Friday, October 31, 2008

The Sacrifice of Our Innocent Ones


Psalms 106:38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.


The hands holding this little body were clothed in yellow gloves for protection against blood, disease, and other grime. As I looked at the picture, my heart was stalled for a moment. Like a car that suddenly stops for no apparent reason. I gasped, sighed, then caught my breath. There were two legs laying limply down from the body. You could see the back including the little bottom of what was a baby. Up towards the neck, the blue skin and red blood revealed the destiny of this little one. A deep protrusion one half inch wide and moving along the spine off to the right a bit the length of the backside. Below the hands, off to the bottom right you could see a portion of a blackened lump. It was hard to tell what it was, except the small ear on one side. This was the babies' head. The baby was limp, blue, covered in blood with a deep cut most of the length of its body. It looked like a full term infant.


Like a prize draped over the persons hand who was holding it, the sheer gruesomeness set it. The baby resembled a gutted animal ready for the butchers' block. There was Blood everywhere. As I looked at this baby, I could see what we have been doing in the hollowed halls of our hospitals and clinics, slaughtering babies. They had not just intervened in a woman's pregnancy, but they had murdered and sliced up what looked like a full term baby. There is even evidence today that reveals some in this profession sell the baby body parts. I had seen other pictures, mostly of pieces of skin so mangled you could not tell what it was. Just aborted remains, not human. Wait, they are human. They are babies. These pictures though, revealed something that America has done. We have crossed the line along with other nations who reasoned within themselves this butchery is okay.


America has no conscience. We still have memories of 911though. What we fail to see are the millions of babies aborted since the Roe V Wade decision years ago. According to public records, there have been an estimated 40 to 44 million babies aborted. We abort babies for a number of reasons. Let me tell you a first hand story here. This is an actual event. About two years ago a person whom I knew needed work. This woman went to work for a person on a short project. For this she was paid very well. After it was over, the young lady, whom we knew very well disappeared over the weekend. We knew she had been pregnant so when she got back from wherever it was she went to, surprised filled us at the news. The young woman had gotten an abortion. The money paid to her was put with other reserves for the procedure. The sad part of this story is several months later, she was pregnant again. This time by a different man. They ended up keeping this baby. This scenario is played out in our nation on a daily basis. The sin of abortion, free sex, and loose morals have a deadening effect upon our nation and its people.


When girls want sex, they go get some. Boys need sex they go find a willing mate. Our nation is adrift in this three-letter word we call sex. Then when the girls get an unwanted pregnancy, they have this go get an abortion option. It seems in many cases the only reason we are aborting babies is so the result of the sin is not there to put up with. Have sex, get pregnant, get an abortion. Three steps to fun and freedom. Have sex, its okay, nothing to worry about. Anyway, you can always get an abortion. What about the little ones who are aborted? They did not ask to be murdered in this fashion. But yet we do it day after day.


Women want rights. It's their body. I agree. But whose body do those little ones belong to in the womb? Did the woman make the egg? Did the woman create DNA or Chromosomes? Did man call out to the creative forces and presto with magic create a baby? No. Simply put, a source higher than either man or woman has the last say so. His name is the Lord and he stands up for the innocent. He watches this nation as it slaughters 4,000 infants a day1. Statistics reveal that for every 1000 normal births, 572 babies are aborted.2 Women 25 years or younger are getting 52% of the abortions, with 19% of those women being teenagers.3 The astonishing figure of women that are unmarried is at 82%,who are getting abortions. This reveals just how immoral we are in America. What happened to morals anyway? Can you spell morals? In America it is spelled as I-D-O-W-H-A-T-I-W-A-N-T. Where is moral justice? The churches today don't seem to care. Many are so busy with their own agenda of money raising, and keeping the church spotless, these issues are long ignored. There is no more outrage.


The land of America is tainted with the spilling of this innocent blood. Today the land is crying out for justice from an Almighty God. The issue that must be solved is this. Stop killing innocent little humans. They are precious. They are not a piece of meat. They are not something to butcher and sell off. Although one website has a Baby Parts list. 4 Guess somebody needs a baby's ear. It costs only $75.00, and you can get a 40% discount if it is significantly fragmented. This alone nauseates me. You been praying for America? Good, but you better put legs on your prayers or get out of here. For if we do not stop the carnage, God will. When God does stop it, those getting abortions won't like the way it's done. A lot of Americans won't like it either. Too bad.


Bibliography available
About the Author

Dana G Smith is a Writer, Author of the Book D Day for America ,is the Watchman of http://www.wingswatchman.org

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Gift Ideas for Baby's First Christmas

Is there any time more exciting than that awestruck first year of parenthood, when life ceases to revolve around adult needs and instead centers on the beauty and miracle of a new birth?

When there's a baby in the house, the holidays take on heightened meaning. And none are more important than baby's first Christmas, which is a time that will be forever cherished and remembered by parents and grandparents alike.

But since infants develop so quickly in that first year of life, the difference between the abilities of a 12-month-old and, say, a two-month-old are astounding. One can probably unwrap gifts on their own with (or maybe even without) a little help. The other can't. One may be intrigued by building blocks. The other won't.

Point is, that first Christmas is far more important to the adults than the baby, which makes it a tad absurd that new parents stress so much over what to buy their bundle of perfection. Sure, buying for baby's first Christmas can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Here are five can't-miss gift ideas for newborns:

Teething Toys - When babies cut teeth, it's not pleasant for anyone in the household. Teethers are a necessity, but you can look beyond function and include a little form come Christmas. Buy the round teethers if you'd like, but also pick up a teething toy while you're at it. They're soft and loveable, and your baby will like the friendly, smiling bear or lion. She'll drag them with her as she starts to crawl and play with them on her blanket or in her playpen while you take a rest. And, of course, she'll chew on them!

Personalized Ornament - Granted, this gift is as much for the parent as the baby. But a personalized ornament is a must for baby's first Christmas. Be sure to get baby's name as well as the year engraved on the piece and hang it on your Christmas tree with pride each and every Christmas thereafter.

Books - Ask child development experts: it's never too early to begin reading to your children. Even reading to a newborn is a worthwhile task. If nothing else, the sound of your reassuring voice soothes them. Books help develop language skills and stimulate baby's mind. Choose vibrant, colorful books made of cloth that can be washed, because it's a sure bet the book will eventually end up in baby's mouth!

Car Seat Toys - Many babies fall fast asleep when the car begins moving. Others fight it and cry. Either way, a soft toy that lights up and makes sound is perfect for your daily travels. When baby has be stuck in the car seat, these toys stimulate and pacify them.

Clothing - Your little guy grows fast - too fast. Every season he needs new clothes and sleepers, and that's a drain on the household budget. Christmas is a perfect time to supply your baby with his winter wardrobe, which he'll wear into March in most parts of the country. Hey, take advantage of this opportunity now. When he gets older he probably won't want clothes for Christmas!

Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings, a regular contributor of valuable family oriented articles. To help create the perfect holiday tree, visit Santa's Ornament Shop for the best selection of personalized ornaments.


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Infant Car Seat Safety


A few facts about car accidents:


-Did you know that car accidents kill and injure more children
than all major childhood illnesses combined?


-Most accidents occur within a 25 mile radius of your home.


-a crash at 30 miles an hour can create as much force as falling
from a third story window.


Now if that doesn't get your attention I don't know what will.
So here are some safety tips to remember on that first ride home
from the hospital as well as through out toddler hood:


- Always follow manufactures directions for both the
installation and the securing of the child. Always cheek before
each ride if the seat is properly secured and always retighten
the seat belt that holds your baby in the actual car seat. Use
locking clips that are available in most of the newer models of
cars, if you don't have these you need to make sure the shoulder
or lap belt stays tight.


-Getting your baby used to riding in a car seat will make later
use of the seat easier and more accepting almost like a routine
when they get in the car. It is what's expected.


-Infants should ride in the middle of the back seat. This is the
safest part in any car.


- Don't place child seat at either side of the car. This is the
most vulnerable place for side impact car crashes. If you have
to place child here it is best to have them rear facing.


-Never put a child under 10 in the front seat with an air bag.
An air bag can crush or suffocate a young child.


-Infants should ride in a rear facing car seat until they weigh
20 pounds, and can sit up well. Over 20 pounds or a year and
close to 20 pounds the child can face forward.


-Over 30 pounds, they can ride in a booster seat or a toddler
seat designed to hold a larger child.


- For older babies use toys that are made for the car seat, that
are attached so baby can not throw, or drop toys. This
distracts the driver as well as upsets baby.


-Make sure that heavy or large objects such as briefcases,
suitcases, laptops, boxes are tied down or on the floor so in
case of an accident or sudden stop these objects don't hit baby.


-For young babies do pad the sides of the car seat and the areas
around the head with a blanket to provide support.


-If baby is small then place a blanket between the baby and the
crotch strap, making the fit of the car seat safer and more
secure for baby.


Follow these safety tips and those provided by the manufacturer
of the car seat and you can make every ride safe for your baby.




About the Author

Brooke Schuman writes articles on the internet about babies.
As a mother herself of a one year old boy, Brooke is experiencing
first hand the joy and the challenges for raising a baby. She loves
being a full time mother and asks you to please visit her Baby Blog
and her baby website when you have a chance. http://baby.ideas-from.us

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

A Good Baby Car Seat Is Critical To Your Little One's Safety

Having a car seat is not just a good idea?it is the law. The consequences of not having one are usually more than a person can bear. Save yourself the trouble and get a good baby car seat today.






