Kids love to put the ball in the hole, over and over and over again. That’s why I know this award-winning Balli-Belly Jacky Crib and Car Seat Toy will keep them happy and occupied for longer than you might think. Of course, the best part is having you play with them, congratulating them when they get the ball in the hole. You’ll see, or rather hear, their delight as they laugh and giggle over their success.

You can attach the Balli Belly to your child’s crib or car seat. It’s also great practice for your child’s hand and eye coordination development. And just to make it a little more fun, Balli Belly Jacky’s feet rattle and his nose squeaks.

Balli Belly Jacky measures  17 3/4″ x 18 1/8″ x 5 1/2″ and is designed for ages 9 months and up. You can buy one for $57.95 at sensoryedge.com.

Recently, when my 4 year old son had just tipped the scales at 41 lbs. and had therefore outgrown his old car seat, it was time to shop for a booster seat. There are so many available, however, that it can be a tad confusing. After going to Babies ‘r’ Us, comparing the safety specifications, and feeling the padding on each seat, I chose this Evenflo Big Kid Harmony Booster Seat. Out of all of the average, mid-priced boosters, the Evenflo seemed to me (and to my son, who helped shop for his own seat) to have the most padding and therefore had the potential to be the most comfortable. I also liked the “side flaps” around the head to provide extra cushioning, almost like a car seat for a smaller child.

Other extra features included in this carseat are cupholders that slide out from each side of the base of the seat (and slide back in when not in use); and small lights around the head area, in case your little traveler wants to color, read, or just needs a light for security during nighttime traveling. The seat also has 5 position height adjustment, and will accommodate children from 30 to 100 lbs., so it really does grow with your child.

Another nice feature of the Evenflo is that it converts to a backless booster seat when the need arises. You can view this booster seat, which is priced nicely at $39.99, at BabiesRUs.com.

Over 90% of all injuries on commercial airlines occur during flight, yet children held in parents’ laps are unrestrained. The Baby B’Air Flight Vest has been tested to exceed FAA stress tests levels for aircraft seats.

It’s not comfortable to think about, but for parents who must air travel with their infants or toddlers, it is something you must be prepared for. Your child will be restrained while wearing the Flight Vest; however, it is designed to be comfortable and easy to wear allowing the child to be held, fed and changed while in the garment. Just think of it like a child front carrier that allows you to “bond” with your child.

The Baby B’Air comes in two size options: Toddler (6mos-2years) or Infant (6 weeks-6mos). You can purchase one for $29.95 at OneStepAhead.com.

You know you’re going to need something to snuggle baby into while you’re on the go and this SwaddleMe Traveler Luxe Travel Wrap by Kiddopotamus is a perfect fit for baby’s car seat, stroller or swing. Usually you just grab a blanket and try to wrap it around and over your baby, but it’s bound to slip and bunch. The Travel Wrap is designed for a custom fit with built-in legs that accommodate all 3 and 5 point harness systems. New moms will appreciate having this item for when it’s time to bring baby home from the hospital. You know how it can be a little scary the first time you have to put your baby into their car seat. The swaddle style wrap will keep baby feeling secure and well protected.

The SwaddleMe Wrap is made of utra plush velboa and fits infants 7 to 14lbs. It also includes the matching knot-top hat with teddy bear embroidery.

It comes in Blue, Ivory and Pink and costs $19.99 at BabyAnt.com

Most car seats are so bulky even if they’re lightweight, making for an awkward time trying to secure the seat and keeping a hold of your children at the same time. Just going on a routine outing to the park can become a hassle. You must take time to pack the stroller, then secure the car seat. While you’re busy doing all of this, how can you keep aware of your surroundings? With the Christmas shopping season just ahead of us, all the time a mother must take to do these things can leave her feeling very vulnerable.

This Dakota Backless Booster Seat is for older children (33-100lbs), but it takes time and attention to get our older children situated in their car seats too. With a weight under 4 lbs and compact design, this ultra-comfy booster seat with help you spend less time struggling and have everyone safely secure in less time.

This booster seat has a machine washable cover and sells for $29.95 at OneStepAhead.com.

Every year, I read stories about children who die because they were accidentally left in a car.  It is one of my biggest fears as a parent.  I even dream about it on a regular basis.  I just know that it is all too easy to deviate from your routine and make a mistake.

When my younger daughter was an infant, I started looking for products that could help prevent this.  I found all kinds of articles about ideas, patents, etc, but no actual devices.  After a discussion with a friend about this fear yesterday, I started looking again, and discovered that one of these devices has actually made it to the market.

The Child Minder system works with a clip that attaches to the car seat straps.  Another device attaches to your key chain, and an alarm sounds if you leave the vehicle without unsnapping the car seat sensor.  A slightly different version works with a pad under the seat itself.

I will definitely be buying one of these for my toddler and the new baby. The price of $49.95 is such a small price to pay for a little extra peace of mind.  You can buy one at babyalert.info.