Lee's Summit, MO August 2023

Kids & Animals

Julia Hampton CPA, PC

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Find your inner child

I always love this issue, as it features fun stuff about kids and pets, and both of those are near and dear to my heart.

As a child, I had more energy than I knew how to channel. If there was a tree, I climbed it. A challenge? I was all over it. My elementary grade card often contained comments to the effect of 'if Laura would apply as much energy and effort to her studies as she does her social skills, she would be an even stronger student.' Pretty sure that was code for 'this kid is every teacher's nightmare.' You know what they say about karma, though, and it all came full circle when I became a teacher myself, but that's a story for another day.

If there had been an option like ninja warrior when I was a kid, I'm confident I would have been one of the first to sign up for it. After all, I loved me some flexed arm hang in PE and swinging from the monkey bars on the playground at recess! Getting to share the story this month of Finley and her success with ninja competitions reminds me of the value of helping kids learn early the joy that can be found in exercise and challenging yourself, as well as the important character lessons to be learned along the way.

There's so much to be gleaned from participating in sports like ninja - goal setting, resilience, perseverance, and self-discipline to name just a few. I know my own kids gained valuable life skills from their participation in organized activities (I wish ninja had been an option), and I hope young parents reading this issue are inspired to try some new things with their own children.

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Laura Maxwell | laura.maxwell@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Judy Goppert, Mindy Hargesheimer, Laura Maxwell, Angela Broockerd, Alicia Holecek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Mindy Hargesheimer

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

LAURA MAXWELL, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @LEESSUMMITCITYLIFESTYLE

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @LeesSummitCityLifestyle

The Third annual Night of Hope Gala raised over $155,000 for Alzheimer’s. 1: Frank and Laura Paszkiewicz (Lee’s Summit Lifestyle) with Rene and Rusty Fracassa (Paths Law Firm) 2: Night of Hope Founder Anne Fraser and special speaker Jy Maze 3: 2023 Night of Hope Gala Committee

4: Gala title sponsor Paths Law Firm, attorney Rusty Fracassa and Marketing Manager Hilary Tichota. 5: Gala emcee Kris Ketz and founder Anne Fraser 6: Taylor Jordan and Ashleigh Brinkman with the 2023 Gala Committee 7: Laura Paszkiewicz (Lee’s Summit Lifestyle), Jeane Fracassa (Paths Law), Nigro Brothers Charity Auctioneer Photography by Carlson Home Photography

“Dr. Matlock and all of his staff are the very best! You are treated very special from the moment you enter till the moment you leave. Wouldn't even think about going any where else”

— Chuck F.

PLAN makes quality dental care affordable for you

This savings plan allows patients and their families to better maintain their lasting oral health and wellness by providing valuable savings on annual exams, cleanings and x-rays, not to mention additional discounts on other dental procedures. With just one low annual payment, patients are covered for the whole year! Enjoy peace of mind and a beautiful smile at a price you can afford!

This savings plan allows patients and their families to better maintain their lasting oral health and wellness by providing valuable savings on annual exams, cleanings and x-rays, not to mention additional discounts on other dental procedures. With just one low annual payment, patients are covered for the whole year! Enjoy peace of mind and a beautiful smile at a price you can afford!

• No more hassles with claims

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• No more limitations

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• No more deductibles

• No pre-authorization requirements

• No yearly maximums

• College bound for the 2024 School Year

• Must live in Lee’s Summit

• Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher

• Must be willing to take the December 9th ACT test date

• Minimum material fee of $100 • 3 winners

• Valued at $1,480.00 • Deadline is October 1st

• Tutoring will start the week of October 31st

• Any applicant not chosen will receive a $100 coupon to use on any ACT Prep for any ACT test date

• Call or email for ACT details and to receive a scholarship packet (jrichardson@clubztutoring.com)

