Baby Travel Systems: 2014-03-30

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Best car seat/travel system chicco 30 cortina vs britax chaperone?

jonathan

Ive narrowed my 2 choices down to either the chicco keyfit 30 cortina travel system or the Britax chaperone with the soon-to-be-available matching stroller. Does anyone have any saftey links for these (car seat) or a head to head comparison? Any thoughts on which one is better and why? Any issues with either? Our kiddo isnt due til January so i have time to shop and compare, just trying to get a jump on it. Thanks!
I was hoping for a "consumer review" or crash test type review on these, as well as people's experience with either travel system.

Answer
Here below you will find some information about both car seats for your review:

1) Britax Chaperone Carrier, Savannah
Price: $229.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on
orders over $25
http://astore.amazon.com/best.price.graco.nautilus.convertible.car.seats-20/detail/B002839KSU

Pros:
-Safety features such as anti-rebound bar & side impact protection. If you're trying to compare apples to apples, this is where Britax sets themselves apart.
-Quality construction/materials like a Peg Perego and better quality than Chicco KeyFit 30 or Graco SafeSeat/SnugRide product. The difference is attention to detail & density or significance of materials used. The LATCH mechanism on my Chaperone v. SafeSeat is a prime example. Same function, nicer mechanism. Another example would be the strap required to cinch down the base. Nicely thought out with a loop to pull on.
-Oversized sun shade
-Fashionable and soft yet sturdy appearing fabrics (we'll see how they hold up). Replacements are available & registering your seat online is supposed to yield a 40% coupon off replacement parts. The coupon email is supposed to come up to a few weeks after submitting online registration.

2) KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat - Romantic Black
Price: $189.99
http://astore.amazon.com/best.price.graco.nautilus.convertible.car.seats-20/detail/B001QWXOJU
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is the premier infant carrier for safety, comfort, and convenience. With its removable newborn insert, the KeyFit 30 Car Seat will accommodate your baby from four to thirty pounds. The KeyFit 30s thickly cushioned seat includes a five-point safety harness and is lined with energy-absorbing foam for increased safety and comfort. The KeyFit 30 Bases spring-assisted level foot, two precision bubble levels, and Center-Pull LATCH adjustment guarantee quick and correct installment from either side of your vehicle and give you confidence that your child is safely secured in your vehicle.

Hope this would help and congratulation for your new coming baby.

What are 3 must have baby products? Beside the obvious, diapers, wipes, car seat and milk?

Aryah's Mo

Hi! I am expecting my first baby (girl) in August and I am in the process of buying the things I will need for her. In your opinion, what are 3 MUST HAVE baby products that you couldn't imagine living without? Example swing, bouncer, etc. I know...for obvious reasons, I will need diapers, wipes, a car seat and formula/milk (I am going to breastfeed). I am wanting to be sure and buy only the nessecities and not buy things that I won't use or will use very little in comparison with other items.
Thank you!

Answer
Good for you for not wanting to jump on the bandwagon! Here in the US we parents are ingrained to think we need oodles of stuff for a new baby and its just not true. Most people get: playmat, swing, bouncer, bassinette/cradle, crib, travel system, playpen, exersaucer, etc. The list goes on and on and notice how many of those items are a place to put the baby? lol Babies were meant to be held, but seems to be an inconvenience these days and instead they get put places all the time.

All that said....you don't need all that stuff. :) which is good - it costs too much! I would get ONE safe place to put baby for when you need to put him down. Either a swing or a bouncer.

2 - I'd get a sling, pouch, or wrap to carry him in. Most people keep baby in an infant carrier car seat for shopping trips, dining out, sleeping on walks, pretty much any where outside the house and sometimes in it. but its been proven that's bad for baby's development and attachment. A sling is the perfect solution - and for the money, lasts a heck of a lot longer than the infant carrier car seat! A pouch is goign to be the most user friendly, but a wrap will give you the most versatility. Skip the snugli/baby bjorn carriers. They're outgrown very quickly, not easy to use, and not versatile at all. But a sling or pouch or wrap is a lifesaver, especially with a colicky baby. Even around the house. YOu can give baby the holding he needs while keeping your hands free to get done what you need to. And you can even breastfeed while baby is in one! Many will last into toddlerhood or beyond. I consider it a must-have since infant carrier car seats are not safe to use on grocery carts.

3 is a toss-up - Invest in a high quality breastpump. Those $30 cheapies by Evenflo won't cut it. Get a Medela, if you can afford it, a hospital grade rental until your milk comes in and then a pump in style. Even if your'e not going to be workign outside the home, you might consider it. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for AT LEAST the first 12 months - and its beneficial for baby breastfeeding as long after that as you and baby want.
A pump or invest in an hour with a lactation consultant, or go the free route and contact your local La Leche League. Breastfeeding isn't always as naturally easy as it seems it should be, but working to get it right is worth it.

Travelling with my son abroad?

zeepan2000

I had my son 8months ago (US Citizen)and I am hoping to travel with him to South Africa for christmas to meet my family for the first time. My husband who is an American citizen refuses to let me go with him. He's afraid that we might not come back. I've tried to reassure him that I wouldn't leave my belongings, job and a marriage and dissapear on him like that. My son deserves to know my side of the family who are all abroad, what can I do legally to force him to let our son come with me (the vacation is only for 10days). Unfortunately due to finances, we cannot afford to pay for a second ticket for my husband, so figures if he cannot go then his son is not going either. What lawyer can I see, I am willing to take it that far, i won't deprive my son and my family a relationship
Here more info., my son will already be 1yr old at the time of travel.
1. My husband and his family are Jehova's Witness and do not celebrate christmas, birthdays and anything of the sort and to me christmas is a big deal and would like to be with my family for that. Christmas passes by and they don't care and I feel extremely home sick every christmas when I'm here.
2. I have and elderly, ailing mother who we thank God to still have around each year,
3. My mother's sister (who is deaf by the way) is nearing blindness from Diabetes.
These are all the reasons going home would mean the world to me, so if this seems unreasonable to some of you, then you must not have a heart. What's wrong with wanting to share my son for the first time with people who mean the world to me?

Answer
If your son was 6 or maybe 7 where he would gain bonding I would
underswtand your position but your son is le likely to bond with
family at under one year be real put off the visit and send pictures
until the child can remember and share closely the bonding you want him to share you are being unealistic and very instigating and obstinante to your loved husband and you have a rare outlook that is
very put offish and unfair to your husbands wants. Set aside your selfish wants because really the child and the family wil cherish the bonding with a more older child they have seen in photos they do not need to hold such a smal infant besides travel that far is very harsh on a baby under age 3 yrs besides the rigors of travel all the illnesses
the child in a plane is bombarded with his small immune system cannot handle may due him more harm than your family would not
want to harm his benefit or health. rethink your wants and pospone your trip save for the other ticket and love your husband letting him know you love the child as much as he does and share it together
bod with him showing him you care for his desies and love him
doent make him be deprived of you both and your love for each other
for such trivial jaunts. The child will not benefit from this long journey
besides all the shots his immune system it way to young to handle the
multitude of diseases and illnesses in a flight cooped up with some
possible lethal bugs for such a long travel. sides you do love your husband right. why wold anyone who loves their spouse and child place them in a position to be separated and in such unhealthy way.
And as far as lawyers you seem to havsome issue other than the child
that wont even be able to remember a trip to south africa until way after
he turns at least 6 or 7 I cant remember my earliest memory until
I was 4 when my dad died. so love your family dont seek lawyers
to take a family trip thats bizarre. love and honor your relationship
and think of how separated and detached your husbqand would feel
without you and his son during a family holiday meant to bring together your bonds of love. your family will understand and wait for the little loved one and they will better enjoy loving a bright and
chipper tyke as they would a a bundle of joy without the drama of the dad no there to share their smiles asthe new grandson enters their loving home. chill cheers. love each other and prosper be happy.

How do mermaids make little baby peoples?

Aaliyah

I've always wanted to know how mermaid people make little baby people if they exist? I mean really, people say they exist but then how could they reproduce if so? Do they just convert people into mermaids like vampires. Or Like what?

Answer
Im not sure exactly the merpeople I seen were traveling with whales. They could be all male or female. I have gotten reports of them being washed up on the beach's with whales near Washington but the people with extra rights and law always take them and say it was a seal. Ive seen there blue skin but no reproductive organs so Im thinking there uni sexual. From what pacific islanders have told me is that they have seen them swim up with there babies I belief they have to take a few breaths of oxygen in order for there type of respiratory system to breath under water. I wish I could learn more but they are not well documented and it seems the government wants them hidden until they slowly die off. I suggest if you can find the right people or have the right money to search deeper. they have a migration with the whales that goes from Washington out coasting to pacific caverns. They also have another one way off the coast of south Africa but watch out because the minute you embark on the journey out there even if its not maliciousness the government collaboration will send you back home.

needing help with a refused visa?

