In my world, car travel happens each and every day. We don’t necessarily need to be packed and ready to embark on a half-day road trip, oh no. We spend a good majority of our mornings and afternoons – and sometimes all day – in and out of the car. From school drop-offs and pick-ups to sports, sporting games, appointments, errands and other planned or last minute outings. With three kids, it seems as if we’re always on the go. But the holidays are already sneaking up on us and travel is a big part of the holiday season – so why not join me in getting started now to make sure you’re prepared?
Constance Zimmer (Entourage) learning about proper booster seat use for her daughter.
Photo credit: Frances Lacuzzi Photography
I recently attended the 2nd annual Red CARpet Safety event — hosted by Ali Landry, sponsored by Britax and in association with Safe Kids USA. It was a fun, celebrity-filled day geared towards bring awareness to the public about child passenger safety. I always try to do my part when it comes to child safety both for my children and others, but after attending this special event for the second time, I’ve made it my mission to spread the word about the importance of car seat safety and proper car seat use.
The Red CARpet Safety event hostess and CPS Technician, Ali Landry, was there with her family.
Photo credit: Frances Lacuzzi Photography
RECIPE FOR FUN, SAFE AND EASY CAR TRAVEL
Ingredients:
- 1 installed (and checked) convertible car seat or booster seat for each child (the seat type will depend on the age and size of your child).
- 4-5 Rockabye Music CDs
- 10 Soft toys
- 6 Water bottles
- 4 Healthy snacks (options are key!)
- 2 Window shades
- 1 Dash of sanity from mom and dad
It’s our job as parents to keep our children as safe as possible. The main ingredient for safety is a reliable car seat. The second ingredient is comfort; we want our children to be really comfortable. To accomplish that, look for a car seat that adapts to your child’s growth and designed with head safety (and comfort) features that are visibly marked and clear to read.
Music is essential for car travel and the amount of music you bring will depend on your travel time. Some of the best travel music and sing-a-long songs keep your toddler engaged and having fun. Rockabye Baby Music is a great selection that is fun for toddlers while being easy on the parent’s ears and sanity.
What recipe doesn’t include food? What hour of the day doesn’t include food if you’re my toddler? Sarah recommends making sure your riders are happy and well fed before taking off on the road. But keep water and easy-to-open-and-access snacks near your toddler during your trip.
It’s best to plan your travel around nap time – if at all possible. But remember to bring accessories to help your child settle down for a nice (and hopefully long) rest. Sarah suggests the Britax EZ-Cling Window Shades to darken the car and to protect your little one from excessive rays. It’s also best to bring familiar sleep items with you in the car (pacifier, security blanket, etc.)
MORE TRAVEL TIPS FROM BRITAX
- Always check the new car seat laws before going on a trip. You may be headed to a state with different laws, which can result in a ticket if not followed.
- With the boost of a booster seat, your older child’s body will for safely under the seat belt and he’ll be able to see out the window better.
- Make a list of playgrounds and rest stops before leaving for your trip. It’s likely that you’ll need to stop every two hours to please a squirming toddler’s mind and body.
- To entertain rear-facing riders, bring soft toys and books.
- Older children should get to choose at least one (parent-approved) toy for the ride.
Travel tips courtesy of Sarah Tilton, a Britax child passenger safety advocate and Certified Passenger Safety technician and instructor.
Luckily, our friends at Britax want to make sure you’re ready and prepared with not only helpful car travel tips and advice, but with your choice of a Britax G3 Convertible Car Seat or Britax Booster Seat as well.
Find out even more about car seat safety and how to ensure your child is safe at all times while in a motor vehicle by joining me in spreading the word during National Child Passenger Safety Week.
Christina is a coffee drinking mom of three boys (with a fourth boy due in June 2013). She is also a go-to national Parenting/Pregnancy Resource, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and Baby Gear Expert online, in person and on San Diego TV News.
