Moms and dads love to take baby along wherever they’re going—even if it’s for an easy jog around the park or a walk in the neighborhood. Now, with Graco’s first jogger stroller – the  FastAction™ Fold Jogger Click Connect™, parents and baby can enjoy a smooth ride with superior handling in just one stroller system. This crossover stroller is great— combining all the comfort and convenience features of a traditional stroller with performance and maneuverability of an all-terrain jogger, including the following.

• Sporty good looks: The FastAction Fold Jogger features a functional and cool three-wheel design with a swiveling front wheel, which locks for added stability, so you can customize the handling for different terrains and your own speed.

•  “Click Connect” convenience: parents can pair this jogger with any Graco Click Connect infant car seat (including the SnugRide Click Connect 40 or the SnugRide Click Connect 35) to create their own custom travel system. The car seat easily attaches to the stroller with a secure one-step attachment, so you can move baby straight from the car to the stroller, securing the seat with a single click.

• All in the FastAction Fold family: this stroller has Graco’s signature one-second, one-hand fold, which makes folding the stroller a breeze. The FastAction Fold Jogger also offers an automatic storage lock for safe stowing, and it stands all by itself when it’s folded, with a handy kick stand. If you find that you have to store it in a particularly small space (or a really tiny trunk!) the wheels easily come off, for a more compact folded size.

• Primary stroller: the FastAction Fold Jogger is really built to last, accommodating a child up to 50 pounds. Your little passenger will ride comfortably with a cushioned seat that reclines, so you can find just the right position. Of course, safety is paramount, so it features a convertible 3- or 5-point harness for a secure ride. And, since it’s made for exploring the outdoors, it features an extra-large canopy, which expands to provide maximum sun protection. And the peek-a-boo window lets you keep an eye on your little one while you’re on the go.

• Features for you and baby: The extra-large storage basket holds essentials beneath. Your child’s drink will always be close by, thanks to the handy built-in cup holder, and the entire tray pivots and removes for easy entry and exit. The parent’s tray boasts two deep cup holders, with plenty of room for storage AND a great new feature: a secure clip-in for your mobile device or MP3 player, so you can listen to tunes through your device’s speakers while you stroll.

• Where to buy: Currently, the FastAction Fold Jogger is available from Babies ‘R’ Us in the Tidalwave fashion, and will be available as a travel system (it comes with the top-rated SnugRide® Click Connect™ 35) in the Road Runner fashion in early February. Look for other fashions from retail partners Amazon, Target and buybuy Baby soon!

We’re excited to add the FastAction Fold Jogger to the Graco family! Our first ever jogger stroller is here to help you stay active after baby, so tell us, where will you go with baby in tow?

There’s something unfamiliar in the product’s title: Click Connect. What does that mean?
Graco’s innovative new Click Connect technology, allows parents to easily connect the infant car seat carrier to the stroller with a simple one-step secure attachment to create a travel system.

Which strollers work with the SnugRide Click Connect 40?
The SnugRide Click Connect 40 infant car seat is compatible with any Graco Click Connect Stroller.  Currently, Graco offers the FastAction™ Fold Sport Click Connect™ Stroller, the FastAction™ Fold Click Connect™ Stroller and the SnugRider™ Elite Stroller with Click Connect technology.

While I’m shopping, is there something I should look for on the package of strollers?
Great question!  You will see the Click Connect logo on both the packaging as well as the product, including the SnugRide Click Connect 40 and on all of the strollers it “clicks” with. Here’s a copy of the logo, for easy reference.  

Can the SnugRide Click Connect 40 be installed without the base?
According to the manual, the SnugRide Click Connect 40 can be installed without the base using the vehicle seat belt. The base adds convenience for parents who wish to take the infant car seat in and out of the car without disturbing their little one, eliminating the need to re-install the car seat every time. Please consult the manual when installing your infant car seat with or without the base to ensure proper installation.

Looking at the instructions for the SnugRide Click Connect 40, I see that there’s a 35” height limit. Are there any other height limits in play, like the 1” rule that I’ve seen on other seats?
That’s a great observation! When your child is positioned properly in the seat, it’s important to make sure that the top of his or her head is a minimum of 1” below the top of the head rest, for a safe, secure fit. In our testing, this will include children who are up to the 40 lbs. and up to 35” tall in most cases.

