New Car Seat Device Seeks to Improve Infant Safety

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 10, 2020

Leaving your baby in the car might seem unthinkable, but the sad fact is that it happens all too often. A life-saving new device is designed to prevent kids from being left in the car.

The Car Seat CoPilot Automatic Alert System is a seatbelt clip that attaches to a car seat harness and alerts you if you walk away from the car without unclipping it. The clip comes with two key fobs which you can attach to your car keys.

The fob and seatbelt clip communicate via Radio Frequency (RF) to transmit a signal that triggers the alarm sound within the key fob. The alarm is activated whenever the fob and clip are more than 10 feet apart while an infant or toddler is still strapped in.

“Parents will do anything to keep their children safe from harm, but as we’ve seen in the rising number of incidents, there is a real need for change in the way that parents and caregivers go about protecting their child,” said Rick Bond, President and Founder of AHSP. “While it’s not realistic to shelter your children from every harmful event or risk, with the Car Seat CoPilot Automatic Alert System, parents can now take precautionary measures without compromising time or money finding a suitable solution for their families on the go.”

The CoPilot is available for purchase online at copilotalert.com for $49.95.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of American Home Safety Products

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8 Surprising Benefits of Music

By Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 3, 2020

Music is everywhere! It affects all of us, of all ages, in so many different ways. We all experience music every day in our lives. From the music on the television in cartoons, commercials, series to movies, and much more, we all hear music countless times daily, including the car, our computers, on our phones, in stores, malls, restaurants, etc. We all engage in music in different ways.

The association with music is never-ending, ageless and timeless. There are endless music styles and songs for different countries, races, cultures, holidays, ages, organizations, sports, companies, religions, etc. Simply stated, people cannot get enough music that creates and expresses a myriad of emotions.

Harnessing the Power of Music

The benefits of music are astounding and far-reaching. Music can also help build and sustain an important relationship between parents and children. It has been proven to offer therapeutic benefits and even aid in brain function and language development as well. It is a big part of human emotional expression and is beneficial throughout our entire lives!

While listening to music offers countless benefits, singing is perhaps even more powerful. Countless online surveys show the following

Singing strengthens the immune system.
Singing is a workout.
Singing improves your posture.
Singing helps with sleep.
Singing is a natural anti-depressant.
Singing lowers stress levels.
Singing improves mental alertness.
Singing can widen your circle of friends.

Music makes everything more fun no matter what your age is. It lightens the heart. It creates a sense of togetherness. It doesn’t matter how you engage with music. It’s a part of who we all are.

Back to Basics

I have loved music my entire life. I can remember singing harmony with my teacher in third grade. I played piano and guitar in church throughout grade school. I have been lucky enough to have traveled the world because of music and have been fine-tuning my writing skills and am proud to say I have finished my album (April & the Velvet Room—I am) with some of the best musicians in the business. I also just recorded my first Christmas song that has been an interesting journey with music—and because I love it I keep I will eternally be working on my singing skills, writing skills. I even have a beautiful cello that I hope to play well someday!

How do YOU harness your POWER through music?

—Written by Actress, Model, Singer, Songwriter & Performer April Doyle and The Velvet Room

Photo: Felix Koutchinski on Unsplash

Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

Britax Just Introduced Its First All-In-One Car Seat

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 25, 2019

When it comes to car seats, you always want what is safest and most comfortable for your little ones. Britax has long been a trusted brand for parents and now investing in a seat will get you more bang for your buck thanks to the first ever Britax all-in-one car seat.

The new Britax One4Life is the first all-in-one car seat with the ClickTight Installation designed to be used for 10 years. Yes, really! Imagine never needing more than one car seat from the time your babies are born up to 120 pounds. That’s exactly the kind of money-saving awesomeness this new car seat provides.

“After years of research, development and testing, we’re excited to bring the Britax-exclusive safety features like ClickTight and SafeCell to the all-in-one car seat category,” said Kinsey Johnson, Britax Product Manager. “The new One4Life provides a truly customizable seat, based on the needs of each family, offering great value and peace of mind for parents of growing children.”

Designed to keep young riders safe at all ages, the Britax One4Life transitions easily between several modes, from a rear-facing seat for infants and extended rear-facing toddlers (for children weighing 5-50 lbs.), to a forward-facing 5-point harness seat (22-65 lbs.) and finally to to a high-back belt-positioning booster seat (40-120lbs.).

The seat will be available in stores this fall and will feature five fabric selections, including naturally flame-retardant SafeWash. In early 2020 it will also be available in three additional performance fabrics (Cool Flow Teal, Cool N Dry, Spark). The Britax One4Life will be priced starting at $364.99.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Britax

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This Co-Housing Development Wants to Help You Build Your Village

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 26, 2019

They say it takes a village to raise child—and one residential company wants to help you build that village and provide affordable housing for families at the same time.

