Tonight I went to a car seat safety class put on by a program called Safe Kids in my county. I already knew most of what they went over but it was good to hear it nonetheless. In return for taking the class and giving a $20 donation I was given a convertible car seat for Baby T. The same car seat retails for $150! It was well worth 45 minutes of my time. I learned a lot in the class. For example,
Several studies done by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that 82% of car seats and installed and used incorrectly.
I also got a really good piece of information. Your baby can outgrow his or her car seat without reaching the height or weight requirement. Baby T is a big boy. He's very tall but it is all in the torso. His head is about even with the top of his car seat. Even though he hasn't met the height or weight limits for his infant seat he needs to switch to a convertible for this reason. It isn't safe for children to be in an infant seat when their head is within 1 inch of the top of the hard plastic shell of the car seat. I had no idea that his car seat wasn't safe anymore. How could I?
So please, please, please look into a car seat safety class. Your baby's car seat can save his life. It's such an easy (and usually free) thing to do. Plus, you might get a very inexpensive car seat out of the deal!
For those of you in Fort Collins, check out the Safe Kids program:
http://www.safekidslcc.org/carseatresources.html They're hosting an event September 11th where they will check your car seat (or you can call the Fire Department to set up an appointment for them to check it).
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Accidents
I was out shopping today with Baby T. I thought I saw a friend of mine leaving the store. I was walking towards her when I saw something terrible happen. She was carrying her 2 month old daughter in her car seat. She took a step and the baby slid out of the seat and hit the concrete. I was 15 feet away but I heard her hit the ground.
My friend had unstrapped her baby to tend to her while shopping. She placed her back in the seat but didn't strap her in because she was sleeping. She didn't want to wake her up. She forgot she wasn't strapped in when she left. She tilted the seat just a little bit while walking and her baby fell.
It was terrifying. The entire time all I could think about is whether her baby was okay. She is so small and delicate. There were half a dozen women there but nobody else knew what to do. How is that possible? If anyone should know what to do when a child is injured it should be mothers. The baby looked okay - even pupils, didn't lose consciousness, no vomiting, acting normal, no cuts, etc. We called an ambulance anyway.
It made me realize how quickly things can change. Children are so innocent and fragile. Sometimes it's hard to remember to think for two people (you + baby) instead of one. A simple slip of the mind can end in tragedy. So hug your babies tight and remember the little things.
My friend had unstrapped her baby to tend to her while shopping. She placed her back in the seat but didn't strap her in because she was sleeping. She didn't want to wake her up. She forgot she wasn't strapped in when she left. She tilted the seat just a little bit while walking and her baby fell.
It was terrifying. The entire time all I could think about is whether her baby was okay. She is so small and delicate. There were half a dozen women there but nobody else knew what to do. How is that possible? If anyone should know what to do when a child is injured it should be mothers. The baby looked okay - even pupils, didn't lose consciousness, no vomiting, acting normal, no cuts, etc. We called an ambulance anyway.
It made me realize how quickly things can change. Children are so innocent and fragile. Sometimes it's hard to remember to think for two people (you + baby) instead of one. A simple slip of the mind can end in tragedy. So hug your babies tight and remember the little things.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Jumpy McJumperson
Today I hauled Baby T down to Once Upon A Child (a store that sells used baby stuff) to sell his swing and get something different. The swing was never a big hit. Lately he's been using the tray to pull himself up into a sitting position. He's also been kicking said tray until it flies open (then crying because it hurt his foot / leg to kick plastic that hard). It was an accident waiting to happen. Maybe it would be good for a parent with a less spaztic kid or one who likes movement in general.
I got a jumper to replace the swing. It is awesome! He loves it. Unlike the swing he will stay in it for longer than 5 minutes and I don't have to worry about him hurting himself. He's surprisingly tall enough to reach the ground in it. He adores being able to stand up. He has just recently discovered that some of his toys make noise as a result of him hitting them...
Oh and did I mention that he can stand up while holding onto a couch / chair / whatever? Crazy.
I got a jumper to replace the swing. It is awesome! He loves it. Unlike the swing he will stay in it for longer than 5 minutes and I don't have to worry about him hurting himself. He's surprisingly tall enough to reach the ground in it. He adores being able to stand up. He has just recently discovered that some of his toys make noise as a result of him hitting them...
Friday, July 30, 2010
Well, that snuck up on me.
I have about 2 1/2 weeks before I jump into the world of full time parenting and full time school work (yes, at the same time). This ought to be interesting...
I've got a lot going on during the next few weeks. I need to:
Uh, that's a lot of stuff...
