The Car Seat Poncho Blog

BRITAX Recall: Chaperone Infant Seats

2012-01-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is alerting consumers of a safety recall involving 14,220 Chaperone Infant Car Seats sold in the U.S. due to a defect in the harness adjuster announced by Britax Child Safety, Inc. today. While NHTSA is unaware of any deaths or injuries related to the issue, the defect can result in ineffective safety harness straps.

Affected dates of manufacture are September 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011.

Read the full NHTSA press release here.

Making Life Easier for Moms

2012-01-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Many moms, especially those with more than one carseat-aged child, say the Car Seat Poncho is a life saver:

"The routine of catching a little one, putting a coat on, getting to and into the car, taking the coat off and buckling up -- TIMES TWO (OR MORE!) -- was just insane. Your ponchos make it so much easier!" Andrea, Linwood NJ

"I cannot thank you enough for this fabulous product. It has made our cold winter days so much easier -- no more in and out of coats each time we get in and then get out of the car. My twins love how soft they are. No more fighting to put on something warm!" Rose, Cedar Grove NJ

If you're a mom of twins, multiples, or "just" siblings, we would love to hear from you! Send us an email, message, or post on our Facebook wall. Pictures always welcome!

What Is The Real Cost of The Car Seat Poncho?

2012-01-20T12:51:00.000-05:00

In today's economy, is the Car Seat Poncho a justifiable purchase? Of course, the safety of our loved ones is priceless, but in addition, consider the following:

The Car Seat Poncho will last 2 seasons or more. Babies and toddlers grow at least one size per season. My son would start the fall wearing 12M, but finish the winter in 2T! That would be two more coats, a double purchase.
Your child can wear it every day, in a wide range of temperatures, from frigid cold up to 60F degrees.

The Car Seat Poncho is a terrific value. It will last for years and can be passed from one child to another. Our materials are the highest quality, and our workmanship is impeccable. Order now and you can have it in 3 days!

New Combination Seat From Evenflo - the Secure Kid

2012-01-19T17:56:00.000-05:00

Evenflo will soon introduce the Secure Kid 300, a new forward-only carseat that harnesses up to 65 lbs. It has 18" top slots, and when the harness is outgrown, it boosters up to 100 lbs. and 57 inches. It's on Amazon for $129.99

The same seat is also available with white trim, which for some mysterious reason qualifies it for a higher series name: the Secure Kid 400. It's also available from Amazon, but for $149.99 and not till January 31, 2012.

Grey or white trim, plus or minus $20... It's still great that there are more choices coming up for extended harnessing!

Has This Baby Outgrown His Infant Seat?

2012-01-16T20:33:00.000-05:00

He happens to be Felix Banks, the 9-month old son of one of my favorite actresses, Elizabeth Banks. They were photographed at the Los Angeles Airport, and these pictures were posted on Celebrity Baby Scoop today.

The seat looks like a Graco Snug Ride 22. Is it just me, or does it look like he is too tall for this seat? Seems like his head is over the top of the shell.

Here is a shot of him outside the seat, from the same group of pictures, being held by Banks (who is about 5'5").

On the one hand, it must be a big PITA to have your and your family's every move's documented by paparazzi, but on the other, it's a learning and teaching opportunity for that and many other families.

Let me know what you think. In the meantime, I'm googling for her contact information!

Who Speaks Russian? Interesting Russian Video Needs English Translation!

2012-01-11T17:30:00.001-05:00

While watching some crash test video on You Tube (doesn't everybody?), I happened upon this amazing video.

Is this the Russian version of Mythbusters? From what I can tell, these guys wanted to see if the harness clips injured little boys' privates in a crash. It seems like what they end up doing is making a case for rear-facing!

By running the video description through Google Translate: "Child seats are dangerous! Even certified. If they are incorrectly set, your child may be left without children, and you - no grandchildren! Leading the program held a "quail test" of child seats and talk about how to choose and, more importantly, to establish a chair."

TODAY 12/20/11: Last Day to Order

2011-12-20T15:25:00.000-05:00

Place your Car Seat Poncho orders tonight to receive them by the end of the year. Orders placed after 11:59 p.m. tonight (EST) will ship on New Year's Eve, 12/31/11 and be delivered in early January.

BABY BARGAINS Likes the Car Seat Poncho!

2011-12-14T21:07:00.000-05:00

The Car Seat Poncho was recommended in the Baby Bargains blog!

Their blog post for today, 12/14/11, featured a letter from a reader who wanted to know how to keep her toddler warm in her car seat. They responded:

"We found a company, H. Barry Boo, that offers a great solution. The Car Seat Poncho (sells for $35 to $45 in a wide variety of fleece options. The idea: keep your child warm while walking to the car then flip the poncho up and over the seat. "

(Click here to read their full blog post.)

If you are a new or expecting parent, you NEED a copy of Baby Bargains (especially now ;-). It is the voice of sanity in the crazy world of baby products, and will save you from a panic attack when you are zapping items for your baby registry!

NO. DRAWSTRINGS. ON. HOME. MADE. PONCHOS!!!!

2011-12-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

When I developed the Car Seat Poncho in 2005 for my son, you had to look pretty hard to find information about the risks of puffy coats under car seat straps. I only learned about it by reading the fine print in my car seat's manual, and the only other mention of it was in an About.com article by Heather Corley.

Fast forward, six years later, and the compression risks of a puffy coat in a car seat are ALL OVER. TV news, blogs, books -- you name it. I am so glad that more people know about it and that so many parents want to do whatever they have to do to keep their precious children safe. My product is one option. Some moms are crafty, and they want to make their own. I totally get that. I did the same thing six years ago.

Five days ago, a mom on the August 2010 Cafemom birth board posted about the no-sew poncho she made. There are two layers, sewn together at the neck, which then serves as a drawstring. It's adorable. It might be warm, but it's not safe.

BECAUSE...

Drawstrings on children's clothing are strangulation hazards!

From BabyCenter: "CPSC issues new drawstring safety rule for children's clothing: The final rule designates children’s upper outerwear in sizes 2T through 12 with neck or hood drawstrings as substantial product hazards.."

From the Consumer Products Safety Commission: "Drawstrings at Neck and Waist Present Strangulation Hazard and Other Dangers"

From the Child Injury Law blog: "CPSC Deems Drawstrings a "Substantial Product Hazard," Strengthening Rules on Their Production and Distribution"

This was one of the first things I blogged about. Think about how much is going on when you are trying to leave the house with two little kids. Consider all the movement and possible entanglements: getting out of the house, slinging diaper bags, seat belts, buckling, unbuckling, etc. The consequences could be disastrous.

This nice mom wanted to do a sweet thing for her children (she made one for each child), but traded one hazard for another. The drawstrings are right around her children's necks, and it was even suggested one be tied around the back of the neck(!). If you are considering using her no-sew method yourself, or if you see her online, please tell her:

NO. DRAWSTRINGS. ON. CHILDREN'S. CLOTHING. EVER

PLEASE!

THIS WEEK ONLY: Free Matching Hats

2011-12-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

The Car Seat Poncho is the safe way to keep your little one warm inside the car seat, without the bulk and hazard of a standard winter coat. It even makes YOUR life easier because you don't have to fuss with the coat. Recommended by safety experts, CPS techs and moms all over the country.

BONUS: All this week, our most popular colors come with a free matching hat.

FACEBOOK FRIENDS: Click "Share," and thanks for spreading the word!

Bonus program ends Saturday night, 12/10 at 11:59 p.m. while supplies last.

Purple? You Weren't Kidding!

2011-11-30T20:09:00.000-05:00

About six months ago, we asked our blog and Facebook followers for advice on adding a purple poncho to our collection, and what color trim we should pair with it. The response was unanimous: purple and lavender!

Well, fast forward to today and it's official: Purple/Lavender has actually become the new #1 favorite poncho for girls this season. Even more than Leopard/Hot Pink Reversible, which had been the queen of the group almost since the beginning.

I have to say, I am really impressed!

Perfect Foot Rest for FF Kids

2011-11-28T19:58:00.001-05:00

This box makes a perfect FF foot rest!

When extended rear-facing (ERF) kids finally turn around forward-facing, a lot of them are actually LESS comfortable because they're not used to having their legs dangling. It makes perfect sense. After all, isn't it more comfortable to put your feet up on the coffee table than to keep them flat on the floor?

I found the perfect foot rest for my DS, who rides in a Monterey, in the centerseat/second row of an 8-passenger Sienna. A 12"x12"x8" US Postal Service shipping box! Available for FREE at your local post office!

It fits perfectly in front of his seat, and can easily be pushed halfway under the front row console. It's lightweight and, anchored under the console, is unlikely to become a projectile. I have it taped shut on the foot rest side (I use the bottom of the box because it's plain white), but on the side that goes on the floor, I just pushed the flaps into the box so that it stays open. This also makes it a handy hiding place for when we want to leave things in the car, like a digital camera or an mp3 player. Some day I might spray paint it a cool color, but it's mostly plain white and perfectly acceptable to me that way.

Your local post office has these (and other size) boxes for FREE, and if you don't see them, just ask at the desk or visit this page at usps.com. And did I mention they're FREE?

Top 5 Responses to "When I Was A Kid, There Were No Car Seats."

2011-11-21T17:43:00.000-05:00

When you hear someone chuckle the above, remain calm. Then take a deep breath and say, "Well, back then..."

5.  "... THERE WERE FEWER CARS ON THE ROAD." In 1960 there were 74 million cars on the roads. Not every household had a car. And almost none had more than one. And many women did not drive (well, many did not have jobs outside the home anyway, so what was the point?). In 2004 there were 240 million motor vehicles on American roads. By now, it might be just under 280 million. And most women drive. More cars means more traffic, more red lights being run, and significantly, more potentially distracted drivers. The more cars there on the road, the more risk to each passenger. We're only as strong as the weakest link.

