Simplisse had two objectives when designing their breast pump:

• Make expressing milk a more comfortable, natural experience for moms.
• Collect breastmilk as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Double Electric Breast Pump

Anyone who’s ever spent any time with a pump attached to their boob can tell you those objectives are very important and essential. To meet these goals the Simplisse Double Electric Breast Pump uses Gentle Compression Technology to reduce tugging and pulling on the breast. When learning about the Simplisse brand we were able to touch and feel the machine and the most noticeable difference was the cups. Simplisse uses BabyFace Flexible Breastcups that conform to your breast and naturally move with mom while expressing. The cups aren’t the standard rigid plastic that dig into your breast.

I breastfed both my children and both times had grand ideas of pumping to create a little stockpile of milk for when breastfeeding wasn’t possible. I used no fewer than 3 different pumps and never had good luck. I just hated the experience and could never seem to pump successfully. With dedication I could collect enough milk for a night out but never enough for my husband to feed baby a bottle once a day, for example. While I’m fairly certain pumping breast milk will never be my favorite activity, I am hopeful that the Simplisse will make the process less painful and more efficient.

Gia Angled Nursing Pillow

Simplisse offers a complete line of breastfeeding products, including a unique angled nursing pillow. Like other nursing pillows, the Gia fits comfortably on mom’s lap. But, unlike other pillow, the Gia is created with an incline to provide a healthy angle for baby to feed. Th angle is intended to help digestion and reduce reflux. The pillow has a traditional C shape, but one end is much wider than the other to provide a larger surface to support baby and prevent rolling.

The Gia can be used with or without a cover thanks to a cotton shell that is anti-bacterial and stain-resistant. Stay tuned to our Gia review after baby arrives for your chance to WIN this Angled Nursing Pillow!

Facebook Giveaway!

Head over to the Simplisse Facebook page and enter to win both the Simplisse Double Electric Breast Pump and a Gia Angled Breastfeeding Pillow. A combined value of $285! Hurry – the giveaway ends Friday.

Shop! The Simplisse Double Electric Breastfeeding Companion is currently available from our affiliate Amazon for $200. The Simplisse Gia Nursing Pillow is also on Amazon for $40. Between now and March 15, you can get a Gia Nursing Pillow FREE when you purchase a Double Electric Breast Pump! See Simplisse for details on this great mail-in rebate offer.

Thanks to Simplisse for providing samples.

Design: Alto Rocker Nursing Chair

Why We Like It: Malia and I have road-tested Monte Design rockers while resting our tired selves at the ABC Kids Expo. (We even included the rockers in our ABC Kids Design Finds round up.) So many rockers and gliders designed aimed at the children’s market look old-fashioned and anything but modern, which is why we love Monte Designs’ commitment to sleek lines. The Alto Rocker is comfortable, functional and still fits into a modern home. When no longer needed in a nursery, it will easily find a place in a family room.

Shop! The Alto Rocker Nursing Chair and other Monte Design modern rocking chairs are available from our affiliate Magic Beans. The Alto is a nursery splurge at $795 and available in a wide range of colors.

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Check out all our Children’s Décor & Design picks in the 28+1 Days of Decor.

Design: Skip Hop Zoo Playspot

Why We Like It: We’ve been smitten with the Zoo Playspot since spotting it at the ABC Kids Expo in September. The 12 tile set features the adorable, colorful Zoo friends featured throughout the Skip Hop collection. The mat is totally customizable – use some pieces or all – and provides a soft foam area for baby to play.

Shop! The brand new Skip Hop Zoo Playspot is now available for $60.

***

Check out all our Children’s Décor & Design picks in the 28+1 Days of Decor.

A few months ago Kate shared how much we love the new Lille line from the awesome Bebe au Lait (known for their gorgeous breastfeeding covers) and the Quib with our ABC Kids Expo Kitchen Finds post. With the birth of Baby Kate, I’ve had the opportunity to check out the the Lille Hooded Towel and Everyday Luxury Blanket and they are great! The Lille prints are so cute but not cutesy. I love that. I now have two more go to baby shower gifts.

