Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The First Years Compass Pathway B570 Adjustable Belt Path Booster, Bumble Bee

The First Years Compass Pathway B570 Adjustable Belt Path Booster, Bumble Bee Review



We recently decided we needed another pair of seats for a 3rd vehicle. We have 6 and 4 year olds.... they have lived with a pair of B505 Compass seats for a little while. They love their seats, but we decided that we would buy a nicer pair of seats for road trips.

We just got back from a road-trip where we did about 7 hours straight going and coming - the B505 seats are great for all their features, but have never been terribly comfortable on longer trips. They don't have a lot of padding, the side-bolsters and head-bolsters don't keep the kids from hunching over when they fall asleep. I also discovered (while doing research for the new seats) that the seats don't place the lap belt over the upper thighs (which is preferable) and instead route it over the torso which could cause internal injury in an accident.

I looked at all kinds of seats, but the only ones that really seemed to be an "upgrade" from their current seats were much more expensive (Clek Oobr and Sunshine Kids) and in some cases did not have some features of the current B505 seats. The B570 hits a home-run in taking the current B505 and making the right improvements to deliver a great booster chair at a very attractive price (currently ninety bucks on Amazon).

With the new chairs in place both kids were instantly smitten. They immediately noticed how much more comfortable the new seats are (more padding). The side and head bolsters are much improved - we haven't done a road trip yet but I'm sure they will be much more effective in allowing the kids to sleep upright. My wife liked the lower latch anchors - they are slack and do not tighten, but they are just there to keep the chair in place when a child is not using it.

I had some concerns with the new cupholders as they are depicted in the photos. After some limited use I'm realizing that they are also much improved. In the B505 the cup holders are somewhat shallow and drinks could tip-over if you took a hard turn. The new cupholders have the yellow inserts which "lock" to the pivoting arms and do not allow things to tip over. The new cupholders are not hidden when they are turned-in like on the B505, but they do fold tight to the chair body so they are not in the way when you fold-up the seat.

Speaking of which, the new chair folds in half the same as the B505. I didn't take dimensions, but it seems to be more or less the same size folded.

My kids are having to get used to the new lap-belt routing clips. They have to make sure the belt is routing through the belt holders on both sides when they buckle-in. It's a little more work, but they'll get used to it.

My only minor complaint is the lack of color options at this time. In reality, the black with yellow trim is really quite attractive, and when you see it in person with the quilted padding on the chair it looks even better. I'm sure there will be other color choices in the future, but these are pretty nice for now.

I really don't have anything specifically negative to report. Anybody coming up from the previous Compass seats will find the B570 very familiar in most aspects. All of the differences that you'll notice are indeed improvements, so if you love your current Compass seats you'll love the new one even more (and your kids will be much happier with the added padding).



The First Years Compass Pathway B570 Adjustable Belt Path Booster, Bumble Bee Feature


  • Color coded 3 position adjustable shoulder belt path for better fit
  • Color coded lap belt positioning for a better fit
  • Latch attachments for secure installation when not in use
  • Deeper head rest for better head containment and side impact protection
  • Two removable cup holders for easy cleaning



The First Years Compass Pathway B570 Adjustable Belt Path Booster, Bumble Bee Overview


Compass Pathway 570 Adjustable Belt Path BoosterThe First Years Family of Highest-Rated Compass Booster Car Seats: Easy for You, Safer for Your Child!Ready to move to a belt-positioning booster? Our boosters will deliver many miles of happy driving and one of the most comfortable rides ever! The full line of The First Years Compass Belt Positioning Boosters has been awarded the highest ease of use rating, five stars, from the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA).The Compass Boo


Available at Amazon Check Price Now!




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 25, 2010 18:50:03

In Bloom Green Stroller Liner

In Bloom Green Stroller Liner Review





In Bloom Green Stroller Liner Feature


  • 5 Point Harness fits most strollers
  • Machine Washable
  • Keeps Stroller clean and free of crumbs
  • Easy on and off toDouble as a bassinet pad or changing pad for babies on the go
  • Not compatible with BOB



In Bloom Green Stroller Liner Overview


Fun and Funky Reversible Stroller Liner


Available at Amazon Check Price Now!




