Baby is precious cargo so buying a car seat that will keep your kiddo safe is a must. Other “nice to haves” on your list include comfort, the flexibility to use as your child grows and smart technology. The brand-new Eternis S with Sensorsafe from Cybex checks all of these boxes and more. It’s truly an all-in-one car seat boasting modern technology that we’ve never seen before. Read on for the full details of this groundbreaking new car seat.

Let’s Talk Safety Features

Cybex is all about merging design and functionality, while never compromising safety. Their new Eternis S is their latest car seat model that puts your child’s safety first. The Eternis S features a steel enforced frame and adjustable linear side-impact protection that absorbs up to 25% more impact forces in event of a side impact collision. Its energy-absorbing shell helps reduce the forces felt by your child should a collision happen. Other safe features worth calling out:

• All vehicles are different so you want your car seat to comfortably—and safely—fit in your backseat. The Eternis S makes it easy with its 10-position adjustable recline that you can maneuver one-handed. This adjustable recline ensures the proper angle to best fit your vehicle.

• Ever had your kiddo fall asleep in her car seat with her head slumped forward? This won’t ever happen with the Eternis S. The car seat is equipped with a 3-position patented reclining headrest that maneuvers your child’s head into a comfortable and safe position.

You’ll Flip for this Smart Technology

The modern technology of the Eternis S is seriously next-level awesome. First, you want to download the Cybex SensorSafe app, which is essential to accessing all the smart features of the car seat—not to mention it also includes Eternis S FAQs, how-to videos, guidance on installation and the digital manual for easy access whenever and wherever you are. The app is both android and iPhone compatible. Next, insert the small plastic receiver into your car’s OBD2 port. This receiver transmits information between your vehicle and the car seat and app.

Here’s where we’re colored impressed: the chest clip is equipped with what Cybex calls SensorSafe technology. Once you buckle baby in, the chest clip lights up blue to show you’ve not only buckled in properly, but that the SensorSafe is activated. Once activated, you’re alerted to a variety of safety infractions via the app and a beeping sound via the receiver. Below are a few things you’ll be alerted to:

Your child unbuckles his chest clip. Got a Houdini on your hands? Even if kiddo is out of sight, you will be alerted if your he undos his chest clip.

You forget your kid in the car. Once you break the bluetooth connection and are out of the same area as your child (let’s say you leave your child in the car and forget him as you make your way to the grocery store), you’ll instantly receive an alert via the app and the receiver that your kid is still strapped in. The alert appears every 60 seconds and if you do not respond by minute two (the third alert) a message will be sent to your group, which is like your emergency contacts. Whoever you designate as your emergency contacts will receive an alert and give them the last known location of the vehicle based on the phone’s navigation system.

But, if you don’t break the connection—for example, you stop to gas up the car—the car port receiver and your phone will beep every four minutes as a reminder that your child is still in his car seat. These alerts, coupled with contacting your emergency group, helps ensure no child will ever be left alone in a vehicle.

Your car is too hot or too cold. You’ll be alerted if the temps in your car are too extreme.

Your kid is seated for too long. We’re all for road trips but kids need a break. If your child has been seated for more than two hours while the car is turned on, you’ll get a notification that he may need a break.

How It Grows with Your Child

You can use this car seat starting from the day you bring baby home from the hospital through the next 10 years. Let that sink in. The all-in-one Eternis S can be used in a rear-facing infant (it comes with a removable newborn inlay that you can use starting at four pounds), forward-facing convertible and booster seat positions (specs of each position detailed out below). With this Cybex Eternis S car seat, you won’t have to research what car seat to buy for the next stage. Simply adjust the Eternis S’s headrest up to the next appropriate position (there are 12 easy-to-adjust headrest positions in all) each time your child reaches the next stage.

Other Perks That Set It Apart

The fact that this is a one and done car seat for every age and stage is one of the reasons we love the Eternis S. Below are a few more perks parents are buzzing about:

You don’t have to rethread the straps ever. The straps of the 5-point harness is no-rethread, which means the shoulder straps are adjustable without having to uninstall the car seat and then unthread the straps.

There is a magnetic buckle holder. Before putting your kiddo in the seat, affix each metal buckle to the side of the car seat, which ensures an easy entry (and exit) from the seat. No tangled buckles or straps here.

Clean up is easy. The machine washable cover is easy to take off and the dishwasher-safe cup holder can be placed on either side of the car seat for easy access.

Must-Know Weight and Height Details

Rear-facing infant: 4 pounds (removable newborn inlay for 4-11 pounds) up to 50 pounds and 17-48 inches

Forward-facing convertible seat: 22-65 pounds and 28-49 inches; child must be two years old

Belt-positioning booster seat: 33-120 pounds and 44-57 inches; child must be three years old

For full safety specifications click here.

Available at cybexonlineshop.com in Manhattan Grey or Lavastone Black. The Eternis S SensorSafe retails for $379.99

Copy by Erin Lem; photos courtesy of Cybex

 

 

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Babywearing just got a little more stylish with the addition of some new Baby Tula carrier prints. You can only score them in two places, however, so you’ll want to act fast before they’re all gone.

