Celebrate National Safety Month with @miFoldBooster! #mifold #Grabandgo

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Did you know June is National Safety Month? 

I think it's a really important topic to celebrate and spread awareness about especially with small children of my own. 

National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. In honor of National Safety Month, I just have to share one of the newest products in our car that are keeping my children safe AND comfortable during our car rides. That company is mifold and their product is the most advanced, compact and portable booster seat ever!

One in 5 children in the US do not use a booster seat in the car for carpools, with grandparents or other relatives, in taxis, on vacations, in rental cars, or in a backseat with three passengers in a row! Most of the time this is due to the size of a traditional booster or the inconvenience of having an extra one on hand.

Thanks to mifold, there is now a better, easier option to keep kids safe! The mifold Grab-and-Go booster seat is more than 10x smaller than a regular child’s car booster seat making it the most advanced, compact, and portable booster seat ever invented! Plus, it is just as safe- meeting or exceeding the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in crash tests!

Since I have still have three children in car seats, fitting them all in our car and having them on hand when we travel is a challenge we are constantly facing! That is why I am LOVING our mifold! It works great for my two older children and is great for carpooling, grandma's house and perfect for when we travel to Florida this winter!

It holds my son safe and secure and keep the strap out of his neck which is always struggles with because he is vertically challenged! Plus, it is lightweight and easy to hold - only the size of my hand! I can even carry it around in my purse, tuck it into the back of the seat pocket when not in use and I never worry about my children not being strapped in correctly anymore! Thank YOU mifold!

Buy It:

You can purchase mifold online in SIX colors at www.mifold.com and www.Amazon.com

*  Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Drive Safer as You Head Back to School with Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA Headlights!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

With school starting for my son today, I begin to drive twice as much as I did during the summer. Today begins the two trips back and forth to school to drop him off and pick him up and my car must be ready to keep my family safe this school year!

For me, the must-have is bright headlights for seeing in the dark. It will start getting dark earlier and earlier and I need to be able to see in the dark to drive safely and keep my children safe!

This year I will be using SYLVANIA SilverStar ULTRA headlights, the perfect combination of safety and style to keep me and my family safe this school year!

Headlights are an active safety item, the first line of defense on the road. Upgrading to better headlights is even more important to maximize the amount drivers can see downroad and side road, which can mean additional reaction time. These SYLVANIA SilverStar® ULTRA headlight offers the brightest downroad with a whiter light for more clarity, in the SYLVANIA family. Being able to see street signs and road markings more clearly can help a driver with increased reaction time. Whiter light also improves contrast, allowing a driver to distinguish objects on the side of the road better.

With SYLVANIA SilverStar ULTRA headlights, motorists can see further down the road, with increased side road visibility and peripheral visibility. To top it off, SilverStar ULTRA headlights are simple to install – no need to see a mechanic!

Lights, no matter the time of year, dim over time. To maximize visibility, it is important to replace headlights every few years, even before burnout. However, it is common for most people to wait until one burns out and replace it. At this point, it is very important to replace both bulbs at the same time. If one headlight is new and one old, there will be an uneven field of vision on the road, which can be a distraction to the driver and other drivers on the road. That’s why it’s important to always replace headlights in pairs.

So as you check off your back to school list, don't forget to add "Install SYLVANIA SilverStar ULTRA headlights" to the list and check it off before you start that daily drive to school and back!

Buy It:

You can purchase SYLVANIA SilverStar ULTRA headlights from Amazon.com

* Thank you to Sylvania for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Summer Family Travel Tips from Safety 1st‏

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

July is well underway and summer is upon us!

What travel plans do you have for your family this summer? 

According to AAA, 35% of Americans plan on taking a road trip this summer that is 50 miles or more from home.

We are traveling this summer to northern Wisconsin for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary celebration. We are staying a couple nights in a hotel and a must for us when traveling anywhere is a quality, easy to carry and easy to set up travel bed or play yard for my youngest son who doesn't sleep in a bed yet. Every trip we take this summer, we will definitely be taking our new Prelude Play Yard from Safety 1st.

