Best Car Hacks Ever!

Each of us have our own little hacks we've learned over the years that help make our lives a bit easier, and you've probably heard your fair share as well. But which tricks of the trade actually work?

Car Leasing Concierge has compiled a list of tips for drivers that not only will work if you find yourself in a bind, but will let you leave all your worries behind, and enjoy the open road!

That's Entertainment - Get Creative!

So you didn't purchase the full entertainment system package with your new vehicle? No problem! Hang your iPad from the sun visor to use as a makeshift TV monitor. Kids will love being able to watch their favorite shows, and you'll drive happy knowing that they're happy!

Rapid Cooling 101

Here's a simple solution to cooling down your car on those extra warm days. When opening your car after it has been left in the parking lot, open one window (for example, the driver's side window). Then get out and walk over to the opposite side of your vehicle (front passenger side.) Open and close the door five times. This will force the hot air out of the vehicle through the open window, and will quickly cool the entire vehicle without waiting for the A/C to kick in.

Don't Get Lost in a Fog!

Many times we get to our car on a humid day, and the windows are completely fogged up. Usually you'll turn on the dashboard heat, hit the defog button, and sit back and wait... and wait... and wait. But there's a much quicker way to do this!

First, turn your heat up to max. This will help eliminate the moisture in the air. Next, turn on your air conditioner. Sure, this sounds counter-intuitive, but it also will make the air inside the car drier. Once you've done both, switch off the air recirculating so you bring only the cold outside air coming into your car as you're running the heat.

Finally, roll down your windows so more cold air comes into your car as you run the heat. As you dry the air that comes directly inside the car, the heater will defog the windshield, making the process much quicker.

Use Your Head (Literally)

Are you one of those drivers who walk away from your car, but can't remember if you locked it? Too tired to walk back? No need to worry. If you're far from your vehicle and want to increase the coverage and strength of your remote key, simply place it under your chin and open your mouth as you press the buttons. As strange as this may sound, it uses your skull as a satellite transmitter, and will amplify the distance of the signal. And no, this is not dangerous and completely safe!

MacGyver Phone Holder

So you want to use your phone's GPS in a new city so you don't get lost, but you don't have a phone mount? Never fear - MacGyver is here! Just as the famed tv character could fashion an escape plan using chewing gum and a paper clip, might we suggest using a rubber band or hair tie?

Simply loop the rubber band through your air vents, so it will be safely secured, and easy for you to read for navigation instructions! Another option is using a binder clip and rubber band to create your own version of a DIY smart phone GPS holder.

Running on Empty

Ever get bombarded on an Interstate exit that lists 6 gas stations? Most of the time you don't even know if you should turn left or right, let alone which will have the best prices! Our suggestion? Download GasBuddy - it will find the cheapest gas along your route (and you will have your trusty rubber band GPS holder already installed above, so you can be sure which way to turn to hit paydirt!

Power Up!

The race to charge your phone shouldn't be "The Hunger Games," or "Last Man Standing." A better solution and way to keep all parties happy is buy a five-port car charger. This way you, your husband, your teen and tween can be sure to get the power they need for lengthy trips.

Nature Calls

When you gotta go, you gotta go. Download the SitOrSquat app, which helps you find clean, safe and reliable public restrooms when you're on the road. Parents will absolutely love its convenience, and use as a life preserver in those cases Johnny just can't wait anymore!

Makeshift Trash Can

One of the great things of being on the road is getting a to-go order. One of the bad results is cars don't have much in the way of garbage cans. A quick fix? Take a cereal Tupperware container, add a trash can liner, and eureka, you've got a perfect car-sized Do-It-Yourself trash bin. A lot better than a plastic bag on the floor leaking all over the place, and your dog just got into when you weren't looking!

Car seats aren't just for kids

Traveling with a furry best friend? Remember, they're just as vulnerable as your children! Consider a safety seat with a rear-facing design. Not only will you rest easy they are riding safe, but the extra cushion will help them get some zzz's in while you're concentrating on the road ahead. Visit In the Company of Dogs to learn more.

