droolicious : car seat

Star Baby: How Does This Twilight Star Stroll?

SunnyChanel — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:31:00 GMT

Spotted in sunny California instead of the dreary weathered Forks, Washington, actor Cam Gigandet and his girlfriend walked their baby daughter Everleigh. How does this Twilight star stroll his girl? His baby is cradled in a Peg Prego car seat like the Viagoo style pictured below. This car seat has exceeded at the most “stringent Side Impact Protection test in the world.” Yeah, it’s pretty safe, and hey it’s good enough for this Twilighter. You can pick up one of the Peg Perego car seat here for $299.

Photo: Just Jared

First Look: Graco SnugRide32 Infant Car Seat

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

An infant car seat built to last the first year.

Graco fans were bummed when thier babies quickly outgrew the popular SnugRide infant seat. When junior reached 29” or 22 lbs, it used to be time to give up this cushy ride for a heavier and less portable car seat option.

Enter the SnugRide 32. This car seat's got all the features parents loved from the original (EPS foam, 5-point harness, correct install indicator, comfortable handle, etc.) but now this seat now accommodates a child up to 32 lbs and 32” tall.

According to Graco, the SnugRide32 fits 97% of one year-olds making it easier to meet safety recommendations of riding rear facing for one full year. (In fact, the AAP just released new research indicating that toddlers are safer riding rear-facing up to their second birthday). The SnugRide32 weighs in at 15.7 pounds and sells for $169.99.

A Haba Toy For Those Sunny Stroller Walks

Lisa Estall — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:19:00 GMT

This Blossom Stroller Toy from Haba is colorful and a nice decoration for the stroller for those sunny walks.

It’s made of wood and fabric and threaded through a cord, so could also be tied to a crib and a car seat as well.

I have bought Haba toys and really like their designs. Price is $24.99 and sold at Oompa.

Star Baby: Sheryl Crow with Her Travelin’ Little Man

SunnyChanel — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Sheryl Crow is a jet setter. And if you are on the go as much as a celebrity like her is, you need baby items that make transitioning from car to airport to plane and back to car again as easy as possible.

Crow simplifies her travel by putting 1 ½ year old son Wyatt in a Lily Gold Sit ‘n Stroll 5-in-1 Combination Car Seat/Stroller. This handy dandy baby transporter goes from car seat to full function stroller with a simple push of a lever. And with all the stresses traveling with little ones can cause, having one less thing to worry about is certainly a plus. You can pick one up here for $249.99.

Amazon Deal Alert: Save Up To 20% On Britax Car Seats

Chris Ford — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT

Right now through February 15th, Amazon is having a massive sale on almost all of their Britax car seats. If you've got a baby on the way, or you're just now realizing your infant isn't going to be an infant much longer and will need a proper car seat soon, then you definitely want to check this out.

I've had a Britax Marathon car seat in my car for over four years now, and the thing is a workhorse. This sale doesn't happen often, so take advantage of it while you can.

Check out all of the seats from Britax on sale (some seats are $60 off) at Amazon.com.

Star Baby: How Did Rebecca Romijn & Jerry O’Connell’s Twin Girls Get Home?

SunnyChanel — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:28:00 GMT

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell welcomes their brand new twin girls, Dolly Rebecca Rose and Charlie Tamara Tulip, on Sunday December 28th. How did the newborn twins get home from the hospital? In style of course. Rebecca ordered two of the Baby Ritzy Rider Infant Car Seat Covers in leopard and fuchsia minky dot to fit on her daughters Graco carriers.

The seat covers are reversible so you can go pure pink or in a wild leopard. There is a pacifier pocket, canopy hood and two neck straps. You can also get your baby’s names embroidered on the hood, which might be handy with new twins so you can tell them apart! You can pick up one (or two) of your own here for $110.

PLUS – Babble readers can get 20% off! Just use the promo-code: BABBLE right here.

Win This...

editors — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:02:00 GMT

Quinny Buzz 4

and this -

Maxi-Cosi Mico

It's your last chance to win the Quinny Buzz 4 with fabulous accessories and the Maxi-Cosi Mico car seat. Simply join The Babble Playground, upload your Winter Wonderland pics and enter now! Hurry, contest ends December 31st, winner announced January 2nd. - April Peveteaux

It’s a Christmas Stroller! And One to Give Away…

editors — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:10:00 GMT

Recently Quinny tapped Danish artiste Henrik Vibskov to create an alternative look for their strollers and accessories for the babies. Nicole reported on the new designs and we stopped by the show to declare that the avant-garde, yet festive “white raindrop” Zapp looks just like Christmas. See here:

If you’re not currently in the art market for a ride for your kiddo, check out the Quinny Buzz 4 stroller in regular (but still fabulous) colors. We’re giving that one away – for free! Along with the Dreami bassinet, foot muff, Quinny Box and Maxi-Cosi Mico car seat that goes along for the very smooth ride.

