Can you imagine anything scarier for a baby’s parents than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Your baby appears to be perfectly healthy and happy and shows no signs of illness.  You put her down to sleep just like any other day but when you go back to check on her you find her dead.  I can’t imagine a more tragic experience for parents.  Their lives are shaken to the core and they must somehow learn to deal with profound sadness and guilt over the loss of their precious angel.

By definition, SIDS is when an infant under one year of age dies for no apparent reason.  The cause of death remains even after a thorough investigation and autopsy have completed.  No underlying cause of death is uncovered and no foul play is suspected.

What’s really scary is that no one knows for sure what causes SIDS so it can happen to anyone without warning.  In fact there are about 2500 incidents of SIDS every year in the United States alone.

The good news is that although we still don’t know exactly what causes SIDS we have been able to identify several risk factors.  By following recommendations published by the American Academy of Pediatrics we can reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of SIDS.

The AAP’s recommendations include:

1. Always put your baby to sleep on her back.  A 2000 study conducted by the AAP indicated that belly-sleeping has up to 12.9 times the SIDS risk as back-sleep.

2. Put your baby to sleep on a firm surface.  A firm mattress with a tight fitting sheet is ideal.  Never place soft blankets or comforters under your sleeping baby.

3. Keep your baby’s sleeping area free of soft objects including pillows, comforters, and stuffed animals.  Crib bumpers should not be fluffy or pillow-like.  They should be firm, thin, and well-secured to the crib.  Loose blankets should be eliminated as well as they could easily end up over your baby’s head.

4. Quit smoking.  Smoking during pregnancy is a major SIDS risk factor.  Second-hand smoke is also considered a threat so don’t think you are free to light up after baby is born.

5. Let your baby sleep in the same room as you, but NOT in the same bed.  Set up a cradle, bassinet, or cosleeper so your little one can sleep right next to you.  But never let her sleep in bed with you or anyone else.  You could roll over in your sleep and suffocate her without even realizing it.

6. Offer a pacifier at bedtime.  Although the exact reason is yet unknown, there is strong evidence that pacifier use reduces the risk of SIDS.  But that doesn’t mean you should force a pacifier on an infant who refuses it.

7. Be careful not to overheat your baby.  Keep your bedroom temperature at a level that would be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.  Avoid overbundling your baby and make sure she doesn’t feel hot to the touch.

8. Do not waste time and money with products that promise to reduce the risk of SIDS.  This includes cardiac and respiratory monitors and sleep positioners that are designed to keep baby on her back.  None of these products have been proven to reduce the risk of SIDS at all.

As I mentioned earlier there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.  But the AAP’s guidelines and initiatives to educate parents of the risk factors associated with SIDS has had a dramatic effect.  The number of infant deaths attributed to SIDS has dropped by an encouraging 50% since 1983.

Follow the AAP’s recommendations and make sure that family members and caregivers follow them too.

Is there anything scarier for the parents of a newborn than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? Your baby shows no signs of illness and is by all standards completely healthy. You put her down to sleep, and she never wakes up.  I can’t imagine anything more horrifying.

If the fear of SIDS keeps you awake at night, then you need more than just the standard baby monitor.  You need a more advanced baby breathing monitor that sounds an alarm if it doesn’t detect any movement from the baby.  Perhaps the most popular infant monitor of this type is the Angelcare AC401 Baby Movement and Sound Monitor.  As we researched various types of baby monitor for this site, we were impressed by the number of satisfied customers who simply raved about the peace of mind the Angelcare monitor gave them.  And while we take issue with people who say that the monitor actually prevents SIDS (no monitor can do that), we understand that a breathing and movement monitor could alert you of a problem in time to do something about it.