Having a good baby car seat is critical to your child's safety. Doesn't that sound familiar? When you have you baby, you are advised to invest in a good baby car seat, as soon as you leave the hospital. Most babies are picked up from the hospital with their first baby car seat, courtesy of mommy or daddy or the baby shower that was had before they were born.


When you are in the process of choosing a car seat for your little one, there are a few things that are important to keep in mind. We are going to explore these things in a bit more detail.


Height and Weight


Having the right baby car seat for your little one's height and weight is extremely important. Car seats are designed to hold a baby in place in the event of an accident, and there is a huge difference between a newborn infant and a 12 month old child.


If your car seat is too large or too small for your little one, it cannot properly protect them in the event of an accident, and that can be extremely dangerous. If someone gives you a baby car seat that is too large for your little one as of yet, wait until they are big enough for it before you use it. Although the car seat will be useful when they get big enough for it, they may as well be riding on the actual seat itself?which is certainly not a safe idea.


The Style of the Car Seat


There are some car seats that you can look into that can be converted from infant car seats to a baby car seat and then a booster seat. These are usually a bit more expensive at first, but certainly beat having to have a baby car seat and then purchase additional seats as your little one gets older. While you may not realize it, your child can easily be in a car seat until they are five or even six years old; it all has to do with height and weight and what the laws are in your area.


A baby car seat is probably the most important thing you will ever purchase for your little one. If you have a car, you must have a baby car seat?and a good one at that. The National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration regulates things like baby car seats, and you can have your baby car seat checked out by them to make sure that it fits all of the safety requirements if you want to be sure. There is no greater gift than a happy, healthy child and taking care to purchase a good car seat can certainly make sure that your child is as happy and healthy as they come.


Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on a baby car seat and leather baby car seats at http://www.bestbabycarseat.com/


Monday, October 27, 2008

Good Car Seats for Children


Car seats are oftentimes ignored and taken for granted. However, there is an important truth behind car seats: Car seats actually assist much in providing comfort and ease for those who drive or ride in an automobile.


That is why it is important for car owners and car buyers to check about the seats of their vehicles. In fact, automobile experts have already come up with categories for such car seats. There are various types of seats and each has their own distinct design and their own unique feature. There are even car seats made especially for children so as to be able to support them well.


The rear-facing infant-only seat is a good seat for infants who weigh around five to twenty two pounds. Although infants and babies actually grow quickly, it is best to have this kind of car seat during the early months of infanthood. This kind of seat has a handle that allows the parent to take the infant with him or her and then snap the seat into a frame or a stroller. However, to properly protect the baby, this seat should be installed in correctly at the right angle.


A convertible seat can face towards the rear or it could also forward. It is good for toddlers who weight from twenty pounds to some sixty five pounds. Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics have shown that it is best for children to be kept facing the rear up until he is around a year old. Just like the infant seat, it would work best if the seat is installed correctly.


Combination seats can actually be used with a harness. In fact, this type of seat could also be used as a bolster. They can hold children who are a year old up until they weight some 100 pounds. They are sometimes referred to as toddler seats or as booster seats. They face forward and can change from a five-point harness to a belt-positioning booster seat.


Seats keep your children safe. However, on your part, keeping your vehicle and your car parts in good condition also assist in keeping everybody safe. Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts provide customers with a complete line of the highest quality Mazda 929 parts, Mazda 323 Parts and other Mazda model parts. They have highly dependable and proven Mazda parts that meet customers' standards and preferences.

About the Author

Margaret Adams is the present manager of the largest auto manufacturing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 35 year old maiden is a certified car enthusiast.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Baby High Chair Guide

There are many different types of high chairs such as the very convenient ones like the on-the-go booster seat, the euro highchair two, the transition highchair, the chicco polly high chair, the sit 'n secure, bumbo baby sitter, and much more. You should do a high chair review to find the best baby high chair for your child.

The Chicco Polly high chair is a very lovely Italian high chair that is loaded with a lot of features such as a three-way footrest, armrests that lift up, and an adjustable leg rest. This chicco polly high chair is for infants only ages six months and up and it can hold up to thirty seven pounds. Put this furniture near the dinner table and it will suit your toddlers needs.

This booster seat is for youth like nine-month infants and up and can withstand up to forty pounds. The on-the-go booster seat deflates and compresses for easy packing. It also weighs less then two pounds so it is very light to carry. This booster seat is very comfortable and it inflates at the parents touch while keeping your youth content. The on-the-go booster seat has some cool features like a storage pocket to store food or what knots, wipe clean vinyl cover, and a shoulder strap for easy portability. The on-the-go booster seat is a inflatable booster seat that has handles so it is portable that is why it is called the on-the-go booster seat. It is ranked as one of the top booster seats and high chairs for those mother and fathers who are on the road a lot.

The bumbo baby sitter is another interesting chair that is only for infants that can hold their head up. This bumbo baby sitter is a soft, comfortable chair that is molded to support his or her back and sides. It also has passive restraints that help keep him or her from sliding forward. This baby sitter can support weight that is between nine to twenty two pounds. Look for a cushion that is going to prop up your toddler during those growing years.

The euro high chair two is a high chair that is three things in one. This is a high chair for your baby, and then converts into a booster seat for your toddler, and then it can be a chair for your teenager. The euro high chair two only takes about fifteen minutes to twenty minutes to assemble. This high chair is also a wooden chair that supports youth that weighs between eighteen to one hundred and fifty pounds. This euro high chair also comes with many different features such as a removable safety bar, an anti-skid feet, built in stabilizers, a seat cushion, and a five-point harness to make it very safe for your child. This high chair is for only those infants who can sit up on their own.


About the Author:

Helen Walters provides a variety of information on issues important to parents. http://www.greatbabygear.com is home to a large selection of articles and reviews of high chairs.


Saturday, October 25, 2008

Great Travel Toys for Kids


The solution to keeping kids amused and occupied on long car rides can seem as elusive as the perfectly placed pit stop.


Parents of even the smallest of infants will find the perfect travel toys to keep them amused and stimulated in between naps. The irresistible Whoozit Activity Spiral wraps around most stroller and car seat carrier handles for on-the-go fun. A baby safe mirror encourages self-discovery, a hidden rattle reinforces cause-and-effect play, and the pull-and-release ball under the Whoozit makes a delightful jiggling motion that stimulates developing motor skills.


Does your baby love to reach for little toys and give them a good shake - before throwing them under the front seat? Well, Lamaze Garden Bug Foot Finder and Wrist Rattle Set is your solution to keeping those toys and rattles off the car floor. These baby-soft wrist rattles and foot finders slip around wrists and onto feet. Let baby grab and shake to her hearts' content - while developing hand-to-eye coordination skills! Bright patterns and faces encourage discovery while fun sounds reward exploration.


Now baby can drive along just like mom or dad with the Beep Beep Baby Soft Driver by IQ Baby. This colorful, soft activity toy features a steering wheel, key, gear shift - even a cell phone! The colors and contrasts stimulate baby's visual development, while the baby safe mirror promotes self-recognition. And with all the squeakers, rattles and ratchet sounds, your baby will be kept amused no matter how long the car ride is!


For quiet moments, try keeping an assortment of CD's to soothe your young ones to sleep on the road. For example, Dreams and Lullabies by Markus is a collection of old favorites like Brahms' Lullaby and new favorites-in-the-making like the dreamy Angel on my Shoulder.


LeapFrog can make traveling with kids seem like a walk in the park. The Little Touch LeapPad allows your baby to interact with classic stories like Guess How Much I Love You, while the My First LeapPad is perfect for your pre-schooler to learn letters, numbers, shapes and other fundamentals while reading and interacting with engaging stories and familiar characters like Bob the Builder and the Wiggles. You can even coax the Game Boy out of your 4-8 year-old's clutches when you hand him a Leapster! Boys and girls have a blast reinforcing essential math and language skills while playing games and reading stories with their favorite characters like Spiderman, Junie B.Jones, and Spongebob Squarepants.


Electronic games are sure to be a hit with your school-age travelers. Remember 20 Questions? The the hot new game, 20Q - a small, handheld electronic genius that can guess what you are thinking in 20 questions or less! Just think of any object and answer yes or o to each of its questions as they appear on its LCD screen. Will 20Q guess your answer? About 95% of the time it will - wow!



Another backseat favorite is MadLibs by Excalibur Electronics. Based on the wildly popular series of activity books, players create the craziest, funniest stories by choosing from a list of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs - or by writing their own. The wackier the better!


Perhaps you have a passenger who is an aspiring chess master. Travel chess sets are a great way to improve your chess game on the road, and the Excalibur Chess Station is the grand champion! This full featured travel unit has an LCD screen - no small pieces to lose - and boasts a 1750 tournament rating with 73 power levels from beginner to advanced. It even has a teaching mode and a series of opening play challenges to sharpen your traveler's skills. Once you have arrived at your destination or returned home, Excalibur Chess includes a game board and chess pieces for traditional play as well.


So your teenager thinks he knows it all? Test his Quiz Quotient against the New York Times Quizmaster from the famous Noodle Nudger of the NY Times online quiz game. Featuring over 2200 questions in 280 topics, this multiple choice format travel game is perfect for either the solo player or a minivan full of kids (and adults!) to match wits against each other.


