Child Safety Product Tips

Protecting little ones can be a tremendous task especially with tumbling toddlers running about! Fortunately, there are many child safety products available to help keep children safe.

Great out-of-the-house child safety products for little ones under the age of three include full-size five-point harness car seats, pool patrol alarms, and Baby B'Air travel straps, which secure babies to lap belts when flying. When choosing low laying car seats, be sure to add a seat leveler underneath the back end of the seat to correct the angle of the seat for proper breathing and comfort. Car seat head supports also aid in comfort, as well as, proper neck and spinal health.

Also for children under the age of three, there are many helpful indoor child safety products. Electric socket covers and shock shield electric cord clips keep little fingers out of sockets and guard against electric shock. Anti-tip furniture straps anchor all types of dressers, wall units, and all other easy-to-tip furniture. Safety night lights have no exposed bulbs and remain cool to the touch. Shock shield night lights also have no exposed bulbs and remain cool to the touch, in addition, they protect against electric shock if the light is pulled out of the socket. Cord holders eliminate easy-to-reach tangled cords. Magnetic, sliding, and adjustable locks keep all types of doors and cabinets from opening. Window wedges keep windows from opening any further than a small amount. Many different types of gates secure stairways, hearth areas, and other dangerous corners of the house. Play yard gates also surround and secure entire play areas.

There are many child safety products for children over the age of three, as well. Great out-of the-house child safety products for children over the age of three include car seats and car booster seats with solid metal seat belt buckle assists, life vests, bike helmets, no-climb deck guards, and bike headlights and reflectors. Great indoor child safety products for children over the age of three include bathtub handles, fire escape ladders, and child safety blankets.

For children of all ages and for all places and occasions, one of the best child safety products available is a fully stocked first aid kit.

About the Author

Learn more about child safety and child safety products: www.onestepahead.com.

Parents Guide To High Chairs

If you are looking for the best kind of high chair for your toddler or baby. This high chair is very cleanable, durable, and has many other good simplicity features that are available today to entertain your child.

The known number one best high chair that every one seems to agree on is the fisher price healthy care high chair. This high chair has a vinyl cover that can be very easy to wipe off when it is dirty and it can also be machine-washed which is a very good feature to have. Also the cushion vinyl cover on this high chair is very comfortable that your child will actually want to set with you at the dinner table and eat actually meals with you.

The high chair frame is a very sturdy frame and can be folded for easy storage and is portable. It also can be adjusted to several different heights to fit your child. It also comes with a feature for those busy moms that only have one hand to spare; the bottom part of the food tray can be removed easily and is dishwasher safe so you go not have to do it the old fashion way of washing the tray. The seat of this high chair is very roomy and can recline back if your child ends up falling a sleep in it to use it like a relining chair for nap times. There are many different kinds of fisher price healthy care high chairs out there and some of these chairs come with some very fun toys for your child's entertainment. The cushion on the chair is going to make your child comfortable.

This fisher price healthy care high chair usually, depending on what store and depending on what type of a healthy care high chair you get like if they have toys or not, cost around about sixty to little over one hundred dollars. The fisher price healthy care high chair also can convert into a booster seat for your growing toddler. Another fisher price healthy care high chair is the aquarium highchair, which has a water filled toy tray, which can be removed at feeding time, that has floating bubbles, swimming fish, and a sights and sounds feature that is activated by your baby. This high chair plays four sound effects and plays six different songs. The wheels for this fisher price healthy care high chair also lock out so your baby's movements will not move the high chair when he or she is in it. Furniture for children is great for your home, and for keeping your toddler seated.

Some other features that a fisher price healthy care high chair includes are a five-point restraint, a durable steel frame, convenient towel bar, and a footrest. When storing the high chair away the tray just snaps onto the back legs. You can keep your high chair for years, and it will then become an antique.

About the Author:

Helen Walters provides a variety of information on issues important to parents. http://www.greatbabygear.com/high-chairs.html is home to a large selection of High chair Reviews and related resources.

Toys for Traveling: Must Have Toys for Summer Vacation Road Trips

Summer vacation is now in full swing and that means summer vacation road trips and plane rides. It's hard enough to keep your little ones entertained on the way to the grocery store let alone on a long journey. Summertime travel requires toys that will keep kids entertained that they can do in the car with limited movement. Instead of depending solely on portable DVD players and handheld video games, try offering kids these brain building boredom busters for the ride.

Under Cover Detective Kit:
The Alex toy company has a knack for understanding kids of all ages. The Under Cover Detective Kit by Alex comes with hours of fun activities for young sleuths like puzzles, codes, fingerprint kits, a secret marker pen set and much more. Alex Toys won the Openheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award for the Detective Kit. More importantly, kids love it and can stay entertained for hours working through the puzzles and deciphering code.

Car Valet:
The Car Valet by Alex is a wonderful car ride companion for younger children. The valet attaches to the back of the front seat and opens up into a portable arts and crafts center. Pack the valet with all of your child's favorite art supplies, stamps, paper, crayons, and coloring books for hours of creative entertainment in the car.

Wooden Sewing Box:
This little wooden sewing box by Alex is the perfect mini replica of a real sewing box. Inside are buttons, thread, and beads. The 4 compartments make it easy to store all kinds of car friendly crafts like cross stitch, beads and thread for making necklaces, felt sewing projects, and more. Kids and families are so busy today that it's difficult to find enough peaceful time to sit down and do craft activities. A car ride offers the perfect reason to slow down and engage in a quiet craft activity and the Wooden Sewing Box by Alex gives kids fun way to store and organize their goodies.

IQ Baby Beep Traffic Jam by Small World Toys
Small World Toys is another of our favorite manufactures of toys for kids of all ages. The IQ Baby Beep Traffic Jam by Small World Toys is designed specifically to keep toddlers busy in their car seats. The Baby Beep attaches directly onto the stroller or car seat and has lots of colorful interactive activities to engage toddlers. Small World Toys designed this toy with parents in mind too; all of the activities are attached so mom and dad won't be constantly reaching back to pick up dropped pieces.

Kids Sleeping Bags
Though not a toy, kids sleeping bags are essential for long car rides. Kids love to cuddle up in their own kids sleeping bag during the dark hours of the drive. Colorful kids sleeping bags are built for packing and can be rolled up for easy storage. When you arrive at your destination, kids sleeping bags help kids feel comfy and cozy in the new environment. For kids, sleeping bags are a way to bring the comfort of home on a new adventure.

No matter where your summer adventures take you, get the trip off to a great start with a smooth car or plane ride. Toys that encourage kids to use their imaginations are not only healthy, but keep kids entertained longer. When kids are entertained during long travel, the experience is much more enjoyable for them and for you!
About the Author

Author is a writer for My Polka Dots who offers kids sleeping bags and other kids traveling toys. For more information you can visit
http://www.MyPolkaDots.com.

Dressing Baby For Winter

Dressing Baby For Winter

by: Bruce
Hughbanks

Copyright 2005, Bruce Hughbanks, Founder / Director / CEO -
The Employment Alternative Group

Dressing Baby For Winter



Dressing a baby for winter can be a chore and a challenge. The little ones do feel changes in temperature far more keenly than adults, so it's important to keep them warm - without overheating their little bodies. Don't think just because you've picked up a nice snowsuit or bunting that your baby has all the clothes he needs for winter. What should the well-dessed winter baby be wearing?



The key concept in dressing babies for winter weather is layers. Several thin layers will keep baby far warmer than one bulky snowsuit - and make him feel far less like a stuffed sausage. In addition, you can regulate his body temperature by stripping off and putting on layers, or unzipping outer layers when you step inside. More specifically:



Onesies or footed cotton stretchies are the best inner layer for a winter outfit. The close fit helps keep body warmth in, and the one piece construction avoids drafts. Socks are important, especially if you choose a onesie instead of footed stretchies. Put them on before you put on pants so that they tuck inside pant legs.



Sweatshirts are prone to riding up and baring belly and back at the waist, and elastic waist sweatpants do the same in the opposite direction. Sweatsuits may be adorable on little ones, but a one-piece heavyweight jersey or fleece jumpsuit is a better choice for cold days. No gaps in coverage to let the cold in.



Sweaters are a must for babies and toddlers as well - and not just for winter. They're great for slipping on over clothing on cool spring and autumn evenings. If you pick a couple of nice, oversize ones with hoods, they'll do a nice job of substituting for a winter bunting as long as you've bundled up nice and snug underneath it.



While you're bundling, don't assume that a hood is all the head-covering baby needs. We lose up to 40% of our body heat through the top of our heads, and a loose hood can't keep it all in. Make sure you tuck a nice snug cap under the hood - and pick a hood or cap with a face guard if you'll have baby out in temperatures below freezing for more than short trips back and forth to the car. Tender skin gets frostbitten far too easily.



Make sure you cover up little fingers too - don't trust to overlong sleeves. Little mittens, whether knitted or the built-in snowsuit mitts are vital. As far as snowsuits go, until the baby is up and walking, stick with bunting style snowsuits. They give the baby room to move his legs around, which will add to YOUR comfort on long car and stroller rides by reducing fussing. Shop around for a bunting with a safety-strap slot to feed car seat and stroller buckles through. Never compromise safety for warmth, not when you can have both. And speaking of car seats, adjust car seat straps and buckles to fit snugly without binding - and be sure to readjust when you pop in the baby sans bulky snowsuit.

About The Author

Bruce
Hughbanks is Dedicated to helping others World Wide.
Contributed to the Advancement of Self Improvement, Sefl Motivation,
and Success. Build First a Stong Foundation.
http://www.Hughbanks.com
(Another TeagINC
Network Production)

Friends and Family Should be Priority!

Experience True Freedom! The Employment Alternative Group

http://www.TheEmploymentAlternativeGroup.com

Budgeting for Baby

If you are expecting an addition to your family, or just planning on having a baby in the future, you need to start thinking about how you are going to budget for your little one.
Many first-time parents are shocked when they realize how much having a baby can cost. And I am not just talking about the doctor bills. It's all the little things, such as diapers, clothes, formula, baby food, and toys, that add up to cost big bucks!

When my wife and I had our first child, we learned a lot about what we really needed and what was a waste of money. So now that we are seasoned veterans and expecting our second baby, we feel confident that we can avoid the same wasteful mistakes we made the first time around.

Here is a list of 6 things that your baby can live without, followed by 4 things that we could not have lived without:

Baby Wipe Warmer - An unnecessary waste. My daughter never fussed when we used baby wipes that were room temperature. Baby wipe warmers are just an attempt to get parents to spend more money on something they really do not need.

