Monday, July 21, 2008

Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Bryant Collection

With a 100 lb maximum weight capacity, the Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat protects your child from infancy through booster-seat age. The 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat from Eddie Bauer is truly unique because most combination seats are only forward facing harness seats that turn into a booster - the 3-in-1 works as a rear-facing infant seat, too!

BENEFITS FOR MOM & DAD

A do-it-all safety seat, the Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 offers a long life-span, making this car seat an excellent value. The seat's comparatively slim profile accommodates small back seats, and the attractive styling won't overwhelm your sensibilities. Please note the 40 lb harness weight capacity, which falls at the low-end of the scale and may require a faster-growing child to convert to a booster before best practices indicate they are ready.

Installation:

Install the Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 convertible car seat rear facing from infancy to 30 lbs, as a forward facing harness seat 22 - 40 lbs, and as a belt-positioning booster 40 - 100 lbs. The seat has a removable base as well as a one-hand recline adjust for proper rear-facing positioning. Installing the 3-in-1 requires a thorough read of the instruction manual. In some positions, the base must be removed, requiring a screwdriver and plenty of time.

Convenience: You can't beat the convenience and value of owning an all-in-one car seat. Moreover, the soft seat pad removes for easy cleaning. The armrests pivots for easy in-and-out of a tired child, and the small seat size won't overwhelm your back seat.

BENEFITS FOR JACK AND JILL

Soft fabrics and cushy padding keep your little one happy. As mentioned above, the relatively low front-facing harness capacity (40 lbs) may mean some children outgrow the 5-point harness too quickly for best safety practices.

Comfort:

Children sit comfortably and happily thanks to cushy padding. The adjustable head rest accommodates any preference, while the infant head support protects the littlest passengers. Pivoting armrests give your kid a place to rest their arms, and because they lift, getting in and out is super easy.

Safety:

* 5-point harness
* Meets or exceeds FMVSS 213

Product Features:

* 5 Point harness with easy push button buckle for security
* Infant head support helps keep baby more comfortable
* Pivoting Armrests
* LATCH equipped

Product Description From the Manufacturer:

The Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is the first and last car seat you will ever need to buy. This convertible car seat, in the Bryant Collection, will grow to fit your child from infant to toddler, and also converts to a belt-positioning booster. For your child's comfort, this car seat has an extra-wide, supported seat for comfort.

Product Description:

Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat The Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is the perfect seat for your child from 5 pounds up to 100 pounds! This Eddie Bauer convertible car seat goes starts as a rear facing infant seat from 5 to 35 pounds, then transitions into a forward-facing baby seat from 22 to 40 pounds, and finally switches to a belt-positioning booster for your child weighing 40 to 100 pounds! This fantastic bargain is hard to beat in the convertible car seat market. The Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat truly grows with your child. This car seat also boasts must-have features, like EPS foam in the headrest area and removable infant and toddler head support pillows. It provides energy absorption in the event of a collision. This Deluxe car seat is also LATCH compatible, has a four-position adjustable headrest, and a two-piece harness retainer for added security

Trajan's Full Review:

I have to admit. I shied away from the Britax seats because they were pricey and trendy. I didn't think you had to pay $250 for a decent car seat. I loved the idea of the Eddie Bauer because it went from infant to child. My husband insisted on getting an infant seat with a base so I made him give in on the big seat and get the Eddie Bauer. He wound up buying a Britax Marathon for his car later on because he hates the Eddie Bauer, so I have that as a comparison.

All the reviews I read said the straps on the Eddie Bauer tangled and boy are they right! The straps have been my single biggest complaint with the seat. The straps tangle constantly. After 18 months I am getting pretty good at detangling them quickly but sometimes it requires taking the seat out of the car completely to get them straightened. When you have a struggling toddler, you don't need to spend an extra second on the straps. My husband doesn't use the seat that often and he has a really tough time getting the straps untangled and tight. I have taken my son out several times and found the straps much too loose on his chest because my husband couldnt figure out how to tighten them anymore.

Like most car seats, this seat has a latch for releasing the straps to give you more room to get the baby out and a strap you pull to tighten them up after you get them buckled in. The angle on the latch is at an odd angle and its a bit hard to get your finger in there to loosen the straps. My husband's big fat fingers can barely get in there at all. The Britax model has a nice big button on the seat itself that you push and its much easier. The release mechanism seems to be what makes the straps tangle. It let's them droop under the seat and they tangle when you retighten it.