Pen and paper games are also essential activities for traveling with kids. Klutz has discovered a new use for your vehicle's drink-holder - how about Klutz Books in a Cup in either Green or Orange `flavors'? For ages 8 - 10, this unique collection of puzzles and games comes in a reusable container, complete with a pencil and a lid, that fits neatly into a cup holder for easy access and storage. Combine this with the Klutz Kids Travel Book and you have the ultimate backseat survival kit. This super high quality book comes with a built-in clipboard, 100 page notepad, 47 page activity book, and a conveniently attached zipper pouch full of markers, yarn, dice, string and more! Mazes, Cat's Cradle Loop and instructions, Hidden Pictures, Parcheesi Board, License Plate Bingo and Classic Song Lyrics are just a few of the activities included in this Parent's Choice Gold Award-winning travel activity kit.


What's a road trip without a great selection of tunes? Your traveling tots will enjoy Raffi or Disney. For songs in the car that even Mom and Dad will love, check out A Child's Celebration of Rock and Roll featuring original artists like Bill Haley and the Comets, the Coasters, Bobby Darin, Johnny Otis, Shirley Ellis, and Richie Valens. Modern hit-makers, including Sarah McLaughlan. Billy Bragg, Tom Waits, and the Barenaked Ladies, provide new takes on old childhood classics (and some new ones!) on For the Kids. This alternative-rock CD is perfect for traveling with kids of all ages - even those too-cool tweens who think they have outgrown kids' music!




About the Author

Freelance writer and homeschool mom, LJ Bronart is based in Toronto Canada. You'll be surprised at how easy your next road trip will be! For more travel games and travel toy ideas please visit www.mastermindtoys.com

Friday, October 24, 2008

Mothers Beware The Plight Of Stay At Home Dads!

When a simple trip to the grocery store turns into a diaper emergency, who will stay at home / work at home dads turn to? This dad agrees that it's NOT Oprah or Martha!

As I was wandering through the produce section of the local Super Market, a misplaced odor wafted through the air. No, it was not the musk of rotting tomatoes, it was the distinct perfume which emanated from my infant son's diaper. Immediately, I sprung into action to assess the situation. I lifted my son from the car seat (placed precariously on the cart handle and the ig boy seat) and noticed immediately that my usual sniff & pat test would prove redundant. The evidence was in plain sight - we had a blow out.

After gently placing him back into the seat, I scurried off to the Men's room in effort to mitigate further damage and begin the clean up process. To my, and my son's, dismay there was no diaper changing station. Now I know what you may be thinking - this store simply does not cater to parents in general.

Perhaps they are equal opportunity offenders, giving neither moms nor dads recourse when nature calls a bit too aggressively for their children. In this case the answer is a resounding NO. As I was peeling the Onsie off my son (now perched on the tailgate of my truck) a similar, albeit much less messy incident came to mind that happened the previous week. I was with my wife at the time and she had the honor of changing him, a project that went without a hitch as the women's room came fully equipped with a well-stocked changing station.

They will surely receive a letter about this!

And to whom can a stay at home / work at home dad voice this injustice? Oprah? Martha? No, not this heterosexual, Caucasian man! That type of behavior is grounds for immediate revocation of my Man Card.

Such is the plight of the work at home / stay at home dad.

Just staying home isn't an option either; there is not much to stay home for. For decades, daytime television has been taken over by touchy-feely talk shows, soaps, and feminine product commercials. Where are thehunti ng and fishing shows? What about sports? A good football game would be a great way to break up the barrage of snotty noses and dirty diapers. Speaking of diapers, I would probably wear one too so I wouldn't miss any of the game! Sorry dads but aside from the occasional one o'clock baseball game I am afraid the only action we can look forward to is a cat fight on The View.

However all is not lost! The fight for parental equality has begun and I promise not to quit until every Men's room is equipped with a baby changing station (preferably with NASCAR logos on it) and Hugh Hefner hosts his own talk show every day at 3 PM. All my strength for this cause is drawn from the example set by many nameless, yet brave, women that blazed the trail of equality many decades ago. Women have successfully juggled career and family for ages, now is the time for us dads to be able to prove ourselves up to the same challenge!


About the Author:

Mathew Butka is a stay at home / work at home dad and entrepreneur. You can find more information at http://www.VinsDad.com




Thursday, October 23, 2008

What Type of Baby Equipment Will You Need?

Are you planning to have a baby? Having a baby is a major event in any couples life and would often entails major adjustments as well. You will realize that you will need a big space just to accommodate all the baby equipment you will need. For such tiny beings, their stuff can certainly occupy a lot of space. Visiting family and friends can seem like a military operation and cant really be unplanned. You have to plan ahead and decide which equipment will be required for a particular trip. Many parents keep a bag ready and full of all the equipment theyll need. Going on grander trips like vacations requires even more preparation.






Baby equipment is also an expensive business, and some parents buy used equipment or receive gifts from grandparents and other relatives. If you have items for your firstborn, you can hand them some of them to your next baby. It is important to purchase products from reputable companies, to guarantee safety and quality.


Parents also need to consider a babys daily need such as, sterilization units, formula bottles, and bottlebrushes for cleaning the babys bottles. A teat brush is perfect for cleaning the teats. It would also be a good idea to obtain a set of bibs with convenient Velcro strips. If you are using non-disposables diapers, youll require pins for fastening them. It would also be good if you can have a changing mat that your baby can lie on and such a delicate bottom will require lots of moistened baby swipes.


It can be easy to over look the less obvious baby equipment youll need, like cotton tipped baby ear cleaners or baby nail clippers. Finding a cot with a good mattress and bedding will be crucial in giving your baby a good sleep. A well rested infant is a happy baby, with happy parents. You may also need a traveling cot for overnight visits to grandparents and other relatives.


Another major concern to consider when purchasing baby equipment is safe transportation. A good car seat is essential, and most stores will supply a trained individual to fit it in your car. A baby will also need a buggy. This can have a variety of accessories to cope with different weather conditions, such as a parasol to shade your baby from the sun and a rain cover to keep your infant dry and snug.


When your baby grows into a toddler, you will need other types of baby equipment to keep your child safe. To prevent accidents, install stair gates at the top and at the bottom of the stairs. Cooker guards will thwart your toddler from pulling down cooking pots, and socket guards will prevent your child from poking curios fingers into dangerous places.


Your baby equipment must keep up with your infants development, as your child progresses from formula into a variety of drinks and solid food. You will need weaning spoons and training cups at this phase of your babys growth.


Baby equipment can also provide a lot of fun, with colorful swings, play pens, and rocking cradles. You can choose to stencil cartoon character into your toddlers high chair. After a day of fun, you can lie down for the night while listening to the baby monitor.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning babies. Get more information by visiting Baby Equipment


Wednesday, October 22, 2008

An Introduction To Infant Car Seat Covers

This article is An Introduction To Infant Car Seat Covers.







Specially-designed car seat covers provide protection for infants and toddlers. These car seat covers are different from those used for adults and older children as they are front facing allowing the baby to rest in comfort while traveling.

The most important aspect of an infant car seat cover is the security it provides. The best infant car seat covers are those that have five-point strap-on attachments: one for each shoulder, one for each thigh and one between the legs of the infant. Such covers provide maximum protection for the baby while the car is in motion. Another car seat cover is available which has a T-strap; however it is not very secure or comfortable for the movement of the baby.

Car seat covers for infants are made from a very soft material so as not to harm the baby's skin. Some better quality seat covers are water and snow resistant and thermally insulated. Infant car seat covers come in a wide variety of colors and patterns which make them look very attractive. Infant car seat covers are designed in such a way that they can be easily extracted from the seat of the car along with the baby in it. Hence, infant car seat covers can be used in prams and also while rocking babies to sleep.

Earlier infant car seat covers had buckle arrangements at the rear of the seat. However this was cumbersome as they required moving the baby and exerting oneself to strap and detach the cover. Recent car seat covers for infants have their strapping arrangements at the front end.

Most infant car seat covers are available in the range of $30 to $50. Their basic design and structure is the same, but their prints and patterns vary. They have slight modifications to attract customers. Used infant car seat covers are available, but they are not advisable to purchase for both hygienic as well as security reasons.








ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Infant Car Seat Covers provides detailed information on Car Seat Covers, Infant Car Seat Covers, Custom Car Seat Covers, Dog Car Seat Covers and more. Infant Car Seat Covers is affiliated with Dog Car Seats.


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Safety of Baby Products Gives Peace of Mind to New Moms and Dads


Safety of Baby Products Gives Peace of Mind to New Moms and Dads



Any woman who has been pregnant can confirm that pregnancy is filled with worries. Granted, some of these worries are unfounded, but moms-to-be and dads-to-be often fret about anything that seems or feels out of the ordinary. To ensure that the pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible, most women seek out the latest and best pregnancy information, adjust their lifestyles to optimize the health of their babies, and get regular prenatal care.



Among the most enjoyable activities during pregnancy are choosing baby products and registering for gifts for baby showers. If couples have already chosen baby names, it's especially exciting to receive personalized gifts for their newborns. In the midst of planning for a new baby, though, new parents often overlook one crucial element of baby products: their safety. Knowing which car seats, cribs, strollers, furniture, and clothing meet stringent safety standards can go far in providing new moms and dads with peace of mind.



