Do you suspect your little one has sensory or skin sensitivities? You’re not alone! Finding clothes that are comfortable for their littles with sensory issues, including those with autism and understanding what makes a top clothing pick can be tricky but we are here to help! We’ve rounded up some tips and insights to help make dressing your little one easier.
Understanding Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities can vary widely from one child to another. For some, certain fabrics, textures, tags or seams may feel uncomfortable or even painful against their skin. Others may struggle with clothing that is too tight or restrictive. It may take some trial and error but observing your little one's reactions and preferences to each category will help you figure out what works best for them.
Categories to watch for:
Choosing the Right Fabrics
Sensory-sensitive children love soft, breathable fabrics that don't cause irritation and feel soft and smooth against their skin. Fabrics like cotton and bamboo are gentle and less likely to trigger sensory issues. Kids may be more sensitive in the evenings when they are tired and winding down. Buckle Me Baby Pajamas are made from hypoallergenic bamboo fabric making them cozy, breathable, and soothing against the skin (bonus: bamboo is perfect for kids with eczema too). They also have no tag at the neck for extra comfort!
Opting for Seamless Designs
Seams and tags can be major sources of discomfort for kids with sensory sensitivities. Look for clothing with seamless designs or tagless labels to minimize irritation.
Choosing Non-Restrictive Designs
Look for clothing and accessories that aren't restrictive in areas where kids are sensitive, whether it’s their wrists, ankles or at the neckline. Look for items with stretchy or adjustable features, like elastic waistbands or cuffs, to help them move comfortable without feeling constrained.
Buckle Me Baby Coats: Sensory-Sensitive Solutions
At Buckle Me Baby Coats, we understand the importance of keeping kids comfortable. We also know that traditional winter coats can sometimes bother kids who are sensitive in the neck area or who have a trach. Our Toasty and Toast Coats are designed with lower necklines to provide a more comfortable fit for kids who are sensitive in this area. Their unique design makes it easier and safer to buckle them in car seats too, so you’re not dealing with the added hassle of a bulky coat in the car.
Finding clothing and outerwear for kids with sensory sensitivities or skin sensitivities may be a bit of trial and error, but when you find the brands that work for your little one it's one less thing to worry about!
Sources:
Autism Speaks]]>
If you're wondering when is the best time to transition your baby from an infant seat (or bucket seat or pumpkin seat) to a convertible car seat this guide is for you!
Babies can outgrow an infant car seat in three ways:
If your baby reaches any one of these three limits, they have outgrown their infant car seat. No need to wait for all three!
You can keep using an infant seat while your baby is within all the limits, but many parents choose to move their baby to a rear facing convertible when they are around 8-10 months. It can be quite a workout carrying a 20lb baby in a 10lb carrier!
You don’t need to “max out” your baby’s infant car seat. If they fit correctly in a rear facing convertible, you can transition them!
Guest Post by Britney Schroeder, CPST (@buckleandlatch)
]]>So there you have it—five tips to help you conquer your next road trip with kids like a pro. With a little planning, preparation, and the right gear, you'll be well on your way to creating unforgettable family memories on the road. Adventure safely!
]]>Understanding Weighted Sleep Sacks
Weighted sleep sacks are designed to provide gentle pressure on your baby's body, mimicking the feeling of being held or swaddled. This pressure is believed to help calm and soothe babies, potentially promoting better sleep. While the concept sounds promising, it's essential to consider safety guidelines before introducing any new sleep product to your baby's routine.
What Experts are Saying:
While these benefits may sound tempting, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has firmly cautioned against the use of weighted sleep sacks or any use of weight in a baby’s sleep environment. They warn that these products can pose potentially life-threatening risks to infants as they could make it harder for babies to arouse themselves in response to hazards such as a lack of oxygen, increasing their risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The AAP statement asserts that “the evidence available at this time does not indicate that weighted swaddle products are safe, nor does it demonstrate that they are effective in helping babies sleep longer or with fewer disruptions.”
Since the AAP issued this statement, the Center for Disease Disease Control and Prevention as well as the National Institute of Health also cautioned parents against the use of weighted blankets and sleep sacks. Some argue that this stance is overly conservative and without basis as there have not been any reported incidents attributed to weighted sleep sacks. Nonetheless, we recommend erring on the side of caution when it comes to your littles.