Sarah

My partner has been refused a settlement visa to come to uk, i am 5 weeks away from having his baby, and because he was refused been told he would have to apply for a holiday visa to come for 6 months but has now been told he has a very slim chance of being given this visa, does anybody know what we can do to get him here for the birth of his daughter, this has been going on for 14 weeks and thousands of pounds later, i have read he can fly into France without a visa, where i am currently living does anyone know if this is true as i couldn't bare him beng told he has to go home after travelling here please help

Answer
Sorry, but why do you expect answerers reading through your previous questions instead of providing the information required to answer your question. In this particular case the citizenship of your partner..
http://dev.ambafrance-nz.org/spip.php?article1715 ..
Anyhow citizen of New Zealand may stay in France without visa for 90 days provided they hold a valid return flight ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay [â¬ 62 per day / ~NZ$ 10,000 for 90 days].
http://www.timaticweb.com/cgi-bin/tim_website_client.cgi?SpecData=1&VISA=&HEALTH=&page=both&NA=NZ&AR=00&DE=FR&VT=NZ&EM=NZ&PASSTYPES=PASS&user=SKYWEB&subuser=SKYWEB1 ..

All European Union countries share immigration information based on the Schengen Information System. Should his visa refusal to the United Kingdom be based on fraudulent documentation provided he can be sure not to be granted entry to any European Union country, sorry..

How can I find a job in another country?

Chris

I'm currently an OSU student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Marketing and International Business but I may change to International Business and Finance. I am currently looking at leaving the states to find a job because the idea of foreign travel has always excited me and being someone who appreciates a good challenge I would like to work hard. I am looking for a business carrier in some country other than the United States, preferably a country with a larger manufacturing base than the States because the level of consumption here is simply unsustainable and I for-see the population aging and there being a large demand for jobs but the US entering a catastrophic depression because of the lack of consumer spending in the market. After the baby boomers finish retiring their peak spending years will be over and i'm for-seeing a massive withdrawal of business in the US.

This long confusing reason is really the main reason I would like to find a job in another country that is more economically sustainable and not basing their economy on the US dollar. Countries that fit this criteria that I have looked at are primarily non EU countries and not China. Australia, Turkey, and perhaps someplace like Johannesburg are like this so could someone please tell me if my ideas make sense and how I could find a job in another country if I don't have ties with anywhere but the US or Turkey?

Answer
I see.....I have been contemplating the same thing for many reasons for ~ 2 years now and I have come across many college students who have the same concerns but do NOT under any circumstance want to talk about it in detail.What you have laid out is also the main reason why Medical jobs are currently on the rise Nursing and Doctors are going to be in demand over the next ~20 years.........but what about beyond that ?

I have come to the conclusion that perhaps it is best to immigrate to a country that has the following:

1.Responsibility to its citizens

2.Has political and financial freedom

3.Speaks English

4.Has a system somewhat close to that of the US.

5.Responsible Universal health-care

6.Will be around strategically close to the BRIC countries but not influenced by them.

Australia or New Zealand fits this criteria.Your South Africa idea is NOT a good idea and you should check out the Britishexpat.com forums to see why.Your degree in International Business and Finance can also open a lot of doors around the world but mainly in developing countries.

Baby Car Seat Question.?

AIKO HUNNY

I need some reccomendations for a good car seat because my son is 4 1/2 months now and I think he needs a new car seat cause the one I bought is getting too small. I dont know which one is a good one? he's 25 inches and 15 pounds already. I have the GRACO fortune travel system and I dislike the stroller too because it doesnt recline flat and the cover is hard to close and open at times. Any reccomendations? thanks!

Answer
When shopping for a car seat, Remember these rules:
1)the BEST seat is the one that fits your child, fits your car, and will be used correctly 100% of the time. (This is why convenience features DO make a difference and ARE worth the money! If its easy to use, you're more likely to use it correctly.
2)children need to stay rear facing as long as possible.
Turning kids forward at 20lbs/1year is an outdated practice that could cost you your child's life!
A)A forward-facing child under 2 years old is 5 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a rear-facing child of the same age.
B)A child's vertabrae do not fully fuse until 3-6 years old, before then, she is at great risk for internal decapitation. The spinal column can stretch up to 2 inches in a crash BUT the spinal cord can only stretch up to 1/4 inch before it snaps and baby is gone.
C)Current research suggests that children under the age of two years are 75 percent less likely to die or be seriously injured when they are riding rear facing.
D)In a recent article from Injury Prevention, it was found that the odds of severe injury to forward facing children age 12-23 months old was 5.32 times higher than a rear facing child. (Car Safety Seats For Children: Rear Facing For Best Protection; Injury Prevention 2007; 13:398-402.)
3)Once you do turn them forward facing, they need to stay in a 5 point harness as long as possible. 4 years/40lbs is the minimum for riding in a booster, and most 4 year olds have no business using one yet. If they can't sit upright for an entire trip, they need the harness of a car seat still. And, even if they do sit properly, a 5 point harness is safer, so you want to keep them in one as long as possible. This is important to consider b/c most car seats only forward face to 40lbs. My son just turned 3, and is in the 95th% for height and weight - 40" tall and weighs 41lbs. He outgrew the 40lbs seats shortly after his 2nd birthday. It was a total waste of money. He now has a Britax Marathon, which goes to 65lbs, and will be able to fit it for some time yet. If I'd have bought it when he was born, I could have had one car seat this whole time instead of the 3 I wasted money on. They are more expensive for many reasons, this is one.

So...knowing all that, here's some about specific seats. Please don't get a Graco Comfort Sport. Car seat techs call it the 'crappysport'. LOL Its a crappy seat that won't last your child very long b/c it has a really short shell. The straps twist all the time, and if they're twisted they won't support your child in a wreck properly. They're hard to install. There's nothing good about these seats except perhaps they're cheap sometimes. Ditto the Safety1st 3-in-1/Cosco Alpha Omega/Eddie Bauer 3-in1 seats. These are all the same company - same seat, just different covers. They stink. Hard to install, b/c of narrow belt paths. Ever tried to wash a skinny cup by hand? Now imagine that skinny cup with pointy edges. That's what putting your hand through these to install them is like. AND they have too short a shell to really go to 40lbs. And that's another misleading thing the box says - 5-100lbs. What the box fails to mention (you don't find out until reading the manual!) is that the harness only goes to 40lbs, NOT 100lbs! After 40lbs it must be used as a booster.And they do not make good boosters. Also, most kids have to use boosters until they're at least 8 years old. Car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture, so no matter what they say it is NOT the last seat you'll ever need to buy.

The Britax Marathon/Boulevard/Decathalon (These 3 are the same seat, just different variances of luxury additions, with the Marathon being the cheapest base model) can be found for regular price of $269, and on sale at Albee Baby online for $209-$219. The Marathon a wide open easy to route belt path, which makes using it correctly a lot easier, as do the built in lockoffs, which mean you never again have to use a locking clip. I can get it into 4 different vehicles in under 2 minutes. Because of the way the base is made, it fits in most cars. And, it is worth the money, b/c it lasts usually twice as long as most other car seats (all car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture) lasting a baby till they are 5-6 years old, where most at Walmart will only last till 2-4 years old. Rear faces to 33lbs, then forward to 65lbs. and top slots 17inches tall, lasts most kids to ages 5-6 years old.

The Evenflo Triumph Advance (not the original Triumph, make sure it says Advance) is a great seat. $150 version at Babies R Us has padding similar to Britax seats, top slots of 17", harnesses to 35lbs rear facing, and 50lbs forward facing. $120 Walmart version just has little less plush padding. Wide open belt path, easy to install, though it doesn't have built in lockoffs. The harness adjusts at the front of the car seat, you don't have to take the car seat out of the car just to raise/lower the straps. It has infinite harness adjustment so the harness always fits perfectly until its outgrown. No more tugging straps to tighten them either. You tighten and loosen the harness using knobs on the side of the seat. As a major bonus, it can be used in a recline position even in forward facing mode. Awesome for kids who still sleep in the car. I LOVE THIS SEAT! LOL My son, who is too big for every other car seat at Walmart has the same amount of room in this as the Britax Marathon.

The Compass Tue Fit, also sold as The First Years True Fit, is a great choice, too. Here's a thread talking all about it: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=37221&highlight=truefit Has 16.5 inch top harness slots, half inch shorter than the Britax Marathon and Evenflo Triumph Advance. Rear faces to 35lbs, forward faces to 65lbs, has built-in lockoffs, and you never have to rethread the harness to change harness height. The headrest is removable to fit better in smaller cars. $179 for the one cover Walmart offers it in, check Babies R Us and other stores for different covers at a little more expensive price.