Recalls of Baby Products



Whether buying baby products for your own infant or choosing a gift for a baby shower, your first stop should be the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (CPSC). The CPSC has the latest information on recent recalls of dangerous baby products - information that is crucial to have before you begin shopping. For example, the CPSC recently issued a recall on a stroller with double seats because children in the add-on seat could touch the rear tires, which poses an abrasion hazard. Similarly, a manufacturer voluntarily recalled children's parka jackets, which had a hood drawstring that posed a strangulation hazard. And a major mass merchandiser pulled over 200,000 toys from their shelves that had either lead paint, sharp points, or choking hazards.



Car Seats



When it comes to infant car seats, your best bet is to buy a brand new car seat. Used car seats may seem more economical, but they may not be safe. If a car seat is more than ten years old or has been involved in a crash, it may not be structurally sound. Similarly, car seats have an expiration date, so double check that the car seat you buy is up-to-date. Resist the temptation to buy a seat that your infant will grow into, as he or she can slip out of car seats that are too large. As a reminder, infants should ride in a rear-facing seat until they're at least one year old and at least 20 pounds.



Cribs



New cribs are always the best bet for meeting the latest safety standards. These standards include making sure that the distance between the slats is no more than 2-3/8 inches; that the mattress fits snugly into the crib; and that the top of the side rail, when at its lowest position, is at least 26 inches about the mattress.



Selecting baby products and receiving baby products as gifts is exciting, as it adds to the anticipation of the day when your new baby will arrive. And, by making sure that the baby products you choose are safe, you will have one less thing to worry about!


About the Author

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies.
For tips/information, click here: Baby Products
Visit Majon's Baby Needs directory.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Baby Car Seat: Protecting Precious Passenger On Board

The numerous car accidents each year that are resulting to deaths and injuries of young children necessitated the use of another car safety device: baby car seat.

The most common dilemma of most parents is choosing the best baby car seat from among the so many variations (each with its own safety feature) that is being sold in the market. The answer to this is whatever fits the baby comfortable, fits in your car snugly and is within the budget is the best baby car seat that anyone can find.

All baby car seats, and for that matter everything that has to do with vehicular safety, has to pass. The same federal crash testing and safety measures. Baby car seats that are approved by the government has the assurance of safety, the standards is set has to be passed by all manufacturers. Needless to say, even the cheapest baby car seat sold in the market has gone through the same crash tests and will always protect the young against crashes provided these are properly installed.

Extra features are fine but these add up to the cost of the baby car seat. Higher prices do not always mean the best, as there are no ?best? car baby seats. Some extra features will only be meaningful if it can be used but the car seat must fit the baby first.

Once you have chosen a baby car seat that you like, the next item on your list is to read the manufacturer instruction manual. The most expensive and multiple featured baby car seat will not be of any use if the manufacturers manual is read thoroughly as those may have special requirements about special fitting and use.

In any event, the same rule will apply. Children and infants that weigh below 20 lbs. should be seated facing the rear of the car. If the child is already one year old and still below the required weight limits the appropriate car baby seat must be the convertible type but the child still has to be seated facing the rear. The convertibles can be fitted to face the front, which could be a good preparation when he/she exceeds the weight limit.

Infant-only seats are small portable seats that often are a part of a stroller system. It has three to five point harnesses and can be used for children up to 22 lbs. The seat usually comes with a detachable base for convenience as it means that you do not have to install the seat every time it is used.

Bigger baby car seats are used for older and bigger babies and are forward facing. Like the infant only car baby seat, this also comes with a five-point harness. Added feature is a padded T-Shield that is attached to the shoulder straps and a padded tray like overhead shields that that swing down around the child.

Baby car seats, no matter what the type is have one thing in common: they are all designed to protect the baby from any untoward accidents that may happen during the trip. And like safety belt that are attached on the seat of the cars to harness adult passengers, baby car seats provide security to the little ones on board.


About the Author:

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides baby car seat resources on www.about-baby-car-seats.info.


Sunday, October 19, 2008

Some Suggestions For Inexpensive Baby Shower Gifts


Note that a lot of raditional baby shower gifts - like infant car seat covers and even stuffed toys - may turn out to be expensive. If you're strapped for elegant gifts to give to a special child in your life, you may do well to look up a couple of inexpensive baby shower gifts that will nonetheless remain treasured by your baby and his/her family for years to come.


First of all, it would depend on how you perceive the term inexpensive to mean. Do you mean it's something haphazardly put together, something CHEAP and unwieldy, and definitely unworthy of gracing a joyous celebration? The term inexpensive baby shower gifts doesn't mean something put together without a care. Don't just pass off a rattle you hurriedly put together in your basement using industrial glue, pebbles and plasticine (all non-kidsafe, by the way!) as a shower gift.


If you truly care for the person you're giving the gifts to - in this case, the child's parents and/or the child him or herself - you have to invest a lot of thought in the endeavor. A lot of creativity has to come in too, because you don't pay for an offering such as that - it comes from the heart. A gift from the heart is sure to be treasured for a longer time than any other material gift.


Baby showers usually come with cute and happy themes related to infancy, such as pacifiers and bibs. You can try coming up with something similarly cheery, such as a small cupcake for everyone attending the shower, with frosting made out in either the shape of milk bottles and other recognizable baby things... or else the soon-to-be-baby's initials. This is something you can definitely do in your own kitchen!


Speaking of initials, you can make a lot of other inexpensive baby shower gifts with the baby's projected name - that is, of course, if the parents have already selected a name for him/her. You can, for example, come up with a hypoallergenic matching bracelet for baby and his/her mommy or daddy, with the baby's name spelled out in the beads. Or, if you're good at crafts and sewing, you could opt to embroider a set of items, such as a set of handkerchiefs, so that they would have a fancy way of showing the baby's initials. She or he will surely appreciate it when the time comes for such things as baby shower handkerchiefs to come in handy!
About the Author

Your-Babyshower.com provides you with info on Baby shower, inexpensive baby shower gifts and much more, come take a look at http://www.your-babyshower.com/

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Choosing a Baby Car Seat

What are the best baby car seats? The best baby car seat is the car seat that fits your baby and your car best. Check to make sure the seat is appropriate for your child?s height, weight, and size. The price is not always the most important consideration. For good guidelines on how to choose a car seat that fits your baby, check out the safety standards of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.?

Important Safety Considerations for Baby Car Seats?

No matter how old, tall, or heavy your baby is, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now says that all children less than one year old should be in rear-facing baby car seats when they are in the car. This supercedes earlier guidelines that stated that said whether a baby under one year old should be in a rear-facing seat depended on the baby?s size. The NHTSA still says that babies older than one year should be in forward-facing car seats if they weigh between 20 and 40 pounds. Babies older than one year who weigh more than 40 pounds need to be in special ?toddler? car seats.?

What Kind of Baby Car Seat to Buy??

There are essentially three categories of baby car seats, when it comes to safety: ?infant-only? car seats that only face toward the rear, ?toddler-only? car seats that only face forward, and ?convertible? car seats that can switched from rear-facing to forward-facing when your child grows older than one year and weighs more than 20 pounds.?

Advantages of ?Infant-Only? Baby Car Seats?

?Infant only? baby car seats are the smallest, and therefore the most portable and the best fit for newborns. ?Infant only? baby car seats often have great features such as a detachable base, so you can simply unlock the seat proper from the base, which stays in the car. This can save time buckling the seat into the car every time you want to take it out. Just make sure the base fits your car properly.

Advantages of ?Convertible? Baby Car Seats?

The obvious advantage of ?convertible? baby car seats is that they do not have to be replaced when the baby gets older than one year and heavier than 20 pounds.

You might need to buy a ?convertible? car seat anyway. ?Infant-only? baby car seats can usually only hold babies who weigh up to 22 pounds. If your baby grows to more than 22 pounds while still less than a year old, you will have to buy a convertible seat and face it toward the rear. Check to make sure the convertible baby car seat you buy can handle your baby?s weight when it is in rear-facing mode, since the rear-facing weight limit is usually lower than the forward-facing limit.

No matter what kind of baby car seat you buy, make sure to register the product by sending in the registration card, or using the telephone number, email or web site set up for registration by the manufacturer. If you can?t find the registration, call the manufacturer; the telephone number should be with the manual, and possibly printed on the seat itself. Registering the seat means that you will be notified in the case of a recall or other safety warning.

For lots of helpful information on

baby

clothes and other baby related topics, visit Nr1 Baby Products at

http://www.nr1-baby-products.com


Friday, October 17, 2008

Booking An Alicante Car Rental

An Alicante car rental is the most convenient way to travel around the Costa Blanca. Nine rental companies operate at the Alicante airport: Altesa, Aruiga, Avis, Centauro, Europa, Euopcar, Hertz, Record and Solmar. Compare deals and availability with several different companies to get the best rate.

The companies are located just outside the arrival area. They are grouped together and are easy to find when you arrive at the airport. Spend some time getting the feel of the car in the airport before you venture out onto the main roads.

Booking an Alicante Car Rental

Book your car hire before you leave home to be sure you get the best deal on the car you want. Consider reserving a vehicle around the time you book your flight. The summer is the busy season on the Costa Blanca and rentals at this time tend to fill up fast. Also, the earlier you start looking, the better deal you are likely to find.

You can reserve your vehicle directly with the company, through a travel agent or on the internet. In some cases, travel agents offer deals with vacation packages. These packages can include flights, hotel and car rental. Compare the overall cost of packages with the cost of reserving each part of your trip separately.

The internet is a great resource for finding a car rental. In many cases, better deals can be found online. Finding the best price will require you to spend some time researching and comparing deals through each company. Some websites allow you to compare rental companies to find the best price.

