Safety experts and parents of young children recognise the importance of placing your child in a safety car seat while driving on the roads. Now a new concern has emerged – a cocktail mix of harmful substances that emit from the materials used to construct your child’s seat.

A consumer research group based in Michgan is providing parents with information about these chemicals. The Ecology Center (HealthyStuff.org) carried out tests on more than 150 child car seats to check for:

Bromine, used in brominated flame retardants
Chlorine, found in polyvinyl chloride, (PVC) and plasticizers
Lead, arsenic, mercury, and chromium

These chemicals were chosen to be tested because of their known toxicity and tendency to accumulate in the body as well as in the environment.  Such chemicals could pose serious health risks to babies and children, such as brain damage, learning disabilities, problems with the reproductive system, kidney, thryoid and liver. Our young ones are especially vulnerable because their body systems are still developing.

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The group tested out all sorts of infant, convertible, and booster car seats, and discovered three in five new products currently on sale in Michigan contain at least one of these substances.

The test results do not indicate the amount of the detected chemicals but list some of the best and worst seats higlighted as follows:

 Worst car seats:

Infant Seat: Graco Snugride 35 in Edgemont Red/Black & Graco SnugRide 30 in Asprey
Convertible Seat: Britax Marathon 70 in Jet Set & Britax Marathon in Platinum
Booster Seat: Recaro Pro Booster in Blue Opal & Recaro ProSPORT Toddler in Misty

Best car seats:

Infant Seat: Chicco KeyFit 30 in Limonata, Graco Snugride 35 in Laguna Bay
Convertible Carseat: Graco Comfort Sport in Caleo, Graco MyRide 65 in Chandler and Streamer
Booster Seat: Graco Turbo Booster in Anders

If your little one spends many hours in their car seats on a regular basis, ensuring that the seat is made up of safe materials could help your child avoid the exposure.

Heat and UV-ray exposure is known to accelerate the breakdown of these chemicals and potentially increase their toxicity.

To find out which are the other best car seat models, check this list out.

Tips Of All Sorts is a health reporter’s journal with notes on modern day issues that matter to everyday living.
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Now I wish I had done more research into this when I was expecting… Instead I brought a Britax infant carrier and two different strollers… This is OK, don’t get me wrong but a Travel system would have made life that bit easier when my son was a new born.
We had to either carry him in his infant carrier when we were out and about or had to wake him to put him into his stroller.
A Travel system could change this for you and anything that helps when you have a newborn is got to be a good thing.

So what are travel systems you may ask?

Travel Systems are designed for you to be able to take your car seat out of the car and click into a stroller no hassle no fuss.
There are also 3 in 1 travel systems that allow a bassinet to go into the stroller as well as a car seat.

If you decide to go down this route there are some key things you need to figure out first because like everything in baby land there is so much to choose from.

1. Make sure the car seat has a 5-point harness – this is a must as it is the safest harness on the market, recommended by experts… If fighter pilots and race car drivers wear them then that’s saying something.

2. Check the weight limits for the car seat and stroller. Most infant car seats go to 22 pounds but there are some on the market that go to 30 pounds this is important as you want to get the best value for money.
As for the stroller double check the weight limits probably more for the max weight limit as you want to get as much use from it as possible.

3. Look at your lifestyle and how you actually want to use the stroller… for example will you be mainly using at shops, at the park, jogging, off-road, how big is your car or storage space etc.
Each stroller on the market caters for different purposes so make sure the travel system you buy is going to fit your lifestyle.

4. Look for a system that can be used once your baby has outgrown the infant seat. That way you may still be able to use the stroller and the next size up car seat.

Travel systems may seem expensive but add it up if you were to purchase an infant seat separately then a stroller how much are you really saving?

Two of my personal favorite travel systems are the Chicco Cortina Keyfit 30 Travel System due to the fact that the car seat is voted 1 number seat in America, the infant carrier goes up to 30 pounds and it is very reasonably priced.

Second favorite is quite pricey but has so many features and it’s a system that you can continue to use as your baby grows into a toddler. It’s the Orbit G2 Travel System.
All of Orbit’s products are designed to be Eco-Friendly, certified fabrics and the car seat is the worlds first to be classed as healthy and clean by Oeko-Tex.
This also seems to be the system that the stars are using.

And these are just two of the many that are on the market. Good luck with your research and happy shopping!

