Baby Safety Zone

The Scoop: The NEW Maxi-Cosi Coral XP

When we were preparing for our baby’s arrival, we tried to keep in mind what we did on a daily basis. We live in the city, but frequently visit family in the suburbs, and wanted baby gear that could work well in both locations. The Maxi-Cosi Coral XP has been a perfect fit for our lifestyle.

The four different carrying options allow me to keep my baby close to me no matter where I’m going. When I make quick stops to pick up take out, grab a few things at the market, or run errands, I only have to take the lightweight inner carrier of the Coral XP and carry my baby using either the handles or cross-body strap. I’ve found these to be way more comfortable than the traditional handle found on other infant car seats, too.

When we visit our family, we simply attach the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP to our stroller and take long walks. At home, we have to climb a few flights of stairs to get to our apartment, so being able to wear the lightweight carrier while having another hand free to bring up our bags or groceries is super helpful. I really appreciate the super soft PureCosi fabrics the Coral XP has since I prefer not to have added flame retardant chemicals on my baby gear. In general, the fabrics are easy to clean and retain their original color and softness even after a couple post-blow out washes. The canopy is a breathable material and provides ample sun protection.

The base is easy to install: the retractable LATCH connectors hooked right onto the anchors in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I love how you can hear the LATCH tighten as you push the base down! We’ve installed the base using the seatbelt instead, and it was simple to do. The Coral XP’s belt path feature has been especially convenient for when we use a rideshare service to get around. The color-changing safety indicators around the base make me feel confident that it’s installed properly every time. There’s plenty of room between the passenger seat and the Coral XP and we’ll be able to comfortably fit another car seat when the time comes for baby #2. The load leg is an added safety feature that we’ve used from the start: we really wanted an infant car seat that offered this!

Overall, the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP has been the perfect choice for our family and has made our day-to-day life so much easier. We absolutely love it and will definitely recommend it to our family and friends!

Thank you to Maxi-Cosi for making this sponsored post possible.

Our Fav Picks: Travel Car Seats

by Christine Swearingen 1 Comment

Traveling with babies and toddlers can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! I went from a mom who swore she would never bring an infant on a plane to flying across the country every 8-12 weeks with a growing newborn (and big sister) in tow! Whether your little one is rear-facing or forward-facing, needs a 5 point harness, or just a booster seat, we have our favorite travel car seat picks for you!

The first question to ask yourself is do you need to bring a car seat? What parts of your trip will be in the air vs. on the road? Most airlines do offer an option for a “Lap Infant”, and you should check with each for their definition and guidelines on what that means. This option is there to save you money, and promote families to fly. However, both the FAA and the NTSB recommend children under 40 lbs to fly in an approved restraint. Once you land, how are you getting to your destination? In some areas, you can find a car service (or even Uber) with a child seat option or upgrade. Will you be traveling around while you are there? This was the defining factor for me (along with the 6-hour flight) to start purchasing a ticket for my child and bringing a car seat along with us. Whether you decide to check one at the ticket counter or curbside, gate check, or buckle up on board, the next step is to select the right type of seat for your child’s height and weight.

Infant Car Seats

Infant Car Seats are already designed to be portable; they are lighter and smaller and most configure to snap directly onto your stroller (which will allow you to push it through the airport and remain hands-free!). When selecting my infant seat, it was important to me to choose an infant car seat with a European belt path feature (which enables you to wrap the shoulder belt around the back of the carrier) to allow you to easily install the car seat without the base.

The Cybex Aton 2 car seat offers outstanding safety and convenience. At 9.5lbs, it is lightweight for easy carrying and installation. It features a linear side-impact protection system (a little piece that extends on the door facing side of the installed car seat) that offers increased safety (it absorbs up to 25% more impact) during a side-impact collision. The extra-large sun canopy can be extended incrementally, offering not only UPF 50+ sun protection but also shield against wind and rain. The largest cons about this seat are that the price is on the higher side compared to other infant car seats and it does not feature a no-rethread adjustment for the harness.

Rear Facing, 5 Point Harness

Once babe exceeds the height and/or weight limit of an infant car seat, it is time to move up to a convertible car seat. The CDC recommends that a rear-facing car seat be used from birth until ages 2–4. They continue, that for the best possible protection, infants and toddlers should be buckled in a rear-facing car seat, in the back seat, until they reach the maximum weight and height limits of their car seat. The bummer about this for travel is that for the most part, convertible car seats are enormous, heavy, and not easily transferred from car to plane to car. So it became my mission to find one that was the exception to this rule.