Lille Hooded Towel

The Lille Hooded Towel is the perfect size to snuggle up little girl after her bath and she loves the soft 100% cotton terry (I know this because she screams when I unwrap her). I love that the towel is large enough to really wrap her up and will still be big enough when she’s a toddler, but it’s not as big and bulky as an adult sized towel. The Fishies Girl print adds a girly touch to the trim and hood and I have to say baby Kate looks pretty darn adorable.

Lille Everyday Luxury Blanket

 The Lille Everyday Luxury Blanket is a super soft velour with 100% cotton trim (here in Cityscape Girl). We really do use it everyday, or every day we leave the house anyway. We never head out the door without this soft blanket tucked around baby Kate and it makes a great spot to practice tummy time or snuggle with big brother (above). The blanket is 28″ by 36″ so it’s big enough to snuggle up with, but doesn’t take up too much space. I imagine it will be the perfect size to drag around the house as her favorite lovey in a year or two.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… All the Lille products are beautiful and of high quality. They make great gifts or beautiful purchases for your child. I could see decorating a child’s bathroom to coordinate with a set of hooded towels.

Or Not to Buy… The Lille line is not bargain bin priced, but you get what you pay for and the quality is outstanding.

Shop! The Lille Hooded Towel is available for $40 and the Lille Everyday Luxury Blanket is $45. Both are available in one of six vivid prints.

Thanks to Bebe au Lait for the sample products. Opinions are my own.

Meet Glo

We’ve seen the light. And it’s awesome. Kids will beg you to turn off the lights because that’s when Glo really shines. This multi-colored, interactive nightlight has removable, illuminated Glo balls that turn a night time game of catch into something extraordinary. And there’s nothing electronic in them, so they don’t get warm and they won’t break. You can even tuck them into bed with your child. The glow fades to dark after 30 minutes, helping them fall asleep. Bonus: 95% effective at keeping monsters away all night long.

Glo Details

• Removable glo balls act as portable nightlights
• Select your favorite color with sliding lever or keep them circulating
• Phosphorescent balls glow up to 30 minutes after removed from base
• Glo balls and L.E.D. pedestals are cool to the touch
• Low-energy L.E.D. base
• 9 volt power adapter included
• BpA-free, Phthalate-free and PVC-free
• Recommended age: All ages
• Dimensions: 8.2″ x 8.5″ x 9.8″

Glo in Our “Nursery”

At the ABC Expo in the fall we had a sneak peek of Glo. To truly show off the product, the fun folks at boon set up a little dark room so we could play with Glo in all its glory. Malia and I had so much fun. And, at the time, if you’d have asked me where Glo would fit in our home I would have suggested my son’s room. I immediately changed my mind when Glo arrived a few weeks ago and it is now firmly established in its place in our home: our master bedroom.

As you know, we’re moving a few months after this baby is born so we aren’t creating a true nursery. Rather, the baby will stay in our room until we move. Even though we’re not creating a true nursery I do want to make a little nursery corner in part of our room for this little one and it now includes the Glo. But, I’ll be honest, even if the baby wasn’t staying in our room I think I’d want Glo in our room anyway! The modern design looks great in our black and white bedroom and it’s just plain cool, don’t you think?

Glo features a sleek design typical of boon products. It’s all white and has three arms each with a round “glo ball” at the top of each. The white base and the glo balls stay cool to the touch so you never have to worry about burning little fingers. The lights change color, which is pretty freaking fun to watch. You can adjust the light on a small sliding switch on the bottom of the base to pick one color, clear or on an automatic color-changing setting. The white setting also charges the glo balls so that when removed from the base they glow in the dark. The glo balls are light weight, BpA-free, Phthalate-free and PVC-free – in other words, they are safe for use from birth. And I also appreciate that the glo balls are light because, heavens knows, as soon as my son realizes he can throw one he will.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The boon Glo is more than your average nightlight. It’s a color-changing light that is a perfect fit in your modern space, whether a nursery or master bedroom. I love how it functions as a solid unit and the fact that the glo balls can be removed for little security night lights is pretty amazing. I really love glo and think it’s the perfect addition to our master bedroom nursery corner.