The Prelude Play Yard by Safety 1st will come in handy for years to come. This three-way convertible play yard is a cozy bassinet, a convenient changing table, and a roomy play yard all in one. The bassinet is spacious and comfortable for baby, while the changing table offers added convenience with a large accessory area to keep diapers, wipes, and other necessities close at hand. When your little one is ready, this item converts into a full-sized play yard with plenty of room for favorite toys. Breathable mesh keeps your infant in easy view. This simple-to-assemble play yard packs away to fit into the included carrying bag for easy travel, making it great for stays away from home.

This play yard is spacious for even my two year old and I love that I can see him at all times through the mesh sides.

Best of all, it was also super easy to set up and take down. I love the push buttons on the side that turn green when it is latched upright correctly.

I also love the storage pockets on the side and how compact it folds up so it doesn't take up much room in the car. We definitely need all the room we can get when packing for a family of five!

FEATURES:

• Full size bassinet
• Elevated changing table with accessory tray
• Removable arch with cute toys
• On-the-go carry bag
• Spacious play yard for napping or play

With the increase in number of cars on the road and family road trips, it’s important to make sure all parents and children travel safely wherever you go this summer. Check out this great safety check list from Safety 1st Car Seat Safety expert Ryan Hawker:

“Are We There Yet?” Your Road Trip Safety Check List

By: Ryan Hawker, Safety 1st Car Seat Safety Expert

Gas prices are starting to drop! Yes! Therefore it’s no secret that this summer AAA is predicting more and more people will be hitting the roads for a summer vacation. According to the travel organization, 35% of Americans are planning to take a vacation more than 50 miles from home with two or more immediate family members in the next 12 months. 

If you are traveling with little ones a very important tip that most people forget to confirm is that car seat or home safety is a part of the travel check list. Before you hit the road make sure to take a look in the back seat to confirm your child is in the correct child restraint for his or her height and weight, and that the car seat is installed correctly. 

In Your Back Seat: 

· The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2. The new Safety 1st Grow and Go EX Air, offers a safer and more comfortable ride with extended use at each stage; including up to 50 pounds rear-facing and 100 pounds in the belt-positioning booster mode. Remember, the safest place to install a car seat, rear or forward-facing, is typically in the center of the rear seat. 

· Always make sure your child is secure by keeping the car seat harness snug. Experts test the snugness with the "pinch test". If you pinch the harness straps at the shoulder and can gather material, it is too lose. Cinch it down. Also, check in with a local Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly. You can visit a local police department, fire station, AAA office or Safe Kids Chapter for guidance.

· It’s something you rarely think about, but car seats expire! You can find the expiration date on the back or the side of the car seat. Also, if a car seat has been in a crash you should not use it. Plastic can warp, materials can fray and the car seat will not protect a child correctly. Always avoid used car seats. The history of a car seat tells a lot about its ability to protect on the road ahead. If you don’t know where it has been, you don’t know if it can protect your child.

On The Road:

· Road trips often mean long hours in the car, especially when traveling through high volume areas. According to AAA, Fifty-five percent of Americans say they are more likely to take a road trip this year due to lower gas prices, which can lead to more traffic. Make sure your driver is always well-rested and the kids are occupied to reduce distractions. It’s a good idea to keep snacks and activities handy. Also don’t forget a charger for your tablet or iPhone.

· Children don’t always do what they’re told but they do often mimic what they observe. According to Safe Ride 4 Kids, almost 40% of children riding in vehicles with unbelted drivers were not wearing belt restraints at the time of an accident. Set a good example and always use your seatbelt.

· Protect your car like you would protect your home. It’s important to eliminate projectiles and keep them secured in a bag tucked under the seat or in a compartment. Anything in the car that is not secured is a possible projectile in the event that you stop fast. That could be a child’s toy or a water bottle. In a crash, objects take on greater weight due to crash forces.

At Your Destination:

· A great way to help your child adjust to sleeping in a new location is to start the process at home before you leave. If your child will be sleeping in a Play Yard during the trip, use it for bed or nap time the entire week before. This will help him or her get used to a new sleep environment.

