Baby Got Gas? A Guide to Baby Indigestion

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Have you ever heard about baby indigestion? Do you even know what that is? Well think about heartburn and indigestion and how it can make you feel. The deep pressure and in your chest and abdomen is enough to make you feel like you are having a heart attack. Now imagine that feeling on a 2 weeks old baby. YIKEES!!! I can tell you that whatever that you feel is magnified by 100% in your child. Added to the intense pain that the child is feeling is the fact that they have no way of telling you how they feel. They cannot say "mommy my tummy hurts".

What causes baby indigestion?

Well, in adults there are several causes, but, for babies, I think we can safely rule out alcohol consumption, smoking and eating spicy foods! It's also fairly uncommon for babies to have stomach ulcers or gallstones. This means that we can focus on food allergies and sensitivities as the 2 main causes of baby indigestion. So now that we have a general idea of the potential causes of baby indigestion; how can we tell if our baby has indigestion?

Symptoms of baby indigestion can include:

‧ Fits of fussing and/or crying that may end after gas is relieved
‧ Irritability
‧ Constipation
‧ Sleeplessness
‧ Curds of undigested food in stool (okay, let's just call it poop, that's what it is!)
‧ Very foul-smelling poop and even diarrhea in extreme cases

Now it is very important that we understand one thing; and that is indigestion is not a cause or disease unto itself. It's just a symptom. So what we need to do is find the actual cause of baby indigestion. Therefore be aware that the real causes of baby indigestion are:

‧ Spoiled food
‧ Food allergies
‧ Food sensitivities

Spoiled Food and Baby Indigestion

Spoiled food is not good for adults as it can lead to all sorts of stomach problems and this is no different for our children. Therefore if you are formula feeding your child - ensure that the best before date hasn't expired. Additionally you need to take extra caution when sterilizing all bottles and equipment that touch baby's formula. Make sure water you are giving baby or using to mix powdered formula is safe and has been boiled.

Another thing that we should avoid doing at all costs is re-heating bottles. Mothers if you are guilty of this practice please, please, STOP IMMEDIATELY. If baby has not consumed all of it, dispose of it. Also if you are pumping breast-milk, make sure that you use ONLY sterilized containers to store it. Refrigerate and use up the milk within a couple of days or store in a freezer to make it last longer. Just following these simple tips could significantly reduce baby indigestion.

Phew!!! Now that took care of spoiled food. Okay, what about food allergies and how do babies have allergies when they get fed only one thing?? i?? I mean does this even make sense? Read on.

First of all it can be confusing trying to differentiate between an allergy and food sensitivity. So how can you tell the difference and how does it relate to baby indigestion?

Food allergies and sensitivity and baby indigestion - Formula

First of all we need to understand that allergies can cause strong reactions like hives and severe rashes, vomiting, swelling of soft tissue like ears and lips, or be life-threatening with anaphylactic shock reactions. Sensitivities; however, are milder and cause indigestion, discomfort, constipation and less severe skin rashes. You know those foods that just don't 'agree' with you.

It is very common for babies to be allergic to or sensitive to cow's protein. Take comfort in the fact that most will grow out of this by one year of age, but that first year can be tricky. For those formula feeding moms, you will need to switch to a soy-based formula or one's formulated especially for babies with cow protein sensitivity.

Oh there is one word of caution; and that is, it is common for babies with cow protein sensitivity to also have soy protein sensitivity. However, rest assured that there are formulas out there that have neither soy nor cow's milk in them.

Food allergies and sensitivity and baby indigestion - Breast feeding

If you are breast-feeding, cut all dairy out of your diet. This is because the foods that you eat are passed onto your child through your milk. Therefore your breast milk can contain traces of cow's milk protein from dairy you are eating. So, I mean cut out ALL dairy if you wish to reduce baby indigestion. Start reading food labels!!

Trust me, I know this sucks, I've done it myself in the past. You'll get some headaches and feel like crap for a few days as your body detoxifies and works the dairy through your system. Basically, you'll go through a bit of a withdrawal. Cheese as a drug...who knew?

The Fix - substitute cow's milk with goat's milk as this can usually be tolerated quite well. After breast-feeding my kids for 6 months, I switched them both to goat milk and guess what?? They still love it. It's available in most major grocery stores and can be frozen if you need to stock-pile!

