New Safety Requirements for Car Seats!

Child seat requirements change with 2014 rule

If you think mandates for child-safety seats are constantly revised, you're right - and now they're changing again.  Don't panic!   The child seats are as safe as ever.  It's the way that  we install them, that is the focus of new findings.  A new rule that goes into effect in 2014 will require car-seat makers to warn parents not to use the Latch anchor system to install a car seat if the combined weight of the child and the seat is 65 pounds or higher.

Vehicles have been required to have Latch anchors since 2001, but child-safety seat advocates say the strength of the anchors can't be guaranteed, raising a safety issue if Latch were to fail in a crash. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers also want the rule changed because the Latch anchor's strength limits don't take into account the weight of the child seat, which typically weighs 15 to 33 pounds. Child safety advocates, however, want the minimum strength requirements of the anchors to be increased.  "While Latch makes it easier to properly install car seats in vehicles, it's important for parents and caregivers to know that securing a child seat with a seat belt is equally as safe - and that they have the flexibility to use either system," Transportation Department spokeswoman Lynda Tran told USA Today.

  

Child seats typically weigh 15 to 33 pounds. So the new rule means some children as light as 32 pounds might not be able to use a system designed to make child seats easier to install and, therefore, safer. This child-seat system is known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).  

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children use car seats with harnesses through age 8. AAP's recommendation and supporting research led child-seat makers to design more seats for children 65 pounds and over.

So much information that is always changing when it comes to our child's safety!  We thought you should be informed to help keep your child happy and safe!  If you have more questions, please consult a child car seat expert.  

Here our two of our favorites:   Wee Plan Baby Planners : Annie Mullens.  Colorado Children"s Automobile Safety Foundation:  Bill the car seat guy.

Changes to LATCH

I am not sure of the practicality and safety of this form of transportation for our children:  All I know is that I love it!  Quinny is thinking outside of the box again, and I think that is a good thing.  Notice in the video that it is mostly Dads test driving the stroller!  What do you think?



Longboardstroller Test Day from Studio Peter Van Riet on Vimeo.

Tweet Pee!

Wet Diaper?  There's an App for that!  I am always coming across new products or ideas that are meant to make parenting and raising your baby a little easier.  This one takes it to a whole different level!

Petunia is beautiful this time of year

By combining bold, sophisticated designs with everyday functionality, Petunia Pickle Bottom has reinvented the diaper bag to suit the modern mom. We have a great selection of PB bags at Real Baby.  If we don't have the bag you crave in stock, we can order it for you, and have it in on your shoulder in no time!

Safe bumper free bedding from Skip Hop!

One of the most commonly asked questions that we encounter from parents is whether or not to use bumpers in their baby's crib.  I mean, they're so darned cute and they keep babies from getting trapped between the slats of the crib or bumping their cute little noggins, right? Well, it's not quite as simple as that. We talked with our resident expert Annie Mullens, fromWee Plan Baby Planners, to get the straight scoop! Annie told us that a study in The Journal of Pediatrics found that 27 children from 1 month to 2-years-old died from suffocating or strangling related to bumpers between 1985 and 2005. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that parents not use crib bumpers, including so-called breathable models.   In fact, last April Chicago became the first municipality (or any governmental unit for that matter) to ban the sale of crib bumper pads.  In addition, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has enacted regulations set to go into effect June 21st of this year that will ban the sale of crib bumpers within the entire state. So what's a parent to do who wants to create the adorable nursery they've always dreamed about, yet still meet the latest safety recommendations?  The answer to that is Skip Hop's Complete Sheet bumper-free crib bedding.  The available patterns make the sheet look like a bumper so it can feel more like a traditional crib set, but without the possible hazards.  They also have optional sleep sacks, decorative blankets (not for in the crib!), and wall decals.   Problem solved.  Safety and Style combined.  Thanks Skip Hop!

Mothers Day Jewelry with Hot Mama!

