ML Interest Tag: fire-department

11 Cool Things You Might Not Know about LA

by Andie Huber

Pop Quiz: Do you know how the Lakers got their name? Or which Disney princess has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? All the answers and more LA-inspired trivia, right this way.

LA is a magical place and along with that, comes some magical history and only-in-LA trivia. Impress your family and stump the kids with these little-known Los Angles facts. How many do you know?

1. In 1978, Mickey Mouse was the first animated character to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Other characters with their own star include Minnie Mouse, Shrek, Winnie the Pooh, and Big Bird. Oh, and Donald Duck, too! And only one Disney Princess has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hint: She survived a poisonous apple. Yep, Snow White.

2. A whopping 202 street lamps make up the Urban Lights installation in front of LACMA. And the coolest part? All of those 202 lamps are from the 1920s and 1930s and were originally spread throughout Southern California.

RELATED: See why LACMA is one of our favorite museums with kids. 

Courtesy of the Security Pacific National Bank Collection – Los Angeles Public Library

3. It used to snow about once a decade in Los Angeles and actually stick to the ground. The picture above is La Brea Blvd. in 1921. Unfortunately, it hasn't snowed since 1962—we are in a 50-year-plus snow drought. 

RELATED: Where to go to get your snow fix near LA

4. The carousel, now located at the Santa Monica Pier, was originally built in 1922 for the Venice Pier, but moved to its current Santa Monica location in 1947. In addition to the 44 hand-carved equine beauties, there are two additional animals that go round and round—can you guess? A rabbit and a goat. Next time you are there, see if you can find them.

RELATED: 25+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Santa Monica

5. The iconic Hollywood sign was built in 1923 but it didn't originally spell out "HOLLYWOOD" but instead "HOLLYWOODLAND." It remained that way until 1949 when the "LAND" portion was removed. 

Security Pacific National Bank Collection via Los Angeles Public Library

6. The LA Zoo is not the original LA Zoo. In 1966, more than 2000 animals were moved from the Old Griffith Park Zoo (which was built in 1914) to the zoo's new location, two miles away. You can still visit the old zoo's stomping grounds—heck, you can even have a picnic there. 

7. You don't have to go all the way to Anaheim to visit some historic Disney artifacts. Walt Disney's original barn and workshop, where he controlled his 1/8th scale model railroad, is located on the north side of Griffith Park, where it's now part of the Los Angeles Live Steamers Museum. If you want an up-and-close visit, they allow guests to visit every 3rd Sun. of the month. Check their Facebook page for the latest information. 

Public Domain

8. Ever wonder how LA basketball team the Lakers got its name? The Lakers originated in Minnesota, aka “Land of 10,000 Lakes," before coming to LA in 1960.

Wikimedia Commons

9. LA by the numbers: A little over 10 million people live in Los Angeles County—that's about the same as the population of the entire country of Sweden. There are 7.8 million cars registered in the area, 3.9 million people commute every day by car and the average Angeleno spends 119 hours a year stuck in traffic. That's equivalent to five days. Yikes!

10. Love LA's iconic Palm trees? They may not be around much longer. They are not native to the area and were planted solely for their looks. A vast amount of them were planted in the 1930s (in just 1931, 25,000 of them were planted!) and are now nearing the end of their lifespan and are unlikely to be replaced.

11. The County of Los Angeles Fire Department's Forestry Division has a special way to reduce the risk of fire. They use goats! The grazing goats clear brush along steep mountainsides.

 

 

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10 Wacky Facts about Boston We Bet You Didn’t Know

by Allison Sutcliffe

Whether you live here or are visiting, it’s easy to see that Boston is steeped in history. It’s everywhere you turn. So we thought it would be fun to round up some Boston trivia you might not know. Impress your friends and stump your kids with these little-known Boston facts. How many do you know?