As for the stroller - I'd recommend getting a higher end one, especially if you hope to use it for more than one child. The Graco, Safety1st/Cosco/Eddie Bauer, Evenflo varieties just can't compare in ease of use, how long they'll last or anything else. Check out Maclaren, Combi, Quinny, Mia Moda, Peg Perego. And actually, Kolcraft has a couple really nice ones - their contour line has a couple. One really nice feature in some higher end ones, is being able to have the stroller seat face front or rear. They also tend to be lighter, easier to fold, easier to steer, and some even hold to higher weight limits. I believe Maclaren goes to 55lbs on all of its strollers. And, unlike car seats which must be bought new for safety, its perfectly alright to get a used stroller, so check out your local craigslist or even eBay, or Once Upon a Child. There is no one perfect stroller - there's lots of goodones and it just depends on what features are important to you. You may even need more than one - if you do frequent walk/runs, you'll want a jogging or all terrain stroller. If you have little trunk space and want something incredibly light weight for every day use, then take that into account.

which is the best car seat for 6 months plus baby?

newmommy

i bought the chicco travel system for my son when he was born. He is almost 6 months now and the car seat seems to be getting small. I am looking for a new one which can last me atleast for another 3 years or so. Which one will you recommend?

Answer
When shopping Remember these rules:
1)the BEST seat is the one that fits your child, fits your car, and will be used correctly 100% of the time. (This is why convenience features DO make a difference and ARE worth the money! If its easy to use, you're more likely to use it correctly.
2)children need to stay rear facing as long as possible.
Turning kids forward at 20lbs/1year is an outdated practice that could cost you your child's life!
A)A forward-facing child under 2 years old is 5 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a rear-facing child of the same age.
B)A child's vertabrae do not fully fuse until 3-6 years old, before then, she is at great risk for internal decapitation. The spinal column can stretch up to 2 inches in a crash BUT the spinal cord can only stretch up to 1/4 inch before it snaps and baby is gone.
C)Current research suggests that children under the age of two years are 75 percent less likely to die or be seriously injured when they are riding rear facing.
D)In a recent article from Injury Prevention, it was found that the odds of severe injury to forward facing children age 12-23 months old was 5.32 times higher than a rear facing child. (Car Safety Seats For Children: Rear Facing For Best Protection; Injury Prevention 2007; 13:398-402.)
3)Once you do turn them forward facing, they need to stay in a 5 point harness as long as possible. 4 years/40lbs is the minimum for riding in a booster, and most 4 year olds have no business using one yet. If they can't sit upright for an entire trip, they need the harness of a car seat still. And, even if they do sit properly, a 5 point harness is safer, so you want to keep them in one as long as possible. This is important to consider b/c most car seats only forward face to 40lbs. My son just turned 3, and is in the 95th% for height and weight - 40" tall and weighs 41lbs. He outgrew the 40lbs seats shortly after his 2nd birthday. It was a total waste of money. He now has a Britax Marathon, which goes to 65lbs, and will be able to fit it for some time yet. If I'd have bought it when he was born, I could have had one car seat this whole time instead of the 3 I wasted money on. They are more expensive for many reasons, this is one.

So...knowing all that, here's some about specific seats. Please don't get a Graco Comfort Sport. Car seat techs call it the 'crappysport'. LOL Its a crappy seat that won't last your child very long b/c it has a really short shell. The straps twist all the time, and if they're twisted they won't support your child in a wreck properly. They're hard to install. There's nothing good about these seats except perhaps they're cheap sometimes. Ditto the Safety1st 3-in-1/Cosco Alpha Omega/Eddie Bauer 3-in1 seats. These are all the same company - same seat, just different covers. They stink. Hard to install, b/c of narrow belt paths. Ever tried to wash a skinny cup by hand? Now imagine that skinny cup with pointy edges. That's what putting your hand through these to install them is like. AND they have too short a shell to really go to 40lbs. And that's another misleading thing the box says - 5-100lbs. What the box fails to mention (you don't find out until reading the manual!) is that the harness only goes to 40lbs, NOT 100lbs! After 40lbs it must be used as a booster.And they do not make good boosters. Also, most kids have to use boosters until they're at least 8 years old. Car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture, so no matter what they say it is NOT the last seat you'll ever need to buy.

The Britax Marathon/Boulevard/Decathalon (These 3 are the same seat, just different variances of luxury additions, with the Marathon being the cheapest base model) can be found for regular price of $269, and on sale at Albee Baby online for $209-$219. The Marathon a wide open easy to route belt path, which makes using it correctly a lot easier, as do the built in lockoffs, which mean you never again have to use a locking clip. I can get it into 4 different vehicles in under 2 minutes. Because of the way the base is made, it fits in most cars. And, it is worth the money, b/c it lasts usually twice as long as most other car seats (all car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture) lasting a baby till they are 5-6 years old, where most at Walmart will only last till 2-4 years old. Rear faces to 33lbs, then forward to 65lbs. and top slots 17inches tall, lasts most kids to ages 5-6 years old.

The Evenflo Triumph Advance (not the original Triumph, make sure it says Advance) is a great seat. $150 version at Babies R Us has padding similar to Britax seats, top slots of 17", harnesses to 35lbs rear facing, and 50lbs forward facing. $120 Walmart version just has little less plush padding. Wide open belt path, easy to install, though it doesn't have built in lockoffs. The harness adjusts at the front of the car seat, you don't have to take the car seat out of the car just to raise/lower the straps. It's one of only 2 seats that does this (The Britax Boulevard is the other, I believE), and it has infinite harness adjustment so the harness always fits perfectly until its outgrown. No more tugging straps to tighten them either. You tighten and loosen the harness using knobs on the side of the seat. As a major bonus, it can be used in a recline position even in forward facing mode. Awesome for kids who still sleep in the car. I LOVE THIS SEAT! LOL My son, who is too big for every other car seat at Walmart has the same amount of room in this as the Britax Marathon.

The Compass Tue Fit, also sold as The First Years True Fit, is a great choice, too. Here's a thread talking all about it: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=37221&highlight=truefit Has 16.5 inch top harness slots, half inch shorter than the Britax Marathon and Evenflo Triumph Advance. Rear faces to 35lbs, forward faces to 65lbs, has built-in lockoffs, and you never have to rethread the harness to change harness height. The headrest is removable to fit better in smaller cars. $179 for the one cover Walmart offers it in, check Babies R Us and other stores for different covers at a little more expensive price.

The Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe Convertible seat is great, it is made by Britax, without all the frills. It's the same shell as a Marathon, but for less than half the price. $130 at Albee Baby online with free shipping, or at their eBay name, babysurplus. Rear faces to 33lbs, forward to 55lbs. Easy to use, fits in most cars. A small word of warning about these seats: they are now officially not making them anymore, so the date of manufacture is getting older and older, with many being delivered that are 6+ months old already. Since car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture, this could make a difference to you, especially since its possible your child could fit in the seat for the next 5-6 years.

These are the best you can buy that will give you the most bang for your buck. As a single parent I'm always watching the budget - I have no money to speak of, and these are what I would buy. (My son has a marathon and is soon getting a Britax Regent). They will last the longest. I only wish someone would've told me all this before I had him, I coulda saved some money for the extra seats I started out with!

All seats in the US must meet the same safety criteria to sell, so technically they all are safe, however, if its hard to install, then it won't be used correctly and that makes it unsafe. Also, they only must meet the guidelines, some seats barely pass, some exceed them. Britax exceeds the guidelines and is easy to use.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Could someone help me with the artist/title of this rock song?

C. Liz

We established this is where we stand
He said after this we'll just be friends
but my heart don't really know my head
no my heart don't really know my head

We built this wall to keep our compliations
We built this wall so we wont have to drown
in the dance where we can gratify temptation
and claim that love will only slow us down

And these are not the words that I would like to be saying to you
And i hope that in the morning you will feel the same way that I do
The same way that I do

We never talk about the strings and the attachments
We just slam the breaks before it crashes
Can we ever take the chance to see what happens?

And these are not the words that I would like to be saying to you
And I hope that in the morning you will feel the same way that I do

Its a rock song, with male vocals.

Anyone know?