Or Not to Buy… Glo is definitely more expansive than your typical, plug-in-the-wall night light but it’s not a really fair comparison.

Shop! The boon Glo Nightlight suggested retail price is $85 – and it’s currently available from our affiliate Amazon for $69.

Thanks to boon for providing a sample for the purpose of this review.

Popular Breastfeeding Pillow Now with Get Up and Go!

Loading up the car with baby, toddler, at least one stroller, diaper bag, blankets, etc, etc every.single.time we leave the house is a huge task. I’ve already contacted leading scientists about the possibility of growing a third arm, but until science (and possibly fashion) catches up with the practical need of the busy mom, products that are lighter, smaller, and easier to carry are my friends.

The Boppy Travel Pillow is just that. It’s the same great quality as the original Boppy pillow made slightly more compact with handy travel features added. The pillow folds in half and zips closed which makes it the size of an average purse. (It’s almost exactly the size of my beloved Petunia Pickle Bottom Touring Tote.) A handy shoulder strap makes it easy to sling the pillow over your shoulder and keep your hands free for toddler wrangling.  I also love the pretty design and bright pink polka-dot interior. To the casual observer it looks like just another bag, not a nursing pillow, great for those who prefer not to advertise their nursing activities.

I find the Travel Boppy the perfect size for breast feeding and actually prefer it to my standard Boppy. Breastfeeding in the car can be an exercise in awkwardness, but the Travel Boppy has made it go much more smoothly. So far baby girl’s head has not been banged into the emergency brake or steering wheel (little man was not so lucky). I’ve been keeping the Travel Boppy in the car for use on the go, but I like it enough I may bring it inside to use all the time.

(This is not me. I still have a lot a couple pregnancy pounds to lose and refuse to get in front of the camera think the model shows off the Boppy Travel Pillow well.)

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Boppy Travel Pillow brings very functional travel features to the award winning Boppy nursing pillow. It’s great for any nursing mom on the go and would also make a great shower gift.

Or Not to Buy… If you already own a Boppy and don’t leave the house much, you might not need the travel option. Of course, if baby is making you feel trapped at home (I totally relate) you may really need to get this travel pillow and get out of the house.

Shop! The Boppy Travel Pillow is available in Olivia (pink) and Gray Dot (green) at Babies R Us for $44.99.

Win! A Boppy Travel Pillow and be one of the first to own this great pillow!

How to Enter: Visit Babies “R” Us and tell us what color Boppy Travel Pillow you would want to win.

Earn Extra Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

• Like The Boppy Company and The Shopping Mama on Facebook.
• Share or Like this post on your Facebook or give us a shout out on our wall.
• Follow The Boppy Company AND The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a link when you do.
  Check out the brand new Boppy Travel Pillow – and enter to #win @TheShoppingMama bit.ly/sihXeN
• Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS.
• Sign up for the The Shopping Mama Newsletter.

Giveaway ends January 6. Open to US residents only.

 Thanks to The Boppy Company for providing a sample and giveaway prizes. As always, opinions are my own.

The first line of the Jonathan Adler design company manifesto is “We believe that your home should make you happy.” We think it’s clear if the partnership with Skip Hop could be summed up in a five word manifesto it would read “We believe your diaper bag should make you happy.” This one of a kind Skip Hop line debuted this month featuring mod shapes, vibrant colors and iconic eye-popping patterns that are signature to Jonathan Adler’s work. We got a sneak peek at the line at the ABC Kids Expo and loved everything we saw. It’s been great to learn more information and get our hands on the Pronto Changing Station.

Skip Hop & Jonathan Adler Partnership

By way of introduction, because this is Jonathan Adler’s first collaboration in the baby industry, here’s some info on the design house:

Iconic potter, designer, author and TV personality Jonathan Adler is dedicated to bringing style, craft, joy and a general feeling of groovyiness to your home. His eponymous company has grown to become an internationally recognized home-and gift-oriented lifestyle brand. Jonathan Adler is known for a design aesthetic which pairs modernist form with bold colors and groovy graphics.

