s been said that the best ideas are born of necessity and this is certainly true of Peg Perego, a global leader in the design and production of infant and juvenile products. Unhappy with the non-availability of juvenile products for their infant son in 1949, Giuseppe Perego decided to design his own baby carriage. The aesthetics, functionality and the beautiful fabrics added by his wife caught the attention of parents in the Perego’s small Italian neighborhood. Soon they were inundated with requests by neighbors for carriages for their own children. Peg Perego was born.

It wasn’t long before word of the baby carriages spread, and the company introduced high chairs, strollers, and other juvenile products. With each new product, the family commitment to quality continued.

7. Compass (by Learning Curve)

Learning Curve offers developmental toys that engage children, and provide parents with peace of mind, knowing their children are being inspired and enlightened by safe and quality playthings. And our care, safety, feeding and soothing products provide you with solutions to day-to-day needs at mealtime, bedtime, at home and on-the-go..

We offer a wide range of age-specific brands to choose from, including: The First Years®, Lamaze®, John Deere Kids™, Thomas & Friends™ and Bob the Builder, to name a few. And all toys are thoroughly researched to nurture young minds in a wholesome, non-violent environment. Learning Curve products are designed under the direction of educators, child development authorities, parents like you and children like yours..

8. Recaro

The way from carriage to car seat is a symptomatic reflection of the development of the entire Motor Vehicle Industry. Technical expertise and an accurate feeling for the market and its trends have played an equally important role in Recaro's History. As a division of Keiper Recaro, Recaro has, over the years, gained a firmly established position in the motoring "landscape" as one of the best known and most successful brand names in the motor accessories business - WORLD WIDE. Recaro stands for more than "just" a seat - it represents a WHOLE philosophy!

Note: Descriptions about each of the car seat manufacturers are taken from their site.

Free Car Seats in Las Vegas

The Hispanic American Resource Team (HART) in conjunction with the East Central Family Services and Safe Kids hosted an even at the Cambridge Recreational Center in Las Vegas and gave away twenty five car seats for free to mainly Hispanic families in the Valley. The organizers also talked about car seat safety laws, penalties and statistics.

A certified car seat installer was also on hand to teach parents the proper way of installing  the car seats.  HART said it plans to offer the safety course on a regular basis.

Good to know that free car seats were given to deserving families in Las Vegas.

Car Seat Recycling in Morristown NJ

As we know by now, but may not be a widespread knowledge as of yet, car seats expire usually on the fifth or the sixth year after the manufacturing date. You can check my post about the expiration date of car seats for additional details.

With that in mind, through the effort of the Morristown Moms & Tots, a car seat recycling initiative was started in Morristown, New Jersey which was greeted with excitement by families in the area. It is said that it is probably the first car seat recycling effort of its kind in the state of New Jersey.

The event will officially kick off with an Infant/Child Car Seat Recycling Day
on May 9 at the Morristown Town Hall from 10am-2pm. Volunteers from the group Morristown Moms and Tots will be on hand to teach the public how to disassemble their car seats for proper recycling. Further information about the event, check it here.

It’s good to hear that organizations like Moms & Tots and towns like Morristown in New Jersey are making efforts to go green through recycle programs like this one. I agree that we should all be environment friendly for the sake of the future generation. Hats off to the proponents of this great idea, the volunteers and the enlightened town officials that all helped to make this event happen. This should be a model for every town to emulate. Thank you Jen Carcich, Linnea Hasegawa, Samantha Rothman, Councilwomen Harris-King, Feldman, and Deeb. Good job guys! :)

Win a Recaro ViVo Lite Booster Seat!

If you’d like to win a RECARO Vivo Lite Booster Seat then head over to astheygrowup.com. The site is currently giving away this booster seat from Recaro. Just follow the contest rule set out by the site owner.

Here’s some additional information regarding the contest as stated by the site owner.

1. One winner will be chosen!
2. I will be using a random number generator to select the winner.
3. Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on Sunday, May 3, 2009
If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.
4. Contest open to U.S. residents only.
5. The winner will be announced on my blog (and emailed)
Monday, May 4, 2009

The Recaro ViVo Lite Booster Seat

As your child grows – so do his or her demands. The RECARO High Back Booster Vivo lite not only looks good, it also offers excellent side impact protection for your child due to its extra large head and side wings and fully adjustable headrest. In addition, it is equipped with a convenient carrying handle and can be easily transported between vehicles. The comfortable padding, its adjustable backrest and integrated armrests add fun and pleasure to every journey.

Structurally the Vivo and the Vivo lite are the same seat, the only difference is the cover material. The Vivo comes with a microfiber cover or microfiber with soft mesh inserts and the Vivo lite in a breathable fabric / mesh inserts combination.

If you’re currently checking out a booster seat like the Recaro Vivo Lite, then head to the blog and join in the fun. As of now, it seems it has generated a lot of interest just by looking at the number of comments on the post. So, go there as you may just win this booster seat from Recaro. It’s your choice between the Cobalt and Blush options if you win. Good Luck!

