Green Treehouse

Everyone knows that driving has become more expensive lately, thanks to rising fuel costs. Driving less, carpooling, or using public transportation are helpful alternatives, but often there’s just no way around driving a vehicle. Like when the only way you can get your colicky baby to sleep is to drive toward the nearest bumpy road.

For the times you have to drive, here are five tips to make those drives “greener”:

1. Keep your tires inflated. Properly inflated tires actually save you money (fuel efficiency).
2. Avoid Rush Hour. Stop and go traffic lowers fuel economy and increases harmful emissions.
3. Plan trips. Lump errands together, so you’ll have to make fewer trips during the week.
4. Enjoy fresh air. When possible, skip the A/C. The Air Conditioner increases fuel consumption.
5. Change your oil. Oil and filter changes may seem like an added budget expense, but can actually help improve fuel economy.

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My preschooler thinks it’s time for a new car. Why? She wants a different color, preferably black or silver–apparently the colors that top her “cool car” list. Keep in mind two weeks ago she wanted an entirely different color scheme. Thank goodness she’s not yet requesting pinstripe hues. Perhaps that’s to come during her teenage years.

If rising gas prices have you thinking about a new family car color, check out Yahoo’s Top 100 Green Cars. The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $24,350) with 45/40 fuel economy tops the list, followed by the 2008 Toyota Prius (MSRP $21,100) and the 2008 Mazda Tribute (MSRP $25,485).

Oh, did I mention she also wants a new booster seat to match the car? Is a new car or car seat on your preschooler’s wishlist?

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It was when I bought my son’s Britax Marathon Car Seat that I first noticed Britax replacement seat covers. I remember thinking, “why on Earth would I ever buy one of those replacements?”

Well, it's pretty darn apparent to me now. Obviously, Britax must have had the toddler boy in mind when it created the line of replacement seat covers and accessories. Numerous exploded sippy cups, leaky juice boxes, and crumbled goldfish later, the car seat looks a little grungy, to say the least.

I’ve thought about washing the cover. The car seat manual advises hand washing, but I’m not so sure my hands could work enough magic to restore that cover to anywhere near its original appearance. While I know some parents disregard the hand wash recommendation and throw the cover directly into the washing machine, I’m not even sure my machine would have the muscle to rid that cover of the messy, sticky, gooey, caked on ick. This is exactly WHY replacement covers exist. Well, one of the reasons.

Britax replacement covers also allow you to change the appearance of your child’s car seat, whether it’s to better match your vehicle or simply to infuse a little excitement into your child’s ride. Cowmooflauge ranks at the top of my list for cool car seat looks. The variety in Britax covers is also a nice perk for parents who have multiples and want to give each child his or her “own” space, identified by a unique cover.

Optional replacement covers are just one more reason to outfit your vehicle with a Britax car seat–as if you really need another reason, given that Britax leads the pack when it comes to safety.

Oh, in case you had any doubts about my decision, I’m going with Cowmooflauge.

Do you have any tips for keeping the new seat cover clean?

Christmas arrived early for my little one this weekend.  The grandparents arrived in town bearing a fabulous gift:  a Britax car seat.  Perfect timing, considering that it’s already difficult to fit my baby into her infant seat, especially when she’s wearing bulky winter clothing.  

I’ve learned along the parenting path that you simply can’t underestimate the value of having a great car seat for your child.  Of course, safety is the first priority when selecting a car seat.  But after that, a car seat designed with the latest bells and whistles–like recline options or plush car seat covers–can go a long way in terms of child comfort and adult happiness while on the road.  Sure, those features may cost a bit more initially, but they are the kind of gift that keeps on giving. 

Picture this: happy child vs. screaming child.  Relaxed parent vs. frazzled parent.

I’ve heard parents all too often say, “my child screams whenever I put him in his car seat.”  While the car seat isn’t always to blame for unhappiness on the road, sometimes it is responsible for those distressing cries.  I learned that from experience–I know a quality, comfortable car seat can completely transform car rides.  I’ll take a happy ride over the alternative any day.

Jump on over to BabyEarth.com for a great selection of safe and cozy car seats.