Whether you’re traveling to visit family members across the country or get away and go someplace warm, you’re not alone if you find yourself in an airport terminal this winter. Luggage checks and gate changes have become just as much a part of the holiday season as tinsel and eggnog, after all, and those of us with travel plans can expect long lines, beefed-up security measures, and a generally hectic airport scene.

This probably won’t come as much of a surprise. Traveling – especially airplane travel – can be an incredibly stressful experience these days. But the stress of navigating a terminal and catching a flight on your own is nothing compared to the challenges of doing this with your kids in tow. Certainly, we love our families and wouldn’t want to travel during the holidays without our children with us. Even so, dealing with a crowded airport and a delayed flight can be a lot for a parent to handle.

On that note, here are a few suggestions for being at the airport with your kids this holiday season:

Bring Food

If you have kids, you probably are aware that children often get hungry at the most inconvenient of times. While an airport terminal is usually brimming with food options, these choices are routinely overpriced, unhealthy, and require considerable walking, luggage maneuvering, and overall hassle. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with getting airport food – but it’s probably best to be prepared and pack a few sandwiches.

Take Turns

For those of you traveling with children and with your spouse, it’s a good idea to take turns watching the kids when faced with a lengthy airport delay. Have one spouse sit with the kids at the gate while the other can go to the bathroom, get food, and browse the terminal. Then switch off and repeat as necessary.

Have Distractions Ready

Most people come to airports equipped with books, movies, and other products designed to pass the time. Make sure that your kids (and you) come equally prepared. Your children should have books and games sufficient not just for killing time during the flight, but also to act as a good distraction in the case of an airport delay.

Be Flexible

There are plenty of variables that sit outside of your control when you travel by air. This is only augmented when children are involved; not only do you need to get your luggage through security, into the terminal, and onto the flight, but now you have to do the same for your family members. Ultimately, then, it’s always best to budget a lot of time, be patient when things get stressful, and adapt and react to circumstances as necessary.

Going on a vacation can be a great way to bond with your family during the holiday season. It can be a relaxing, enjoyable, and refreshing opportunity to spend valuable time with your spouse and your kids. But before you get to your destination, make sure that you are adequately planned for the airport and for everything it may throw at you.

Now, you are probably wondering how it works, right? I was thinking the same thing when I opened it up. The Journey Gym “utilizes a proprietary resistance system which allows for you to have between 5 and 150 lbs. of resistance providing a real strength training workout for your shoulders, arms, chest, back, abdominals, and legs.” Still trying to figure it out? Let me show you.

Here is what the Journey Gym looks like when it’s opened. There are resistance bands on both sides with different colors & resistance:

Orange – The orange bands are the lights and provide approximately 5 pounds resistance at 200% extension.
Blue – The blue bands are in the medium and provide approximately 10 pounds resistance at 200% extension.
Green – The green bands are the heaviest offer approximately 15 pounds resistance at 200% extension.

I asked the husband to join in and show me how to use the Journey Gym. My husband regularly exercises at the gym and runs 2 1/2 miles a day. He understands equipment like this and I do not. We popped in the DVD, opened up the gym, and got started. Now, the DVD is fast paced, so go ahead and have your gym open and ready when you put the DVD in. I would recommend for Journey Gym to go a little slower when showing how to put everything together, because we had to pause the DVD a couple of times to catch up. The Journey Gym is not hard to put together once you do it once, it requires:

1.) Removing the handles
2.) Removing the legs to turn the gym into a stair stepper
3.) Attaching handles to resistance bands of choice
4.) Attaching full set of legs

Once you have this done, you can continue on with some of the sample exercises on the DVD. The DVD will explain how to adjust the handles for your height and how to do the exercises. My husband played around with it for awhile to get used to it. I suggest doing this so that you will feel comfortable when standing on the gym, moving around on it, and getting used to how the handles and bands work. Comfort is the key to a successful workout.

Although I am the main person going to be using the gym, it’s going to take me awhile to get comfortable using it. I completed the first set of a ten minute exercise and the video was easy to follow along with and great for beginners. Although the DVD only comes with two set of exercise programs, you can join journeygym.com and get more exercises with music. I haven’t had the opportunity to do this yet, as I am still getting used to things. You need to:

1.) Sign up at journeygym.com
2.) Choose exercises from 180 different exercises
3.) Add the exercises to your workout timeline
4.) Once video is created, choose your music (100 songs)
5.) Save video, share it, your rip it to a DVD

For the next two weeks I will be working out on the Journey Gym. I will be taking pictures and a video to show my progress. As I become more comfortable with the gym, the more I will be able to share with you. So far the only negativity I have about the gym is the noise. Now, the gym itself and while working out does not create any noise whatsoever. But when I first tried the gym I attempted it while my daughter was sleeping. When opening the gym there are two loud clicking noises, once the gym is open and you are removing things you will need to get started, it’s not loud at all. When putting things away and closing the gym is when it’s loud – so be careful doing this during bedtime of nap time as we woke my daughter up three times. Keep in mind this depends on where your child may be sleeping, if they are a light sleeper (like mine) or a heavy sleeper. You may have no issues with this in your household, I just wanted you to be prepared for a “just in case.”

After two weeks I will be updating more about the Journey Gym and will be hosting an one month long giveaway for Pajama Mommy Readers. Participants in the giveaway will also be entered into winning a grand prize from Journey Gym.

Disclosure

2. A list of allergies.

3. Phone number for family doctor.

4. Insurance company phone number and insurance identification cards. Call your insurance company to verfiy their policy for emergencies and doctor visits specific to your particular destination.

5. A few basic childproofing items for the hotel/guest room (outlet plugs, cabinet locks, cord rollers, etc).

Travel Day
1. Carry your own emergency care guide on airplane (Baby MEDBASICS). Yes, you will have flight attendants but no you won’t have 911. Ultimately you are accountable for your baby’s safety so be prepared and don’t leave it up to someone else.

2. Carry the emergency info pack you so carefully created before leaving home.

3. If your child has a severe allergy or medical condition place a medic-alert bracelet on your child.

4. Carry a portable first-aid kit and small bottle of alcohol free hand sanitizer.

5. Pack 1 more diaper than you think you need (after your third flight delay . . . this my friend could be the biggest emergency you encounter).