Ogutier via Pixabay

1. We’re number one. Boston is home to lots of firsts. The city boasts the first public beach—Revere Beach in 1896, the first subway—Tremont Station in 1897 and the first public park—Boston Common. In 1634 Bostonians paid six schillings each in taxes to purchase William Blackstone’s farm, now Boston Common. Two other fun firsts include the first lighthouse on Little Brewster Island and the first formal fire department in 1679.

2. Record-setting heights. We’re sure your kids recognize the John Hancock Building along the city skyline. But do they know the building is also the site of the greatest grape catch in history? In 1988, Paul Tavilla caught a grape in his mouth that had fallen 788 vertical feet from the top of the building.

Andrea R. via Yelp

3. World’s biggest burglary. If you’ve visited the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum you and the kids have probably noticed the empty frames—evidence of 13 paintings stolen from the museum in 1990. Thieves posing as police officers cut them directly out of the frames, making the heist the largest property theft in the world! So what’s with the blank frames? Before Gardner’s death, she insisted that the museum remain exactly as she had arranged it—that means no replacement paintings or moving things around.

4. Bowled over. Candlepin bowling was first played in Worcester in 1880; the sport is a true Boston original. And families and friends have been rolling strikes and spares at the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley since 1907, making it the second oldest candlepin alley in the U.S.

Karin Hansen

5. Don’t cry over this. The story behind the giant milk bottle outside of the Boston Children’s Museum is an interesting one. It was donated to the Boston Children’s Museum in 1977 when it sailed aboard a barge through Boston Harbor to what’s now Children’s Wharf. How much could it hold you ask? If it were real, the bottle could hold 58,620 gallons of milk.

6. A sticky situation. Next time the fam is in the North End neighborhood, tell your kids the story of the Great Molasses Flood that happened along Commercial Street, near Keany Square in January 1919. A 50-foot high tank, filled with molasses exploded unleashing the viscous substance, moving at 35 m.p.h., through the neighborhood streets. The giant wave crested at 25 feet high and left streets flooded with anywhere from two to three feet of syrupy mess.

Andrea R. via yelp

7. Nope, it’s not a pineapple. Although it may look like a pineapple, the gilded object on top of the Massachusetts State House is actually a wood pinecone. It symbolizes the importance of the lumber industry in the state during colonial times.

8. An H2O-mazing law. It may sound more like an urban legend than an actual law, but apparently this one’s still on the Boston books. In Boston, it’s illegal to go to bed without having a bath. Pull this one out and make your case the next time your kids need a little extra incentive at bath time.

Danielle D. via yelp

9. Play ball. You probably know that the Red Sox have played in 13 World Series and won nine titles. And that the Red Sox have a patent on the "Fenway Green" paint color. But not everyone knows about Fenway’s rooftop garden, Fenway Farms. Located on the third base side of the park, it was planted in 2015 and can produce over 6,000 pounds of organic produce each year.

10. What’s in a name. Boston goes by many names: Beantown, The Athens of America, even the Cradle of Liberty. But before it was any of these it was called Tremontaine by the Puritans.

—Allison Sutcliffe

Feature image: iStock

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Boston Babes: 39 Unique Names to Show Your Boston Pride

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From the Mom Who Doesn’t Have It All Together

By Allyson McCormley

Dear Diary (early September edition),

It is approximately day 184 of quarantine. I think we are holding it together. In fact, I was so full of thinking I “had it all together” that I completed two Zoom calls and recorded a birthday message for a good friend’s upcoming birthday last week. As I tucked my kids into bed, I gave myself a pat on the back, and I thought to myself, “look at you…. you have it all together.” I worked my day job, exercised, made three square meals a day for my family of four, scheduled my daughter’s math tutor, and facilitated “virtual learning” for my two school-aged kids.

Then I got ready for bed. I realized that, during my two Zoom calls and recorded birthday message, my shirt was on backward. Great! After deciding I should stick to my normal uniform of yoga pants or pajamas, I drifted off to sleep. We woke up two hours later to smelling smoke in our house, but we couldn’t determine where it was coming from. The fire department came and apparently our beloved, often ignored, turtle’s water filter was overheating and smoking. Even Donatello (ie beloved turtle) is looking for a way out of this house! Don’t worry, the turtle will end up in our will because he will live forever (footnote: we assume the turtle is a he. This has not been confirmed). Luckily, we caught the problem before it became an issue… kids didn’t even wake up with all the chaos. And turns out, I went to high school with one of the firefighters, who I haven’t seen in 20 plus years.