Car Seat Check in Columbia, South Carolina

Car seat safety clinics are best at making sure that the car seat you have in your car is properly set up. Usually events like these takes place in the spring time and that is now. It’s time for you to go out and make sure that you know have it right. For first-time parents, I highly recommend attending one.

Last Saturday in Columbia, South Carolina, the Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit held a car seat safety event at Finlay Park coinciding with the Kids Day Columbia Celebration.

Sergeant Michael Modica was quoted here 

"Not having a seat installed properly or having it facing wrongly can be critical in a serious collision as far as what's going to happen to our small people."

Good to know that the police in Columbia supports safety initiatives like this one. Thanks a lot! As a parent, I appreciate your effort to help out your community.

Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Used Car Seat

To be frank, I don't normally recommend buying a used car seat. But, if you have to buy one or you are to receive one from a friend or relative then below are some questions you should ask yourself before using a used car seat for your child. I have to emphasize that you really need to evaluate a used car seat more carefully before using it. As always, your child's safety should be the main concern.

Questions You Should Ask Before Buying a Used Car Seat

1. When is the expiration date of the car seat?
Yes, car seats do expire! You can find the date by looking at the back of the seat where it is usually located. Wear and tear through constant usage can produce cracks on the usually plastic materials of the seat. If the seat has already expired then don't buy.

2. Do you know the history of the car seat?
You got to know the history of the car seat. Has it ever been involved in a crash? with or without a child in the seat? A car seat that's been involved in a crash should never be used again. You have to ask this question to the previous owner. Now, if the seller is somebody you don't know, can you trust him/her to tell the truth? If it is a relative then you can have a little comfort that he/she will tell you the true history of the car seat.

3. Have you checked if there were recalls for the brand/model?
Check first if the particular car seat brand and model was recalled. Sometimes some sellers are either unscrupulous or clueless that the car seat they are selling was recalled. You just have to check the safety agency of your country again to find out this information. You can also look it up on the internet.

4. Does it look worn out and are all parts still intact?
Inspect the seat thoroughly. Check for cracks, chips, cuts, white or gray patches or lines in the shell. If it looks worn out, unclean or you see missing parts then don't buy.

5. Is the brand and model "safe" to use in your country?
Just like in buying a new car seat, you should check with the safety agency in your country if the car seat meets the safety regulation and guidelines they set forth for car seat usage. In Canada, an approved car seat should have a CMVSS (Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) sticker. So, for Canadians, look for this sticker in the car seat. Don't buy if you can't find it.

6. Have you checked the car seat's recommended height and weight for the baby?
Car seats are created for the different stages in the life of a child. All car seats have a guideline as to what the maximum/minimum height and weight are recommended. Make sure that the used car seat can fit your child nicely before you buy it.

The above is just a guideline. A thorough and careful check is needed when you evaluate a used car seat. Visually check the seat for any signs of problem and as always "err on the side of caution". If you find any issues then it's better not to buy it. Saving just a few bucks is not worth it. Safety of the child should be the main priority. You can always cut back on other things.

A List of Car Seat Don'ts

Every parents want their child to be always safe wherever they may be. In a car, a child is always safer in his/her own car seat. As a guideline, please see a listing of car seat don'ts that I have compiled. Please use the below list only as a guideline and always check with the manual of your own car seat for more specific detail regarding your particular brand/model. Also, consult with your local safety agency for the best and most recent information concerning child safety.

1. DO NOT place a child seat rear-facing in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag unless deactivated.
This is so important! Don't risk placing your rear facing car seat in the front passenger seat of your car as serious injury and much worst can occur in case of a collision. The back seat is always the safest place for children under 12.

2. DO NOT use a child seat in a forward facing position for children less than one year of age OR weighing less than 20 pounds.
You should use a rear facing infant car seat especially for newborns. A rear facing car seat is a must especially when you take out the infant for the first time from the hospital to your home. At that very delicate moment, the baby still can't support the weight of his/her head. A rear facing car seat placed on the back seat of the car provides the best protection to your little one.

3. DO NOT modify the vehicle without advice from the vehicle manufacturer if a tether anchorage is not available.
Some older cars may not have tether anchorage and you may own one. Be very careful and consult your vehicle manufacturer before proceeding with any changes.

4. DO NOT take apart or attempt to take apart the harness. Never remove the buckle tongues from the harness. They cannot be reattached after removal. If assembled incorrectly, the child seat may not perform as intended.
Some car seats have easy to use harnesses. Some don't. Try to follow your manufacturer guidelines. As a rule, don't dissemble them as you may not be able to put them back together properly.

5. DO NOT buy a second hand car seat if you don't know its usage history.
Never buy a car seat from a previous owner you don't know. It's a no-no to use a car seat that was involved in a car crash. What is seemingly good looking on the outside might be disintegrating on the inside. You never really know if the seller is saying the truth so why take the chance just to save a few bucks.

