We’ve been carrying the brand new Clek Oobr since it’s release late this fall and both Melissa and I grabbed one up for our cars.  We love it!  Not only are the fabrics soft (and the Paul Frank ones so cute!), but the installation and use are so incredibly easy.  My son loves the skulls on his Skurvy Oobr, while Melissa’s daughter loves the pink color of her Strawberry Oobr.  The Oobr has stain-resistant fabrics so it looks good even after many car snacks!  Even beyond beauty though, the seat has extra padding and can slightly recline – both making it a more comfy ride for your child.

While we can easily speak to looks & comfort, we’re of course concerned with safety since it is our kids (and yours) that we’re talking about.  Clek impressed us with their attention to safety – evident in their use of a energy-absorbing foam combined with a magnesium frame and structural headrest to provide better impact and intrusion protection, easy latch installation for safety when you kids are and are not in their booster (no flying carseats upon impact folks!) and belt guides for safe seatbelt positioning.  Well the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released their ratings of Booster Seats and the Clek Oobr had their top rating and was chosen as one of their top “Best Best”.  Not that we were surprised of course, but 3^rd party verification is always awesome to have!

In honor of this accomplishment, we’re providing our loyal blog readers with a code to save 10% off the purchase of their own Clek Oobr for the next month (or while supplies last).  Use coupon code LGSOobr at checkout for 10% off the purchase of your very own Oobr at our website Let’s Go Strolling.

Haven’t you been thinking it’s time to move your preschooler to a great booster?

When my daughter Matilda was born in June of 2008, my quest began for the perfect body wash, shampoo and lotion.  I started reading the ingredients on brands that have been around for many years and are trusted by many parents.  I was shocked at all the chemicals they use in their formulations.  Many of them contain 1,4 Dioxane,Quaternium 15, Parabens, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine (just to name a few).

What shocked me even more is that these chemicals were being used in products claiming to be “natural” and for “sensitive skin.”  Yes, these chemicals are from nature, but does that mean they are safe to put on a baby’s body?

When I finally settled on baby wash, shampoo and lotion for Matilda I went with a company that has a good reputation for making safe cosmetics.  The packaging even says “96.08% Natural”. After using it for a few months, Matilda developed eczema.  Her doctor said it could have been a number of different things:  allergies, detergent, genetics (I have lived with eczema for most of my life.), etc.  First thing I did was change her baby soap to no fragrance castile soap and the eczema cleared up in a week.  Eventually I realized it was probably the fragrance that was causing her to break out.

This whole experience motivated me to develop Squeaky Clean Tot, a website where parents can rate and review non-toxic, safe and BPA free baby and toddler products.

I know there are a lot of false claims out there so every product I list (especially anything that applies to baby skin) is thoroughly researched.  I use Cosmetics Database for all skincare products.  I will only post the product if it has a score of “2″ or below, meaning a low hazard.  If the product is not in their database, I go through each ingredient on the label and check the hazard score.  I will only post it if I feel the product is safe to use on Matilda.  I use the same method for all household cleaners and laundry supplies.  If I am suspicious about an ingredient I won’t add it to our database, even if they are a reputable company.

I invite you to visit my site and help other parents make important decisions about what their children are exposed to.  I know I feel more comfortable taking advice from parents than a company trying to sell a product.  You will find over 900 items in our database, in 45 different categories, including shampoos, lotions, cradle cap remedies, eczema relief, BPA free utensils, dishes, pacifiers, breast pumps, household cleaners, and laundry supplies. New products are added daily.  Most of the companies are smaller businesses, but you will also find some familiar ones like Burt’s Bees, Neutrogena, Munchkin, Avent and Playtex.

To celebrate our launch we are having a giveaway that runs through October 20.  Our grand prize is a stainless steel Safe Sippy, Earth Mama Angel Babybody wash and shampoo and a personalized luggage tag.  Visit Squeaky Clean Tot for details on how to enter.

I hope you visit our site often to post a review or if you are researching a new product.  I also invite your comments, suggestions and feedback either on this blog or at Squeaky Clean Tot

Bio: The author and founder of Squeaky Clean Tot, Tina Evans is mom to Matilda, aged 16 months.  She enjoys traveling, reading and watching scary movies with her husband.  She works as a part-time assistant and spends the rest of her free time with her sweet baby girl and making the world safer for other parents!

Editor’s note: So what do you think of her idea?  Does it sound like a good resource for you?