So, that was Wednesday. Highlights from Thursday include talking to a reality TV show producer and patiently waiting on hold for almost two hours with our refrigerator manufacturer. It’s been 6 weeks, and apparently, they are really pleased with my patience, and they will get back to me as soon as they can. Don’t hold your breath. It’s a breezy 114 here, so any chance we had to keep food cold was averted because said refrigerator isn’t working.

In the meantime, we got a new fridge because we couldn’t handle or afford to constantly eat out. Still waiting to see if the other fridge will get fixed (they tried five times) or finally just give us a refund. Also, we found out that August was the hottest month ever recorded in Phoenix, and the second hottest month ever recorded was July.  My kids will be online learning for the foreseeable future, and we are adding to my list of things I am unqualified for:

  • #1 not a 6th-grade teacher
  • #2 not a third-grade teacher

We are grateful for our health and safety, and I hope when I look back at this post a year from now, I can laugh as hard as my neighbor did when I told her this story.

Allyson is a mom of two and has more than a decade of experience working in both television news and public relations. From national television shows to top newspapers, Allyson has worked around the world including a travel magazine in London, England, Phoenix TV and local hospital and healthcare association.

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10 Summer Safety Tips for Babies in Cars

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

If you’re spending time in the car this summer, arm yourself with water, snacks and some very good advice. Read on for our top 10 tips on keeping babies and toddlers safe in the car on warm summer days.

photo: iStock

1. Get your car seat inspected.
More than half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And since people tend to spend more time in the car during the summer, it’s a good time to find the nearest car seat inspection station, usually at a local police or fire department. The experts there will inspect your car seat and show you how to install it properly, usually at no charge.

2. Cool the car down quickly.
A hot car is uncomfortable for everybody, especially kids. If you’re getting into a scorching car, crank up the air conditioning and open the windows first to push out that hot air. After a few minutes, when the car is cooler, get in and roll up the car windows and let the AC keep working its magic. Also, when placing your child in the car seat, watch those metal buckles, which can get blazing hot on warm days. When your car is parked outside, keep the metal parts out of direct sunlight, tucking them into the car seat straps or placing a towel or light blanket on top of the metal when your child is out of the car seat.

3. Inspect your tires.
How are tires like babies? They’re both prone to blowouts, and tires are more likely to have them during the summer months. Blame the combination of hot weather, longer drives and cars packed full of road-trip gear. Regularly check your tire pressure and the condition of your tires to stay safe.

photo: Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr

4. Pack extra liquids.
On hot days, kids need lots of liquids to stay hydrated. Keep bottles of breast milk or formula in coolers with ice packs. And if your baby is drinking water, always pack more than you think you’ll need. Breastfeeding moms need lots of water too!

5. Keep cars locked with car keys out of kids’ reach.
Babies love playing in cars and fiddling with car keys, especially hitting the lock button to hear the beep it makes. To avoid having them lock themselves inside the car when you’re outside of it, or climbing into the car when you’re not there to supervise, always keep cars locked, even in the garage, and store keys out of reach from tiny hands. This is important year-round but especially so on hot days when temperatures inside the car can get dangerously high.

6. Don’t cover the car seat with a blanket.
A blanket may help your child fall asleep in the car seat, but even a thin muslin covering can make the temperature under that blanket way too hot. You also want to be able to see your child while you’re driving, which brings us to our next tip….

7. Install a backseat mirror.
Set up a mirror that allows you to see your child’s face from the driver’s seat when they’re in a rear-facing car seat. That allows you to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re comfortable and not overheating.

photo: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

8. Adjust your car seat straps.
If you dressed your baby in bulky clothing on cooler days, the car seat straps may be too loose once your child is in light summer outfits. Straps should be tight enough that you can only fit one finger underneath them, and the buckle should sit across the armpit. Adjust the straps each time you place your child in the seat to make sure they fit comfortably.

