One of my favorite baby gear products for TJ was his BabyBjorn carrier.  I loved having TJ so close to my chest as we went walking the neighborhood.  It was so much easier to get around with an infant in the carrier rather than taking our very large stroller everywhere (he was too little for the umbrella stroller).  I even had him in his BabyBjorn when I went to sign my teachers contract last year.  I was very sad when he outgrew his carrier.  I recently was asked to review BabyBjorn’s newest carrier the Comfort Carrier.  I was a little hesitant because I figured TJ was too old to use this but to my surprise BabyBjorn listened to parents everywhere and created a carrier that will old older babies!

The BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier is designed for babies and toddlers up to 2 yrs, from 6 kg/13 lbs (at least 55 cm/22 in) to 14 kg/31 lbs (12 kg/26.5 lbs facing outwards). TJ is just over 20 pounds at the moment and this carrier really came in handy in our most recent vacation to Idaho.  My parents have a cabin in the mountains with unpaved roads where a stroller can not be operated very efficiently.  We are also planning a vacation with my husbands family at the end of the month to Lake Michigan where there is a lot of sand (another inefficient place to use a stroller).  The carrier is perfect for those walks where we need to bring TJ but don’t want to hold him for a long distance.  Here is a little more about the BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier taken from their website:

The ergonomic BABYBJÖRN Comfort Carrier baby carrier provides optimum support when carrying larger and older children for longer periods of time. The waist belt and padded shoulder straps adjust the weight evenly over both hips and shoulders. The child’s leg position can be adjusted, offering extra comfort, and as with all BABYBJÖRN baby carriers, the child can be carried facing either inwards or outwards. TheBABYBJÖRN Comfort Carrier is carefully designed to ensure you can carry your child safely and close to you, and still have your hands free for other things.

BabyBjorn is also thinking about the health and safety of my child when they decided to make the Comfort Carrier 100% organically grown materials. We all know babies but things in their mouths, and knowing that the materials do not contain a bunch of chemicals eases my mind if TJ decided to chew on his carrier.

I love that BabyBjorn is constantly listening to parents and their needs and creating products that real families will actually use.  The BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier is a must have that should be included on every expecting moms baby registry.

Buy It:

You can purchase the BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier at baby stores nationwide for $199.99 (SRP)

This product review was made possible by BabyBjorn. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

When my little man was a tiny infant, I couldn’t live without our swing or bouncer.  They were lifesavers!  The only way I could feel comfortable taking a shower and knowing he was okay was if he was strapped into his bouncer or swing.  The soothing vibrations helped lull him into sleep.  They were my two best friends.  The only problem with my two friends were that they were not very travel friendly.  The swing was gigantic and the bouncer very awkward, they both took up too much space.

Infantino recently sent me the Fold & Go Bouncer to try out. Immediately I thought about how much easier this bouncer is to transport than our other one.  It folds up and stores in small places which is perfect for my little house.  TJ is almost too big for this bouncer (the weight limit is 25 pounds). But, I am really excited to own this bouncer for my next child.  The folding feature makes it so convenient for cramped spaces and car transportation, it is wonderful for traveling.

Here are some more features of the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer:

• Includes plush seat, padded head support and waist harness.
• Removable entertainment bar adjusts and includes two detachable toys!
• Comforting bouncing action occurs with baby’s natural movement.
• Machine washable seat cover.
• Simple, no-hassle assembly!
• Requires 3 “AA” batteries
• For babies up to 25lbs (11.3kgs)

One of my favorite features is volume control and the heartbeat sound.  I hate loud sounds when baby is trying to fall asleep, but put on the heartbeat sound softly, and you are guaranteed a sleeping baby in no time.

The bouncer is lightweight and easy to assemble (much to my husbands delight).  The colors are nuteral and will go with most any decor.

If you are in the market for a bouncer, you must check out the Fold & Go by Infantio.  It retails for $49.99 and you can purchase it from Step2 here.

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”

I am so very excited to announce that I have been chosen as an Infantino Test Drive Mom!  While participating in this program I will be able to test out some of Infantino’s great  new products for babies and toddlers.  We recently received the Infantino Jumbo Wheel Play Space and the Twist and Fold Gym for TJ.  At first glance I was a little worried that TJ would be a little old for these items, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much he enjoyed them.  We especially loved the Jumbo Wheel Play Space.