Answer
DJ Muggs
we all die someday

feat. 50 Cent, Eminem, G-Unit
[Chorus: Lloyd Banks]
Niggas Know what I'm about out here
I don't toot my own horn cause I don't have to
You can run your mouth I don't care
but if you get too close I'm gonna clap you
It's too real out here to be scared
A real nigga is gonna do whatever he has to
A man is the last thing you should fear
it ain't considered a crime unless they catch you
We all die one day

[Obie Trice]
Niggas when I step up in the bar, faggots wanna loot
like you motherfuckers got Obie Trice shook
Like I'm gonna stand here as a man and
let some queer ass funny looking nigga get the upper hand
I got issues, got no time, got guns that mourn nigga's moms
shoot up clubs and destroy nigga's vibes
everybody running for their motherfucking lives
Tough club niggas, we leave early, cock back surely
open up your fade, your grey brain meets motor city pave
your nervous system still twitch off Jay Z
O's an animals skirts get mirked
don't ever let a nigga tell you slugs don't hurt
don't ever let a nigga tell you play the bar hard
trust in guard it cause you're about to catch a bullet scar
I give a fuck where you from who you be with
keep this a secret right by the nuts
a 4-5 that'll light niggas up and this 4-5 high make me not give a fuck

[Chorus]

[Lloyd Banks]
But as long as I'm here I'm gonna grab checks
and make my cash stretch longer than giraff necks
poverty will make your ass bet on words
touch niggas in jail make them wanna finish their last sents'
they say you live by the gun and die by the next nigga gun
if that's the case then get a bigga one
you don't think I pack the pump cause I'm out of the hood
that's a stereotype like everyone that's black can jump
I where a white mink, the fabric is done
got rings that bling like Mike, Byrd, Magic and them
out in Dallas in a palace where the Mavericks is from
living lavash, I'm established, so the cabbage'll come
I'm the clouds you won't see me in the trains
I travel first class you don't even got a TV on your plane
You should be easy on my name, cause I don't going back and forth
your boss and your captain's soft

[Chorus]

[Eminem]
We gonna bring it to anybody who want it
you want it? you gonna get it
man we gon hit em, chew em up and spit em out
too much venom and if you role with 'em
we gonna fuck you up with 'em
I got too much momentum movin in my direction to lose
my shoes will explode as soon as you go to step in 'em (BROOM)
you know how we do it when we do how we do it when we come through
G-Unit, D-1-2 and Obie we all move like assasins
ski masks and gloves consider this as a warning
disaster comes faster than you can react to it, just ask Muggs
but we are fizast, fuck your litte bitch ass up
we are not killers, my vato will have you shot though
drag through the varrio and fucked like Kim Osario
litte sorry hoe ass, go ask B Real
we burn source covers like fuckin Cypress Hill
did in the 90s, when you was in diapers still
shady records you better believe the hype is real
this is no joke, I don't smoke
but I toke enuff second hand to make my fuckin P.O. choke
I'm an OG, you're fuckin with a GI Joe
Bia Bia, mia meo a vida loco
I'm a psycho, Mariah aint got shit on me
when I retire I'll be spittin baby food on people
a tent sieged on her ranch, huddled up next to her
with Hello Kitty slippers on, humping her legs
you ever had your cat pealed back or your shit pushed in
I put my blade in your like a fucking pin cushion
slice your ear clear off, Smirnoff and Henn dogg
I'll show you how to kill a fucking man like Sen Dog
Nobody told you that I'm loco essay?
I lack every sane chemical in my membrane
I'm slim sha...dy and the "d" is for deez nuts
and you can get each one for free so feast up
I pee in a cup for three months, I'm having an E party for easter please come

[50 Cent]
We gonna bring it to anybody who want it
you want it? you gonna get it
man we gon hit em, chew em up and spit em out
too much venom and if you role with 'em
we gonna fuck you up with 'em
you can do all them push ups to pump up your chest
I got a 12 gauge mossbert to pump up your chest
have you gasping for breath after that shell hit your vest
fear me like you fear god cause I bring death
Silverback gorrilla in the concrete jungle
I'm the strongest one around you know how I get down
I watch gansta flicks and root for the badguy
and turn it off before it ends cause the badguy die
if you trying to buy guns I'm the nigga to look to
so what they got bodies on 'em, they still look new
you can raise your voice like you fending to touch something
when I raise my knife shit I'm fending to cut something
see I walk like Ron O'Neil and talk like Goldie
if the bitch think I love her the bitch don't know me

(haha Sorry Kim haha)

[Chorus]

[Eminem]
Souls Assasins y'all
What up Muggs?

[DJ Muggs]
What up Em?

[Eminem]
We outta here...

Thursday, April 3, 2014

What's the difference between a travel system and a convertible car seat?

Jillian Ir

The car seat you get with the travel system, is that going to last and turn into a seat you can use as your baby grows or is that only an infant seat? I am a first time mother and am trying to get everything I need, but this one has kind of stumped me.
Can I covertible carseat be used as a rear facing infant seat?

Answer
The seat that comes with a stroller is an infant only, rear facing only seat. Most infants outgrow their infant seat at 4-6 months, as most only go to 20-22lbs. and 26inches or so. The only one that is bigger is the Graco SafeSeat Step 1. Its made to hold up to 30lbs. They claim that 97% of infants will fit in the seat until their 1st birthday. A convertible car seat will do both rear and front facing. You 'convert' it front facing when the baby has reaches the limits for rear facing. NOTE: Keep babies rear facing AS LONG AS POSSIBLE!! Not just to 20lbs/1year. That is the bare minimum for when you can. Their bones are too fragile to properly withstand crash forces, and rear facing is the safest position.

The infant carriers are convenient, but quite frankly, a sling is a heck of a lot more convenient, and slings like the Maya wraps (and lots of look alikes) can be used in 4-5 different ways up to 40lbs! I HATE seeing babies constantly put in their carriers. Babies were meant to be held, not put in seats all the time. Also, infant car seats were meant to be used in the car or stroller - not everywhere else. Even the manual usually states: 'not for use in the house, boat, or anywhere else besides a passenger vehicle'. So, if you use them correctly, they really aren't all that convenient. I mean, have you ever tried carrying around a 15lbs baby in a carrier? UGH! Painful. A sling is easier and allows your hands to be free (much better for grocery shopping, dining, etc. you name it!) Also, babies like it better.

You don't have to have an infant carrier. Depending upon the size of your baby, you could put him straight into a convertible. If you're going to do that, spring for a convertible that has the infant padding in it, otherwise it may not work. That should be fine as long as baby is 5lbs or over. If you're really looking to cut costs, I'd cut the infant seat out of your shopping plan. You'll have to get a convertible when he outgrows the infant seat anyways, so an infant is an extra. The best convertibles are ones with high harness slots and high weight limits both rear and front facing. Here's some to look at:
Fisher Price Safe Voyage, up to 33lbs rear facing, up to 55lbs forward facing, 17" top slots. Made by Britax, without the bells and whistles at a fraction of the cost! $130
Britax Marathon/Decathalon/Boulevard: all 3 same shell, up to 33lbs rear facing, up to 65lbs front facing, 17" top slots. Decathalon and Boulevard have the infant cushioning. Britax seats have built-in lockoffs so you never have to use a locking clip again! Wide belt paths make it easier to use, too. Many seats can cut and scrape your hands when you try and install them. They sound expensive, but they last longer than most other convertibles. $269 and up

Sunshine Kids Radian65 and Radian80. Both rear face to 33lbs, front face to 65lbs/80lbs. Top slots 18". GREAT seat if it fits in your car. $199, I believe. Lasts a LONG time, saves on buying other seats.

So, if you're looking to save money, actually skip Walmart, they're seats won't hold many kids long enough because of low weight limits and low harness slots. If you've got a tiny child, it'd be ok, but for average or big kids it won't work. Kids should be harnessed AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! No 4-year-olds in boosters, please!

travel system or seperate car seat and stroller?

justjump7

I've heard not to but the travel system because it's a waste for the amount of time baby will be in the car seat part. But I've also heard it's nice to have so you don't have to wake baby up every time you get out of the car. What do you guys think? What's been your personal experience? And if you do like the travel system, which one worked best for you??

Answer
It is really completely up to your preference, but, here's my 2cents. Personally, I'd pick out an awesome stroller (since the ones that come in a travel system often aren't all that great!) b/c the stroller is the part that you will be using for the next 3-4 years. You really need to like it, and have it be quality so you don't find yourself with a busted stroller in a year. Also, you can save money by purchasing a high quality used stroller, whereas if you buy a travel system, you can't get it used b/c it is not safe to get a used car seat. You could however, get a used stroller and check its compatibility, and get a car seat new that would work with it. That's what I did.