The other problem on the Eddie Bauer straps is the buckle. Its a five point harness which is ideal, but the bottom two points must be fit togeher like a puzzle to go in correctly. This takes some getting used to and when your toddler starts to struggle it gets tougher to be as precise. By comparison, the Britax has two seperate buckle pieces that click in individually. Its much easier.

The Eddie Bauer buckle release is a push down button that I have broken my thumbnail on a dozen times. The Britax is a surface button that you push in.

Finally, my last complaint with the Eddie Bauer seat is that it doesn't seem as comfortable as the Britax. My son will fall asleep well in the Britax but will slouch uncomfortably in the Eddie Bauer and sleep for a lot less time on long trips. For short car trips its fine, but when we travel, we usually switch the Britax to my car. The Eddie Bauer did have a lot more padding then most car seats, but the Britax is pretty plush.

I am not so unhappy with the Eddie Bauer that I am switching it out. I do beleive its safe and it will fit him for a long time especially because he's a really tall kid. But, as I sit here ready to buy another seat for my second child due this Spring, I'm going straight to the Britax.

Another great tip on car seats in general, Britax sells extra pads that go around the crotch buckle on their car seats. It helps to keep a hot buckle off a little ones thighs and keeps those thighs from getting pinched. This little pad was $5 and it fits my Graco Snugride infant seat and the Eddie Bauer so I assume its pretty universal.

Eddie Bauer Pop-Up Booster Seat

Makes dining out easy with kids. Grips and buckles attach firmly to chair. Compact seat for on the go. Three-point harness keeps child secure. Holds up to 30 pounds.

Product Features :

* Lightweight booster seat that folds down for compact toting and pops up simply for on-the-spot use
* Buckle system ensures a good attachment to chair; gripper material keeps it in place
* 3-point harness holds child secure; a thick padded seat keeps them comfortable
* Pocket stores toys, kids’ utensils or snacks
* Imported; 12Lx3Wx14H"

Customer review :
I have had this booster for over a year now and my 2 1/2 yr old son just loves it! It makes him feel good to be able to sit in a chair like a boy boy. I have had no problems with the seat caving in or food getting traped in the netting. I would recommend this seat to anyone.
Reviewer:Mom of Three

I got this when looking for a seat for travel, but mostly to use at the grandparents. They don't have tables that will securely take a clip on chair. This was the first seat I found that sits on a chair and was not bulky hard plastic. I now have a newborn also, so I may get another one instead of a plain booster seat for my toddler, I like the fact that I control where she goes and when(running thru a resturant is not safe for her and not relaxing for me or my husband). This is just right height for my toddler to reach the table.
Reviewer:F. J. Hilbrandt Jr.

I totally love this portable booster seat. We started using the seat when my son was old enough to sit up. It is very convenient when traveling to other people's houses that do not have highchairs. It safely holds my son in place. Most of all, it is great to avoid using the high chairs and booster chairs in restaurants that tend to be sticky and dirty.
Reviewer:Sam's Mom

Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat

The Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat is popular among trendy parents for good reason. This deluxe convertible car seat from Eddie Bauer The convertible car seat grows with the child from infant (rear facing) to toddler (front facing) to belt positioner, which holds children from 30-80lbs.

Product Features

* For children 5-30lbs. rear facing; 20-40lbs. front facing; 30-80lbs. with belt positioner
* 5-Point harness with up-front harness adjustment
* 2-Piece push button harness retainer
* 1-Position crotch strap
* 4 Position adjustable headrest
*Harness can be used until your child weighs 40 lbs.; can switch to seatbelt once your child reaches 40 lbs.
*Adjustable body pad for extra support
*Two-position built-in belt positioner guides for easy seatbelt threading
*Removable cupholder; two mesh storage pockets
*Removable, washable seat fabric; mix of soft suede-like and flannel fabrics

Product Description :

The Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat is popular among trendy parents for good reason. This deluxe convertible car seat from Eddie Bauer The convertible car seat grows with the child from infant (rear facing) to toddler (front facing) to belt positioner, which holds children from 30-80lbs. The Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat features a 5-point harness and 4-position adjustable recline, a four position adjustable headrest and a removable cup holder and car sear pad for easy cleaning. The ultimate in convenience and comfort!