At just under $50 and 7 lbs the Cosco Scenera Next is the perfect, affordable solution to the convertible car seat travel blues. While it doesn’t attach to a stroller, it is so compact that we were able to use ours (sans baby) to maneuver around the airport with ease. The seat pad doesn’t offer a ton of cushion, but it is easy to remove, machine washable, and dryer safe which was a huge comfort for those airplane ickies. The largest con about this seat is that the top harness slots are low, so babe might outgrow the straps before they reach the weight/height limits. It is also rather large, so if you are using it as an extra travel seat, make sure you have a place to stow it in the offseason.

Forward Facing, 5 Point Harness

The AAP advises that all children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their manufacturer. While some children may reach the minimum weight for a booster seat or high back booster, they are still safest in a 5 point harness.

I cannot say enough good things about the WAYB Pico car seat. We were initially planning on only bringing one with us, but immediately went and purchased a second. Made from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, it is light (just 8 lbs), strong (it absorbs energy forces in a crash), and foldable (making it super easy to carry and store). Their ASTROKNIT™ fabric is breathable and ergonomic, keeping little travelers comfortable and it can be installed either with a one-click LATCH connection or a car/airplane belt. The price point is high, and it can only be used forward-facing, but if you are a frequent traveler or in/out of taxis often this is an excellent choice for you.

High Back Boosters

When babe is mature enough to move on from their 5 point harness, but not yet tall enough that the vehicle seat belt fits properly, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat (typically until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age). Previously, there was a gap in the travel market to support kids in this size range (there are many options for your day in and day out use), which is what makes the “the world’s most portable booster” so smart.

The mifold hifold fit-and-fold booster is an adjustable highback booster with unique “multi-fit” technology that can be adjusted to 243 individual settings. This means that it grows with the child to ensure optimal seat belt fit and comfort. Weighing just under 10 pounds, its lightweight design and handy carry strap make the hifold great for travel or moving from car to car. The hifold is not suited for use on aircraft (as it requires the use of both a lap and a shoulder belt system), however, it folds small enough to fit underneath an airplane seat (resulting in 1 less thing to check!). At the absolute smallest settings, my petite 4.5-year-old felt comfortable and confident and her only complaint was that she couldn’t see out the window! My last note is that this seat cannot be attached with a Latch system, so remember to buckle it in (or fold it up!) when your child is not with you.

Whether your travels are by land or air, these travel car seats have you covered! These car seats are our favorite picks for traveling safely.

Your Road Trip Essentials from Summer®

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Going on a road trip with your little one? Grab these gadgets from Summer® before you hit the road to make sure it’s a safe and happy trip for everyone.

The Pop ‘N Sit® Booster: Activity Floor and Booster Seat in One

The Summer® Pop ‘N Sit® Booster is the perfect booster seat to keep your little one comfy the whole road trip. This infant seat beats boredom with its built-in activities to keep your kid happy and smiling. Plus, it has super functional features for you and all the other adults tagging along.

Built for both indoor and outdoor use, the Summer® Pop ‘N Sit® Booster is suitable for kids ages 6 months to 4 years, with a capacity to support up to 37 pounds. It’s fast and easy to assemble and, when you don’t need it anymore, it folds up to be super compact and totable. The Summer® Pop ‘N Sit® Booster even comes with a carrying bag.

When in use, you can utilize The Summer® Pop ‘N Sit® Booster’s storage pockets while your baby rides safely in the chair’s car seat mode. You can set this car seat to be facing you or the world, while they sit cozy inside the 3-point safety harness. The adjustable recline adds to the comfort and functionality.

The Myria™ Travel System: Go Everywhere Essentials

If you find yourself travelling often or if you’re in for a long-haul and want to be sure your little one will be safe and cozy, you should opt for the all-in-one Summer® Myria Modular Travel System with the Affirm TM 335 Rear Facing Infant Car Seat.

When out and about, you can turn the Summer® Myria Modular Travel System to its infant carriage mode, too, with the stroller seat easily transforming into a hand carrier. Meanwhile, the extra-large canopy means you can use it to keep baby protected no matter the weather.

In carrier mode, a peek-a-boo window allows for silent check ups while the breathable mesh fabric gives your child plenty of airflow to keep them comfortable. It works for toddlers as well, proving that this multifunctional product is one your family is going to grow with!