The Jumbo Wheel Play Space is packed with fun and space for crawling and tummy time activity. Strategic activities such as a detachable mirror, teethers and an easy-to-press flower which plays a 15-second musical tune are placed throughout the mat to encourage reaching, grasping and tummy play time. Play space measures 47” in diameter.

This play mat is very large and allows your child to move around and explore on it.  There is a mirror that TJ just loves looking at himself in.  He also loves making all the crunching noises that occur when you scrunch up the animals ears.  TJ has been really interested in music (much to my husbands delight) and loves to press buttons and hear music.  The Play space comes with a plush flower that will play music when you press on it (his favorite thing about the mat).  The only drawback to the musical flower is that there doesn’t seem to be a way to change the battery when it dies.  I hope that Infantino will change this soon so that musical kids like TJ can enjoy the music for a long time.

The Infantino Twist and Fold Gym is an activity center for infants where your child can be entertained and learn skills like reaching.  The gym also includes a little pillow so that your child can enjoy his tummy time.  I know with TJ it was really hard at first for him to enjoy his tummy time, I wish I had this activity gym when he was first learning.  It would have made tummy time a little bit more enjoyable.

What makes the Twist and Fold Gym unique is that it pops up in one simple motion and folds down for easy storage or travel. When you are carrying an infant in one arm this feature is very helpful.  In order for us to store our old activity gym we had to unhook all the arms (which wasn’t that easy) and then wrap the mat around the arms to store it.  I had a hard time figuring out how to push the the top crossbar, but Infantino sent me the instructions and I figured out that I wasn’t pushing down hard enough on the crossbar for the arms to click into place.  TJ was a little old to enjoy this gym to the fullest, but it would be great for a young infant.

Stay tuned to A Mom’s Impression for more wonderful Infantino reviews.

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”

I have to start this article by saying that my husband and I are huge avocado fans!  We have made our own guacamole in the past, and there are several times I have spooned out the deliciousness and ate it without any kind of recipe.  The thought never occurred to me to have TJ try avocados.  It makes sense, avocados are soft and buttery and mild tasting, but I hadn’t thought to dice some up and give it to him until Avocados From Mexico sent me a basket of avocados, some kid friendly recipes and an avocado slicer.  Isn’t is a great looking basket?

Did you know avocados are considered one of the best first solid foods for infants?

According to Avocados From Mexico’s website…

…avocado’s monounsaturated fats support healthy brain function by promoting blood flow and its antioxidant nutrients protect your child’s brain cells against destructive free radicals. B-complex vitamins in avocados support memory and brain function—helping your curious child to grow, learn and play!

One of the suggestions included with the basket was to spread the avocados on toast instead of using butter.  TJ loved this!  He ate up a lot of the toast and then I fed him little bits of avocado and he seemed to enjoy those as well.  I would have never of thought to use avocados this way, but I tried it too and I fixed myself some!  Avocados From Mexico has several kid-friendly recipes on their website.

Here are some more kid-friendly ways of incorporating avocados into your child’s diet:

	Mash a ripe avocado and serve it as a dip to accompany veggies or fruits.  Add a squeeze of lemon, if desired, for kids older than one.
	Combine canned tuna with avocado and use as a filling for finger sandwiches Spread avocado onto a lightly toasted bagel or toasted bread strips.
	Avocado spread is a healthy alternative to butter and mayonnaise, so introduce the concept as early as you can.
	Serve chunks of avocado as an anytime snack, with ranch dressing for dipping.

In addition to these wonderful tips, Avocados From Mexico also has ingenious kid-friendly recipes on their site that you have to try.  I love this one, which is bound to be popular with the new Shrek movie.  It is called Ogre Jello, and by looking at it you can see why.

	1 package (3 ounces) lime-flavored gelatin
	1 tablespoon sugar
	1 tablespoon limejuice
	2 fully ripened Avocados from Mexico halved, pitted, peeled and coarsely chopped
In bowl, prepare gelatin following package directions; stir in sugar and limejuice. Chill until mixture is the consistency of egg whites, stirring occasionally. In bowl of food processor, place avocado; add gelatin mixture; process until smooth and creamy.  Spoon mixture into six 2/3-cup molds or 1-quart serving dish; cover and chill until firm. Quickly dip molds into hot water; turn out onto serving plates. Serve with diced avocado, if desired. YIELD: 6 portions

If you are a family without children, Avocados From Mexico hasn’t forgotten about you.  On the website they are featuring recipes from Rick Bayless, Top Chef Masters’ winner and host of the PBS show Mexico One Plate at a Time. Here is one that I will be trying very soon:

Layered Guacamole Dip with a New Twist

We just used the last two avocados tonight by making a wonderful guacamole to go with our tacos.  I can’t believe the avocados lasted a little over a week, but they stayed fresh in our refrigerator.  Yummy, yummy, yummy!