Consider where you will pick up and drop off your rental. In many cases, there isn?t a big difference in cost between renting at the airport or in cities, such as Benidorm or Torrevieja. Check the cost of airport rentals or in town rentals. In some cases, it is cheaper to rent in town. In this case, most companies will provide transportation to and from the airport.

Alicante Car Rental Extras

There are certain extras that you may be interested in having with your Alicante car hire. Some may be included in the package, but many are available for an additional charge. Become familiar with the typical extras to get what you want in your rental.

Additional drivers on the car may cost extra. If you won?t be the only person driving the vehicle, ask about this. You may have to pay more. Some companies do include one extra driver. Be sure all drivers are listed on the rental agreement. Each driver must sign papers when the car is picked up.

Infant or child safety seats are the law in Spain. You can rent these with your car. Reserve a seat when you book the vehicle. Otherwise, they may run out of seats. Be sure the seat you reserve is appropriate for the age and weight of your child. You will pay an additional fee for this service.

Another option is to bring your car seat from home. It?s a bit more of a hassle to carry the seat with you. However, you will be sure the seat fits and is comfortable for your child, and you won?t need to pay additional fees. This may be worth the added inconvenience of carrying the seat with you on your trip.

Air conditioning may not be available in all vehicles. If you are renting a car in the summer, you will want air conditioning. It gets very hot in the Alicante area in the summer. Air in the car will make a big difference in comfort.


About the Author:

Robert Carlton published primarily for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a website on the topic of Costa Blanca . You can discover his publications on car rental in Alicante over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .




Thursday, October 16, 2008

How To Hire A Car In Jerez Spain

Jerez is a geographically privileged town not only for its wine production but also for its proximity to the Atlantic beaches and shores against a scenic backdrop of the Guadalquivir and the mountain range of Cadiz. Blessed with sunshine and warm temperatures all round the year, make Jerez an ideal tourist attraction. Being very accessible through the new International Jerez Airport with superb combinations with other important Spanish and European airports, and with the new railway system and the high speed train, the Jerez station is always bustling with tourist. No wonder that the car hire industry in this region is on an all time boom which is proving to be very beneficial for all those planning a trip to this town. Whether it?s a car hire from the Jerez Train station or from the Jerez Frontera International Airport a range of hired cars are available to anywhere in Jerez, Spain.

While booking your car hire at Jerez make sure to receive a reliable vehicle, in a good condition, at the right time, at the right place at an affordable prices. Car-Hire-Jerez is the best way to visit the many Bodegas (Cellars) around the province.

Reserving your rental car before leaving home not only guarantees its availability, but also to gets you the best deal on your choice of car. An online car hire provides you with the options from premier car hire companies in Spain. Being an important tourist destination Jerez is the busiest during the summer season when cars get booked quickly. So consider booking your car along with your hotel and flight reservations. You are quite likely find a reasonable deal if you reserve your rental car in advance. If you are not sure of what size you need, just reserve an economy class as you can always upgrade to a larger vehicle once your reach Jerez.

Most of the car hire companies accept the payment on arrival and accept almost all major credit cards. In this way you don't have to give your credit card details online. It couldn't be safer!

While doing an online search for a car, compare deals and availability with several car hire companies to get the best rate. You can call the company directly, can call a travel agent or search the internet. Travel agents sometimes offer hotel and flight packages that may include car rental which is not a bad option as long as you have compared the cost of the entire package to the price of booking each part separately. You may not always get the best deal while hiring a car, but regardless of how you to find your car-hire, there are a few extra tips that you should keep in mind while comparing the rental packages.

Pick up point: Even though there is little difference between the cost of renting a car directly from the airport or from the city. Check the price difference between the two options and be sure to intimate your car rental company of the same. It might be cheaper to rent in town and many companies often provide transportation from the airport.

Car-Hire Extras: Child safety seats are a law in Spain, so make sure that there are appropriate seats available based on your child?s size and weight. Secondly, if you need an infant or baby seat, be sure to reserve a seat while booking your car rental for which you have pay an additional fee. Of course you always have the option of carrying an extra child seat with you from home; though the added ?luggage? may be somewhat of a hassle, you will not have to worry that the seat will not be the appropriate size for your child. The money you save here is an added traveling inconvenience though!

Air-conditioning: If you are planning on cool and comfortable travels during your stay this extra will definitely make a big difference. With the hot weather during summers in the Jerez, you definitely want air conditioning in your hired vehicle. It may not be available in all vehicles so make sure to mention and confirm that this extra is included in your car hire details.

Providing simple traveling solutions to the visitors of Spain since 1979. For further information on car hire in jerez visit us at Car Hire Jerez


Wednesday, October 15, 2008

An Introduction To Dog Car Seat Covers

This article is An Introduction To Dog Car Seat Covers.







Dog car seat covers are used to protect seats of the car from dog-related problems. Dogs are known to shed their hair, drip their saliva and bring their muddy paws into cars. All of these are reasons enough to permanently soil car seats. Hence, dog car seat covers are used as protection for the seats.

Car seat covers designed for dogs are usually made for the rear seats. They are better suited to vehicles such as SUVs. These covers do not drape over the seat completely; rather they are like mats over the seats over which the dogs can rest. Some covers can also fit over the seats; whether they are bucket or bench seats. They can be attached to the seats by means of straps, strings, Velcro fasteners or zippers. They may also have elastic straps with hooks with which to secure the pet onto the car seat cover.

Dog car seat covers are available in a wide variety of materials. Some popular materials are synthetic vinyl, neoprene, rubber, etc. The material should provide a grip to the dog so as to prevent its slipping down. Moreover, the material should also be stain-resistant and easy to wash. These dog car seat covers can be machine washed and hang dried quite conveniently. It is important to wash dog car seat covers regularly and also fumigate them to secure hygiene of both the dog and the people traveling in the vehicle. Dog car seat covers have a firm grip, but an inner foam lining which provides more comfort to the dog as it travels.

Some dog aficionados custom-design their car seat covers for their pet dogs. By doing so, they get a choice of material and patterns. Some manufacturers design car seat covers in a standard size that can fit all vehicles. The price of a standard dog car seat cover is $30 or more; custom-designed covers may cost much more.








ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Infant Car Seat Covers provides detailed information on Car Seat Covers, Infant Car Seat Covers, Custom Car Seat Covers, Dog Car Seat Covers and more. Infant Car Seat Covers is affiliated with Dog Car Seats.


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Budgeting Ideas For Mother And Baby


The good news is that there are ways to effectively budget and save that can greatly reduce these costs. You will find with smart shopping and good planning, you can still provide everything that your child needs while saving a great deal of money in the process. Here are some cost-saving tips that are sure to take some of the strain off of your bank account:


Dont feel that you need to buy everything at once. Your baby will not need to much more than an infant car seat, a safe place to sleep, diapers, and a few changes of clothing for the first few weeks.


Consider breastfeeding. You can save considerably if you dont have to buy formula and bottles.


Buy nappies on sale and in bulk, or better yet, buy a few dozen reusable cloth nappies that can be worn and washed over and over.


Dont be embarrassed to accept hand me downs from friends and family or shop in resale stores. You might be surprised to find that much of the clothing and toys have hardly been used at all.


Dont always assume that the more expensive items are better quality. Ask a trusted family member or friend who has small children what brands they like and use.


Shop the end-of-season sales for baby clothing and stock up on sizes that youll need for next season.


Water Balloons


This is a great activity for children, teenagers and even parents to do together. Buy a bag of water balloons and fill as many as you can. Place in plastic buckets or washing up bowls. Small children will need help. After everyone has an equal amount of wobbly, jiggly balloons, go into the garden and let the water fight begin! Hosepipes and water guns are not allowed. Wearing funny goggles, bathing caps, snorkels and NOT changing into bathing costumes makes it even more fun. The more spontaneous the better. Simple safety rules should be laid down first i.e., no running in the house, balloons must not be aimed at chest or head etc., Everyone will be laughing and having a great time, especially if grownups get involved. Afterwards, the children can go on a treasure hunt to see who can collect the most pieces of broken balloons in the garden - we don't want birds, dogs or cats to choke on any bits of rubber left in the garden.


If you have internet access log on to large coach company websites to find special deals: on one its possible to pre-book to any destination for ?1 each way per person. You have to be specific about times outward/return etc. This is a cheap way of introducing your children to different cities and having fun. Do your homework on your chosen destination and find out free venues and events. Pack a lunch and get discovering!!


Save up your vouchers from supermarket point systems and exchange them for days out tokens. This is a cheap way of affording expensive days out at theme parks as the vouchers are often worth more than their money equivalent.


Evaluate how much youll be spending for childcare if you are returning to work. You may just find that its less expensive to stay at home with your child.


Explore options to work from home to eliminate childcare costs.


Begin a higher education savings plan early on and contribute to it on a regular basis.
About the Author

Julian Hall of GiftBabies.co.uk - The
Baby Christening Gifts Company - The Most Unique,
Innovative Gift Ideas for Babies, Christening Gifts, Newborn Gifts, Personalised
Gifts, Organic Clothing, Nappies, Blankets, New Baby Gifts

Angels Along for the Ride


Angels Along for the Ride
Author Interview with J.D. Kamps, The Foxhole Angel
By Lisa M. Hendey


Do angels, war, religious debate and emotionally charged young men mix? In The Foxhole Angel by J.D. Kamps they combine to an effect that is both thought provoking and gripping - fiction that will keep you both entertained and pondering important faith issues.