Let’s go over some of the features and benefits that make the Angelcare AC401 so wildly popular with parents…

Angelcare Monitor AC401 Features and Benefits

Under the mattress sensor pad detects all baby movements and sounds an alarm when it detects no movement whatsoever for 20 seconds.  The AC401 Deluxe comes with two sensor pads which you can either use together at either end of the crib, or individually for twins or for separate sleeping quarters.  If you use only one sensor pad it should be placed directly in the middle of the crib.  But many parents choose to use both sensor pads simply because baby can wiggle his way off a single pad.

A variety of sound alerts lets you choose what you wish to monitor.  The “tic” sound is like a pendulum that tells you when your sensor pad is detecting movement.  The “sound” function can either be set to transmit continuously or to be activated by the sound of your little one’s voice.  The “movement” function is activated whenever movement is detected by the sensor pads.  It remains silent as long as it detects movement but makes a continuous beeping sound if no movement is detected for 20 seconds.

The Angelcare monitor can monitor the nursery’s room temperature and let you know if it gets too hot or too cold.  If the temperature reaches levels outside of the chosen range it you’ll hear a warning sound of  three loud beeps. Vibration mode warns you 1.) when there is no movement for 20 seconds, 2.) when the minimum or maximum temperature level is reached, or 3.) when the units are out of range.  The vibration mode is optional and in addition to the audio alerts.

Long range of over 800 feet means you can walk all around the house doing chores and even slip into the backyard to do some gardening while your little one naps.   It also comes with a handy belt clip so you can have your hands free for other things.  By the way, this is where the vibration mode really comes in handy…if you can do laundry or even mow the lawn without having to worry whether or not you’ll hear your little one crying through the monitor.

Soothing night light to keep your toes safe when you go to check on baby in the middle of the night.

Eight channels to choose from means you shouldn’t have to worry about interference and static.

What’s in the Box

Included in your Angelcare monitor model 401-2PU-US-2SB:

• 1 Nursery Unit
• 2 Parent Units
• 2 Sensor pads
• 2 Charging Bases
• 2 AC Adapters
• 8 NiMH Rechargeable Batteries

Customer Reviews – Angelcare AC401 Baby Monitor

With over 50 customer reviews listed on Amazon, the response is overwhelmingly positive.   The few negatives we read about were 1.) that the temperature is only listed in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius which is kind of strange unless the reviewer is from outside the US, and 2.) that the sensor pads didn’t work properly with a co-sleeper, which is to be expected because the product manual specifically states that it is only intended for use with a crib.  On the other hand, one customer after another raved about the peace of mind that the Angelcare monitor gave them.  And while we still don’t like people insinuating that any baby monitor can actually prevent SIDS, we do understand why they’d appreciate something that could give them an early warning signal.

Read actual customer reviews here.

The Bottom Line

The Angelcare AC401 Baby Movement and Sound Monitor is perfect for parents who are concerned that something will happen to their baby during nap time or overnight.  In addition to standard audio monitoring it also includes under-the-mattress sensor pads that monitor the slightest movement and alert you if it detects no movement at all. And while we want to make it clear that no baby monitor can actually prevent the threat of SIDS, the Angelcare monitor’s sensor pads do provide a bit of peace of mind to concerned parents.

Add in the fact that so many parents who have used it themselves rave about it, and we have no problem recommending the Angelcare monitor as a solid buy.  Right now you can buy it on sale from Amazon and you’ll even get free shipping too.

Click here for up to the minute prices on the Angelcare AC401 Baby Movement and Sound Monitor Deluxe Plus

For many years drop side cribs have been one of the most popular types of crib on the market.  The ability to lower one side rail makes it much easier for parents to take their baby in and out of the crib.  They are especially convenient for shorter parents who have a hard time trying to place a sleeping baby in the crib without waking him

But safety concerns and over 0 baby deaths have led to the Consumer Product Safety Commission to announce a ban on drop side cribs that prohibits their manufacture, sale, or resale.

Why are drop side cribs considered so dangerous to your child’s health and safety?