All that said - as a single parent on a seriously limited income, I now realize I should've completely skipped the infant carrier stage. Its not a 'needed' stage in car seats, its just a convenience thing, and a recent - as in the last 15 years or so - invention to have a stay in car base and separate carrier. Here's why I think its a waste: doesn't last babies very long at all. You spend $60 and up on this carrier that is only going to last 5-8 months! And then you have to purchase a convertible car seat, and somewhere down the line a booster seat. If you skip the carrier phase, you just eliminated one seat. There is now one carrier on the market that promises to fit 99% of babies up to at least their first birthday - Graco SafeSeat1, goes to 30lbs. However, there are limitations to this awesome seat. It really will fit most kids that long, but that's a catch-22. You really going to carry your 25lbs baby in a carrier?! And, the recline can not be adjusted when its installed in the car. Newborns have to be rear facing and reclined 45 degrees. Older babies who can hold their heads up well can be 30-45 degrees, and most want to so they can see more. So your baby may come to hate the SafeSeat at some point b/c he can't sit up any straighter, but then again, maybe not. You never know. Also - b/c it is a bigger seat to last longer, it doesn't always fit well in smaller vehicles. Try before you buy. And - it costs significantly mroe than its regular weight (22lbs) counterparts, at least double. My son was a BIG baby (still is a BIG kid!) and outgrew his carrier at 4 months. And, after baby gets above 10lbs or so, they are a pain in the butt to carry - quite awkward. So its not as convenient as it may at first seem. And some of the 'convenient' ways people use them aren't good.
Carriers should NEVER be placed on grocery carts. It makes the carts unstable and they can tip over, seriously injuring the baby. Also, not all car seats fit all carts, and they don't lock on, they're just sitting there, posing an obvious threat. And some of the carts are shaped or sized in a way that it puts the carrier at an unsafe/uncomfortable angle for the baby. I've seen babies laying in carriers on carts with their head lower than their feet - not a good idea for digestion or spit up.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says Parents and caregivers should never Place an infant carrier on top of the shopping cart. "Many infant-only car safety seats lock into shopping carts, and many stores have shopping carts with built-in infant seats. This may seem safe, but thousands of children are hurt every year from falling out of shopping carts or from the carts tipping over. Instead of placing your baby's car safety seat on the cart, consider using a stroller or front pack while shopping with your baby. "

Also, we are seeing rampant developmental delays becuase babies are in these carriers (and swings, and bouncy seats...) so much. Look around everywhere you go and instead of holding their babies, people have them in these carriers. When on their back and harnessed (and any time a child is in a carrier, he needs to be harnessed, even though its not in a car!) they can not work the muscles they need to develop to crawl, sit up, and walk. In the manuals for these carriers, it even says specifically 'for use in cars and strollers only'! But we all seem to miss that part.

So I highly recommend skipping the carrier phase. I think they are more a pain than a blessing, and a wasted of money if you don't have a lot to throw around. Instead, get a convertible car seat that will fit a newborn (more on that later) and a sling, pouch, or wrap. Not one of those silly snugli or infantino carriers, but something like a ringsling, moby, or maya wrap. Wearing your baby gives everybody what they need. Babies get much needed closeness to mom (or dad, or anyone else for that matter!) and you get your hands free to do what you need to do, as well as you can even breastfeed in one! They offer many different positions to use them in, too, and go higher than carrier car seat weights (20-22lbs). Most go to at least 35lbs, so you will get much more use out of it for your money.

OK - so if you choose to skip the carrier phase, be careful about the convertible car seat you choose, b/c not all will fit newborns well. You want it to have low bottom slots.
Perfect options:
The Evenflo Triumph Advance (not the original Triumph, make sure it says Advance) is a great seat. $150 version at Babies R Us has padding similar to Britax seats, top slots of 17", harnesses to 35lbs rear facing, and 50lbs forward facing. $120 Walmart version just has little less plush padding. Wide open belt path, easy to install, though it doesn't have built in lockoffs. The harness adjusts at the front of the car seat, you don't have to take the car seat out of the car just to raise/lower the straps. It's one of only 2 seats that does this (The Britax Boulevard is the other, I believE), and it has infinite harness adjustment so the harness always fits perfectly until its outgrown. No more tugging straps to tighten them either. You tighten and loosen the harness using knobs on the side of the seat. As a major bonus, it can be used in a recline position even in forward facing mode. Awesome for kids who still sleep in the car. I LOVE THIS SEAT! LOL My son, who is too big for every other car seat at Walmart has the same amount of room in this as the Britax Marathon.

Cosco Scenera - $50 at Walmart/Kmart/Target. Great seat for the price. Goes up to 35lbs rear facing, 40lbs forward facing. Great rear facing seat, but is outgrown very quickly forward facing b/c of short top slots and short shell. You'll still get you're $50 worth out of it, though, as it will last most kids to at least 2 years, quadruple the amount of time of an infant seat!

As you're shopping, remember these rules about seats:
1)the BEST seat is the one that fits your child, fits your car, and will be used correctly 100% of the time. (This is why convenience features DO make a difference and ARE worth the money! If its easy to use, you're more likely to use it correctly.
2)Children should stay rear facing AS LNOG AS POSSIBLE!!!! The 20lbs/1 year rule is outdated and provides a bare minimum for turning kids forward facing. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration both recommend keeping kids rear facing as long as possible, up to the limits of their seat, preferably until at least 2 years of age. For good reason: A forward-facing child under 2 years old is 4 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a rear-facing child of the same age. A child's vertabrae do not fully fuse until 3-6 years old, before then, she is at great risk for internal decapitation. The spinal column can stretch up to 2 inches in a crash BUT the spinal cord can only stretch up to 1/4 inch before it snaps and baby is gone. In other countries, rear facing 2 - 3 - 4 year olds is standard, they understand that its safer. Here, we turn them as soon as we get to, seeing it as a right of passage thing or something. Ridiculous. Most convertible seats have a 30lbs rear facing limit, Cosco/Dorel/Safety1st/Eddie Bauer seats rear face to 35lbs, Britax rear faces to 33lbs.
3)Once you do turn them forward facing, they need to stay in a 5 point harness as long as possible. 4 years/40lbs is the minimum for riding in a booster, and most 4 year olds have no business using one yet. If they can't sit upright for an entire trip, they need the harness of a car seat still. And, even if they do sit properly, a 5 point harness is safer, so you want to keep them in one as long as possible. This is important to consider b/c most car seats only forward face to 40lbs. My son just turned 3, and is in the 95th% for height and weight - 40" tall and weighs 41lbs. He outgrew the 40lbs seats shortly after his 2nd birthday. It was a total waste of money. He now has a Britax Marathon, which goes to 65lbs, and will be able to fit it for some time yet. If I'd have bought it when he was born, I could have had one car seat this whole time instead of the 3 I wasted money on. They are more expensive for many reasons, this is one.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

How do I get my name off of a government list?

kolgado69

Here's the deal, my roommate was caught bringing back several ounces (11) of marijuana from Canada.
He somehow got a slap on the wrist, the only problem is that last time I traveled to Europe when I came back I was kept at the airport for several hours and finally asked if I knew him. His name was in the computer when I was traveling and I was traveling by my self.
When I came back from spending a night in Toronto with my friends, again they held us up at customs for quite some time and they went through our bags. Mine in particular, I had my European passport in my travel bag and when they handed back our passports they handed me back the second one that I hadn't shown them in the first place.

When I confronted my roommate about it he acted very chummy and almost ignored the whole situation, he practically laughed in my face.

One day I was telling a friend of mine about the whole situation and he said he would try to find out as much as he could about it but with no guarantees. He just got back to me and said he contacted someone at the airport I flew in from and said that my roommate told the cops that I was selling drugs and now my name is in there computer system as a threat to this country.

I never did anything wrong in my life, at least not at this level and I'm being treated as a suspect every time I travel.

The worst part is that I couldn't even get a straight answer from the people from home land security when they were going through my things at the airport, like the baby presents I had for my new born cousin at the time. If it weren't for the fact that I happen to have met someone with some kind of connection on the inside, I would've never really known the truth about what happened.

I would like to get my name cleared, I don't want to be considered a suspect every time I travel. I travel quite a bit since I have family in several different places. Besides being quite a nuisance when I travel, I don't really know what this means to the government or how it will affect me down the road.
Can this keep me from getting a job?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance

Answer
You are a victim of a form of systematic harassment, or what I would like to call, "The Beast".

There is no way to clear your name, not legally that is, unless you know someone working in the government. You can gather evidence, and try to bring this to court, but I think that they think you are guilty of association. Blame your friend.

How do I get my name off of a government list?

kolgado69

Answer
One day left to answer, and here I am, that statement above needs to be sent to your Senator, and Representative at the legislature so they can figure how to write laws to protect the public from the government who is set up to protect us.

The first thing I suggest is find a new address to live, and get a new ID, and Pass Port, an old saying, if you dance with the devil you will get some on you, so get as far away from this person you call your friend, he is only pulling you down in his hopeless pit of despair.

Where can I find car seat/stroller travel systems for girls that are NOT pink and under $200?

highgoals2

Where can I find car seat/stroller travel systems for girls that are NOT pink and under $200?
I live in northern Indiana. I can order online (for stores that offer online purchases)

Answer
Things to consider. Why? I mean, except for transporting your baby in the car, a car seat should not be used for things like riding in the stroller, or on shopping carts, or things like that. It comes from the studies done in the last year or so that shows that a baby left to sleep or sit in an inclined position for too long can get into an oxygen lowered state. Ie, it's not good for them to be in an inclined position like a car seat for longer than 2 hours full in a day, until they're older than about 6 months old.