You may be more familiar with Skip Hop, a New York City company devoted to designing innovative parenting essentials for mom, dad and baby. We’ve shared many of our favorite products from the company from diaper bags to kitchen gear to bedding, including the Via Messenger Diaper Bag, Mate Plate, and Treetop Friends Crib Bedding.

Jonathan Adler ♥ Skip Hop Pronto

The Skip Hop Pronto, a portable kit for transporting baby necessities like diapers, got the Jonathan Adler treatment. Don’t want to give up your purse? Pack the Pronto and throw it in any bag to ensure you have everything you need to keep baby clean, dry and happy. The Pronto includes a wipes case and has a mesh pocket that fits up to four diapers and diaper cream. There’s also a pad that folds out to provide a clean surface for changing baby. The pad is generously sized so even squirmy and big babies will have a nice place to rest. The Pronto has a super cool pillowy thing built in so your tot’s head can rest on a cushioned area. Depending on your needs, you can unzip the changing pad and separate it from the clutch part of the Pronto which holds your diapers.

Pronto Features

• Drop it in any bag, strap it to your wrist or clip it to your stroller
• Adjustable strap with clip
• Extra-wide wipe-clean changing pad for wiggly babies
• Front zipper pockets for personal items
• Mesh pocket holds up to four large diapers, creams and other essentials
• Two products in one – changing pad zips off of clutch for independent use
• Pronto pillow keeps baby’s head comfy
• Translucent wipes case; see-through for timely reloads
• BPA-free, PVC-free, Phthalate-free
• Size (inches): Closed 8.75 wide x 11.5 high x 1 deep; Changing pad 21.5 wide x 21.5 long

We love the versatile functionality of the Pronto. It’s one of those things that you can take with you from bag to bag to stroller to car and back. Pack it once, update with diapers and you’re all set. No need to re-pack diaper bags. Another excellent feature of the Pronto? Dads who shy away from carrying a diaper bag can throw it in a backpack and be prepared for diaper duty.

As we have come to expect from Skip Hop, the quality is great and will surely outlast your tot’s diaper phase.

Celebrity Love

We have no doubt celebrities will hop on the Jonathan Adler ♥ Skip Hop train. First on board (that we’ve seen) is Selma Blair carrying son Arthur and a Duo in Flame Yellow.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you love the idea but don’t want to commit to a Jonathan Adler design diaper bag, the Pronto is an affordable and functional way to bring the fun prints home. The Pronto is super versatile and great as kids get a little older and beyond the blow-out baby phase when you only need some diaper necessities. And, of course, this looks awesome. The pattern is vibrant and fresh and unlike anything else out there.

Or Not to Buy… The only reason to pass on Jonathan Adler ♥ Skip Hop is if its simply not your style.

Shop! Jonathan Adler ♥ Skip Hop collection includes the Duo Diaper Bag ($75), Dash Diaper Bag ($80) and Pronto Changing Station ($34).

Thanks to Skip Hop for providing a sample.

We are so excited to be participating in the JJ Cole Collection 12 Day Holiday Giveaway. Every day JJ Cole is giving away a great prize on a different blog – everything ranging from the organizing gear to diaper bags to strollers and accessories. Lots of fun! Today? Just in time to battle cold weather, you have the chance to win the Urban BundleMe.

About the Urban BundleMe

The quilted outer nylon of the Urban Bundleme protects against wind and rain while the luxuriously soft inner thermaplush™ adds style and warmth.

• use with car seats, strollers, and joggers
• wind and water resistant
• machine washable
• removable top for easy temperature control
• allows safety straps to rest directly on child
• crash tested- FMVSS 213 (more info)

Strolling with the BundleMe

The Urban BundleMe could not have arrived at a better time; it has been unseasonably cold in Alabama. I know everyone in truly cold climates are laughing at me, but it’s amazing how quickly our bodies adjust to the temperature so our 40 degree days feel downright bone-chilling. Okay, now that my whining is out of the way, let’s get to the point. It’s cold and my daughter needs something to keep her warm when she goes on runs with my husband in the jogging stroller and the Urban BundleMe is just perfect.