Joe Kamps and his wife Julie are the parents of six children, ranging in age from thirty to 13. Kamps, a cradle Catholic, admits to at times questioning his own commitment to his faith.


Although I am a cradle Catholic, I initially submitted to my ongoing conversion at approximately age 24. The mass was especially boring to me growing up - I secretly envied the clever people who came in late or snuck out the door during communion, shares Kamps. After my conversion, it was night and day; the mass became a living, breathing organism to me, settling into the center of my faith as my understanding of its mysteries grew. My newfound beliefs added richness to my life I hadn't known before, so I was content. I was rudely shocked in my discovery that God wasn't done with me yet - there was, and is, so much more to learn. Before my conversion, I was proud of my Catholicism, much as one would be proud of his ethnic heritage or political affiliation. However, pride has no place in Christianity, as God keeps beating into my head. That pride was taken away from me. I came to experience a sense of purpose in my chosen faith, but also a sense of sadness as I realize its responsibilities and the anger it invokes in so many.


The Foxhole Angel is inspired largely by the wartime experiences of Kamps' own father, who served in World War II. The book is a combination of many soldiers' actual experiences and a little journalistic license. Not typically a reader of this type of fiction, I was surprised by how involved I quickly became in the characters of the novel and their interplay. Kamps' inclusion of the men's guardian angels is a natural fit to me - don't our own daily lives point to multiple instances of the intervention of the divine? My own life certainly provides me ample certitude on this fact.


In order to prepare to write his book, Kamps relied upon his own personal interest in Church history coupled with inspiration from a series of homilies by his pastor, Father William Gould. I had all kinds of help for The Foxhole Angel, states Kamps. I read lots of books and cruised the internet with abandon, but nothing beat talking to its participants. Both Dad and Dutch Wilhelm, a twice-decorated rifle company hero from the Battle of the Bulge, were of invaluable assistance.


I had the opportunity to interview Joe Kamps and am pleased to share his thoughts on his book, his own faith, and, of course, the angels.


Q: Please briefly summarize the plot of your book.


A: The story revolves around WWII draftee Jimmy Donovan, a likable, devout, married Irish Catholic and father-to-be. His private hatred of Protestants comes from his Catholic pride and a childhood clash with the KKK. He and Pete Calvert, his charismatic but bigoted southern friend, are shipped into the hell of D-Day + 1, the Battle of the Bulge, and wherever else his country needed him to fight. Joining them in these assignments are their guardian angels, whose purpose is to jealously guard their charges through all appointed times. Jimmy, who wouldn't hurt a fly, surprisingly exhibits an aptitude for killing. Pete Calvert, whose proficiency exceeds his friend's, originally volunteers for the army with an itchy trigger finger, anxious to blow the hated Nazis to Hell and beyond. Pete despises the Germans, but not so much as he loathes fellow infantryman Will Jackson, a hard working, staunchly moral, highly educated French-African whose skin tone enrages the Southerner. These soldiers' angels protect them through all manners of peril to fight another day, it seems -- but in reality, God has further plans for these soldiers.

Q: What is the message you would hope to spread through The Foxhole Angel?


A: Each person on this earth is of equal importance to God - He loves us -- our love for Him is shown by our compassion for others. Life is hard and we need to be reminded of this maxim. The Lord is tough at times; tougher'n all heck, but sometimes I'm tough on my children, too. I love them more than I love my own life - I can't even fathom how much more God loves us and how he looks after everyone on the planet. This is the path each one of us needs to follow in order to find true happiness, and in order to love, we must attempt first to understand.

God doesn't allow us to hide from ourselves, either. Not forever, anyway. All of us find places to hide from God, even though most of us are willing to follow God -- up to a point. In other words, we will seek after him if as parents, it doesn't interfere with what we want to give to our children, or if in our business lives, it doesn't come between us and what we want to earn, or as pastors, if it doesn't affect the happiness of our congregations. Sooner or later we will confront what is ugly and false in our lives -- either in this world, or the next.


Q: Let's talk about Guardian Angels for a moment - how did the angels become such a central part of the message of your story? Why is their presence in the story so important?


A: Oh boy, where do I start? First of all, I'm a big believer in angels. We all run into them from time to time without knowing it, and when one sees an angel, one sees the Almighty. Angels among us remind us that God is among us, and the thought of individual angels ministering to each of us effectively drives that point home - I mean, after all... who sent 'em to begin with!? One other thought: in most books and films the afterlife is depicted as a step down from this life. When someone dies we claim piously at funerals that he's in a better place but we sure don't pursue Heaven like we believe in it. During WWII a soldier thought of it often. Sixty million people died in that conflict; too many of its victims were so very young. Were their lives wasted? Were they cheated by the Almighty? Of course not. The best is yet to come! They become angels themselves and are filled with purpose and power. What could be better? We should only mourn the dead by missing them, not mourn them as though something terrible has happened to them.

Q: Did you make a conscious decision to make their human emotions so tangible?


A: Yes. In order to make heaven appealing to people, they must have the idea of purpose and enjoyment of that purpose. That's why the angels smile - even when they shouldn't. I don't see Heaven as a dreary existence.


Q: Please say a few words about the gripping scene between Jimmy and Martin - I found the dialogue in that chapter to be both very interesting and very tension filled.

Christians can get carried away by doctrine. We want so badly to be right - to be uniquely right - that kindness takes a back seat to our competitive natures. I have seen too many instances of God-fearing people discussing Him, then arguing about Him, and finally cursing the other person. Done it myself. We need to love for the sake of God. We can't allow ourselves to lose sight of that directive. In reading about medieval Catholicism and the Reformation, I think that's exactly what happened. We needed reform in the worst way and should have listened to Luther and his fellow reformers; it was so sinful not to. Vatican II is a stark reminder of our lack of charity in that era, as six of seven Augsburg Confession demands were finally met in the 1960s. We must remember though, the reformers needed us as much as we needed them. They had their shortcomings, too. I must say that Luther was no saint himself; he passionately hated Jews, he called for the deaths of scores of the oppressed and downtrodden, and had a well-earned reputation for religious intolerance. Sadly, both sides seemed to put Christ on the back burner, I'm afraid, for the sake of power and / or ego. Jimmy's and Martin's conversation was a re-enactment of that time. It was also God's repair for it.


Q: How does your personal faith reconcile with the version of the afterlife you portray in this book?


Father John Legerski, former pastor of St. George's, was another huge influence. It is his desire for the world to be saved -- spend a few minutes with him and it will quickly become evident he sees each one of his spiritual children as an important individual. I have six children of my own, and as you can guess, all of them are of the utmost importance to me. How much more God loves us! We are His progeny, and dysfunctional of a family as we are, He will never forsake any of us.

Although the Catholic Church certainly has no lock on Jesus, our church is where His message of Salvation originated. If we truly see this we need to lead Christianity in love of God and in charitable understanding of one another.


Q: How can readers who are interested in this book obtain a copy of the book?


The Foxhole Angel may be purchased at any Spokane area Hastings, Auntie's bookstore, or Kaufers in Spokane. Our website, www.thefoxholeangel.com, will be up and running within a few weeks. Amazon.com should have it available within a few weeks, as well. For right now, mail orders are through www.auntiesbooks.com

Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com and http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader of Catholic literature. Visit her at http://www.lisahendey.com for more information.





About the Author

Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com and http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader of Catholic literature. Visit her at http://www.lisahendey.com for more information.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

A Review of Infant Car Seat Covers

Do you have a baby? If you do, then you should consider infant car seat covers for your baby. These seat covers come in many forms ranging from items designed for style to items designed for severe weather conditions. There is a cover for your baby?s car seat that will suit your needs and tastes. In fact, many parents find that one cover just isn?t enough.

A few months ago, I chose to purchase three infant car seat covers for my little one. My son was born during winter and the Posh Pouch was a natural choice for our northern climate. This is one of the infant car seat covers that offer great looks along with excellent comfort for the baby. It fits right on the baby car seat and serves as a nice, warm backdrop. The product is designed to encircle the baby as he or she sits in the unit. All you have to do is pull the zipper shut and your baby will be snug and warm in this well designed product.

I love this product because of its useful design and looks. The designers of this amazing product took the time to add lovely details on this product. The baby that sits in this seat cover will be surrounded in soft pink fur and delicate lining. This is one of the most attractive of the infant car seat covers that are designed for winter weather. Of course, Posh Pouch is just one of the many infant car seat covers available on the market.

You can also choose products that keep your baby warm while offering adorable designs as well. During these seasons, the weather does get quite a bit chilly but not nearly cold enough to warrant using the Posh Pouch. I dressed my son up in a cow costume for her first Halloween so the cow design is really special. I am always reminded of the special occasion each time I use it.

The last of the infant car seat covers I purchased is designed for rainy weather. This product consists of clear plastic that zippers right over the entire seat unit. I think that this item is great because it can be used in conjunction with the other infant car seat covers. Protecting your baby from elements like snow and rain or even dust is the main purpose of this particular product. There are plenty of other seat covers for babies available so you can definitely find at least one for your specific needs.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Infant Car Seat Covers. Visit our site for more helpful information about Infant Car Seat Covers and other similar topics.


Saturday, October 11, 2008

The Perks To Stroller And Car Seat Sets

When you are getting ready for the new baby to arrive, you already know that you need to buy an infant carrier before you head to the hospital. There are so many different infant car seats out there to choose from, so how do you narrow it down? When you are shopping for an infant car seat, you need to consider spending the extra money and get a stroller/car seat combo.