Expensive Clothes - You are going to find that your little one will grow out of his or her clothes incredibly fast. It's one thing to spend a little extra for a nice dress or outfit for a holiday or special occasion. But it doesn't make sense to spend a fortune on clothes that will be worn only once or twice. Instead, choose the lower priced items (as long as the quality is satisfactory), especially for little onesies and sleepers.

Another tip: don't remove the tags from babys clothes until they are ready to be worn. We have outfits that my daughter grew out of before she even had a chance to wear them. Since we had already removed the tags we were not able to exchange them for a bigger size.

Brand Name Goods - Using generic items instead of brand names can save you hundreds of dollars per month. We used the brand name baby formulas for the first few months and then switched to the generic brand after we realized it cost 60% less. Not only did our little girl not mind the change, she actually seemed to prefer it. The generic brand seemed to give her less gas.

Toddler Foods - When our baby was first learning to eat solid foods, we tried dozens of different flavors of baby food. We thought it was important for her to adjust to the new foods and to try a variety of flavors.

But as soon as she got used to the new texture, we started making our own baby food. Carrots and sweet potatoes worked especially well when mixed in the food processor.

And we never even bothered with the 'toddler foods'. They are an expensive waste. Look on the supermarket shelf and you will see the jars of diced fruits and vegetables 'just for baby'. But you know what? You can cut up a pear or a green bean yourself. It will save you money and you will know that the food is fresh.

Large and Expensive Toys - When my daughter was born we spent several hundred dollars on toys for her to play with, plus we received many more as gifts. We got her all sorts of giant stuffed animals and high tech toys that danced or played music.

Do you know what her favorite toy is? A squeaky bath toy shaped like a crab. It cost $1.49. She regularly pushes aside all of the fantastic toys we bought her for that inexpensive little crab.

Now I'm certainly not telling you not to buy your little one anything expensive or fancy. Just keep in mind that she may just push it out of her way so she can play with the box.

Baby Walkers - You hardly see these in stores anymore, but they can be found. Skip it. They are dangerous. Stick a baby in one of these and they can wheel themselves into trouble before you know it. There have been horrible incidents of children rolling down a flight of stairs or running into a table and knocking something down on top of themselves.

The 4 BEST purchases we made...

An ExerSaucer - An exersaucer looks very similar to a walker with one major difference...it doesn't move. The exersaucer stays firmly planted on the ground and allows the baby to 'stand' and play with all sorts of toys that are attached to it, plus any other toys you give to him.

My daughter absolutely loved being in her exersaucer and it gave us a chance to get something done around the house while she was occupied. We knew she couldn't get into any trouble and we constantly changed the toys so she would not get bored.

But be warned. Once baby becomes mobile he likely won't want to use it anymore. He can have a lot more fun crawling around getting into all sorts of trouble!

The Best Car Seat You Can Afford - Keeping your baby safe is no joke. Having a quality car seat is vital in case you get into an accident. Be sure you read the manual and secure baby tightly each time you take her out.

Also, contact your local police station and ask them if they offer free car seat installations and inspections. Most towns have a few officers who have received special training on installing car seats. If your town doesn't offer this service they can get you in touch with a neighboring town that does. Even the best car seat is useless if it is not installed correctly.

Bundle Me - Unless you live in a climate that is warm all year-round, a Bundle Me is a great timesaver. It is basically a cozy blanket that fits into a car seat or stroller. Rather than bundling baby up in a snowsuit and blankets, just place her in the car seat and zip it up. You'll be surprised how warm she stays.

It is especially handy when you have the type of car seat in which the base stays in the car and the seat pops out so you can carry it around. You can have baby all snuggled up inside rather than struggling to do it in the cold.

Shopping Cart Cover - You've probably seen them in the supermarket. It's just a cloth or vinyl cover that goes over the top section of a shopping cart. The baby sits in it and it prevents her from touching the shopping cart with her hands or mouth.

Many people will argue that this is unnecessary, but I see it as a valuable safety device. Countless numbers of hands have touched those shopping carts and who knows what kinds of germs they left behind. Keeping my little girl healthy is more than worth the $20 expense.


About the author:
written by Mike Collins of
http://www.saving-money-and-living-debt-free.com

Baby Car Seats

Although parents take so much trouble to choose a high quality baby car seat to carry their precious bundle of joy in the car, one of the saddest aspects of child safety on the roads is that in most cases they do not fit the seat correctly. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) almost 80% of child safety seats are badly fitted or misused.

The most common errors are harness straps that were loose and safety belt attachments that are incorrectly fastened. These mistakes are defined by the NHTSA as 'critical' because there is a possibility of serious injury in the event of an accident. So most baby safety seats are not nearly as safe as parents think, and many babies are at risk.

How then can you be sure that your baby will be safe in the car?

First, make sure that you are using the right type of seat for your baby's age and weight, and that it is facing the right way. Some multi-purpose seats can be fitted to face either forward or backward and the fitting will change as your child grows. Babies under one year old and under 20 lb in weight should have rear-facing seats. But note that all child safety seats, whether forward or backward facing, should be fitted on the back seat of the car.

It is also possible to buy infant seats for young babies. These are designed to be rear-facing only, so you will need a new seat when your child gets bigger. However, they will be a better fit for your newborn baby and they are easier to store and carry, being smaller. You can carry your sleeping baby around in his or her safety seat.

If you prefer, you can buy a convertible seat that can be adapted to fit babies and toddlers. Convertible seats are larger and heavier and you are more likely to leave them in the car all of the time. They must be fitted in the rear facing position for young babies and then when the child turns one or weighs over 20 lb, the seat can be turned around to face the front. A convertible seat will usually hold children up to 40 lb.

But whatever type of seat you select, the most important point is to fit it correctly. You must read both the instructions that come with the car seat and the owner's manual for your car. First, make sure that you have the seat firmly and correctly buckled into the car. Then make sure you know how to fit and secure the harness straps that hold your baby inside the seat.

Don't guess - have your baby's seat checked by a qualified technician if you are not 100% sure that you have it correct. US visitors can go to http://www.seatcheck.org to find a child safety seat inspection center near you.

If you are considering buying a used seat or accepting one as a gift, consider the age and condition of the seat. Seats that have been used by several children in a family, or seats that have been in an accident, may be worn or broken and not safe for a baby any more. The label should tell you the date of manufacture and you should not use a seat that is more than five years old. Make sure that you have the manufacturer's instructions and that all the parts are included. If the instructions have been lost, you may be able to find a copy online, but make sure you have the right manual for your exact safety seat. If not, do not use the seat, even if it was a gift. It is not worth taking the chance.

Above all remember that in an accident, your child's life depends on the baby car seat.

Another great concern when it comes to your baby's safety is choosing a safe baby crib. Check out my article Baby Crib Safety for useful information on how to choose a safe baby crib.

By Roberta Sullivan

Child Care Development: What All Carers Should Know

 



Child Care Development: What All Carers Should KnowSubmitted By: David Faulkner   

The environment that a child grows up in is a very important element in his development. As longer hours are spent by children in child care facilities, it is important for administrators of these centers to be more diligent in looking into their programs for child care development.

Essential to a child's development are the approaches that a facility takes in his learning. Aside from the physical factors crucial to his progress, the child must also be emotionally, intellectually, and socially stimulated.

What types of development should be nurtured in child care centers?

Child care development comes in various forms. One is social development, to which child care facilities may greatly contribute if well-planned activities are properly implemented. When a child is in a day care center, for instance, he is constantly around other children, with whom he plays, works, and eats.

The child also learns how to deal with s ? in this case teachers, volunteers, or caregivers who need to be well-trained in child care development. When these professionals show care and concern for their wards, the children react positively and would enjoy their stay in child care facilities more.

Child care development in these facilities also comes in the form of emotional maturity. As children interact with kids of various cultural, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds, they obtain a deeper understanding of diversity and tolerance for others.

Another form of child care development that can be nurtured are language skills. Even toddlers learn a lot by uttering seemingly nonsensical words, as these are the first steps to language development. Children also take to singing naturally, which also helps in their linguistic learning.

Physical activities, a necessary program in almost all child care facilities, contribute to child care development in a variety of ways. Motor skills, both fine and gross, are enhanced via free play, playground time, and individual work such as painting and playing with puzzles.

Moreover, child care development is at its best when the facility also offers feeding programs. Balanced diets are essential for child care development because kids need proper nutrition in order to progress optimally. When they are given nutritious food, they learn better and are less irritable or hyperactive.

There are many instances when child care development is not easily detected at first, but is manifested in the long term. When there are enough activities to stimulate children's creativity and interactive skills, we can say that the facility satisfactorily fulfills its role in child care development.

When we speak of outdoor gates, we refer to the security of the center?s perimeter itself. Even during outdoor play, the children must not be able to open the main gates by themselves and possibly venture out into the street. Indoor gates refer to the contraptions attached to staircases and other areas of the house or establishment where access to them may pose dangers to the children.

For the child?s safety, all staircases must be blocked by a safety gate which no child should be able to open without assistance from an . In the same vein, washrooms and toilets must have all the features necessary for it to be child-friendly ? that is, toilet seats must be at levels accessible for kids; there should be no bathtubs which could pose dangers to toddlers; and sinks must be within their reach.

Car Safety Seat Tips

Although some car safety seats are considered safer than others it?s a good point to note that all car safety seats must pass the same federal crash tests before being approved for sale in the U.S.

There are many car safety seats on the market with manufacturers adding little extra features in order to try and make their car safety seats better than their competitors but the one main factor that consumers need to be aware of is that if a car safety seat is not fitted correctly and in accordance with manufacturers instructions the car seat?s safety is impaired.

When looking for a car safety seat do not make your decision based on price and price alone. Higher priced car safety seats may have added features but such features won?t necessarily make the car safety seat safer or easier to use.

If a car safety seat doesn?t fit your car well don?t use it and never resort to car safety seat accessories to try and make a safety seat fit your car. Manufacturers provide everything you need to correctly fit the car safety seat you are buying, if you need accessories the likelihood is that you have either fitted the seat incorrectly or that the car seat is not suitable for your car.

Ten Car Safety Seat Tips:

1.All car safety seats have weight limits which must be adhered to. Failure to follow weight / size limits can put your baby / child at risk.

2.Always use a rear facing car safety seat for infants under 1 year of age.

3.Never place a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a car that has a passenger air bag.