4.  "... MOST CARS WERE ABOUT THE SAME SIZE." We're talking passenger cars, that regular people could buy. Minivans and SUVs hadn't been invented yet. And, for those of you who remember those big boat-sized cars, there had huge crumple zones in front and back (until the Volkswagon Beetle and other compact cars came out). Now you have Escalades and Suburbans on the same roads as Corollas and Fiestas. With such dramatic differences in weight and size, the potential for serious injury is much greater.

3. "... CARS DIDN'T TRAVEL AS FAST." At least not as easily. Today's cars are engineered more efficiently and designed so aerodynamically that you can hit 75 mph without hearing a rattle or a hum. Can't say that about a Dodge Dart (from the late 70s).  So, local traffic running these days at 30 mph? Very rarely. If you're not going at least 40 mph you're slowing everybody down.

2. "... KIDS DID NOT SPEND NEARLY AS MUCH TIME IN THE CAR." The average American child spends more time in a vehicle now than ever -- about an hour a day. For younger children, the figure is likely higher, as they accompany their older siblings to and from school and activities, or their parents on everyday errands. In "their" day, neighborhoods had town centers, where you could walk to get a carton of milk. Now, most suburban families have to get into the car to do the simplest errands: pick up the dry cleaning, get the groceries, fill a prescription, etc. I read a great quote on this at a popular parenting board: "Riding in a car is the most dangerous thing my kids do. And they do it every day."

And the #1 reponse to "When I was a kid, we didn't have car seats, and I turned out ok" is:

1. "WE'LL NEVER HEAR FROM THE KIDS WHO DIDN'T." Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of fatal injury for children. If we have the tools and the knowledge to protect our children from injury or death, shouldn't we use them?

We all have anecdotes about how our childhoods were simpler. Some may argue that the old days were better, and in many ways, they were. But there is no question that advancements in technology and communications have also enhanced (and prolonged) our lives. So resist the temptation to disregard today’s safety advice. Make sure your kids stay safe whenever they are in a car, so that in years to come (when their world is unrecognizable to us!), they, too, will be talking about "back in the day."

To read my 2009 post on the topic (with more sources and statistics links), click here.

Partly A Miracle, But Mostly ERF

2011-11-17T21:09:00.003-05:00

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Recently, a member of Car-Seat.org was involved in a serious multi-vehicle pile-up outside of Houston TX.

An 18-wheel truck struck the rear of her Toyota mini-van with a family including three small children from Louisiana in the rear. The force crushed the rear of the van and pushed it into a new motor home that was stopped for traffic. The three children, ages 1, 2 and 3, were in child safety seats in the rear of the van. The van basically crushed around them.

But no one in her vehicle was seriously injured. No one. Not even the children.

Was this a miracle? Maybe a little bit. But this mother increased her kids' chances of surviving by rear-facing their car seats. When that truck slammed into the back of their van (within inches of her 2 year old's head), the force of impact pushed their bodies into the shells of the seats, cradling them and distributing crash forces safely. If they had been facing forward, the outcomes would have been significantly different.

Miracles do happen. But decisions we make beforehand help them happen when we need them.

Men, Women & Car Crashes: Guess What This Means for Your Kids

2011-11-01T15:53:00.001-04:00

Today's New York Times Science section reports that, according to a review of over 45,000 crash victims, women driving cars are 47% more likely to suffer serious injuries in a crash, even when both groups wear seat belts.

Investigators from the University of Virginia, who reviewed NHTSA data from the last 11 years, said women are more susceptible to injury for a variety of reasons, primarily differences in neck strength and musculature, positioning of head restraints, and seating posture.

They also report that "car safety devices have been designed largely for men, and women may need safety features that take into account [adjust to] their differences... For now, female drivers can ensure that their safety systems perform optimally [by] maintaining good belt fit and correct seating posture."

Doesn't this sound familiar -- belt fit and seating posture? These are the dual purposes of high back booster seats: to ensure that lap belts fit across the hip bones (not the soft abdomen) and shoulder bones (not the neck); to ensure upright posture when seated, even while sleeping.

Please consider that if 1.) seat belts are designed to fit men; and 2.) even adult women are at risk for serious injury because of poor fit and positioning, 3.) the risk to a child is potentially catastrophic.

Catastropic. For your child. Please prevail over your child's complaints and other people's comments to keep your family safe.

Thank you for reading, and please share this information with friends, family and anyone else concerned with passenger safety.

How Warm Is the Car Seat Poncho?

2011-10-31T21:25:00.000-04:00

A partial map of places where Car Seat Ponchos are being used.

Plenty warm enough for Minnesota, Alaska, and British Columbia, where sub-zero cold is a fact of life. Lucy, a mom from Saskatchewan, Canada, wrote:

"It's warmer than a winter coat, in fact, because I don't have to take it off at all!"

Taking your child's coat off in the car releases their body heat into thin air (literally). The Car Seat Poncho is made of two layers of heavyweight fleece, and goes on your child before you leave your house. As the poncho is draped around the seat and your child is being buckled, their warmth fills and spreads through the entire space underneath the poncho.

Car Seat Ponchos are keeping children warm in frigid place like:

ALASKA: Sitka, Juneau
COLORADO: Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield, Conifer, Granby, Grand Junction, Longmont, Peyton, Snowmass, Denver
MICHIGAN: Dearborn Heights, Farmington Hills, Fenton, Howell, Kalamazoo, Mount Pleasant, Pinckney, Saginaw, Saint Joseph, Taylor
MINNESOTA: Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Ramsey
NORTH DAKOTA: Grand Forks
NEBRASKA: Bennington, Papillon, Omaha
SOUTH DAKOTA: Brandon
WISCONSIN: Amherst, Appletown, Edgerton, Muskego, Racine, Saint Francis, Sheboygan, Superior, Waukesha
CANADA: Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Calgary

This is just a partial list. Add your city and state, too!

Getting Into the Car Seat = 180 Times

2011-10-03T13:50:00.000-04:00

If you start using your Car Seat Poncho this week (beginning of fall), and put your child(ren) in the car seat at least once a day for the next six months (till spring), that's 180 times you'll be able to keep your baby warm going to and riding in the car seat.

180 trips = 6 months x 30 days

And then, of course, you have to take him or her out:

180 trips x (into the car + out of the car) = 360 "in and outs"

And for most parents (and definitely for those with more than one child), there are at least TWO trips a day. So, over the course of this fall and winter, there will probably be about 500 "in and outs." Six. Hundred.

But if you've already got your Car Seat Poncho, you're probably so psyched, because you're knocking off those 600 "in-and-outs" without the hassle of a coat or the coat trick. Without taking your child's coat off in the car and putting it on backwards (or picking it when it drops to the floor). Without pulling the harness reeeealllly tight and hoping for the best...

The sooner you order your Car Seat Poncho, the sooner you'll receive it. Put it to work right away and start getting back the value for your money and your time. Then you'll have even MORE reason to love those crispy, chilly mornings. All 180 of them!

How Much Difference Can A Coat Make?

2011-09-27T22:09:00.000-04:00

A child's coat does not have to even be extremely puffy to add significant bulk around the torso. Here's a quick video that demonstrates the problem and offers our solution. Forward, share and "LIKE" to anyone who drives a little one around and lives in a cold-weather state. Eventually, cold weather will come!

Why Is the "Bundle Me" Bad in a Car Seat?

2011-09-26T10:54:00.000-04:00

Every child safety expert says "NO!" to using the Bundle Me in a car seat, but why?

The reason Bundle Me's are not safe is that the part that goes behind the child's back is too fluffy and thick, and does not allow you to properly secure your child in the car seat. Fluff and bulk in FRONT of a baby and under the harness would compress in a collision, but fluff between the BACK of a baby and the car seat prevents the harness from being tight enough.

While a Bundle Me does allow the harness to be directly on the child's chest, it provides only the illusion of security because of the extra "air space" in the back. "Shower cap" infant car seat covers like this are the better way to keep infants warm in bucket car seats.

And when you "graduate" your baby to a convertible, the Car Seat Poncho is the very best, easiest way to keep baby warm!

Fan Mail for the Car Seat Poncho

2011-09-15T21:46:00.000-04:00

Deanna from Rushville, Illinois wrote us this sweet note:

"My son and I love this poncho so much! It is cute, keeps him warm, and makes getting in and out of the car so much easier. It was worth every single penny I paid for it. I am so pleased!"

Coincidentally, we have been getting a lot of orders from Illinois in the past two weeks. Hmm... is Deanna spreading the word? Who have YOU told about the Car Seat Poncho?

When It's Amost A Crash?

2011-09-14T22:33:00.000-04:00

A safety colleague witnessed a "non-crash" today. The car next to her had to go from about 30 mph to zero within seconds to avoid rear-ending another vehicle. Even though 30 mph is not hair-raising speed, that kind of sudden stop definitely makes a loud screech and smokes the tires. But what caught my colleague's attention was the child in the back seat of that car...

She was about 6 years old and restrained only in a lap belt (no shoulder straps, so obviously no booster). The top half of her body was thrown forward, ACROSS THE FRONT SEAT -- remember, she went from 30 mph to nothing in seconds. Her face smashed into the dashboard and was badly bloodied (click here to see what can happen to lap belt passengers in a crash). Read my colleague's full description here.

If she had been in a harnessed car seat or a booster, her torso would have been restrained and injury could have been avoided.

86-Y Universal Harness

It *is* possible to harness a child in a car that only has lap belts. There is a product called the 86Y Universal Harness, and it is an ingenious way to provide safe restraint to a child. Attach the harness to a retrofit tether bolt, and thread the lap belt through the bottom harness loops. If your child, or one your know, rides in an older vehicle that is not equipped with shoulder belts (maybe a babysitter or a relative), please consider it. You never know when you're going to be in an "almost-crash."

The First Frost Is On the Way

2011-09-13T22:17:00.000-04:00

Chilly air from Canada is on its way to the US, and the first frost will roll into the northern Plains, Midwest and Northeast U.S. this week! According to Accuweather, the expected cold snap is a little early for this time of year.