Luxury, comfort and style provide stress-free travel for you and your child with this car seat from Eddie Bauer. Includes a detachable cup holder so you will never again have to pull over and search your vehicles floor for a dropped bottle. Holds from 5 to 80 lbs so you will get maximum use out of this quality child seat!

LATCH System: (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) Allows car seats to be quickly attached at three points, making a more secure attachment between the vehicle seat and car seat. LATCH also allows car seats to be installed without using a vehicle's seat belt system.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Why Eddie Bauer Diaper Bags Are the Best on the Market

When my daughter was conceived two years ago, we started looking into the baby gear that we would need once she arrived. The diaper bag was always an easy choice, after our first foray into giant baby superstores. Most bags were gaudy, with brightly colored characters printed all over them. Many were designed to look like children's school bags in terms of print, while many others were designed to look not unlike a woman's purse.

Having never carried a purse by choice, I wanted to stay away from anything that could be conceived of as a giant purse. I did not particularly want a diaper bag in the first place, to be honest, because I largely carry everything I need in my pockets. I resented the implication that I would now be toting around enough goods and products to fill an entire bag. However, we're an on the go family who had no plans of changing that after Baby was born. So when we spotted the Eddie Bauer diaper bag, we were sold.

At first glance, it's no bigger than any of the other bags. However, it fits so much more than any of our friends seem to be able to fit in their diaper bags, without taking up any more floor space. The colors reminded me of a laptop bag; in fact, many people assume that this is what it is. Choices include black and navy blue, with a tan strip on the outside pocket. Of course, the phrase "Eddie Bauer" is imprinted on this strip; I have yet to see any Eddie Bauer product that hasn't thought to double as a billboard.

Although we usually steer away from printed items, we've had good luck in the past with Eddie Bauer products. Our wardrobes consist largely of Eddie Bauer shirts and our campsite could be placed in a commercial for them. So stamping our baby product with the phrase didn't really irk either of us.

Plus, it's tough. Built with thick, sturdy material, the Eddie Bauer diaper bag that we purchased is mostly waterproof and it's, so far, completely tear-resistant.

The biggest boon, however, is not the overall space or the durability. For us, it comes down to the thing that has always impressed us with Eddie Bauer camping supplies. They've clearly designed them with the consumer in mind. Some diaper bags come with a lot of compartments. The compartments are not necessarily usable when the bag is full, but they can sure advertise that they have a lot of places to stick stuff. The Eddie Bauer diaper bags provide storage options, for sure, but they are intelligently placed. Things that other companies did not think about, or did not think about accurately with the consumer in mind, include a front open diaper change area that doubles as a small storage location, mesh pockets on the side, places to clip things on the inside, a small pouch at the top of the inside compartment that can be used for keys or change, and a completely waterproof pouch for "used" diapers that is removable. All this for the same price as any other diaper bag on the market? We were sold.

Now our daughter is 18 months, and we're still overjoyed with our purchase. The bag looks as good now as when we bought it. Now it doubles as a home to toys and snacks. It's easy to clean, both inside and out. Even as abused as it could be, it still stands strong. We've dragged it on airplanes, through theme parks, through all sorts of weather, thrown it around on sports fields, and dropped it countless times from all sorts of heights. Our daughter uses it as a bulldozer to push things around the house.

There are other, smaller options than the large bag we chose. I don't know as much about those, but have heard that they are just as tough, only smaller. Perhaps for people who aren't quite as on the go as our family, they would provide a less expensive and more portable option. I'd definitely recommend Eddie Bauer diaper bags.

By Mick

Eddie Bauer Has Added Diaper Bags to Their Many Products

Eddie Bauer's name has appeared on everything from SUV's to bedding to clothing for both men and women. Therefore, it would only make sense that Eddie Bauer would have a line of diaper bags as well. And they do.

The Eddie Bauer diaper bags that are available are not necessarily fashionable. However, they serve another purpose. They are very functional bags. These diaper bags are even suited for the not so feminine of parents.

There are two Eddie Bauer diaper bags available. The first is the Messenger Bag and the second is the Diaper Overnight Case.

The Messenger Bag (Item # I23 792 1327) is a diaper bag that is worn across the body. The shoulder strap is padded to allow for better comfort while carrying everything that baby and parent would need comfortably to make it through an outing. The diaper bag constructed of 100% nylon includes insulated pockets for keeping baby bottles cold. The front pocket of the diaper bag is an organizer for carrying Mommy or Daddy things, including a cell phone pocket. It also has a baby wipe pocket on the exterior of the bag.