To get yourself entered to win simply join The Babble Playground and enter the Photo Contest: Winter Wonderland. The most winter-irific photo wins this prize package worth more than $1,000. Now, would Santa do that for you? - April Peveteaux

Get the Quinny Buzz 4 here.

Get the Maxi-Cosi Mico here.

Check out the artsy Quinny Vibskov designs here.

Do You Have These Stroller Accessories?

editors — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:41:00 GMT

Winter is here, dag nab it, and for those of you north of the Mason-Dixon your toddler's tootsies are feeling it keenly. We want to take this time out of your strolling schedule to remind you that if you win the amazing package from Quinny and Maxi-Cosi on The Babble Playground – we will be throwing in the Quinny Buzz footmuff!! What else do you need? Well here is exactly what you will be getting:

Enter the December Photo Contest: Winter Wonderland today and you are entered to win a prize package worth over $1,000 including the brand new Quinny Buzz 4 –

The Quinny Dreami bassinet

The Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat

And the footmuff we dangled in front of you earlier, as well as the Quinny Buzz Box and the Quinny cup holder. Yes, the cup holder for your hot cocoa. You’re going to need it folks, your warm and toasty family will thank you. Enter today! - April Peveteaux

Amazon Deal Alert: Save 20% On Closeout Britax Car Seats

Chris Ford — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:00:00 GMT

It had to happen. My favorite car seat is finally being replaced by a newer model, but that doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with the older models. And now you can pick up some sweet deals. There are six car seats from Britax on sale, including my favorite Britax Marathon for $50 off.

The Marathon is 20% off, the Roundabout 15% off and one version of the Decathlon is 23% off. Oh, and you'll also get free "super saver" shipping.

Check it out at the sale page on Amazon.com.

The Sensible Stroller Purchased By The Scranton Branch On The Office

Chris Ford — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:01:00 GMT

A lot of people have commented on my post about the Orbit stroller Dwight Schrute punished unmercifully on last week's episode of the Office, and a lot of them agree with Dwight that a $900 stroller is way too expensive. This led me to think, "If the Orbit was so expensive, what kind of sensible stroller did the Dunder Mifflin Scranton office get for Jan and her new baby?" The answer - a much less expensive option, but by no means a cheap stroller at all.

The Scranton branch pooled their money together and purchased a stroller frame and infant car seat from Graco. The Graco SnugRider Infant Carseat Frame folds up nicely, has two parent cupholders and a basket underneath. More importantly, it only costs $59.99. The car seat they purchased is the Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat in the Sterling pattern. It has all the typical car seat stuff (five point harness, a base, a handle etc.) and is (according to Graco) "America's favorite infant car seat."

The car seat costs $99.99 bringing the total price tag on the gift to $159.98. Which is a pretty good gift for the baby shower of your bosses ex-girlfriend's baby (that isn't even your boss's baby in the first place).

Huh? You kind of have to watch the show.

You can buy stroller and the car seat from Babies R Us.

And check out the Office on NBC.

Also on Babble.com - The Office's Dwight Schrute Crash "Tests" An Orbit Stroller

The Office's Dwight Schrute Crash "Tests" An Orbit Stroller

Chris Ford — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:52:00 GMT

Wondering what kind of stroller Dwight K. Schrute abused so unmercifully on tonight's episode of The Office? Well, for one it's not just a stroller, it's a total "Infant System." And it's actually a little cheaper than the $1,200 price tag that set him off on the show. At least the part he was running over with his car.

The Orbit Infant System is a modular stroller/car seat system, designed to adapt and grow as your baby grows. With the infant system (the part Dwight was "testing" on the show) you get an infant car seat, a base and a stroller, all for about $900.

The Orbit Bassinet and Cradle was also shown on the show (in the conference room while Dwight was in the parking lot running over the stroller with his car). The Bassinet attaches to the stroller, as well as a Rocker base that can swivel and lock, allowing your baby to rock either front to back or side to side. That part sells for around $280. And eventually as your children grow up, you can buy a regular stroller seat and a regular car seat from Orbit as well.