I’ve had my first child this year and it all seems so daunting but here’s what I have found out so far… Your Children’s Gear Reviewed
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Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Product Details

No Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ‘Play SleeperSoothe, sleep or play at night or day! n The Rock of newborn ‘Sleeper Play is a bed for the night and the seat of playing time, all in one! And it is the only infant seat that meets industry standards for cribs safety. So besides using it as a perfect place for baby to rock (with a gentle push from you!) And play during the day can also be used as a place for baby to sleep at night.

Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #154 in Baby Product
Color: Yellow
Brand: Fisher-Price
Model: R6070
Released on: 2009-11-27
Dimensions: 21.00″ h x 24.50″ w x 32.00″ l, 8.50 pounds
Features
A wonderful sleep spot for newborns with a gentle rocking action
Features an inclined position for babies with reflux
A simple push from mom rocks the hammock gently
Includes a soft bunny and a blanket
To see more, clcik the “Watch it in Action” link located under the images

My Personal Review OnFisher-Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper

Great at first, but be careful I am a mom for the second time and just bought this for my newborn son. I fell in love instantly. It is lightweight, portable baby to sleep as soon as I put in it. My baby naps and slept at night in this bed. It worked like a dream, like all other reviewers say. We have used this product exclusively for sleeping, and says right on the table – “approved for sleep.”

Everything was fine until my son was 2 months old. I noticed that the head tended to fall to one side in particular and neck strength was not progressing as well as it should. He was also beginning to develop a flat spot on the right side of his head, where the angles in bed. Can not tell from the picture, but this bed has a hard flat support under the padding. This angle drive support inward all the way up both sides of the bed. Because the bed is tilted, these angle brackets difficult to provide a place for a newborn to rest the head or to the right or left. This drive is compatible also cause an infant to fall back towards the inside – not great for the baby to rapidly develop the muscles of the neck and shoulder.

My son is 2 months checkup, was diagnosed with a mild torticollis on the right side (short / tight neck muscles) and the beginnings of plagiocephaly (flat head). He is now 3 months old and in physical therapy weekly. We hope you will not have to get a helmet. I only used this product for sleep, but for a newborn, a 14 to 18 hours per day.

If you receive this product, I pay special attention to your baby’s shoulders, neck and head placement. Run your fingers along the back of the fill and feel, where it is difficult and angles inward on both sides. Is it pushing on the shoulders of his son? Does your child’s head lean over to one side? Use your best judgment. Perhaps the occasional use as a seat would be nice, but no child should spend all their hours of sleep in this widget. I just bothers me that it took two months to figure that out.

Most stars 5 reviews were written in the first days or weeks to have the product. It would be interesting to see how many of those same children are having problems with neck and head …

This is a relatively new product. I truly believe that end reclassified as an infant seat in place of a bed. Please be careful, do not make the same mistake we did.

** Please see additional comments (by A. Oakley) below **

For more information on Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Review, please visit http://babybouncerreview.blogspot.com/2011/03/fisher-price-newborn-rock-n-play.html which provide with Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper’s personal review,product details and other Baby Bouncer Reviews

Baby Bouncer is the best place to compare Baby Bouncer – sales & deals , compare prices, read reviews and merchant ratings. Find a great selection of Baby Bouncer at http://babybouncerreview.blogspot.com/
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Mamaroo is the only infant seat of its kind. It is not just an infant seat or a bouncer or a swing, but it is all of those things combined in one amazing product that your baby will absolutely love.

Mamaroo is the only device that actually mimics the motions of a loving parent. Parents do not bounce like a bouncy seat, and parents do not swing like a swing set. Parents have a natural bounce and sway when they are holding their infants in their hands, something that the Mamaroo duplicates in it’s motions.

A better and much more soothing option for your baby. Not that bouncy seats or swing things are bad for your babys. For many moms and dads they are just fine. But if you want to go one step further and have the best for your child, then the Mamaroo is the way to go.

>>Order One Here From Amazon At A Discount<<

Cost wise, these are really pretty inexpensive considering it’s capability and what it can do. Not just what it can do in terms of the electro-mechanical movements, but what it can do for soothing and comforting your baby at precisely the time when they need it.

You need to buy one of these if If you want your baby to be coddled, soothed and comforted while out of your arms as this is the best thing that will do the trick.

The Mamaroo has a five unique motions, along with five nature sounds. If you’d like, you can hook up your iPod and play whatever music you prefer your baby to hear.

The plush ball hanging on the mobile are decorated in the style of Monet, Van Gogh and Seurat. Black and white on one side and colored on the other, this visual stimulation will engage the infants brain.

Why buy one? Buy one because it’s really good. Where is the best place to buy one? The best place to buy one is online. Amazon has the best overall price.

