When parents become grandparents, it’s pretty easy for them to say, “My kids survived—in fact, they turned out fine—so I should be able to care for my grandchildren exactly the same way.” This can be a huge source of conflict between grandparents and their adult kids—which is why one grandma (who’s also a pediatrician) is here with an important TikTok video that needs to be shared far and wide.
She goes by Ask Bubbie on TikTok, and in her now-viral video, she’s sharing some incredibly important safety standards that have changed since today’s grandparents were raising their kids—plus explaining the evidence behind the changes to help them understand why “the way things used to be” isn’t the best anymore.
“The recommendations now are for all babies to sleep on their backs,” Bubbie explains. “The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with that recommendation in 1994, and in the first year alone, there was a reduction of 60% in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or crib death, as some of you know it. That was the largest decrease of any intervention we’ve ever done.”
She adds that not only should babies sleep on their backs, they should be in an empty crib with no bumpers. And pacifiers are encouraged—they also reduce the risk of SIDS!
The next big change has to do with feeding.
“We used to introduce one new food at a time, and we were very concerned about allergenic foods and started those much later,” Bubbie says. “The recommendations have done a complete 180. It’s been found that if you introduce all of the allergenic foods early, you lower the risk of allergies.”
And last but not least, there’s car seat safety. While parents used to turn their car seats around so their kids were front-facing once they met just one of the criteria for it, they now wait much longer.
“The recommendation now is that you don’t turn them around until they meet all the criteria,” Bubbie says. “That means a lot of them look really uncomfortable. You’ve got babies sitting there with their legs squished up against the back seat of the car… but the studies have shown that their chance of surviving, unhurt, in an accident is far greater if they’re kept rear-facing until they meet all the requirements.”
Bubbie ends her video with a message to the other grandparents out there—that when their kids fight them on these things, it’s not because they think they did things wrong when they were growing up, it’s just because they want their babies to be as safe as possible. And that’s something we can all agree on.
An expecting father asked Twitter for advice about childbirth, and the result was a thread that’s absolutely packed with moms’ wisdom
When an expecting dad is getting ready for the arrival of his baby (especially if it’s his first one), he likely has a whole lot of questions. One expecting dad decided to crowdsource one of his biggest questions, taking to Twitter to ask for advice on what dads can do to make childbirth easier on their partners. The resulting thread is full of moms who absolutely delivered.
“A big question for anyone who has given birth: What is one thing that your partner did, said or brought to the hospital that really helped you through your birth experience?” Dave Whiteside, a soon-to-be dad from Ontario, Canada, wrote on Twitter. “Expecting dad hoping to support his wife in the best ways possible here ready to take notes.”
A big question for anyone who has given birth:
What is one thing that your partner did, said or brought to the hospital that really helped you through your birth experience? Expecting dad hoping to support his wife in the best ways possible here ready to take notes. 🗒️
It didn’t take long for moms to start filling the thread with their best advice. And, as anyone who has given birth will recognize, these nuggets of wisdom are exactly what Whiteside needs to know going into his first baby’s birth.
There’s this great advice about showering a new mom with attention and praise, both during the birth and after it.
Focus your attention on her after the birth. Tell her how amazing she is for doing it & ask how she is feeling. Not just in the minutes after, but for days & months after too. All attention, incl the mom’s, diverts to the babies once they are born. Moms are left to recover solo.
And this advice about keeping family up-to-date, while also creating a record of everyone’s love and support.
He managed socials! Then later I could read the play-by-play and the tons of encouraging comments from friends and family who were literally staying up half the night watching the feed like a soap opera while I had no idea. It was awesome.
The advice kept pouring in, letting Whiteside know everything from what to bring to the hospital to how to work with hospital staff to make sure his wife got the best possible care—including being her advocate with the doctors and nurses, something that came up several times.
Advocate for her! Birth can be scary and there is a lot going through someone’s mind. Remind her to eat and drink after delivery. Don’t feel stupid asking questions of the healthcare providers – you will be thankful for it. Practice using the car seat, research car seat safety
Nothing will go to plan. You have to be ready to help figure out what needs to be done *now*, when she might not be able to, and medical folks may not listen. To calmly press for clear explanations.
“Do you mind if i eat?” And “I’m going to the batting cages since you’re gonna be here a while,” she wrote. Clearly, Mark Consuelos could have used this thread.
Later, Whiteside followed up to thank all the moms of Twitter for their advice, and explain a little more why he and his wife chose to crowdsource their childbirth recommendations.
Thank you – I have, and often! But we have never been in this situation before and she has never given birth, so we're taking shots in the dark at what would work best for her. We don't know what we don't know. So why not stand on the shoulders of giants?
“We have never been in this situation before and she has never given birth, so we’re taking shots in the dark at what would work best for her,” he wrote. “We don’t know what we don’t know. So why not stand on the shoulders of giants?”
And good thing he did, because now this advice is out there for everyone to use.
Whether you’re heading to a new country or spending a busy day in your fair city, having your baby with you should be as easy as possible. We already know you’re packing the extras, like diapers, a change of clothes, and a few teething toys, so making sure your baby transport system is ready to go when you are is critical. Which is where the new Nuna PIPA urbn comes in. Sold as part of a comprehensive travel system, it’s now easier than ever to bring the car seat and stroller along for the ride, from daycare to a day abroad.
Here are a few reasons this new car seat is perfect for parents like you.
1. It’s lightweight, so you can carry it…and baby…and a bag of groceries
There’s lightweight, and then there’s the Nuna PIPA urbn. The entire car seat weighs only seven pounds. This makes it a lot easier to carry up and down the stairs or a few blocks down to your parking spot. Plus, we know the car seat is not all you’re hauling. There’s the diaper bag, a bag of groceries, and, of course, your beautiful baby, too.
2. Three different travel system styles allow for compatibility with any lifestyle
A car seat alone doesn’t get you from point A to point B, you’ll need some wheels too to build out your "travel system". The Nuna PIPA urbn is paired with three different strollers creating travel system options for any lifestyle, all designed with parents-on-the-go in mind. These sets are self-contained, so no need for the purchase of added elements. Once you’ve landed on your car seat and stroller set of choice, you’re all set to hit the road.