When You Arrive
1. Make note of emergency numbers (not always 911) as well as your vacation address and the location of the closest hospital. You can ask a family member, friend or concierge for this information.

2. Suitcase dangers — Sometimes the biggest vacation dangers are actually packed in your suitcase. Make sure all medications, vitamins, cigarettes and cosmetics are out of reach from your little one. Ziplock bags are a start but don’t qualify as child proofing. Lock medications in the room safe and place all items high on a shelf out of reach.

3. Hotel room/guest room dangers — Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around the room. See what your baby sees and make the adjustments as necessary. Are there dangling cords? Exposed outlets? Matches? Irons?
Check the temperature of the hot water as you don’t know the hot water heater setting. By childproofing the room from the start you will make your life a lot easier and your baby’s a lot safer. According to the National Safety Council, the number two cause of injury-related death among children is drowning so make sure to take precautions regarding any swimming pool, lake or ocean. Prevention + Attention saves lives.

4. Sun damage — Take extra care to make sure baby is covered up as you most likely be spending more time outside than usual. Apply sunscreen (30 spf) every 2 hours and after swimming. Remember that your baby’s skin is thinner than yours and therefore burns more quickly than adult skin. Bring hats and umbrellas for shade. Offer plenty of fluids and watch for signs of heat exhaustion/ heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, red, hot, dry skin (no sweating), quick pulse, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea and unconsciousness.

5. Resort babysitting — Only hire babysitters from a trusted source. Make sure a background check has been completed and that a copy of his/her current drivers license is on file. Trust your gut. If your sitter arrives and you don’t have a good feeling either call for another sitter or cancel your evening. (I personally love sittercity.com) After your sitter arrives, allow time for your baby (and you) to adjust. I recommend leaving at least a 30 minute window. Make sure you leave your Baby MEDBASICS emergency care guide, a first aid kit with emergency information and your cell phone number.

© 2011 Luke Hermann, M.D. & Tara Summers Hermann, R.N., B.S.N., authors of Baby MEDBASICS®

Author Bios
Luke Hermann, M.D. & Tara Summers Hermann, R.N., B.S.N., authors of Baby MEDBASICS®, founded the company MEDBASICS® LLC. They live in New York City with their three children, Nicholas, Oliver Beckett, and Vivienne.

Helpful tips for traveling with your pet:

• Consider your pet’s needs. Distance, location, temperature, mode of travel, your pet’s health, age, etc. are all important factors to consider before traveling. Remember that your pet is very sensitive to change, and when stressed, the immune system is likely to become weakened, so be sure to boost immunity prior to travel.
• Packing & preparation. Remember the essentials like medications and medical records, food and bowls, a pet first aid kit, bedding, carrier, tags, and toys.
• Before any trip, make a quick stop at your vet to have your pet examined to make sure vaccinations are up to date, and to get any medications your pet might need, etc.
• Relaxing your pet. Anxiety and car sickness are two of the most common concerns amongst pet owners. For anxiety, take your pet on short trips regularly to help accustom him to traveling, and remember to bring a favorite toy or blanket. If traveling by car, make sure the vehicle is well-ventilated, and open a window if necessary.

Helpful tips for boarding your pet:

• Make a reservation. Boarding facilities become hectic during the holiday season, so be sure to book in advance.
• Find out what’s permitted. Certain toys may be dangerous for other animals and prohibited.
• Leave favorite items at home. Keep in mind that boarding facilities deal with many pets and owners a day, meaning that your pet’s favorite item may end up in someone else’s hands.
• Leave your emergency numbers. Always provide your personal contact info, and even the hotel or house you will be staying at just in case.
• If your pet is on medication, verbally tell someone in the facility about medication needs and also leave instructions.
• Bring the essentials. Include a list of feeding instructions for your pet along with an unopened bag of food. In some cases, there may be times when another animal eats out of your pet’s dish;  sending a fresh bag of food will ensure your pet has enough of his/her food to last while you are away.

“People should engage in simple and easy tire maintenance at least once a month; but it’s especially important to do this during the wintertime when unpredictable weather can have an impact on road conditions and driving in general,” said Chuck Yurkovich, vice president of global technology for Cooper Tire.

With many drivers choosing to leave all-season tires on vehicles for winter driving, ongoing maintenance becomes even more critical as industry reports indicate that 11 percent – or about 28 million vehicles – have at least one bald tire, and 55 percent of vehicles have at least one under inflated tire.

Cooper Tire advises drivers to conduct the following do-it-yourself maintenance checks that take less than 10 minutes a month to perform:

Examine tread: the only piece of a vehicle to touch the road is the tires, making tire tread a key factor in handling, cornering, accelerating and braking.

• Tire tread depth should be more than 2/32 of an inch deep all around the tire and drivers can check this by using a U.S. penny. Insert the edge of the coin into the tread with Lincoln going in headfirst. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread that means there is at least a minimum acceptable amount of tread; if the top of his head is visible at any location on the tire, the tire is worn out and it’s time to replace it. For winter weather driving, the more tread depth, the better.
• While examining the tread, also look for signs of uneven wear or damage such as cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges. These conditions shorten the life of tires and if not corrected, further tire damage or air loss may occur.

Test air pressure: tire pressure plays a critical role in the overall performance of tires as underinflation creates excessive stress on the tire, while overinflation can cause uneven wear in addition to handling and braking issues.

• Tire pressure decreases by about one pound per square inch for every 10-degree drop in outside air temperature.

• Drivers should follow the guidelines found in the vehicle owner’s manual or tire placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle door edge to determine the correct air pressure for their vehicle. A common myth is that the tire pressure listed on the sidewall is the optimal pressure, while in reality it is the maximum pressure.
• Air pressure should be checked when the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile.

Should any of these checks reveal the need for required maintenance – or when in doubt about the condition of their tires – drivers should take vehicles to a tire dealer for a professional inspection. Cooper Tire also recommends drivers discuss the need for winter (snow) tires with their tire dealer, particularly those in areas where winter ice and snow storms are prevalent.

“In areas that typically experience harsh winters drivers may want to consider replacing their all-season tires with a product made specifically for that severe climate,” Yurkovich said. “The key is to have those discussions with a trusted dealer before the first storm hits. Preparedness is key.”

