In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week (September 15-21), Safety 1st will be giving away a car seat right here folks. That's right!! Just enter through the rafflecoptor box at the bottom of this post - the winner will have their choice of 3 top rated car seats from Safety 1st!! But first... let's talk a little about child passenger safety... Did you know...
Scary stuff right? Apparently the government thinks so too. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the goal of Child Passenger Safety week is to make sure all parents and caregivers are properly securing their children (ages 0-12) in the best car restraint (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt) for their age and size. Here's a quick 2 minute video by Julie Vallese, Consumer Safety Expert at Safety 1st, giving some helpful tips on how to properly use a car seat: And now on to the fun stuff!!! Safety 1st will give one car seat to the lucky winner of US-Japan Fam's Child Passenger Safety Week Giveaway. The winner will have his or her choice from the following three awesome products: Safety 1st Elite 80 3-in-1 Car Seat The Elite 80 works in rear-facing mode for babies up to 40 pounds, then converts to forward-facing with harness, but features an extended weight range to keep children safely in harness all the way to 80 pounds. In its 3rd mode, the Elite 80 goes beyond the traditional convertible seat to convert into a belt-positioning booster car seat for children up to 100 pounds. Additionally Air Protect + combines the advanced protection of our Air Protect® cushion system with patented GCell HX™ foam designed with hexagonal shapes for 100% full body production. Safety 1st Advance 70 Air+ This convertible car seat was inspired by race car drivers. Air Protect+ combines Safety 1st Air Protect® Technology with GCell HX™ - hexagonal rebounding foam used in the body of the car seat to protect the child from the multiple hits that occur in crashes. Coupled with this is the placement of Air Protect® Technology which takes crash forces away from a child’s head. This technology was developed in partnership with racecar engineers at Bald Spot Sports and INDY Car Driver Scott Dixon to better understand the energy dynamics a high performance driver faces in the event of a crash. Safety 1st BoostAPak Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat The BoostAPak is designed to help keep kids in boosters longer, as it’s often hard to get an older child to stay in his or her booster seat. This booster seat also doubles as a backpack! For children 4 to 7 years old, booster seats reduce injury risk by 59% compared to seat belts alone. (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). Additionally, the AAP recommends children ride in boosters until the age of 12 or 57 inches; but only 13% of children 54-56 inches tall ride on one (NHTSA) I hope this post has inspired you to double or triple check that your car seats are installed correctly and that you are properly securing your child for the safest journey possible! Happy Travels and good luck in the giveaway!! Enter here:
98 Comments
Nicole
9/17/2013 04:13:38 am
Don't rush and if you need to stop for a break, do it!
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Brianna Hatcher
9/17/2013 04:19:48 am
I always feel like a crazy lady, but I triple (at least) check Gabriel's seat/belt before we go anywhere.
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Casey Mattis
9/17/2013 04:45:04 am
What an awesome giveaway. It is always great to see blogs bringing awareness to carseat safety! I hope I win!
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Veronica
9/17/2013 05:07:03 am
I check and recheck the belt and the balance of the seat. I usually have a soft toy he can play with and I'm ready with songs to sing to him!
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Laurie Leonard
9/17/2013 05:14:28 am
Portable DVD player in the car helps me keep my sanity!
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Tara
9/17/2013 06:50:59 am
I've seen a number of infant deaths on the news because the parents forgot they had the baby in the car. ALWAYS check for baby before exiting the car and NEVER leave the baby unattended in the car even for a second.
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Rose Yasonia
9/17/2013 07:03:37 am
We have a safety1st mirror attached to the back seat. It's really helpful to be able to keep an eye in the baby while driving.
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Gina
9/17/2013 07:45:58 am
I love my Safety 1st! If I win this, I would use it for my in-laws car. I always make sure his harness is at armpit level.
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santi
9/17/2013 08:02:09 am
ipad keep her busy for a while , and some nursery song as well
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meredith
9/17/2013 12:36:20 pm
We travel with lots of snacks and movies
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Ashley O'Leary
9/17/2013 01:57:46 pm
This would help with out upcoming baby!