The details:
Baby Tula has just released two new exclusive prints of their popular Explore carrier, which is Tula’s first carrier that allows you to carry your child forward-facing, inward facing and back carry. Debuting in 2018 to rave review, the Explore carrier can be used starting at just seven pounds.

The first new design, named Splash, is only available at Target and is meant to “celebrate the sights and sounds of the ocean.” It features an ocean-blue colored pattern of bubbly, rolling waves. It sells for $179.99 at Target.

The second new print named Sonnet, is available exclusively at Nordstrom. It features a floral pattern with white flowers and green leaves against a navy-blue background. It sells for $179 at Nordstrom.

Both new carriers have Baby Tula’s signature ergonomic design with padded straps, neck support, removable hood, front pocket and multiple ways to wear baby.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Josh Willink via Pexels/ All photos: Courtesy of Baby Tula

 

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The holiday season is almost here, and if you’re anything like 107 million of your fellow Americans, you’ve likely got some trips planned. This means you’ll soon be tasked with the colossal challenge of getting lots of stuff (clothing, presents, kid gear, your sanity) into your luggage or vehicle of choice. But don’t stress! Whether you plan to travel by plane, train or automobile, we’ve found a slew of compact travel gear to help you out. Read on for our picks.

Jujube Breast Pump Bag

Jujube via Amazon

Pumping mamas will be happy to see that this stylish bag is dedicated to carrying their beloved breast pump. It's got four mesh pockets and two zippered pockets in the main compartment and is designed to fit most standard pumps. It's also got an easy-reach cell phone pocket, an insulated cooler bag, a wet bag and a lightweight changing pad. Plus, the entire interior has been treated to resist bacteria and mold—a plus when you're dealing with liquid gold.  

Cost: $199 on Amazon.

Micro Trike

Micro

If your kid doesn't want to strap into a stroller but is too young to walk freely around airports, train stations, or theme parks, the Micro Trike is the perfect solution. It's like a push-tricycle, but there are no pedals, so your tyke just has to prop her feet up on the adjustable footrests while you push. The one-handed hold and easy-gliding wheels make navigating the trike a cinch. The best part? The whole thing folds easily and weighs less than 5 pounds. New for this year, Micro also offers an upgraded Trike (featured above) that has an anodized finish and larger wheels (that one weighs a whopping 6 pounds). 

Designed for kids 18 months & up (with a 44-pound recommended weight limit). 

Cost: $79.99 for the original Trike; $89.99 for the Trike XL at microkickboard.com

2-in-1 Go Potty with Travel Bag

OXO

When little ones have to go ... they usually have to go ... RIGHT NOW. So for those times when an actual restroom isn't going to happen, you'll be thankful to have this portable potty on hand. The foldable, lightweight seat comes with disposable bags to catch all those emergency stops—and the seat can be used as a potty seat on toilets should a real restroom make an appearance. The legs fold inward, so the whole thing fits into the included travel bag, making it easy to keep the potty in your car or diaper bag.

Cost: $19.99 at oxo.com.

 

Lil Gadgets Folding Headphones

Lil Gadgets

Whether your kids are listening to music or having serious on-the-go screen time, headphones are must when traveling. Not only do they make it easier for your little listeners to hear their game, music, etc.; they also keep everyone around you from having to deal with an annoying blast of toddler tunes, Youtube videos or movie soundtracks. These colorful padded headphones make things even easier because they fold up to a neat little package that'll fit in your kid's backpack or your purse. Volume-limiting speakers keep your kids' eardrums safe while studio-grade technology delivers clear sound so they don't miss a thing. Plus, there's a "Share Port" so your kids can listen to the same thing without the need for splitters. 

Cost: $22 at lilgadgets.com.

The Nido Travel and Play Tent by bblüv

bblüv

Got a hotel stay in your plans? A long airport layover? This easily-collapsable tent with three dangling toys will keep your tiny tot safe and happy for playtime or naps. Plus, it has a removable canopy and bug net so you don't have to worry about the sun or any mosquitos getting in. 

Note: Designed for babies under six months old. 

Cost: $79.99 on Amazon.

Moondo Parent Backpack

Moondo via Facebook

We know you how much you carry in your diaper bag, and this (fully-funded) Kickstarter backpack claims it can hold all your gear—and then some. Calling itself the "most functional parent backpack" ever, it does everything from store (and charge) your laptop to provide quick access to wipes for kids who need cleaning, stat. To keep things in their place, it's got 12 external and 15 internal pockets including quick access hidden security pockets so you can grab things like ID and credit cards without opening up the whole bag. It also comes with three removable pouches so you can just grab a small bag to-go when it's time to take the kiddo for a bathroom break on the airplane. 

The backpack is in production and, according to its Kickstarter page, is expected to start shipping soon. 