9. Never leave your child alone in the car. For real.
Even if you only have a quick errand, even if your baby has finally fallen asleep, even if you crack the window open for air flow, you should never leave your child unattended in a car. A child’s body temperature heats up more quickly than an adult’s, and even a few minutes alone in a hot car can be life-threatening.

10. Check the back seat.
Forgetting a child in a car seat is many parents’ worst fear. To avoid it, leave your shoes, wallet or smartphone in the back seat so you have to go back there to retrieve them before you leave the car. Or, let technology help. The CoPilot Carseat Alert System uses a sensor that clips on to your car seat and a key fob to alert you if you walk away from the car without unbuckling your child first. The eClip ($49.95) from Elepho is a small device that attaches to your car seat and syncs up to an app that reminds you to get your child if you move more than 15 feet away from the car. And if you use the Waze app for driving directions, turn on the Child Reminder feature, which instructs you to check for your child as the last step in the directions.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: iStock

 

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10 Top Tips for Road Trips with Babies

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Hot Firefighting Destinations for Little Firefighters

by jen arrow

Kids screams of delight at the sight of a fire engine tearing down the street can give the fire sirens a run for their money!  And sometimes you would love to take a morning to get your kids up close and personal to one of these urban wonders on a non-emergency basis.  Luckily, Los Angeles is chock-full of firefighting museums that will stoke the flames of your child’s interest. Pick one that suits your family, and spend a superfun day learning about the heroes who protect our city from fire, smoke and so much more.

redtri-lafdoldtruck-10770867475_5ff0c47fc1_o

Los Angeles Fire Department Museum & Memorial
If you only visit one fire museum in Los Angeles, let it be the Los Angeles City Fire Department Museum and Memorial in the heart of Hollywood. The biggest station west of the Mississippi when it was opened in 1930, Old Fire Station 27 has been turned into an absolute showpiece for the department. A great collection of old-time trucks, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a fire safety education facility, room after room of memorabilia and vintage equipment, a children’s play area and a lovely little gift shop make this the premiere fire museum in town.

Open every Sat. and staffed by retired LAFD volunteers, each little firefighter gets a fire hat and a warm welcome from an old-timer. Admission is free, but tourists are encouraged to sign the guest book and consider a $5 donation to support the museum’s work. Kids can play and explore here all day, and parents enjoy the vintage details in the building’s architecture (the bathrooms are gorgeous!) and the views of Hollywood from the second-floor windows. If you have the time, do pop into the current Hollywood Fire Station next door, where firefighters who aren’t out fighting fires are happy to give kids a tour and let them sit in the real trucks.

Hours: Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free but a $5 donation is suggested

1355 N. Caheunga Blvd.
Hollywood

Online: lafdmuseum.org

Los Angeles Fire Museums, Long Beach Fire Museum

Long Beach Fire Museum
The Long Beach Fire Museum is a total hidden gem! Staffed by retired LBFD firefighters and local history aficionados who do all their own maintenance and upkeep on the vintage fire trucks, the Long Beach Fire Museum is absolutely worth the trip. Located near the Little Cambodia neighborhood of Long Beach, the LBFM has a veritable catalog of great old fire vehicles, including one built from a Model T and a vintage hose truck donated by TV legend Larry Hagman. You and your kids can chat with some wonderful old-timers and if you show up on the right day, they might even take you out for a spin in one of the fire engines.

The museum doesn’t have a dedicated sign, but look for the currently in-use Long Beach Fire Station 10; the museum is housed in the neighboring building with Engine 10 inscribed above the door. Parking is available in the small lot to the right of the building, and if that’s full, there are usually spots on the street.