Alternatives to Weighted Sleep Sacks
It is possible to help your baby sleep well through the night without the use of a weighted sleep sack (really!). From creating a safe, comfortable sleep environment to choosing other cozy sleepwear, you can set your babe up for slumber success without the added risk.
Here's to safe, snug, and sound sleep for you and your baby!
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How can you tell if your child’s car seat is installed tightly enough? How much should it move? Can you install it too tightly? Let’s talk about it!
A correctly installed car seat (or base) doesn’t move more than 1 inch front to back or side to side. But we don’t test the tightness just anywhere on the car seat! We only test at the belt path. The belt path is where the car seat is secured to the vehicle by either the lower anchor (LATCH) strap or the vehicle seat belt.
A car seat is like a tree - the belt path is like the roots of the tree and the top of the car seat is like the branches. The branches move, but they are firmly anchored to the ground by the roots. The car seat is anchored to the vehicle at the belt path. As long as it’s tight there, it will perform as intended in a crash!
To test for a tight installation, we do The Handshake Test:
Put your hand on the car seat or base at the belt path
Give the car seat a firm handshake front to back and side to side
If the car seat moves less than 1 inch, it is installed tightly
If the car seat moves more than 1 inch, it must be installed more tightly
Never use tools or put your full weight in the car seat to get it tighter. If your car seat has a lock-off, you shouldn’t need superhuman strength to close it! A too-tight installation can make it hard to uninstall the car seat or cause a lock-off panel to pop open. Get the tightest installation you can with reasonable effort.
]]>The harness’s job is to keep your child inside their car seat so they can be protected during a crash. Crash forces are powerful, so that snug harness is an important part of using the car seat correctly to keep your child safe!
Before your baby can fully control their head and neck, a snug harness also keeps their body in the right position while they are in their car seat so they can breathe properly.
Luckily, there’s a simple way to make sure your child’s harness is tight enough - It’s called the pinch test. Here’s how you do it in 3 steps:
If the harness is too loose, try the reverse pinch test to make sure you tighten it enough:
Now that you know about the pinch test, you can follow these easy steps to make sure your child is harnessed snugly for every ride!
Guest Post by Britney Schroeder, CPST (@buckleandlatch)
]]>We’re here to help! The first thing to know is there is no one “safest” car seat! All car seats for sale in the US meet the same federal crash test standards, regardless of price or extra features.
The safest car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, fits your budget, and that you can use correctly every single time. Let’s talk about what that means!
Want expert help making sure your car seat is installed and used correctly? Book an appointment with a local CPST and become car seat confident!
Guest Post by Britney Schroeder, CPST (@buckleandlatch)
]]>Did you Know?
In Finland, parents have a unique approach to baby sleep – they let their babies nap outdoors in the winter! The cold air is believed to help babies sleep longer and more deeply, contributing to better body temperature regulation. Ok, so we’re not pushing our baby’s bassinet outside anytime soon and aren’t necessarily recommending you do so either. But incorporating elements of this practice might help you and your baby catch more zzz’s at night.
Tips for Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment for your Baby
There is nothing we parents covet more than a good night’s sleep. And with good reason – it’s essential for our well-being and our baby’s. Try these tips to find the right environment that works best for you and your baby. Here’s to a restful night!
*This is not considered medically-approved safe sleep advice. Always consult your child's pediatrician or a certified sleep coach for questions specific to your baby.
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Did you know that less than half of all car seats are registered? Even though that registration postcard comes in the box, it can be easy to forget! It’s important to register your child’s car seat so that the manufacturer can notify you about recalls.
Sending in the registration card gives the manufacturer your contact information and lets them know you own one of their car seats. That way, if a recall does happen, they can get in touch with you to:
Let you know that there is a recall on the car seat you own
Tell you whether or not you need to stop using the car seat
Provide information about what the remedy will be for the recall
Every year, roughly half of all recalled car seats are not fixed because parents and caregivers never registered their car seat and aren’t notified about the recall or how to fix it.
Did you throw out the registration postcard? Don’t worry! Search “car seat registration” and your car seat’s brand name. Most manufacturers let you register your car seat online, which makes it even easier!
Can’t find a way to register online? Call the manufacturer and they can help you. And don’t worry - the manufacturer will only contact you if there is a recall. You won’t be placed on any email lists!
