Of course we couldn't have known our 20 hour trip would lengthen into 48. So of course we didn't pack a carryon overnight kit.It began as we loaded up the hired car in the dark, installing the car seats and waiting until the absolute last minute to pull our 1- and 4-year old sons … [Read more...]
Car Seats in Taxis: Difficult But Doable
In the few months since I committed to stop baby wearing in taxis, my little guy officially outgrew his infant bucket car seat. I’ve opted for public transportation and avoided cabs when possible, but unfortunately that’s not always possible in a big city like Hong Kong.In the days … [Read more...]
Adventures in Baby Travel: Useful Products for Jet-Setting Families
For those who procreate and yet still insist on feeding their wanderlust, many baby travel products promise to make adventure a breeze. Below is a rundown of a few I've found helpful in our travels around Asia. For another perspective, also see NewsMom Julie Watts' 10 Must-Haves … [Read more...]
Baby Gear: If I Could Go Back, Instead I’d Buy…
When I was newly pregnant for the first time, I went into baby gear research hyperdrive. Overwhelmed by the vast options—how do I choose something for someone I've never met??—I dropped by a baby megastore to aid in my research. I hoped seeing things in person would help me visualize … [Read more...]
UPDATE: Keep Car Seats in the Middle, A Fatal Seat Flaw Exposed
Did you know your front driver and passenger seats can severely injure your child? Here's the latest in another excellent report from CBS News Transportation Correspondent Kris Van Cleave on the fight to get regulators to do something about it. Read More From CBS News: "No … [Read more...]
How I Found “Cancer-Causing” Flame Retardants In My Child… And In Her ‘Green’ Car Seat
I'm not a particularly green mom. Though, as a consumer reporter I've covered enough studies over the years to know I should try to reduce my child's exposure to concerning chemicals (especially those "known to cause cancer"). It certainly never occurred to me that there might be a … [Read more...]
A Car Seat Conversion: Why I’m Changing My Taxi-With-Kids Habits
I have a confession to make: I've let my kids ride in taxis without car seats. It seemed mostly justified at the time, but a recent bump on my chin forced me to reconsider.The United States is the bastion for children’s automotive safety—laws in some states specify how long kids … [Read more...]
Wake The Baby! Don’t Use Car Seats as Stroller Seats
All together now… “That’s unrealistic!”If this was a TV news story, I’d be starting off with a montage of moms rolling their eyes and replying “that’s unrealistic” when I tell them that “the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Green Science … [Read more...]
Concerning Chemicals Found in Orbit Baby & Other Car Seats
While picking out car seats two-and-a-half years ago, my husband and I spent a fortune on the Orbit Baby car seat and stroller system solely because we were led to believe there were no concerning chemicals in Orbit Baby.While researching the product (both professionally and … [Read more...]
Car Seat Safety Standards Leading to More Child Deaths
Car seat safety standards may contribute to kids forgotten in hot cars. It seems every summer we hear shocking stories of children left to die in hot cars. In most cases, it's a heart wrenching accident that leaves many parents thinking one of two things: "I would never do that!" or … [Read more...]