Now, since recalls done on strollers are far less than recalls done on car seats, you can get the stroller from someone selling second-hand (just doublecheck recall lists) and get a better car seat. The Chicco brand stroller, for instance, lays flat, making it usable from newborn on up. :) On Ebay, I can see a few for under $100 (make sure they say fully reclining.) I'm sure you could find some at Craigslist as well. :) Otherwise, you could consider using a baby chest carrier for the first few months until your baby is old enough (3-6 months) to sit at a slight incline, then you can get a stroller that nearly reclines all the way.

If you do that, my favorite travel system is the Baby Trend, at least to recommend to people. It's under $200, the car seat is one of the top safety rated (though the buckles are a pain in the neck I'll warn you now), and the stroller is a jogger that you can use as a stroller. I LOVE ours. They recline far enough back for about 2+months, so I wouldn't put a newborn in it, but if you can last the 2 months then it lasts to 40lbs. Only negative is that the basket is only rated to carry 5lbs, so you can't bring a huge diaper bag with you (or if you do you have to carry it.)

Shoot though. If you're dead set on a travel system, you can always find someone selling the stroller that goes with a travel system, buy that for a cheaper price, and then use the rest of the money to get the car seat, and get it cheaper that way. But I'm not a fan of travel systems. To me it seems like it ropes folks into thinking a baby should sleep in the car seat and it's just not safe.
=

best infant car seat under $100?

siren

Looking for everyones opinion. I want something that doesn't weight 100 lbs! I'd also like for the straps to be adjustable in the front. I'm having a girl so if its got a cute girly design that a great plus!
I thought those Gracos didn't have the adjustable straps in the front....
ok nevermind, I found the different snugrides that do have the front adjustments. the pattern I had seen did not have it

Answer
The car seat tech faves are Chicco Keyfit22 and Keyfit30 (exact same seats, just one is tested to 22lbs, one to 30lbS), Graco Safeseat1, and Graco Snugride. So in your price range are the Safeseat and Snugride. Both come in girly patterns. The Snugride does come in a front adjust - and you're right to want to make sure you get it that way, the rear adjust is a pain in the rear! Safeseat goes to 30lbs and boatsts it will last 99% of kids to at least their 1st bday and many kids longer than that. But b/c of that it is bigger than the average infant seat. Its incredibly easy to install with the built-in lockoff, though.

Whatever you do - even though Evenflo has a cute girly pattern steer clear of Evenflo Infant seats. They're cheaply made, and have lots of frequent recalls and bad recall fixes. :( They definitely have not perfected the infant seat out there at Evenflo.

Personally - I'm not an infant carrier fan at all, but those are the tips if you're set on getting one. Good luck!

P.S. In case you're interested, here's why I don't advocate infant carrier seats:

It is really completely up to your preference, but, here's my 2cents. Personally, I'd pick out an awesome stroller (since the ones that come in a travel system often aren't all that great!) b/c the stroller is the part that you will be using for the next 3-4 years. You really need to like it, and have it be quality so you don't find yourself with a busted stroller in a year. Also, you can save money by purchasing a high quality used stroller, whereas if you buy a travel system, you can't get it used b/c it is not safe to get a used car seat. You could however, get a used stroller and check its compatibility, and get a car seat new that would work with it. That's what I did.

All that said - as a single parent on a seriously limited income, I now realize I should've completely skipped the infant carrier stage. Its not a 'needed' stage in car seats, its just a convenience thing, and a recent - as in the last 15 years or so - invention to have a stay in car base and separate carrier. Here's why I think its a waste: doesn't last babies very long at all. You spend $60 and up on this carrier that is only going to last 5-8 months! And then you have to purchase a convertible car seat, and somewhere down the line a booster seat. If you skip the carrier phase, you just eliminated one seat. There is now one carrier on the market that promises to fit 99% of babies up to at least their first birthday - Graco SafeSeat1, goes to 30lbs. However, there are limitations to this awesome seat. It really will fit most kids that long, but that's a catch-22. You really going to carry your 25lbs baby in a carrier?! My son was a BIG baby (still is a BIG kid!) and outgrew his carrier at 4 months. And, after baby gets above 10lbs or so, they are a pain in the butt to carry - quite awkward. So its not as convenient as it may at first seem. And some of the 'convenient' ways people use them aren't good.
Carriers should NEVER be placed on grocery carts. It makes the carts unstable and they can tip over, seriously injuring the baby. Also, not all car seats fit all carts, and they don't lock on, they're just sitting there, posing an obvious threat. And some of the carts are shaped or sized in a way that it puts the carrier at an unsafe/uncomfortable angle for the baby. I've seen babies laying in carriers on carts with their head lower than their feet - not a good idea for digestion or spit up.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says Parents and caregivers should never Place an infant carrier on top of the shopping cart. "Many infant-only car safety seats lock into shopping carts, and many stores have shopping carts with built-in infant seats. This may seem safe, but thousands of children are hurt every year from falling out of shopping carts or from the carts tipping over. Instead of placing your baby's car safety seat on the cart, consider using a stroller or front pack while shopping with your baby. "

Also, we are seeing rampant developmental delays becuase babies are in these carriers (and swings, and bouncy seats...) so much. Look around everywhere you go and instead of holding their babies, people have them in these carriers. When on their back and harnessed (and any time a child is in a carrier, he needs to be harnessed, even though its not in a car!) they can not work the muscles they need to develop to crawl, sit up, and walk. In the manuals for these carriers, it even says specifically 'for use in cars and strollers only'! But we all seem to miss that part.

So I highly recommend skipping the carrier phase. I think they are more a pain than a blessing, and a wasted of money if you don't have a lot to throw around. Instead, get a convertible car seat that will fit a newborn (more on that later) and a sling, pouch, or wrap. Not one of those silly snugli or infantino carriers, but something like a ringsling, moby, or maya wrap. Wearing your baby gives everybody what they need. Babies get much needed closeness to mom (or dad, or anyone else for that matter!) and you get your hands free to do what you need to do, as well as you can even breastfeed in one! They offer many different positions to use them in, too, and go higher than carrier car seat weights (20-22lbs). Most go to at least 35lbs, so you will get much more use out of it for your money.

OK - so if you choose to skip the carrier phase, be careful about the convertible car seat you choose, b/c not all will fit newborns well. You want it to have low bottom slots.
Perfect options:
The Evenflo Triumph Advance (not the original Triumph, make sure it says Advance) is a great seat. $150 version at Babies R Us has padding similar to Britax seats, top slots of 17", harnesses to 35lbs rear facing, and 50lbs forward facing. $120 Walmart version just has little less plush padding. Wide open belt path, easy to install, though it doesn't have built in lockoffs. The harness adjusts at the front of the car seat, you don't have to take the car seat out of the car just to raise/lower the straps. It's one of only 2 seats that does this (The Britax Boulevard is the other, I believE), and it has infinite harness adjustment so the harness always fits perfectly until its outgrown. No more tugging straps to tighten them either. You tighten and loosen the harness using knobs on the side of the seat. As a major bonus, it can be used in a recline position even in forward facing mode. Awesome for kids who still sleep in the car. I LOVE THIS SEAT! LOL My son, who is too big for every other car seat at Walmart has the same amount of room in this as the Britax Marathon.

Cosco Scenera - $50 at Walmart/Kmart/Target. Great seat for the price. Goes up to 35lbs rear facing, 40lbs forward facing. Great rear facing seat, but is outgrown very quickly forward facing b/c of short top slots and short shell. You'll still get you're $50 worth out of it, though, as it will last most kids to at least 2 years, quadruple the amount of time of an infant seat!

As you're shopping, remember these rules about seats:
1)the BEST seat is the one that fits your child, fits your car, and will be used correctly 100% of the time. (This is why convenience features DO make a difference and ARE worth the money! If its easy to use, you're more likely to use it correctly.
2)Children should stay rear facing AS LNOG AS POSSIBLE!!!! The 20lbs/1 year rule is outdated and provides a bare minimum for turning kids forward facing. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration both recommend keeping kids rear facing as long as possible, up to the limits of their seat, preferably until at least 2 years of age. For good reason: A forward-facing child under 2 years old is 4 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a rear-facing child of the same age. A child's vertabrae do not fully fuse until 3-6 years old, before then, she is at great risk for internal decapitation. The spinal column can stretch up to 2 inches in a crash BUT the spinal cord can only stretch up to 1/4 inch before it snaps and baby is gone. In other countries, rear facing 2 - 3 - 4 year olds is standard, they understand that its safer. Here, we turn them as soon as we get to, seeing it as a right of passage thing or something. Ridiculous. Most convertible seats have a 30lbs rear facing limit, Cosco/Dorel/Safety1st/Eddie Bauer seats rear face to 35lbs, Britax rear faces to 33lbs.
3)Once you do turn them forward facing, they need to stay in a 5 point harness as long as possible. 4 years/40lbs is the minimum for riding in a booster, and most 4 year olds have no business using one yet. If they can't sit upright for an entire trip, they need the harness of a car seat still. And, even if they do sit properly, a 5 point harness is safer, so you want to keep them in one as long as possible. This is important to consider b/c most car seats only forward face to 40lbs. My son just turned 3, and is in the 95th% for height and weight - 40" tall and weighs 41lbs. He outgrew the 40lbs seats shortly after his 2nd birthday. It was a total waste of money. He now has a Britax Marathon, which goes to 65lbs, and will be able to fit it for some time yet. If I'd have bought it when he was born, I could have had one car seat this whole time instead of the 3 I wasted money on. They are more expensive for many reasons, this is one.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Ok, does anyone have a good Travel System to reccomend?

kirakagome

After being let down by the fact that I cannot, puchase the Graco Alano 22 SnugRide Travel System from Amazon.com- as I live in Canada. I am quite unsure which way to go for strollers/travel systems.