Hours: Second Sat. of the month, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Visitors may also drop by the museum on Wed. from 7:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m. when volunteers assemble to do maintenance on the trucks.)
Cost: Free

1464 N. Petersen Ave.
Long Beach

Online: lbfdmuseum.org

Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum, San Pedro

Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum
San Pedro and Wilmington’s fire history is on display for the public to enjoy inside “Old Fire Station 36,” located within San Pedro’s old city hall, across from the famous Ports O’ Call Village. Trucks from the 1920s are the highlight of the collection, as well as several displays highlighting the special problem of firefighting on the water, including marine firefighting equipment, old-fashioned scuba gear and information about the historically significant Ralph J. Scott fireboat, which is on display two blocks away on the waterfront at working Fire Station 112. Yep, you’ll be wanting to walk down and check that out, too.

Hours: Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free but donations appreciated

630 Beacon St.
San Pedro

Online: lafdmuseum.org/museum_sanpedro

African American Firefighter Museum, Los Angeles Fire Museums, Interior

African American Firefighter Museum
Located kitty-corner from the Streamline Moderne Coca-Cola Building, this museum is a monument to the history of civil rights in Los Angeles as much as a fire museum suited for siren-crazy kids. They have one vintage truck downstairs, and the exhibits upstairs document notable African-American firefighters in Los Angeles. This smaller museum is a great stop during a visit to downtown LA.

Note to parents building up their dress-up collections: Most fire museums have red plastic fire hats on hand for little visitors, but the AAFM hands out black fire hats to kiddos who stop by.

Hours: Tues. & Thurs., 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free but donations are appreciated

1401 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles

Online: aaffmuseum.org

8:00 – 12:00 AM

Los Angeles County Fire Museum in Bellflower
2nd Saturday
Los Angeles County Fire Museum
Not to be outdone by the fire museums of Los Angeles city, the county fire department also has a dedicated fire museum. Open to visitors once each month, the museum is located in southeast Los Angeles county near the intersection of the 605 and the 91. The Bellflower location is known as the museum’s main “showroom,” but there is a huge archive of trucks located off-site in a Southgate warehouse, as well as a engine from 1941 parked at the Artesia Historical District’s Old Fire Station 30. For most parents, the highlights of the museum’s collection are the “Squad 51” and “Engine 51” vehicles from the 1970s NBC series Emergency!

Hours: Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: $5 donation requested

9834 Flora Vista St.
Bellflower

Online: lacountyfiremuseum.com

Old Plaza Firehouse, Los Angeles Fire Museums, Interior

Old Plaza Firehouse
Next time you’re downtown enjoying the sights and sounds of Olvera Street, be sure to step inside the Old Plaza Firehouse to see what life was like in a Los Angeles firehouse over 100 years ago. This charmingly restored attraction is California Historical Landmark No. 730. The one-room museum includes the original stalls for the fire horses, an ancient horse-drawn fire engine and a collection of vintage fire hats.  Definitely a photo-op spot.

Hours: Tue.–Sun., 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free

501 N. Los Angeles St.
DTLA
Online: discoverlosangeles.com

 

Firefighters Memorial, Los Angeles Fire Museums, LAFD Hollywood

L.A.’s Annual Fire Service Day
Don’t forget that the second Saturday in May is always Fire Service Day in Los Angeles. Most fire departments organize station open houses where you can chat with local firefighters, see equipment and trucks, and even enjoy a pancake breakfast. Check in with Los Angeles Fire Department and other local departments on their social media channels for updates in the spring.

Online: lafd.blogspot.com

-Jennifer Arrow.

Los Angeles County Fire Museum image via LACOFD HISTORICAL MUSEUM on Flickr, Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum image via ATOMIC Hot Links on Flickr, all other photos by Jennifer Arrow.

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Denver’s 7 Best Museums for Kids

by Kate Loweth

When the weather doesn’t behave or the kids are getting antsy, head out to one of these kids museums in Denver, Colorado. Kids can learn about fossils and dinosaurs, climb aboard a real fire engine and create art to take home with them. The possibilities are endless so get out there and explore!

