Let's face it, car seats HAVE to be safe and made to U.S. government standards. However, not all of the car seat companies are with the times when it comes to the most up-to-date features. A well-known and well-respected name in the car seat industry is Britax (pronounced "Br-eye-tax") and they have manufactured seats that should protect our kids in the unfortunate event of a side-impact collision. 
I'm not even going to pretend that I know all there is to know about car seats, but what I can tell you is that the Britax Diplomat (pictured to the left) is the third toddler car seat we have used in the past year. The other two brands we have tested do not have the padded "wing" feature that you can see in the picture. Britax is just one of two European makers of car seats who are marketing this type of seat. From experience, I can tell you that it seems like a very sturdy, well-made car seat and in my opinion, you can't beat that extra amount of protection for that precious life you've created.
From stories that I have read, it seems that one complaint so far is that the child's view is restricted. My toddler is about 33 lbs. and 34 inches and she does just fine in the seat. It sits a little higher up than the other two seats we have used (EvenFlo and Cosco) and is a bit more compact but she has never seemed frustrated about the True Side Impact Protection (TM). If anything, the padded wings provide some extra head and neck support should she decide to take a rare nap in our vehicle.
The newly developed car seats will cost you anywhere between $150 - $300. To that I have to say, it's worth it to comparison shop. We are on the road so much more these days and if it means my child will have just a little more protection while we're out and about, well, you do the math. A lot of parents want the best stroller, I would personally opt for the best car seat considering there is a much higher fatality rate in vehicles than in strollers.
U.S. car seat companies have not planned to manufacture a seat with the side-impact feature because there is not yet sufficient test proof. The government is supposed to present some guidelines within the next few months, so, we'll have to wait and see what happens then.
In the meantime, keep your eye out for these seats. If you're on the fence at all about which car seat to purchase, take your time and do your research. I think one of the most important things you will purchase when you have a child is going to be the car seat. You will want a safe, comfortable ride for your tot and choosing one of the new Britax car seats with the True Side Impact Protection (TM) is a good place to start.
*The Britax website has a lot of valuable information and videos on car seats.
**Check out Consumers Union's Child Car Seat Fact Sheet.
***Article on the new side-impact car seats in the Wall Street Journal online.
Who doesn't want their children to develop early literacy skills?
"Kutoka Interactive’s new edutainment software game, Mia Reading: The Bugaboo Bugs!. The DVD-ROM, for the PC and Mac, is an adventure targeted at children five to nine that focuses on literacy skills with lots of fun games and activities.
The software delivers exceptional quality and incredible graphics that are delivered in HD. Mia Reading is one of a very small number of completely original titles -- not based on a movie, television show or licensed character, and it is one of a small number of educational software titles released each year."
WIN IT!
Kutoka is giving away the Bugaboo Bugs to one lucky winner! Email "Bugaboo Contest" to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com for your chance to win. Winner will be randomly drawn on May 5th at 5 PM CST. Again, this software is geared toward children aged 5-9. To learn more about the various software available from Kutoka, visit their website! Good luck!
Geesh...where have the Mums gone? Well, nowhere, really, for me, except maybe to CrazyLand. Everywhere, for Amy, and she started a full time job. Suffice it to say, we've been busy with life, and have not had much time to dedicate here, but we're trying to change that ASAP!!! What better way, than to bring you, dear readers, a contest for YOU. With Mother's Day coming up, wouldn't you love a fun, new purse to take around the town?
My friend Erin is the creator and designer of Rare Plumage purses and totes. I've carried my purse for over a year now. I love it! She does a beautiful job, and every purse is unique, cool, interesting, and solid! You can see her work on her blog.
Here's how the contest will work. Email "Purse Contest" to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com and tell us what colors/patterns you like in general. If you're the winner, we'll send you the one closest to your fave. Sound easy? That's because it is! The contest will run through May 1, at 5 PM CST.
If you're interested in purchasing a Rare Plumage purse, click here, and send Erin an email! Each purse is $30, unless otherwise stated.
Good luck with the contest, and I'll let you in on a little secret...I'll be putting up another one tomorrow or Sunday, so check back!
Want the best for your baby's skin? Then I Dream Baby from Isabella's Dream is for you. Their products contain a thoughtful, soothing blend of organic, wildcrafted or substainably grown therapeutic grade essential oils; and never have I smelled anything more wonderful! It's nice to know that what your putting on your child aren't chemicals and detergents, but organic, chemical-free products. I started using this on Lennon from his second or third bath and I'm telling you, he smells so good! It's also keeping his delicate skin so soft. The baby oil is great for cradle cap too. I rubbed a little on his head and the next day there was no evidence of that flaky scalp.