Well, I used to work at a major baby store chain and whenever I showed expecting parents the selection of cribs to choose from they were always amazed at how much sturdier the stationary cribs were compared to drop side cribs.  You could grab onto a stationary crib and give it a good shake and it wouldn’t budge.  If you did the same with a drop-side crib it would shake and rattle (and on more than one occasion the side rail would actually pop out of place from all the wear and tar it received).

The CPSC agrees that drop side cribs are generally less structurally sound than cribs with four fixed sides.  Side rail hardware can break or come loose over time which causes the drop side to detach from one or more corners of the crib.  A child can then become trapped in the opening and can suffocate or be strangled to death.

These CPSC pictures below show what can happen to your baby if just one of the side rail corners comes loose.

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In addition to the overall inferior quality of drop side cribs, there are concerns with how they assembled in the home.  Unsuspecting parents may have trouble understanding assembly instructions and end up putting their child’s crib together incorrectly.  There have been instances where the drop side was installed upside down which is a dangerous mistake that could lead to tragedy.

Take it from someone who has put together dozens of floor model cribs.  The assembly instructions are never easy to understand.  No matter how handy you may be, there is always the chance that you will make a mistake and put your child’s health at risk.

Another concern is cribs that are used for multiple children.  If you take the crib apart for storage and then put it back together in the future you could make a mistake, or parts could be damaged or missing.  This is why we feel so strongly about never using a second hand crib.  If you buy a crib from a yard sale for example, you have no idea how it was treated (or mistreated) or if there are missing parts.  And if instructions are missing you are really asking for trouble.

If you already have a drop side crib in your home, you need to check the CPSC website to see if it is one of the millions of cribs that have already been recalled.   If it is not on the list you can continue using it but be aware of the potential dangers.  Inspect crib hardware regulary and look for signs of damage.  If you have any doubs about your drop side cribs safety, stop using it immediately.

If there’s one thing that drives new parents crazy it’s the idea of having to buy multiple car seats as their child grows.  You start out with an infant car seat, and then move on to the convertible seat, and then a toddler booster seat.  That’s a lot of car seats, and it can get pretty expensive!

That’s why so many parents love the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat.  While the Nautilus car seat can’t take the place of an infant car seat, it will stick with your child until she is old enough to ride in a car all on her own.  It starts off as a forward-facing car seat that you can use once your baby turns one.  The 5-point harness will keep your child safe until she reaches 65 pounds.  That it converts into a back booster and backless booster seat that will accommodate children up to 100 pounds.

The Graco Nautilus is one of the most popular car seats on the market.  There are over 800 customer reviews on Amazon and the average review is 4.5 stars.  Let’s talk about some of the features that make the Nautilus stand out.

The extended 5-point harness is an important safety feature that should not be overlooked.  We believe in keeping children in a five point harness as long as possible, and the Graco Nautilus lets you do that until they reach 65 pounds.

The Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 is constructed with a steel reinforced frame for ultimate safety and durability.

The machine washable pad may not be something you worry about now, but once your little one starts spilling juice and dropping sticky lollipops all over his car seat you’ll be grateful that it is so easy to remove and wash.

The convenient cup holder and side storage area makes it easy for your little guy to keep some snacks or his favorite Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure close at hand.

Customer reviews from Amazon are almost entirely positive.  Users rave about how easy the Graco Nautilus is to install and how comfortable there children are in them, even over long drives.  The one complaint we see is that the crotch strap is too far back and can be a bit tight on bigger children, but not all reviewers agreed. Read more customer reviews from Amazon here.

The Bottom Line…

The Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat is designed to accommodate children from ages one to ten.  It offers an extended 5 point harness and easy installation so you know your little one if safe and sound.  It converts from a forward facing car seat to a high back booster, to a backless booster…so it will really be the last car seat you will need to buy for your child.

Right now you can get it on sale at Amazon and it even come with free shipping.

Click here to check the latest prices for the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

So you’re an expecting parent strolling through a baby store looking at all the things you’ll need to register for or buy for yourself.  There’s an amazing array of toys and gadgets, and those little miniature clothes that are just impossibly small.  Then you walk down the aisle with the crib bedding sets and you almost pass out when you see prices ranging from $150 to $300.

