Alyice Edrich asked:


When I first heard the words, “convertible car seat” I thought, “WOW! They actually make car seats specifically for convertibles? They must have a special structure to protect children’s heads should the convertible roll.” Imagine my surprise when I realized that “convertible” meant the car seats could be used in both rear facing and front facing situations. All I could do was laugh and think, “I know my kids are older now, but do I really live in the dark ages?”

When my children were younger we didn’t have the option of buying one car seat and having it last for years. We had to buy the rear facing infant car seat, then the front facing toddler car seat, and finally, just when we thought we were out of car seats, we had to purchase the dreaded booster seat!

When I was told that my sister-in-law would be arriving by plane with her two boys to spend a month with us, I said to my husband, “I know we can borrow a car seat from our neighbor, but we will need another car seat. After all, we’re not going to be sticking around the house all month.” Little did I know at the time that she’d be dragging two car seats from California to South Dakota.

At any rate, a week after the boys arrived, my brand new Radian 80® convertible car seat arrived and I couldn’t be happier. You see, one of the twins has actually sprouted and his car seat was just too tight and uncomfortable.

So I opened the box and sat dumb-found as I stared at the countless straps, the instruction booklet and the extras. “I’m not mechanically inclined for something like this,” I told my husband.

He looked at me, opened up the instruction booklet and laughed. “Seriously, Alyice. It’s really easy to install and use. But I’m not so sure about carrying this thing on my back. Look there’s no cushion and it’s heavy.” And with that, he had strapped the car seat onto his back, like a backpack, and began walking around the room. “Hey, this isn’t half bad! Nothing is poking me in the back. This could really work when changing flights in an airport.”

“Okay Mr. Smarty Pants, let’s go install this thing in our Uplander,” I laughed.

And with that, we effortlessly installed the car seat and put my now sprouted nephew into the car seat for a test run. Our thoughts were to let the boys take turns using the car seat but once he took that test run there was absolutely no turning back to the old car seat. He was in heaven!

There are many things I like about the Radian 80®--all of which were pleasant surprises.

First, you have four options for carrying the Radian 80®: a small red strap at the base of the seat, a plastic handle on the side of the car seat, the long shoulder strap, and of course the best feature of all, the two shoulder straps work together like a back pack. For many this might seem like the most trivial part of the car seat, but for me it’s an important aspect because trying to get car seat, diaper bag, and child into the car at one time can often be a struggle—especially when you only have one car to work with and two adults who use it or need to alter between two vehicles. Now, all I have to do is put the car seat on my back, place the diaper bag over my shoulder, and grab the kid—no more trying to juggle it all in one trip or making two trips.

Second, there is a detachable base that helps keep the car seat in proper rear facing position, thus securing the infant into place. I like the idea of this feature being detachable because when guests visits, I can easily adjust the car seat to fit the age and weight of each child.

Third, the forward facing latch installation system can be easily adjusted to fit a variety of cars—which is a good thing considering we own three cars and often vary use depending on where we are going or how many people are going with us.

Fourth, the car seat as a feature that helps further secure the seat to the car. It’s called a “Top Tether”. Basically, it means that there is a strap at the top of the car seat that can attach to a specific part of the car and help maintain stability of the car seat.

Sixth, the harness buckle system can be altered according to the height and weight of the child. I really like this feature because it means that the child is properly secured at all times. I hate to put a child into a car seat only to pad it with blankets because the straps are too loose—that’s not safe. And I definitely hate the idea of worrying that I’ll pinch the skin because the straps are too tight.

Seventh, there is a locking clip that helps secure the lap-shoulder seat belt. This is a great feature because it prevents the lap belt from becoming loose over time, thus making sure the car seat is tight and secure at all times.

Eighth, the car seat is so compact and sturdy that it’s been tested and approved to be used on an aircraft which is a good thing since my sister-in-law is considering buying two before she returns home. (See company photo I was able to acquire of the car seat in use on an aircraft!)