BuyGreen.com carries the I Dream Baby line and many other earth-friendly items. They are dedicated to helping preserve the environment in the items they sell and how they run their business. Check out Buy Green, as you will find all sorts of things for your home and your family, as well as your business!
Isabella's Dream also offers products for adults, teens and children as well. Their line includes skin care, hair care and sun care - all without harsh chemicals, synthetics, or anything harmful. Get some for your whole family. You're guaranteed to love it!
Or maybe not...It could just be the greatest $50 I've spent in the past 5 years, but still, that's a bold statement!
So yesterday our power was out (for 22 1/2 hrs!!!) due to some major storms in our area. We toughed it out because it was a beautiful day, and we were able to stay here and not completely fry.* There was one problem though. How was I going to pump? I've been doing this in the mornings, so we can give Lennon bottles before bed and at night, so we all can sleep more. I totally panicked and started calling around places to see if I could buy a battery pack. No dice. So, I bit the bullet, went to Target, and bought a hand pump, with the idea that I could return it if it was really horrible. Well, it is FAR from horrible. In fact, I'm irritated with myself that I never gave the hand pump a chance until now. I had no idea how great this device was! It's so much better, easier and faster to me than the electric pump I've been using.
Here's the little beauty-The Avent ISIS Handheld Breast Pump!
After I review the Aimee Nursing Gown (another fave), I am officially DONE talking any more about breasts! :)
*This weather will last about 2 weeks, then summer will hit.
With summer quickly approaching (temperature-wise in TX, we're practically there already. UGH.), you may be looking for things to do with your children. Our friends Ann & Sarah have come up with a brilliant new website, What to Do, Poopsy-Woo?, where you can find all sorts of great ideas for games, crafts, learning, etc. Check them out, and tell them the Mums sent you!
Here's her article.
And the video!
Remember the onesie Polkadot Patch Boutique sent for Lennon?
I know you have to have one too. Sometimes, pictures like these are so much better than posed "smiling" pictures.
p.s. He's almost 7 weeks. This is a 3-6 mo. onesie. If you've got a Buddha baby too, buy big!
Yesterday, Amy had the opportunity to meet Katie Couric to discuss this "Mommy Blogging" phenomenon. Can you believe it? She's going to be talking much more about her experiences this past week here, and at The Ladybug and Her Blogging Mama. Thanks, CBS and Katie for this awesome opportunity! We'll get the YouTube clip up as soon as it's posted. Congrats, Amy, on hitting the BIG TIME!!!
Want the opportunity to win some great Boon products? Boon has teamed up with Chronicle Books, publishers of the new book The Toddler Cafe, to bring you this terrific contest. Readers can enter to win by submitting their best ideas for getting kids to eat. The top ten entries will receive a signed copy of The Toddler Café and one of the new Boon feeding items. One grand prize winner will receive a complete set of Boon feeding items, plus an Animal Bag stuffed animal storage, and an assortment of parenting books form Chronicle Books including the signed copy of The Toddler Café.
Want to enter? Go HERE and tell them your best ideas for getting your kids to eat. Good luck!
Muslin is a fabric that keeps you cool in the summer, and warm in the winter, and it's the fabric that makes up my new, favorite baby blanket-The Aden and Anais Muslin Baby Wrap! What is so great about Aden and Anais? Well, for starters, the company was started by two Aussie mums, and Australians are cool. Any company that promotes swaddling, well, I'm going to love them. Swaddling is simply the best way to keep your baby calm and happy. Trust me, I can attest to the benefits of swaddling with my two very calm babies! The greatest thing about these blankets is their size. I have the Dream Blanket (on sale!), and it's so big (47" x 47") and thick! The wraps come 2 or 4 in a package, are the same size as the Dream Blanket, and aren't so thick. But will they keep your baby swaddled? Yes! You know all those teeny tiny receiving blankets
you get as gifts? Return them, and get some of these! They will actually fit your baby!
Is your little one too big for swaddling? The muslin blankets are useful beyond wrapping. They're versatile! See the bros on the right chillin' on the blanket? Aden and Anais also offers hooded towels and washcloths made of the same, soft, breathable muslin.
Go see all the people (including us!) that already love Aden and Anais, then head to a store near you, or shop on line for your very own!