In this post, we’ll cover:

The Best Convertible Car Seats

The safest convertible car seat

Safest-in-Tests – The Best Convertible Car Seats for Natural Mamas baby post by Mama Natural

• The Britax Marathon: The National Highway Traffic Safety Association ranks the Britax Marathon as one of the safest car seats. This convertible seat features an energy-absorbing base, an impact-absorbing tether, and a steel frame.

Did you know the earliest “car seats” were burlap sacks secured to the headset to contain baby in one spot. (source) And even in the 60s, parents often rode with their children in their laps. Yikes! Clearly, there was a need to keep baby safely in one spot while driving, and thankfully, we’ve developed much safer—and much more comfortable— car seats for babies.

All modern car seats, whether an infant seat or a convertible car seat, must meet certain safety regulations, including: 

• A five-point harness (includes chest clips and harness straps)
• LATCH, the seamless clip-in system for car seats (required in all cars as of 2003, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association)
• A car seat base, usually padded with a proprietary hard foam material

So why does it seem like some seats are “safer” than others? Certain car seats go above and beyond the minimum requirements and offer additional safety features, like: 

• Lateral headrests (to protect the sides of baby’s head)
• Side wings, the extra padding on the side of baby’s head
• Additional impact protection
• Pitch control (to keep your baby’s head from jerking during sudden stops)
• Load leg, a metal support that extends from the bottom of the car seat to the floor for extra stability

Bottom line: Any car seat available for purchase has passed the minimum safety regulations, but it’s up to you if you’d like to take advantage of additional safety (and comfort!) features.

The least toxic convertible car seat

Least Toxic – The Best Convertible Car Seats for Natural Mamas baby post by Mama Natural

• Clek Fllo Non-Toxic Convertible Seat with Anti-Rebound Bar: While this convertible car seat does not convert into a booster seat, it does check off many other boxes. It’s non-toxic and free from both brominated flame retardants and fluorinated flame retardants. It’s stylish in charcoal gray and slender enough to fit three seats across.

Other great options: 

• Clek Foonf Rigid Latch Convertible Baby and Toddler Car Seat: Like the Clek Fllo, this too is free from brominated and fluorinated flame retardants. Highlights of this seat include rigid LATCH buckles, which means you’ll never have to fumble to install a car seat again. And the rear-facing mode accommodates up to 50 pounds, so you can maintain extended rear-facing; front-facing accommodates up to 65 pounds. Clek Foonf Rigid Latch Convertible Baby and Toddler Car Seat – How to Pick the Best Convertible Car Seat baby post by Mama Natural
• Britax Advocate ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar Convertible Car Seat: This seat is not as non-toxic as the Clek Fllo. It still uses a flame retardant, but it does not use brominated retardants. It maintains its fire retardant status with phosphorus. Highlights of this seat: You’ll never have to re-thread those straps ever again (hooray!) because of the unique clicking system. Also, the shock-absorbing base and the anti-rebound bar help keep baby safe and secure in the event of an accident. Britax Advocate ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar Convertible Car Seat – How to Pick the Best Convertible Car Seat baby post by Mama Natural

The idea to treat car seats with a flame retardant is a pretty sound decision, since many car accidents do pose a risk of igniting a fire. That being said, brominated flame retardants have many health risks. Research from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors reveals that brominated flame retardants are linked to breast cancer and thyroid hormone disruption. (source) To make matters worse, those chemicals can leech into the air when the car seats sit in a hot car during the summer months. (source)

Look for a seat that is treated without brominated flame retardants. Luckily, car seat manufacturers are beginning to produce these safety devices with fabrics, like merino wool, that are naturally flame retardant.

Best value for a convertible car seat

Best Value – The Best Convertible Car Seats for Natural Mamas baby post by Mama Natural

• Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Seat: Although this seat is heavy, it is by far the most versatile convertible car seat. It can accommodate every stage of childhood, from a tiny four-pound newborn to a 120-pound child. This seat does transition into a booster, too, so you’ll never need to purchase another car seat for your child if you choose this convertible option.

Price is the third deciding factor when it comes to choosing a new car seat. Prices range from $100 to $400, or even $500. It’s tempting to think that the most expensive is the safest, but that’s not necessarily true. Remember, all car seats must meet the same rigorous safety laws.

Remember: Choosing a less expensive seat doesn’t mean that you are compromising your babies’ safety.