Unfortunately, recalls can happen at any time. So even if you’ve already owned the car seat for a while, it’s still worth it to register your child’s car seat as long as it is still being used.
Guest Post by Britney Schroeder, CPST (@buckleandlatch)
]]>1. Preserve the Peaceful Vibes:
If your baby has dozed off during the drive, maintain the serenity. Gently unbuckle them from the car seat and try to replicate their nap-time routine at home. Dim the lights, play soft music, or use familiar sleep cues to keep the tranquility intact. Keeping a small, portable sound machine on hand can help too.
2. Keep them Warm and Cozy:
A dramatic change in temperature will likely wake a baby right up. Our Car Seat Sleep Sacks let you keep your baby cozy warm from car seat to crib for a seamless transition. The unique zipper design allows you to safely buckle the car seat harness so you don’t have to take it off for car rides. This means they’re already dressed for bed if they fall asleep. Is it extra freezing? Try our Car Seat Blankets for extra warmth on top of their car seat harness.
3. Create a Comfortable Sleep Space:
Ensure baby’s sleep environment is cool, quiet, dark, and conducive to rest. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against any loose bedding, blankets or stuffed animals in the crib for babies under one year old. Safe swaddling or using wearable blankets like our Car Seat Sleep Sacks can give your baby the cozy feeling they love in their car seat, but without the safety risks.
Make the Move, It’s Worth It
While a few minutes of snooze time in the car isn’t cause for panic, babies should not sleep for long, un-observed periods in a car seat. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sleeping for prolonged periods in car seats can cause positional asphyxia. It is recommended that babies sleep on their back on a smooth, flat surface. As much as we can relate to wanting to celebrate that car-induced nap, it’s worth it to make the move to the crib.
Buckle Me Baby Car Seat Sleep Sacks are designed to make these transitions smoother for both you and your baby. Next time your babe dozes off in the car, make sure they’re wearing one so you don’t have to pull out your ninja-like moves to put them to bed.
Adventure safely!
]]>Rebound is kind of like dribbling a basketball: When you drop a basketball, first it hits the ground and then it “rebounds” back up toward your hand. The same thing happens in a crash! First, people in the car move to the point of impact, then they “rebound” back to where they started. Rear facing car seats rebound back toward the vehicle seat on which they are installed.
An anti-rebound bar does just what its name suggests: it stops the car seat from moving as much during a crash - focusing on stopping that rebound movement.
You’ll only find anti-rebound bars on rear facing car seats, but they can look different from seat to seat. You might see an anti-rebound panel on an infant car seat base, an anti-rebound bar on a rear facing convertible/all-in-one car seat, or an anti-rebound carry handle position on an infant bucket seat! All types of anti-rebound bars do the same thing - help the car seat move less during a crash.
If your car seat doesn’t have an anti-rebound bar, don’t panic! All car seats on the US market must pass federal crash tests WITHOUT an anti-rebound bar. Rebound related injuries are also not very common. So, while anti-rebound bars can help improve how car seats work in a crash, all car seats on the US market can and do pass these tests without them.
Guest Post by Britney Schroeder, CPST (@buckleandlatch)
]]>To help keep kids from playing with seat belts, make sure any seat belts near a child are buckled in so they can’t play with them during the drive. This includes seat belts on vehicle seats where a car seat is installed with LATCH! If you used LATCH to install your car seat, be sure to also buckle in the seat belt so it’s out of your child’s reach.
Want to add extra safety? Lock the seat belt after you’ve buckled it in! Here’s a step by step guide for how to lock your vehicle seat belt:
Keep those unused seat belts buckled in and locked to help keep curious kids safe!
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
]]>]]>Planning to potty train your toddler over the holidays? Let’s talk about safe ways to keep your car seats clean and dry!
While Clek, Britax, and Diono have waterproof car seat liners (for use with their car seats only), other brands don’t have a solution available. Adding anything to your car seat can change how it performs and restrains your child in a crash - that includes putting things like puppy pee pads, towels, and third party waterproof inserts under your child when they are in their car seat.
But if it’s not safe to put anything under them, how can you protect your car seat from accidents? Here are 3 things to try:
For longer car rides (especially ones where they may fall asleep), have your child wear a pull-up instead of underwear! It can give you peace of mind knowing that any accidents will be contained and you won’t have to wash your car seat when you’re away from home.