Human Laps Make Terrible Tables

Ever try to eat a Big Mac, fries, hold a BBQ dipping sauce packet for chicken nuggets AND soft drink in your lap after going through the drive-thru? Not only are you almost guaranteed to get a stomach ache, but you'll soon discover you're no match for gravity coupled with an accelerating vehicle slamming on the brakes!

Knowing you'll also not be a fan of the cleanup afterwards, why not get a great dinner tray that's portable, secure, and convenient?

Drivers, take note - this doesn't give you the go ahead to ever eat while driving, but it's great to use when parked, and your passengers will thank you as they enjoy their meal on the go without it being all over their clothes!

You Are Here

Kids will never stop asking the dreaded "Are we there yet?" so be prepared for the inevitable question with a laminated travel map. Kids can follow along the route with a Sharpie and cross of landmarks as you go. Let little navigators be their own explorer as they travel along.

Do It Yourself Seatbelt Pillow

Is your seatbelt giving you a stiff neck, or worse - fabric burn? Fashion your own DIY seatbelt pillow for one of the comfiest naps ever. The extra padding and plushness will make even the longest road trips ones to look forward to!

Snacks On The Go

Empty coffee creamer bottles make fantastic spill-proof snack containers. Great to fend off hungry kids who keep asking to stop for fast food. Better for your health and your wallet!

Vinegar

Everyone knows vinegar is a great glass clearner, but did you know it also can be used to remove fabric stains? Troublesome ink and grease can easily be removed immediately by dabbing a small amount on the stain. Gently blot, then lift with a vacuum or damp cloth. And don't worry - the smell of vinegar fades quickly, and the stain will go away just as quickly.

Laundry Detergent

Gently clean leather seats and interiors with laundry detergent. A gentle soap that's meant for dark colors (like Woolite or other color protection soaps) can clean leather without stripping it of its natural oil conditioners. Use a clean cloth and apply a small amount of detergent to the surface in circles as if you were waxing your car. Quickly remove with a damp cloth or sponge. The dirt in the wrinkles and creases of the seats will lift, and the color will be kept safe.

Soda

Everyone knows Coca-Cola can clean a toilet, but did you know a single can of soda can be great for other hacks, too? For one, you can pour soda on battery terminals that have begun corroding. After the carbonation stops bubbling, simply use a wire brush to scrub away the buildup. Keeping your battery strong during the summer when high temperatures weaken it will guarantee you still get a solid engine start in the winter.

Soda can also be used on glass to fizz away tough and sticky debris like tree sap. Protect your paint and vents first before pouring soda on your windscreen. Then use a wet cloth to wipe away any excess. You'll find this especially usefujl when you're parked under pollen-filled trees or birds with a vendetta!

WD-40

WD-40 is a wonder product that can unstick just about anything. Along with warm temps, summer also brings a lot of debris - mud, road tar, bugs - that get stuck to your car. Simply spray WD-40 directly onto the grill, bumper and frame of your car to easily remove tacky debris, bugs and bumper sticker residue.

** Buyer Beware - although you can use WD-40 on paint to remove gunk and smooth scratches, it's not recommended. If you must, make sure to rinse with soap and water immediately afterwards.

Nail Polish

Sure it may not be a perfect Pantone match, but nail polish is a great emergency cover up for paint scratches. Matching your car's color shouldn't be too difficult, since the full color spectrum is reflected in most drugstores! Of course this is not a permanent solution by any means, but it will work in preventing the damage from getting worse until you find a permanent solution. Clear nail polish can also be applied to fabric seat tears or frays. Once dry, the polish will also serve as a barrier to stop tears from getting worse.

Cat Litter Dehumidifier

Cat litter is not only the best way to keep Mittens feeling fresh, but its superior ability to absorb moisture will help eliminate fogged up windows in the morning. We recommend placing some in a sock, paper bag, or breathable container, and place it close to your problem area. When you get in one morning, you'll see the results manifest themselves in more ways than one!