I’ve found that it’s a little challenging to tighten the harness the last bit on my tiny baby. What should I do?
A proper harness fit is really important! We recommend that you make sure that the soft goods are positioned properly on the seat and headrest, and you should have no problem adjusting the harness, even for a small child.

We hope this Q&A has answered most of your questions about the SnugRide Click Connect 40. However, we’ve developed a whole website just to give clear (& interesting!) information, as well as product and installation demonstrations of this revolutionary new car seat. Check it out at www.gracosafety.com.

Happy (safe) riding!

Learn more about the SnugRide Click Connect 40 at www.gracosafety.com.

Here are some of our picks to help keep all the children riding with you safe:

Smart Seat

Perfect for both Little Kids AND Big Kids
Smart Seat™ All-in-One Car Seat: If you’re driving both younger and older children, this seat makes transitioning from little ones to bigger kids SO easy. You’ll just install the stay-in car base one time, and then the car seat can be easily switched from rear-facing for little kids (starting at just 5 lbs.) to forward-facing for older ones (up to 65 lbs. in the harness and up to 100 lbs. as a belt-positioning booster-just remember not to use the base anymore once your child has graduated into the belt-positioning booster).  This seat also features a one-hand height adjustable headrest with no-rethread harness, which makes proper fit to your carpooling child quick and easy. If you’re sharing carpool duties with another parent, consider purchasing an extra stay-in-car base for even more convenience.

Argos

Harness Up—with Ease
Argos™ 70 Car Seat: We know that sometimes carpool can be a whirlwind—filled with pickups, drop-offs and hectic mornings. So, the forward-facing only Argos—which is weight-rated for children from 20 – 70 lbs. in a harness, 30 – 100 lbs. as a best-positioning booster and from 40-120 lbs. as a backless belt-positioning booster—is a seat that will fit a lot of different sized children, making carpool a bit less chaotic. One of the best features on the Argos is the no re-thread harness (dubbed the Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System). It’s a huge asset, because it means that when you need to adjust the fit, you don’t have to pull the harness out and re thread it from the back.

Always Keep a Spare: 2-in-1 Value
TurboBooster: Big kids may want to “graduate” out of a booster seat, but it’s important that they remain in a car seat or booster seat until they’re able to fit your vehicle’s seat belt properly (see if your child passes the Seat Belt Test: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-resources-by-risk-area/car-seats-boosters-seat-belts-/booster-seats-and-seat-belt-safety-tips.html). The very cool (seriously – kids love this seat and features like hideaway cup holders!) TurboBooster® with Safety Surround ™ offers the best head and body protection at each stage. This booster seat converts from a high back booster (30-100 lbs.) to a backless booster (40-100 lbs.), and both modes help position your vehicle’s seat belt for a proper fit. The backless mode of the booster is so compact; you can keep extras as a spare in your trunk for last-minute passengers.

Here’s to riding safely—and getting to school on time!

Newborn Napper in Disney's Classic Pooh Fashion

Graco heard from moms and dads that it’s important to have a dedicated space in the playard for their newborns—whether in their own bedroom or anywhere in the house. The Newborn Napper was the perfect answer. The soft, cushioned napper is ideal for cuddling newborns during those all-important naps. The cozy fabric and supportive shape have made it a favorite of parents and babies alike. Currently, this feature is available on Graco’s Pack ‘n Play® Playard with Reversible Napper & Changer™, Newborn Napper Station, Newborn Napper LX, Newborn Napper DLX and Newborn Napper Elite.

The next wave of napper innovation has come in the form of the exciting Pack ‘N Play Playard with Cuddle Cove™ Rocking Seat. This exciting addition is really two products in one: it has the comfy features of the Newborn Napper and it removes (with convenient carry handles!) to function as a rocking seat anywhere in the house. Babies love the gentle vibration in the seat—it really offers endless hours of soothing rest for your little one.

If you haven’t already, be sure to enter our Pack ‘N Play Facebook contest! Through tomorrow (September 8, 2012) you can enter for a chance to win the grand prize ($5,000 worth of baby gear) or, through November 2, you can play the daily instant win game (for $25 gift cards). Learn more about how to play here.