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 25, 2010 03:40:03

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Safety 1st All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

Safety 1st All-in-One Convertible Car Seat Review





Safety 1st All-in-One Convertible Car Seat Feature


  • Rear-facing from 5-35 lbs.
  • Forward-facing from 22-40 lbs.
  • Belt-positioning booster from 40-80 lbs.
  • 5-point harness system with up-front harness adjustment
  • Quick-Fit Harness System easily adjusts WITHOUT rethreading



Safety 1st All-in-One Convertible Car Seat Overview


Safety 1st All-in-One Convertible Car SeatThis All-in-One Convertible Car Seat acts as a rear-facing car seat from 5-35 lbs, forward-facing from 22-40 lbs, and a belt-positioning booster from 40-80 lbs. The 5-point harness system and up-front harness adjustment allow for a snug and secure fit. The Quick-Fit Harness System easily adjusts without rethreading. This convertible car seat features a three position recline that conveniently adjusts with just one hand. It is padded with ProTech energy a


Available at Amazon Check Price Now!




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 24, 2010 09:55:02

Monday, August 23, 2010

The First Years Compass Adjustable Booster Car Seat, True Blue

The First Years Compass Adjustable Booster Car Seat, True Blue Review



I have been searching for a narrow booster seat that would fit in my Mercedes C350. The Graco booster was the narrowest I could find and it was still very, very tight. When I pulled out the Compass booster, it was very wide, but the back portion is narrow. It fits perfectly in my car with extra space for buckling! The kids also love them, they are good for napping.



The First Years Compass Adjustable Booster Car Seat, True Blue Feature


  • Received FIVE STAR EASE OF USE government rating from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
  • Multi Position adjustable "No Gap" back
  • Patented easy one hand fold with built in hand
  • Large headrest lined with EPS foam
  • Side impact tested to international standards



The First Years Compass Adjustable Booster Car Seat, True Blue Overview


Compass Folding, Adjustable Booster The Compass Folding, Adjustable Booster is a much improved booster seat. It is adjustable, folding and still provides comfort. Some of the new features on this booster compared to other Compass includes a larger headrest and exclusive state of the art side impact protection. With new features and styles, the B505 booster car seat from Compass is going to be a hit across the States. Side impact protection is essential to car seats, as many accidents occur from the side. The larger seating area combined with an EPS lined headrest brings both comfort and safety to the forefront. The Compass Folding, Adjustable Booster has a simple folding action to help make it one of the top booster car seats around.


Available at Amazon Check Price Now!




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 23, 2010 23:55:03

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The First Years Magna Light Travel System - Plum

The First Years Magna Light Travel System - Plum Review



Very high quality material, and very comfy for baby.

Harness on carseat and stroller is easy to use and get baby in and out of. Easy to unfasten carseat from base and place in stroller. Easy to move base from car to car. A baby head insert is included, and I used it until my child turned a year old- it kept her neck from falling to the side while she slept. Although the carseat doesn't lock into the stroller, it sits fully in the stroller cockpit and so is very secure.

The stroller is surprisingly versatile- I've taken it on rough dirt paths and it was still easy to push and very stable. The height adjustment feature of the handle was great for my husband and I.

My two tiny complaints are that the tray is positioned really far forward (to accommodate the carseat I imagine), making it not very useful as an on-the-go snack and drink holder, as my child is just starting to be able to reach the area at 1 year (while she's strapped it). Also, the adult drink holder is really small- just big enough for a 16oz water bottle or soda (I always drink from a 20oz so its annoying).

Howver, all complaints are forgotten when you realize that it really IS super lightweight and has one-hand operation: I can hold my child in one arm (or the carseat when she was small) while I fold up the stroller. With a little pull against my hip, the stroller halves lock together. Then I can grab the perfectly located handle on the side and slide it into the back of my car (yes with one hand and no I'm not a weightlifter :). I take it out with the same handle, set it down (it stands up on its own vertically- great for storage and for one handed use). Then a little pull unlocks the halves and a snap of the arm fully extends the stroller and its ready to go!

