Until recently, rear-facing car seats were considered necessary for babies up until age 1. Now, studies done by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that a child is safest in a rear-facing car seat until age 2, according to the Associate Press.

Evidence from crashes influences these two studies (not done in conjunction with each other) and the new safety recommendations. Seatbelts can cause abdominal and spinal injuries in children, and if a child is in a rear-facing car seat, he or she is five times less likely to be injured in an accident. Rear-facing car seats provide better spine, neck, and head support and distribute the force of a collision evenly over a child’s body.

Additional recommendations for older children in cars have changed as well. Children should be in booster seats with seatbelts until they are 4’9”, and those under age 13 need to stay in the back.

As The Star Press article shows, not all parents are sold on these recommendations. In fact, to some, they appear superfluous and do not think of the needs of a child. A car seat, according to one parent quoted, are too small for her 18-month-old, and for another, she wants to see her child as she drives.

If you need to buy a new car seat, what types of features do you need? Manufacturers of car seats now offer models that support toddlers up to 35 pounds. In addition to finding a larger design that accommodates a heavier child, you need to have a car seat with a five-point harness. The harness, preferably, should have strap slots below the shoulders and an adjuster. The seat, for infants and newborns, should recline to a 45-degree angle and, ideally, should indicate the incline.

Planning for a new baby – either your first or another child – is expensive. In some cases, having the second child is easier, as you’ve already been through the first. Nevertheless, getting the right baby products takes some strategy if you want to save money. Unfortunately, not all baby products should be purchased secondhand or received as hand-me-towns, but not everyone should be purchased new, either. An article in GoToBabyGift gives a few suggestions:

• Consider a unisex design for your crib, especially if you plan to use it for another child.
• If you want a fashionable diaper bag, make sure it stores all items you’ll need.
• Go for cloth diapers to save money.
• Only use wipes for emergencies; if possible, try to use soap and water instead.
• Have various four and nine-ounce bottles on hand that are BPA-free.
• Several onesies in sizes from zero to 18 months should be on hand.
• Invest in a baby monitor.
• Strollers don’t need to be expensive but they should be safe for your child and should be strong enough to last through the toddler years.
• Make sure you have a few swaddling blankets.
• Keep a baby thermometer at home in case of fevers.

Aside from these points, consider purchasing a car seat that will last for several years and will accommodate the needs of a baby – neck support, especially – and a toddler. Additionally, baby toys are also a necessity, and if you’re strapped for cash, stick with educational or stimulation items. Mobiles, crib books, and mirrors are the basics, and the child should have some toys in black, red, and white or contrasting primary colors that make sounds and have varied textures. Toys, aside from being fun, help build up a child’s basic senses and help him or her transition into the physical skills acquired in the toddler years.

When you’re a parent, you always take around a diaper bag for the first few years. But, while diaper bags are supposedly getting bigger and looking more like designer handbags, do you know what to pack inside of one? The obvious answer, of course, is diapers, but how many will you need? Sometimes, parents are told to pack one for every hour they’ll be out, and, other times, they’re told to pack half a day’s supply. And, what about changing pads and creams? If you’re not sure what to add to a diaper bag, ParentDish gives some suggestions, which include:

• Always pack a half day’s worth of diapers. This may vary with each child, however. Pack more if you expect you’ll be going on a longer than usual trip.
• Bring a changing pad. A bag may be equipped with one or you may need to pack your own.
• Bring a travel-size case of wipes. If you can’t purchase travel packs, fill a small wipes case with a few sheets.
• Bring travel-size bottles of balms, powders, and creams to conserve more space.
• Take along a change of clothes for your child.
• Always have bottle and a few snacks on hand, just in case your child gets hungry. These should be packaged well, however, to prevent them from being soiled or contaminated by bacteria.
• Take a few small toys with you, such as a rattle or teething ring – but nothing too large.
• Bring a few basic first aid items, such as baby aspirin and bandages.
• Consider bringing a bib, tissues, and pacifier for longer trips.
• Never pack items that should go in a purse or a separate bag. This includes electronics, cash, cell phones, and large toys.

If you have a baby or small child, you’re probably aware that every day traveling can be difficult. You need to pack the diaper bag and get the stroller ready and take your child with you wherever you go. Spit ups and temper tantrums are simply part of the day. Going on a vacation hundreds of miles away from home? It’s next to impossible, considering all the equipment that needs to be brought along. From the standard stroller and diaper bag to an umbrella model to a portable crib and play pen, you feel that you’re bringing half the nursery with you, and then the airline charges you more for these items. Most parents, inevitably, forego traveling until the child is at least four.

But a new service is designed to help parents who want to travel. Called a baby rental business, such companies as One Tiny Suitcase in Edmonton, Canada, have baby supplies and furniture on hand for traveling parents. One Tiny Suitcase in particular carries all basic items, ranging from car seats to strollers to play pens, that parents might need on a vacation with a baby or toddler. Additionally, many of these items are from high-end brands and are built to last through several uses.

Edmonton, Canada, isn’t the only city in North America with such a service, however. A listing for baby equipment rental gives all such companies on a state-by-state basis. When planning your trip, find out if any such companies are in the area beforehand and, then, contact them to see which pieces of equipment they carry. If a baby rental business has all that you need, you’ll simply need to bring an umbrella stroller and diaper bag with you on your flight or train trip.