So how can you give your baby relief from Baby Indigestion?

You can use gripe water for more 'instant' relief of baby indigestion. You can get this at any drug store, and many health food stores have an alternative with all natural ingredients. I have also tried some of the tablets that are on the market - most manufacturers call indigestion Colic so look for products that say Colic Relief or something like that. The label "Colic" is a bit of a misnomer because colic in infants may have nothing to do with indigestion but that debate is for another newsletter!

Additionally you can give your baby tummy massages and baby enemas to alleviate indigestion. Remember though that none of these "instant relief" techniques are aimed at the cause of the indigestion; they just treat the symptoms.

A more long term solution to the problem is to look for the food sensitivities and allergies that may be causing the indigestion in the first place.

How can this be done?

By analyzing a stool sample from your baby, your doctor will be able to determine if there is undigested cow protein present and that your baby is sensitive to dairy.

As always, I recommend talking to a medical or naturopathic doctor about your baby's symptoms if you are concerned.

If you found this article helpful, please share it and post your comments below!

Helping you turn frustration to fun,

Leah Mullis
Co-founder
From the Diaper Pail Communications Inc.

Helping you survive Parenthood - we welcome all questions and feedback: leah@fromthediaperpail.com Colicky baby? Check out our ebook!

Leah Mullis is the co-founder of From the Diaper Pail Communications and co-writer of the Surviving Baby Colic ebooks. Leah works with families to promote strong, healthy, family-value based lifestyles. We're here to help you survive parenthood!

Check out http://www.fromthediaperpail.com/ for more information.

Strollers For Toddlers - A Quality Guide

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Picking out a stroller for your toddler can seem like a bit of a challenge. I mean there's only about a million of them out there and there is no doubt that some are better than others. So how do you choose? It's tough to decipher all of the different features, models, prices and quality levels. In fact the most difficult thing to figure out is whether or not a particular stroller is of good quality

Visit A Store?

A lot of people suggest visiting a store and taking a unit out for a walk. But can you honestly give a stroller a decent evaluation in five or ten minutes? That's not very likely. You might have an easier time deciding if you like the colour or something ephemeral like that but it's not likely to lend much to your decision making.

Ask Friends?

Asking friends is a good way to get their point of view on what they have purchased. But the problem is, as human beings, sometimes we tend to want to make ourselves look smart. It's unlikely you will get an unbiased opinion from a friend. They will almost always cast a positive light on their own decision and choices. Otherwise they would make themselves potentially look dumb. It's built in, people can't help it.

Rent A Stroller?

This is a better idea then the two above because you get to spend more time with the stroller and you are the one actually evaluating it. This is a great way to determine if you like the features and functions of a particular stroller. The problem with this is it can get expensive. It is a good option if you are trying to figure out a more expensive stroller however, and it is a tactic I have used.

Online Reviews?

Online reviews and those star evaluation systems are not a bad way to check out the quality of a stroller. People are more honest with their online evaluations because they are usually mostly anonymous and that actually tends to ease any fears of people thinking ill of you if you cast your down decision in a negative light. I am constantly surprised how even and two sided these opinions tend to be. It is a good source of information.

Manufacturers Warranty

This is the grand daddy of all stroller quality evaluations. The reason is simple. If a manufacturer has sufficient confidence to give their product a long warranty, and by long I mean 2 years or more, they you can be assured that it's a pretty good product. The manufacturer is the one that has to pay for the repair in this instance, and they will not overestimate the life of a product that they have to pay to repair. It's that simple.

G Murray has a bunch of kids and consequently a bunch of strollers. He wouldn't have it any other way. Come by and visit strollers for toddlers to check his reviews. Come by right now.

Double Baby Strollers Buying Guide

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How do you determine what the best double baby stroller is to buy? There's numerous things you should consider. In the course of three short years I found myself buying no less then 4 strollers. So I developed a bit of a system, because I wanted to make sure that I was spending my money wisely. I also wanted to be sure that I was getting exactly what I wanted and needed.