What’s your favorite innovative feature of the Pack ‘N Play?

• Install. Proper installation is paramount for car seats to work properly. Make sure that your seat is installed properly by referring to your instruction manual. If you’re still unsure, visit your local fire station or go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a check station near you (free in most cases!).
• Crawl. A great way to see what your child sees is to get down on your knees and crawl around the house. You’ll be looking at the world from baby’s vantage point, so you might find some things that you need to remove to “baby proof” your home.
• Survey. It’s important to take a look in the yard every time your children go outside to play. Make sure there’s no lawn equipment left out that could harm them.
• Eat Together. Don’t leave toddlers alone while eating—they still need to be supervised. Plus, eating together is fun!
• Little Savers. Getting a piggy bank is a great way to teach children about saving and to make sure that coins that might otherwise end up on the floor or in seat cushions (for little ones to find) end up safely away from little mouths.

Stay tuned to our Heart to Heart blog for more safety-related posts this month. What are some of your best tips for keeping your little ones safe?

We want you to get in on the celebration! You’re invited to play for a chance to win a Grand Prize worth $5,000 and take part in our daily instant win game for $25 gift cards.

It’s simple. Here’s how to play:

• If you’re not already, become a fan of Graco Baby on Facebook.
• You’ll see a tab at the top of our page that says “Graco-Play-Pages.” Click there.
• There are two ways to play, now through Sunday, September 8:
  • Play for the Grand Prize ($5,000 worth of Graco baby gear!) by sharing your own story how you have loved your Pack ‘N Play or of why you’re excited to use one when your baby arrives. Plan to take a minute to read other mom’s and dad’s inspiring stories.
  • Play our Instant Win Game, for a daily chance to win a $25 gift card. This game is packed with cool facts (for instance, did you know that the year Pack ‘N Play debuted, 1987, “Three Men & a Baby” was a box office hit?). You can return once a day for another chance to win!
  • Later this fall, you’ll have the chance to vote on your favorite story—and the winner will be awarded the Grand Prize Package (worth $5,000).

While you’re there, we would love it if you would help us with a very special and worthwhile project. Just share the Pack ‘N Play celebration with your friends—on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or via email—and Graco will donate funds (up to $5,000) to Operation Shower. It’s a terrific non-profit organization whose mission is to provide joyful baby showers for military families to ease the burden of deployment, and we feel great about supporting this worthy cause.

Happy birthday to Pack ‘N Play, America’s best-selling playard, and good luck as you enter to win!

With all of that in mind, Graco is announcing that we are eliminating the 40” upper limit in rear-facing mode on the Size4Me™ 70 convertible car seat. The new height limit is that the top of your child’s head must be at least 1” below the bottom of the red head support actuator when the seat is in rear-facing mode. This change in height limit applies to ALL Size4Me™ 70 seats, regardless of when they were purchased.

We’re already getting terrific feedback (and lots of excitement!) about this announcement from the car seat advocate community and from parents across the country. We know you’ll probably have some questions, so below are common questions and the answers from our Graco car seat engineers.

Happy (safe!) riding!

What are the rear facing limits for the Size4Me™ 70 Seat?

Based on continuing child fit studies, Graco is changing the rear facing height limit for the Size4Me™ 70 car seat.  The rear facing weight limit will remain unchanged at 40lb.  We are updating the height restriction to eliminate the 40” upper limit.  The new rear facing limits will be:

• The Size4Me™ 70 CRS is certified for use rear facing with children up to 40lbs. (18Kg).  Some children approaching 40lbs. may be too tall to fit rear facing.  It is important that the top of the child’s head must be at least 1” (2.54 cm) below the bottom of the red head support actuator when using the seat rear facing.  The head support may be placed in any of the adjustment positions provided that the shoulder harness is positioned at or below the child’s shoulders and there is no interference with the front vehicle seats.

These new limits were established to support allow the longest rear facing usage aligned with the new American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines (In April 2011 – the AAP advised parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for the seat) while also allowing for proper vehicle fit and to avoid interactions between the adjustable head support and front vehicle seats.  The new limits take into account the significant variation in vehicle rear seats as well as differences that exist in seated child height versus standing height.    