Go to Mamaroo Discount Links to read more about the Mamaroo and to get the Amazon discount price for ordering. This was originally on Ezine articles
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While you have a baby it’s important that you buy all of the required supplies. That includes looking for the right type of clothes, breast pumps, and of course a car seat that you will be able to place them home in. These car seats are made specially to keep the child safe when driving the automobile.

The only real thing that just isn’t so good about these items is that they don’t have much of a cover to shield your youngster with. It is true that each one is built with a small covering that goes over the kid’s head. This is useful at shielding them from the heat of the sun – but what about when it rains or snows?

For this sort of weather you are going to need something that’s larger plus much more effective. For you will need to get an infant seat cover. These are designed to fit easily over the whole seat. They have a hole which is cut into the top part and that can pull back to ensure that your kids’s face doesn’t need to be covered.

These have a unique design to match the appearance of your child. For girls you could find something with a lovely floral design. For boys you may find something containing polka dots and fun colors for them to make use of.

The infant sprout cover is a superb one to possess because it is made for the winter time and permits you to cover the entire child’s body without the need to smother their face. It fits over the handle and is lifted up like a tent. That’s the reason it is known as a sprout cover. It makes it simple to protect your kids during the rain or snow.

Infant Car Seat Covers are great to use to keep your child protected. Learn why many parents love the Infant Sprout Cover.
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Fantastic buy, safest infant seat on the market, consumer reports rated one, lots of features would purchase it again.

We love it. It is heavy to carry but i would not trust a lighter car seat to hold up in a grim crash and would rather have a robust awfully solid child car seat like this one than a cheaper lighter plastic model that other makers sell. ( The push chair is the lightweight Euro style and takes up very little room in the car so we can just snap the seat in and do not have to carry the car seat around ). That solves the weight issue.

More Info: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Britax Companion Infant Car Seat: Review
The color and seat look ALOT better in person. In fact, the nurses in the NICU unit ( our baby was premature ) complimented it during our boy’s car seat study and they see car seats every day, and related this was such a pleasant looking car seat with neat features. ( He had to sit in it for an hour with no heartbeat rate or oxygen drops while he had his monitors on and even though he was miniscule and looked so small this seat kept him snug and in the right position and he didnt cry once ).

I acquired the Cambridge model because the Oxford was delayed in production so long, I wouldn’t had it in time for Aidan’s birth ( and seemingly going home with a newborn child and no carseat is a no no ). I’m not normal anyhow, so why would I care?
The Cambridge isn’t a bad color range — it isn’t pretty by any wild leap of the imagination, and other patterns would’ve been far trendier and cooler, but there are reasons I like it. The carseat already gets warm, but could you imagine a dark color scheme? I believe I’d have Kentucky Fried Aidan if I put him in a black ( or maybe dark blue ) carseat. The Cambridge pattern is manly enough for a boy, but also pretty enough for a girl ( for those folks who need a more female look ). Personally, I would stick a little girl in black sooner than I’d pink… But I know I’m not the majority on this, and I’m in possession of a feeling many parents of girls will select this pattern.

I have only washed it once ( from a particularly tragic potty situation ), the rest of the time I just spot clean it. The lighter colors also work fine for concealing spit-up stains — which have a propensity to show up colourfuly against a dark background.

The excess of fabric options ( and now plastic options ), appearance and quality of the fabrics and the simplicity of cleaning make me give the Britax Companion carseat an A.

This also has an inflatable head support which incorporates it.
It is very easy to adjust the straps and stress and all of the parts are very well made.
Another feature is that this has an ANTI REBOUND BAR attached to the base so in a harsh crash the seat ( rear facing ) won’t fly forward into the back of the seat from rebound therefore shielding the child from getting smashed into the back of the seat. This is the sole car seat on the market which has this. It has also got excellent side impact protection.

Once attached to the base the seat is is terribly secure and is really easy to snap in and out. The bar on top which you use to carry it is really sturdy ( won’t move or snap out of kilter ) but straightforward to adjust ( unlike what another reader stated ) and has 3 positions and once in the base you simply push the large red buttons ( everything is obviously labeled ) on both sides and the handle easily goes all of the way back and snaps in place so it is behind the seat and acts as another rebound bar. I’m able to push it forward with my thumbs while sitting next to it and I have arthritis.

what is also very nice is that the base is very simple to install. ( In the CR test most new car LATCH systems snapped at only 30mph so we use the seat belt ) though it does come with the LATCH system and passed.

I would definately purchase this again and it was worth every penny.