Cost: $89.99 & up on kickstarter.com

GB Pockit+ Plus Stroller

Amazon.com

Strollers can be such a drag. Literally. Take a load off and get wheeling with this compact, completely foldable stroller that's officially been recognized by Guinness World Records as "the world’s most compact stroller." The newest edition of the gb Pockit+ folds down to a "handbag-sized package" that's small enough to bring onto a plane or train and even fits into an airplane's overhead compartment. It also has an adjustable seat that reclines so your traveling tot can snooze on-the-go; plus one-handed steering that makes jet-setting with stroller wheels even easier. 

Cost: $229.95 on Amazon.

WAYB Portable Car Seat

WAYB

Anyone who's ever installed a car seat—or tried to lug one around an airport—knows that the struggle is real. So what's a traveling parent to do? Enter WAYB (rhymes with "baby"), a Southern California-based company that wants to make motoring around the world with your kids a heck of a lot easier—and safer. Its soon-to-be-released Pico folding car seat weighs less than eight pounds, installs in seconds and folds up to an easy carrying size so you can bring it with you on the go. Outfitted with the same sort of five-point harness as is found on regular car seats, the Pico is made for kiddos ages two to five and is designed to be used as a forward-facing seat only. As for safety, the seat passes all U.S. safety standards for cars and planes thanks to the aluminum and mesh construction, which keeps it ultralight while still being super-strong. 
 
Available in February 2019 (available for pre-order now)
 
Cost: $279 at wayb.com

Amazon Fire Kids Edition

Photo: Amanda Fiveash via Our Homemade Life (with permission)

When it comes to using tablets on planes, trains or automobiles, we say all bets are off. Trust us—your fellow travelers would rather your tot be tuned in to YouTube than having a tantrum in the aisles. That said, we love the Kindle Kids Edition, which has oodles of handy parent settings so you can give your kids as much or as little screen time as you see fit. You can also set limits for particular kinds of media—say, 30 minutes of app time, 15 minutes of video time; and 15 minutes of internet time. Once kids hit their limit, the screen says, "You're all done for today," which means your kids can't get mad at YOU when the screen shuts off.

Read our in-depth review of the Kindle Fire Kids Edition here.

Pssst: If you don't want your kids to have access to apps or the web, you can also opt for the Kindle e-reader, which only allows your kids access to books (and thousands of them!).  

Cost: $99.99 & up at Amazon.

Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle

Melissa Heckscher

See that little disk dangling from this kid's backpack? It's a water bottle! Just take the collapsable accordion-ish bottle out of the 1" case, stretch it out, then unscrew the cap and fill it up! When you're done, just squish it back together to store. The bottle has a wide, removable mouth for easy cleaning and is BPA free, dishwasher safe and odor free. The most-recently released (volume 2) version of the bottle comes with a carbon filter to remove bad tastes and odors plus a freshly-designed cap lid with flip-up handle and improved spout. The bottle is available in 18 and 21-ounce sizes; a 28-ounce bottle will be released this spring. 

Cost: $18 & up at hydawaybottle.com

Chicco Lullago Bassinet

Chicco USA

Pack-and-plays are great for tots that need a portable place to sit or sleep—but do you really need to lug that behemoth around when you've got a wee one? The Lullago travel bassinet is a perfect to-go crib for babies under six months: It lifts your baby off the floor so you can keep her right next to you in bed—and it can be disassembled and folded in under a minute. It's also significantly smaller than a pack-and-play and fits conveniently into a matching carry bag. 

Cost: $99 & up at chiccousa.com

Tidy Snap Packing Aids

Erika James Carder Photography/ Tidy Snap

If you've ever let your kid attempt laundry-folding or asked her to pack her own clothes for a trip, you know the mess that is the standard "kid fold." Enter Tidy Snaps, plastic bands that snap closed around your clothes to keep them neatly rolled and super-compact so that it's easy to see and arrange your clothes in a bag or drawer. The snaps are fun for kids to attach and make it easy to grab, handle and transfer clothes without making a mess of the rest of your stuff (Hint: They work great in drawers, too!). The snaps come with an included folding pad that helps attach the bands so even little kids can do it themselves.   

Cost: $24.95 & up at thetidycompany.com

—Melissa Heckscher

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A 2016 study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly 95 percent of new parents misuse car safety seats. You might think you’re the exception—but when it comes to your kid’s safety, it’s better to play it safe than sorry. Here are some of the most common car seat mistakes parents make—and how to fix them.

Recently, Cars.com released its 2018 Car Seat Check Honor Roll, which revealed the results of 85 vehicle safety tests. The site found that only nine percent of the 2018 and 2019 model-year vehicles tested earned perfect scores. Even though some cars are safer than others, choosing the right seat and using the correct installation method are both major parts in the child-car seat safety equation.

For Child Passenger Safety week, we spoke with Cars.com Editor-in-Chief—and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician—Jenni Newman about some of the more common mistakes parents make when it comes to car seats.

Skipping the Manual

Amazon

Car seats aren't like IKEA furniture, so a lot of parents just toss the manual. Reading both the manuals for your car seat and your car can help you to keep your baby safe.