That being said, sometimes the value seats seem like a great deal—you’ll get tons of use out of them over the years—but longevity isn’t always best. Sometimes these seats are perfectly suitable, but don’t have any standout features, and you might prefer to spend a little more over the cost of a few years to get a little more. Also keep expiration dates in mind—car seats do expire. The normal lifespan of a car seat is approximately six years from the manufactured date.

How to Choose the Best Convertible Car Seat

Here are a few tricks for evaluating all of the convertible car seats you’re interested in.

• Size: Not all car seats are the same size. If you have a small car or if you have multiple children in car seats and boosters, size will be a major factor for you. It’s tricky to fit three car seats in a row!
• Style: This is a personal preference, but some models are sleeker than others.
• Longevity: How long will you use the car seat? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, children need to remain in a forward-facing seat until at least four years and as long as seven years (usually the age when a child meets the height and weight requirements listed on the car seat). After that, kids transition to a booster seat. Because a child will be in a convertible seat for years, it may be worth spending the additional money for a premium seat. If your convertible car seat also converts into a booster seat, this adds to the value of your seat.

What’s the Difference? Infant Car Seat vs. Convertible Car Seat

Are you still teetering between an infant car seat and a convertible car seat? There is no right or wrong choice; this is largely a personal preference based on your lifestyle and needs. Keep in mind that there are benefits to starting with an infant seat before moving to a convertible car seat. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will I be babywearing? If so, you may not need the removable feature of adding an infant seat to a stroller. If so, go with a convertible car seat.
• Will baby be in and out of multiple cars? If so, you may like the option to just move the infant seat and keep multiple bases in your family cars.
• Is my baby on the bigger/taller side? He may do well starting in a convertible seat as this may be more comfortable for him.

Read more about infant car seats before making your decision.

When to Switch to a Convertible Car Seat

Is your baby already in an infant seat? Eventually, he’ll need to move to a bigger car seat—a convertible car seat. Before you make the transition, check your infant car seat model for weight and height restrictions. Once baby gets close to the maximums, it’s time to switch to a convertible car seat. Just because your baby outgrows the infant seat doesn’t mean he can move up to any convertible seat. You’ll have to check the minimum requirements on your new seat, too.

No matter what seat you choose, always read the instruction manual carefully, install your seat according to the guidelines, and have it professionally inspected. Many police or fire stations will be able to inspect your car seat installation for you.

Remember…

There are dozens of choices available to you, and there are no bad decisions when it comes to car seats, since they’re all tested for safety. Don’t stress—focus on choosing one that’s right for you and your lifestyle.

The post The Best Convertible Car Seats for Natural Mamas appeared first on Mama Natural.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• The best toys for newborns
• How to choose safer toys
• Plus, why newborn toys are important

The Best Newborn Toys

A 2008 study by Michigan-based consumer-safety program called the Ecology Center discovered that about a third of all the toys tested contained potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium, phthalates, and other harmful substances.

Unfortunately, labels can be very misleading and even things labeled “eco-friendly” may not be the best choice. Look for toys that have a GREENGUARD certification. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and The Consumer Product Safety Commission are also excellent resources when shopping for safe newborn toys.

It may take a little detective work, but finding toys made without harmful materials is worth the effort, since babies tend to mouth, chew, or even teethe on newborn toys.

With that said, the best toys for newborns are:

Wooden newborn toys

Because even BPA-free plastic can be harmful (source), the ideal toys are made of natural wood without any paint or stain.

Consider these options:

The only problem now is choosing which one (or two, or three) to get!

Best Newborn Baby Gifts

Though any baby gift will certainly be appreciated, the best baby gifts are useful presents that fulfill a real need—a carrier that will help mama get things done or a set of swaddling blankets to (hopefully) extend baby’s nighttime stretch of sleep just a little bit, for example. If you’re struggling, here are some great ideas for a new baby:

I reached out to YOU regarding what you thought was the best music for babies and WOW did you deliver!

Here are some of the most popular responses…

Best Music for Babies

There are so many different types of music for baby these days—classical, lullabies, Christian, pop… you name it.

So what’s the deal? Are baby walkers bad?

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about baby walkers, including:

Video: Are Baby Walkers Safe? Surprising Answer!

What Are Baby Walkers?

Baby walkers are devices that babies (and toddlers) can use to walk before they are able to walk on their own.

Over the time baby walkers have gone by many names, including go-cart, standing stool, baby runners, walking stools, and trainers. During the 17th century, it was thought that baby walkers helped baby be upright “both physically and morally.”