· Are you planning on renting a house for your family vacation this summer? Unfortunately, vacation rentals don’t come child-proofed. Sharp corners and dangerous objects are inevitable. Therefore be sure to pack essential child proofing items in your suitcase. Soften the edges of an unfamiliar house with the Foam Bumper Kit. The Easy Install Walk-Thru Gate is great for blocking off new staircases that your little one may want to venture down, and don’t forget Plug Protectors, and door Knob Covers are essential for rooms you don’t want little ones venturing into unsupervised, such as the bathroom.

* Thank you to Safety 1st for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Keep Your Child Safe Every Time You Strap Them with the Britax Frontier ClickTight!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Did you know that last week was Child Passenger Safety Week??!!

In my opinion, every day and every week of the year should be Child Passenger Safety Week because it is just that important! 

Every time I strap my kids into their car seats, I wonder if they are safe, what would happen if we got in a car accident, and I pray that I have done everything in my power to make sure they are safe every time I get into the car!

The most important way I ensure that my kids are safe EVERY TIME they get in the car is by making sure they have a car seat that is built to keep them safe and that the car seat is installed correctly so that it will keep them safe in the case of a car accident!

But we all know as parents with small children that installing a car seat can be time consuming and frustrating. We are at this time installing three car seats (and I definitely give my husband credit for doing it often!).

But we are given a sigh of relief every time we have to install the car seats because we have the new Britax Frontier ClickTight Combination Harness 2-Booster and it is so much easier to install than anything we have had before!

The Frontier ClickTight is a top-selling combination seat that pairs an extra layer of side impact protection along with the super-easy ClickTight Installation System – so you have peace of mind knowing your child is protected. This car seat is really heavy duty, is easy to adjust for height and for installation and I know it will keep my children safe!

Once we figured out where to open up to install the seat belt, it was really easy to do.

You just pinch together the little buttons and then pull it up. Then you will see where the seat belt goes.

You then just pull the seatbelt across the green belt guide, pull it tight, and click it shut! I never have to pinch or break my arms trying to pull the seat belt through the back of a seat AGAIN!

I also like how the seat adjust for height at the top of the seat with an easy pull lever. That will be great when my kids get older!

You just pull the lever in the head restraint and the seat back moves up to adjust to the harness and head restraint height for your child!

You adjust the straps to be tighter by pulling the strap just below the 5-point harness buckle.

One downfall for me is the strap loosener. We could not figure it out for a long time where the "button" was and the directions weren't very clear on how to make it work. So for everyone considering this seat, I will save you the searching and let you know it is in the tiny little pocket shown above. You stick your finger in there and search for a little button. Push that and the straps will loosen.

I just wish they would put a little symbol or direction on the pocket for parents or relatives like grandparents who might need to use the seat once in awhile and will have no idea how to loosen the seat.

However, I do see that the reason they hide it is so that the child sitting in the seat can not loosen the straps and endanger themselves. I would just appreciate some kind of marking as to what it is or how to adjust it for adults' sake.

Another thing to keep in mind when considering this car seat is that I thought this seat was VERY heavy (it weighs 25 lbs)! I did struggle to lift it by myself and, although it does make me feel like it is very safe, it might not be good for people who need to move seats from car to car often.

Other than those two things, we REALLY LOVE this new Frontier ClickTight seat and will be using it for many years to come, since it does have a nine year life span. I feel great knowing my kids are very safe every time I strap them in and I also don't dread installing the car seats anymore!!! Thank you Britax!!

Who's this seat for? 

This seat is a forward facing and booster seat and is not a backward facing seat. Therefore, this seat is only appropriate for children starting at 25 lbs and 30 in of height. It can then be used for children all the way up to 120 lbs and 62 inches of height! 

As you can see, it will definitely protect and grow with your child for many years!

So where do you get this great seat? 

You can purchase this awesome car seat from a Brixy member store -- a trade association for independent juvenile retailers in U.S. Plus, they are the only ones to offer the black/gray color pattern called Dylan (shown above) because they are only at select Brixy stores while supplies last.

Plus, Brixy stores are located coast-to-coast and each store’s knowledgeable staff can advise parents on current laws and more importantly, best practice. You will learn all about how to keep your children safe every time you strap them into their car seat!