Summer Borgmann has partnered with The Goddard School – Lakewood owners, Shane & Abby Hendren, to operate the now sister-school. The new ownership comes during the seventh year of business for the Longview location. Both Lee’s Summit Goddards are open from 7 am – 6 pm Monday-Friday and have educational programs year-round for children 6 weeks- 6 years of age. For more information about the Longview location visit  goddardschool.com/ schools/mo/lees-summit

Want

LEANN’S ‘Let’s Sail Away’ CRAB BOIL

August is here, and it’s a great time to gather family or friends to soak up those last days of summer. I love family-style meals such as a crab boil this time of year. The food is the star of the show and a vital part of the tablescape – decor optional! Additional elements included here are a large paper-sail, light blue taper candles, a few large flowers, and heavy white rope as nautical accents. You can also use other elements such as large seashells, coral or seaglass. Use whatever you have on hand that nods to the sea.

CONTINUED >

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

CENTERPIECE

ITEMS NEEDED:

• Paper-Sail Centerpiece (instructions found in Martha Stewart’s book Handmade Holiday Crafts page 248) set in a galvanized bucket filled with white sand.

• Blue Taper Candles placed in 8oz jelly jars filled with white sand.

• Glass Bottles labeled ‘Let’s Sail Away.’ Inside, roll up a handwritten note, joke or riddle for guests to enjoy a chuckle or conversation starter.

• Large Galvanized Tray overlaid with parchment paper to hold the crab boil feast.Table Setting

• White Pasta Bowls

• Individual Ceramic Butter Warmers

CRAB BOIL MENU

Fill a large stock pot halfway with cold water. Season with lemon peels, bay leaves, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil and add crab legs, sausage, potatoes, and corn until cooked. Strain water and serve on a large galvanized tray, newspaper or parchment paper –  enjoy your meal with guests, family style!

• Linen Napkins

• Woven Placemats

• Galvanized Tavern Mugs

• Crab Napkin Rings

• Crab Salt & Pepper

• Crab Bottle Opener

• Parchment Paper

I can’t wait to see what you create on your crab boil table! Tag me on IG @silvertoothhome and #silvertoothhome so I can share your celebration too.

Give each guest a bowl of garlic butter for dipping as well as lemons for squeezing (wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with twine to avoid seeds).

Include special beverages and desserts such as a tiered lemon cake or frozen treat to beat the heat.

For full instructions visit the blog at silvertoothhome. com/blog/crabboil . Enjoy!

LOCAL YOUTH AND FAMILY ARE WORLD COMPETITORS

ARTICLE BY LAURA MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

While some parents may describe their children’s energy by saying they climb the walls, for one Lee’s Summit area family, that euphemism is literal and the climbing has taken their family across the country for the last five years as they compete in local, regional, national and world ninja competitions.

“Our family wanted to find something we could all do together at the same time. I saw a Facebook post from a friend who had visited MOTUS ninjas in Lee’s Summit so we thought we would give it a try. We started the first family class and all five of us did ninja together every Thursday night for several years,” says local mom Liz Edelman. While the family has had collective success with the sport, youngest daughter, 10-year-old Finley, has enjoyed especially notable accomplishments for her young age.

NINJA MOVES

“Finley was climbing doorframes from the time she was one,” Liz says. “In April 2022 we all went to Worlds in Greensboro North Carolina and Finley placed 27th in the world. This year she competed in three competitions throughout the year around the metro area and ended the season with the CSNA Championship April 30th where she came in first on stage one and ultimately finished fourth overall. We chose not to attend Worlds this year but hope to have everyone qualified next year.”

Both daughter Finley and mom Liz say their goal is to make it on the American Ninja Warrior show, as seen televised nationally. “I have tried out the last 5 years and have gotten to know numerous participants. Finley also wants to make it on the show (she has about 5 years) so the more we push ourselves the more chances we have of making it! Even if we don’t, we both plan to place higher in our divisions at Worlds.”