Christina leverages her adventures in parenting, her experience as a trained Montessori teacher and knowledge of children's products and trends to inform her expert reviews, experienced product feedback, guest columns and insightful live television segments.
We love finding parks along the way of long road trips. Gives us somewhere to stop to eat an let the kids run off some energy.
I would pick the Britax G3.
I would pick Britax G3 convertible car seat- my little one need one in an alternate car we drive at times. I love Britax and the attention they give to keep children safe! True side impact protection and cellsafe technology are two things that makes this seat my no.1 pick- I would love to win it:)
I’d go for the Booster. Already set for an infant seat, and the booster has a higher height restriction. Thanks!
I’d choose the Advocate 70-G3 because it has both the “True Side Impact Protection” & the “Side Impact Cushion Technology”.
I would pick the G3 convertible car seat, because this is a great long term car seat, especially for newborns!
love the britax G3 in zebra
I would pick the Advocate 70-G3 because it has some amzing features including the side impact technology. Also I would be able to use the carseat for a long time. Thanks for the chance to win!!
I’d pick the boulevard g3
We love our Marathon and need another for our 7 month old!
I would probably want the Boulevard or Advocate. Besides the obvious safety ratings for the Britax car seats, I love all of the pretty prints that are now out.
Id choose the Britax G3 in Zebra
… because of the side impact protection and the EZ-buckle system!
I would choose the Frontier 85 SICT for my 3 year old because he needs a booster with a harness still, my 11 month old already has a great convertible carseat by Britax!
I would love to have the convertible car seat as my daughter is quickly outgrowing her infant car seat! Thank you.
The Advocate 70-G3 would be my 1st choice. I was sold on the side impact protection and the weight limit is such a plus.
I’d love a Pavilion 70-G3. The list of safety features is amazing!
I would choose the convertible!! I love how safe and reliable Britax car seats are!!
I would choose the Advocate. Seems the safest with the most side impact protection.
I would like the Pavilion 70 G3 since it will allow my son to be properly restrained in a 5pt harness up to 70 lbs
I would like the Britax G3 Convertible Car because we have the Boulevard 70 cs and love it
I would love the Frontier 85SICT, because it is the net sixe up we would need
I would love the Frontier 85 Sict for my daughter. Its the car seat she needs now.
I don’t know all the options well enough to compare, however, it looks like the Marathon 3g 70 would fit our needs.
I’d like the g3 convertible for my baby boy!
I would pick the Britax Convertible car seat because my little one is not ready for the booster seat. Thank you!
I’d choose the Boulevard 70 G3
I would choose the Frontier 85 SICT for my 3 year old because she needs a booster with a harness
G3 convertible, my son isn’t ready for a booster seat yet!
I would choose the Frontier 85 SICT Booster Seat because either one of my children could use it and I like it’s side impact protection.
I would like the Pavilion 70 G3 because it goes up to 70 lbs
Cricket Sosa recently posted..BARE dream bottle!
Thanks for the tips! I would pick the BOB B-SAFE
Sarah Johns recently posted..Things I Wish I Had Known About Pregnancy (or at least the first trimester!)
I like the g3!
I would choose the Frontier 85 SICT ~ I love that they are able to stay in a 5pt harness for greatest safety until 85 lbs and then booster until 120 lbs or 65 inches! Keep all the children safe, not just the itty-bitties!
I would choose the G3 Convertible car seat. Two weeks ago my family and I were involved in a car accident. Since the car seat was in the car at the time of the accident, we can’t use it anymore. We can’t afford to purchase another car seat at the moment so I can’t go anywhere with the baby. When my husband is home from work I can drive away. I would love to win this car seat! Thank you for the opportunity to win one.
A sturdy seat that will last forever.
I would choose the Britax Advocate G3 for my daughter! I love that it converts from rear facing to forward facing and that it holds up to 70 lbs.
I would choose the convertible car seat! I really like the pavilion. I love that it can rear face up to 45 pounds and we need to make the switch from the infant seat soon
I would pick the booster seat…My son is ready for one…
I would pick Bob B Safe Infant Car Seat for a dear friend that needs one.