Buy It:

You can purchase Avocados From Mexico at your local grocery store, just look for the avocados with “Mexico” on the sticker.  To make sure you are picking the right ripeness of your avocado here are the characteristics to look for:

This product review was made possible by Avocados From Mexico. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

As I have written before, when I was pregnant with BJ I fantasized about making my own baby food.  Being able to control the products that go into my son’s food would be fantastic and reassuring that he was getting the best nutrients that he possibly could.  The only problem, I don’t have the time to do that.  I have a full time job, 10 hours a day, and the remaining time I want to spend playing and interacting with my husband and son. Even now that he is learning to feed himself I am still concerned that he is getting the most nutritious food possible.  From babies to pre-schoolers, Happy Baby Foods offers a complete line of organic and nutritious food for your child.

HAPPYBABY is committed to providing families with the healthiest, most optimal nutrition possible. Besides using the best organic ingredients, we also incorporate the best nature has to offer when it comes to added nutrition, like our sustainable source of DHA, pre and probiotics, and supergrains like Salba and Quinoa.

TJ loves Happy Baby’s HappyMelts.  These freeze-dried organic yogurt snacks are wonderful for toddlers just learning to feed themselves.  They “melt” inside your child’s mouth decreasing the likelihood of your child choking while learning to feed them self. This yummy snack offers protein, low-sugar, and the added boost of pre and probiotics for digestive wellness.

Another huge hit with TJ are the Organic Puffs.  He would literally eat these all day if I let him.  The Organic Puffs teach baby tactility and self-feeding along with supplementing your child’s diet with vitamins and minerals.  We have actually tried many different brands of puff with TJ, and I really like the size and shape of Happy Baby Organic Puffs, they are a little larger and easier for tiny hands to grasp and get inside their mouths.

TJ is finally beginning to eat what mom and dad eat for dinner.  We have found out that he loves chicken strips.  While this is a great thing, I feel like I can’t feed chicken strips to him every night.  Since he is just beginning table foods, he resists much of what I put on his plate.  Happy Baby has a complete line of nutrition for your toddler and young child, HAPPYBITES are yummy, balanced meals in easy-to-pick-up handheld sizes. I love that veggies are hidden inside every bite! They have Salmon Sticks that I think I can trick TJ into trying because they look like his chicken fingers (yet so much healthier).

Happy Baby partners with Stonyfield Farm Organic and sent TJ some coupons for YoBaby yogurt.  TJ loves his yogurt and would also eat this all day if I let him. We purchased a variety pack that included apple yogurt and blueberry. YoBaby began when its founders saw a need for an all organic, whole milk yogurt formulated with the nutrients that babies need and the taste that babies love.

Happy Baby carries food from the moment your child starts solids all they way through pre-school so you can rest assured that your child is getting the most nutritious organic meal that you can buy. So if you are like me and don’t have the time to make your own baby food, you can rest assured that your child is getting the best nutritious meals with Happy Baby.

Buy It:

You can purchase premium organic meals for your family from Happy Baby from leading retailers nationwide, or you can find a store near you here.

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will received a Happy Baby Prize Package including:

• 2 free trial coupons for each of our products:HAPPYBABY, HAPPYBELLIES, HAPPYBABYPUFFS, HAPPYMELTS and HAPPYBITES
• 1 FAQ on Probiotics & DHA
• 1 Infant & Toddler Nutrition Guide, co-authored by Dr. Sears
• HAPPYFAMILY Recipes

A different lucky winner (1) will receive a YoBaby Prize Package that includes:

• 2 free trial coupons for YoBaby 4-packs
• Eric Carle Growth Chart

How to Enter:

Visit Happy Baby and tell me what product from their site you would like to have your child try.   (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win A Happy Baby Prize Package @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/b2dia (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow Happy Baby on Twitter and Tweet: I entered to win a Happy Baby Prize Package @amomsimpression http://wyn.cc/b2dia(You may enter once, just leave one comment with the Tweet’s link)
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Like Happy Baby on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on June 25. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Open to US and Canadian residents only.  Good Luck.