Lastly, do not be a "know-it-all". Consult the manual and always double check the installation. If you have doubts or just to be on the safe side have your car seat checked by a car seat technician or the local police or fireman. If a car seat safety clinic is available on your area, go there as well.

Have a safe ride with the kids.

The Universe of Car Seat Accessories

Searching for car seat accessories? There's tons of available option out there depending on the car seat that you have. As you probably know, accessories from one manufacturer may not fit the car seat of another. So, it's very important that before you buy, you should check to see if the accessory supports your car seat. The choices might make you dizzy as there are a lot. Some of them are just good to have and you really have to think if you need them at all. Some might be a necessity. And, as they say, "If you want to customize, accessorize and accessorize."

Some example of car seat accessories that you might like:

1. Elite/City Mini Car Seat Adaptor by Baby Jogger

From the manufacturer, "Fits several popular car seat models including graco, britax, evenflo and maxi cosi. Secures to the stroller using the accessory mounting bracket found only on the city mini, city classic, city elite and summit 360 single strollers. Car seat adaptor is one of the most important accessories. This is a reliable car adaptor. Baby jogger promises a comfortable and smooth ride for your baby ."

2. Pack Bac by Cheeky Monkey Designs by Cheeky Monkey Designs

From the manufacturer, "Fully adjustable shoulder straps. The ergonomic pad shape distributes the weight evenly.Padded hip protectors prevent car seat from shifting while walking. Fully adjustable to 50". Convenient carrying handle for walking down the aisle of the plane. Each Pac Back is supplied with a bonus nylon storage tote. Use it to put Pac Back in an overhead storage bin or in your car trunk for your next trip. Pac Back was designed to carry only a car or booster seat. Never attempt to carry a child in a car or booster seat that is attached to the Pac Back. Pac Back is made from the finest nylon and heavy duty webbing materials. If it gets dirty, simply use warm water and mild soap to remove any grease or stains. The same holds true for the storage tote."

3. Easy Mesh Cover by Easy Covers

From the manufacturer, "Protects baby from sunrays with specially design UV protection mesh. Keeps away bugs. Front flap protects against wind. Safe and backless. No excess material behind baby. Flexible and secure elastic fit. Easy access to infant. Machine washable."

4. Ocean Wonders Play N View by Fisher-Price

From the manufacturer, "Ocean Wonders' Play 'n View is a travel toy that keeps baby active and always in mom's view even while she drives. Enchanting water-filled aquarium scene. Baby's kick activates moving water, swimming fish, seahorse, and starfish. Mirror allows mom to see her rear-facing infant. Three-way attachment system includes patented tether hook. Multiple attachments fit most vehicles. Suitable ages: 3 months and up."

5. Kiddopotamus Cushystraps Super Soft Strap Covers

From the manufacturer, "The CushyStraps by Kiddopotamus are soft plush fabric, cushiony padded shoulder straps with cute animal faces. The soft padding is on top with no strap interference with the harness system. Helps protect from strap irritation. CushyStraps attach easily with self-fasteners. Available in three colors: Blue Cat, Tan Bear and Pink Bunny.
Product Description: Soft, plush fabric protects baby from strap irritation. For Car Seats, Carriers, Strollers and Joggers. Extra padding on the top is more comfortable for baby and adds support for baby's head. Attaches easily to straps with Velcro self-fasteners. Machine Washable"

6. Wheelie Car Seat Travel Bag by J. L. Childress

From the manufacturer, "The Wheelie Car Seat Travel Bag solves the problem of how to transport your child's car seat through the airport with ease. Constructed with heavy duty denier nylon, high quality dual rubber wheels, adjustable, detachable shoulder strap, hard bottom, and double zipper opening it will last your family through many trips and many years. It's generous size is designed to accommodate most car seats. Double zipper opening makes it easy to put car seat in and take it out of travel bag. Shoulder strap attached to D ring to easily pull Wheelie. Heavy-duty denier nylon protects car seat. Easy to carry with adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. Clear identification pocket and packaged in reusable storage bag. Fits Britax Marathon, Britax Boulevard, Britax Roundabout, Britax Decathalon, Perego, Evenflo, Cosco, Century, Eddie Bauer, Graco, Safety 1st and most popular car seat styles. 32"H x 20"W x 20"D."

7. Snuggle Soft Infant Pillow by Sunshine Kids

From the manufacturer, "The Ultimate Infant Headrest! Gently surrounding an infant’s head, Snuggle-Soft offers soft, comfortable support for babies of any size. It can be used with infant carriers, car seats and strollers. The soft terry fabric and plush-filled inside make it super-snuggly for babies and of course, it’s machine washable. Dark blue or white. Crash Tested for Safety."

8. Soft Wrap Super Soft Reversible Padded Car Seat Strap Covers by Sunshine Kids

From the manufacturer, "Soft Wrap Super Soft Reversible Padded Car Seat Strap Covers by: Sunshine Kids. Soft Wrap is the perfect way to protect your baby against irritation from car seat straps. The reversible design features plush, terry material on one side, absorbent cotton on the other and light padding in between for a soft, gentle touch and a comfortable feel. For all carriers, car seats and strollers. Machine washable. Exact colors may vary from those shown."