The Orbit is definitely one of the top stroller/car seat systems out there, and it was cool to see it featured so prominently on The Office tonight. And for $900 (minus the bassinet), it's still cheaper than Dwight's bomb shelter.

Check out the Orbit Infant System at OrbitBaby.com (and find a local or online retailer here).

Or check out the official web site for The Office at NBC.com (and don't miss Dwight's official blog, Schrute-Space).

Also on Babble.com - The Sensible Stroller Purchased By The Scranton Branch On The Office

Very Big Toys: Build Your Own Custom Teutonia Stroller

Chris Ford — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:01:00 GMT

"Teutonia." To me the name just screams "German engineering, but really a kind of friendly and gentle German engineering." Regardless, these German engineers have developed an all-inclusive, customizable get-your-baby-around-town solution that will grow as your child grows. The Teutonia Stroller lets you customize the chassis, seats and even the types of rims on the wheels. And why shouldn't buying a new stroller be like buying a new car?

Teutonia lets you pick out everything so you can customize it for your family and lifestyle. You can pick from three different chassis (one that has three wheels) and all kinds of colors and "fashions" for the seat covers. In fact, the different seats include an infant car seat option so you won't have to figure out how that Peg Perego seat work with the stroller you bought. And did I mention you can pick which kind of wheels you want solely based on how the rims look?

The other cool thing is all of this can be done right in the retail store.

Check it out (and find a retailer) at TeutoniaUSA.com

The Mutsy Slider Stroller: Discount and Giveaway!

editors — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:33:00 GMT

The Mutsy strollers have been tooling around the Netherlands (where stellar design is a way of life) since 1935 and now their modern incarnations have made their way across the pond. The newest in the urban stroller line is the Slider which is as versatile as it is traffic-stopping (available in silver-white, red and green – brown coming in ‘09). The package retails for $759 and includes the chassis, seat and bassinet so your stroller goes from baby to toddler seamlessly. And when it’s time to stow and go, the one-click technology takes this bad boy down to compactness not previously seen. You can even remove the sidewalk-ready rubber wheels with one click if you’re looking to minimize stroller bulk in your home/car/overhead luggage compartment. If you’re toting the car seat, the Mutsy Slider also fits the Graco SnugRide®, Safe Seat® car seats and the Maxi Cosi™ car seat. So . . . how can you win and/or buy one of these beauties? Enter the Babble Playground Photo Contest: Serious Face here, and submit your baby’s best brood today! Or head over to Barebabies.com where they are offering Babble readers a 10% discount on any Mutsy product when you enter the code BAB10offmutsy. - April Peveteaux

Get it at Barebabies starting at $569.

New from Britax: Boulevard CS

elizabeth leach — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:30:00 GMT

So, what's new about this Boulevard car seat besides the snazzy new fabric? This is the first car seat with a "Click & Safe Harness Adjuster" which makes a clicking sound when the harness is properly fastened. I guess this sounds important. I have the original Boulevard and I always have to double check to see if it's fastened. (Of course, this only takes a second but that new feature would be nice.)

The Boulevard CS also has the "True Side Impact Protection" that the original Boulevard debuted. This feature is important since side impact crashes result in the most serious injuries to babies. The Boulevard CS has all the other features of the Boulevard such as the easy adjust headrest and harness, rear and forward facing recline, five-point harness, among others. Also, like the Boulevard, the Boulevard CS is for children who weigh 5 - 65 pounds. The Boulevard CS will available in October.

Bugaboo Car Seat ... at Least for the Europeans

Erin Behan — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:24:00 GMT

I don't own a Bugaboo, but I know enough about the cult of the Bugaboo to know that when the brand releases a car seat, it's big news, even if it's in Europe. Designed by Takata, the car seat is on sale for 189 euros at BabyTrader and comes in red, sand, yellow, blue and black (but gawking is free!). You can also see it on the Bugaboo website by choosing a European country at the home page. Of course, you can't exactly use the seat in the U.S. since there are different safety standards, but you can certainly bask in its Bugaboo aura. I have to admit the matching canopy is kinda cute ...

Big Deal: 20% off Britax

elizabeth leach — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT

I wish I hadn't just bought my new Boulevard Convertible Car Seat because I could have saved $60! I hate to miss a sale...