Children’s Museum of Denver

Ask any parent—local or visitor—and Children's Museum of Denver in Downtown Denver is high up on their must-visit list. Expect tons of engaging, hands-on play areas like the fire station, box canyon and altitude where your kiddo will scale three stories to a glass-capped peak with 360 degree views of the city.

Online: mychildsmuseum.org

WOW! Children's Museum

WOW! Children's Museum

WOW! Children’s Museum engages all families in educational, hands-on experiences that connect curiosity, creativity and discovery. Kids will love checking out the pirate ship and then seeing if they can hoist themselves up in a chair using a pulley system. The museum offers special baby and toddler events as well as sensory-friendly days.

110 N. Harrison Avenue
Lafayette, CO
Online: wowchildrensmuseum.org

The U.S. Mint

After a free, guided tour of the U.S. Mint, your kids will be able to make heads and tails of where money actually is made. Denver’s U.S. Mint produces billions of coins each year. Find out how at this tour, which is best suited for kids seven years old and up. Same-day tickets for tours are released at 7 a.m. each morning, Mon.-Thur. until tickets are “sold out.”

Online: usmint.gov

Forney Museum of Transportation

Christian B. via yelp

For an outing that’ll please visitors of all ages, head to Forney Museum of Transportation where you’ll find over 600 artifacts related to transportation (think old cars, stage coaches, trains, water vehicles, planes, bicycles and more!). Ring the real bell from an old train and climb on an old model T for a photo opp. Don’t forget to stop at the map where your kids can place a pin to show where they live.

Online: forneymuseum.org

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Just adjacent to the zoo is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where visitors can explore fossils and dinosaurs, ponder the mysteries of space, discover Egyptian mummies and watch larger-than-life films at the Phipps IMAX 3D Theater. The Discovery Zone has dozens of hands-on activities for kids of all ages, from archaeological sandpits to moving water features. 

2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO
Online: dmns.org

Denver Firefighters Museum

Explore the history of the Denver Fire Department and learn about fire safety and prevention through a dynamic mix of exhibits, hands-on activity stations and educational programs. 

1326 Tremont Place
Denver, CO
Online: denverfirefightersmuseum.org

Denver Art Museum

Not only do kids get in free to the Denver Art Museum but they offer tons of family programming to get your crew excited about art. Join in gallery games, family-friendly theater and Create-n-Takes during school breaks.

100 W 14th Avenue Pkwy
Denver, CO
Online: denverartmuseum.org

—Kate Loweth

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Fire Fighters Go Above & Beyond When They Deliver Baby—During the Polar Vortex

by Erica Loop

Earlier this week, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department delivered a baby during the Polar Vortex. While you might expect baby delivering duties to fall into the hands of an OB/GYN or midwife, when duty calls, these first responders came through in an amazing way.

Sometimes the birth plan doesn’t work out as hoped. When mama-to-be Cassy Abram and husband Scotty were told that Scotty Jr. just wasn’t ready for his grand debut, the expectant couple left the hospital and returned to their Cedar Rapids, Iowa home. But apparently Scotty Jr. wasn’t in agreement with the hospital staff’s assessment. Minutes after arriving home, Cassy was in labor and the baby was coming.

Imminently soon-to-be dad Scotty called the Cedar Rapids Fire Department and got to work actually delivering his baby. In an interview with CNN, Cassy’s aunt, Larissa Ruffin, said, “EMTsarrived about 10 minutes later and they let dad cut the umbilical cord on the living room floor.”

But wait, the story gets better. Not only did the unplanned home birth go flawlessly, the firefighters didn’t stop at the delivery. In a now-viral Facebook post, a pic of two firefighters shoveling the new family of three’s driveway melted hearts across the internet.

One commenter wrote, “Your firefighters rock! That took one huge weight off of a new dad’s shoulders, and let him enjoy some special time with his wife and new son. Those firefighters deserve a huge pat on the back, a warm blanket and some hot cocoa.”