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Kim Pollock
9/17/2013 03:38:42 pm
Prepare and pack things for play and lots of snacks
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Siobhan
9/17/2013 03:41:02 pm
Singing awesome songs helps!
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Heather Swarthout
9/17/2013 03:42:25 pm
Definitely have a bag of toys and play things they can play with in the back seat!
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9/17/2013 03:52:31 pm
My tip would be to start safety training early and never make an exception, when it comes to wearing seatbelt/using car seats. Also, be prepared, and have each child pack a bag with their favorite books, games, coloring books and snacks. It will make your car travels much less frustrating.
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Beth
9/17/2013 04:10:15 pm
Pacifier helps keep our sanity in the car. If he doesn't have it while driving he'll scream for hours!
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Luna S
9/17/2013 04:53:13 pm
Stay calm, Don't let the childrens scream distract you pull over to address them instead of trying to turn around in your seat while driving. Getting angry over them screaming isn't worth risking an accident.
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Joanna
9/18/2013 01:20:13 am
The mirror for rear facing car seats keeps me at ease while driving so I can look at my little one
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Sharmila M.
9/18/2013 04:00:08 am
Ipad and snacks!
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JENNIFER T
9/18/2013 05:29:41 am
FOR LONG TRIPS, I PACK CAR NIGHT BEFORE, THEN GET UP AND TAKE TO BABYSITTER FOR 5-6 HOURS AND THEN JUST REST/SLEEP DURING THAT TIME, THEN DRIVE ALL NIGHT AS THEY SLEEP.
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Stacy
9/18/2013 06:09:24 am
I always have to check when someone else buckle's my son in. I never feel as if they tighten it enough.
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9/18/2013 08:22:14 am
I keep her happy with small snacks and my iPhone for long trips, for small trips we do songs in the car and games like do you see.... I am all about car seat safety and extended rear facing. So it's best not to get me started on that. lol
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Gabriela Hagiu
9/18/2013 03:54:18 pm
Sing out loud :)
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Stacey
9/19/2013 02:54:03 am
Travel during nap time.
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Heidi Daily
9/19/2013 03:38:01 am
When we are going to be in the car for a long time I make sure to bring a bag of toys that are easy to play with in the car seat that way when my son gets down with one I can toss him another. And of course I also bring travel friendly snacks and two sippy cups one with milk and one with water, just to have my bases covered.
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jenn mcclearn
9/19/2013 06:34:48 am
leave when they are tired, brings snacks :)
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Natalie F
9/19/2013 07:59:09 am
I give myself plenty of time so I do not need to rush, I can make stops if needed. I bring little toys and snacks.
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courtney b
9/19/2013 03:45:06 pm
don't text and drive!
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Katie Sexton
9/19/2013 03:56:14 pm
plan out plenty of stops as to avoid stress
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Rochelle
9/20/2013 01:40:31 am
Getting ready for #2, would love a new seat for him/her!
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Kerry Fritz
9/20/2013 05:41:44 am
Plenty of healthy snacks, and entertainment
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Seth
9/20/2013 07:17:28 am
Bring books. Books always kept me occupied as a kid.
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Kortney
9/20/2013 02:48:03 pm
I have an old portable dvd player that we use!
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steph
9/20/2013 04:51:00 pm
Always have the chest chip at armpit level! (:
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Ashley Hewell
9/21/2013 01:44:51 am
Get the car seat inspected by the pros.
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Stephanie Phelps
9/21/2013 05:03:21 am
My tip is to double check everyone's seats to make sure they are secure especially if you have to move them a lot from one car to another. Keeping sane by packing lots of things to do and snack on and making sure to leave plenty of time for unexpected stops along the way!
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Renae
9/21/2013 06:17:07 am
I always make sure to pack a bag of snacks, diapers, wipes, etc. and put it somewhere easy to get to.
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Echo R.
9/21/2013 06:45:02 am
My sanity saving tip with my son?
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Melissa H
9/21/2013 08:47:08 am
I hate to be that mom but our ipad
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9/21/2013 09:21:33 am
Have toys that they haven't played with in a while.