Citrus Cleaning

Behold the cleaning power and refreshing scent of lemony fresh citrus!

Mix a little lemon juice with oil while at home. Oil-based soaps like Murphy's or olive oil can be used. A ratio of 1:10 citrus to oil ratio is a good starting point. Run on a clean dashboard with a microfiber cloth. It will leave a healthy-looking shine and as an added bonus, make your car smell fantastic!

Use Your Sun Visor As a Dash Cam

Hey, move that iPad entertainment system to the side! You've just become an award-winning photographer on your summer vacation. Strap your point-and-shoot, or smartphone, to the sun visor and you'll not only have the best view of your summer road trip, but your photos will come out razor sharp. Who needs to spend hundreds on a GoPro?

Forgot Where You Parked?

Let's be honest. Everyone does it - just not as often as you! If you're the type who tends to forget where you are parked, let your phone be your memory bank! iParkedHere is a great app that allows you to input where your car is in an indoor or outdoor parking lot. It even uses a GPS, image capture, and notes if necessary.

The best Hack of all when you're in the market to Buy or Lease any new car, truck or SUV.

Unlike going to a car dealer - which often leaves you with an uneasy feeling inside - more buyers are trusting the ease and transparency of Car Leasing Concierge's  QUICK and EASY  process that shows you how to buy or lease a new car, truck or SUV  without having to go to a dealership. We'll provide you with all the requirements you'll need to obtain the best pricing and expert advice that's second to none. The end result is a smooth, stress-free experience that saves you valuable time and money.

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Death Risk to Leaving Children and Pets in Hot Cars Happens Fast and Far Too Often!

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It's hotter than you may think!

Each year, with warm weather, sadly comes tragic cases of children being left in hot cars and dying from heat stroke. In just 2016 alone, 16 children have already died in hot cars, and there have been many other near fatalities! But hot cars do not need to be a danger to kids, if parents can keep their cool.

On average, 37 children die of heat stroke each year after being left in a hot car, according to KidsAndCars.org. While it may be hard to imagine, many deaths have occurred when over-stressed parents forgot that their children were in the backseat.

Even 70 degrees can be a life or death situation for small children and pets! Use this chart as a helpful reminder.

Hot-car tragedies often occur because there has been a recent change in a driver's routine. If stressed, a parent or caregiver can sometimes forget that their child is even in the car.  Worse yet, some consciously leave children "just for a minute" to do an errand (running into a store, etc.) not realizing how quickly the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels. (see chart above)

Even if it's only 70 degrees outside, a car can quickly heat to more than 104 degrees +. Jennifer Stockburger, Consumer Reports' Director of Operations, says researchers are working on devices such as weight sensors or heartbeat monitors to detect the presence of a child in the backseat, but currently there is nothing to warn a driver that a child has been left behind. Though some child seat manufacturers are now working to incorporate technologies into the child seat itself.

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If you take time out to have kids, then take the time to look after them!

Tips to Prevent Hot-Car Tragedies

• Simple rule: Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, not even for a minute. In addition to this danger, it is against the law in many states and jurisdictions.

• Schedule a cell-phone reminder to yourself to be sure you’ve gotten the children safely to their destination.

• Make it a habit to check your vehicle each time after existing that all occupants have left or have been carried out when unloading. If you lock the door with a key, rather than a remote, it forces one last look in the car before leaving it.

• Always lock your car and keep keys and remotes away from children.

• To serve as a reminder, keep a stuffed animal on the front passenger seat when carrying a child in the backseat.

• As an insurance policy - place something in the backseat that you would need, such as a purse, briefcase or cell phone.

• Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up.

• If you see a child alone in a car, especially if they seem hot, call 911 immediately to help get them out.

Dangers of leaving your dog in a hot car!

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Every year, dogs suffer and die when their owners make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car—even for “just a minute”—while they run an errand. Parked cars are even worse deathtraps for dogs: On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

If you see a dog left alone in a hot car, take down the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number. Have the owner paged in the nearest building or business, or call local humane authorities or police. Have someone keep an eye on the dog. DO NOT leave the scene until the situation has been resolved.