We usually start reaching for our jackets at around the 50-degree mark. Even if the day's supposed to top out in the high 60's, the mornings are usually chilly and we can see our breath as we head out to the car. Fall is my favorite season and I love to be ready with a cozy jacket or sweatshirt on the coat rack. I think you can tell where I'm going with this: be ready for that first chilly morning with a Car Seat Poncho!

The Purples Are Here!

2011-09-11T22:07:00.000-04:00

The long-awaited purple ponchos are here, as well as more leopards, chocolate camels, roses, camouflages and more. Be ready for the first chilly day and order your Car Seat Poncho now!

Canadians: Car Seat Ponchos at Snuggle Bugz

2011-09-08T11:52:00.000-04:00

Good news for Canadians! This year, all Canadian and non-US orders will be handled by Snuggle Bugz, which has locations in Burlington, Milton and online at SnuggleBugz.ca

This means FASTER delivery, NO DUTY and FREE SHIPPING!

It's the Most Wonderful Commercial of the Year

2011-08-18T20:18:00.000-04:00

This Staples commercial never fails to make me laugh out loud, but seeing it in late August makes it that much sweeter. Hey, why does school start in August outside the Northeast?

One-Day Sale: Wednesday 8/17

2011-08-15T19:54:00.000-04:00

The other day, one of my Facebook friends suggested we do a coupon code. She is so smart, and maybe a little clairvoyant, because every summer we do have a one-day sale. It's on WEDNESDAY, August 17th: Use coupon code ONEDAY to save 20% on everything in the store.

Summer's almost over and school's already started down South. You know fall and winter are not far away, so when it comes, be ready to keep your little one warm AND safe (not to mention that this is the last general coupon code until March 2012)!

Subscribe to this blog and/or friend Car Seat Poncho on Facebook to be notified of the latest sales, coupon codes and safety news!

Lovely New Color Combinations

2011-08-08T20:59:00.000-04:00

Coming in September to the Car Seat Poncho store -- Navy Blue & Pink, and Purple & Lavender (the unanimous winner of last spring's color survey). I just saw the samples, and they are gorgeous!

Android and iPhone Website!

2011-08-04T20:45:00.000-04:00

The Car Seat Poncho now has a mini-site optimized for viewing on Androids and iPhone screens!

Here's the link to the mini-site.

To see it the next time you are on your phone (if you aren't already), go to the Car Seat Poncho main website and click on the ANDROID and iPHONE link in the lower left corner.

Let us know what you think by posting to this thread, to the Car-Seat.Org sponsor forum, or on our Facebook wall.

Kansas City Skywalk Disaster - 30 Years Ago

2011-07-15T21:23:00.001-04:00

Thirty years ago this weekend, 42 people were killed and more than 80 injured at the Kansas City Hyatt, when a set of indoor bridges collapsed onto each other and then crashed onto the lobby floor. It was a disaster of unseen proportions, as the lobby and bridges were filled with people attending the hotel's popular weekly tea dance. Many of the 1,500 guests were there from out of town, to attend conventions scheduled to begin the next day.

About 50 people were standing on the fourth-floor walkway and about 100 people were on the second-floor walkway, with up to 200 people standing in the lobby beneath them. The fourth floor walkway tore from its bearings and crushed the second one, tearing it down. Then both bridges crashed onto the lobby floor. Investigations revealed that critical changes to the bridges' designs made the tragedy unavoidable.

Read more about the disaster and efforts to finally commemorate the lives of the victims: http://skywalk.kansascity.com/articles/sections/disaster/

Hyperthermia happened again... yesterday.

2011-06-20T21:04:00.000-04:00

A 2 year old girl in the Atlanta area died on Monday. She was left in a daycare van for at least 2 hours before she was found:

http://www.ajc.com/news/clayton/girl-2-dies-in-982501.html

Kids in Hot Cars, Part 2

2011-06-20T14:01:00.000-04:00

Do tinted windows contribute to hyperthermia deaths for children left in closed vehicles?

According to David Bell, the inventor of the VizKid, they certainly don’t help. Tinted windows (now standard in the second and third rows of minivans and SUVs) are great for the comfort and privacy of backseat passengers, but they also make those passengers invisible. So if the driver or other adult leaves the car in a hurried or distracted state, he or she could not see the child from outside the car. Nor could anyone passing by -- people who could literally have been a life line for that child.

Bell’s invention, the VizKid, is a visual cue to drivers and passers-by that a child is in the back seat. After seating and buckling the child, the driver lifts the VizKid upright and buckles it into the front row passenger seat. Ideally, when the driver leaves the car and takes the child, the VizKid goes down again. If the driver is distracted when s/he exits the car, but sees the VizKid before walking away, tragedy avoided. If the driver does leave, someone else could see the VizKid in the front seat and rescue the child before it is too late.

Check out the VizKid and Visible Kids LLC here.

Kids in Hot Cars, Part 1

2011-06-19T22:24:00.000-04:00

Each year, about 40 children die from heat stroke (technically called hyperthermia) after being left behind in a motor vehicle.

An excellent study led by Jan Null, a meteorologist at SFSU, shows that hyperthermia does not just happen on blistering hot days. Even on a relatively mild day, the temperature inside an enclosed car increases 50 degrees within the first 30 minutes. In other words, a child left inside a car on a 70-degree day could soon be suffering in 120-degree heat.

Here is the link to the study data: http://ggweather.com/heat/index.htm#home
The full article, as published in Pediatrics: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/1/e109.full

I find the maps most fascinating. They show children hyperthermia deaths in almost every state (even North Dakota or Wisconsin) and almost every month of the year. Heart breaks, each and every one.

Related posts:
Babies Forgotten In Cars
Babies Forgotten In Cars, Continued

Thinking About A New Phone? Here's Good Comparison

2011-06-10T19:09:00.000-04:00

About a month ago, I made the switch from a Blackberry to an Android phone because I wanted a bigger screen, better web interface and a better camera. Because of my carrier, I could choose between an Android and an iPhone, but I'm happy enough with my decision and I don't have to mind-shift that much to get used to this new phone.

This NYT article compares and contrasts iPhone, Android and Blackberry. It starts off about games, but hits a lot of important considerations based on what you want to use the phone to do.

Thank you for voting in the Purple Combo Election

2011-05-18T13:23:00.000-04:00

The result was unanimous - Purple and Lavender! We're looking forward to offering this combination next fall, along with your favorite leopards, pinks, chocolates, camels and camouflages.

Until then, all who voted can use coupon code PURPLE to save $5 at the Car Seat Poncho store, now till June 30, 2011.

POLL: Which purple combo do you like better?

2011-04-14T12:39:00.000-04:00

Every year, moms ask me for purple ponchos, for their girls who are crazy about purple, or just not that into pink. I've come up with two solid-color combinations, but I can't decide which to go with.

Post your preference! First 10 to post get a $5 off coupon.

Btw, as much as I search and search, I can't find any good purple-based pirnts or patterns, so it's got to be a solid.

Thanks!

Smartphone Pictures Can Reveal Your Child's EXACT Location

2011-02-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

If you post pictures of yourself or your family on Facebook, Flickr, etc., you may be revealing your or your child's EXACT location to strangers who have no business knowing. Watch this NBC News video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2vARzvWxwY

Go get your cel phone right now and disable the geotagging capability on the camera. This website has directions for iPhones, Droids, Blackberries, etc.:

http://www.icanstalku.com/how.php#disable

iPhone: Settings, Location Services, Camera, Off.

Blackberry: Camera, Options, Geotagging, Disable.

A few people have checked their phone settings and were relieved to find the geotagging on their cameras was disabled by default. Make sure yours is, or get it done asap.

Canadians: Snuggle Bugz Has Car Seat Ponchos!

2011-02-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

Over the years, I have received many emails from Canadian moms who bemoaned the high cost of shipping Car Seat Ponchos from the US to Canada. Since we are a small company, we do not have bulk pricing from commercial freight companies like FedEx or DHL, so we could never offer more economical alternatives. Well, now the Car Seat Poncho is available at Snuggle Bugz, through their web store at http:/www.snugglebugz.ca -- with FREE SHIPPING to any Canadian address!

We're Ending Our Emails.

2011-02-13T22:35:00.002-05:00

To be sure you do not miss any news, sales or coupons, FRIEND us on Facebook or SUBSCRIBE to this blog, and receive a $10 coupon code via email.

As of February 28, we will no longer use email to send news or information. Everything is shifting to our Facebook profile and the Car Seat Poncho Blog.

If you're already a friend or a subscriber, feel free to send this news far and wide. Share it on Facebook, post it on your own blog, your birth board, your online community or your moms group. Heck, make copies of this post and hand it out at your child's preschool. Everyone's welcome -- let's all be friends!

New subscribers should leave a comment to this post (below) with your email address in "NAME" at "MAILSERVICE" dot COM. Your coupon code will be sent to that address.

FINE PRINT: Coupon codes valid for new purchases of in-stock merchandise, and expire at 11:59 pm EST on 3/31/11. US delivery addresses only. One coupon per email address and delivery address. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or coupon code.

The Car Seat Poncho Is In Canada - at Snuggle Bugz!

2011-02-09T21:12:00.000-05:00

We are very, very excited to announce that Snuggle Bugz - Canada's Baby Store, will be carrying the Car Seat Poncho!

This is great news for our Canadian customers -- and Canadian babies. More news as this story develops.

Anyone NOT Have An Opinion on "Tiger Mother"?

2011-02-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

Just finished "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" and am collecting my thoughts, to post at a later date.

I will say quickly that I think "Battle Hymn" is a marketing and pr concoction. A lot of the anecdotes cited on talk shows and print articles are clearly chosen to create buzz and controversy. The book itself has a lot of tongue-in-cheek, self effacing humor and reads more like a comic memoir (a Chelsea Handler or David Sedaris for helicopter moms) than as a parenting how-to.

Someone told me that there is a movie deal in the works, which figures.

The Car Seat Lady on Good Morning America

2011-01-14T21:22:00.000-05:00

Dr. Alisa Baer, aka "The Car Seat Lady," had a great segment on yesterday's Good Morning America: "The 5 Most Important Things Parents Should Know About Car Seats."