I've got a lot going on during the next few weeks. I need to:
- Deep clean the house
- Get rid of all the stuff we've collected but never use
- Finish the nursery and baby proof*
- Update Baby T's closet (since he seems to be out growing everything we have)
- Exchange some of his lil baby toys for some new toys (ie: his swing for a jumper)
- Get Baby T and I on some sort of vague schedule
- Fully make the transition from our bed to the Montessori bed (for Baby T, of course)
- Start menu planning
Uh, that's a lot of stuff...
Friday, July 16, 2010
Do you remember when I told you how awesome my mom is?
Because she made me a bunch of diapers? Well those diapers are the only thing that works overnight now. I even tried a BumGenius stuffed with both microfiber inserts and 2 large hemp inserts. He still leaked. My mom = best diaper maker ever. I think she should retire (again) and go into the diaper making business. What do GoodMama's sell for now? $35-40? Yeah, hers are way better than those.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
CD: GroVia vs. GroBaby
Let me preface this review by saying that the only other hybrid diaper I've tried was GDiapers and I hated those things with a passion.
The GroBaby (GB) and GroVia (GV) shells are pretty much the same. I only have the GB shells so that's what is pictured. I compared the two kinds in store. The main difference is that the GV shells have a tab to tuck the hook under for laundry purposes. These shells are unlike most others in that there is a strip of fabric on the front to attach the hook to instead of a strip of loop. I find it easier to get a good fit because of this. I think the GV and GB hook is stickier than most and the tabs seem to actually stay down in the wash so I don't end up with a diaper chain. With the old GB shells the front fabric strip (the red part) is a little narrower but not enough to really impact use. Since they're so similar I would opt for the GB shells if you can still find them on sale.
The interior of both the GB and GV shells is lined with mesh. This allows the shells to work with the disposable inserts which I'll talk about later.
The big difference is between the inserts. Below are two inserts shown side by side. The GV on the left and GB on the right. As you can tell, the GV inserts are significantly larger. They also have a waterproof backing which prevents the shell from getting soiled. Both have elastic around the middle but the GB elastic just kind of gathers the fabric a little while the GV elastic actually provides gussets.
The GVs seem to be more absorbent than the GB inserts. I'm not sure what each is made out of but they are definitely made from different material. With the GB inserts I have to use a doubler but I don't have to with the GV ones. Ultimately, the GV inserts are far superior. It's tempting to go with the GB's since they're on sale but don't do it. You'll regret it. With the GB inserts I pretty much need a new cover at every change. I've never had the cover gets soiled using the GV inserts.
If you've never used either system, the inserts just snap right into the shells. You can see the snaps on the back of the inserts in the right picture.
Here are the inserts side by side in two GB shells. You can see how the GV inserts really fills the shell while the GB one is a little small. The GV inserts almost look like they're too big for the shell. When you actually go to put the shell on you realize they fit perfectly - even with the shell snapped down on the small setting.
Now onto the disposable GV inserts. I haven't tried the GB inserts so I won't comment on those. These things are impressive! They have gussets which help contain even the largest, runniest messes your mind can imagine. Trust me, Baby T really tested these out and they passed with flying colors. Each insert has 2 pieces of tape on the back to attach it to the shell. If you try to use the inserts with a different shell they will either leave a sticky residue where the tape attaches or bunch up because you don't use the tape. Both the GB and GV shells are lined with mesh so they work with the inserts. The inserts are truly one size. I tried them on a friends toddler and my 2 month old without any issues.
To sum it up, get some shells (doesn't matter which) and some GV inserts and I think you'll be pretty darn happy. As far as sizing goes, Baby T is around 13 lbs. There are three size settings - small (snapped down all the way), medium, and large (unsnapped). He fits comfortably in the medium setting. He's on the medium setting on his BumGenius too. I think they will probably fit an 8-10 lb newborn but not much smaller than that.
The GroBaby (GB) and GroVia (GV) shells are pretty much the same. I only have the GB shells so that's what is pictured. I compared the two kinds in store. The main difference is that the GV shells have a tab to tuck the hook under for laundry purposes. These shells are unlike most others in that there is a strip of fabric on the front to attach the hook to instead of a strip of loop. I find it easier to get a good fit because of this. I think the GV and GB hook is stickier than most and the tabs seem to actually stay down in the wash so I don't end up with a diaper chain. With the old GB shells the front fabric strip (the red part) is a little narrower but not enough to really impact use. Since they're so similar I would opt for the GB shells if you can still find them on sale.
The interior of both the GB and GV shells is lined with mesh. This allows the shells to work with the disposable inserts which I'll talk about later.