According to Forbes, Kin, a residential brand which is a partnership between real estate developer Tishman Speyer and the co-living company Common, plans to build complexes designed to meet the needs of families with kids. These housing complexes will be equipped with amenities specific to parents, like stroller parking areas and community spaces made for kids.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvSUt8nnjWU/

The actual housing units will also be built with families in mind. Baby-proofing, for example, will already be completed on move-in ready spaces. Other amenities will include family-friendly kitchens and regular cleaning services.

The thing that really sets Kin developments apart, however, is the concept of creating community among neighbors. Every resident will have access to an app which will notify them about community events in their buildings, like kids story times or birthday parties. The app will also partner with third party providers to feature childcare services on demand.

“Kin is designed to harness the power of the sharing economy to produce stronger communities, and more cost-effective and convenient childcare options,” explained Rob Speyer, dad and co-founder and CEO at Tishman Speyer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMMnQankk5/

While rent in these units is definitely market rate or higher depending on where you live, the company claims that the savings in childcare that parents will get through co-opted nannies will end up making the cost of living in the developments much less. Announcements on where Kin developments will roll out in cities across the United States is expected later this year. In the meanwhile the app will become available to residents in Tishman Speyer’s new 1,800-unit rental development in Long Island City, Queens, starting in May.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: kinfamilies via Instagram

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Toyota Recalls 2.4 Million Prius Vehicles Due to Stall Risk While Driving

by Erica LoopOctober 5, 2018

For the second time in just over a month, there has been a Toyota Prius recall. This most recent recall involves 807,000 Toyota Prius vehicles from model years 2010 through 2014 and Prius V hybrid vehicles from model years 2012 through 2014. Representatives for Toyota declined Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

The previous recall involved 192,000 model year 2016 through 2018 Toyota Prius cars in the United States. In September, the recall involved an engine wire harness issue. This current issue as of October 2018 involves the failsafe driving mode.

Photo: Courtesy of Toyota

Recall Description: Toyoto Prius Vehicles

The current recall is for model year 2010 through 2014 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles and 2012 through 2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles.

Why the Cars Were Recalled

Toyota equips the Prius vehicles involved with a failsafe mode. The cars are designed to enter this mode in response to some hybrid system faults. According to a Toyota press release, “in rare situations, the vehicle may not enter a failsafe driving mode as intended. If this occurs, the vehicle could lose power and stall.”

Even though Toyota notes that the power steering and braking should remain operational, the stall risk increases the likelihood of a crash when driving at high speeds.

How to Tell If Your Prius Is Part of the Recall

If you have a 2010 to 2014 Toyota Prius or 2012 to 2014 Toyota Prius V hybrid, your car may be part of the recall. Bring your car to a Toyota dealer for verification.

What Parents Can Do

Toyota will have a software update that can remedy the situation. Your Toyota dealer should update your car at no charge.

—Erica Loop

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Elevate the Fun at High Trek Adventures

by Abbey McGeeMarch 22, 2018

Are your little monkeys (literally) climbing the walls? Need to burn off some serious energy? Consider going vertical at High Trek Adventures, an aerial adventure park with an extensive high ropes course and three zip lines. Nestled in the back of Everett’s Paine Field Community Park, this elevated challenge course is open year-round and offers fun and adventure for all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking to try something new, encourage confidence in your child or foster a sense of adventure, this park is for you. Read on!

Playground in the Sky
The massive structure has over 60 aerial elements – color-coded based on difficulty – that you and your crew of monkeys can climb, balance and swing through from heights of 15 to 50 feet. Walk over aerial bridges, traverse giant spider webs or cross tightrope walks as you choose your own adventure.

There are two courses to accommodate different ages and skill levels. The Cadet’s Course spans the entire first level and is full of beginner elements geared towards children ages four and up. It’s also a great option for those who feel nervous climbing at height. The more rigorous Captain’s Course offers beginner, intermediate and advanced elements. The higher you climb, the more challenging the aerial elements become. And at each platform, you can try different elements. The best part? The course design allows climbers to choose a different course every time they visit. Repeat your favorite elements or blaze a new path.

Safety Check
High Trek provides every participant with state-of-the-art safety gear. Every climber will be outfitted with a helmet, a pair of gloves, a full body harness and a set of smart belay personal safety tethers used to keep you connected to the built-in steel cable lifelines on the course at all times. And no experience with this type of gear is necessary since all adventurers attend Ground School, taught by High Trek staff, before taking on the course. This course orientation will teach you everything you need to know, including how to fit your gear, how to use the belay safety tethers and how to use the zip line.