This Friday, April 26th, from 3-7pm, Real Baby will be hosting a Mothers Day event along with our friends Hot Mama Jewelry Design. They will have all their beautiful Jewelry on display for you to purchase or place an order.  With all orders placed at the event you will receive a free special heart pendant to add to your design(a $20 value!) and all orders placed at the event will be ready for you for Mothers day!  You will have a chance to win one of two $50 Hot Mama gift certificates as well as some other great giveaways. Stop into Real Baby this Friday for some Mothers day fun!  

 

Hot Mama Designs and Sugar Soul Studio Studio located in Boulder, Colorado. Owners Shannon Sunderland and Sahra Cahoon adorn women and their families with inspiring designs that are created to tell stories and celebrate life. They rejoice in the art of metalsmithing! As artists they are intrigued by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which is (loosely translated) the beauty of things that are unpretentious and unconventional. In our mass-produced world their jewelry celebrates the one-of-a-kind feeling of the handmade object.  

 

A fun mix of gold rim + sterling that will match all your jewelry

Real Baby has the Chicco Next Fit convertible car seat!

Some of the innovative NextFit 65 features include nine recline angle options; 2 bubble level angle indicators (one for rear-facing; one for forward-facing); SuperCinch LATCH tightening system and a 2-position chest clip (more narrow setting for babies, wider setting for older kids).

                                                                                                                                                                

We love Chewbeads!

The idea for Chewbeads began in 2009 shortly after the birth of the creators son. Like most babies, he loved to put everything in his mouth and her necklaces were a favorite. Like most moms, she didn't feel comfortable letting him chew on them, with concern that they might break or have unwanted chemicals. As a veteran of the fashion industry, she had an amazing collection of necklaces and bracelets, so with those as her inspiration, she set out to create soft, non-toxic jewelry, which was colorful, chic and, above all else safe. Hence, Chewbeads!

• Beads are made with 100% silicone (similar to pacifiers & nipples)
• Soft on babies gums and emerging teeth
• Easily cleaned with dish soap & water, also dishwasher safe!
• No BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Cadmium, or Lead
• Necklaces have a breakaway clasp for added safety
• Necklaces are a great sensory tool to help your baby focus while nursing
• Bracelets are a colorful reminder of which side you've just nursed

Shop for Chewbeads HERE!

Shoe Sale!

Real Baby has all the shoes you love to buy for your baby on sale now!

Converse, Vans, Rileyroos,  and Pediped are all on sale now!

We are turning ten! Come Celebrate!

Real Baby Turns 10!

It's hard to believe that this photo was taken ten years ago, just weeks after we opened our doors to the neighborhood.  Many things have changed, and yet, many things have stayed the same.  My husband and I opened Real Baby with the purpose of sharing great baby products that we loved, with our friends and customers. Believe or not it was extremely difficult to find cool, fun, hip, and  functional items for parents and their children in 2003!  We also wanted to offer a place for parents to meet, share ideas, ask questions, put their hands on new products, and receive the best customer service in town.  With our helpful and knowledgeable staff, we continue to learn and grow, and offer our customers the best in baby products and service.  John and I and our two children, now 11 and 13 years old!, continue to live just blocks away from the shop.  We our proud to say that we have been a part of this neighborhood and a part of the Denver Children's market for a Decade!  

Here is a little look into the past...We are excited for the future! 

 Trying to figure out how to create the space

 Love the Florescent lighting!

Our kids in the construction window.  Having tea while I demo a wall!

Happy owners:  John and Hilary

Stay tuned for the details of our Real Baby anniversary celebration on march 21st! It's going to be a blast!

Real Baby 3616 West 32nd Ave. Denver Co. 80211 303-477-2229

                

 New Safety Standards For Play Yards

New safety standards for play yards, also called travel yards or playpens, go into effect today, February 28, 2013. We have received a number of questions about what these new standards mean for consumers and for those who intended to give away or sell their used play yards. In this post, we summarize the new rules and standards.

Background

Part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) required the CPSC to develop mandatory safety standards for various durable infant and toddler goods. Previously, safety standards for these items were largely voluntary. The new mandatory standards were to be at least as stringent as the voluntary standards and more stringent if it was determined that additional safety requirements could further reduce the risk of injury. For the past three years, new standards have been rolled out forcribs, children’s bed rails, baby bath seats, baby walkers,infant swings and toddler beds. The latest is for play yards.