Why so many strollers?
The answer to this is because we had three kids in a short period of time and have a busy, active lifestyle. I didn't want that to change. I want to continue to jog, continue to bike the trails but also go the mall the grocery store unencumbered.

Buy For Your Lifestyle
A lot of people when they buy a stroller get concerned with the color or perhaps what they think makes their baby comfortable. While it's nice to be stylish it should not be your first concern. And don't worry about baby being comfortable. The only concern is that before they can sit up on their own, they need a flat recline or a bassinet.

You want to buy for your lifestyle, because the double baby strollers you use will determine how easily you can bring your kids along. Keep in mind that even if you have only one child you will be using your stroller for at least three years and maybe more. If you have 2 or 3 kids then your stroller choices will be with you for eight or ten years. And it flies by to be sure.

Key Considerations
A top consideration is always budget. Try to think long term here. I always say it's smarter to buy once and buy well then have to buy again and again because something has failed. This doesn't always mean buying the most expensive thing. In my experience, with a few exceptions, you should be buying a stroller that is at least somewhat future proofed.

Weight and Height
This means a stroller with a high weight limit, no less than 40 pounds and big size seats. Also, the seats should have seat belts that are height adjustable because it won't be long and those belts will be below his shoulders. In addition to this make sure the seats are a decent size minimum 12 inches and preferably more than about 16 inches.

Additional Features
There are some other things you should have on board to complete your stroller purchase. A cupholder for the adult is absolutely necessary. A snack tray and drink holder for the kids is also wise. Further to that I would also suggest that you get one that's removal.

Buying and researching double baby strollers can be made much easier by following my tips and tricks. You will buy better and smarter. Why not check out my blog right now for more reviews.

Buying a Video Baby Monitor: A Helpful Guide

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There are so many video baby monitors on the market these days that when it comes to buying one, it can all be a little overwhelming. What type of monitor should you get, what features are essential, what price should you pay? These are all questions to think about.

To help you choose the right video baby monitor for you, I have put together a short guide of what features and functions to consider, so that you can confidently buy the right one.

Type of Transmission
Video baby monitors are basically a radio transmitter between the parent unit and the camera. Most video baby monitors these days have either analog or digital transmission and run on different frequencies, usually around 49MHz, 900MHz and 2.4GHz. Analog monitors (usually 900MHz) are cheaper to buy but are more open to interference and the range shorter, up to around 300 feet. Digital, on the other hand, offers a more secure and interference free reception, and a longer signal range, but tends to be pricier.

Something to think about before you buy a video baby monitor, is to look around at other electronic devices you have in your home such as cordless phones, microwave ovens,WiFi or blue tooth devices and try to choose a model that runs on a different frequency band. This is because having devices on the same frequency as your baby monitor can cause interference. Also note that signal reception depends on whether you live in a densely populated area or a more suburban or rural location. If you're close to neighbors who happen to have a video baby monitor or other wireless devices then this can interfere with your signal as well. If you're after a video baby monitor that is totally safe and secure, then you should consider buying one that has frequency hopping and data encryption technology.

Parent Unit
Most video baby monitor parent units come with a color LCD screen. Screen size varies from around a quite small 1.8" screen to a large 7" screen. It really all depends on how clearly you want to see your baby, but I think a 3.5" screen is perfectly adequate.

The Parent unit comes with easy to use buttons to allow you access to the features menu. If you really want the newest technology you can take a look at the Summer Infant Baby Touch video monitor which is the first monitor that has touch screen technology. Of course, being hi-tec means that it's a top of the range price.

Portability
Most video baby monitors are extremely portable and are designed to be handheld. Many come with a built-in kick out stand so you can place it on a flat surface or with a belt clip so you can attach it to your belt or waistband to be hands free. Some even look like cellphones that you can carry around in your hand or pocket or place in the charging station.

Night Vision
A great feature that most video baby monitors have is automatic black and white night vision capability. From low light to complete darkness, the in-built infrared LED lights on the camera allow you to see your baby up to a certain range. Some monitors allow you to see up to 10ft, but others more than 20ft from camera to crib.

Two-Way Talk Back
Having two-way communication is a really neat feature that parents really love. The two-way audio between the parent unit and camera in your child's room allows you to talk to your little one without you even being there and you can hear them gurgle back to you.