Buy It:

You can purchase the Frontier ClickTight harness-2-booster for $329.99) in the Dylan pattern only available at select Brixy stores while supplies last.

* Thank you to Britax for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Travel Safely This Summer with @safety1st!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Where will are you going this summer? 

According to AAA, road trips top the list this year. With many families hitting the road this summer, Safety 1st wants to make sure parents and children have a safe summer while on the go.

Check out these great tips from Safety 1st and keep them in mind anywhere and everywhere you go this summer!

Oh The Places You’ll Go – Travel Safety This Summer

By Safety 1st

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75% of car seats on the road are installed incorrectly. Here are some easy tips to think about before hitting the road.

1. The safest place to install a car seat is typically in the center of the rear seat.
2. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2. It also advises that most children will need to ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
3. Check in with a local Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly. You can visit a local police station, fire station, AAA office or Safe Kids Chapter for guidance.

Where is Baby?

It may seem like common sense but never, leave a child alone in the car. Hyperthermia is a severe form of heat stroke and last year 30 children died after being left or trapped in a hot vehicle. You can learn more about this issue and easy tips to prevent it here.

Safeguard the Car

Just as important as safe guarding your home, don’t forget about the car. Especially on long road trips. It’s important to eliminate projectiles, anything in the car that is not secured is a possible projectile. That could be a child’s toy, wet nap container, or a water bottle. In a crash, objects take on greater weight due to crash forces.

Make sure unused shoulder belts are not in reach of children as they can pose strangulation risk.

Car Seats Expire

Car seats expire. Especially if you get a hand-me-down car seat you should always check the expiration date to confirm the seat is safe for your child. You can find the expiration date on the back or the side of the car seat. Also, another very important tip - once a car seat has been in a crash you should not use it, plastic can warp and materials can fray. To properly dispose of a car seat check with your local waste management facility to see if they recycle number 5 plastic.

So if you are looking for a car seat that will keep your baby safe and will last a LONG time, then check out the new Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat from Safety 1st.  It will be the first and last car seat parents and caregivers will need, making it simple to keep your little one safe in the backseat. In addition, the seat features side impact protection, a no rethread harness, buckle holders, two cup holders and an easily removable seat cover.

Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat can be used rear-facing, forward-facing or as a booster. This extended use car seat features a no re-thread harness, buckle holders, dual cup holders and a removable seat cover.

I absolutely LOVE that this seat can be used from baby to toddler to school age! So many baby products are only used for a couple weeks but it is so refreshing to see a baby item that is safe AND can be used for many YEARS! Love this!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Grow and Go exclusively for $169.99 at Babies ‘R’ Us.

* Thank you to Safety 1st for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Win Great Prizes in the #GBTravelSafe Sweepstakes! #IC #ad

I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for GB. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

When new parents ask me what is one of the most important purchases they will make for their child, I always tell me them "Car Seats!". They can be the difference between life and death in the case of a car accident and a good, quality car seat definitely gives peace of mind every time I get into the car with my children!

GB feels the same way we parents do! They know how important safe car seats are so they recently launched the GB Asana35 AP Car Seat with a unique 3-way FirmFit System!

And in celebration of their new safe car seat, GB is hosting the GB Travel Safe Sweepstakes which offers parents a chance to win great prizes like a $500 Babies “R” Us gift card with second and third place winners to receive GB baby gear like the GB Asana35 AP and the compatible GB Zuzu stroller!

Check out more details about the prizes:

It's really easy to enter and it's all about gaining the most points you can: by tweeting, watching a short video, visiting the product page and pinning images on Pinterested. You can also get extra points by adding the GB Asana35 to your baby registry!

So enter below or at the website to enter today!

GB Travel Safe Sweepstakes

* I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for GB. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.*

Rainier Convertible + Booster Car Seat

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Safety for my children is my utmost concern in life...especially when it comes to car safety.

So I am always on the search for the best, safest, and space saving car seat and I think I have found it with the Rainier Convertible + Booster Car Seat from Diono. It really has it all and it's many features really set it apart from its competition!

