May 26, 2009

Great Combi Coccoro Review on Car-Seat.org

I was too embarrassed to take pictures in the store or while installing ... I'm not generally one to care but it was just awkward today. Etta was having an especially "floppy" day and I wasn't prepared for the stares while I worked with her and the seats. ("floppy" = low tone and very slouchy) I've been on the search for a shorter RF seat. I have MAs to date and while I love them I can't see well enough to the right side of my car. I've been in a side impact crash in the past and am so jumpy about having blocked vision.. also, we are a very bicycle friendly town and I NEED to make sure I can see the cyclists (I live off of a very popular riding street) with extreme ease. So, I saw the Coccoro in person and LOVE it... I was so hoping to hate it as I know it will not be the seat to take me to the optimal limits - but it's so perfect for today and at least another year RF. And, I'll always have the MA when it's time to move up (and, it will be easier in a year to have the girls crawl into their MA ERF... so I can move the seats to the back row of the van and avoid the whole blocked vision issue then) but the cost for an interim car seat. Oh why does it have to be such a great seat . It feels so nice and sleek and cushy without going overboard (I wasn't using the infant insert) and the harness adjuster was very easy with my DD in it. Easier than the MA. But, hands down - the MA is much simpler to install. Not that the Coccoro was challenging, it just wasn't as straight forward as a MA. My low-tone/hypermobile DD, Etta, fit like a gem in it - I didn't realize she could be supported so well. The MA is nice but she ends up slouching a lot. The support she has in the Coccoro is enough for me to justify buying HER the seat... but not her twin sister. My only excuse to buy two is that I want them to coordinate I also tried the Scenera. It did take up less height than the MA. But my heart is completely with the Coccoro and I'm having a hard time looking back. Even switching to a RA seems silly because I'm sure Etta will have the same slouching issue. I still want to try the TF and an Avenue and am calling to find a local store for tomorrows adventure. I played with a MR and wasn't as impressed as I had hoped to be (it was a contender for my older DD). For fit: Etta is 20lbs even, and 29.75". Her torso appears to be near 12" (slightly under). In a MA she is flush with the first slot and in the Coccoro she was flush with the second slot from the bottom.

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=84635

Click here to learn more about the Combi Coccoro Infant Car Seats!

May 8, 2009

Beaba Babycook on the CBS Early Show!

Did you catch the CBS Early Show’s BEST NEW BABY GEAR AND GADGETS segment? (VIEW SEGMENT HERE) Showcased with select products designed to make life easier for you and your little one, the Babycook is one of the most buzz-worthy baby products for new parents.
The Beaba Babycook now includes Beaba Multiportions. The Multiportions are designed for freezing and storing a la carte baby food. Made from BPA FREE silicone, Beaba Multiportions are freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe.
Click on the link to learn more or to purchase the Beaba Babycook.

May 5, 2009

The Zaky Pillow - A Promise for Preemies by Melissa Wilson

HOUSTON - Dr. Yamile Jackson, PhD, was working for an oil and gas company in the Houston area, when she went into premature labor. Her baby was born 3 months early. She made a promise to herself that when her baby got out of the hospital, she would help other "preemies."

Seven years later, she has lived up to that promise.

Her son, Zachary, is doing very well and has no signs or symptoms of every being prematurely born. Jackson developed a pair of hands called "The Zaky" that wrap around a baby, when the parent can't be there to hold them.

Doctors say this has been an effective tool in Neo-Natal ICU's around the world. It helps preemies realize that touch doesn't mean "pain", because so many procedures and needle sticks are needed to keep a premature infant alive.

In hospitals: The Zaky is used in very controlled environments like the Intensive Care Units since they are supervised by a healthcare professional and/or a family member constantly.

Jackson says, "The Zaky is great to take to the hospital when your baby is born. Scent it with your own scent and help your baby when he/she is on the bassinet next to you or give it to the nurse when the baby is taken to the nursery. This way you give your baby your hand with your scent and the nurse can use it to support and position the baby."

She says for sick babies, the Zaky comforts them so they can rest and use the calories to get well and not to look for protection.

The same Zaky fits all children, from premature babies that weigh less than one pound to healthy babies and toddlers, to children with special needs.

For babies at home: The Zaky is made to provide the baby with the optimum environment to fall sleep.

Jackson says, "Once babies fall into a deep sleep, the Zaky is removed and used when the baby wakes up again. The Zaky assists with the transition from womb to world, and then to different environments."

She says they do not recommend leaving the Zaky in the crib after the baby is asleep, unless is recommended by the baby's doctor. For babies and toddlers older than 6-8 months old, the Zaky may remain with the child at night."

To learn more about the Zaky bonding pillow or to purchase click here.