Expandability
When you buy a video baby monitors most come with one camera, but with some models you can buy two, offering a saving. Many models can support up to four cameras, allowing multiple use throughout your house. Picking a monitor that allows expandability is helpful if you think you will need to cover more areas of your house, e.g. if you have or are planning more than one child or have or are having twins.

Motion and Sound Sensors
Another cool feature is motion or sound alert sensors. Most cameras have very sensitive built-in microphones so when your baby starts making noises you will be immediately alerted. This is great at night when your video monitor is turned off and only turns on if voice activated.

Sound Lights
This feature is commonly found in video baby monitors. When your baby makes a sound the parent unit sound lights will turn on. The louder the baby's sound is the brighter or more lights will come on, depending on the model. This is particularly useful if you are in a noisy room and can't hear the audio.

Temperature sensor
Some models offer a temperature sensor that can monitor the temperature in your baby's room. Ideally, the temperature should be between 68 to 72 degrees F. Again this is a useful feature, but be aware that some customers have complained the temperature is not accurate on some models.

Volume control
Most models come with the ability to control the volume. With some models you have to scroll through the menu to access the volume control which can be a bit of a chore, whilst others have volume control on the side of the monitor which is easier.

Lullabies
Some video baby monitors come with preloaded lullabies. Some parents really love this feature whilst others reported that the sound quality was tinny and annoying. I would probably not recommended buying a model specifically for the lullabies as you may be disappointed, but if it happens to have this feature then well and good.

In the end, the most important consideration is to buy a model that offers good picture and audio quality, is interference free and secure. Of course it's always nice to have an all singing and dancing model, but the more features you have, the more expensive the unit. I hope this has been a helpful guide.

I have written other articles about buying video baby monitors. Take a look at the buying advice section on my video baby monitor reviews website. Also check out my in-depth reviews on some of the top selling video baby monitors.

A parent guide to saving umbilical cord blood

Storing umbilical cord blood can be a life saver for your child and your family. Cord blood is something that was and is still in the majority of the child births discarded. However, it is a very important source of stem cells or bone marrow, which could save later in the life of a child. It could be donated for medical research. Parents need to know about the meaning and the use of this important area their newborns that is discarded by hospitals.

The cord blood of your newborn is rich in stem cells. These cells are in the bone marrow and all the cells in the blood and immune system of stem cells, including erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets are produced. There are a variety of diseases, these stem cells, can be used for transplantations and treatments. Matching stem cells are hard to get through certain requirements matching. However, stem cells, which is guaranteed to match for him/she be your child's umbilical cord. In addition, they have also a high probability that the siblings to assign. So, possibilities for medical treatment for life threatening diseases in the future will have your child and siblings.

Cable blood collection procedure is painful or risky for the mother and the baby. It is collected birth cord after child. A kit for my movie collection is used at the time of delivery, and umbilical cord blood is collected immediately from the umbilical cord when it has clamped and cut. There is no risk factor involved, because the umbilical cord are collected during normal delivery of the baby. The blood from the umbilical cord is drawn and are collected in a blood collection bag. Blood collection procedure is used to collect blood, so that she can be tested for all diseases.

Which is umbilical cord blood in processed and tested in most modern laboratories. It is then stored in specialized facility. The system is a storage fee for these stores. Studies have shown that this blood 15 years can be saved and made available if necessary. Umbilical blood appears to be, a piece of waste However, it could be a life saver for your child. Now a little money can go life to save, later a long way in your child in his life, if God forbid that he was suffering from a disease.

If you have more of public cord blood banks we more information and resources on our website http://www.publiccordbloodbanks.org/

A Beginner's Guide to feeding your baby solids

Starts with your baby really solid food as hard as it seems? Feeding your baby solids must not kompliziert-- be for you or for your baby. Feeding your baby watch for willingness to sign start, choose the best food and decide whether you go to spoon or drop off baby led.

What she has her baby told he or she, for months - a fresh diaper, swings, playtime, and yes even if he or she is hungry. This is not change now. How your baby have you signed and signaled that it is time for a diaper change or breast feed or bottle feed, your baby shows signs of willing to be for solid food.