According to Newman, "Some automakers don't recommend car seat installation in the middle position of the back seat, for instance." Newman also told us, "You want to make sure you comply with both the automaker's and car-seat maker's recommendations."  

Choosing the Wrong Seat for Your Car

You have a car. You have a car seat. And now you have a perfect pair. Right? Not always.

Newman notes, "Not all car seats will work in all cars." The dimensions of your car's seats may rule out the use of some safety seats. So what should you do if your car and your car seat aren't compatible? Obviously, you could get a new car—but we're pretty sure getting a new car seat is the easier and less expensive option.

Not Asking for Help

Amazon

Car seats can be confusing—especially for first-time parents. If you think you probably-sort-of-maybe installed your child's safety seat correctly, it's best to get help from a pro.

Luckily, Sep. 29 is National Seat Check Saturday. The Safe Kids Worldwide website can connect you with a car seat check event in your area. If you can't make it to one of these events, check with your your child's pediatrician or your local police or fire department; they may be able to connect you with a certified passenger safety technician.

Using the Wrong Type of Seat

There are three main types of car seats: rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats. Each type of seat has a sub-type, such as convertible, all-in-one, rear-facing only or combination. Always follow the guidelines set by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSTA).

If you're in doubt, ask an expert. A certified child passenger safety technician can make sure that you've chosen the right seat, too.

Switching Positions Too Soon

Switching your child from a rear-facing to front-facing position is a long-awaited rite of passage. What parent doesn't want to see their baby's smiling face in the rear-view mirror. But changing positions too soon can have serious consequences.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated its car seat safety guidelines to recommend that parents keep children rear-facing until the reach the height and weight maximum limits set by their specific car seat manufacturer. For some kids, that could mean they stay rear-facing until up to age 3. 

—Erica Loop

All photos: Courtesy of Amazon

 

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Whether you’re headed on a road trip or planning a jet-set getaway, you’ll want an umbrella stroller for your little one. Many destinations offer strollers for rent, but bringing your own offers the convenience of getting through airports and train stations with ease (and knowing your kids have a clean, safe ride).

But with so many choices, it’s hard to know which stroller will meet your travel needs. And what’s the difference between a lightweight stroller and an umbrella stroller? Read on for all the answers, and some great stroller options for all your adventures.

photo: TanteLoe via Pixabay

Lightweight vs. Umbrella Stroller
Many big-box stores use the term “lightweight” and “umbrella” interchangeably for compact, light and convenient strollers. But there are actually subtle differences between the two. With hook-like handles and, typically, a vertical fold (which means they can stand upright), umbrella strollers bear the name of rain gear with similar features. Umbrella strollers may not have all the premium features of a traditional stroller, such as tilting seats and five-point harnesses, but many options offer nearly fully loaded rides that skimp only on weight. In contrast, the lightweight category offers standard features, like reclining seats, on most models. And they fold horizontally.

 

Travel Need: Awesome for Airline Travel 
You can use any stroller in an airport and check it when you arrive at the gate, but that could mean a wait when you arrive at your destination. If you want to be able to pick up and go when you land, you’ll want a stroller that fits in the overhead compartment.

We like the BabyZen Yoyo because of the airline-approved stamp it has received from nearly every carrier (but contact your airline to confirm it will fit for your flight). Weighing under 13 pounds, this ultracompact, luxury travel stroller can be folded and unfolded with one hand so you can hold your baby while you get ready to roll. The Yoyo accommodates children between 16 and 40 pounds. It is also compatible with some car seats to create a travel system.

Available at amazon.com, $499.

 

 

Travel Need: City Strolling
Urban areas demand a stroller that is narrow, light and easy to maneuver around crowds. Even the most aerodynamic of strollers can feel like a monster truck on city streets. Enter the Zoe XL1 v2, which offers a unique add-on accessory: a travel backpack that custom-fits the stroller (you can also purchase straps to wear the stroller on your back with no additional cover).

The Zoe weighs a mere 11 pounds and is compact enough to fit in most airlines’ overhead bins. The sunshade features a magnetic peekaboo window (handy, since Velcro closures can wake a sleeping baby), and it can recline to 165 degrees. Best of all, the Zoe has a tall handle that makes it easier to maneuver than the lower handles you’ll find on many other umbrella strollers. The stroller is ideal for children from 3 months and has a weight limit of 55 pounds.

Available at zoestrollers.com, $299.99.

 

Travel Need: Everyday Errands and Outings
If your travels or your daily routine have you constantly on the go, check out the Britax B-Free. It combines the premium features typically found in a traditional stroller in a more compact, one-hand-fold, all-terrain model.

While the company labels this a lightweight model, at 22 pounds it is a bit heavy for the category, but still much lighter than a traditional stroller. In many ways, it combines the best features of all the stroller types: It’s loaded like a traditional stroller, weighs in like an umbrella stroller and — with only three wheels — maneuvers like a jogging stroller. It can also be converted into a travel system.

Available at britax.com, $359.