Summing it up, another FB commenter added, “Well done! This was such a beautiful gesture and a nice reminder of the goodness in the world. Thank you for your work.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Shelby Miller via Unsplash

 

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5 Common Car Seat Mistakes Most Parents Make—& How to Avoid Them

by Erica Loop

A 2016 study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly 95 percent of new parents misuse car safety seats. You might think you’re the exception—but when it comes to your kid’s safety, it’s better to play it safe than sorry. Here are some of the most common car seat mistakes parents make—and how to fix them.

Recently, Cars.com released its 2018 Car Seat Check Honor Roll, which revealed the results of 85 vehicle safety tests. The site found that only nine percent of the 2018 and 2019 model-year vehicles tested earned perfect scores. Even though some cars are safer than others, choosing the right seat and using the correct installation method are both major parts in the child-car seat safety equation.

For Child Passenger Safety week, we spoke with Cars.com Editor-in-Chief—and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician—Jenni Newman about some of the more common mistakes parents make when it comes to car seats.

Skipping the Manual

Amazon

Car seats aren't like IKEA furniture, so a lot of parents just toss the manual. Reading both the manuals for your car seat and your car can help you to keep your baby safe.

According to Newman, "Some automakers don't recommend car seat installation in the middle position of the back seat, for instance." Newman also told us, "You want to make sure you comply with both the automaker's and car-seat maker's recommendations."  

Choosing the Wrong Seat for Your Car

You have a car. You have a car seat. And now you have a perfect pair. Right? Not always.

Newman notes, "Not all car seats will work in all cars." The dimensions of your car's seats may rule out the use of some safety seats. So what should you do if your car and your car seat aren't compatible? Obviously, you could get a new car—but we're pretty sure getting a new car seat is the easier and less expensive option.

Not Asking for Help

Amazon

Car seats can be confusing—especially for first-time parents. If you think you probably-sort-of-maybe installed your child's safety seat correctly, it's best to get help from a pro.

Luckily, Sep. 29 is National Seat Check Saturday. The Safe Kids Worldwide website can connect you with a car seat check event in your area. If you can't make it to one of these events, check with your your child's pediatrician or your local police or fire department; they may be able to connect you with a certified passenger safety technician.

Using the Wrong Type of Seat

There are three main types of car seats: rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats. Each type of seat has a sub-type, such as convertible, all-in-one, rear-facing only or combination. Always follow the guidelines set by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSTA).

If you're in doubt, ask an expert. A certified child passenger safety technician can make sure that you've chosen the right seat, too.

Switching Positions Too Soon

Switching your child from a rear-facing to front-facing position is a long-awaited rite of passage. What parent doesn't want to see their baby's smiling face in the rear-view mirror. But changing positions too soon can have serious consequences.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated its car seat safety guidelines to recommend that parents keep children rear-facing until the reach the height and weight maximum limits set by their specific car seat manufacturer. For some kids, that could mean they stay rear-facing until up to age 3. 

—Erica Loop

All photos: Courtesy of Amazon

 

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Jingle All the Way: 9 Tips for Your Christmas Caroling Adventure

by Allison Sutcliffe

Twinkling lights, crackling fires and jingle bells in the air. These sure signs mark the beginning of the holiday season, but nothing says quintessential Christmas quite like carolers at your door. While this old school tradition might seem daunting with the tot lot in tow, it’s more than do-able. Make a new family tradition this year and use our simple tips to make your caroling adventure one to remember.

1) Layer like you mean it. Ooh, baby it’s cold outside doesn’t even begin to cover some of those blustery winter nights. So be sure to dress the brood accordingly. Scarves, hats, big wooly mittens and boots are where it’s at. They keep everyone warm and toasty, and ready to belt out that next verse. Hey, if the kids are warm, they stay happy, so you can sing a little longer.