Some signs to look for are, your baby is very interested in your food, ability to sit well on its own, and the ability, way of things straight. This is important because your baby needs to signal that he or she both complete as is also hungry.

Many babies start, grab onto things and put them in the mouth. This is just a normal baby behavior, and it does not automatically mean that your baby wants to eat. Many babies do everything in their mouths! You want to bite just about things. Notice you your baby watching you eat from your in your mouth with interest to move, can he or she, however, ready to try the same thing to do.

The next button to start solids is to choose the right foods. Store-bought baby food can be comfortable, but not really much nutrition (despite the claims of their marketing departments), extract. They are processed food. Baby food is easy to do. If you make food for your baby at home, you control you the quality of the food - and what foods to get.

Good start foods for babies are vegetables and meat. If your family no history of allergies, you can fish also introduced fish. Vegetables vitamins and many minerals. Meat contains protein, fat and iron - a vital mineral that your baby needs to grow and be healthy. Many respected organizations around the world note that a good first food due to the high nutrient levels and strongly absorbable iron can. The Ministry of health and La Leche League are these organizations.

Try to choose organic foods when possible. Steam until soft and easily to mix foods purees.

Of course you can also decide whether you want to baby led to sell or use spoon feeding at this point. If you feed to spoon, wish you go puree food to purees - with their cooking liquid or broth, high-quality cream, or even breast milk or formula use.

But baby-led weaning is also an option. If you are using baby-led weaning offer food for your baby, which is about the size of his fist. Her baby can pick up this food and bite pieces of them - or there is likely only suck in the meat sector, and gnaw on it at first.

Many children do not "baby food" and baby-led weaning works well for them. Of course, as with all things you there should be precise with your baby. Your baby can gag on food - piecemeal or from the spoon. A little choking, how your baby learns to eat is normal, but if your baby is a very hard time it may be best to wait a week or two, and try again. Your baby may need only a little time.

Getting started with solids is not difficult. See your baby on readiness. If he or she seems interested in, prepare healthy, healthy food. Decide whether you issue spoon feed, baby led, or want to use a combination of both. Then immediately right in and enjoy the adventure of the introduction of new taste to your little one!

You want to learn more about how you easily eat that can prepare your baby is really lieben-- and helps grow your baby?

If Yes, please read my free videos here: make homemade baby food

Or want to keep happy and healthy great tips as your baby, while parent really enjoy (and you need to sleep, the)?

If so, get your free ResourceKit baby: the baby care Kit

Baby car seat glossary Guide

A seat for your child can buy the uninitiated parent technical appear at best. Is there a dozen terms designer and retail use, to describe car seats, their various accessories and features. Below you will find some useful tips for sorting through the riff raff and decide which functions and accessories that you really need for your car.

Important terms

Here are some important terms you familiar with should make before shopping for your child the first car.

LATCH - this stands for lower anchors ' and tethers for children. Now what the hell is, that you questions? Most of the vehicles built after 2002 have standard hardware in the seats, which contribute to car more easily associate the car. A safety harness to attach the car replaced a LATCH System in your car. The latch system is beneficial, because it makes not only a car easy to install, but it prevents slipping out of place in the course of time also. Do not worry you, if your car has a LATCH System. Almost every car seat with the strap you can install only. Some modern car seats, built after 2002 are specially designed for locking systems, but still can you with a standard belt as well as.

Convertible Car Seat - This is a seat that can include a child back in a position or an older child in an overlooking position. Some convertible seats also serve as a booster, when your child is almost old enough to drive with standard safety belt.

With a view to the rear - rear facing to only car seats that the back instead of the front points, your vehicle to face. A car seat must go to the rear all children of less than one year old and under 20 pounds. All children are back in, that is, they want to sit on the back of your car. Convertible car seats can rear facing or forward facing.

With a view to the future - us only car seats for children over 1 year up to about 3 or 4 years old. Convertible car seats provide an option for forward run, if your child is old enough, get out of the back before the position is.

High chairs - most children are not large enough, to a standard seat belt use, until about 80 pounds. Your child may be 5 or more before they can sit safely in a car with an adult seat. Helps a child seat to sit your child in the car and a standard safe to use seat belts until they are large enough, do without one. You can buy a separate seat or a convertible car seat that changes on a booster seat.