When asked whether she recommends other local parents explore ninja for their children, Edelman says “I would highly encourage ALL kids to try ninja, it helps them learn how to move their body. There will be times when they don’t master something quickly and that’s okay! They learn that it’s okay to fail as long as you keep trying. They become more coordinated and more confident, which helps them at every sport they may want to play, and Ninja develops physical skills that can be applied to EVERY sport.”

Finley shares that enthusiasm, saying “You should really try ninja because you meet really cool people. I love it!”

“Ninja brought our family together, and everything we do still has something to do with ninja. When we travel the kids are always finding ninja obstacles, and we even built a ninja course in our backyard that we continue to evolve. It was a great way for our blended family to bond and have something in common. Our older kids struggled at first with some things, like the bar, when we first started but now they can do all the obstacles I can do! We love competing against each other to see who can do the coolest trick,” Edelman says.

For more information about the Premier Obstacle League, the largest Ninja competition in the world, visit worldninjaleague.org

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Glamping at Big Cedar Lodge

Luxury Glamping, Remarkable Sunsets, and Family-Friendly Fun Make This a Midwest Travel Must

Glamping -> My. Kind. Of. Camping.

A mere 3+ hours away from Kansas City, Big Cedar Lodge at Table Rock Lake’s drivable glamping units are the ultimate midwest vacation experience, thanks to their attention to property amenities, the proximity to activities galore, and the truly novel travel experience these cozy, upscale, and picture-perfect tents encompass!

Whether you are a seasoned traveler at this highly loved and rated escape into the Ozark Mountains near Branson, Missouri, or maybe you haven’t quite found the inspiration you needed to get there, chances are you have at least one person in your sphere who has nothing but rave reviews about the next level hospitality Big Cedar offers.

But, even if you’ve already visited and experienced their elevated private log cabins, lodge rooms, or lakeside cottages, getting into the glamping groove is a must

at the charming off-property accommodations known as Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge.

It goes without saying that this extension of Big Cedar offers a more campy vibe, but it comes with comfort and niceties in mind that Big Cedar Lodge executes so well. The luxurious camping experience sits on the shores of Table Rock Lake just minutes from Big Cedar Lodge and offers a selection of camp huts, cabins and glamping tents that host one, two, and up to four people.

During your stay, you’re free to roam the property that encompasses a zero-entry infinity pool and hot tub, as well as a Long Creek Marina that offers boat and watercraft rentals, fishing, guided boat tours and the Canteen vintage Airstream food truck.

But of course, the best part about Camp Long Creek Glamping is the wildly impressive tents that are perfectly decorated top to bottom with every detail in mind.

The structure alone on these units is top notch, much less the fully equipped amenities that give your glamping trip the luxury it deserves with a private bathroom, shower with bathrobes, heating and cooling, and cushy bedding that is oh-so dreamy. Add to it Adirondack chairs to soak up the Table Rock Lake views, an outdoor fire pit and bathtub, and chandeliers that will have you swooning all while knowing your safety is a priority with keycard access entry into a private courtyard as well as the modern day wants of WIFI. Lastly, pets are welcome, too.

Big Cedar Lodge offers many more experiences including indulging in relaxation at the Cedar Creek Spa & Salon, private Table Rock Lake Boat Tours, The Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy, Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena events, and Lady Liberty Dinner Cruises.

With five golf courses in the region, including Payne’s Valley designed by Tiger Woods, the area is considered ‘America’s Next Great Golf Destination’ thanks to their unique and natural beauty they are built upon and the sophisticated rounds they offer players. And, in addition to day trips like Dogwood Canyon, entertain the idea of visiting Springfield’s Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium and Finley Farms. Lastly, check out the full list of over ten on-property restaurant and bar establishments as well as a Wine Cellar Tour.

Here is a three-day, three-night itinerary that packs in the fun.