 

Travel Need: Park Hopping and Zoo Stomping
If you’re checking out a bunch of cultural perks and putting your stroller through some wear and tear, you’ll want one that can handle the demands of a day-long excursion at a bargain price. Many tourist destinations require that you leave your buggy unattended in front of attractions, and sometimes strollers go missing.

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus, which retails for $59.99, has an ample, three-tier sunshade to protect your little one from the outdoor elements. The generous basket is sized for all-day excursions; it’s even large enough to hold a diaper bag or a cooler. The Cloud Plus has a five-point harness and an adjustable seat (perfect for napping). Like a true umbrella stroller, the Cloud Plus folds to an upright position, making it easy to carry on trams and monorails.

Available at kolcraft.com, $59.99.

Travel Need: Traveling Light With Newborns
Generally speaking, umbrella strollers are not safe or suitable for children under the age of 6 months. You should not put a newborn in any system that does not support the head and neck. Many lightweight strollers offer infant inserts, “boots,” or bassinet-like cocoons to accommodate smaller children; these accessories are often sold separately. Strollers that offer a travel system option (a fancy way of saying they are car-seat compatible) can also accommodate newborns.

The Nano by Mountain Buggy can be used with most car seats and is compatible with a cocoon ($69.99) that allows a newborn to lie completely flat. This stroller weighs less than 13 pounds and can accommodate children up to 44 pounds (or 4 years old). It’s ideal for air travel, as it easily fits on most airlines. If you have an older child who needs to hitch a ride from time to time, a scooter called the Freerider ($99.99) can be attachedand detached for solo scooting.

Available at mountainbuggy.com, $274.99.

Travel Need: A Seat With a View
The easiest way to travel is with a happy baby, and a baby who can see their surroundings is usually a content camper. The Cybex Eezy S Twist swivels a full 360 degrees, giving your little one a chance to ride facing forward, facing you or facing sideways (this is a game changer for zoo trips, aquarium visits and more!).

It has a narrow frame (it measures just 18 inches wide) and weighs 13 pounds, so you can maneuver it through tight spaces. It’s recommended for children over 6 months (and can fit kids up to 55 pounds). When it’s naptime, it reclines to a near-flat position. The partial canopy has UPF 50+ protection. And, possibly our favorite feature, the stroller parts are machine-washable.

Available at cybex-online.com, $299.

Travel Need: Traveling with Two or More
If you have twins or two young kids, you’ll want to look for a buggy that can accommodate the individual needs of each child. Think independently reclining seats and sunshades. The Joovy TwinGroove Ultralight Stroller offers all this in a system that can be used from birth up to 50 pounds.

While the stroller can handle 100 pounds total (50 for each kid), it weighs only 26 pounds. Each seat reclines to a near-flat position, making it great for long, nap-filled trips. The only downside: The stroller is spot-clean only. Pro tip: You can usually find this stroller for under $200 at a big-box store.

Available at joovy.com, $299.

Where do you plan to use your umbrella stroller? Let us know below!

— Meghan Meyers

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https://tinybeans.com/bump-baby/travel-baby-friendly-destinations/

 

A car seat: You won’t be able to leave the hospital without it. In fact, it’s one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your little one in his first year of life. We spoke with Emily Levine, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, a group with a mission to empower parents to keep their children as safe as possible while traveling by car, to get some important information to ensure you’re using the right seat, the right way, for your baby or toddler. Read on for nine do’s and don’ts of car seat safety.

Car seat - rear facing

Photo: 4moms

DO tighten the straps.

A big issue, Levine says, is keeping straps snug. Most kids are riding around with straps that are too loose. Not sure how tight to make the straps? Levine provides this as a rule of thumb: the straps should be tight enough so that only one finger can fit between the straps and the child’s body at the collarbone, and that you can’t pinch the strap over itself at the collarbone, Levine says. This short video provides a how-to on ensuring properly tightened straps. 

“Tight straps won’t hurt a child, but loose straps in a crash can have terrible consequence,” she adds.

DON’T skip the seat because of inconvenience.

Levine says one of the most troubling mistakes happens when parents decide to skip the car seat altogether.

“We see this all the time in taxis around the city or in friends’ cars to and from playdates,” she says. “This is an especially big problem in cities where families rely on taxis to get around.”

The risk of injury is significant for a child who is unrestrained in the event of a crash. The laws of physics don’t change just because you are in a taxi, on vacation or only going a few blocks.

“Is it really worth risking your child’s life to get to music class on time?” Levine asks, offering more advice. “The very best recommendation I can give is to use an appropriate car seat every time you are in a car, regardless of who is driving, whose car it is or where you are.”

Rear-facing car seat

Photo: 4moms

DO keep your toddler rear-facing until at least age 2.

Previously, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advised being one-year-old and a minimum of 20 pounds as the minimum for turning your little one forward-facing. However, since 2011, that has changed, with the minimum being 24 months old — but preferably longer. In California, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and New Jersey, new laws require that toddlers stay in rear facing car seats until their second birthdays.

“All kids should remain rear-facing until they are at least 24 months old, but preferably longer, until they have outgrown their convertible car seat’s rear-facing height or weight limits,” she advises. “Kids are much more flexible than adults and are comfortable sitting rear-facing despite what it may look like to us grown-ups. A child who is turned around too early is at risk for head, spine and neck injuries.”