The bag is available in two colors, black and dark navy. It is monogrammable for more personalization for parent and baby. The dimensions of the bag are 16" W x 11.5" H x 5" D. As opposed to many fashionable, name brand diaper bags this bag regularly sells for $49.50, but is presently priced at $29.99.

The next bag in the Eddie Bauer diaper bag collection is the Diaper Overnight Case (Item # I23 792 1325) is able to accommodate almost anything under the sun. The Diaper Overnight Case is also made of 100% nylon, and features among its functionalities pleated bottle pockets, for carrying multiple bottles at once, outside insulated pockets, and a side pocket complete with pacifier clip, to keep the "binky" easily accessible and clean.

The diaper bag's dimensions are 16.5" W x 11" H x 6" D. It is also available in black and dark navy. For carrying this Overnight Case, there is a padded shoulder strap, for carrying over the shoulder when you just do not have an extra hand for anything else. There is also a set of padded "haul" handles for carrying the bag by hand. This bag is also perfect for adding a monogram for a more personalized feel and look. This normally sells for $54.50, but is presently available for $29.99 through the Eddie Bauer catalog or website.

For those of you who feel that the Eddie Bauer diaper bags are a little generic for your taste, Eddie Bauer also sells a Diaper Bag Conversion Kit (Item # I23 792 1439) which is appropriate for turning even your most non-functional bag, into the perfect diaper bag.

The kit features a waterproof pouch that has a list of the ten things that you need to carry for your baby. A changing pad has a pocket for wipes and one for diapers. It also has a pocket for carrying bottles, which is insulated, a snap clip for keeping up with a pacifier and an emergency contact card should the bag that you are using be lost. This kit normally sells for $24.50, currently priced at $14.50.

By Yona Gold

Eddie Bauer Astoria Enspira Deluxe Convertible Car Seat

I was given this car seat as a gift when my daughter was born. I probably never would have bought it since it's quite pricy at $120 but I absolutely love it. I feel that my child is very safe when in the car since he has all of the protection of this car seat. It has built in lock-off clips for easy and sturdy installation into the car. It works both rear facing for infants and can be changed to forward facing for toddlers. The car seat can hold children up to 100 pounds.

A feature that I really like is that the cover is removable and washable. This comes in handy because I often let her eat in the car when we're going on a long trip and the cover can get dirty. Another good feature is that the seat reclines into several different positions with only one hand. If I notice she has fallen asleep, I can tip the car seat back while stopped at a red light. It is also very easy to install and remove so that we can switch it between cars quickly. The car seat is rather large but since my daughter is the only one in the backseat this has not been an issue.

My daughter seemed to be quite fussy in her old car seat but that might just have been because she is so young. We used to have problems with her crying whenever she was in the car but since we switched seats it has been much better. I have asked her if her seat is comfy and she has told me it is. She is able to sit up and see out the window which seems to keep her occupied. She weighs about 40 pounds and I do believe there is enough room in there for her to grow quite a bit more. The straps adjust easily and are simple to change as she grows. One of my friends has one and she is still using it with her four year old son.

While this car seat is quite expensive, I believe it is worth the investment since you will be using it for years. It gives you a great peace of mind knowing that your child is safe in the car while you're busy driving. It is very study and attaches perfectly into the car to get rid of all my worries.

By Becky D

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families 2008

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But with so many different car safety seats on the market, it’s no wonder many parents find this overwhelming.

The type of seat your child needs depends on several things including age, size, and type of vehicle. To be sure your child is using the most appropriate seat, read on.

Types of car safety seats at a glance

The chart below is a quick guide to where to start your search. Once you’ve found your car safety seat, it’s important to read more about the seat in this guide.

The right car safety seat

Infants-rear-facing

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants should ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. It is even better for them to ride rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.

There are 2 types of rear-facing car safety seats: infant-only seats and convertible seats.

infant-only seat
Infant-only car safety seat

Infant-only seats

* Are small and have carrying handles (and sometimes come as part of a stroller system).
* Are used for infants up to 22 to 30 pounds, depending on the model.
* Many come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base so you don’t have to install the base each time you use it. Parents can even buy more than one base for additional vehicles.