4.With each new car safety seat read the manufacturers instructions carefully to ensure that the safety seat is correctly fitted at all times.

5.Always make sure your infants car safety seat is fitted securely.

6.Always double check that your baby is strapped into their car safety seat correctly.

7.Never place blankets under your baby before fastening the car safety seat straps. Blankets or similar items could become dislodged with the end result being that your baby is no longer strapped in tightly.

8.Avoid second hand car safety seats unless you know the person you are buying it from, are sure it hasn?t been dropped or anything else has happened which might have weakened the seat and it still comes with manufacturer?s instructions.

9.Avoid fitting car safety seats next to side air bags. Always follow the car safety seat fitting instructions as provided by your car?s manufacturer.

10.If using the same car safety seat for your second or subsequent child check the manufacturers guidelines. Some manufacturers don?t recommend that you use their car safety seats beyond 5-6 years from the date of manufacture.

One final warning, never leave your child unattended in their car safety seat either in or out of the car. Leaving an infant in a car safety seat that is not secured can prove dangerous and leaving your infant unattended in a car can result in accidents such death from heat stroke, infants being jammed in electric windows and toddlers letting handbrakes off.

For more on car safety seats visit http://www.1st-4-baby.com

Custom Car Seat Covers and Car Seat Warranties

Everyone wants to pamper their little one. It doesn't matter that the baby won't know or that your toddler could care less. As a parent, especially the first time around, we want and buy everything for our child. This includes fancy bedroom linens that in hindsight we spent WAY to much money on, an over the top wall mural that the child will grow out of by their 2nd birthday and countless other useless ecessities. As a parent I did all of these things. But when it came to practicality, I balked at the price and reasoned with myself why I did not need such an expensive item. Then I came up with said item, out of necessity of course, and cannot understand why everyone is not jumping through hoops to claim it. Well, the reason has come to my attention; warranties. It is all about what a manufacturer says in their manual. Now, don't get me wrong, I completely understand why warranties are in place and that they need to be followed. I also realize that what a manufacturer says voids the warranty is not necessarily in the best interest of anyone but themselves. For example, a child car seat.

The manufacturer says that putting ANY item that did not come with the seat voids the warranty. which is a total of 1 year (tell me who gets a new car seat every year just to keep the warranty?). So I want to know, what are all these accessories for children's car seats doing on the market. Right off the bat I can name head rests, seat warmer covers, shoulder straps, body positioners...the list can go on for miles. So why is it that a car seat cover is so controversial? It works the same as the manufacturers cover, just cuter more fashionable and fun. It interferes no more than any of the above mentioned items yet it gets parents in a tizzy. I think that people need to lighten up. Most of the items made for kids are by moms, who always have the best for children, yours and theirs, in mind.

By Jen Pines

Back Pain And The Office Worker

Back Pain and Facts

At least 120 million working days are lost every year because of people's back problems.

Back Pain and Facts

At least 120 million working days are lost every year because of people's back problems.

10% of all major back injuries take place whilst handling, lifting or carrying.

Nearly two thirds of adults mostly in their 20's and 50's, experience back problems.

Back Pain is the single greatest cause for time off work through ill health.

Every person complaining of back pain, and any related condition, takes an average of 13 days off work.
(Shocking huh)

Unfortunately, you won't find a magic wand to cure your back problems, but you will find that you can improve or prevent a lot of problems by adopting back-friendly work habits.

Manual Handling

If you think about it, we all manually handle throughout every day of our lives, but have you ever stopped to think just how you go about it...

Do you bend from the waist (naughty),
Do you twist without moving your feet,
Do you slouch in your office chair,

How do you pick boxes, or your screaming toddler up from the floor?

If you sat down and thought about the weight you lift during a normal day, you would probably die from shock because it probably run into tons... Ha, is there any wonder you have those aches and pains?

If you must lift something...

Bend your knees rather than your back,
Keep your feet wide apart to provide stability (This is really important)
Carry objects close to your body
Bend again at the knees to put the object down
When carrying loads, try and lighten them, i.e. try and break them down into lighter smaller loads and store them in areas which are easily accessible.

How do you rate when working in an office?

Make sure your chair is comfortable and adjusted for you, (not everyone else)

Sit so your pelvis is upright
Try and ensure your thighs are at a 110 degree angle to your trunk

Ensure the lumbar support of your chair fits the small of your back so it maintains the natural S shape of your spine

Ensure the armrests of the chair touch your forearms, when your shoulders and elbows are relaxed at your side (This helps to avoid strain in your neck and upper limbs)

Ensure the seat depth allows your bottom to be at the back of the seat with a two finger gap between the front edge of the seat and behind the knees. (Ensures adequate thigh support whilst allowing movement without obstruction).

Make full use of the chair movement especially when reaching for items such as the phone

Don't slouch
Alter your position frequently when using a keyboard
Move if you are uncomfortable. (It's surprising how many people don't)

Change your posture frequently to give your muscles a break
Take frequent breaks from your desk (And no it's not an excuse for a cigarette break)

Keep your mouse and telephone as close as possible (Allowing you to remain relaxed and in a natural position at your desk)

Ensure your monitor is square on so you don't have to turn your head to look at it. (Document holders are handy)

Ensure your screen is at arms length away from your face so the top of the screen is horizontal to your eye line.

The next time you are at work again, open your eyes, and just see how much damage your office job is doing to your back...You just might be shocked.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim is a Back Care Advisor working in the UK for a large hospital Trust. She's passionate about back Care, and can be found at www.backpain-free.com and www.nursing-hints.com

How To Avoid Injury In An Auto Accident

Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable. Not all drivers are as safe as you, and you cannot prevent them from happening. If you become an accident victim, there are things you can do to avoid or prevent injury.

I have been helping accident victims for many years, which means I have reviewed police reports, witness statements, medical bills and records countless times. I have also sat in deposition and trial of victims, witnesses and experts. So I have a pretty good idea of some preventative measures you can take to avoid or minimize injury in an accident.

• Always wear a seatbelt. Most accidents occur close to home. Buckle up before you leave your driveway. Buckle up in the parking lots when you finish shopping. Do not just buckle up on long road trips—which is the least likely type of accident. Insist that your passengers also wear seatbelts—make it a rule they will wear them or you will not drive them anywhere. People at almost any car speed become projectiles in the car without a seat belt. Your passengers will be glad you insisted when an accident occurs.

• Keep the headrest at the right height. The top part of the head rest should be level with the middle of your ear.

• Put small children in proper car seats. Make sure the seats are age and size appropriate, and properly installed. A recent television special demonstrated that a large majority of car seats were not installed properly. Use a seat with a 5 point harness. Fortunately, in my experience, toddlers usually come out of accidents very well because of car seats.

• Remove heavy objects from the cab of the car, and put them in the trunk. The cab of your car is a danger zone when objects become dangerous projectiles in an accident. Do not put heavy object at head level. I had one client who was moving to a new residence and had the interior of her car packed. A semi-tractor trailer pulled a U-turn on the freeway in Las Vegas on Interstate 95 at night. She T-boned the truck. The impact was severe, but she survived due to the air bags. However, she was almost killed by a “flying” hammer that came from the back of the car that flew past her, just missing her head.

• Minimize distractions inside your car. Do not hold a cell phone while talking. Do not bend over to pick things up while driving. Do not apply make-up while driving. Do not wear earbuds or headphones. Do not eat while driving

• Do wear sunglasses to cut down on glare from the sun, windows, and reflective surfaces.

• Keep your tires and brakes in good working order. Keep your tires inflated to correct levels. Check your brakes periodically. Make sure the tire treads are not too worn. These items will help you be in better control of your vehicle and in taking evasive action in the event of an accident.

• Do not turn your head immediately prior to impact. If you hear car wheels screeching before impact behind you, do not turn your head to look. You will have a much more serious injury if you turn your head because the extension/flexion properties of your spine are much less side-to-side than front-to-back. Instead, sit back into your seat with your shoulders back and your head against the headrest, looking straight ahead. Putting your arm out in front of the person to your side rarely helps, the speed and the force will only serve to hurt your arm or shoulder.

These tips should help you keep your injuries to a minimum, as well as those of your passengers.

Craig Perry is an attorney practicing law in the State of Nevada since 1989. He has handled thousands of cases and settled millions of dollars in personal injury and workers compensation claims. He does not charge a fee for first consultation. He has a bilingual office staff (Spanish) and he speaks Italian fluently.

For more information about this article or the services he offers, call direct 702.228.4777 or toll-free 1-866-LAW-4HIRE, or visit http://www.craigperry.com

Why Do People Cheat?

People usually cheat because there is a conflict between their physical and emotional desires, said an article I read on the Internet, and it went on to talk about the sex drive (which comes from the reptilian brain) and the emotional monogamous need, which has only been around for a few thousand years.

The reptilian brain has been around for millions of years, the limbic brain less than that, and the neocortex, still less than that. Those are our three brains, in evolutionary succession. The drives and instincts from the reptilian brain are very strong because theyre related to survival reproduction being one of them.

But the sex drive isnt the only instinct coming from the reptilian brain, and monogamy not the only societal restraint put on these drives, and when we fail to mitigate some of these instincts, to think them through before acting upon them, we always end up cheating ourselves, others, and the best deal in the situation.

Emotional intelligence is all about using all of our brains and their capacities. We will always be assaulted, so to speak, by feelings we cant, or shouldnt act upon.
And shouldnt isnt always a bad word.
Should you kill someone because they anger you? Of course not. What stops you from doing it? The thousands of years of evolutionary brain development, the constraints of the civilized society in which you live, and your ability to use your limbic and neocortex brains.

It is a rare parent, for instance, who will do willful damage to their own child, no matter what damage they cause. This is because the limbic brain controls the emotions of social bonding and parenting, and then we also have the neocortex which allows us to think. The catch is, we have to STOP and THINK. We understand when our toddler slams us across the nose with a brick all the things that we understand, while were seeing stars before out eyes, and our parental instinct is stronger than our desire to lash back, even when in pain.

Emotions predate thinking, and are stronger. Theyre our guides and keep us safe and alive. But they arent always appropriate to living in this century. We can no longer eat what annoys us. When we get strong emotions, we can be hijacked, because theyre designed to shut down thinking. If, back when these instincts developed, we stopped to think, we would be dead.

Consider, for instance, if a wooly mammoth were headed your way. The brain pumps out chemicals saying fight or flight, because it doesnt want us to take the time to think. This triggers automatic responses we turn and run, or turn to fight, with all systems on full alert.

