LilSugar

Freakonomics Authors Say Car Seats Can Be as Effective as Seat Belts

babysugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:32 -0700

Maybe our parents weren't so wrong after all. At least that's what the authors of SuperFreakonomics would have us believe. Moms and pops take every precaution to protect their wee ones from harm, including installing top of the line car seats with the highest safety ratings. On Good Morning America, dads and writers Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner told Robin Roberts that car seats may not be the key to keeping tots protected. Rather, the two men argue that harness restraints, like a regular old seat belt, will guard children against harm like a car seat or booster. While they don't promote ditching the seats all together, the below video does make one wonder about the modern day approach.

Check out the video and let me know if it sways your safety thinking at all.

Video courtesy of ABC

How Much Do You Know About Infant Car Seats

LilSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:00:54 -0700

Lots of parents use their infant car seats for more than shuttling their wee ones around town. Babies sleep, eat and even relax in the slouched seats, but this may not be the best idea.

A new study in Pediatrics suggests that these car seats may put newborns at risk for decreased oxygen levels. According to researchers, when placed in car seats, baby's heads tend to turn and this positioning can affect the amount of oxygen their brains receive. Doctors are suggesting that parents limit the amount of time lil ones spend in the seats, urging them to limit their use to travel, and not for overnight sleeping.

Before changing your car seat habits, take this quiz to see how much you really know about them.

Take the quiz

Tips on How to Pick a Car Seat For a Newborn

babysugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:00:42 -0700

One of the things at the top of an expectant mom's checklist is to purchase a car seat, but often times she has no idea what to look for in terms of safety and design. Though five star safety ratings are helpful, there are some fairly simple aspects she may also want to take into consideration.

First and foremost, mom should confirm the seat will function properly in her vehicle. Smaller cars may not work with every make and model. The safest seat on the market won't do any good if it can't fit!
Make sure it is suited for infants if intended for a newborn baby. The infant car seats typically provide more padding and protection for a tiny noggin.
If the newborn car seat is detachable and fits on a base, check for ease of use. Most recent models are a breeze to handle.

To see the rest of the pointers, read more.

Pay attention to the width and placement of the straps. A wider strap is preferable as it will not get easily twisted in the buckles and will allow for quick buckling. The straps and crotch buckle should also be adjustable to accommodate a growing child.
Check to make sure the latches or other installing hardware are durable and simple so mom and pop can install or uninstall in a cinch.
Children will make a mess in their seat so one should make sure it is machine washable, breathable, and of course, removable!
Beware of exposed metal pieces, as they can become a hazard when the car heats up.

Clear View Carrier Cover: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

LilSugar — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:00:04 -0700

Plastic bags come with warnings to keep them away from children due to suffocation risks, but what about a car seat cover designed to keep lil ones dry? The Clear View See-Through Carrier Cover ($16) is a waterproof vinyl cover that fits snugly over most car seats with its elasticized sides. With only a cut out for the face – allowing fresh air to get through – the product is said to protect from rain, wind and snow while keeping tots visible at all times. What's your opinion?

Which Way Does Your Child's Car Seat Face?

babysugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Parents ready to let their tot look toward the dashboard may think twice about the car seat installation. A new study out in the British Medical Journal suggests parents should keep their children in rear facing car seats until age four.

Most mothers and fathers follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics - that wee ones stay in rear-facing seats until age one and surpass 20 pounds. Some folks choose to turn them around earlier for fear of crushing their lil one's limbs. According to Dr. Joseph O'Neil:

A child is 5.53 times safer during their second year of life in a rear-facing car seat versus a forward-facing one.

The video certainly has me questioning my daughter's car seat position, but I don't see any older children still sitting backward. Maybe that's because the child's knees would be next to his ears. How old are your kiddos and which way do their seats face?

Mommy Preview: Cybex Baby Goods Enter USA

LilSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:00:38 -0700

One of Europe's leading baby goods manufacturers, Cybex, is making its first foray into the US market this Summer. Led by an 18-year veteran of the industry, who created the leading car seat in Germany and relaunched Maclaren in that market, Cybex plans to begin introducing its urban, fashionable strollers, car seats and baby carriers to specialty retailers in August. We were invited to a sneak peek of the line, and found it to be design-conscience and functional. Though many of the pieces appear to be similar versions of Maclaren, Baby Bjorn and Phil & Ted products, it is obvious that the designers had moms in mind with the color combinations and features. Check out what they will be offering.

View Slideshow ›

Seat Chiller: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

babysugar — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Pools, flip-flops and sundresses are just a few reasons to adore warm weather. But along with those steamy days come hot seat belts and sweaty seats. Prevent burning baby with a blazing buckle by using a Baby Seat Chiller ($30).

Taken from the freezer, the one-size-fits-all gadget is made of vinyl, flannel, and flexible non-toxic ice packs that can cool a seat and its buckles in seconds. The downfall? Unless there's a cooler in the car, it seems like this trick may only work upon home departure. I doubt the ice packs could make it through a two-hour shopping excursion in the Texas heat. But maybe the shade it provides would be enough to keep the buckles from scorching a wee leg.

Clek Car Seat Is My Pick For Best Booster

LilSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:00:17 -0800

What preschooler doesn't want to shed the baby image of the harnessed cars seats and move to a backless booster like their friends use? Making the transition from five-point harness to a more mature one might be exciting for our mini me, but it's a bit nerve racking for us mamas. The makers of the Clek Olli booster seat have designed an exceptional model to eliminate parents' worries.

Unlike other backless booster seats on the market that just sit atop the seat cushion, the Clek utilizes the LATCH system by connecting the seat to the car, and therefore preventing it from moving during a collision. It works for kids 40 – 120 pounds and 40-57 inches tall. The plush padding and armrests make it comfortable for your tot and the interchangeable fabric covers come in everything from bubblegum camo to zebra to fit his personality. Even the $90 price is justified in knowing my small fries are secure!

Have You Driven Without Your Child Secured in a Car Seat?

LilSugar — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:00:32 -0800

The ladies on The View were pretty upset when a recent episode of The Bachelor featured a young child riding in a limo without a car seat. While we don't know the specifics of the shoot, this is a situation many mamas have found themselves in. Whether it was an emergency situation or a conscious choice, have you ever driven with your child not secured in a car seat?

New Year's Resolutions: Be Careful While Driving

LilSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

The car isn't just a mode of transportation for mothers, it becomes a place to multitask. A convenient setting to make quick calls, munch on a bit of breakfast or to swipe on mascara at stoplights. Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States so Evenflo has launched a campaign asking mamas to do their part in making vehicles safer. As part of A Mother's Promise, they are asking women to post their pledge to their offspring (from slowing down to double checking car seat installation) on the website's wall. What will you do to ensure the safety of your children while on the road?