Convertible seats (used rear-facing)

* Can be used rear-facing then “converted” to forward-facing for older children. This means the seat can be used longer by your child. They are bulkier than infant seats, however, and do not come with carrying handles or a separate base.
* Have higher rear-facing weight and height limits than infant-only seats, which makes them ideal for bigger babies.
* Have the following types of harnesses:
o 5-point harness—attach at the shoulders, hips, and between the leg
o Overhead shield—a padded tray-like shield that swings down over the child
o T-shield—a padded t-shaped or triangle-shaped shield attached to the shoulder straps

Installation tips for rear-facing seats

When using a rear-facing seat, keep the following in mind:

* Make sure the car safety seat is installed tightly in the vehicle and that the harness fits the child snugly.

* Never place a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a front passenger air bag. If the air bag inflates, it will hit the back of the car safety seat, right where your baby’s head is, and could cause serious injury or death.

* If your rear-facing seat has more than one set of harness slots, make sure the harnesses are in the slots at or below your baby’s shoulders.

* Be sure you know what kind of seat belts your vehicle has. Some seat belts need locking clips. Locking clips come with all new car safety seats. If you’re not sure, check the manual that came with your vehicle. Locking clips are not needed in most newer vehicles.

* If you are using a convertible seat in the rear-facing position, make sure the seat belt is routed through the correct belt path. Check the instructions that came with the car safety seat to be sure.

* If your vehicle was made after 2002, it may come with the LATCH system, which is used to secure car safety seats. See below for information on using LATCH.

* Make sure the seat is at the correct angle so your infant’s head does not flop forward. Many seats have angle indicators or adjusters that can help prevent this. If your seat does not have an angle adjuster, tilt the car safety seat back by putting a rolled towel or other firm padding (such as a pool noodle) under the base near the point where the back and bottom of the vehicle seat meet.

* Be sure the car safety seat is installed tightly. If you can move the seat more than an inch side to side or front to back, it’s not tight enough.

* Still having trouble? There may be a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician in your area that can help. See below for information on how to locate one.

Common questions

Q: What if my baby weighs more than 20 pounds but is not 1 year old yet?

A:Use a seat that can be used rear-facing by children who weigh more than 20 pounds and keep your baby rear-facing as long as possible, or at least until he has reached his first birthday.

Q: What do I do if my baby slouches down or to the side in his car safety seat?

A: Pad around your child (never under or behind) with rolled-up cloth diapers or blankets. Do not use any sort of car safety seat insert unless it came with the seat or was made by the manufacturer of the seat.

Q: Can I adjust the straps when my baby is wearing thicker clothing, like in the winter?

A: Yes, but make sure the harnesses are still snug. Also remember to tighten the straps again after the thicker clothes are no longer needed. Dress your baby in thinner layers instead of a bulky coat or snowsuit, and tuck a blanket around your baby over the buckled harness straps if needed.

Q: Are rear-facing convertible seats OK to use for preemies?

A: Premature infants should be tested while still in the hospital to make sure they can ride safely in a reclined position. Babies who need to lie flat during travel should ride in a crash-tested car bed. Very small infants who can ride safely in a reclined position usually fit better in infant-only seats; however, if you need to use a convertible seat, choose one without a tray-shield or T-shield harness. The shields often are too big and too far from the body to fit correctly.

When your baby hates the car seat

Q:My three-month-old son has hated his car seat from the day we drove him home from the hospital -- so much that he cries till he spits up and I have to pull over. My pediatrician says it is not motion sickness, but a little reflux which occurs when he cries. He always wants to be held. We literally cannot go anywhere.

A: You already are seeing your son's unique personality. You are right to acknowledge his need to be held. He will need special coaxing, however, so that your needs are met, too.

Certainly you can arrange to lessen the amount of time spent in the car with him, but you cannot be held hostage. You must be able to do the shopping and other errands your family needs.

I assure you, this is not the first time I have heard this distress call. Some babies hate being restricted in a car seat, while others almost purr for a drive. Your son may also show other specific preferences as he grows, some of which will likely even make parenting easier instead of harder. The good news, as well as the bad news, is that he is already a child with specific likes and dislikes. So much for the "blank book" theory!

Begin a program of desensitization. Build positive experiences around the car seat and driving in the car. You may want to purchase some of the special products on the market for babies that are made specifically designed for your child's visual development. They are generally black and white, and are scientifically created to engage the visual patterning of your baby. In the months ahead, you will need to change these patterns, introducing some alterations, such as color.