Dr. Baer is a NICU specialist at Columbia University's Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Safety is in her blood: Her mother, Debbi Baer (a nurse), was the original Car Seat Lady and still provides child passenger safety consultation in the Baltimore, MD area.

Check out the wonderful Car Seat Lady blog and "Like" the Car Seat Lady page on Facebook.

When you go to her blog, ahem, notice the first picture in the Bundle Me post (looks familiar?), as well as the last picture (Blue Camouflage M/L) at the bottom!

Bidding Fond Farewell to Paisley

2011-01-11T08:04:00.034-05:00

Paisley will not be available after Winter 2011.

For some inexplicable reason, the wonderful mill that supplies the fabric for the Car Seat Poncho has discontinued the Paisley print. This means, so sadly, that once the current inventory of Paisley/Hot Pink ponchos are gone, there will be no more.

We are so bummed, because Paisley is such a joyful print (and a top seller). Moms would tell me that it simply made a cold day warmer. It was so cheerful and colorful, it made their girls smile just for the fun of wearing it -- even on the most dreary, slushy grey morning.

If you've always wanted one for your daughter, granddaughter, niece or favorite baby girl or toddler, don't wait. As of today, there are fewer than 10 SMALL Paisley ponchos, and fewer than 20 MEDIUM/LARGE.

Great Review on About.com

2011-01-10T11:00:00.003-05:00

Great grade from About.com

The Car Seat Poncho got a/nother great review, this time on About.com's "Baby's First Year" blog:

"When I first glanced at this product, I'll be honest and say I wasn't too sure about it. I am a New Englander, and the winters up here get beyond frigid.

Would the Car Seat Poncho really keep my baby or toddler warm? Closer inspection reveals a solid, "Yes!"

The reason being, this poncho is made out of not just one layer of fleece, but two layers of 400-weight fleece. The weight of the blanketed poncho traps warm air next to your child while you go out to the carseat.

The other features of this product that I find appealing over some of the other winter car seat accessories are:

It works with both infant car seat carriers AND any 5-point harness. So if you are using a convertible car seat, this product will work for you.

It prevents any layers of material from coming between your baby and the harness straps. The straps remain as close to your baby as possible at all times, unlike popular winter gear like the Bundle Me.

It also can be used as warm weather wear. You get to your destination, and your child has the freedom to walk around and still keep warm."

Thanks to blogger Jennifer White, of About.com. FYI: Unlike many other "product review" blogs, there was no "freebie" product given in exchange for a review. Ms. White chose the Car Seat Poncho to review based on her own research and suggestions from her readers -- bona fide journalism!

Was there anything she left out of her great review? Leave your two cents in the comment area for the article: http://baby.about.com/b/2011/01/03/the-car-seat-poncho.htm#commentform

Want to read some more love? Here are more Car Seat Poncho reviews.

GM Recalling 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX Crossovers

2010-12-17T17:14:00.000-05:00

Today, GM announced it was recalling over 100,000 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX crossover SUVs because the front seatbelts could come loose in a crash.

While the seatbelts won't fail on a first impact, GM spokesman Alan Adler said, they could fail during a secondary impact. Car crashes frequently involve more than one impact.

GM will begin mailing letters to owners of the vehicles in mid-January. Owners will be asked to bring the vehicles to a GM dealer to have the seatbelt buckles modified.
Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/12/17/autos/gm_suv_seatbelt_recall/

FF Toddler Suffers Internal Decapitation

2010-12-14T17:04:00.000-05:00

When toddlers in forward-facing car seats are involved in vehicle accidents, their heads can be thrown forward so forcefully that they suffer internal decapitation. Their skulls literally separate from their spines. That's what happened to 2-year old Micah Andrews, of Phoenix AZ:

http://abcnews.go.com/m/screen?id=12035541#

Older children and adults are at less risk for internal decapitation because their necks and spinal cords are stronger and more developed. Also, toddlers' heads still represent a significant proportion of their overall height and body weight:

Please consider rear-facing your babies and toddlers to the rear-facing limits of their car seats. It's not convenient or easy, but it could save their lives or spare them from serious injury like this.

Need it by Christmas? Order by 12/17!

2010-12-09T19:29:00.001-05:00

If you need your Car Seat Poncho before Christmas, order it by midnight, Friday, 12/17.

Delivery times (from New Jersey, USA via USPS Priority Mail) have generally been running as follows:

To NJ, NYC and NY Metro Area: 1-2 days
To New England and other Mid Atlantic States: 3-4 days
To Ohio and Western PA around to DC/Baltimore: 4-5 days
All Other Continental US: 5-6 days
Canada: 7-10 days

Note that all delivery ranges are approximate, and based on previous deliveries. Increases in holiday mail volume may affect arrival times.

Erin, you didn't leave your email address!

2010-12-06T23:08:00.000-05:00

I received an email at 8:44 PM Eastern Time from Erin, who didn't leave her email address in the contact box. In answer to your questions, Erin:

1.) I do have some reserve inventory in the color/style you want;
2.) Yes, you can have it shipped to your cousin and it will get there in plenty of time;
3.) Yes, you can place your order over the phone.

If you'd still like to place an order, please send me an email (donna@hbarryboollc.com) and leave me your contact information. I will call you asap.

Thanks,
Donna

Britax Sale til 12/5/10

2010-12-02T12:39:00.000-05:00

Magic Beans: a Boston-based baby equipment retailer

Magic Beans is having a clearance sale on many of its Britax products (not including Chaperone). Sale ends Sunday, 12/5/10.

Free shipping on orders over $50 (a non-issue with any Britax car/booster seats!).

Who is Kyle and What Are Kyle's Ponchos?

2010-11-27T18:00:00.000-05:00

When Kyle Miller was 3 years old, his family's minivan was broadsided at 45 miles per hour. They rolled several times before coming to a stop. At some point during those awful few seconds, the safety belt holding Kyle's booster seat failed, and Kyle was ejected from the car. He was killed instantly.

To honor the memory of their son, the Miller family founded the Kyle David Miller Foundation. KDMF promotes car seat safety awareness and provides safe car seats to families who could not otherwise afford them.

To help KDMF in their mission, H Barry Boo donates $3 from every sale of selected styles directly to the Kyle David Miller Foundation. If you choose any of the styles designated as Kyle's Ponchos, you will be helping an important cause and honoring the short life a sweet little boy who who was taken much too soon.

Click here to see Kyle's Ponchos.
Click here to read the KDMF Blog.

Our 5% Apology: SAVE5

2010-10-22T00:38:00.000-04:00

Our server has been glitching for the past few days, catching many of you in an endless loop of timed-outs and error messages. Darn it, I hate when technology bites me in the... foot.

The store is back up and running, but in a shameless plea to not lose your sale, enter SAVE5 at checkout and take 5% off your total purchase.

This coupon is good until SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31. Thank you for your patience!

Match the Poncho to the Car Seat

2010-10-07T14:01:00.000-04:00

The new line of Car Seat Ponchos had your car seats and your car interiors in mind. In addition to fashion, fun, convenience and cuteness, the Car Seat Poncho can add a grace note of coordination between your kid, the car seat and your car. The match game above is just for fun, so choose the poncho that matches your seat, then visit the store to see the full selection.

Y'All Ready for This?

2010-10-05T15:41:00.003-04:00

Feel that chill in the air? It's poncho time! Let's kick off the fall with a good ole' pep rally. Stadium lights on, cue the marching band.... Now, y'all ready to shop? Take a look at all sizes and colors.

Rare Car Seat Poncho on EBay!

2010-10-05T13:19:00.000-04:00

A few years ago, we did a blue/green plaid reversible Car Seat Poncho, and it was a huge hit. In addition to being safe, warm and hassle free (as all Car Seat Ponchos are), this one had the added versatility of plaid on one side (interesting, but not too busy or babyish), and solid blue on the other (yet still have some of the fun plaid showing on the hem and the hood. We decided that would be our last plaid, though, because using plaid in production requires a lot more fabric (to ensure that the lines match), which drives up costs.

So if you're looking for a boy's M/L Car Seat Poncho -- either a bargain or a collector's item, bid on it HERE.

Bidding start at $10, and ends Thursday, 10/7/10. Good luck to all bidders!

Making or Buying a Car Seat Poncho

2010-09-30T18:38:00.000-04:00

Making one could require more time and effort than you think. There are not only the cost of materials and the time involved, but basic decisions involving design and construction. Take a look at this video:

Those moms who weren't satisfied with their results? I probably muttered their exact thoughts when I was working on my first Car Seat Poncho for my own son, back in 2004. The genuine Car Seat Ponchos available today are the fruit of many unsuccessful attempts and many different prototypes, resulting in a product that keeps your child warm, is easy to use, fun to wear -- and gets tons of compliments and admiring glances everywhere you go!

Low Speed Crashes Can Still Cause Serious Injury

2010-09-24T20:54:00.000-04:00

Especially if occupants are unrestrained. A vehicle crash at 19mph (30 kmh) has the same impact on its occupants as a fall from a 3rd story balcony. (Click link for video.)

This video footage may be dated, but the basic laws of physics have not changed. Force still equals mass times acceleration.

Behind the Scenes at Video Shoot

2010-09-21T22:40:00.001-04:00

I thought you might enjoy an inside peek at the making of the high-tech, high budget Car Seat Poncho video, "A Coat Makes a Big Difference."

That's my dining room, those are my feet, and that's my handbag. Oscar ballots go out on New Year's Day. Hee!

I FINISHED MY ULTIMATE VIDEO!!!

2010-08-24T22:50:00.000-04:00

I've always meant to make a video demonstrating the risk of a puffy coat in a car seat. I have been madly shooting and editing so that I could release the video just before the Kids in Motion conference at the end of this week -- and it's finally done!

I hope this is helpful to CPSTs, Instructors and everyone out there who tries to persuade parents, grandparents and caregivers NOT to harness children over their winter coats. Please share it as necessary, and let me know what you think!