Pick your perfect travel system:
Choose the TRIV™ next, a lightweight compact stroller that is full of features with a seat that can faces and folds both ways, a car seat ring adapter that quickly folds with the frame, and packs up in seconds with its easy one-hand fold. It’s perfect for weaving in and out of those city crowds, getting in and out of taxis, or just cruising for a day of sightseeing.
Opt for the MIXX™ next, perfect for suburban families, the MIXX next offers an ultra-smooth ride no matter the terrain, can easily be steered with one hand, has a seat that faces you or the world around them, and is full of premium features parents and kids love. Think easy maneuverability through varied terrain on a day-to-day basis.
And for an ultra-lightweight option, go with the TRVL™, a super compact-stroller that self-folds with one hand and weighs just 13.6 lbs. A perfect option for light-weight adventuring with ease, this stroller and car seat combo is the ultimate “travel” travel system.
3. Get in and out of any vehicle in a flash
Whether you’re hopping out of the cab en route to daycare or you’re changing the car seat between caregiver vehicles, install shouldn’t be a struggle. The Nuna PIPA urbn can be installed in 2 seconds using the pipaFIX™ rigid latch. For seating positions without lower anchors, like the middle seat in many vehicles, it can be installed using the vehicle seat belt and the belt paths on the car seat. Plus, this baseless installation feature is integrated right into the car seat, making the installation even easier and a whole lot faster. No more buying an extra base for a second car or struggling for a ridiculous amount of time with installing while the meter is running! The final safety step of install is also quick - simply check the level line to ensure the recline position of the seat is correct.
4. One-handed quick release
Possibly the only thing faster than the install of the Nuna PIPA urbn is the quick-release feature. Designed to be one-handed and easy, you can keep one hand holding tight to your toddler or your luggage while the other releases the Nuna PIPA urbn from a vehicle or your Nuna stroller.
5. Privacy when they need it
Keep baby in their own little bubble while you keep on strolling using Nuna’s Sky drape™ for privacy. It pulls down smoothly and attaches quietly using magnets. It’s ventilated but opaque enough to block bright lights, and there’s even an opening at the bottom for adorable feet to move around.
6. It’s your ticket to easy travel
We’ve all been witness to (or a part of) the dreaded luggage and stroller lug throughout the airport and then the nerve-racking struggle in the security line to get the stroller folded while everyone just watches. Not anymore. You’ll be able to sail through TSA (thanks to the super easy and quick folding features of all 3 strollers - TRIV next, MIXX next, and TRVL), roll your little one right up to the gate, and enjoy a breezy boarding. The Nuna PIPA urbn is FAA certified and easily secured in a passenger seat by strapping the airplane seatbelt through the lap belt path.
Traveling with ease continues once you land - no matter if it's by rental car or cab. Click in & go!
From Peoria to Paris, Austin to Amsterdam, the Nuna PIPA urbn travel systems are designed for the next generation. And while you can’t control flight delays, you can control equipment delays brought on by cumbersome car seats and strollers, making the Nuna PIPA urbn travel systems perfect for parents who want to spend more time experiencing the world and less time experiencing frustration.
Gift yourself maximum quality, safety and style with Nuna.
Car seat safety can be overwhelming. There are so many questions to be answered. Is the car seat installed correctly? Are the straps snug enough to secure my child? When is it time to change into a different size car seat? It goes without saying, but always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions (check height and weight limits) and to learn how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors (LATCH) and a tether, if available.
In the meantime, here are some safety tips you (and anyone driving your kid around) should know:
What Every Caregiver Needs to Know about Car Seat Safety
1. Not all car seats fit in every make and model of cars.
Make sure the car seat you select works in your car. Some stores will let you test before you buy. And if you purchase online, be sure to check the return policies.
2. Be very careful about buying used car seats or accepting a hand-me-down.
If you must buy used or accept a hand-me down carseat, I recommend only buying or taking one from an individual that you know and trust. There are a lot of factors that contribute to a safe car seat for your child and you want to be sure that the car seat has not been compromised in any way and that it is not on the recall list.
3. Keep your child in the back seat until the age of 13.
4. Never install a rear facing car seat in the front seat with an airbag.
What Every Caregiver Needs to Know about Infant Seat Safety
This is typically the car seat that your new baby will ride home from the hospital in. Many infant seats attach directly to your stroller or can be easily carried around. It attaches to a base that is latched into your car, so the seat can easily be taken in and out without waking a sleeping baby.
5. Infant seats should always be rear facing and the longer infants and babies stay rear facing, the better.
The average age to transition your child from a rear-facing infant seat into a rear-facing convertible/toddler seat is approximately two years, but it is really based on weight and height so you should familiarize yourself with your car seat’s specific maximum weight/height guidelines.
What Every Caregiver Needs to Know about Rear-Facing Convertible Seat
These types of seats accommodate larger babies/toddlers, but are not as convenient as infant seats because they are not portable. They are generally heavy and have to be installed directly into the car, as opposed to clicking in and out of a base.
These seats are versatile, however, because it allows for your child to remain rear-facing when they are younger and then “converts” to a forward-facing seat as they grow older.
6. According to all the experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics, rear-facing is the safest option for kids, even if their legs are kicking the back seat.
I know first-hand how hard it is to keep your growing toddler in a rear-facing seat, but the back of the car seat shell protects and supports the head, neck and spinal cord in a frontal collision which is the highest percentage of crashes. Once they reach the maximum weight and height limits for rear-facing, you can use the same seat…just follow the guidelines for forward-facing installation of your particular seat.
What Every Caregiver Needs to Know about Booster Seats
It may seem way off in the distance, but eventually your little one will start maturing and growing into a booster seat. This type of car seat does not require any “installation.” The booster seat helps boost up your child to fit properly in the adult size seat belt.
7. It’s best to wait until your child outgrows their 5-point harness car seat and is mature enough to ride without a harness.