NIGHT 1: Visit Top of the Rock

• Dinner and Drinks at Osage Restaurant

• After Dinner Cocktails from Buffalo Bar

• Sunset Ceremony with Nightly Bagpipe Performance

• Chapel of the Ozarks

• Long Creek Marina & Pool

• Camp Long Creek Family Glamping Unit

DAY 1: Visit Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

• Wildlife Tram Tour

• Treehouse

• Mill & Canyon Grill Restaurant

NIGHT 2: Visit Fun Mountain

• Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl Grill

• Bowling

• Thunder Alley Go-Carts

• Spin Zone

• Arcade

• Kid’s Climbing Area

DAY 2:

• Play Buffalo Ridge Golf Course

• Swim at Devil’s Pool & Hot Tub

• Relax at Lakeside Pool & Hot Tub

NIGHT 3:

• Dinner and Drinks at The Worman House

DAY 3:

• Visit Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail

“It goes without saying that this extension of Big Cedar offers a more campy vibe, but it comes with comfort and niceties in mind that Big Cedar Lodge executes so well.”

DOG-GONE GOOD

Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are the easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.

BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR YOUR PUP

Ingredients:

• 1 egg

• 4 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

DIY Healthy Dog Treats

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.

PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

• ¼ to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky.

Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup milk or half and half

• 3 cups oatmeal

Directions:

In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.

MEET HANK: PLEASANT LEA MIDDLE SCHOOL’S THERAPY DOG

Even though Hank Leach has enjoyed the dog days of summer with long boat rides, lots of time outside playing ball and the occasional pup cup treat, he is ready for the excitement and routine of going back to school.

Hank, a 2-year-old F1 Bernedoodle, joined the ‘staff’ at Pleasant Lea Middle School (PLMS) last spring as a therapy dog. Certified as a team, Hank works alongside his owner, Autumn Leach. Autumn began her career in the Lee’s Summit School District in 2005 as a licensed speech pathologist and transitioned to her current role as an Instructional Evaluation Specialist about six years ago. Autumn’s position supports the Special Education Department at PLMS, but she also helps problem-solve with teachers and teams to assist students with learning styles or behavior management challenges.

While Hank was purchased as a pet for the Leach family, Autumn says his personality and calm temperament are in line with those of a therapy dog. Hank is eager to please and loves being around people. Autumn lovingly refers to Hank as her ‘Velcro dog’ because he wants to go wherever she goes!

In 2022, Autumn was part of a team at PLMS that looked at building needs and ways to foster growth and community within the building. They started to investigate the option of a therapy dog for the school. At that point, Autumn offered Hank as a candidate.

To prepare for his potential new role, Hank and Autumn began the assessment and certification process through Pets For Life KC, a non-profit organization. After a series of tests and supervised visits, Hank and Autumn were certified in March 2023.

Incorporating therapy dogs into educational settings is becoming more prevalent as administrators look for ways to build connections with students. Autumn says she can already see the impact Hank is having on students at PLMS.

“Some students visit the counseling office on a regular basis for a variety of supports. Most of them have built a relationship with Hank; they can come in and sit on the floor with Hank and pet him, maybe roll a ball or play with him for a few minutes and then return to class. He has been able to help kids get through their day when they otherwise may have hit a roadblock or may have needed an additional layer of support. Hank is a positive distraction.”

ARTICLE BY ALICIA HOLECEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

There is also the opportunity for students who are high energy and need a lot of movement to connect with Hank and Autumn for their morning walk around the building. “They join us, get some energy out and then transition back to class,” Autumn says.

"HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO HELP KIDS GET THROUGH THEIR DAY WHEN THEY OTHERWISE MAY HAVE HIT A ROADBLOCK OR MAY HAVE NEEDED AN ADDITIONAL LAYER OF SUPPORT. HANK IS A POSITIVE DISTRACTION.”

Hank sets up shop right across from the principal’s office, and Principal Brian Linquist sees this as a benefit. He says, “No matter what age you are, the word ‘principal’ has a stigma. But now, if a student is called up to my office, the first thing they are going to see is Hank, and he sets the tone of welcoming them and helping them feel like everything is going to be okay. Hank provides another opportunity to make students feel safe and welcomed.”