About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company with affiliates, subsidiaries and joint-ventures that specialize in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car and light truck tires and has subsidiaries that specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies located in 10 countries around the world. For more information on Cooper Tire, visit www.coopertire.com, www.facebook.com/coopertire, or www.twitter.com/coopertire.

This year has been a crazy one, and I don’t think I’m the only one that can say that! I’m personally hoping that next year will be a little less hectic, and planning a stress -free vacation might be a good way to enjoy 2011. Whether you’ve already got a vacation spot picked or you have no idea where in the world you want to go, the internet is full of travel advice to help you out – with tips from restaurants to eat it and hotels to stay in to stores to shop at and tourist attractions in the area you’ll be visiting.

There are a lot of places in the world worth seeing, and some of those places may even be closer to you than you think. Whether you visit a city close to you or travel to the other side of the world, be sure to plan wisely so you can enjoy yourself!

I am always concerned about safety. I always have kids in the car whether they are mine or they belong to someone else I just am surrounded by children. I get absolutely nervous with driving other kids because of course you know they aren’t mine so if something happens to them you have to explain it to their parent or guardian as to what the heck happened. I dread that day.

However, I don’t dread it as much because of how safe my car is. I love the sedan it was just an easy choice. Not only was it a financially sound investment, it also met my “it has to look rich while not being expensive” needs I have of a car. Yes I can be shallow as we all can but heck if I’m buying a new car I darn well better be getting my monies worth in the looks department.

I have to say I have the best Camry out there. So far no other car can compare. I know other people love their cars but I don’t think they can honestly love their car as much as I do. I have to say my baby is pampered. I honestly don’t know if I could even get an animal or have children and share my car. I refuse to share my car with whom ever I am even dating at the time.

Yes I am that annoying person that makes you wipe your feet before you put your toes in my precious baby. I mean really I don’t want your dirtiness stinking up my gorgeous girl, she is too perfect to be sullied up by your icky shoes I tell you! I am constantly cleaning it out, taking it to the car washed and getting it waxed. She still looks brand new and will always look that way if I have my say in it!

It has to be my favorite car of all time. It is absolutely perfect for being a single woman to being a mother of four. I can honestly say my friends were jealous when they saw me pull up for the first time in my gorgeous new camry.

It is not the beautiful red you see here but a great hunter green. Green is one of my favorite colors so I couldn’t wait until I got my hands on a green camry. I have the 2009 edition so it is still relatively new and still oh so shiny and gorgeous.

I have to say I was first inspired by it since my own mother owned one for quite awhile and it lasted her the longest of all her cars, and when my brother in law purchased one I was beyond jealous that is when it sealed my fate I was saving my pennies for a down payment on my own Toyota. It really came down to whether I wanted a Camry or a Corolla but I have to say I loved the sporty look of the Camry.

If you own one please tell me how much you love it!

There is a lot to be said about taking a vacation and being able to save money. I like the fact that with my new bank I can actually pay for my amazing cruise while earning airline miles for a future vacation s0 I can rock the boat (pun completely intended) with it and kinda get a two-for in the end. I absolutely am so excited about this website. I can’t wait to start planning my trips.

My friend Donna and I are now on the look out for awesome packages for vacations because she nor I ever do anything for ourselves. We are always running around taking care of her kids, or work, or just every day errands and there isn’t a moment when you sit down and say hey this is for me. The only time I get that now is when I am on a date but even then you’re still preoccupied with the concern that someone else is enjoying themselves so partially it isn’t so much for you in the end. However, taking a cruise or any trip at all will definitely be all for me (and my guest). I cannot wait to start saving my pennies. I love this site since you won’t need that many pennies to get yourself on a fantabulous cruise! Heck, the cruises are say awesome you even have to make up a word to describe them…lets all say it out loud together. FANTABULOUS!

Medina, NY –

WHO: Thomas the Tank Engine

WHAT: • A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine

• An opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of The Railway

• Activities for the whole family, including arts & crafts, storytelling, video viewing, live

Music, Thomas jump tent, jugglers, clowns and a 204 ft long HO-Scale model train layout

• A special display at every DOWT location celebrating 65 years of Thomas the Tank Engine

• 2010 commemorative merchandise and giveaways, including a mini-view finder giveaway that   tells the story of Thomas’ upcoming adventure, Misty Island Rescue

WHEN:            May 7- 9 & May 14-16, 2010

TIME:               9:30 am-6:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday

11:00 am to 6:30 pm on Friday

WHERE:           530 West Ave.

Medina, NY 14103

Tickets for Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2010 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 866-468-7630, or by visiting http://events.hitentertainment.com or http://www.railroadmuseum.net Ticket prices are $18 for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply).

For more information and directions contact the Medina Railroad Museum at 585 798-6106 or www.railroadmuseum.net.  For information on Thomas & Friends, visit www.thomasandfriends.com

Since we’re gearing towards the time where we all like to take vacations before the summer comes I figured I’d tell you about a really great website that has deals on all sorts of cruises that I’ve found out about! The Caribbean cruises by Liberty Travel have 5 nights from $399! Their cheapest ones are the Bahamas starting at $169 so really you can’t beat that! With airfare etc, the prices are unbeatable. I dare you to find those prices at any of those places we all see commercials on! I am definitely bookmarking this site.

A couple of my girlfriends and I have been debating on what we’re going to do for a vacation. We’ve been tossing around some ideas. I know my one friend is counting our going to Blogher as a vacation but quite frankly a vacation does not include working! That is what we’ll be doing there so I really want to teach her the ways of a true vacation. Now that I found some cruises that are so inexpensive I will be informing her that is what we’ll be doing, no if, and, or but about it! Screw Vegas I’ll be taking a cruise!

Remember these aren’t the only great resources but they are valuable ones none the less so check them out today!

children in thousands of schools across the country. You can pledge here: www.WetOnes.com and take the Wet Ones Pledge.  Upon signing the pledge, consumers will also receive a downloadable coupon redeemable for $1.50 off a Wet Ones(r) product purchase, along with

information on how to help keep their family healthy, including a simple and effective Flu Prevention Plan developed by renowned pediatrician Dr. William Sears, M.D.

Keeping hands clean is the best defense against the spread of germs this cold and flu season. That’s why renowned pediatrician Dr. Sears is partnering with the Wet Ones^® brand, to educate families about his five-step flu prevention plan and how to help stop the spread of germs.