The child must stay seated for the entire ride without trying to unbuckle or tuck the shoulder strap under the arm. If they are a wiggle worm, you may want to consider purchasing a 5 point harness car seat that accommodates their height and weight.
At Tot Squad we have a combined 100+ years of child safety experience and bring that expertise to every family we reach. Tot Squad’s team of certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) can perform a virtual car seat check easily and conveniently at your home, or you can read on for peace of mind.
Jen Saxton is the Founder & CEO of Tot Squad, a baby services marketplace that connects new parents with health, wellness/safety services including car seat installation, babyproofing, doulas, & sleep consultants. Tot Squad offers virtual and in-home consultations which can be purchased through Amazon and Walmart.com when buying a related baby product.
Between finding the right car seat, installing it correctly and making sure it fits, keeping your little one safe on the road is a big task. We teamed up with Nuna, the creators of parent-approved car seats like the Nuna PIPA lite rx, and car seat expert Bob Wall, a leader in the Child Passenger Safety field for over 30 years, to answer your questions.
First up, “How do I pick a car seat?” Here’s what Wall had to say:
The short answer to this question is, read the specifics of the seat you’re looking at and match it to your child’s weight and height and their developmental level. There is a car seat out there to fit all sizes of children, you just need to match the seat to your child.
This sounds easy, but there are several other considerations.
How easy is the car seat to use?
Does it fit in your vehicle?
Does it fit your personal lifestyle and family’s needs?
"How Do I Know If My Car Seat Is the Right Size for My Child?"
The different types of car seats are designed to target specific weights, sizes, and ages of children. The primary categories are infant-only, convertible, harness to booster (combination) and booster. Some of these categories have child-size and direction overlaps, and choosing the correct seat could be confusing.
Infant-only seats start at 4 or 5 lbs and are rear-facing only. Convertible seats also start at approximately 4 or 5 lbs and can be forward-facing after the child uses it in the rear-facing mode until its maximum weight and height, and the child is at least two years of age. Harness to booster (combination) seats are forward-facing only seats that can be used right after the rear-facing seat has been maxed out by the child's height or weight. The child would use this seat forward-facing with the harness until the child outgrows the seat and can be placed in a booster. Booster seats vary in size but most start at 40 lbs and an age minimum—typically age four or five). The booster would be used with the vehicle’s seat belt to ensure the child fits the belt correctly.
"At What Age/Weight Should I Change My Child’s Car Seat from Rear-Facing to Front-Facing?"
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend that infants rear face as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer. Most convertible car seats have limits that will permit children to ride rear-facing for two years or more. Having your child rear-face as long as possible is the safest way for them to ride. A rear-facing car seat will support the child’s extremely vulnerable head, neck, and spine. When children ride forward-facing, their heads—which are disproportionately larger and heavier for babies and toddlers—can jolt forward, possibly resulting in spine and head injuries.
Remember: When your child has outgrown their rear-facing seat, secure them in a forward-facing car seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
"If I Was in a Car Accident, How Do I Know If My Child’s Car Seat Is Still Okay to Use?"
If you have been involved in a minor crash then we recommend you follow the NHTSA guidelines: NHTSA recommends that car seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.
Car seats do not automatically need to be replaced following a minor crash.
A minor crash is one in which ALL of the following apply: • The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site. • The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged. • None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash. • If the vehicle has airbags, the airbags did not deploy during the crash; and • There is no visible damage to the car seat.
NEVER use a car seat that has been involved in a moderate to severe crash. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
"What’s the Safest Place to Put the Car Seat? Behind Driver, Middle, behind Passenger?"
All seats in the rear are safe if the child seat is installed correctly and you can install it correctly on every trip. The discernment of “center is safest” originates from the center location being the farthest point from any intrusion into the passenger seating area during a crash. Generally, the safest location in the vehicle is the center rear of the vehicle. However, this is not always the case, the center seat may not be compatible with the seat you are using or there could be a practicality issue depending on your situation. An example would be: If you want the youngest in the center because it's “the safest”, but to get the baby in the center you have to lift the infant carrier over the other seat or child. Or it could be as simple as you are unable to install it as well in the center as you can on the sides. The center seating location is only the safest if you can use it correctly every time the child is in the vehicle. To say the center rear is the “safest” is not saying the other seating positions in the back are not safe—they are.
"What If My Child Is in the Height Range to Switch to a Booster Seat but Not Out of the Weight Range?"
Boosters main job is to ensure the child can sit securely using the lap and shoulder belts in the vehicle by lifting the child up so the belt fits correctly. These are called belt-positioning booster seats, and to ensure your child is meeting the criteria to move to a seat belt, you should follow the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test.
1. Shoulder belt crosses between the neck and shoulder.
If the shoulder belt is too close to the neck, kids can be tempted to put it behind their back for comfort. A shoulder belt that sits off the shoulder can slip off during a crash, reducing its ability to protect.
2. Lower back is against the vehicle seat.
If the child is sitting with their bottom forward to allow their legs to go over the edge of the seat to feel comfortable, a gap is created between their back and the seat. This will cause the seat belt to ride up out of position onto their belly. It can also introduce slack in the seat belt, allowing the child to move forward more during a crash. Both of these can cause increased injury in a crash.
3. Lap belt stays on the upper thighs across the hip bones.
If the lap portion of the belt is across the soft tissue of the abdomen (like will happen if their back isn’t against the vehicle seat), it can damage internal organs in a crash.
4. The knees bend at the end of the seat.
Kids will scoot their bottom forward to let their knees bend comfortably, increasing their risk of injury because the seat belt rides up off of their hips and onto the soft part of their belly. They need to be tall enough to have their knees comfortably bend at the edge of the seat.
5. The child can ride like this for the entire ride.
We don’t expect the child to be perfectly still while riding in the car. And their movement or readjustment to stay comfortable cannot lead to the seat belt getting out of position. When children get uncomfortable, they tend to slouch, lean to one side or put the shoulder belt behind them. When the seat belt is out of position, it cannot properly protect the child during a crash.
