Car Seat Archives

Safety 1st With The Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat!

September 9, 2015 by Jaime 2 Comments

Sample provided.

As the heat of Summer fades and Fall rapidly approaches here in Portland, we’ve been busy getting everything ready for the arrival of our daughter in October.

As most people know, one of the most important pieces of gear to have is a rear-facing safety seat for your infant. In fact, I hear they won’t even let you leave the hospital (by car) unless they confirm you have a properly installed safety seat.

As the daughter of a safety engineer, I have always taken safety very seriously; so when Safety 1st, a brand with a reputation for the highest level of safety research in their product designs, reached out about their new “Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat“, I jumped at the chance to review it.

I was also intrigued by the convertible design. Could a car seat that can take my 7lb baby home from the hospital accommodate, and be safe for an up-to-100lb child? Can this really be my first and last car seat? That is the claim of this car seat, and it does indeed appear to have the durability and flexibility to do just that.

The Grow and Go 3-in-1 can be used rear-facing, forward-facing or as a booster. With safety features like side impact protection, a no rethread harness, buckle holders, and conveniences like two cup holders and an easily removable seat cover, it seems like they’ve thought of everything. We’re looking forward to using it for years to come!

To help you stay safe as you travel through the summer and beyond, Safety 1st is sharing these tips for parents:

Car seat installation: 75% of car seats on the road are installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Visit a local fire station, police station, AAA office, or Safe Kids Chapter for help ensuring that yours is installed correctly.

Safeguard your car: Make sure unused shoulder belts are not in reach of children.

Car seats expire: Did you know that car seats actually expire? Make sure to check the date printed on the back or side of the seat. If you need to dispose of a car seat that has expired, check with your local waste management facility to see if can be recycled.

Hyperthermia prevention: Check out this important video from Safety 1st sharing tips on preventing hyperthermia.

New Easy To Travel With Booster Seat: Bubble Bum

September 13, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

Here is a product that I agreed to review they sent a sample and we went out and purchased two of our own to use as well. It’s called the Bubble Bum.

The Bubble Bum Car Booster Seat comes in two different color options black-silver and purple-silver. We have both colors and traveled from Seattle to Orlando with them. We used them in the shuttle from our house to the airport. Deflated them put them in our suit cases. Re-inflated them and used them in our rental car the entire time we were in Orlando and used them again on the way home. Piece of cake. And the only reason why he looks grumpy in his Bubblebum is because he walked five miles in the hot sun.

For children ages 4 – 11, 40 to 100 lbs
Inflatable, Foldable and Portable – great for travel, car rentals, taxis, tight "3 across" fits, carpools and caregivers
Easily fit three car seats across the back seat with BubbleBum because it’s 13" wide.
Rated a "Best Bet" Booster by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Winner of many awards including The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
When deflated, it easily fits in a handbag or backpack

You have to blog them up.

The award-winning BubbleBum is the world’s first inflatable, foldable and portable car booster seat. It’s perfect for everyday, carpools, playdates, taxis and vacations. It’s narrow design (13" across) makes getting three car seats across the backseat easy. BubbleBum meets and exceeds all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS213) and is designed for children ages 4 to 11, weighing from 40 to 100 pounds. It’s the winner of the 2011 JPMA Innovation Award, the 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved Award and ranked a 2011 & 2012 "Best Bet" Booster Seat by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It weighs just over a pound and comes with a convenient carrying bag and shoulder belt positioning clip. It inflates in seconds with a couple of puffs of air and deflates/packs down just as quickly. When deflated,it’s small enough to fit in a child’s backpack or mom’s purse. BubbleBum’s cool and funky design appeals to kids, parents love the convenience and ease of use.

Fits well into the seat, is easy to buckle in. The only frustration is that the kids can’t buckle themselves in safely because they have to get the belt into the red loop on the side. So we had to help them buckle themselves into the car every time, however, it was so much simpler in and out of the airport. We could keep them ourselves so they weren’t lost or damaged. Overall, we’re pleased with them and happy with our sample and purchase of two more.