DON’T use the infant car seat as a seat for the baby when you’re at home.

Simply put, the car seat is for the car; it’s not a bouncy seat or a crib or a bassinet. It’s a car seat for use in the car, Levine says.

She also offers this tip for urban parents who rely on taxis or ride-sharing transportation, like Uber, “If you have a stroller with a bassinet, use the bassinet for walks unless you are planning to take a taxi during that same trip.”

britax-car-seat-image

Photo: Britax

DO consider how often you’ll be installing the car seat and where in the vehicle you’ll need to place it.

This is especially helpful when you’re purchasing a car seat or adding one to your registry.

If you prefer to install the car seat in the center position (the safest place in the car), make sure it will install easily with the seat belt, since most vehicles do not permit installation with lower anchors in the center position,” Levine advises.

She continues, saying, “In this case, you’ll want to consider a car seat with built-in locking devices, which greatly ease a seat belt installation. If you’ll be using lower anchors to install the car seat, look for push on connectors instead of the hook style, since the push-on connectors are much easier to use. Extra safety features like anti-rebound bars and rigid latch are worth considering as well.”

DON’T put the car seat on top of the shopping cart.

Just because it looks like it can fit and you’ve likely seen dozens of other parents doing it at Target or the grocery store, DON’T. The shopping cart does not securely hold the car seat in the top basket and puts baby at risk for injury.

Along the same lines, a car seat should never be placed on the counter or table, the bed or any other surface where a fall could cause injury. 

Remember, when your baby is in his or her car seat outside of the car (like when you’re carrying the infant seat in the house, with the baby inside), the straps should be tightly secured. This is a huge problem that parents are mostly unaware of, Levine says.

Photo: Jim Champion on Flickr

DO seek help to make sure you’re using the car seat properly.

A car seat can save your child’s life — but only if it’s used properly. Make sure you are using yours the right way by having the installation inspected by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) or instructor, Levine says. Inspection stations in your town can be found on SeatCheck.org. Inspection spots are located all over the country, including at many hospitals and fire stations.

DON’T automatically take a hand-me-down car seat.

Always be wary of hand-me-down car seats, Levine warns.

“They might look like they’re in good shape, but they may be missing parts that you don’t know about, or may be expired, broken or recalled,” she says.

Even if you’re using a car seat for a sibling, you should double check recall lists and find the expiration date before you start using it for a new baby.

Photo: Quinn Dombroski on Flickr

DO read the instruction manual.

Read the instruction manual that comes with your car seat.

“Many types of misuse can be corrected by a quick (but careful) look at the instruction manual,” Levine explains. “If you have questions or are confused, call the car seat manufacturer for clarification instead of guessing.”

For more information on car seat safety, visit TheCarSeatLady.com or take advantage of other resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration here.

What is your biggest car seat pet peeve? Share it below.

—Jane Putnam

The company Combi is recalling 39,000 car seats due to findings that they may exert too much force on a child in the forward-facing position in the event of a crash.

In a statement, certain Coccoro Child Restraints, model number 8220, manufactured between January 2009 and June 2016. These seats fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, “Child Restraint Systems.”

Owners of affected car seats can obtain a free cover to add to the bottom of their car seats, which will remedy the issue. They may order this remedy kit on the Combi website or by calling 1-888-232-3294.

If it’s new and amazing and popped up in the last year, we knew about it — and told you! Let’s take a look back at Red Tricycle’s best finds of 2014, from crazy-cool hacks to must-stop travel spots to the most awesome in innovations in toys and gear.

Coolest New Toys
New toys pop up daily and we gave you the scoop on the best. Everybody loves the handy-dandy craft delivery service from Kiwi Crate, and in 2014 the exclusive Kiwi Crate for Target was launched. Also, the Roominate modern dollhouse gave STEM-toy loving kiddos a chance to wire their own dollhouse; and the ultimate in building toys met the digital era when LEGOs went 3D and online with Google Chrome. And don’t forget that PlayTape introduced a way to make designing a city for all those trucks and trains just a little easier.

Photo: Roominate

Best Parenting Hacks
Parenting: Sometimes it’s all about survival. That’s why hacks like frozen pacifier pops for new parents, the why-didn’t-I-think-of-that  foam flooring for camping with kids. and the best way to use up those old stockings during the family photo shoot were not only hilarious but indispensable too.

Photo: A Little Campy

Best Reasons to Upcycle
We all know the value of a cardboard box. From amazing DIY creations like a grocery store stand, to the ultimate baby entertainment (at least for 15 minutes!) by way of a cardboard maze, this year was all about upcycling the most basic of building materials into just about anything.

Photo: ikatbag

Best Reasons to Travel with Kids
Making a family bucket list in 2014 was easy, especially after we scoured the globe to share the most awesome in family travels. A favorite in coolest hotel rooms for kids was the Pirate Room at LEGOland. And while searching for those kid-friendly spots we found gems like Hawk’s Cay, Florida Keys, where swimming with dolphins is an everyday thing. We also revealed the spectacular play space, Peekadoodle in San Francisco.