9. Paci Pillow Infant Support Pillow by Leachco

From the manufacturer, "We took something really terrific and made it better! A few years ago, we brought you the original Paci-Pillow combination travel pillow and pacifier holder. It quickly became the standard in infant support pillows. Never before had there been a pillow that combined the convenience of a pacifier holder. We have now redesigned the Paci-Pillow to include a REMOVABLE pacifier holder. This allows parents to use the holder when they want it, or remove it when baby outgrows the need. Still, best of all when Baby nods off to sleep, there is no more looking under car seats or floor mats for lost pacifiers. That stays the same!"

10. Safari Seat Protector With Pocket by Kel Gar

From the manufacturer, " Safari Seat Protector With Pocket by: Kel Gar. Latch ready! Supersized with pocket. Organize and protect cars, vans, suv's or trucks. Kel Gar's Seat protector with pocket make trips with children more enjoyable and comfortable."

There you have it. These are just ten car seat accessories that at one point in time I got interested in and looked into. Whatever type of car seat (Britax Roundabout, Graco SnugRide etc. ) you have, check some accessories that are compatible with it. Try looking for more at different online retailers like Amazon, Babies R Us or even Ebay. It is quite interesting that you can find almost anything under the sun. There is sure lots of accessories for your infant. Choose wise and buy only what you need. I have a few buys that were used once and never again. Like toys, make sure that what you buy are only those that your child needs and would enjoy.

Go to a Car Seat Safety Clinic Near You

I would suggest to all parents especially first-time parents to attend and look for car seat clinics in your area. As we all know, improper installation of car seats is up there if not the number cause of serious injuries and fatalities in car crashes involving children. Just to be really sure, check out and go to a safety clinic nearby. Spring is coming and usually it's the time of the year that car seat installation clinics are held.

From Safe Kids WorldWide,

"Car seat installation clinics are successful in helping parents and caregivers properly restrain children in back seats, but more effort needs to be made to reach underserved communities. Based on data from car seat checkup events conducted in 29 states in February 2005, Safe Kids found that parents successfully changed their behavior and retained their child passenger safety knowledge six weeks after receiving hands-on instruction. At a second child safety seat checkup, 45 percent more seats were properly installed by the parents than at the first instructional event."

In Canada,

For those in the Toronto area of Canada, check out the numbers below I took from this site .

YORK REGION CHILD SEAT CLINICS
Contact York Region Health Department by phone at 1-800-361-5653 or on the web at www.region.york.on.ca

DURHAM REGION CHILD SEAT CLINICS
Contact Durham Region Health Department by phone at 1-800-841-2729 or on the web at www.region.durham.on.ca. Or contact Durham regional Police at www.drps.ca.

PEEL REGION CAR SEAT CLINICS
Call the Peel Help Line at (905) 799-7700 to find out about appointments.

For those in British Columbia,

• BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation/ICBC Child Passenger Safety Program (604) 298-5107 or 1-877-274-5551

For those in Alberta,
• Capital Health
Edmonton: (780) 408-5465; Calgary: (403) 943-5465; elsewhere: 1-866-408-5465
• Or contact your local community health centre

In the US,

Check out the NHTSA website and Safe Kids USA

Of course, this article might be dated by the time you read it and the sites or phone numbers I mentioned might not be available anymore. To look for the latest information about car seat clinics near you, it's always wise to check with your local newspapers or the police. You can also check out Google and look for local results there.

Yes Virginia, car seats do expire!

A friend of mine asked me about car seat expiration recently. He didn't know that they expire. It was the same question I asked when I first found out while I was researching for a car seat that I will buy for my first-born child. I came upon a site that talked about car seat safety and it was mentioned that yes, car seats do expire! So, there you go. It was an "aha" moment for me. Sometimes, you just don't think about this fact because your mind is set up and thinks that a car seat is just another regular seat. Is there a chair that has an expiration date? The first time I heard that car seat can expire, I said to myself, "Really, they expire??" You can probably imagine me having the clueless look of a first-time parent. But, if you think about, it somehow makes sense as the materials they use for car seats are usually made of plastic and plastic can crack or chip due to age and usage. So this is something that parents or caregiver have to keep in mind. I think it is wise for parents to always do a visual check of the car seat to check for wear and tear from time to time even if it isn't nearing the expiration date.