This change is retroactive for all Size4Me™ 70 seats.

What head support positions are allowed in rear facing mode?

There are no restrictions on the head support for rear facing mode.  All positions may be utilized.  Based on our fit studies and the height and weight limits, most children will outgrow the rear facing mode by height and weight in head support positions 4-6.  Since the head support also controls the harness positions, it is important to adjust the head support so that the harness position is at or just below the child’s shoulders in rear facing mode.

Does the 1” rule for the top of the child’s head in rear facing mode apply to the Size4Me 70?

Due to the design of the Size4Me™ 70, the traditional 1” rule does not apply.  This rule was modified to measure the 1” distance from the bottom of the red head support actuator rather than the top of the seat shell.  The top of the child’s head must be 1” below the bottom of the red head support actuator when used rear facing.

Can the Head Support contact the back of the vehicle seat in rear facing mode?

It is OK for the back of the Size4Me™ head support to touch the back of the vehicle seat when installed rear facing providing the following:

1)      The contact does not interfere with the proper installation of the CRS

2)      There is no interference that would create pressure or force on the car seat from the back of the front vehicle seat that would cause the car seat to move or change recline angle.

3)      The car seat can be properly leveled and attached to the vehicle seat. 

4)      The child’s shoulders are appropriately positioned at or below the harness position set by the head support.

Scribbles is the perfect, playful pattern to set your baby on a creative path! Serene teal and rich chocolate brown provide the perfect backdrop for pops of bright lime green, blue and subtle cream in this fun fashion. Scribbles is a gender-neutral, abstract pattern that just might inspire your little artist.

This cute pattern is available exclusively from Target and has a whole collection of great Graco products, including:

•  DuoGlider™ Stroller: This stroller holds two children, up to 40 lbs. each, with stadium-style seating and two reclining seats with canopies and footrests. You’ll love it!

• Pack ‘N Play® Playard with Reversible Napper & Changer™: Moms (& dads) love the convenience of this awesome Pack ‘N Play—we know, because it’s the #1 playard around. You get the comfort of a napper along with the convenience of a changer, all-in-one. Plus, of course, you also get all of the great features of Pack ‘N Play: easy fold for travel, toddler playard and even a cute toy bar.
• Contempo™ Highchair: This is Graco’s slimmest folding highchair, perfect for convenient feedings—either at home or while traveling—since it stores easily, even in small spaces. With six height positions and three recline levels it always keeps baby comfortable.
• FastAction™ Fold Travel System: Experience the only travel system with a one-second fold. This great set comes with a lightweight stroller—that folds in just one second, with one hand—and has a multi-position reclining seat (it lies flat to keep a sleepy baby comfortable) and an extra-large storage basket. It also comes with the top-rated SnugRide® Infant Car Seat, which is a favorite pick of leading consumer publications, since it’s rigorously side-impact tested to meet or exceed all U.S. safety standards.
• Swing By Me™ Portable Swing: This swing is smart—it’s like two products in one. It’s both a portable swing that allows you to move baby from room to room and it converts to a full-sized swing. It includes multiple swing speeds for baby’s different moods and a two-position reclining seat to help baby get comfy. The cute toy bar even features plush blue elephants, sure to hold baby’s attention!

We hope you love the Scribbles fashion as much as we do! What do you think?

Flare is a pattern for anyone who appreciates sleek design coupled with plush comfort. Classic, chic black and grey fabrics are accented with spirited gold piping and subtle concentric circles of the same colors. The Flare collection is perfect for any mom or dad who appreciates fashion and functionality.

Best of all, the Flare Collection includes some of our most popular gear for baby, so you can rest assured that all of your picks will match! Here’s the complete collection—click on each item name below to learn about their great features.

Stylus ™ DLX Travel System

DuoDiner™ LX Highchair

SnugRide®30 Infant Car Seat

Duo 2-in-1 Swing & Bouncer

Ready2Grow™ LX Stand & Ride Stroller

Pack ‘n Play® Playard with Newborn Napper® Station

How do you add a little “flare” at home? How do you love keeping your little one fashionable?