You know this feeling if youve avoided a car accident by very fast and automatic actions. Being a cerebral type, the thought even flashed through my mind as I slammed on the brakes the other day to avoid being blind-sided by a driver who mustve been drunk or stoned, that cake on the back seat is going to be all over this car. But slam the brakes and steer for dear-life I did, long before I thought, at least in terms of the seconds it takes to save your life.

People talk about this phenomenon, BTW, saying things like My life passed before my eyes. Its like you think, but it isnt connected to action, and theres a very distorted sense of time. If youve had it happen, you know what I mean. There are times when time stands still.

One strong emotion that hijacks us is anger. Say youre at work, tired and pressured to begin with, and maybe its too hot inside with no air circulation, and maybe the colleague you have to team with on a project isnt your favorite to begin with. If he says to you something that is, or is perceived to be, an insult, you can get hijacked and cheat yourself, the other, and the goals of the project.
You stop thinking and start yelling back, or walk out, and the project is left far behind in the dust and damage may also be done to the collegial relationship.

Must you react to this strong emotion of anger? Sometimes men say they couldnt help hitting their wives because she made me angry. The counter to that is think about it if Mike Tyson made you that angry could you help hitting him? I think you will agree with the statement that even the strongest emotions can be controlled in your self-interest, and stopping to think makes it clearer what your self-interest (and the general good) is.

Another strong emotion like this is fear. If you become intimidated by someone, that is to say scared, you will also get flooded with emotion and not think clearly. Youll cheat again yourself, the others, and the goals.

You know this feeling if youve ever received terrible news. I sat with someone as her doctor told her she had cancer and it was terminal, and the person did not absorb what was being said. Two weeks later she asked me why something was being done, and I had to tell her the news the doctor had. As a self-preservation measure, her brain just shut down.

So how do you keep from cheating? When the emotions are strong, note them, and experience them, but dont react immediately. Respond instead. This means putting a gap between the stimulus (the angering person or event) and your response (action). You can do this first of all by becoming aware. Self-awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Without it, there can be no emotional intelligence.

You need to be able to observe yourself and recognize a feeling as it happens. Then handle it appropriately, realizing whats behind it and finding ways to manage fear, anger, anxieties and sadness. Then channel the emotions in the service of the goal, using emotional self-control, stifling impulses and delaying gratification. Finally, you have to be able to do this about the other person, being sensitive to their feelings and understanding their position, and, when necessary, managing the emotions of others using social competence.

Those impulses will always be lurking around. Cheating is an option, not a necessity. Its your ability to choose that gives you Personal Power, an EQ competency, and your freedom lies in that space between the stimulus and the response.

Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . I offer coaching, distance learning courses and ebooks around emotional intelligence for personal and professional development. For daily EQ tips, send blank email to EQ4U-subscribe@yahoogroups.com . i train and certify emotional intelligence coaches. Get in this field, dubbed white hot by the press, now. Classes starting monthly, no residence requirements.

The Benefits of Incorporating a Stability Ball into Your Workout Routine

A stability ball or exercise ball is one of those big oversized kick balls you see at many gyms. The stability ball comes in various diameters, some brands have a rubber strip surrounding the outside of the ball others are covered with little rubber massaging bumps meant to massage your body as you use the ball.

The stability ball can be used to introduce a new challenge into your exercise program when you know how to use it correctly. The various activities you can incorporate your stability ball into are: abdominal/core exercises, balance & stability training, stabilizing the spine, all types of stretching, weight training, and more! You can even use it as an office chair if you want (I do!).

Most exercises that include using a stability ball will challenge the core and are meant to stabilize your spine. The fact that you are sitting or lying on a ball introduces a balancing challenge to the nervous system and increased demand from core muscles. In addition, it requires increased mental focus to ensure you maintain the appropriate form throughout the entire exercise.

Developing core strength and improved balance are essentials in a ?functional' fitness program. Functional fitness is a multi-dimensional fitness program where the body is trained for real-world body movements, as well as strength & leanness. For example, you could be an excellent runner who runs an hour a day, you are lean, tone, and eat right. You look great & you're really in shape. Then why did you lift your suitcase to put it into the trunk -- and throw your back out. What happened? Most likely, you trained one-dimensionally, following the same program month after month. This can lead to muscle imbalances and weak links in the body. You might be lean, strong, and ready for the beach, but are you ready to lift your toddler out of his car seat or bring all the holiday decorations down from the attic? Functional fitness training focuses on preventing injuries similar to this.

In addition to functional benefits, using a stability ball to challenge your core strength improves muscle development through the core without any fear of getting ?bulky'. Since muscle burns dreaded fat, you can expect improved metabolism and leanness as an added benefit of using the ball.

If you are interested in making your workouts more interesting and effective, I recommend using a stability ball to replace the standard workout bench or exercise mat. While using the ball, make sure you are near a mirror, where you can monitor your posture and ensure your back is straight and your abs are tight. Always strive for perfect posture when using the ball to perform any exercise other than stretching. When you begin to use the ball, you'll most likely be very off balance and a little timid. As your nervous system adjusts, you'll become more confident and have the ability to challenge yourself in new and different ways.

Jessica Dawn is a fitness professional who has been studying health & fitness for over 10 years. In addition to actively participating in fitness, Jessica has a degree in Kinesiology (exercise science) which allows her to understand both the scientific and behavioral aspects of weight loss and fitness.

Jessica Dawn is a leader in teaching health & fitness through the internet. You can also visit her blog @ http://www.visfitness.blogspot.com and learn proven stratgies to make your fitness program effective. To receive a free 5 day fitness eCourse, visit: http://www.visfitness.com

In this course, Jessica will show you how to develop a lifestlye of health, vitality, and fitness. She answers the quesions you have about life-long weight control and resolves the roadblocks you may have faced in the past so you can achieve your goals at warp speed.

Giving Flax to Your Baby The Facts on Flax for Baby Toddler & the Whole Family

When can I introduce Flax and Flax Seed to my baby? Is Flax Good for Babies? What exactly is Flax and Flax Seeds and how will Flax benefit my baby?

Flax and Flax Seed is something that most of us have heard of either in passing or mentioned in an article somewhere. We know Flax is good for us and contains Omega 3's. Many people however have no idea where to buy flax, how to serve it and most importantly, when it may be introduce to baby and toddler. Our topic for October 2006 will introduce you to Flax. We'll show you how and when you may introduce Flax and Flax Seed to your baby!

As always, we recommend that you consult your pediatrician whenever you introduce your baby to a new food; generalities may not apply to your baby!

What is Flax?

Flax has been cultivated for centuries, it's cultivation can be traced back to the Stone Age even. The American Colonists grew flax to use it's fiber for making (linen) cloth and cultivated Flax for commercial production as far back as the 1700's!

Flax is a flowering perennial. It's flowers are plentiful and are amazing to see! Flax blooms from May through September. Flax is mostly grown in Canada and in the Northern Mid-West areas of the United States. Flax has amazing health properties and is a good source of healthy oils, fiber, and other essential nutrients for baby's (and adult's) health, growth and development. The three essential components of Flax that are wonderful for our bodies are:

• Omega-3 oils - You may recognize them as alpha-linolenic acid or ALA
• Lignans
• Fiber, both soluble and insoluble When Can My Baby Begin To Eat Flax?

Most often pediatricians will say that incorporating Flax into your baby's diet is safe around 7-8 months old. Ideally, you would begin offering you baby Flax in the form of either Flax meal (finely ground Flax Seeds) or Flax Oil.

How Much Flax Should I Offer my Baby?

We would recommend offering your younger baby no more than 1 tablespoon of Flax per day. Note that 3 teaspoons are equivalent to 1 tablespoon so you may add up to 3 teaspoons in several meals during a day. While one cannot really overdose on Flax, it is important to keep the dosage relatively low as Flax is a natural laxative. It is possible that very loose stools and/or diarrhea will occur with eating too much Flax. Many parents who give their babies Flax increase the amount once baby has turned 1 or 2 years old.

As with any new food, it is important that you watch out for any possible reactions. While Flax is not considered a high allergen, you still want to watch for any digestive upsets!

How Can I Add Flax to my Baby's Meals?

Many people add whole Flax Seeds directly to their baked goods and cereals. It has been found that the seeds may not prove to be as healthful as using the Flax Oil, Ground Flax or Flax Meal. The whole seeds may not break down enough in the digestive system to completely release all the wholesome and healthy goodness of the Flax.

Flax Oil, Ground Flax or Flax Meal may be added to your Baby's food in a variety of ways! (ensure your choice of foods is age appropriate for your baby!!)

• Add Flax Oil, Flax Meal or ground Flax Seeds to your baby's infant cereals
• Sprinkle Flax Meal or ground Flax Seeds in your baby's yogurt, mixed in or over baby's fruit pur?es, add it to veggie purees and meat/rice/veggie meals too!
• Flax Meal or Ground Flax is great in J&J's Baby Meatballs, meatloaf, fish cakes and homemade chicken nuggets too!
• Baked goods with added Flax Meal give your teething biscuits and rusks an extra nutritional boost too! Try Flax Meal or Ground Flax in Baby Cereal Pancakes too!
• Flax oil may be added to porridge, yogurt and anything else you may wish to add it to!

Can I Use Flax Oil as a Substitute for Other Oils in Cooking?

You cannot cook with Flax Oil as you do with Olive Oil! Flax oil will burn and go rancid when heated.

How do I store Flax?

Flax must be stored properly as it is very delicate. Whether you are using Flax Oil or Ground Flax, store your Flax in the refrigerator! Flax can go rancid very quickly and then it will be unhealthy to eat! Whole Flax Seeds are not as delicate and may be kept for up to 2 years in a dry cool sealed container.

How Will Flax Benefit My Baby's Health and My Family's Health?

One tablespoon of ground Flax Seed has about 40 calories, 2.3 grams of fiber and 2.8 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of which are omega-3s. Flax Seeds also contain Iron, some Calcium, Vitamins B-1, B-2, Vitamin C and E and some Vitamin E and carotene too! WOW! That's a lot of healthy nutrients packed into seeds!

Flax Oil is not as nutritious en masse as Ground Flax Seeds or Flax Meal. Your baby will still obtain all the Essential Omega 3 when using the Flax Oil however the protein and other nutrients decline when Flax Seeds are pressed into Flax Oil. It is worth grinding your own Flax Seeds or purchasing Ground Flax Seeds so that you can obtain all the healthy goodness of Flax!