Put a waterproof cloth diaper cover (or rubber shorts) over their underwear and under their clothes. They are still wearing their “big kid” underwear, but accidents won’t leak onto the car seat cover!
If your child is mostly potty trained but has “emergencies”, bring a portable toilet with you on the road trip. There are many cost-effective and small portable options with disposable bags that can be used right in the trunk of the car. It can help ease everyone’s mind knowing you won’t have to hunt for a toilet!
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
Why Get a Sleep Sack?
Sleep sacks are a popular choice for ensuring a safe and comfortable sleep environment for babies and toddlers. These wearable blankets replace loose blankets in the crib, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and providing a secure and cozy atmosphere for your little one to rest peacefully. Check out our blog, What is a Sleep Sack and Do I Need One? A Guide for Parents for the full scoop on sleep sack benefits and how to choose the right one for you.
The Ideal Sleepwear Combination
When it comes to what your baby should wear under a sleep sack, safety is king and comfort is queen. Here are some tips to consider:
Our Top Pick: Bamboo Pajamas
Buckle Me Baby Coats bamboo pajamas for babies and toddlers are loved by so many parents for use under sleep sacks and beyond. Here’s why:
Love a matching set? Check out the Sleep Everywhere Sleep Sacks, now available in soft bamboo prints that correspond with our Bamboo Pajamas. What’s to love about Buckle Me Baby sleep sacks?
A Good Night’s Sleep
Finding the right sleepwear for your baby under a sleep sack is key for a safe and comfortable night's sleep. Buckle Me Baby Coats offers the perfect combination with our bamboo pajamas and Sleep Everywhere Sleep Sacks. Bonus: they’ll look adorable in prints you can’t get anywhere else. Wishing you a restful night!
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Kids often fall asleep with their heads in odd positions that look very uncomfortable to adults. Generally, as long as their car seat is reclined correctly and they are not complaining of pain, they are not in any danger.
However, for infants with little to no head/neck control, chin to chest head slump can be dangerous. It can cause difficulty breathing and they can’t lift their head back into the correct position. Here are 4 ways to protect baby’s airway and keep them safe while sleeping in the car!
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
]]>Read Your Manual: Most car seat manuals have a section that tells you how to disassemble/reassemble your car seat and how to clean the car seat correctly to make sure it keeps working appropriately. Take note of whether it’s spot clean, hand wash, hang to dry, or machine wash/dry!
Watch A Tutorial: Some manufacturers have their own tutorial videos (on their website, linked with a QR code in the manual, or on youtube) that show how to take off the car seat cover(s) to wash them and how to put them back on.
Make Your Own Video: Film yourself (or have someone else film you) as you remove the car seat cover! The video can help you remember how everything goes back together once it’s clean, dry, and ready to reassemble.
Call The Manufacturer: Can’t figure out how to get the car seat back together? Lose a part? Call the manufacturer! Their customer service team can help you get the car seat cover back on, order a missing part, or help you replace a cover that has been damaged or no longer fits.
Traveling over the holidays with a car sick kid is stressful enough - don’t let cleaning your car seat add extra stress! Follow these tips to make cleaning your car seat less intimidating.
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
]]>Top tethers are an important part of installing your child’s forward facing car seat safely. But did you know that only about 36% of people in the US are using the top tether? Let’s talk about what they are, what they do, and why you should use them for every forward facing installation!
What are top tethers?
The “T” in LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) stands for tether! Tethers look like a piece of webbing with a hook at one end and they are attached to the top of the car seat shell.
The top tether goes over the top of the vehicle seat (over, under, or around the headrest!) and hooks to a LATCH tether anchor. They are typically only used for forward facing installations, but some seats do require tethers for rear facing installations (especially rotating seats).
What do top tethers do?
Using the top tether can reduce head excursion by 4-6 inches in a crash! Head excursion is when a child’s head moves outside the car seat shell during a crash.
Why should we use top tethers?
To help prevent additional injuries in a crash! If a child’s head stays within the car seat shell, it’s less likely to contact the inside of the vehicle during a crash.
Some manufacturers have even started using orange webbing or red hardware to help call attention to the top tether and make it easier for parents to identify. So be sure to use your top tether for every forward facing installation!
