Space Bags Illustrate Puffy Coat Risk

Some people just do not believe that a puffy coat could really matter that much.  I think I have a way to illustrate the point:  Space Bags.



You know the commercial.  You know you really want one.  Put sweaters, blankets, or coats in the special zip loc bag.  Suck the air out of it with a vacuum hose.  Watch it shrink down and resemble a crumpled leaf.  Slide it under the bed and voila, no more puff.  Here's a thirty-second demonstration.



After the holidays I swear I'm going to get some at Bed Bath & Beyond and record my own demonstration.  If anyone else gets to it first, please let me know and link it to my Facebook or to the comments section!

The Car Seat Poncho vs "The Coat Trick"

Next on my to-do list: a demonstration video.  I want people to see how fast they can get their children into the car seat, buckled and be on their way with the Car Seat Poncho. 



There is an excellent, and popular video by Madeline410 demonstrating what's known in some CPS circles as "the coat trick". 



Basically, the trick is to:

1. Before you go out, slip one of your child's arms through one sleeve


2. Slip the child's other arm through the other sleeve


3. Zip up the coat


4. Go out to the car and put your child in the seat


5. Put his or her arms through the straps


6. The bottom of the coat out from under the straps on one side


7. Pull the bottom out on the other side


8. The collar and top of the coat out from the straps on one side


9. Pull the collar and top of the coat out from the straps on the other side


10. Buckle the crotch and chest clips


11. Tighten the harness


12. Zip the coat

... and then you can be on your way (unless you have more children to coat-trick).



Now, I think the coat trick is a great trick, and a great way to keep kids safe and warm in the winter.  But the Car Seat Poncho is much easier. 



Here's what you do with the poncho:

1. Before you go out, slip the poncho over your child's head


2. Go out to the car and put your child in the seat


3. Spread the poncho around the top and sides of the car seat


4. Open the zipper from the bottom
   
   


5. Buckle the crotch and chest clips
   
   


6. Tighten the harness
   
   


7. Pull down the zipper to close
   
   

Much easier, much quicker, right?  The video is about one minute long, and I'm pretty sure the poncho takes less than half that.  And if you have more than one child, that's a lot of time saved and a lot of hassle avoided.  Maybe I can get two moms and two kids, and do a split-screen comparison...



When I get it done, I'll debut it here first.  Blog readers deserve some perks and exclusives, right?