Safety 1st Child Passenger Safety Week Tips & Car Seat Giveaway

September 9, 2013 by Momstart 117 Comments

Sept 15-21 marks Child Passenger Safety Week and I wanted to check in with all of you guys to see if you know much about proper car seat safety. Safety 1^stsent me some tips and I want to share them with you.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 1 through 12 years old. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the goal of Child Passenger Safety week is to make sure all parents and caregivers are properly securing their children (ages 0-12) in the best car restraint (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt) for their age and size.

Importance of Rear Facing

In March of 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their car seat recommendations advising that children should remain rear facing until the age of two, or until they reach the maximum height and weight requirements allowed by their car seat. According to a study in the Journal of Injury Prevention children under the age of two are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in the event of a car crash if they are rear facing. When a child is rear facing their head, neck and spine are better supported and in the event of an accident, crash forces are distributed over the child’s entire body.

Installation

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 75% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Every car and car seat has different requirements for the safest installation so before you get started it is important to read both the car seat and car manual.

Typically the center rear seat is the safest place for a car seat, and never install a car seat in the front seat. If your car does not have a latch connector for the middle seat, you can use the middle seat belt to properly secure the base. When installing, make sure the base of the car seat moves no more than an inch from side to side. An easy way to test this is to hold at the belt path.

New parents and grandparents are encouraged to attend a car seat check before the baby is born. However, don’t just rely on the experts. You’re likely going to be taking the car seat out and installing it somewhere else at some point, so make sure you’re comfortable with the process too.

Car Seat Expiration

Never use used or old car seats. Car seats do have an expiration date and it is to understand the risks associated with using an expired or old car seat. The reason for an expiration date is because plastic can warp and materials can fray, which can make car seats less safe to use. Car seat technology and state and federal car seat regulations change. A car seat deemed safe more than six years ago may no longer meet federal testing regulations. Important warning labels may wear out and instruction books may get lost, which can lead to improper use of the car seat.

We will be giving away one of the following car seats:

· Safety 1^st Elite 80 3-in-1 car seat

The Elite 80 works in rear-facing mode for babies up to 40 pounds, then converts to forward-facing with harness, but features an extended weight range to keep children safely in harness all the way to 80 pounds. In its 3rd mode, the Elite 80 goes beyond the traditional convertible seat to convert into a belt-positioning booster car seat for children up to 100 pounds. Additionally Air Protect + combines the advanced protection of our Air Protect® cushion system with patented GCell HX™ foam designed with hexagonal shapes for 100% full body production.

· Safety 1^st Advance 70 Air+

This convertible car seat was inspired by race car drivers. Air Protect+ combines Safety 1^st Air Protect® Technology with GCell HX™ – hexagonal rebounding foam used in the body of the car seat to protect the child from the multiple hits that occur in crashes. Coupled with this is the placement of Air Protect® Technology which takes crash forces away from a child’s head. This technology was developed in partnership with racecar engineers at Bald Spot Sports and INDY Car Driver Scott Dixon to better understand the energy dynamics a high performance driver faces in the event of a crash.

· Safety 1^st BoostAPak Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat.

The BoostAPak is designed to help keep kids in boosters longer, as it’s often hard to get an older child to stay in his or her booster seat. This booster seat also doubles as a backpack! For children 4 to 7 years old, booster seats reduce injury risk by 59% compared to seat belts alone. (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). Additionally, the AAP recommends children ride in boosters until the age of 12 or 57 inches; but only 13% of children 54-56 inches tall ride on one (NHTSA)

Enter to Win:

One of the above car seats. Your choice

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This giveaway ends September 24th. Please see our giveaway rules.

Snugli All-In-One Car Seat – Cool, Comfy, and Super Safe

June 23, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

Snugli All-In-One Car Seat – Cool, Comfy, and Super Safe

By: Ashley

sample received

With an almost preschooler and a baby due to arrive ANY day now, baby gear and car seats are definitely a part of our everyday life. We’ve been through the process of searching for the right seats for Atticus (our preschooler) and now are starting the process all over again. Our friends at Snugli sent me one of the Snugli All-In-One Car Seats to review and I am beyond impressed. I’ve never tried Snugli before, but now I’m pretty sure it might be my favorite brand for all-in-one seats. What do I love about this seat?