And finally, the car seat comes with support cushions to help support infants and toddlers, a plastic harness clip, and two metal restraint buckles. The five point harness system is also important to note because it keeps children snug and prevents them from wiggling out of the car seat while protecting them during impact.

I know I’ve gone on and on with this review, but I really do like the Radian 80®.

To learn more about the Radian 80® visit http://skjp.com



Selena

Alien asked:


Once you have your new baby you're going to need a good baby car seat. It needs to be installed correctly in order to protect your baby in the event of a car accident. Most hospitals won’t discharge a mom and new baby until they see the car seat. Many kinds of infant car seats exist.

The easiest kind to use is the kind that has a base that gets buckled securely into the car, and the seat itself can be lifted off and carried around by the handle. This is very convenient because the baby can be carried to and from the house or wherever one is going while strapped into the seat. These infant seats usually will only be safe for transporting babies facing backward, until the age of one year.

When the baby is 18 pounds, and at least one year old, it is time for a forward-facing baby car seat. Plus, by the time the baby is that old, and weighs 18 pounds, he will be too heavy to lug around that way! You will want to get the baby out of the baby car seat, and carry him, or he may even be walking by then!

The next kind of baby car seat is called a convertible car seat. Many of these baby car seats can be placed in the backward-facing position for when babies grow out of their infant seats, but are not yet old enough, or at a heavy enough weight to sit facing forward. Then, the convertible baby car seat can be turned to face forward, and will seat the baby until the baby is 40 pounds or more. These have a 5-point harness that is buckled at the bottom and the chest.

Once the baby reaches 40 pounds, he will move to a booster seat. This seat is a small base that keeps the child secure, while allowing him to use the regular seat belt. The child can sit in this seat until he weighs 80 pounds! Most states require this and you should check with your individual state requirements.

Regardless of what kind of baby car seat or booster you are using, the place for babies and children under 12 years of age is always in the back seat of the car. The center of the back is the safest place to sit. Airbags in the front can injure a small child, so never seat a child under the age of 12 in the front seat.

By choosing the right baby car seat you can be assured they will remain safe and secure every time they are in your vehicle.



Ruben

Gary E Rosenberg asked:


I see children standing up in cars, looking out the back window or just sitting on laps. Don't parents know that in an accident the body of an unrestrained child becomes a projectile, bouncing around the interior of the car? A child can be thrown from the car or through a window or windshield and fatally injured, and occupants of the vehicle can be hurt by a child impacting their heads or necks. Apparently, some people still have not gotten the message.

Are car seats too expensive? Or are people just plain lazy?

There are different types of car seat, usually varying depending on the size, age or weight of the child. Remember to buy a new car seat - old car seats may not have the latest safety features or may have been compromised in an accident.

Infant car seats - only face the rear; usually used in the back seat; may be used as an infant carrier and may be attachable to a stroller.

Convertible car seats - Used in the rear; when your child gets older may change into a forward-facing car seat or even a booster seat.

Booster seats - the last step before your child can wear a regular seat belt; used with the car's seatbelt.

It is important that you follow the manufacturer's instructions about how to attach the car seat. Also, you always want to send in the car seat's registration form, so you are notified if the manufacturer recalls the seat for any defect. If your child is wearing a heavy coat, make certain that the harness straps are tight. Make sure to tighten the straps when your child wears lesser outerwear (when the weather warms up). Some safety agencies recommend removing your child's outerwear in the car, so that the child can be fastened securely into the car seat.

Do not re-use a car seat after a serious accident - one that causes severe damage to the car. Get a new one.

Common car seat mistakes:

Placing child in wrong size car seat for his weight/size;

Placing a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of the car;

Not making sure the harness is tightened correctly;

Positioning the harness chest clip incorrectly;

Not using the latch correctly.