Is it really necessary to spend that kind of money on a baby crib bedding set?

In our opinion…no.  Most crib bedding sets come with a quilt, bumper, fitted crib sheet, and a dust  ruffle.  Some sets also include a diaper stacker and window valance.

Out of all those things, the only you really need is the fitted crib sheet!

You should never give your baby a quilt because it could be a suffocation hazard.  You’re much better off swaddling him in a light receiving blanket or Swaddle-Me.

Crib bumpers are designed to prevent minor injuries that could occur when the baby bumps his head against the side or pokes an arm or leg through the slats. But the truth is they provide a false sense of security. A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics showed that between 1985 and 2005, 27 children died from suffocation or strangulation caused by crib bumper pads and ties.  Bumpers can also increase the risk of SIDS if the baby gets his face too close to the bumper and rebreathes exhaled carbon dioxide instead of fresh air.  In our opinion, the risk of serious injury or death outweigh any benefit benefit of preventing minor bumps and bruises.

Now what about the dust ruffle?  Sure, it looks nice and adds a little color to the room but it is hardly a baby nursery essential.  But these also sold individually so there’s no need to buy the whole crib bedding set to get one.

The diaper stacker is a complete waste.  It’s really just a piece of cloth with a hook on it, and you use it to store your diapers for changing time.  But you should already have plenty of storage bins and baskets laying around so the diaper stacker is just unnecessary.

Including a window valance in a crib bedding set is a sneaky way to get you to spend more money.  First of all you don’t realy need it, but if you do decide to use it to decorate the baby nursery you’ll be disappointed that they only include one valance.  If the nursery has more than one window, you’ll be going back to the store and buying more individual valances to decorate the rest of the windows.

To summarize, it’s our opinion that most crib bedding sets are a waste of money.  You’re much better off just buying a few fitted crib sheets and perhaps a dust ruffle individually.  You can always pick up other pieces, such as the window valances, individually as well.  This way you’ll only spend a fraction of the money and and you won’t be stuck with extra items you don’t really need.

That infant car seat you picked up at a yard sale for a price that can’t be beat sure seems like a bargain.  But putting your child in a used car seat could cost him his life.

Cost conscious parents often wonder if it is okay to purchase a used car seat for their baby. They’re usually already shocked at how much money a new baby is going to cost them and they are understandably put off by the high cost of a brand new infant car seat. We don’t blame them for wanting to find a way to save some money. But at the same time we want them to be certain they aren’t putting their little bundle of joy at risk by putting her in a used car seat.

So what’s the story? Are used car seats really safe to use?

Absolutely not. We would never advise any parent to buy a used car seat, or even accept one as a gift. Let us explain why we feel so strongly against used car seats.

First of all, if you buy a used car seat at a garage sale or from ebay or Craigslist, you know absolutely nothing about it. What if it was in an accident before? It could look as if it came right out of the box and you would think it is new and perfectly safe to use. But there could be unseen damage that would make it a death trap for your little one. Manufacturers recommend discarding any car seat that has been in even a minor car accident because there could be serious damage that is undetectable to the eye.

And that’s not the only problem with using a second hand car seat. Manufacturers give each seat an expiration date (usually 6 years) and add the date to the labels on the seat itself. But many used car seats are missing labels and if that’s the case you won’t be able to verify its age. It could be well past the expiration date but you won’t even know it. Car seat expiration dates are important because seats are only designed to last for a certain period of time and could be dangerous if used beyond that.

Missing car seat labels could cause another issue too. If you don’t know the exact model number and date it was manufactured you can’t verify if it was included in a product recall. There may be a known safety issue and you’ll have no way of knowing.

So the bottom line is this: used car seats can save you a lot of money (and I’m all for saving a few bucks whenever possible), but using one could your baby at risk. It’s just not worth taking a chance. My best advice is to steer clear of used car seats for sale online or at garage sales and purchase a new one from a reputable retailer.