As parents, it’s our number one priority to keep our children safe and kids spend a lot of time in the car from daycare drop-off to weekly errands. In fact, new Chicco research* commissioned ahead of Baby Safety Month this September found that 42% of children spend four or more hours in their car seats in a typical week. It’s important that parents take the time to find a car seat that provides optimal comfort and safety for little ones. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here are 8 tips parents need to know when it comes to buying, installing and using a car seat properly:
1. Don’t purchase a car seat solely based on weight limits, it’s a balance of height, weight, and correct stage: When buying a car seat, it’s important to look at both the weight and height limits of the car seat. Usually, children outgrow height limits before weight, so it’s important to find a car seat that can grow taller with your child. Parents should primarily focus on ease of install, child fit, and comfort—all of these elements play a critical role in traveling safely every time.
2. Comfort plays a role in safety: Comfort is more important than some may think when it comes to car seat safety. A comfortable car seat means children are less likely to wiggle around and stay seated in the correct position in their car seat for the duration of each ride. In addition to contoured seat design, consider unique fabric innovations, such as the Adapt® line of car seats from Chicco that use fabrics with patented 37.5® Technology, which employs natural volcanic minerals to help keep children at the ideal relative humidity of 37.5%.
3. Perform this easy at-home test to make sure your car seat is installed securely: When it comes to car seat installation, 55% of parents do not know or are not sure what the ‘inch test’ is. It’s a simple at-home way to check if your child’s car seat is secure. After installing, grab the seat at the car seat belt path and pull side to side and front to back. If the car seat moves more than one inch in any direction, uninstall and start the process over until a secure fit is achieved and your installation can pass the ‘inch test.’
4. Know when it is the right time to turn your child forward-facing: Parents often want to turn their child forward-facing when baby’s legs touch the back of the vehicle seat. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendation is to maximize each car seat mode of use and wait until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limits of the rear-facing car seat.
5. Winter coat protocol: With the weather turning cooler in the coming months, it’s a good idea to clear up confusion about winter coats and car seats. 40% of parents say it is recommended for a child to wear a winter coat in a car seat with a five-point harness or they are unsure. However, best practice is to remove baby’s bulky coat before car rides as it can give a false sense of harness tightness. In a crash, down or poly fill compresses, which means, underneath all that fluff, you have a child in a harness that is too loose.
6. Understand the harness position on car seats: With car seats, it’s important to adjust the harness as your child grows. In rear-facing installations, make sure the harness strap is at or below the child’s shoulders. For forward-facing, make sure the harness strap is at or above the child’s shoulders.
7. Use available resources when you have a question: When installing a car seat, it’s extremely important to seek and use resources rather than winging installation. Use the car seat manual, QR codes and online resources to make sure you are installing your car seat securely, correctly, and safely.
8. Avoid hand-me-down car seats when you can: According to Chicco’s research, a surprising third (34%) of parents use an older sibling’s car seat, hand-me-down from a friend or family member, or purchase a used seat via sites such as Facebook Marketplace. While it’s not necessarily unsafe to re-use a car seat from a family member or friend, it is extremely important that you know the car seat’s history and check both the expiration date and any outstanding recalls.
For parents looking for additional car seat safety information, ChiccoUSA offers a variety of resources from how to choose a car seat, car seat comparisons and step-by-step installation videos.
*Results based on Chicco survey of 1,004 parents in August 2021
Joshua Dilts is an advocate for child passenger safety, serving as a certified Child Safety Technician and lead car seat product manager at Chicco. A father of three, Josh’s real-life experience provides inspiration and motivation for creating solutions that make it easier for families to travel safely with car seats.
It is said that in order to create a product, you first need to find a problem that needs fixing. Since parents are great at this (How many times have we thought, “There must be a better way?”), a number of dads have risen to the occasion with inventions that are genius solutions to problems or improvements to must-have parenting products. From crayon blocks to safer car seats, see our top dad-invented products below.
The story goes like this: avid skier turned new dad Drake Muson was excited to go out and play in the snow with his twins—until it came time to get the kids dressed. Like nearly every other parent out there, he thought “What goes on first? The coat and then the gloves? Or the gloves first, so the coat sleeves stay over the glove cuffs?” No matter what gloves he tried, he couldn’t find one that was actually easy to put on and stay on. So he created his own “thumbless” gloves made with super-warm material that comes with a thumb pocket and a big gauntlet to go over the puffiest coat. Plus, from tiger paws to penguins, Mittyz comes in a variety of fun colorful designs.
When Scott Morris put his adult sunglasses on a friend’s four-month-old while attending a baseball game, he realized that no one was making high-quality baby sunglasses and found his new mission in life. Not only did Scott created tyke-sized shades, but matching adult ones too! The glasses are just as fun as their name, which is a play on the classic rock, paper and scissors game. Ro-Sham-Bo Baby glasses are scientifically tested, certified safe, and each comes with a damage and lens replacement guarantee. And if you can’t decide on which ones to get, try out their five sizes at home for free for seven days.
A born entrepreneur, Brian Weisfeld’s first business venture was buying 95 pounds of gummy bears in grade school and hiring his friends to sell them! Now a father of two girls, he and fellow writer Nicole C. Kear created “The Startup Squad,” a book that shows entrepreneurship can empower young girls to develop important life skills, follow their passions and reach their potential, all while building true friendships. Your little girl will learn the tools of the trade from Weisfeld while being engaged by the story of four girls and their amazing lemonade stand. Meet natural leader Resa, detail-oriented Amelia, head of sales Harriet and problem-solver Didi. Sure, each of these girls could create their own lemonade stand, but watch what happens when they decide to work together. The Startup Squad also has a place where parents can submit their own mini-CEO for a feature on the website!
Flying with kids has never been an easy task, but the 3-in-1 product, Armrest Buddy aims to ease a few of the burdens. Created by James Thorn, Head of Design at Roamwild, an Arm Rest Buddy is a soft plush animal, blanket and travel pillow that slips right on top of a plane’s armrests. “We were on the way back from Spain, and my youngest refused to wear the travel neck pillow we bought for the trip. I spent most of the flight with my head in my hands—but the good news is it prompted me to come up with the Armrest Buddy,” says Thorn. But while the plane trip served as the inspiration for the product, the Armrest Buddy will go anywhere you do whether traveling by car, bus, coach, train or ferry. Each set comes with an ample-sized and soft blanket made from premium and hand-washable fabrics.