Awwww, Man! Bouncy Houses Pose Lead Risk

2010-08-12T12:27:00.000-04:00

So bummed to read in today's New York Times that the vinyl used in bouncy houses contains unsafe levels of lead. Suggestion is to have children wash their hands and faces after playing!

AUGUST Coupon Code: 25% Off (but only for first 8 customers)

2010-08-07T10:50:00.000-04:00

It's hot as the dickens now, but make sure you're ready to keep your baby safe and warm -- without a hassle.

Be one of the FIRST 8 to enter coupon code AUGUST and save 25% off your ponchos and accessories!

DETAILS:
1. Offer valid on total purchases of any Car Seat Poncho merchandise. Limit one user per customer per mailing address. Can not be included with any other promotion or coupon. Shipping and handling charges apply. For non-US purchases, custom fees and duties may apply.
2. For questions, please email donna@hbarryboollc.com

Boosters: Put Your Hands on Your Hips

2010-08-03T22:31:00.000-04:00

A lot of parents think that once their child is in a booster seat, all they have to do is put it in the car, buckle up the kid and hit the road. NOT SO FAST! Make sure the booster is doing a good job of positioning the seat belt!

How to tell? To start, "put your hands on your hips." THAT'S where the seat belt must cross -- on an adult OR a child, in order to properly restrain the body in a crash.

Whether in a frontal, rear or side impact collision, the body can be thrown in many directions. The seat belt retracts when the vehicle stops suddenly, and is designed to hold the body AT THE PELVIS (hard, bony, strong) and help the body "ride down" the crash forces.

If the belt crosses over the belly or the belly button, it is much too high. In a crash, the belt could crush soft vital organs like the liver, intestines, and kidneys as it restrains the body. A lacerations on the liver or tears in the bowel are serious, life threatening injuries. They can also change or impair the body forever, e.g., colostomy. There is also the risk of spinal injury, if the belt impacts the spine (after it's gone through all the soft-tissue organs mentioned above).

The shoulder belt should cross at the middle of the child's shoulder -- not on the shoulder joint and obviously not across the neck. Again, across the skeleton, not soft tissue.

So what's the best booster seat? Just as with car seats, the BEST booster seat is one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and can be used correctly 100% of the time. Each child has his or her proportions -- long torso, wide shoulders, petite, etc., and back seats have many variations: bench, captain's chair, etc. Try out several at a big-box store (some will even let you test them in your car) and see which one(s) fit your child best. And whether you want to play "Simon Says" with your child or teach him the Time Warp, make sure to put your hands on your hips as a reminder!

Here's a terrific explanation of proper booster use, selection and fit, from CarseatBlog (official blog of the wonderful CarSeat.Org.

Drowning Doesn't Look (or Sound) Like You'd Expect

2010-06-30T21:12:00.001-04:00

Most people who succumb to drowning do not flail their arms or shout for help. They usually go under silently. This excellent article on gCaptain (by and for maritime professionals such as but not including lifeguards) reminds us to keep our eyes AND our ears alert for each other this summer. Unlike what you'd expect, LACK of noise is the real red flag that someone is in trouble:

"There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC)."

I became aware of this article on one of my local mommies' e-loops. It has apparently been shooting around on Facebook, but I'd never read it before. I guess I'm "injecting" it into my social media neighborhood. Of course, I hope none of us has these close calls this summer or ever, but I'm glad now to be aware and to share it with all of you and your loved ones.

CBS, NHTSA: Babies Should Have Own Seats on Airplanes

2010-06-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

As we head into the summer travel season, NHTSA issued an advisory for parents to buy their babies their own seats on planes. There several sobering moments in this story that aired recently on CBS' Early Show, but I gasped when a mother recounted losing hold of her 2 year old during a turbulent flight, and watched his body slam into the overhead cargo compartment. Thankfully the child did not suffer any permanent injuries.

Earlier this year, I compared holding a baby on your lap in an airplane to holding a baby in your lap on a roller coaster. Airplanes travel faster and higher than roller coasters, so what's crazy at 700 feet shouldn't even be allowed at 3,000 feet. And if babies are required to be in approved restraints when riding on the ground, shouldn't they be even more protected in the air?

For parents who do choose to buy seats for their children under the age of 2 (individual seats are required for anyone older), but want to lighten their loads: infant seats can be installed without their bases, and children 22-44 pounds can use the CARES Kids Fly Safe Travel Harness, which costs less than $75 and can fit in a tote bag.

Babies Forgotten in Cars: Continued

2010-06-07T21:29:00.001-04:00

My post last week about a new invention prompted several comments here and on Car-Seat.org. The invention is intended to prevent parents from forgetting their children in their cars, which is potentially fatal in hot weather. Since it is a hot topic (forgive me; I could not resist the pun), I would like to continue the discussion this week:

In one post on the threat at CarSeat.org, umbrage was taken at my choice of term "offloading responsibility." I guess in that phrase I was imagining a type of person (who may or may not exist) who gets The Gizmo and takes the attitude "Now I don't have to think about forgetting my child, because if I did, my Giz would start beeping!" Satisfied at removing one more thing off his/her checklist, he or she could then go merrily on with his/her way. I meant it as an exaggeration, and hope/pray that this exact type of person does not actually exist.

Other people stated that, in the cases where the inthinkable has actually happened, the parent or caregiver was not in his/her usual routine (e.g., covering for the person who usually drives the child one place or the other) and it turned into a tragic mistake. There is usually no doubt in the minds of the authorities or family that the adult would ever have intentionally left the child in the car, but was this day he or she was out of sorts, not in the usual routine, or distracted, in an atypical, unexpected situation.

My concern is this: if these types of things usually happen in non-normal, unanticipated situations, who is this product for? To me, it seems like a Catch-22: Would a parent who thinks ahead enough to buy the Gizmo ever be the type to forget their child? Or, would a parent who is in such a distracted state remember to use the Gizmo?

On Car-Seat.org, safeinthecar liked the idea of "matching" bracelets that beeped or blared if child and parent were ever more than a certain distance apart. I like it, too. These would be useful in all kinds of situations (in public places, in crowds, as well as cars and parking lots). But again, when do you know WHEN to wear them? Some people get in and out of our cars all day with our kids -- does that mean we wear them ALL the time? How likely is it that we'll say, "I'm going to be forgetful today. Must remember the bracelets"?

I look forward to hearing your comments. I'm also going to send this thread to William Edwards, one of the NASA engineers who developed the keychain invention. Maybe he will chime in or find our thoughts of use!

Background Reading:
My Original Post
Comment thread on Car-seat org

Babies forgotten in the car: a solution?

2010-06-03T10:35:00.000-04:00

According to the New York Times, a team of NASA employees have developed a keychain alarm that sounds if a child is left in the car. Other companies are considering options like body-temperature monitors. Personally, I have concerns about the use of technology and gizmos to off-load plain old parental/caretaker responsibility. Thoughts?

This is Camo, and this is Loden

2010-04-22T20:46:00.001-04:00

... and together, they are Loden Camo Reversible.

It's a beautiful combination, and it's gotten short shrift thus far. I do confess, my fault: the product thumbnail at the web store does not do it justice. I am in the process of updating the photos on the website, so look for these and more new pictures at the end of the summer!

Save $10 (First 3 Customers Only)

2010-04-04T21:34:00.001-04:00

Quick post to tell you that the first 3 customers who enter coupon code FIRST3 during checkout will save $10!

Stressful but Vital: Picking a Nursing Home

2010-03-22T17:46:00.001-04:00

I know this is off-topic for me and this blog, but having recently gone through this process, I thought this New York Times feature provided a very good overview. Choosing long term care for an elderly family member can be so stressful and emotionally painful, and as the article says, a decision that often has to be made quickly.

I wouldn't expect anyone to start making visits just for the "fun" of it (shudder), but it might help to keep your ears open if friends, family or colleagues mention they have relatives in long term care. Just ask where their family member is, if they have ever been there, what it's like, etc. Make a mental (or a real) note of the name. Then, if you find yourself in a blur of confusion or a crisis situation, you'd at least have somewhere to start. Every little bit of anchoring helps.

Also, the Medicare "Nursing Home Compare" tool was a terrific resource. There is no substitute for an actual visit, but at least this tool can help you narrow down your list of facilities to tour. My heart goes out to any of you who are facing these decisions. Hope this helps.

Check out these old old car seats!

2010-03-12T10:50:00.000-05:00

I was poking around the Cafe Mom car seat board and found this cool pictorial archive of car seats and boosters.

Established in 1980, SafetyBeltSafe is a national non-profit organization solely dedicated to child passenger safety. This archive was created to help CPSTs identify old, expired and recalled seats that they may encounter during installation events. Their terrific website has a wealth of information for parents, caregivers and CPSTs.

March Coupon: First 5 Orders Get $8 Off

2010-03-04T18:37:00.001-05:00

From now through the end of March, the first 5 customers who use coupon code MARCH will save $8 off their total order. This offer applies to all merchandise in the Car Seat Poncho store, including clearance items (prices start at $28.99).

There are plenty of cold days left this season. If you hurry, your kids can spend them safe and warm -- without a hassle!

Excited -- Just Signed Up For KIM (Kidz In Motion)!

2010-02-24T12:28:00.001-05:00

I can't wait to go to the annual Kidz In Motion conference in August. This conference is held each year in memory of Police Officer Kimberly Hassell-Bazoge, who passed away suddenly in June of 1999.

There will be panel discussions, workshop sessions and manufacturers' exhibits -- all focused on child passenger safety. Looking forward to meeting all the CPST's I've been working with all over the country, putting faces to familiar names, and seeing all the new seats from Chicco (conference sponsor), Britax, Graco and more.

I've attended other safety conferences (LifeSavers, etc.), but always as an exhibitor -- which is hard on the feet, and does not allow access to the panels or workshops. This time I'll be a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician -- seated and soaking up knowledge!

Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt FF at 15 months

2010-02-21T20:47:00.001-05:00

OK, I admit it, I will drop everything if there is news about Brangelina and/or Jennifer Aniston, so I clicked on this link promising photos of their youngest children. When I saw this picture of the happy(?) couple loading their 15 month old twins into forward-facing car seats, I was disappointed. Tsk, tsk. They travel the world for human rights -- I wish they knew about the benefits of rear-facing.

For the record, I am on Team Aniston, but I don't know if she harnesses her dogs when she travels with them.

Check out the 2011 Toyota Sienna

2010-02-06T12:25:00.000-05:00

Here is the photo gallery of the next model Toyota Sienna. For me, personally, I don't know... aesthetically I'm not feeling it.

Relatedly, how do you guys feel about driving your Toyotas now? Our model year Sienna has not been on the recall list, but I am definitely not uneasy (i.e., not uneasy, but not easy either).

Click here for TOYOTA RECALL LIST (Not including new Prius recall)

KDMF Silent Auction: One of a Kind Poncho

2010-02-02T17:31:00.000-05:00

I'm so proud to donate this one-of-a-kind Leopard & Black poncho to the Kyle David Miller Foundation Silent Auction. It was created as a production sample -- which basically means I had several fabrics and colors and I wanted to see how they worked together in various combinations, so I had one of each combo sewn, and from these chose a "collection." (How I love using Project Runway lingo!) I loved this combo so much I ultimately decided to create it as a reversible, which makes this the original inspiration for one of our most popular styles.

The winning bidder on this beauty will not only be safe, warm and chic, she will have the coveted position as the ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD to wear this style. No running into an accidental twin at Mommy & Me or the grocery store!

Take a look at all the great items also on display here. All proceeds benefit KDMF in their missions to educate the public car seat safety – especially extended harnessing, and provide safe 5-point harness car seats to families who otherwise could not afford them. The auction will be running for the month of February. In order to make a bid, please email the name of the item you are bidding on, your name, address and the amount you wish to bid to bombedier@hotmail.com.

Good luck to all. Remember, bid early and often to help out a great cause!

Is Your Toyota On the Recall List?

2010-01-27T14:30:00.002-05:00

In October, I blogged about Toyota's recall of selected models because accelerator pedals were getting stuck under floor mats, causing uncontrollable acceleration. Yesterday, Toyota recalled and suspended the sale of the models after reports of sticking gas pedals that were causing unexpected acceleration. The company plans to suspend the sale of these vehicles, including the best-selling car in America, the Camry, to fix the sticking gas pedals.

Toyota's suspended models:

2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2007-2010 Camry
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia

Consumers who own one of these Toyota models or have questions can call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at (800) 331-4331 (AP). Please check this list, and forward this information to anyone you know who might have any of the models in question. Be safe!

New Pictures of Cute Kids in Ponchos!

2010-01-23T12:09:00.001-05:00

We took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to take some new pictures.

My tried and true recipe for a good shoot with kids is to bring lots of little, unusual toys and a quick trigger finger. Because every millisecond counts, I turn off the digital display and the flash -- this way there is very little lag time between shots, and shoot constantly. This way you know you will at least get something, and with the miracle gift of Photoshop, minor imperfections can be dabbed away.

Out takes, though, are the cost of doing business. This one is my favorite. Look at that pumpkin head!

Keep an eye out for the new pictures on the main website. Should be ready by the end of next week.

What's Coming Up At Car Seat Poncho?

2010-01-14T11:50:00.000-05:00

Another sample sale -- several one-of-a-kind or last-of-its-color-ever ponchos that have never been seen outside of H Barry Boo LLC corporate offices.

And possibly (if time allows) hot pink hats with leopard or paisley trim. Those might be coupon code specials, or gifts with purchase.

Who says the season is over? There's plenty of cold weather ahead!

Ride a roller coaster with your baby on your lap?

2010-01-10T22:41:00.001-05:00

Just imagine: you're plunging downward with incredible speed, swerving in one direction, then another. Some people love that feeling on a roller coaster, and get a happy rush of adrenaline -- but if you're on a plane, it's the last thing you want.

The tallest, fastest roller coaster in the world is Kingda Ka, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, USA. Its top speed is 128 miles per hour (206 km/h) and it drops from a peak of of 456 feet (139 meters). Even your average, run of the mill roller coaster travels between 70-100 mph. To ensure the safety of its riders, hydraulically-powered steel harnesses brace over the shoulders and around the hips. Eyeglasses and other loose objects must be removed before the ride begins, so that they do not injure their owners or other passengers should they come loose.

So, would you ride a roller coaster with a baby on your lap? Of course not. You wouldn't even have a choice: If you tried to ride a roller coaster with an infant, you'd probably be arrested.

Now let's talk about airplanes. The average commercial airplane travels between 160-180 mph at takeoff, and between 400 and 550 mph at cruising altitude, which is usually 30,000 feet.

Take a moment to compare:

The fastest roller coaster in the world goes 128 mph, while the average commercial airplane travels faster than that on takeoff, and about triple that speed once it's in the air.
Riders of the tallest roller coaster in the world fall from a height of 456 feet. Passengers in a commercial airplane are 30,000 feet above the ground.

So it's obvious that airplanes travel higher and faster than roller coasters, and that riding a roller coaster with a baby in your lap is an unwise and probably unlawful idea.

And yet, when planning a trip, parents wonder, "Is it safe to hold my baby on my lap during a flight? Do I have to buy a seat for him? She's so little, can't I hold her on my lap?" How sure are you that you could keep hold of your baby in heavy turbulence or a crash landing, at 300 miles per hour? Heck, if I trip while walking down the street, whatever I have in my hands goes flying. Crash tests conducted at slow-poke speeds of 30 mph have metal crumpling and bodies flying through windshields.

Airlines don't require that children under 2 years have their own seats, but remember that crazy, illegal notion of holding your baby on a roller coaster? 128 mph vs 170 mph. Five hundred feet vs thirty thousand feet. Even if it were allowed, I wouldn't do it.

Millions of people fly every single day. Statistics indicate that air travel is the safest form of transportation, so maybe it's just one plane a year that has to ditch in the Hudson River, skids off the runway, has serious, head-knocking-on-the-overhead-bin-cancel-the-beverage-service turbulence, or inhales a flock of Canadian geese into its engines. What are the chances that YOUR plane is going to be THAT plane? Who can tell?

Cost is obviously an issue (especially for families with two or more children) but if at all possible, please purchase a seat for your baby and use an FAA approved child restraint. Your baby is one in a million, but you don't want her to be THAT one.

Kicking off 2010 with love & cold

2010-01-04T22:18:00.003-05:00

The first message of the decade is from Tamar in Indiana:

"Thank you for your excellent customer service. We used the poncho today and I loved it! It is everything I could want: warm, quick, easy and cute!"

And with this cold snap gripping the country, there is still plenty of winter left (especially for you folks in the Midwest and New England). Is your town feeling extra cold this year? How many times will you have to wrestle a kid, a coat and a car seat? A Car Seat Poncho purchased in January would get at least 100 days of use between now and the first crocus!

Wishing All a Safe & Happy Holiday!

2009-12-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

As we head out to our various holiday destinations (H Barry Boo included), I just wanted to send a small reminder to please drive safely and wear your seat belts -- every occupant, even pets!

In case of a crash, your seat belt will help:

Keep you from getting banged around the car's interior
Keep you from getting ejected
Keep you from colliding with another passenger
Keep your body in optimum position if the airbag deploys

Also, take off your coats (and baby's too, obviously) and position the belts correctly: across the hips (not the belly), and across the middle of the shoulder (NEVER behind the back).

Thanks to everyone for their holiday greetings and treats! Take care out there and enjoy. 'See you in a few...!

Space Bags Illustrate Puffy Coat Risk

2009-12-19T21:16:00.000-05:00

Some people just do not believe that a puffy coat could really matter that much. I think I have a way to illustrate the point: Space Bags.

You know the commercial. You know you really want one. Put sweaters, blankets, or coats in the special zip loc bag. Suck the air out of it with a vacuum hose. Watch it shrink down and resemble a crumpled leaf. Slide it under the bed and voila, no more puff. Here's a thirty-second demonstration.

After the holidays I swear I'm going to get some at Bed Bath & Beyond and record my own demonstration. If anyone else gets to it first, please let me know and link it to my Facebook or to the comments section!

Welcome South Dakota!

2009-12-17T23:52:00.002-05:00

For three years I have been staring at a map of the continental US and chanting, "Idaho, South Dakota, Montana..." because these were the only three states in the union where I had NOT YET sold a Car Seat Poncho. People from Alaska and Maine have bought Car Seat Ponchos, as well as people in California, Louisiana and Florida (which surprised me, but what the heck). But year after year, nary a peep from that upper swath of the mountain region.

After today, my chant will be a shorter chant because the lovely Diana from Brandon SD called and ordered a Small Denim Camo Reversible, a matching hat and a blanket for her grandson. And tonight as I pack and ship her order, I whisper, "Forty eight down... two to go. Take heed, Idahoans and Montanans, take heed!"

What's your favorite holiday song?

2009-12-13T12:38:00.002-05:00

For me, its' definitely "All I Want For Christmas," by Mariah Carey. I love the melody, backing vocals, arrangement and, of course, her charismatic performance. I hope this song is making her a rich woman (or "an even richer woman"), because every time I hear it, I just get joy. What's your fave?

I Am Now A Certified CPS Tech!

2009-12-10T19:59:00.000-05:00

After much encouragement from CPS techs and instructors around the country, I attended the NHTSA Child Passenger Safety Training Program this week. Today, I was officially certified as a technician!

The program consisted of three days of classroom work, hands-on training activities and tests, then one day of installs. We were given different "dummy" children and asked to choose and install the appropriate seat for their height, weight and age. We were given different child/restraint scenarios and asked to identify installation errors and misuse. Finally, we conducted installations for the general public while being observed and evaluated by CPS instructors.

During one of my installs, I advised a mom against using the Bundle Me in her infant's car seat. In another, I advised a mom to take off her son's puffy jacket. When she looked at it, she was aghast at the puffiness in the back AND the front, and how much slack that would generate under a harness. Both of these things I knew before going into certification, but now, since we had discussed it in class, I had relevant authority in my advice.