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Yesenia
9/21/2013 09:28:40 am
Make sure they are in their car seats properly and have books or other distractions to keep them occupied.
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Julia
9/21/2013 10:44:25 am
I always make sure my kids have something audio to listen to.
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Kelly D
9/21/2013 12:05:19 pm
My tip is to use a seat with a five point harness and to bring some books and snacks for the children to enjoy.
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Charity L.
9/21/2013 04:46:10 pm
Pack a bag for each child with toys, books and their favorite snacks to keep them entertained.
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Rebecca Parsons
9/22/2013 09:50:13 am
I let them bring their favorite toy and we have a car toy bag that they can choose which one they want.
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Dominga Olivas
9/22/2013 01:51:25 pm
Always double or triple check your child is in the car seat correctly and the car seat is on correctly.
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Lisa E
9/22/2013 02:04:10 pm
Lots of snacks and a portable DVD player if they are old enough
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Vicki Hall
9/22/2013 03:21:27 pm
We take our time and bring drinks and snacks.
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Sarah Hayes
9/22/2013 06:07:29 pm
make sure they are buckled in correctly and take snacks!
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Amye K
9/22/2013 11:50:26 pm
I try to make sure the children do not have sharp pencils or scissors or rocks they like to take everything with them. We always have a few audio books from the library in the car it keeps them quite and entertained for the ride no matter how long
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Rachel
9/23/2013 02:21:51 am
Read the car seat manual and have a professional check to make sure you are using it correctly.
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Caitlin Butler
9/23/2013 06:53:31 am
Lots of stops for breaks
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Jennifer
9/23/2013 07:04:11 am
seat belt check. and LOTS of snacks!!!!
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9/23/2013 10:35:22 am
Make sure that your car seat is properly installed. We took ours down to the fire station :)
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Tonya m
9/23/2013 12:17:15 pm
Kid friendly music! Our little one loves it.
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amy pugmire
9/23/2013 01:46:20 pm
Make sure the seat is installed correctly, you don't have any distractions and buy a few new cheap toys or activities for your kids. I love the dollar store
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Cassandra Eastman
9/23/2013 02:04:10 pm
Plan to stop frequently, I bring a bag of a variety of snacks, and a basket of toys!
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alaine
9/23/2013 02:23:21 pm
Travel at nighttime.
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April G
9/23/2013 02:43:21 pm
Plan and pack in advance, and take lots of books and cds that everyone can sing along to!
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Abby
9/23/2013 03:20:11 pm
ride in the back seat if kids are freaking out. Don't ever unbuckle yourself and turn around in the front seat!
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Natalie S
9/23/2013 04:22:17 pm
Always have plenty of snacks and favorite toys on hand - sing songs, play games, travel when baby typically sleeps :)
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Amanda T
9/23/2013 05:12:20 pm
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks! The unhealthier the better, sometimes.
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Laura Jacobson
9/23/2013 07:42:51 pm
I would say to have your car seat checked to make sure its correctly put in your vehicle! We have a DVD player that really helps, and kids CD;s we play!
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Brooke Thomas
9/24/2013 12:16:42 am
no coats!!
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leslie lundeen
9/24/2013 05:22:52 am
Just took a 2 week 10state road trip with our 4 month old. Lots of stops for him, rode in back to keep him company and although I am breast feeding.. Lots of pumped bottles!! Kept him happy and kept us on the road.
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Tabathia B
9/24/2013 07:48:50 am
Make sure that you have a toy or game to keep the little one entertain during road trips
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Brynne
9/24/2013 08:19:05 am
Car games and portable DVD players
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Christen
9/24/2013 12:47:43 pm
My 2 girls don't ever go without their carseats! My 5 year old is still harnessed- one of the few of her friends in Kindergarten! I'm totally okay with that. I'd love to have another Safety first seat for my youngest daughter!
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Lindsey
9/24/2013 01:04:41 pm
I sing along with kids songs and ask them if they see things like what color is the light? Did you see the person on a bike? Look a doggy in that truck!