Okay, maybe this isn’t fair as we already featured Drake Muson, inventor of Mittyz, but his other product is just as great. Noggins are sun hats that will not only protect your little guys from the sun, but they are also easy to put on and will stay on. Designed in blue or pink camo print, Noggins come with a 50+ UPF rating and an oversized brim which helps to block out even more sun. The hats are equipped with safety-release buckles on the chin straps that adjust as your kids get older (no more pinches on the chin) and a mesh inner lining to help the kiddos stay cool. Then, Muson went full circle creating Winter Noggins that come in orange or pink tiger stripes and match the tiger stripe Mittyz.
While many babies delight when it comes to feeding time, Martin Hill noticed that his baby boy was pretty fussy when it was his turn to feed the baby. Hill knew the infant would calm down when was read to, but trying to hold a book, a bottle and a baby at the same time was quite a feat. To rectify that, he created The Beebo, a bottle holder that straps on, allowing parents to free up one hand—imagine the possibilities! Martin’s wife loved that she could now feed the baby and enjoy meals with the rest of the family—at the same time.
After one frazzled dad lectured his daughter on how traditional crayons are made from paraffin wax and how the colors are created from chemicals, his daughter said, “Then, why don’t you make crayons that are safe for kids and the environment?” And he did. Saving the planet one crayon at a time, Crayon Blocks are made from organic beeswax, are paraffin free, created with FDA-approved food-grade colors and are 100% biodegradable. Unlike traditional crayons that can snap in half easily, Crayon Blocks are made sturdy so they won’t break easily in little one’s hands. And they are made in the U.S.A. too!
Many dads consider diaper bags as a necessary evil. They're big, bulky and are often “cuter” than most dads want to carry around. That’s pretty much how Bill Lobe thought of them as well. As an avid hiker, Lobe knows only all too well how packing light can be a real advantage. “When my wife, Megan, and I had our first kid, I saw that giant diaper bag and freaked out. It just didn’t make sense to carry a bunch of stuff we didn’t need. I researched other options and couldn’t find any carrier that was compact and durable, so I decided to make my own.” More like a wallet than a diaper bag, the BratPack is just 8” x 5” when folded up. When opened, it becomes a mini changing station holding everything you need and can easily slip into a stroller or even a back pocket. The expandable elastic pockets can hold several diapers, wet clothes, pacifiers, etc. The BratPack is made from durable material in solid-colored designs used in high-end backpacks and is easy to clean.
When Jason and his wife Helen discovered that 70% more harmful UV rays can reach a child’s retinas than adults, they searched for suitable sunglasses for their son Brandon. Unfortunately, what they found were two types of shades: ones that were cheaply made or expensive ones from high-end designers who didn't know how to appropriately design for kids. So Jason created his own brand. Toucca Kids are designed to be both functional yet durable and are made with non-fading, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly acetate. Each pair is made with TAC polarized lenses, German-made OBE spring hinges and comfort-fit nose pads
While you might not have any trouble getting your kids to take a bath, for other families, the struggle is real. When Ray Phillips worked as a program director for a facility that treated children who had experienced trauma, he found that bath time was one of the most difficult events of the day. One child just couldn’t bear to be separated from this stuffed toy friend. So, Phillips modified the animal to hold a bar of soap and suddenly, bath time was fun once again. SoapSox are cuddly companions that kids can play with all day long and then join them in the tub later in the day. “A patented soap pocket transforms lovable SoapSox into sudsy washcloth—just add soap and scrub. It’s the way kids want to wash!” says Phillips.
It’s no surprise to learn that the inventor of GooseEgged has three very active children. One day, inspiration literally hit when Mike Ross’s son took a bad fall and came running with a very large bump on his forehead. “We tried everything—an ice pack in the shape of an animal, a plastic bag full of ice, even a bag of frozen peas—and there was no good solution!” says Ross. He spent months doing research and ended up with a genius product: GooseEgged ice packs feature fun cartoon characters, adjustable straps and a soft inside, which provide cool, comfortable relief while also allowing your kids to continue moving around. The ice packs are great for infants and toddlers who won’t sit still, and they can bring a slight smile to one who has a fever as well.
Australian dad James Dutton is the creator of Patch Strips—reinventing common, everyday bandages with ones made from bamboo. The reason? His son is allergic to some of the materials used to make traditional bandages. Today, Patch Strips offers a whole line of different adhesive bandages for a variety of needs using other natural products like aloe vera, charcoal and coconut oil. And since bamboo grows many times faster than trees, uses much less water, produces up to 35% more oxygen and doesn’t need pesticides or herbicides to grow, Patch Strips are “good for you, good for the planet.” “We take pride in using organic certified components—so you know it's only the good stuff!” says Dutton.
Becoming dad to baby Stella, “was the most amazing thing to happen to me,” says Crescent Womb founder, James Spencer. “With infants sleeping an average of 17 hours a day, a safe sleep environment is paramount. Unfortunately, all of the ‘safer’ options were too expensive for my budget as a college student, and none of them fully addressed my concerns with safe sleep. So I created something better.” By designing a sleep system that reduces the risks associated with early infancy, Spencer slept better too! Crescent Womb is designed to support your baby as if it were being held. The mesh sleep surface of its hammock-like design helps babies to self-soothe while increasing breathability and reducing the risk of over-heating and suffocation. Plus, Crescent Womb is portable, machine washable, and able to be attached to just about any crib.