Mr. Linquist continues, “Hank has a significant impact on our building. He is the happiest dog around. The minute he sees someone, anyone, he greets them and lays back down. But, if a student comes in and needs support, he seems to know the difference. He is good at calming down a student quickly. He will nuzzle with them and gives them something positive to focus on. It allows us to process the situation and get a resolution faster than we could without Hank.”

He is a 2-year-old F1 Bernedoodle, who joined the ‘staff’ at Pleasant Lea Middle School (PLMS) last spring as a therapy dog.

HANK

A sample of recently sold properties in Lee’s Summit.

Bring your little critters to the Zoo!

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

CHILDREN HAVE ALL SORTS OF OPTIONS TO INTERACT WITH ANIMALS DAILY.

The Kansas City Zoo is the best place for kiddos to learn about animals and get hands-on experiences. Sean Putney, Executive Director and CEO, is a big reason the zoo is so welcoming to all ages. He began his 30-year career at Catalina Island Marine Institute in California then spent 12 years at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo working his way up through animal care and curator positions.

In 2007, Sean joined the Kansas City Zoo as an animal curator and spent five years in that position before being named Director of Living Collections. In 2016, he became Senior Director of Zoological Operations and in 2019, was promoted to Chief Zoological Officer, overseeing the zoo’s animal collection, animal care staff, conservation program, veterinary health department and facilities. Sean became the CEO and Executive Director of the zoo January 2022.

He explained, “There are many activities daily for kids, including:

Daily animal chats: Ask all your questions about some of your favorite animals and get them answered by our animal care specialists!

Animal Adventures LIVE: Come see Animal Adventures LIVE and watch as our animal ambassadors show off their skills and talents in a special performance! Sponsored by US Bank.

Lorikeet Feedings: Have you ever had a bird land on your head? You might at this lorikeet encounter. Feed our colorful birds nectar and you’ll have a friend for life. Please note that for the health of our animals, there is a limited amount of food available so not all zoo guests may be able to feed.

Stingray Bay: Just past the penguin building is Stingray Bay, which opened in 2018. Don’t miss the chance to touch the stingrays and maybe even a white-spotted bamboo shark!

Feeding Goats: Bring quarters because you’re going to want them at the next two stops! Next door to Discovery Barn, you can purchase goat food in the Three Billy Goats Gruff Yard, then you have the chance to feed a dromedary camel! These are great interactive opportunities for making memories!”

Youngsters will love meeting the new babies, including Zumi the eastern black rhinoceros calf, who was born on December 31 to mother Zuri. There are only about 1,300 of this type of rhino left in the wild so this birth is also important for the subspecies as a whole.

“We are thrilled to introduce this new arrival to Kansas City!” Sean noted. “Zumi was named after the fact that her mom gets the zoomies, it can also be translated to ‘happy dance.’”

Nanas the Bornean orangutan baby was born May 8 to mother Josie. Orangutan infants have long-lasting relationships with their mothers, so Josie will spend the next several years showing the new baby vital orangutan skills like how to build nests, where to find food, how to interact with others, and how to use tools to forage.

The Bornean orangutan is a species native to the island of Borneo and is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List primarily due to deforestation. The zoo formed the CREATE Project in partnership with APE Malaysia, aimed at long-term habitat restoration in the Kinabatangan rainforest of Borneo. The wildlife sanctuary under restoration is home to many species, including orangutans.

Two more babies are Flo and Jet, North American River Otter pups, born March 4 to their mom Ursula.

“They recently made their debut in the outdoor habitat! Ursula and her pups will typically be in the outdoor habitat each morning, but it will be up to them as to whether they enter the area viewable to the public. Skokie, our male otter, will be in the habitat when mom and the pups decide to head back inside,” Sean smiled. “We can’t wait for you to see Flo and Jet in action!”

“The zoo is always improving to create a more inclusive experience for all guests.”