This product review was made possible by HappyBaby.  I was not compensated for this review other than  product samples.  All opinions are 100% mine.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

When I was pregnant I received a tube of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste as a gift.  I immediately loved the name.  All the mommas in the room swore that it was the best stuff out there for diaper rash.  I packed it away in the nursery and forgot about it.  A few months later BJ came around and with him a ton of skin issues.  His poor little behind seemed to also be sensitive and so I recovered the packed away Butt Paste and gave it a go.  It was very effective in clearing up BJ’s bum.  It has quickly become a go-to product in the house.  I now return the favor and give it in all of my expectant mothers gift bags when I go to a baby shower.  Moms that know, share with each other!

Boudreaux’s Diaper rash ointment, skin protectant, helps to prevent diaper rash, protects chafed skin, and seals out wetness. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste® spreads on easily, cleans off quickly, and has a pleasant scent. Available in convenient foil pack, 1oz, 2oz, 3oz, 4 oz tubes and 16oz jar. Available in drug, discount or grocery store chains nationwide.

Featured on
• Oprah Show
• Tonight Show
• Today Show
• People Magazine
• ESPN
• While You Were Out TLC

Would you like to try a free sample of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste?

Visit http://www.blairex.com/BLButtPaste.php for your free sample!

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste

My little guy turned one year old this weekend.  Along with his birthday he took his first steps.  We have been practicing and hoping he would reach this milestone before his first birthday.  One of the ways that we have been practicing has been using this fantastic product the Juppy Baby Walker.  The Juppy is a device that helps train your child how to walk without straining your back.  I don’t know about you guys but I have hurt my back in the past and back pain sucks!  I love playing with my little man but sometimes bending over all the time puts a strain on my back muscles.  I am so excited about the Juppy Baby Walker because since I have been using it, helping BJ walk has been an easy strain free task.  Here are some highlights of the Juppy from their website:

Help your baby walk sooner while minimizing dangerous falls

Easy to use anywhere – at the beach, the backyard, or the park

Suitable for boys and girls - ONE SIZE FITS ALL

Adjustable straps for the best fit and height of parent

Safe and comfortable design with zip-up front and padded vest

Made from high quality, durable fabric

Easy to clean – Machine Washable

Customize a Juppy with your baby’s name!

We have been using the Juppy for the past month and like I said earlier BJ took his first steps this past week.  I don’t know if the Juppy had anything to do with it, but I do know that it made practicing walking with BJ a much more enjoyable task for everyone.  Here is a picture of BJ in his Juppy:

(Sorry you can’t see the product so well, BJ has to have his froggy blanket with him sometimes and he wouldn’t put it down for pictures!)

I highly reccomend checking out the Juppy Baby Walker for any parent with a child getting ready to walk.  You will be glad you did!

Buy It:

You can purchase the Juppy Baby Walker for $19.95 on their website here.

Win It:

One (1) lucky reader will win a Juppy Baby Walker of their own.

How to Enter:

Visit thejuppy.com and tell me something you learned about the Juppy Baby Walker.  (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Juppy Baby Walker@AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/o5bma (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Follow The Juppy Baby Walker on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Grab my Car Seat Giveaway Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on May 10. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Open to US residents only.  Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by  The Juppy Baby Walker.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample.  All opinions are 100% mine.

A Mom’s Impression is celebrating Earth Day on Thursday by offering wonderful Eco-friendly products and giveaways all week long.  Be sure to check back everyday for a new product (or 2) that will help make the world a cleaner and greener place.

I want to introduce you to a wonderful Organic Baby Food company called Ella’s Kitchen.  Ella’s Kitchen creates kid friendly, organic, Eco-friendly healthy food for your baby.

Here is a short note from the creator of Ella’s Kitchen, Paul Lindley:

Hi,

Ella is my ten-year-old daughter and I set up Ella’s Kitchen because I passionately believe that she, along with her generation, should have the opportunity to eat better food and also to discover that healthy food can be fun, tasty and cool.

We think it’s important to always approach things from a child’s point of view. So, we’ve taken simple, natural ingredients that ooze goodness and created foods, and packaging, that should really connect with kids – with flavours, colours, textures and even names that will appeal to all of their senses.

