While still mired in the nausea and exhaustion of the first trimester, I think I am starting to move into the nesting phase of the second trimester. Just a little. Yesterday I bought three onesies (so cute!) and today I am obsessed with figuring out car seats. A little early to be worried about such things? Perhaps. But I can't help it.
I've started reading some different information sites about car seat safety, the different types of seats, etc., and I am learning quite a bit. I didn't know infants had to be in a rear-facing car seat up to age one. I don't remember this sort of thing when I was growing up; maybe it is a new safety requirement. Nonetheless, I will accept the government and blogosphere's warning that rear facing is the only way to go. But don't children also have to be in the back seat? And if a baby is in a big car seat, facing backward, in the back seat, how can I see what is going on? How will I know if little Rachel Jr. just spit up everywhere or started to slide down or something else? Do parents today have to install some elaborate system of mirrors in their cars? It all seems very complicated, but I suppose safety is more important than simplicity.
The other issue I've come across is the myriad types and styles of car seats. Infant only car seats, convertible car seats, travel system seats that work with strollers, etc. It's like I'm walking into a world of complete confusion, filled with its own rules and vocabulary. Newborns should recline 45 degrees? Where is my protractor! Different kinds of seats work better with different types of seatbelts? I guess I better crawl in the backseat of my car and see what's going on back there. There's something called LATCH? I'm just lost there. It's a mystery!!
We have been informed that a family member would like to buy us a car seat or stroller as a present. Another family member found a gently used crib they thought we might like. Their generosity is greatly appreciated, but it reminds me that I need to start figuring this stuff out! We haven't thought about the type of stroller or car seat or crib we want. I know I want a stroller that is tall enough that I don't have to bend over when pushing it...but that is about it. I think a research trip to Babies R Us is in order soon.
This whole baby thing is getting more real every day. Very exciting.
3 comments:
UL doesn't certify car seats if you were meaning to ask but just forgot. : ) The backward thing is only until Age 1 though and is so they dont get decapitated in an accident (the neck muscles arent strong enough to hold it on. I swear we have discussed that not-so-fun fact years ago.) Consumer Reports though - perhaps I should get you a subscription as all mothers need to know at a moments notice what Consumers Reports says.
We can have late night baby-gear chats when I come (3 weeks? is it really that soon?) to visit. yea! And btw, I'm flying home on Sunday, the 6th. See you soon.
We debated right up until the last minute on the convertable vs. infant-only car seat dilemma. I discussed it with everyone, but basically the lady at babies r us sold the infant ones to us. The power of a good salesperson. Why is everything $300?
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