William Sears, M.D., is the father of eight children as well as the author of over 40 books on childcare. Dr. Sears is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Dr. Sears received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School’s Children’s Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto — the largest children’s hospital in the world, where he served as associate ward chief of the newborn nursery and associate professor of pediatrics. Dr. Sears is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a fellow of the Royal College of Pediatricians (RCP). Dr. Sears is also a medical and parenting consultant for BabyTalk and Parenting magazines and provides advice to millions of parents through his Web site, www.AskDrSears.com.

Tips to Help You Stay Healthy:
Regardless of other measures you may take to stay healthy, here are a few easy additional things you can do to protect yourself from the spread of germs and illness:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Use hand sanitizer gels, or antibacterial hand wipes like Wet Ones®, when soap and water are not available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent germs from spreading.
• Avoid people who are ill. If you feel sick, stay home from work or school and consult with your doctor.
• Stay informed, Visit the CDC Web site to follow the latest public health advice or call
  1-800-CDC-INFO. Have a plan to care for sick family members. If you live with someone who has the flu or flu-like symptoms, talk to your doctor about preventative methods to stay healthy.
• Stock up on household, health and emergency supplies such as water and non-perishable foods.

How Wet Ones® Antibacterial Wipes Can Help
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Wipes are useful for situations when you or your family come into contact with germs in public areas. In the absence of soap and water, Wet Ones® Antibacterial Wipes kill 99.99% of germs just as effectively as an alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer but they also clean away dirt and messes, and won’t dry out your skin like alcohol-based cleansers. Consider using antibacterial wipes to sanitize hands on the go.
For example:

• Travel – to wipe hands after touching tray tables, blankets or luggage during airplane, bus, or train rides (avoid the hassle of liquid gels at airline security)
• Shopping – Store in your car to clean hands after touching money or visiting common dressing rooms
• Commute to work – Carry in your purse or briefcase when coming into contact with banisters, elevators, escalators, and mass transit.
• At work – Keep at your desk to reduce germs on hands after using computer keyboards, phones, meeting rooms and shared kitchens
• Socializing – Add to your bag or purse for use after shaking hands, visiting restaurants or sitting in public areas
• School – if you have other children, pack in the backpack so they can use them as needed prior to lunch, after recess or between classes or when riding the bus

One of my favorites this year, by far is the 2009 Infiniti EX35.  Just look at that image!  Is that not one of the sleekest vehicles you have ever laid eyes upon?  Aside from the infiniti‘s feast your eyes out looks, it is an extremely versatile vehicle that does just about everything.  It’s easy to drive, has plenty of power (are you reading this fellas?) and has an ample amount of cargo room.  The Infiniti EX35 takes the best aspects from both car and SUV by combining them into one vehicle.

And the greatest aspects of this vehicle had to be saved for last– it’s features! I will only list a few of my favorites, as there are many amazing features to this particular vehicle:

• Cruise control (a must with my lead foot)
• Rear view camera
• Keyless ignition
• 5 person total seating capacity (hello third baby!)
• XM satellite radio
• Cargo area light
• Climate control
• Folding armrest with storage (we store tissues, hand sanitizer and sunglasses in ours)
• Rear door child safety locks

If you are in the market for a new vehicle, this is definitely one to take a look at.  If the features were not enough, then be sure to take a look at the packages available.

My parents agreed that security (especially when it came to the kids) was the best measure.  For Christmas, we are receiving a GPS tracking system.  You see, the reason for wanting the said device is this.  As a truck drivers wife, I am usually stuck doing things on my own.  After a long day of running errands, both children usually fall asleep in the vehicle by the time we pull into the driveway.  I am always scared to pieces about leaving my children in the car, but during these occasions, I am guilty of carrying them in one by one and delivering them to their beds.

I take the precaution of locking the vehicle before leaving a child in there by themselves for the two-three minutes they are in there, but it does not always give me the peace of mind.  Having the Victoria GPS Tracking System will give me a certain piece of mind because should someone steal my vehicle in that two-three minutes I am running one child into the house. Some of the details about this particular device are:

• Vehicle tracking by time and distance: every 10 seconds if the vehicle is moving at least 10 miles an hour; Every 20 feet if unit is moving less than 10 miles an hour.
• Alternative power options: Battery, or cigarette lighter adapter.
• Live (real-time) vehicle tracking as well as 90-day Historic Playback.
• International coverage
• Live technical support
• Clip for attaching to sun visor, pocket, purse.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
• Automatic alerts for violations of speed or geographic limits.
• Motion sensor
• Month-to-month billing; NO ANNUAL CONTRACT

System includes:

• Victoria Tracking System unit
• USB cable
• Wall charger

The holiday season is upon us, which means lots travel, unhealthy food, memorable moments, and our famous excuses such as, “I’m traveling, there are no healthy options!” and “I’ll work it all off when I get home.” A typical American may gain upwards of 15 pounds during the winter months, including holidays. Why put you and your body through this when there are simple tips and ways around the holiday bulge?

Whether you travel by plane, train, or automobile, the only things moving are the means of transportation.

When traveling by car, I suggest the following tips:

• Stop to eat instead of sitting in the car and going through the drive-thru.  For the budget conscious, this doesn’t have to be at a restaurant, there are some great sandwich shops that offer healthy and affordable meals!
• Take a break from the long drive and walk around for 10-15 minutes, this short amount of time can be a great benefit to your health.
• For close destinations, pack a picnic.  This is a great wayto get the family involved and find a great place to pull over and eaton the way.

When traveling by train:

• Get up, walk around and stretch as much as you can.
• Bring snacks to avoid over eating the full, typically, unhealthy foods trains provide. Trail mix and nuts are some of the best options to bring!
• Bring a book! The train is the perfect place to relax and stimulate your mind.

When traveling by plane:

• Power walk in the airport! Don’t worry, you won’t look weird, usually others who are late to their flights are doing the same so you’ll fit right in!
• Make sure you plan ahead.  If you are traveling internationally check to see if they offer a vegan menu or bring your own food to eat that you know you’ll enjoy.
• Snack frequently, never allowing yourself to over eat or binge at one sitting.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum while traveling, as well as caffeine, and sodium. All tend to dehydrate the body, and while flying it is important to stay hydrated, plus it helps prevent the dreaded jet lag!