Photo: Ching-Yun L. via yelp

Best Reasons to Get Tech Happy
From hearing the amazing sound of your baby’s heartbeat to a family-friendly new battery bank to awesome tablets for your littles — like the Kindle Fire HD — we shared some of the coolest reasons to get tech happy in 2014.

Photo: amazon.com

Best Ways to Keep Baby Busy
After a year scouring the best blogs on creative entertainment for busy fingers, we provided you with long lists in hopes of giving you and the little explorer hours of fun. From sensory bags to homemade blackberry playdoh and even a Baby Lite Brite, we were wowed by all the innovative ideas we found.

Photo: Jen Haas

Best DIY Crafts
Whether it was working with Mother Nature’s materials to make awesome crafts like decorative doodles, attempting some apple bowling art or even making a baby footprint masterpiece when you couldn’t get out of the house for craft time, we showed you how to set up right at home. We even shared the latest in craft kit subscriptions, like the one from Artsy Fartsy, filled with everything you need for a master project.

Photo: The Artful Parent 

Coolest New Gear 
It rocks to be a kid these days, and after checking out some new gear we’re almost convinced it makes being a parent easier too (we did say “almost,” right?) The new Ergo 360 offered the forward-facing position baby adores combined with the Ergo comfort fit parents love, while the Dozer Rocker presented a new take on naps in car seats and the Weehoo Trailer, with it’s fit-one-fit-all system gave parents a great new reason to hit the road. One splurge-worthy product, the Baby Brezza — baby’s first latte-making machine — really gave our readers a buzz.

Photo: Baby Brezza

Best “Frozen” Party
How many “Frozen” parties was your kid invited to in 2014? We’re willing to bet it was more than one. We were blown away by some amazing party plays on the smash hit Disney film, like this one thrown by a Marin Family.

Photo: Tony Mextaxas

Best Reasons to Play With Food
No doubt about it: Food is more fun when your kids actually eat it. We gave you ideas and seriously tasty recipes so you can get those dinner plates (or any plates, really) cleared. Red Tricycle writer Selena Kohng blew our minds with her incredible food art for kiddos … check out her crafty fox bagel! There were several are-you-kidding-me recipes we shared, especially treats like Cookies N’ Cream popcorn. And the sky was the limit when it comes to incredible edibles, especially Disney-themed cakes like Rapunzel’s Tower

 Photo: OC’s Kitchen

One More Reason to Love Jason Segel
Even if you didn’t need another reason to be a huge fan of celeb Jason Segel, we gave you yet one more. When he chatted up Red Tricycle about his new book trilogy, Nightmares!, we learned cool facts about what makes this modern Muppet master tick.

Photo: Random House Children’s Books

Best Perks of Being Preggo
Nevermind the little person kicking around inside your belly. We had the skinny on some of 2014’s best perks of being preggo. You won’t even miss wine (that much!) when sipping 9 Months Sparkling Beverage. And having a Build-Your-Own-Sprinkle Cupcake Party was one of the coolest party themes we wanted to re-create. As far as new gear went, making your designer bag your go-to diaper bag was one of the most unique things we saw year.

 Photo: Life in Play

Coolest New Openings
There are always new and cool kiddie-themed spots opening up, and our resolution in 2014 was to share the very best with you. Whether you drove right over to Diggerland USA in New Jersey for some excavating, got to check out the Discovery Cube in LA for science fun, or checked out the brand-new Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, we gave your our insider tips to making the mostest of your outing.

Photo: Jeff Bogle

What new and cool things did you love in 2014? Share with us in the comments! 

— Gabby Cullen

Strollers are the holy grails of baby gear — after a long, hard search for the one of your dreams, you don’t want to let it out of your hands. Stake your claim to one of the newest and greatest strollers to hit the market. These three hot commodities have a few things in common: They’re sleek, modern, and navigate the city streets like nobody’s business. Here’s what you need to know.

Bumbleride Indie 4

The cool factor: Bumbleride was founded by two active parents, who also happen to have great design taste. It’s easy to move across any terrain with Indie 4’s effortless push performance made possible by its four, off-road-ready wheels and sturdy, aircraft-grade aluminum frame. This stroller also has an adjustable handlebar for parents of all heights.

Special features: The infant-to-toddler adaptability means there is a fully reclining seat and raising footrest; an included infant car seat adapter; and a new parent-facing bassinet accessory with side straps for convenient carrying. Older tots will appreciate the roomy, forward-facing seat and Bumper Bar (included) for stability and room to grow. Also new to the Indie 4: an interchangeable SPF 45 canopy that can be easily attached to either the stroller or the bassinet.

Great to use when: You are pushing your bambino down the street to music class and decide to swing by a local park along the way. It handles nature trails and sidewalks with equal ease.

Available online at diapers.com; $599, bassinet included.