Not just a safety issue, it's the law. Below I summarize New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 1229-c. For specific questions, consult the statute. No person shall operate a motor vehicle in this state unless:

(1) all back seat passengers under the age of four are restrained in a specially designed seat which is either permanently affixed or is affixed to such vehicle by a safety belt,

(2) all back seat passengers of such vehicle who are age four or older but under age seven are restrained in an appropriate child restraint system (+ combination lap and shoulder harness belts)

(3) all front seat passengers (a) under the age of sixteen are restrained by a safety belt; or (b) if they are under the age of four, by a specially designed seat which is either permanently affixed or affixed to such vehicle by a safety belt, or children who are age four or older but under age seven are restrained in an appropriate child restraint system (+ combination lap and shoulder harness belts)

The rule changes somewhat if: the passenger four or younger weighs more than 40 pounds, or if the car is not equipped with shoulder harness belts, or if all the lap and shoulder belts are already in use by other children in the car

No person shall operate a motor vehicle unless such person is restrained by an approved safety belt. No person sixteen years of age or over shall be a passenger in the front seat of a motor vehicle unless such person is restrained by an approved safety belt.

This section shall not apply to taxis, liveries, and buses other than school buses EXCEPT no person shall operate a school bus unless all passengers under the age of four are restrained in a specially designed detachable or removable seat, or another approved restraining device.



Iliana

Bob Russell asked:


It’s important to choose a car seat designed for your child’s age and weight to give him or her the best chance of escaping injury in a crash. There are three main types of car seats -- infant car seats, infant/toddler convertible car seats, and booster seats. Below are the facts about car seat options and some tips for making educated purchasing decisions for each car-seat type:

If your baby is less than a year old, he or she must ride in a rear-facing car seat.

One choice is to buy a rear-facing infant car seat (suitable for babies up to 20lbs), that will fit your baby snugly during the first few months and often comes with a handle for easy carrying. And, if you’re looking for the utmost in convenience, select a travel system. Infant travel systems include a ready made car seat and stroller combination.

The downside to the infant car seat is that you’ll spend $60 to $150 on the seat and your child will outgrow it in 6 months to a year. You’ll have to upgrade to a convertible car seat once your baby reaches 20 lbs. If this is a concern for you, you can buy a convertible car seat that will face the rear for your newborn and can turn around to face the front for your baby once he or she reaches 20 lbs.

However, some parents feel that their newborn is “swimming” in a convertible car seat and prefer to use an infant car seat until their baby gets big enough to sit in a front-facing car seat.

No matter what you decide to use for your infant, you’ll eventually need a convertible car seat.

Regardless of the choice you make as to whether to use a convertible car seat from day one or use an infant car seat until your baby weighs 20 lbs, you’ll need to buy a convertible car seat at some point. Convertible car seats are larger than infant-only car seats and are designed to grow with your child through the toddler years. Most convertible car seats fit babies up to 40 lbs (usually around age 4) and some convert to a booster car seat and are safe for children up to 80 lbs.

Convertible car seats range in price from $80 to $300.

For toddlers weighing more than 40 lbs and big kids, you’ll need a booster car seat.

Booster car seats are designed for children age 3 or older who weigh at least 40 lbs. They are designed to use your car’s lap and shoulder seat belts. They literally boost your child into a position that makes it safe to use the car’s seat belt system.

Booster car seats are essential to your child’s safety because using your car’s seat belts on a child without a booster seat can actually cause injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children who’ve outgrown their convertible car seats use a booster car seat until they are 8 years old and 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Some booster seats provide back support and you should choose one of these options if your vehicle seat is low or has no head restraint. A backless option is fine for vehicle seats that offer plenty of support behind the head.

Booster car seats range in price from $60 to $200.



Nora

Levi Quinn asked:


Selecting an infant car seat is one of the most important moves a parent can make to protect a little bundle of joy from Day One. Picking out a seat, unfortunately, is not as easy as it sounds. There are some pretty strict rules of the road when it comes to doing so.