Age and Weight Restrictions
High Trek maintains age and weight restrictions to ensure safety for all participants. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Children under 14 are required to have parent/guardian supervision on the premises during their visit.

Ages 4 and up can explore the Cadet’s Course.

Ages 7 to 10 can explore the Captain’s Course if accompanied by a responsible adult to help with transitions.

Ages 11 and up are encouraged to experience the Captain’s Course on their own. Psst…typically, this age group is able to reach all belay cables on their own.

The maximum weight for all participants on all courses and zip lines is 265 pounds.

Need to Know: The 5 Ws
Waiver: All participants – youth and adults – must have a completed waiver. Save time and complete it online before your arrival or sign one on-site.

Weather: The park is 100 percent outdoors and open year-round, rain or shine. Consider the elements before visiting and pack a raincoat or jacket in case of inclement weather.

What to Wear: Comfortable clothing is a must. Keep in mind that you’ll be wearing a full-body harness. During the warmer months, skip the shorts and wear light-weight pants. If you’re climbing during the colder season, wear warm layers. Closed toes shoes are mandatory on the course. Choose shoes with sturdy soles and traction. Empty pockets are also required. And nothing goes in the air that could potentially fall to the ground. High Trek has secure cubbies to house personal items.

Water: Hydrate! You’re moving around and burning energy, so proper hydration and nutrition is a must. High Trek sells bottled water, soda and other drinks. If you’re hungry, they also offer a selection of energy bars, chips, candy and other snacks to fuel your adventure.

Where to Watch: Spectators can watch aerial adventurers trek through the course by strolling around the grounds. The park is open to the public and free for onlookers. There is also a versatile covered area that provides shade in the summer and shelter during rainy, cool months. Leashed pets are allowed on the grounds.

Reservations and Pricing
Reservations are highly recommended, but not required. Note: there is limited capacity and booking a reservation online will guarantee your access to the course. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled time, so you can check-in and get ready to go.

A Captain’s Course or Cadet’s Course ticket is good for up to two hours of fun in the air. Feel free to take breaks and attack the course again and again. If you need more time on the course, one-hour extensions are available at discounted rates.

High Trek Adventures
11928 Beverly Park Rd., Bldg. C.
Everett, Wa 98204
360-217-4212
Online: hightrekeverett.com

Cost: Ages 4 & up, $18/hour; Ages 7–10, $22/hour, $33/two hours, $60/all day; 11 & up, $35/hour, $45/two hours, $80/all day. Check online for seasonal discounts and group rates.

Hours: Visit High Trek’s online calendar for current hours and events.

Have you visited High Trek Adventures with your kids? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

—Abbey McDermott McGee (all photos courtesy of the writer)

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These 2 New Strollers with Carry Straps Will Change Your Life

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseNovember 17, 2017

Ready, carry, go! These two new strollers will get you out and about without slowing your roll. The Uppababy Minu and Oxo Tot Air are both compact, lightweight strollers big on handy features, including a carrying strap so you can tote them around when not in use. Perfect for buses, trains, airports, stairs and other tricky spots. Read on for all the details about these two awesome rides.

Oxo Tot Air Stroller
Oxo, the company known for its clever and comfort-focused kitchen products, has taken that ingenuity into the baby market. Their latest stroller, Air, launched in October and clocks in at only 11 pounds, a light weight that makes it easy to pick up and go.

The Air folds into a compact package, stands upright locked in place and is a snap to carry with the built-in strap. You’ll also love the 5-point safety harness, large storage basket, UPF 50 canopy with peek-a-boo window, and zippered pocket for your cell phone, keys, wallet, and more.

For babies starting at 6 months. Available in black, orchid purple and jade green, at oxo.com, $179.99.

UPPAbaby Minu
There’s a new entry in UPPAbaby’s collection of stylish and highly functional strollers. The Minu, which launches in spring 2018, is 14.5 pounds and folds into a super tiny package. You’ll be amazed at how easily it folds and unfolds with just one hand so you have the other free for holding baby. Pop the folded stroller into your car trunk, or use the carry strap and sling it over your shoulder.

The seat reclines for napping on the go, there’s a large canopy with peek-a-boo window, and the large basket and parent pocket lets you bring along all your essentials. When folded, it stands upright for easy storage even in small or crowded spaces.

For babies starting at 3 months — or at birth with the company’s From Birth Kit. Available (in spring 2018) in black, charcoal, red and teal, at uppababy.com, $399-$429.

What’s your favorite stroller feature? Let us know below!

— Eva Ingvarson Cerise

Today Is National Ride the Wind Day

by Tinybeans TeamJune 23, 2016

Daily

Today Is National Ride the Wind Day

Breeze the day.