I’ve been familiar with the JJ Cole BundleMe since my son was born when we lived in Germany (now that was a cold winter!). We didn’t get him a winter coat and instead relied on the BundleMe in a car seat to keep him cozy and warm. JJ Cole has expanded the collection to include a variety of fabrics and materials to meet the needs of different climates. The Urban BundleMe has a quilted nylon material on the outside and a super soft thermaplush on the inside. The result is an absolutely lush and fabulous sleeping bag sort of thing of which I am envious. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get any better than rolling around in a stroller cuddled up inside the Urban BundleMe.

The Urban BundleMe comes in two sizes – my daughter uses the larger of the two (the Toddler size). It has openings on the backside that make using it with different strollers a breeze. There are multiple openings to make it easy to fit different brands and different five-point harness straps. (We have another stroller liner and it only had set places that don’t fit well with certain strollers. That’s certainly not the case with the BundleMe.)

Here’s a close up of my daughter cuddling so you can see the quilted fabric. Looks cozy, right?

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The BundleMe is a must have for our runs and walks in suburban Alabama. I can only imagine how much of a necessity it is for urban families who stroll everywhere, every day. The BundleMe is truly plush and comforting for babies and toddlers alike. It’s a great way to keep a child protected from the elements and cozy and warm.

Or Not to Buy… The only reason I can see not getting one is if the climate doesn’t require this. (In which case, consider the BundleMe Lite.)

New Goodies from JJ Cole Collections

At the ABC Kids Expo we had a chance to catch a sneak peek of the newest items from JJ Cole Collections. We were impressed! The new JJ Cole Boutique diaper bags are gorgeous and the online photos don’t do them justice.

Our biggest surprise was spotting the super stylish baby gear including two strollers and a car seat. My favorite is the super cool Broadway stroller that is packed with lots of great features for $450.

Shop! The JJ Cole Collections Urban BundleMe is available in six colors and two sizes. The Infant size is $49.95 and the Toddler size is $59.95. JJ Cole offers a variety of BundleMe styles for every season and climate. JJ Cole Collections new gear and other great products are available online at JJColeCollections.com.

Win! The Urban BundleMe in Choice of Color & Size!

How to Enter: Visit JJ Cole Collections leave a comment with your favorite Boutique bag style & print.

Earn Extra Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

• Like JJ Cole Collections AND The Shopping Mama on Facebook.
• Share or Like this post on your Facebook or give us a shout out on our wall.
• Follow JJ Cole Collections AND The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a link when you do.
  One day giveaway! Enter to win a @JJColeUSA Urban BundleMe @TheShoppingMama bit.ly/uvRSM2
• Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS.
• Sign up for the The Shopping Mama Newsletter.

Giveaway ends 11:59 PST December 10. Open to US residents only.

 Thanks to JJ Cole Collections  for providing a sample and giveaway prizes. As always, opinions are my own.

For me, part of the magic of expecting is planning the perfect nursery for my new little person. Earlier I shared some of my ideas for baby girl’s nursery in my Design Board post. We rent, so yellow was a given in the nursery design, and I love the combination of yellow and grey with a few touches of blue. However, finding the right crib bedding was really difficult. I could not find anything at the big box stores in the colors I wanted and even the popular higher-end children’s chains didn’t have anything that was quite right. Then I stumbled across Carousel Designs. When I heard they would be at the ABC Kids Expo, I started dreaming that maybe I could convince them to let me do a giveaway and review of one of their beautiful creations. I was so excited when they said yes and I still get all fluttery when I go in the nursery and see my beautiful crib set.

Carousel Designs

Carousel Designs was founded 23 years ago with a focus on high quality, boutique baby bedding made right here in the United States. By keeping that focus, Carousel Designs continues to provide something no one else does: beautiful, custom crib bedding made the from highest quality fabrics. When the company passed to the next generation, West Point grads Jonathan Hartley and Allan Sicat brought the company into the future with the Nursery Designer tool. (Okay, I know I’m military man biased, but they’re kind of cute, aren’t they?)