“Make Every Arrival a Safe Arrival” is the motto for Safe Ride 4 Kids, creating safer car seats. Safe Ride 4 Kids was founded by Greg Durocher (along with his wife Annie)—a former fireman, paramedic and child passenger safety technician instructor. Together they have more than 25 years of car seat safety experience and have created two new ways to keep your precious cargo intact. First, the crash-tested Tummy Shield effectively minimizes the risk that the seat belt will intrude into a pregnant tummy during a crash or sudden braking incident. It can also make driving or riding in a vehicle much more comfortable for a pregnant mom. The second is the Ride Safer Travel Vest for kids age three and older and is a legal alternative to the booster seat and traditional car seat. The Ride Safer Travel Vest properly positions the vehicle’s seat belt on the child, lowers their center of gravity and, in the event of a crash, spreads the crash force across the vest instead of just the width of the seat belt like in a booster.
As a 2016 Toy of the Year Finalist, PlayTape, from the mind of Andy Musliner, can create roads and instantly. Just unroll, stick and drive! PlayTape sticks to any flat surface and is easy to tear by hand and reposition. It peels up without any residue and is recyclable, so cleaning up is easy. PlayTape is compatible with, and made-to-scale for, the most popular toy cars and trains on the market so you can use PlayTape with the toys you already have. Pop a roll of PlayTape and car in your kid’s pocket, and they’ll be set for hours!
Made By Dad: 67 Blueprints for Making Cool Stuff was written by Scott Bedford. It features tons of inventions and activities that dads can do and make with their kids, like a 3D Snakes and Ladders game, a remote action figure zip line, a paper steampunk balancing robot, a blazing paper volcano, a speedy rubber band rocket car reversible paper castle, “off the wall” sports drinks and more. Encouraging family bonding, interaction and loads of creativity, all of the activities vary in difficulty and come with step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations.
Designed by a parent for parents, the Airtushi aims to help busy on-the-go parents. It's the only inflatable high chair with a padded seat, sides, backrest and front bumper bar aiding in sitting development. Great for road trips or visiting grandma’s house, the Airtushi will fit any chair and features rigid sides preventing sideways toppling. It is suitable for any child age six months to three years of age, it's quick to inflate and it cleans up nicely. All of this, and it packs down very small and flat to slip easily in a stroller or diaper bag.
Believe it or not, someone has created a compact booster seat that can actually be stored in the glove compartment! Ten times smaller than a regular booster seat, Mifold meets or exceeds regulatory standards for booster seats and easily fits in a backpack, making it super easy and smart for vacation travel or when grandma needs to pick up your little guy at school. Jon Sumroy invented the Mifold when his own kids were small. “Our children were being driven everywhere by other people as well as ourselves,” says Sumroy. “Car safety is important to us and, we wanted to make sure that the kids always had the correct car seat, but we often found that booster seats were not available; especially when we were carpooling with other families. So, I thought, if I could make a booster that was really small and really tough, that could easily be taken everywhere, then our children would always be safe, no matter whose car they are in.”
As a father of two young boys, Adam Nelson knows the challenges of getting little ones to bed when it is still light out. “Having a bright light, even a regular nightlight, in a child's room inhibits teaching them that when it is dark, it is time for sleep, and when it is light, it’s time to get up,” says Nelson. His Good Nite Lite invention helps to trains kids to associate light with daytime activities and darkness with nighttime and rest. It does this by displaying easily recognized "Moon" and “Sun” caricatures, letting kids know that is time to wake up and that it's okay to get out of bed. During the day, the Good Nite Lite automatically shuts itself off to eliminate any distractions and to conserve energy.
According to the website, the Veer Cruiser is designed "for those who prefer to take the paths less traveled," a premium stroller strong enough to last from the firstborn to your last born. The brainchild of stroller expert Andrew Bowman, who saw parents struggling to push and pull kids and gear across hilly terrain, the Veer Cruiser is a baby carrier and portable bed for infants, a stroller for toddlers and a wagon for older kids—all in one. It features stain and fades resistant fabric sidewalls, expanding footwell, an adjustable handle height, performance handle grips, 3-point passenger harnesses, one-touch footbrake, front comfort suspension, large rugged knobby tires, rear-wheel fenders, one-hand folding and six cup holders! The only thing this bad boy won't do is change diapers.
The Dad Hoodie
courtesy The Dad Hoodie
For dads who shudder at the idea of lugging around a diaper bag, let alone one that was designed by women for women, you’ll love the concept behind The Dad Hoodie. Dad inventor Taylor Llewellyn came up with the idea of becoming a human diaper bag by fitting regular-looking hoodie with a mesh lining and various pockets to hold bottles, diapers, wet wipes as well as dad’s wallet and cell phone. “Over the shoulder diaper bags are constructed to survive natural disasters and shrapnel, with enough supplies for weeks. Most Dads only need to carry a few baby supplies to knock out that steady stream of errands,” says Llewellyn. The hoodies are quality sewn, come in navy or heather grey and look “normal.” Plus, you can even act like a secret agent dad with all of your secret compartments!
September marks the start of a new school year, leaves changing, pumpkin spice everything (whether you like it or not), and Baby Safety Month! The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), a.k.a., the people who make sure your kid’s products are safe, sponsor this event every September. Baby Safety Month helps raise visibility around common safety concerns for babies and toddlers and provides safety tips and resources for parents.
Walmart is a Baby Safety Month Ambassador and is offering some incredible savings in stores and online-only savings on safe baby products for travel, sleep, baby proofing and more, for a limited time. Read on for 10 of our favorite products with big savings for the month of September at Walmart!
Sleep
Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor
Let's face it: new parents worry about everything. We get it! The Owlet Smart Sock monitor takes a load off, tracking your baby's heart rate and oxygen level while they sleep. You'll all rest better, knowing Owlet will notify you with lights and sounds if anything is out of the ordinary—it even tracks baby's sleep and uses the data to help create a bedtime routine as they grow. Way more than just a soft little sock, Owlet is the ally you need, moms and dads!
This crib is a multi-functional, transforming game changer! Kali will grow with your child, from infant to toddler, into a full-size bed. Its compact design is great for smaller spaces, and the baby station is attached, making those late-night changes so much easier. They didn't stop there—the changing station converts to a nightstand or dresser once your toddler is ready for their big kid bed!