I’m silly…I would pick the Convertible car seat, my friend could use that one, didn’t know that was the only choices.
I would pick the Convertible Car Seat for my baby grandson because it would grow with him.
Susan Chester recently posted..A Sad Anniversary
the g3 in the aztec fabric
the convertible car seat either for my toddler or newborn.
Andrea Byrne recently posted..As the days get shorter, my children have more energy
I would chose the Advocate 70-G3 because I like that it is functional and safe and it looks like it would be comfy for my child for years.
I’d choose the booster seat because my daughter is just about to outgrow her car seat!
I would choose the Britax G3 Convertible Car Seat because it can hold up to 70lbs and I have two growing toddler granddaughters. I also like that it has side impact protection.
callawishes(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would go for the booster seat as my daughter already has a good car seat.
I would pick the Advocate 70-63 Convertible-Zebra for my little girl due in December.
Tonya Extine Hopkins recently posted..Lamaze Freddie the Firefly Mobile review and giveaway
With twins on the way, a free car seat would be amazing, never mind one as good as Britax.
I’d get the Booster because he’s older.
I would choose the PARKWAY SGL because of the 120 pound weight limit.
I would pick the Britax G3
I would get the G3!
Maggie recently posted..Aug 7, Mama Maggie’s Kitchen Homepage
Oh the Britax Booster Seat would be perfect for Carter and he is just starting to outgrow his current carseat!
I would pick the Britax G3 Convertible because I would get the most use out of it with my 3 month old daughter
I would choose the Britax Pavillion 70 because of the side impact protection and weight limit.
I would pick the Pavilion 70- G3, this is a great seat with top of the line safety which matters most to me. I love the 5 point harness, side head impact protection, EZ buckle, click & Safe and many other standards it is comes with. I would LOVE to win this, my son needs a car seat. Thank you for the giveaway!
I would select the Pavilion 70- G3 because of the side impact protection, weight limit and click & safe buckle. Thank you
I would pick the Britax G3 convertible because I have a 13 month old that is getting too big for her infant seat. I like the safety features of the G3
I would pick the Convertible Car Seat as it seems like it would be a great second or next seat for our soon-to-arrive infant.
I would go for ‘Britax Marathon 70-G3 Convertible Car Seat’. I trust the brand and it has top-notch reviews.
I would choose the Advocate 70-G3 in Zebra, Because of the Side impact cushions.
I will pick the Frontier 85 SICT because aof all the safety features, specially the True side impact protection!
Jenn@born2impress recently posted..Link your Giveaways
I’d pick the ADVOCATE 70-G3. Fits kids all the way up to 70 lbs!!!!
ADVOCATE 70-G3
Britax Frontier 85 SICT it would be perfect for my little one! saftey and comfy!
I would pick the Britax G3.
We would need a G3 in zebra. The weight and height restrictions ensure that we’d be able to use it for a long time!
I would pick the Britax G3 and would have peace of mind from it. My kids have dwarfism and will need to be in it for much longer than most kids so the adjustability and durability is very important to me. Thanks for the chance
Advocate 70 G3
This would be perfect for my new grandson!
I would pick the Advocate 70-G3, my daughter is little and will need a harness for awhile.
Thanks for this great post! I’m starting to look at baby gear for my pregnant friend Julia, and one topic I’m looking into are best baby gear travel tips so your recipe list is a great addition for me to think about. I look forward to learning more about your blog!
i want the advocate! all britax seats are awesome!
The G3 Convertible, it would be prefect for my toddler!
anastasia b recently posted..Green Kid Crafts Review {Please VOTE for Eco-Babyz!}
I would choose the G3 convertible seat.
Whitney at It’s Gravy, Baby! recently posted..Create, Learn, & Play with Wonder Box
I’d get the G3 convertible car seat because it’s great for newborns, thanks!