Before attempting to purchase a seat for a newborn or toddler, it is imperative to have a few basic facts handy. These things will impact what kind of seat should be purchased:

The child's age - Although state laws vary, there are generally rules on the book that dictate whether a rear- or forward-facing seat is required. Also, the time to move up to a booster seat will also be partially dictated by age in many jurisdictions.

The child's weight - This is a very strong factor in determining the type of car seat that is needed. It is not uncommon for a rear-facing seat to be needed until a child reaches at least 22 pounds.

State laws - Since laws do vary from state to state, it is very wise to brush up on the rules of the road locally before investing in a car seat. This becomes particularly important when making the decision to switch a child out of a regular infant/toddler seat to a booster.

Collecting basic facts is only the first step that goes into selecting a good car seat. The next thing purchasers should do is research different seats based on safety ratings and also recommendations for the make and model of the vehicle the baby will be riding in. Not all car seats are designed to work with every vehicle on the road. If there is any question about what seat would work best in a vehicle, it is not a bad idea to seek out advice from a professional. Many local police and fire departments have certified child passenger safety technicians on staff.

Proper Installation Is Vital

Picking out the right car seat for the child and vehicle in question is not enough to increase the odds of safety. For a car seat to work properly, it must be installed right and used correctly every time. To make sure this is done, be certain to:

Use the instructions - Read manufacturer installation instructions thoroughly before trying to install an infant car seat into any vehicle. If instructions are not clear or there are questions about how a seat fits in a particular vehicle, check with a technician or call the company that manufactured the seat.

Check the fit - A car seat should fit snugly within a vehicle and not tip over. If it does not feel right, it is not.

Make sure the child is properly secured - The belt part of any car seat should fit snugly on the child. The center clip should rest at armpit level.

Selecting and installing a car seat is an important task for any parent. To make sure a child is properly secured, carefully research the purchase and how to tackle installation. If there are any questions or concerns, it is always smart to check with a certified technician. Many communities even play host to installation workshops where technicians will either install a seat for parents or teach them how to do it right.



Alexis

Peter Clark asked:


Do you have a new baby and you're thinking of buying a stroller? A baby stroller is a great idea,and makes taking baby out a breeze.

Modern baby strollers are manufactured with convenience in mind. Especially for parents of multiple babies, convenience is very important. After all you don't want to find that it takes you half an hour to get baby and his or her stroller in the car before you even leave home, then another half hour to get the stroller out of the car and set up, and baby strapped in and ready to go.

What you need is ease of use of a stroller for the parents and comfort for the baby sitting in it. Modern baby strollers provide both.

And you don't want to pay the earth either. If you know where to find them you can buy strollers for extremely competitive prices. I've just been browsing some cheap triple strollers for around $200 brand new. That's a top price for a triple stroller - if you know where to find them.

And modern strollers have some great features. They have larger wheels than in the past, so you can use them on uneven ground, they have comfortable reclining seats so baby can sit up or recline and sleep, foot rests that can be adjusted as baby gets older. And you should get storage baskets for your shopping.

But when you're buying a stroller you need to think of a few things. In the past babies have hurt themselves when in a stroller, particularly when trying to stand up, so you need a stroller that prevents baby from standing up.

There are formal standards for strollers in many countries that they must meet before being sold. Here's a few things you ought to look for in a stroller.

Make sure that the stroller has a good adjustable harness, preferably a 5 point harness. And it needs solid brakes that can hold a fully laden stroller on a real hill. Look for foot operated brakes and brakes where one foot action applies all the brakes.

Front wheels should swivel but be capable of locking if needed.

And NEVER leave a baby on it's own in the stroller unattended, even if strapped in properly. Don't stop the stroller without applying the brake even of flat ground, and if parking on a hill park across the hill rather than down it. Preferably don't park on a hill. And don't attach a dog lead to the stroller as you may look away and find your dog, and stroller, and baby, have taken off.

There's some tips on buying and using a stroller. If you're looking for some hot prices on cheap strollers head over to my website.



Jayson