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Victoria Carlson
9/24/2013 04:39:37 pm
Seat belts always and being aware of all other cars on the road!
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Nadene Adams
9/24/2013 11:22:38 pm
My best tip for traveling safely is to rear face as long as possible.
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Gina H.
9/25/2013 12:32:46 pm
Always bring a DVD player & if it's a really long trip I get a few little toys (like from the dollar store) to give to them every hour or two.
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jessyca
9/25/2013 12:53:57 pm
No texting and driving.. Make sure to have snacks and toys (age appropriate) for the children. Thanks for the chance.
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Renee Smith
9/26/2013 02:59:54 am
My safety tip would be to rear face your child as long as possible. Make sure their straps are tight and the chest clip is at the armpits.
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Tamra H
9/26/2013 06:37:45 am
My tip is for the parents - leave the phone in the back seat so you don't get distracted!
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Dawn Monroe
9/26/2013 12:39:31 pm
Bring plenty of snacks and games or toys they have never played. Bring Tylenol!
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Denise
9/26/2013 01:44:53 pm
Have healthy snacks available.
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Brittany
9/26/2013 03:41:34 pm
I carry snacks, plenty of wipes( disinfecting and baby), hand sanitizer, a portable potty and plenty of games, books and videos.
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Nikki Hanna
9/26/2013 04:42:30 pm
always make sure the seat belt is secure and tight when buckling the car seat up
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9/26/2013 05:22:42 pm
My sane traveling idea is to put away a couple of their favorite toys a week or two before we go somewhere, and then give them to the kids in the car. They're so excited to see them again that they stay entertained for hours sometimes.
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Katy
9/27/2013 05:05:43 am
I'm just now expecting our first baby in December, but we will go to the local sheriff's office to check installation of the car seat.
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Juliet
9/27/2013 05:16:46 am
Kids' CDs - keeps everyone calm.
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Nicole Sender
9/27/2013 07:35:35 am
Make sure your car seat is correctly installed.
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Jill
9/27/2013 11:38:16 am
Love all this information.
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Jess Fritzges
9/28/2013 03:32:09 am
I keep spare diapers, wipes, and a changing pad in the car at all times. This way if we accidentally leave without the essentials (again) it's already in the car.
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Vanessa Vazquez
9/28/2013 12:37:27 pm
Prepare to make lots of stops!
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jeannine s
9/28/2013 03:35:30 pm
Take frequent breaks when driving
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9/28/2013 04:13:13 pm
Schedule plenty of stops in your trip. My two youngest get car sick so I have to ensure that we make plenty of stops for them to stretch their legs otherwise I'll end up with a huge mess to clean up along the way. Another great tip is to have a special busy bag with crayons, coloring books, and small toys they can easily get out and play with while in the car.
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Teresa Thompson
9/29/2013 06:34:18 am
Lots of games and snacks.
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Cheryl
9/29/2013 12:24:26 pm
Make sure the seat belt is secure :)
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9/29/2013 03:35:24 pm
Thank you so much. I'm excited to follow this blog you have recommended.
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tina reynolds
9/30/2013 06:38:26 am
A great plan, snacks, and entertainment are essential
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Abigail
9/30/2013 07:57:56 am
SNACKS! so many snacks!
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Francine Anchondo
9/30/2013 12:47:04 pm
snacks and soft toys
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Tammie Venne
9/30/2013 02:56:48 pm
make sure they are fed before leaving so they are comfortable and not fighting
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11/3/2017 09:23:52 am
No matter, how well efficient you are in driving, you can never underestimate the importance of car seat. I feel sorry to say that car crashes are the common and leading cause of death and severe disablement like-brain injury, spinal cord injury, among little children. That means, either knowingly or unknowingly we are hurting our children. I don't think this is the sign of a responsible parent. If you think you are a sensible father/mother, then you have to choose the right seats for the children, install them accurately and check them frequently just to make sure your child is safe both at the fortunate and unfortunate times. I think it will better if you do the task of selection and installation of the seat under the supervision of a professional.
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About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins plus 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, saving moms time finding the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! Categories
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