The Fit My Child suggested the Pavilion 70-G3. We would love one in Blueprint because it would be perfec for our toddler.
G3 Convertible in hopes of the baby that goes in it.
I would choose the Britax Convertible. We are currently looking for a new seat for my daughter.
I would pick the Britax G3 Convertible Car Seat.
I really have no clue, I’ve not ever heard of the brand before. I hope that’s not bad but It would be greatly appreciated if won!! woohoo!!
I think that I would have to pick the G3. What great safety features – oh and cute prints too!:)
I would pick the Britax G3 Convertible car seat for my son. Safe and comfy looking car seat!
I absolutely want the Britax car seat that goes with the BOB stroller. I am expecting and this would be a dream come true to get! Thanks for such a great giveaway!
Love the booster! We need two more for a 2nd car.
Would definitely need this booster, love it.
Claudiu recently posted..OmnipriseCRM
I would love the Frontier 85
Jessica @bkeepsushonest recently posted..Great Giveaway Links
I would pick the Frontier 85 carseat because I like allows your child to use a 5 point harness up to 85 pounds. I like that!
I would pick the FRONTIER 85 SICT thanks
The Roundabout! It’s a good all-around convertible seat.
Bob B-safe!
I would pick the Frontier for my 4.5 year old daughter.
I would pick a Frontier.
the g3 because we need to buy one next year!
I would pick the G3 convertible car seat, because this is a greatespecially for newborns!
The booster because that’s what we’re going to need next
i love the britax G3 in zebra
I would choose the g3 convertible car seat to keep my 7 month old rear facing for as long as possible
I would probably pick the Britax Booster seat. We already have the “Britax G3 Convertible Car Seat” for the little one we are expecting this fall. IMy 3 year old needs a new seat because he is almost too tall for his current one. I want to keep him in a harness booster because it’s so much safer, I love that the “Britax Harness 2 Booster” is a harness seat that goes up to 63 inches!
The G3 Convertible Car Seat
isis recently posted..Get A Chance To Win An iPad!
The advocate 70-G3…love it!
The advocate 70-G3!
I would choose the Advocate 70-G3 Covertible Carseat. I am really in need of this seat. I chose this one because it seems the safest but I would choose whichever is smallest for my small car. They all look very safe and much safer than the hand-me-down my son is in right now.
I would choose the I would pick Britax G3 convertible car seat so it would fit by soon to be born infant!
I like the booster… My kids are of that age
i would pick the britaxg3 convertible so it will fit my son
G3 convertible car seat because it is perefct for my child.
I would pick the Britax G3 Convertible Car Seat because my son has almost outgrown his Britax Chaperone infant seat!
Of all the Britax convertible seats, I’d choose the Advocate G-3 because of its side impact cushion technology.
pinterestingmama at gmail dot com
Kristen recently posted..Homemade dishwashing detergent too? HUGE FAIL
Id choose the advocate 70 g3 in onyx fabric. I like that it has side impact cushions for extra protection.
The Britax Chaperone in Cowmooflague, lol for no specfic reason
Samantha Rawagah recently posted..Naming the Nugget
I would love to have a nice new carseat or booster!
I would choose the convertible car seat for my grandbaby thats due in March.
I’d love to have the G3 Convertible car seat because my daughter is still rear-facing! But the booster would be great too.
after comparing each of the convertible carseats, i would pick the BOULEVARD 70-G3 because it has the most safety features!
Either one – Britax is the best!
Britax G3 Convertible Car Seat because my baby is still just a baby and wouldnt be able to use the booster seat for a while
Erica C recently posted..Giveaways Galore! You have to be in it to WIN IT! At Least A Dozen Live Giveaways Happening Now
I would choose the G3 Convertible Car Seat because i have a 1 yr old who will need a larger seat
i would choose the bood=ster seat beacuse my daughter is about to need one and i have only used britax brand car seats for my kids
I would pick the frontier b/c need a new one for my son