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
]]>Well, as always, we have the 411 on bamboo and why it's amazing for kids, especially kids’ pajamas.
Bamboo: Your Sensitive Skin’s Best Friend
Bamboo’s surge in popularity is for a good reason. It's soft, breathable, and eco-friendly. But what makes it stand out, especially for kids' sleepwear?
First off, it's incredibly gentle on your little one's skin. If you have a kiddo with sensitive skin, you'll understand the importance of this. Bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic and doesn't irritate sensitive skin, making it perfect for pajamas.
Say Goodbye to Overheating
One of the best features of bamboo fabric is its breathability. It's like nature's own air conditioner! Kids have trouble sleeping if they're too warm at night (nobody wants that), and bamboo pajamas can help keep them at a comfortable temperature. They'll keep your child cozy in winter and cool in summer, making them a year-round favorite.
Sustainability Stars
As parents, we're always looking for ways to make eco-friendly choices. Bamboo is a superstar in this department. It's one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, requires very little water, and doesn't need harmful pesticides to thrive. Choosing bamboo pajamas for your little one is a small step that can make a big difference for the environment.
Are you a Bamboo Pajama Convert Yet?
Now that we've talked about the wonders of bamboo fabric, you might be thinking, “I need some bamboo jammies for my kiddos asap.” We have you covered. Buckle Me Baby Coats Bamboo Pajamas are designed with your child's comfort and safety in mind. Here's why we know you'll love them:
Verdict: 100% Yes to Bamboo Pajamas
So, are bamboo pajamas worth the hype? Absolutely! They're gentle, breathable, and eco-friendly - everything you'd want in sleepwear for your kiddo. And when they come from Buckle Me Baby Coats, you get the benefit of longer wear too. Smart choice.
]]>Understanding the Sleep Sack
A sleep sack is a specially designed garment that provides a safe and secure sleeping environment for infants and toddlers. Unlike traditional blankets, which can pose suffocation hazards or be easily kicked off during the night, a sleep sack is worn like a bodysuit, ensuring that your baby stays warm and cozy throughout the night.
The Benefits of Using a Sleep Sack
Choosing the Right Sleep Sack
When selecting a sleep sack for your baby, consider the following factors:
Making Sleep Safe and Comfortable
A sleep sack can be a valuable addition to your baby's sleep routine, providing a safe and comfortable environment for catching those zzz’s (hopefully for you both). By eliminating the need for loose bedding, promoting healthy sleep patterns, and offering ease of use, a sleep sack is an essential. Check out our Sleep Everywhere Sack which has changed the game for parents – adding the benefit of easier buckling and transitions.
]]>The Scoop on Winter Coats in Car Seats
While traditional winter coats are designed to provide warmth, they can pose a significant safety risk when worn in a car seat. Here's why:
Enter the Buckle Me Baby Coats
Buckle Me Baby Coats have been a game-changer for kids and their parents as a safer alternative to traditional coats in car seats. Here's why parents and caregivers are raving about them:
How to Use a Buckle Me Baby Coat
Using a Buckle Me Baby Coat is simple and ensures your child's safety while keeping them warm:
Safety AND Comfort for the win!
With Buckle Me Baby Coats, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child is both warm and safe during winter travels and outdoor adventures. Say goodbye to the hassles of traditional coats and car seats or having to choose their safety & warmth and your sanity. Check out our full line of Car Seat Coats now. Adventure safely!
]]>Car Seat Safety Dictionary
LATCH: LATCH is an acronym for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. LATCH has been required on all car seats and in all vehicles since 2002.
You only use glasses OR contacts to correct your vision, not both at the same time. Each one separately corrects your vision, but using both together would make your vision worse because they will interfere with each other.
Using a seat belt and LATCH to install a car seat is similar: Either one can be used to properly and safely install a car seat, but using both together can cause the two belts to interfere with each other and compromise their performance (and the performance of the car seat) in a crash.
Unless your car seat manual specifically says you may use both the seat belt and LATCH to install (Nuna Pipa and a forward facing Clek Foonf come to mind!), your car seat was not crash tested using both installations together, so using both is not safe.
Pro Tip: You can (and should!) still use your top tether when you install your car seat forward facing with the seat belt. It’s okay to use the tether part of LATCH with the seat belt as directed by the manufacturer!