As they anticipated fatherhood, Jonathan and Al were inspired by how their wives (both expecting their first babies) enjoyed spending time in the design studio, playing with fabrics and creating custom crib bedding for their nurseries. They knew that if they could provide the same experience online, not only giving expectant parents the ability to design the perfect bedding but also to visualize a nursery before making purchases, we could offer real value to our customers and make sure that every mom gets exactly what she wants.

I think these men had THE.BEST.IDEA.EVER. I have spent hours and hours browsing their designs and playing with the Nursery Designer and I love that every mama can create a design all her own, or pick one from the gorgeous collections. Below are some of my favorites from Carousel’s baby bedding, girl crib bedding and boy crib bedding collections. Aren’t they beautiful?

The Nursery Designer

Carousel Designs has a huge collection beautiful bedding sets that you can choose from or you can design your own custom bedding from their collection of fabrics using the Nursery Designer. The Nursery Designer allows you to design your crib bedding and customize your nursery with a few simple clicks. It’s hours of fun for expecting mamas. (Seriously, I have spent hours and hours playing with this program.)

Baby Girl’s Bedding

Baby Girl’s bedding set is beautiful. The Spa Pom Pom Play fabric perfectly combines the yellow and gray nursery colors I was looking for, without being too edgy or modern for my taste. The touch of robin’s egg blue on the crib sheet and in the fabric works perfectly with what I imagined. The bedding is sewn well and the quality of the fabric is evident. I’m not sure who is sewing the bedding sets, but I’d be willing to believe magic elves because the entire collection was at my door within days of my order. I am very happy and am already considering adding a matching window treatment to my room. Check out the video above for more shots of the bedding and room.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you are looking for  high quality baby bedding that is customized exactly to your taste, look no further than Carousel Designs.

Or Not to Buy… Carousel Designs bedding is more expensive than some bargain brands, but the quality and beauty is well worth the extra cost.

Shop! Prices of bedding sets range based on fabric selections. Baby Girl’s bedding runs from $22 for the crib sheet to $154 for the bumper on line at Carousel Designs.

Win! A Carousel Designs Custom Baby Bedding Set Just Like Baby Girl’s Worth Over $450!

How to Enter:  Go to Carousel Designs and tell us your favorite fabric or bedding design.

Earn Extra Entries – valid only after completing first mandatory entry. Please leave a comment for each you do.

• Follow Carousel Designs on Twitter AND The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a link when you do.
  Win a complete Carousel Designs baby crib bedding set worth over $450 @TheShoppingMama http://t.co/XzFygE76
  
• Like Carousel Designs AND The Shopping Mama on Facebook.
• Share or Like this post on your Facebook or give us a shout out on our wall.
• Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS.
• Sign up for the The Shopping Mama Newsletter.

Giveaway ends December 31. Open to US residents only.

Huge thanks to Carousel Designs for providing a sample and the giveaway prize.

Summer Infant is known for products that help to make parents lives easier by keeping baby safe. After years (and years) in the baby market producing things like baby monitors, bouncy seats and bath products, the Prodigy Car Seat is Summer’s first car seat.

Meet the Prodigy

The Prodigy Infant Car Seat is guided by Smart Screen technology and a revolutionary belt tightening system, you know you’ve installed it correctly when a smile appears.It is that easy! No need to re-thread the straps either. With the SafeGuard 1-Adjust harness system, the straps automatically conform to your baby’s body for a perfect fit every time.

• Smart Screen technology, located on the car seat base, walks you through the 3 step installation process.
• An innovative belt tightening system easily fastens the base to the car with one hand. No more contorting in the back seat to get a perfect fit.
• Removable, newborn head and body support.
• Matching Upstart Stroller in Uptown fashion available.
• Car Seat is rear facing only and fits child 4 to 32 lbs and 32” tall.
• Base requires 3 “AA” batteries (included).