With these simple tips, you can help keep the pounds off while traveling this holiday season! Remember, being prepared is the key to traveling success!

About Shauna Johnson

Shauna has a passion for healthy living, including living and cooking a healthy diet.  She has been the head instructor for flagship Wellspring Academy of California for four years, and has designed the curriculum for Wellspring Camps around the globe.  Shauna earned her Nutrition and Culinary Education degree at Fresno State University.  Shauna has also continued taking courses, including a recent “Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives” curriculum developed by Harvard Medical School in association with Culinary Institute of America.

Although my husband and I do not “own” a GPS tracking system, we have had the opportunity to witness the device at work first hand.  One of the devices I would most like to see up close and maybe even test out someday is LandAirSea’s newest GPS system, The GPS TracKing®.  From what I understand about this little contraption is that it is not much larger than the two AA batteries that power it, it operates up to 80 hours on a battery cycle and can be connected to your vehicle’s main power supply.  And most importantly, it does all of this at no monthly service fee.

You’re probably wondering how all of this actually works, so please let me explain.  The data is committed to flash memory in the GPS TracKing®. You then download via USB port to personal computer using the LAS Past-Track software package (included free with the GPS TracKing® purchase). There are three data viewing options: a daily text log; route display over animated digital street map; or route display on satellite imagery with Google Earth interface.

While this may all sound a bit “high-tech”  for some, I assure you that anyone can use this device to their advantage.

I am seeing two interesting trends in the industry these days.  First, people are booking their vacations closer to the actual travel dates, as they want to have the best picture possible of their life before they make the decision to book their travel arrangements. Second, I see the “power of the purse” in action, with more women making the majority of travel decisions and taking responsibility for booking family getaways.  I call it the “anti-Clark Griswald effect.”

So how do you get the most for your money when booking travel for your family? Here are five ideas to make family travel affordable this fall:

1. Picking the right destination: Deals are abundant, but especially at family destinations this year, so now you just need to decide where to go. Occupancy levels at popular family resorts were already low, and with families back to school the hotels have even more empty rooms. If you can steal a break with the kids this Fall, San Diego, Orlando, Hawaii and Los Angeles all offer amazing value this season and plenty of entertainment for your family.
2. Finding flights: Prices are great right now as airlines are trying to fill seats with earlier and more aggressive fares than normal fall sales.  Airline prices change constantly, so look for these low fares now and when you see a great fare, book it immediately. A handful of airlines still offer child discounts, but as a general rule, you will find a better deal if you look out for the lowest fares you can find online and special sales. These are inevitably lower than the full-priced child fares. You can sign up for sale and fare alerts with your favorite airlines and travel sites.
3. Consider All-inclusive resorts: All-inclusive resort vacations are a family’s best friend and are offering some of the best discounts I’ve seen in years. Perfect for a cross-generational family beach vacation – everyone can eat, stay and play at an all-inclusive with one set price. Plus, most resorts offer a “kids camp” so that the parents can enjoy some downtime with a fruity drink and a book by the pool-a rarity on most vacations.
4. Timing is everything: If you want to save even more money and score some incredible deals on flights or beach vacations, try between now and December 19th, when the demand and prices are low.  The next few months before the holidays are a great time to visit Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean for some of the lowest rates of the year.  Vacation packagers will often offer rates at 4-star All-inclusive resorts that include airfare for around $100 per day during these low-season times.  Often children under 12 are able to stay and eat for free at these resorts, so check around for the best pricing.
5. Booking holiday travel: If you haven’t booked your holiday travel yet, I would suggest doing that now.  October is a very good time to book travel because you will still see some good options on pricing and routes. I have a couple of recommendations to keep both your costs and stress in check. If possible, try to fly nonstop out of a popular airline hub.  You will find more competition among airlines and thus better pricing.  More importantly, by flying nonstop you will not get stuck at one of your connections with your tired and cranky family, nor will your luggage with all of the Christmas presents end up at the wrong airport.  If you do have to make a connection, try flying on the off-peak days of the holiday and when picking your routing, avoid hubs that get frequent weather delays. Finally, treat yourself well.  If you don’t want to sleep on grandma’s air mattress, check out the amazing hotel rates during holiday weekends. Business travelers who head home for the holidays leave empty hotels, which translates to great discounts to gain your business.  Or even better, leave the kids on the air mattress and enjoy a hotel getaway for yourselves.

Travel-Ticker.com just revealed its top babymoon deals throughout the U.S. by region so parents-to-be from all across America can enjoy a “last hurrah” before their new bundle of joy arrives.

Relaxing and Affordable Getaways by Region, to Enjoy Before the Stork Arrives
Travel-Ticker.com(r), the inspirational travel website home to some of the best insider deals at many of the world’s favorite destinations, has hand selected its top babymoon deals, by region, to inspire any soon-to-be parents to take a trip. With due dates just around the corner, and exceptionally affordable deals available on Travel-Ticker.com, expectant couples are sure to be looking for that one last bit of salvation before the life-changing and exciting experience of raising a newborn.

“Being a new mom myself, I can relate to all the soon-to-be mothers out there,” explains Barbara Messing, Vice President of Travel-Ticker.com. “It is great for a couple to take one last vacation before embarking on the life-changing experience of having a child and there couldn’t be a better time to do so. Travel-Ticker.com has some great and affordable escapes that can make the perfect babymoon a reality.”

Travel suppliers are lowering prices and offering fantastic deals to entice new customers, as hotel occupancy rates are down, inventory and availability are up. This is a win-win situation for couples looking for a babymoon, as the deals are better than ever right now.

Travel-Ticker.com has a multitude of available deals ranging from one week to four months out, making it an ideal place to find a babymoon. The site is also geo-targeted by region, ensuring that each person who visits the site will see the deals most relevant to them.