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
]]>LATCH was created to make car seat installation easier, which was a huge win! When LATCH was created, car seats were pretty lightweight and kids only used them for the first few years of their lives.
Now that car seats are heavier and kids use them for much longer, car manufacturers did some extra crash testing and came up with a LATCH lower anchor total weight limit (car seat and child!) of 65lbs. So, if a car seat manual tells you that the car seat has a LATCH weight limit of 40lbs, that means they have done the math and the car seat itself weighs 25lbs.
Pro Tip: Infant car seats with bases don’t have a LATCH weight limit! That’s because the weight of the car seat and the child weight limit for the car seat will always be below 65lbs.
Why not just keep using LATCH beyond the weight limit? The LATCH lower anchors (the metal bars in your car) are only crash tested to hold 65lbs. Car and car seat manufacturers can’t guarantee they will work as intended when holding more weight. So it’s important to switch to a seat belt installation once your child has reached the LATCH weight limit.
Remember: The vehicle seat belt can always be used to install the car seat - regardless of the weight of the car seat or the child!
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
]]>According to HCPVS, car crashes are a leading cause of injury to expectant mothers.
5 Steps To Riding Safer During Pregnancy:
What about seat belt adjusters for pregnancy?
There are multiple seat belt adjusters on the market, but these are not recommended. There is no federal crash test or safety standard for these products, so they are not safe to use.
Thanks to HCPVS for these great tips for keeping expectant parents and babies safe in vehicles!
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
]]>What Are Car Seat Covers?
Car seat covers are designed to go over top of an infant car seat to keep wind, rain, snow, and sun off of your baby. They are made of all different kinds of materials and come in different styles.
Car Seat Covers In The Heat
Avoid: Covering your child’s car seat with a car seat cover (even a cotton one!) on a hot summer day. This can cause your baby to overheat rather than keep them cool.
Instead: Use the built-in sunshade on your infant seat to keep the sun off your baby’s face while still allowing air to circulate in the car seat.
Car Seat Covers In The Cold
Avoid: Bunting-style car seat covers that go into the car seat itself, between the child and their harness. The extra material in these types of cold weather car seat covers can cause slack in the harness and affect how it performs in a crash.
Instead: Use “shower cap” style car seat covers that only go over the top of the infant car seat shell and can be easily removed when you get into the car.
Pro Tip: Don’t over bundle your child! Once the car heats up, they may be too warm if they are wearing multiple layers of clothing AND a car seat cover. Make sure your car seat cover is easily removable to prevent overheating.
Guest Post written by Britney Schroeder, CPST from Buckle & Latch (@buckleandlatch)
]]>Harness twists always seem to happen when you’re already running late, but taking a few minutes to untwist the harness will help keep your child as safe as possible in their car seat!
A harness’s job is to spread crash forces evenly over the strongest parts of your child’s body: their shoulders and hips. To do this, the harness must lay flat and snug over their body.
Twists in the harness can cause crash forces to focus on those twisted spots instead of spreading evenly across the harness. This focused force can cause additional injuries in a crash, so we really want to avoid twists!
A twisted harness may not tighten fully or correctly leaving slack in the harness. For the car seat to protect your child in a crash, the harness must be snug as loose harnesses means your child could be ejected from the car seat in a crash.
Pro Tip: Get a twist out of your harness quickly by making a triangle! Fold the harness strap into a triangle above the buckle and then pass the buckle over the triangle. Your harness will naturally untwist in seconds and you’ll be ready to go FAST.
When booking a flight, we check to see the type of aircraft that carrier will use for each leg of the trip.
Next we go to the aircraft, seat maps, specs, section on their website.
We locate the type of aircraft noted in the booking window, pick our class of service, and look at the seat width. Delta even offers the "child seat fit guide" to make things simple. We know our car seat is 16.9 inches wide so our seat will fit.
With so many different brands, models, and variations of carseats we all know that the measurements can vary quite a bit. However, planes are much the same! Different airlines, plane models, and seat sizes can greatly differ and it may take some time to find out if your carseat will fit!
Just because your carseat fit well on your last flight- doesn’t mean it will this time! So here’s what you can do to be prepared BEFORE arriving at the airport.
Check out this super helpful screengrab of the steps I’ve listed here in this video!