My Blog: What you should know about the Britax Companion Infant Car Seat Before You Buy

I am an experienced parent, who’s safety conscious, and willing to pay for quality. I want to help inform others about decisions integral to their child’s life. My son Aidan is no longer a baby, but we have a new one on the way!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/view-of-the-britax-companion-child-car-seat-1757162.html

Parents regard infant car seats as some kind of investments they can make. That is the reason why they opt for the Cosco Infant Car Seat because it can hold babies up to 32” tall and weigh 30 lbs.

That means the Cosco Infant Car Seat can accommodate 97% of one year old infants. The seat can also keep the infant from rear-facing for a complete year.

The Cosco Infant Car Seat has passed and met the US standards. It even exceeded the expectations of the board because of its safety features. The seat’s base stays still whenever it is placed in the car. It is also very convenient to install.

The parents only have to put it one time and it can last for a long period of time. It is not as bendy as the other car seats that are available in the market today.

The Cosco Infant Car Seat has a 5 point harness that can easily be adjusted because it has an accessible front strap. The carrier handle is also designed in such a unique way making it really convenient for parents to carry this from one place to another.

Parents also want their babies to be comfortable when they are seated. The padded seat comes with an infant head support then there is the 180 degree canopy which protects the child from side-impact accidents.

This means that both the parents and the child can enjoy the complete features of the Cosco Infant Car Seat. Another good think about this brand is that it has a wide variety of patterns and colors to choose from.

Parents can easily choose the style of their baby or they can go for the patterns that best show their personalities.

Reviews often claim that the ergonomic carrying handle is just one of the best featured of this popular car seat. It also has a stay-in car base which assures the parents that their child will really be safe in the car.

The canopy allows the infant to rest his head and be comfortable, and at the same time be supported. The snug ride for a child is to be positioned in the Cosco Infant Car Seat.

Producers of the Cosco Infant Car Seat have the innovative technology we have now to thank. It allows them to be aware of the demands of the parents.

With that knowledge, they make models of car seats that meet these demands and provide the parents and the babies the features that they are looking for.

Discover where to buy cheap cosco infant car seat online. Visit my site for the best infant car seat recommendation.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/cosco-infant-car-seat-review-1713801.html

Are you ready for a road trip?  Travel Easy!!!

Travelling with your little one can be both fun and challenging at the same time.  Last minute packing can often lead to a stressful time , that little one has so much to pack!

Make a master check list a few days ahead of your travel listing all the important things.  This time will allow you to add things to the list that you may have forgotten upon initiating the list.  Try to  pack a few days ahead so if you need to go shopping  you will have plenty of time.  Use a diaper bag with a waterproof lining and preferably a shoulder strap ( for comfort).

Here are a few things we consider “must haves” that will help you start your list:

ü  Diapers

ü  Wipes

ü  Change pad

ü  Diaper rash crème

ü  Disinfecting hand gel

ü  Extra pacifiers ( if using)

ü  Extra food

ü  Snacks

ü  Water (for a nursing Mom)

ü  Tissues

ü  Blankets

ü  Toys

ü  Updated safety kit (especially if travelling by car)

ü  Change of clothes ( at least 2 per day)

ü  Safety mirror ( for rear facing infant seat)

ü  Sun screen to protect your baby from heat and sun

ü  Burp clothes

ü  Bibs

ü  Bottles

ü  Sippy cups

ü  Shampoo, soap and body lotion

ü  Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in resealable plastic bags

ü  Don’t forget the camera!

Because there is so much to pack, a good idea is to pack travel size products, you can always purchase more when you get to your destination.

Most important of all…..have fun!

Ronnie Baram holds a degree in early childhood education from Oranim, the education division of Haifa University. She resided on a kibbutz in Israel for 15 years where she concentrated on special ed, eventually becoming the managing director of the elementary school education program for the community. She moved back to Toronto in 1987 with her husband and 3 children. Her experience on the kibbutz, where the philosophy was to create the most imaginative and wonderful world for children to grow up in, sparked a passion for all things designed and handmade for children. Out of this appreciation for unique designs with children in mind, Petiteposh.com was born

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/are-you-ready-for-a-road-trip-travel-easy-1590447.html

Postnatal care is an important period of parenthood when both the father and the mother have to divide their responsibilities towards their new-born.The period from birth till the baby is six weeks old is extremely crucial.Both the parents have to be alert and take care of the health and hygiene in and around the house to curb possibilities of the baby incurring allergy and other diseases.