Due to it's high soluble fiber content, Flax Seed or Flax Oil is a great natural laxative! Use Flax Seed Oil to help your baby with Constipation and to help keep the whole family on schedule!

Flax Resources & Learning More

• Flax Council of Canada - http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/english/index.php?p=home
• Seattle Times - What is Flax? - http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2003192279flax13.html
• Whole Foods - Flax Seed Information - http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81

Margaret Meade is the Editor of http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com and is the mother of 3 boys. The boys were raised on all Homemade Baby Food; and since Mommy had been studying nutrition for many years, she knew homemade was best! Visit wholesomebabyfood.com and find out how easy it is to make your own baby food. Once you begin, good healthy eating habits will automatically flow!

Baby Car Seat

Do you want your baby to be safe in her baby car seat? That's probably a stupid question. But the fact is while most parents go to great lengths to choose a high quality baby car seat they don't fit it properly. Almost 80% of baby safety seats are badly fitted or misused according to a study by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.)

The NHTSA sadly found that the most common mistakes are defined as critical. That is the harness straps were loose and the safety belt attachments were wrongly fastened. The critical definition means there is a distinct possibility of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.

To summarize, the vast majority of parents falsely believe their child is safe while in the car.

So, how do you make sure your baby is as safe as possibly while in her car baby seat?

Well, car baby seats are designed to accommodate babies based on their age and weight. So, make sure your seat is the right type for your baby. If you have the type of seat that can be fitted either facing forward or backward you should fit it as a rear-facing seat if your baby is under 1 year old and is under 20lbs. All baby seats should be fitted on the car's back seat. The seat can be changed to a forward-facing one once your child is old enough and heavy enough but it still must be fitted on your car's rear seat.

Do you have a baby car seat specifically designed for young babies? This is designed to be rear-facing only but it's not designed to accommodate a young child. So you will have to buy another seat when your child gets old enough. The good news is they are a better fit for babies than the multi-purpose ones and, because they are smaller, they are easier to carry and maneuver. Your sleeping baby can be carried from the car in her baby seat.

The multi-purpose or convertible seats also have advantages. You can get some that can be adapted to fit babies and toddlers. You will probably have to leave them in your car all the time, as they are bigger and heavier than the specific baby ones. This means you are more likely to wake your baby when going from your car, as you'll have to unstrap her and lift her out. Convertible seats must be fitted in the rear-facing position until your baby turns one or weighs over 20lbs. After that you can turn the seat around to be forward facing. These seats usually hold children up to 40lbs.

The type of seat you choose is not as important as fitting it correctly. Read the instructions carefully - both the car seat's instructions and your car owner's manual. Make sure your seat is firmly and correctly buckled in your car. Also make sure you know how to fit and secure the harness straps so your baby is secure inside your seat.

Have you done this but are you still not 100% sure? Then have the baby seat checked out by a qualified technician. In the USA you can find your local child safety seat inspection center by going to http://www.seatcheck.org

Using a used seat, either by buying it or receiving it as a gift requires your careful consideration. Its effectiveness in protection your baby depends on its age and condition. Try and find out if it has been used by several children in a family or if it has been in an accident. These seats could be worn or even broken and you'll only find out if you have an accident. Don't use a seat that's more than 5 years old as the plastic will degrade which increases the probability that your baby could be thrown out of her seat even in a minor crash. You can find the date of manufacture on the seat's label. Don't even consider it without the manufacturer's instructions. These will tell you what parts are included with the seat and you should check that all the parts are included. You may be able to find a copy online if the instructions have been lost but, please, make sure that the online instructions are the exact ones for the seat. If you can't satisfy these criteria then don't use it, even if it was a gift. It's just not worth it.

I hope you never have an accident in your car but can you guarantee it? You've taken the effort to get the best baby car seat you can afford so make sure you fit it correctly and check it regularly.

Your child's safety and happiness is in your hands. For further free information go to http://www.lookafteryourchildren.com

By Barry Wilkinson

An Article Covering The Benefits To Automotive Seat Covers

One of the great on-the-road ironies is that while you're sitting comfortably in your car seat, the seat itself is having to stand up to a tremendous amount of abuse. Dirty clothes, wet swimsuits, spilt drinks, kids snacking in the backseat, slobbering pets, seat friction and harsh sunlight all have the potential to ruin and wear out your great looking seats. And if something terrible has befallen your interior, a complete reupholster will cost you dearly.

The days of worrying about permanently staining your car seats or of being embarrassed by ripped, tattered and unkempt upholstery are close to being over. With the right set of seat covers, you'll be able to:

? Proactively protect your upholstery from a dizzying array of hazards
? Cover over existing damage rather than having to reupholster your seats
? Make over your interior to suit your tastes and lifestyle

Seat Cover Proactive Protection Reference

There are certain high-traffic areas in your vehicle that seem predestined to receive a lot of punishing use. Your carpets are constantly being trampled by dirty shoes, your steering wheel is being throttled non-stop by oily hands and your seats are always besieged by a steady onslaught of abuses. While the only surefire way to safeguard your seats is to stop driving your vehicle, that solution just isn't practical. Dressing your seats with a pair of form-fitting, protective seat covers is just as good, and this solution won't force you into riding public transportation either.

Your car seats face a number of perils, including:

Moisture

Whether you're driving home from an outing at the local pool, a kayaking trip or an endless summer's day of surfing, the moisture in your clothing can lead to serious problems for your upholstery. Moisture is especially problematic for residents of the drizzly Pacific Northwest and other wet zones. Leather's worst enemy is water. When it gets wet, it becomes tacky to the touch - a sign that the leather's natural oils are being washed out. Cloth seating is also prone to damage from moisture. When water seeps into factory-installed fabrics, it can fester and grow into ugly, stinky, disgusting mold. Never fear; our seat covers come in a wide selection of materials with varying degrees of water resistance to protect your interior.

Spills and Grime

No one plans on fumbling a 40 ounce beverage right into their lap while barreling down the freeway, but it happens. As drinks keep getting larger and larger, the potential damage keeps growing and growing. Besides sticky sodas and scalding coffees, on-the-go meals are a car seat's worst nightmare. That overstuffed burrito hanging out of your jaws is like a Sword of Damocles, looming disastrously over your upholstery and threatening a permanent stain with every succulent chomp. Not to mention soiled clothing, tracked-in mud and salty back sweat. Luckily, a snug set of seat covers will bear the brunt of any spillage and grime you can toss at it.

Kids and Pets

Nothing's quite as adorable as the mesmerized look of a toddler who's discovering the sweet, luscious delights of his or her first birthday cake. At the same time, that image of a child's tiny digits grabbing chunks of chocolate cake by the fist-full and smearing it over every square inch of their upper body should remind us that kids are just as messy as they are cute. And, while you can easily mop away accidents in your kitchen, it becomes a huge hassle when it happens in your back seat. The same goes for your furry, four-legged co-pilot. Not only does slobber leave white-bordered saliva stains, hair clings to everything and is a nightmare to remove. Plus, their sharp little talons can rip, tear and gouge your upholstery, especially leather. However, the right set of seat covers will shield your seats from the messes that children and pets inevitably create.

Friction

While getting in and out of your vehicle may seem like a harmless operation, it is, in fact, putting a lot of stress on your seats. Like sandpaper on a jagged block of wood, the texture of your clothing grates against the texture of the upholstery (leather and cloth alike). This constant friction between your body and your seat steadily grinds away at your upholstery. As time passes, the strength of the leather or fabric starts to wane, and it will eventually start becoming threadbare, torn and split. Of course, this pitiful fate can easily be avoided with a quality set of seat covers.

UV Damage

Just because every form of life on Earth is dependent on the sun for its existence doesn't mean that solar rays aren't a mixed blessing. Too much sun exposure is not healthy for our skin, and it certainly is harmful to our upholstery. Leather is especially susceptible to sun damage because UV radiation dries out the natural oils in the leather. Without these oils keeping things moist, the leather will eventually start to crack. Cloth upholstery is also in danger. Direct sunlight on your fabrics has a bleaching effect. Where once your seats were dark blue or black, an overdose of ultra violet radiation will leave your seats looking purple or ashen. Since you can't always park in the shade, you can give yourself year-round protection with a snazzy set of seat covers.

A Guide to Covering Your Damaged Seats

Sometimes bad things happen to good upholstery. If the interior of your vehicle has suffered some cruel twist of fate (a leaky pen left lying in the backseat, or a torn seam that's threatening to unravel completely), you have the ability to rejuvenate your vehicle's seats without having to go through the hassle of a complete reupholster job. Instead of calling up your dealer and shelling out an arm and a leg for new seats, you can simply slide a new set of seat covers directly over the old ones. No muss, no fuss-just great looking seat covers that fit like a glove.

There are three different types seat covers, a custom fit, semi-custom fit and universal fit. Let's take a closer look at the benefits you get with each style.

Custom Fit Seat Covers

Just as an Armani suit is properly measured, cut and stitched to fit the unique shapes and contours of the wearer, so too is a custom fit seat cover meticulously designed for a precise fit over your seats. No part of your particular vehicle's seat is forgotten or overlooked - not the position of the head rest, nor the location of the seat's ergonomic controls, nor even where your seatbelts are mounted. Everything is taken into consideration, and these made-to-measure seat covers will fit like they were factory-installed. Moreover, custom fit seat covers will not obstruct your seat's side-impact airbags, so you'll be just as secure as before, only with better looking and better protected upholstery.

Semi-Custom Fit Seat Covers

While a tailor-made suit fits your body to a T, off-the-rack clothing still looks and feels great, and you usually have enough left over for a matching shirt and tie. Semi-custom fit seat covers are the economical alternative to the tailored suit. They are stitched together following patterns that will work with your vehicle's seats as well as with similarly sized seats in other cars, trucks and SUVs. Except for the 3 Star Semi-Custom Sheepskin Seat Cover, semi-custom fit seat covers do not leave access to lumbar controls, and they should not be used if you have side-impact airbags on your vehicle. Nevertheless, they deliver fantastic protection against the whole gamut of seating hazards.

Universal Seat Covers

Like the name implies, universal seat covers fit any high-back and low-back bucket seat, regardless of your year, make or model. Rather than being used as long-term coverings, our universal seat covers are a perfect companion in your vehicle for when life gets a little messy. They install in seconds, so you can slip them on when you need them and store them away in your trunk when you don't. Like the semi-custom seat covers, the universal seat covers should not be used on seats with side-impact airbags.