Today these walking devices are usually made of hard plastic, with wheels on the bottom.

Another kind of device is a stationary baby walker (the same design, but they only go in a circle or don’t move at all). See an example here.

Are Baby Walkers Safe?

While it’s understandable to want to use a baby walker—many babies do seem to love them and it helps free up mom or dad hands—the truth is baby walkers are not safe. Here’s why:

Baby walkers increase the chance of injury

These devices move very fast, faster than a parent can react, and babies can fall down steps, pinch fingers, and reach for things that they may not otherwise be able to reach. Between 1990 and 2014 there were an average of 230,000 injuries due to walkers, with most injuries being head trauma. Even with newer safety standards, there are still about 2,100 baby walker-related trips to the ER each year.

Other common injuries include:

• Head bumps and bruises (from falling down stairs or pulling items off of counters onto themselves)
• Burns and poisoning (from accessing places baby shouldn’t go)
• Pinched fingers or toes
• Drowning from falling into a toilet or pool
• Suffocation from neck being compressed against the feeding tray (the most rare of the injuries)

In 1994, stationary baby walkers were introduced, decreasing the amount of injuries each year. And in 1997, new safety standards made them safer, decreasing injuries by 76 percent from 1990 to 2001. (source)

While this is a good improvement in safety, experts say there are still real dangers.

“Walkers are unsafe,” pediatrician Gary Smith said in an interview with ABC News. “Children are still being injured in them. There should be a ban on the sale and manufacture of walkers.”

Baby walkers delay mental and motor development

Even if these devices were safe, there is evidence that they don’t actually help baby learn to walk properly. In fact, there’s evidence that walkers may actually delay development.

One study suggests babies who use walkers learn to walk later than those who don’t use walkers. Another study showed similar results: Researchers noted babies who used walkers sat, crawled, and walked later than a control group that didn’t use baby walkers. Infants who used walkers also scored lower on Bayley scales of mental and motor development.

But why would this delay development? Research suggests the delay in motor development can be attributed to the fact that baby can’t see his legs. Being able to see his own limbs shows baby what type of movement helped him achieve his goal.

Baby walkers hinder muscle development

It’s exciting to watch baby zoom around with a different perspective of the world, but forcing baby into a new position can be problematic for muscle development.

Walkers make it hard for baby to develop all of the muscles she needs to ultimately walk on her own. Time spent in these contraptions is time baby isn’t spending doing tummy time, or trying to sit up, crawl, or pull up—all activities that help prepare the body for walking. (source)

According to Pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, baby walkers strengthen the lower legs but not the upper legs and hips, which are essential for walking, and satisfy baby’s desire to move across the floor, making them less likely to try crawling.

What’s more? Pediatrician Dr. Emmi Pikler discovered that babies who developed naturally (i.e. weren’t placed in containers like walkers) were stronger, more stable, and more confident in their movements.

Are Baby Walkers Banned?

Though the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) has called for a ban in the U.S., you can still buy baby walkers in the U.S.

Walkers are, however, banned in Canada. In 2004, our northern neighbors became the first country to ban them. You can get a fine of up to $100,000 and six months of jail time (!) for selling these devices in Canada. (source)

So… Are There Any Safer Alternatives?

If baby walkers aren’t safe, what is?

Of course, activity mats or just blankets on the floor allow baby to explore their surroundings while strengthening their entire body.

Baby Activity Mat

If you need to do some chores around the house, you can put baby in a baby carrier as a safe, contained place.

Playpens filled with a few toys or swings are other alternatives that can help you while cooking dinner or doing another activity where you need baby to be safe and contained. Do know that all of these activities still require parental supervision, but experts say these options provide many of the benefits parents are looking for from baby walkers without the same serious problems.

Baby Play Pen Baby Swing

The key is not to put baby in these devices for long stretches of time as this can also affect motor development. It is also not safe to place baby in these devices for nap time (source).

Standing walkers (i.e. a walker that does not contain a baby in a seat) can be a good option for helping your baby practice walking. Unlike the rolling baby walkers, these sit-to-stand walkers allow your baby to see their legs, to use all of the muscles in their feet, and — most importantly — plop down on their bottom, which is an important part of the learning process! These types of walkers often feature locking or adjustable wheels so you can control how fast your baby toddles with the walker. Keep in mind, when baby is using this device, he will still require close supervision as there is a potential to fall down stairs, or go too fast.