What about used car seat?
Knowing that a car seat has an expiration date brings us to question the wisdom of buying a second hand car seat or getting hand me down car seats from friends or relatives. First, I don't personally recommend buying second hand car seats. You might be tempted to buy a used car seat at Craigslist or EBay but think first about who used it before. Did it expire already? Has it been involved in a car accident? Manufacturers and safety experts recommend that you should never use a car seat that was involved in a car accident. Never! Nadah! No and no. It's not just wise to use it again. When you buy a second hand car seat, you never really know how it was used by the previous owner. No matter what they say. Don't believe them as sometimes people do lie about things. They might lie just to be able to make a sale. It's a sad fact but it does happen. Now, we go to hand-me downs. Recently, a friend of ours who was "on the way", (the baby is coming out this April) have this really annoying aunt who wanted to give them a car seat that was used by a neighbor of her. Her aunt is totally (and annoyingly) persistent and wouldn't budge even though she doesn't know a thing about car seat safety. All she care about is the savings. To be honest, if you don't know who used the car seat before, don't get it. It's not worth saving a few bucks. But, how do you handle the persistent aunt? I know that for some people, it is hard to say 'no'. But, it's your child's safety that's on the line. Just tell her to look up the internet and almost all safety experts agree and they all don't recommend the use of a used car seat that came from previous owners that you don't know.

How do you check the expiration date of a car seat?
Typically, expiration dates are four to five years after the manufacturing date. After buying a car seat, check it out and make a note of it. To look for them, turn them around. It's usually located at the back of the seat. If you plan to use your seat on your next child then take good care of it and make sure that the usage is before the expiration date. So, parents planning a next child in one to three years after the current child should definitely look into the date and make sure that they purchased a recently manufactured unit. If it's already 3 years after the manufacture date then just return it to the store as some might have been in the retailer's warehouse for awhile. You have to remember that older car seats can develop cracks in the plastic or the plastic itself can deteriorate in time making it less safe. It makes sense and I don't think its a gimmick by the manufacturer just so that you buy from them a new one again.

In summary, don't try to cut corner by getting a second hand or used car seat. Before you buy, check the car seat's expiration date. The safety of our child and especially of infants should be paramount. Buy wisely and in truth, safety should always be the biggest concern for parents when they buy a car seat for their child.

Alarming NHTSA Car Seat Test Results

Chicago Tribune's investigative reporter Patricia Callahan recently came out with a story questioning car seat safety. Watching the videos of these NHTSA tests alarmed me a lot. Please check out for yourself and judge these videos on Chicago Tribune's site. Like me, you'll probably see that what seems to be safe (and some expensive) car seats are not really protecting their passengers (our babies) as they claimed. From the videos, an infant car seat flew off its base smashing the baby dummies face first to the back seat of the car (note that some videos are really disturbing). Of the 66 car seats that were tested, 31 seats either flew off their bases or exceeded injury limits in a series of frontal crashes. These tests were conducted by US federal researchers using 2008 model year vehicles.

Why NHTSA didn't report the test results to the public?
Questions were raised in news media as to why these test results were not revealed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Chicago Tribune investigation found them buried in thousand of pages of test result from NHTSA and would probably have stayed buried there if they hadn't done their investigation. Joan Claybrook, a former NHTSA administrator said "What you've uncovered totally reveals the flaws in the current safety standard and also NHTSA's negligence in not reporting this to the public". Although the purpose of these tests were meant to check the safety of cars in which the government describes the tests as research (I don't even know what they meant by that), the disturbing results when they put those car seats inside should have raised alarms within the agency and the testers. It should have triggered further and specific testing to definitely check the safety of car seats. If I were a tester and seen these results, I would have pointed it out to my managers or whoever is in charge to order further evaluation and testing. Do we have testers who have kids? I just don't get it why the agency didn't act soon. Some manufacturers even claimed that they were unaware of the test results and weren't informed.

Top to Bottom Review of Child Safety Seat Regulations Needed
Thanks to the Chicago Tribune story, the US government seems to get it now. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood ordered a complete review of child safety seat regulations. NHTSA is now analyzing the test results and hopefully should come out with improvements and follow up. I think every parent (Canadian, UK, Asian, the more the better) should ask their government to have a look at these test result and reexamine the testing methodology being used by car seat manufacturers. Personally, I am now in doubt on the test methodology used by the car seat manufacturers to test their product. But, the NHTSA test results seems strange as well. I'm a bit confused as to why the agency merely branded the result as "research". If you look at the videos, they should give us a better response other than this.

Reactions from Car Seat Manufacturers
A spokesman (general counsel Dale Matschullat) from Graco's parent company, Newell Rubbermaid, described the test as "anomalous" asserting that it's "purely experimental" and "worthless for purposes of evaluating and comparing infant restraint system performance". I don't understand this response from Graco. I expected a better response. To Graco, ain't all testing "experimental"? Whenever you test your car seat, aren't you performing an experiment as well? Don't tell me that you put a live child on a real car when you test your car seat. I would have want you to look at the results and check your test methodology. It should have prompted you to conduct an internal investigation as well. If you come out with a similar video, and show us a different result, that would have given me (and other parent's as well) comfort. On the otherhand, Britax, the maker of the Companion car seat, said it didn't even know the government had tested its infant seat and could not "evaluate the implication of the results."