I have been admiring this baby food at Babies R Us but hadn’t purchased any when I got my package from Ella’s Kitchen for review.  First, I love the packaging.  There isn’t a lot of waste when using this product, you can squeeze every little bit of food out of the pouches.  

BJ loves his Ella’s Kitchen organic food.  He has tried and love the Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Apples and Blueberries.  I love the interesting combination of flavors.  I am able to introduce more flavors into BJ’s diet by feeding him different combinations.  In addition to traditional baby foods Ella’s Kitchen also has two different smoothie options for your child, the yellow one and the red one.  The smoothies contain nothing but organic fruit in them. You can feel comfortable knowing that your child is eating quality organic foods that will help him or her grow up strong and healthy.

Buy It:

You can purchase Ella’s Kitchen products from Toys R Us, Babies R Us and Target stores.  For additional stores visit Ella’s Kitchen Where to Buy Page on their website.

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a sample box of Stage 1 baby foods and Smoothies (The 8 pouches pictured above).

How to Enter:

Visit Ella’s Kitchen and tell me what flavor you are most interested in having your child try. (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Ella’s Kitchen recently launched at Target stores.  Visit Ella’s Kitchen on Facebook and tell us the closest Target store to you that carries Ella’s Kitchen products.
• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win an Ella’s Kitchen Organic Food Prize Package@AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/4vsqr (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Follow Ella’s Kitchen on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Grab my Car Seat Giveaway Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on May 5. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Ella’s Kitchen.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by Ella’s Kitchen. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love aden + anais! I fell in love with their swaddling blankets and then found multiple products that have made aden + anais a household name (well, in our house anyways).  We had a great aden + anais bib until my dog loved it too much and we had to throw it away.  What is there to love?  All of their products are made from natural muslin, a product that gets softer and softer the more you wash it.  The breathable fabric is extremely durable and is ultra chic as well.

aden + anais was founded by two Australian natives, Claudia Schwartz and Raegan Moya-Jones.  At home in Australia muslin baby wraps are traditional and are found in homes across the country.  The United States had yet to discover all the benefits that large muslin fabric swaddling blankets had to offer.  They created aden + anais to bring these products to America.

aden + anais have teamed up with the CJ Foundation for SIDS to promote safe sleeping habits for infants. The CJ Foundation promotes 10 guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS.  Here are the guidelines taken from their website:

We don’t know what causes SIDS, so we cannot say how to “avoid” it, but we can provide you with the most up-to-minute guidelines for reducing the risk of SIDS and other sudden unexplained infant deaths (SUID). First and foremost, educate yourself and everyone who cares for your baby on how to reduce the risks by following these guidelines:

1. Always lay your baby to sleep face up.

Side and tummy positions are not safe; check with your doctor if your baby has breathing problems.

2. Don’t smoke while pregnant and never smoke near your infant.

While pregnant or considering pregnancy do not smoke. Never let others smoke near your baby. Smoking is a major risk factor for SIDS.

3. Don’t let your baby get too hot.

Overheating is a leading risk factor for SIDS. Dress your baby in as much or as little as you would wear. If your baby is sweating, has damp hair, or a heat rash, he or she may be too hot. Room fans have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Consider using a wearable blanket or other type of sleeper instead of a blanket.

4. Lay your baby to sleep in an approved crib, on a firm mattress.

Do not let the baby sleep on soft things, like a couch, pillow, sheepskin, foam pad, or waterbed. Remove all loose bedding, stuffed animals, and pillows from crib. Crib bumpers are not recommended and can be hazardous.

5. Create a healthy lifestyle for you and your baby.

When pregnant, see your doctor often and do not use drugs or alcohol. Talk with your doctor about changes in your baby and how your baby acts.

6. If possible, breast feed your baby.

Breast feeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

7. Offer your baby a pacifier at all sleep times.

Pacifiers have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

8. Put your baby on his or her tummy to play when your baby is awake and supervised.

Make sure someone is always watching. “Tummy Time” is good for your baby because it makes neck and shoulder muscles stronger.

9. Don’t share sleep surfaces.

Adult beds, couches, and chairs are not safe for infant sleep and increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant death. After breast feeding put your baby back in his or her crib.

10. Share these tips with everyone who cares for your baby.

Education is the key to keeping your baby safe.