Tips On Making Over Your Interior

Your vehicle is more than just a means of transportation - it is an extension of your identity, your personality and your uniqueness. You want your vehicle to mirror yourself, and the right set of seat covers is an excellent way to personalize your interior. And, with all the different colors, patterns and materials at your disposal, you have an almost limitless array of ways to customize your car seats.

About the Author: With every vehicle and every lifestyle kept in mind, Andrew Bernhardt hopes that this information will help you find the right seat cover to protect your seats. For more information visit http://www.autoanything.com

Practical Furnishing Ideas For Children's Bedrooms

Kids and quality go hand and hand. Kids will be kids. They are often rough and tuff on furniture. So when it comes to furnishing children's bedrooms it's wise to make quality purchases that will not only last but will grow right along with them.

Take for instance, double and triple function furnishings. This kind of furniture is a real blessing as it can take your toddler right through to his teen years.

One of my favorite bedroom furnishing ideas are 3-in-1 one units which feature a sleeping area, storage space and a place to study.
Multi-purpose furnishings can save floor space and enhance the play value of a child's bedroom. You no longer have a need for extra furniture that takes up valuable space. A further bonus is that it's usually less expensive to buy one opposed to two or three separate pieces of furniture.

Great 2-in-1 designs like bunk beds that reassemble as single beds and seating units with concealed storage are also ideal.

When looking to make such a large purchase it's best to comparison shop. Also give some thought to how the piece of furniture will serve your child's needs in the years to come.

For more tips on buying children's furniture visit:
http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net/kid-room-furniture-childrens-room-furniture.html

Convertible furnishings start with cribs. Today's baby cribs often come as a combination crib and storage unit. Features may include a standard crib with rails attached on one side to a multi-drawer chest. Here, both the crib and chest would sit on a foundation of dual blanket drawers.

Once out of the crib, your toddler can sleep on an extension mattress and spring) that is added once the rails and chest are removed. On some models this is standard. Other models have this as an option only. Consider the price difference of both.

Such a configuration offers up years of usefulness - a single bed and a freestanding chest of drawers. Other chest/crib combos feature a detachable change station on top of the storage unit. If considering this design, give some thought as to the most comfortable height for changing your baby. Most are between 30 to 40 high.

Trundle beds (with a roll-out sleep unit) are ideal for sleepovers, extra storage and additional play opportunities. You can remove the bottom mattress and use the frame for off season storage or for a train or car track set up.

Foam futons are another multi-function piece of furniture. Originally of Japanese origin these lightweight mattresses fold in half or thirds to provide comfortable seating when not used for sleeping. Today's futons come in various shapes and sizes including child sized recliners and sofas. Futons are known to be lightweight and easy to flip.

Don't let bold colored or patterned futons discourage you from making a purchase. Instead, recover the mattress with a sheet that matches the d?cor of the room.

About the Author

Sherrie Le Masurier is an organizing consultant and freelance writer. She is a member of the Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and is co-owner of http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net a site geared to organizing decorating children's rooms. Copyright.

DIARIES OF A BUS DRIVER Vol. 1.5May 30th 2003

Dear friends,

Filling in accident reports is becoming a very unwelcome habit! Friday, May 23rd was a busy day - hordes of shoppers out in advance of the 3-day weekend. By the end of my shift, I was running close to a half an hour late. For most of my last run, I was driving in tandem with the bus that should have been 15 minutes behind me. This happens because as one bus gets later, as I have previously mentioned, it picks up extra passengers, slowing it further. The converse of this, is that the next bus picks up less passengers, speeding its journey. While I was to take my bus back to the garage we are based at, the other driver was to leave her bus at Palmers Green Garage and then, rather unfairly, have to fend for herself in getting back to Edmonton. She asked for me to pick her up, and I did.

The last road before the Edmonton garage approach path is Hawley Road. It is fairly narrow and way too busy. Also along the road, there's an office building, a large vehicle testing centre - buses and lorries, a tyre wholesaler and several small haulage firms. The approach road always has loading activity and cars parked on one side, and frequently, lorries and vans on the other. This was the scene that I found on the day of my latest accident. I edged between parked vehicles, coming almost nose-to-nose with a large artic (articulated lorry) coming from the opposite direction. He's bigger than me. I backed off! With the guidance of the other driver, I reversed into a parking position. The lorry driver, without acknowledging my gesture, edged forward. As he was getting closer to my bus, M, as I shall call her, advised me of company policy. If someone appears about to hit your vehicle, DON'T MOVE! If you move, the accident is your fault. If you don't, it is theirs. With at least 4 feet on the other side of his vehicle, he managed to wedge himself into my bus. Other vehicles were trapped. Tempers were frayed. Out with the trusted camera. Hands trembling as I wrote the report. Colleagues tell me not to worry. The garage manager jokes that he won't read my report until Tuesday - I should enjoy my weekend and he'll sack me on Tuesday! I have my witness. There will be no repercussions. But, I still don't like it. 4 pints of cider and two numbers on the karaoke (Summer Breeze and Blueberry Hill) later, I was relaxed.

The previous days' excitement was a bomb scare at 'the Jewish Centre' in North Finchley. I was stuck there for about 40 minutes. A frequent passenger, who introduced herself as Anne Marie, was extremely helpful, finding out what was going on helping to explain the situation to some of the other passengers. She was with her brother, who is somewhat learning disabled. When the emergency Controller gave me the all clear to proceed, I pointed to Anne Marie: This woman deserves a medal. She's been very helpful. She, in a loud clear voice: My name's Anne Marie. That's ANNE... MARIE. No modest embarrassment there! I saw her again the next day (the day of the accident). She didn't get on the bus, but put her mother on, asking me to make sure she got off at the right stop. When I got there, I called out is Anne Marie's mum getting off? Several chuckles from the rear. Not surprisingly, everybody seems to know her.

Those are the nice moments that make the job sometimes enjoyable. Other things that put a smile on my face are the little kids showing me their parent's bus pass - 'I'm a big kid' grins all over their faces, when a kid manages to climb the step onto the bus 'all by themselves' for the first time, and the number of gorgeous women who smile so nicely at me almost daily. A toddler of barely two said Thank you. Bye, as he was leaving the bus - so cute! A schoolgirl's bus pass was left on the bus and handed to me by another passenger. Rather than handing it in to the garage that afternoon - it would be unlikely to be claimed - I gave it to another girl from her school the next day, as she didn't get on my bus. Seeing her again, flashing the pass, was nice.

The new buses are very sleek, and much faster than the old ones. I have heard them described as sexy - presumably by people who would consider an attraction to sheep unnatural! One of the many serious drawbacks is that they have only 20 seats downstairs, giving more standing room. The 125 route is sometimes unaffectionately dubbed 'the ambulance route', for the number of senior citizens who ride it. A particularly annoying feature is that the horn, which wouldn't go amiss at sea, is touch sensitive and on the end of the turn signal lever, which can be extremely difficult to engage. It can be embarrassing when I accidentally let the thing off. Passers-by and other drivers look bemused, once they've settled back into the skins they jumped out of! My heart skips a beat! One car driver, on hearing this, drove through the red light we were stationary at!!

Accident day was eventful. A third incident that I think worth relating is when I must have had over 20 seniors on my bus and other people were taking up some of the seats. A particularly frail woman got in North Finchley and couldn't find a seat. Would somebody please give up their seat for this Lady. Nothing! I got angry. Look! I will not drive my bus if a seat isn't found for this lady. I will not be responsible for her falling over, if I'm forced to brake suddenly. There must be someone seated who's half her age. You should be ashamed of yourselves! I know I would be if I were you! I shouldn't have to ask! Voice from behind: Thank you driver! About time someone said that! The lady was seated. I drove on. Several other people thanked me as they left. One middle aged man wasn't so pleased with me!

One evening, while driving the W15, there were 4 teenage boys on my bus. An Afghani man got on, wearing full national dress. The boys sang the Harry Belafonte number, some words purposely changed, others presumably just wrong: Hey Mr. Taliban. Give me a banana. My initial reaction, I'm ashamed to say, was a chuckle. But I quickly thought of how intimidating that must have been for the man and just how difficult it must be in general for religious Afganis, both here and in America.

We can communicate with our car lights. Flashing your headlights can mean 'you first' or 'thank you' (only unofficially, though. The only legal use is to let someone know of your presence, so if, by moving forward, you end up in a collision with the person who flashed you, according to the law, you are to blame!). You can give a couple of flashes of your hazard lights to say 'thank you' or 'sorry'. What I want to know is, how do you tell someone to go f#%k themselves?!

You've heard of Tennis Elbow. You've heard of Housemaid's Knee. Well, since the weather has warmed up again, I have developed Bus Driver Thumb. This condition is caused by repeatedly giving the thumbs-up instead of flashing my hazards, to thank drivers who let me in to the traffic flow.

Yesterday, or at least what passed us such at the time of writing, was another eventful day. I was pulling away from the Southgate Asda bus stop, heading towards Finchley. It is just after a roundabout, from which, a car emerged during my manoeuvre. The driver seemed to think that I should stop and let him go, and expressed his anger that I did not. I too expressed my anger at his cheek, with a two-finger salute out of my window. At the next bus stop, he pulled alongside my bus, jumped out of his car, and proceeded to hurl blue clouds of abuse in my direction and punch the bus windows. He pointed to his kids in the car, as a reason why I should have let him in front of me. Great role model for them, wouldn't you agree? Are there holes in his argument? I had 30 passengers. He was driving recklessly, with or without kids. The law states, buses have the right of way. I have a busmen's key - a Cast Iron 'T', which, as a last resort, could do life-altering damage to potential attackers! I apologised to my passengers, who in turn commiserated with me. An elderly woman told me that a week ago, in similar circumstances, she saw someone shoot at a bus driver!

Earlier, while doing some overtime on the 34 route, I was driving along the A406, towards Walthamstow with a full bus. A van driver pulled directly in my path, causing me to brake and swerve sharply enough that an elderly man fell off his seat! I felt awful, but again, the passengers found me blameless. From the other driver, no remorse, of course.

There was an amusing moment. While waiting at the traffic light at Whetstone, Finchley-bound, a man spoke to me. In broad accent: I am sorry! I am French! I understand it might be necessary to apologise for this in parts of America, but not here. Macdonalds still call their fries French Fries here. In America, they have been renamed Freedom Fries!!!!! And here was me thinking that we Brits are xenophobic and proudly ignorant!
Anyway! I correctly guessed that he was apologising for his poor English, and that he wanted to get off the bus. I told him with a smile, that I would have let him off, even if he weren't French!