If the authorities are unresponsive or too slow and the dog’s life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness (or several) who will back up your assessment, take steps to remove the suffering animal from the car, and then wait for authorities to arrive.

Tips on what to do! 

Watch for heatstroke symptoms such as restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lack of coordination. If a dog shows any of these symptoms, get him or her out of the heat, preferably into an air-conditioned vehicle, and then to a veterinarian immediately. If you are unable to transport the dog yourself, take him or her into an air-conditioned building if possible and call animal control: Tell them it is an emergency.

Provide water to drink, and if possible spray the dog with a garden hose or immerse him or her in a tub of cool (but not iced) water for up to two minutes in order to lower the body temperature gradually. You can also place the dog in front of an electric fan. Applying cool, wet towels to the groin area, stomach, chest, and paws can also help. Be careful not to use ice or cold water, and don’t over cool the animal.

When walking your dog, keep in mind that if it feels hot enough to fry an egg outside, it probably is. When the air temperature is 86 degrees, the asphalt can reach a sizzling 135 degrees — more than hot enough to cook an egg in five minutes. And it can do the same to our canine companions’ sensitive foot pads.

On an 87-degree day, asphalt temperatures can reach 140 degrees, hot enough to cause burns, permanent damage and scarring after just one minute of contact. Rapid burns and blistering can occur at 150 degrees. Hot sidewalks, pavement and parking lots can not only burn paws, they also reflect heat onto dogs’ bodies , increasing their risk of deadly heatstroke.

If you wouldn’t put your dog in a frying pan, please don’t make him or her walk on hot pavement. Always test the pavement with your hand before setting out (too hot to touch is too hot for Spot), walk early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler, carry water and take frequent breaks in shady spots and never make dogs wear muzzles that restrict their breathing

Remember to stay cool in the heat of the moment-- it may save a life!

Paul Maloney

Car Leasing Concierge 1-800-886-1950

Celebrate National Donut Day with Car Leasing Concierge

It's National Donut Day!

Burnt out from car dealerships driving you in circles?

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The New DWI - Driving While Intexticated

Some of the most dangerous accidents on the road today are no longer caused by drunk drivers, or those driving under the influence of substances.

The hidden danger among us?? Our cell phones, and distracted driving!

Here is a great chart which shows the dangers of texting while behind the wheel.

Don't be a statistic, and keep your eyes on the road ahead, not your smartphone!

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When looking for a new car, don't get DISTRACTED by the dealer!

Check with Car Leasing Concierge before you sign.

Visit http://www.carleasingconcierge.com/car-price-check to learn more!

Most Dangerous Driving Mistakes Moms Make

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All smiles, but there's nothing more dangerous than looking backwards when driving a vehicle!

A recent survey of over 2,000 mothers of children under the age of two has showed a troubling number of women are making some dangerous decisions on the road - while their kids are in the backseat!

Here are some of the most common errors, and what we can do to change our behavior BEFORE accidents occur!

1. It's one thing to "multitask" when you're at work or home, it's another to drive distracted!

Nearly 75% of survey respondents said they're more stressed since they've had children, and most have trouble concentrating on one thing at a time. This same lack of concentration can be a key factor in life or death decision-making and driver reaction time. "It's become part of our culture to not just drive, but to drive and do 20 other things," says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. Everything from applying makeup, checking texts and email, eating, or listening to music (Wiggles DVDs being played on high volume for our captive audience??) can make a driver preoccupied on what they shouldn't be concentrating on.

Here's an even scarier statistic - almost 8,000 accidents a day are caused by "distracted driving." Emails and makeup can wait for the parking lot!  A mere 5 second distraction could end in a lifetime of regret. If your child gets upset, pull over! Driving while a 2 year old is in full tantrum mode is not only headache-inducing, but extremely unsafe.

2. "But I'm talking on my cell via Bluetooth, not texting. I can do that, right?"