Here is the list of Travel-Ticker.com’s best babymoon deals by region, as determined by its dedicated team of travel experts:

• Southeast: Miami: 40% off renovated hotel by cruise port — from $59 – Valid now to September 30th. Whether you’re looking for great beaches, restaurants or shopping, Miami has it all.. Miami offers some of the best shopping in the world and 5-star rated restaurants for extreme indulgence – she’s eating for two, nonetheless. Fresh from a $30-million renovation, the Hilton offers guestrooms with Hilton Serenity Beds and a rooftop pool with views of the Miami skyline. You’ll be five minutes from the Port of Miami (cruise capital of the world) and 10 minutes from the beach.
• Southwest: $49 & up: 1-bedroom Scottsdale suite, any night, (reg. $179) – Valid now through November 1st. Couples can recharge and relax at this desert oasis. Right at the foot of the McDowell Mountains, the Scottsdale Links Resort is minutes from dining, entertainment and – of course – golf. Adjacent to the resort is the 18-hole TPC Golf Course, brand new and championship level. Post-par, relax in your suite (complete with private patio and kitchen). Other amenities include pools, hot tubs and WiFi access.
• Midwest: Chicago: hotels across the city on sale — from $65 – Valid now through September 21. Think tall skyscrapers and low hotel rates that leave extra cash to pamper the mom-to-be. Head to the spa, take an architectural tour of the city, or check out one of the city’s many free festivals such as the Chicago Country Music Festival at Grant Park in October. Travel-Ticker.com posted a hotels.com sale for dozens of Chicago hotels. Splurge at the 5-star Trump International for $225 or save at the Radisson – now $62.
• Northeast: New York City: 4-star hotel in Times Square — from $183 Got the small town blues? Then head to the Big Apple for some sweet deals. Travel Ticker(r) picked a deal that lets guests stay at the Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square for $183 – at that price you can even take in a show, possibly your last, at least for a while. Don’t forget FAO’s flagship store is in the heart of Manhattan and the perfect place to shop for toys
  and gear to spoil your new baby.
• Hawaii:  upscale Waikiki hotel w/breakfast and upgrade, $89 – Valid any night of the week, now-December 31.
  For expectant couples who want to spend what remains of their quiet time together to reconnect, relax and rejuvenate, check out this babymoon in Oahu at the 3.5-star Ilikai Hotel & Suites in Waikiki for just $89. An upgrade to an oceanview room with private balcony (regularly $150) and Continental breakfast daily are included in this low rate. The Ilikai has everything you need for your babymoon escape. Catch some rays at the pool and sundeck overlooking Waikiki Marina or stroll down to Waikiki Beach. For some authentic Hawaiian entertainment, join other guests for the nightly torch-lighting ceremony, or check out the Friday-night festival with Hawaiian music and a hula show.

Terms & Conditions: All offers are subject to change and availability. The travel offers in this email are provided by the above-named sponsors. Travel Ticker(r) is not responsible for the content, accuracy or completeness of the travel offers. Please see our Terms of Use for additional details.

Rather than dragging along a pack-n-play for our infant, we have found that using an infant travel bed is much more accommodating. Our infant travel bed has a collapsible frame, is lightweight and full of storage. We purchased the Eddie Bauer Infant Travel Bed, which came with two soft toys, a fitted sheet, and padded sides/bottom to make babies sleep more comfortable.

Now I know that not all infant travel beds are not created equally, so you should probably consider your options before making a purchase.  I am very happy with the Eddie Bauer Infant Travel Bed, but I also know people who prefer other makes/designs. Something else to keep in mind when making this type of purchase is how easy it is to clean, as well as to store.

I hope I have helped solved any sleeping dilemmas some of you PJ Mommy’s have when it comes to travel. And just remember, this is only ONE type of infant travel bed!

However, between driving to work, taking road trips and joyriding without care, teens are on the road a lot more in the summer months. It is no surprise, then, that data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows an annual spike in traffic accidents, injuries and deaths among young people in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor
Day.

As teens start cruising around this summer, it is important for parents to remind them how to stay safe behind the wheel. Below are a few quick tips for parents of teen drivers from http://www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.org.

Create a driving contract for your teen, and be prepared to stick to it. A driving contract is a great way to let teens know that driving is both a privilege and a serious responsibility. It also establishes clear expectations about driving for your teen: always wear a seat belt, never get into a vehicle with someone who’s been drinking, etc. A customizable contract template is available at http://www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.org.

Choose an ICE contact. All drivers should designate an emergency contact in the address book of their cell phones under the name “ICE” ? In Case of Emergency. Emergency workers in many towns check for an ICE contact in cell phones.

Set a good example. Practice what you preach. When parents run red and yellow lights, speed down the highway at 75 miles per hour, weave in and out of traffic, ride the bumper of the car in front of them and exhibit signs of road rage, they are telling teens that rules don’t count and this can be fatal. Be a role model for your teen.

“Parents can protect their children by putting them in booster seats every time they ride in a vehicle,” says Pamela Fuselli, executive director, Safe Kids Canada. “When installed correctly, a booster seat can reduce a child’s chances of injury or death by as much as 75 percent.”

Safe Kids Canada offers these tips for using a booster seat:

• A child is ready for a booster seat when they are less than four feet nine inches tall and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds.

• A booster seat lifts a child up so that the seat belt fits correctly. Both the lap and the shoulder belt must be used and will hold the child and the booster seat in place during a crash or sudden stop.

• There are two different types of booster seats sold in Canada:

A high back booster seat provides head and neck protection in cars without head restraints and a no back booster is used in cars that have adjustable head restraints or high seat backs. A child is ready for a seat belt when he or she is at least four feet nine inches or 80 pounds.

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of injury-related death for Canadian children. Every year, an estimated 100 children age 14 and under are killed and more than 10,000 are injured due to traffic collisions.

Safe Kids Canada’s mission is to lead and inspire a culture of safety across the country in order to reduce unintentional injuries, the leading cause of death among children and youth in Canada. As a national leader, Safe Kids Canada uses a collaborative and innovative approach to develop partnerships, conduct research, educate and advocate in order to prevent serious injuries among children, youth and their families. Our vision is Healthier Children. Fewer Injuries. A Safer Canada. Safe Kids Canada is the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children. For more information on child safety, visit http://www.safekidscanada.ca/ or call 1-888-SAFE-TIP.

I must say it’s about time that someone thought of this! There have been many times that I have found myself at an outing where the bathrooms outdoors were just so rank you couldn’t get near them or the line was so long you couldn’t wait. But the moment I remember the most was going in the great outdoors after stopping from a long car trip or bike trip and you get into position and go , and then stand up to find you totally missed the ground and hit the entire back of your pants! How embarrassing, and you just felt so wet and uncomfortable and stinky!!! This product eliminates all those problems with us girls going outside. GoGirl is soft and sanitary and PINK! How cool! It felt very feminine, and it even comes with some paper to wipe up with and a disposable bag if you choose not to rinse and reuse (which is perfectly OK to do) so go out and get a pack for yourself or give a pack to a friend who loves to travel or go camping or just loves to “Go”!