As always ensure your seat is FAA approved and certified. Most stickers will say if the seat is approved for motor vehicles as well as aircrafts and may look like the picture below.
For more tips on flying with children and the rules and regulations surrounding it check out the FAA’s official website here.
]]>The rising costs of just about everything these days is eating at all of our budgets. Inflation is affecting us in a variety of ways- how often or how much we purchase for our kids is likely changing as well.
We need items that last longer, hold up well to everyday mishaps, and check all the boxes when it comes to quality. While we’ve always wanted those things out of our purchases, now more so than ever as things become more and more expensive to replace.
How have your shopping habits been impacted by inflation or supply chain issues? The way we shop for clothing, home goods, and even basic grocery items has altered a bit because everything has either gone up in price or simply been unavailable.
Buckle Me Baby Coats are a wise investment in the midst of these crazy times. We actually designed our coats with extra length in the arms so you can use these coats for an extended period of time as your child grows.
Not only that but we have TWO ways you can trade in your coat and receive a credit towards your child’s next size up!
With our original “Trade-Up” program you can purchase a new coat of your choosing, mail in the old coat along with the original and new order number to receive a $20 credit when the donation arrives.
Our newer option is partnered with The Swoondle Society! Add a Swoondle bag to your cart when purchasing your new coat, put your gently used coat into the Swindle bag and mail in for $15 back on your method of payment.
This is a wonderful option if you have other clothes to donate as well! Any brand of kids clothing and shoes sizes 0 to 12Y in great condition can be donated to Swoondle who will process and value your clothing for a trade-in value.
Learn more about our Trade-up options here!
]]>Why is a heavy, winter coat unsafe for your infant in their car seat?
Let’s talk about it!
Most coats on the market today are NOT designed to be worn while your little one is in their carseat. Because of their extra bulk, it is not recommended for them to wear a traditional coat which causes the harnesses to be loose and then, ineffective. Many people do not consider that extra bulk will go flat or ‘deflate’ under impact and then your child’s harness straps will be too loose.
With a large, bulky coat you put your child at great risk of spinal, neck, and head injury caused by up to 10 cm of extra space from their jacket alone. Always check the straps to ensure they are snug! Put your child in the seat with regular clothing and tighten the straps- if you cannot put your child with a coat on into the seat without adjusting the straps do NOT loosen to accommodate their jacket.
This is especially dangerous when mixed with icy roads, sudden stops, and slick pavement. Of course we want our children to be warm, but we also need them to be safe in this dangerous driving season.
Because infants are still developing, their spines are softer, heads are heavier, and their neck muscles aren’t very strong. This is why carseat safety is so important and a bulky coat causing extra room in the harness can lead to a dangerous outcome.
The American Association of Pediatrics cautions against bulky coats as well. They warn “In a car crash, fluffy padding in a coat immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.”
Buckle Me Baby Coats ensures your baby’s comfort AND safety while keeping them warm and cozy. Because of its special design there is no need to remove their coat and put it back on upon arrival!
Travel with peace of mind this winter with Buckle Me Baby Coats.
]]>Did you know there are many baby coats that are NOT suitable for car seats?
We know that keeping your infant safe in the car is your number 1 priority and in the fall/winter months, keeping them warm comes in at a close second!
Taking your baby’s coat off and on each time you put them in the car seat may be the safer solution but it’s definitely not convenient!
This is where Buckle Me Baby coats come in!
We have designed a coat that is warm, cozy, and thick without being bulky. We’ve also included specific features that keep your baby warm and most importantly safe in their carseat.
Our coats are:
- Crash Tested and CPST Approved (which many coats are not!)
- Wind + Water Resistant to keep your little one safe from the weather!
- Chunky Rib Knit Collar to keep them nice and warm!
- Magnetic Removable Hood so you can keep their head warm (or easily remove!)
- Thick, sherpa lining with fleece backing (warm and cozy no matter the weather!)
- Come in a variety of colors so you’ll never get their coat lost with all the rest!
The front panel of the coat opens at the side and shoulder seams leaving the shoulders and chest area bare allowing the harness to lie flat and snug against the chest and shoulder. This is why Buckle Me Baby coats outperforms traditional bulky coats for safety and comfort in the car.
And simply put is one of the few coats your baby CAN wear in a car seat!
Check out all our varieties here and see the difference for yourself!
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