The Zoo will be opening its brand-new 650,000-gallon Sobela Ocean Aquarium September 1, which will feature six zones with 34 exhibits that will tell the story of how ocean currents connect animals across the globe. Zoo visitors will enjoy up-close and personal experiences, beginning at the warm-water shore habitat and traveling ‘deeper’ through mangrove forests, sandy shores, tropical lagoons and coral reefs. They can

‘ascend’ through a kelp forest and end at a cold-water rocky shore. Each habitat will showcase a variety of fascinating ocean life, immersing visitors in the experience of being at the ocean.

“The zoo is always improving to create a more inclusive experience for all guests,” he concluded.

Find schedules on their website:  kansascityzoo.org/ daily-schedule .

The Importance Of Car Seat Safety: Protecting Our Most Precious Passengers

As parents, our aim is always our children’s happiness and safety. We lather them in sunscreen in the summer and bundle them up in the winter. We make sure they’re safe on their bikes as they ride to their friends’ houses. But one area we sometimes overlook—especially in our haste to get from place to place—is car seat safety.

From a baby’s first ride home from the hospital, his car seat is an integral component in his everyday life. But the proper use of that car seat can be confusing, especially for new parents. And with more than 60,000 children injured in car accidents each year, it’s imperative that parents understand and follow proper car seat safety guidelines.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAR SEAT

Selecting an appropriate car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height is the foundation of car seat safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created a simple online tool to help you choose the right size based on your child’s age, height, and weight. As NHTSA points out, in passenger cars, properly chosen and installed car seats reduce the risk of fatal injuries 71%, so it’s clear that the right seat makes all the difference.

CORRECTLY INSTALL THE CAR SEAT

Proper installation of car seats is crucial to ensure maximum safety. And the way they are installed in one vehicle is not necessarily the same with another, so if you are moving your child’s car seat between parents and/or caregivers, make sure it is secured each and every time.

A child’s car seat always goes in the backseat of the car. It can be directly behind the driver or passenger seat, and in some cars, it can also fit in the middle. Follow the directions as outlined by the car seat manufacturer as well as your vehicle owner’s manual. Missouri offers several locations where parents and caregivers can check the installation of their car seat. Review the list to find a location closest to you.

WHEN TO CHANGE CAR SEATS

Depending on the model of car seat you purchase, you may have to change each time your child grows into the next category. You can also purchase a seat that transitions with your child, such as an all-in-one seat. Generally speaking, the types of car seats you’ll need include:

• Rear facing: infants to approximately age two

• Forward facing: toddlers and preschoolers

• Booster seat: school-aged children

NHTSA outlines every type of seat, as well as provides instructions on how to install them.

GENERAL CAR SEAT SAFETY NOTES

If you are ever involved in a moderate to severe car accident, you will want to replace your child’s car seat following the accident. This is true whether or not your child was in the car seat at the time of the accident. The issue is one of integrity of the seat.

It’s not advised to allow children to wear bulky coats or jackets when in a car seat. That is because the extra clothing can create a gap between the harness and the child’s body, which may compromise the effectiveness of the restraint system.

In warm weather, remember that the metal buckles on a car seat can become quite hot, even to the point of burning a child’s skin. Many retailers sell car seat cooling pads, which can be placed on the seat to cool it down when your child is not in the car. If you’re a DIYer, you can make your own with everyday materials you probably already have in your house.

TRUST COMMUNITY CHOICE WITH YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY

As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to keep kids safe in the car. Car seat safety is something you may not have thought about before having children, but it should be top of mind now. If you have questions about how to keep your children safe and healthy, contact us. We’re always here to help.

Please join us in welcoming Elizabeth Vasquez MPAS, PA-C to our team!

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we know how important quality of care is to our patients. And that’s driven by the people providing the care.

Learn more about Elizabeth on our website at communitychoicepeds.com/our-providers/ along with all of our dedicated practitioners.