In the car, or on a road trip, you’ll also enjoy its large storage basket, which allows you to access any and all of your belongings or the snacks and toys you’re carrying for your kiddos while on the road. What’s more, the bumper bar features a snack tray and cup holder for your little one, plus a removable cup holder for you, too!

Mess-Free Travel Companions

The Summer® Pop ‘N Sit® Booster or Myria Modular Travel System may just be your best friend on your next road trip, but they’re not just multifunctional — they’re also super durable, allowing them to last for years within your family and beyond.

Spills and messes are inevitable when you have little kids in the car, but you don’t need to worry about them here. These Summer® products feature removable and machine washable fabric along with a removable, dishwasher-safe tray so that messes never have the chance to impact your road trip fun.

Summer® offers the ultimate travel seats for any adventurous family who wants to include their little ones in the most effortless, enjoyable way possible. So, which one are you getting?

Thank you to Summer® for making this sponsored post possible.

Maxi-Cosi Coral Infant Car Seat Video Overview

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Best Cool Mist Humidifier: The Crane USA Humidifier

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

That first cold. Oy. Poor little babe is sniffling, coughing, being introduced to devices that go up their nose—it’s not really fun. For either of you. But, the amazing part of that first cold? You learn about a laundry list of items that become your go-to sniffle staples.

One of these essentials is a cool mist humidifier, and luckily, we found the best one. Say hello to the Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier—the genius, filter-free option that is the key to peaceful Zzz’s.

Moist air is essential for stuffed baby nostrils (and adult nostrils for that matter). It makes it easier to breathe, especially when you’re congested and not enjoying that new-to-you annoying feeling. It helps babes sleep better and eat with a little less frustration. Humidity also makes it easier to clean mucus-filled noses—anything to make that job easier, we’ll take it.

Since the goal is to promote sweet snoozes, the Crane’s quiet-as-a-whisper sound doesn’t interrupt babe’s favorite lullaby. Plus, unlike many other humidifiers that require a great deal of cleaning to prevent bacteria build-up, the anti-microbial material reduces mold and bacteria growth by up to 99.96%. It also shuts off automatically when the water level gets low—one less thing to worry about at 4 a.m.

We love the incredible range of colors and styles that beautifully complement its aesthetically pleasing design (a next-level stylish option that outdoes the bulky tank). In addition to the rainbow of awesomeness available, you can also choose from Hello Kitty, an elephant, frog, monkey and more.

If you don’t yet have a cool mist humidifier, you might want to purchase one ahead of the first cold—to avoid that midnight trip to the pharmacy. Good luck! Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Check out some of our favorite posts here:
Nursery Essentials: Crane Penguin Adorable Humidifier
Social Distancing Gift Guide AKA Virtual Hugs
Baby Keeps Getting Stuffy Nose? Try These Tips!

Best Zip-Up Baby Swaddle

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that seems to be the case for our top baby swaddle pick, the Love to Dream Swaddle. When founder Hana-Lia Krawchuk had her first child, she quickly realized that he slept better with his arms up, out of the constraint of the baby swaddle; after much research and reading, she found that medical science suggests that babies really can sleep better if they have access to their hands for self-soothing. Using her skills as an experienced fashion designer, Hana spent many hours, days and weeks refining, simplifying, sampling and resampling the very first version of the signature Love to Dream Swaddle UP baby swaddle. By the following year, Swaddle UP hit the stores, and the Love To Dream story had begun.

So, what makes the Love to Dream Swaddle UP Original baby swaddle different than other baby swaddles? Simply put, the Love To Dream Swaddle UP Original is the only zip-up swaddle that allows babies to sleep in the natural position with hands safely up in the wings. Allowing babies to sleep safely with their arms up may actually help babies sleep better – and when babies sleep more soundly, the whole house does! This baby swaddle is revolutionary for helping babies sleep longer and more soundly. For, the way babies settle themselves to sleep is by sucking on their hands and gently rubbing their cheeks; this is called self-soothing, and this helps baby fall back asleep, and makes for a better sleep for parents as well. By having their hands safely out of the swaddle, babies can help themselves self soothe back to sleep.

Love to Dream has recently released their limited edition Swaddle UP Rainbow pattern created to celebrate Rainbow Babies. $5 from every purchase will be donated to First Candle, a charity dedicated to reducing SIDS and providing bereavement support for families.