Experts say a resounding NO. 78% of participants revealed they talk on the phone while driving with their children, and a whopping 26% admit to checking text or check email. All are unquestionably reckless. "Research shows you're four times more likely to have an accident when you talk on your cell, even hands-free," says David Strayer, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and a leading researcher on car accidents and distracted driving. "That's the same risk as driving drunk," he adds. "When you text or email, your odds of having a crash shoot up eightfold, making it twice as risky as drunk driving. It's ironic, because if you ask moms if they'd ever drink and drive with their baby in the car, they'd say to you, 'Absolutely not!' But people don't consider cellphone use to be equally, if not more, dangerous." "Driving is a multitasking activity, before you add the phone," Dr. Durbin says. Research shows that when we are speaking, we miss half the visual stimuli in our vision - (brake lights, stop signs, pedestrians). In order to drive safe, turn off your ringer and notifications, and place your phone in the backseat so you won't be tempted to talk. Out of sight, out of mind!

3. New mothers get less sleep than truck drivers!

Here's a scary thought. New mothers are averaging 5 hours and 20 minutes of sleep a night. That's a full hour and a half less than the 6 hours and 50 minutes truckers average, according to the National Sleep Foundation. With multiple feedings in the middle of the night, and calming our children after a bad dream, it's no wonder moms are exhausted; BUT it's important for them to realize they shouldn't get behind the wheel! "Just one night on such little rest will slow your reaction time behind the wheel," Dr. Strayer says. Though many moms think they can handle their car after that first cup of coffee, a fatigued individual is likely to drift into a brief three- to four-second episode of sleep in traffic without even realizing it. And those seconds can be the difference between life or death!

"I had to pull over once because I was literally falling asleep with my 3-month-old son, Nicholas, in the back," says Larysa DiDio, who lives in Pleasantville, New York. "I kept veering off the road and slapping my face to stay awake. So I found a shady spot in the back of a Kmart parking lot, cracked the windows and locked the doors, and the baby and I napped! I remember thinking, Should I be sleeping here?" In answer? ABSOLUTELY!!  56,000 crashes a year are attributed to those who are sleep-deprived, according to the NHTSA. And as with distracted driving, the risk of having an accident is the same as when driving drunk. A cup or two of coffee or tea can help temporarily with a good shot caffeine, but nothing beats proper rest and a good night's sleep. If you start to feel you are drifting off, pull over to the nearest parking lot or shopping center. Those few minutes of rest and revitalization can be a life saver!

4. New mothers have an accident rate that equals that of teen drivers!

Almost 10% of new moms said they've been in an accident while driving with their baby. This may sound like a low number, but the rate is nearly THREE TIMES that of the general population. "It's on the order of the accident rate of teen drivers--a group we think of as particularly at risk," Dr. Durbin says. A possible cause? Looking backwards. Many mothers admit to turning around to check on their toddlers in the backseat while they are driving.  "I find that alarming," Dr. Strayer says. "Taking your eyes off the road, even for two seconds, increases your risk of an accident. In that time, a car going 55 miles per hour will travel 176 feet, about half the length of a football field, with no one really piloting it."

Too often mothers forget they are driving a several ton vehicle moving at high velocity. Whatever your child is carrying on about in the backseat can wait until you're stopped safely at a red light, or pulled over to the nearest parking lot.

5. Child safety seats aren't being properly installed.

58% of new moms admit they find installing their babies' carseats to be a challenge. Even worse? Most don't ask for help! Six in 10 said they haven't had their baby's child-safety seat checked by a child-passenger safety technician. When used properly, a child-safety seat can reduce fatalities among infants by 71 percent, according to the NHTSA, yet THREE OUT OF FOUR of these seats are not being used correctly. "I've been in this field for 26 years, and I can tell you that parents are making the same mistakes today they were making years ago, even though the products are better," says Lorrie Walker, training manager for Safe Kids Worldwide. "It's amazing to me, because riding in the car is the single greatest health risk your child will face until adulthood."