If you have a kid, you've heard of PAW Patrol! We can't leave the toddlers out of Baby Safety Month, so here is something exciting just for them. Transitioning from a crib to a bed is just so much more fun when they know the pups have their back! This set includes the sleep and play toddler bed, table and two storage ottoman seats and multi-bin toy organizer. Recommended for ages 15 months and up, the bed is designed to sit low for safety and is JPMA certified.
Graco Pack 'n Play On the Go Playard with Bassinet
Play yards have been a baby staple for years. This one goes above and beyond, with a reach-through bassinet that folds for easy travel. It's also 20% more compact than average play yards, features a toy bar and Signature Graco push-button fold, making closing it up after sleep or play a snap!
We love a good twofer: the removable baby swing seat doubles as a rocker! Your baby is sure to be soothed with three different seating positions, allowing them to sway side to side or swing front to back. There's even a vibration feature, six different speeds, 10 songs and 5 nature sounds—you can't go wrong with this one!
Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard
One day you wake up and suddenly you've got a walker on your hands! Kick your child-proofing game in to high gear with this super gate that can be shaped into any number of configurations—you can even use it as a play yard! It has a one-touch safety lock release that you'll be able to easily use (but your kid won't!) and a convenient walk-through design. Use it as a fireplace barrier, stair blocker or general kid-wrangler. The possibilities are endless for this must-have!
This well-designed high chair is at the perfect level, so you can actually share a meal with your baby at your table! It's fully wipeable and washable, which is great because things tend to get messy at mealtime. The TableFit chair folds easily for storage and is adjustable to grow with them from infant on up—it's the only one you'll need!
Baby-carrying comfort and safety for parent and baby are so important. Infantino thought of everything, from a supportive waist belt to breathable fabric! This carrier makes travel a no-brainer, with six organizer pockets that can expand to fit diapers, wipes and outfits. The design allows you to carry four ways: facing-in (reduced width seat for infants), facing-in (expanded seat), facing out and backpack.
Got two? Now what do you do! We love this stroller for toting two kiddos. There are two seats and one converts to a stand platform for wiggly toddlers—brilliant! One-hand folding makes it easy on the go and organization a breeze with cup holders, parent tray and covered storage. This stroller also features 5-point harnesses and foot-activated rear locks so you're all safe and sound.
Safety 1st Grow and Go Sprint 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
You could call it the "piece de resistance" of childhood safety: the car seat. Safety 1st has it covered as the first leader in child safety. This seat is built to grow, as a 3-in-1 for use through three stages, from rear-facing newborn up to 40 pounds, to forward-facing and booster. Their Quickfit harness, easy in and out, fuss-free cleaning and top-notch safety make this car seat the total package.
Even for a quick trip to the grocery store or to the doctor’s office down the street, your kids should be in the right car seat. The Child Car Safety campaign, developed by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council, is here to help protect kids and educate parents about how to find The Right Car Seat for every child’s age, height, and weight, for every ride.
How many times have you buckled your little ones into their car seat and assumed they were safe? When car seat restraints are used effectively, they can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. However, traffic fatalities are a leading cause of death for kids 14 and under.
This information might be overwhelming, but don’t worry: The Right Seat Finder is an easy-to-use tool that helps parents find the safest car seat. Here’s how to use it:
1. Go to NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat and enter your kid’s age, height and weight. The online tool will then give you a personalized list of car seat types that are the best fit for your child.
There are four types of seats: rear-facing car seats; forward-facing car seats; booster seats; and seat belts. For properly securing your little ones, there are two key types of rear-facing car seats. Designed for newborns and small babies, the infant-only car seat is a small, portable seat that can only be used rear-facing. Babies usually outgrow their infant car seats before their first birthday, but because every kid grows at different rates, they may outgrow it sooner. When the baby has outgrown the infant-only car seat, we recommend that parents purchase a convertible or all-in-one car seat and use it rear-facing.
2. Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions and read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether, if available.
3. Install your car seat correctly. This includes understanding the parts and tips used for installation. The Right Seat website includes tons of detailed car seat installation instructions and videos to help you.
4. Get your car seat inspected at a station. The Right Seat will help you easily locate a car seat check location close to your home, where a certified car seat safety technician can test your family’s current car seats.
5. Keep your kids safe in a car seat. Always buckle up your kiddo in their seat, and make sure to register your car seat and sign up for recall notices to receive safety updates. Safety doesn’t end once the seat is installed.
Love your kids? Make sure they’re buckled up in the right seat.
Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat today to find the right seat for all your kids based upon your child’s age, height, and weight. And remember, car seat recommendations can change as your child grows, so stay up to date and make sure they’re protected every ride every time.
Whether you’re a first-time mom or adding to an ever-expanding brood, raising kids is hard (like, really hard). Luckily, social media can be super helpful when it comes to finding your tribe. We looked through a ton of Facebook groups for every type of mom, every type of family, and every type of need and narrowed it down to our favorites below. Keep reading to find one that’s perfect for you.
Fussy Baby Support Group, 35K members
This group is perfect for moms feeling overwhelmed by fussy or colicky babies. They make sure moms know it’s a safe no-judgment zone where they can come with questions and get advice. But, they also recommend their members give advice from experience as well.
Exclusively Pumping, 31.5K members
Another descriptive group name, this group is intended for Exclusive Pumpers to share information and support.
The Mommy Grind, 37K members
This group was created to help new moms navigate the first few years of motherhood. They are also adamant about no solicitations, no contests, no giveaways, etc.
Car Seat Safety, 88.9K members
This group is great for new moms (and dads, of course) who have questions, concerns, and are looking to purchase a new car seat. This group aims to empower and educate their members, but a big goal is to help reduce child injury and death in the event of an accident.
Milky Mommas, 110K members
Breastfeeding is a lot more complicated than it looks. There are latching issues, mastitis (OUCH), nipple confusion and more. Milky Mamas is there to help.
Groups for the Daily Grind
Mom Squad, 35K members
Being a mom is rough. And kids do say the darnedest things. So of course, you need a place to vent, laugh, and bond. Mom Squad is a great place to ask for advice and question things, but keep in mind, that the admins keep the page judgment-free and non-political.