Check out the product at: http://www.go-girl.com for video testimonials, product design information and “how to use” instructions.

The American Camp Association (ACA) recommends the following ten tips parents can use to help their child deal with homesickness at camp:

* ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD’S INDEPENDENCE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend’s house, can simulate the camp environment.

* INVOLVE YOUR CHILD IN THE PROCESS OF CHOOSING A CAMP.

The more that the child owns the decision, the more comfortable the child will feel being at camp.

* DISCUSS WHAT CAMP WILL BE LIKE BEFORE YOUR CHILD LEAVES.

Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.

* REACH AN AGREEMENT AHEAD OF TIME ON CALLING EACH OTHER.

If your child’s camp has a no-phone-calls policy, honor it.

* SEND A NOTE OR CARE PACKAGE AHEAD OF TIME TO ARRIVE THE FIRST DAY OF CAMP.

Acknowledge, in a positive way, that you will miss your child. For example, you can say “I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp.”

* DON’T BRIBE.

Linking a successful stay at camp to a material object sends the wrong message. The reward should be your child’s new found confidence and independence.

* PACK A PERSONAL ITEM FROM HOME, SUCH AS A STUFFED ANIMAL.

* AVOID THE TEMPTATION TO TAKE THE CHILD HOME EARLY.

If a “rescue call” comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective.

* TALK CANDIDLY WITH THE CAMP DIRECTOR TO OBTAIN HIS/HER PERSPECTIVE ON YOUR CHILD’S ADJUSTMENT.
* DON’T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT ENCOURAGING YOUR CHILD TO STAY AT CAMP.

For many children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.

Most of all, parents should trust their instincts. While most incidents of homesickness will pass in a day or two, approximately 7 percent of the cases are severe. If your child is not eating or sleeping because of anxiety or depression, parents should work with the camp director and other camp staff to evaluate the situation. Remember, camp staff are trained to ease homesickness. However, don’t make your child feel like a failure if their stay at camp is cut short. Focus on the positive and encourage your child to try camp again next year.

For more information on homesickness, or expert advice on camp, visit www.CampParents.org.

HEADGEAR – Parents should consider packing items to protect a camper from the sun. ACA suggests that parents pack scarves, bandannas, baseball caps, or a sunhat, as well as needed eyeglasses, sunglasses, and swimming goggles.

CLOTHING – Clothing is a necessary component of camp, just don’t expect any to return home clean! ACA recommends families include T-shirts, a swim suit, and shorts for hot days; a jacket, sweatshirt, jeans for cool or cold days; and a raincoat or poncho for rainy days. Also, long pants will protect a camper from poison ivy, bugs, and thorns during hikes. Check with the camp to see if dress clothes are required.

FOOTWEAR – Appropriate footwear is one of the most important items to pack for children at camp, especially when they are hiking, spelunking, running, and heading to the beach. ACA recommends families consider packing boots, tennis shoes, sandals, lots of socks — and dress shoes, if the camp requires them. Remember that shoes should be broken in prior to the start of camp.

BED AND BATH NEEDS – For children attending a resident camp, parents should remember to pack the home basics. ACA recommends a family bring towels, as well as a blanket, pillow, pillow cases, sheets, sleeping bag, laundry bag, and mattress pad. Bathroom Kits are essential. Families should pack a brush and comb, shampoo, soap and soap container, toothbrush and holder, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, feminine products, sun block, shaving gear, and lip balm with sun block in it.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS – ACA recommends that parents pack some additional items including books and magazines, flashlights and batteries, Frisbees or other toys, a water bottle, and writing materials. When considering electronics,musical instruments, and other special gear, check with the camp about policies. ACA recommends that families prepare for camp together. Decisions about camp, including from what to pack, should be made together as a family. When children participate in the decision-making process, their likelihood of enjoying a positive experience is improved.

Camp is suppose to be a wonderful time, protect your child and keep in mind what you need to pack when you’re packing for camp. For expert advice on what to pack, or preparing for camp, visit ACA’s parent resource site at Camp Parents.

To help parents and caregivers ensure that infants, toddlers and older children are injury-free when away from home, spokes people from Safe Kids Worldwide and Toys “R” Us/Babies “R” Us have made themselves available to discuss valuable travel safety tips.  So what can you expect to hear from these safety experts?  Below are a few of their segment ideas:

#1: Prepare for travel – Make sure you are ready for the journey as well as the destination!

Sassy Comfy Grip Spoon & Fork:

•Safety tip: Soft, adaptable utensils should be included in your luggage to prevent the danger associated with infants and toddlers using adult utensils.

•Product info: Feed your children using silverware designed for their little mouths and hands. For children learning to self-feed, the soft handles provide a comfortable grip.

Misc – Safety Identification Card:
•Safety tip: Before leaving home, discuss travel rules, itinerary and emergency contact information with older children. If your child is too young to remember, safely store imperative information on or in his/her belongings. In case of emergency, such as an incapacitated caregiver, this information helps first responders, i.e. police and firemen, identify your child. This information should also be on your child’s car safety seats at all times.

•Product info: Clearly write important information about your child, such as name, date of birth, medical history and who to contact in case of emergency, on a sheet of paper. Adhere this paper to the back of your child’s car safety seat where it is not visible from outside the vehicle to ensure privacy. Or, include this information in your child’s backpack.

#2: On-The-Go Safety – Whether on the road or in the air, keep children safe while in transit.