What is Considered a Play Yard?

Although there are similarities to non-full sized cribs, to avoid confusion, play yards are defined as a “framed enclosure that includes a floor and has mesh or fabric sided panels primarily intended to provide a play or sleeping environment for children. It may fold for storage or travel.” Play yards are intended for children who are less than 35 inches tall, who cannot climb out of the product.

New Standards

Play yards that meet the new safety standard must have:

• Side rails that do not form a sharp V when the product is folded. This prevents a child from strangling in the side rail.
• Stronger corner brackets to prevent sharp-edged cracks and to prevent a side-rail collapse.
• Sturdier mattress attachments to the play yard floor to prevent children from getting trapped or hurt.

Who Must Comply with the New Standards?

There is an important distinction between the new crib standards and the new play yard standards. For cribs, on the day the new standard went into effect, July 28, 2011, it became unlawful for anyone to sell, offer for use, or otherwise place into the “stream of commerce” any crib that does not meet the new safety standards. Childcare facilities and places of public accommodation such as hotels were not required to comply until December 28, 2012.

For play yards, the new safety standards only apply to play yards that are manufactured or imported on or after February 28, 2013.

Your neighborhood "Train Store" Just Got Better!      New Brio Trains and Railway sets are on there way!    When we opened Real Baby almost 10 years ago, we had the sole purpose of being a one stop shop for all of a new parents needs.  We were, and always have been, focused on finding the best products and providing the best service and information possible. Little did we know that our smallest clients-your children-would start referring to Real Baby as "The train store."  In keeping with our spirit of service and offering the best products possible, we have listened to our youngest customers, and are now proud to announce that we will be carrying the entire Brio train and railway line!    Join us next  Saturday March 2nd, from 10AM to 2PM for the grand unveiling  of our new Brio train table, as well as all  the Brio trains and railway sets!  We will have giveaways for you and your little ones, as well as treats, and a chance to save on your Brio purchases that day! We can't wait see our favorite train enthusiasts!                                                Real Baby                                                  3616 W.32nd Ave                                                Denver CO 80211                                             303-477-2229                                               shoprealbaby.com

Lillebaby goes international!

Real Baby is excited to announce that our friends at  líllébaby  travelled to Valencia, Spain last week to help in launching the amazing líllébaby COMPLETE carrier in Spain and throughout Europe!  . If you haven't seen this carrier, you must! It allows you to carry your baby on the front (facing in or out), back and side - all while maintaining a healthy hip position for your child and with incredible comfort for the parent (check out the Lumbar Support). Also, because of the structured neck support, you can carry an infant without a bulky insert. LOVE it!

Travel Tips 101!

We all know that flying and traveling with our children can be one of the most stressful times for a new parent.  I can remember standing in the airplane bathroom with my new daughter, screaming her head off, trying to console her on a flight home to visit family.   We all have our tricks.  For some, it's small new toys brought out in intervals.  For others it may be hand held devices, iPads, books or lap tops.  This couple on a flight home had a plan to take care of the whole flight and not just themselves!  Great Idea!

We Love These Pacifiers!

Let your baby express themselves without saying a word!

Ubaluba pacifiers are made of non-toxic, hygienically formed, natural bite-resistant materials designed to form naturally in the mouth, satisfying babies’ need for supplemental sucking and provide parents with peace of mind.  Find Them HERE at Real Baby!

Made in the U.S.A!

We are asked  all the time if we have any products that are made in the USA.  At Real Baby we are proud to carry a bevy of items that are made in America.  Look below to see just a few of the lines that we love from the good old USA!

Lifefactory

Green toys

             

Winter Water Factory

                

Meg Dana

                   

                       

New Skool 

     

        

Three Green Moms

Swaddle Designs

      

BoxPlay

         

Hot Mama Designs

        

Bellissima

 

Motherlove Herbal

Tilly Whistle