Please Test Further!
What's clear is further evaluation is needed by parties involved (parents, manufacturers and government). As I said, I still can't get over these car seat failures. It's such a big number. It's unlikely although possible that the testers have improperly installed these seats. This is a common and expected reaction amongst manufacturers but NHTSA stressed that the seats were installed by highly trained technicians. It's alarming, yes, but still in my opinion car seats are still the safest for your child in the car. I'm just right now trying to digest the results. Hopefully, manufacturers can come out with videos disproving these results or if proven to be correct should come out with better designs immediately. NHTSA also should look into and come up with new guidelines and a more definitive test to determine car seat safety. I hate seeing videos like that and gov't saying that it's "research". Video results are available for the following car seat brands/models: Graco SafeSeat, Combi Centre, Evenflo Discovery, Britax Companion, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, Chicco Keyfit. See it for yourself here.

Britax Roundabout Convertible Car Seat

Is the Britax Roundabout car seat a good and safe choice for my child? Definitely, the biggest question that pops up for every parent whenever they evaluate a car seat for their precious little ones. I had the same question and for every first-time parent it's not easy to just choose whatever is in the local Walmart, Target or CostCo. As the saying goes, "Not all car seats are created equal". Yes, I made that one up. I need to know exactly the car seat specification and safety rating before I make my judgment. Hey, I got my most important cargo who will sit on this thing at the back of my car. I have to get it right. Through the recommendation of a "couple" friends in our neighborhood, we were introduced to the Roundabout convertible car seat by Britax. They have the Roundabout convertible car seat and swears by it. Again, I always double check but a good recommendation from somebody I know is always a big big plus. Most importantly, I was able to see the car seat in action before I buy one and ask all the questions I have to an actual owner. For those who doesn't have this luxury, my advice is to go to your local car seat store (or the big box retailers like KMart, Sears etc. to see it yourself. Usually (as the case with smaller stores), they have helpful clerks that will even assist you and help install the floor model in your car just to see if its a good fit. A good friend of mine even tried driving with it in the parking lot of the retailer. I got a good laugh hearing this story from her. Ah, the joy of parenthood. It sometimes always make you overthink things. :)
Is it safe?
While researching for a car seat, I came upon a review of the Britax Roundabout from one parent who had an accident. I can't remember exactly where I found it in the web. I'll update this and article the link when I find it. But, as I can recall, she was rear-ended by a Lincoln Town Car with his child on a forward facing Roundabout at the back. She happily reported that although she had a bit of a whiplash, her son was fine. She thanked Britax for the protection it provided to her son. Now, that's really comforting to hear. Again, the doubter in me would sometimes rear its ugly head as in the web you never really know who is giving a review. I don't usually trust anyone claiming that such and such product is good or such and such is bad. I got to check the facts myself then observe and analyze. From the website of Britax itself, these are some general information and some regarding its safety:

"The Roundabout features Side Impact Protection with deep side walls that distribute crash forces, shield the child from vehicle intrusion, and contain the head and body. Its compact size is ideal for use with small infants and vehicles with limited rear-seat space. The tangle-free, five-point harness with three harness heights ensures a snug and secure fit. Premium push-button lower connectors provide a quick, simple and tight installation. Unique features include the patented Versa-Tether® for energy management, and one-hand recline adjustment for child comfort and positioning. The Roundabout is designed for children rear facing from 2.3 to 13.6 kg (5 to 30 lbs) and children forward facing from at least one year old and 9.1 kg (20 lbs), up to 18.1 kg (40 lbs). The Roundabout is made in the USA with U.S. and global components."

Let's break it down a little bit.

According to studies, side impact crashes poses the greatest risk for a child in a car accident. It can result in more critical injuries and a higher fatality rate than front or rear crashes.

From the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) website,

"In crashes with another passenger vehicle, 51 percent of driver deaths in recent model cars during 2000-01 occurred in side impacts, up from 31 percent in 1980-81. During the same time, the proportion of deaths in frontal impacts declined from 61 percent to 43 percent."

Given this fact, I'd definitely will only consider car seats that can also protect my child from side impact crashes specially since I drive a compact sedan. As we all know, SUVs are all around us. In a crash, they have an unfair advantage against the smaller sedans like my Honda Civic. It's a good thing that Britax has designed their car seat with side impact crashes in their mind. The car seat’s shell is lined with energy absorbing material, such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, that provides a rigid barrier around the head and torso. A good thing is they are under the cushion which helps make it "comfy" for the child. The Roundabout has a five point-harness system and shoulder height has three adjustments. The three height adjustments for the shoulder straps allow for this seat to grow with your child. The harness adjustors are easier to use than the others I've tried. The shoulder straps offer a one-pull harness mechanism at the front bottom, allowing for snug fit. As always, follow the manufacturer directions for proper placement of all adjustable features. You must follow these to receive proper results.