Play with these patterns, and any other kinds of visual input that your baby enjoys. Babies develop through their sensory channels (visual, hearing, touching) at different rates. You can encourage his auditory and visual development as ways to calm him and to interest him when he gets in his car seat. For example, if he responds to music or singing, you could use this in the car. My grandson, who also hated the car, calmed down when his mother sang to him while driving. (Assuming this does not overly distract you, you may want to try it.)

You may also succeed at desensitizing your son by putting him in the car seat at home for ten minutes at a time while you engage him with the visual patterns, other toys, singing or music. Do not be derailed by his initial protest. Instead, trust that by singing or directing his attention toward his car toys, he will calm down. Play with him for ten minutes, then take him out before he tires of it. You will be teaching him that the car seat can be a fun, safe, and at the very least, tolerable place. Simply the act of putting him in, when you yourself are not under stress to go somewhere, will allow him to accommodate.

Use your patience to develop these strategies at home. Then, if you like, transfer them to the car, with your husband driving and you sitting next to him diverting his attention to the visual toys. Finally, begin taking short trips over his initial protests. Give him his toys, all the time saying with as much conviction and calm as you can muster, "You'll be okay. Mommy needs you to sit safely in your seat while we drive to the store."

He will learn to accommodate you. And his ability to adapt to your needs will increase as he grows. Eventually, your son will learn that moms can be strong willed, too!

by Gayle Peterson, PhD http://parenting.ivillage.com

An Eddie Bauer Car Seat – Combining Durability with Safety

Eddie Bauer is a famous brand of outdoor sporting goods, but in recent years they've been expanding their line. They now have several models of car seats which are suitable for children up to eight or nine years old. An Eddie Bauer car seat will give you years of dependable service.

The Eddie Bauer de Luxe 3in one Car Seat is a great addition to the Eddie Bauer CollectionEddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Car Seat with EPP Foam

These car seats come in three basic sizes -- infant carriers, convertible models, and booster seats. They also have several models of three-in-one car seats which are designed to be an all-purpose solution for your car seat needs. An Eddie Bauer three-in-one car seat will be the only car seat you need to buy.

The Eddie Bauer car seat for infants is a convenient and safe way to carry your baby in the car. It has several safety features including a five-point harness and four harness positions to perfectly match every size of baby. This car seat comes with a carrying handle and a canopy to protect baby from drafts and to keep the sun out of his or her eyes.

When your baby outgrows the infant car seat you can move on to a convertible car seat which is suitable for children up to 40 lbs. in weight. Smaller children can use the convertible Eddie Bauer car seat in the rear facing position. As they grow, the chair can be positioned to face the front which gives them more legroom.

The convertible Eddie Bauer car seat features a five-point harness system which is easy to adjust with just one hand. The five-point harness system gives the maximum level of safety in the event of a car accident.

www.baby-strollers-guide.com

When your child outgrows the convertible Eddie Bauer car seat he can move on to a booster seat. The booster seat gives your child enough height to safely use the car seat belt system. Without a booster seat, the seat belts will not be properly positioned on a small child. The booster seat places the seat belts correctly over the pelvis and chest areas.

If you wish to avoid buying three separate car seats for your child, and check out the three-in-one car seats from Eddie Bauer. The three-in-one Eddie Bauer car seat is fully adjustable and suitable for children from 5 lbs. to 100 lbs. in weight. It combines features from all three types of car seats. It can be positioned as a rear facing car seat for small children and a front facing car seat for bigger children.

The only disadvantage of the three-in-one Eddie Bauer car seat is that it misses some of the features of the infant car seat. It doesn't have a carrying handle or a canopy. If you feel you can get by without these features, by all means check out this convenient car seat from Eddie Bauer.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

How to Buy a Quality Car Seat

Car seats are mandatory baby equipment. I know that you’ll be tempted to cuddle your little bundle in your arms while driving, but please don’t! It’s just too dangerous and besides that, against the law.

Here are seven tips to buying a quality car seat for your child…

1. Buy a quality car seat. Make sure that the seal of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety is present on it. Make sure it’s constructed well with no sharp edges or loose parts.

2. Look for a car seat with travel system. The seat, infant carrier and stroller are all part of one convenient unit.

3. Make sue that you check for safety recalls. There are many safety recalls on car seats yearly. You don’t want to purchase one of those!