Diono is a world leader providing families safe, innovative and high quality juvenile products that exceed expectations at home or on the go in over 39 countries worldwide. With more than a decade of experience, Diono continues a heritage of excellence that includes more than 50 International Awards from industry and consumer groups for safety and thoughtful design for Car Seats, Travel and Stroller Accessories.

Diono’s most innovative product to date is the Rainier Convertible + Booster Car Seat and it is designed with your child's security and safety as top priorities. The New Diono Rainier is the ultimate in car seat safety with new extra deep side walls providing enhanced side impact protection taking Diono car seats to a whole new level.

Premium materials and thoughtful safety features like a steel alloy frame, aluminum reinforced side walls, energy absorbing EPS foam, and a five-point harness put your mind at ease as your little one stays safe and sound. The reinforced adjustable head support provides additional side impact protection.

One of the best parts is how versatile it is! It can go rear facing, forward facing and converts to a booster: With its extended rear-facing capabilities, it can comfortably seat rear-facing children from 5 to 50 lbs. and forward-facing children from 20 to 90 lbs. in 5-point harness mode (up to 57" in height). Additionally it converts to a booster for children between 50 and 120 lbs. or up to 57" in height.

Plus, it adjusts so easily! The aluminum reinforce headrest has 12 height positions for adjustable head support and additional EPS foam surrounds the child’s head and body for complete side impact protection. Its unique SuperLATCH™ system makes installation easy and the Rainier is NCAP crash tested, the industry benchmark for verifying child seat performance in severe accident conditions.

Other Key Features:

• Full steel frame and aluminum reinforced sides for unmatched safety
• Reinforced extra deep sidewalls lined with energy-absorbing foam give Rainier superior head and body protection
• Space saving design allows extra room for passengers while providing spacious interior for child
• Folds flat for travel and is FAA certified
• NCAP crash tested, the industry benchmark for verifying child seat performance in severe accident conditions
• Industry-leading 12 year product life (from date of purchase)

I love that it folds because we seem to always be taking them out and it stores so easily! And we have a smaller backseat so we really love that it is space saving and can fit easily with our other children's seats!

Buy It: 

You can purchase the Rainier Convertible + Booster Car Seat for $286.76 from Amazon.com

* Thank you to Diono for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

INLET by LivingPlug

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

September is Baby Safety Month and with three kids (and one brand new one!), I am always looking for new safety items to install in my house to make it safer and give me more peace of mind.

A new item that I was recently introduced to is the INLET by LivingPlug. It has redefined electrical outlet covers - it keeps little fingers safe, requires no installation and promotes energy conservation. Just launched, INLET is simple to install by plugging into existing outlets and will match any home décor thanks to wide variety of interchangeable faceplates.

This is such a great idea because it has so many different aspects that make it unique! Not only does it protect from little curious fingers but adds a third outlet plus a USB charger! Above it all, there are available interchangeable faceplates to personalize them and make them fit any decor!

The INLET features:

AESTHETICS 

Enhances design

Interchangeable faceplate system will conceal, accent or make a statement – made to order with your image or from the LivingPlug Gallery

CHILD SAFETY

Prevents shocks and burns

Transforms an unguarded duplex outlet into a protected powersource with three Tamper Resistant (TR) receptacles and the option to further secure directly to a standard duplex outlet.

ENERGY CONSERVATION 

Kills vampire charges

UNplug button eliminates charges from appliances which are plugged in, but not in use (can equal 15% of electric bill).

UTILITY 

Does more

The duplex outlet has gone virtually unchanged for almost 100 years. INLET provides three TR receptacles plus a high capacity 2.1a USB charger

I absolutely LOVE the Lord is my Shepherd faceplate that I received for my INLET. It will fit in any room in our house and be a great reminder of our faith at the same time!

LivingPlug’s interchangeable faceplates bring aesthetics to your electrical outlet. Sliding onto the four pins on the INLET, faceplates can help conceal an outlet, highlight décor or make a statement in your living environment.

If you are looking to keep your children safe this month (and every month!) and gain an additional outlet, check out the INLET and personalize it with a faceplate!

Buy It: You can purchase the INLET and faceplates for $25 each from the Living Plug website.

* Thank you to Living Plug for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*