Friday, 25 February 2011
Grrrr... Doctors Receptionists
I'm sure there are some very good ones out there, but the receptionists at our doctors forgot to 'write down' our midwife appointment for yesterday! Luckily they were able to fit us in today. I'm guessing the receptionist that took the appointment in the first place has biro all over her monitor...
Car Seat Review - Maxi-Cosi Tobi
The Maxi-Cosi Tobi is a Group 1 car seat for children weighing 9-18kg and has won numerous awards over the past few years, but how easy is it to use in reality?
We've now had our Tobi for about 3 years and in my opinion is one of the best seats out there in comparison to the others we own (we have a few due to my partner being a childminder).
Design
The Tobi is a well designed and, according to my daughter, comfortable seat (she always gets in this first even though she now has a Group 2 seat). It is available in a number of different colour schemes to suit your child and/or car, and Maxi-Cosi regularly release new colour schemes.
The car seat cover is machine washable, but it will take you a couple of goes to master the knack of removing/ replacing after washing, once mastered though it can be done within a few seconds (and believe me if you're little one is anything like ours you'll be washing it regularly). The seat is well padded throughout, with extra protection at the sides and around the head to minimise injury in the event of an impact.
Getting your child in and out couldn't be easier. The straps are 'spring-loaded' so are open ready when the child gets in, and open easily when they are released, and once in the harness can be easily tightened with one hand by pulling the appropriate strap, and an indicator to ensure the child is secure. Several adjustments can also be made to the headrest and tilt of the seat so that the child is comfortable on long journeys.
Securing The Seat
As with all car seats you'll need to check with the manufacturer that it will fit your particular model of car (see here for Maxi-Cosi). The Tobi has an innovative systems using a typical three-point belt, with an easy to use guide system, as well as a tension leaver to make sure the seat is as secure as possible.
Overall
We still rate this as one of the best seats we've ever owned and will be using at soon as the new arrival is here and big enough. It's a solid seat and 'feels' safe when in the car and makes me wish we'd carried on with Maxi-Cosi for our Group 2 choice, I really can't recommend this enough. If you need a Group 1 car seat you can't go far wrong with this.
We've now had our Tobi for about 3 years and in my opinion is one of the best seats out there in comparison to the others we own (we have a few due to my partner being a childminder).
Design
The Tobi is a well designed and, according to my daughter, comfortable seat (she always gets in this first even though she now has a Group 2 seat). It is available in a number of different colour schemes to suit your child and/or car, and Maxi-Cosi regularly release new colour schemes.
The car seat cover is machine washable, but it will take you a couple of goes to master the knack of removing/ replacing after washing, once mastered though it can be done within a few seconds (and believe me if you're little one is anything like ours you'll be washing it regularly). The seat is well padded throughout, with extra protection at the sides and around the head to minimise injury in the event of an impact.
Getting your child in and out couldn't be easier. The straps are 'spring-loaded' so are open ready when the child gets in, and open easily when they are released, and once in the harness can be easily tightened with one hand by pulling the appropriate strap, and an indicator to ensure the child is secure. Several adjustments can also be made to the headrest and tilt of the seat so that the child is comfortable on long journeys.
Securing The Seat
As with all car seats you'll need to check with the manufacturer that it will fit your particular model of car (see here for Maxi-Cosi). The Tobi has an innovative systems using a typical three-point belt, with an easy to use guide system, as well as a tension leaver to make sure the seat is as secure as possible.
Overall
We still rate this as one of the best seats we've ever owned and will be using at soon as the new arrival is here and big enough. It's a solid seat and 'feels' safe when in the car and makes me wish we'd carried on with Maxi-Cosi for our Group 2 choice, I really can't recommend this enough. If you need a Group 1 car seat you can't go far wrong with this.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Book Review - Dawn of the Demontide by William Hussey
The honour of being my first review goes to William Hussey's 'Dawn of the Demontide' from the Witchfinder series.
The story follows a teenager as he struggles to cope with the changes and challenges life throws at him, both as a regular youngster and as someone with a mysterious and secretive birthright. Without giving too much away there are murders, witches, magic, demons, kidnaps, with a bit of fringe science thrown in for good measure.
Hussey's writing style provides an enjoyable and easy narrative, providing enough reveals along the way to keep you hooked throughout. The style, although very much his own, reminded me of a toned down Brian Lumley (remember this is aimed at Young Adults) which is no bad thing at all. The characters are well developed and interesting, with many having moments of light/darkness showing that there are always grey areas in the human soul, and there are enough twists to surprise even the most seasoned reader.
Overall this is one of the most enjoyable reads I've had for some time (my reading is mainly done on the daily commute, and this tore my attention away from playing my PSP and surfing the net), and comes highly recommended.
4.5/5 Stars
For more information on William Hussey and the Witchfinder series please see http://www.witchfinderbooks.co.uk/
DBN
The story follows a teenager as he struggles to cope with the changes and challenges life throws at him, both as a regular youngster and as someone with a mysterious and secretive birthright. Without giving too much away there are murders, witches, magic, demons, kidnaps, with a bit of fringe science thrown in for good measure.
Hussey's writing style provides an enjoyable and easy narrative, providing enough reveals along the way to keep you hooked throughout. The style, although very much his own, reminded me of a toned down Brian Lumley (remember this is aimed at Young Adults) which is no bad thing at all. The characters are well developed and interesting, with many having moments of light/darkness showing that there are always grey areas in the human soul, and there are enough twists to surprise even the most seasoned reader.
Overall this is one of the most enjoyable reads I've had for some time (my reading is mainly done on the daily commute, and this tore my attention away from playing my PSP and surfing the net), and comes highly recommended.
4.5/5 Stars
For more information on William Hussey and the Witchfinder series please see http://www.witchfinderbooks.co.uk/
DBN
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Welcome to my blog!
Congratulations on finding your way to my blog! Here I hope to offer easy to read reviews on various items from an experienced father's point of view (well, experienced for 4 years, and a fairly easy four years at that!).
I'll be reviewing anything from baby equipment to films to family days out and anything else that I think may be of interest. I'll also be adding anecdotes from my life as the Best Dad in the World (according to my little monkeybum).
So sit back, relax and enjoy.
Love you the World with cherries on top...
DBN
I'll be reviewing anything from baby equipment to films to family days out and anything else that I think may be of interest. I'll also be adding anecdotes from my life as the Best Dad in the World (according to my little monkeybum).
So sit back, relax and enjoy.
Love you the World with cherries on top...
DBN
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