5-Point harness - a 5-point harness is a seatbelt restraint, which touches the base of the car in five places. The belt has two points located on your child's shoulders, one on each of your child's hips and between your child's legs. This belt is one of the safest.

3-Point harness - a 3-point harness contains safety belts that come over the head of the child and then snap into position.

T shield - This is the wiring harness, a form that looks like a "T" that drive snapshot of your babies in position. Hence the name looks a little like a shield.

Base - This is the part of a baby carrier that attaches to your car. You can align the infant carrier or car in position when the base is safe, and separate your infant carriers, baby out of the car to your destination to transport you. Some parents prefer to buy several bases for two or more cars, so they have the whole car seat to take out, when to switch cars.

Angle or level indicator - This is a feature at the most rear connected or convertible car seats, with the, you know whether it is the seat properly aligned.

Harness - this points only on the strap or belt used, attached to your baby safe in the car seat. Some dishes are to prevent with covers, chaffing of your baby's sensitive skin.

Leveler - This is a device, such as a noodle which help sweeping or leaning too far in one direction or the other can prevent a car seat.

Belt line -these are the anchors to hold securely in place on your car and the car seat for your child seat.

Ant Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years experience for consumers with informative articles on topics such as Baby Carriers, baby slings , and car seats

Car seat purchase advice and guidance - car seats for babies and children

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Choosing the Correct Car Seat

Choosing the correct car seat can often be very confusing as not only have you to ensure the correct size car seat for your child but that the car seat that you choose is also a correct fit for your car. Selecting a car seat that scores highly in the many test reports available is all very well but selecting a car seat that fits your car properly is probably the more important feature for your childs safety.

If you are in any doubt about which car seat is the correct fit for your car consult the car seat manufacturers web site as many of the leading manufacturers such as Britax, Maxicosi and Renoluxwill have a Fit Finder guide detailing which of their car seats are most suitable for your model of car.

All child restraints sold in the UK must conform to the United Nations ECE Regulation R44.03 or later version of the standard and must be clearly marked.

Choosing a car seat that is suitable for your childs weight and height.
Group 0+ Infant Carriers

Group 0: for babies upto 10 kgs (22 lbs) approximately from birth to 6-9 months.

Group 0+: for babies upto 13 kg (29lbs) approximately from birth to 12-15 months.

Group 0+ Infant Carriers

This group of car seat can be used in the front or rear of the car but CANNOT be used in the front passenger seat if there is a passenger airbag. It is safer to put them in the rear. Rearward-facing seats provide greater protection for the baby's head, neck and spine than forward-facing seats.

Babies should be in a rearward facing car seat and should not be placed in a forward-facing seat until they weigh at least 9 kgs and can sit up unaided. Babies should be kept in a rearward-facing seat for as long as possible. Once your child is above the maximum weight for a rearward-facing seat or the top of their head is above the top of the seat they should be moved into a forward-facing seat. It is not important if their knees are bent in the seat, provided they are still within the seat's weight range.

Convenience factor with this stage of car seat is that most models will have a carry handle enabling you to easily remove and carry the baby without removing them from the car seat especially handy if the baby is asleep and may also fit onto corresponding pushchair converting it to a travel system.

Group 0+ and 1 Car Seats

Suitable for Babies upto 18kg, Birth to 4 years approximately.

Ideal car seats if you do not have to constantly remove them from car to car or car to home. They are a much larger seat designed to protect your baby from newborn to 4 years approximately. The car seat is used rearward facing when using for a baby up to 9kgs. The car seat can be used forward facing once the baby has reached 9 to 13kg weight. Baby does not have to be forward facing until they are 13 kgs. It is important to check that this style of child car seat is compatible with your vehicle when fitted forward AND rearward facing. You must never leave baby asleep unattended in any car.

Forward-facing child seat

Group 1: for children weighing 9-18 kgs (20-40 lbs) approximately from 9 months - 4 years.

Once a child has outgrown a rearwards facing seat, the best option is to use a Group 1 seat with an integral harness, the large area of the harness helps to reduce the risk of injury if there is a crash. The bottom attachment between the legs will also prevent the child from sliding under, and out of the harness. They can be used in the front or rear of the car but it is safer to put them in the rear especially if there is a passenger airbag in the front. Once again it is safest to keep children in this type of car seat until they have outgrown it.