4. Choose cloth. It is generally more easily cleaned and is more comfortable.

5. Be positive that you choose the correct size. A small baby could slip out of a seat that is too large for him. It’s important that tiny babies under 20 pounds ride only in rear-facing seat. Only after the child is over 20 pounds should he be switched to front-facing seat.

6. Choose a car seat that has been given good reviews by other parents. Many online stores allow people to post reviews about their purchases. Why not check these out to see what other parents have to say?

7. Don’t use a used car seat unless you are able to borrow it and try it first. You want to make very sure that the parts are still functioning well, so your baby will be safe.

Proper child restraints are important. You don’t want to find that out the hard way.

Kristi Sayles, Child Development Coach/Elementary Teacher, invites you to visit her site at http://YourChildandYou.com for more parenting information, advice, products, and fun stuff.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Teach Baby Car Seat Safety

The Challenge

Baby car seats are supposed to offer parents the peace of mind that they are keeping their infant as safe as possible while riding in an automobile. Studies show, however, that 8 out of 10 children riding in car seats are incorrectly buckled-in. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children, and thousands of kids every day are put at additional risk simply because they are not properly protected.

Worse still: Most parents have no clue that they are doing anything wrong. Surveys show that 97 percent of parents believe they are using their child safety seats correctly. Many never know the truth until it is too late.

The two main issues in car seat safety are:

* The child must be buckled into the seat correctly.
* The seat must be buckled tightly into the vehicle.

It sounds so easy, yet the reality is that mistakes are the norm.

The good news is that there are a wide variety of free resources available to help parents achieve maximum car seat safety. You can help make our roadways much safer for children by alerting parents to be absolutely certain that their car safety seats are being used properly.

How to make a Difference

* Certified car seat inspectors are available in most communities to offer free help. Car seat safety checks take only a few minutes. Make others aware of this service by printing out car seat safety posters for community bulletin boards at apartments, parks, libraries, recreation centers, and at the office.

* Pass along the web address for Partners for Child Passenger Safety (http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/generic.jsp?id=77971) to ten friends who have children under the age of 10. The site presents instructional videos for installing car seats and offers information on choosing the correct seat for each age.

* Contact your local police station to see if it has a courtesy officer who could do on-the-spot safety seat inspections one day at your local school or church.

* Consider purchasing an infant car seat as a gift for new parents. Since car seat needs change as children age, consider buying a new children's car seat or a booster car seat for older children, too. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website offers car seat safety ratings for many popular brands.

www.charityguide.org

Car safety: Keeping your baby safe

Beginning with the first ride your baby takes in the car, it is important that he be placed in a rear-facing car seat that is properly secured in the back seat. This is the safest location in the car for travel. Your baby depends on you. Give him the gift of safety.

* Before your baby is born, purchase a car safety seat that fits securely into your car, and is convenient to operate. Your baby needs to be well-protected right from the start. It is critical that the restraint be not only well-secured with a seat belt, but that your child is securely buckled in.

* In the early weeks, when your baby might not have good head control, it is helpful to use a head support intended for car seat use, or roll up a baby blanket to place around your baby's head to steady it. Otherwise, his head has a tendency to flop from side to side.

* Never place your infant in the front passenger seat. This is especially important if your car has a passenger-side air bag. If the air bag deploys in the event of a crash, the force and rapid expansion could kill or injure a child, even when they are safely secured in their car seat.
* If your baby is sick or needs constant attention, it is important to have an adult sit in the back to help care for him. It can be very distracting (and dangerous) for the driver to keep turning around to care for the baby.
* The rear-facing position is the most protective. It is important not to move your child into a full-size safety seat too soon. Your baby should weigh at least 20 pounds AND be one-year-old. If your child is very large, but still well under a year of age, it is still very important for him to be placed in a rear-facing seat while riding in the car. Some rear-facing car seats have an upper weight limit from 22 to 25 pounds. Some of the newer seats accomodate children up to 30 pounds or even more. Each seat should have a fact sheet so read carfully before selecting a car seat for your child.

As much as you might be tempted to hold your new little one in your arms, it just isn't the time or place for cuddling. Make it a rule, right from the start, to have everyone in the car securely belted-in for each and every trip.

by Deb Donovan : http://parenting.ivillage.com