Extended Use Car Seat

After checking out the Snugli All-In-One, I’m confident this is a seat that is truly comfortable for small babies and older children alike. When rear facing, this seat is recommended for 5-40 pounds. Forward facing mode lets this seat work when your child is 22-65 pounds. The lifespan of the Snugli All-In-One transitions even further into booster mode for 40-110 pounds. This seat is ready for our soon to come newborn, but also fits our almost 3 year old perfectly!

SUPER Easy to Install

I’ve had to switch my son’s current car seat between cars more than I would like to remember. It’s not necessarily hard to remember, but it’s not my favorite task in the world. In comparison, the Snugli All-In-One was a breeze! I was extremely impressed with the LATCH system hooks. Instead of the traditional straps that you pull to tighten, the Snugli has a system similar to that of the seat belts in your car. The strap automatically tightens with no loose ends to deal with. I also love how there is an easy to access separate belt path for the LATCH system in forward versus rear facing modes. Adjusting the shoulder straps is also incredibly easy and can be done by simply pulling on the green tabs. There’s no need to completely rethread the straps through the seat. Add to that a green indicator that shows when the top tether is securely tightened, and you’ve got a super safe, easy to install car seat.

AMAZING Fabric that Absorbs Heat

The first thing I loved about the fabric on the Snugli All-In-One was the color. I know that is absolutely not the most important part of a car seat, but when it’s going to be a part of your vehicle for years, something that you don’t mind looking at is a definite plus. I love how the fabric is gender neutral and SO incredibly soft. If I had to stay buckled into a seat for long periods of time, I would most certainly want that fabric to be soft. The Snugli is truly the softest seat I’ve felt. This car seat even has memory foam to help make your child even more comfortable. Add to that the fact that the new Outlast Technology Fabrics actually help control temperature is amazing. Here in the South, it gets pretty darn hot in the summer and trying to convince a child to crawl into a hot car seat isn’t fun. This fabric absorbs and stores some of the excess heat. The fabric also prevents chilling.

I was also really impressed with the size of the Snugli. It fit easily into our backseat with another car seat already there. I’ve struggled with having space for some other seats and brands, but there was no problem at all with the Snugli as you can see from the picture.

There is honestly so much I love about the Snugli All-In-One Car Seat. I’ve already been using it a little for my preschool age son and can’t wait to add the infant cushion back in to use it once his baby brother arrives. Now the only question is, do I love it so much that I need to order a second one?!?

The Snugli is available on Amazon, at BuyBuy Baby, and Albee Baby.

More Snugli All-In-One Specs (from Snugli)

COMFORT UPGRADES

• Outlast Technology Fabrics – Temperature controlling fabric that has the ability to
absorb and store excess heat, helping to reduce overheating and prevent chilling

• Memory Foam contours itself to provide your child with optimum comfort

FEATURES

• Snug and Safe Side Impact 3 layers of foam reduce side impact crash forces by 50%

• SureLATCH Connectors allow for a super-fast, super-snug installation in a fraction of
the time

• TruTether adjuster turns green when top tether is securely tightened

• Recline allows for a 3-position recline adjust as the shell slides along the seat base

• Infinite Slude Harness easily adjusts to at accurately fit your growing child. No
re-threading necessary.

• 65 lbs. harness weight rating to keep your child harness longer!

• 110 lbs. harness weight rating in booster mode

ADVANCED SAFETY

• Snug and Safe Side Impact Tested

• FMVSS 213: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Child Restraint Systems

• FMVSS 302: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Flammability of Interior Materials

• Certified For Use In Aircraft: ONLY when used with the 5-point harness this restraint
meets FAA Inversion requirements for airplane use.

SPECIFICATIONS

Child Fit Specifications

• Rear Facing 5-40lbs. and 19-37 in.

• Forward Facing 22-65 lbs. and 28-50 in.

• Booster Mode 40-110 lbs. and 43.3-57 in.

Product Specifications

Model Number: 34611341

Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures atMomicles and follow her @Momicles2010

Buy Quinny Moodd or Buzz Stroller Get Maxi-Cosi Free Car Seat Giveaway!

March 11, 2013 by Momstart 124 Comments

During the month of March when customers purchase a Quinny Moodd or Buzz stroller in-stores, they will receive a Maxi-Cosi Mico for FREE!