The Britax Roundabout uses a tethering system that it calls the Versa-Tether. A tether is a strap that links up the top of the car seat to an anchor bolted to the vehicle’s frame to reduce excessive movement of the seat in the event of an accident. This makes the car seat more secure as it reduces the amount of movement that can occur during a crash. A good tether should also reduce the distance that a child’s head moves forward. The Versa-Tether on the Roundabout allows for both rear and forward-facing teethering. Unlike a normal tether, it utilizes two attachment points on the seat to distribute crash forces while anchoring the top of the seat to the vehicle to reduce movement of the seat during impact. Personally, I felt the tether made the seat more stable compared to the other brands. The lower connectors in addition to providing additional stability are also very easy to use. It also has a sculptured base for an "easy fit" in most vehicles. You most likely won't need to use towels or other padding to get the right angle or to brace the seat into position.

On Comfort, Fashion, Price and Value
No doubt, it's a comfortable car seat. I'm not really looking to make a fashion statement with my car seat but there's a lot of covers to choose from. Look around retailers on the web so you can check the available options. Check out your local stores so you can see it with your own eyes. I recently visited a local Babies R Us and was able to see some along with other competing car seat brands. You'll probably not be able to see all the different styles of covers like the Roundabout Bridgeport, Cowmooflage, Granite, Jessica, Latte, New Denim, Onyx and Tan Swirl (Not sure if I've listed everything) but seeing one or two should give you an idea of the fabric and how the other covers might look and feel. Please note that you can always buy replacement covers if needed. Also, the covers removable, machine washable, and replaceable if needed. A great feature as my son loves to eat while in the car and it really gets dirty quickly.

Is a Britax Roundabout a good value? As you probably know, compared with competing brands, this car seat is more expensive. As I see it, I don't really look at the brand name. The reputation of the company counts as well as its history. Safety is a paramount priority for me in choosing a car seat. If I view a car seat as safe and is a good fit to my child then I'll buy it. If I find the qualities I look for on lower priced item then well and good. If it's more expensive then it's fine. I can sacrifice a dinner or cut back on other things just so I can purchased the product I think will provide the best protection for my child. But, I'll definitely look around to get the best price I can. In the internet, there's a lot of retailers with low overhead therefore they can give out a lower price. Sometimes there are also discount coupons available for car seats on some stores. It should be easy to search for a good deal. And, I usually check out the price on different online and offline retailers before I buy.

Lastly, read the Britax Roundabout manual provided and follow the manufacturer guideline. It is important that you use the car seat only with children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds
(2.3 and 18.1 kg.) and whose height is 40 inches (101.6 cm.) or less. Use rear-facing for children 5 – 35 pounds (2.3 –15.9 kg.) and forward-facing 20 – 40 pounds (9.1 – 18.1 kg.). Happy Car Seat Hunting !

Infant Car Seat Cover - Is it worth it?

Good thing it's not snowing anymore here. Ah, winter is always challenging for families with infants or young babies to go outside. You have to pack a lot of gears with you and have to make sure that the baby is cozy and well-protected against the cold. One of the better accessories to have especially for parents who live in colder climates are extra car seat cover. There's a variety of car seat covers around and some are specifically suited for the winter season to provide additional comfort. A lot of car seat manufacturers offers covers that fits exactly their car seat product lines. Some independent companies offers designer seat covers for comfort and fashion and will list which car seat brand they support.

Is it really worth it to buy infant car seat cover? The most popular reason (it seems) for buying a car seat cover is the variety of "hip" designs and quality fabrics that are offered. If you're the type who likes to make a fashion statement or would like to match your baby's wardrobe with the rest of her accessories (ie. pink seat covers to match your baby's pink dress) then go ahead and get one. Also, sometimes car seat models have limited color choices. So, to compensate, you can just purchase a seat cover to the color of your liking. Some seat covers also come in different fabrics as well and might be better because of the additional comfort they can give to the baby. As far as safety, I don't see any issue with covers as most of them are designed to allow the harness to pass through. Another plus for a seat cover is that they are washable and can be removed, and easily replaced. Compared to the original padding, they are easier to clean. I don't know with you but my child likes to eat/drink while we are travelling so spills and food crumbs are very common. With a seat cover, you can just remove it once you get home and put in the laundry.

Making the Old Look New Again
A new car seat cover can help you reuse an old car seat. In our experience, the first car seat of our first-born was used for about seven months only. It surely makes sense to reuse it when we have our second child. In my view, a new car seat cover is a cheaper alternative to buying a brand new car seat. Keeping in mind that you have to check and make sure that everything looks fine before you reuse. Also, car seats that are involved in moderate to severe crashes should not be used anymore. I also don't recommend buying a second hand car seat unless you know exactly who used it as you'll never know if it has been involved in a crash before.

Car Seat Cover for Winter
For those living in colder climate, another reason would be the warmth and comfort it could give to the baby. There are seat covers designed specially for winter weather and in many ways it acts like a warm blanket for your child. Sometimes, this is a better option compared to having your child harnessed in his thick jacket while in the car seat. A jacket in most case is more uncomfortable. There are actually other alternatives for winter weather. There are some like Jolly Jumper Cuddle Bags that covers your baby well.