The website SeatCheck.org can help you find a safety inspection facility in your area that can offer you free installation of your child safety seat. You also should take advantage of your manufacturer's Hotline, and websites, where you can find manuals. "Parents never read the directions--they think, How hard can it be?" Walker says. "But you never want to someday say, 'I wish I had.' " The seat should be secure enough in the car that you can't move it back and forth more than an inch. Be sure to also remember that all seats should be rear-facing until the age of 2. Once your child is buckled in, make sure to tighten the straps until there is no excess strap for you to pinch at the shoulders.

6. Never Leave Your Child Unattended

Eight percent of mothers admit to leaving their babies unattended in the car to run into a store for a quick errand, yet the only acceptable number is ZERO. "Even a few minutes in the car can be dangerous," Carr says. Children's bodies don't regulate temperature as well as adults'. And it's not just in the summer. A child's body temperature can plummet fast on frigid mornings, or quickly rise to unsafe, possibly deadly, levels on even mild days when they are left in a vehicle.

"I've seen it happen time and again," Carr says. "These aren't careless parents. They're solid, loving parents who just forget."

Besides the horror stories we have seen far too often on the news of babies being left in hot cars for just "a few minutes" while their parents rush into a store, many carjackings occur when the motor is running, and/or keys are still in the ignition. Criminals aren't checking the backseat before they take off with your precious cargo, but you should!

Remember, no matter the circumstance, there is never an excuse to leave your child unattended in a vehicle.

Car Leasing Concierge wants all new moms to drive safe and worry-free. We specialize in a stress-free experience when purchasing or leasing your new vehicle. Learn more on our better way to buy or lease a new vehicle at http://www.carleasingconcierge.com.

Top 10 Car Seats For Your Baby

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Driving on the highway is stressful enough, so why spend additional hours agonizing over choosing the safest, most reliable car seat for your new baby?

Below is a list of 10 top sellers that not only won't break the bank, but hold up against the toughest industry safety testing.

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Combi Coccoro

1. Is your vehicle space-challenged? The Combi Coccoro is a master at fitting into the smallest of spaces! So small, in fact, three could fit in a single backseat. Safety features include a 5-point harness system that can be easily adjusted with a slight tug, side-impact protection, and an energy-absorbing foam that cushions the baby in case of an accident. The seat also boasts four height positions, so it can grow along with your child! For newborns, there's also a detachable infant insert that keeps tiny babies snug and secure. $240, CombiUSA.com

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Graco Snuglide Click Connect 35 LX

2. The Graco Snugride Click Connect 35 LX is hugely-popular, and we can see why. If endurance is something you're looking for, this is your best option. It even will safely fit babies up to 35 pounds, so you can use it longer than some other infant seats. A modular unit, it carries the added convenience of being able to pop out of the car base and into the stroller — and back again — without waking up baby. It’s compatible with all Graco "Click Connect" strollers. $190, GracoBaby.com

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Britax Marathon ClickTight

3. The Britax Marathon ClickTight has an abundance of high-tech safety components that protect baby — and it's easier to install than ever. Simply flip up the seat, guide your car's belt buckle through, and secure. No need to push or pull! It also boasts a 65-pound weight capacity (Ok, we realize that's well past babyhood!) and harness that quickly adjusts for a growing child (without any rethreading). $330, BritaxUSA.com

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Chico Keyfit 30

4. This carseat scored a perfect "P.P." - Preemie Perfect! The Chicco Keyfit 30 protects babies as small as four pounds! It comes with energy-absorbing foam and a bubble level that tells you you're installing it at the right angle. Additionally, it's also compatible with several Chicco strollers. $180, ChiccoShop.com

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Maxi-Cosi Pria 85

5. If adaptability is what you're looking for, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 continues to develop along with your child-- from 14 pounds all the way to 85-- keeping them safe in their harness as long as possible before graduating to a booster. The comfy padding also protects from side impact accidents. To make cleaning easier, simply take the seat pad and harness covers off and throw them in the washer without uninstalling the seat. $300 at Giggle.com