These combos come with an infant car seat as well as a nice, larger stroller that lays flat for infants. While they might seem big and bulky or too expensive, they are truly something that you should have when you are bringing home a new baby.

One of the main perks to these stroller/car seat combos is that the car seat fits onto the stroller so you don't have to get your baby in and out of the car seat every time you need to use the stroller. You can simply fit the car seat onto the stroller and off you go. This can save you time when the weather is bad or you are in a hurry. Plus, it can save you from waking the baby up to switch them from one to the other.

While there are some of these combos that are very expensive, the majority are very affordable. By shopping around, you can find one of these combos that is in the right price range for you and that matches your theme or personality. Since these combos come in a vast array of colors and designs, you are sure to find just the right one!

You can find these combos just about anywhere, from discount stores to designer baby stores, even online. It won't take a lot of shopping around to find just the right one for you and your baby. So, when you are out searching for an infant seat, make sure that you check out the stroller/car seat combos that are on the market today, you will be glad you did.


About the Author:

Christine Loxley writes for strollerset.com a website packed with baby strollers and jogging strollers.




Friday, October 10, 2008

Twins: Getting Out and About


One of the most frustrating things I've found about being the mother of twins is that getting out of the house alone with them can be very difficult. I've often longingly thought back to my leisurely outings with my first child and wished life were still that easy now! Nonetheless, however challenging it may be to get out and about with two babies, with a little planning and flexibility, it is entirely possible to go do errands, visit with family and friends, or just get outside for some fresh air.


Getting Ready


Things go much more smoothly when you've got everything you need organized before you start getting your twins ready to go. So while they are either napping or playing on their own, get going by making sure the diaper bag is stocked and ready with the necessary supplies, including food, drinks and a change of clothes. Next, get out their coats, shoes, hats or snowsuits, and put them where you will be dressing the babies. If they still travel in infant car seats, put these ready to go by the door or have your stroller just outside. Don't forget about supplies that you'll need to keep yourself happy too, such as a coffee or something to munch on later.


Getting Out


After you change the babies' diapers, get them dressed and into the car seat or stroller, beginning with the twin who is likely to be the most agreeable at that time (the less crying, the better!). If they are out of their infant car seats, you either carry both of them out to your vehicle at the same time (not an easy feat), or leave one in a safe place in the house while you put the other one in the vehicle or stroller first. Be ready for either one or both babies to be madly crying while you do this!


Getting About


Most times you will be using a stroller to transport your twins. There are many types of twin strollers or double strollers on the market to suit the different needs of your lifestyle. If your main activity will be going for walks or jogs with your babies, you'll need to have either a good double all-terrain stroller or a double jogging stroller. If you will often have to take them along for errands and shopping, then a regular mall double stroller is all you need. With infants, a double universal car seat carrier (stroller frame) is invaluable, since they can remain comfortably in their infant car seats while you transfer them from the house or vehicle to the wheeled frame. There are lots of options out there, so make sure you research what your lifestyle needs are before purchasing a double stroller, since they are more expensive and will need to take double the abuse of single strollers. It will make your outings much more pleasant if your stroller has all the features you really need and want.


Getting Help


If you can, plan to have someone come along and help you from time to time when you go out with your twins. Schedule a relaxed afternoon of shopping with your mom or a trip to the zoo with a friend. Having an extra pair of hands makes the outing a lot easier and it gives you the opportunity to have some adult conversation for a change!


Getting Real


Unfortunately, there will be some days when you really want to get out of the house with your twins and it just won't be possible without you having a nervous breakdown. Either one baby or both will wake up cranky from their nap and won't settle down, or a feeding might take longer than you thought it would, and so on. With twins, as with all babies, you have to be flexible and accept that some days, your plans to get out and about need to be scrapped, or at least modified in some way. Perhaps a doctor's appointment can't be missed, but a short trip to grandma's can be rescheduled for another day. Take heart by realizing that as your twins get older, this, as well as everything else, will get a lot easier.


Copyright 2005 by Anik Giguere-Biollo. Permission is granted to reproduce this article in electronic newsletters or on websites provided that it is not edited in any way, all the links are left active, and that neither the copyright declaration nor this license are removed. This article was originally published at http://www.stroller-advisor.com/twins-getting-out-and-about.html.

About the Author

Anik Giguere-Biollo is the mother of a three year-old girl and one year-old twin boys and is a former grade school teacher. She offers a great deal of detailed information about choosing and purchasing double strollers and twin strollers (see http://www.stroller-advisor.com/double-strollers.html), as well as all other types of strollers, on her website at http://www.Stroller-Advisor.com.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Maryland Child Safety Seat Laws

Are you living in Maryland? Do you have plans to drive around Maryland with your baby? Before you go out and tour your baby around the state of Maryland, note first that just like the other places in the world, Maryland has its own child safety seat laws. These laws are passed and maintained by the authority itself for every adult to comply so to avoid children?s deaths and injuries caused by car crashes.

The Maryland child safety seat laws have been around for years now. It was made effective on October 1, 2003 for people to follow the rules to maintain safety for children on the road.

There is one main requirement covered under the Maryland child safety seat laws. The requirement states that all children younger than six years old must be secured in a child safety seat that is approved by the federal standards and installed according to the safety seat and vehicle instructions of the manufacturer. This requirement applies to all children of the said age regardless of weight.

Also, if a seven year old child weighs only 37 pounds, or a 3 ?-year old child weighs 42 pounds, he or she would be required to use a federally approved child safety seat. It is important to note that under the Maryland child safety seat laws, the term ?child safety seat? includes not only the infant seats, convertible seat, and forward-facing seats, but also booster seats. The term ?federally approved? refers to those seats that fit certain child?s size, age and weight.

It is further worth noting that those who are traveling with a vehicle that is registered outside of the state are still subject to the rules set by the Maryland child safety seat laws which apply to children aged younger than 4 years, regardless of weight and age. In addition to this, it is maintained by the Maryland child safety seat laws that an adult is not allowed to bring and transport a child younger than 16 years of age unless the child is secured in a child safety seat or on a seat belt. Children below this said age are not even allowed to ride in an unenclosed cargo bed of a pick up truck.

If, for instance, a violation of the Maryland child safety seat laws is noted, the vehicle can be stopped and the driver issued a citation for a violation. Along with this, the driver is required to pay a fine. At present, drivers who bring children but failed to buckle up the child or allowed the child to ride in an unenclosed cargo pick up truck bed are subject to pay $48 to $50 as fines for the violation of the Maryland child safety seat laws.

To avoid unfavorable consequences, don?t forget to buckle up your child in a federally approved safety seat when traveling in Maryland. Conform to the rules.

Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of popular and comprehensive Child Safety information site. For more articles and resources on Child Safety related topics, visit his site at:

=>http://child-safety.need-to-know.net/


Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Infant Car Seat Saftey

A few facts about car accidents:

-Did you know that car accidents kill and injure more children than all major childhood illnesses combined?

-Most accidents occur within a 25 mile radius of your home.

-a crash at 30 miles an hour can create as much force as falling from a third story window.

Now if that doesn't get your attention I don't know what will. So here are some safety tips to remember on that first ride home from the hospital as well as through out toddler hood:

- Always follow manufactures directions for both the installation and the securing of the child. Always cheek before each ride if the seat is properly secured and always retighten the seat belt that holds your baby in the actual car seat. Use locking clips that are available in most of the newer models of cars, if you don't have these you need to make sure the shoulder or lap belt stays tight.

-Getting your baby used to riding in a car seat will make later use of the seat easier and more accepting almost like a routine when they get in the car. It is what?s expected.

-Infants should ride in the middle of the back seat. This is the safest part in any car.

- Don't place child seat at either side of the car. This is the most vulnerable place for side impact car crashes. If you have to place child here it is best to have them rear facing.

-Never put a child under 10 in the front seat with an air bag. An air bag can crush or suffocate a young child.

-Infants should ride in a rear facing car seat until they weigh 20 pounds, and can sit up well. Over 20 pounds or a year and close to 20 pounds the child can face forward.

-Over 30 pounds, they can ride in a booster seat or a toddler seat designed to hold a larger child.

- For older babies use toys that are made for the car seat, that are attached so baby can not throw, or drop toys. This distracts the driver as well as upsets baby.

-Make sure that heavy or large objects such as briefcases, suitcases, laptops, boxes are tied down or on the floor so in case of an accident or sudden stop these objects don't hit baby.

-For young babies do pad the sides of the car seat and the areas around the head with a blanket to provide support.

-If baby is small then place a blanket between the baby and the crotch strap, making the fit of the car seat safer and more secure for baby.

Follow these safety tips and those provided by the manufacturer of the car seat and you can make every ride safe for your baby.

http://baby.ideas-from.us


Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Am I Really A StrollerMonger?David Leonhardt


By David Leonhardt

I was reading A Modern Infant Armada, a humor column in Maclean's Magazine written by a fellow humor columnist. Writing about it now is a bit like a painter painting another painter or a singer singing about another singer (but it not like a cook cooking another cook.).

David Russell (yes, another humor columnist named David) laughs at his neighbor for parking both cars in the driveway to make room in the garage for four strollers for just one child. I laughed with him. Four strollers for just one baby is ridiculous, right?

However, David Russell becomes a parent himself, a condition that afflicts many unsuspecting homo sapiens, and he concludes that a call to his neighbor is warranted: I need to see if he can help me get a fleet rate.