Safety is the number one priority for me.  I want to keep my baby as safe as I possibly can.  We never leave blankets in the crib, and we have replaced our bumper with a breathable bumper to further reduce the risk of SIDS. I was really excited to receive and promote aden + anais’ slumber bag, a muslin breathable sleeping bag that replaces loose blankets for a safer sleep.  We received a size large (which is plenty roomy) for our 1 year old in a very cute elephant print.  I love the safe alternative to loose blankets. I can rest assured knowing that BJ is safe in his crib warm, but not too warm.  The fabric is amazing.  At first when you take the product out of the box it seems a little stiff and scratchy, but when you wash it for the first time you see a remarkable difference.  It gets softer and softer with each wash.

I personally have girlfriends who have lost babies to SIDS and can not imagine what that would be like for a parent.  I appreciate aden + anais promoting safe sleeping and allowing me to promote and review their products.  Please educate yourself on healthy sleeping habits for your babies, and give them a little extra squeeze tonight!

Buy it:

You can purchase aden + anais products on their website here.

For purposes of this review, I was sent a slumber bag from aden + anais free of charge.  This review is my honest opinion and is not influenced by any other source.

I have spent the last few months looking at convertible car seats for BJ.  He is rapidly outgrowing his infant seat and we are going to have to move him into a “big boy” car seat.  The most important factor for us when selecting a car seat is safety.  I want the safest car seat on the market for my little man.  I am already paranoid being a first time mom, so I want to know that if anything happens my little guy is as safe as he possibly can be sitting in his seat.

In my research I learned a lot about car seat safety and a lot of alarming car crash statistics. In the past 20 years side impact  crash fatalities have increased by 20%.

(Taken from Safety 1st website)

So, how can parents protect their child from side impact collisions? Safety 1st has designed a unique car seat that provides better side impact protection than the average car seat.  The Complete Air Convertible Car Seat is a unique car seat that protects your child’s head.  Here is a short description from their website:

Air Protect™ Technology has been designed to defend against the biggest threat to children on the road today; side impact collisions.  Side impact are by far the deadliest type of collision for children, accounting for one in three child fatalities; nearly all of which are caused by head trauma.  The placement of Air Protect™ Technology on the car seat diverts crash forces away from a child’s head, the most vulnerable place in a side impact crash.

We recently received a Complete Air Convertible Car Seat from Safety 1st for our review.  I was so excited to see the box arrive from the FedEx man.  The box became a big hit with BJ.  He has been playing with it ever since it came.

We read through the instruction manual and began the installation process.  We appreciate that the seat is a convertible because we still need it to be rear-facing for a few more months until BJ is older (it fits rear facing from 5-40 lbs and forward facing 22-50 lbs).  Installing the car seat in the rear facing position was difficult at first.  We actually had to go to the installation videos on Safety 1st’s website in order to install it correctly.  The video was wonderful and I highly recommend viewing the videos before attempting to install the car seat. A word to the wise on installing rear facing, you might need a rolled up towel to stick under the front of the seat in order to get it to level out correctly.

BJ loves his new seat.  He looks very comfortable riding rear facing and he has plenty of leg room.  I was a little worried about the head flaps (that cushion his head with air) restricting his view, but he doesn’t seem to mind.  We can easily strap him into the seat and adjusting the harness is extremely easy thanks to the QuickFit Harness System  that adjusts the harness height from the front in one easy step without uninstalling from the car. The seat also comes with a detachable cup holder for BJ when he is a little older.

Overall we thought that the car seat was a little difficult to install rear facing but easier after watching the installation videos.  In spite of the one negative, we love this car seat. It looks great, BJ looks comfortable, and best of all I feel like I have my son in the safest car seat on the market.  A Mom’s peace of mind is priceless.

Buy It:

You can purchase your own Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Car Seat from Babies”R”Us, Target, Walmart, Sears, and other retailers for MSRP $219.99.

Win It:

One (1) lucky AMI reader will win a Safety 1st Convertible Air Car Seat of their own!

How to Enter:

Visit Safety 1st and tell me another product you would like to try from their website.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Safety 1st Convertible Car Seat @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/v2gr9 (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Grab my Car Seat Giveaway Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on May 15. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Safety 1st  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by Safety 1st. All opinions are 100% mine.

]]> http://amomsimpression.com/2010/04/12/safety-1st-complete-air%e2%84%a2-convertible-car-seat-review-and-giveaway/feed/ 650