Whew! It was a grueling week -- but totally, absolutely worth it. Along the way, I met some really great people -- police officers and emergency responders from all over the state. We got to know each other pretty well, had some good laughs over lunch, during breaks. And now we're certified!

2-Month Old Ejected From SUV (Alaska)

2009-12-08T22:53:00.000-05:00

Found this story via Google Alerts. The child was not seriously injured (miraculously):

Tsk, tsk, though: The mom interviewed in the story (not the crash mom) says she does everything she can to keep her 5 month old safe and secure in his car seat, but when they show him, the harness straps seem absolutely un-tightened. Am I seeing this right?

Rear-Facing Advocate Is a Fan of the Car Seat Poncho!

2009-12-02T14:51:00.004-05:00

Jim Peralta, aka "Grandpa Jim" is a fan of the Car Seat Poncho. He purchased several for his grandchildren, and posted a link to our store on his website.

Jim is also a vocal advocate of extended rear-facing, because his grandson, Joel, was critically injured in a car crash. The impact of the collision threw his body forward, and his car seat did its job of restraining him. But at 18 months, his skeleton was not mature or strong enough to keep his head from being thrown toward the front of the car. Joel's neck was broken.

As Jim posted on Car-Seat.Org, "Some of the doctors put it in very simple terms...his skull, internally, became detached from his body... and was basically held on with his skin."

Babies and toddlers are not protected from neck and spinal cord injuries in the forward-facing position. The head is the heaviest part of the body at that age, and even at "low" speeds like 30 mph, a child's head would be thrown forward and pull the rest of the spinal cord with it. It's a very graphic term, but it's technically known as internal decapitation. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends at least 2 years rear-facing, even better would be to rear-face to the height and weight limits set by your car seat's manufacturer.

Watch the news video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcG_CKT1j7c
Keep up with Joel's progress: http://www.joelsjourney.org/index.html

Coupon extended!

2009-11-29T19:14:00.000-05:00

Due to popular demand, the Black Friday Weekend Sale has been extended!

Coupon code BLACK takes $5.25 off your total purchase and is now valid until midnight, Monday 11/30.

Why $5.25 instead of $5? Don't question the savings, just save!

BLACK FRIDAY WKEND: $5.25 Coupon Code

2009-11-25T15:02:00.002-05:00

Shake off that turkey day daze and start saving!

Enter coupon code BLACK during checkout and save $5.25 off your purchase of regularly priced Car Seat Ponchos, from Friday 11/26 to Sunday 11/27.
(This will be the LAST coupon code until Spring 2010.)

Offer applies to new, online purchases of regularly priced merchandise only. Unfortunately, coupons cannot be used on clearance merchandise. One coupon per household. Purchaser is responsible for cost of shipping and handling. User name and password required. Pending purchases initiated during sale but completed 11/30 or later will receive check rebate in the amount of $5.25 with order shipment. For customer service, call 917-881-9044 between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Voicemail only on Thanksgiving Day, 11/26/09.

Best wishes for a happy & safe Thanksgiving!

Ask a lawyer what JJ Cole says about Bundle Me and car seats!

2009-11-20T11:05:00.008-05:00

Regarding my post this week on the Bundle Me, one of my FaceBook friends asked, "Is there any pressure by parents or advocates to the Bundle Me makers?"

Answer: Yes. So much so, in fact, that JJ Cole, the manufacturer of Bundle Me, has a set response to these concerns. In 2007, there was a thread on this topic on car-seat.org, and o_mom, a CPST, posted this:

"Here is what they say (wording is very important):

"Tests performed on infant car seats with the Bundle MeÂ® installed found that the car seats complied with the Restraint System Integrity and Occupant Excursion portions of the FMVSS 213 requirements. They are NOT saying that the Bundle Me passes FMVSS 213. They are claiming that they tested at least two seats with the Bundle Me installed and that those seats pass FMVSS 213 when used with the Bundle Me. Now, we have no idea what seats were tested and how many ways they were tested (every strap position, etc.) and so on, so it is still an unknown what will happen in your carseat the way you install it. "

Another point raised on the thread is that while their descriptions of the Bundle Me include "use with car seats," none of the car seats in which they PICTURE their product are ever actually IN CARS. They're on benches, on the ground, etc. So are they actually saying their product can be safely used in car seats that are INSTALLED and IN MOTION? That would be a juicy point for lawyers' feasting if any litigation arose.

So clever are those lawyers, no?

Here's the car-seat.org thread for your bookmarks.

Why Is the Bundle Me Bad in a Car Seat?

2009-11-18T17:25:00.002-05:00

This questions comes up several times a year on parenting and safety boards across the internet: Why do safety people tell you NOT to use the Bundle Me in a car seat?

The answer is that the portion that goes behind the child's back is too fluffy and thick, and does not allow you to properly secure your child in the car seat. Fluff and bulk in FRONT of a baby and under the harness would compress in a collision, but fluff between the BACK of a baby and the car seat prevents the harness from being sufficiently tightened.

While a Bundle Me does allow the harness to be directly on the child's chest, it provides only the illusion of security because of the extra "air space" in the back. In order for the harness to completely compress away that air space, it would have to squish down on all the baby fat, flesh and bone to an obviously ridiculous level. No one would ever do that to her baby, so the extra space remains. And THAT'S why the Bundle Me is bad for car seats.

To really illustrate the point, I want to highlight the excellent Bundle Me thread on BabyCenter's "Car Seat Questions" board that was posted early in 2009, by lullabymama. She tested a real Bundle Me, a real car seat and a real baby to see if the fluffy back panel really made a difference, and took photos to document each step:

Step 1: Put Bundle Me on car seat, seat child and fasten harness to appropriate tension.
Step 2: Remove child, remove Bundle Me, re-seat and re-fasten child.
Step 3: Test harness tension by pinching harness straps above chest clip, near shoulder. If more than 1" of strap can be pinched, the harness would be too loose to safely restrain a child in a collision.

Even I was surprised that the amount of slack! I am going to bookmark that thread and refer to it whenever the question arises. A picture is worth a thousand words, as well as the safety of your child.

Are you thinking of making a poncho to use in the car seat?

2009-11-13T18:21:00.002-05:00

I just got another email from a mom who tried:

I tried to make my own, but I really can't sew so I tried a no sew option, using fleece. It worked, it was fast & easy, but it's not the greatest. It's only one layer and has no hood or zipper. It's working fine for now, as the weather hasn't gotten too cold here yet, but I'm going to need something better for winter! Keeping my baby safe and warm is the most important thing!

I promptly sent this mom a coupon code to save $10 off the price of a Car Seat Poncho. Since it's two warm layers of 400-weight cozy fleece, it's like having TWO blankets snuggled over your little one. Very warm, very safe, very convenient -- and very cute.

So if you made a poncho and wished it were warmer, cuter or more convenient, post to this thread and receive a $10 coupon code!

The Maclaren Stroller Recall

2009-11-12T14:09:00.003-05:00

On Monday, Maclaren recalled every stroller it has ever sold in the US, because of a mutilation hazard presented in the hinges. Fingers on or near the hinge flex points can be severely pinched or even mutilated.

From what I've seen, one of the major places this can happen is on the main frame of the stroller, perhaps referred to as the "side bars". Others refer to it as the "elbow hinge." When the stroller is folded, the top and bottom bars of the frames "V" open. When they are almost in line with each other, they snap into the elbow hinge with a clear click. I'm not sure if there is a spring coil and that snaps the bars into the hinge, but when the stroller is opened, there is a noticable snapping sound. This is the moment when a little finger (or a carrot) can be crushed (as demonstrated by a British news segment).

Here is a feature on ABC news, showing the area of hazard and potential injury. Owners of Maclarens can contact the company for hinge covers. They are made of black nylon and attach to the frame with velcro loops.

There are a lot of comments out there about how silly this recall is, e.g., "Who lets their kid stand so close to the stroller anyway?" I can see exactly how and why. While a mom is trying to keep a bag from falling off her shoulder, close the trunk, and unfold a stroller, she also has to make sure her toddler does not wander away. Since she can't hold the child's hand AND do all of the above, she'll say something like "keep your hand on the stroller, sweetie." That's also something moms say to their older children when they are putting a younger baby into a stroller, basically, "anchor yourself to something tangible until I can take your hand again." Also, moms and kids do the in/out stroller routine so often, I could see how the child might be halfway seated in the stroller, or lowering him or herself into it, just before that final "SNAP." So quit snickering, you know who you are, it could happen.

Personal anecdote vindicating purchase decision: About 6 years ago, when my husband and I were shopping for strollers, we were pointed to the Maclaren, which was, at the time, the premium brand. (This was before Bugaboo mania.)

My top criterion was that the stroller be one-hand foldable, and Maclaren did not fit the bill. When the salesperson demonstrated the whole "kick it with your foot, fold it forward, then collapse it to the ground" maneuver, I gave it a big thumbs-down. I guess all that manipulation is required because of all the hinges, which allow the stroller to fold up so compactly. Much more than I knew I'd be able to handle -- not to mention I'm somewhat of a tightwad, and would never spend that much on a stroller anyway. We ended up with a Graco Citilite (since discontinued), which I could fold and lift into the trunk with one hand, in less than five seconds, while holding my baby in the other arm. Used the heck out of that thing for five years, and it was under $100.

More links:
The official announcements by Maclaren USA and the CPSC PSA
A British news segment, featuring buggy as veggie snapper

Can car seats be any safer?

2009-11-11T20:23:00.001-05:00

I posted the following to the Car Seat Questions board on Babycenter, and am interested to know what you think:
On a recent Babycenter thread, I cheekily suggested a seat that fills with foam upon impact (which might not be all that safe, I know), but what else could there be?

With higher rf weight limits, higher weight FF seats, and SIP becoming the standard for new car seat models, what other safety features could manufacturers consider adding to car seats?

