Colorado Booster Seat Law Changes
Colorado recently updated the state's car seat and booster seat laws, and those changes go into effect on Aug. 1, 2010. The biggest change is an increase in the age for required booster seat use. Kids in Colorado must now ride in a booster seat until they turn 8. Previously, the law allowed kids to use a seat belt alone once they reached age 6.
Some of the wording of the law has also changed to allow parents more flexibility in choosing how they want their children to ride in the car. Babies under a year old and 20 lbs. are still required to ride in rear-facing car seat. However, the new law makes it more clear that kids can still ride in a rear-facing car seat until they're much older, up to age 4, if they still fit properly in their car seat. The law also allows for kids to stay in a forward-facing car seat at age 4 and beyond, instead of moving to a booster seat, if they still fit properly.
As in most states with this type of booster seat law, there are exceptions for children who are very tall or heavier than average. Children who reach 4'9" or weigh more than 80 lbs. before they turn 8 are considered to be heavier than most available booster seats, and can use the vehicle seat belt. Children under age 16 who are not otherwise required to be in a car seat or booster seat must still wear a seat belt.
Colorado Booster Seat Law Changes originally appeared on About.com Baby Products on Friday, July 30th, 2010 at 10:17:22. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Wordless Wednesday: Nathan
 ©2010, Wendy. Nathan, age 2, taking lawn-mowing very seriously with his Fisher Price bubble mower.
See Wordless Wednesday photo submission guidelines for information on how to participate. Wordless Wednesday: Nathan originally appeared on About.com Baby Products on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 06:32:07. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Baby Products Roundup
Baby Products Roundup originally appeared on About.com Baby Products on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 06:22:55. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Baby Products Recalls: How to Respond
If your baby's toys or crib were among the many that have been recalled in the last year, you've probably felt frustrated by the hassles that recalls sometimes bring and distrustful of the companies that manufacture baby gear. It's easy to feel like you want to throw in the towel and just buy new stuff, but unfortunately, most of us don't have the budget for that sort of repeat buying spree.
Reader Amanda threw out her baby's Simplicity crib after a recall left her feeling frustrated. "I just didn't want to deal with it," she said. That recall was one where many parents had trouble getting retailers to accept returns, or were offered such a small store credit amount that they couldn't actually purchase another crib. Unfortunately for Amanda, the store she's working with won't deal with the replacement for her unless she brings in the whole crib for a return.
No matter how much you want to wash your hands of a baby products recall situation, remember that you must follow the manufacturer's or retailer's instructions in order to take part in the recall remedy. Sometimes you may have to send in part or all of the product in order to receive the refund or exchange. In some cases, the fix may just be a repair kit, so you'd want to hold on to the initial product so you can add the repair kit when it arrives.
Baby Products Recalls: How to Respond originally appeared on About.com Baby Products on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 01:08:53. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Nap Nanny Recliners Recall
 ©2010, CPSC.gov. About 30,000 Nap Nanny baby recliners following a report that a 4-month-old baby died in a Nap Nanny that was being used inside a crib. The baby was found hanging over the edge of the Nap Nanny, and was caught between the Nap Nanny and the crib bumper. Though the instructions say not to use the product in a crib, CPSC has another report where a child received a cut on the forehead after becoming trapped between the Nap Nanny and the side of the crib. More than 20 other babies are reported to have fallen over the side of the Nap Nanny, even when harnessed in.
The harness is a particular problem if the Velcro straps in the cover aren't properly routed through the D-rings in the foam, or if you're using a first-generation product that doesn't have D-rings. If the product is used inside of a crib or play yard, or it is placed on a high surface, babies can be injured if they fall out or become trapped. Always use the Nap Nanny on the floor, away from other hazards.
If you have a first-generation Nap Nanny with no D-rings, call 888-240-4282 to receive an $80 coupon for a new Nap Nanny with free shipping. If your product does have D-rings, stop using it until you can visit the company's website and download new instructions and warnings.
Nap Nanny Recliners Recall originally appeared on About.com Baby Products on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 23:46:43. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Pacifier Recall
 ©2010, CPSC.gov. More than 40,000 Kariño baby pacifiers are recalled because they don't meet federal safety standards. The pacifier nipple can detach from the base, posing a choking hazard. In addition, the handle is too long, the mouth guard is too small, and there aren't any ventilation holes in the mouth guard. These problems add to the risk of aspiration or choking.
These pacifiers were sold in grocery stores in California and Texas, for about 25 cents each. "Kariño" is printed on the handle side of the pacifier. Stop using these pacifiers immediately and call the distributor, Antonio Flores, at 619-395-4543 for a refund or exchange.
Pacifier Recall originally appeared on About.com Baby Products on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 23:30:21. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Hot Baby Products: Maclaren Beginning
 Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber.com. If you're looking to treat yourself to something lovely, or you want to pamper a mom-to-be, check out the new Maclaren Beginning line of personal care items. The company recently sent me some of their Beginning products to test, and there are several that will be going on my "awesome baby shower gifts" list.
- The Alleviating Leg Lotion is non-greasy, absorbs fast, and smells divine. This is a fantastic treat for those last months of pregnancy and beyond. The lotion feels cool on tired skin, and the rosehip oil with orange, mandarin and patchouli essential oils give it a hip, earthy scent. (Compare Prices)
- Connecting Massage Oil has a soft scent and luxurious feel that's great for a mom-to-be, but can be shared with baby upon arrival, too. Rosehip, orange, lavender and neroli oils are combined in this massage oil, but none of them create an overpowering scent. If relaxation had a smell, this might be it! (Compare Prices)
- The line of Beginning Candles offers a scent to match any personality. These are a great baby shower gift, especially for moms who already have all of the baby gear they need. There are citrusy, spicy, botanical and powdery/soft scents available, and they're all made with essential oils so you don't end up with a heavy, perfumey smell. The soft, lavender-, geranium- and sage-infused Celebration Candle is just right for my nursing corner, next to my comfy chair. (Compare Prices)
Hot Baby Products: Maclaren Beginning originally appeared on About.com Baby Products on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 16:02:17. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Portable Playard Tents Recalled
 ©2010, CPSC.gov. A risk of entrapment is behind the recent recall of about 20,000 portable playard tents from Tots in Mind. The clips that attach the Cozy Indoor Outdoor Portable Playard Tents to the playard can break or be removed by the child. The child can then lift up the playard tent and become trapped between the playard and tent. One death is associated with this recall. Call 800-626-0339 to order replacement clips.
Portable Playard Tents Recalled originally appeared on About.com Baby Products on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 09:45:11. Permalink | Comment | Email this
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