Best Baby Stuff » baby gear

Chicco KeyFit Car Seat

Maisie — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:52:10 +0000

Product Overview
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat rated #1 by Consumer Reports for rear facing infant car seats. The Chicco KeyFit comes with a removable newborn insert and seats babies from 4 to 30 pounds. The seat is thickly cushioned for comfort and includes a five-point safety harness. The Chicco KeyFit is easy to install using the base’s spring-assisted level foot, two precision bubbles and “Center-Pull” LATCH adjustment. If your vehicle is not LATCH equipped the seat is easily installed with a seatbelt.

Why I Like It
I have heard horror stories about parents taking hours to install a car seat, so weeks before my delivery date I demanded that my husband install the car seat to make sure that we had it in securely and in time for our baby. He installed it in just minutes after reading the instruction guide. The car seat is easy to take in and out of the car using the base, and I just have to make sure everything clicks into place before driving off.

If you’re looking to create a travel system, this car seat comes with a matching stroller.

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Skip Hop Changing Wallet

Maisie — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:31:24 +0000

Product Overview
This Skip Hop Organizer Changing Case is made of polyester with a durable nylon lining. The wallet includes a wet wipes case, two storage compartments and a buckle closure. One storage compartment can hold up to 4 disposable diapers. The second storage compartment can hold the wipes case and the included changing pad.

Why I Like It
I hate the look of traditional diaper bags, and the non-conventional looking diaper bags were way out of my price range, so I pieced together my own diaper bag by first purchasing this changing wallet. I love that everything I need for a diaper change is all within this one case that I can grab out of my purse and head to the restroom with. Also if I’m out just at the park or on a walk, all I need is the changing wallet, which I can easily strap to my stroller with the wrist band that is on the wallet. No need for a huge bulky diaper bag!

Now I don’t even use a diaper bag. I just have a large purse in which I can throw in this changing wallet along with all of my stuff and we’re good to go!

Where to Buy
Amazon ($16.99 + shipping)
Baby Universe ($30.00 + shipping)
Target ($16.99 + shipping)

Amazon orders for this product are fulfilled by Target therefore the prices are the same.

New Airline Baggage Policy

Maisie — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:29:06 +0000

In May 2008 most airlines are changing their domestic checked baggage policy to the following:

One checked bag per ticketed passenger
Checked bag must not exceed 62 inches when height, width and length are combined
Maximum weight limit of 50 pounds
Passengers may be charged up to 3 times for baggage fees (Oversized, Overweight and Additional Baggage)

Please check with each airline for specifics on baggage policies and fees.

Tips for traveling with baby gear
For parents traveling with an infant, you will soon realize that this new checked baggage policy will make it difficult to bring all the necessary gear for your child. Here is some information and tips on how to travel with your infant.

You can purchase an infant ticket at a fraction of the cost of an adult ticket which will allow you to check one additional bag and provide an extra seat on the plane for your child.
Strollers are not considered part of a checked baggage allowance and can be gate checked for free.
Car seats or booster seats can be carried on as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, however these seats must be securely fastened with a seatbelt when stored on the plane.
Instead of checking or carrying on a pack-and-play as a portable crib, consider purchasing an infant travel bed which will fold small enough to pack in your checked luggage.
Using a wrap or sling with no metal parts while traveling will make going through airport security easier and eliminate the need for a stroller, and also provide a “hands-free” place for your baby to travel in if traveling without a ticket.
Rent a car seat when you reach your final destination to eliminate the need to bring your own. You can also rent a stroller if necessary.

Tips for infant comfort on an airplane
The change in altitude can cause pressure in your infants ears which can be uncomfortable and painful. To help ease this pain try some of the following tips.

During take off and landing, nurse or bottle feed.
Take an eyedropper and puff small amounts of air into your baby’s mouth which will cause her to swallow and ease the pressure in her ears.
Bring a couple packets of sugar and a small bottle. If all else fails, put one packet of sugar and 2 oz of water in a bottle and mix. Then offer the sugar water to your infant.

Using a wrap or a sling when traveling with your baby provides a secure and comfortable place for your baby to sleep on the plane. This eliminates the need for an infant ticket and carrying on a car seat or booster seat.