The big difference is between the inserts. Below are two inserts shown side by side. The GV on the left and GB on the right. As you can tell, the GV inserts are significantly larger. They also have a waterproof backing which prevents the shell from getting soiled. Both have elastic around the middle but the GB elastic just kind of gathers the fabric a little while the GV elastic actually provides gussets.
The GVs seem to be more absorbent than the GB inserts. I'm not sure what each is made out of but they are definitely made from different material. With the GB inserts I have to use a doubler but I don't have to with the GV ones. Ultimately, the GV inserts are far superior. It's tempting to go with the GB's since they're on sale but don't do it. You'll regret it. With the GB inserts I pretty much need a new cover at every change. I've never had the cover gets soiled using the GV inserts.
If you've never used either system, the inserts just snap right into the shells. You can see the snaps on the back of the inserts in the right picture.
Here are the inserts side by side in two GB shells. You can see how the GV inserts really fills the shell while the GB one is a little small. The GV inserts almost look like they're too big for the shell. When you actually go to put the shell on you realize they fit perfectly - even with the shell snapped down on the small setting.
Now onto the disposable GV inserts. I haven't tried the GB inserts so I won't comment on those. These things are impressive! They have gussets which help contain even the largest, runniest messes your mind can imagine. Trust me, Baby T really tested these out and they passed with flying colors. Each insert has 2 pieces of tape on the back to attach it to the shell. If you try to use the inserts with a different shell they will either leave a sticky residue where the tape attaches or bunch up because you don't use the tape. Both the GB and GV shells are lined with mesh so they work with the inserts. The inserts are truly one size. I tried them on a friends toddler and my 2 month old without any issues.
To sum it up, get some shells (doesn't matter which) and some GV inserts and I think you'll be pretty darn happy. As far as sizing goes, Baby T is around 13 lbs. There are three size settings - small (snapped down all the way), medium, and large (unsnapped). He fits comfortably in the medium setting. He's on the medium setting on his BumGenius too. I think they will probably fit an 8-10 lb newborn but not much smaller than that.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Controversial Parenting (my specialty) and my response to the crib recall epidemic
I've been continually surprised at how confident I am with my parenting choices for Baby T, especially considering the fact that I've made some decisions that are far from mainstream (baby led weaning, delayed vaccinations, family bed, attachment parenting, etc). I acknowledge that just because something isn't common does not mean that it is unsafe. It helps that I have the best doctor ever who is supportive of my decisions. I think I'd be a lot more neurotic if it weren't for him.
And now, for what is quite possible my most controversial decision yet... I've decided to transition Baby T to the Montessori bed. While I like the family bed I don't think it's a good fit for C. Plus, two adults (one of whom likes to spread out and take over the entire bed - uh, sorry about that), one infant, and at least one cat is a lot to have in one queen size bed.
We've been trying to transition Baby T into his crib but he just does not seem fond of it. Occasionally he sleeps fine in there but most of the time he hates it. He'll scream before you even fully put him down. He is, however, quite fond of my bed and the twin in the nursery. More importantly, Baby T's crib is among those that have been recently recalled. So it's the perfect opportunity to try out the Montessori bed. It'll take some hardcore baby proofing in the next couple of months but that's okay.
I'm sure you're thinking I've lost my marbles and hey, maybe I have. It wouldn't be the first time and I'm sure it wouldn't be the last time. If it makes you feel better, I'm sending out for the kit to fix our crib. It will take several weeks to a couple of months to arrive. We'll keep the crib around until we know if the Montessori bed is going to work out after Baby T gets mobile.
Here's an amazing article about Montessori beds by Christie Stanford.
And now, for what is quite possible my most controversial decision yet... I've decided to transition Baby T to the Montessori bed. While I like the family bed I don't think it's a good fit for C. Plus, two adults (one of whom likes to spread out and take over the entire bed - uh, sorry about that), one infant, and at least one cat is a lot to have in one queen size bed.
We've been trying to transition Baby T into his crib but he just does not seem fond of it. Occasionally he sleeps fine in there but most of the time he hates it. He'll scream before you even fully put him down. He is, however, quite fond of my bed and the twin in the nursery. More importantly, Baby T's crib is among those that have been recently recalled. So it's the perfect opportunity to try out the Montessori bed. It'll take some hardcore baby proofing in the next couple of months but that's okay.
I'm sure you're thinking I've lost my marbles and hey, maybe I have. It wouldn't be the first time and I'm sure it wouldn't be the last time. If it makes you feel better, I'm sending out for the kit to fix our crib. It will take several weeks to a couple of months to arrive. We'll keep the crib around until we know if the Montessori bed is going to work out after Baby T gets mobile.
Here's an amazing article about Montessori beds by Christie Stanford.
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