Different Styles for Different Needs
There are different car seat covers available in the market and you would have to look around to get one that satisfies your baby's need. Surf around and you might find what you need. Some are quite nicely designed (Check out JJ Cole Urban Bundle Me!). Price ranges from the low 30s to the high 90s and maybe more. To give you an idea, check out the following brands : Hot Toddies, JJ Cole Bundle Me, Britax, Graco, Jolly Jumper, Sorella Baby, Slip-Eez, Baby Snugger, Infantino, Baby Bella Maya and Ritzy Baby just to name a few.

Car Seat for your Child

As parents, and this is especially true for first-time parents, we sometimes get "too paranoid" in choosing stuff for our little one. Of course, it's not hard to understand. They are our precious bundle of joy. For me, nothing brings me more joy than my child. And, as parents, we have lots of decision to make. From getting the best crib, to getting an education plan for the child, we should always be on top. Ah, yes that's the other "joy" of being a parent. In terms of child safety, we always want our child to be safe wherever he/she is. Be it inside the house, on the outside playground or inside the car. In the car, the car seat offers the best protection a child can ever have. Newborns and infants, with their fragile and tender bodies, should definitely be in one whenever they travel in a car. The car seat provides a defensive barrier that protects the child in case of an accident.

The number one rule for a safe car seat is to follow the manufacturer recommendation on proper placement and usage. It is a fact that the correct use and installation of the car seat prevents crash-related deaths and serious injuries to child passengers. It is therefore depressing to hear that during 2002, car seat clinics (in Canada) found that only less than twenty percent of car seats they checked were correctly installed. I hope that with the rising popularity of clinics like that one, the statistics should have improved by now. Please always check your vehicle manual along with the car seat manual. Most importantly, always ensure that the seat is tightly secured whenever you are going out on a trip with your child. If you are having issues or want to have your child car seat installation inspected just to be sure that you get it right, contact your local police station or firemen. They should be able to guide and help you out.

Looking for a Car Seat
I'll admit that I was clueless the first time I was looking for a car seat for my child. But, as with almost everything I plan to buy, I head on the internet to check out the popular brands and the learn the features that I should look for. The choices are many. There's a lot of good brands out there you can choose from (Britax, Graco, Cosco, Peg Perego, Safety First, Evenflo etc). There's also a lot of different websites offering reviews comparing one model of car seat against the other. Sometimes, it's overwhelming and confusing as you'll get different opinions from different people. On the same car seat, some might be strongly for and others are strongly against. How then can you decide on the right one for you? I got this advice. Go to your local store and see it yourself. Ask around. Ask those who've used one before. Do all the research from the internet but see it yourself before you buy? Once you've decided on the best car seat you can afford. Buy it from a reputable online or offline store.

Types of Car Seat
As your child grow, there are different types of car seat that you'll probably consider. Again, you should always check the weight and height limits of the seat to be sure that you are getting what is right for your child.

Infant Car Seat (Rear Facing)
From Birth to 10 kg [22 lb]
An infant seat offers the best fit and protection for young babies. It is usually used from birth until the baby weighs in at about 22 pounds. It is designed to be in a rear facing position. When placing your child in the seat, make sure the harness is snug. You should not be able to fit more than one finger underneath the harness straps at the child's collarbone. The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level. Depending on the growth rate of the baby, it can last from five to thirteen months. Always check and follow the specification of your chosen car seat. Nowadays, some infant car seats also double as carriers. I love this feature as you can get your child out of the car without waking him/her up. You just get the car seat from its base and off you go outside. Also, when the child outgrows the maximum height and weight of his/her infant seat, you may want to look at a convertible car seat (can be rear facing or forward facing). Position it rear-faced and follow the recommendation of the car seat manual. Never place a rear-facing child restraint in a seat equipped with an air bag.

Forward-Facing Car Seat
10 - 18 kg (22 - 40 lb.)
All forward-facing child seats must be anchored to the vehicle frame with a tether strap. Follow your vehicle's manual on the proper set up of the tether strap to prevent the car seat from moving forward and cause injury in a collision. Some car seats are equipped with the UAS (Universal Anchorage System) which makes them easier to install. Again, the harness should be snug, so that only one finger can fit between the harness and the child's collar bones. The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level.

Booster Seat
18 kg (40 lb.) or over
Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs) and who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall. If the mid-point of your child's ears is over the back of the child restraint but he/she is not yet 18 kg, use a combination child seat/booster. A booster seat raises the child to fit the adult seat-belt properly. A booster that uses a lap/shoulder belt provides the best protection for your child. Use a booster until your child is over the manufacturer's upper weight limit or height limit, or the mid-point of the ears is above the top of the high back booster or the vehicle seat. Never use seatbelt adjusters.

Note that I don't claim to be a car seat expert. Always check with your state or provincial regulations as regulations and recommendations can differ from one country to the next. It is always best to check with the manufacturer if you need to clarify anything about the car seat that you plan to buy.

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