Modern Parenting Hub, 15K members
Both parents and caregivers can connect in this safe space all about communication and socialization. It’s not just about advice on this page, but also about really connecting and building relationships.
Simple Families, 13.7K members
Motherhood and parenting are filled with a lot of white noise … which means nonsense. This group looks to strip down and get rid of the nonsense and help moms focus and thrive in motherhood more simply.
One Bad Mother, 10K members
Based on their Podcast, this Facebook group aims at supporting their members through all of their “genius and failures of life.” Once again, they aim to keep this a safe space where members feel comfortable asking questions, sharing goofs and just venting about the toughness of motherhood.
Cat and Nat Chat, 53K members
If you ever need a true belly laugh, check out Cat & Nat’s #MomTruth videos on YouTube. They tell it like it is, the good, the bad and the (vomit-filled) ugly. And their Facebook group reflects their sass, humor and real-life approach to things.
Slate Parenting, 13.7K members Fans of Slate Parenting column and podcast Mom and Dad Are Fighting enjoy this dynamic group. All posts in this group are moderated by Slate’s parenting editors and columnists.
The Mom Rant,13K members
Had a hard day? You might want to consider join The Mom Rant, a safe place for moms and moms-to-be to rant/rave and vent freely. With 11k+ members from across Canada and around the world, it’s a judgment-free place for moms to find solidarity with others.
photo: iStock
Food-Related Groups
Hungry Toddlers, 128.7k members
Meal ideas and recipes for keeping kids happy during the toddler years.
Feeding the Littles, 70k members
We don’t want to scare you, but feeding young kids often stinks. They are the pickiest, strangest eaters on the planet. Check out this group if you want a safe place to share recipes, ask questions and get advice. Like most parenting groups, they urge members to be respectful and shy away from controversial topics.
Recipe Rescue, 3.9K members
From the Cool Mom Picks team, this active group offers ideas and inspiration for preparing family meals.
Parenting Picky Eaters, 19.6K+ members
Moderated by feeding consultant, Jo Cormack from the UK, and children’s nutritionist and therapist, Simone Emery, this is a safe space for parents of food-cautious kids.
Instant Pot Parents,19.5K members
If you like your Instant Pot and want more family-friendly ideas and recipes, this is the group for you. With over 18,00 members, there’s a wealth of knowledge here.
Kids’ Crafts and Activities, 73K members
There’s nothing worse than snow days, vacation days, sick days or rainy weekends without something to do. This group provides activities and shares articles, ideas, etc. for parents and kids. Think of it as a Pinterest Facebook group filled with tips, tricks and lifesavers.
Moms Who Run, 2.5K members
Mom-to-mom support to get out there and run no matter how busy life is.
Red Tricycle Book Club, 1K members
A monthly book club for moms hosted by the Red Tricycle team.
Moms in Tech, 14.8K members
Ad-free, judgment-free, solicitation-free, this is a safe space for moms working in tech (in any sort of position) looking connect and support each other. They encourage members to post job openings, share projects they are proud of, and respect other members’ privacy. Working is hard, motherhood is hard, and this group hopes to help relieve a bit of both.
Moms of Only Children, 4K members
Whether you are one and done by choice or not, if the question “Are you done having kids?” always annoys you, this is the group for you.
ADHD Parents Support Group, 139.9K members
An open, non-judgmental forum to discuss the challenges of parenting children with ADHD, as well as seek solutions.
Local Groups
Upper East Side Moms (New York City), 31K members
UES Mommas is a group where NY mommas come for support, positive and constructive guidance and community. It’s also a great place to check on great dining suggestions, what’s the deal with the Second Avenue Subway, and how’s that new dry cleaner that just opened. Plus, you can ask questions about schools, museums and more.
Upper West Side Mammas ,(New York City) 19K members Same thing, but for the Upper West side.
Brooklyn Baby Hui (New York City), 3.8K members
Parents from the neighborhoods of North Brooklyn sharing experiences, resources and stories to empower each other.
NYC Moms- Upper East Side, 21.4K Members
Safe place for moms on the UES to connect with local parents.
Circle of Moms (Chicago), 11K members
You can join this group to chat, ask for advice, give advice, learn about events happening in the area, vent, set up playdates and more. Keep up-to-date about what’s happening in the Windy City and all there is to see and do with kids—big and small.
Washington DC Area Moms, 8.7K members
Learn about events, get great tips (Best playgrounds! Best kid-friendly dining) on this local page. They don’t allow solicitations or marketing, so this is a safe space for even the most hesitant participant.
Main Street Mamas (San Francisco), 14K members
This group claims to have an open mind and no rules, but they do insist on no judging and being respectful. Keep business posts to Momtrepreneur Mondays and classifieds on the weekends, but otherwise, come and enjoy yourself. Learn about events and get to know your SF community.
Marin Mom’s Swap, 4k members
Simple selling and swapping for Marin County mamas.
Portland Mamas, 19K members
What started as a small space for a handful of moms in the area has grown to over 19,000 members offering advice, resources and support in an open and friendly manner. Ideas come fast and thick here, so if you’re looking for the best soft shoes for your toddler or the best school backpack, strap in and get ready! It’s like crowd-sourcing from thousands of great friends who have tried it first.
Red Tricycle Families Seattle, 3K members
Find the tools and tips you need to parent like a rock star on Red Tricycle’s own parent group page, Red Tricycle Families Seattle. On it, you’ll find events, ideas and activities that transform everyday parent-kid outings into memorable adventures that are surprisingly easy to do. It’s also a place for moms and dads to ask the “who, what, where and when” questions that always seem to crop up. Or to post what you know by sharing your own kicking kid-friendly events within the group.
LA Mommies, 58.7K members
LA Mommies is a private group so no one outside of it will see you post about having a mommy meltdown at 2 a.m., but be prepared to (virtually) run into other mom friends. Members can post anything and everything mom-related from pregnancy and parenting advice to the best spots for birthday parties or date nights.