About Quinny Moodd Stroller

Pure poetry in motion! Packing style and smart features like one-touch automatic unfolding, the compact and complete Quinny Moodd stroller offers you the flexibility to zip around the city. Go where your Moodd takes you today and every day! The Quinny Moodd is a great 3-in-1 travel system. Add the Foldable Carrycot to make it the perfect pram from birth. Match it with a Maxi-Cosi baby car seat or a Bébé Confort Pebble car seat for a smooth transition from car to stroller or vice versa. Let your child travel in style in the Moodd as a stroller. The Quinny Moodd stroller reclines to fully flat to suit your newborn baby. As your baby gets older, you have the choice to have baby face you or away from you. One push of a button is all it takes: the Quinny Moodd unfolds automatically, thanks to the unique gas spring. You will love how easy it folds, too!

About Buzz Stroller

The Quinny Buzz cleverly unfolds automatically into the most practical stroller around. Accepting an infant car seat and a carrycot, the Buzz gives you the flexibility to live your life your way. Thanks to a unique hydraulic system, the Quinny® Buzz™ can unfold itself completely automatically. The comfortable seat can be installed in either forward or rear-facing directions, and can be used from birth when combined with a Maxi-Cosi infant car seat or Quinny® Dreami™ bassinet. All in all, the intelligent design offers a degree of comfort and user-friendliness not found in any other product of its kind. The Quinny® Buzz™ gives you a feeling of total freedom. For children up to 50 pounds. The Buzz Multi-Model Adapter (sold separately) was specifically designed and tested for the following car seats: Safety 1^st® Onboard series, Maxi-Cosi^® Cosi35, Graco^® Snugride^® 22, Graco^® Snugride^® 32 and Graco^® Snugride^® 35, Chicco^® Keyfit™ 22 and Keyfit™ 30, Combi^® Shuttle™ 33, Peg Perego^® Primo Viaggio 30-30 and the Britax^® Chaperone^®.

– Don’t miss out on a great deal from Quinny and Maxi-Cosi! During the month of March when customers purchase a Quinny Moodd or Buzz stroller in-stores, they will receive a Maxi-Cosi Mico for FREE!

– To celebrate, Quinny and Maxi-Cosi are offering the reader’s of Mom Start the chance to win their own Quinny Moodd and Maxi-Cosi Mico!

Product features

Side Impact Protection
Includes a convenient stay-in-car adjustable base
Includes Cozi-Dozi™ insert for smaller babies
Includes an adjustable sun canopy
Integrated canopy, always on hand and easy to store
5-point harness with up-front harness adjustment
Compatible with Maxi-Cosi® and Quinny® stand-alone* strollers

SO Enter to Win:

Maxi-Cosi Mico!

To Enter:

Tell me which of the two strollers you would want to purchase

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Use the rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends March 26th. Please see our giveaway rules.

Evenflo e3 Side Impact the Momentum 65 DLX Car Seat #giveaway

December 20, 2010 by Momstart 441 Comments

Let me tell you why you want the evenflo Momentum 65 DLX Car Seat.

60% of moms and 63% of dads confess installing their car seat was challenging, while 5% of moms actually compared the experience with going through labor.

So you can install the Momentum 65 in less than 5 minutes!

The new Evenflo® Momentum 65™ DLX Convertible car seat offers parents superior e³ Side Impact™ protection to keep their child safe alongside features that help make safety, car seat installation and use as easy as possible for parents. Momeuntum 65 provides exclusive car seat safety features including SureLATCH® connectors, making installation easier. Safety. So Simple!

Evenflo Momentum 65 DLX Details:

Upfront Recline
Flip Out Cup Holder
65 lbs. Forward Facing
40 lbs. Rear Facing
SureLATCH Connectors
Triple Layer Foam Protection
Easy Off Washable Pad
ComfortTouch Padding
5-Point Harness
e3 Side Impact Technology

e3 Side Impact Technology significantly reduces the force caused by side impact crashes through advanced energy absorption and an expanded zone of protection. Just looking at the car seat it looks extra cushy!

It is more than likely the ONLY car seat you will need before buying a booster seat.

Enter to Win:

Evenflo’s Momentum 65 DLX Convertible Car Seat

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Leave a comment on the Evenflo Momentum 65 DLX Car Seat Review

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Evenflo Momentum 65 DLX Car Seat #Giveaway http://bit.ly/hfysfd

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