My runner-ups include, 2) Graco Spree Travel System, and 3) Evenflo Aura Select, but, I'd like to get the top-rated Graco Snugride Infant Carseat, and I like this carseat, the most out of all of them. How does compatibility work? If I buy the car seat alone, how do I know which Strollers I can use it with?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Answer
We have the Baby Trend Expedition ELX travel system and LOVE it! I also have several friends that have the exact same one and say they love it too. It is a jogging stroller, but you don't have to go jogging. It is great at maneuvering and the car seat is so easy to get in and out of the car.

I am not sure about the buying a different car seat and stroller. :( Sorry...that is why I just went with a travel system.

I am looking for a website, not a book, for reviews on baby gear. (travel systems, car seats, swings etc.)?

Julia

I want all reviews, but I am looking specifically for parent reviews. A critic might love an item, but it is the parent who will say the buckle sticks after a while! Know of a site you would recommend?

Answer
My favorite shopping website for reviews is Amazon.com, even if I buy it elsewhere they have lots of reviews for many items. My other is Babies R US website, but not as many people actually submit reviews as on Amazon and they are only reviewing products offered for purchase from this store, where as Amazon sells from lots of differant stores and you do not need to purchase it from them to create a review.

which baby travel system is better? 10 points?

LoVe My So

I am 29 weeks pregnant and starting to look for a car seat for my son. These two caught my eye but I am not sure witch one is better. SO which one do you think is better and why. If non of them are good can you please provide some websites where I can look for some that are good. Thanks :)

These car seats are so beautiful :)

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13330784&findingMethod=rr&

and

http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=16826

Answer
Here's a website for the first travel system you listed to read reviews, since there were no reviews listed on the website.
http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/safety-1st-litewave-travel-system-reviews?reviewSortBy=lowestRatingFirst#bz-model-review-tabs-list

Here's a website for the second travel system you listed to read reviews, since there was only one review on the website you listed.
http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/safety-1st-propack-travel-system-reviews?reviewSortBy=lowestRatingFirst#bz-model-review-tabs-list

Here are the reviews on the travel system I received today. http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/graco-flip-it-travel-system-pagoda-reviews?reviewSortBy=lowestRatingFirst#bz-model-review-tabs-list

I'm very excited by it, I like the fact that I can buy car seat bases. This will make it easier to use in more than one car, if I just have the base ready to go in each car. I read many reviews on many travel system products. I felt that this was the best one for my needs and especially for the price. I'm also including the website where I purchased it http://www.walmart.com/ip/14544935, if you click on the "more" button it will pull up the reviews from walmart's website.

Travel System?

Kierstn an

Okay so I was looking for a stroller and car seat. I would like one of those car seats that hook into the bottom thing, that always stays in your car you know, not the kind you strap the seat belt over the top or anything.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9870497

Okay, is that the same thing? And like does that car seat somehow clip into the stroller? I think that would be a good idea. Or are they just seperate, and you just put your baby in the stroller?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
That's it...the base stays in your car. One thing I will mention...when I was looking at travel systems, I found out that The Safety First brand had a lot of recalls. I opted for Graco as I found that it was better, and less problems.

What do you think of the Baby Trend brand stroller/car seat travel system?

wonderingi

Particularly the "Venture" style. And, did anyone order it direct from the website? If so, where can you take it if there is a problem?

Answer
Love the stroller, hate the car seat, would never buy the travel system.

You can try out the strollers or at least some of the models at Target and Toys R Us/Babies R Us. I love them, they're comfortable for my kids, easy to maneuver, easy to go through sand, dirt, grass, whatever, and I haven't tried out a nicer stroller. I love the large wheels that are bicycle wheels so that it's easy to fix them and for them to go over obstacles. :)

However, I don't like the car seat because you can try them at Target as well, and you have to put the two hooks together then push them into the seat-belt latch, and when working with a restless baby that would be a nightmare. Graco and other infant seats let you push in one side then the other, which makes it a lot easier when you're working with a restless baby.

I also don't like people putting the baby in a car seat outside of the car. It makes the car seat at risk for knocking against things and becoming damaged, as well as it curves the baby. SIDS research says over and over that we need to lay the baby flat or be carrying the baby, and research has proven that while car seats save their lives in an accident you should limit their time in a car seat (or anything that tilts them) to less than 3 hours in a day and no more than 1 hour at a time, and basically not use it in anything but the car.

So the stroller is nice, get the stroller, but order it through something like Target or Walmart's or babies r us so that you can take it there if there's a problem. Skip the car seat, get one that is better and will work better. Carry the baby for the first 4 months, either your arms or a Moby Wrap for a cheaper alternative to something like an Ergo, it's really not hard. Do a search on car-seat breathing and you'll find the studies done about the dangers.

Add: Looked at the stroller. It's not the jogger that I prefer. If you're going to go with that style of stroller, look at the Chicco strollers. They lay completely flat, so it's better for the SIDS aspect, and have better reviews. I honestly wouldn't get a Baby Trend stroller that's not the jogger because they don't push well, don't maneuver, don't move well. It's all about the wheels and those little wheels always are a pain in the neck on strollers.

This is one similar to what I thought you were talking about. They're approved for babies about 2 months up.

Baby Trend Phantom Jogger Stroller - which car seat?

LaDiDa

I love the positive reviews for the Baby Trend Phantom Jogger Stroller, but am discouraged by the reviews for the Baby Trend Phantom Infant Car Seat. I am somewhat confused cos the Baby Trend Jogger Travel System has great reviews - I assumed it's the stroller and car seat mentioned earlier, sold as a set. Either no one likes the car seat on its own, or I'm getting the strollers mixed up.

Looking for options for car seats for the Baby Trend Phantom Jogger Stroller stroller, I dont see any mention of compatible car seats for the stroller on the Baby Trend website. I don't care if it is a Baby Trend car seat, it just needs to fit the stroller.

I'm so confused with the many strollers and car seats there are and want a set that's affordable but wouldnt fall into pieces within months. My budget is $200 for both the car seat and the stroller.

Just wondering if any of you have the Baby Trend Phantom Jogger Stroller, and what car seat do you use with it. How do you like the stroller? What other car seat/stroller combo would you recommend if not this?

Thank you very much in advance!

Answer
Personally, I think for that budget, its a great option.

The baby trend seats are known to be nice seats in the carseat world. They are affordable, and they've made some improvements in the last year or so. I read some of the reviews on target.com - frankly, I don't put much into reviews online for carseats.... 9 out of 10 people have their seat installed incorrectly. So clearly, its harder to use a seat when its used incorrectly.

(you can get the whole system here: http://www.albeebaby.com/baby-trend-jogger-travel-system-9139ct.html with 10% off by the way)

This is a good system: http://www.albeebaby.com/graco-quattro-tour-sport-travel-system-nectar.html and the seat goes up to 30lbs. The graco strollers are actually pretty good quality... they are just huge. But if I was in this pricerange, it's probably what I'd end up with.

If you can go up just a bit - what I would recommend is the chicco system... it's much more like a high end stroller/carseat then other mass produced strollers -
http://www.albeebaby.com/chicco-keyfit-22-cortina-travel-system-adventure.html

Stay away from Evenflo...

I'd say you're headed the right direction with the baby trend. You an also buy a stroller and combine it with a carseat individually...

like you could buy this: http://www.albeebaby.com/fraco-metrolight-stroller-in-soho.html and this: http://www.albeebaby.com/graco-infant-safeseat-step-1-8a15nct-nectar.html

if you're having a girl... this: http://www.albeebaby.com/quinny-zapp-stroller-bright-pink.html and this: http://www.albeebaby.com/maxi-cosi-micro-infant-car-seat-happy-flowers.html (LOVE This one...)

poll: travel system OR light weight baby strollers?