Babyage.com has Britax (and other car seats) on sale for 20% off. (I’m new to babyage so maybe they have sales on Britax all the time?) Before I bought my car seat I scoured the internet for sales and ended up buying mine at Buy Buy Baby with a 10% off coupon so I'm sad that I just heard about babyage. But it's not too late for you! The Boulevard is 239.99 instead of 299.99, Marathon is 209.99 instead of 269.99, Roundabout is 174.99 instead of 219. 99, and Decathalon is 236.99 instead of 284.99.

7 Days of Car Seats: Graco Nautilus 3-in-1

Chris Ford — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:06:00 GMT

When I'm thinking about what makes the perfect car seat, I'm thinking about three things. How safe is it? How many years will I be able to use it (reasonably)? And does the color match my car? Since Erin already took my favorite Britax car seat for toddlers, I'll tell you about my other favorite - the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat.

So for the first criterion, I'm convinced it's very safe. The five point harness works up to 65 pounds, it's steel reinforced. and has a high back. It also lets the child sit more upright than a lot of toddler-only car seats out there which I like too.

As for how long it will last, the cool thing about this seat is that it's a convertible seat. It converts from a toddler seat (with the 5 point harness) to a high-back booster to a backless booster. You'll be getting use out of this one until your kid is old enough to sit up front, which is pretty cool.

And the colors are happily neutral. In my world, kid-stuff like car seats shouldn't match the kid, they should match the car. So if you're looking for ducks and bunnies this might not be for you, but for my car it's perfect.

Check out the Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat (it retails for around $150) at GracoBaby.com

Combi Car Seat Recall

Chris Ford — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:45:00 GMT

Combi USA just announced a "Voluntary Safety Recall" for three types of child car seats they make, the Centre, Centre ARB and Shuttle. Apparently in frontal crash tests the "seat of the restraint could potentially separate from its base."

The seats were produced from October 2005 to December 2007. Apparently you can use the car seat without the base, which is what they are recommending until you receive your free retrofit kit (which takes 6-8 weeks).

More information about the car seat recall can be found on this .pdf file from their official web site.

Car Seat Covers Cuter Than A Duck's Butt

Chris Ford — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:03:00 GMT

Car seats are a necessity that we as parents all have to deal with, and like a lot of baby stuff they can be kind of an eyesore. Cuter Than A Duck's Butt makes reversible car seat covers in all sorts of patterns to match your car, child, or both.

At $119.99 for a seat cover they're probably more than they should be, but for something you'll probably look at every day for the next four years, it might be worth it. I'm partial to the black skull and crossbones pattern (detail pictured below) but they've got all other sorts of choices from pink camo to furry flowers. They're designed to go over your existing car seat cover, and supposedly work with all brands of car seats.

Cuter Than A Duck's Butt Car Seat Covers, $119.99 for Toddler or Infant from ctadbgear.com.

Do I Have To Stop This Car Young Man?

Karen — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:07:00 GMT

Just because you say "Stop kicking my chair," doesn't mean they will. Harsh winters and wet seasons can make the back of your seats look like a mudroom with little feet constantly kick-kick-kicking them. Save your car seats but not your sanity, with this set of two seat back covers from Classy Kid. On sale now for $5.58 at Amazon.

Back Seat Riders

aprilpeveteaux — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:54:00 GMT

Booster seats for big tots is the law in almost every state, so you might as well let your soon-to-be pre-teens ride in style. The already chic Olli seat by Clek can be dressed up with a clekjacket, a snazzy cover in a variety of fashion-forward colors. This hot seat also includes a pocket for your kid’s mp3 player. Yeah, that oughta shut them up about being eight years old and still having to ride in a car seat.

Suggested Retail - $89.99; $29.99 for snazzy clekjacket

Hand Made: Car Seat Cooler

chrisjordan — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:30:00 GMT

I know you are thinking, what is this thing? The short answer, one of the more innovative products I have seen in a long time.

The Yubbies Car Seat Cooler ($49.99) is designed to keep your child's carseat cool while you are out running errands. Car windows act like a greenhouse and temperatures inside of a car can reach close to 200 degrees on hot days, making the metal parts of carseat buckles not just hot, but dangerous.

This product rolls up and can be stored in the freezer, like a giant icepack. When you get out of the car you unroll and place over the carseat so that when you return to the car the metal parts will be cold. No more waiting around for the a/c to cool the seat off.

Available in many different colors at the etsy shop Yubbies.