How to choose the best products

Baby products have to be chosen with extreme care.Therefore,it is always advisable to consult a doctor or a child specialist before planning to buy baby accessories.Right from bathtubs,clothes,soaps,towels to feeding nipples and pillow covers,everything should be customized for the safety and comfort of your little one.Here are some tips to choose the best baby products the next time you go shopping:

Carriers: Baby carriers should have safety straps so that the baby doesn’t topple.It should have number of compartments for storage space.Make sure that the fabric that is being used is soft,washable and durable.Frame carriers as infant seats are a bad choice since there are high chances of the baby tip over anything without your awareness.

Bath tubs: These are an essential part of a baby’s daily routine.However,these are risky too if not handled with care.While buying a bathtub make sure that it is made of thick plastic that would stay put even under the weight of water.That way,its durable too.Bath rings,baby floatation devices,suction seats and foam cushions are a strict no since these can indirectly cause harm to the infant by drowning or choking it.Also ensure that there are enough compartments for holding shampoo,soap and other supplies so that you don’t have to go fetching one thing or the other leaving your baby alone.

Infant seat: Buy baby accessories, which do not have sharp edges or metal finishing since that could lead to injury.An ideal infant seat,for instance should have a wider base than the seat and it should have locking mechanism to strengthen the safety of the infant.

Toys: All toys,whether new ones or the old ones should be checked for broken parts since there is danger of your child getting choked.Age recommendations marked on top of the box should be kept into consideration.It shouldn’t have any sharp edges lest the baby hurts its eyes,nose,and throat.Discard all toys manufactured 1978 because they are not lead tested and may contain the element in the paint applied on the toy.Balloons or latex gloves should not be given to infants since that may lead to choking.

Changing tables: Wooden changing tables are the most popular among young mothers.These are stable and enable good hold on the baby as the rail avoids the baby from toppling.Make sure that the guardrail installed around the table is 2 inches thick.If you are using a fold-up model,look for sturdiness once you open it.

Edwina Jones is a child care expert who writes articles on various topics including Best Baby Product or Buy Baby Accessoriesetc.To receive discounts on popular children’s apparel and other baby products,he recommends you to join: http://www.totsy.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/tips-to-keep-your-baby-healthy-and-smiling-1564021.html

Being a new parent and facing the birth of your first child, you will be faced with many choices on what stroller you should buy. There are tons of travel strollers out there on the market and with some research; you should be able to decide what stroller complements your lifestyle.
Travel strollers are the easiest way to transport newborns. This convenient travel system includes a standard single stroller and a compatible infant car seat with a stay-in car base. This infant seat doubles as a baby carrier and allows for parents to transport from stroller to car without having to distributing their baby. Best of all, when your infant outgrows their car seat, the stroller can still be used throughout their toddler and preschool years. When shopping for travel strollers, look for ones that are easy to install in cars and it is always a good idea to make sure that the seat with actually fit in your car as well. Baby travel strollers add convenience into a new parent’s life and are very easy to use.
If you are a parent who is constantly go, a lightweight stroller might be the best idea for you. Lightweight strollers have come a long way in the past few years, no longer just featuring an umbrella, but also now feature reclining seats, parent cup holders and under seat storage bags. Lightweight strollers typically weigh less than 14 pounds and are the most compact, portable type of stroller. Strollers lightweight are so convenient and take up so little space that many parents keep these in their trunks at all times. While shopping for strollers that are lightweight, you should consider an adjustable sunshade, five-point harness and an easy-to-use parking brake. Lightweight strollers are designed primarily for infants who can hold their heads up and can sit upright unassisted at about six months old. However, some models are suitable for younger babies if the stroller has a reclining seat. These strollers can also be used for many years since there is a high weight limit that is also ideal for older toddlers. If you are a parent who is on the go; a lightweight stroller is a good investment.
Perhaps you are a parent who is expecting twins or maybe you have two children who are pretty close in age to each other? Then a double stroller is the perfect stroller for your family’s use. Double strollers either have side-by-side seating or tandem seating. Side-by-side seating is ideal for two older or similarly aged children and usually features reclining seats. Tandem seating often features swivel seats so that one or both children can look at the scenery going by. Double baby strollers are a lifesaver and also easily transported for everyday use.
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a stroller for the first time or upgrading your current stroller for your current lifestyle. Either way, strollers make life much more convenient than without.

A great travel strollers is a definite must-have for every new parent, and a little research goes a long way in choosing the stroller that best suits your needs.To Find The Best Prices Travel Strollers Click Here!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/purchasing-the-right-travel-stroller-system-that-fits-your-new-lifestyle-1561074.html