Traitor! I cried out. Stroller monger!

Who's a traitor? my wife asked as she walked in the room. And just what is a stroller monger.

I resisted the obvious answer that a stroller monger is somebody who mongs strollers. David Russell. He says that one stroller is enough for any child, but then he decides to buy an entire fleet.

Say, we could have saved a bundle if we had applied for a fleet rate, my wife mused.

What? We don't have four strollers.

My wife smiled. It was a sweet smile you could just fall in love with...if you did not know that it meant, Oh yes we do!

We do not.

My wife took out her counting fingers. First there is the car seat, she said, pressing down the first finger. We snap it into the stroller base whenever we go anywhere.

OK, that's one.

Then there is the SUV, she said, pressing down on a second finger. The SUV is a full sized stroller. We bought it when we were still squeezing it on a downtown apartment. With no storage space, it stood in the entrance area, blocking our path to the kitchen and any hope of escaping if the place caught fire. The SUV is the Hummer of strollers.

OK, that is a stroller, I will grant you. But that's just two.

We also have the fold-up stroller, my wife said, pressing down a third finger.

But she's not even using it yet.

She will soon and we have it now, my wife pointed out. Then there is the old fold-up stroller we kept as a backup. That makes four.

You can't count duplicates. That's double counting.

It takes double the space, my wife insisted. We have four strollers.

I stared in silence. Slowly it sunk in. Yes, there were two Davids who were humor columnists, but there were also two Davids who were stroller-mongers.

Uh-oh. My wife was smiling again. She was watched for just the right moment to strike. Our baby has more seats in this house than anybody else has.

That's ridiculous. No sooner had the words left my mouth than I remembered the boomerang rule. Words like ridiculous, ludicrous, silly, stupid and big mouth usually apply only to the person who speaks them.

My wife rhymed off our seats, Three on the couch, two chairs in the living room, six in the kitchen, one in the bathroom and one at each of our desks. Plus the three red chairs Little Lady has in the living room. That makes 17.

Ha! I knew it couldn't be true.

Then came that deadly sweet smile again, the smile that said, Take my hand while I lead you around the house to see why you should think first and shout 'Aha!' later.

In the kitchen stood the high chair and the sit-in play saucer. In her office sat the rocking chair that never rocked and the bouncy chair that never bounced. There was the swing seat, and there were two cushion seats for sitting upright on the floor. She opened the door to the enclosed porch, and there were the four strollers and the car seat she would soon be using.

That makes 12, my wife tallied. We each have fewer than six.

I thought really hard. Aha! I said again, proudly pointing out that this time I had thought first and shouted 'Aha!' later.. We have three chairs on the balcony, and six on the patio. There are also six folding chairs for the fire pit.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and there was no reason to forget all the outdoors furniture at a time like this. Unfortunately, there was no reason to forget arithmetic, either. Our baby still had the most seats in the house and outside the house, too.

Uh, do toilet seats count?

My wife smiled her sweet smile again, a smile that could only mean, So, stroller monger, what do you have to say for yourself now?

I knew that another humor columnist named David had just been labeled a traitor. Meekly, I mumbled. Lawn tractor seat?
By David Leonhardt

I was reading A Modern Infant Armada, a humor column in Maclean's Magazine written by a fellow humor columnist. Writing about it now is a bit like a painter painting another painter or a singer singing about another singer (but it not like a cook cooking another cook.).

David Russell (yes, another humor columnist named David) laughs at his neighbor for parking both cars in the driveway to make room in the garage for four strollers for just one child. I laughed with him. Four strollers for just one baby is ridiculous, right?

However, David Russell becomes a parent himself, a condition that afflicts many unsuspecting homo sapiens, and he concludes that a call to his neighbor is warranted: I need to see if he can help me get a fleet rate.

Traitor! I cried out. Stroller monger!

Who's a traitor? my wife asked as she walked in the room. And just what is a stroller monger.

I resisted the obvious answer that a stroller monger is somebody who mongs strollers. David Russell. He says that one stroller is enough for any child, but then he decides to buy an entire fleet.

Say, we could have saved a bundle if we had applied for a fleet rate, my wife mused.

What? We don't have four strollers.

My wife smiled. It was a sweet smile you could just fall in love with...if you did not know that it meant, Oh yes we do!

We do not.

My wife took out her counting fingers. First there is the car seat, she said, pressing down the first finger. We snap it into the stroller base whenever we go anywhere.

OK, that's one.

Then there is the SUV, she said, pressing down on a second finger. The SUV is a full sized stroller. We bought it when we were still squeezing it on a downtown apartment. With no storage space, it stood in the entrance area, blocking our path to the kitchen and any hope of escaping if the place caught fire. The SUV is the Hummer of strollers.

OK, that is a stroller, I will grant you. But that's just two.

We also have the fold-up stroller, my wife said, pressing down a third finger.

But she's not even using it yet.

She will soon and we have it now, my wife pointed out. Then there is the old fold-up stroller we kept as a backup. That makes four.

You can't count duplicates. That's double counting.

It takes double the space, my wife insisted. We have four strollers.

I stared in silence. Slowly it sunk in. Yes, there were two Davids who were humor columnists, but there were also two Davids who were stroller-mongers.

Uh-oh. My wife was smiling again. She was watched for just the right moment to strike. Our baby has more seats in this house than anybody else has.

That's ridiculous. No sooner had the words left my mouth than I remembered the boomerang rule. Words like ridiculous, ludicrous, silly, stupid and big mouth usually apply only to the person who speaks them.

My wife rhymed off our seats, Three on the couch, two chairs in the living room, six in the kitchen, one in the bathroom and one at each of our desks. Plus the three red chairs Little Lady has in the living room. That makes 17.

Ha! I knew it couldn't be true.

Then came that deadly sweet smile again, the smile that said, Take my hand while I lead you around the house to see why you should think first and shout 'Aha!' later.

In the kitchen stood the high chair and the sit-in play saucer. In her office sat the rocking chair that never rocked and the bouncy chair that never bounced. There was the swing seat, and there were two cushion seats for sitting upright on the floor. She opened the door to the enclosed porch, and there were the four strollers and the car seat she would soon be using.

That makes 12, my wife tallied. We each have fewer than six.

I thought really hard. Aha! I said again, proudly pointing out that this time I had thought first and shouted 'Aha!' later.. We have three chairs on the balcony, and six on the patio. There are also six folding chairs for the fire pit.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and there was no reason to forget all the outdoors furniture at a time like this. Unfortunately, there was no reason to forget arithmetic, either. Our baby still had the most seats in the house and outside the house, too.

Uh, do toilet seats count?

My wife smiled her sweet smile again, a smile that could only mean, So, stroller monger, what do you have to say for yourself now?

I knew that another humor columnist named David had just been labeled a traitor. Meekly, I mumbled. Lawn tractor seat?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Leonhardt publishes The Happy Guy humor column:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/positive-thinking-free-ezine.html
Read his humor articles:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/humor-articles.html
Visit his home page:
http://www.thehappyguy.com
David is owner of The Liquid Vitamin Supplements Store:
http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net


Monday, October 6, 2008

Baby Car Seats Safety Tips

Baby car seats can prevent serious injury to your child in the event of an accident. It is the law that all children under the age of twelve should be seated in the back seat. This is especially true if you have airbags in the front.

From the time you bring your baby home from the hospital, s/he should be placed in an appropriate car safety seat. Infants must be in a rear facing infant only seat or an appropriate convertible seat until s/he weighs twenty pounds or reach the age of one. After twenty pounds and after the first birthday, toddlers can use a forward facing seat until they reach approximately forty pounds or their ears reach the top of the car seat.

Over forty pounds, a child must be in a seatbelt positioned booster seat.

Your car seat belts should not be used by a child under the age of eight unless they are four feet nine inches tall. A booster seat should be used until then. There are many different types of booster seats are available.

Your child should be appropriately restrained at all times. Your child will not be ready to use regular seatbelts until the shoulder trap fits across the shoulder not the neck. The lap belt must fit across the hips and not his stomach.

When installing car seats the manufacturer?s directions must be followed exactly. if you don?t have them call the company for a replacement. The car seat will have a label which will have the manufacturer, the address, and the phone number. It will also show the name of the car seat. You must have this information to get a replacement. If there is no label on the seat do not purchase it. It could be a seat that was damaged in a car accident.

If you are purchasing the car seat second hand, inspect it thoroughly. Check all the belts for fraying, all fasteners for cracks, and the padding of the seat to be sure it is not ripped or torn. Always check to see if there is a label on the seat, it will have the information you need if there is no manual available. Ask questions such as has this seat been in a crash?

If so, do not purchase it. It may look fine but its safety may have been compromised. There could be a misalignment of the frame resulting in your child?s safety being compromised.

No matter what type of seat you purchase, and there are many, consider how much you can spend. If expense is a concern a convertible travel system maybe in order. A rear-facing car seat can be used as a front facing car seat until the appropriate age. There is a base that remains in the car. The infant/toddler car seat then can be attached to a stroller frame and later it can reattach to the base that?s in the car. Check out your options and consider what will be best as far as expenses are concerned. Do your research and determine what will be best for you and your child. Always, the first concern should be the safety of your baby from day one.

It is important to know what type of seat your vehicle will accommodate.

Your car owner?s manual or a dealer will be able to tell you what is compatible with the vehicle you own. It is an overwhelming choice to make but begin looking for a car seat when you find out you are expecting. A well informed choice will keep your baby safe.