A baby swaddle is also known for keeping babies feeling snug, as they did in the womb, and the Love to Dream Swaddle UP mimics that feeling as well. The snug fit over the torso makes babies feel secure, as in the womb, and helps to calm their natural startle reflex. From waist down a hip-healthy design allowing hips and legs to flex naturally, so baby can comfortably move around without the worry of anything near baby’s face, such as a blanket. Since their hands are covered, but accessible, the Swaddle UP baby swaddle is ideal for babies with sharp little fingernails since they can soothe themselves by rubbing their cheeks without the worry of scratching themselves. Parents love the Swaddle UP Original because it allows for babies to have access to their little hands and can suck on them, rub their hands on their face, and thus self-soothe.

Love to Dream didn’t just consider parents when creating Swaddle UP baby swaddles, however, they also created it to make life easy on the family, too! The Love to Dream Swaddle UP baby swaddles feature a genius two-way zipper for easy diaper changes; this means you don’t need to take the baby out of the baby swaddle for those dreaded middle of the night diaper changes – simply zipper and you’re good to go back to sleep. Plus, a traditional baby swaddle can be a little tricky to master at times, which means you run the risk of someone swaddling the baby incorrectly; however, the Swaddle UP baby swaddle is easy to put on and off for family members, babysitters and others. There is no learning curve as with traditional swaddling with a blanket, and there are no worries about unraveling when baby sleeps.

Love to Dream not only makes baby swaddles for infants, but can grow with your child as well. The Love To Dream Swaddle UP™ 50/50 (Stage 2) features zip-off wings, so as baby gets older and doesn’t need to be as tightly swaddled, they can have their hands free; and the Love To Dream Sleep Suit and Sleep Bag (Stage 3) of the Love To Dream sleep system are a safe way your toddler can sleep without getting overheated or worry about blankets. If you’re going to be adding swaddle blankets to your baby registry, skip the traditional blanket and opt for the Love to Dream Swaddle UP baby swaddle, as it will not only help baby sleep better, but make your life easier, too!

Find the Love to Dream Swaddle at Target here.

You can find Love to Dream on Instagram and Facebook, too. Looking for the best diaper pail to add to your registry? See why we love the Dékor Diaper Pail.

Essential Innovative Baby-Proofing Products

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

When it comes to baby-proofing, it seems as though you can never start too early, and there’s always something you’re forgetting to baby-proof! Many parents are confused by all of the elements of baby-proofing, and traditional baby-proofing methods are clumsy and take away from all the charm of your living space. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce you to Qdos, who believe both in a higher standard of safety, and that baby-proofing does not have to be ugly! Read on to see some of our must-have baby-proofing essentials and learn why Qdos‘ baby safety products are an essential for any household.

Qdos began with a simple question: How “Safe” is “Safe Enough”? The children’s home safety market had seen very little innovation for decades, and as parents, they were frustrated with products that didn’t perform. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention, and they knew there was a better way—A Higher Standard of Safety.

Qdos offers a range of products including beautiful, high-quality crystal baby gates, baby gate accessories so you don’t have to drill into your banisters or baseboards, home safety essentials like drawer latches and outlet plugs, and their award-winning Zero-Screw Furniture Anti-Tip Kit.

Qdos products all meet the toughest European Safety Standards as well as US and Canadian Standards, and are designed to be easy to install AND to complement your home’s style—babyproofing doesn’t have to be ugly!

To learn more about Qdos and check out all of their products, click here; and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see one of their baby gates in action? Check out this video from Shenae Grimes Beech!

Thank you to Qdos for making this sponsored post possible.

Child Restraint Systems Finalist List: JPMA 2020

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

The Child Restraint Systems finalists for the JPMA 2020 Innovation Awards have arrived – in style! These child restraint systems are the best of the best to ensure baby is safe and sound on all of your adventures.

WINNER! CYBEX Sirona S CYBEX’s new Sirona S is the first convertible car seat in the U.S. to feature an innovative 360° rotatable seat with a load leg. Its innovative rotating feature makes switching between rear-facing and forward-facing positions quicker and easier than ever by eliminating the need for re-installation and providing a convenient entry/exit position that reduces uncomfortable lifting for the parent. The Sirona S load leg stabilizes the seat and can significantly reduce crash forces. The Sirona S also features SensorSafe™ technology that syncs with a caregiver’s smartphone to provide alerts when a child is left unattended after the car turns off, a child unbuckles themselves, or the ambient temperature around the child becomes too hot or too cold. Get it here>>