Harness some wind power with these easy, breezy activities.

Chime in on the fun with 10 different wind chime crafts you can make today.

The next time they want to fly a kite, make an entire vacation of it.

Today’s #HorizonChallenge theme: Nature! Take a photo and share your pics with us on social media. Don’t forget to tag #HorizonChallenge.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Kites }

You Know You’re the Parent of a Preschooler When…

by Tinybeans TeamDecember 27, 2015

Parents of preschoolers are a breed unto ourselves. While those with older children can blend into the rest of the world’s adult population with little to set them apart, there’s no such camouflage for those of us toting toddlers (and sippy cups, and snacks, and crayons and 3 different types of derriere lotion). Here’s what gives us away:

Photo: Egan Snow via flickr Creative Commons

1. You find LEGOs, tiny animals and crayons at the bottom of your washing machine.

Photo: Jason Landers via flickr Creative Common

2. You’d Better Watch Out, You’d Better Not Cry is our favorite song to sing. In July.

3. You have to explain why the Tooth Fairy is not scary.

Photo: Sergio Vassio via flickr Creative Commons.

4. You find yourself reminding your husband, “You can’t negotiate with a terrorist.”

5. Batteries are more precious than kryptonite.

Photo: Donnie Ray Jones via flickr Creative Commons.

6. You can tell time by what’s on Disney Jr.

7. You answer the questions “Why do we breathe air? Why is the sky blue? Why is why?” fifty times a day.

Photo: Kyla Duhamel via flickr Creative Commons.

8. You point out airplanes and helicopters to other adults.

9. You carry a portable potty in the back of your car.

10. You haven’t used the bathroom alone in 5 years.

11. You feel bad for Elmo, who was dropped like a bad habit in favor of Peppa Pig.

Photo: Mike Mozart via flickr Creative Commons.

12. You think Sharpies should be outlawed.

13. You have to admit, the word “butt” is pretty funny.

Photo: Jim Larrison via flickr Creative Commons.

14. You find silence both thrilling and terrifying.

15. Skinny dipping makes the MOST sense on a vacation, because bathing suits are just so. much. work.

Photo: James Lee via flickr Creative Commons

16. You’ve said “you can’t have any more French fries until you eat another chicken nugget” before, and meant it.

17. Their “personal style” includes a vast array of patterns and colors, and yours has started to look a lot like theirs.

Photo: Amy Spreitzer Windsor via flickr Creative Commons

18. A crowded bar scene for dinner is a-ok when there’s a pirate statue and a playground.

19. You’re at the mercy of the big-Poo. Anywhere. Anytime.

Photo: David, Bergin, Emmett and Elliott via flickr Creative Commons

20. You have an iPad tucked in your purse at all times, just in case of emergency.

21. You could sleep at a red light.

Photo: Patrick W. via flickr Creative Commons.

22. Your shopvac breaks when you try to vacuum your car out.

23. Happy hour starts at nap time.

Photo: Jill Simonson via flickr Creative Commons

24. You wonder why everything doesn’t come with a 5-point harness sewn in.

25. Daniel the Tiger’s intro song is stuck on repeat in your mind… all… day… long.

26. You have the most fun.

How do you fly your flag as the parent of a preschooler? Share your funny moments with us in a comment below.

— Shelley Massey, Gabby Cullen, Sara Olsher, Mimi O’Connor, Julie Seguss, Kristina Moy, Ayren Jackson-Cannady, and Amber Guetebier

All You Need is Wind: 5 Easy Activities That’ll Blow You Away

by Erin LemJune 4, 2015

Today harness that wind energy to create these easy breezy crafts and activities. Share your creations with us by tagging #redtricycle.

1. Pressed Flower Mobile
Choose bright petals and leaves to create this pressed flower mobile that will shine in the wind. Hop over to Twig and Toadstool for the how-to.

photo: Twig and Toadstool

2. Bubble Mania
Make your own homemade bubbles and watch as they float up into the sky. Click over to Happy Hooligans to copy this fun idea.

photo: Happy Hooligans

3. Wood Spinners
If you love the idea of wind chimes but don’t want the constant sound, make these wood spinners from How We Learn. Click here for the easy directions.

photo: How We Learn

4. Make a Paper Airplane
Show your kids how class notes were delivered back in the day before text messages. If you don’t remember how to create a paper airplane visit Instructables for the 411.

photo: reez via flickr

5. Paper Pinwheel
We bet you already have the supplies needed to make this paper pinwheel. For the scoop on this easy craft click over to Wendys Hat.

photo: Littlelivingstone via flickr

What other crafts or activities use wind? Share your creations with the Red Tricycle community by tagging your photos #redtricycle.

— Erin Lem

ML Interest Tag: harness

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