ExerSaucers or bouncy walkers are another option to use in place of a baby walker. Because there are no wheels, your baby cannot accidentally walk or wheel to dangerous areas like the tops of stairwells. Even though baby is stationary, ExerSaucers should not replace quality time on the floor — cruising between furniture pieces or trying to step while holding your hands. Mobility experts recommend no more than two 15-20 minute sessions in a device like this per day.

With a safe place to practice what baby can already do on his own and strengthen muscles he needs for the next developmental milestone, he’ll begin walking before you know it. Just be patient and encouraging!

How About You?

When did your baby learn how to walk? We’d love to hear any stories you may have!

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No amount of futzing with your space will ensure it’s perfectly safe, but the goal of baby proofing is to reduce the amount of trouble that your child can get into, so that (just maybe!) you’ll have time to eat, shower, and pay your bills.

Here we outline the biggest safety hazards and explain what you can do to minimize them. 

Why Baby Proof?

The typical house does present some very real hazards, and no conscientious parent would make light of these. Taking care of window blind cords and open electrical outlets, for example, is as much a part of safe parenting as car safety seats.

Other hazards—open trash cans, the edge of the coffee table—are less serious but still worth addressing.

No matter the extent to which you decide to formally “baby proof” your home, parental vigilance is the most important ingredient in child safety.

Baby Proofing for a Crawling Baby (Around 6-10 months)

If you’re wondering how to baby proof your house for a crawler, you start by getting down. It might sound silly, but it’s easier to see dangers that might otherwise be missed when you’re at baby’s level. (I suggest that you get your husband or partner to do this task, while you surreptitiously film the process.?)

Here are a few items that a parent will discover when looking at the world from a baby’s eye view:

Electrical Outlets

One thing you’ll realize is that electrical outlets are at just the right height to be accessible to babies who can crawl and sit up. Thank goodness it’s fairly easy to baby proof electrical outlets. For outlets that are not in use, the standard, inexpensive outlet covers work just fine (where to buy). Outlets that are in use pose a hazard, too, as children may work the plug out enough to make contact with the metal prongs. Position furniture in front of outlets that are in use. For spots where that’s not practical, consider using child-resistant outlet covers.

Stairs

If you have stairs in the home, safety gates are essential. Luckily, baby gates no longer have to be ugly plastic affairs. Today, you can buy steel baby gates that are downright handsome and easy to use, too. Many baby gates come with two mounting options: pressure-mounted or mounted with hardware. For the top of the stairs, the safer hardware-mounted system is the only way to go.

You can further baby proof the stairs with a banister guard. Children shouldn’t be able to fit between stair rails, but they can sometimes get a body part wedged. Banister guards also increase safety for adults, as they keep kids from pushing or throwing items through the stair rails. ?

Fireplace

Baby proofing the fireplace should also be high on your checklist. Of course, you’ll have a fireplace screen and be extra vigilant any time there is a fire in the fireplace, but hearths can be hazardous even when they are not in use. If you have a raised hearth made of brick or stone, you may want to install edge and corner guards. Also, store fireplace tools and lighting devices out of baby’s reach.

Cabinets and Drawers

Baby proofing cabinets is easy with a magnetic locking system. The same devices can be used to baby proof drawers. You don’t have to secure every single area, though. Lots of moms keep one kitchen cabinet unsecured and fill it with safe kitchen items for baby to play with. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a pot-and-pan percussion solo! ?

Pools

Do you have a backyard pool? Lucky you! But you will need some safety measures in place. A pool alarm will sound if someone or something falls into the pool. You can also buy a cover for the pool when it is not in use. Don’t forget an alarm on the pool gate and on any doors that provide access to the pool.

Baby Proofing for a Cruising Baby (Around 8-11 Months)

One day you’ll discover that your child has graduated from crawling to cruising. Cruising—pulling themselves up and holding on to furniture—is the last step before baby starts walking. Once baby starts to cruise, you’ll have to bump your childproofing up a notch.

Coffee Tables

While coffee tables are the perfect height for cruising, many have sharp edges and corners. Because babies practicing this skill take a lot of falls, the chances of a collision between the coffee table and baby’s head are fairly high. Some moms put their coffee tables away during this stage, or trade their rectangular tables for round ones. Others use edge and corner guards.