The Lorex Live Snap is one of the most feature packed baby monitors we’ve ever seen.  With a 2.4 inch super-bright LCD screen, 2-way audio, snapshot functionality, night vision, multiple viewing options, and 100% digital signal that is interference free and completely secure, the Lorex Live Snap is tough to top.

Let’s talk a little bit about the Lorex Live Snap’s features and benefits…

Lorex LW2003 Live Snap Video Baby Monitor Features and Benefits

Completely Portable. The Lorex Live Snap is designed to be completely portable so you can take it wherever you go.  The camera and monitor both come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and their compact size make them easy to move around the house as needed.  Take it with you upstairs, downstairs, outside, or even when visiting friends or going on vacation.

Secure, Interference Free Signal. The Lorex Live Snap uses 100% digital technology.  The signal “hops” from one frequency to the next to elimitate interference from other devices while also protecting the signal from eavesdroppers.

Two way audio. If your baby starts stirring in his sleep you can soothe him back to sleep by speaking right through the monitor.

Night Vision. Not only is the screen crystal clear during the day, but the Lorex LW2003 also includes automatic night vision technology so you can keep an eye on baby all night long without having to risk waking them up.

Sound Activated Alerts. The Live Snap includes adjustable sound activated alerts that turn on the monitor’s screen and audio as soon as it detects anything from a whimper to a loud cry.  You adjust the sensitivity settings yourself.

Snap, Store, and Share. One-touch snapshot recording lets you capture your little one’s precious moments with the click of a button.  The 128 MB microSD memory card that comes included can store up to 4000 pictures, though you can swap it out for one that holds up to .  Images can be viewed right on the handheld monitor or transferred to a PC or Mac so they can be shared on sites like Facebook.  Snapshots are taken in JPEG format which means they’re compatible with just about anything.

Up to 4 Cameras. What happens if you have another baby right away?  Or several??  Or what if you don’t want to continuously move the camera from one room to the next throughout the day?  No worries, the Lorex Live Snap Video Baby Monitor system allows you to hook up additional cameras so you have one in baby’s room, the play room, the living room, or even pointed at the backyard.

Digital Signal Up to 450 Feet.  Since the monitor is not much bigger than the size of a cell phone, you can easily carry it around the house or slip it in your pocket while doing chores.

3 Monitor Viewing Modes. If you’re using only one camera you automatically use the full screen mode.  But if you add additional cameras you can choose either full screen, scan, or split screen mode. Channel scanning mode automatically changes cameras every 8 seconds so you can monitor multiple cameras in full screen mode.  Split screen mode divides the screen so you can view up to 4 cameras at one time.

Customer Reviews – Lorex Live Snap

There are over 100 reviews currently listed at Amazon and most of them are quite positive.  The funny thing is that whenever someone complains about the monitor, other people say the exact opposite.  For example, one person said “the picture quality is extremely poor compared to other monitors.”  But then other users raved about the clear picture!  It’s possible that the negative review was caused by a faulty unit and isn’t really indicative of the Lorex Live Snap’s quality.

Some people also had issues with interference and the sound activated alerts, but again most reviewers did not experience these problems.

The one complaint that was repeated again and again was about poor customer service.  Reviewers who ran into trouble were not impressed with Lorex’s telephone and email support.

Read more customer reviews here.

The Bottom Line…

The Lorex LW2003 Live Snap Video Baby Monitor is packed with features like night vision, sound activated alerts, and two-way audio.  It uses a digital signal that minimizes interference and includes Snap-Shot functionality that allows you to easily snap pictures of your little one through the monitor and then upload and share them with friends and family.

Despite some concerns about the company’s customer service, the Lorex Live Smap is still one of the most popular and highly rated baby monitors on the market.  Right now you can get it on sale at Amazon and it comes with free shipping too.

Check The Latest Up to the Minute Lorex LW2003 LIVE snap Video Baby Monitor Prices