Only move your child to a booster seat once they have exceeded the maximum weight for the child seat or the top of their head is higher than the top of the seat. If you intend to use this car seat between two cars please ensure that the model of car seat purchased is suitable for both cars. It maybe simpler to purchase two seats each one fitting the car perfectly rather than buying one seat which may not fit either car perfectly as great care is needed to follow the seat belt routings and tighten well. They can also be car specific for correct fitting and not every child seat fits every car.

With this in mind it maybe worth checking out ISOFIX fitting car seats. This is a system that is intended to make fitting child seats quick and simple. All new cars are manufactured with ISOFIX points built into them allowing ISOFIX child seats to be simply plugged into the ISOFIX points in the car. This is a very useful development as many people find it difficult to fit child seats correctly and many surveys have found that a high proportion of the child seats are not fitted securely enough. Most child seats are currently designed to be fitted by using a car's adult lap and diagonal seat belt (or sometimes, just a lap belt). However car seats, seat belts and their anchorages vary dramatically between different models of cars. Car seats have different shapes, some seat belts are much shorter than others, the position of the anchor points differs so some are further forward or have shorter stalks than others. All these factors make it virtually impossible to make a child car seat that fits all cars and sometimes tricky to fit a child car seat correctly.

ISOFIX car seats are designed to solve all these problems. The ultimate aim is that any ISOFIX child car seat you buy will fit your car simply by plugging it into the ISOFIX points. The other benefit of ISOFIX is that it will create a rigid link between the child seat and the car to provide extra solidity. It is important to make sure that any ISOFIX seats that you use in the vehicle are approved for it. It is not yet the case that any ISOFIX seat will fit in every car with ISOFIX points. To fit an ISOFIX seat into some cars you may either to use a top tether kit or an ISOFIX car seat that has a drop down leg to stabilise the car seat to the car floor. Please ensure your car is suitable for whichever seat you choose by consulting the relevant manufacturers web site.

Group 2 Child Car Seats: for children weighing 15-25kgs (33-55lbs) from 4 to 10 years approximately.

If your child is over the 25kgs weight but is below 135cm in height it is recommended that the child remain in the seat. The majority of Stage 2 seats have a height adjustable back to allow you to gradually change the height of the back as your child grows; this also changes the height and angle of the seat belt, keeping it constantly in the optimum safest position. These seats do not have to be fitted to each car and will generally fit all vehicles without too many problems - sports car owners with bucket seats will need to choose a seat with a small base.

Group 1 & 2 Child Car Seats:

Suitable for children weighing 9-36kgs (20-80lbs) from 9 months to 12 years approximately or up to 135cms.

There is now a greater choice of car seats in this range than ever before. The car seat will include a child harness to be used up to 15-18kgs then the harness can be removed and the child seat can then use the adult car seat belt with most of these seats having an adjuster or seat belt guide so that the belt does not rub on the childs neck. The back rest of these seats will be height adjustable with some even having width adjustment as well.

Group 3 Child Car Seats:

Usually Suitable for children of 22kgs (48lbs) or 6 years upwards.

This child seat raises the height of the child so they can use the adult seat belt in the correct position.

WARNING:

No child seat is escape proof as harness systems are not designed to be completely child proof in order to comply with the legal requirements of ECE R44. The harness must be fastened and adjusted correctly with children encouraged to sit within the car seats harness.

If child seat has been involved in an accident or sustained any damage whatsoever it must be replaced immediately. Any damage to the car seat is not always visible such as the harness which is designed to stretch helping to prevent damage to the childs internal organs. This can only happen once with any further impact leaving the harness with no more stretch thus risking injury to the child.

This is why you should never use a second hand car seat.

If you allow your child to eat and drink in the car seat please ensure that you keep the buckle of the childs car seat clean as any food or drink that finds its way in may prevent the buckle and harness from working properly.

Nishik is an expert in baby car seat [http://www.just4baby.co.uk/acatalog/Baby_Car_Seats.html] buying advice and tips.

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