On a personal note, I went to see a flat. I was expecting a studio, but it had 2 bedrooms. Nice enough. BUT! It is situated at the corner of Green Lanes and The North Circular Road (A406) - heavy traffic almost all day. Very noisy. Terribly polluted air. I could never open my window! That most raids on suspected terrorists seem to be either in the direct vicinity or within a mile or so of there is not entirely negative, as it the last place likely to be the target of a gas attack! The following day, a controller from Palmers Green Bus Garage, who was standing at the opposite corner, pointed to the house next door: You see that kicked in door over there? A serious drug addict lives there. Bothers all the local shops - a real nuisance. No wonder it was cheap! I'm still looking!

That's all for now.

Love,

Andy

About the Author

My name is Andy. I am an Englishman who has spent most of his adult life in the United States. In 2001, I moved back to London, thinking I would remain there for the rest of my life. But things didn't go as planned. And instead of finding a job in IT, I became a bus driver. This is my memoire, written from 2003 to 2005.

Now back in Brooklyn, I have a blog I currently enjoy writing: sceneandheardinny.blogspot.com

Are You an Entrepreneur Whos Not Afraid to Think Outside the Box?

In 1950 there were no fast food restaurants, in 1960 no portable hair dryers, in 1980 no coaching. What's not in 2003 you can provide? Think outside the box and make some money., Its called Companion Air, my client Sarita bubbled. She wants to take a trip and doesnt want to leave Rudy, her dog, at home. So there she is, with lots of money and time, staying home.

I LOVE MY DOG AND I WANT TO TRAVEL

What is Companion Air? Stress-free travel for pets and owners is our mission, says founder, Rick Roof. We dont think any pet should be considered cargo.

Sarita, like many of my clients, is middle-aged, has disposable income, and is ready for her time. The kids are raised, shes got her 401k, shes ready to have some fun. She loves Rudy and wants him with her, or shes not going. Finally someone decided to help her spend her money and set her free!

Companion Air listened, and so are some other providers.

IM SINGLE AND I WANT TO CRUISE

I like to cruise and Im single. Am I the only one? Its true you dont see a lot of singles on cruises but maybe its because no ones invited them. Could it be because there are no singles fares? The only cruiseline Ive found that offers a true single-rate, not double-occupancy, is Carnival.

...AND I LIKE TO DANCE

Theres music all over cruise ships, and I like to dance. It makes me sad to sit there and watch all the couples dancing. Cunard, the Radisson and others (but not all) cruise lines offering Gentlemen Dance Hosts, available for dancing every night from 8 pm to 1 am.

...AND I DONT WANT TO HEAR KIDS CRYING

Tom and Julie went on a cruise the last week in July. Not that great, said Julie, when I asked her. Crying babies, kids splashing in the hot tub, a toddler at the table next to ours, and worst of all, a million teenagers. Watching a dude with an ear ring in his nose and purple hair writing on the corridor wall with a lipstick is not my idea of relaxing.

Never again, she added.

Celebrity listened. They offer the Celebrity Escape. Every now and then, they say, grown-ups need a little getaway of their own, and what better way to truly relax than on a Celebrity Escape cruisewhere all of the guests are over the age of 21. Amen.

I HATE SECOND-HAND CIGARETTE SMOKE AND I WANT TO CRUISE

Nancys thrilled to have discovered the Carnivals Paradise. Its non-smoking and they mean business. They check your luggage before you get on, for tobacco items, and if youre caught smoking on-board, you get kicked off. She has terrible allergies and from now on thats her ship.

IM SINGLE AND DONT WANT AN APARTMENT OR CONDO

Chin, another client, has plenty of money but he doesnt want to spend it on a house. He lives alone, he travels a lot, hes beyond showing off, and he has no intention of sharing a wall with someone else.

On a recent drive from my home (San Antonio) to Austin, I saw an amazing site: three billboards advertising three different housing developments in beautiful locations with houses starting in the $40s.

WHATS NEW? THE UNIMAGINEABLE

I never wouldve dreamed of being able to take Rudy with me, says Sarita. I never even thought to ask.

I never thought Id find a house for $40,000 in a decent neighborhood, says Chin.

Your consumers have many questions they havent thought to ask for because they didnt think it was possible. And whats possible? When I was growing up in the 50s hang on, theres a purpose to this Im delivering paradigm shift here, dramatic paradigm shift:

Milk was put in bottles and delivered to your house 3 times a week. You never locked your house door or car door. You left your keys in the ignition. The dry cleaner delivered and just walked in and put the clothes in the living room. Someone put gasoline in your car. There were no female lawyers or doctors. There were no fast-food restaurants. There was no daycare. There were hardly even babysitters. I never went inside a toy store. My mother didnt have a car; Dad took it to work every day. Stores werent open at night or on Sunday. Grocery stores delivered. You tipped the guy who carried your groceries out to your car. Pediatricians came to your house. 1% of the kids in high school had braces.

WAYS I COULDVE MADE A FORTUNE

In the late 60s when I was in college, the only hair dryers were those bonnets you put over your head that took forever. One day I decided to stick my head under the blow dryer in the bathroom. My hair dried fast, had body, and looked cute. The idea spread around the dorm.

In the late 60s there was a strange restaurant in Durham, N.C. It made to-go breakfasts eggs and sausage on buns and biscuits, etc. It was extremely popular. You stood in a line forever. I wondered why no one else offered breakfast-to-go like that. It never occurred to me or anyone else that the Hardees down the road could do that as well as the burgers. No one was connecting the dots. And whos to say Durham was the universe?

HUNCHES ... INKLINGS

Theres some need out there you arent conceiving of you could capitalize on. Keep your mind open and consider possibilities.

I WANT TO BE COMFORTABLE WHEN I FLY

Breta is happy with Southwests new policy about large people. Its controversial, I know, but Bretas experiences have made avoiding having someone spill halfway over into her seat her number one priority. She now flies Southwest all the time.

I DONT WANT FIBERGLASS IN MY HOUSE

My client, Ray, is wealthy and a very discriminating consumer. He wanted to build a house, and didnt want fiberglass insulation, so he was stalled out. He called the other day. I found it, he said. Prodex insulation. Its got the fire rating, waterproof, radiant barrier, energy-efficient, all that, AND no fiberglass.

Someone was listening.

And look at that list he rolled out. Todays consumer knows a lot. Are you addressing this?

INVENT & ACCOMMODATE

Im a coach, and everyone negotiates fees with me. When I started licensing my products, I thought Good. I can just list these on my website and I wont have to mess with all that. They click, they order. Wrong! The emails continued. People simply like to negotiate these days, and expect to be able to. So I accommodate.

In response to consumers, I now offer one-shot coaching. Many clients accomplished what they wanted to in one session, so I just made it an official option. Other clients dont want to schedule their session. They sign up for a month but want to call on an as-needed basis. I now call it putting me on a retainer.

CONCLUSION

1.Listen to your clients. As in hear them.
2.If somethings a hassle in your business, figure out why. Then accommodate.
3.When they hassle you, your clients and customers are telling you what they need and what theyd pay for if you offered it. 4.When youre the consumer, speak whats on your mind, i.e., If you did what X does, or provided X, Id buy from you. Or Have you thought of...? 5.Push the limits. There were no female lawyers in 1965. No fast food restaurants in 1970. No coaches in 1980. Whats not in 2003 you could make happen?

About the Author

Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach, GLOBAL EQ. Emotional intelligence coaching to enhance all areas of your life - career, relationships, midlife transition, resilience, self-esteem, parenting. EQ Alive! - excellent, accelerated, affordable EQ coach certification. Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, is widely published on the Internet, and a regular speaker for cruise lines. For marketing services go here.

Planning Your First Cruise

Planning your first holiday especially on a cruise liner is always a challenge. You could get together with your family and friends and discuss your travel and vacation plans so as to get a better idea of what needs to be done. The best way is to book with a travel agent who will not only advice you on which cruise liner and destination you should be going to but also plan your entire itinerary including air travel to the port of embarkation. But before you proceed, let?s first answer some questions that are bound to pop up while planning your cruise.

What kind of cruise is suitable for your age group?

Typically, there are different kinds of cruises suitable for different age groups. You will find a cruise designed for all individuals, from the toddler to the teen to the retired. All you need to decide in who is going and then select the cruise best suited for you. There are fun-filled holiday cruises for the family, singles, newly-weds and even for the slightly older and matured.

What kind of budget are you on?

Typically, the minimum cost of per person per day is about $100 on an average cruise liner. Many ships charge extra for certain items and of course air-fare is not included in this. You can decrease the cost somewhat by sharing the cabin with another person, booking way in advance, like almost six months prior, or taking a risk and booking late, less than two months prior to departure.

How many days can you spend on your cruise?

If you have less than a week, then the options would be closer to home and restricted to Mexico, Bahamas or simply a weekend cruise to a port in the ocean and back. A complete week gives you more time and options range from the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and even the South Pacific, depending on of course your current residential location. Anything longer than that would be suitable for any kind of cruise vacation across the globe.

When would you be most likely to travel?

Obviously, cruise tickets are cheaper in leaner times like spring or fall and most expensive during the summer holidays. Winter is also considered high season when travelling to warmer locations like the Caribbean. Some locations like Alaska, Scandinavia and the Baltic have a shorter cruising season and will be open only between May and September. While Antarctic cruises are on between November and February, Mediterranean cruises can be taken all year round.

Where would you like to go?

With the earth being covered with 75% ocean, cruise ships today can reach any of the continents and traverse all across the globe. From the Americas to Austral-Asia, Africa to Antarctica, Bahamas to Bermuda, Europe to Canada, there are plenty of cruise destinations to choose from. Even land locked locations such as central Europe, Russia, or the Yangtze River in China can be reached on a river cruise. Always a challenge to decide your destination, it is important to keep all other factors like type of cruise, budget, length of vacation among others in mind.

What are your interests?

Although cruises provide all kinds of on board activities, your destination should be based on your interest. While European tours offer a good dose of culture for the history buffs, tropical destinations like the Caribbean and the South Pacific are for the beach lovers. Whether it is glacier watching in Alaska, deep sea diving in Australia or experiencing the fjords in Norway, you have to decide what you like to do best before you choose your cruise destination. Many cruises also offer a list of off-shore activities before you book, so make sure that you are well researched on that as well.

What kind of accommodation would you prefer?