2) Add some flair. You may not need 37 piece of flair exactly, but when it comes to caroling accessories, you’ve got to have a few. Think Gleek Chic (it’s a new thing, trust us) when making your selection, because caroling is one of those times you need to dress the part. Plus, your kiddos will love it! Christmas kitsch like Santa hats, reindeer antler headbands and those blinking Christmas light necklaces you swore you’d never buy (but secretly always wanted to) were made for nights like these. Just remember to wear them like a boss!

3) Get the band back together. It’s time to unearth those musical instruments you hid so well. You know, the ones from kid-less relatives. Caroling is the perfect time for those jingle bells, countless kazoos and wooden clappers that were once the soundtrack of numerous impossible-to-hear phone conversations. And the best part about bringing these noise makers to the party? The Tiny Tim’s and Tina’s of the bunch can join in, too. Even if they can’t sing the words, they can still bang a drum. All together now!

4) The more the merrier. Rally the troops and call the neighbors! There are carols to be sung. And group caroling adds to the party. Just be sure to take a head count every once in a while. 

5) Sing for a cause. In the spirit of the season, consider collecting for a local charity or food bank. Whatever route you choose, have a little information about the organization at the ready. Then carry an envelope, bring a sled or pull a wagon for the donations (and possibly tired toddlers). And if you post the name of the charity on your ride, we’ll bet you won’t even have to ask. All season’s a go with this spirited bonus!

6) If you build it they will come. If you’re worried about trudging through snow or the kidlets tiring out after just two houses, try a one-stop-shop. Call local nursing homes and hospitals, or your fire department and police stations to offer up some Christmas cheer in the form of family carolers. This one requires a little prep and a good 15 minutes of songs. But those little voices singing out some Christmas faves are a big pull with these crowds. It’s a definite two-birds, one-stone sitch where the little wigglers stay and happy and warm while giving back to the community. The only question is who wants to emcee this rockin’ event?

7) To everything turn, turn, turn. So there’s this thing that the mini me’s sometimes do called “not sharing.” But caroling is a great time for them to share among a group. Let the littles take turns picking the songs, ringing the doorbells, or even selecting the next house to visit. Big buy in and some serious ownership of your new tradition are just added bonuses! And it’s okay, they don’t need to know they’re practicing a life skill. We won’t tell!

8) Less is more. For the tiny tots especially, stick with about 3 songs (give or take) that they really know and can sing. Then, break them out at every house. Don’t worry, your neighbors won’t know you’re playing a short bench. The only question is how many times can you handle the Jingle Bells refrain? Dashing through the snow! 

9) The piece de resistance. The final chapter of any caroling adventure is always the creamy cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows (candy cane stir stick optional) for the kiddos at the end. They earned it!

Do you have a Christmas caroling tip to share? Leave it in a comment below.

–Allison Sutcliffe

Photo thanks to: Victoria Ledford’s 22 and Counting blog, Sarah Rasmussen, Erin Cranston

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Meet 10 Cool Dads in Chicago

by Kelly Aiglon

Dads have the magic touch. They turn roughhousing into an art form, have an unending arsenal of silly faces and can make tears dry with a single smooch. Chicago is full of cool dads and we want you to meet a few. Get to know a trend-setting store owner, longtime improv actor, restaurant and bar tastemaker, baby-business entrepreneur and other fellows that do their families — and Chicago — proud.

Scott Anderson

As Scott's Mario Bros. getup indicates, he's a pretty super dad. The Portage Park resident has two kids: daughter Campbell (7, pictured here) and son Jackson (8). Scott is an independent creative director and brand ambassador who founded (with Brooks Watson) Kids Fire Department, a heroic apparel company for kids. His days are filled generating and designing ideas for clients, and his kids help spark his energy and creativity. Every Friday night is movie night (usually a full-on, 3-D IMAX flick) and they also love to hit the beach. Scott indicates that the best part about being a dad is the enlightenment and love he gets from his kids. "I thought I had already learned all the 'big' lessons in life. I was way wrong," he says.

Do you know a Chicago Cool Dad? Let us know about him! Leave your nomination in the Comments section below, or email kelly@tinybeans.go-vip.net.

— Story by Kelly Aiglon

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