On a recent trip I borrowed a Graco stroller. I thought the Graco had a better-designed cockpit- my now year-old baby's legs dangled comfortably, and she had great access to the tray, all while being buckled in. Also, the cupholder is larger and can fit more types of vessels. The storage accessibility and capacity is about the same on the two types. However, the Graco was a bear to get into the trunk of my car- the thing was extremely bulky, the halves didn't lock together and the thing laid on the ground like a huge heavy lump that I had to wrestle inside the car- no way I was holding my child doing that!

So. Although the Graco has a few little design features that I like better, I would chose my First Years 100% of the time- the one-handed feature and quality construction can't be beat, and its a great price to boot!

The plum is a great color too- not too flashy, a true, nice looking plum!






The First Years Magna Light Travel System - Plum Feature


  • One-and fold and unfold
  • Full recline so baby can lay nearly flat
  • 5-point safety harness and thick padding provides a comfortable, safe ride for baby
  • Accepts the state-of-the-art compass I400 infant car seat
  • Adjustable handle, tray for baby and parent tray



The First Years Magna Light Travel System - Plum Overview


The Magna Light Travel System includes the Magna Light Stroller and the Via Infant Car Seat. The lightweight magnesium Magna Light Stroller offers one-hand fold and unfold, full-recline positioning for baby, and weighs just 14 pounds! The "Sedan-Ride" Stroller offers a full recline, smooth ride and looks great on walks around the neighborhood - but at 14 pounds, doesn't strain your back when you lift into the back of the mini-van or trunk. It's one stroller that meets ALL of your needs!

The Via Infant Car Seat will keep your baby safe and secure. It features a multi-beam back frame for added reinforcement and triple-layer padding that will give your baby superior comfort. The Via Infant Car Seat also has deep side wings for side impact protection and a full EPS foam liner. And for mom and dad's comfort, there is a uniquely designed comfort carry-right handle.

Stroller Features:

  • One-and fold and unfold...no bending over
  • Full recline so baby can lay nearly flat
  • "Sedan Ride" four-wheel independent suspension wheel system with metal posts will last for years, push wonderfully, and ride smoothly for your baby
  • 5-point safety harness and thick padding provides a comfortable, safe ride for baby
  • Stands when folded to protect the cleanliness of the fabric and avoid scratching plastic parts
  • Rotating handle for comfortable pushing - for taller caregivers too
  • As you rotate the handle down, the person pushing the stroller can move further away from the stroller, helping taller people maintain a comfortable stride length
  • Adjustable handle, tray for baby and parent tray
  • Metal steering posts deliver high-quality tracking and a smooth push with no "shimmy and shake"
  • For children 4-40 lbs.

Car Seat Features:

  • Uniquely designed comfort carry-right handle
  • Multi-beam back frame to reinforce structure
  • Triple-layer


    Available at Amazon Check Price Now!




    *** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 22, 2010 21:00:03

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller - Red Base - Off-White Canvas

Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller - Red Base - Off-White Canvas Review






Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller - Red Base - Off-White Canvas Overview


Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller - Red Base - Off-White Canvas


Available at Amazon Check Price Now!




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 19, 2010 09:26:03

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

WooBee All Weather Stroller Blanket - Urban Sky Plush

WooBee All Weather Stroller Blanket - Urban Sky Plush Review





WooBee All Weather Stroller Blanket - Urban Sky Plush Feature


  • water resistant nylon backing & luxurious plush front
  • gray backing to match most strollers
  • ribbon ties for attaching to strollers, carriers, infant car seats, etc.
  • perfect for tummy time and diaper changes anywhere
  • made in Seattle



WooBee All Weather Stroller Blanket - Urban Sky Plush Overview


The tie design allows you to attach the blanket to strollers, front carriers, infant car seats, etc. Water resistant backing protect baby from the elements. Unique & useful gift for parents on-the-go.


Available at Amazon Check Price Now!




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 18, 2010 11:52:04