One thing that I could see is emergency locking retractor belts in car seats -- the kind that are sensitive to rapid deceleration, and have an inertial mechanism device that pulls the seat belt taut upon impact? I think the Safeguard seats had them (correct me if I'm wrong), but that seat was so expensive, and I believe Safeguard is no longer making that model.
Other ideas?

More Safety Peeps Love the Car Seat Poncho!

2009-11-03T18:13:00.003-05:00

The Car Seat Poncho gets the thumbs up from the Kyle David Miller Foundation, in their recent blog entry, "Dressing for Winter and Safety:"

... [The Car Seat Poncho] is wonderful, purpose designed poncho that keeps children both safe and cozy in your vehicle. The double zip function makes it easy to push aside the material in the front while you secure their harness underneath. The poncho then sits over the harness putting nothing bulky between your child, their seat and the harness. I love this product and it is my #1 child christmas/birthday gift.

I'm thrilled to be mentioned in their post, because keeping children safe is the super-duper, primo numero uno mission of the Kyle David Miller Foundation. KDMF is a wonderful non-profit organization which seeks to increase awareness high-weight harnessing and donates high weight capacity 5 point harness car seats to low income families across North America. It was founded in in December 2006 after the Miller family lost their 3 year old son Kyle in a motor vehicle crash on May 2005. The seat belt holding his booster seat failed and he was ejected from the vehicle and killed.

To support the goals of the foundation, H Barry Boo LLC donates $3 from the proceeds of every Pink Camo and Gadget poncho sale. We call these Kyle's Ponchos. When parents purchase either of these styles, they are not only keeping their children safer, they are helping an important cause and honoring the short life of a sweet little boy who was taken much too soon.

And while we're at it, why not throw in a BLOG SPECIAL: From now until midnight Sunday, November 8, 2009, purchase either of Kyles's Ponchos and get a FREE MATCHING HAT. Quantities are limited, so don't miss this chance to score a fetching, car seat safe winter ensemble for your little one. Feel free to pass this info around to birth boards and Facebook friends!

WARNING: No drawstrings at the neck!!!

2009-10-12T22:15:00.003-04:00

I often get emails from customers, telling me about home-sewers who market "car seat safe" ponchos. I was alarmed, though, by recent posts on popular parenting boards featuring ponchos with drawstrings around the hood and neck. That is a tremendous, tremendous safety NO-NO. Drawstrings are extremely dangerous on children's clothing because they can get caught and snag very easily, resulting in strangulation, dragging, and/or serious injury.

In 1996 the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning to all parents to remove drawstrings of all types from children's clothing 2T-12, and prohibited the sale of children's clothing with drawstrings around the head, neck, and waist (just to be extra cautious, I suppose).

I absolutely shudder to think about the child I saw in one thread whose poncho had a drawstring AROUND HIS NECK. Could you imagine this child being carried to and from the car, in and out of the car seat, walking around, riding in a shopping cart, drawstrings flapping and dangling the whole time...! How ironic that he's wearing something his mother made to keep him safe, but is now at risk to a whole new set of dangers when he wears it.

I am proud to say that the Car Seat Poncho has been scrutinized up and down and every which way by CPST's and safety professionals all across the country, and given the thumbs up. When the product was exhibited at LifeSavers in 2008, techs gathered around my booth and exchanged "what-if's" and "what about's" regarding the design, the parts, the materials, etc., over the course of three whole days. It got a very thorough inspection and, I'm proud to say, emerged with glowing reviews!

If you made your own poncho (with or without a drawstring), and wish you had a Car Seat Poncho, post to this thread. Tell your story, and receive a $10 coupon for the purchase of a bona fide Car Seat Poncho!

The New Boys Are Here!

2009-10-12T13:03:00.003-04:00

Thanks to your fabulous input, I created three new color combinations for boys and THEY ARE HERE, freshly stocked at the Car Seat Poncho store!

The new colors reflect your desire for more classic (collegiate-looking) combinations, a more subdued shade of blue, and a combination that included earth tones like brown, tan and moss. The sketches don't do them justice, obviously. As soon as the sun, the temperature and the models can be coordinated, new photos will be on the way.

And for little girls, Light Pink/White SMALL is BACK IN STOCK! To all the patient moms who wanted their little girls in the quintessential, classic girl color, thank you for waiting.

You, my dear blog subscribers and Facebook friends, are getting the news first, before regular searchers and shoppers. As I've said before, friendship and subscription does have its privileges. Feel free to forward this post to your friends and birth boards so they can also get advance notice of sales, coupons and new colors. But for today, you might want to do a little private shopping for your own lil' man -- or one you know. ;-)

TRUE-LIFE TALE: Turning A Bad Poncho Into A Good Poncho

2009-10-08T13:19:00.000-04:00

Angela posted to one of our threads on Car-Seat.Org, about trying to make a Car Seat Poncho for her son:

I attempted to make my own car seat poncho and it was a huge disaster. I bought a bunch of fleece fabric and went to town. I thought I could make a lined poncho but there was so much fabric that my sewing machine needle wouldn't even go through it all. It took me hours to complete and it looked a mess. I didn't even attempt a zipper! I wasn't sure how to finish the neckline so it looks pretty bad..and the hood is falling off. Then when I put it on my son, it just hung really weird. I'd like to get a REAL Car Seat Poncho because I know it will be made much better!

We sent Angela a $10 coupon to make up for the cost of the wasted fabric (although we couldn't compensate her for the wasted time!). This way she can purchase the Car Seat Poncho for her son and put the whole home-sewing experience behind her.

Believe me, I've been in Angela's shoes! It's easy enough to make a basic poncho: cut a hole in a blanket or piece of fleece. I tried that, but when it came time to fasten the harness, I had to move the front of the poncho out of the way -- up to his neck, across his shoulder, or over his head. Around that age, he wasn't crazy about being strapped in anyway, so that annoyed him even more. A basic poncho was still not solving the problem of warmth, safety AND convenience for both mommy and baby.

I hacked and stitched my way through half a dozen prototypes before I hit upon the patent-pending design that's easy for moms to use without hassling the baby. And the Car Seat Poncho is made by professional seamstresses, whose work is supervised and inspected by the same people who make clothes for Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity. Moms send emails all the time raving about the beautiful workmanship, saying, "It is worth every penny and so much nicer than anything I could have made myself!"

The Sample Sale (Finally!)

2009-10-06T12:40:00.008-04:00

The samples are finally out in the Car Seat Poncho store! Blog subscribers and Face Book friends will be the only ones getting this notice. ("Regular" shoppers, I love you, but subscription and Face Book friendship have to have their privileges!)

The samples available are Royal Blue/White and Navy/Yellow (both SMALL), and Lavender/Pink (MED/LARGE). The blue styles were made when I was picking colors for the final collection (I love using Project Runway lingo). The lavender style was one of the most popular color combinations from 2007, but has since been retired. Let me know if you think these combos might deserve their own place in future collections, and feel free to suggest more.

(By the way, I decided not to do the auction because I have no idea how to set up an EBay auction!)

The Car Seat Poncho vs "The Coat Trick"

2009-10-03T13:24:00.001-04:00

Next on my to-do list: a demonstration video. I want people to see how fast they can get their children into the car seat, buckled and be on their way with the Car Seat Poncho.

There is an excellent, and popular video by Madeline410 demonstrating what's known in some CPS circles as "the coat trick".

Basically, the trick is to:

Before you go out, slip one of your child's arms through one sleeve
Slip the child's other arm through the other sleeve
Zip up the coat
Go out to the car and put your child in the seat
Put his or her arms through the straps
The bottom of the coat out from under the straps on one side
Pull the bottom out on the other side
The collar and top of the coat out from the straps on one side
Pull the collar and top of the coat out from the straps on the other side
Buckle the crotch and chest clips
Tighten the harness
Zip the coat

... and then you can be on your way (unless you have more children to coat-trick).

Now, I think the coat trick is a great trick, and a great way to keep kids safe and warm in the winter. But the Car Seat Poncho is much easier.

Here's what you do with the poncho:

Before you go out, slip the poncho over your child's head
Go out to the car and put your child in the seat
Spread the poncho around the top and sides of the car seat
Open the zipper from the bottom
Buckle the crotch and chest clips
Tighten the harness
Pull down the zipper to close

Much easier, much quicker, right? The video is about one minute long, and I'm pretty sure the poncho takes less than half that. And if you have more than one child, that's a lot of time saved and a lot of hassle avoided. Maybe I can get two moms and two kids, and do a split-screen comparison...

When I get it done, I'll debut it here first. Blog readers deserve some perks and exclusives, right?

1,800 Job Openings in LA

2009-09-30T12:41:00.002-04:00

American Apparel, in downtown Los Angeles, is firing about 1,800 immigrant employees -- more than a quarter of its workforce -- after a federal investigation turned up irregularities in the identity documents they had presented at hiring (i.e., Social Security and/or immigration documents) — probably because the documents were fake.

So will American Apparel be able to replace those workers? Are American citizens interested in working for a company that "has been lauded by city officials and business leaders for paying well above the garment industry standard, offering health benefits and not long ago giving $18 million in stock to its workers"? The company also has masseuses and massage chairs on the factory floor, dispensing 20-minute massages to sewing staff who needed them.

The pay is decent, there are benefits and bonuses, and occasional perks. But one soon-to-be-terminated employee -- a top supervisor, said, “I think the Americans think that garment sewing is demeaning work.”

Geez, I don't! If it weren't 3,000 miles away, I'd definitely take a job there over one at Wal-Mart, Old Navy or Starbucks. Wouldn't you? If Americans (born here or born elsewhere but citizens now) need work, and a good company needs workers, will they apply for work in a garment factory? What would that be like?

It might go like this: American company offers decent, skilled labor jobs, with training, to Americans. More Americans work, more Americans experience the satisfaction of making, more Americans respect the skills, craftsmanship and time that go into making, more Americans are willing to pay a little more for well-made goods (American, hopefully), and more American factories are created. More American jobs. And perhaps a new, respectful era begins for American industry.