Britax Boulevard Click ‘N Safe Child Restraint Car Safety Seat:
•Safety tip: When in transit, young children should be secured in a car safety seat that is certified for use in both motor vehicles and aircrafts. If your child rides in a car safety seat when in the car, he/she should ride in one when on a plane – the FAA strongly recommends children under 40 lbs. be seated in a child car seat on an airplane. At a minimum, babies under one year old and 20 pounds should travel in a semi-reclined rear-facing seat. Use an upright forward-facing car seat for as long as the harness permits. Make sure you know how to properly install a car safety seat – the best safety seat is the one that is right for your baby’s size and age, and is properly installed. Make sure the harness straps keep your baby properly positioned and secured in the car safety seat. Loose straps ineffectively restrain babies, putting them at a greater risk of injury. Safe Kids regularly holds car safety seat checks at Babies“R”Us – visit www.usa.safekids.org for information about events in your area.
•Product info: To prevent parents’ confusion about whether their child’s car safety seat harness is too tight or loose, the audible aid of the Click ‘N Safe harness makes knowing easy. A notable click is heard when the harness straps are snug. The seat also features True Side Impact Protection and the tangle-free five point harness has multiple heights for easy adjustments as your baby gets older.

3-Pack Snack Trap from Mossworld Enterprise:
•Safety tip: Minimize spills and avoid potentially slippery situations by giving your children snack containers that have sealed lids. If there is a spill and your baby needs attention, pull over, stop the car, then tend to the baby.

•Product info: The Snack Trap is an infant feeding product that minimizes wasted snacks and saves clean up time while allowing the development of self-feeding skills among infants. The lid automatically closes when your child removes his/her hands to prevent spillage. *Additional Safety Tip: Place something you’ll need at your next stop, for example a purse, lunch, gym bag or briefcase, on the floor of the back seat where the child is sitting. This simple act could prevent you from forgetting your child.

#3: Sleepover Safety – When away from home, create a safe and secure location for babies to sleep.

Crib Safety:

•Safety tip: If you must use a hotel’s crib or put your baby to sleep in borrowed/garage sale-purchased crib, inspect it carefully for loose, broken or missing parts or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware. Look up the model on www.Recalls.gov and www.Toysrus.com/Safety to make sure it isn’t subject to any safety notices. The crib should have a firm, tight-fitting mattress (no more than two fingers of space between crib and mattress). Be sure to use tight-fitting bottom sheets that are made for crib mattresses – never use adult sheets as a substitution.

•Product tip: (If the media interview is held in-store, display crib while referencing the safety tips. If the media interview is held in-studio, don’t take a crib.)

PackNPlay from Graco – Cherry Blossom:
•Safety tip: The safest places for your baby to sleep is in a JPMA (Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association) certified crib, bassinet or portable playard. Babies should never share a bed with a sibling or parent(s), nor sleep on couches, chairs, regular beds or any other soft surfaces.

•Product info: Playards are versatile and great for home or away. They are a safe place for your baby to play or sleep, and the changing table makes changing diapers convenient. The PackNPlay contains everything you need for your baby – a soft sleeping surface, bassinet for newborns, changing station and a source of entertainment (toys included). It conveniently folds into its own compact storage bag for travel.

Summer Infant Flat Screen Video Monitor:

•Safety tip: Keep a watchful eye on your sleeping baby with a baby monitor. Monitors have been used for decades, but advances in technology ensure that your baby is safe and secure – signals aren’t crossed with neighbor’s phones, video images are in full color and some even vibrate to allow parents to “feel” when the baby needs them. Monitors are small, portable and great for travel

•Product info: The Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor from Summer Infant allows you to see as well as hear your baby while moving around the house. It’s ideal for checking on your baby without waking him/her. Traditional lights and sounds alert you to your baby’s level of activity, and nighttime LED lights make your baby fully visible even in the dark of night.

#4: Out-And-About and Playtime Safety – Babies“R”Us offers a wide variety of products to make sure that your child is safe while playing and exploring a hotel room or loved one’s home.

KinderKord Child Safety Wristband Connectors:
•Safety tip: Actively supervise your children at all times. Keep them close to you and/or know where they are. Make sure your children know in advance that they cannot leave your side without permission.

•Product info: Make it easy to keep your little ones nearby – especially when in a crowd – with the KinderKord Child Safety Wristband created by newswoman Joan Lunden. You can stay safely connected to your child without having to hold his/her hand at all times. The retractable cords allow children the freedom to explore their surroundings and provides you with peace of mind knowing your child is within arm’s reach.

Summer Infant Tall Safety Gate and Other Safety Devices:
•Safety tip: If your travels include an extended stay at a friend or relative’s home, discuss the importance of creating a safe environment for your children with your host. Provide advice about installing safety devices (i.e. Cushiony edge/corner/fireplace guards; Door/cabinet/drawer/toilet latches and locks; Electrical outlet plugs/surge protector) in rooms like the kitchen, bathroom and nursery, as well as safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, in entryways and around a pool.

•Product info: Corner/edge/fireplace guards prevent cuts, bumps and scrapes and can be easily installed and removed. Gates installed at the top and bottom of stairs should be securely adhered to the wall while gates in entryways can be pressure mounted. Prevent curious children from reaching poisons and other harmful items, as well as from accessing unpermitted areas by using latches and locks on doors, cabinets, drawers and toilets. Cover electrical outlets and surge protectors to prevent children from sticking metal objects into outlets.

For more safety tips, visit the Toys “R” Us, Inc. website.  There you will find safety tips designed for the season.  We hope this helps you, as parents and caregivers, to make better choices where the safety of a child is concerned.

Our first impression of the car seat was shock. We could not get over the size of the car seat and how incredibly comfortable the seat looked. How could such a small seat look so comfortable? The cushions remind us of pillows! There were of course other things we noticed when we removed the seat from the box as well, but gosh- those cushions! It took a while for me to get over the cushions to realize how sleek the car seats design was.

After finding the owners manual in the box, we began to read about how easily the car seat could be converted and how easily adjustable it was- without having to remove the seat from the vehicle. How many car seats have you heard of that offer such simplicity? Our two years old current toddler seat has to be removed from the vehicle just to adjust the shoulder straps. But being the curious parents that we are, we couldn’t just take the manual’s word and had to find out for ourselves.

We installed the car seat into our truck and made all necessary adjustments to make the seat comfortable for our son and ventured our way around town to run errands. He has taken to this seat and has started to request that we bring it into the house during our family TV time. If that doesn’t tell you just how comfortable this seat is- I don’t know what will.

By investing your money into the Evenflo Symphony car seat, you are literally saving yourself hundreds of dollars without having to compromise the quality or safety of your child’s car seat. To make purchase this car seat, visit your local retailer. The Evenflo Symphony can currently be found at Babies “R” Us and Burlington Baby Depot.