Cabin selection typically depends on what your budget is. Sea view cabins are obviously more expensive than the lower deck ones. Also, if you are travelling to scenic places like Alaska or Scandinavia it would be preferable to have a view. Deck plans are available in hard copy, so make your decision after doing your homework and planning your budget.

What are your dress styles and eating habits?

In a move away from only formal wear, most cruise ships today are more relaxed and have only one or two nights of dress-up nights. The rest of the time, it is usually casual or country club style dressing. Typically there are two seating arrangements for dinner, one starting at 6:30pm and the other starting at 9:00pm. While early seating allows you plenty of time for late shows, it may rush your off shore excursions. Late seating on the other hand gives you time to relax but may hamper your late evening activities. Also, table seating is usually for four to eight persons and very rarely for two. If you do want a dinner for the twosome, you will have to make a prior request.

How do you get to the cruise ship?

Flying there or driving down if its close by are two of the most preferred options. Sometimes the cruise lines offer you a fly-cruise package, which is easier, but may be a trifle expensive than independent booking. These include transfers between the ship and the airport, which can again add up to the cost.

What are the documents needed?

Cruise vouchers and travel itineraries should typically reach you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised as a carry along document in case of any mishaps. Passports are needed for all international destinations.

William Brister http://www.cruiseliner.tv

- A detailed guide answering all your questions regarding your plans on going for your cruise.

Infant Car Seats What to Look for

Infant car seats should be purchased for any baby who weighs less than 20 pounds. It can be more cost efficient to purchase an infant-toddler car seat that can be converted when the baby weighs more than 20 pounds. But all experts will agree that babies are safer in infant car seat because they are designed for the smaller baby to give support in all the necessary places. Your baby should be comfortable. You should get a car seat that has lots of cushioning and plenty of head support. The Graco infant car seat is one of the most popular car seats for infants and range in price from $80 to $170.

These are some things to look for when you are shopping for a car seat for your infant.

It should be easy to install. It is very important that the car seat is installed properly and according to the manufacturers specifications. When buying a car seat, remember that simpler is better. If a car seat looks like it will be difficult to install, it probably is.

A smaller baby needs more adequate restraints to hold him in the seat. Look for infant seats that have a five point harness. These will have one strap for each of the babys shoulders, one strap for each of his thighs, and one between his legs. These straps are safer for an infant since they are more adjustable than plastic shields or T-bar restraints.

Avoid car seats that require you to fasten the seatbelt in the rear of the seat. The seatbelt adjustment should be easy to reach.

It must have the right anchors. Starting in September 2002, all new infant safety seats had to be compatible with the LATCH system (LATCH is short for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Rather than using a seatbelt to hold the infant seat in place, this system uses two anchors for the bottom of the seat and a one tether for the top of the seat. This makes installation of the seat easier and safer because the seat is attached directly to the car.

Babies are always a mess. Consider purchasing a seat with a removable infant car seat cover so that you can keep the car seat clean. It may be tough to find this feature because many car seats do not come with removable infant car seat covers. Be sure to check the car seat you are purchasing to see if the car seat cover can be removed.

The most important thing to consider what buying a car seat for your infant is safety. Remember, the car seat should be easy to install, have adequate restraints, and have the correct anchors for attaching it to the car.

About the Author

LynnMarie is On-Line Editor for Babyage.com which is one of the top online retailers of Graco Infant Car Seats including an extensive line of Infant Car Seats for infants and children.

By LynnMarie S

The Number One Killer of Children Under the Age of 15 is Almost Always Preventable

(ARA) - Before you hit the open road, there are a few things you need to take care of. You need to make sure your engine is running smoothly, your tires are properly inflated, and if youll be traveling with children, you have the equipment to keep them properly restrained.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, traffic crashes are the number one killer of young children. In 2002, 2,542 children ages 15 and younger died in car crashes; another 294,000 were injured. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show nearly half of the deaths and injuries occurred because the children were not properly restrained.

One of the biggest problems were seeing is that parents graduate their children from car seats to seatbelts when they should really be in booster seats, says Elly Martin, who is a spokesperson for the NHTSA. Weve also seen a number of cases where children who are in car seats are not very well secured.

Every state requires that infants and children ride buckled up. However, state laws do not always require the safest way to transport a child. So what is the safest way? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants always ride in the back seat -- in car seats that can only be used rear-facing until they are at least a year old and 20 pounds.

One of the biggest mistakes weve seen parents make is switching their child to a forward facing car seat too soon. Just because your baby has turned a year old or is over 20 pounds doesnt mean theyre ready. They must achieve both milestones before the switch is made, says Jeff Beyer, senior vice president and chief communications officer of Farmers Insurance.

There are a number of car seats on the market that are considered safe for babies at the in-between stage. So-called convertible car seats can be used as rear facing until the child is up to 35 pounds, or forward facing until they are around 40 pounds. They typically come with three different types of restraints: 5-point harness, T-shield, and overhead shield.

When your child reaches the top weight or height allowed for his or her car seat, that doesnt mean its time for them to switch over to a regular seatbelt. At 3 or 4 years of age, most children are still too short to be safely secured by a seatbelt. If they are not at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, they need the added protection of a booster seat, says Beyer.

* Making Sure Seats are Safely Secured

Pediatricians have done a good job spreading the word about the Academys recommendations, and the statistics show parents are listening. The number of fatal accidents involving children dropped from 2,603 in 2001 to 2,542 in 2002.

We are very heartened by improvements in child safety seat use by Americans; however, there is still room for improvement if every child is to travel safely on our roadways, says Martin.

Despite their best intentions, parents dont always install the seats properly, says Beyer. In the New Parents section of its Web site, Farmers Insurance has numerous tips regarding the proper installation of car seats.

Infant Seats

* Must be used in a rear facing position until child is at least 12 months old and weighs at least 20 pounds

* Never place this type of seat in front of an airbag. The preferred location is in the back seat in the middle of the car.

* Never hold your baby in your lap when the vehicle is in motion.

* Your childs head should be at least 1 inch below the top of the child seat.

* Rear facing infant seats reduce the risk of fatal injury in a car crash by 71 percent.

Toddler Seats

* Should be in the forward facing position for children between 20 and 40 pounds and over 1 year of age.

* When using the seat in a forward-facing position, always use the highest of the three sets of slots provided with this seat for the harness.

* If using this seat in a rear-facing position, the harness should come out of the center or lowest slots.

* The harness should fit snugly with room for no more than one finger between the harness and your childs collarbone.

* Forward-facing safety seats for toddlers reduce the fatality risk by 54 percent.

Booster Seats

* Use forward facing only.

* High-back booster with built-in harness: for children between 30 and 40 pounds. Harness should be replaced by adult lap and shoulder belt when child reaches 40 pounds.

* Belt positioning booster seats: for children between 40 and 80 pounds and up to four feet nine inches. Never use with only the lap belt -- use with shoulder and adult lap belt together. Shoulder belt should cross chest, never over stomach. Make sure belt fastens without extra slack.

Another common mistake parents can make is not properly securing the seat itself in their vehicle. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 seats on American roads are improperly installed. Seat Check, a national organization that works with Toys R Us, the NHTSA, and several other sponsors holds regular free inspection clinics that can give parents piece of mind.

To find a child seat inspection station in your area, log onto www.seatcheck.org, or call (866) SEATCHECK. You can find car seat installation and other child safety advice on the Farmers Insurance Web site: www.farmers.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content





About the author:

Courtesy of ARA Content

Entertaining suggestions for busy momsNC(NC)Doctor, arbiter, coach, chauffeur, entertainer, cook it's Mom! Every mother knows it's a juggling act to get through the daily routine and still find some time to sleep much less entertain. So what does Mom do when company is knocking at the door? Whether it's a casual midweek dinner, a large weekend gathering or a few friends gathering to talk to about the day, entertaining can be a stressful time for most moms with everything else on their plate. Hamilton Beach, makers of quality small appliances, offers the following suggestions for busy moms this holiday season.

1) Prepare dishes that can be frozen ahead of time and then warmed up the day or night of your party.

2) Keep it casual - serve buffet style so you sit down faster and everyone can choose what they like best.

3) Use appliances that keep your hands free for little ones put a pot roast with potatoes and carrots in your slowcooker and you have the whole day for your usual routine. Just before guests arrive put a couple of small pizzas in your toaster oven for picky eaters (all kids love pizza). Ice cream and coffee for dessert what could be easier. The Hamilton Beach BrewstationTM lets you dispense coffee with one hand and the coffee stays hot in the thermal dispenser in case the party continues later than expected.

4) Remember to include the kids in the planning. Create a theme and let the kids help you plan the menu make it fun for everyone and it won't be as much work.

For great recipes and great products visit www.hamiltonbeach.com.

- News Canada
About the author:

News Canada

Holiday gift ideas for that person on your list who has everything!NC(NC)Who's the person in your life that has everything your aunt, your mom and dad, your boss? Holiday shopping for that person can be a stressful event, especially around the holiday season. If you're tired of not knowing what gifts to get your friends and family for the holiday, let Dirt Devil help you find the right present for the right person, every time. Dirt Devil has new, unique and affordable gift items that are sure to be used and appreciated all year long.

Under $60

The perfect gift for that person who's always on the fast track is the Dirt Devil Sweeper VacTM with Swiffer. The new Sweeper Vac with Swiffer combines two innovative technologies: the popular Swiffer and a powerful cordless vacuum from Dirt Devil. The Swiffer electrostatic cloth captures the small stuff like dust, allergens, and pet hair while the powerful Dirt Devil vacuum gets all the bigger dirt and debris. No more brooms and dustpans because it gets the line of dirt that other more conventional tools leave behind. Plus, its unique swivel head design makes it easy to get into tight spots including along baseboards, under tables, in corners, and around toilets. A great gift for around $59.99.

Under $70

Looking for the perfect gift for the family with kids, pets, and therefore inevitable messes? With the kids home from school for the holidays, you might find that your floors need to be cleaned more frequently. An ideal gift for quick pick-ups in between regular cleaning is the new Power Stick from Dirt Devil. Cleaning hard floor surfaces in the past has been bothersome with other less effective or hard-to-manage stick vacs. However, the new Power Stick boasts 12 amps and 1440 watts of pure cleaning power- that's 1.5 times the power of any other stick vac on the market. Better yet, it weighs in at only 6 pounds! With a sturdy, lightweight design, the Power Stick is ideal for cleaning all hard floor surfaces, including hardwood, tile, marble and linoleum. And it's available for under $70.

- News Canada
About the author:

News Canada