Nuna IVVI

The cool factor: This ride can take the heat, cold, rain or shine. It has an integrated all-weather seat that you can switch with just a zip. Rely on the breathable mesh on summer days and comfy soft fabric for brisk winter walks.

Special features: Like Houdini, it does a lot of tricks. Choose from four modes: carry cot, travel system, rearward and forward-facing seat. A few of its features are great for young ones that nap while being strolled. For example, it has an oversized, extendable canopy with a flip-out eyeshade for maximum shade, plus adjustable calf support and a three-position recline to keeps little riders relaxed when sleeping and upright when exploring. Also, a top-notch suspension system promises a smooth ride.

Great to use when: You are a new parent and have to get out of the house. This stroller is built for long walks, no matter the weather.

Available online at shopnuna.com; $800. 

Bugaboo Bee 3

The cool factor: Well, for starters, it’s a Bugaboo. If you need more convincing, know that this stroller — which becomes available on September 1, 2014 — is the third stellar incarnation of the popular Bee. Expect new fabrics and colors, an easy-to-carry bassinet, and an extendable sun canopy, offering your tyke even more comfort. Plus, the larger under-seat basket fits even more essentials.

Special features: The lightweight and easy-to-use bassinet lifts off the stroller in just two clicks and can independently be used as a self-standing bassinet so you can keep your newborn within easy reach. It comes in a variety of colors and is also available for current Bee owners as it can be purchased as a separate accessory. And about those new fabrics: They’re even softer and more breathable. There are 64 different color combination options, so you can customize your ride.

Great to use when: You want a quick trip to the neighborhood coffeeshop. This baby turns corners like there’s no tomorrow.

Available starting September 1 online at bugaboo.com; $949 – $999 (with bassinet) and $719-$769 (without bassinet).

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What stroller do you love? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

The holidays are here, and we all have places to go and people to see (Grandma, for starters!). If you plan to fly, you know that getting to the airport with kids is half the journey. Instead of trying your luck with a cab, book a car service that caters to families. We did the legwork for you and found those that go out of their way to accommodate little travelers.

Going Green Limousine
When a limo rolls up to your house, your kid’s eyes will light up. And yours will too once you see how family friendly Going Green Limousine is. Drivers do pickups and drop-offs in Chicago and the ‘burbs, as well as Northwest Indiana and the Milwaukee area. The fleet is mainly hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles because this company strives to reduce its carbon footprint. Another big plus? No charge for additional passengers, late-night or early-morning runs.  The company offers several types of seats for kiddos: backless boosters ($5), high back boosters ($7) and five-point-harness car seats (rear facing, convertible and forward facing for $10) — all pre-installed before you get picked up. You can get a vehicle with a DVD player by request. Newspapers are also available upon request and are complimentary. Rates start at $55 for sedan service; be prepared to factor in a required 20% gratuity.
773-295-5959 or goinggreenlimousine.com

Chicago Sedan & MiniBus Service
Choose your mode of transport: This service offers sedans, limos, vans and buses. No strangers at making airport runs, they do it at a flat rate or as an hourly charter service. Most larger vehicles have DVD players and can be requested at the time your reservation is made. They offer car seats free of charge, but only carry forward-facing ones. Rates start at $52 for sedan service and a 15% gratuity is added, along with a $6 gas surcharge.
866-967-5612 or chicago-sedan-service-a1.com

Uncrabby Cabby
No need to put on your grumpy pants before riding with these guys. The family-friendly small business is known for friendliness and efficiency. It serves Chicago and several surrounding suburbs (check the website for the full list). One thing families appreciate is that last-minute transportation requests can often be accommodated. Uncrabby Cabby offers a flat rate for each service, starting at $75, not including driver gratuity. They have infant seats, forward-facing toddler seats and boosters, and charge an additional $10 for the use of them.
877-202-8294 or uncrabbycabby.com

Chicago’s Finest Limo
This sleek fleet is a bit pricey when compared to the other options, but they offer something special: They’ll monitor your flight status and will change your pick-up/drop-off accordingly. Look to them for sedans, limos, SUV and shuttles. Vehicles with DVD players are available upon request. Car seats — infant, toddler, rear and forward-facing — cost $25 extra. Rates start at $68 for airport service in a sedan; service to the ‘burbs has a slightly higher rate (check website for details). Gratuity is not included.
866-696-0222 or chicagosfinestlimo.com

Ride In Bliss
Minivans are a big part of what makes this company go. Additionally, it has limos, sedans and SUVs. Car seats are available for use at no extra charge (there are infant seats, boosters and forward-facing toddler seats). Very reasonable flat rates from airports to all suburbs and the Loop start at $90. All other rates are billed per distance and time (the hourly rate is between $65-$150 depending on the vehicle). DVD players are available upon request. Ride In Bliss has an easy online reservation system and often offers a 10% discount to new customers for registering and paying online.
847-845-1151 or rideinbliss.com

Have you ever used a car service with the family? Tell us about it in the Comments section below.

— Angie Berthelsen

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Photos: Scott Woods-Fehr and Jencu on Flickr Creative Commons, Ride In Bliss