Window Blinds

Traditional window blinds and shades with long cords are hazardous. If you have the old-style blinds in your home, you can cut the cords and install window blind tassels that will break away under pressure. A far better idea, however, is to buy cordless blinds and shades. You can buy inexpensive ones and replace them with nicer ones, one room at a time.

Trash Cans

We seldom think of trash cans as a hazard, but they are depositories for all kinds of yucky stuff. Trash cans with sliding locks are safer for kids and keep out household pets, too. Another option is simply to practice safe discarding. Put can lids inside the cans. Secure broken glass inside a container before you throw it away. Also empty the can before the trash gets to the top. An overflowing trash receptacle is the most tempting to babies and also the most hazardous.

Tipping Hazards

Top-heavy furniture, such as bookcases and chests-of-drawers, should be secured to the wall using safety straps. Any piece of furniture that a child can climb on is a special risk. Televisions are also tip-over hazards, although the lighter LCD screens are safer than older models. TVs that are mounted on the wall should be okay. If you have a free-standing TV, consider baby proofing your TV stand with safety straps.

Bathroom Hazards

Drowning is a concern anywhere that water is used. Empty the bathtub as soon as a bath is over, and use a toilet lock to keep your child safe. Accidental drownings have occurred when children tip head first into a toilet.

More Bathroom Safety

You can baby proof your bathtub by using a slip-resistant, non-toxic mat. The bathtub faucet is another hazard, since it tends to be right at baby’s head level. Protect that little noggin with a soft faucet cover. Use rugs on bathroom floors to soak up spills and prevent slipping.

Baby Proofing for a Walking Baby (Around 8-16 Months)

There’s nothing cuter than a toddling baby, but it’s amazing just how fast they can go once they get the hang of walking. Many walking babies also like to climb. It’s time for another round of childproofing checks!

Windows and Doors

About this age, your child may begin moonlighting as an escape artist. Door knob safety covers can keep toddlers from opening doors. Window guards and locks are also available, as are stops that allow windows to open only a few inches. Baby proof door stoppers can keep doors from slamming on little fingers.

Medication

All parents should know that medication packaging is child-resistant, not childproof. Child-resistant packaging can still pass the required testing if less than 20 percent of the children in the test group can open it within 10 minutes. (Source) Assume that your child would be in the 20 percent. Keep your medication out of reach, or better yet, use a locking medicine box.

Corners and Edges

Most toddlers are about the right height to strike the sharp corners of tables and cabinets. You can’t encase your child in bubble wrap, but you can use clear corner guards on the most hazardous spots.

Personalizing Your Baby Proofing Strategy

When it comes to baby proofing your home, parents fall along a spectrum. Some parents want every single hazard addressed, while others will address major dangers but let minor ones go. Much depends upon your own personality. Some parents are more risk averse than others.

Your child’s personality also affects how much baby proofing you will need to do. A laid-back child doesn’t need as many safeguards as an active, inquisitive one may require.

Your home is also a factor. Some homes simply present more hazards, with features like split levels, hard floors, and low windows. You can download any number of baby proofing checklists, but perhaps the best checklist is the one that is created by you, to fit your individual space.

Teaching Safety

Rather than pad your entire home without explanation, turn your baby proofing strategy into a teachable moment. Even if baby doesn’t quite understand, it’s never too soon to teach children about safe practices.

And your child isn’t the only one in your home. Older children can be taught to keep toys with small pieces away from younger children. They can be taught to keep toys and shoes out of walkways and off the stairs, a practice which is especially important if they have grandparents who come to visit. Mom and dad may be skilled at navigating around obstacles, but grandma and grandpa probably aren’t as agile.

Although a 100% childproof home probably isn’t attainable, a child-friendly home is. A child-friendly home is one where hazards are kept to a minimum and where good safety practices are in place.

Your Best Baby Proofing Asset: YOU!

At the end of the day, however, your attention to your child is the best defense against harm’s way. The more present we are with our children and more aware of their whereabouts, the safer our home will be. All moms get distracted and all moms need breaks. If you have pressing work to do or just need a breather, find a friend or mom’s helper to step in. Or, place baby in a safe, contained area with toys while you sit down and relax (keeping your child in your view). Be as intentional as you can about needing breaks and honor them. This will keep everyone safe and sane

How About You?

Did you baby proof your home? What areas were the most challenging? Tell us about it in the comments below.

The post Baby Proofing: A Common Sense Guide to Keeping Your Child Safe appeared first on Mama Natural.