Installing Prodigy

As a parent who has installed more than my fair share of car seats, I love that the Prodigy was designed with ease of installation in mind. Indeed, Summer says, “With 7 out of 10 car seats currently being installed incorrectly, the Prodigy takes the guesswork out of a proper installation and replaces it with a secure fit to both the car and baby.”

The Prodigy’s Smart Screen technology makes installing the car seat as easy as 1-2-3. We installed the base using the LATCH system in a sedan and the Smart Screen literally guides you every step of the way with a smiley face letting you know you’ve accomplished installation correctly. First, press a button to start installation guidance. The screen lights up with two indicators that say “Click” advising you to attach the LATCH to the hooks in the car. Next, the guidance will help you to “Level” the base. Adjust the base using Recline Adjustment Buttons on the base. When it is at the correct angle for your car, the Smart Screen will switch from a red exclamation point to a green smiley face letting you know you can go to the final installation step. Finally, once the angle is correct, the word “Tighten” will appear letting you know it’s time for the usually dreaded task of tightening the LATCH belt. Luckily, the Prodigy takes the guesswork and pain and struggle out of this step with a Belt Tightening Handle. You simply rotate the Handle until the green smiley face appears to let you know the base is secure. No sitting on the base, pulling with your hand and pushing with your feet; no sweat and tears. It’s honestly that easy. The word “Complete” will display when it’s all installed and set. Of course, check the installation like you would with any car seat by making sure the base doesn’t move more than 1 inch from side to side.

The Smart Screen also works with Lap Belt installation, but you must remove the LATCH belt and install the belt so that the seat belt graphic appears on the screen. The oval-shaped “Summer” button is a test so you can periodically test your installation to make sure it’s still correct.

Prodigy Use & Comfort

Now, obviously we are limited in our ability to truly test the car seat as my baby hasn’t arrived yet. But we can definitely share the important information and give you a closer look at some of the comfort and use features.

Features

• 5 point safety harness
• Use with infants from 4 pounds through 32 pounds and 32 inches tall
• EPS energy-absorbing foam for increased safety and comfort
• SafeGuard 1-Adjust harness system – one-handed, front adjust no re-thread harness system to make sure the fit is snug and secure
• Adjustable Buckle Positions – 2 buckle positions to assure a correct fit
• Newborn head and body support

One thing that I immediately noticed was the. I’m used to seeing the head support, but the Prodigy also includes a second piece that supports a small baby’s back, bottom and side. The Infant Inserts are recommended for use with children between 4 and 11 pounds.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Prodigy Car Seat is a snap to install and I really like the visual guidance and reassurance of the Smart Screen. The Belt Tightening Handle makes securing the base so simple and foolproof. The Car Seat will grow with your child from the littlest babes at 4 pounds through 32 pounds. The material is plush and looks comfortable and, more importantly, the foam provides necessary impact safety.

Or Not to Buy… The Prodigy is currently only compatible with the Summer Infant Upstart Stroller. We hope, as the popularity grows, that it will also be compatible with more strollers.

Shop!  The Summer Infant Prodigy Car Seat is available exclusively at Babies R Us for $179.99. It’s available in several colors, including the awesomely gender-neutral Uptown seen here.

Win! A Summer Infant Prodigy Infant Car Seat!

How to Enter: Visit the Summer Infant Prodigy and leave a comment with your favorite feature of the car seat.

Earn Extra Entries – valid only after completing first mandatory entry. Leave a separate comment for each you do, please.

• Follow Summer Infant AND The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a link when you do.
  Win the innovative, truly easy to install #SummerInfantProdigy Car Seat @TheShoppingMama bit.ly/rSaVCo
  
• Like Summer Infant AND The Shopping Mama on Facebook.
• Share this post on your Facebook or comment on our Facebook wall.
• Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS.
• Sign up for the The Shopping Mama Newsletter.

Giveaway ends December 16. Open to US residents only.

Winners will be selected at random. Thanks to Summer Infant for providing a sample and the giveaway prize. This is based on our experience with installation. Always check the User Guide and seek the help of professionals when installing a car seat.