Rodi= Yass

i like the travel system,but its so heavy and bulky even when its folded..
i like the light weight because its light!! but i still need a car seat... what should i do?
@ jen, i wish they were that cheap in my counrty :( the travel system costs around 480 $ and the light weight is around 130 $ :(
i cant afford both

Answer
OK, so I have both....Travel system and convertible seat and light weight stroller. Yes the travel system is conveienant when they are newborns and sleep alot, b/c the infant carrier can just be taken out of the car, without disturbing the baby. It's very nice that the infant seat secures to the stroller too. Especially b/c most light weight/umbrella strollers don't recline or have infant neck support. However.....Had I known that my son was going to outgrow his infant seat at 7 months, I would have skipped the travel system completly. My travel system was extremly expensive, Graco Quattro ($250), and now that my son is 1 year, it barely even gets used at all (the stoller stays at my moms now, just for when he goes there sometimes). I love my convertible seat, I have the Eddie Bauer 3 in 1 ($100 @ Costco or BJs) and never need another car seat again. The lightweight stroller I have is the Chicco Capri. It's a very good quality umbrella stroller, that wasn't cheap either ($80) It's not a flimsy plastic type. The handles are higher up,(my fiance is 6' 2" and doesn't have to be all hunched over to push it), the frame is metal, but it's still super light, and I love it. Once I finally started using that, I questioned myself why I was such a jack*** to be luggin the big heavy stoller around all those months. If you can't afford both, I highly suggest getting a good convertible seat and a nice lightweight stroller....Both of those will be used for MANY years, whereas the travel system will probably only really be useful for several months (at least the seat part anyway), you can use the stroller for many years, but they are very bulky, and you would still need another carseat anyway.
Hope I helped.

Here is what I have
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3028964
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4201518 (did not buy at Babyrus, boought it much cheaper at Costco)
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3420746

Do you think a light pink baby travel system will get too dirty?

;-)

I have seen a travel system that I want if I have a girl. It's a graco and it's light pink. Would it get dirty fast because it is light pink? Or should I buy another color?
I don't plan on having anymore children.

Answer
I bought a dark blue Graco stroller when I was pregnant with my first. We got a lot of use out of it! Then when baby #2 showed up we bought a dark blue tandem stroller which I hated! That thing didn't turn well. Anyway we used the first stroller with the second baby too. And it seems no matter how clean you try to keep it, if you're using it A LOT like we did it always gets a bit dirty. I'd have to think that on pink it would really show more. I'm guilty of looking at a pink one myself now~~my kids are 8 & 6 so I long ago sold all my baby stuff and now I'm pregnant again!!

Even though I like this pink one I don't dare buy it. I have no idea what I'm having yet, plus I plan to be pregnant at least one more time after this and if that's a boy, I don't think he'll appreciate the pink stroller!

Monday, March 31, 2014

Anyone know of any good websites to get a cheap but good Travel System for my son?

Synika

My son is due pretty soon September 16, 2011.. :D I dunno why we waited so long.. But now we really need one soon and don't wanna drive 2 hours to Fort Worth to look for one so we're gonna order it. I've looked on Babies "R" Us, Target, Walmart, and Amazon and haven't found one i liked. We want a Blue and Brown one so bad. Anyone know of any other websites to get one on? A cheap travel system but good one.. Please help!

Answer
i know!
i know!
lol
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RL7UQC/ref=s9_ri_bw_g75_ir04?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-11&pf_rd_r=1HG8PMVFZMC99JK820WC&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1244177682&pf_rd_i=166842011
or this one
http://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-Select-Travel-System-Georgia/dp/B001H0GGS2/ref=pd_cp_ba_pw_4

the 2nd one is cheapest and cuter in my opinion!

Are pregnant Mainland Chinese allowed to come to Taiwan now to have their babies?

We left an

I see what has been happening in Hong Kong.
http://www.hkdigit.net/2011/10/hk-march-against-mainland-chinese-pregnant-mothers/

With the expansion of travel from Mainland China to Taiwan granted by the KMT, how long will it be before a lot of mothers-to-be start planting their PRC children in Taiwan?
http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2011/05/06/chinas-wealth-drain/#axzz1lfWNzC00
In the past decade the number of babies born to mainland women who are not married to Hong Kongers jumped from 620 in 2001 to 32,563 last year.
"Honey, I'm going into labor. Get me on a plane to Taipei, NOW!"
(We can talk about how "all Taiwanese became Chinese" at a later date... OK?)

Answer
I am no immigration law expert, but from what I know, the short answer is yes.

The situation in Hong Kong is that pregnant Chinese women are going to Hong Kong to have children, leading to locals to stage a protest, arguing that public health resources are directed toward non-local people. As a result, public hospitals are crowded out, forcing Hong Kong women to seek higher priced medical service at private hospitals. While the number of pregnant women in mainland China traveling to Hong Kong have increased, it is thought that most of them are wealthy enough to buy their way into Hong Kong, the financial barrier is still great for most mainland Chinese.

From the public health perspective, Taiwan is already facing this kind of pressure, because Taiwanese doctors have all but fled the more traditional roles (pediatrics, surgical units, internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology), more and more doctors are seeking to practice in cosmetic surgery, which is much more lucrative in terms of effort and income ratio. If pregnant mainland Chinese come to Taiwan to have their babies, it is bound to have some impact on Taiwan's medical resources.

I know you are concerned about the issue of immigration, more so than the problems with Taiwan's public health. So here is my opinion.

There's a gradual increase of Taiwanese marrying mainland Chinese, and vice versa, happening in recent years, the government have set up tight control over who gets to enter Taiwan from mainland China. However, it does not seem there are tight rules over pregnant women seeking to have their babies in Taiwan. The same issue with having babies elsewhere, in Hong Kong or Taiwan, is the financial barrier. Taiwan's universal health care does not cover foreign individuals, therefore patients are required to pay at the full cost, which is quite a heavy sum.

Now if the situation is that PRC parents coming to Taiwan to have children, the current rule is that you still have to apply for legal status, which may or may not be approved. If one of the parents is a Taiwanese national, then you have a greater chance of being approved, providing that you have proof of parental DNA relationship. Both situations above require many paperwork, and is not easily fulfilled. To be honest, I think most mainland Chinese prefer to immigrate to the US, given that they can afford it. By the way, Hong Kong people also have a greater chance of being accepted to Taiwan.

In my opinion, Taiwan can probably take advantage of mainland Chinese immigrating to Taiwan. First of all, communist China will probably hesitate to raise a war with Taiwan, because it will cause casualties on their side. This might ease the tension across the straits. Secondly, to a raise a child in Taiwan is no small feat, Taiwan can harvest a lot of taxes off those rich mainland Chinese parents. Lastly, immigrating to Taiwan is very complicated, though I cannot definitively tell you there are no loopholes, I will tell you that once a mainland Chinese baby go Taiwanese, there's no turning back, because our system plainly works better.

Baby Travel Systems

Popular Posts

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Best car seat/travel system chicco 30 cortina vs britax chaperone?

What are 3 must have baby products? Beside the obvious, diapers, wipes, car seat and milk?

Travelling with my son abroad?

How do mermaids make little baby peoples?

needing help with a refused visa?

How can I find a job in another country?

Baby Car Seat Question.?

which is the best car seat for 6 months plus baby?

Friday, April 4, 2014

Could someone help me with the artist/title of this rock song?

Thursday, April 3, 2014

What's the difference between a travel system and a convertible car seat?

travel system or seperate car seat and stroller?

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

How do I get my name off of a government list?

How do I get my name off of a government list?

Where can I find car seat/stroller travel systems for girls that are NOT pink and under $200?

best infant car seat under $100?

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Ok, does anyone have a good Travel System to reccomend?

I am looking for a website, not a book, for reviews on baby gear. (travel systems, car seats, swings etc.)?

which baby travel system is better? 10 points?

Travel System?

What do you think of the Baby Trend brand stroller/car seat travel system?

Baby Trend Phantom Jogger Stroller - which car seat?

poll: travel system OR light weight baby strollers?

Do you think a light pink baby travel system will get too dirty?

Monday, March 31, 2014

Anyone know of any good websites to get a cheap but good Travel System for my son?

Are pregnant Mainland Chinese allowed to come to Taiwan now to have their babies?

Search This Blog

Blog Archive

Labels

Popular Posts

Subscribe To

Saturday, April 5, 2014

What are 3 must have baby products? Beside the obvious, diapers, wipes, car seat and milk?

How do mermaids make little baby peoples?

How can I find a job in another country?

which is the best car seat for 6 months plus baby?

Friday, April 4, 2014

Thursday, April 3, 2014

travel system or seperate car seat and stroller?

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

How do I get my name off of a government list?

best infant car seat under $100?

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

I am looking for a website, not a book, for reviews on baby gear. (travel systems, car seats, swings etc.)?

Travel System?

Baby Trend Phantom Jogger Stroller - which car seat?

Do you think a light pink baby travel system will get too dirty?

Monday, March 31, 2014

Are pregnant Mainland Chinese allowed to come to Taiwan now to have their babies?

Search This Blog

Blog Archive

Labels