Christmas Gifts that save lives!
I’ve put together a gift suggestion list of things that I consider to either be essential or very good to have in the car now that it’s cold, and also on a day to day basis, some are helpful and not necessary for everyone, I for example don’t have a DVD player simply because I don’t need one, but I know other’s might want one and I thought best to name the only one that is actually crash tested.
I’ll go through the list one step at a time, starting with the ERF seat.
Extended Rear Facing Car Seat
One of the most essential things to own! Rear facing is the safest way for your child to travel, especially for children under the age of 4 years old. Some seats are more expensive than others, but they will all serve the same purpose, and if used rear facing, they will all perform similar, and they will all be safer than forward facing seats.
Is baby is outgrowing his infant car seat? Toddler is nearing the weight limit of his #carseat why not put an #ERF seat on the #xmas list? Share on X
Friends and family can chip in making it not so expensive any more!
>> 7 ERF seats that don’t cost the bank! <<
Morrck Car Seat Hoodie
Made from one layer of anti-pil breathable fleece and one layer of 100% cotton jersey, the All Season Baby Hoodie travel blanket is universally useful for all car seat and push chair/pram travel -across all our seasons of unpredictable weather The All Season Baby Hoodie is available in size 1 (0 – 6 months) and size 2 (5 – 18 months), with a few colourways also available in size 3 (18 months – 4 years).
Reasons you’ll love the Baby Hoodie Travel Wrap:
> Quick & Easy Travelling. No struggling with outdoor clothing, simply wrap over indoor clothing and run
> Car Seat Safety. Harness straps fit baby securely, not his outdoor clothing
> Tested for car seat safety. The Morrck Baby Hoodie Travel Wrap meets the ECE R44.04 standard.
> Versatile. Great for car seats, pushchairs, bouncy or swing chairs and shopping trolleys
> Easy Temperature Control. Simply wrap and unwrap, leave baby to sleep undisturbed at a comfortable temperature
> Comfortable. No bulky coats or snowsuits that constantly need taking on and off and prevent harness straps from being tightened correctly
> Great Quality & Value. Made in the UK to high standard
All around I just can’t recommend this enough, especially now in winter!
5-Point-Plus Anti Escape System
It comes in two sizes, 15-30 months and 30 months – 4 years. This is aimed specifically towards the children who take their arms out of the harness, the little Houdinis hehe. The 5-Point-Plus prevents your child from wriggling his arms out of the harness because it covers up around the stomach area. This device is super easy to install, and doesn’t hinder taking the child out of the seat in one motion. And to make it even better, it meets ECE R44.04 standard and testing.
Fleece Suits
Fleece suits are really good for the car seat. They are warm and snugly, at the same time they don’t compromise the harness fitment so it’s perfectly safe to use in the car seat. On especially cold days, add a blanket.
Knitted Jumpers/Onesies
As with the fleece suits using knitted wear is also very warm AND safe in the car seat. An added bonus is that it’s home made which I particularly like hehe. The picture shows Henry wearing a knitted jumper in the “Marius” pattern, particularly popular in Norway. I have always loved knitted stuff, so I put that on the Christmas list every year hehe.
Car Seat Mat/Kick Mat
If you’re struggling with muddy shoes, renting/borrowing a car, or just generally feel the need to use a ‘kick’ mat, the Diono one is quite nice and sturdy. It doesn’t rip easy (which is a common problem in kick mats) making it a good choice.
Note: You can also make your own by using a towel or an apron!
Rear Facing Mirror
One of the most common fears for parents who are new to ERF is that they can’t see the child, so I have put up this extra large mirror from ‘Streetwise’ as a good gift.
It secures safely to the back seat headrest and it does rotate so you can change the angle. It’s one of the largest ones on the market, and I find it to be the very best one.
Nextbase Click’n Go DVD Player
DVD players are very popular in the car, but did you know that this is the only one on the market that is actually crash tested? This makes it a one of a kind, and also the safest one. The Click and Go is mounted to the headrest using metal plates, it’s completely cable free and has a wireless headset! Definitely a player that goes on the Christmas list and a must buy if you are looking for a DVD player for the car.
Assorted Children’s CDs
A must have in the car in my opinion and my children love it. We haven’t started the car yet before the back seat is yelling “GREEN BOTTLE SONG!” hehe. Long car journeys or maybe just down to the shop, or maybe your baby doesn’t like the car? An assortment of children’s song’s CD might help. Besides, it helps on the mood! hehe
BeSafe Belt Collector Anti Escape Device
Like the 5-Point-Plus this prevents the children from getting their arms out of the harness. It’s made out of bendable plastic and isn’t a clip more of a “slide on” device hehe. I used this very one on my daughter for a long time as she was constantly taking her arms out. I made a YouTube video showing exactly how it works. It’s available from all BeSafe retailers.
I hope you found my list useful! Merry Christmas from us!!
Linking up to: #sharewithme - #MMBH - #PoCoLo - #Binkylinky *
Therese has completed the ‘Advanced Child Car Seat Training Course’ at TRL (Transport Research Lab) and is a CPD accredited car seat expert. She blogs about in-car safety, car seats, tips, reviews, giveaways and advice. She’s a mum on a mission to change the law and raise awareness. She is also a breastfeeding advocate and gentle parenting promoter who loves cloth nappies, baby-wearing, BLW and co-sleeping/bed-sharing.