Choosing The Best Car Seat For Your Baby

Everyone wants the best car seat for their baby. A baby's car seat is probably the most important purchase you will make for her. Heaven forbid you get into an accident, you want to be sure that she will be well protected.

There are 3 types of car seats you should be familiar with.

Infant car seats are great for newborns because they fit so snugly. They are designed to fit infants up to about 20 pounds and 26 inches long (maximums vary from one model to another). Most babies outgrow it after around six months, though you may get more or less use out of it depending on how fast you baby grows.

A big plus with infant car seats is that they come in two pieces. The base stays mounted in the car, while the seat comes out. An attached handle makes it easy to take the baby in and out of the car without having to remove her from the car seat. There's no need to disturb your sleeping newborn.

Moving up to convertible car seats

Once your baby outgrows her infant car seat, she's ready to move on to the convertible car seats. Convertible car seats get their name because they convert from rear-facing to forward-facing.
Until your baby reaches the age of one, her car seat must remain in the safer, rear-facing position. After her first birthday, you can switch it to the forward-facing position. This is nice because you are able to see each other.

Most convertible car seats are good for babies up to about 40 pounds, though there are a few models that go higher. Look for a model with adjustable straps so you can raise them as the child grows.

Booster Seats

For children who are too big for convertible car seats, the next step is the booster seat. Booster seats use a cars over-the-shoulder seat belts rather than built-in straps. A child should remain in the booster seat until they are big enough to safely use the car's seat belts.

A few more car seat tips

Never, ever, sit a child on your lap or allow him to ride without an appropriate car seat. It's against the law and you are risking his life.

There's no such thing as 'the best car seat' because every child is different. You need to find the car seat that fits your child and car properly.

Newer cars support the LATCH system, which is easier to install and does not require the use of the car's seat belts.

Car seat installation instructions are notoriously confusing, and the installation can vary from one car to the next. Have your car seat installed by a trained professional. Contact your local police department. Most have one or two officers trained specifically to install car seats properly. No matter what type of car seat you buy, it won't do a bit of good if it's installed incorrectly.

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Baby Nursery Decor That Will Grow with Your Child

While waiting for your baby’s due date to arrive, use that time wisely to design a baby nursery decor that will grow with your child. A little planning now can save you time and money down the road as your baby becomes older.

Quick and easy decorating ideas

Painting: When painting the walls of the room, most people tend to go with an off-white. But if you want to be more creative, a popular idea is to paint below the chair rail green for grass and above it blue for the sky. From there, you can simply change the decorations to fit the interests of the child.

Decorations: Posters and other artwork are an easy and inexpensive way of decorating a room quickly. This allows you to keep up with the child’s interests and letting them select the posters gives them input for their room.

Fabric Designs: There are many wonderful novelty prints available in the fabric store. They are a great way to decorate and make a coordinated room. Purchase a yard or two of the print, cut out the designs, and use a fabric starch to stick the designs to the wall (use a liquid spray starch, soaking the pieces, apply them to the walls, they will stick after they dry). This works wonderfully, especially in apartment where you may not be able to use nails. If you sew, you can also create matching curtains and possibly bedding as well.



Not your ordinary paint job


Magnetic paint: A recent addition to the decorating tools available is magnetic paint. While a bit more expensive than regular paint, it’s great to use in a child’s room. Paint a coat, or two (following the directions) over the primer, then paint over the magnetic paint with the main color used in the room. Alphabet and number magnets then become not only a decoration, but educational.

Chalkboard paint: Another fun paint to use in a child’s room is chalkboard paint. Using it either below the chair rail, or just in one area, makes a great place for a child to be creative, without damaging the rest of the walls.

Probably the most important aspect to keep in mind while decorating a room to grow with your child is the furniture. There are many "convertible" beds, that can be used as a crib, then a day bed, and eventually a twin bed, with the simple addition of support braces and a mattress.


Most of all have a little bit of fun with your baby nursery decor!

I've done a baby snoopy nursery theme and a road construction theme.

What have you done with your nursery?

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Baby Shower Games

Peek A Boo Layout

Baby showers are a fun time for all. They are a time for family and friends to celebrate and honor the mother-to-be. Typically, the guests at a baby shower are a variety of close friends, acquaintances, and the families of both the mother and father, and it's unlikely that everyone knows each other. So a fun way to break the ice and get acquainted is to play a few games.

Play short, fun games

The games are short and fun to play. Everyone has a good time and gets to know each other a little. The winner of each game wins a prize. You can decide whatever type of prize you want to give out depending on what you think your guests would enjoy. You could give out candy, a small gift basket, candles, or evena bottle of wine.

Don't know any fun games to play at a baby shower? Here are a few suggestions.

Measuring Mommy
This is a fun game in which all the guests haveguess how big mommy's belly has gotten. Bring a long roll of string (toilet tissue works in a pinch too). Each guest estimates the size of the mother's belly and cuts a length of string based on their guess. After everyone has had a chance to guess, take turns wrapping the string around the mother's stomach. Whoever guessed the closest wins the prize!

Sing It, Baby
Have all the guests sit or stand in a big circle. Starting with the mom-to-be, each guest must sing a line or two from a song that has the word "baby" in it. If a guest can't think of one when their turn comes, they're "out". It's not as easy as it seems. Songs can't be repeated, and you'll be surprised how quickly people get eliminated. The last person left wins.

Who's who?
When you mail out the invitations, ask each guest to include a picture of themselves as a baby in their response. On the day of the shower, number each picture and display them in the room where everyone can see. Give each guess a piece of paper and let them guess who they think each baby picture is. Whoever gets the most right wins.

How Many Q-Tips?
Get a big jar and fill it with Q-Tips. Be sure tocount them as you put them in. Guests have to guess how many Q-Tipsare in the jar, and the one that comes closest wins!

Take lots of pictures

Most importantly, be sure to have your camera out and get pictures of everyone!
Happy baby shower planning.

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