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Cybex Cloud Q Plus

6. We realize parents will likely be dragging their babies' seats out of the car and into their stroller quite a bit, but newborns really should not be in an upright position for extended periods of time. Since they do not have full head and neck control, enter the Cybex Cloud Q Plus. This seat can be adjusted to lie completely flat for long strolls with baby. No need to switch to a bassinet. Genius. $399 available at Cybex-Online.com

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Summer Infant Prodigy

7. Tech junkies unite! If you're looking for a seat to go along with your smartphone, look no further than the Summer Infant Prodigy. This model has “SmartScreen Technology.” A screen installed on the car seat’s base — and an app you can download on your phone — helps guide you through installation and will confirm when the seat is fully secure and level. $220, SummerInfant.com

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Evenflo ProComfort AMP LX

8. The Evenflo ProComfort Amp LX Belt Positioning Booster is made for road trips. It has reading lights, two cup-holders and Gel Matrix technology for extra comfort. It will fit your child from 30 pounds to 110 pounds as a high-back booster. Remove the backrest once your child's over four and 40 to 110 pounds. $60, Evenflo.com

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Pupa Baby Vista

9. Adorably designed and easy to use, The UppaBaby Mesa comes in a variety of stylish colors and clicks right into UppaBaby Vista or Cruz strollers creating a posh travel system. For those who feel they need a third arm, we love you can release the seat from the stroller with just one hand. The seat gets a 5-star rating for ease of use from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and weighs just 11.1 pounds. $280, UppaBaby.com

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Cosco APT 40RF

10. For moms and dads who are cost-conscious, the Cosco APT 40RF convertible car seat is one of the cheapest and most reliable car seats available for retail. The model supports children from 5 - 40 pounds and up to 40 inches in height, keeping them rear-facing in the most safe position. It also has side-impact protection, an adjustable harness and convenient cup holders. $58, Diapers.com

At Car Leasing Concierge, we're not only here to help you lease or purchase a  new vehicle, we're also here to help you protect your precious cargo! Visit us at http://www.carleasingconcierge.com/car-price-check to learn more.

Driving While Pregnant - Best Tips to Keep You and Your Baby Safe

Given the major advances in modern vehicle safety, and women being a key component of the workforce, more and more pregnant women choose to drive through the duration of their pregnancies. But it's important to take into consideration ways you can make the experience better for both you as the driver, and your "passenger."

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

1. Seat belts are your friend! Safety experts recommended wearing your seat belt either directly above or over the belly. For those seeking additional comfort as you enter each additional trimester, there are multiple manufacturers of seatbelt extenders that when installed correctly can help ease any discomfort.

2. Get chauffeured! Being a passenger is always more fun than driving, and as women progress to the final stages of pregnancy, it's important to try to always have a friend or partner with you that you can trust. You can never predict what may happen, and it's always best to have someone with you the closer you are to your due date.

3. Do not get too close to the steering wheel. Experts recommend positioning yourself at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel, and also making sure to never have the wheel in a position where it is pointing directly towards the abdomen.

4. Never lean forward. In the event of an accident, it's important to make sure your forward momentum is at its most minimal. The further back you sit in your seat, the better it will be for both you and your baby.

5. Consult with your doctor. Many women too often go it alone on the highway. Please always consult your OB/GYN before you decide to drive. The decision should be made together based on your individual circumstances.

6. Adjust the Seat. With the advent of driver front airbags, it's important to understand the rapid inflation can injure any driver if they are sitting too close. This is very important for women who are in their final trimester. Double-check you are as far back from the steering wheel as possible, making sure you can still steer comfortably and reach the pedals.

Car Leasing Concierge invites you to experience a stress-free way to buy or lease a new car. While you focus on delivering your new baby, we'll focus on delivering your new car right to your door!

At Car Leasing Concierge, we're not here to sell you a car, we're here to help you purchase one!

Visit http://www.carleasingconcierge.com/car-price-check to learn more.