Child Restraint Systems Finalist: Carfoldio hifold the fit-and-fold booster The hifold fit-and-fold car booster seat is the world’s most adjustable and portable booster seat. The unique “”multi-fit”” technology adjusts independently for height, head width, body width and seat width to 243 individual settings. This ensures optimal belt fit and comfort for children of all body shapes and as they grow. hifold is also the world’s most portable highback booster. The “multi-fold” system allows hifold to easily fold down for portability and storage. hifold comes with a built-in carry strap and at only 10 lbs is easy to carry around. hifold is regulated in the US (NHTSA standard FMVSS 213) and in every country worldwide (Australia is still pending), so it is ideal for taking anywhere on vacation. Get it here>>

Child Restraint Systems Finalist: Safe Traffic System, Inc. Ride Safer Travel Vest The Ride Safer Travel Vest is an alternative to child seats and booster seats for children 3 years old and up. Very light, portable, easy to use and convenient, Ride Safer Travel Vests offer an alternative to heavy and bulky car seats and booster seats for parents and caregivers on-the-go. Taxi, Uber public transportation and air travel is made much easier. It is certified as a Harness under FMVSS 213 so it can be used with a lap-only seat belt with a tether or with a lap and shoulder belt with, or without, the tether legally in all 50 states plus many countries worldwide. Get it here>>

Child Restraint Systems Finalist: Maxi-Cosi Coral XP Infant Car Seat Designed for giving you an extra hand. Carry your baby with ease, comfort and convenience. The Coral XP is the first-ever integrated car seat and carrier system and was built for helping parents move about with ease. The Coral’s revolutionary Lightweight Inner Carrier can be seamlessly removed from the car seat’s Outer Shell. And, with a specially designed, first-of-its-kind cross body flex-strap, the Coral lets you go through your day with ease, so you can get things done, and pinch those cheeks every chance you get. Watch the Maxi-Cosi website for a launch!

Child Restraint Systems Finalist: Britax® B-Free Premium Travel System with Endeavours Infant Car Seat (Clean Comfort) Travel in luxury, wherever you go with the B-Free Premium Travel System. The stroller is made with a stain-resistant, Nanotex-treated fabric, and a wicking seat liner that’s removable for easy cleaning. Plus, the leatherette handlebar is stylish & adjustable. The expandable canopy is ventilated for a cooler ride, and the no-rethread harness easily adjusts as your child grows. When you’re ready to roll, fold the stroller in seconds with one hand. The Endeavours Infant Car Seat combines trusted Britax Safety with stain-resistant Nanotex technology, wicking fabric and extra padding for a clean, cool, comfortable ride. SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to secure & tighten the base. When you’re on the go without the base, securely install the seat using the European Belt Guide. Get it here>>

Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Installing a car seat can be a frustrating task but not with the new Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat. Britax’s One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat has changed car seat installation forever. Gone are the days of blindly threading the seat belt through a car seat and hoping the installation was correct. Click Tight technology allows you to easily pinch open the seat, insert the seatbelt through the seat and click the seat closed. It is as easy as buckling a seatbelt!

At Gugu Guru we love the long lifespan of the One4Life. It can be used from birth (5 pounds) to 120 pounds. The One4Life can be used both rear and forward-facing and has a 10-year expiration, eliminating the need to purchase multiple car seats.

In addition to a long list of the great safety features, Britax has kept your child’s comfort a top priority. The One4Life has nine different recline positions, stay-put comfort pads to prevent neck rub and ventilated mesh for maximum happiness during car trips.

If you are registering for your little one or want easier car seat installation, consider the Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat. Thanks to Britax for sending a One4Life for testing. The thoughts mentioned in this article are my own.

Learn more or purchase the Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat on Amazon here.

Like this review? Check out the Larktale Strollers Review by The Gugu Village.

Best Cool Mist Humidifier: Crane

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

Why do you need the best cool mist humidifier? Three words: that first cold. Oy. Poor little babe is sniffling, coughing, being introduced to devices that go up their nose—it’s not really fun. For either of you. But, the amazing part of that first cold? You learn about a laundry list of items that become your go-to sniffle staples.

Crane just released their top fill humidifier, which is easy to fill, dishwasher safe and super easy to clean. It comes with an aroma diffuser and optional color changing nightlight.

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Baby Safety Zone

The Pop ‘N Sit® Booster: Activity Floor and Booster Seat in One

The Myria™ Travel System: Go Everywhere Essentials

Mess-Free Travel Companions

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