Foothill Farm Daycare

Former Foothill families, last mudroom cleanout happening today! Reach out if you are still looking for belongings left behind!

Tomorrow clothing will go to Goodwill!

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CAR SEAT SAFETY TIPS:

Because none of us knew until someone else told us 🤷🏻‍♀️

**I don’t claim to be a car seat expert (or a writer) 🤪 we’re all learning. It takes a village to keep our babies safe!

1. Did you know your car seat isn’t properly installed (forward facing) if the top tether isn’t anchored in?! It’s located at the top of the car seat and anchor behind the seat.

2. Did you know you should NOT use both the lower anchors and the seat belt at the same time? It causes too much stress on the seat and will cause it not to function properly in a crash. Please note that there are also weight limits (65lb usually) to those lower anchors..that weight includes BOTH the child and the seat. Check your car’s manual for the weight limit.

3. Did you know that the chest clip on the car seat should be right under the armpits or at breast level? The ribs will protect those vital organs in a crash! Proper chest piece placement also keeps the harness in the correct position.

4. Do you know how to make sure the straps are tight enough? Do the pinch test! If you’re able to pinch the straps between your fingers, they’re too loose!

5. What about twisted car seat straps? It’s awesome when they learn to buckle themselves, but often they ended up with twisted straps. Twisted straps can actually be dangerous during a wreck because it causes their weight to be distributed incorrectly.

6. Although super tempting for kids who panic when they can’t see you, don’t turn those babies forward facing until their 2 - at least! It’s best to rear face until they max out the weight limit. Their bodies just aren’t strong enough to absorb the impact from a forward facing position.

7. Your 5/6 year old probably do not need to be in a booster seat. A 5 point harness is safer. “Kids should remain in a forward-facing car seat until they hit the height and weight limits of that seat and are developmentally mature enough to sit in a booster. That means they can stay centered in the seat, are not wiggling or leaning forward to pick up toys, and can keep the shoulder belt on their shoulders and the lap belt on their hips.”

8. Did you know that if you and your child are in a wreck, most insurance companies will pay for a new car seat? A wreck that has caused damage to your car, has possibly caused unknown or unseen damage to the car seat. Car insurance agencies will actually replace those car seats for you.

9. Those cute, fuzzy car seat straps or car seat pillows from the store actually aren’t safe! Aftermarket shoulder strap pads or covers add bulk to the harness, often interfering with tightening the harness and proper chest clip placement. They may change the distance and speed the head and chest travel in a crash, resulting in serious injury or death.

10. Big jackets/coats and car seats don’t mix. The bulk of the jacket/coat causes the straps not to be tight enough, making the seat unsafe. During a collision, the child could easily slip out of the straps and be thrown from the seat. Use a blanket or put their coat on backwards for warmth!

11. The harness strap height should be below the shoulder when rear facing. When forward facing, the straps should be at or above the shoulder. Also, their head should be at least one inch or more from the top of the car seat top.

12. Typically an issue with rear facing - the car seat should not touch the front seats. In the event of a crash, your baby’s seat could absorb the impact of the front seat (and it’s passenger if occupied) in addition to the other impacts of the crash.

13. Anyone else’s car seats always look gross?! When washing your car seat, NEVER hose them down. I know it’s tempting 🤢 but it can damage the car seat over time. Instead, throw the cloth covering in the washer on gentle and use a wash cloth to clean the seat itself. Do not dry the cloth covering! Check your manual for more information on properly cleaning your seats.

14. Did you know that car seats expire? Most expire in 7-10 years from manufacturing date but check the manual to be sure of what is recommend for the brand you have. The manufacture date is listed on a sticker on the car seat. Check with your local Walmart or target about a trade in car seat event to get a discount towards a new one!

Still have some questions or just want to double check that your babies are safe?? Many local police and fire stations have someone who is a child passenger safety technician. If they don’t, they can find someone who is certified to help you.

What are other common car seat mistakes you’ve seen?

Wishing all Momma’s the best Mothers Day! Enjoymthis beautiful Day!

All is well at Foothill thank you for reaching out! Wellness check for possible allergic reaction.

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10 Ways Your Kids Are Watching You As a parent, little eyes are always watching everything you do. Here’s 10 ways your kids are watching you.

Foothill is Closed today! Stay warm!

https://gofund.me/86e90802

Meggy and her boys, organized by Mary Hussey My name is Mary Hussey, on behalf of my dear friend and her family, I am turning to the community of a… Mary Hussey needs your support for Meggy and her boys

Looking for a substitute for a couple of days this week. Previous proof of a recent background check is a necessity. PM for details.

What a great picture!!!

Lia got to capture the annual tradition of a “race” picture with these two speedsters!

What a great night with families!! Thank you to my Foothill crew and to our families for joining in the Halloween fun, carrying on fun traditions!! Happy Halloween!!